Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry determination of nicotine and cotinine in urine: A study of the effect of passive smoking.

Rationale: Recent data suggest that passive smoking has a risk comparable to active smoking. Passive smoking is considered dangerous in children and is suspected as a cause of asthma. However, some reports are opposing such claims, indicating the need for solid results and large-scale studies.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy as the Only Clinical Manifestation of Carnitine Transporter Deficiency.

The authors present a case of carnitine transporter deficiency, which was unmasked after an episode of respiratory distress resistant to treatment with bronchodilators. Chest radiograph showed cardiomegaly; electrocardiogram showed left ventricular hypertrophy and echocardiography revealed dilated cardiomyopathy. Heart failure therapy was initiated and metabolic screening was requested, as family history was indicative of inborn errors of metabolism.

Sleep Disturbances in Children with Rolandic Epilepsy.

 The aim of this study is to investigate through polysomnography sleep quality in children with rolandic epilepsy and compare sleep variables between these children and healthy controls.  Our study population included 15 children with rolandic epilepsy and 27 healthy children who underwent overnight polysomnography. Parameters about sleep architecture and sleep respiratory events were recorded and analyzed.

Assessment of IgE-mediated food allergies in children with atopic dermatitis.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory disease of the skin, which is characterised by a chronic relapsing course.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assign the prevalence of clinically active food allergies among a group of children between 3 months and 7 years of age, with AD.

Methods: Eighty-eight children with AD were screened for specific IgE antibodies to food proteins.

Sleep respiratory parameters in children with idiopathic epilepsy: A cross-sectional study.

Background: The aim of this study is to explore and compare through polysomnography respiratory sleep parameters between children with idiopathic epilepsy and healthy children.

Methods: Our cross-sectional study included 40 children with idiopathic epilepsy and 27 healthy children, who underwent overnight polysomnography. Data about sleep respiratory parameters were obtained and statistically analyzed.