First Confirmed Report of Powdery Scab Caused by Spongospora subterranea f. sp. subterranea on Potato in Sri Lanka.

White, wart-like outgrowths on roots and stolons - root galls - and blisters and pustules on tubers (lesions) are characteristic symptoms of the potato powdery scab disease caused by Spongospora subterranea (Wallr.) f. sp. subterranea. In Sri Lanka, potato is a major cash crop primarily in two agroecological zones of higher altitude, Nuwara Eliya and Badulla. Approximately 50% of the seed is produced nationally and the other half is imported from the Netherlands, France, Germany, and recently the United States (mainly high quality seed). During the 2002-2003 cultivation season, galls and lesions were observed on certified seed lots of potato cvs. Dura, Desiree, Roko, Cykoda, and Delawae imported from the Netherlands and planted in fields at the Seed Certification Service, Site Eliya near Nuwara Eliya, SriLanka after first inspection. Since then, similar symptoms were also observed on tubers and roots of cv. Granola at seed potato production sites in 2006 at Diagama, in 2007 at Bopathalawa, and in 2007 through 2010 at Pedru. In 2009 and 2010, blister-like lesions on tubers and root galls were again observed on seed of cvs. Calwhite, Keuka Gold, Red la Soda, and Chieftain imported from the United States and planted at the Agricultural Research Station, Site Eliya. In February 2004, a bioassay was carried out using healthy tubers of cvs. Roko, Cykoda, Delawae, and Isna to evaluate the potential contamination of field soils. Clay pots filled with soil samples collected from the suspected contaminated fields were planted with seed of the above cultivars. The pots were arranged in a complete random design with three replicates per cultivar in a place isolated from any potato-production location. Seventy-five days after planting, all varieties were recorded with white root galls but no lesions on the tubers. With light microscopy, suspected root and tuber tissue was examined to confirm the presence of the characteristic sporosori of the soilborne pathogen S. subterranea (Wallr.) f. sp. subterranea with their unique sponge-like structure (1). Additionally, two root galls and three tuber lesions were prepared for diagnostics by ELISA using antiserum produced against S. subterranea (Wallr.) f. sp. subterranea (3) and reactions were positive. Furthermore, in a lab-based bioassay (2), sporosori obtained from a single root gall and a single tuber lesion were used to inoculate tomato bait plants, cv. Marmande. Eight days postinoculation, zoosporangia were observed microscopically in roots at frequencies of 10 of 12 and 11 of 12 plants for the root gall and the tuber lesion, respectively. To our knowledge, the results presented here are the first confirmed report of the presence of S. subterranea (Wallr.) f. sp. subterranea, the causal agent of potato powdery scab in Sri Lanka. Powdery scab currently occurs at several places in Sri Lanka. Therefore, more attention should be paid to this disease in the seed certification process and seed import regulations concerning powdery scab should be strictly enforced. References: (1) C. H. Lawrence and A. R. McKenzie. Powdery scab. Page 35 in: Compendium of Potato Diseases. The American Phytopathological Society, St, Paul, MN, 1981. (2) U. Merz et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 110:71, 2004. (3) U. Merz et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 111:171, 2005.

[Depression of respiration via toxic effects on the central nervous system following use of topical brimonidine in an infant with congenital glaucoma]. / Zentralnervöse Atemdepression als Komplikation der Behandlung des kongenitalen Glaukoms mit Brominidin-Augentropfen.

We report the case of a premature newborn (gestational age 33 weeks) with congenital glaucoma. After a trabeculotomy high intraocular pressure persisted, leading to adjuvant treatment with timolol and--when the infant was 3 weeks old--with brimonidine. After the first application of topical brimonidine the infant developed such severe apnoeic spells that intubation and temporary ventilation were necessary. A review of the literature reveals that when used in young infants brimonidine eye drops can potentially have toxic effects on the central nervous system (e.g. respiratory depression). The use of topical brimonidine is therefore not advised in this age group.

Variation for neutral markers is correlated with variation for quantitative traits in the plant pathogenic fungus Mycosphaerella graminicola.

We compared genetic variation and population differentiation at RFLP marker loci with seven quantitative characters including fungicide resistance, temperature sensitivity, pycnidial size, pycnidial density, colony size, percentage of leaves covered by pycnidia (PLACP) and percentage of leaves covered by lesions (PLACL) in Mycosphaerella graminicola populations sampled from four regions. Wide variation in population differentiation was found across the quantitative traits assayed. Fungicide resistance, temperature sensitivity, and PLACP displayed a significantly higher Q(ST) than G(ST), consistent with selection for local adaptation, while pycnidial size, pycnidial density and colony size displayed a lower or significantly lower Q(ST) than G(ST), consistent with constraining selection. There was not a statistical difference between Q(ST) and G(ST) in PLACL. We also found a positive and significant correlation between genetic variation in molecular marker loci and quantitative traits at the multitrait scale, suggesting that estimates of overall genetic variation for quantitative traits in M. graminicola could be derived from analysis of the molecular genetic markers.

Long-term outcome after neonatal parenchymatous brain lesions.

BACKGROUND: Although considered of high prognostic impact, knowledge on the long-term outcome after neonatal parenchymatous brain lesions (PBL) is limited. PATIENTS: 29 children with either unilateral (n = 19) or bilateral (n = 10) hemorrhagic/ischemic PBL. METHODS: The patients were reinvestigated at 9 9/12 +/- 3 4/12 years of age, using a standardized clinical investigation, the Beery-Buktenica Scales of Visuomotor Integration (VMI) and the Bruininks-Oseretzky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT). The parents were questioned by means of a standardized questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS: 90 % of the children showed cerebral palsy (including 12 with hemi- and 8 with tetraplegia). Only 11 % showed normal results on BOT and 39 % on VMI testing. 50 % were bed wetters. Six had required ventriculoperitoneal shunting and 11 were on long-term antiepileptic therapy. Herewith bilateral versus unilateral lesions and low 5-minute APGAR scores were associated with poorer outcome (Cox model and Kaplan-Meier analysis). During follow-up the impact of different disabilities changed. Despite the high rate of cerebral palsy, 71 % learned to walk unaided and 86 % to communicate with words. The last patient learned to walk at 7 years of age. Only one showed poor seizure control. No severe shunt-related complications occurred after 5 years of age. Social, cognitive and behavioral problems increased with age. Only 34 % could attend mainstream schools or kindergartens, and only 50 % displayed normal behavior according to CBCL data, with attention deficiency and social problems being the most important domains. In consequence, nearly all children required 24-hour supervision. CONCLUSIONS: After birth, organic problems such as delayed motor development, epilepsy and ventriculoperitoneal shunting are of major importance for children with PBL. Although delayed, basic skills such as verbal communication are achieved by the majority of patients. In later childhood and adolescence, social, behavioral and cognitive problems increase. In the future, vast resources will be required to provide adequate education and carers as substitutes for elderly parents.

Effects of single and multiple doses of perfluorocarbon in comparison with continuous partial liquid ventilation on gas exchange and lung pathology in newborn surfactant-depleted pigs.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of single, multiple, and continuous application of perfluorocarbon (PFC) FC-77 on gas exchange and lung pathology in a prolonged 24-hr study. DESIGN: Controlled animal trial. SETTING: Research laboratory in a university setting. SUBJECTS: Twenty-one newborn piglets (mean weight 1.94 kg). INTERVENTIONS: After intubation and instrumentation, the anesthetized animals were randomized in three groups: a) animals receiving one 1-hr session of partial liquid ventilation (PLV) followed by 23 hrs of conventional ventilation (CV), designated as the single PLV (S-PLV) group; b) animals receiving multiple 1-hr sessions of PLV with intermittent CV, designated as the multiple PLV (M-PLV) group; and c) animals receiving continuous PLV over 24 hrs, designated as the continuous PLV (C-PLV) group. After lung injury was induced with repeated saline lavage, specific ventilatory treatment was initiated. The oxygenation index, Pao2/Fio2 ratio, and ventilatory efficacy index were determined before and after lung injury and during the 24-hr course. After 24 hrs, the lungs were removed for histopathologic examination. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Gas exchange variables improved within 60 mins in all groups after the initiation of the specific ventilatory treatment (p < .01). The best outcome was observed in the C-PLV group, which provided a continuously stable gas exchange over the 24-hr period. S-PLV initially improved gas exchange, but after 6 hrs all variables were impaired when compared with C-PLV (p < .01). M-PLV transiently improved gas exchange variables after each PFC application; however, M-PLV was associated with a significant deterioration of all pulmonary variables during the 24-hr course. The lungs of the animals in the M-PLV group demonstrated an increased lung injury score (p < .01) and increased morphometric values (p < .05) when compared with C-PLV. CONCLUSIONS: In surfactant deficient lungs, single and multiple applications of PFC only transiently improved oxygenation. Multiple PFC fillings with intermittent gas ventilation led to a deterioration of gas exchange during the 24-hr study and severe lung damage. Continuous PLV provides the best gas exchange and the most favorable histopathologic outcome.

Effects of prolonged partial liquid ventilation, high frequency ventilation and conventional ventilation on gas exchange and lung pathology in newborn surfactant-depleted piglets.

Partial liquid ventilation (PLV) improves oxygenation in various animal models of respiratory insufficiency. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of conventional ventilation (CV), high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), and PLV combined with CV or HFOV on gas exchange and histopathology. Thirty anaesthetised newborn piglets (mean weight 1.94 kg, age 1-3 days) were randomized in five groups of six animals: CV, CV + surfactant (S), HFOV+S, PLV/CV, and PLV/HFOV. Thirty min after lung injury had been induced with repeated saline lavage, specific ventilatory treatment was initiated. Three animals of the CV group died within the 24 h study period, whereas none died in any of the other groups. The oxygenation index (OI) and the PaO2/FIO2 ratio improved significantly within 30 min in all groups, but not in the CV group. After 24 h all oxygenation parameters were better in the PLV groups than in CV or CV+S (P < 0.05). No differences in gas exchange were noted between HFOV+S and PLV/CV. The combination of PLV with HFOV led to an increased PaO2/FIO2 ratio when compared with PLV/CV and with HFOV+S (P < 0.05). All PLV treated animals had significantly less lung injury in the upper and lower lobes compared with gas-ventilated animals by histologic semi-quantitative lung injury score (P < 0.01) and in the lower lobes by morphometry (P < 0.001). In conclusion, HFOV+S and PLV either with CV or HFOV are effective techniques to provide adequate gas exchange in S-deficient lungs compared with CV with and without S. However, lung injury was significantly improved in both PLV treated groups compared with HFOV+S and the CV groups.

Partial liquid ventilation with surfactant: effects on gas exchange and lung pathology in surfactant-depleted piglets.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of 24 h partial liquid ventilation (PLV) with and without surfactant (S) treatment on gas exchange and lung injury in a newborn animal model of S deficiency. DESIGN: A prospective, controlled, in vivo animal laboratory study. SETTING: Research laboratory in a university setting. SUBJECTS: Twenty-four pathogen-free, male piglets (mean weight 1.9 kg, age 1-3 days). INTERVENTIONS: The animals were randomised in four groups: PLV with FC-77 combined with conventional ventilation (PLV/CV) versus S + PLV/CV and PLV combined with high frequency oscillatory ventilation (PLV/HFOV) versus S + PLV/HFOV. The piglets were anaesthetised, intubated and instrumented with vascular catheters. Thirty minutes after lung injury had been induced with repeated saline lavage, S animals received natural S. Thirty minutes after surfactant substitution PLV with FC-77 was started. The oxygenation index (OI), PaO(2)/FIO(2) ratio, PaCO(2) and the ventilatory efficacy index were determined before and during PLV. After 24 h the lungs were removed for histopathological examination. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Within 60 min after the initiation of PLV, all animals demonstrated improvements of the OI and PaO(2)/FIO(2) ratio compared to the values after lung injury. However, at 18 and 24 h of PLV, the OI and PaO(2)/FIO(2) ratio were significantly worse in the S + PLV/CV and S + PLV/HFOV groups compared to the groups without S. PaCO(2) was higher at 18 and 24 h when S was used in PLV/HFOV (p < 0.05). A semi-quantitative lung injury score revealed most severe lung damage in the S + PLV/HFOV group. CONCLUSIONS++: The combination of S and PLV with FC-77 led to an impaired gas exchange and did not further protect the animal from lung injury.

[Prevention of neonatal anemia with recombinant human erythropoietin: a cost-benefit analysis]. / Die Prophylaxe der Frühgeborenenanämie mit rekombinantem humanen Erythropoietin: eine Kosten-Nutzen-Analyse.

A few years ago recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-EPO) has been introduced for the prophylaxis of anaemia of prematurity. Aim of this controlled study was a cost-effectiveness analysis of the prophylaxis with rh-EPO versus sole transfusion with packed red blood cells. In the study group 33 infants (gestational age 30 +/- 2 weeks, birthweight 1217 g +/- 244 g) were treated with rh-EPO beginning on the fifth day of life for a six week period. They received 750 IE rh-EPO/kg/week and transfusion with packed red blood cells when indicated. In the historic control group 33 infants (gestational age 29.2 +/- 1.9 weeks, birthweight 1181 g +/- 205 g) did not receive rh-EPO, patients were only transfused. Indication and guidelines for transfusion were identical for both groups. The number of transfusions was registered after 2 and 4 weeks of life and by the time of hospital discharge. The cost analysis was carried out by using current prices for packed red blood cells including material and processing and prices for rh-EPO (Neo-Recormon, Boehringer Mannheim). Infants in the study group received 1.39 +/- 1.94 transfusions per patient while patients in the control group needed 2.7 +/- 1.93 transfusions per patient (p < 0.05). Cost for treatment was slightly increased in the study group (DM 536,- vs. DM 459,-). Prophylaxis of anaemia of prematurity with recombinant human erythropoietin proved to be effective. Compared with sole blood transfusion treatment, expenses for the prophylaxis with rh-EPO were only little higher.

[Combination therapy of high frequency oscillatory ventilation, NO inhalation and surfactant replacement in a child with acute respiratory distress syndrome]. / Kombinierter Einsatz von Hochfrequenzoszillationsbeatmung, NO-Applikation und Surfactantsubstitution beim kindlichen ARDS.

We report about a child with severe ARDS after burning trauma who did not respond to conventional treatment with controlled pressure ventilation under conditions of permissive hypercapnia and changing of the infants's body position. A combined treatment with high frequency oscillatory ventilation, inhalation of nitric oxide and surfactant replacement improved the pulmonary status. Twelve days after the accident the boy could be extubated and 5 weeks later he could be discharged without any pulmonary and neurologic handicap. The use of these therapeutic tools may help to avoid the necessity of the invasive extracorporeal life support.

[Fiberoptic measurement of arterial oxygen saturation in premature and term neonates]. / Fiberoptische Messung der arteriellen Sauerstoffsättigung bei Früh- und Neugeborenen.

BACKGROUND: Non-invasive oxygen monitoring with pulse oximetry or transcutaneous monitoring has gained widespread use in neonatology. Different factors like arterial hypotension, peripheral vasoconstriction and edema adversely affect the accuracy of both methods. To ensure reliable monitoring of oxygen saturation in critically ill patients we measured oxygen saturation with a fiberoptic catheter via umbilical artery. METHODS: In ventilated premature infants (FiO2 > 0.4) a 4F-fiberoptic catheter (Oximetrix)-3, Abbott) was inserted to the descending aorta (Th 6-8). Simultaneously pulse oximetry (SaPO2) was performed with the Ohmeda Biox 3700. To compare the reliability of both methods, blood was analysed for arterial partial oxygen pressure (PaO2), fetal hemoglobin (HbF) and arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) by complete co-oximetry (Radiometer Copenhagen OSM3) as reference. RESULTS: In 10 premature infants (median gestational age 30.5 weeks; median birth weight 1360 g) oxygen saturation was measured with the fiberoptic catheter (SaFO2) over a total period of 935 hours. In all, 137 blood samples were analysed for arterial saturation (SaO2) by co-oximetry. The mean difference between the SaO2 and SaFO2 was -1.89% (+/- 1.53); the mean difference between SaO2 and the values obtained by pulse oximetry (SaPO2) was -3.09% (+/- 2.33). The SaFO2 results correlated closely with the co-oximetry values (r = 0.97; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: In critically ill patients, if non-invasive oxygen monitoring fails, a fiberoptic catheter offers the possibility of continuous and reliable measurement of oxygen saturation.

The clinical outcome after inferior vena cava thrombosis in early infancy.

UNLABELLED: The clinical outcome after inferior vena cava thrombosis in early infancy is unknown. We report the clinical long-term follow-up of 12 patients presenting inferior vena cava thrombosis within their first months of life (gestational age: 24-41 weeks; follow-up: 7+/-3 years). Accompanying renal venous thrombosis occurred in 9, and adrenal bleeding in 4 patients. A central venous catheter was related to the thrombosis in only four patients. Heterozygous factor V Leiden mutation was found in two of the eight infants without central venous catheter. Thrombolysis was performed in seven and effective in three infants; one infant required surgical thrombectomy. In three of eight infants with ineffective or with no therapy, spontaneous recanalization occurred during follow-up. No patient died of the thrombosis. Although no long-term anticoagulatory prophylaxis was performed, none of the children with persisting occlusion (n = 5) or stenosis (n = 1) of the inferior vena cava developed symptomatic thrombo-embolic complications. However, extensive internal collaterals (n = 6), visible varicosis (n = 5), pain in the legs (n = 3) and persisting renal disease (n = 3) with arterial hypertension (n = 2) were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: Inferior vena cava thrombosis of early infancy frequently persists and may cause considerable long-term morbidity. New strategies for early and long-term therapy are necessary.

Early versus late dexamethasone treatment in preterm infants at risk for chronic lung disease: a randomized pilot study.

UNLABELLED: Abstract The purpose of this controlled, prospective pilot study was to compare the short-and long-term efficacy of early versus late treatment with dexamethasone (Dex) in preterm infants at risk for chronic lung disease (CLD). Thirty ventilated premature infants with a birth weight < or = 1250 g were randomized to receive Dex either from day 7 or from day 14. Dex was administered over 16 days tapering from 0.5 mg/kg per day to 0.1 mg/kg per day. The infants of the early treatment group could be weaned significantly earlier from the ventilator after 14 days (median; range 9-24) versus 24 days (median; range 8-44) in the late treatment group. The need for supplemental oxygen was shorter if Dex was started early - 24 days (median; range 10-57) versus 40 days (median; range 10-74). Oxygen dependency at 28 days of age was similar between the groups 6 out of 14 infants (42.9%) versus 10 out of 16 patients (62.5%). The long-term efficacy of the two Dex regimens on lung function was evaluated by body plethysmographic measurements made at the age of 3 months. Thoracic gas volume and airway resistance were measured and specific airway conductance calculated. No statistically significant differences between the groups were demonstrated. CONCLUSION: Early dexamethasone treatment led to earlier extubation in our study population, but was not associated with significant advantages regarding oxygen dependency at 28 days of life and pulmonary function test at 3 months of age.

Inhaled budesonide in ventilator-dependent preterm infants: a randomized, double-blind pilot study.

The aim of this randomized, double-blind pilot study was to evaluate the short-term efficacy of early inhalation therapy with budesonide in ventilator-dependent preterm infants. The primary outcome variable was the duration of artificial ventilation; secondary outcome variables were the need for supplemental oxygen and the release of several inflammatory mediators in the tracheobronchial aspirate fluid. The infants of the budesonide group could not be weaned earlier from the ventilator. The ventilatory parameters on day 14 of life and the need for supplemental oxygen were similar in both groups. The release of inflammatory mediators was not reduced in the budesonide group. No adverse side effects were observed in either group. In conclusion, aerosolized budesonide failed to demonstrate significant short-term pulmonary improvement in ventilator-dependent preterm infants.

[Selenium status and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants <1,500 g]. / Selen-Status und Bronchopulmonale Dysplasie bei Frühgeborenen < 1500 g.

Selenium is an essential component of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase that protects tissues against oxidative injury by detoxifying peroxides. In preterm infants the risk for selenium deficiency is increased due to insufficient selenium uptake. Low selenium uptake and as a consequence decreased glutathione peroxidase activity may result in an elevated risk for the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the relationship between the selenium status of preterm infants < 1500 g and the incidence of BPD. We determined the selenium plasma levels by means of atomic absorption spectrometry in 34 VLBW infants (mean birth weight 1075 +/- 249 g; mean gestational age 28.6 +/- 2.5 weeks) within the first 5 days of life and later in the age of 4 weeks. The infants received mainly parenteral nutrition and were not specifically supplied with selenium. Postnatally, the selenium plasma level was 34.2 micrograms/l (17.3/50) [median (25/75% quantil)] and dropped after 4 weeks to a median value of 16.1 micrograms/l (5.2/38.4) (p < 0.001). In the infants with BPD (n = 12) the selenium concentration within the first week of life was 45.0 micrograms/l (31.5/55.6) versus 33.2 micrograms/l (20.2/42.4) in the infants without BPD. In the age of 4 weeks of life the median selenium level was not significantly different between the infants with and without BPD - 17.2 micrograms/l (10.3/22.5) versus 14.8 micrograms/l (8.8/22.6).

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in preterm infants weighing < or = 1250 g: association with perinatal data and chronic lung disease.

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) was examined in 34 ventilated preterm infants weighing < or = 1250 g during the first week of life to evaluate the association between adrenal suppression and subsequent chronic lung disease. The second aim of the study was to detect perinatal and clinical differences between the infants with and without persistent suppression of the HPA after completion of dexamethasone treatment for chronic lung disease. To evaluate the HPA, the corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test was performed, and the cortisol and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels were measured by radioimmunoassay. No association could be found between the synthesis of cortisol and ACTH at the end of the first week of life and the development of chronic lung disease. After treatment with dexamethasone, baseline cortisol levels < 138 nmol l(-1) were found in 12 infants (46.2%), 8 of whom (30.8%) had cortisol values below 83 nmol l(-1). The perinatal data of these patients did not differ from infants without HPA suppression. However, the infants with cortisol levels < 83 nmol l(-1) after dexamethasone showed a significantly shorter need for mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen (p < 0.01) and a lower incidence of chronic lung disease (p < 0.05).

[Function of the hypothalamo-hypophyseal-adrenal axis to corticotropin-releasing hormone test in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia]. / Funktion der Hypothalamus-Hypophysen-Nebennierenrinden-Achse im Corticotropin-Releasing-Hormontest bei Frühgeborenen mit Bronchopulmonaler Dysplasie.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this prospective study was to examine the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis using the corticotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test in 24 preterm infants (mean gestational age 27.4 +/- 1.4 weeks, mean birth weight 997 +/- 166 g) with bronchopulmonary dysplasia after completion of dexamethasone treatment. METHODS: The CRH stimulation test was performed before and two days after the course of dexamethasone therapy in a dosage of 1 microgram/kg body weight. Blood samples were obtained before and 30 minutes after application of CRH. The blood values for cortisol and ACTH were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: The mean basal cortisol level was significantly reduced from 338 +/- 283 nmol/l before dexamethasone treatment to 153 +/- 102 nmol/l after dexamethasone therapy. The site of HPA suppression was located to the pituitary gland as the mean basal ACTH level dropped from 9.5 +/- 5.2 pmol/l to 5.6 +/- 2.0 pmol/l after the dexamethasone course. In 9 infants there was only an insufficient increase of cortisol level after application of CRH as a possible sign of a reduced adrenal response. The patients with HPA-suppression did not differ in clinical aspects from infants without suppression of the HPA. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate a significant suppression of the adrenal and pituitary gland in very low birth weight infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia after dexamethasone treatment. Before stressful situations like surgery we therefore recommend an investigation of the HPA.

[Computer-assisted monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit]. / Computerunterstützte Monitorüberwachung auf einer neonatologischen Intensivstation.

Computerized monitoring in a neonatal intensive care unit allows continuous registration and complete storage of vital parameters. The stored data can be used for detailed retrospective analysis of critically ill patients and the graphical presentation of the vital parameters may lead to an earlier recognition of clinical deterioration. This computer system which can be established in any intensive care unit demonstrates the improvement in neonatal intensive care monitoring at low financial costs.

[Primary hyperparathyroidism and pregnancy. Aspects of neonatal morbidity]. / Primärer Hyperparathyreoidismus und Schwangerschaft. Aspekte der Neugeborenen-Morbidität.

Primary hyperparathyroidism has to be accused to cause serious morbidity during pregnancy not only on the maternal, but also on the fetal side: the fetus is threatened by prematurity, dystrophy and an increased risk of stillbirth. Postpartually hypocalcaemia and tetany may be observed as the result of neonatal hypoparathyroidism caused by maternal and thus also fetal hypercalcaemia. We report the case of a 32-year-old pregnant woman suffering from a severe form of primary hyperparathyroidism caused by an adenoma of the parathyroidea. The tumor was removed in the 34. week of pregnancy. Six weeks later the patient delivered a healthy boy (birth weight 3450 g). A survey is given of the therapeutical procedures that should be arranged individually by interdisciplinary consulting depending on the degree of maternal disease and on the gestational age.