Environmental exposure to Toxocara as a possible risk factor for asthma: a clinic-based case-control study.

The zoonotic ascarid Toxocara has been suggested as a possible etiologic agent of asthma. We conducted a clinic-based case-control study to examine whether the zoonotic infection acquired by ingesting Toxocara eggs is associated with asthma in children. Blood samples were collected from children aged 2-15 years, 95 of whom had asthma and 229 of whom did not have asthma. Risk factors for asthma and Toxocara infection were assessed by a questionnaire given to each child's parent or legal guardian. Blood samples were tested for the presence of Toxocara antibodies, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. No significant association was found between Toxocara infection and asthma. Significant associations were found between asthma and risk factors and between Toxocara infection and risk factors. High prevalence of Toxocara infection was noted among Hispanic children of Puerto Rican descent.

Sensory stimuli and anxiety in children undergoing surgery: a randomized, controlled trial.

UNLABELLED: We assessed the effectiveness of a behavioral intervention aimed at reducing the anxiety of children undergoing anesthesia and surgery. The intervention consisted of dimmed operating room (OR) lights (200 Lx) and soft background music (Bach's "Air on a G String," 50-60 dB). Only one person, the attending anesthesiologist, interacted with the child during the induction of anesthesia. Children undergoing anesthesia and surgery were randomly assigned either to a low sensory stimulation group (LSSG, n = 33) or to control group (n = 37). By using validated behavioral measures of anxiety (mYPAS) and compliance (ICC), children were evaluated at the preoperative holding area and during the induction of anesthesia. On postoperative Days 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14, the behavioral recovery of the children was assessed by using the Post Hospitalization Behavior Questionnaire. We found that the LSSG was significantly less anxious compared with the control group on entrance to the OR (P = 0.03) and on the introduction of the anesthesia mask (P = 0.003). Also, the compliance during the induction of anesthesia was significantly better in children assigned to the LSSG (P = 0.02). The incidence of postoperative behavioral changes, however, did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = ns). We conclude that children who are exposed to low-level sensory stimuli during the induction of anesthesia and who are exposed to background music exhibit lower levels of anxiety and increased compliance. IMPLICATIONS: Children are less anxious and show increased compliance during induction when exposed to a single care-provider in a dimmed, quiet operating room with background music.