Transcutaneous absorption of oil in preterm babies--a pilot study

This study was conducted to determine transcutaneous absorption of oil in preterm neonates. A mixture of coconut oil and Meadowfoam oil which contains unique fatty acids, which acted as marker fatty acids was applied to the skin of babies. One mL blood was collected before and one hour after post oil application. Both pre and post oil application serum samples were hydrolysed and derivatised with 2-phenyl hydrazine hydrochloride in order to detect fatty acids by HPLC analysis on C-8 column. None of the pre oil application serum sample showed the presence of the marker fatty acids. The post oil application serum sample of all the 12 babies showed the presence of marker fatty acids of Meadowfoam oil which indicates transcutaneous absorption of oil in preterm babies.     

Video and CD-ROM as a training tool for performing neurologic examinations of 1-year-old children in a multicenter epidemiologic study

In lieu of traditional training of examiners to identify cerebral palsy on a neurologic examination at age 1 year, we proposed an alternative approach using a multimedia training video and CD-ROM we developed after a two-step validation process. We hypothesized that use of CD-ROM interactive training will lead to reliable and valid performance of the neurologic examination by both pediatric neurologists and nonpediatric neurologists. All examiners were asked to take one of six interobserver variability tests found on the CD-ROM on two occasions. In the first interobserver variability evaluation, 89% (531 of 594) of the responses agreed with the gold standard responses. Following annotated feedback to the examiners about the two items that had a 60% correct rate, the correct response rate rose to 93% (114 of 123). In the second interobserver variability evaluation, 88% (493 of 560) of the responses agreed with the gold standard responses. Following annotated feedback to the examiners about the four items that had a 70% correct rate, the correct response rate rose to 96% (104 of 108). Interactive CD-ROM examination training is an efficient and cost-effective means of training both neurologists and non-neurologists to perform structured neurologic examinations in 1-year-old children. It provides an effective means to evaluate interobserver variability, offers a route for feedback, and creates an opportunity to reevaluate variability, both immediately and at periodic intervals.     

Osteopenia in children who have undergone posterior fossa or craniospinal irradiation for brain tumors

OBJECTIVES: To determine lumbar spine and total body bone mineral density (BMD) in pediatric patients who have undergone cranial or craniospinal irradiation for posterior fossa tumors, specifically medulloblastoma and ependymoma and to analyze the association between degree of osteopenia and factors that may affect BMD. METHODS: Retrospective and prospective data collection included medical record review and examination, including pubertal, dietary, and activity assessment. Lumbar spine and total body BMD were measured by means of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. Patients were routinely observed by the endocrinology department, and hormone deficiencies were corrected promptly. A subset of patients received calcium and vitamin D supplementation and underwent repeat BMD measurement 1 year later. RESULTS: Of 24 patients aged 4 to 20 years, 11 of whom were male, recruited from 1996 through 1999, 19 had medulloblastoma. All 19 underwent craniospinal radiotherapy plus a boost to the posterior fossa (mean +/- SD of 5410 +/- 130 rad [54.1 +/- 1.3 Gy] to the posterior fossa, mean +/- SD of 3470 +/- 460 rad [34.7 +/- 4.6 Gy] to the whole brain and spinal axis), and 8 of 19 underwent chemotherapy. The remaining 5 patients had ependymoma and underwent irradiation to the posterior fossa only (mean +/- SD of 5680 +/- 720 rad [56.8 +/- 7.2 Gy]). Therefore, there were 3 treatment groups: craniospinal irradiation and chemotherapy, only craniospinal irradiation, and only posterior fossa irradiation. Bone mineral studies were performed a mean +/- SD of 5.42 +/- 3.23 years after therapy. Our patients had lower total body BMD (mean z score, -0.47; 95% confidence interval, -0.85 to -0.09) and lumbar spine BMD (mean z score, -1.27; 95% confidence interval, -1.81 to -0.73) as compared with those of the the general population. There was no significant difference in mean lumbar spine BMD between patients in the 3 groups. Our patients consumed a diet deficient in vitamin D and calcium (mean +/- SD 53.6% +/- 24.1% and 70.0% +/- 37.4% of the amount recommended, respectively). Of 7 patients who underwent measurements 1 year later, 5 had in increase in BMD that was parallel to normal curves, with no compensatory increase. Four patients were hypothyroid, 6 were growth hormone deficient, and 6 were both. All hormones were replaced, with the exception of growth hormone in 1 patient. By using regression analysis, the factors that affected lumbar spine BMD, protectively in both cases, were calcium intake (beta = 0.015, 95% confidence interval, 0.001-0.029) and female sex (beta = 1.422, 95% confidence interval, 0.456-2.388). CONCLUSIONS: Children who have undergone irradiation for posterior fossa tumors have diminished total body and lumbar spine BMD, as compared with those of the general population. This reduction was similar within all 3 treatment groups, which suggests that chemotherapy did not play a major role and that localized irradiation may have systemic effects. This population often has balance and gait problems, so the risk of falling, coupled with osteopenia, may place them at considerably increased risk of fractures.     

Dexamethasone regulates endothelin-1 and endothelin receptors in human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial (HNPE) cells

Endothelin-1 (ET-1) lowers intraocular pressure (IOP) in animal models by regulating aqueous humour dynamics through both inflow and outflow mechanisms. Moreover, ET's concentration is elevated in glaucoma patients and in animal models of glaucoma. Glucocorticoid therapy often can lead to increase IOP in susceptible individuals including patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG). In this study, we examined the effects of dexamethasone (Dex), a frequently used anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid, on the synthesis and release of endothelin-1 and on the expression of endothelin receptors in human non-pigmented ciliary epithelial (HNPE) cells, an established source for ET-1 in the anterior chamber. As measured by ET-1 immunoreactivity, ET-1 was concentration-dependently increased following 24hr Dex treatment, with a maximum concentration (100 nM) causing a threefold increase of ET-1 release. Western blot analysis of HNPE cells showed the expression of endothelin receptor A (ET(A)) and endothelin receptor B (ET(B)) with approximate molecular weights of 40 kDa. Dex treatment decreased ET(A) receptor expression at all Dex doses, but up-regulated ET(B) receptors with 10nM Dex having the greatest effect. Quantitative PCR demonstrated that Dex also increased the mRNA of pre-pro-ET-1 (ppET-1) and ET(B) but decreased the mRNA of ET(A). RU486, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, was able to block Dex's actions on ET release and ET(B) receptor expression, but did not block its action on ET(A) receptor expression. Endothelin receptors were minimally expressed in HNPE cells as determined in binding experiments (B(max): ET(A) 17, ET(B) 25 fmolmg(-1) membrane protein). However Dex treatment stimulated a dramatic increase in ET(B) receptor density while decreasing ET(A) receptors (B(max): ET(A) 11, ET(B) 116 fmolmg(-1) membrane protein). The regulation of endothelin and its receptors could be a novel mechanism associated with glucocorticoid's effects on intraocular pressure. The increase in ET-1 and disproportionate regulation in ET receptor expression by Dex could promote dysregulation in ET's mechanism on both inflow and outflow, thus affecting aqueous humour dynamics in the anterior chamber of the eye.     

Treatment of depression in patients with epilepsy: problems, pitfalls, and some solutions

Many people with epilepsy suffer from comorbid depression. Despite this, there have been few studies addressing the treatment of depression in this population, and the literature on psychiatric management techniques in patients with epilepsy is composed largely of opinions rather than evidence from randomized, controlled trials or other systematic investigations. Antidepressant drugs, including tricyclics and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, can be used to treat patients with epilepsy and comorbid depression. Nonpharmacological treatment options include vagus nerve stimulation, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and psychological therapies including cognitive-behavioral therapy, individual or group psychotherapy, patient support groups, family therapy, and counseling. Another important area that remains largely uninvestigated is psychiatric research in patients with epilepsy in non-Western cultures (with the exception of Japan). Factors such as problems with access to and acceptability of therapies in many developing nations have further implications for the treatment of psychiatric disorders in epilepsy.