Bernard J. Fogel

Concentrations of uric acid in the serum of neonatal infants and their mothers.

Abstract Serum concentration of uric acid were measured in 45 normal mother-infant pairs. At the time of delivery concentrations in mother and baby were highly significantly correlated and the cord to maternal ratio was 1.08. In the mothers, the serum concentrations rose significantly by 12 to 24 hours post partum. In the infants they also rose significantly by 12 to 24 hours, falling thereafter to a steady state after 3 days of life. Serum concentrations of uric acid in 98 normal infants could best be described by a quadriatic relationship. The data obtained provide a base for the detection of disorders of purine metabolism in infants and indicate that testing should be done after 3 days of life. The maternal-infant interrelationships observed and the course of time-related changes are important for an understanding of purine metabolism in this period.

Platelet counts in healthy premature infants

Summary Fatal myocardial infarction occurring in the first day of life is reported. Coronary artery occlusion resulted from a paradoxical embolus, the thrombus having arisen in the ductus venosus. Severe circulatory failure resulted in profound metabolic acidosis, and death occurred at the age of 23 hours.

NEUROTOXICITY DUE TO BARRACUDA INGESTION.

The clinical and laboratory findings in a severe form of ichthyosarcotoxism, or fish flesh poisoning, are presented. This disorder, not previously described in the pediatric literature, is characterized by pronounced neurotoxic manifestations, especially of the sensory system. The majority of cases are mild, but in the severe intoxications recovery is slow and symptoms may persist for many years.