Surveillance of pediatric parapneumonic effusion/empyema in New Zealand.

Aim: The incidence of childhood empyema has been increasing in some developed countries despite the introduction of pneumococcal vaccination. This study aimed to document the incidence, bacterial pathogens, and morbidity/mortality of parapneumonic effusion/empyema in New Zealand.

Methods: A prospective study of 102 children <15 years of age requiring hospitalization with parapneumonic effusion/empyema between May 1, 2014 and May 31, 2016 notified via the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit.

Decreased bone density in men on methadone maintenance therapy.

Aims: Opioid use may impact adversely upon skeletal health. Participants in methadone maintenance programmes commonly have prolonged exposure to opioids. We sought to determine whether participants in a methadone maintenance programme have evidence of altered bone mineral density (BMD) and bone turnover.

Identification and genotyping of hepatitis C virus in injectable and oral drug users in New Zealand.

Background: Hepatitis C virus infections are known to be common in injectable drug users (IDU) both in New Zealand and overseas. Little is known of the hepatitis C genotype frequency in this population.

Aims: To confirm the high incidence of hepatitis C virus infections in IDU and compare this with the frequency in oral drug users (ODU) as well as identify the pattern of hepatitis C genotypes present.

Hepatitis C virus infections in oral and injectable drug users.

Aim: To assess the frequency of hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti HCV) and exposure to hepatitis B virus in injectable and oral drug users in Auckland.

Methods: Sera from 110 injectable drug users and 154 oral drug users were tested for anti HCV as well as hepatitis B and D virus markers. Liver function tests were also performed.