Feasibility and effectiveness of a population-based newborn hearing screening in an economically deprived region of Italy.

Aim: To describe the effectiveness of a population-based newborn hearing screening program in an economically deprived region of southern Italy.

Methods: A screening protocol was proposed for all newborns of the Campania region, starting on January, 2007. For infants identified with hearing loss, information on degree and type of hearing loss and presence of risk factors was collected.

Use of baby carriers to increase breastfeeding duration among term infants: the effects of an educational intervention in Italy.

Aim:   To investigate whether the use of baby carriers by term infants during the first month of life is associated with increased rates of breastfeeding.

Methods:   Prospective cohort study. Two hundred mothers with healthy term infants were assigned to receive either a baby carrier and some accurate information and training about the use thereof or only information about breastfeeding.

Psychosocial issues in children and adolescents with HIV infection evaluated with a World Health Organization age-specific descriptor system.

Objectives: After active antiretroviral therapy, children with HIV are clinically well, whereas psychosocial issues continue to influence their quality of life. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) of the World Health Organization evaluates health status and environmental and social factors associated with health. We investigated the efficacy of the ICF to describe the health status and needs of a cohort of children and adolescents with HIV seen at a reference center for pediatric AIDS in Europe.

Breastfeeding and risk for fever after immunization.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of breastfeeding on the risk for fever after routine immunizations.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted at a pediatric vaccination center in Naples, Italy. The mothers of the infants scheduled to receive routine immunizations were instructed on how to measure and record infant temperature on the evening of the vaccination and for the subsequent 3 days.

A controlled trial of the father's role in breastfeeding promotion.

Objective: To investigate whether supporting fathers to recognize the relevance of their role in the success of breastfeeding and teaching them how to prevent and to manage the most common lactation problems would result in more women breastfeeding.

Methods: A controlled trial, in which the participating fathers were allocated in 2-month blocks to a child care training session, was conducted of 280 mothers considering breastfeeding and their 280 partners at a university obstetric department in Naples, Italy. Support and advice about breastfeeding was provided to all of the mothers.

Frequency of surgery among children who have adenotonsillar hypertrophy and improve after treatment with nasal beclomethasone.

Objective: To describe the long-term outcome of a cohort of children with symptomatic adenotonsillar hypertrophy treated with aqueous nasal beclomethasone.

Methods: The children enrolled completed a 4-week single-blind, saline solution controlled crossover study of aqueous beclomethasone (total: 400 micro g/d). In a 24-week open-label follow-on study, beclomethasone 200 micro g/d was offered to all patients.