Performance of the AST-to-platelet ratio index as a noninvasive marker of fibrosis in pediatric patients with chronic viral hepatitis.

We investigated the performance of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) as a noninvasive marker of fibrosis and cirrhosis in children with chronic viral hepatitis. All of the patients 0 to 20 years old with chronic hepatitis B or C presenting at a tertiary medical center from 1992 to 2008 were identified. Thirty-six patients were evaluated with 48 biopsy results.

Tetralogy of fallot with persistent fifth aortic arch: echocardiographic diagnosis.

Although persistent, fifth aortic arch (P5A) is an uncommon anomaly. Its incidence is unknown due largely to failure of recognition. Fundamental to its diagnosis is an adequate understanding of the various settings in which P5A may manifest.

Nurse staffing and adverse events in hospitalized children.

This study determined whether the number of hours of care provided by RNs was related to mortality and complications in hospitalized children. Administrative data (1996-2001) were used to examine discharges of 3.65 million pediatric patients in 286 general and children's hospitals in California.

Prevalence of factor V G1691A (Leiden), prothrombin G20210A, and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase C677T thrombophilic mutations in children with inflammatory bowel disease.

Background: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased incidence of thromboembolic events. This risk may be caused by an increased frequency of thrombophilic mutations such as factor V Leiden G1691A (FVL), prothrombin G20210A (PT), or methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase C667T (MTHFR). Prevalence rates of heterozygous mutations in FVL, PT, and MTHFR are reported for whites (1.