Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complication of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) but the true impact of PH in patients with BPD remains unclear. We sought to systematically review and meta-analyze incidence of PH in BPD and compare clinical outcomes of BPD patients with PH to those without PH in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: Medline, Embase, PsychINFO and CINAHL were searched from January 2000 through December 2015. Cohort, case-control and randomized studies were included. Case-reports, case-series and letters to editors and studies with high risk of bias were excluded. Study design, inclusion/exclusion criteria, diagnostic criteria for BPD and PH and outcomes were extracted independently by two co-authors. RESULTS: The pooled incidence of PH in patients with BPD (any severity) was 17% (95% confidence interval (CI) 12 to 21; 7 studies) and 24% (95% CI 17 to 30; 9 studies) in moderate-severe BPD. Patients with BPD have higher unadjusted odds of developing PH compared to those without BPD (odds ratio (OR) 3.00; 95% CI 1.18 to 7.66; 4 studies). Patients with BPD and PH were at higher odds of mortality (OR 5.29; 95% CI 2.07 to 13.56; 3 studies) compared with BPD without PH, but there was no significant difference in duration of initial hospitalization, duration of supplemental oxygen requirement or need for home oxygen. No studies included in this review reported on long-term pulmonary or neurodevelopmental outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: PH occurs in one out of 4 to 5 preterm neonates with BPD. Patients with BPD and PH may have higher odds of mortality; however, there is urgent need for high quality studies that control for confounders and provide data on long-term outcomes.

The impact of socioeconomic factors on the efficiency of voluntary toxoplasmosis screening during pregnancy: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Congenital toxoplasmosis is associated with severe complications. German state health insurance covers rubella, but not toxoplasmosis, immunity screening. We analysed the effect of socioeconomic factors on the efficiency of private toxoplasmosis screening during pregnancy. METHODS: Toxoplasmosis and rubella screening data (n = 5402 mothers) were collected within the population-based Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP). RESULTS: At the first-trimester screening, 34.4 % (88.1 %) of expecting mothers were immune to toxoplasmosis (rubella). Susceptibility for toxoplasmosis (rubella) was observed in 39.6 % (8.9 %) and 25.8 % (2.95 %) were not tested. Data on a 2(nd) screening were available in a subgroup of women with negative immunity showing less than 45 % participation rate. Active toxoplasmosis (no rubella) infection was observed in 0.3 % (n = 17) of pregnant women. A multiple logistic regression model (AIC = 719.67; AUC = 0.725) revealed that the likelihood of participating in a second toxoplasmosis screening increased among women with a good level of education and a steady partnership and decreased with paternal unemployment and the absence of breastfeeding. The highest probability of non-participation in toxoplasmosis screening was found among women with temporal burden and family responsibilities. A cost-benefit analysis showed that covering general screening for toxoplasmosis with health insurance saved costs. CONCLUSION: Toxoplasmosis carried a substantial risk of infection during pregnancy. Although increased socioeconomic status was positively associated with the participation in toxoplasmosis screening, this was not the case when pregnant women had strong temporal burden and family responsibilities. This data supports the need for toxoplasmosis screening among pregnant women as a general healthcare benefit covered by insurance.

A comparison of the Miller laryngoscope versus the prototype neonatal offset-blade laryngoscope in a manikin.

Laryngoscope blades used to intubate newborn babies are relatively bulky and frequently exert high pressure on the upper jaw. We tested a prototype neonatal offset-blade laryngoscope (NOBL) developed to overcome these limitations. Our aims were to compare the pressure on the upper jaw exerted by a size 0 Miller laryngoscope and the NOBL on a neonatal manikin, as well as the time taken to intubate the trachea and the area of view of the larynx. Twenty healthcare professionals with more than five years of experience in neonatal intensive care took part; the findings were assessed using pressure-sensitive film and photographs. High-pressure indentation occurred in 17 (85%) attempts using the Miller versus 1 (5%) using the NOBL (p = 0.0001). The median (IQR [range]) pressure exerted with the Miller laryngoscope was 455 (350-526 [75-650]) kPa vs 80 (0-133 [0-195]) kPa with the NOBL (p < 0.0001). The area of pressure exerted with the Miller laryngoscope was 68 (32-82 [0-110]) mm(2) vs 8 (0-23 [0-40]) mm(2) with the NOBL (p < 0.0001). The time to intubate was 8.3 (7.3-10.1[4-19]) s for the Miller and 8.0 (5.6-9.6 [4-13.5]) s for the NOBL (p < 0.0001). The area of view blocked by the Miller laryngoscope was 38% of the oral orifice versus 12% with the NOBL. We conclude that the NOBL significantly reduced undesired pressure on the upper jaw during tracheal intubation and improved the view of the larynx compared with a conventional laryngoscope.

LPS from bovine serum albumin drives TNF-α release during ex-vivo placenta perfusion experiments, contaminates the perfusion system but can be effectively removed by oxidative cleaning.

INTRODUCTION: The dual ex-vivo perfusion of human placental tissue is useful to study inflammatory pathways. We found significant TNF-α release in negative controls similar in concentration to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulated placentas. The aim of the current study was to (i) identify sources driving TNF-α release and (ii) develop an approach to control for it. METHOD: (i) To determine sources leading to TNF-α release, solutions frequently circulated through the perfusion system and perfusion media with different bovine serum albumin (BSA) quality were exposed to mouse macrophage cell lines (RAW264.7) and subsequently measured for TNF-α expression. (ii) To assess memory effects and validate cleaning procedures, sham perfusion experiments were conducted either in the presence or absence of exogenous LPS, in new tubing that was contaminated, cleaned and analyzed for the effectiveness of LPS removal. Oxidative and acid-base cleaning were tested for their effectiveness to reduce LPS contamination. RESULTS: TNF-α release, observed in negative control experiments, was attributed to the use of LPS-contaminated BSA as well as inadequate cleaning of the perfusion system. Once introduced in the perfusion system, LPS accumulated and created a memory effect. Oxidative but not acid-base depyrogenation effectively reduced LPS levels to concentrations that were in accordance with FDA guidelines (<0.5 EU/mL) for medical equipment redeemed appropriate for re-use. DISCUSSION: LPS contamination of the placenta perfusion model could have confounding effects on experimental outcomes leading to misinterpretation of data. To circumvent LPS contamination LPS-free BSA and oxidative depyrogenation cleaning techniques should be implemented in future placental perfusion studies.

Women's intentions to breastfeed: a population-based cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: Given that intention to breastfeed is a strong predictor of breastfeeding initiation and duration, the objectives of this study were to estimate the population-based prevalence and the factors associated with the intention to breastfeed. DESIGN: Retrospective population-based cohort study. SETTING: All hospitals in Ontario, Canada (1 April 2009-31 March 2010). POPULATION: Women who gave birth to live, term, singletons/twins. METHODS: Patient, healthcare provider, and hospital factors that may be associated with intention to breastfeed were analysed using univariable and multivariable regression. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Population-based prevalence of intention to breastfeed and its associated factors. RESULTS: The study included 92,364 women, of whom 78,806 (85.3%) intended to breastfeed. The odds of intending to breastfeed were higher amongst older women with no health problems and women who were cared for exclusively by midwives (adjusted OR 3.64, 95% CI 3.13-4.23). Being pregnant with twins (adjusted OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57-0.94), not attending antenatal classes (adjusted OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.54-0.62), having previous term or preterm births (adjusted OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.78-0.81, and adjusted OR 0.87, 95% CI 0.82-0.93, respectively), and delivering in a level-1 hospital (adjusted OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.77-0.93) were associated with a lower intention to breastfeed. CONCLUSIONS: In this population-based study ~85% of women intended to breastfeed their babies. Key factors that are associated with the intention to breastfeed were identified, which can now be targeted for intervention programmes aimed at increasing the prevalence of breastfeeding and improving overall child and maternal health.

Ultrasound screening strategies for the diagnosis of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract.

PURPOSE: Congenital anomalies of the kidneys and urinary tract (CAKUT) are among the most common anomalies in newborn infants, and may cause chronic renal disease in newborns. We investigated the sensitivity and specificity of different ultrasound-based screening strategies for CAKUT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Newborns (n = 4331) were analyzed for CAKUT in at least one ultrasound examination as a part of the Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP), a 7-year population-based study on neonates in Western Pomerania (Germany). Intrauterine ultrasound examinations were compared with early postnatal ultrasound findings (from days 3 - 7 of life) and pathological findings within the first 6 months of postnatal life. RESULTS: Cases of CAKUT were detected in 309 (3.7 %) kidneys in one ultrasound examination at the following points of time at least: (i) prenatally in 56 newborns (18.2 %), (ii) 3 - 7 days postnatally in 201 newborns (65.2 %) and (iii) in 52 newborns (17 %) during the 6-month follow-up. The prevalence was significantly higher in male infants, and hydronephrosis was found to be the most frequent obstructive nephropathy (83.3 %). Significant co-morbidity was observed with CNS malformations. The diagnostic sensitivity was significantly higher in postnatal ultrasound screening (79.6 vs. 18.2 % prenatally), while the specificity was above 99 % at all time points. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a high prevalence of CAKUT and demonstrates the importance of combined prenatal and postnatal ultrasound examinations for early CAKUT diagnosis.

[Sociodemography of primiparae and multiparae in a population-based survey--the Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP)]. / Soziodemografie von Erstgebärenden und Mehrfachgebärenden in einer bevölkerungsrepräsentativen Erhebung--Ergebnisse des Survey of Neonates in Pomerania (SNiP).

BACKGROUND: The official birth statistics are regarded as a reliable data source on births and birth rate in the German population. However, they show methodological limitations with respect to the identification of first-time mothers and the number of children per mother. The mothers' social and economical background is not assessed. The goal of the present analysis was (a) to describe demographic and socio-economic variables of all births in a defined region over a fixed time-frame and (b) to make a comparison on the basis of parity and gravidity. METHOD: From 2004-2007 4,982 children were born in the region and data from n=4,788 children were assessed (96%); n=3,505 (73%) of these mothers consented to a more detailed assessment. RESULTS: The fertility rate in the SniP region is low. There are fewer children per 1,000 women and born per women in general. The average age of primiparae was 25 and 26 years. As can be expected there is a significant difference between primiparae and multiparae with respect to age. There is also a difference in occupational status. 17% of the primiparae have been multigravidae. CONCLUSIONS AND DISCUSSION: For the first time in Germany, the SNiP collected comprehensive population-based data on the age and socio-demographic variables of children and their mothers in a defined geographical region. A significant discrepancy for average age of primiparae between the study results and the official statistics is discussed in the light of methodological and regional issues. Our results require the continuation of comprehensive population-based data assessment. Furthermore, the SniP region could serve as a model region for future research. In international comparisons Germany's reproductive behaviour has proved to be unfavourable, which is accentuated in the region under examination.

Enteral nutrient supply for preterm infants: commentary from the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Committee on Nutrition.

The number of surviving children born prematurely has increased substantially during the last 2 decades. The major goal of enteral nutrient supply to these infants is to achieve growth similar to foetal growth coupled with satisfactory functional development. The accumulation of knowledge since the previous guideline on nutrition of preterm infants from the Committee on Nutrition of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition in 1987 has made a new guideline necessary. Thus, an ad hoc expert panel was convened by the Committee on Nutrition of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition in 2007 to make appropriate recommendations. The present guideline, of which the major recommendations are summarised here (for the full report, see http://links.lww.com/A1480), is consistent with, but not identical to, recent guidelines from the Life Sciences Research Office of the American Society for Nutritional Sciences published in 2002 and recommendations from the handbook Nutrition of the Preterm Infant. Scientific Basis and Practical Guidelines, 2nd ed, edited by Tsang et al, and published in 2005. The preferred food for premature infants is fortified human milk from the infant's own mother, or, alternatively, formula designed for premature infants. This guideline aims to provide proposed advisable ranges for nutrient intakes for stable-growing preterm infants up to a weight of approximately 1800 g, because most data are available for these infants. These recommendations are based on a considered review of available scientific reports on the subject, and on expert consensus for which the available scientific data are considered inadequate.

Neonatology/Paediatrics - Guidelines on Parenteral Nutrition, Chapter 13.

There are special challenges in implementing parenteral nutrition (PN) in paediatric patients, which arises from the wide range of patients, ranging from extremely premature infants up to teenagers weighing up to and over 100 kg, and their varying substrate requirements. Age and maturity-related changes of the metabolism and fluid and nutrient requirements must be taken into consideration along with the clinical situation during which PN is applied. The indication, the procedure as well as the intake of fluid and substrates are very different to that known in PN-practice in adult patients, e.g. the fluid, nutrient and energy needs of premature infants and newborns per kg body weight are markedly higher than of older paediatric and adult patients. Premature infants <35 weeks of pregnancy and most sick term infants usually require full or partial PN. In neonates the actual amount of PN administered must be calculated (not estimated). Enteral nutrition should be gradually introduced and should replace PN as quickly as possible in order to minimise any side-effects from exposure to PN. Inadequate substrate intake in early infancy can cause long-term detrimental effects in terms of metabolic programming of the risk of illness in later life. If energy and nutrient demands in children and adolescents cannot be met through enteral nutrition, partial or total PN should be considered within 7 days or less depending on the nutritional state and clinical conditions.

[Prevalence of smoking in women before and during pregnancy: population-based data]. / Prävalenz des Rauchens vor und während der Schwangerschaft--populationsbasierte Daten.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Population-based data on smoking behavior in Germany of women before or during pregnancy have been lacking. Smoking rates of these women have now been recorded over a period of 3 years against the background of growing tobacco control activities in Germany. METHODS: The study was conducted between 4/2003 and 3/2006 in the context of a prospective population-based survey about perinatal morbidity and mortality (Survey of Neonates in Pomerania - SNiP). This survey registers all newborns and their mothers in one defined region. Of the women eligible for the study 2 297 (68.1%) participated after delivery by giving data about their smoking behavior before and during pregnancy. RESULTS: 61.2% of the women had smoked at some time, 46.6% had smoked before, 24.2% into the 4. month and 20.5% into the last 4 weeks of pregnancy. Smoking rates remained unchanged over the 3 years that were studied. The rates of smokers who had quit by the time of delivery varied according to the length of school education: (<10 years: 30%; 10 y: 59%; >10 y: 84%) and age (<24 years: 45%; 25-30 y: 65%; >30 y: 77%). CONCLUSION: This study for the first time provides population-based data about the prevalence of smoking before and during pregnancy among women in Germany. The data show extremely high numbers of smokers, especially younger women and women of only 10 years or less of school education. Despite growing tobacco control activities no changes in smoking rates were observed over three years. These findings underline the need to develop effective interventions to prevent smoking of women before and during pregnancy.

[The influence of previous pregnancy terminations, miscarriages and still-births on the incidence of babies with low birth weight and premature births as well as a somatic classification of newborns]. / Zum Einfluss von vorausgegangenen Schwangerschaftsabbrüchen, Aborten und Totgeburten auf die Rate Neugeborener mit niedrigem Geburtsgewicht und Frühgeborener sowie auf die somatische Klassifikation der Neugeborenen.

AIM: The influence of previous interruptions, miscarriages and IUFD on the IUGR and preterm rate as well as on the somatic staging (gestational age and birth weight) of the new born is a subject of controversial discussion in the literature. The present paper attempts to quantify these risks of the medical history. 2 282 412 singleton pregnancies of the period 1995 to 2000 were evaluated from the German Perinatal Database. For the analysis 1 065 202 pregnancies (46.7 %) of those mothers without any live birth in the medical history were assessed. To exclude any influence from previous abortions patients with previous miscarriages and IUFDs were excluded. The control collective were new borns whose mothers had suffered neither from miscarriages nor from abortions or IUFD. RESULTS: Previous interruptions, miscarriages and IUFD influence the rate of new borns with low birth weight and increase the rate of prematurity. With increasing numbers of isolated or combined risks in the medical history, the rate of newborns with a low birth weight or with prematurity is increased. The lowest risk was found after one interruption, the highest rate with two or more IUFDs. Interruptions, miscarriages or IUFD are not risk factors for IUGR or SGA. CONCLUSION: Previous interruptions, miscarriages and IUFD are relevant risk factors for prematurity and are related with low birth weight of the new borns. Pregnant women with such risk factors have to been considered as risk pregnancies and need intensive surveillance.

[The shortening of the duration of pregnancy due to smoking and associated costs for perinatal health care in Germany]. / Erhöhung der Frühgeborenenrate durch Rauchen in der Schwangerschaft und daraus resultierende Kosten für die Perinatalmedizin in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND: As about 20 % of pregnant women smoke, 137,000 of the 685,795 neonates delivered in Germany in 2005 have been affected by smoking during pregnancy. Caring for neonates born prematurely because of smoking results in additional costs. We have attempted to estimate these costs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data of 1,815,318 pregnancies were collected from the German perinatal statistics of 1995-1997. In 876,645 cases there was information regarding smoking. Of these, 699,134 pregnant women were non-smokers and 177,511 were smokers. To determine the number of preterm births due to smoking, we compared the distribution of the duration of pregnancy of the non-smoking cohort to that of the smoking cohort. From the difference between this and the actual distribution of the duration of pregnancy among smokers we determined the number of additional preterm births caused by smoking. For the analysis of the associated costs we used the actual costs of care and daily rates used in neonatology. RESULTS: For 2002 we estimate 43 million Euros of additional costs due to neonates born prematurely because of smoking. CONCLUSIONS: We present a rough estimate of the additional health care costs for neonates because of smoking. Costs were estimated only with regard to premature deliveries. Other effects of smoking during pregnancy on neonatal health were not considered. More detailed cost analyses will likely reveal even higher costs.

Ultrastructure of human placental tissue after 6 h of normoxic and hypoxic dual in vitro placental perfusion.

The dual in vitro perfusion model of human placental tissue allows the study of different aspects of placental function, such as metabolism, transport and secretion of proteohormones, cytokines and prostaglandins. The integrity of the perfused placental tissue is an important parameter to validate the perfusion system. Using light and electron microscopy, the morphology of villous tissue was examined before and after six hours of normoxic (n=10) vs. hypoxic (n=10) perfusion. An apical shift of the rough endoplasmic reticulum and occasional vacuoles were found in the syncytiotrophoblast of the terminal villi, the exchange area of the placenta. No unexpected pathological findings were seen before the perfusion experiments and only slight changes with moderate distension of the endoplasmic reticulum after 6 h of normoxic perfusion. After hypoxic perfusions, distinct ultrastructural alterations, such as oedematous villous stroma, swollen or completely destroyed cell organelles (e.g., mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum), multiple vacuoles inside syncytio- and cytotrophoblasts as well as the microvilli were seen, which leads to an impairment of the placental barrier and other functions. The ultrastructural examination of placental tissue before and after dual in vitro perfusion broadens the knowledge of physiological and pathophysiological processes in the perfused placenta and may be a beneficial part of regular validation.

[Reasons for the delayed realisation of pregnancy. Results of a questionnaire among women in childbed in the new (east) and old (west) federal states of Germany in 1998-2000]. / Gründe für eine spätere Realisierung des Kinderwunsches. Ergebnisse einer Wöchnerinnen-Befragung in den neuen und alten Bundesländern in den Jahren 1998-2000.

BACKGROUND: The number of live births in Germany has decreased by 46.7 % from 1 261 614 in 1960 to 672 675 in 2006. The causes for this are manifold. This study attempts to address the possible causes for the delay of birth in Germany in an east-west comparison. METHOD: Within the "Kinderwunschstudie" (survey of desired/intended fertility) 5 143 women in childbed have been interviewed between 1998 and 2000. They were asked questions concerning the delay of this particular birth. Only women and their spouses who were born in Germany, respectively, were included into the analysis. Berlin women in childbed were excluded from the analysis due to the problematic east-west classification. The number of analysable cases finally added up to 2 020 cases in East Germany and 2 193 cases in West Germany. RESULTS: 24.4 % of the interviewed women in the East admitted a delay of the last birth compared to 21.2 % of those in the West. There are clear differences concerning the reasons for this delay between the old (west) and the new (east) federal states. 34 % of the east German women agreed that an insecure income situation was the reason for the delayed realisation of the desired pregnancy / birth, whereas it was only 16 % in the west. CONCLUSION: This survey ("Kinderwunschstudie") in fact indicates differences regarding the reasons for a delay of birth between east and west German women (in childbed). However, it also highlights the generally negative influence of the given social and economic conditions on the number of births and underlines the prospects for an ongoing decrease. As a result, society will in future have to face problems of unknown dimensions.

Sex-specific differences in birth weight due to maternal smoking during pregnancy.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the sex-specific risk of maternal smoking during pregnancy on the birth weight and the proportion of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) newborns in 888,632 (49.9%) of 1,815,318 singleton births (ca. 80% of all singleton births in Germany from 1995 to 1997) in whom data on maternal cigarette consumption were available. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Newborns below the 10th percentile for weight and duration of pregnancy were classified SGA. Maternal smoking during pregnancy lowers the mean birth weight and increases the risk of SGA newborns. The negative effect depends on the daily number of cigarettes consumed, and is greater in girls than in boys. In non-smokers, 9.8% of the newborns were SGA, with a sex-ratio of females:males=1, but this percentage increased with increasing number of cigarettes consumed (p<0.001), as did the sex-ratio, i.e. the negative effect of smoking on growth was greater in girls than in boys. In mild smokers (1-5 cigarettes/day), the risk of giving birth to an SGA girl was 1.7275-fold (95% CI: 1.7266-1.7284) above normal, but was 1.7143-fold (95% CI: 1.7137-1.7150) in boys. More than 21 cigarettes/day increased the risk of SGA 3.15-fold for a boy, but 3.51-fold for a girl (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, particularly in heavy smokers, the negative effect of maternal smoking during pregnancy on the mean birth weight and risk of SGA is significantly greater in newborn girls than in newborn boys.

[Correlation between sex, intrauterine position and familial predisposition and neonatal hip ultrasound results]. / Populationsbasierte Studie zu Prädispositionsfaktoren und Häufigkeit der Hüftgelenksdysplasie.

AIM: To correlate findings of hip ultrasound on day 4-10 of life with sex, intrauterine position and a positive family history for congenital hip anomalies. METHODS: The SNiP-study ( Survey of Neonates In Pommerania) registered 2256 neonates (2030 term, 226 preterm) between May 2002 and March 2004. Hip ultrasound results of 1043 term and since October 2003 33 preterm neonates were analysed. Time of ultrasound was day 4-10 after birth. Preterm neonates were examined when reaching their corrected term gestational age. Ultrasound was applied with a 7.5 MHz linear scanner and results were classified according to Graf. Chi-square and Fishers exact test were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: 4.9 % of the screened hips were classified as IIc or higher, 3.1 % were unilateral and 1.7 % bilateral. Incidence was significantly higher (p < 0.023) in females (6.6 %) than in males (3.2 %). There was no significant difference in intrauterine position or positive family history for hip anomalies with 3.7 % for mothers, 1.2 % of fathers and 2.4 % of siblings positive. There was a higher incidence for congenital hip dysplasia in preterms with 6.1 %, which is not significant due to the limited number. DISCUSSION: Current screening methods miss up to 18 % of newborns with severe hip dysplasia. We were able to demonstrate that screening for congenital hip dysplasia with ultrasound is a diagnostic tool even during the first days of life. There is a significantly higher incidence of congenital hip dysplasia in females, but in contrast to other studies we found no significant difference in intrauterine position or familial history. Earlier diagnosis and therapy on the base of relevant risk factors might correspond with an improved prognosis and outcome. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the significance in preterm neonates.

[Exposure to tobacco smoke (passive smoking) in the home and inpatient treatment of children under the age of 5 years in Germany]. / Tabakrauchexposition in der Wohnung und stationäre Behandlungen von Kindern unter 5 Jahren in Deutschland.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) poses an impact on the health of the newborns and infants. In Germany research about the tobacco-attributable morbidity and mortality has been conducted to a very small extent. This analysis examines all data from 16 federal states in regard to number and duration of hospitalization of children exposed to ETS up to 5 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Integration of two different data sets: (a) national data (number of households with children younger than 5 years exposed to a current smoker) with (b) hospital statistics (number and duration of hospitalisations by diagnoses) for all 16 federal states. Relative risks for tobacco-attributable diseases were taken from current research. RESULTS: In Germany the rate for tobacco-attributable hospitalisations of children between 0 and < 5 years range from 1.6 % to 3.8 % between states. Between 22.0 % and 27.1 % of all hospitalisations with the diagnosis of otitis media or respiratory diseases are attributable to passive smoking. CONCLUSION: Tobacco-attributable hospitalisations pose a serious but preventable problem for the health care system.

Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome with a classical phenotype, oesophageal achalasia and borderline plasma sterol concentrations.

The diagnostic biochemical hallmarks of Smith-Lemli-Opitz syndrome (SLOS) are elevated concentrations of the cholesterol precursors 7- and 8-dehydrocholesterol (7- and 8-DHC). We describe a patient with classical SLOS phenotype and oesophageal achalasia, which has not been reported in SLOS patients before. Plasma 7-DHC and 8-DHC were only marginally elevated. The diagnosis was confirmed by sterol analysis in cultured skin fibroblasts and mutation analysis.

Resting energy expenditure in obese children aged 4 to 15 years: measured versus predicted data.

AIM: To measure the relationship of resting energy expenditure (REE) and body composition, and to compare REE data calculated from anthropometric parameters using published equations with measurements obtained by indirect calorimetry (IC) in a population of obese paediatric patients. METHODS: The study included 82 healthy obese paediatric subjects (49 boys, 33 girls; body mass index 29.6 +/- 5.0 kg/m , age 1 1.4 +/- 2.6 y, weight 72.4 +/- 20.9 kg, height 155 +/- 14 cm). REE was measured by IC, body composition was determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Bootstrap analysis was performed to validate the step-down linear regression analysis results. RESULTS: Lean body mass (LBM) and weight were identified as the most significant determinants of REE. LBM was the best single predictor (r = 0.78; p < 0.001) for REE. Regression equations are given in the text. Prediction of REE on the basis of published anthropometric formulas was strongly dependent from the equation used. Some equations tend to underestimate REE in the population studied with a considerable systematic error. CONCLUSION: In the present paper we show that (1) the published equations to predict REE in obese subjects yield scattered data and some are even biased by a systematic error, and that (2) the inclusion of DXA-derived LBM improves accuracy and precision of predicted REE in boys and girls aged from 4 to 10 y and in boys from 11 to 15 y.