Immunogenicity and safety of two doses of tetravalent measles-mumps-rubella-varicella vaccine in healthy children.

Background: Combination vaccines against common childhood diseases are widely used, provide an improved coverage, are more convenient and are more cost-effective than multiple injections. We conducted a study to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a combined measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV) candidate vaccine in comparison with the separate administration of licensed measles-mumps-rubella (MMR; Priorix) and varicella (V; Varilrix) vaccines.

Methods: Healthy children 12-18 months of age received 2 doses of MMRV vaccine (3 lots) 6-8 weeks apart (MMRV group) or 1 dose of MMR vaccine administered concomitantly with 1 dose of varicella vaccine, followed by a second dose of MMR at 6-8 weeks later (MMR+V group).

Mechanical support of the left ventricle in ischemia induced left ventricular failure: an experimental study.

Objective: this study compares the hemodynamic effects of intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP), left ventricular assist device (LVAD), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in left ventricular failure in pigs.

Methods: In 29 pigs weighing 12 +/- 0.7 kg left ventricular failure was induced by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery.

Reduction of colonization and infection rate during pediatric intensive care by selective decontamination of the digestive tract.

Objective: To compare the effects of two different antibiotic regimes on the colonization and infection rates of critically ill pediatric patients.

Design: A prospective randomized trial.

Setting: A pediatric ICU in a university hospital.

[A clinical score system for children with ARDS].

In a retrospective study we developed a simple acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) scoring system in order to analyze the severity of ARDS as precisely as possible. From March 1983 to May 1990, 17 children with ARDS were admitted and treated at the pediatric intensive care unit of the University Hospital of Graz. The ARDS score was evaluated as a predictor of outcome.