Neonatal hypoglycemia and the CPT1A P479L variant in term newborns: A retrospective cohort study of Inuit newborns from Kivalliq Nunavut.

Introduction: Neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) in the first days of life can largely be prevented by recognizing those at risk and managing accordingly. The CPT1A P479L variant is prevalent in northern Indigenous populations and is a possible risk factor for hypoglycemia. We report on NH incidence in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, where all Inuit newborns are screened for NH.

Assessing health status in Manitoba children: acute and chronic conditions.

Background: Numerous child health status measures have been developed, ranging from assessments of physical and mental health to activity continuums. Our objective was to report the regional distribution of physical morbidity among children in Manitoba.

Methods: Using Manitoba's population-based prescription and health care data for 1998/99, the prevalence of children with lower respiratory tract infections, four chronic conditions (asthma, cardiovascular disease, Type 1 diabetes mellitus and seizure disorders) and physical disabilities, including spina bifida and cerebral palsy, was determined for 12 Regional Health Authorities and 12 Winnipeg Community Areas, ranked by a measure of population healthiness, the premature mortality rate (PMR).

Third case of cerebral, ocular, dental, auricular, skeletal anomalies (CODAS) syndrome, further delineating a new malformation syndrome: first report of an affected male and review of literature.

CODAS syndrome (MIM# 600373) is a rare multiple congenital anomalies syndrome. The disorder is highly distinctive with characteristic features consisting of developmental delay, cataracts, unusual enamel projections, overfolded and crumpled ears, epiphyseal dysplasia, and dysmorphic features (grooved nose, ptosis). To date, there have been two affected female children reported.

International Child Care Practices Study: infant sleeping environment.

Background: The International Child Care Practices Study (ICCPS) has collected descriptive data from 21 centres in 17 countries. In this report, data are presented on the infant sleeping environment with the main focus being sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) risk factors (bedsharing and infant using a pillow) and protective factors (infant sharing a room with adult) that are not yet well established in the literature.

Methods: Using a standardised protocol, parents of infants were surveyed at birth by interview and at 3 months of age mainly by postal questionnaire.

Short course antibiotics for acute otitis media.

Background: Otitis media is a common pediatric problem, for which antibiotics are frequently prescribed.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of a short course of antibiotics (less than seven days) in comparison to a longer course (seven days or greater) for the treatment of acute otitis media in children.

Search Strategy: The medical literature was searched for randomized controlled studies of the treatment of ear infections in children with antibiotics published from January 1966 to July 1997.

Treatment of acute otitis media with a shortened course of antibiotics: a meta-analysis.

Objective: To conduct a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of antibiotic treatment of acute otitis media in children to determine whether outcomes were comparable in children treated with antibiotics for less than 7 days or at least 7 days or more.

Data Sources: MEDLINE (1966-1997), EMBASE (1974-1997), Current Contents, and Science Citation Index searches were conducted to identify randomized controlled trials of the treatment of acute otitis media in children with antibiotics of different durations.

Study Selection: Studies were included if they met the following criteria: subjects aged 4 weeks to 18 years, clinical diagnosis of acute otitis media, no antimicrobial therapy at time of diagnosis, and randomization to less than 7 days of antibiotic treatment vs 7 days or more of antibiotic treatment.

SAMS: provisionally unique multiple congenital anomalies syndrome consisting of short stature, auditory canal atresia, mandibular hypoplasia, and skeletal abnormalities.

We report on a young Mennonite child born with short stature, atresia of the external auditory canal, mandibular hypoplasia, and skeletal anomalies. The skeletal defects consist of bilateral humeral hypoplasia, delayed ossification of the pubic rami, and the previously unreported anomaly of humeroscapular synostosis. This girl is the product of a consanguineous mating.