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。     

单纯性肥胖儿童骨龄与体质量指数及性激素水平的相关性

目的 检测单纯性肥胖儿童的骨龄和性激素水平,分析骨龄与体质量指数(BMI)和性激素水平之间的关系.方法 选取40例单纯性肥胖患儿(肥胖组)及40例体检健康儿童(健康对照组).常规测量二组儿童身高和体质量,并计算BMI.采用G-P图谱法对左手腕指关节正位片进行骨龄评定;采用罗氏E170化学发光免疫分析仪测定二组儿童血清雌二醇、睾酮水平.比较二组儿童骨龄、BMI和性激素水平间的差异,并对骨龄与BMI及性激素水平进行相关性分析.结果 肥胖组骨龄[(11.85±2.76)岁]、BMI[(27.26±5.16) kg·m-2]及雌二醇[(29.20±11.61) pmol·L-1]均显著高于健康对照组[(10.57±2.59)岁,(16.75±4 73) kg·m-2,(22.35±10.87) pmol·L-1](t=10.57、9.50、2.72,P<0.05、0.01、0.01);肥胖组睾酮[(0.07±0.04) μg·L-1]显著低于健康对照组[(0.10±0.05) μg·L-1](t=2.96,P<0.01).肥胖组骨龄与BMI、雌二醇均呈显著正相关(r=0.696、0.773,Pa<0 05);与睾酮呈负相关(r=-0.726,P<0.05).结论 单纯性肥胖儿童的骨龄较同龄健康儿童超前,骨龄超前与体内雌激素水平有关,雌二醇水平的升高可能是导致单纯性肥胖儿童骨龄超前的主要原因.     

单纯性肥胖男童血清瘦素、性激素水平及其对性发育的影响

目的 探讨单纯性肥胖男性儿童血清瘦素、性激素水平及其对性发育的影响.方法 从8～14岁1 208例小学生中筛选出体质量指数(BMI)≥25 kg/m2的42例男童作为肥胖组,选择BMI 14.1～23.0 kg/m2的健康男童32例作为健康对照组,对所入选儿童用ELISA法测定其血清瘦素,放射免疫分析法测定其血清雌二醇(E2)、睾酮(T)水平,用游标卡尺测量其阴茎长度及睾丸体积.采用SPSS 10.0软件行组间t检验比较二组差异,直线相关分析单纯性肥胖儿童血清瘦素与E2、T的相关性.结果 肥胖组男童血清瘦素为(16.82±11.46)μg/L,较健康对照组(5.43±3.56)μ/L显著增高,二组比较有显著性差异(t=5.419 P<0.01).肥胖组男童血清E2水平为(20.51±16.42)ng/L,较健康对照组[(8.84±4.53)ng/L]显著增高,二组比较有显著性差异(t=3.903 P<0.01).肥胖组男童T水平为(1.64±0.85)μg,/L,低于健康男童[(2.07±0.98)μ/L],二组比较有显著性差异(t=2.018 P<0.05).肥胖组男童阴茎长度为(4.51±1.36)cm,低于健康男童[(5.64±0.99)cm],二组比较有显著性差异(t=3.965 P<0.01).肥胖组男童睾丸体积[(4.21±2.32)cm3]低于健康男童[(7.08±3.76)cm3],二组比较有显著性差异(t=4.043 P<0.01).瘦素与BMI、E2呈正相关(r=0.757,0.266 Pa<0.05),与T呈负相关(r=-0.368 P<0.01).结论 高水平瘦素可能是单纯性肥胖重要的生物学标志之一.单纯性肥胖男童存在性激素代谢紊乱、性发育落后,瘦素可能影响男性肥胖儿童的性发育.     

减肥对单纯性肥胖儿童糖耐量及胰岛素分泌功能的影响

目的探索单纯性肥胖儿童糖耐量减低(IGT)的干预方法。方法测定14例单纯性肥胖儿童经日服葡萄糖耐量实验(OGTT),诊断为IGT,男10例,女4例;年龄8-15岁;体质量(57.7-114.0)kg,体质量指数(BMI)(30.18±1.71)。给予中医循经推拿和行为矫正及饮食、运动调整综合减重治疗2个月。结果14例IGT肥胖儿童减肥治疗2个月后9例OGTT恢复正常,体质量下降至(49-95)kg;BMI下降至(25.30±1.35)kg;治疗后空腹胰岛素、餐后2 h胰岛素、餐后2 h血糖[(14.23 ±2.35)mIU/L、(47.20±10.26)mIU/L、(5.63±0.91)mmol/L]较治疗前[(32.54±7.13)mIU/L、(164.53±33.60)mIU/ L、(8.75±1.09)mmol/L]明显下降(P<0.05,<0.01,<0.05);空腹血糖(4.80±0.52)mmol/L和治疗前(5.36±1.59) mmol/L比较无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论减肥是干预单纯性肥胖儿童IGT、改善胰岛素抵抗及预防2型糖尿病的最好方法。     

儿童血浆同型半胱氨酸水平与原发性高血压相关性研究

目的 了解儿童血浆同型半胱氨酸水平,分析其与儿童原发性高血压的相关性.方法 2004--2006年对北京3～18岁儿童和青少年2万余人进行了血压、血糖、血脂及肥胖的流行病学抽样调查.本研究随机抽取其中6～10岁原发性高血压儿童,男女各20例,另选学校体检血压正常的相应年龄段的男女儿童各20例作为对照组.两组儿童均经临床病史、体检、实验室检查除外其它心肺、泌尿、内分泌等疾病.采用高效液相色谱电化学内标法进行了血浆同型半胱氨酸水平测定.结果结果:男童高血压组与血压正常组收缩压分别为(119±9)mmHg、(102±5)mmHg(P<0.001),舒张压分别为(76±6)mmHg、(66±6)mmHg(P<0.001);女童高血压组与血压正常组收缩压分别为(118±7)mmHg、(101±7)mmHg(P<0.001),舒张压分别为(76±10)mmHg、(63±9)mmHg(P<0.001);本研究6～10岁血压正常儿童血浆同型半胱氨酸几何均值为(8.5±1.3)μmol/L,其中男童为(8.0±1.3)μmol/L,女童为(9.1±1.3)μmol/L,二者差异无统计学意义(P=0.126).男女高血压组血浆同型半胱氨酸水平高于血压正常组,男童分别为(10.2±1.5)μmol/L、(8.0±1.3)μmol/L,P=0.024;女童分别为(12.2±1.5)μmol/L、(9.1±1.3)μmol/L,P=0.008.控制性别,血浆同型半胱氨酸水平与年龄呈正相关(r=0.31.P=0.006),控制年龄、性别,血浆同型半胱氨酸水平与收缩压和舒张压均呈正相关,与BMI、血糖,甘油三酯及总胆固醇无明显相关性.进一步控制BMI、血糖、甘油三酯及总胆固醇,同型半胱氨酸与收缩压和舒张压的正相关关系依然存在,偏相关系数分别为(r=0.265,P=0.024)和(r=0.347,P=0.003).结论 儿童血浆同型半胱氨酸水平与血压正相关,高血压儿童血浆同型半胱氨酸水平高于血压正常的同龄儿童.     

脓毒症中同型半胱氨酸转硫代谢障碍的机制研究

目的探讨脓毒症患儿外周血同型半胱氨酸(Hcy)水平升高的临床意义及其可能机制。方法回顾性分析2019年1月至2019年12月徐州市儿童医院PICU收治的51例脓毒症患儿(脓毒症组)的临床资料, 并与同期住院的50例感染非脓毒症患儿(普通感染组)及50例健康体检儿童(健康对照组)的血浆Hcy水平进行比较;通过脂多糖诱导脓毒症小鼠模型检测Hcy代谢下游关键限速酶胱硫醚-β合酶(CBS)和胱硫醚-γ裂合酶(CSE)的水平, 分析Hcy代谢障碍的可能机制。结果脓毒症组患儿血浆Hcy水平为(12.62±5.46)μmol/L, 显著高于普通感染组[(9.42±2.28)μmol/L]和健康对照组[(8.14±1.60)μmol/L], 差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05);脓毒症组中12例发生急性肾损伤患儿血浆Hcy水平为(16.48±5.87)μmol/L, 显著高于39例未发生急性肾损伤患儿[(11.62±4.74)μmol/L], 差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);脓毒症组中6例发生急性肝衰竭患儿血浆Hcy水平为(18.35±7.10)μmol/L, 显著高于45例未发生急性肝衰...     

儿童单纯性肥胖危险因素分析及与血浆D-二聚体的相关性

目的探讨儿童单纯性肥胖的危险因素以及血浆D-二聚体与肥胖的相关性。方法采用问卷调查和体格测量的方法调查2006年1月—2010年12月就诊的单纯性肥胖儿童530例,其中102例测定血浆D-二聚体。同时选取120例性别、年龄、地区分布相匹配的健康儿童作对照,其中89例测定血浆D-二聚体。结果肥胖儿童出生体质量、其父母平均体质指数(BMI)均较对照组明显增高,差异有统计学意义(P均<0.01);肥胖儿童较正常对照儿童每日运动时间少,睡眠时间和看电视时间多,差异均有统计学意义(P均<0.01);儿童肥胖与饮食有关;肥胖儿童有心血管病家族史的比例明显高于对照组,血浆D-二聚体含量[(0.85±0.31)mg/L]亦较对照组[(0.30±0.11)mg/L]明显增高,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.001)。结论儿童肥胖是遗传因素和环境因素共同作用的结果,血浆D-二聚体与儿童单纯性肥胖具有相关性。     

促酰化蛋白水平与儿童肥胖的关系

目的：儿童肥胖不仅是体内脂肪过度积蓄,它常延伸至成人,导致心血管疾病、糖尿病发病增高。促酰化蛋白(ASP)与脂肪代谢密切相关,据此该文测定儿童ASP及血脂水平,并分析与肥胖的相关性。 方法：将该院门诊就诊的单纯性肥胖儿童分为肥胖组(n=30);正常体检儿童分为对照组(n=30),分别测定ASP及血脂水平。ASP检测采用ELISA方法检测血浆ASP水平,试剂盒由加拿大麦吉尔大学医学中心皇家维多利亚医院心血管研究室提供,血脂检测采用免疫比浊法在全自动生化分析仪上检测。 结果：肥胖组血浆ASP、胆固醇、甘油三酯、载脂蛋白B依次为 73.87 ± 24.04 g/L , 5.71 ±0.61 mmol/L, 1.77±0.30 mmol/L,0.98±0.20 mmol/L;对照组为 39.47±13.68 g/L,4.29±0.49 mmol/L,1.02±0.25 mmol/L,0.85±0.11 mmol/L。两组比较其差异有显著性意义(P<0.01或P<0.05);ASP与体重指数(BMI)、血浆甘油三酯、胆固醇呈正相关(相关系数分别为r=0.43,0.48,0.68,分别P<0.05,P<0.05,P<0.01);肥胖组中有肥胖家族史患儿血浆ASP水平比无家族史患儿增高更明显 103.4±10.57 g/L vs71.15±24.9 g/L,差异有显著性(P<0.01)。 结论：血浆ASP水平可作为脂质代谢检测的一种新指标,对判断儿童肥胖发展趋势和肥胖儿童未来发生心血管疾病危险度作出初步估价。     

新疆地区单纯性肥胖儿童血清指标与肾素-血管紧张素-醛固酮系统的关系

目的探讨新疆地区单纯性肥胖儿童血清学指标与肾素-血管紧张素-醛固酮(RAS)系统的关系, 为明确儿童肥胖发生机制提供依据。方法按照横断面研究, 采用整群随机抽样的方法选取新疆塔城地区单纯性肥胖儿童41例作为病例组, 年龄(10.04±1.66)岁。同期选取健康正常体质量儿童41例作为对照组, 年龄(10.12±1.68)岁。采用t检验比较2组研究对象血清中脂肪因子、胰岛素、RAS系统指标含量的差异, 采用Pearson检验分析单纯性肥胖儿童血清脂肪因子含量与RAS系统活性的相关性。结果病例组患儿血清中脂肪因子脂联素(APN)水平[(7.90±1.96) μg/L]低于对照组[(8.87±1.61) μg/L](P=0.017), 瘦素(LEP)[(6.81±1.88) ng/L比(5.87±1.79) ng/L]、抵抗素[(12.61±3.63) ng/L比(10.18±3.07) ng/L]均高于对照组(P=0.023、0.002)。病例组血清中RAS系统相关指标肾素[(35.78±10.08) ng/L比(29.24±10.69) ng/L](P=0.007)、醛固酮(ALD)[(...     

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.     

Allergic factors associated with the development of asthma and the influence of cetirizine in a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial: First results of ETA®

There is a common progression known as the allergic march from atopic dermatitis to allergic asthma. Cetirizine has several antiallergic properties that suggest a potential effect on the development of airway inflammation and asthma in infants with atopic dermatitis. Methods. Over a two year period, 817 infants aged one to two years who suffered from atopic dermatitis and with a history of atopic disease in a parent or sibling were included in the ETAC^® (Early Treatment of the Atopic Child) trial, a multi-country, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. The infants were treated for 18 months with either cetirizine (0.25mg/ kg b.i.d.) or placebo. The number of infants who developed asthma was compared between the two groups. Clinical and biological assessments including analysis of total and specific IgE antibodies were performed. Results. In the placebo group, the relative risk (RR) for developing asthma was elevated in patients with a raised level of total IgE (≥ 30 kU/I) or specific IgE (≥ 0.35 kUA/I) for grass pollen, house dust mite or cat dander (RR between 1.4 and 1.7). Compared to placebo, cetirizine significantly reduced the incidence of asthma for patients sensitised to grass pollen (RR = 0.5) or to house dust mite (RR = 0.6). However, in the population that included all infants with normal and elevated total or specific IgE (intention-to-treat - ITT), there was no difference between the numbers of infants developing asthma while receiving cetirizine or placebo. The adverse events profile was similar in the two treatment groups. Discussion. Raised total IgE level and raised specific IgE levels to grass pollen, house dust mite or cat dander were predictive of subsequent asthma. Cetirizine halved the number of patients developing asthma in the subgroups sensitised to grass pollen or house dust mite (i.e. 20% of the study population). In view of the proven safety of the drug, we propose this treatment as a primary pharmacological intervention strategy to prevent the development of asthma in specifically sensitised infants with atopic dermatitis.     

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孤独症谱系障碍(autistic-spectrum disorders,ASDs)近年来患病率逐年攀升至1%左右,其症状往往伴随终生,成为严重威胁儿童健康和发展的神经发育性疾患;注意缺陷多动障碍(attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,ADHD)是儿童期最常见的精神障碍,国内报道患病率为4.13%～5.83%,其症状可延续至青少年期,甚至到成年期[1]。这两类精神障碍在成年期的临床表现、共患病、治疗策略和预后与儿童期有哪些不同呢?本文通过回顾相     

EXCITING NEW TREATMENT APPROACHES FOR PATHYPHYSIOLOGIC MECHANISMS OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE

During the past several decades, our understanding of the complex pathophysiology of vasoocclusion associated with sickle cell disease has improved greatly. Interaction of genes, hemoglobin molecules, red cell membrane and metabolic changes, cell-cell interactions and cell-plasma interactions, red cell adhesion to vascular endothelium, activation of coagulation, and vascular reactivity play a role in vaso occlusion. Penicillin prophylaxis of pneumococcal infections and appropriate use of blood transfusions and other supportive measures improved survival of sickle cell patients. Hydroxyurea made a major impact on sickle cell therapy when it was shown to decrease acute painful episodes, acute chest syndrome, and the need for blood transfusion in adults. Significant experience in the use of hydroxyurea has been accumulated in older children. The benefits and risks of hydroxyurea for younger children and long-term risks in all patients will be evaluated in future investigations. Other promising therapies include butyrate compounds, clotrimazole, magnesium supplementation, poloxamer 188, antiadhesion agents, anticoagulant approaches, and nitric oxide. Hemopoietic transplantation remains the only curative therapy. However, several transgenic mouse models are available for studies of gene therapy or other treatment approaches on biochemical, cellular, and pathologic effects of mutant genes.     

Infiltrations of Epstein-Barr virus-carrying cells in granular lymphocyte-proliferative disorders corresponding to chronic active Epstein-Barr virus infection

A 21-year-old man with granular lymphocyte-proliferative disorders (GLPD) associated with chronic active Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is described. Chromosomal analyses revealed several clonal abnormalities and two of them were mainly repetitious. High copy numbers of monoclonal EBV genome were also detected in the proliferative large granular lymphocytes (LGLs), indicating the monoclonal expansion of EBV-infected LGLs. The patient had an indolent course for several years, and there was no evidence of infiltrations of his bone marrow until the end stage. At autopsy, microscopic studies revealed marked infiltrations of LGL in the liver and spleen, and the infiltrating cells were NK-cell immunophenotype. The infiltrated LGLs showed latency I.     

LUTEINIZING HORMONE RECEPTOR MUTATIONS IN DISORDERS OF SEXUAL DEVELOPMENT AND CANCER

Human male sexual development is regulated by chorionic gonadotropin (CG) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Aberrant sexual development caused by both activating and inactivating mutations of the human luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR) have been described. All known activating mutations of the LHR are missense mutations caused by single base substitution. The most common activating mutation is the replacement of Asp-578 by Gly due to the substitution of A by G at nucleotide position 1733. All activating mutations are present in exon 11 which encodes the transmembrane domain of the receptor. Constitutive activity of the LHR causes LH releasing hormone-independent precocious puberty in boys and the autosomal dominant disorder familial male-limited precocious puberty (FMPP). Both germline and somatic activating mutations of the LHR have been found in patients with testicular tumors. Activating mutations have no effect on females. The molecular genetics of the inactivating mutations of the LHR are more variable and include single base substitution, partial gene deletion, and insertion. These mutations are not localized and are present in both the extracellular and transmembrane domain of the receptor. Inactivation of the LHR gives rise to the autosomal recessive disorder Leydig cell hypoplasia (LCH) and male hypogonadism or male pseudohermaphroditism. Severity of the clinical phenotype in LCH patients correlates with the amount of residual activity of the mutated receptor. Females are less affected by inactivating mutation of the LHR. Symptoms caused by homozygous inactivating mutation of the LHR include polycystic ovaries and primary amenorrhea.     

Resurgence of measles in Singapore: profile of hospital cases

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the profile of cases of measles seen at a general hospital during a recent outbreak that occurred despite a measles vaccination program. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective study from January 1991 to March 1998. All patients with measles (ICD code 055. 9) seen at the emergency unit or as inpatients were included. RESULTS: There were 87 cases identified. The diagnosis was clinical in all and proven serologically in 71%. Eighty-five per cent of the cases occurred between January 1997 and March 1998. There was a bi-modal age distribution with peaks in the very young (相似文献   

Personality profiles and heart rate variability (vagal tone) in children with recurrent abdominal pain

The aim of the study was to explore psychological factors and autonomic activity in children with recurrent abdominal pain and to compare them with those in a control group of healthy children. The Personality Inventory for Children was used for assessment of developmental, emotional and psychosocial factors in 25 children with recurrent abdominal pain (age, 7-15 y). Parasympathetic and sympathetic functions in these children and in 23 healthy control subjects (age, 7-13 y) were also investigated, non-invasively using a computerized polygraph. Vagal tone (parasympathetic function) was indexed by calculation of respiratory sinus arrhythmia in beats/min. Skin conductance (sympathetic function) was recorded by the constant current method. On the Personality Inventory for Children, 16 patients had high scores on somatic concern. Several patients had scores in the clinical range for depression, withdrawal and anxiety, but the mean scores for these personality profile scales were well within the normal range of healthy children. Interestingly, there was a spike on the L (Lie)-scale for most of the patients and 15 patients had scores above or close to the clinical cut-off value. As compared with the scores in healthy children, vagal tone and sympathetic tone were normal. Conclusion: Many children with recurrent abdominal pain have scores in the clinical range for depression, withdrawal, anxiety and L-scale indicating coping problems, denial and a trend towards somatic concern that may contribute to the evolution of abdominal pain. Autonomic nerve activity was not disturbed in these children.     

Overcoming surfactant inhibition with polymers

Inhibition of the function of pulmonary surfactant in the alveolar space is an important element of the pathophysiology of many lung diseases, including meconium aspiration syndrome, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The known mechanisms by which surfactant dysfunction occurs are (a) competitive inhibition of phospholipid entry into the surface monolayer (e.g. by plasma proteins), and (b) infiltration and destabilization of the surface film by extraneous lipids (e.g. meconium-derived free fatty acids). Recent data suggest that addition of non-ionic polymers such as dextran and polyethylene glycol to surfactant mixtures may significantly improve resistance to inhibition. Polymers have been found to neutralize the effects of several different inhibitors, and can produce near-complete restoration of surfactant function. The anti-inhibitory properties of polymers, and their possible role as an adjunct to surfactant therapy, deserve further exploration.     

How well are we doing? – Metabolic control in patients with diabetes

OBJECTIVE: To compare the present level of metabolic control in children and adolescents with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) attending Brisbane paediatric diabetes clinics with published overseas data. METHODOLOGY: Blood HbA1c concentrations, population characteristics, current treatment practices and short-term complications were recorded in all patients, aged 19 years and under, attending the diabetes clinics of the two Brisbane Children's Hospitals or the private practice of one of the authors (MJT) in the first quarter of 1998. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-eight patients were assessed (M/F 142/126). Ages ranged from 1 to 19 years (mean 11. 2 years); duration of IDDM was 0-16 years (mean 4.4 years); and 141 (53%) were pubertal. Of those aged less than 13 years, only 4% had more than two injections daily. Insulin doses (U/kg/day) rose with increasing age. Larger doses were required in regimens involving more than two injections per day than those involving one to two injections per day. Ketoacidosis or severe hypoglycaemia in the last 3 months were reported in eight (2.7%) and 17 (6.3%) of patients, respectively. Mean HbA1c (+/- SD) was 8.6 +/- 1.4% (range 5.2-14.0%), with 33% of children having a HbA1c concentration < 8%. HbA1c concentrations were significantly related (P < 0.05) to insulin dose and to duration of diabetes, but not to severe hypoglycaemia, ketoacidosis, age, frequency of injections, or number of clinic visits per year. Mean HbA1c concentration was significantly higher (P < 0.05) in those children in puberty (8.7 +/- 1.5%) than in those not in puberty (8.5 +/- 1.2%). CONCLUSION: Only 33% of patients had a HbA1C concentration less than 8% and 6.3% had a severe hypoglycaemic episode in the 3 months. These results are similar to published overseas data.