Congenital heart disease in twins: The contribution of type of conception and chorionicity.

Background: Increased incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) has been reported in the offspring of monochorionic twin gestations. Assisted reproductive technology (ART), which is related to increased rates of twinning, has also been associated with higher risk of birth defects. We studied the incidence of CHD in a cohort of twins to clarify the contribution of type of conception and chorionicity.

The effect of GH treatment on serum FGF23 and Klotho in GH-deficient children.

Background: Normal phosphate homeostasis is essential for normal linear growth. The phosphaturic fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)/Klotho axis is a major regulator of phosphate homeostasis; therefore, an intact FGF23/Klotho axis is important for normal linear growth. On the other hand, GH/IGF1 axis has opposing effects on phosphate homeostasis, but the underline mechanisms remain unclear.

Heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization in newborns with intrauterine growth restriction.

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with structural and functional cardiac alterations but the electrophysiological consequences of these disturbances remain unknown.

Aims: To explore the distribution of ventricular repolarization and its relation to myocardial mechanics in newborns with IUGR. STUDY DESIGN, SUBJECTS AND OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic data, and electrocardiographic parameters used to describe the distribution of ventricular repolarization (dispersion of QT [QTd] and JT [JTd]), were obtained on the second (D2) and fifth (D5) postnatal day and compared between 25 IUGR newborns and 25 matched-for-gestational age controls.

Neonatal cardiac dysfunction in intrauterine growth restriction.

Background: The early postnatal cardiovascular consequences of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have not been completely elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of IUGR on neonatal myocardial function and cardiovascular adaptation to extrauterine life.

Methods: Conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic parameters were compared on the second and fifth postnatal day between 30 IUGR and 30 appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) neonates.

Burden of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children <5 years of age in Greece: hospital-based prospective surveillance (2008-2010).

Objectives: This study describes the epidemiology of rotavirus (RV) gastroenteritis (GE) disease following the introduction of RV vaccination in Greece in 2006.

Design: A prospective hospital-based surveillance.

Setting: A multicentre study was conducted at six hospitals in Greece between July 2008 and March 2010.