SummaryFollowing the administration of diazepam to mothers in labour the clinical effects, changes in thermogenesis, and metabolism of the drug in the newborn were observed under carefully controlled conditions. A total maternal dose of 30 mg or less in the 15 hours before delivery had little effect on the infants' state. Larger doses, however, were accompanied by low Apgar scores at birth, apnoeic spells, hypotonia, reluctance to feed, and an impaired metabolic response to a cold stress. Measurement of plasma levels of diazepam and its active metabolite showed that both products were detectable in significant concentrations in some infants for up to eight days. We conclude that greater care should be taken in the use of this otherwise effective drug for the treatment of preeclampsia.

No abstract

Section ofPediatrics 327Histology: Ovoid tumour with adrenal tissue attached, weight 28 g. The tumour tissue showed severe cellular degeneration with areas of fibrosis and calcification. Only by knowing the site was it possible to recognize this as a neuroblastoma.Liver biopsy: Mass of fibrous tissue sparsely infiltrated with degenerate cells similar to those in the tumour. Calcification present.

SummaryA dosage schedule for digoxin medication is presented which has proved effective and safe in children of different ages with heart failure due to a variety of cardiac conditions. The plasma digoxin concentrations during maintenance therapy, using this schedule, agree closely with previously reported therapeutic adult plasma concentrations, though the results do not exclude the efficiency and safety of higher doses. A twice-daily dosage regimen is suggested.great vessels, pulmonary atresia, ventricular septal defect, truncus arteriosus, hypoplastic left ventricle, patent ductus arteriosus, atrial septal defect, and paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia. All patients were considered to have normal, or near normal, renal function as judged by the fasting blood urea concentration; all had a normal serum potassium concentration, and there were no rhythm disturbances to suggest digoxin excess.