Mapping of IgE and IgG4 antibody-binding epitopes in Cyn d 1, the major allergen of Bermuda grass pollen.

Background: Bermuda grass pollen (BGP) is an important seasonal aeroallergen worldwide which induces allergic disorders such as allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis and asthma. Cyn d 1 is the major allergen of BGP. This study is aimed to map human IgE and IgG(4) antibody-binding sequential epitopes on Cyn d 1 by dot immunoblotting.

Comparison of clinical features of childhood norovirus and rotavirus gastroenteritis in Taiwan.

Background: Viral gastroenteritis is a common acute infectious disease in infants and young children. This study compared the incidence and clinical features of childhood norovirus (NV) and rotavirus (RV) gastroenteritis in Taiwan.

Methods: Stool specimens were collected from children with acute gastroenteritis aged 6 months to 14 years who were treated at the Children's Medical Center of Taipei Veterans General Hospital between January 2004 and March 2005.

Characteristics of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in hospitalized infants with lower respiratory tract infection.

Background And Purpose: To study the epidemiology, presentation and laboratory findings of Chlamydia trachomatis pneumonia in hospitalized infants younger than 6 months.

Methods: Between January 2001 and December 2005, infants younger than 6 months admitted to the children's medical center of Taipei Veterans General Hospital with the diagnosis of acute bronchiolitis, bronchopneumonia or pneumonia were prospectively studied. Chest radiograph findings were reviewed in all patients.

Characteristics and outcome of septic arthritis in children.

Background And Purpose: To assess the etiologic agents, presentation, laboratory findings, treatment, clinical outcome and prognostic factors of pyogenic arthritis in pediatric patients.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of patients under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of septic arthritis from January 1971 to July 2004. Information collected included clinical characteristics, laboratory data, response to therapy and outcome.

Epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus in children with lower respiratory tract infection.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most frequent pathogen found in hospitalized young children with lower respiratory tract infection, and the virus is distributed worldwide. Respiratory distress and respiratory failure are caused by RSV in some severe cases. Its appearance always varies every year and depends on differences of latitudes, altitudes and climates.

Hyperkalemia during the early postnatal days in premature infants.

Plasma electrolyte concentrations in premature infants are unstable, and hyperkalemia may induce significant, even life-threatening, symptoms in tiny infants. The medical records of 95 premature infants were retrospectively reviewed. Patients with a major congenital anomaly or mortality within 24 h after birth were excluded.

Hepatopulmonary syndrome in a child.

We report a case of congenital biliary atresia and liver cirrhosis who developed hepatopulmonary syndrome thirteen years after Kasai operation. This 15-yea-old girl suffered from hyperbilirubinemia and acholic stool since birth. Congenital biliary atresia was diagnosed at 6 weeks of age and she received Kasai operation when liver cirrhosis was also found during the surgery.