Effect of phototherapy on plasma levels of GH, LH and FSH in the newborn.

Plasma levels of GH, LH and FSH were measured in 74 three-day-old newborn infants with hyperbilirubinemia before and after exposure to continuous phototherapy (PhT) for 48 h. The results obtained were compared with data observed over the same period of time in 46 newborn infants belonging to the control group having homogeneous characteristics as far as form of delivery (spontaneous), gestation age, chronological age, sex, birth weight and basal blood glucose were concerned, except hyperbilirubinemia and necessity of PhT. Hyperbilirubinemic female newborn showed higher plasma GH concentrations in comparison with hyperbilirubinemic males and with controls.

A duplication-deficiency X chromosome in a girl with severe mental retardation.

Clinical and cytogenetic findings in a 14-year-old girl with severe mental retardation and partial Turner's syndrome are reported. An anomalous X was observed in the patient's karyotype. On the basis of QFQ, GAG and RBA banding studies, an Xq duplication (q12 leads to qter) and an Xp deficiency (p22 leads to pter) were apparent in this chromosome.