Pediatrics international : official journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
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An iron regulatory peptide hormone, hepcidin, is also part of the innate immune system and is strongly induced during infections and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to determine serum levels of the 60 aa pro-hormone form of hepcidin (pro-hepcidin) in full-term and preterm newborns with sepsis and to determine the possible relationships between pro-hepcidin levels and serum iron and complete blood count parameters. ⋯ Serum pro-hepcidin levels were higher in newborns with sepsis (either premature or full-term) than they were in healthy newborns at the time of clinical diagnosis.
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The pulse-induced continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) system is a less invasive method than pulmonary thermodilution for the measurement of cardiac output and estimating blood volume parameters. The normal values in children have not been defined. The purpose of the present paper was therefore to evaluate cardiac output and parameters of blood volume using femoral arterial thermodilution in critically ill children. ⋯ Femoral arterial thermodilution is a suitable technique for the measurement of cardiac output in critically ill children. The intrathoracic and intracardiac volumes are lower than in adults, whereas extrapulmonary water is higher; these values are related to the weight of the patient.
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Bacterial tracheitis may cause life-threatening airway obstruction. ⋯ Bacterial tracheitis requiring hospitalization of children appeared to be milder in the second half of the study period. Pseudomonas tracheitis tends to have a severe course.
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Child restraint safety seats (CRS) are used to prevent injuries or deaths among child passengers involved in a motor vehicle crash. When used outside of a motor vehicle, CRS use could potentially place an infant at risk of injury. The objective of the current study was to describe the proportion of CRS misuse injuries among infants <12 months old and associated factors presenting to the British Columbia (BC) Children's Hospital Emergency Department over 5 years (1997-2002). ⋯ Injury prevention efforts should be focused on reducing CRS outside the motor vehicle setting and preventing placement of the CRS at an elevated surface. Educating caregivers on the dangers of falls resulting from CRS misuse in a variety of care settings is also recommended.
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In previous studies the efficacy of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) was evaluated, demonstrating good retention of knowledge in the participants. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the knowledge and proficiency that pediatric residents gained and retained following NRP and to determine the necessity and timing of the refresher courses. ⋯ Due to worsening of test findings at 6 months after NRP, and deterioration of performance of intubation 1 year after NRP, it is suggested that a refresher course may be required every year.