bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transcutaneous bilirubinometry during and after phototherapy
Authors: Tan KL , Dong F 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To evaluate the reliability of transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) during and after phototherapy. Methods: TcB was performed on the forehead and chest of infants with neonatal jaundice when capillary blood was sampled for bilirubin determination in a control group of 240 neonates. In a second group of 70 neonates exposed to phototherapy the same procedure was performed after at least 24 h of exposure; on the forehead, TcB was done in the centre of the unexposed area and also on the adjacent exposed area, and the exposed chest. During the post‐phototherapy period, TcB was again done during the first and second days, at least 18–24 h after cessation of phototherapy. The results were then statistically evaluated and regression curves were plotted. Results: A close correlation between TcB values and bilirubin levels was observed in the control group. In the phototherapy group, a correlation was also found between the TcB and the bilirubin values, but this correlation was significantly poorer than that of the controls; the correlation for the covered part of the forehead was significantly better than that of the exposed part but still poorer than that of the controls, though the difference was no longer significant. Skin colour recovered during the post‐phototherapy period and correlation was better than that during exposure and no longer significantly different from that of the controls. Conclusion: Through its bleaching effect on the skin, phototherapy affects the correlation between TcB and the bilirubin values, but does not totally eliminate it. The unexposed parts show a better correlation, though this was still poorer than that of the controls. Recovery of skin colour occurred within 18–24 h after cessation of exposure.
Effect of perinatal asphyxia on thyroid‐stimulating hormone and thyroid hormone levels
Authors: Pereira DN , Procianoy RS 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To compare serum concentrations of thyroid hormones—T4, T3, free T4 (FT4) and reverse T3 (rT3)—and thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) found in the umbilical cord blood of term newborns with and without asphyxia and those found in their arterial blood collected between 18 and 24 h after birth. A further aim of the study was to assess the association between severity of hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy and altered thyroid hormone and TSH levels, and between mortality and FT4 levels in the arterial blood of newborns between 18 and 24 h of life. Methods: A case‐control study was carried out. The case group comprised 17 term newborns (Apgar score ≤3 and ≤5 at the first and fifth minutes; umbilical cord blood pH ≤7.15) who required bag and mask ventilation for at least one minute immediately after birth. The control group consisted of 17 normal, term newborns (Apgar score ≥8 and ≥9 at the first and fifth minutes; umbilical cord blood pH ≥7.2). Cord blood and arterial blood samples were collected immediately after birth and 18 to 24 h after birth, respectively, and were used in the blood gas analysis and to determine serum concentrations of T4, T3, FT4, rT3 and TSH by radioimmunoassay. All newborns were followed‐up until hospital discharge or death. Results: Gestational age, birthweight, sex, size for gestational age, mode of delivery and skin color (white and non‐white) were similar for both groups. No differences were found in mean levels of cord blood TSH, T4, T3 and FT4 between the groups. In the samples collected 18 to 24 h after birth, mean levels of TSH, T4, T3 and FT4 were significantly lower in the asphyxiated group than in the control group. Mean concentrations of arterial TSH, T4 and T3 between 18 and 24 h of life were lower than concentrations found in the cord blood analysis in asphyxiated newborns, but not in controls. In addition, asphyxiated newborns with moderate/severe hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy presented significantly lower mean levels of TSH, T4, T3 and FT4 than those of controls. None of the asphyxiated newborns with FT4 ≥2.0 ng/dl died; 6 out of the 11 asphyxiated newborns with FT4 < 2.0 ng/dl died. Conclusions: Serum concentrations of TSH, T4, T3 and FT4 are lower in asphyxiated newborns than in normal newborns between 18 and 24 h of life; this suggests central hypothyroidism secondary to asphyxia. Asphyxiated newborns with moderate/severe hypoxic‐ischemic encephalopathy present a greater involvement of the thyroid function and consequently a greater risk of death.
Analysis of the mitochondrial genome in sudden infant death syndrome
Authors: Divne A‐M , Råsten‐Almqvist P , Rajs J , Gyllensten U , Allen Marie 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To investigate the mitochondrial genome and its association with sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Methods: Twenty SIDS infants were screened for previously reported mitochondrial DNA mutations using direct sequencing. The whole mitochondrial genome was also sequenced for six of the infants. Results: Three substitutions, A11467G, A12308G and G12372A, comprising a haplogroup were present in four infants diagnosed as pure SIDS. This haplogroup was also common in a control group. Conclusions: No specific mutation or polymorphism was found in association with SIDS.
Breastfeeding promotion in non‐UNICEF‐certified hospitals and long‐term breastfeeding success in Germany
Authors: Dulon M , Kersting M , Bender Ralf 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To assess breastfeeding practices using the World Health Organization/United Nations Children's Fund (WHO/UNICEF) Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding for Baby‐Friendly Hospitals in unselected non‐UNICEF certified German hospitals and to examine the influences of breastfeeding promotion on long‐term breastfeeding success as assessed by WHO criteria. Methods: Information on the fulfilment of the Ten Steps was collected in 177 randomly chosen maternity hospitals by a postal questionnaire. Breastfeeding duration was assessed in 1487 mothers delivering in these hospitals. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the association between a low breastfeeding promotion index, defined as fulfilment of fewer than five steps, and the risk of short‐term breastfeeding, less than 4 mo. Results: A higher breastfeeding promotion index was not associated with early breastfeeding but was significantly associated with full breastfeeding at 4 and 6 mo. After adjusting for confounding factors, delivering in a hospital with a low breastfeeding promotion index was associated with an increased risk of short‐term breastfeeding [odds ratio (OR) 1.24], although associations with maternal demographic variables (young age: OR 3.34), low educational level (OR 2.81) and upbringing in East Germany (OR 2.27) were stronger. Conclusion: In unselected German hospitals even moderate levels of breastfeeding promotion identified by WHO/UNICEF criteria were associated with long‐term breastfeeding success.
Final height and pubertal growth in Japanese patients with congenital hypothyroidism detected by neonatal screening
Authors: Adachi M , Asakura Y , Tachibana K 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To investigate the final adult heights and pubertal growth patterns in Japanese patients with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) detected by neonatal screening. Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of female patients >15y of age (n= 18) and male patients > 18y of age (n= 9), who were detected by neonatal screening and kept on continuous thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Final height standard deviation scores (FHSDS) and target height standard deviation scores (THSDS) were determined. Parameters characterizing the pubertal growth process (such as age at onset of pubertal growth spurt and age at peak pubertal growth) were obtained from each patient's growth rate chart. Menarchial age was determined in each female patient by reviewing the medical record. The impact on FHSDS of the etiology of CH, the severity of CH, the time of initiation of therapy and the adequacy of treatment during the first year of life was assessed. Results: All patients had received initial thyroid hormone treatment no later than 50 d of age, and had reached their final height. The mean FHSDS for female and male patients were +0.17 ±0.99 and ‐0.03 ± 0.99, respectively. The mean FHSDS‐THSDS for female and male patients was +0.09 ± 0.77 and ‐0.19 ±0.53, respectively. No difference was seen in pubertal growth parameters for either gender compared with that of the reference population, except for a greater peak height velocity and pubertal height gain in male patients. The mean menarchial age was identical to that of the reference population. No significant relationship was found between the FHSDS and any of the factors investigated. Conclusion: The adult height of patients with CH detected by neonatal screening was equivalent to that of the reference population and their target height. As long as early intervention and satisfactory management are ensured, severe CH does not appear to reduce final adult height.
Does Helicobacter pylori infection relate to iron deficiency anaemia in prepubescent children under 12 years of age?
Authors: Choi JW 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To investigate the association between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). Methods: Haemoglobin levels, iron parameters and serum IgG antibodies to H. pylori were measured in 693 children aged 9 to 12 y. Results: No significant differences in the seroprevalence of H. pylori infection and antibody titres to H. pylori were found between the IDA group and the non‐anaemic controls. Conclusion: H. pylori infection does not seem to contribute to iron deficiency in prepubescent children.
Improved growth with growth hormone therapy in a child with glycogen storage disease Ib
Authors: Noto RA , Vijayaraghavan V , Timoshin A , Sansobrino D 
Published: August 2010

In type Ib glycogen storage disease (GSD) growth is typically affected and short stature is a common feature. Reported use and effect of growth hormone (GH) therapy in children with GSD is limited. We report on the use of substitutive GH treatment in a poorly growing adolescent female with GSD type Ib. The patient's growth velocity increased from a baseline level of 2.5cm/y to an average growth velocity during GH therapy of 8.7 cm/y. During GH therapy this patient did not demonstrate metabolic decompensation but increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were seen (A‐1). Conclusion: Patients with GSD may experience an improvement in growth response with GH treatment. Prior to GH therapy, treatment of hyperlipidemia associated with GSD should allow the therapy to be safely tolerated.
Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and its determinants in children with human immunodeficiency virus infection: a multicentre, national study
Authors: Giacomet V , Albano F , Starace F , de Franciscis A , Giaquinto C , Gattinara G Castelli , Bruzzese E , Gabiano C , Galli L , Viganò A , Caselli D , Guarino A 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To investigate rates and determinants of adherence to antiretroviral therapy in Italian children infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Methods: An observational, cross‐sectional multicentre study was performed through a structured interview with the caregivers of HIV‐infected children. The interview included quantitative information on adherence in the 4 d before interview. Sociodemographic, clinical and psychosocial characteristics of children were recorded. Results: 129 children (median age 96 mo) were enrolled, of whom 94 were on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Twenty‐one (16%) omitted more than 5% of total doses in 4 d and were considered non‐adherent. However, only 11% of caregivers reported that therapy had been administered at the correct times. No significant difference was found between age and the stage of HIV infection. Children aware of their HIV status were less adherent. Individual drugs showed a broad adherence pattern and children who received HAART were more adherent. Children receiving therapy from foster parents were more adherent than those receiving drugs from biological parents or relatives.Conclusions: Adherence is a major problem in children. Psychological rather than clinical or sociodemographic features and types of drug are major determinants of adherence.
Clinical onset and diagnosis of eating disorders in premenarcheal girls is preceded by inadequate weight gain and growth retardation
Authors: Swenne I , Thurfjell B 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To study growth and weight changes before the presentation of an eating disorder (ED) with premenarcheal onset. Methods: Growth charts from the school health services were obtained for 45 girls assessed during the period 1990–2000 at Uppsala University Children's Hospital. Measurements of weight and height from the charts and at presentation were recalculated into standard deviation scores (SDS). Results: At their maximal weight the girls were 12.5 ±1.7 (mean ± SE) y old. They were then lighter, shorter and leaner than the general population mean, as evidenced by SDS below zero for weight (‐0.43 ± 1.08; mean ± SD), height (‐0.45 ± 1.01) and body mass index (BMI) (‐0.35 ± 1.07). At presentation approximately 1 y later they had lost 5.8 ± 4.3 kg and were considerably underweight (weight SDS ‐2.27 ± 1.33) and further stunted (height SDS ‐0.76 ± 0.97). The point on the growth curves with the highest SDS for weight was observed at 8.5 ± 1.4 y of age. The girls were then heavier (weight SDS 0.35 ± 0.93) and less lean (BMI SDS 0.42 ± 0.97) than the population average. A tendency to track down through weight and height curves before the onset of weight loss was thus observed. Total weight deficit was as much as 31 ± 10% of expected body weight. Analyses of weight and height deficits indicated that two‐thirds of the weight deficit and 60% of the height deficit was generated before the onset of weight loss. Conclusion: Girls with eating disorders presenting before menarche may have a long history of poor weight gain and growth retardation before the onset of weight loss. This is in contrast to older girls, who commonly start weight loss at an above‐average weight without prior poor weight gain. Since the psychopathology of ED in young girls may be different and less evident compared with older teenagers it is important to be aware that poor weight gain and growth retardation may be associated with early‐onset ED.
Onset of coeliac disease: a prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Pittschieler K , Gentili L , Niederhofer H 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To make a prospective assessment of close family members of patients with coeliac disease (CD) by testing their endomysium (EMA) and antigliadin antibodies once a year over a period of 12 y and to investigate whether and when they would develop a positive serology for CD while on a gluten‐containing diet. Methods: Since first‐degree relatives of CD patients have a high prevalence of CD, we screened 92 children and adolescents, all first‐degree relatives of coeliac patients, for EMA and total IgA antibodies, once a year. Results: Among 11 relatives, at the time of the first screening, 6 already had a positive serology and histology for CD, while 5 became positive only after a period of 2 to 5 y of negative testing. The jejunal mucosa biopsy of these five relatives with retarded positive serology for CD showed a flat mucosa in four of them and a partial villous atrophy in one. They were all HLA DQ2 positive and clinically silent for CD. Conclusion: CD can manifest itself after years of negative serological testing.
Randomized study of nasal continuous positive airway pressure in the preterm infant with respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Tooley J , Dyke M 
Published: August 2010

Aim: To evaluate whether very preterm babies can be extubated successfully to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) within one hour of birth after receiving one dose of surfactant in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methods: Forty‐two infants of 25 to 28+6 wk of gestation were intubated at birth and given one dose of surfactant. They were then randomized within one hour of birth to either continue with conventional ventilation or to be extubated to nCPAP. Results: Eight out of 21 (38%) babies randomized to nCPAP did not require subsequent reventilation. (Ventilation rates of 62% vs 100%, p= 0.0034). The smallest baby successfully extubated weighed 745 g. There were also significantly fewer infants intubated in the nCPAP group at 72 h of age (47% vs 81%, p= 0.025). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the number of babies that died, developed chronic lung disease or severe intraventricular haemorrhage. Conclusion: A significant number of very preterm babies with RDS can be extubated to nCPAP after receiving one dose of surfactant. nCPAP is a potentially useful modality of respiratory support even in very premature infants.
Comparison of induction and recovery characteristics of intravenous midazolam and thiopentone in paediatric halothane general anaesthesia
Authors: Mathew PJ , Ravishankar M , Badhe A , Hemavathy B , Mathew JL 
Published: August 2010

Fifty children were randomized for induction with 0.3 mg kg−1 midazolam or 5 mg kg−1 thiopentone. Efficacy, safety, recovery time, amnesic effect, tolerability and recovery characteristics were compared. Midazolam required longer for induction and recovery from anaesthesia. The safety profile was similar with both drugs. Conclusion: Midazolam is efficacious and safe for the induction of anaesthesia in children. Its action is comparable with thiopentone and may be an alternative to it.
Vitamin D supplementation to healthy children does not affect serum osteocalcin or markers of type I collagen turnover
Authors: Schou AJ , Heuck C , Wolthers OD 
Published: August 2010

Aim: New serum markers have recently been introduced in the assessment of bone turnover. Such measures are osteocalcin, the C‐terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PICP), the N‐terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP) and the C‐terminal pyridinoline cross‐linked telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP). This study aimed to determine whether supplementation with vitamin D3 to healthy children during the winter affects bone turnover in healthy children measured by serum osteocalcin, PICP, PINP or ICTP. Methods: 12 girls and 8 boys aged 6.2–13.7 (mean 9.8) y, all proven healthy by medical examination and history, were enrolled in a double‐blind, randomized, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over study with two 4 wk treatment periods and 2 wk washout. Vitamin D3 600 IU was given in one tablet of ABCDin± daily. On the last day of the 4 wk periods blood was sampled for assessment of serum osteocalcin, PICP, PINP, ICTP, 25‐OH‐vitamin D, 1,25‐diOH‐vitamin D and parathyroid hormone (PTH). Results: During supplementation and placebo periods serum osteocalcin (mean ± SEM) was 53.9 ± 5.7 and 54.4 ± 3.8 μg 1−1 (p= 0.70), PICP was 437 ± 44 and 429 ± 41 μg l−1 (p= 0.73), PINP was 579 ± 56 and 619 ± 64 μg l−1 (p= 0.33) and ICTP was 13.4 ± 0.9 and 13.6 ± 0.7 μg l−1 (p= 0.52), respectively. Mean ± SEM serum 25‐OH‐vitamin D was 47.0 ± 2.3 and 33.0 ± 3.0 nmol l−1 during vitamin D3 supplementation and placebo (p < 0.001, t= 8.10, 95% CI = 10.3 to 17.6 nmol l−1), 1,25‐diOH‐vitamin D and PTH were 87.5 ± 4.3 and 92.0 ± 5.3 pmol l−1 (p= 0.38), and 3.97 ± 0.5 and 4.21 ± 0.4 umol l−1 (p= 0.37), respectively. Conclusion: Supplementation with 600 IU vitamin D3 to healthy children in the winter does not affect bone turnover as measured by serum osteocalcin, PICP, PINP or ICTP. Vitamin D supplementation to healthy children may not be recommended on the ground of concern for bone turnover.
Factors affecting length of hospitalization of infants and children for recurrent gastroenteritis in Western Australia
Authors: Lee AH , Wang K , Gracey M , Yau KKW 
Published: August 2010

Aim: Aboriginal infants in Western Australia (WA) have much higher rates of hospitalization for gastroenteritis than do their non‐Aboriginal peers. The aim of this 7‐y retrospective study was to investigate the factors affecting the duration of hospitalizations due to recurrent gastroenteritis in WA. Methods: All infants born in WA in 1995 and 1996 who had indexed gastroenteritis admissions during their first year of life (n= 1009) were followed until 31 May 2002. Linked hospitalization and birth records were retrieved to derive the outcome measures, associated co‐morbidities and other demographic variables. A proportional hazards frailty model was then used to determine factors influencing discharge from hospital for the study cohort. Results: Aboriginal patients were readmitted to hospital more frequently and stayed in hospital more than twice as long as non‐Aborigines. Factors that slowed the rate of discharge from hospital included Indigenous status and the presence of coexisting conditions such as dehydration, sugar intolerance, failure to thrive and iron‐deficiency anaemia. Conclusion: Gastrointestinal infections are common illnesses in infants and children, particularly for those who live in overcrowded and unhygienic conditions. Coexisting morbidities including undernutrition, nutrient deficiencies, other infections and gastrointestinal carbohydrate intolerance contribute to prolonged and recurrent hospitalization. Multifaceted clinical, disease prevention and health/hygiene promotion are needed to lessen the burden of these infections.
Hallermann‐Streiff syndrome associated with small cerebellum, endocrinopathy and increased chromosomal breakage
Authors: Hou J‐W 
Published: August 2010

Hallermann‐Streiff syndrome (HSS) is a rare clinic entity of unknown aetiology. Further clinical and metabolic‐genetic evaluations are indicated. A 2‐mo‐old female baby presented with ocular abnormalities and severe failure to thrive since birth. The clinical features were compatible with the diagnosis of HSS. Further imaging, metabolic and cytogenetic examinations were performed. Features characteristic of HSS were dyscephaly with mandibular and nasal cartilage hypoplasia, microphthalmia, bilateral cataracts with congenital glaucoma, natal teeth and proportionate dwarfism. Rare anomalies such as choanal atresia and small cerebellum, very low insulin‐like growth factor I level, hypothyroidism, generalized organic aciduria were also noticed. An increased chromosomal breakage rate is suggestive of the existence of some DNA repair defects in HSS patients. Conclusion: The associated anomalies in this patient may broaden the clinical spectrum of HSS. Underlying conditions of organic aciduria, growth factor deficiency and impaired DNA repair are likely to contribute to the progeria‐like facies, congenital cataracts and growth failure.