A 5‐HT2A/2C receptor agonist, 1‐(2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodophenyl)‐2‐aminopropane,mitigates developmental neurotoxicity of ethanol to serotonergic neurons

Prenatal ethanol exposure causes the reduction of serotonergic (5‐HTergic) neurons in the midbrain raphe nuclei. In the present study, we examined whether an activation of signaling via 5‐HT_2A and 5‐HT_2C receptors during the fetal period is able to prevent the reduction of 5‐HTergic neurons induced by prenatal ethanol exposure. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were given a liquid diet containing 2.5 to 5.0% (w/v) ethanol on gestational days (GDs) 10 to 20 (Et). As a pair‐fed control, other pregnant rats were fed the same liquid diet except that the ethanol was replaced by isocaloric sucrose (Pf). Each Et and Pf group was subdivided into two groups; one of the groups was treated with 1 mg/kg (i.p.) of 1‐(2,5‐dimethoxy‐4‐iodophenyl)‐2‐aminopropane (DOI), an agonist for 5‐HT_2A/2C receptors, during GDs 13 to 19 (Et‐DOI or Pf‐DOI), and another was injected with saline vehicle only (Et‐Sal or Pf‐Sal). Their fetuses were removed by cesarean section on GD 19 or 20, and fetal brains were collected. An immunohistological examination of 5‐HTergic neurons in the fetuses on embryonic day 20 using an antibody against tryptophan hydroxylase revealed that the number of 5‐HTergic neurons in the midbrain raphe nuclei was significantly reduced in the Et‐Sal fetuses compared to that of the Pf‐Sal and Pf‐DOI fetuses, whereas there were no significant differences between Et‐DOI and each Pf control. Thus, we concluded that the reduction of 5‐HTergic neurons that resulted in prenatal ethanol exposure could be alleviated by the enhancement of signaling via 5‐HT_2A/2C receptors during the fetal period.     

Self‐esteem in 6‐ to 16‐year‐olds with monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis

Aim: Childhood nocturnal enuresis (NE) and incontinence has been shown to be associated with increased behavioural problems and reduced self‐esteem (SE) in Western populations. The impact on Asian children, however, is not known. This study investigates the relationship between SE and monosymptomatic NE in Malaysian children aged 6 to 16 years. Method: Children with wetting frequency of at least 4 out of 14 nights were recruited with controls matched for age, gender and race. SE scores were obtained using the ‘I Think I Am’ questionnaire for five domains: body image, talents and skills, psychological well‐being, relationship with family and relationship with others. Results: A total of 126 children were recruited; 22 enuretics aged 6–9 years and their matched controls (Group1) and 41 enuretics aged 10–16 years and their matched controls (Group 2). SE scores were similar between the enuretic and controls in Group 1, whereas in Group 2, enuretics had significantly lower scores (P < 0.05) in ‘body image’, ‘relationship with others’ and total SE scores. This difference was more pronounced among girls, adolescents and those who wet more than 10/14 nights. Conclusion: The SE of Malaysian children with monosymptomatic NE aged 10 years and above is significantly lower than their peers. This effect is seen particularly among girls, adolescents and those with frequent wetting. In the light of these findings, the ‘wait and see’ approach by the Malaysian medical profession is no longer appropriate. Treatment should begin before the age of 10 years.     

Neonatal cholestasis and glucose‐6‐P‐dehydrogenase deficiency

We report a Caucasian neonate with chronic non‐spherocytic hemolytic anemia due to a class I G6PD deficiency. A novel mutation missense mutation in exon eight of the G6PD gene was detected (c.827C>T p.Pro276Leu). Bilirubin peaked on day 5 at 24 mg/dl with a conjugated bilirubin of 17 mg/dl. Jaundice resolved within 4 weeks. A detailed work‐up failed to reveal other specific factors contributing to cholestasis. Severe hemolytic disease of the newborn may cause cholestasis even in the absence of associated primary hepato‐biliary disease. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2010;54:758–760. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

Hereditary spherocytosis diagnosed with the eosin‐5′‐maleimide binding test

We describe three cases of hereditary spherocytosis (HS) diagnosed using the eosin‐5′‐maleimide (EMA) binding test and discuss the relevance of the EMA binding test. In Japan, this test is not widely used because the prevalence of HS is low. This test is a valuable screening test for the diagnosis of HS.     

Convalescent plasma for pediatric patients with SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated acute respiratory distress syndrome

There are no proven safe and effective therapies for children who develop life‐threatening complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Convalescent plasma (CP) has demonstrated potential benefit in adults with SARS‐CoV‐2, but has theoretical risks.We present the first report of CP in children with life‐threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), providing data on four pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. We measured donor antibody levels and recipient antibody response prior to and following CP infusion. Infusion of CP was not associated with antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE) and did not suppress endogenous antibody response. We found CP was safe and possibly efficacious. Randomized pediatric trials are needed.