Comparison of the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of two commercially available hexavalent vaccines administered as a primary vaccination course at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.

Infants (N = 459) were randomly assigned to receive either Infanrix hexa or Hexavac vaccines at 2, 4 and 6 months of age as a primary vaccination schedule. The immunogenicity of the hepatitis B component was statistically significantly higher for Infanrix hexa compared to Hexavac in terms of both seroprotection (98.6% versus 94.7%, p = 0.0302) and GMCs (905.6 versus 226.4, p < 0.0001). Significantly (p < or =0.0001) higher antibody levels against diphtheria and the 3 polio components were also induced by Infanrix hexa. The responses to tetanus, Hib and pertussis components were similar. The incidences of clinically relevant solicited symptoms, unsolicited symptoms or serious adverse events were low in both groups.

Benefits of oral supplementation with and without synbiotics in young children with acute bacterial infections.

Acutely ill children (n = 129) aged 1-6 years receiving antibiotic therapy were randomized to receive a nutritional supplement with (PS) or without (P) synbiotics or a fruit-flavored drink (D) with their medications. Group PS had significantly greater weight gains (versus D) following antibiotic therapy. The percentages of subjects without bacterial illnesses 14 days following antibiotic therapy were as follows: 94.3% (PS), 87.8% (D), and 80.6% (P). PS (vs D) significantly increased fecal Lactobacillus in a subset of subjects. Oral supplements increase energy intake and promote weight gain in acutely ill children receiving antibiotics; synbiotics may confer additional benefits by increasing bifidobacteria levels.

[Myrtol standardized in the treatment of acute and chronic respiratory infections in children. A multicenter post-marketing surveillance study]. / Myrtol standardisiert in der Therapie von akuten und chronischen Atemwegserkrankungen bei Kindern. Eine multizentrische Anwendungsbeobachtung.

This multicenter post-marketing surveillance study examined the course of characteristic signs and symptoms and the tolerability of myrtol standardized (Gelomyrtol/Gelomyrtol forte) in 511 children (4 to 12 years of age) with acute and chronic sinusitis, bronchitis and sinubronchitis. The choice of dose and formulation (120 mg or 300 mg myrtol stand) accounted for the patients' age and body weight. The following signs and symptoms were evaluated before and after 1 and 2 weeks of treatment: impaired nasal respiration (blocked-up nose), pain upon pressure on the trigeminal nerve endings, headache, sensitivity of the paranasal sinuses, presence of mucus in the pharynx. At the end of the observation period, the physicians, the patients themselves and their parents judged efficacy of the medication. In more than 90% of the children, trigeminal pain, headache, paranasal sensitivity, and mucus in the pharynx had disappeared after two weeks of treatment. In more than 60%, impaired nasal respiration and difficulty to evacuate sputum were no longer observed. The incidence of adverse drug reactions was low: less than 1%. The efficacy was judged to be very good or good by the majority of physicians, patients and parents. In spite of their young age, most children (> 80%) experienced no difficulty in swallowing the capsules.