bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urinary uric acid excretion in term and premature infants
Authors: TSUKAHARA H. , HIRAOKA M. , HORI C. , TSUCHIDA S. , UCHIDA H. , FUJISAWA K. , KONISH Y. , SUDO M. 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To clarify postnatal changes in urinary uric acid (UA) excretion in normal term infants and to examine the effects of prematurity or illness on the UA excretion. Methodology: Measurements of urinary UA were performed in term and premature infants at the ages of 1 and 7 days and at 1 and 4 months, as well as at 7 months in term infants. Results: Urinary UA levels were lowest on day 7 in term infants. The levels were highest on day 1 in premature infants and remained significantly higher compared to term babies during the first month of life. Respiratory failure requiring ventilation and oxygen supply resulted in further significant elevation of urinary UA in premature infants. Conclusions: With the reference values obtained in the study reported here, urinary UA can now be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of inherited disorders of purine metabolism and for the assessment of oxygen radical insult to sick infants.
Cytochrome P450 2D6 and glutathione S‐transferase genotype in sudden infant death syndrome
Authors: CHEN CL , LIU Q , EVANS WE , SANDER CH , RELLING MV 
Published: March 2008

Objectives:The risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has been linked with xenobiotic exposures, race and inheritance. Because cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) and glutathione S‐transferases (GSTM1 and GSTT1) are genetically regulated, polymorphically distributed, and responsible for detoxification of many centrally acting exogenous and endogenous bioactive compounds, our objective was to determine whether the prevalences of deficiencies in CYP2D6, GSTM1, and GSTT1 differ in SIDS victims compared to healthy controls.Methods: CYP2D6 mutations (deletion, A, B, and T alleles) and GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes were assessed in DNA from 50 SIDS victims. CYP2D6 phenotype, assigned using dextromethorphan urinary ratios, was assessed in 25 unrelated parents of SIDS victims.Results:The CYP2D6B mutation was the only mutant CYP2D6 allele found in SIDS victims, present in 26.2% of patients (11/42) and 13.1% (11/84) of alleles. Adjusting for race, the prevalence of wild‐type CYP2D6 alleles and of homozygous wild‐type CYP2D6 phenotype was not different in SIDS victims compared to controls (P= 0.585 and 0.224, respectively). Among the 25 parents of SIDS victims, all subjects were extensive metabolizers, a prevalence not different from controls (P= 0.243). The prevalence of the null genotype for GSTM1, GSTT1 and double‐null for GSTM1 and GSTT1 was 33.3%, 21.4% and 9.5%, respectively, among SIDS victims, and was not different than controls (P=0.61, 0.1, 0.28, respectively). The combination of CYP2D6 homozygous wild‐type genotype and the null genotype for GSTM1, GSTT1, or both GSTM1 + GSTT1 also did not differ in SIDS victims and controls.Conclusions:The frequencies of CYP2D6 mutant genotypes and the null genotypes for GSTM1 and GSTT1 were not different among SIDS victims compared to normal controls, and thus these polymorphisms are unlikely to identify families with a high risk of SIDS.
Prolonged low‐dose indomethacin therapy for patent ductus arteriosus in very low birthweight infants
Authors: KUMAR RK , YU VYH 
Published: March 2008

Objective:To determine the efficacy and side‐effects of prolonged low‐dose indomethacin therapy in very low birthweight (VLBW; <1500 g) infants with a haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA).Methodology:Very low birthweight infants admitted over a 16 month period were studied (6 months, retrospectively and 10 months, prospectively). Cross‐sectional and M‐Mode echocardiograms with pulsed‐wave and colour Doppler were performed to assess the significance of ductal patency.Results:Forty‐one (28%) of 148 VLBW infants were diagnosed to have hsPDA. Indomethacin therapy was successful in 90% after the first course, increasing to 95% after the second course. The recurrence rate after the first course was 3%. Minor and transient complications included oliguria, urea retention, hyponatraemia and thrombocytopenia. Although three infants had focal bowel perforation and the fourth had bowel perforation associated with necrotizing enterocolitis, the incidence of gastrointenstinal pathology was not significantly different from infants without hsPDA and not given indomethacin.Conclusions:Very low birthweight infants with hsPDA have a high response rate and low recurrence rate to prolonged lowdose indomethacin therapy. Side‐effects were mild and transient. However, it is prudent to be cautious when administering indomethacin in critically ill infants <1000 g with hsPDA who manifest clinical features of bowel ischaemia.
Abnormalities in surfactant in sudden infant death syndrome as a postmortem marker and possible test of risk
Authors: HILLS BA , MASTERS IB , VANCE JC , HILLS YC 
Published: March 2008

Objective:To determine whether physical abnormalities in lung surfactant, particularly inversion of the hysteresis between surface tension and surface area, are an effective postmortem marker for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).Methodology:Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was employed to obtain lung rinsings from 55 infants under 24 months of age at autopsy, comprising 34 index cases and 21 controls. Folch reagent was used to extract the lipoid content which was then applied at two surface concentrations, fixed and BAL‐determined (BALD), to the pool of a Langmuir trough in which surface tension (γ) was measured continuously by the Wilhelmy method as surface area (A) was cycled.Results:The γ:A loops from SIDS samples were inverted relative to controls (i.e. they were hysteresis reversed, this inversion being quantified by an empirical surface tension:area reversal (STAR) score). There was a wide scatter of STAR scores, but a critical value was found which offered a significant (P= 0.017) separation of SIDS cases from controls for a fixed surface concentration and a highly significant separation (P= 1.0 × 10‐4) for BALD surface concentrations. Differences in the yields of phospholipid and proteolipid, or their correlation to STAR scores, did not reach statistical significance.Conclusions:Inversion of the γ:A loops (i.e. hysteresis inversion) would appear to offer a better postmortem marker of SIDS than any reported previously, the procedure having potential for development as a prospective test indicating the risk of this disease.
A follow‐up study of infants ≤ 2000 g birthweight treated in central Queensland
Authors: MERCER HP , ROPER PC 
Published: March 2008

Objective:This follow‐up study was undertaken in an effort to ascertain the morbidity in the survivors of infants ≤2000 g birthweight cared for in the two Rockhampton intensive care nurseries.Methodology:The records of all infants ≤2000 g delivered in or transferred to Rockhampton during the 11 year period 1979 through 1989 inclusive were extracted. Efforts were made to contact and examine all of these children. Those found to be disabled were assessed as being mildly, moderately or severely affected.Results:Of the 482 infants of birthweight ≤2000 g treated in the period under review, 393 survived to be discharged from hospital. Eight were known to have died subsequently. Of the remaining 385 children, 288 (74.8%) were able to be contacted and their health status determined. A total of 36 infants were found to have significant disabilities. Twenty‐four were mildly affected, five moderately and seven severely affected. Severe disability in infants of ≤1000 g was 16% (3/19).Conclusions:The incidence of disability was established in 74.8% of the surviving population, It was not dissimilar to the incidence of disability in similar birthweight groups in some Australian tertiary centres for the years under study. It is emphasized that the follow‐up was incomplete and recognized that the survival rates and incidence of disability in survivors has improved in tertiary centres since the time frame of this study.
Chronic lung disease in very low birthweight infants: A 5‐year review
Authors: YEO CL , CHOO S , HO LY 
Published: March 2008

Objectives:To determine the incidence, clinical spectrum and outcome of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants with chronic lung disease (CLD), and evaluate associated factors.Methodology:Retrospective review of 265 VLBW infants managed in the NICU from January 1988 to December 1992.Results:The overall neonatal survival rate for VLBW infants was 83%. Sixty‐five (25%) infants had CLD, of whom 42% had severe CLD. Mortality in infants with CLD was 11%. In contrast with infants without CLD, CLD infants had significantly higher risk of adverse neurodevelopment with cerebral palsy documented in 13.5% and functional disability recorded in 34.6% at 2 years corrected age. Factors associated with the development of CLD included; decreasing birthweight (OR 0.98, Cl 0.97–0.99), septicaemia (OR 4.96, Cl 1.57–15.65), necrotizing enterocolitis (OR 119.07, Cl 4.98–2845.04), hyaline membrane disease (OR 5.34, Cl 1.83–15.55), patent ductus arteriosus (OR 4.46, CI 1.75–11.36) and increasing fraction of inspired oxygen concentration in the first week of life (OR 1.09, Cl 1.04–1.14).Conclusions:Chronic lung disease occurs frequently in VLBW infants and is associated with a high incidence of adverse neurodevelopment. Further studies to clarify the role of non‐respiratory factors such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and sepsis in the pathogenesis of CLD may reduce the incidence or prevent the development of CLD in these preterm infants.
Perinatal outcome following conservative management of mid‐trimester pre‐labour rupture of the membranes
Authors: NOURSE CB , STEER PA 
Published: March 2008

Objective:To assess perinatal outcome and the effect of antenatal steroid use following conservative management of 86 consecutive singleton pregnancies complicated by pre‐labour rupture of membranes (ROM) in the mid‐trimester (13–26 weeks; mean 22.8 weeks).Methodology:Review of obstetric and neonatal case notes between 1 January 1990 and 31 December 1993.Results:The duration of ruptured membranes (latent period) ranged from 1.25 to 105 days (mean 23.8 days; median 14 days) and was inversely related to gestational age at ROM. There was clinical evidence of chorioamnionitis in 39.5% with placental histological changes consistent with chorioamnionitis in 76.6%. All infants were delivered before 33 weeks gestation (mean 26 weeks). Overall, the mortality rate was 43.0% but 62.5% in infants with ROM before 24 completed weeks gestation. Adverse outcome (defined as death, severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) or periventricular leucomalacia (PVL)) occurred in 46.5% and was significantly related to both gestation at delivery and gestation at ROM. In the group (n= 40) with ROM before 24 weeks gestation, adverse outcome occurred in 65% and was inversely related to gestation at ROM independent of gestation at delivery. Antenatal steroid administration resulted in less adverse outcome independent of gestation at delivery (OR 0.31; 95% CI (0.09–0.98; P= 0.046)).Conclusion:From the neonatal perspective conservative management is justified for pregnancies with ROM at or after 24 weeks gestation; in this group the use of antenatal steroids prior to delivery may improve perinatal outcome. A poor outcome is associated with ROM that occurs before 24 weeks gestation.
Changes in serum lipids and lipoproteins in epileptic children treated with anticonvulsants
Authors: VERROTTI A , DOMIZIO S , ANGELOZZI B , SABATINO G , MORGESE G , CHIARELLI F 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To assess the effect of long‐term treatment of phenobarbital, carbamazepine and sodium valproate on serum lipids and lipoproteins in epileptic children. Methodology: One hundred and fourteen (55 male, 59 female) children and adolescents suffering from various types of epilepsy who received different antiepileptic drugs were studied. The patients were subdivided into three groups according to their therapy: (i) carbamazepine (35 patients); (ii) phenobarbital (34 patients); and (iii) sodium valproate (45 patients). One‐hundred healthy sex‐ and age‐matched children served as controls. Lipids and lipoprotein profile were evaluated before the beginning of the anticonvulsant therapy and after at least 2.5 years. In the patients receiving phenobarbital, we re‐evaluated 12 children (seven male, five female) at the end of therapy. Results: The children receiving phenobarbital showed high levels of serum total cholesterol and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low levels of triglycerides, while children treated with carbamazepine had high levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Children treated with valproate had low triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels with high levels of HDL cholesterol. The patients treated with phenobarbital showed a normalization of all parameters after the end of therapy. Conclusions: Anticonvulsant drugs significantly modify serum lipids and lipoproteins in epileptic children. The changes due to phenobarbital seem to be transient.
Minimal haemolysis in blood co‐infused with amino acid and dextrose solutions in vitro
Authors: JANKOV RP , ROY RND 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To examine the haemolytic effects of amino acid and dextrose solutions on co‐infused packed red blood cells. Methodology: An in vitro study of packed cells co‐infused at various rates with dextrose 5%, 10%, 15% and intravenous amino acid solution (Vamin; Kabi‐Pharmacia, Baxter Healthcare Pty Ltd) in dextrose 5%, 10% and 15%. The degree of haemolysis was measured as free oxyhaemoglobin by spectrophotometer. Co‐infused 0.9% saline and water were used as 0% and 100% haemolysis controls. Results: Only minimal haemolysis was observed with the solutions tested. The greatest observed amount of haemolysis was 0.14%. Conclusions: Co‐infusion of packed red blood cells with dextrose and amino acid solutions at the concentrations and infusion rates commonly used, in neonatal care, does not cause clinically important haemolysis.
Factors related to infant apnoea and cyanosis: A population‐based study
Authors: PONSONBY A‐L , DWYER T , COUPER D 
Published: March 2008

Objectives: To examine the relationship between infant and parental characteristics and parental report of infant cyanosis and also hospital admission for apnoea/cyanosis. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted. It involved the one‐fifth of Tasmanian live births who were assessed, using a perinatal score, as being at higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). From 1 May 1988 to 30 April 1993, 6213 infants (89% of eligible infants) participated in the hospital (4 days postnatal age) and home interview (5 weeks postnatal age). Data on usual sleep position and infant history of cyanosis were collected at home interview. Hospital admission records for apnoea/cyanosis in the first year of life were linked to data on cohort infants in Southern Tasmania. Results: Several factors were related to parental reports of cyanosis, with strong associations observed for very premature infants <28 weeks (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.06, 95% confidence interval [2.47, 14.85]), history of fits (AOR 5.59 [2.35, 13.13]); and the administration of antihistamine medication during the first month of life (AOR 3.03 [1.12, 8.18]). The median age at hospital admission was 7 weeks postnatal age. A family history of asthma, a history of fits, a history of turning blue while feeding or trouble breathing while feeding were associated with parental reports of cyanosis, breathing difficulties and also with hospital admission for apnoea/cyanosis. Other factors such as prematurity, maternal smoking, bottle feeding and a history of fever were significantly related to the infant history of cyanosis but not to hospital admission. This may partly reflect the low incidence rate (1.37%) for hospitalization for apnoea/cyanosis in the first year of life among these cohort infants. Conclusions: Several infant and parental characteristics are associated with increased risk of infant apnoea/cyanosis in this study but further population‐based work with a larger group of infants hospitalised for apnoea/cyanosis should be conducted. The finding of an association between the administration of antihistamine medication and infant cyanosis highlights the possibility of adverse side‐effects if antihistamine medication is administered to young infants.
Blood pressure measurement in preschool children: The Hisayama study
Authors: IGARASHI H , FUKUSHIGE J , AKAZAWA K , NOSE Y , UEDA K 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To establish the blood pressure (BP) measurement protocol for Japanese preschool children, systolic BP (K1) and diastolic BP (K4, K5) were measured along with anthropometric values. Methodology: Commercially available mercury sphygmomanometers were used. In the first group of children (group A), BP was measured in 79 boys and 85 girls using a cuff 9 cm wide and 23 cm long. In the second group (group B), the length and circumference of the upper right arm of 147 boys and 139 girls were measured to select cuffs appropriate for their sizes. Blood pressure measurements were performed twice on the right arm of the children in the seated position at a mean interval of 5 min. Results: There were no significant differences in the anthropometric values (height, bodyweight, body mass index [BMI], length and circumference of the upper arm) between groups A and B. The BP values at K1, K4 and K5 in the first measurement of group B were 91 ± 9, 54 ± 8, and 48 ± 10 mmHg (boys) and 90 ± 9, 54 ± 8, and 48 ± 12 mmHg (girls), respectively. There were no significant differences between the first and second measurements in both groups, however, there were significant differences in the first and second measurements of K4 between groups A and B. Multiple regression analysis by the stepwise method revealed a strong correlation between K1 and the length of the upper arm in the boys and the bodyweight in the girls: between K4 and the bodyweight in the boys and the BMI in the girls, and between K5 and the height in the boys and the upper arm circumference in the girls. Conclusions: From these results it would appear that a single measurement is sufficient under appropriate measurement conditions such as rest before measurement and the choice of the cuff size according to the upper arm circumference, and that BP is closely correlated with the anthropometric values in preschool children.
Pulmonary surfactant concentration during transition from high frequency oscillation to conventional mechanical ventilation
Authors: DARGAVILLE PA , SOUTH M , McDOUGALL PN 
Published: March 2008

Objective: To test the hypothesis that conventional mechanical ventilation (CV) provides a greater stimulus to secretion of pulmonary surfactant than high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFO). Methodology: Sequential examination of surfactant indices in lung lavage fluid in a group of six infants with severe lung disease (group 1), ventilated with HFO and then converted back to CV as their lung disease recovered. A similar group of 10 infants (group 2) ventilated conventionally throughout the course of their illness were studied for comparison. In groups 1 and 2, two sequential tracheal aspirate samples were taken, the first once lung disease was noted to be improving, and the second 48–72 h later. Group 1 infants had converted from HFO to CV during this time. Results: A marked increase in concentration of total surfactant phospholipid (PL) and disaturated phosphatidylcholine (DSPC) was seen in group 1 after transition from HFO to CV; the magnitude of this increase was significantly greater than that sequentially observed in group II (total PL: 9.4‐fold increase in group 1 vs 1.8‐fold in group 2, P=0.006; DSPC: group 1 6.4‐fold increase vs. group 2 1.7‐fold, P=0.02). Conclusion: These findings suggest that intermittent lung inflation during CV produces more secretion of surfactant phospholipid than continuous alveolar distension on HFO, and raise the possibility that conservation and additional maturation of surfactant elements may occur when the injured lung is ventilated with HFO.
Kidney damage after renal ablation is worsened in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (−/−) mice and improved by combined administration of L‐arginine and antioxidants
Authors: MENDOZA MONICA G ARELLANO , CASTILLO‐HENKEL CARLOS , MEDINA‐SANTILLAN ROBERTO , JARILLO LUNA R ADRIANA , ROBLES HILDA VARGAS , ROMO EUNICE , RIOS AMELIA , ESCALANTE BRUNO 
Published: March 2008

SUMMARY:Aim  Reduction in nitric oxide (NO) levels during kidney failure has been related to the reaction of NO with superoxide anions to yield peroxynitrite which possesses the biological activity responsible for renal damage. However, stimulation of the NO pathway ameliorates the progression of kidney failure. Thus, it is unclear whether NO prevents or acts as the compound responsible for the cytotoxicity observed during kidney failure.Methods  We evaluated the development of kidney failure in animals that were wild type and deficient in endothelial NO synthase (eNOS (−/−)) and tested the effects of an antioxidant treatment and NO precursors on the generation of superoxide anion and kidney failure parameters.Results  In wild‐type mice, five‐sixths nephrectomy increased proteinuria from 3.0 ± 0.35 to 14.5 ± 0.76 mg protein/24 h (P < 0.05), blood pressure from 83.1 ± 1.8 to 126.6 ± 1.7 mmHg (P < 0.05), and superoxide production from 1.4 ± 0.6% to 74.3 ± 0.8% (P < 0.05). The effects of five‐sixths nephrectomy on the eNOS (−/−) mice were greater compared with wild‐type mice. Proteinuria increased from 6.7 ± 0.5 to 22.7 ± 2.0 mg protein/24 h (P < 0.05), blood pressure increased from 93.3 ± 0.9 to 151.2 ± 3.4 mmHg (P < 0.05), and superoxide production increased from 12.9 ± 0.5% to 99.8 ± 1.3% (P < 0.05). The nitrotyrosine levels were lower in eNOS (−/−) mice as compared to wild‐type mice. A combination of L‐arginine and antioxidant treatment ameliorated renal damage. The effect was improved in wild‐type animals.Conclusion  Our data support the relevance of NO as an antagonist to superoxide in renal tissues and suggest that the loss of this mechanism promotes the progression of kidney failure.