N-acetylcysteine does not prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia in immature infants: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) infusion during the first week of life reduces the risk of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in infants with extremely low birth weight. Study design In a Nordic multicenter, double-blind trial, infants (n=391) weighing 500 to 999 g and on ventilator or nasal continuous positive airway pressure were randomized before the age of 36 hours to receive NAC 16 to 32 mg/kg/d (n=194) or placebo (n=197) intravenously for 6 days. Primary end points were death or BPD, defined as supplementary oxygen requirement at 36 weeks' gestational age.

Cholesterol and carotid artery wall in children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia: a controlled study by ultrasound.

The carotid artery wall was studied with ultrasound in 23 children and adolescents with familial hypercholesterolaemia and in 23 age-matched healthy controls. The study revealed changes in the carotid artery wall related both to familial hypercholesterolaemia and to age. In the control subjects, the carotid artery wall became stiffer with age.

Segmental colonic motility in patients with anorectal malformations.

Background: Constipation is one of the most important functional sequelae in patients with anorectal malformations. The cause of this motility disorder is unknown.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess total colonic transit time (TCT) and segmental colonic transit time (SCT) in patients with anorectal malformations.

Radiological signs in newborns exposed to primary Toxoplasma infection in utero.

A total of 44 181 serum samples from 16 733 pregnant women were analyzed for findings suggesting primary Toxoplasma infection. Thirty-seven newborns exposed to maternal primary Toxoplasma infection in utero were studied prospectively with ultrasound, CT, and MRI for signs of intrauterine infection. Their mothers had been treated during pregnancy, and all infants were treated.

Respiratory health of workers exposed to low levels of chromium in stainless steel production.

Objectives: To determine whether occupational exposure to chromite, trivalent chromium, or hexavalent chromium causes respiratory diseases, an excess of respiratory symptoms, a decrease in pulmonary function, or signs of pneumoconiosis among workers in an integrated chain of stainless steel production.

Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out in 1993 and the inclusion criterion was a minimum of eight years of employment in the same production department. A self administered questionnaire was collected, and spirometry, measurement of diffusing capacity, chest radiography, and laboratory tests were carried out by a mobile research unit.