Benefits of rescreening newborns of mothers affected by autoimmune hypothyroidism.

Introduction: Infants of mothers with autoimmune hypothyroidism (AH) are at risk of developing late-onset hypothyroidism, often escaping at newborn screening. This condition might be caused both by the action of maternal antibodies and/or by maternal treatment.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of AH in the mothers of children born in Veneto region, Italy, and to define what is the most appropriate management for these newborns.

From fatness to leaness: where did we go wrong?

Introduction: In humans, using adipose tissue to store fat represents the most effective means to 'store' energy. On the whole and over an extended period of time, intake of energy has exceeded energy expenditure and where previously the excess of energy was regularly turned over through physical activity, this crucial circle has now been broken. In this way obesity ascribed to either 'overeating' or 'under-activity'.

Fetal and early postnatal life roots of asthma.

The origins of asthma might be traced back to events occurring during fetal life. Reduced lung development has been shown to be a risk factor both for viral induced wheeze and allergic asthma. The evidence for a causal relationship between exposure to environmental tobacco smoke, chemical domestic products for cleaning, outdoor pollutants, and reduction in lung function is quite strong.