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Wong WHS, Leung DL, Yip KM, So HK, Rosa Duque JS, Lau YL. Effectiveness of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine CoronaVac in children aged less than 3 years old during Omicron wave in Hong Kong. Vaccine 2024; 42:2135-2137. [PMID: 38453618 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2024.02.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected people of all ages worldwide. However, there is still no information on the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of inactivated COVID-19 vaccines in children aged less than 3 years old. This study highlighted that 2 doses of CoronaVac were effective in preventing COVID-19, with a VE of 83.1 %.
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Affiliation(s)
- W H S Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - D L Leung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K M Yip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - H K So
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J S Rosa Duque
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| | - Y L Lau
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Yip KM, So HK, Wong WHS, Wong RS, Tung KTS, Tso WWY, Wong ICK, Yam JC, Kwan MYW, Fung GPG, Wong SWS, Ip P. Dynamics of childhood obesity in Hong Kong throughout the COVID-19 pandemic before and after the school closures: a 3-year longitudinal study. Public Health 2024; 226:80-83. [PMID: 38016199 DOI: 10.1016/j.puhe.2023.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study is to evaluate if there is any difference in the balance between incidence of and remission from overweight/obesity in Hong Kong school-age children before and during the COVID-19 pandemic over three years. METHODS This is a retrospective longitudinal study that involved children aged 6-16 years from a database of the School Physical Fitness Award Scheme. RESULTS 2765 students were longitudinally followed up for two years. The prevalence of childhood overweight/obesity was increased between the 2019 and 2021 academic years (P < 0.001). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of obesity remission significantly reduced by 7.9 % (P = 0.003), at a background of a plateau of obesity among children and adolescents. CONCLUSIONS Our study provides evidence on the impact of school closure and home confinement as a standard infection control measure for the prevention of COVID-19, which are likely to break the balance between incidence of and remission from childhood obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Yip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - H K So
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - W H S Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - R S Wong
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - K T S Tung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - W W Y Tso
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - I C K Wong
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - J C Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - M Y W Kwan
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Princess Margaret Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - G P G Fung
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - S W S Wong
- Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - P Ip
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Hong Kong Children's Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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Chan DF, Nelson EA, Li AM, Woo J, Sea MM, Chan RS, Chu WC, Chan M, So HK. Lifestyle intervention in obese Chinese adolescents with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a randomised controlled study. Hong Kong Med J 2018; 24 Suppl 4:12-15. [PMID: 30135268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- D Fy Chan
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - E As Nelson
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - A M Li
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - J Woo
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics & Centre for Nutritional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - M M Sea
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics & Centre for Nutritional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - R Sm Chan
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics & Centre for Nutritional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - W Cw Chu
- Department of Imaging and Interventional Radiology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - M Chan
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
| | - H K So
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong
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So HK, Nelson EAS, Sung RYT, Ng PC. Implications of using World Health Organization growth reference (2007) for identifying growth problems in Hong Kong children aged 6 to 18 years. Hong Kong Med J 2011; 17:174-179. [PMID: 21636863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the implications of replacing Hong Kong's 1993 growth references (HK1993) with the World Health Organization's 2007 references (WHO2007) for children aged 6 to 18 years. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Thirty-six randomly selected primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS A total of 14 842 children and adolescents aged 6 to 18 years in Hong Kong during 2005/06. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Creation of age-specific z-scores for height, weight, and body mass index relative to HK1993 and WHO2007 references. RESULTS Use of WHO2007 instead of HK1993 could classify an additional 1.4% children aged 6 to 10 years and 2.8% children aged 11 to 18 years as having a short stature. Using WHO2007, respective proportions that could be classified as underweight and obese increased by 3.5% and 2.1% among children aged 6 to 10 years, and 5.5% and 1.6% among children aged 11 to 18 years. CONCLUSIONS Use of WHO2007 could increase clinical workload and patient and parent anxiety by 'over-diagnosing' short stature and underweight. Although WHO2007 may have a role in international comparative research, retention of HK1993 would seem appropriate from a clinical perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K So
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 6/F Clinical Science Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong
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Sung RYT, So HK, Choi KC, Li AM, Yin J, Nelson EAS. Body fat measured by bioelectrical impedance in Hong Kong Chinese children. Hong Kong Med J 2009; 15:110-117. [PMID: 19342736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish reference standards for percentage body fat measured in Hong Kong Chinese children, by methods involving bioelectrical impedance analysis. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Thirty-six randomly selected primary and secondary schools and a teaching hospital in Hong Kong. PARTICIPANTS A total of 14 842 students randomly selected from the schools and two additional small convenience samples of subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Percentage body fat was measured with the Tanita Body Composition Analyzer (Model no. BF-522) and percentile curves were constructed using the LMS method. In one separate small sample of children, repeatability of the percentage body fat measurement was assessed at different times of the day by BF-522 bioelectrical impedance analysis. In another sample, assessment was by the BF-522 and two other models (BC-418 and BF-401) consecutively to test the agreement of percentage body fat values obtained by the three different models. RESULTS. The percentage body fat values and percentile curves are presented. From the age of 6 to 18 years, the percentage body fat remained fairly stable in boys, but increased steadily in girls. The mean difference in percentage body fat measured with BF-522 at different times of the day was around 1% (95% limits of agreement: -4% to +8%). The mean differences in readings obtained from the BC-418 and BF-522 devices were -3.5% and 1% in boys and girls, respectively. The 95% limits of agreement were particularly wide in boys (-15% to 8%). CONCLUSIONS Reference values for percentage body fat of Chinese children and adolescents are provided. Caution needs to be exercised however, given that readings obtained at different times of the day vary and data obtained by different makes and models of bioelectrical impedance analysis machines may not be interchangeable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Y T Sung
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE In adults, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. We aimed to establish correlation between OSA, serum lipid profile, and insulin levels in obese snoring children. METHODS Consecutive obese children with habitual snoring were recruited. They underwent physical examination, overnight polysomnography (PSG), and metabolic studies. OSA was diagnosed if apnea hypopnea index (AHI) > 1.0, and cases were considered to have moderate to severe OSA if AHI > 10. RESULTS Ninety-four obese subjects with habitual snoring were studied. Seventy-three subjects were male and the median age of the studied group was 12.0 years (IQR 9.7-13.9). None of the subjects had active cardiopulmonary disease, and the BMI values of our subjects were >95th percentile using local reference charts. Sixty subjects had OSA, 47 being mild, and 13 being moderate to severe OSA. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that saturation nadir and insulin levels were significantly associated with OSA. CONCLUSION OSA is prevalent among obese children with habitual snoring and insulin is independently associated with the condition. Its role in the cardiovascular complications of childhood sleep apnea is worthy of further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Albert M Li
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR.
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Li AM, Hung E, Tsang T, Yin J, So HK, Wong E, Fok TF, Ng PC. Induced sputum inflammatory measures correlate with disease severity in children with obstructive sleep apnoea. Thorax 2006; 62:75-9. [PMID: 16928708 PMCID: PMC2111280 DOI: 10.1136/thx.2006.060657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the association between airway inflammation and severity of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) in children. METHODS Consecutive children presenting with symptoms suggestive of OSA were recruited. They completed a sleep apnoea symptom questionnaire, underwent physical examination, spirometry, sputum induction and an overnight polysomnography. Adequate sputum contained <50% squamous epithelial cells, and OSA was diagnosed if the obstructive apnoea index was >1. RESULTS 73 children with a median (interquartile range (IQR)) age of 11.3 (10.0-13.2) years were recruited. There were 21 girls and the median body mass index of the group was 24.0 (18.0-27.0) kg/m2. The most common presenting symptoms were habitual snoring, mouth breathing and prone sleeping position. Sputum induction was successful in 43 (59%) children, of whom 14 were found to have OSA. Children with OSA had significantly greater percentage sputum neutrophil than those without OSA (18.5 (IQR 8.0-42.0) v 4 (IQR 3.0-11.3), p = 0.006). On multiple regression analysis, percentage sputum neutrophil was significantly associated with OSA (odds ratio = 1.1, p = 0.013). CONCLUSION Children with OSA had airway inflammation characterised by a marked increase in neutrophils. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and to better define the downstream cellular interactions and molecular pathogenesis in childhood OSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Li
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR.
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Li AM, Tsang TWT, Chan DFY, Lam HS, So HK, Sung RYT, Fok TF. Cough frequency in children with mild asthma correlates with sputum neutrophil count. Thorax 2006; 61:747-50. [PMID: 16670174 PMCID: PMC2117083 DOI: 10.1136/thx.2005.050815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A study was undertaken to measure cough frequency in children with stable asthma using a validated monitoring device, and to assess the correlation between cough frequency and the degree and type of airway inflammation. METHODS Thirty six children of median age 11.5 years (interquartile range (IQR) 9-14) with stable asthma were recruited. They underwent spirometric testing, exhaled nitric oxide (eNO) measurement, sputum induction for differential cell count, and ambulatory cough monitoring for 24 hours. Coughing episodes were counted both as individual spikes and as clusters. RESULTS All children had mild intermittent asthma and their median forced expiratory volume in 1 second and eNO were 83.3% (IQR 81.1-97.6) and 56.1 ppb (IQR 37.4-105), respectively. The median number of cough episodes per day was 25.5 (IQR 16-42.8). Sputum induction was successful in 69% of the subjects and cough frequency was found to have a significant positive correlation with sputum neutrophil count (r = 0.833, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS Children with stable mild asthma have increased cough frequency that might be driven by a neutrophilic inflammatory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Li
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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Fok TF, Hon KL, Ng PC, Wong E, So HK, Lau J, Chow CB, Lee WH. Limbs Anthropometry of Singleton Chinese Newborns of 28–42 Weeks’ Gestation. Neonatology 2006; 89:25-34. [PMID: 16155383 DOI: 10.1159/000088195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2004] [Accepted: 05/02/2005] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Abnormalities of limbs are important features of some syndromes recognizable at birth. The purpose of this study was to establish normal standards of limbs including arm length, arm circumference, upper arm length, lower arm length, leg length, thigh circumference, upper leg length, and lower leg length. 10,226 infants (5,422 males, 4,804 females) with gestation 28-42 weeks from 12 hospitals were included. The LMS method using maximum penalized likelihood was used to perform model fitting of the anthropometric centiles for these parameters. This study provided the first set of references for the limbs of the infants by gestation and gender. Racial differences were found when comparing with other populations. The parameters are useful for evaluation of morphologic disorders involving the limbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Fok
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the reliability and validity of the 6-min walk test (6MWT) in healthy children. Chinese secondary school students were randomly recruited. They attended the current authors' unit on two occasions, separated by 2 weeks. Physical examination and standardised maximum incremental exercise testing on a treadmill were performed on the first visit. Spirometry and 6MWT were carried out on the second visit. A randomly selected subgroup was invited to return for repeat 6MWT at an interval of 2-4 weeks. Seventy-eight subjects were recruited; however, four failed to achieve maximal effort on exercise test. The final group included 43 young females and the mean+/-sd age of the subjects was 14.2+/-1.2 yrs. Physical examination was unremarkable in all cases. The mean+/-sd per cent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second was 91.4+/-10.2%. Concurrent validity was demonstrated by good correlation between the 6-min walking distance and maximum oxygen uptake determined on the exercise treadmill. Test-retest reliability was undertaken in 52 subjects, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (95% confidence interval) was calculated as 0.94 (0.89-0.96). In addition, Bland and Altman plots demonstrated a high degree of repeatability. In healthy children, the 6-min walk test is a reliable and valid functional test for assessing exercise tolerance and endurance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Li
- Dept. of Paediatrics, 6th Floor, Clinical Sciences Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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Fok TF, Hon KL, Wong E, Ng PC, So HK, Lau J, Chow CB, Lee WH. Trunk anthropometry of Hong Kong Chinese infants. Early Hum Dev 2005; 81:781-90. [PMID: 16081229 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2005.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2004] [Revised: 04/23/2005] [Accepted: 06/20/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disturbed growth of the trunk may result in abnormal sternocostal relationship and a variety of pectus deformities. AIMS The purposes of this study were to establish norms of trunk anthropometry for dysmorphology identification in the newborns and to evaluate chest circumference as a predictor for low birth weight for outborn infants where weighing scales were unavailable. STUDY DESIGN AND SUBJECTS A total of 10,339 Chinese infants (5478 males, 4861 females) with gestation 24-42 weeks from 12 hospitals were included. The anthropometric measurements analyzed included chest circumference, inter-nipple distance, sternal length and abdominal circumference. OUTCOME MEASURES The LMS method using maximum penalized likelihood was used to perform model fitting of the anthropometric centiles for these physical parameters. RESULTS References tables of the four physical parameters for newborns were constructed. Chest circumference showed the highest correlation with birth weight (male: r = 0.866, female: r = 0.883). The cut-off points for chest circumference of 295 (male) and 299 mm (female) were the best predictor for low birth weight. There were also racial differences in these parameters. When compared with French infants, Chinese newborns had smaller chest circumference. CONCLUSION These physical parameters provide useful references and aid dysmorphology diagnosis in newborns of ethnic Chinese origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Fok
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong.
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Abstract
We evaluated the emollient use and bathing habits of children with atopic eczema (AE) managed at the paediatric dermatology clinic of a university teaching hospital, using children with noneczematous skin diseases as controls. Disease severity of AE in the preceding 12 months was evaluated by the Nottingham Eczema Severity Score. Three-quarters of patients with or without eczema preferred showering to bathing. Patients with AE were more likely to use bath oils than soap and to use emollients after a bath/shower. Review cases, however, were more likely to take a shower and for a longer time (10-30 min) than first-visit eczema patients. These habits did not vary with season or disease severity. Emulsifying ointment was the most commonly used agent for the bath/shower. Most patients applied emollient immediately after a bath/shower. However there were still significant proportions of AE patients who used soap (40% of first-visit vs. 27% of review cases) and who did not apply emollients after a bath/shower (25% of first-visit vs. 23% of review cases). It is important to determine whether this problem is due to inadequate patient education or whether other factors lead to poor compliance.
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Affiliation(s)
- K L E Hon
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, China.
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Fok TF, Hon KL, So HK, Wong E, Ng PC, Chang A, Lau J, Chow CB, Lee WH. Normative Data of Penile Length for Term Chinese Newborns. Neonatology 2005; 87:242-5. [PMID: 15665508 DOI: 10.1159/000083420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2004] [Accepted: 10/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Careful examination and assessment of penile length in the newborn is important because micropenis is associated with hypothalamic disorders. This prospective cross-sectional study was designed to establish the norm of penile length for term Hong Kong Chinese newborns. 4,628 full-term healthy male newborns were enrolled in the study. Penile length was measured from pubic ramus to the tip of the glans penis by placing the end of a straight edge ruler against the pubic ramus. A gestation-associated graph of 3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th centiles for the penile length was created. The penile length was significantly correlated with gestational age, birth weight and body length. When compared with published data for other populations, Hong Kong newborns have significantly shorter penile length. The norm of the penile length is useful in diagnostic and therapeutics for the ethnic Chinese male newborns.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Fok
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong.
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Fok TF, Hon KL, So HK, Wong E, Ng PC, Chang A, Lau J, Chow CB, Lee WH. Fetal growth velocities in Hong Kong Chinese infants. Neonatology 2005; 87:262-8. [PMID: 15722625 DOI: 10.1159/000084030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2004] [Accepted: 10/21/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have investigated the velocities of fetal growth. The aim of the present study was to determine the pattern of 'fetal' growth velocities in a Chinese population. The gestation-specific measurements of the body weight, body length and head circumference in a representative sample of 5,045 male and 4,484 female newborns delivered between 26 and 42 weeks of gestation at 12 hospitals in Hong Kong were obtained. Peak growth velocity occurred before 30 weeks of gestation for head circumference, at week 30 for length and at week 30 for weight. When compared with data obtained from a French population, a significant difference in the growth velocity for body weight was observed below 32 weeks between French and Chinese infants, suggesting an ethnic difference in fetal growth of this parameter.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Fok
- Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide a database of the auricular measurements of Chinese infants born in Hong Kong. DESIGN Prospective cross-sectional study. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION A total of 2384 healthy singleton, born consecutively at the Prince of Wales Hospital and the Union Hospital from October 1998 to September 2000, were included in the study. The range of gestation was 33-42 weeks. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Measurements included ear width (EW), ear length (EL) and ear position (EP). The data show generally higher values for males in the parameters measured. When compared with previously published data for Caucasian and Jordanian term babies, Chinese babies have shorter EL. The ears were within normal position in nearly all our infants. CONCLUSION The human ear appears to grow in a remarkably constant fashion. This study establishes the first set of gestational age-specific standard of the ear parameters for Chinese new-borns, potentially enabling early syndromal diagnosis. There are significant inter-racial differences in these ear parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Fok
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide a database of the craniofacial measurements of Chinese infants born in Hong Kong. DESIGN Prospective cross-sectional study. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION A total of 2371 healthy singleton, born consecutively at the Prince of Wales Hospital and the Union Hospital from June 1998 to June 2000, were included in the study. The range of gestation was 33-42 weeks. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Measurements included facial width (FW), facial height (FH), nasal length (NL), nasal width (NW), and length of the philtrum (PhilL). The facial, nasal, nasofacial and nasozygomatic indices were derived. The data show generally higher values for males in the parameters measured. The various indices remained remarkably constant and did not vary significantly between the two genders or with gestation. When compared with previously published data for white people term babies, Chinese babies have similar NW but shorter philtrum length. CONCLUSION The human face appears to grow in a remarkably constant fashion as defined by the various indices of facial proportions. This study establishes the first set of gestational age-specific standard of such craniofacial parameters for Chinese new-borns, potentially enabling early syndromal diagnosis. There are significant inter-racial differences in these craniofacial parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Fok
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Fok TF, So HK, Wong E, Ng PC, Chang A, Lau J, Chow CB, Lee WH. Updated gestational age specific birth weight, crown-heel length, and head circumference of Chinese newborns. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2003; 88:F229-36. [PMID: 12719398 PMCID: PMC1721552 DOI: 10.1136/fn.88.3.f229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To construct gestation specific standards of birth weight, crown-heel length, and head circumference of Chinese infants. DESIGN A prospective cross sectional population study. METHODS The birth weight, crown-heel length, and head circumference were prospectively measured using standard equipment in newborns delivered at 24-42 weeks gestation in the maternity units of 10 public hospitals and two private hospitals in Hong Kong. The findings were used to construct gestation specific standards of these variables. The LMS method using maximum penalised likelihood was used to perform model fitting. The results were compared with those obtained from a cohort of infants born in the same locality between 1982 and 1986. RESULTS From October 1998 to September 2000, a total of 10 032 infants were measured, representing 9.6% of the total deliveries in Hong Kong during that period. An extra 307 infants with gestation < or = 35 weeks were recruited from October 2000 to June 2001. Each of the three variables showed a normal distribution at each gestational week. Gestation specific reference standards for each variable were constructed for male and female infants separately. Comparison with the 1982-1986 cohort showed a significant secular trend to increased birth weight. The trend was small, but significant, for crown-heel length and head circumference. CONCLUSION These growth standards will provide useful references for the care of newborns of ethnic Chinese origin. These standards, especially that for birth weight, should be updated regularly.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Fok
- Department of Paediatrics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To provide a database of the canthal measurements of Chinese infants born in Hong Kong. DESIGN Prospective cross-sectional study. SETTING AND SAMPLE POPULATION A total of 2,371 healthy singleton, born consecutively at the Prince of Wales Hospital and the Union Hospital from June 1998 to June 2000, were included in the study. The range of gestation was 33-42 weeks. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Canthal parameters were measured and included the outer canthal distance (OCD), intercanthal distance (ICD) and palpebral fissure length (PFL). The data generally show higher values for males in the parameters measured. The measurements were also compared with data published overseas. PFL and OCD were significantly larger in Hong Kong Chinese newborn babies, whereas ICD was smaller. CONCLUSION This study establishes the first set of gestational age-specific standard of such craniofacial parameters for Chinese newborn babies, potentially enabling early syndromal diagnosis. There are significant inter-racial differences in these canthal parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Fok
- Department of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Fok TF, Lam K, Ng PC, So HK, Cheung KL, Wong W, So KW. Randomised crossover trial of salbutamol aerosol delivered by metered dose inhaler, jet nebuliser, and ultrasonic nebuliser in chronic lung disease. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 1998; 79:F100-4. [PMID: 9828734 PMCID: PMC1720846 DOI: 10.1136/fn.79.2.f100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To compare the efficacy of salbutamol delivered by metered dose inhaler (MDI), jet nebuliser, and ultrasonic nebuliser in ventilated infants with chronic lung disease. METHODS Twenty preterm ventilated infants with chronic lung disease were enrolled in two studies. In study 1 (n = 10), each infant was given 200 micrograms of salbutamol at 4 hour intervals and in random sequence from a metered dose inhaler-spacer device, a jet nebuliser, and an ultrasonic nebuliser with a small medication cup. The infants were monitored for heart rate, transcutaneous pO2, pCO2, and oxygen saturation, respiratory system resistance and compliance before and after each treatment. Infants in study 2 (n = 10) were similarly studied except for the use of a different jet nebuliser. RESULTS The mean (SEM) maximum percentage decreases in respiratory system resistance, observed at 30 minutes after aerosol delivery were study 1: MDI: 44.3 (4.3)%; jet: 32.3 (3.4)%; ultrasonic: 56.1 (3.2)%; study 2: MDI: 28.6 (1.0)%; jet: 16.9 (1.4)%; ultrasonic: 42.1 (1.6)%. During the first hour after treatment, a significantly faster heart rate and higher transcutaneous pO2 were associated with the use of the ultrasonic nebuliser or MDI than with the jet nebulisers in both studies. The use of the ultrasonic nebuliser but not the other devices also resulted in a lower transcutaneous pCO2 and improved respiratory system compliance in study 2. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that among the devices tested, the delivery of salbutamol aerosol to the lower respiratory tract was greatest using the ultrasonic nebuliser, and least with the jet nebulisers.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Fok
- Department of Paediatrics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, People's Republic of China
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Fok TF, Lam K, Ng PC, Leung TF, So HK, Cheung KL, Wong W. Delivery of salbutamol to nonventilated preterm infants by metered-dose inhaler, jet nebulizer, and ultrasonic nebulizer. Eur Respir J 1998; 12:159-64. [PMID: 9701431 DOI: 10.1183/09031936.98.12010159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
To identify the most efficient device for the delivery of bronchodilator aerosol to nonventilated preterm infants with chronic lung disease, we compared the metered dose inhaler (MDI) used in conjunction with a non-valved spacer, an ultrasonic nebulizer with a small medication cup, and two jet nebulizers. The subjects were enrolled in two double-blind randomized crossover studies. In study A (n=10), each infant was given a nominal dose of 200 microg of salbutamol by a MDI (Ventolin) at 4 h intervals, and in random sequence via an Aerochamber (Neonatal Aerochamber) with its one-way valve removed, an ultrasonic nebulizer with a small cone-shaped medication cup (Siemens Electronics), and a jet nebulizer (Side-stream). Their functional residual capacity (FRC) and static respiratory system mechanics were measured before, and at 15, 30, 60, and 120 min after aerosol delivery. Study B (n=10) was carried out in an identical manner, but with a different jet nebulizer (Hudson). In both studies, administration of salbutamol aerosol via the MDI Aerochamber or ultrasonic nebulizer resulted in a significantly greater reduction in respiratory system resistance than via jet nebulizers. Furthermore, the use of MDI Aerochamber or ultrasonic nebulizer was associated with a greater degree of post-treatment tachycardia and improvement in FRC. The bronchodilating effect of salbutamol delivered via the ultrasonic nebulizer appeared to be slightly greater than that via the MDI-Aerochamber, receiving significance only in Study B. We conclude that both the metered-dose inhaler used with a nonvalved Aerochamber and the ultrasonic nebulizer with a small medication cup are both more efficient than the jet nebulizers in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- T F Fok
- Dept of Paediatrics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin
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