bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Classic Kaposi's sarcoma in Greece: a clinico‐epidemiological profile
Authors: Stratigos John D. , Potouridou Irene , Katoulis Alexander C. , Hatziolou Eftichia , Christofidou Eleftheria , Stratigos Alexander , Hatzakis Angelos , Stavrianeas Nicholas G. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Classic Kaposi's sarcoma (CKS) is not uncommon in Greece with a reported incidence of 0.20 per 100,000 per year. Methods Epidemiological, clinical and histological features of all CKS cases, diagnosed in‘A. Sygros’ hospital, Athens, Greece during the years 1989–1994, have been recorded and studied prospectively. Results During the five‐year period studied, 66 CKS patients have been diagnosed in our hospital. Incidence among dermatologic patients was 2.11 per 10,000 patients examined, representing 1.35% of total skin malignancies. Patients' age at diagnosis ranged from 53 to 94 years (mean 72±8.8). The male to female ratio was 2.47:1. A high proportion of the patients were born in Peloponnesos (42.42%) and were residing in Athens (51.51%) or in Peloponnesos (24.24%). Nodules and/or plaques were the most frequent type of lesion, most commonly located on the feet (43.93%) or the hands (28.78%). Accompanying edema was seen in 51.51% of the patients. There were 16 stage I patients (24.24%), 40 stage II (60.60%), 0 stage III and 10 stage IV (15.15%). Involvement of visceral organs was detected in seven patients (10.60%), while 10 had lymph node involvement (15.15%) and three, involvement of the underlying bones (4.54%). Second primary malignancy was diagnosed in 6 cases (9.09%), most often of the reticuloendothelial system (83.33%). Conclusions CKS in Greece exhibits some special characteristics, including older age of onset; lower male to female ratio; endemic clustering; disseminated skin disease at diagnosis, often accompanied by lymphedema; not unusual visceral or lymph node involvement and association with second malignancies. We suggest that CKS in Greece possibly represents a distinct endemic subtype of CKS.
Skin colonization of Staphylococcus aureus in atopic dermatitis patients seen at the National Skin Centre, Singapore
Authors: Goh Chee‐Leok , Wong Julie S. , Giam Yoke Chin 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Objective This prospective study sought to determine the bacterial colonization rates on eczematous and non‐eczematous skin and nasal mucosa of patients with atopic dermatitis Patients Patients, of any age, presenting with atopic dermatitis at the subsidized clinic of the National Skin Centre, Singapore, between 23 August 1996 and 14 September 1996, were included in the study. Results Thirty‐three patients with atopic dermatitis were seen at the outpatient clinic during the study period. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in 69.7% of the eczematous lesions and in 42.4% of non‐eczematous skin of patients with atopic dermatitis. S. aureus was isolated in 53% of patients with mild dermatitis, and in 100% with moderate and severe dermatitis. The nasal carriage rate of S. aureus was higher in atopic dermatitis patients (51.5%) than in non‐atopies (35%) (not significant). S. aureus was isolated in 42% of noneczematous skin in atopies compared with only 5% in the control group (p= 0.003). In patients with atopic dermatitis, all S. aureus isolated was sensitive to cloxacillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, and co‐trimoxazole; 92% was sensitive to erythromycin, but only 13% was sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin. In the control group, all S. aureus isolated was sensitive to cloxacillin, cephalexin, erythromycin, clindamycin, and co‐trimoxazole, but only 13% was sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin, and 87% to tetracycline. Conclusions This study confirmed that the skin of patients with atopic dermatitis was more frequently colonized with S. aureus than that of non‐atopics. The more severe the dermatitis, the higher the rate of colonization. S. aureus is also more often present in non‐eczematous skin of atopics than of non‐atopics. There is also a higher percentage of S. aureus nasal carriage in patient's with atopic dermatitis than in non‐atopics. Hence antibiotics may have a role in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Because 87% of S. aureus is resistant to penicillin and ampicillin, antibiotics such as cloxacillin and cephalexin should be used to eradicate S. aureus in the skin of atopic dermatitis individuals.
Dermatoses among Brazilian HIV‐positive patients: correlation with the evolutionary phases of AIDS
Authors: Rosatelli Jacy B. , Machado Alcyone A. , Roselino Ana Maria F. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background The presence of dermatoses is very common in Acquired Human Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The present study was undertaken to correlate the various dermatoses with the evolutionary phases of AIDS. Methods We examined 223 HIV‐infected patients older than 13 seen at the University of São Paulo, Faculty of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, from 1989 to 1993. Patients were divided according to the CDC classification and assigned to groups I, II and III (initial stages of AIDS) and to group IV (fully symptomatic stage of AIDS). Results The mean frequency of dermatoses detected in patients with AIDS was higher compared to the early phases of HIV infection. The most frequently detected dermatoses were, in decreasing order of occurrence, dermatoses of fungal etiology, and desquamating disorders, such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, xerosis, and viral dermatoses. Conclusions A careful examination of skin and mucosae may be highly useful for the diagnosis of HIV infection. The number of dermatoses tended to increase during the more advanced stages of infection.
Variations in lipid and lipoprotein levels during isotretinoin treatment for acne vulgaris with special emphasis on HDL‐cholesterol
Authors: Lestringant Gilles G. , Frossard Philippe M. , Agarwal Mukesh , Galadari Ibrahim H. 
Published: November 2003

Abstract Background Many studies have demonstrated an increase in total cholesterol and triglycerides on oral isotretinoin therapy. This has led several investigators to comment on the possibility of increased risk for cardiovascular disease. Yet, the status of high density lipoprotein (HDL) in patients on isotretinoin therapy has not been studied extensively. Patients and methods We studied 104 United Arab Emirates (UAE) nationals (78 women, 26 men) who underwent isotretinoin therapy for acne at doses ranging from 0.2 to 1.6 mg/kg, and determined the lipid and lipoprotein levels before and after an 8–week period of treatment. The risk for cardiovascular disease was evaluated as the ratio of cholesferol/HDL‐cholesterol. Results Mean cholesterol, triglycerides, and low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (LDL‐cholesterol) levels rose significantly after treatment (p=0.01) whereas HDL‐cholesterol values decreased significantly (p=0.01). In the entire subject population, the overall risk for cardiovascular disease rose from 3.45 to 3.67, indicating that these subjects remained in the category considered to have “half‐average” to “average” risk of cardiovascular disease. Conclusions In young and healthy individuals, significant variations in lipid and lipoprotein levels, resulting from isotretinoin treatment for acne, do not influence the overall risk for cardiovascular disease. Isotretinoin is thus a safe and efficient drug for the treatment of acne in these subjects.
Body fat estimation in children by magnetic resonance imaging, bioelectrical impedance, skinfold and body mass index: A pilot study
Authors: CHAN YL , LEUNG SSF , LAM WWM , PENG XH , METREWELI C 
Published: November 2003

Objective:The aim of this study was to identify the clinical method to estimate body fat which gave best correlation of total body fat and percentage body fat as measured on MRI.Methods:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to estimate the total body fat volume and percentage body fat and this was compared with assessment by bioelectrical impedance (BEI), skinfold thickness and body mass index (BMI) in 8‐ to 12‐year‐old children.Results:Total body fat measured on magnetic resonance imaging (TBF–MRI) significantly correlated with body mass index, triceps and subscapular skinfolds, and percentage body fat estimations by BEI. Multiple regression analysis showed that BMI and BEI together gave the best prediction of total body fat as measured on MRI from the equation: TBF–MRI=−25277.77+1457.61(BMI)+423.95 (%fat‐BEI), with R2=0.89 .Percentage body fat measurement from MRI, BEI and skinfold were not significantly different but their results were not interchangeable. Linear regression of %body fat from MRI on those obtained from BEI and skinfold measurements showed a modest fit with R2=0.6973 and 0.5501, respectively. Conclusions: In children 8–12 years old, BMI gives a good estimation of the total body fat as measured on MRI. The estimation will be improved when both BEI and BMI are used in the prediction. Bioelectrical impedance has a low correlation with total body fat and its use alone in estimating total body fat is not recommended. Skinfold measurement also gives a reasonably good prediction of total body fat and addition of BMI and BEI does not improve the prediction. Both BEI and skinfold measurements give a modest prediction of %body fat measured by MRI method.
Evolution of sleep‐disordered breathing and sleep in infants
Authors: McNAMARA F , SULLIVAN CE 
Published: November 2003

Objective:The evolution of sleep‐disordered breathing and sleeping patterns in a group of high‐risk infants was studied throughout the first year of life.Methodology:Eleven infants with documented sleep apnoea underwent overnight polysomnographic studies at monthly intervals to 6 months, then at 9 and 12 months of age.Results:All infants had central apnoea and obstructive events recorded on their initial sleep studies. The sleep‐disordered breathing in these infants was associated with disturbed sleeping patterns. The amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep recorded in each study was inversely proportional to the amount of apnoea. The amount of apnoea and sleep disturbances were highest at 2 months of age and then progressively improved and obstructive events resolved by 1 year of age.Conclusions:The respiratory abnormalities and sleep disturbances peaked in severity at the age reported to have the highest incidence of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and may have implications for its aetiology.
Adenosine in the management of supraventricular tachycardia in children
Authors: SHERWOOD MC , LAU KC , SHOLLER GF 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of adenosine in the management of supraventricular tachycardia in children.Methodology:A review of 43 children with supraventricular tachycardia who received intravenous adenosine between June 1992 and July 1995.Results:Thirty‐five patients had re‐entrant supraventricular tachycardia and eight patients had atrial tachydysrhythmias. Reversion to sinus rhythm occurred in 75% of episodes in all patients treated for supraventricular tachycardia, and in 96% of episodes in patients with re‐entrant supraventricular tachycardia. Early re‐initiation of supraventricular tachycardia after reversion to sinus rhythm occurred in 25% of episodes. Sixteen percent of patients reverted with the recommended 0.05 mg/kg starting dose, and 35% reverted with a dose of 0.1 mg/kg. Four patients were given adenosine as a diagnostic procedure to elicit occult pre‐excitation. The most common side effects were brief feelings of discomfort. No serious side effects occurred.Conclusion:Adenosine is safe and effective in the management of supraventricular tachycardia in children. A commencing dose of 0.1 mg/kg is appropriate.
Osteomyelitis and septic arthritis due to Citrobacter freundii and Haemophilus influenzae type b
Authors: STRICKER T , FRÖHLICH S , NADAL D 
Published: November 2003

This report describes dual infection with Citrobacter freundii and Haemophilus influenzae type b causing septic arthritis and osteomyelitis of the elbow in a previously healthy 5‐year‐old boy. The patient was treated successfully with intravenous fosfomycin for 4 weeks. Infections with Citrobacter beyond the neonatal period are rare in paediatric patients. When Citrobacter spp. is isolated, coinfection with other bacterial pathogens should be considered.
Meningitis due to Haemophilus influenzae type f
Authors: PINCUS DR , ROBSON JMB 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To describe a case of Haemophilus influenzae type f (Hif) meningitis occurring in the H. influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine era.Results:Successful treatment of a case of Hif meningitis in a previously vaccinated 3‐year‐old girl is described. The outcome was complicated by deafness. No underlying immunosuppression was demonstrated.Conclusions:Despite the great success of Hib vaccines in reducing invasive disease due to H. influenzae, cases of H. influenzae meningitis continue to occur, caused by less common encapsulated serotypes. Whether there will be an increase in the number of these cases in the vaccine era is unknown and infection due to non–b serotypes requires close monitoring.
Lead exposure and cognitive development: Persistence and a dynamic pattern
Authors: TONG S 
Published: November 2003

Objectives:Although enormous effort has been focused over the past two decades on examining the potential adverse effects of exposure to environmental lead on human health, there has been a debate over the persistence and dynamic pattern of these effects.Methodology:Articles relevant to this issue which were published between January 1982 and December 1996 were retrieved from Medline and adjunct searching methods (i.e. hand searching of key journals, review of the bibliographies of reports known to be relevant, consulting with experts, and use of Science Citation Index).Results:Currently available epidemiological evidence suggests that ‘low’ level exposure to lead in early childhood is likely to cause a moderate but real and detectable effect on cognitive development, and this effect appears to persist into later childhood. The findings from four long‐term prospective studies seem to support the constant decrement model which assumes that cognitive deficits resulting from early lead exposure persist over an extended period of time even when exposure decreases.Conclusion:From a public health perspective, it is highly desirable and prudent to reduce the dispersive uses of lead. Since lead is ubiquitous and persistent in the environment and may have a subtle and persistent effect on cognitive development, how to set the environmental standards for lead exposure is an important scientific issue still open for debate.
Symptomatic urinary tract infection in preschool Australian children
Authors: CRAIG JC , IRWIG LM , KNIGHT JF , SURESHKUMAR P , ROY LP 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To describe the demographic and clinical features, short‐term outcomes, microbiology and renal tract abnormalities of a cohort of young Australian children with symptomatic urinary tract infection.Methodology:A total of 304 children <5 years with their first documented symptomatic urinary tract infection who presented consecutively to the Emergency Department of a paediatric hospital between March 1993 and December 1994 and without a known predisposing cause were identified and details of their acute illness were recorded. Renal tract sonography, micturating cystourethrography and Tc‐99 m dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy (DMSA) were routinely performed.Results:Of those who presented with urinary tract infection, 169 were boys and 135 girls; 64% were less than 1 year of age. For children from the local community, the cumulative incidence of urinary tract infection within the first 5 years of life was estimated to be 1.9% for boys and 1.8% for girls. There were no significant differences in illness characteristics according to mode of referral or geographical locality. Presenting symptoms were generally nonspecific and not referrable to the urinary tract. There were no deaths. One per cent of children required ventilatory support, and bacteraemia occurred in 6%, all of whom were under 6 months of age. E. coli was the causal organism in 84%, and a high in vitro resistance to ampicillin/amoxycillin (54%) was demonstrated by the pathogens isolated. Bacteriuria was eradicated in 99% with antimicrobial treatment. In this setting, the sensitivities of dipstick urinalysis (leucocyte esterase±nitrites) and pyuria on microscopy (>10×106 white cells L−1) were 85%. Abnormal DMSA scintigraphy was detected in 39%, vesicoureteric reflux in 28%, and obstructive uropathy in 1%.Conclusions:This study provides current and local data on a large sample of children <5 years with urinary tract infection, which are useful to clinicians who manage children at risk of the condition.
Antibiotic hypersensitivity reactions in cystic fibrosis
Authors: WILLS R , HENRY RL , FRANCIS JL 
Published: November 2003

Objectives:To document the frequency and severity of reactions to antibiotics in children and adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF), to determine which drugs and routes of administration are most likely to produce reactions and to assess how these reactions limit the choice of antibiotics.Methodology:Medical records were reviewed to ascertain the number and routes of courses of antibiotics and all suspected drug reactions. Patients and their parents were interviewed about drug reactions.Results:Fifty‐three records were suitable for analysis. Eighteen of 53 subjects had experienced a reaction (34%). The intravenous route was most allergenic, with 33% of treated patients experiencing a reaction and 9.5% of courses provoking a reaction. Piperacillin was the most allergenic antibiotic.Conclusion:Drug hypersensitivity reactions are common in CF. Piperacillin is particularly allergenic. Whilst rarely life‐threatening, the reactions are unpleasant and can limit our choices for antibiotic treatment of their bronchopneumonia.
Childhood sleep problems: Association with prenatal factors and maternal distress/depression
Authors: ARMSTRONG KL , O’DONNELL H , McCALLUM R , DADDS M 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To determine whether problems with childhood sleep behaviour are associated with either maternal sleep patterns and emotional status during the pregnancy period, or levels of maternal distress and depression during the postnatal period.Methodology:A case/control comparison study. Cases were families presenting for admissions to a mother/baby hospital in Brisbane with the major presenting problem being the child’s sleep behaviour. The control group consisted of families presenting for well child health care to one of four child health centres in suburban Brisbane.Each participating mother provided information by way of a self‐report questionnaire on social and demographic variables, children’s sleep patterns, maternal emotional adjustment and maternal sleep pattern during the pregnancy, and current problem with child’s sleep behaviour. Current level of maternal distress/depression, was measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Cases were compared with controls on all these variables.Results:Significant differences were found between groups in childhood sleep parameters, degree of problem related to childhood sleep, maternal sleep variables during the entire pregnancy, and current levels of maternal distress/depression.Conclusion:The origins of problematic childhood sleep behaviour may lie in the pregnancy period.Levels of maternal distress and depression are associated with problematic childhood sleep behaviour. The issue of whether childhood sleep problem predisposes to maternal distress/depression needs exploration. Assessment of maternal mood disorder or childhood sleep problems should be comprehensive and involve both the maternal infant dyad and the family network.
Cardiac manifestations in tuberous sclerosis: A 10‐year review
Authors: QUEK SC , YIP W , QUEK ST , CHANG SK , WONG ML , LOW PS 
Published: November 2003

Objective:Tuberous sclerosis is a genetic disorder with multisystem involvement. The aim of this study was to focus primarily on the cardiac aspects of this condition.Method:This review included 10 children with tuberous sclerosis presenting to our department during a 10‐year period.Results:From our data, 80% were found to have cardiac involvement. There was an equal prevalence of neurologic complications.Conclusions:Cardiac tumours and seizures were the most common problems encountered. Whereas most patients had no symptoms referable to the cardiovascular system and required no active intervention, many of those with neurologic involvement needed appropriate treatment.
Transient erythroblastopenia of childhood associated with transient neurologic deficit: Report of a case and review of the literature
Authors: CHAN GCF , KANWAR VS , WILIMAS J 
Published: November 2003

Objective:Patients with transient erythroblastopenia of childhood (TEC) may also have a transient neurologic disorder. We present a case history and propose a mechanism for this syndrome.Patient and Methodology:We describe a 20‐month‐old girl with TEC and transient hemiparesis. Records from the period January 1993 through December 1994 were reviewed to identify other patients with TEC and to determine whether neurologic deficits were noted in these cases.Results:Of seven patients diagnosed with TEC over a 2‐year period, only one had a neurologic deficit. This child’s hemiparesis resolved within 24 h after the appearance of her symptoms. Her TEC resolved within 4 weeks, without long‐term sequelae. Our experience and review of the literature suggest that focal neurologic deficits in TEC patients are uncommon, transient, lack long‐term sequelae, and usually resolve prior to hematologic recovery.Conclusions:Previous reports suggested that the anaemia resulting from TEC might induce neurologic deficits. We suggest an alternative mechanism in which viral infection triggers a host immune response that independently leads to both TEC and neurologic abnormalities. Future studies should address the role of viral infection in TEC patients with focal neuropathies.
Humoral immune and clinical responses to food antigens following acute diarrhoea in children
Authors: AHMED T , SUMAZAKI R , SHIN K , NAGAI Y , SHIBASAKI M , FUCHS GJ , TAKITA H 
Published: November 2003

Objective:To investigate the effect of acute watery diarrhoea in children upon humoral immune responses to food antigens and the subsequent development of food allergy.Methodology:Serum antibodies to cows’ milk, β‐lactoglobulin, α‐lactalbumin, bovine serum albumin and ovalbumin were measured in 30 children with acute diarrhoea in the acute phase and 1 month after recovery. The children were followed for 1 year to assess the development of food allergy.Results:IgG antiβ‐lactoglobulin titres for the study group increased 1 month after recovery compared to the titres during the acute phase (P=0.02). Antibody concentration for the other antigens studied did not rise. Four children developed positive IgE antibodies to one or more of the allergens after the diarrhoeal episode, although the titres were very low. None showed evidence of allergy to cows’ milk or egg during the year‐long follow‐up.Conclusions:Acute diarrhoea in children resulted in increased production of IgG antibody to β‐lactoglobulin and had a priming effect for development of positive IgE antibody to cows’ milk. Clinical food allergy was not observed in any of the children during the year‐long follow‐up.