BCG vaccination given soon after birth is associated with a lower prevalence of wheeze in children, according to the results of a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.

The effect of BCG vaccination were looked on the prevalence of wheeze in a population-based study.

The overall prevalence of wheeze was 20.3%. When stratified by BCG vaccination status, the prevalence was 23.2% for children who never had BCG vaccination, 20.3% for children given late BCG vaccination, and 17.2% for children given neonatal BCG vaccination.

The authors conclude that the relative risk of wheeze for children given neonatal BCG vaccination was 0.73 compared to those not vaccinated.

J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007;119:1079-1085.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has issued guidelines providing a clinical approach to accurately evaluate and diagnose children who appear to have been physically abused in the past or present. The new recommendations are published in the June issue of Pediatrics.

In the United States only, 152,250 children and adolescents were confirmed victims of physical abuse in 2004, but the estimated number of victims is much higher. Accurate and timely diagnosis of children who are suspected victims of abuse is essential to facilitate appropriate evaluation, investigation, and optimal outcomes for these children and their families.

Ref: Pediatrics. 2007;119:1232-1241.

Information on specific state laws provided by Children's Bureau

FDA has recently approved levocetirizine dihydrochloride 5-mg tablets (Xyzal, UCB Inc [comarketed with Sanofi-Aventis]) for the relief of symptoms associated with seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis and treatment of uncomplicated skin manifestations of chronic idiopathic urticaria in adults and adolescents in children aged 6 to 11 years.

FDA also approved formoterol fumarate inhalation solution (Perforomist, Dey LP) for the twice-daily maintenance treatment of emphysema and chronic bronchitis

Sri Lanka's Pediatric Kidney Experience has been published in Pediatric Transplantation.
Nice to see good transplant results in Developing countries like ours!

A couple has two children affected with tuberous sclerosis. On detailed clinical and laboratory evaluation (including molecular studies) both parents are normal. Which one of the following explains the two affected children in this family?

1. Non penetrance.
2. Uniparental diasomy.
3. Genomic imprinting.
4. Germline mosaicism.
Answer- 4. Germline mosaicism