The Journal of pediatrics
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The Journal of pediatrics · Aug 1997
Sensitivity and specificity of the neonatal brain-stem auditory evoked potential for hearing and language deficits in survivors of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
We determined the sensitivity and specificity of neonatal brain-stem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) as markers for subsequent hearing impairment and for developmental problems found later in infancy and childhood. ⋯ Neonatal BAEP threshold recordings were of limited value for predicting subsequent hearing loss common in ECMO-treated survivors. However, an abnormal neonatal BAEP significantly increased the probability of finding a receptive language delay during early childhood, even in those with subsequently normal audiometry findings. Because neonatal ECMO is associated with a high risk of hearing and receptive language disorders, parents should be counseled that audiologic and developmental follow-up evaluations in surviving children are essential regardless of the results of neonatal BAEP testing.
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Progressive restrictive defect with increasing age, obstructive lung disease, and bronchodilator responsiveness have been reported in sickle cell disease (SCD). Because airway hyperreactivity (AHR) can be underestimated when assessed by bronchodilator responsiveness in patients with normal baseline lung function, the aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of AHR in SCD by cold-air bronchial provocation testing, and to assess whether AHR can be present in symptom-free patients with SCD. Forty patients aged 6 to 19 years (mean, 10.7 years +/- 3.5 SD) performed pulmonary function tests. ⋯ The overall prevalence in the SCD group was 73%. We conclude that there is a high prevalence of AHR in children with SCD and that airway hyperreactivity may exist in patients with SCD even in the absence of the clinical symptoms of RAD. AHR may be a significant component of sickle cell lung disease.
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The Journal of pediatrics · Aug 1997
Clinical TrialTreatment of visceral leishmaniasis in children with liposomal amphotericin B.
We used liposomal amphotericin B as first-choice treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in 106 immunocompetent children who acquired the infection in a temperate region of southern Europe (Italy) where Leishmania infantum visceral leishmaniasis is endemic. The aim of the study was to identify the minimum total dose of liposomal amphotericin B needed to cure the infection in children and reduce the period of hospitalization. We conclude that the optimal regimen in immunocompetent children with L. infantum visceral leishmaniasis to be a total dose of 18 mg/kg of liposomal amphotericin B (3 mg/kg per day for 5 days, followed by 3 mg/kg administered as an outpatient regimen on day 10).