The cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10) plays a pivotal regulatory role in tolerizing exogenous antigens. Experimental data indicate that low cellular availability of the vitamin D hormone 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] results in a down-regulation of IL-10 concentrations. The tissue production of an adequate amount of 1,25(OH)2D depends on a high circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) level. The present study was thus aimed at evaluating the associations between season of birth, vitamin D status, and the allergy risk markers IL-10 and total immunoglobulin (IgE) in newborns. Cord blood was obtained from 49 infants born during the summer half year (mid-April to mid-October, geographic latitude 51 degrees N) and from 47 infants born during the winter half year (mid-October to mid-April, geographic latitude of 51 degrees N). Serum levels of 25-OHD were 99% higher, and IL-10 levels were 43% higher in the summer half year compared with the winter half year (p < 0.001 and p = 0.018). Moreover, the ratio of IL-10 to total IgE was 124% higher in the summer half year compared with the winter half year (p = 0.039). Serum levels of 25-OHD were correlated with IL-10 levels (r = +0.22; p < 0.05). Mothers' age, gestational ages, birth weights and serum 1,25(OH)2D levels did not differ between study groups. We conclude that the low vitamin D status of infants born in winter may at least in part adversely affect biomarkers of allergy risk.

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Objective To assess long term neurodevelopmental outcome of children after intrauterine intravascular red cell transfusion (IUT) for Parvovirus B19‐induced fetal hydrops. Design Data of study children were investigated retrospectively. Neurodevelopmental evaluation was performed by appropriate standard tests (Griffiths, Snijders–Oomen, Kaufmann Assessment Battery for Children tests). Setting Tertiary care university teaching hospital. Sample Twenty children who had Parvovirus‐induced fetal hydrops and intrauterine transfusion of packed red blood cells (IUT). Methods Retrospective chart analysis and standard neurodevelopmental testing. Main outcome measures Developmental quotient (DQ) and intelligence quotient (IQ) according to the age at testing. Results Twenty survivors of Parvovirus B19‐induced fetal hydrops successfully treated by IUT were followed until 13 months to nine years of age. On clinical follow up, no neurologic sequelae were evident. Neurodevelopmental scores of all children ranged within two standard deviations of a normal population (median 101, range 86–116) and exceeded one standard deviation in three children. There was no significant neurodevelopmental delay. Conclusion Children having survived successful IUT for Parvovirus B19‐induced fetal anaemia and hydrops have a good neurodevelopmental prognosis. Our results support the use of IUT for correction of Parvovirus B19‐induced fetal anaemia and subsequent hydrops.

Objective: To assess serum concentrations of lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) in preterm infants with neonatal bacterial infection (NBI). Methods: Blood samples were analysed of 57 preterm (28 +1 to 36 +6 , median 33 +2 weeks gestation) and 17 term infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit within the first 72 hours of life with suspicion of NBI. Samples were obtained at first suspicion of sepsis and after 12 and 24 hours. Diagnosis of NBI was confirmed by raised concentrations of C reactive protein and/or interleukin 6. The influence of gestational age and labour was analysed. Results: Maximum LBP concentrations in infants with NBI were greatly increased compared with infants without NBI (13.0-46.0 mg/ml (median 20.0 mg/ml) v 0.6-17.4 mg/ml (median 4.2 mg/ml)). LBP concentrations in infected infants were not yet significantly raised when NBI was first suspected. The LBP concentrations of preterm infants were comparable to those of term infants. Regression analysis revealed no significant effect of labour or gestational age on LBP. Conclusions: Raised LBP concentrations indicate NBI in preterm and term infants. Preterm infants of . 28 weeks gestation seem to be capable of producing LBP as efficiently as term infants. Neonatal LBP concentrations are not influenced by labour. LBP may be a useful diagnostic marker of NBI in preterm infants.

Background-Thyroid function disorders have often been observed in preterm infants after intravenous administration of iodinated contrast medium. The eVect on thyroid function depends on the dosage, but the choice of the contrast medium may be equally important, as there are appreciable pharmacological diVerences between them. Method-Thyroid function was analysed in 20 very low birthweight infants of gestational age less than 30 weeks after injection of iopromide, a monomeric nonionic iodinated contrast medium. Levels of free thyroxine and thyroid stimulating hormone were compared with those in 26 control infants. Results-Free thyroxine levels in all study infants ranged from 9.0 to 25.7 pmol/l (days 14-21) and 9.0 to 23.2 pmol/l (days 35-49), and thyroid stimulating hormone levels ranged from 0.13 to 0.26 mU/l (days 14-21) and 0.26 to 11.11 mU/l (days 35-49). These levels were not altered after injection of iopromide. Conclusion-The risk of transient hypothyroidism or hyperthyrotropinaemia may be reduced with the use of iopromide compared with other contrast media. (Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2000;82:F215-F217)