甲基丙二酸尿症cblB型1例及其MMAB基因新突变

cblB缺陷是甲基丙二酸尿症中的罕见类型,该文首次报道1例中国cblB型甲基丙二酸尿症患儿,就其临床经过、血液酯酰肉碱谱、尿液有机酸分析、基因缺陷进行研究.该患儿以代谢性脑病形式起病,液相串联质谱分析显示患儿血液丙酰肉碱显著增高(22.43 μmol/L,参考值 1.0~5.0 μmol/L),丙酰肉碱/乙酰肉碱比值轻度增高(0.51,参考值0.03~0.50),尿液甲基丙二酸(195.41 mmol/mol肌酐,正常值0.2~3.6 mmol/mol肌酐)及其代谢产物浓度增高,血清总同型半胱氨酸浓度正常,符合单纯型甲基丙二酸血症.患儿MUT基因分析未见突变,MMAB基因存在c.562G>A(p.V188M)和c.577G>A(p.E193K)杂合突变,确诊为cblB型甲基丙二酸尿症.其中,c.562G>A为新突变.经羟钴铵肌肉注射、口服左卡尼汀、低蛋白饮食及特殊配方奶粉治疗后,患儿病情逐渐好转.随访至患儿3岁11个月,智力运动明显进步.cblB缺陷患者缺乏特异性症状,临床表型为单纯型甲基丙二酸尿症,可通过代谢筛查及MMAB基因分析获得确诊.     

以急性脑干脑炎及脊髓炎起病的单纯型甲基丙二酸尿症1例

MUT 基因突变引起的甲基丙二酰辅酶A 变位酶缺陷是我国单纯型甲基丙二酸尿症的主要病因。该文报道我国首例以急性脑干脑炎和脊髓炎样形式起病的MUT 型患者,探讨甲基丙二酸尿症的复杂临床表型。患儿,女,3 岁2 个月时因发热伴肢体进行性无力3 d,呼吸困难伴意识障碍1 d 就诊。头颅MRI 扫描提示双侧苍白球及脑干背侧对称片状高信号,脊髓MRI 扫描提示急性脊髓炎样改变。临床诊断为"病毒性脑炎、中枢型呼吸衰竭?",血液丙酰肉碱(6.83 μmol/L,参考值1.0~5.0 μmol/L)增高,尿甲基丙二酸(133.2 mmol/mol肌酐,参考值 0.2~3.6 mmol/mol 肌酐)显著增高,血清总同型半胱氨酸正常。MUT 基因存在c.1663C>T 和c.1630_1631GG>TA 突变,其中c.1663C>T(p.A555T)为新突变,确诊为MUT 型甲基丙二酸尿症。经特殊饮食、维生素B12、左卡尼汀治疗后,患儿病情逐渐好转。甲基丙二酸尿症临床表现复杂,早期的代谢筛查及基因诊断是鉴别病型、指导治疗的关键技术。     

中、短链酰基辅酶A脱氢酶缺乏症患儿临床特点分析及基因突变研究

中、短链酰基辅酶A 脱氢酶缺乏症属脂肪酸β 氧化障碍疾病,其基因突变可导致中、短链脂肪酸无法进入线粒体进行氧化供能,引起多器官功能异常。本研究对2 例临床表现为低血糖合并代谢性酸中毒的患儿进行血酰基肉碱及尿液有机酸分析,同时对患儿及其父母进行基因突变检测。家系1 患儿,男,3 d,出生后因新生儿窒息、吸奶无力、嗜睡住院治疗。血酰基肉碱谱提示中链酰基肉碱（C6~C10）升高,其中辛酰肉碱（C8）3.52 μmol/L（参考值0.02~0.2 μmol/L）;尿有机酸分析未见明显异常;Sanger 测序发现ACADM 基因7 号外显子已报道纯合突变c.580A>G（p.Asn194Asp）。家系2 患儿,女,3 个月,因咳嗽伴反复发热10 余天住院治疗。血酰基肉碱谱提示血丁酰肉碱（C4）1.66 μmol/L（参考值0.06~0.6 μmol/L）;尿有机酸分析提示乙基丙二酸55.9（参考值0~6.2）;Sanger 测序发现ACADS 基因已报道纯合突变c.625G > A（p.Gly209Ser）。研究结果提示对不明原因代谢性酸中毒及低血糖患儿应进行遗传代谢病筛查,通过家系ACADM、ACADS 基因分析,将有助于中、短链酰基辅酶A 脱氢酶缺乏症的诊断。     

遗传性代谢病致儿童脑发育落后的治疗与预后

目的探讨遗传性代谢疾病致儿童脑发育落后中治疗及影响预后的相关因素。方法用串联质谱仪对278例原因不明的脑发育落后患儿进行血氨基酸谱和酰基肉碱谱筛查,对疑似代谢性疾病患儿进行尿气相色谱/质谱（GC/MS）及相关酶活性检测,对检出的遗传性代谢病患儿的临床资料进行综合分析。结果17/278例（6.15%）确诊为遗传性代谢病,其中甲基丙二酸血症4例,甲基丙二酸血症伴同型胱氨酸尿症4例,丙酸血症3例,鸟氨酸氨甲酰转移酶缺乏症、枫糖尿病、Ⅰ型戊二酸血症、异染色性白质脑病、苯丙酮尿症、生物素酶缺乏症各1例。临床表现为智能及运动发育落后或倒退、惊厥、昏迷、呕吐、肌张力降低、营养不良、嗜睡、反复感染等。实验室检查显示代谢性酸中毒、血氨及血乳酸增高、贫血等。MRI表现为脑萎缩、双侧脑白质T2w高信号或伴T1w低信号、多发性脑软化或囊样变等。起病早、伴严重酸中毒及昏迷的维生素B12无效型甲基丙二酸血症预后极差。患儿经特殊奶方、低蛋白饮食、肉碱、维生素B12及生物素等治疗后,好转11例,死亡5例,未愈1例。结论对原因不明的脑发育落后患儿应予遗传代谢性病筛查;早期、合理治疗有助于改善预后。     

3例非典型异戊酸尿症患儿临床及基因型研究

目的探讨迟发型非典型异戊酸尿症患儿的临床、治疗及IVD基因突变特点。方法 3例非典型异戊酸尿症患儿,经尿液有机酸、血液酯酰肉碱谱分析发现异戊酸尿症,并经IVD基因突变检测确诊。患儿给予左卡尼汀、甘氨酸补充治疗及限亮氨酸饮食干预并进行随访。结果 3例患儿于1~2岁间发病,有不明原因呕吐、嗜睡,伴汗脚样体臭及代谢性酸中毒。3例患儿智力正常,均伴随显著的白细胞减少症,其中1例伴红细胞减少症。3例患儿血液异戊酰肉碱水平显著增高(4.6~8.2μmol/L),尿液异戊酰甘氨酸水平显著增高(36.1~1 783.56 mmol/mmol肌酐)。3例患儿IVD基因共检出6种突变,其中已知突变4种(c.157CT,c.214 GA,c.1183CG,c.1208AG),新突变2种(c.1039GA,c.1076AG)。经治疗后患儿顺利康复,目前1岁7个月~14岁,智力、运动及体格发育正常。结论迟发性异戊酸尿症临床表现复杂,于婴幼儿期发病,可有反复呕吐、酸中毒,通过血液酰基肉碱谱、尿液有机酸分析及基因分析确诊,左卡尼汀及饮食干预,疗效显著。     

甲基丙二酸血症1例病例报告

目的 探讨甲基丙二酸血症被误诊为糖尿病酮症酸中毒、病毒性脑炎的原因。方法 对我院收治的先后被误诊为糖尿病酮症酸中毒、病毒性脑炎的甲基丙二酸血症患儿的临床资料进行描述分析。入院先后误诊为糖尿病酮症酸中毒、病毒性脑炎,最后确诊甲基丙二酸血症。结果 本例患儿具有呼吸深大、浅昏迷、高血糖、酸中毒等临床特点,临床上极易误诊为糖尿病酮症酸中毒,而此患儿颅脑MRI表现又容易误诊为病毒性脑炎。根据串联质谱血酰基肉碱分析示丙酰肉碱、丙酰肉碱与乙酰肉碱比值增高;尿液有机酸分析示甲基丙二酸及甲基枸橼酸增高,确诊为甲基丙二酸血症。结论 MMA临床表现不具特异性,应加强MMA的早期识别能力,对可疑患儿及早行串联质谱血酰基肉碱、气相色谱-质谱尿有机酸检测,减少误诊发生。     

甲基丙二酸尿症合并先天性肾上腺皮质增生症1例报告

目的探讨罕见的甲基丙二酸尿症合并先天性肾上腺皮质增生症患儿的诊疗方法。方法分析1例甲基丙二酸尿症变位酶缺乏合并21羟化酶缺乏症患儿的临床及实验室资料。结果患儿,男,生后3个月起病,接种疫苗及高蛋白饮食后出现喂养困难、腹泻、代谢紊乱及智力运动发育倒退,1岁8个月时确诊为甲基丙二酸尿症,治疗后好转。5岁后出现性早熟表现,确诊为21羟化酶缺乏症男性化型。基因证实MUT基因存在c.866G??C和c.2179C??T两个突变,CYP21A2基因存在c.188A??T和c.518T??A两个已知突变。结论遗传代谢病及内分泌病临床表现复杂,鲜有病例共患多种疾病,该患儿共患甲基丙二酸尿症及21羟化酶缺乏症两种罕见疾病。     

乙基丙二酸脑病患儿的临床研究及ETHE1基因新突变1例报告

目的 1例经EHTE1基因分析确诊的罕见的常染色体隐性遗传病——乙基丙二酸脑病。方法回顾性分析1例确诊乙基丙二酸脑病患儿的临床经过、基因突变特点等。结果女性患儿,7个月起出现顽固性腹泻,并逐渐出现智力运动发育落后及倒退,23个月时检测患儿血液丁酰肉碱4.48 mmol/L,异戊酰肉碱0.7 mmol/L;尿乙基丙二酸及甲基琥珀酸浓度显著增高;颅脑MRI显示双侧基底节区对称性异常信号,符合乙基丙二酸脑病;ETHE1基因分析发现2个杂合突变,其中c.488GA(p.R163Q)为已知突变,c.203TC(p.L68P)为未报道的新突变。患儿经免乳糖饮食,以及左卡尼汀、辅酶Q10、维生素B1、维生素B2、维生素C支持治疗后,全身情况改善,智力运动发育有所进步,但仍明显落后。结论尿液乙基丙二酸增高可见于线粒体脂肪酸代谢障碍等多种疾病,血液丁酰肉碱、异戊酰肉碱浓度增高是乙基丙二酸脑病的常见生化表现之一,ETHE1基因分析有助于确诊。     

转录辅助调节因子HCFC1突变致罕见X连锁甲基丙二酸尿症CblX型一家系报告

目的探讨X连锁甲基丙二酸尿症CblX家系的临床及基因特点。方法回顾性分析1例经血液及尿液分析发现甲基丙二酸尿症,并采用靶向捕获二代测序进行HCFC1基因分析诊断的X连锁甲基丙二酸尿症患儿的临床资料。结果患儿,男,于2月龄时出现抽搐,智力运动障碍,5月龄时表现癫痫、重度发育落后,尿甲基丙二酸、血液丙酰肉碱增高,血浆总同型半胱氨酸增高,符合甲基丙二酸尿症合并同型半胱氨酸血症。甲基丙二酸尿症相关常染色体基因分析未见突变,X染色体转录辅助调节因子HCFC1第3外显子存在c.344C??T(p.Ala115Val)半合子突变,证实为CblX型甲基丙二酸尿症。患儿父母健康,曾有一子生后重度智力、运动障碍,合并难治性癫痫,于6月龄夭折。患儿母亲携带相同的突变,尿液可检出少量甲基丙二酸,血浆同型半胱氨酸轻度增高。患儿父亲未携带突变。结论以新一代测序技术首次确诊我国1例X连锁CblX型甲基丙二酸尿症家系。     

血浆总同型半胱氨酸测定在智力低下等神经精神异常病因调查中的应用

目的调查原因不明的神经精神异常及甲基丙二酸尿症患儿中同型半胱氨酸血症的发生情况,探讨荧光偏振免疫测定法进行血浆或血清总同型半胱氨酸测定的应用价值。方法对2000年1月至2007年12月因原因不明的智力低下、运动障碍、癫疒间、头痛等多种神经系统异常患儿799例,甲基丙二酸尿症126例患儿,采用荧光偏振免疫测定法检测血液总同型半胱氨酸,气相色谱质谱联用分析测定尿液有机酸,液相串联质谱法进行血液氨基酸、酯酰肉碱谱分析。结果925例高危患儿中共发现同型半胱氨酸血症128例（13.84%）。799例原因不明的神经系统疾病患儿中同型半胱氨酸血症27例（3.38%）,血液丙酰肉碱及游离氨基酸浓度正常。126例甲基丙二酸尿症患儿中合并同型半胱氨酸血症101例（80.16%）,血液丙酰肉碱浓度增高。结论甲基丙二酸尿症合并同型半胱氨酸血症是甲基丙二酸尿症的主要临床表型,为鉴别诊断、正确治疗,应及早进行血液总同型半胱氨酸测定。应用荧光偏振免疫测定法检测血清/血浆总同型半胱氨酸,是同型半胱氨酸血症高危筛查的可靠方法。     

Bibliometric data: a disaster for many non-American biomedical journals

Bibliometric data published by the Institute of Scientific Information in Philadelphia (ISI), and which was previously discussed in Acta Paediatrica , has increasingly been used despite all the relevant and severe criticism that has been raised against this method of evaluating individual research results and grading scientific journals. It is obvious that the present trend regarding the use of bibliometric data as a basis for priorities and funding of research and for the promotion of individual scientists favours American-oriented research projects at the expense of those that are based on concepts of predominantly European relevance.

Conclusion: For the future of non-American research, it is important that no single super-power, i.e. the USA, should dominate scientific priorities. The condition for efficient European competition is that European Centres with high levels of competence for creative research and training of scientists from all over the world are established. In addition, it is important that the results of European research are published in prestigious European journals, as was the situation before World War II.     

alpha -SMOOTH MUSCLE ACTIN DISTRIBUTION IN THE PULMONARY VASCULATURE COMPARING HYPOPLASTIC AND NORMAL FETAL LUNGS

We investigated the intra-acinar pulmonary vascular muscularization in the developing human fetal lung between the 17th and 24th gestational weeks, that is, during the canalicular phase of lung development. Fifteen hypoplastic and 25 normal developed lungs were included in this study using monoclonal alpha -smooth muscle (sm) actin antibodies for smooth muscle detection. Computer-aided image analysis was performed for morphometrical measurements and statistical evaluation. Alphasm-actin-immunoreactive intra-acinar vessels down to a luminal diameter of less than 10 mu m were detected in hypoplastic as well as in normally developed lungs. Crucial differences presented as follows: significantly higher density of intra-acinar vessels, especially due to alpha -sm-actin-negative vessels less than 30 mu m in luminal diameter, in the control group; significantly higher alpha -sm-actin immunoreactivity per section unit as well as per vessel in the hypoplastic lung group. As suggested by others, alpha-sm-actin-positive cells of the intra-acinar vessel wall in the developing human lung were demonstrated to be smooth muscle cells, their immediate precursors, and pericytes. We conclude that the increased alpha -sm-actin immunoreactivity represents muscularization of the vessel wall in functional terms and may be regarded as one structural cause among others for the establishment of persistent fetal circulation in hypoplastic lungs.     

Whole-body mineral measurements in Swedish adolescents at 17 years compared to 15 years of age

Aim: To provide reference data for bone mineral variables in 15- and 17-y-old adolescents and to analyse the relationships between these variables and measures of bone and body size, gender, puberty, growth, various lifestyle and environmental factors and socioeconomic background.

Methods: In the same 321 randomly selected adolescents (147 boys and 174 girls) living in two different regions of Sweden, the total bone mineral content (TBMC), bone area (BA) and total bone mineral density (TBMD) were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at ages 15 and 17 y. The effects of bone and body size, gender, growth, sexual maturity, physical activity, region of domicile, social conditions, food habits, smoking and alcohol intake on TBMC and TBMD were examined in multivariate analyses.

Results: In the 15-y-old adolescents, BA, height, gender, physical activity, maturity and weight explained 91% and 48%, of the variance in TBMC and TBMD, respectively. In similar analyses in the 17-y-olds, the corresponding figures were 92% and 62%, respectively, when BA, height, growth, physical activity, gender and region emerged as significant in the model. In all these analyses, BA explained most of the variance in TBMC and TBMD. No significant reduction of variance was found when different measures of social conditions, smoking, food habits, alcohol or dietary intakes of energy, calcium or vitamin D were included in the models. The reason why region of domicile had a significant impact on TBMC in the 17-y-olds is not known. The fact that the normal fluoride concentration in drinking water (1.1 mg/L) is 10 times higher in the region where TBMC was higher than in the other region is an interesting observation.

Conclusion: Almost 90% of the variance in TBMC and 50% of that in TBMD was explained by measures of bone and body size and only a few percent by gender, physical activity, Tanner stage, growth and region of domicile.     

The potential role of rapamycin in pediatric transplantation as observed from adult studies

Although pediatric patient and renal graft survival rates have shown marked improvements during the past decade, the persistent toxicities of immunosuppressive drugs and chronic allograft attrition remain major obstacles in transplant therapy. Results in adult patients suggest that complete steroid withdrawal is possible in the majority of recipients under treatment with a cyclosporin A-rapamycin (CsA RAPA) regimen. Furthermore, preliminary studies suggest that a marked reduction in the dose of CsA may be possible under the umbrella of RAPA coverage. The gain in immunosuppressive efficacy afforded by RAPA has not only been obtained without an increased morbidity owing to infectious or neoplastic causes, but also with the potential for reducing the incidence and/or progression of chronic rejection.     

VARICELLA ZOSTER VIRUS INFECTIONS IN THE PEDIATRIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANT PATIENT

Varicella zoster virus (VZV), a member of the human herpesvirus family, causes the clinical syndromes of chickenpox during primary infection and shingles on later reactivation. In immunocompromised patients, including those undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, VZV can produce life-threatening infections. The most serious forms of VZV infection involve hematogenous dissemination of the virus to vital organs, such as the lung, brain, and liver. Advances in immunoprophylaxis, antiviral chemotherapy, and vaccine development have provided effective tools to limit the morbidity and mortality previously associated with VZV infection in hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. In this review, we discuss virologic aspects of VZV, pathogenesis of VZV infection, methods of viral diagnosis, clinical manifestations of infection in both normal and immunocompromised patients, and available preventative and therapeutic measures.     

Génétique des schizophrénies : mise en perspective des schizophrénies à début précoce et autres pathologies du développement

Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe brain disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, flat and/or inappropriate affect and cognitive impairment. The lifetime risk is about 0.5% with heritability of 65–85%. The prevalence of early-onset schizophrenia (defined here as before 15 years of age) has not been well studied, but is likely to be 5–10% of all cases. The rarity of early-onset SCZ has made it difficult to study. We focus on genetic studies of adults with schizophrenia, highlighting results for early-onset schizophrenia where available. Prior to the past 5 years, studies failed to find replicable association or linkage between SCZ and specific genes when appropriate statistical corrections for multiple testing were used. Many false positive results were probably reported using the candidate gene approach. Recently, the development of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) “chips” has permitted large genome-wide association study (GWAS) analyses that suggest that across all age groups, a proportion of genetic risk can be attributed to a large number of common SNP, each with a very small effect on risk (odds ratios of 1.1 or less). The greatest known genetic effect is conferred by the 1.5–3 Mb 22q.11.2 deletions, which occurs in ∼ 1/4000–1/6000 births with SCZ developing in 20–30% of carriers. Large SNP and aCGH microarray studies have now identified associations between SCZ and other rare, large copy number variations (CNV, insertions and deletions) with high odds ratios (5–10), including deletions of 1q21, 2p16.3 (neurexin-1 gene), 3q29 and 15q13.3, and duplications of 16p11.2. Some of these CNV are also associated with autism or other developmental disorders as well as epilepsy or intellectual deficiency, suggesting some overlap in the mechanisms that contribute to risks of these disorders. Based on preliminary data from larger-scale analyses in progress, approximately 1–2% of cases carry a CNV that has been clearly associated with SCZ (ORs 4–12). Whole exome and genome sequencing studies of large adult samples will be the next steps to identify rarer SCZ-associated mutations, including point mutations and smaller as well as rarer CNV. Genetic findings are beginning to contribute to an understanding of biological mechanisms of SCZ risk and may lead to new approaches to treatment.     

INACTIVATION OF PULMONARY SURFACTANT AND THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE LUNG INJURIES

Inactivation of pulmonary surfactant may be important in acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Treatment of surfactant dysfunction by instilling exogenous surfactants may improve gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics. Surfactants used for treatment vary in their attributes and effects, so when various surfactants are considered for therapy, resistance to inactivation is an important consideration. Animal models of acute lung injury exist in which the relative merits of surfactants can be compared. We hypothesize that the surfactants most resistant to inactivation in vitro will be the ones that are most effective in treatment of animal models of acute lung injury. Surfactants with higher concentrations of surfactant proteins (specifically A, B, and C) are more resistant to inactivation. Nonionic polymers mimic surfactant proteins in preventing surfactant inactivation under some conditions. Adding nonionic polymers to surfactant containing minimal amounts of SP-B and SP-C markedly improves lung function of animals with lung injury. Making surfactants more "inactivation-proof" may improve surfactant therapy of acute lung injuries.     

Plasma Proinsulin and C-Peptide Concentrations in Children with Hyperinsulinaemic Hypoglycaemia

ABSTRACT. Plasma concentrations of proinsulin and C-peptide were measured in five children presenting with svere hypoglycaemia associated with elevated plasma levels of immunoreactive insulin (IRI) in order to determine whether the profile of circulating B-cell products related to the underlying pathophysiology of the pancreas. Results were compared with data from 13 normal infants. Four children, three neonates and a nine year old girl, were subjected to partial or total pancreatectomy. The neonates had nesidioblastosis, nesidioblastosis with a microadenoma, and a functional abnormality without histological derangement respectively; the older child had a localised adenoma. The remaining child, a neonate, had transient hypoglycaemia and elevated IRI levels associated with hyperlactataemia and hyperalaninae-mia. All the children had markedly elevated plasma proinsulin concentrations; the highest levels were seen in the child with an isolated adenoma and in the neonate with nesidioblastosis and a microadenoma. Both of these children also had substantially elevated plasma C-peptide concentrations. The remaining three neonates had plasma C-peptide levels, which although in the normal range for normoglycaemia were inappropriately elevated during hypoglycaemia. It is concluded that elevated proinsulin and C-peptide concentrations are seen in children with hypoglycaemia associated with increased plasma IRI levels and that the profile of the concentrations does not provide a reliable marker for the nature of the underlying pancreatic abnormality.     

Growth tracks in early childhood

Aim: Child growth is modulated by numerous factors and, particularly in infancy and early childhood, often tends to follow apparently irregular patterns, with many centiles crossed before the later growth channels are reached. The aim of this study was to visualize the diversity of individual growth. Design: The study investigated 333 girls and 329 boys without chronic illnesses from four paediatric practices in Kiel, Germany. The children were measured on natural     

Residual pulmonary hypertension in children after treatment with inhaled nitric oxide: a follow-up study regarding cardiopulmonary and neurological symptoms

Inhaled nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator in acute severe pulmonary hypertension and is increasingly used as rescue treatment in intensive care algorithms aiming at reducing severe hypoxaemia in neonates and children. Although the immediate effects may seem impressive, longterm outcome regarding residual pulmonary hypertension and other sequelae has been studied in only a very few patients. The aim of the present study was to evaluate residual pulmonary hypertension, cardiopulmonary or neurological symptoms in children after treatment with inhaled nitric oxide in severely hypoxaemic and/or pulmonary hypertensive mechanically ventilated children. The study was performed in four paediatric intensive care units in university hospitals in Sweden, Norway and Australia. Patients who had received inhaled nitric oxide as part of their intensive care treatment for severe hypoxaemia and/or pulmonary hypertension, and in whom 6 mo had elapsed since treatment, were included for evaluation. Thus 36 paediatric or neonatal patients were examined for circulatory, respiratory or neurological disorders with clinical examination, echocardiography, chest X-ray and a capillary blood sample. Four patients with congenital heart disease had residual pulmonary hypertension. Nine patients were receiving bronchodilators. Sixteen patients had minor (n = 15) or moderate (n = 1) changes on a chest X-ray. One patient had a possible delay in psychomotor development. Conclusions: In spite of the severity of their primary illness, we found that the overwhelming majority of the surviving children were asymptomatic and doing well. The few residual circulatory and respiratory symptoms could be related to the initial condition.