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Biomedical subjects

T W de Vries

Publications and source records attributed to T W de Vries.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Comparison of handling and acceptability of two spacer devices in young children with asthma.

UNLABELLED: This study compared parents' preference for two spacer devices, NebuChamber and Babyhaler for the treatment of young children with asthma. In this open, cross-over study 141 patients (aged 5-57 mo) who used inhaled steroids via a spacer device were randomized to budesonide via NebuChamber or beclomethasone dipropionate via Babyhaler. Both treatments were given by the parents twice daily for 2 wk. At the final visit parents completed a questionnaire on preference in general and for a given set of features. Acceptability and handling were scored in a diary. Diary scores on acceptability by the child and handling of both spacer devices were comparable. In the preference questionnaire, 68% of parents preferred NebuChamber [95% confidence interval (CI) 60-76] and 25% Babyhaler (95% CI 18-33). The preference was independent of the type of spacer used before the study and was also apparent in the different features: acceptability by child, carrying around, cleaning, close fitting of face mask, assembling and disassembling, damage resistance and size. These differences were statistically significant for all features, except for acceptability by the child. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of parents prefer NebuChamber over Babyhaler for the treatment of their young asthmatic children.

Aerosols↗
PubMed2000

[Routine laboratory tests unnecessary for children referred for recurrent wheezing and/or asthma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the usefulness of laboratory testing and thorax radiography in children, referred to the paediatrician for evaluation of recurrent wheezing. DESIGN: Retrospective. METHODS: In this study, 158 children referred for recurrent wheezing to a specialized child outpatient clinic of the Medisch Centrum Leeuwarden, the Netherlands, in the period 1 January 1994-31 December 1996, were evaluated according to a routine protocol including haemoglobin, ESR, leucocytes, immunoglobulins, sweat chloride levels and allergy testing and chest roentgenograms. It was determined whether these investigations had yielded abnormal results and whether these test results aided in confirming/rejecting the diagnosis of asthma or were helpful in clinical management. RESULTS: In 144 of the 158 (91%) children the diagnosis 'asthma' or 'recurrent wheezing' was made. Although numerous test results were abnormal they were not helpful in establishing the diagnosis. In only one child an abnormal chest radiograph was helpful (the radiograph showed infiltrative abnormalities). Tests for aero-allergy were rarely positive in children younger than 2 years; in children older than 6 years aero-allergy was found frequently, notably to dust mite (41/144). CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that--except for allergy testing--routine laboratory testing and chest roentgenograms are not indicated in children referred for evaluation of wheezing disorders. Aero-allergy testing may help to decide on preventive measures.

Asthma↗
PubMed1998

[Accidental ingestion of cigarettes by children].

Accidental ingestion of cigarettes (and butts) is mainly seen in young children. Nicotine in tobacco products is easily absorbed by the oral mucosa and intestines; absorption depends on nicotine content and pH of tobacco. Symptoms are caused by the nicotine component and usually develop rapidly (< 4 hours). The most common symptom is vomiting. Although cigarettes are potentially toxic, their ingestion by children is generally benign. Decontamination of the mouth with water may be useful. Induction of emesis is not advised. Gastric lavage is not needed in asymptomatic patients (with an unreliable history) or after vomiting. Children who ingested cigarettes should receive medical observation for four hours after ingestion. Children with significant symptoms should be admitted and eventually treated by supportive care. In symptomatic children or children with a reliable history of ingestion of large quantities who have not vomited gastric lavage with administration of activated charcoal has to be performed. When after vomiting other symptoms persist activated charcoal can be given via a nasogastric tube.

Accidents, Home↗
PubMed1998

[Urinary antigen test as a screen for the diagnosis of beta-hemolytic streptococcal infections in newborn infants].

OBJECTIVE: To differentiate between neonates with high and low risk of infections caused by group B beta-haemolytic streptococci (GBS), by using the urinary group B streptococcal antigen test. DESIGN: Retrospective. SETTING: Medical Centre Leeuwarden and Public Health Laboratory, Friesland, the Netherlands. METHODS: In a period of two years clinical, haematological and microbiological (including urinary group B streptococcal antigen detection) data were collected in newborns and their mothers who met one or more of the following criteria: a previous affected child, prolonged (> or = 12 hrs) rupture of membranes, fever in labour, unexpected preterm delivery, unexplained perinatal asphyxia. On the basis of surveillance cultures a colonization rate was made. GBS infection was 'suspected' in an unwell infant with a 'high' colonization rate; infection with GBS was 'proved' by a positive blood culture with GBS. RESULTS: 6 of 342 neonates had an infection with GBS. Risk of invasive infection increased with higher colonization rates. Sensitivity of the antigen test to detect colonization was low, sensitivity to detect neonatal infection was high (51 versus 100%). The negative predictive value of urinary antigen testing was 100%. Prolonged rupture of membranes (1.5% risk of infection) and maternal fever (5%) were the most important risk factors. CONCLUSION: In healthy neonates with risk factors but with a negative antigen detection test the risk of GBS infection is extremely low. In children with a risk factor a positive test result can indicate heavy colonization or infection. These children should be carefully observed and examined.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Splenic epithelial cysts and splenomegaly: diagnosis and management.

Splenomegaly is a common problem. In the absence of systemic illness or malignancy splenic cysts must be considered, especially the epithelial variety. For large cysts total splenectomy has long been recommended. Recognition of the risk of an overwhelming postsplenectomy infection (OPSI), especially in children, has led to spleen conserving surgery. We describe the use of an absorbable Vicryl net after partial splenectomy with total cystectomy in the management of splenic epithelial cysts.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

An unusual cause of neonatal seizures in a newborn infant.

Neonatal seizures in the neonatal period are symptoms of numerous underlying disorders of the neonate. We present a case in which neonatal seizures due to cerebral infarction led to a diagnosis in the mother. Neonatal convulsions caused by cerebral artery thrombosis is relatively rare in the neonatal period and is often secondary to indwelling intravascular catheters that cause thromboembolism, but may be associated with many conditions.1 Cerebral artery thrombosis in newborns, in which antiphospholipid antibodies (APA) were found in the mother, has been described in three case reports. Two of these premature infants were born with other risk factors for thrombosis. APA could not be identified in any of these three infants. In the two cases reported by Silver et al the diagnosis was made several months after birth. This case is unique in the fact that no other risk factors for thrombosis could be identified to explain the infarction, and that APA were found in the offspring of an apparently healthy mother. Whether the prior fetal death was caused by APA remains unclear. The finding of lupus anticoagulant in her child led to the diagnosis of antiphospholipid antibody syndrome in her. We believe that in case of cerebral artery thrombosis in a neonate, with no trivial cause such as an indwelling catheter or sepsis, both mother and infant should be tested for presence of APA, even when the mother seems healthy.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Progressive partial lipodystrophy; an external problem with internal anomalies].

Progressive partial lipodystrophy (PPL) was diagnosed in two girls aged 6 and 8 years. PPL is characterized by loss of subcutaneous fat, starting in the face and progressing to trunk and arms. Diagnosis is based upon the cachectic appearance and the normal growth parameters. It is a rare disease of unknown aetiology, usually beginning in childhood and more frequent in females. An association with diabetes mellitus, hypertriglyceridaemia and glomerulonephritis has been described. Follow-up should be focused on these and on psychological effects. No causal therapy is available. The facial appearance can be restored by injection of liquid silicones. Life expectancy does not appear to be affected.

Child↗
PubMed1995

Dumping syndrome in a young child.

UNLABELLED: We describe a 17-month-old child with dumping syndrome after plication of the right diaphragm. He presented with periods of abdominal distension and pallor, recurrent convulsions, glucosuria and refusal of feeding. After changing the diet the symptoms disappeared. CONCLUSION: Although dumping syndrome in children is rare, early recognition is important. Serial determination of blood glucose after bolus feeding can lead to the diagnosis. Treatment should consist of dietary changes.

Blood Glucose↗
PubMed1993

[Breast feeding and oral anticoagulants].

Oral anticoagulants are frequently prescribed during lactation. Because these drugs could affect the hemostasis of the newborn, we did a literature search to find out whether precautions should be taken. It appeared that acenocoumarol and warfarin are not detectable in human milk. Besides the usual daily supplementation of 25 micrograms vitamin K for every breast-fed infant, precautions are not necessary. Phenprocoumon, ethylbiscoumacetate and phenindione are excreted in human milk and could affect neonatal hemostasis.

Acenocoumarol↗
PubMed1992

[Diagnosis in recurrent bacterial meningitis; a literature study].

Recurrent bacterial meningitis can be caused by different mechanisms. In order to make the diagnostics more efficient, we studied literature to find these underlying mechanisms. Two groups could be identified: group I, patients with a congenital or posttraumatic defect in the bones of the skull and group II, patients with a deficiency of a component of complement. The patients in group I were much younger at the time of their first meningitis and suffered more often from otitis, rhinorrhoea and deafness diagnosed before the first meningitis. Streptococcus pneumoniae was most frequently cultured in the cerebrospinal fluid, the group with complement deficiency showed Neisseria meningitidis almost exclusively. Family history revealed more members with infections caused by neisseriae spp. Although it was difficult to diagnose the bony defects, physical examination, radiography and high resolution CT scanning of the skull were helpful. Age, history, physical examination and cerebrospinal fluid culture were the most helpful in diagnostic factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Limited value of routine preoperative laboratory studies in children].

In order to determine whether in routine preoperative laboratory testing of children abnormal results were reported which influenced the course of the anesthesia or of the operation, a retrospective survey of charts was carried out at the University Children's Hospital, Groningen. The patients involved were 143 low risk children, admitted for ENT surgery. The main outcome measures were abnormalities and perioperative complications. There were 1.4% laboratory abnormalities (including five children with a haemoglobin concentration less than 7.1 mmol/l, one with a calcium concentration less than 2.2 mmol/l, one with an albumin concentration less than 30 g/l), and seven complications (bradycardia during intubation, bronchial obstruction, bleeding, excessive vomiting (three times), and leakage of perilymphatic fluid). There were no correlations between the abnormal test results and the complications. Routine laboratory testing in children scheduled for surgery might be reduced to measurement of haemoglobin, especially in non-white children.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

[Chronically tired or the chronic fatigue syndrome in an adolescent].

To fulfill the criteria of the chronic fatigue syndrome a patient must have new onset persistent or relapsing, debilitating fatigue or easy fatigability. The symptoms do not resolve with bedrest and are severe enough to reduce or impair average daily activity below 50% of the patient's premorbid activity level for a period of at least 6 months. Other clinical conditions that may produce similar symptoms must be excluded. Using a case history the (differential) diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of the chronic fatigue syndrome are discussed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1990

[Risks of diazepam in newborn infants].

In children there is a good effect of diazepam on convulsions after intravenous or rectal administration. This is not the case in neonates. We describe a newborn to whom diazepam was given because of a convulsion and who exhibited serious side effects: coma, hypotonia and feeding difficulties. We point out the risks of using diazepam in neonates.

Asphyxia Neonatorum↗