bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The weight control practices of 15 year old New Zealanders
Authors: WORSLEY A. , WORSLEY A.J. , McCONNON S. , SILVA P. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract More than 800 15 year old members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development study cohort completed a questionnaire designed to provide descriptive data concerning the weight control behaviours of this sample of New Zealand adolescents.The results showed that approximately 75% of the adolescents were within acceptable body mass index ranges. However 68% of the girls (but only 19% of the boys) wanted to weigh less than their present weight.Generally, girls were more concerned about their body weight than boys: 26% of girls weighed themselves fortnightly or more often, compared with 12% of boys; 45% of girls reported that they were trying to lose weight at present, compared with 9.5% of boys. The main methods of weight reduction included weight reduction diets (21% of girls, 4% of boys in the previous year); exercise such as jogging, walking, swimming and cycling (60% of girts, 34% of boys); and participation in dieting and fitness clubs (35% of girls, 16% of boys). In addition, 20% of girls reported using techniques such as slimming tablets (3%), cigarette smoking (5%) and self‐induced vomiting (5%) to control weight.The results show that weight control is a major preoccupation of many girls and some boys. Results are discussed in relation to differential social influences on the sexes, and health consequences.
Ethics and the new genetics
Authors: HAAN E. A. 
Published: March 2008

SummaryRecent developments in recombinant DNA technology have resulted in a rapidly expanding range of new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities for families with inherited disorders.They are also beginning to impinge on society as a whole as progressively more is learned about the human genome, as the community becomes more aware of the role of genes in disease, and as we start to consider the implications of being able to define individual susceptibility to both monogenic and multifactorial disorders. As we implement the new technologies, careful consideration must be given to the ethical issues which arise so that maximum benefit can be obtained by individuals and the wider community.
Infants and atropine: A dangerous mixture
Authors: PICKFORD E. J. , HANSON R. M. , O'HALLORAN M. T. , FENWICK D. , NOBLE P. , McDONALD J. D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractColic in infants is a common but short‐lived problem. Many different theories and treatments for this distressing ailment have been tried over the years, yet the definitive cure remains elusive. Although the risks associated with the use of atropine and its derivatives are well known, they are still prescribed by some in the management of colic. We report a case of serious side effects from the treatment of colic with an atropine containing mixture, in which an error in preparation was identified. In view of the potential for serious toxicity resulting from either inappropriate prescription, preparation or administration, alternative methods of treatment should be employed.
The growing role of fetal echocardiography
Authors: MENAHEM S. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe advent of cross‐sectional echocardiography has revolutionized the practice of cardiology. Technical advances have greatly improved resolution, permitting clear definition of anatomical detail and thereby facilitating a segmental approach to congenital heart disease (defining connections) and the visualization of malformations (e.g. aortic valvar stenosis). In addition to being able to assess ventricular function, wall thickness, vessel and chamber size, the advent of Doppler interrogation enables estimation of flow and gradients across valves, vessels, etc. Echocardiography has become increasingly indispensable in clinical practice and its extension to the prenatal area is not surprising, especially as it is regarded as being safe to the growing fetus, thereby permitting repeated examination.1 Winsberg's initial ultrasound recording of a fetal heart,2 has led to great advances in fetal echocardiography permitting anatomical diagnoses, an assessment of cardiac function and also aiding in the treatment of fetal arrhythmias and providing information on fetal well‐being.3 The information so generated has contributed to the formulation of optimal management plans for the pregnancy, delivery and care of the affected neonate.4
Outcomes of routine school entrant health assessments in Christchurch
Authors: BARNETT P. , FORD R. P. K. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe School Entrant Health Assessment (SEHA) programme was established in New Zealand to ensure that every child entering school was assessed by a nurse. This type of service has come under a lot of criticism and so we investigated the scheme in Christchurch, looking at the outcome of the physical examination. We did not explore the health promotion aspect of the nurses' work. We traced the path of 1281 new entrants. The nurses identified problems in 459 (35.8%) children and nearly half were given further appointments or referred on. However, it was judged that only 21 (1.6%) children might have actually received a significant long‐term benefit. We feel that a non‐selective approach to school entry health assessments is inefficient. Nevertheless, the opportunity to fully audit the health of new school entrants is most important and could be a valuable opportunity for health promotion.
Haemophilus influenzae septicaemia in the neonate: Report of two cases and review of the English literature
Authors: WONG S‐N. , NG T‐L 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTTwo neonates with early onset respiratory illness were found to have Haemophilus influenzae septicaemia. One of them died. A review of the English literature showed that Haemophilus influenzae septicaemia is increasing in incidence. Almost all cases presented with respiratory distress in the first 2 days. Other associated features included meningitis, arthritis, conjunctivitis and cellulitis. The mortality, which averaged 52%, was high, especially in premature bables. The septicaemia was caused by ascending infection from the colonized maternal birth canal, and most cases were caused by nontypable strains of Haemophilus influenzae. Because of the occurrence of ampicillin or chloramphenicol resistance, a third generation cephalosporin is the treatment of choice for known cases of serious infection.
Two decades of change: Cot deaths and birth score items in Canterbury, New Zealand
Authors: FORD R. P. K. , McCORMICK H. E. , SCHLUTER P. J. , HARNETT P. M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe individual items of two birth scores and the scores themselves were examined for a sample of 2065 mothers and infants pairs for any changes between 1968 and 1986. About 100 births were randomly sampled for each year. The scoring systems used were the Sheffield risk score and the Christchurch‐Invercargill‐Dunedin score. A total of eight items from these scores was examined. The purpose was to discover whether the increasing cot death rate in Canterbury could be attributed to an increasing proportion of vulnerable infants, as determined by the items in the risk scores. No such relationship was uniformly found.
Assessment and treatment of childhood asthma
Authors: HENRY R. , SLY P. , GODFREY S. , VAN ASPEREN P. , STAUGAS R. , SOUEF P. LE , SMITH G. , ROBERTSON I. , ROBERTSON C. , PHELAN P. , OLINSKY A. , MORTON J. , MITCHELL E. , MELLIS C. , MASTERS B. , MARTIN J. , LANDAU L. , KEMP A. , ISLES A. , HARRIS M. , FRANCIS P. , DAWSON K. , COOPER P. , COOPER D. , ASHER I. , ALLEN H. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTAbstract In June 1990 a meeting of Paediatric Respiratory Physicians was held near Adelaide. The guidelines for assessing and treating asthma as prepared by the Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand for the management of patients with asthma was considered. Although not explicitly stated, these guidelines were designed for adult asthmatics. There was complete agreement that a companion statement was needed to take into account differences between the management of children and adults. This document fulfils that role. Further recommendations are found in a statement prepared by Australian and New Zealand respiratory paediatricians following a workshop in June 1989. This present statement should be read in association with the previous documents.1,2
Late adolescent outcome of early onset anorexia nervosa
Authors: JARMAN F. C. , RICKARDS W. S. , HUDSON I. L. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTAbstract Forty‐three young female patients admitted consecutively to hospital with anorexia nervosa (AN) were reevaluated in late adolescence an average of 4.3 years following initial presentation. Follow‐up interviews were conducted individually by a paediatrician and a psychiatrist on 32 of the original 43 patients (mean age 18.3 years) with outcome assessed by multidimensional physical, menstrual, eating behaviour, psychosocial and global outcome criteria. Physical outcome, as assessed by validated indices of body adiposity, was within the normal range (3‐97th percentiles) in 94% of the 32 patients seen at follow‐up, although only 56% reported regular cyclical menstrual function. Good physical outcome, however, was not necessarily predictive of successful adjustment in other areas. Eating behaviour was unequivocally normal in only 25% of patients, with a majority still dieting, bingeing or vomiting with meals, Psychosocial adjustment was satisfactory in the majority of cases but varied widely. Univariate and multivariate statistical analysis identified higher premorbid and admission body mass index (BMI) percentiles, a family history of obesity and shorter duration of illness on admission as significant prognostic indicators of favourable physical outcome. Although girls who develop AN in early adolescence are generally thought to have a favourable long‐term prognosis, health professionals need to be aware that these patients form a heterogeneous group and may have considerable ongoing physiologic and psychologic disturbance despite normalization of body mass.
Chronic granulomatous disease: A different pattern in Hong Kong?
Authors: LAU Y. L. , WONG S. N. , LAWTON J. W. M. , CHOW C. B. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTAbstract From July 1988 to December 1989, six boys with chronic granulomatous disease were diagnosed in our institutions. Their clinical features were reviewed in order to delineate the pattern of infections which seems to have both similarities and differences when compared with published reports of Caucasian patients. The most striking difference was the lack of skin sepsis and chronic lymphadenitis in our six patients. Gram‐negative organisms were the commonest pathogens while Staphylococci sp. were not isolated. Clinical features which should alert one to the diagnosis were also highlighted. Prophylactic co‐trimoxazole was effective in reducing the frequency of bacterial infections. Early diagnosis is not only essential for optimal patient management but also for genetic counselling for the extended family.
A review of epidemiological studies of sudden infant death syndrome in Southern New Zealand
Authors: TAYLOR B. J. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTThe rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in Southern New Zealand has been very high with an apparent real increase in incidence from the early 1970s. Recent research is reviewed and the results of specific interventions aimed at preventing SIDS summarized. The intervention consisted of strongly advising new parents that their babies sleep on their back or side and that they avoid over‐heating, especially during infections. For the Otago area, child‐care practice has been documented and prone sleeping of 1 month old babies has declined from 41.8% in 1986 to 2.4% in 1989‐90. There is also evidence that parental control of infants' thermal environment has improved, maternal smoking during pregnancy has slightly decreased and the number of babies breast fed at 1 month of age has increased by 11%. In Southern NZ there has been a decline in post‐neonatal SIDS mortality from 6.3 deaths per 1000 live births 1979‐84 to 1.3 per 1000 live births in 1990. There are grounds for supposing that the intervention has been causative of this change, a possibility being addressed by on‐going studies.
The pneumographic and medical investigation of infants suffering apparent life threatening episodes
Authors: RAHILLY P. M. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTInvestigation of 340 babies who suffered from apparent life threatening episodes (ALTE) was performed using pneumographic studies and a variety of medical investigations. A number of medical abnormalities were demonstrated by history or investigation, including gastro‐oesophageal reflux (211), airways pathology (17), evidence of fits (25), brain‐stem tumour (2), hypoglycaemia (2), respiratory syncytial virus (8) and possible Munchausen by proxy (5). Pneumographic abnormalities were detected in 27 of the 340 infants. Home monitors were used for 135 infants. Future central apnoeas occurred in 20 of the 26 infants on home monitors that had had an abnormal pneumogram, compared with one of the 109 infants on home monitors after a normal pneumogram. Thus pneumograms have a sensitivity and specificity of 95% for predicting central apnoeas in babies who have already suffered an ALTE. The effect of eyeball pressure on the heart rate was measured in 65 babies and was found to cause a brisk drop in heart rate in 32 babies. Twenty‐two of the 32 babies had future white apnoeas (usually associated with gastro‐oesophageal reflux), compared with five of the 33 babies who had no drop in heart rate in response to eyeball pressure. Thus this test has a sensitivity of 81% and a specificity of 74% at predicting white apnoeas in babies who have already suffered an ALTE.
Herpes simplex virus type 1 infections presenting at birth
Authors: GARLAND S. M. , DOYLE L. , KITCHEN W. 
Published: March 2008

ABSTRACTTwo cases of intra‐uterine acquired neonatal herpes simplex type I presented with atypical skin lesions apparent at or shortly after birth; the timing and appearance of the lesions meant that herpes virus infections were not considered to be the most likely diagnosis. Once herpes simplex was diagnosed, both infants were treated with acyclovir. Prompt diagnosis and institution of acyclovir are imperative for a favourable outcome from neonatal herpes infections.
Immunization status of Casualty attenders: Risk factors for non‐compliance and attitudes to ‘on the spot’ immunization
Authors: JONES K. , FASHER B. , HANSON R. , BURGESS M. , ISAACS D. , JOSHI P. , BLANCH R. , BYRNE J. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Outbreaks of vaccine preventable infections have focused attention on ‘missed opportunities’ for immunizing children. The immunization status of 520 consecutive children attending Casualty during a 10 day period was studied. Only 70% of children had received their diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP) and poliomyelitis immunization at the appropriate time, 13% had completed the schedule later than recommended and 17% had immunizations overdue by 4 weeks or more. For measles (mumps/rubella) vaccine (MM or MMR) 75% were up to date, 10% were given late and 15% were overdue.A subset of 171 families was interviewed to evaluate factors affecting compliance. Families possessing a Social Security ‘Health Care Card’, whose father was unemployed, who spoke poor English or who had lived in Australia for 5 years or less were significantly more likely (P<0.02) to be inadequately immunized. There were 84 children whose immunization was overdue and who were well enough to be immunized. The parents of 70 (83%) of these 84 said that they would agree to ‘on the spot’ immunization if it were available; 14 (17%) parents refused, the commonest reason for refusal being that the parents felt that the child was too sick at the time to be immunized.
Stillbirths, neonatal and post‐neonatal mortality by race, birthweight and gestational age
Authors: KLIEWER E. V. , STANLEY F. J. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe birthweight and gestational age specific mortality of singleton Aboriginal and White infants born in Western Australia during the period 1980–86 is described. The analyses are based on the approximately 8000 Aboriginal and 143000 White births notified through the Western Australia Midwives' system, which were linked to perinatal and infant death records. Overall, stillbirth, neonatal and post‐neonatal mortality risks were significantly higher (P<0.01) for Aboriginals than Whites. However, for specific birthweights and gestational ages, particularly for infants of lower birthweight and shorter gestations, Aboriginals had lower mortality risks than Whites. The ratio of Aboriginal to White mortality risks tended to increase with advancing age of death, suggesting that longer exposure to the well‐documented poorer social and environmental conditions of Aboriginal infants increased the mortality risk.
Chronic diaphragmatic pacing in a quadriplegic boy
Authors: GORTON S. , BURKE C. , APPLETON D. B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractDiaphragmatic pacing is a method of long‐term artificial ventilation that is preferable to other forms of ventilation in suitable patients. Its use is described in a 14 year old quadriplegic boy who was previously hospital dependent and required continuous positive pressure ventilation.
A clinical audit of cotside blood glucose measurement in the detection of neonatal hypoglycaemia
Authors: REYNOLDS G. J. , DAVIES S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAn evaluation of the use of cotside blood glucose measurement by BM Reflolux was undertaken as part of a unit audit programme. During the study period, 383 paired samples were obtained for both cotside and laboratory analysis. There were 328 results from the cotside which were less than 4 mmol/L. Cotside measurements consistently underestimated laboratory measurements but the differences were not related to age, gestation, weight or haematocrit. The difference between cotside measurements and laboratory results was greater at lower blood glucose values. Confidence and prediction intervals of blood glucose values from cotside measurement suggest that this technique is not reliable for the diagnosis of hypoglycaemia in the newborn. Indiscriminate and uncontrolled use of cotside glucose monitoring should not be relied upon for clinical management.
An old traditional herbal remedy for neonatal jaundice with a newly identified risk
Authors: YEUNG C. Y. , LEUNG C. S. , CHEN Y. Z. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractYin‐chen (Artemisia scoparia) is a very popular intravenous herbal preparation used for the treatment of neonatal jaundice in China. Bilirubin‐protein titration studies with the horse radish peroxidase method have shown that the herb is highly effective in displacing bilirubin from its protein binding. Free bilirubin is liberated in this process and this could increase the risk of brain damage in jaundiced infants. With the present state of knowledge, the use of traditional herbal therapies should be strongly discouraged in neonates.
Red‐back spider bites to Perth children, 1979‐1988
Authors: MEAD H. J. , JELINEK G. A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to describe the pattern of illness caused by red‐back spider bites to children in Perth, Western Australia, over a 10 year period, and to compare it with that in adults. The case‐notes of 241 (89%) of the 271 children admitted to Princess Margaret Hospital and Fremantle Hospital with suspected red‐back spider bite from 1979 to 1988 were available for analysis. A definite bite was defined as a definite bite by a positively identified red‐back spider, positive identification of a red‐back spider with no definite bite but the later development of typical symptoms or no definite history of red‐back spider bite but strong clinical evidence and complete recovery after administration of antivenom. Systemic envenomation was accepted if there were symptoms of vomiting, generalized pain or sweating, or abdominal pain.Sixty‐five per cent of children were definitely bitten. As found in previous adult and mixed studies, there was a peak incidence in the warmer months with a male preponderance (68%); 81% of bites were to the extremities and 83% of bites occurred in the daytime. The syndrome produced in children was usually similar to that seen in adults.Twenty‐one per cent of children received antivenom, a rate comparable to previous studies in older age groups; however, no child received more than one ampoule. Compared with data extracted from a previously published study at Fremantle Hospital, in which 37% of adults treated with antivenom received more than one ampoule, these findings suggest that contrary to current opinion children may not be at an increased risk of morbidity from latrodectism.
Marden‐Walker syndrome in two siblings
Authors: CHIA F. L. , CHIA F. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTwo siblings are reported who have features of the Marden‐Walker syndrome. They have congenital joint contractures, camptodactyly, talipes equinovarus, abnormal facies, global delay in developmental milestones, hypotonia and failure to thrive. About 20 cases have been reported in the world literature. A summary of some of the cases is presented. This syndrome appears to be an autosomal recessive trait in some families.
Transient congenital hypothyroidism due to maternal thyrotrophin binding inhibiting immunoglobulin
Authors: SCHWINGSHANDL J. , DONAGHUE K. , LUTTRELL B. , COWELL C. , WARD P. , SILINK M. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTransient congenital hypothyroidism due to maternal thyrotrophin binding inhibitor immunoglobulin (TBII), a thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH)‐receptor blocking antibody, is described in three male siblings born to a mother with autoimmune thyroiditis. These cases are believed to be the first described in Australia. The first child was found to have a serum TSH of 565 mU/L and had a negative thyroid scan when presented for neonatal screening. He was treated with thyroxine but became thyrotoxic at 3 months of age when he was on a dosage of 85 μg/m2 of body surface area. He was euthyroid 6 months after discontinuation of therapy. Nine years later a second hypothyroid sibling was born, with a serum TSH of 709 mU/L on day 4. Both mother and child were demonstrated to be strongly positive for TBIl. Again this child was able to cease therapy by the age of 9 months. A third sibling, also TBIl positive, was born 12 months after the second. His TSH was 90 mU/L and his serum thyroxine (T4) was 169 nmol/L. On this occasion, thyroid stimulation‐blocking antibody was found to be present in the serum of both mother and child. Thyroxine therapy was ceased at 1 month. The family present a picture of varying degrees of transient neonatal hypothyroidism due to the transplacental passage of a maternal receptor blocking antibody. The condition is self‐limiting, resolving when the immunoglobuiin is cleared from the infant's circulation.
Emotional and behavioural problems experienced by children living in single‐parent families: A pilot study
Authors: CLARK J. J. , SAWYER M. G. , NGUYEN A‐M. T. , BAGHURST P. A. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis study compared the prevalence of emotional and behavioural problems experienced by 10‐11 year old and 14‐15 year old children living in single‐parent and two‐parent families in South Australia. The 10‐11 year old male children living in single‐parent families were found to have significantly more emotional and behavioural problems than 10‐11 year old male children living in two‐parent families. In particular, the younger male children living in single‐parent families experienced more externalizing behaviour problems than younger male children living in two‐parent families. It is suggested that paediatricians and general practitioners need to be aware of children who are at particular risk for developing emotional and behavioural problems, and the approaches which may be employed to provide help.