Home monitoring for infants at risk of the sudden infant death syndrome

This study evaluates the effectiveness and social implications of home monitoring of 31 infants at risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Thirteen siblings of children dying of SIDS, nine near miss SIDS infants and nine preterm infants with apnoea persisting beyond 40 weeks post conceptual age were monitored from a mean age of 15 days to a mean of 10 months. Chest movement detection monitors were used in 27 and thoracic impedance monitors in four. Genuine apnoeic episodes were reported by 21 families, and 13 infants required resuscitation. Apnoeic episodes occurred in all nine preterm infants but in only five (38%) of the siblings of SIDS (P<0.05). Troublesome false alarms were a major problem occurring with 61% of the infants and were more common with the preterm infants than the siblings of SIDS. All but two couples stated that the monitor decreased anxiety and improved their quality of life. Most parents accepted that the social restrictions imposed by the monitor were part of the caring process but four couples were highly resentful of the changes imposed on their lifestyle. The monitors used were far from ideal with malfunction occurring in 17, necessitating replacement in six, repair in six and cessation of monitoring in three. The parents became ingenious in modifying the monitors to their own individual requirements Although none of these 31 ‘at risk’ infants died the study sample was far too small to conclude whether home monitoring prevented any cases of SIDS.

Osteopenia and rickets in the extremely low birth weight infant: A survey of the incidence and a radiological classification

A review was carried out of the radiographs of twenty-five infants with birth weights under 1000 G, who survived for more than twenty-eight days; eighteen of these had enough suitable films for a survey of the progressive bone changes which occur in these infants, including estimation of humeral cortical cross-sectional area. The incidence of the changes has been assessed and a typical progression of radiographic appearances has been shown, with a suggested system of staging. All infants showed some loss of bone mineral, with frank changes of rickets occurring in forty-four percent. Aetiological factors are mainly concerned with the difficulty of supplying and ensuring absorption of sufficient bone mineral (calcium and phosphate) and vitamin D. Liver immaturity may be another factor. Disease states additional to prematurity accentuate the problem. Rib fractures occurring around 80–90 days post-nataEy commonly draw attention to the bone disorder and are probably the major clinical factor of importance; there is a high incidence of associated lung disease of uncertain pathology. Attention is drawn to possible confusion with other bone disorders in the post-natal period.

Women's views of ultrasonography: A comparison of women's experiences of antenatal ultrasound screening with cerebral ultrasound of their newborn infant

Ultrasound screening is now a routine procedure which forms part of antenatal care provision. Within this routine context ultrasound technology has been found to be generally acceptable and indeed is positively demanded by many women. This paper raises the question whether the routine presentation of ultrasound implicitly conveys the message that is use in antenatal care is both valuable and safe. It examines women's views of ultrasound technology beyond a routine context. In a study designed to examine women's reactions to cerebral ultrasound on their normal term infants mothers were asked their views and knowledge of ultrasound and a comparison with their antenatal experience of ultrasound was elicited. A generalized concern about ultrasound techniques was found to underlie many of the women's comments. This raised questions concerning the current practice in the presentation of ultrasound to women attending for antenatal care.

Portrait of Ellen Bernkopf nee Catzenstein as an infant. Portraits Children

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John and Ursula Schlosstein nee Gottschalk with their infant son Ralph. portraits family

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Portrait of Aenny Catzenstein nee Gottschalk holding her infant son Franz Portraits Family

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Portrait of Dr. Joseph Wallerstein holding his infant grandson Hans Stern.

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Studio portrait of Paula Wallerstein nee Molling holding her infant daughter Karoline "Line".

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Studio portrait of Paula Wallerstein nee Molling holding her infant daughter Karoline "Line".

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Ann and Grete Unger seated outdoors with Dick and Gitta Meier with their infant daughter Karen.

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Studio portrait of infant twins Beatrice and Fred Herz (l-r).

The Herz twins were born 4 February 1913

Portrait of Ellen Bernkopf nee Catzenstein as an infant. Portraits Children

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John and Ursula Schlosstein nee Gottschalk with their infant son Ralph. portraits family

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Portrait of Aenny Catzenstein nee Gottschalk holding her infant son Franz Portraits Family

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