Normative data of hemoglobin concentration and free erythrocyte protoporphyrin in a private pediatric practice: a 1990 update.

Free erythrocyte protoporphyrin (FEP) and hemoglobin (Hgb) concentrations were tested in 790 children in a private pediatric office; results were compared to those obtained in 1984. Only 16 children (2%) had abnormal FEPs in 1990 compared to 76 children (9.6%) in the earlier study. The mean FEP in the normal group also decreased significantly in each age group studied. The hemoglobin concentrations were not significantly different in most of the age groups studied. Screening for iron deficiency in our pediatric practice by determining hemoglobin and FEP concentrations had a much lower yield in 1990 than in 1984.

New medical standards for Virginia's high school athletes.

Virginia physicians administering preparticipation physicals to high school athletes this fall are using the new, expanded examination form that appears in this issue. Representing multidisciplinary input and incorporating current sports medicine information, the form is designed to identify the student at high risk for injury and to evaluate for a specific sport. After a two-year pilot program conducted by the authors the new form was officially adopted by the Virginia High School League.