Cost of varicella-related hospitalisations in an Italian paediatric hospital: comparison with possible vaccination expenses.

Objective: The aims of the study were to evaluate the economic burden of hospitalisations due to varicella in an Italian paediatric hospital during a 1-year period and to compare the data with potential expenses projected for a varicella mass vaccination programme.

Research Design And Methods: An observational, retrospective, cohort study was designed to measure hospital admission costs in a cohort of paediatric patients with varicella in a 12-month period. A cost comparison with a vaccination programme planned to prevent varicella in a whole birth cohort was performed.

Valganciclovir for congenital CMV infection: a pilot study on plasma concentration in newborns and infants.

The pharmacokinetics of valganciclovir were studied in 8 infants ranging in age from 4 to 90 days (mean 20 days). We suggest that doses of 15 mg/kg given twice daily may be suitable for neonates and young infants.

Experimental osteoporosis in the rat induced by a hypocalcic diet.

The administration of a diet deficient in calcium in the rat quickly produces a reduction in the skeletal mass, with narrowing of the diaphyseal cortex, and less density of the metaphysis. The bone mineral content, determined by a double ray photonic mineralometer, is significantly lower as compared to controls, while histological examination does not reveal defects in calcification. The pathogenetic mechanism is characterised by stimulation of the parathyroid glands in response to a decrease in plasma calcium determined by the insufficient diet.