瘦素/脂联素值与肥胖儿童体质量指数及糖脂代谢的关系

目的 探讨瘦素/脂联素(L/A)值与单纯性肥胖儿童体质量指数(BMI)、糖脂代谢及肥胖症发病的关系.方法 单纯性肥胖60例和57例健康儿童,采用放射免疫分析(RIA)法测定其血清瘦素水平;ELISA法测定其血清脂联素、空腹胰岛素(FINS)水平;免疫比浊法测定其血脂各成分.分析并比较血清瘦素、脂联素及L/A值与肥胖儿童BMI、糖脂代谢的相关性.结果 1.肥胖儿童血清瘦素、FINS和三酰甘油(TG)水平与健康对照组相比明显增加;脂联素水平降低,差异均有显著性(Pa＜0.05,0.01).2.单纯性肥胖儿童瘦素与BMI、FINS、TG水平均呈显著正相关(r=0.408,0.301,0.301 Pa＜0.05,＜0.01);脂联素水平与BMI、FINS、TG均呈显著负相关(r=-0.360,-0.413,-0.258 Pa＜0.01,＜0.05).3.L/A值与BMI、FINS、TG呈显著正相关(r=0.780,0.764,0.601 Pa＜0.001).结论 血清瘦素和脂联素与肥胖儿童的发病有关,可作为儿童肥胖的监控指标;L/A值较单独瘦素、脂联素更能反映肥胖症儿童的代谢状况,可为肥胖症儿童糖脂代谢提供更为有效的监测指标.     

儿童单纯性肥胖与胰岛素抵抗综合征危险因素的关系

目的 探讨儿童单纯性肥胖与胰岛素抵抗综合征危险因素的关系.方法 单纯性肥胖患儿50例为肥胖组(男23例,女27例),选取同期健康儿童30例为健康对照组(男14例,女16例).对每位对象采用同一磅秤标准方法 测量其身高、体质量,并计算其体质量指数(BMI).血压测定采用儿童标准血压测定法获得.采用发光免疫法、快速测血糖法分别对2组儿童的血糖、血胰岛素、血脂进行检测,计算稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IRI)、胰岛素敏感指数(HOMA-ISI),并应用SPSS 12.0软件进行统计学分析.结果 肥胖组儿童HOMA-IRI、舒张压与健康对照组比较均显著增高(t=3.939,3.278 P_＜0.01);收缩压、三酰甘油与健康对照组比较均显著增高(t=2.536,2.573 Pa＜0.05);HOMA-ISI、高密度脂蛋白均显著低于健康对照组(t=-4.750 P＜0.01,t=-2.982 P＜0.05).肥胖组儿童BMI与HOMA-IRI呈显著正相关(r=0.294 P＜0.05).结论 儿童单纯性肥胖与胰岛素抵抗综合征危险因素密切相关,儿童期积极开展对肥胖的干预,对预防和控制成年期诸多慢性疾病的发生有重要意义.     

肥胖儿童非酒精性脂肪肝炎54例

目的 观察不同程度肥胖儿童非酒精性脂肪肝炎(NASH)的发病状况,探讨其可能的发病机制.方法 体质量指数(BMI)≥23的7～16岁单纯性肥胖儿童123例.按BMI分为3组:BMI≥30组34例,25≤BMI＜30组57例,23≤BMI＜25组32例.分别进行肝脏B超检查,并检测血转氨酶、胆固醇、三酰甘油(TG)及空腹血糖/空腹胰岛素比值(FlGIR).将另24例仅有肥胖而无肝脂肪病变者设为对照组.结果 123例患儿中B超发现肝脂肪病变99例(80.49%),其中符合NASH诊断标准者54例(43.90%).所有患儿中,BMI≥30组脂肪肝炎及FGIR＜7的发生率均显著高于其他2组(Pa ＜0.01).相关分析表明,ALT和AST与BMI分级、血胆固醇、TG、FGIR均有相关性(r=0.413,0.290,0.379,-0.477 Pa ＜0.01;r=0.359,0.349,0.348,-0.369 Pa ＜0,01).NASH患儿与对照组血脂、FGIR、BMI比较差异均有统计学意义(X2=9.84,25.59 Pa ＜0.01;t=5.05P＜0.01).结论 BMI ≥30是肥胖儿童发生NASH的高危因素,且脂代谢紊乱和胰岛素抵抗可能与其发病有关.     

单纯性肥胖儿童胰岛素抵抗与肿瘤坏死因子-α的关系

目的探讨单纯性肥胖儿童胰岛素抵抗与肿瘤坏死因子-α(TNF-α)的关系。方法单纯性肥胖患儿50例作为观察组(男23例,女27例);选取同期健康儿童30例为对照组(男14例,女16例)。采用发光免疫法、放射免疫法、快速测血糖法分别对两组儿童的血糖、血胰岛素、血脂和TNF-α进行检测。并作对比分析。结果观察组稳态模型胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)、TNF-α及舒张血压(DBP),与对照组比较均明显升高(t=3.939,4.938,3.278 P均<0.01);收缩血压(SBP)、空腹三酰甘油(TC)与对照组比较均明显升高(t=2.536,2.573 P均<0.05);胰岛素敏感指数(HOMA-ISI)观察组明显低于对照组(t=-4.75 P<0.01)。观察组TNF-α与体质量指数(BMI)、TC、HOMA-IR均呈显著正相关(r=0.284,0.328,0.361 P均<0.05)。TNF-α与HOMA-ISI呈显著负相关(r=-0.36 P<0.01)。BMI与HOMA-IR呈显著正相关性(r=0.294 P<0.05)。结论单纯性肥胖儿童存在胰岛素抵抗,血清TNF-α与肥胖儿童的BMI、TC、BP、胰岛素抵抗密切相关,TNF-α可能参与胰岛素抵抗病理生理机制。     

血清25羟-维生素D3水平与儿童肥胖之间的关系

目的 探讨儿童血清25羟-维生素D3[25-(OH)D3]水平与体质量、肥胖程度、体质量指数(BMI)、血脂的关系,以及他们在肥胖儿童中可能的发生机制.方法 以2011年7月至2013年2月在无锡市妇幼保健院儿童营养门诊就诊的儿童为研究对象,共244例.调查所有受试者每日服用维生素D情况,测量身高、体质量、BMI及25-(OH)D3水平和微量元素,其中38例3岁以上肥胖儿童测定脂代谢水平.结果 1.肥胖儿童的血清25-(OH)D3水平为(68.31 ±23.06) nmol/L,其中36个月龄以上组肥胖儿童最低,为(55.03±15.18) nmol/L.2.肥胖组和超重组儿童血清25-(OH) D3水平远低于正常体质量组儿童水平(F=4.739,P＜0.05).3.重度肥胖儿童25-(OH) D3水平显著低于轻、中度肥胖儿童(F=9.711,P＜0.05).4.儿童体质量、身高/体质量百分比及BMI与25-(OH) D3水平呈负相关(r=-0.365、-0.237、-0.175,P均＜0.001).5.3岁以上肥胖儿童体质量、三酰甘油水平与25-(OH) D3均呈负相关(r=-0.476、-0.324,P均＜0.05).结论 血清25-(OH)D3水平降低与肥胖有关.其原因可能是肥胖者脂肪组织增多,维生素D滞留在脂肪细胞中,导致血清维生素D水平减低.肥胖儿童体内维生素D的消耗高于正常儿童,需要补充更多的维生素D才能达到正常25-(OH)D3水平.     

肥胖儿童血浆内源性硫化氢水平变化的研究

目的 探讨肥胖儿童血浆硫化氢(H2S)水平及其影响因素.方法 2007年3月至6月选取北京大学第一医院儿科常规体检肥胖儿童36例(肥胖组),超重儿童40例(超重组),正常儿童40名(对照组).测量身高、体重,得出体重指数(BMI);常规测量血压;对其家族史进行调查.测量其血浆总胆固醇、三酰甘油(甘油三酯)、低密度脂蛋白和高密度脂蛋白水平;测定血浆H2S水平.结果 肥胖、超重组儿童体内H2S含量较对照组下降,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).肥胖组、超重组三酰甘油高于对照组,高密度脂蛋白较对照组显著降低,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).肥胖组收缩压较对照组升高,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 肥胖、超重儿童血浆H2S水平降低,提示肥胖儿童体内存在舍硫氨基酸体系代谢失衡.     

肥胖伴黑棘皮病儿童代谢综合征的高危因素

目的 探讨肥胖伴黑棘皮病儿童代谢综合征(MS)的高危因素.方法 2006年11月-2007年9月在本院儿科就诊25例肥胖伴黑棘皮病儿童(病例组).男15例,女10例;年龄8.4～16.0岁,平均10.6岁;体质量(72.11±17.66)kg;身高(155±14)cm.32例身高别体质量正常的健康儿童为健康对照组.男18例,女14例;年龄7.6～15.8岁,平均9.8岁.比较二组儿童体质量指数(BMI)、胆固醇(12HO)、三酰甘油(TG)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、血压、空腹和葡萄糖耐量试验(OGTT)2 h血糖、胰岛素和稳态模型评估法胰岛素抵抗指数(HOMA-IR)的差异,并对所有儿童进行肝脏超声波检查.采用SPSS 12.0软件进行统计学分析.结果 病例组儿童BMI、TG、LDL-C、收缩压和舒张压均显著高于健康对照组(Pa<0.01);空腹和OGTT 2h血糖、OGTT 2h胰岛素和HOMA-IR均显著高于健康对照组(Pa<0.01);BMI与收缩压、舒张压、CHO、TG、LDL-C、空腹血糖(FBG)、空腹胰岛素(FINS)以及HOMA-IR均无相关性(Pa>0.05).病例组患儿中超声诊断脂肪肝发生率为84%,健康对照组儿童肝脏B超检查均未见异常.结论 肥胖伴黑棘皮病儿童BMI增加、胰岛素抵抗、血脂紊乱和血压增高是MS的危险因素,密切随访监测此类患儿有助于早期发现MS.积极治疗肥胖症,阻断儿童血糖、血脂代谢紊乱的发生,有助于减少儿童2型糖尿病和心血管疾病的危险性.     

单纯性肥胖儿童血浆卡尼汀、游离脂肪酸水平与胰岛素抵抗的相关性

目的了解单纯性肥胖儿童血浆卡尼汀(CT)、游离脂肪酸(FFA)水平与胰岛素抵抗相关参数的关系。方法选择56例确诊为单纯性肥胖的儿童作为研究对象(肥胖组),36例健康体检儿童为健康对照组。采用放射免疫法(RIA)测定二组血浆胰岛素,高效液相色谱法(HPLC)测定血浆CT水平,酶比色法测定血浆FFA及三酰甘油(TG)。计算体质量指数(BMI)及腰臀比(WHR),按稳态模式胰岛素(HOMA-IR)计算其胰岛素抵抗指数(InRI)和胰岛素敏感指数(InSI),应用SPSS13.0软件进行统计学分析。结果肥胖组血浆CT水平为(43.67±12.75)μmol/L,健康对照组为(58.31±21.25)μmol/L,二组比较差异有统计学意义(t=2.566P<0.05)。肥胖组血浆FFA水平为(785.32±284.91)μmol/L,健康对照组为(604.87±136.52)μmol/L,二组比较差异有统计学意义(t=2.143P<0.05)。肥胖组WHR、TG、胰岛素(Ins)水平、InRI与健康对照组比较差异均有统计学意义(Pa<0.05)。血浆FFA与BMI、WHR、TG均呈正相关(r=0.403,0.320,0.406Pa<0.05),与InSI呈负相关(r=-0.364P<0.01);血浆CT与空腹胰岛素(FINS)、InSI呈正相关(r=0.365,0.364Pa<0.01),与WHR呈负相关(r=-0.614P<0.01);肥胖组血浆CT水平与FFA水平呈负相关(r=-0.592P<0.01)。结论肥胖患儿存在明显的脂肪代谢紊乱,血浆FFA及CT水平的变化与胰岛素抵抗密切相关,这些变化可能参与肥胖及肥胖相关并发症的发生。     

儿童肥胖与代谢综合征的相关性

目的 探讨儿童肥胖与代谢综合征(MS)各指标的关系.方法 选择60例肥胖患儿作为肥胖组,60例正常体质量儿童作为健康对照组,比较2组体质量指数(BMI)、腰围与身高比(WHtR)、平均动脉压(MAP)、三酰甘油(TG)、空腹胰岛素(FIS)、血尿酸(UA)、脂蛋白(LP)及胰岛素敏感指数(ISI)和抵抗指数(IRI)等MS指标,并进行统计学处理.结果 肥胖组BMI、WHtR、MAP、TG、FIS、UA、LP及ISI、IRI均显著高于健康对照组,差异均有统计学意义(Pa<0.05).结论 肥胖儿童存在胰岛素抵抗及脂血谢紊乱,并有血压、血UA升高.对处于生长发育期的儿童,应控制和预防肥胖发展,以降低MS及成年时糖尿病、冠心病的发生.     

肥胖儿童血浆增食欲素A水平与能量摄入的相关性

目的 探讨肥胖儿童血浆增食欲素A水平的改变及其与能量摄入的相关性.方法 肥胖组儿童48例,检测患儿空腹外周血中增食欲素A水平、体质量指数(BMI)、能量摄入量,并与48例性别、年龄匹配的健康儿童(健康对照组)进行比较.分析2组血浆增食欲素A水平与BMI、能量摄入的相关性.结果 1.肥胖组儿童血浆增食欲素A水平显著低于健康对照组(F=5.632 P=0.008);2.肥胖组儿童血浆增食欲素A水平与BMI呈负相关(r=-0.478 P=0.012),与总能量、脂肪、蛋白质摄入量均呈正相关(r=0.503,0.659,0.381 P=0.007,0.006,0.026),与碳水化合物摄入量呈负相关(r=-0.316 P=0.022);3.健康对照组儿童血浆增食欲素A水平与BMI呈负相关(r=-0.491 P=0.018),与总能量、脂肪、蛋白质摄入量均呈正相关(r=0.512,0.406,0.313 P=0.009,0.005,0.020),与碳水化合物摄入量呈正相关(r=0.432 P=0.025).结论 增食欲素A参与了肥胖儿童的能量代谢,增食欲素A与能量摄入存在相关性,而且在不同的营养状态下这一作用不同.     

Bibliometric data: a disaster for many non-American biomedical journals

Bibliometric data published by the Institute of Scientific Information in Philadelphia (ISI), and which was previously discussed in Acta Paediatrica , has increasingly been used despite all the relevant and severe criticism that has been raised against this method of evaluating individual research results and grading scientific journals. It is obvious that the present trend regarding the use of bibliometric data as a basis for priorities and funding of research and for the promotion of individual scientists favours American-oriented research projects at the expense of those that are based on concepts of predominantly European relevance.

Conclusion: For the future of non-American research, it is important that no single super-power, i.e. the USA, should dominate scientific priorities. The condition for efficient European competition is that European Centres with high levels of competence for creative research and training of scientists from all over the world are established. In addition, it is important that the results of European research are published in prestigious European journals, as was the situation before World War II.     

alpha -SMOOTH MUSCLE ACTIN DISTRIBUTION IN THE PULMONARY VASCULATURE COMPARING HYPOPLASTIC AND NORMAL FETAL LUNGS

We investigated the intra-acinar pulmonary vascular muscularization in the developing human fetal lung between the 17th and 24th gestational weeks, that is, during the canalicular phase of lung development. Fifteen hypoplastic and 25 normal developed lungs were included in this study using monoclonal alpha -smooth muscle (sm) actin antibodies for smooth muscle detection. Computer-aided image analysis was performed for morphometrical measurements and statistical evaluation. Alphasm-actin-immunoreactive intra-acinar vessels down to a luminal diameter of less than 10 mu m were detected in hypoplastic as well as in normally developed lungs. Crucial differences presented as follows: significantly higher density of intra-acinar vessels, especially due to alpha -sm-actin-negative vessels less than 30 mu m in luminal diameter, in the control group; significantly higher alpha -sm-actin immunoreactivity per section unit as well as per vessel in the hypoplastic lung group. As suggested by others, alpha-sm-actin-positive cells of the intra-acinar vessel wall in the developing human lung were demonstrated to be smooth muscle cells, their immediate precursors, and pericytes. We conclude that the increased alpha -sm-actin immunoreactivity represents muscularization of the vessel wall in functional terms and may be regarded as one structural cause among others for the establishment of persistent fetal circulation in hypoplastic lungs.     

Whole-body mineral measurements in Swedish adolescents at 17 years compared to 15 years of age

Aim: To provide reference data for bone mineral variables in 15- and 17-y-old adolescents and to analyse the relationships between these variables and measures of bone and body size, gender, puberty, growth, various lifestyle and environmental factors and socioeconomic background.

Methods: In the same 321 randomly selected adolescents (147 boys and 174 girls) living in two different regions of Sweden, the total bone mineral content (TBMC), bone area (BA) and total bone mineral density (TBMD) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at ages 15 and 17 y. The effects of bone and body size, gender, growth, sexual maturity, physical activity, region of domicile, social conditions, food habits, smoking and alcohol intake on TBMC and TBMD were examined in multivariate analyses.

Results: In the 15-y-old adolescents, BA, height, gender, physical activity, maturity and weight explained 91% and 48%, of the variance in TBMC and TBMD, respectively. In similar analyses in the 17-y-olds, the corresponding figures were 92% and 62%, respectively, when BA, height, growth, physical activity, gender and region emerged as significant in the model. In all these analyses, BA explained most of the variance in TBMC and TBMD. No significant reduction of variance was found when different measures of social conditions, smoking, food habits, alcohol or dietary intakes of energy, calcium or vitamin D were included in the models. The reason why region of domicile had a significant impact on TBMC in the 17-y-olds is not known. The fact that the normal fluoride concentration in drinking water (1.1 mg/L) is 10 times higher in the region where TBMC was higher than in the other region is an interesting observation.

Conclusion: Almost 90% of the variance in TBMC and 50% of that in TBMD was explained by measures of bone and body size and only a few percent by gender, physical activity, Tanner stage, growth and region of domicile.     

The potential role of rapamycin in pediatric transplantation as observed from adult studies

Although pediatric patient and renal graft survival rates have shown marked improvements during the past decade, the persistent toxicities of immunosuppressive drugs and chronic allograft attrition remain major obstacles in transplant therapy. Results in adult patients suggest that complete steroid withdrawal is possible in the majority of recipients under treatment with a cyclosporin A-rapamycin (CsA RAPA) regimen. Furthermore, preliminary studies suggest that a marked reduction in the dose of CsA may be possible under the umbrella of RAPA coverage. The gain in immunosuppressive efficacy afforded by RAPA has not only been obtained without an increased morbidity owing to infectious or neoplastic causes, but also with the potential for reducing the incidence and/or progression of chronic rejection.     

VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS INFECTIONS IN THE PEDIATRIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANT PATIENT

Varicella zoster virus (VZV), a member of the human herpesvirus family, causes the clinical syndromes of chickenpox during primary infection and shingles on later reactivation. In immunocompromised patients, including those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, VZV can produce life-threatening infections. The most serious forms of VZV infection involve hematogenous dissemination of the virus to vital organs, such as the lung, brain, and liver. Advances in immunoprophylaxis, antiviral chemotherapy, and vaccine development have provided effective tools to limit the morbidity and mortality previously associated with VZV infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. In this review, we discuss virologic aspects of VZV, pathogenesis of VZV infection, methods of viral diagnosis, clinical manifestations of infection in both normal and immunocompromised patients, and available preventative and therapeutic measures.     

Génétique des schizophrénies : mise en perspective des schizophrénies à début précoce et autres pathologies du développement

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe brain disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, flat and/or inappropriate affect and cognitive impairment. The lifetime risk is about 0.5% with heritability of 65–85%. The prevalence of early-onset schizophrenia (defined here as before 15 years of age) has not been well studied, but is likely to be 5–10% of all cases. The rarity of early-onset SCZ has made it difficult to study. We focus on genetic studies of adults with schizophrenia, highlighting results for early-onset schizophrenia where available. Prior to the past 5 years, studies failed to find replicable association or linkage between SCZ and specific genes when appropriate statistical corrections for multiple testing were used. Many false positive results were probably reported using the candidate gene approach. Recently, the development of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) “chips” has permitted large genome-wide association study (GWAS) analyses that suggest that across all age groups, a proportion of genetic risk can be attributed to a large number of common SNP, each with a very small effect on risk (odds ratios of 1.1 or less). The greatest known genetic effect is conferred by the 1.5–3 Mb 22q.11.2 deletions, which occurs in ∼ 1/4000–1/6000 births with SCZ developing in 20–30% of carriers. Large SNP and aCGH microarray studies have now identified associations between SCZ and other rare, large copy number variations (CNV, insertions and deletions) with high odds ratios (5–10), including deletions of 1q21, 2p16.3 (neurexin-1 gene), 3q29 and 15q13.3, and duplications of 16p11.2. Some of these CNV are also associated with autism or other developmental disorders as well as epilepsy or intellectual deficiency, suggesting some overlap in the mechanisms that contribute to risks of these disorders. Based on preliminary data from larger-scale analyses in progress, approximately 1–2% of cases carry a CNV that has been clearly associated with SCZ (ORs 4–12). Whole exome and genome sequencing studies of large adult samples will be the next steps to identify rarer SCZ-associated mutations, including point mutations and smaller as well as rarer CNV. Genetic findings are beginning to contribute to an understanding of biological mechanisms of SCZ risk and may lead to new approaches to treatment.     

INACTIVATION OF PULMONARY SURFACTANT AND THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE LUNG INJURIES

Inactivation of pulmonary surfactant may be important in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Treatment of surfactant dysfunction by instilling exogenous surfactants may improve gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics. Surfactants used for treatment vary in their attributes and effects, so when various surfactants are considered for therapy, resistance to inactivation is an important consideration. Animal models of acute lung injury exist in which the relative merits of surfactants can be compared. We hypothesize that the surfactants most resistant to inactivation in vitro will be the ones that are most effective in treatment of animal models of acute lung injury. Surfactants with higher concentrations of surfactant proteins (specifically A, B, and C) are more resistant to inactivation. Nonionic polymers mimic surfactant proteins in preventing surfactant inactivation under some conditions. Adding nonionic polymers to surfactant containing minimal amounts of SP-B and SP-C markedly improves lung function of animals with lung injury. Making surfactants more "inactivation-proof" may improve surfactant therapy of acute lung injuries.     

Plasma Proinsulin and C-Peptide Concentrations in Children with Hyperinsulinaemic Hypoglycaemia

ABSTRACT. Plasma concentrations of proinsulin and C-peptide were measured in five children presenting with svere hypoglycaemia associated with elevated plasma levels of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) in order to determine whether the profile of circulating B-cell products related to the underlying pathophysiology of the pancreas. Results were compared with data from 13 normal infants. Four children, three neonates and a nine year old girl, were subjected to partial or total pancreatectomy. The neonates had nesidioblastosis, nesidioblastosis with a microadenoma, and a functional abnormality without histological derangement respectively; the older child had a localised adenoma. The remaining child, a neonate, had transient hypoglycaemia and elevated IRI levels associated with hyperlactataemia and hyperalaninae-mia. All the children had markedly elevated plasma proinsulin concentrations; the highest levels were seen in the child with an isolated adenoma and in the neonate with nesidioblastosis and a microadenoma. Both of these children also had substantially elevated plasma C-peptide concentrations. The remaining three neonates had plasma C-peptide levels, which although in the normal range for normoglycaemia were inappropriately elevated during hypoglycaemia. It is concluded that elevated proinsulin and C-peptide concentrations are seen in children with hypoglycaemia associated with increased plasma IRI levels and that the profile of the concentrations does not provide a reliable marker for the nature of the underlying pancreatic abnormality.     

Growth tracks in early childhood

Aim: Child growth is modulated by numerous factors and, particularly in infancy and early childhood, often tends to follow apparently irregular patterns, with many centiles crossed before the later growth channels are reached. The aim of this study was to visualize the diversity of individual growth. Design: The study investigated 333 girls and 329 boys without chronic illnesses from four paediatric practices in Kiel, Germany. The children were measured on natural     

Residual pulmonary hypertension in children after treatment with inhaled nitric oxide: a follow-up study regarding cardiopulmonary and neurological symptoms

Inhaled nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator in acute severe pulmonary hypertension and is increasingly used as rescue treatment in intensive care algorithms aiming at reducing severe hypoxaemia in neonates and children. Although the immediate effects may seem impressive, longterm outcome regarding residual pulmonary hypertension and other sequelae has been studied in only a very few patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate residual pulmonary hypertension, cardiopulmonary or neurological symptoms in children after treatment with inhaled nitric oxide in severely hypoxaemic and/or pulmonary hypertensive mechanically ventilated children. The study was performed in four paediatric intensive care units in university hospitals in Sweden, Norway and Australia. Patients who had received inhaled nitric oxide as part of their intensive care treatment for severe hypoxaemia and/or pulmonary hypertension, and in whom 6 mo had elapsed since treatment, were included for evaluation. Thus 36 paediatric or neonatal patients were examined for circulatory, respiratory or neurological disorders with clinical examination, echocardiography, chest X-ray and a capillary blood sample. Four patients with congenital heart disease had residual pulmonary hypertension. Nine patients were receiving bronchodilators. Sixteen patients had minor (n = 15) or moderate (n = 1) changes on a chest X-ray. One patient had a possible delay in psychomotor development. Conclusions: In spite of the severity of their primary illness, we found that the overwhelming majority of the surviving children were asymptomatic and doing well. The few residual circulatory and respiratory symptoms could be related to the initial condition.