European journal of pediatrics
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Reticulocyte indices are easy to obtain, low cost parameters and have gained interest in the field of diagnosing anaemias of childhood. ⋯ Age, IDA and beta-thal significantly affect reticulocyte indices. CHr and micro_r may have a role as screening tools in discriminating between IDA and beta-thal heterozygosity.
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Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is the most common cause of nonhereditary sensorineural hearing loss and an important cause of psychomotor retardation. Earlier studies showed that 6-weeks' treatment with ganciclovir, starting in the neonatal period, prevented hearing deterioration at 6 months, but in one-fifth of the infants, the effect was not sustained at age 12 months. The aim of this preliminary retrospective study was to investigate the effectiveness and safety of long-term treatment with ganciclovir/valganciclovir for congenital cytomegalovirus infection. ⋯ Four of the children (18%) had mental retardation. The main side effect of treatment was transient neutropenia. In conclusion, prolonged therapy of symptomatic congenital CMV infection with intravenous ganciclovir followed by oral valganciclovir is safe, and it appears to lead to a better auditory outcome than short-term treatment.
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Case Reports
Cushing's syndrome and adrenal insufficiency after intradermal triamcinolone acetonide for keloid scars.
A 6-year-old girl was admitted to our hospital for excessive weight gain. On presentation, she had a typical Cushingoid appearance and hypertension. ⋯ Recovery of intrinsic cortisol production occurred 12 months after the last steroid dose. Intradermal triamcinolone acetonide for keloid scars in children should be used with care taking into account the here reported complication.