[Research performed at a university hospital is worthwhile].

To elucidate the effects of scientific research performed within the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS) on the treatment of patients, we studied the contribution of HUS to treatment recommendation work, preparation of textbooks and manuals, national or international expert assignments, as well as by using focused questionnaires. In our surveys, 82% of the research group leaders reported that their research has resulted in changes in clinical work. The total number of changes was approximately 700.

Pulmonary prostacyclin is associated with less severe respiratory distress in preterm infants.

Background: Prostacyclin (PGI(2)) and thromboxane A(2) (TxA(2)) may take part in lung pathology; high concentrations of PGI(2) may protect newborn rabbits against hyperoxic lung injury, and TxA(2) may participate in the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

Aims: To examine in small preterm infants, the relationship between pulmonary PGI(2) and TxA(2) and respiratory distress during the early postnatal period.

Methods: The stable metabolite of prostacyclin, 6-keto-prostaglandinF(1 alpha), and that of thromboxane A(2), thromboxane B(2), were quantified by radioimmunoassays in 284 samples of tracheal aspirates from 48 infants (GA: 27.