These data indicate that the abnormality of IgA1 O-glycosylation seen in IgA nephropathy is also found in Henoch-Schönlein purpura, but only in those subjects with renal involvement, while IgA1 O-glycosylation is normal in patients with other forms of renal disease. These findings lend strong support to a role for altered IgA1 O-glycosylation in the pathogenesis of IgA-associated glomerular disease.

Despite a high incidence of preterm delivery, low birth weight, intrauterine growth retardation and urinary tract abnormalities, the overall outcome for children of renal transplant recipient mothers is good.

Aims-To determine and compare two urinary indices of renal tubular function, N-acetyl-glucosaminidase (NAG) and 2 -microglobulin ( 2 M), in healthy term neonates and babies with perinatal asphyxia. Methods-In a prospective case-control study using asphyxiated (n=35) and normal control (n=55) infants, urinary NAG and 2 M were assayed at 24-48 hours of life, 4-6 days, and 4-6 weeks. Results-NAG and 2 M were significantly increased at 24-48 hours and 4-6 days in the asphyxiated infants compared with the controls. Increased NAG values reflect the degree of perinatal asphyxia more than do 2 M. Gentamicin also increased NAG excretion, but to a lesser extent than did perinatal asphyxia. Conclusions-NAG (+/-2 M) may be a useful marker of perinatal asphyxia. Urinary NAG concentrations correlate with the severity of perinatal asphyxia. (Arch Dis Child 1997;77:F57-F60)

The present study demonstrates that BP measurement in the ED is both relatively infrequent and inconsistent. Further research into this area is required to determine the usefulness and feasibility of routine BP measurements in children presenting to the ED. This might improve the quality of health care and positively impact on public health for the future.