bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term psychosocial consequences of hormone treatment for short stature
Authors: Visser‐van Balen Hanneke , Geenen Rinie , Kamp Gerdine A , Huisman Jaap , Wit Jan M , Sinnema Gerben 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To examine psychosocial functioning of young adults with idiopathic short stature or short stature born small for gestational age after growth hormone (GH) and gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa) treatment in early adolescence or no intervention.Methods: Thirty young adults (18 treated, 12 untreated; age 17–23 years; on average 5.5 years after the end of treatment) completed questionnaires regarding perceived competence and psychological distress. They and their parents were interviewed on social circumstances, height‐related psychosocial stressors and parental worries about prospects in society.Results: Height gain was on average 2.3 cm more for the treated than for the untreated group. On none of the psychosocial variables differences were found between treated and untreated participants. Compared to Dutch population norms, psychological and social functioning was normal.Conclusion: GH/GnRHa treatment, with arrest of pubertal development and lower than expected effects on final height, is not observed to lead to long‐term negative or positive effects. Both treated and untreated participants go well through the psychosocial transition period of young adulthood. This suggests that, in the long term and independent of hormone treatment, adequate psychosocial adjustment is expected in case of short stature.
Bone mass, biochemical markers and growth in children with chronic kidney disease: a 1‐year prospective study
Authors: Swolin‐Eide Diana , Magnusson Per , Hansson Sverker 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: This study was designed to investigate bone mineral density (BMD), growth parameters and biochemical markers in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods: Sixteen patients, 4–18 years, with CKD were prospectively followed for 1 year. Auxological data, body composition, BMD by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry, bone age, bone turnover markers, vitamin D, parathyroid hormone (PTH), leptin, osteoprotegerin, insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) and IGF binding protein‐3 were measured. A questionnaire regarding bone health and diet was also performed.Results: Delayed bone age was observed (n = 11) and the BMD Z‐scores for total body were below zero in seven patients. However, total body BMD (TBBMD) increased in 12 patients. Most patients had increased osteocalcin and carboxy‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, but normal alkaline phosphatase, type I procollagen intact amino‐terminal propeptide and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase 5b. Ten patients had increased PTH. Most children had normal levels of leptin, osteoprotegerin, IGF‐I and IGFBP‐3. Leptin, at baseline, correlated with differences in TBBMD over 1 year.Conclusions: Only seven (44%) had negative Z‐scores and TBBMD increased over 1 year. Bone markers at baseline did not predict the longitudinal changes in BMD.
Efficacy and safety of hormonal treatment of cryptorchidism: current state of the art
Authors: Thorsson Arni V , Christiansen Peter , Ritzén Martin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMeta‐analyses of randomised trials using hCG or GnRH for treatment on testicular descent show in most studies overall efficacy of about 20%, less if retractile testes were excluded. In recent years a number of potentially serious side effects have been reported.Conclusion: Considering the efficacy and the possible side effects of the hormonal treatment, the general use of hCG and GnRH in the treatment of cryptorchidism cannot be further recommended.
Surgical treatment of undescended testes
Authors: Thorup J , Haugen S , Kollin C , Lindahl S , Läckgren G , Nordenskjold A , Taskinen S 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe mainstay of therapy for undescended testes is operative treatment within the first years of life in order to avoid ongoing testicular degenerative changes. The surgical therapy for the palpable undescended testis is orchiopexy and when the testis is non‐palpable, a supplementary laparoscopic approach. Success of orchiopexy for inguinal testes has been >95% and for abdominal testes >85–90% in most series.Conclusion: Operation within the first year of life is a safe therapy for undescended testes.
The familial form of atrial septal defect
Authors: Gelernter‐Yaniv Liat , Lorber Avraham 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBackground: The secundum atrial septal defect accounts for 10% of congenital heart disease. Familial occurrence is rare and may present as an isolated lesion or with conduction and skeletal abnormalities. Predisposing genes were described.Objectives: To evaluate familial defect's prevalence and associated anomalies and assess the yield of screening.Methods: Family history, physical, electrocardiographic and echocardiographic evaluation of 286 ASD patients and families regarding heart disease, conduction and skeletal anomalies were performed.Results: Eleven new families with familial defects were identified yielding 28 patients. The rate of transmission was 40–100%, suggestive of autosomal dominant inheritance. Parents were healthy in four families with multiple offspring with ASDs. Two families had ASDs with atrioventricular conduction abnormalities in five of six subjects, not requiring pacing. One subject had skeletal malformation. Ten patients had surgery, 12 had transcatheter ASD closure and six await treatment.Conclusions: In view of the high prevalence of familial occurrence of secundum ASD (10% of all ASD patients), we recommend screening all first degree relatives of ASD patients for cardiac, conduction and skeletal anomalies. Although a routine genetic investigation is not yet available, genetic patterns of inheritance may be compatible with autosomal dominant inheritance. Healthy parents of affected offspring may suggest a variable gene penetrance or past spontaneous ASD closure. Conduction anomalies may be present or may develop throughout life, and thus should be periodically screened for.
Health‐related‐quality‐of‐life in obese adolescents is decreased and inversely related to BMI.
Authors: De Beer M , Hofsteenge G H , Koot HM , Hirasing RA , Delemarre‐van de Waal HA , Gemke RJBJ 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To compare health related quality of life (HRQoL) of obese adolescents with normal weight controls and to explore the relation between Body Mass Index (BMI) and HRQoL.Methods: Cross‐sectional study in 31 adolescents (12–18 years), referred for obesity, in comparison with 62 age and sex matched normal weight controls. HRQoL was assessed using the PedsQL 4.0 and Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ). The main outcome measure was difference in HRQoL between obese and control subjects.Results: Mean BMI (SD) in patients versus controls was 34.9 (8.8) versus 19.5 (2.2) kg/m2. In obese adolescents, lower HRQoL in three PedsQL and seven CHQ scales was found (p < 0.05). Variance in HRQoL scales explained by obesity ranged from 8% (CHQ Physical Functioning) to 28% (CHQ Global Health). BMI z‐score was inversely correlated with five PedsQL and 10 CHQ scales while the percentage of scale variance explained by BMI z‐score ranged from 7% (CHQ Physical summary scale) to 33% (CHQ Global Health).Conclusion: HRQoL in obese adolescents is less than in normal weight controls, and is partially explained by obesity‐related comorbidity. Overall HRQoL was inversely associated with BMI. Hence, HRQoL is an important indicator of impact of obesity and effect of interventions, complementary to clinical variables.
Early breastfeeding cessation: validation of a prognostic breastfeeding score
Authors: Kronborg Hanne , Væth Michael , Olsen Jørn , Iversen Lars , Harder Ingegerd 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To validate a simple breastfeeding score to identify mothers who stop breastfeeding within 4 months after birth.Methods: Two independent cohorts of Danish mothers in 1999 and 2004 with 4 months of follow‐up on breastfeeding duration were used. The breastfeeding score was developed from 471 mothers' responses to a questionnaire in 1999 and based on duration of schooling, previous breastfeeding experience, self‐efficacy, and mother's confidence in ability to produce milk. The 2004 cohort consisting of 723 mothers was used to validate the score.Results: A breastfeeding score of 7 or higher classified 45% of the mothers in the 2004 cohort as being at risk of breastfeeding cessation. With this cut‐point the sensitivity was 70% and the specificity 71%. Among primipara the cut‐point gave a sensitivity of 76% and a specificity of 54% and classified 60% to be in the risk group. Among multipara the corresponding figures were 66%, 81% and 34%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.78.Conclusion: The breastfeeding score based on a simple scoring system derived from four risk factors was capable of predicting the breastfeeding duration in an independent sample. It may help health professionals to identify mothers at risk of breastfeeding cessation before 4 months.
A validation study of the Norwegian version of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires
Authors: Richter Jörg , Janson Harald 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To explore the construct validity of the ASQ in relation to premature birth; maternal age, completeness of the family and level of education; and the child's gender.Methods: Norwegian mothers' evaluations of 1172 children who completed age appropriate ASQs twice were statistically analysed by means of univariate and multivariate methods.Results: The developmental level of girls is on average higher than that of boys at both assessments and there is a substantial increase between follow‐up assessments in all ASQ scores except for gross motor skills. The mother's level of education; whether the child was born prematurely or at full‐term; and the interaction between the child's gender and his/her mother's level of education are important factors relating to the child's developmental status in both assessments.Conclusion: The results that were derived by means of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires concerning the impact of maternal socio‐demographical factors, the child's gender, and premature birth upon early childhood development largely confirm the findings in the literature supporting the construct validity of the ASQ. The ASQ was found to be an effective diagnostic tool of developmental delay and/or disturbances. The development of gender dependent norms is recommended.
Neonatology has always been a bargain – even when we weren't very good at it!
Authors: Buchh Basharat , Graham Neil , Harris Barbara , Sims Sherrol , Corpuz Maria , Lantos John , Meadow William 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective: We wondered whether Neonatal Intensive Care Unit resources for Extremely Low Birth Weight infants have always been disproportionately devoted to survivors, even when ELBW infants were very likely to die.Methods: We documented survival and length of stay (LOS) for 2354 ELBW infants (BW 450–1000 g) admitted to the NICU at the University of Chicago between 1978 and 2003. NICU bed‐days were a proxy for medical expenses.Results: Over the past 25 years, ELBW admissions have risen four‐fold from 25 to 100/year, and ELBW bed‐days have risen ten‐fold, from 700 to 7000/year. In 1978, when ELBW mortality was 80%, only 30% of ELBW bed‐days were expended on non‐survivors. Currently, the percentage of ELBW non‐survivor bed days (NSBD) is below 10%. Even more striking, as soon as there were any survivors with BW 450—750 g, the NSBD index fell below 30%, and settled quickly around 10%.Conclusions: It is almost self‐evident that there are no credible distributive justice arguments to deflect NICU care for ELBW infants now, when survival is so good. But, surprisingly, even when NICU survival was much worse, there have never been credible distributive justice arguments against NICU care for infants with BW <1000 g, whether dollars spent on survivors or ‘intact survivors’ is the outcome measure.
Liver disease as risk factor for cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes development
Authors: Minicucci L , Lorini R , Giannattasio A , Colombo C , Iapichino L , Reali MF , Padoan R , Calevo MG , Casciaro R , De Alessandri A , Haupt R 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To evaluate clinical and genetic factors, besides pancreatic insufficiency, associated with increased risk of cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes.Methods: Case‐control (1:1) study on 138 cystic fibrosis patients. Data were collected on gender, age at diagnosis, reason for cystic fibrosis diagnosis, family history of type 1 or 2 diabetes mellitus, pre‐existing severe liver disease, and class of cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulation mutation. Moreover, information was obtained on lung involvement and degree of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency evaluated 1 year before the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes in patients and age‐matched controls.Results: Compared to controls, patients with cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes had a higher probability of having already been diagnosed with liver disease (16.7% versus 1.7%, OR = 11.6, 95% CI 1.43–93.0). Moreover, in the year before diabetes onset, cases had slightly worse pulmonary function compared to controls (FEV1= 58.4 ± 27% predicted versus 67.4 ± 21% predicted; p = 0.05). No significant effects related to the other factors considered were found.Conclusion: Severe liver disease was found to significantly increase the risk of developing cystic fibrosis‐related diabetes. Patients with liver disease should be scheduled for earlier diabetes screening in order to identify and possibly treat glucose intolerance.
Fatal and near‐fatal encephalopathy with hyponatraemia in two siblings with fluticasone‐induced adrenal suppression
Authors: Donaldson MDC , Morrison C , Lees C , McNeill E , Howatson AG , Paton JY , McWilliam R 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To document previously unreported acute effects of adrenal insufficiency.Methods: We describe two siblings who presented acutely with hyponatraemia and cerebral oedema following prolonged treatment with high dose inhaled fluticasone.Results: A girl aged 5.5 years presented with vomiting, headache, visual impairment and seizures. She was hyponatraemic but not hypoglycaemic. Her conscious level continued to deteriorate and she died, post mortem examination showing small adrenal glands and cerebral oedema. Four weeks later her 7‐year‐old brother presented with similar symptoms. Assessment showed hyponatraemia with cerebral oedema. His illness responded to intensive care. A diagnosis of adrenal insufficiency was made retrospectively in both cases. The siblings had been receiving Fluticasone propionate (FP) in doses of up to 2000 μg/day for several years.Conclusion: We believe that the hyponatraemia and cerebral oedema was related to cortisol deficiency, leading to impaired excretion of water. We emphasize the need for careful cerebral monitoring in acute adrenal insufficiency presenting with impaired consciousness.
Fasting plasma glucose levels in healthy preschool children: effects of weight and lifestyle
Authors: Ludvigsson Johnny , Huus Karina , Eklöv Kristina , Klintström Rebecka , Lahdenperä Anne 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To investigate whether a modern lifestyle, with a high‐energy intake and a low level of physical activity, influences fasting plasma glucose concentration in healthy children.Methods: As a part of the prospective study ‘All Babies in Southeast Sweden’, 127 children from six preschool units chose to participate. The children, 56% girls and 44% boys, were 5–7 years old. Parents answered a questionnaire about their children's heredity, and physical exercise and eating habits. In the morning, before the children ate breakfast, fasting plasma glucose levels and weight, height and waist circumference were measured.Results: Fasting plasma glucose levels varied between 3.7 and 6.1 mmol/L, with both mean and median values of 4.7 mmol/L. There was no association between fasting plasma glucose level and body mass index (BMI), eating habits or degree of physical exercise. BMI and waist circumference were significantly correlated (p < 0.01). Children who play outdoors most frequently had a significantly lower BMI (p < 0.05) and waist circumference (p < 0.01), whereas children who more often watch TV had a significantly higher BMI (p < 0.01).Conclusion: A modern lifestyle, with low levels of exercise and high‐energy consumption, may explain the increasing weight and even obesity of otherwise healthy, preschool children, but does not influence their fasting plasma glucose levels.
Child behaviour after anaesthesia: associated risk factors
Authors: Karling M , Stenlund H , Hägglöf B 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: To identify hospital care factors which are associated with problematic behaviours in children after hospitalization.Method: A cohort of 340 children ages 2–13 was studied in connection with elective procedures which included anaesthesia. Data collected: sociodemograhic, type of procedure, anaesthesia induction technique and premedication. Staff and parents assessed child anxiety at induction of anaesthesia, pain, anxiety and nausea in recovery room and hospital ward. Parents assessed their child's pain and nausea and the behaviour measured with the Post Hospital Behavioural Questionnaire two weeks after hospitalization.Results: One‐third (34.4 %) of the children developed at least one problematic behaviour, measured by the PHBQ subscales. Multiple logistic regression identified the following risk factors: age <5, pain at home but not at hospital, nausea, child anxiety at anaesthesia induction, postoperative nausea, postoperative distress, previous hospitalizations, living in a one adult family and having some previous problematic behaviours. Moderate‐to‐severe pain at home, but not at hospital, was associated with the greatest risk (OR 6.39 CI: 3.53–11.6). Previous anaesthesia, midazolam use in premedication and living in rural areas seemed to be protective factors.Conclusion: Pain at home but not in hospital is a strong risk factor for the onset or worsening of problematic behaviour after childhood hospitalization, which included anaesthesia. Proactive interventions are suggested to prevent this by improving pain treatment at home.
Increased fetal blood pressure response to maternal norepinephrine after pharmacological inhibition f norepinephrine uptake in pregnant sheep
Authors: Hansson SR , Bottalico B , Amer‐Wahlin I , Marsál K , Ley D 
Published: May 2008

AbstractObjective: Norepinephrine (NE) is elevated in pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia (PE). Specific uptake of NE by the NE transporter (NET) plays a central role as regulator of NE levels. Expression of NET is reduced in placentas from PE pregnancies. To study adverse fetal effects of reduced NET expression on the placental buffering capacity, the NET was pharmacologically blocked by a specific uptake inhibitor reboxetine.Study Design: We evaluated the effect of NE uptake inhibition on maternal and fetal arterial blood pressure responses to increasing maternal doses of NE in 10 chronically prepared fetal sheep. Arterial blood pressure was monitored continuously during increasing doses of iv NE.Results: NET inhibition increased both fetal and maternal mean arterial blood pressure (p < 0.001, respectively).Conclusion: Reuptake by NET appears to be a mechanism protecting the fetus from NE. A reduced uptake capacity in preeclamptic pregnancies due to reduced NE uptake may lead to increased fetal arterial blood pressure.
Bronchiolitis due to respiratory syncytial virus in hospitalized children: a study of seasonal rhythm
Authors: Alonso A , Andres JM , Garmendia JR , Diez I , Gil JM , Ardura J 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAim: The objective of this study was to describe the rhythm of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis seasonal outbreaks in hospitalized children.Methods: Data was collected from 1324 patients, who were admitted to our hospital with bronchiolitis, over an 11‐year period, from 1994 to 2004. The epidemic onset was established according to the epidemic index. Virological diagnosis was made with immunofluorescent assay from nasopharyngeal washings. Rhythm study was carried‐out by spectral analysis with the fast‐Fourier transformed and cosinor method.Results: Epidemics begin in September (45%) and October (55%); the highest peak was observed in January, the minimum in August and the end in February (73%), March (18%) and April (9%). When the epidemic outbreak begins sooner, the end is sooner as well. Epidemic onset varies but not its length and the onset was less variable than its conclusion. Spectral analysis showed a 12‐months cyclic period along the study years and cosinor analysis demonstrated significant circannual rhythm. When data was segregated by long and short hospital stay, no significant differences were found between the rhythms. Comorbid association among bronchiolitis, otitis and gastroenteritis was very common.Conclusion: Bronchiolitis epidemics onset and conclusion varies along time years in hospitalized infants and showed circannual rhythmicity with a 12‐months period.
Maternal methadone may cause arrhythmias in neonates
Authors: Hussain Tarique , Ewer Andrew K 
Published: May 2008

AbstractMethadone treatment is a well recognised cause of QT interval lengthening in adults. In this case report, we present for the first time, clinically significant QT interval lengthening in a neonate secondary to maternal methadone treatment. Neonatal paediatricians should be aware of this important and potentially serious clinical phenomenon.Conclusion: Bradycardia, tachycardia or an irregular heart rate in an infant born to a mother on methadone treatment should not be ignored and a 12‐lead electrocardiogram should be performed. Furthermore, there is also a need for a prospective study of QTc intervals in infants born to mothers receiving methadone.
Indices of iron deficiency and anaemia in Bedouin and Jewish toddlers in southern Israel
Authors: Urkin J , Adam D , Weitzman D , Gazala E , Chamni S , Kapelushnik J 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAims: To estimate the prevalence of iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia using haematological indices.Methods: Prospective interventional study. Healthy toddlers from Bedouin and Jewish towns in southern Israel. Capillary blood was sampled to assess iron status and nutritional history recorded. Parents were given specific nutritional instructions. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin level ≤11 gr/dL. Iron deficiency without anaemia was defined as mean corpuscular volume (MCV) <70 fL and/or red blood cell width (RDW) ≥ 16, with haemoglobin level > 11 gr/dL. Toddlers with iron deficiency were treated with 5 mg/kg/day of elemental iron. Follow‐up iron and nutritional status was performed 1 and 2 months after enrolment.Results: At the time of enrolment 42% of the 107 Jewish and 93% of the 43 Bedouin toddlers were iron deficient (p < 0.001). Significantly higher proportions of Bedouin toddlers were breastfed, drank tea, did not eat meat, did not take supplementary iron in their first year of life and were previously diagnosed with anaemia. Rate of follow‐up was 55% among Bedouins and 33% among Jews. The mean haemoglobin rise over two months was 0.91 gr/dL (95% CI: 0.63–1.18 gr/dL; p < 0.001) in Bedouins and 0.58 gr/dL (95% CI: 0.14–1.02 gr/dL; p = 0.014) in Jews.Conclusions: Higher rates of anaemia and iron deficiency, as well as most of the risk factors, found among the Bedouin toddlers, call for the design and implementation of innovative, culturally appropriate interventions in the Bedouin population.