Acta paediatrica
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Some of the complex factors that can affect growth in weight but especially in height are discussed. It is emphasized that although due attention needs to be paid to diet and the regular provision of the extra macro- and micro-nutrients needed during catch-up growth, other considerations are just as important. ⋯ As well as dealing with the problem of poor sanitation and consequent frequent infection in developing countries, social stimulation and the restoration of a feeling of well-being and general happiness can be just as important.
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To determine the relation between the level of initial neonatal care and in-hospital mortality of infants born before 33 wk of gestation in the era of surfactant therapy. ⋯ In-hospital mortality in non-teaching level III units was similar to that in a teaching unit, but significantly higher in level I-level II units. Neonatal care of newborns delivered before 33 wk of gestation should initially occur in level III units.
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To assess whether axillary temperature measurements reliably reflect oral/rectal temperature measurements. ⋯ Axillary temperatures in young children do not reliably reflect oral/rectal temperatures and should therefore be interpreted with caution.
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To investigate whether the serum levels of interleukin-1beta, 6, 8, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and the soluble receptor of IL-2 are useful in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis, and whether their diagnostic power is increased when in combination with classical markers such as C-reactive protein and white blood cell count. ⋯ Our study suggests that no individual test can on its own identify infected neonates, and that although the combination of C-reactive protein, interleukin-8 and the soluble receptor of interleukin-2 exhibits a high specificity, its sensitivity is limited.
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Comparative Study
Procalcitonin and interleukin-6 in the diagnosis of early-onset sepsis of the neonate.
The reliability of procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) was determined and compared with that of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the diagnosis of early-onset sepsis of the neonate within the first 12 h of life. ROC analysis of values of 41 neonates with blood-cultures-positive and clinical sepsis compared with those of 27 uninfected neonates revealed sensitivities for PCT (> or = 6 ng/mL), IL-6 (> or = 60 pg/mL), and CRP (> or = 2.5 mg/L) of 77%, 54%, and 69% and specificities of 91%, 100% and 96%, respectively. Sensitivity of CRP at > or = 8 mg/L was 49% (p = 0.012 compared to PCT). ⋯ PCT was the most sensitive diagnostic parameter in the diagnosis of early-onset sepsis within 12 h of life.