[Oncology patients in a pediatric intensive care unit--a 7-year experience]. / Die wachsende Bedeutung der pädiatrischen Intensivstation in der Behandlung onkologischer Patienten--Erfahrungen über 7 Jahre.

BACKGROUND: As a result of improved therapeutic and diagnostic modalities the survival rate of children with neoplastic disease has increased dramatically. The consequences of these scientific advances have led to increased malignancy-related critical complications requiring the expertise of intensive care practitioners. PATIENTS: From all children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of the Martin-Luther University Halle those with hematologic-oncologic condition were evaluated. RESULTS: From 4068 PICU admissions 196 (4.8%) oncologic patients were identified. Most of them were admitted for postoperative care, monitoring or intervention. 24 patients were admitted because of severe disease or treatment related complications. 14 out of 24 (58%) patients died on PICU. Mortality was significant higher in a subgroup requiring mechanical ventilation or suffering from sepsis. All patients but two with multi-organ system failure (> or = 2 organs) died. CONCLUSIONS: Children with neoplastic disease can benefit from pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) support. Successful treatment of life-threatening complications requires a close cooperation of pediatric oncology and PICU. Further studies are necessary to improve therapeutic strategies in oncology patients requiring PICU admission.

[Hair cell function diagram in premature and mature newborn infants]. / Haarzellfunktionsdiagramme bei Früh- und Reifgeborenen.

BACKGROUND: The grade of maturation of the cochlear function must be taken into account when the cochlear function is investigated in premature infants and neonates. Quantitative analysis has not yet been performed. METHODS: Using the otodynamic analyzer ILO 88/92, we therefore determined haircell functional diagrams and the echo 65 dB levels in 35 healthy neonates as well as 30 healthy premature infants with a median gestational age (GA) of 32 weeks (28-35 weeks) 2-3 days post natum. Follow up investigations were performed in 10 neonates and 16 premature infants. RESULTS: The mean echo 65 dB levels were 4.88 +/- 4.22 dB for the right ears and 5.72 +/- 5.16 dB for the left ears in premature infants < or = 32 weeks of GA, 10.25 +/- 3.89 dB and 10.69 +/- 5.55 dB respectively in premature infants > 32 weeks of GA, and 16.01 +/- 4.99 and 14.90 +/- 4.41 dB respectively in neonates. There was no significant difference between neonates at day 2 and 4 post natum. In 16 premature infants the echo 65 dB levels increased from 4.92 dB for the right ears and 4.79 dB for the left ears at the second day of life to 11.72 dB and 11.73 dB respectively at the age of 4 weeks. CONCLUSION: We present therefore strong evidence for a maturation of the cochlear function in premature infants with increasing age. The individual grade of maturation of the cochlea is of relevance for the auditive stimulation of very premature infants.

[Mendelson syndrome in infancy and childhood]. / Das Mendelson-Syndrom im Säuglings- und Kindesalter.

Acute pulmonary failure caused by gastric acid aspiration is designated as Mendelson's syndrome. It is characterized by a trias of symptoms comprising bronchial obstruction, pulmonary oedema, and right ventricular failure. The pathomorphological pulmonary alterations show the typical symptoms of ARDS and allow the differentiation of three phases. The initial phase of injury is characterized by cauterization of the bronchial and alveolar epithelium. It is followed by the exsudative second phase during which alveolar oedema are developing. They impair the pulmonary surfactant synthesis and the formation of hyaline membranes. Fibrosis processes are typical of the proliferative third phase. Every of the mentioned three phases may be classified by their corresponding clinical symptoms. The therapy is entirely symptomatic and follows the intensive medical standards of the ARDS-therapy.

[Erythropoietin as a marker of perinatal risk]. / Erythropoietin als Marker perinataler Risiken.

The purpose of this study was to estimate if the erythropoietin (EPO) concentration in cord arterial blood can be an indicator of a fetal risk. We studied EPO concentration measured by enzyme immonoassay in ten patient groups: (1) control group with healthy newborns (n = 72); (2) neonates born by elective caesarean section (n = 16); (3) newborns with acidosis at birth (n = 12); (4) newborns with 1-min-Apgar < 7 (n = 8); (5) preterm neonates (n = 25); (6) newborns with gestational age > or = 242 weeks (n = 19); (7) neonates born to mothers with hypertension (n = 16); (8) newborns with signs of fetal distress in CTG (n = 29); (9) neonates born to mothers with diabetes (n = 19), divided into two subgroups: diabetes White A-D (n = 8) and gestational diabetes (n = 11); (10) neonates born to mothers with diabetes White A-D and with acidosis at birth (n = 7). The geometric mean was 26.4 mU/ml in the control group. EPO levels was found significantly increased (p < 0.01) in the following groups: (3) newborns with acidosis (52 mU/ml); (6) newborns with gestational age > or = 242 weeks (63.5 mU/ml); (8) newborns with signs of fetal distress in CTG (47.1 mU/ml); (9) neonates born to mothers with diabetes White A-D (47.7 mU/ml); (10) neonates born to mothers with diabetes White A-D and with acidosis at birth (> 64 mU/ml). We came to the conclusion that the cord arterial EPO concentration indicates a chronic fetal hypoxia and a longer duration of hypoxia before birth.

[Hearing screening of newborn infants at risk for perinatal hearing damage]. / Hörscreening Neugeborener mit einem Risiko für perinatale Hörschäden.

630 neonates with risk factors of perinatal hearing impairment were screened of hearing loss by means of registration of transient otoacoustic emissions before discharge from the newborn nursery. Neonates were screened additionally by means of brainstem evoked response audiometry, if they had bilateral negative emissions. 810 healthy neonates were screened as control group. The investigations were carried out in incubator after the feeding of neonates. The prevalence of a bilateral negative cochlear response was 5.2% in the risk babies and 1.7% in healthy neonates. Neonates are high risk patients for hearing loss if they show craniofacial anomalies including alcohol embryofetopathy, connatal infections, or very low birth weight babies with additional risk factors. The pedaudiological control investigations of the babies with a negative bilateral cochlear response delivered in the risk group 15 cases (2.4%) with an important hearing impairment and in the healthy neonates 2 cases (0.25%) respectively. Prevalence and importance of perinatal hearing impairment explains the necessity of detection in the neonatal period.

[Effect of the beta-2 mimetic drug terbutaline of growth hormone secretion in prepubertal asthmatic children]. / Zum Einfluss des Beta-2-Mimetikums Terbutalin auf die Wachstumshormonsekretion präpubertärer asthmakranker Kinder.

Asthmatics display a tendency to retarded growth and hyposomia in childhood. The reasons for this are not yet clear, although the atopic disposition seems to occupy a key role. It is a known fact that stimulation of the beta-2 receptors results in inhibiting growth hormone secretion. The purpose of our study was to find out whether the beta-2 mimetic terbutalin, often used in asthma therapy, exercises a negative influence on the spontaneous release of growth hormone in children suffering from asthma. The growth hormone release was studied in 10 prepuberal children suffering from atopic asthma who received intravenous therapeutic doses of terbutalin: testing was done for a total period of 24 hours before and during administration. Terbutalin effected significant inhibition of growth hormone secretion merely during the waking phase (6.2 +/- 1.0 to 3.7 +/- 0.7 ng/ml), but not during the sleep phase (13.1 +/- 1.8 to 12.5 +/- 2.0 ng/ml) and the 24-hour period (11.0 +/- 1.0 to 9.8 +/- 1.5 ng/ml). There was also no significant influence on the average group value for the maximum growth hormone peak (40.8 +/- 9.5 to 42.7 +/- 11.0 ng/ml). These results point to a short-term inhibition of growth hormone secretion, exercised by intravenously administered terbutalin. Terbutalin does not seem to be responsible for any clinically relevant inhibition of growth and development.

[Results of neonatal hearing screening with transitory evoked otoacoustic emissions]. / Ergebnisse eines Neugeborenen-Hörscreenings mittels transitorisch evozierter otoakustischer Emissionen.

From 1. 10. 1992-31. 12. 1993 a hearing screening was performed in 994 preterm and term babies (765 healthy neonates and 229 neonates with risk factors for hearing loss) by means of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE). There was a bilateral absent of emissions in 4.3% of the healthy neonates and 11.8% of the risk babies. 8 from 32 healthy neonates and 10 from 22 risk babies also had a negative test result in the control investigation. 16 of these children showed in 7 cases a severe hearing impairment in expanded pedaudiological investigations. The registration of TEOAE is a recommendable method for a hearing screening in neonates.

The development of circadian rhythmicity in neonates.

Eleven healthy, full-term babies were studied on the second day (d2) after birth and again 4 weeks (w4) later. The babies lived in natural lighting conditions and were fed every 4 h. Blood pressure, heart rate, skin (abdomen) and rectal temperatures were measured at 10-min intervals for 24 h. Behavioural states (deep sleep, light sleep, drowsy, alert, crying) were measured at the same times, and used to purify the raw data. Both the raw and purified data were assessed for circadian (24-h) rhythmicity by cosinor analysis. Circadian rhythms in heart rate and blood pressure were poorly developed at d2 and w4. By contrast, skin and rectal temperatures showed circadian rhythmicity that increased in amplitude between d2 and w4; this increase was seen in both raw and purified data. The masking effect due to sleep changed also; the depression caused by "deep sleep" became greater between d2 and w4. The results indicate that the development of circadian rhythmicity in body temperature was not secondary to that of a circadian pattern of sleep and activity, and presumably derives from a body clock that is beginning to develop independently.

Investigations of the rhythmic function of heart rate, blood pressure and temperature in neonates.

Over a period of 24-30 h in 10 min intervals, the systolic diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, heart rate, rectal and skin temperature were measured simultaneously in 17 full-term babies on the 2nd day of life, and in 11 of them again at the age of 4 weeks. Each profile was analysed individually by the Cosinor method. On the 2nd day of life, a statistically significant circadian rhythm could be detected in 12 of the 17 neonates for systolic blood pressure and heart rate, in 16 for skin temperature and in all 17 neonates for rectal temperature. Summarizing the data of the 17 newborns the circadian rhythm was the most frequent component in all functions. A high portion of ultradian rhythms was observed as well. With increasing postnatal age, the variance of acrophases decreased, particularly for the temperature rhythms. This means that synchronization with the environment is beginning. Furthermore, we found an increase in the mesor of heart rate and blood pressure and an increase in amplitude of temperature.

[The startle reaction of the newborn infant]. / Die Startle-Reaktion des Neugeborenen.

Startle characterized by a spontaneous or reflecting motoric symptom like brisk, shortlasting and generalized contraction of limb and trunk muscles influence considerably the cardio-respirogram of neonates. The dependence of startles on behaviour, gestational age and postnatal age as well as on levels of blood glucose, calcium and magnesium in serum has been studied in 12 premature infants and in 24 full term neonates by means of polygraphic conditions. The average of 3.6 +/- 3.0 complete startles in premature infants and of 10.6 +/- 8.7 startles in full term neonates per hour non rapid eye movement-sleep, observed on second day after birth, was significantly higher than the frequency of startles in rapid eye movement-sleep measured as 0.6 +/- 0.9 and 1.9 +/- 2.1 complete startles respectively. In an age of 4 weeks there were no complete startles demonstrable in full term neonates and only 0.2 complete startles/h in non rapid eye movement sleep could be observed in premature infants. There was no correlation between frequency of startles and investigated chemical parameters in serum.

[Experiences using acylureido-penicillins (azlocillin, mezlocillin) in pediatrics]. / Erfahrungen mit Acylureido-Penicillinen (Azlocillin-Mezlocillin) in der Pädiatrie.

The acylureidopenicillins azlocillin and mezlocillin cover a broad spectrum of bacteria, including gramnegative and grampositive species as well as anaerobes. Azlocillin is especially active against P. aeruginosa. Mezlocillin has a good activity against Klebsiella. Both antibiotics inhibit Hemophilus, N. meningitidis and D. pneumoniae in low concentrations. Clinical and kinetic studies were made in more than 300 pediatric patients. Elimination-constant halflife, distribution volume and area under the curve were determined to propose dosage recommendations. Concentrations of azlocillin (44) and mezlocillin (77) were measured in the bronchial secretions. Up to hour 5 after i.v. injection a wide range of concentration values were observed. Azlocillin was found in the meconium in different concentrations after a single injection into the newborn. Mezlocillin diffused into the CSF even in uninflamed meninges, 3 h after injection the mean concentrations were 5.5 mg/l. 39 patients, 35 of them infected by P. aeruginosa, were treated by azlocillin. Urinary tract infections, wound infections and dacryocystitis were cured with one exception. Less convincing were the results in complicated bronchopulmonary diseases. The clinical efficacy of mezlocillin was similar. In a group of 59 patients there were only 3 without effect and some with improvement again in complicated pulmonary diseases. Side effects worth to be mentioned were not seen. In 2 patients the azlocillin injection caused nausea. Mezlocillin led to some minor transitory elevations of the transaminases and dyspepsia in some patients.

[Mezlocillin in neonatal medicine]. / Mezlocillin in der Neonatalmedizin.

The acylureido penicillin mezlocillin was tested clinically and pharmacologically in neonates and young infants who received the antibiotic for prophylactic and therapeutic reasons. On the basis of blood level determinations following the administration of various dosages, we consider a dose of 200 mg/kg per day necessary for premature babies and 300-400 mg/kg per day for full-term babies. Pharmacokinetic data showed age-dependent features. The clinical results were good in 40 children treated with mezlocillin. Twenty of these children received a combination of mezlocillin and gentamicin. No child died of an infection. Therapy was not successful in three babies suffering from productive bronchopulmonary infections. Important side-effects were not observed.

The antenatal use of ambroxol (bromhexine metabolite VIII) to prevent hyaline membrane disease: a controlled double-blind study.

A prospective double-blind clinical trial was carried out to determine whether ambroxol (bromhexine metabolite VIII) treatment (1000 mg/day for a period of 5 days) reduces the risk of hyaline membrane disease (HMD) in potentially premature infants. Amniocentesis was performed before the first and 24 h after the last application of ambroxol or placebo to assess the development of the total phospholipid phosphorus content, the L/S ratio, the P/S ratio, and the properties of the surface tension of the amniotic fluid after ambroxol or placebo. There were 246 infants born to 224 mothers. Of the 116 infants with less than or equal to 36 completed weeks' gestation, 56 were in the ambroxol and 60 in the placebo group. No differences between groups occurred in risk factors for HMD (diabetes, asphyxia, male sex, cesarean section). Statistically significant differences in favor of the infants in the ambroxol group were found in the HMD incidence: 23.2% in the ambroxol group compared with 41.7% in the placebo group (p less than 0.05). There was no reduction of the HMD incidence in the less than or equal to 32-week gestational age category in the ambroxol group compared with the placebo group inspite of the fact that all the examined parameters for determining lung maturity reflected a stimulatory effect of ambroxol compared with the results of the placebo group, particularly before the 33rd week of gestation. Prolonged rupture of the membranes played no protective role against HMD.

[Pharmakokinetic and clinical studies with azlocillin in paediatrics (author's transl)]. / Pharmakokinetische und klinische Untersuchungen mit Azlocillin in der Pädiatrie.

Azlocillin, an acylureido penicillin with bactericidal activity, is particularly effective against Pseudomonas, enterococci and Haemophilus influenzae. It is also very active against E. coli, various Proteus species and Bacteroides. Pharmacokinetic studies were carried out in 138 children of various ages (prematures, newborns, infants, schoolchildren) after administering 50-75-100 mg/kg/ body weight azlocillin via the i.v. or i.m. routes; The constant of elimination and the distribution volumes were calculated besides the serum levels. In prematures and newborns, therapeutically effective serum levels were obtained on administering 50 or 100 mg/kg body weight twice daily. Infants and older children required 100 or 75 mg/kg body weight t.i.d. Determination of azlocillin in the bronchial secretion after i.v. doses of 75 mg/kg body weight showed good elimination. Azlocillin was always identified up to the 5th hour post injectionem. Inspite of parenteral administration, azlocillin was identified in different concentrations in the meconium as well. 39 children were treated with azlocillin, 35 of whom had Pseudomonas infection. Very good results were obtained in infections of the urinary tract, wound infections, conjunctivitis, dacryocystitis and in one case of meningitis. Bronchopulmonary diseases did not take an equally good course, but in these cases the conditions had not been favourable. No serious side effects were revealed by testing several laboratory parameters.

Amoxicillin in paediatrics, with special reference to its excretion into bronchial secretion.

Pharmacokinetic examinations with amoxicillin in neonates and prematures are reported. Good values of up to 5 mcg/ml after 24 hours were achieved with two doses of 50 mg/kg amoxicillin daily. Amoxicillin was also found in the meconium, although quantities varied greatly. Amoxicillin is recommended for the treatment of disorders of the respiratory tract because of its good absorption, tissue penetration and tolerance. Examinations to assess the excretion of amoxicillin into the bronchial secretion were therefore carried out in 88 children in different age groups. Two artificial respiration bronchoscopies were carried out with an interval of 7 days, and the bronchial secretion collected and tested for organisms and for amoxicillin concentrations. After the first bronchoscopy, patients were given amoxicillin for 7 days, in doses of 125 to 750 mg t.i.d., corresponding to 40-100 mg/kg body weight. Some very high amoxicillin values were found, especially in those groups from whom the secretion was taken 2, 3, or 4 hours after the last amoxicillin treatment. The values were widely scattered. We recommended 50-100 mg/kg for broncho-pulmonary diseases.

Pharmacokinetics of azlocillin in neonates.

The pharmacokinetics of the acylureido-penicillin, azlocillin, were studied after intravenous or intramuscular injections in 53 premature and full-term infants with infections. Effective concentrations wer" achieved in premature babies after doses of 50 mg/kg every 12 h and in full-term infants with 100 mg/kg every 12 h. No untoward effects of azlocillin were observed. On the basis of these studies, a dosage schedule for azlocillin has been established.