Absorption of high-dose enteral vitamin A in low-birth-weight neonates.

A randomised, double-blind placebo-controlled trial was designed to determine whether high-dose (25,000 IU) enteral vitamin A, to correct deficiency, would be absorbed and well tolerated in low-birth-weight (LBW) neonates. Thirty-five LBW infants (950-1700 g; gestational age 27-36 weeks) were allocated to receive either placebo or vitamin A (25,000 IU) via nasogastric tube on the first day of the study (between 36 and 60 hours after delivery). The dose was repeated on study days 4 and 8.

Evaluation of a new hydrocolloid occlusive dressing for central catheters used in total parenteral nutrition.

Catheter-related sepsis still remains one of the most frequent and serious complication of total parenteral nutrition. Strategies for preventing contamination of central venous lines have focused on decreasing the number of micro-organisms around the exit site and inhibiting their entry into the catheter wound. This prospective study compares a new occlusive hydrocolloid dressing (Visiband; Convatec Squibb) with that of a polyurethane film dressing for nutritional catheters.

Erythrocyte survival in children as studied by labeling with stable 50Cr.

The survival of 50Cr- and 51Cr-labeled autologous and/or homologous erythrocytes was compared simultaneously in eight pediatric patients and one adult. 50Cr, a stable, nonradioactive nuclide, had values comparable to those of standard radioactive 51Cr labeling. The data also demonstrated the capability of 50Cr-51Cr labeling to reveal differences in survival between two populations of erythrocytes monitored simultaneously in the same individual.

Endemic tropical sprue in Africa.

Twenty-four patients have been found who appear to have endemic tropical sprue, with malabsorption on biochemical, radiological and histological grounds. Patients with the tropical sprue syndrome responded equally well clinically and biochemically to folate and tetracycline. Jejunal histology responded least well to treatment.