Intestinal permeability is increased in bronchial asthma.

Background: Increased intestinal permeability has been reported in one study of adult asthmatics.

Aim: To determine whether children with asthma have altered intestinal permeability.

Methods: Thirty two asthmatic children, and 32 sex and age matched controls were recruited.

Hospital management of children with acute asthma exacerbations in Kuwait: adherence to international guidelines.

Objectives: To evaluate the in-patient management of children with acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma and its adherence to international guidelines.

Subjects And Methods: Medical records of 100 consecutive admissions for acute exacerbation of asthma to the paediatric wards at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital, Kuwait, from October through December 1999 were retrieved. Data relevant to asthma symptoms, severity, treatment regimens and discharge plan were collected and evaluated.

Performance of students in the final examination in paediatrics: importance of the "short cases".

Aims: To determine which component of the final examination in paediatrics at Kuwait University best predicted the final outcome.

Methods: The performance of 356 medical students in the short cases, the long case, multiple choice questions (MCQs), and the essay components of the final examination in paediatrics at Kuwait University was correlated with the final grade, and the mean difference between each component and the final score calculated.

Results: The correlation was highest for the short cases, followed by MCQs, the long case, and essays.