A methodology to establish a database to study gene environment interactions for childhood asthma.

Background: Gene-environment interactions are likely to explain some of the heterogeneity in childhood asthma. Here, we describe the methodology and experiences in establishing a database for childhood asthma designed to study gene-environment interactions (PAGES--Paediatric Asthma Gene Environment Study).

Methods: Children with asthma and under the care of a respiratory paediatrician are being recruited from 15 hospitals between 2008 and 2011.

Dental management of a child patient with Noonan's syndrome.

Unlabelled: This case report describes a 9-year-old Caucasian girl who required comprehensive dental treatment under general anaesthesia but gave a history of Noonan's syndrome. The patient was extremely needle phobic. Because of the association between Noonan's syndrome and underlying coagulopathies, for which no previous investigations were evident, dental treatment had to be postponed pending further investigation.

Neurodevelopment in children born small for gestational age: a randomized trial of nutrient-enriched versus standard formula and comparison with a reference breastfed group.

Objective: Many studies have shown that children born small for gestational age (SGA) are at a neurodevelopmental disadvantage. We have shown that nutrient enrichment of formula fed to term SGA infants improves their growth and hypothesized that it also would improve their neurodevelopmental outcome.

Design: A randomized, controlled trial of standard term-infant (n = 147) or nutrient-enriched (n = 152) formula for the first 9 months.