[Air pollution and sudden infant death in Graz 1982 to 1987]

We correlated the incidence of the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and the degree of air pollution in each district of Graz over a time period of five years. The degree of air pollution was derived from a mapping of epiphytical lichen vegetation by Grill et al. (1988). We found an increased incidence of SIDS in districts with poor air quality. Although this result is not statistically significant a possible increase in SIDS risk because of air pollution cannot be excluded. Some pathophysiological explanations are discussed.

Successful treatment of hemodialysis-related porphyria cutanea tarda with deferoxamine

End-stage renal failure and long-term hemodialysis treatment promote the development of genetically conditioned porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). The clinical manifestation is triggered off by unknown factors coexisting with renal insufficiency and hemodialysis. Iron overload is often associated with the disease and is thought to play a key role in its pathogenesis. Iron removal by deferoxamine infusions is regarded as the treatment of choice for patients who cannot undergo repeated phlebotomy procedures and has been successfully used in patients with normal renal function. We report a case of hemodialysis-related PCT and iron overload in whom repeated venesections were contraindicated on account of severe anemia and treatment with deferoxamine led to a striking improvement of symptoms.

[Acoustically evoked brain stem potentials in infants at risk for SIDS with and without aminophylline therapy]

We investigated brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) in 20 infants at risk of SIDS (age 5 days to 4 months) and in 7 control infants (age 5 days to 4 months). 19 infants were diagnosed as having sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), which we consider to be a possible risk factor for SIDS. The diagnosis of SAS was made in general in the presence of clinical symptoms such as apneas, cyanosis during sleep, poorly coordinated sucking, swallowing and respiration and gastro-oesophageal reflux in combination with an abnormal pneumogramm in a one hour oxycardiorespirography. One infant had the history of a near miss event but a normal pneumogramm, 2 infants, both with SAS, were siblings of SIDS infants. We applied BAEP on 12 infants at risk of SIDS with and on 12 infants at risk of SIDS without aminophyllin treatment. 3 infants at risk of SIDS had two BAEP studies, one before and one during aminophyllin treatment. The time interval between these two studies was 1 week to 16 days. Aminophyllin, given only to infants with SAS was administered orally (therapeutic range 4-10 micrograms/ml). All infants at risk of SIDS and all control infants had normal I-V-IPL (below 2 x SD). There was a tendency to longer I-V IPL in infants at risk of SIDS. When infants at risk of SIDS with and without aminophyllin treatment were compared as a group the I-V-IPL was shorter in the infants with aminophyllin. BAEP can be useful in studying disturbances of the autonomic function of brainstem centers but do not allow the prediction of an individual SIDS risk.

[Stress adapted parenteral amino acid substitution in operated premature and newborn infants]

Parenteral nutrition contributes considerably to the survival of operated newborns. The postoperative period, however, gives rise to special metabolic problems. Commercially available L-amino acid (L-AA) solutions may lead to imbalances in the postoperative period. We used a preparation containing all essential and non essential L-AA, which should take the stress metabolism into account. Twenty newborn infants were treated with a standardized parenteral nutrition regime after major surgery. Two comparable groups were formed; the first (A) receiving up to 2 g L-AA/kg/day and the second (B) 1.5 g L-AA/kg/day at the most. On the seventh postoperative day group B was loaded with 1 g L-AA/kg within 6 h corresponding to the transfer rate in healthy newborn infants calculated by Bürger and Wolf. Plasma L-AA were checked on the seventh day before and after loading. The serum L-AA showed almost normal values in group A, however, several values were found to be too low in group B (proline, alanine, cystine, leucine). After the L-AA load some increased above normal levels (threonine, glycine, lysine, histidine). With reference to these results a daily application of 1.5-2.0 g of L-AA/kg can be recommended for critically ill newborns in the early postoperative period.

The influence of age on human pancreatic growth hormone releasing hormone stimulated growth hormone secretion

63 non-obese healthy subjects aged 18 to 95 years were investigated for age-dependence of GHRH-stimulated GH-secretion. In addition, priming of GH-secretion with three oral doses of propranolol (3 x 80 mg, the last dose 2 hours prior to the second GHRH-bolus) was carried out in 15 subjects below 40 years and 13 subjects older than 70 years. We found that mean maximal incremental GH-levels were inversely correlated with chronological age (r = -0.44, P = 0.001) of the probands. Propranolol premedication caused a significant rise of both basal and peak GHRH-induced relative increases in all subjects tested, whereas GHRH-induced relative increases of GH remained unchanged. In a well selected group of non-obese healthy subjects stimulated GH-secretion is found to undergo an aging process that is supposed to be of pituitary and suprapituitary origin. Priming GH-secretion with a beta-Blocker is possible both in young and very old healthy subjects and is likely to affect the basal GH secretory tone and not GHRH-stimulated GH-secretion.

[Effect of aminophylline therapy in mature infants with sleep apnea syndrome]

Pneumograms of 33 fullterm infants (age 1-16 weeks) with idiopathic sleep apnea syndrome (SAS), treated with aminophyllin administered orally, were compared with pneumograms of 12 age-matched infants without aminophyllin treatment. In a one hour oxycardiorespirography (OCRG) all infants had pneumogram abnormalities defined as apneas greater than or equal to 15 s, greater than or equal to 3 apneas lasting 10 s, MA-value (mean duration of all apneas during sleep time) greater than or equal to 7 s/min, and greater than or equal to 3 episodes of periodic breathing. The diagnosis of an SAS, discussed as a possible risk factor of SIDS, was made in general in the presence of clinical symptoms such as apneas, cyanosis during sleep, poorly coordinated sucking, swallowing and respiration, and gastro-esophageal reflux (GER) in combination with an abnormal pneumogram. Of the 33 infants 12 with a history of an SIDS sibling were clinically asymptomatic. We found that after one week of aminophyllin treatment in 88% the pneumograms were normal. The mean plasma concentration of aminophyllin at this time was 8.3 micrograms/ml (range 4-19 micrograms/ml). All abnormalities showed a statistically significant reduction. In the infants without aminophyllin the pneumogram was still abnormal and no abnormality was significantly reduced. After at least 6 weeks we discontinued aminophyllin and one week later we monitored the OCRG. In 83% of the infants we found a normal pneumogram and compared to the initial pneumogram there was again a statistically significant difference.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Effect of surgery on inflammation parameters]

Of 27 patients undergoing major surgical procedures--mainly orthopaedic ones--we took the temperature, blood sedimentation rate, total white blood cell count, fraction of immature to total neutrophils (I:T proportion) and C-reactive protein. With the exception of the I:T proportion all unspecific indicators of inflammation showed an increase after the operation. Therefore, the I:T proportion is the most reliable parameter for the postoperative control of infections, since it is not subject to surgical trauma.

Circadian variation and age dependence of human atrial natriuretic peptide levels in hospitalized patients

Circadian variation of plasma levels of human atrial natriuretic peptide (hANP) was studied in 8 patients less than or equal to 65 a of age (mean +/- SD = 43.8 +/- 13 a; 5 females, 3 males) and in 15 patients greater than 65 years of age (mean +/- SD = 81.4 +/- 5.7 a; 9 females, 6 males). Intraindividual variation was up to 40% relative to the day's mean level in both groups. A significant elevation of hormone levels in the evening was observed in patients greater than 65 years of age (P less than 0.002), no circadian rhythm could be detected in patients less than or equal to 65 years of age. All patients except the two eldest had average plasma levels of hANP within our normal range of 3-75 ng/l (N = 106; mean +/- SD = 29.9 +/- 15.3), found in healthy persons up to 65 years of age. We propose, that in the elderly hANP levels rise during the day by edema because of latent renal and/or cardial insufficiency. At rest, in the evening and during the night edema is eliminated by the well known nycturia, which might well be facilitated or at least partially caused by elevated levels of hANP.

Removal of purgeable organic chlorine compounds by activated carbon adsorption

The increasing demand for drinking water in the city of Cologne could no longer be met solely by ground water resources. A group of wells was placed in a meander of the Rhine River south of Cologne in order to draw bank-infiltrated ground water from the river. Geohydrological conditions at that location assure that the pumped raw water is mainly bank-infiltrated water from the Rhine River. The relatively long underground passage, of about 600 m, provides significant pretreatment of the river water.

Effects of sex and age on growth hormone response to growth hormone-releasing hormone in healthy individuals

The influence of age and sex on human GH secretion is controversial. In previous studies, serum GH responses to arginine and insulin-induced hypoglycemia were significantly higher in pre- and postovulatory women than in men. In contrast, recent studies suggest that GH responsiveness to GHRH is higher in normal young men than in age-matched women. To clarify the question of sex and age influence on GHRH-(1-44)-stimulated GH secretion, we studied 116 normal women and men (with body mass indexes of 18-25 and 19-26, respectively) between the ages of 18 and 95 yr. The peak serum GH increments after GHRH administration were significantly higher in premenopausal women than in age-matched men (P less than 0.003 for the age group 18-30 yr and P less than 0.03 for the age group 30-50 yr, as assessed by analysis of variance). The responses were not different in postmenopausal women and age-matched men. Multiple regression analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between GHRH-induced GH responses (integrated area under the curve) and age in both women (P less than 0.002) and men (P less than 0.001). In addition, we determined basal serum testosterone, estradiol, cortisol, and PRL levels in all subjects. Multivariate regression analysis of the GH responses to GHRH administration revealed a significant positive correlation (P less than 0.01) between serum estradiol and both GH increase and the area under the GH response curve. No correlation was found between GHRH-stimulated GH secretion and basal serum cortisol, testosterone, or PRL concentrations. Our data clearly demonstrate a marked influence of both sex and age on GHRH-stimulated GH secretion. We found a higher GH increase in premenopausal women compared with age matched-men and an age-dependent decrease in GHRH-stimulated GH secretion in both sexes. Furthermore, in women a significant influence of estradiol on GH secretion after GHRH administration could be demonstrated.

[Quantitative determination of LP-X in the differential diagnosis and treatment of direct hyperbilirubinemia in infancy]

Quantitative measurements of serum concentrations of LP-X were performed in 45 newborn and infants. The changes of LP-X concentrations before and after a 2-3 weeks' course of cholestyramine therapy differentiated extrahepatic biliary atresia (n = 6) from other causes of neonatal liver disease with a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 78.6 to 84.6% and an efficiency of 81.3 to 86.7%. The efficiency was decreased in children with alcoholic stools (75-80%). Cholestyramine treatment of 3-7 days did not allow to diagnose all children with extrahepatic biliary atresia. However, the test was superior to a combination of single measurements of LP-X and GGT. The changes of LP-X concentrations in serum were influenced by the individual course of the disease but not by the synthetic function of the liver (as indicated by CHE activities) or by parenteral nutrition or bacterial infections. LP-X was a valuable parameter in the management of cholestyramine therapy in infants with liver diseases.

Effects of naloxone on apnoea duration during sleep in infants at risk for SIDS

The effects of intravenous injections of the opiate antagonist naloxone (0.005-0.4 mg/kg body weight) on respiratory pattern, apnoea duration and frequency were investigated in six infants with severe sleep apnoea syndrome. Since several authors found elevated plasma- and CSF-levels of endogenous opioids (endorphines) in infants with sleep apnoea syndrome, we wanted to determine whether the impairment of the control mechanisms of respiration during sleep is due to an effect of endogenous opioids. Independent of the dose, naloxone did not exert any effect on respiratory pattern and occurrence of periodic apnoea. We were unable to prove that endorphines play a major role in pathogenesis of sleep apnoea syndrome in infancy and possibly in sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). We speculate that elevated levels of endorphines reported by some investigators rather seem to be a consequence of hypoxic stress than a cause for sleep apnoeas.

[Our responsibility to children]

The significant advances in medicine during this century have led to a shift in emphasis in paediatrics: whilst two thirds of all infant deaths still result from complications during the neonatal period, the sudden infant death syndrome has come to the fore, and in older children accidents and malignant disease account for most deaths. Chronic illness, physical disabilities and psychological disturbance are constantly gaining increased importance. I suggest four principal answers to the problems concerning children today: Scientific research taking into account the child's personality as a basis of real progress: Accentuation of health education in paediatrics; Training of cybernetic thinking--with respect to the child as a psychosomatic unity, the multifactorial pathogenesis of several diseases, and interdisciplinary teamwork between doctors and scientists. Empathetic attitude to the child as a special entity and wholly valid human being, with specific needs at each stage of development.

[Studies of brain stem function in infants with apnea syndrome using acoustically evoked brain stem potentials and heart rate variability]

Twenty-four infants aged between 6 days and 7 months and 2 infants (16 m and 3 y) were subjects of combined brain-stem auditory evoked potential and heart rate variability measurements. Ten infants had a sleep apnea syndrome and one a Near miss sudden infant death syndrome; thirteen infants formed the control group. Seventeen of the twenty-six infants had normal, age-depended brain stem potentials. All infants of the apnea syndrome-group, which had no therapy, had increased I to V interpeak latencies outside of the one-sigma level, the six infants treated with aminophylline were within the normal range. Heart rate variability measurements revealed the following mean +/- standard deviation of the control group: 4.5% +/- 1.5%; of the apnea syndrome-group without therapy: 5.4% +/- 2.0%.

[Antibiotic treatment of perforated appendicitis in childhood--a prospective study]

A prospective randomised study (I) was carried out on 130 children undergoing laparotomy for perforated appendicitis. The present study evaluates the therapeutic effectiveness of different antibiotic regimens in modifying the rate of post-operative complications (intraabdominal abscess, ileus, wound infiltration or abscess). During the first year of this study two treatment groups were used. Group A consisted of 29 children treated with Sulfometrol/Trimethoprim; the rate of postoperative complications was 44.8%. Group B consisted of 36 children treated with mezlocillin, the rate of complications being 13.8%. However, the same treatment with mezlocillin during the second year of the prospective study showed an increase of this rte to 39% (28 children--group C). The final group of 37 children was treated during the second year with mezlocillin and metronidazole (group D). The postoperative rate of complications was 10.8%. A retrospective analysis of further 80 children (study II) with perforated appendicitis treated with mezlocillin and metronidazole showed a consistent low rate of postoperative complications at 10.2%. In 6.8% of children studied, an operative intervention was necessary (four cases of ileus, four wound abscesses). The mean postoperative hospitalisation period decreased from 22.7 days in group A to 15.2 days in group D and finally to 14 days in study II. The present study shows that an effective and persistent attenuation of the rate of postoperative complications after perforated appendicitis in children depends on an early onset of therapy and on the appropriate choice of antibiotic drugs that are effective against aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms.

[Sleep apnea in infants and the risk of SIDS]

The examination of the respiratory function in 184 sleeping infants gave evidence of a significant difference in several parameters between the so-called SIDS risk group and the control group. The risk group (97 babies) consists of 60 infants with frequent prolonged apneas, 30 infants with postnarcotic apneas and 7 near miss infants. Polygraphic registration during sleep showed significantly more apneas in the risk group. These apneas often appeared more frequently during certain periods. The average respiratory deficit expressed as the MA-value (MA = average apnea duration) in the risk group was significantly higher than in control infants. Besides that we were able to prove a more frequent pathological gastroesophageal reflux in the risk infants than in control infants.

Experiences in the treatment of esophageal atresia with Rehbein's olive technique

During the past few years four children with esophageal atresia without lower fistula were treated with the thread-and-olive method according to Rehbein. Our experiences indicate that excellent results can be achieved if the thread is inserted early, endoscopically, and olive bougienage is performed at short intervals. Tracheoscopy should be mandatory prior to the start of treatment, since we observed an upper fistula in three of four cases. Endoscopic thread insertion may lead to perforation of the main bronchus; control tracheo-bronchoscopy must therefore be done immediately following insertion. Perforation of the main bronchus turned out to be harmless, so the maneuver can be repeated after a few days. Two of the four infants died of congenital malformations. Therapy was not related to the fatal outcome in either case. One of the survivors has practically normal esophageal motor function with proven propulsive peristalsis. Esophageal stenosis had to be resected in the second survivor; this was followed by massive gastroesophageal reflux with esophagitis and disturbed gastric motility, rendering subsequent fundoplication and pyloroplasty necessary.

[Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome--loss of chemosensitivity in respiratory control]

This report describes an infant with congenital central hypoventilation. There is no response to 4% CO2-breathing in sleep and in awake state. Hypoxia, behavioral and "behavioral like" inputs increase ventilation, but not to normal levels. Drugs such as theophylline, naloxone, acetazolamide, methylprogesterone, thyroxine and nicethamide have no effect on the respiratory control. Despite the insertion of a phrenic nerve pacemaker intermittent positive pressure ventilation must be provided in addition.