Subcapsular hemorrhage of the liver and hemoperitoneum in premature infants: report of 4 cases.

The occurrence of a subcapsular hemorrhage of the liver (SHL) with associated hemoperitoneum in four very low birth weight infants (VLBW) is described. We conclude from the analysis of these four cases and a review of the literature, that the pathogenesis of SHL is multifactorial, which emphasizes the extreme vulnerability of these infants.

Heterogeneity of growth of bone in children at the spine, radius and total skeleton.

Bone mineral content (BMC), density (BMD), and size were measured in 202 subjects ranging from 3 to 25 years of age (106 males and 96 females), half of which were children and half young adults. BMC and BMD were measured using single photon absorptiometry at the proximal and distal radius and dual photon absorptiometry at the lumbar spine and the total body. In the pre-pubertal age group (3-9 yrs), no differences were found in BMC nor BMD between males and females at any site.

[Alpha 1-antitrypsin in thalassemia major].

The authors investigated a possible relationship between alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT) phenotypes, serum levels of alpha 1AT and liver disease in transfusion dependent thalassemia major subjects. The distribution of alpha 1AT phenotypes suggest the absence of association between alpha 1AT variants and thalassemic genes and underlines again the low incidence of pathologic variants in Italian population. Mean concentration of alpha 1AT was significantly increased in thalassemic patients and was not related to transaminase levels.