Preoperative neurodevelopment of children with moyamoya angiopathy.

Aim: To preoperatively assess the neurodevelopment of a predominantly white population of children with moyamoya angiopathy (MMA).

Method: Assessments of 40 children with MMA (24 females, 16 males; mean age 6y 11mo, range 20mo-16y) included tests for non-verbal IQ and fine motor skills, and questionnaires on quality of life, behaviour, and executive functions. The Paediatric Stroke Outcome Measure (PSOM) score was evaluated by a paediatric neurologist.

Risk factors for invasive reptile-associated salmonellosis in children.

Reptile-associated salmonellosis (RAS) in children has been reported primarily due to direct contact with turtles, but recently also due to indirect contact with more exotic reptiles, causing disease in infants. To evaluate risk factors for RAS, we reviewed the RAS cases published in the literature since 1965. A case was defined as a child ≤18 years of age with an epidemiological link by identification of Salmonella enterica in cultures from both the affected child and the exposed reptile.

Distribution patterns of beta- and gamma-herpesviruses within Waldeyer's ring organs.

The Waldeyer's ring designates a functional unit of lymphoid tissue within the pharynx including the adenoids and tonsils. To gain insight into distribution patterns of beta- and gamma-human herpesviruses (HHVs) and their potential mutual influences at their natural portal of entry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assays were applied to adenoids and tonsils obtained from 30 children. DNA of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8 was detected in adenoids, tonsils, or both of 24 (80%), 19 (63%), 23 (77%), 23 (77%), and 0 (0%) children, respectively.

Parental stress in paediatric day-case surgery.

Day-case surgery involves a considerable amount of stress not only for the children who undergo surgery but also for their parents. In a prospective survey analysis performed in 1995/1996, we identified the following main factors influencing the amount of stress experienced by parents: feelings of insufficient preparation and problems with postoperative pain at home. As a consequence, measures were taken regarding information and pain management, including the creation of an interactive CD-ROM.