Archives of disease in childhood
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The effects of dexamethasone and 20% mannitol infusion in reducing raised intracranial pressure were assessed in severely asphyxiated newborn infants. Intracranial pressure was measured continuously by a percutaneously placed subarachnoid catheter, and cerebral perfusion pressure was calculated from this and blood pressure data. ⋯ Mannitol, studied on nine occasions, produced a fall in intracranial pressure in each case, together with an overall rise in cerebral perfusion pressure 60 minutes after starting the infusion; this was sustained for a further four hours. We can find little to support the routine use of dexamethasone in severe perinatal asphyxia but mannitol infusion seems of value in treating raised intracranial pressure associated with cerebral oedema.
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Introduction of pasteurised cows' milk to the diet of preterm infants before 36 weeks' postnatal age caused iron deficiency without anaemia. Cows' milk before 24 weeks was associated with iron deficiency and anaemia. The cause was either inadequate absorption or increased loss rather than reduced intake of iron.