[Acute viral gastroenteritis in children].

The article presents common etiologic agents of viral gastroenteritis in children. The actual knowledge on molecular characteristics of rotaviruses, noroviruses, sapoviruses, astroviruses, and adenoviruses as well as their epidemiology in the world and Poland is reviewed. The authors emphasize the need of greater use of molecular procedures (RT-PCR) for detection the common serotypes of rotavirus and other viral agents of gastroenteritis in Polish children.

[Antibiotics use for acute gastroenteritis in ambulatory care of children before and after implementation the healthcare system reform in Poland].

Aim Of The Study: Our study aimed to investigate the ambulatory antibiotics use for acute gastroenteritis in children admitted to the hospital in 1998-2000.

Material And Methods: The retrospective analysis of medical records was performed in 369 children up to two-years of age; including 87 admitted in 1998, 136 - in 1999 and 146 in 2000 year. Results.

Endothelin-1 plasma concentration in children and adolescents with atherogenic risk factors.

Background: Endothelial injury is the main stimulus for endothelin-1 (ET-1) secretion - a strong vasoconstricting agent. The role of endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of hypertension and atherosclerosis which already develops in childhood, has been recently underlined.

Aim: To asses plasma ET-1 concentration in children and adolescents with such atherogenic risk factors as hypertension, obesity or diabetes.