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Slovenia, unfortunately, ranks top in the European and world suicide rates. In the group of children and adolescents under the age of 18 years, there are 15–20 suicides a year. Suicides are extremely rare in childhood. In the majority of adolescents who committed suicide the decision was impulsive, although one could also find an undiagnosed and/or untreated psychiatric disorder in … Preberite več >>

The importance of hypertension lies in the fact that it represents one of the most significant risk factors for the development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is still the main cause of mortality in developed countries as well as in some parts of underdeveloped world. Since essential hypertension has its roots in childhood, its prevention, diagnosis, monitoring and treatment also … Preberite več >>

This paper presents normal growth of children and adolescents and the etiology of short stature. Diagnostic approach to short stature and the possibilities of therapy are discussed.… Preberite več >>

Approximately 2,500 children in Slovenia have epilepsy. Epilepsy is diagnosed when unprovoked seizures recur. The etiologies and natural courses of epilepsies are variable. Prognostically, epilepsies are divided into four major groups (benign, pharmacosensitive, pharmacodependent and pharmacoresistant). Epilepsies are most commonly treated with antiepileptic drugs. Prompt response to antiepileptic drugs is a good prognostic sign for remission, regardless of the etiology. … Preberite več >>

The author emphasizes the most frequently used clinical and functional contemporary approaches in diagnostics of neonatal seizures and presents all four newborn epilepsies which can already occur also in during this period. It includes all the drugs used and those mentioned in the current literature as successful remedies for refractory seizures. The lidocaine as well as benzodiazepine use is recommended … Preberite več >>

Among a large group of neonates with common gastrointestinal problems is a significant number that have serious surgical diagnoses. This article concentrates on a few of the most common that we encounter in our practice and discusses a few of the potentially devastating congenital anomalies that may appear in neonatal period. Our intent is to give a more in-depth discussion … Preberite več >>

Inborn errors of metabolism must always be considered in the differential diagnosis of an acutely ill newborn when there is no obvious alternative diagnosis. In addition to a thorough assessment of the medical history and clinical examination of the patient, the diagnosis requires specialised diagnostic testing, including biochemical and molecular tests. The basic diagnostic tests of blood (full blood counts, … Preberite več >>

Disorders of sex development are caused by various genetic and environmental factors. Their diagnosis is most frequently made either immediately after birth or in small children and adolescents. These disorders are manifested as ambiguous genitalia, a mismatch between anatomic structures of the internal and external genitals, sex chromosome abnormalities or disorders of gonadal development. The article first discusses normal gender … Preberite več >>

We set out to introduce serum markers into the diagnosis of coeliac disease as a substitute or supplement to small intestinal mucosa biopsy. At the Paediatrics Department of the Maribor Teaching Hospital, determinations of antigliadin (AGA-IgA and AGA-IgG) and antiendomysial antibodies are carried out in to asses the reliability of these coeliac disease markers in indicating the state of small … Preberite več >>

In the present study, depression and anxiety were evaluated in a sample of 81 secondary school-aged adolescents, hospitalised at the Adolescent Department, Centre for Mental Health, Ljubljana. The results were compared with those obtained in a control group of 122 secondary school students. The purpose of the study was to identify risk factors for adolescent anxiety and depressive disorders. Data … Preberite več >>

Cronic constipation is a common problem in children. The paper presents organic causes of constipation and the major risk factors for constipation, which are to be considered in the absence of evident organic causes. Good knowledge of normal rhythm and frequency of bowel movements appropriate for the child’s age is a prerequisite for correct diagnosis of chronic constipation. The disorder … Preberite več >>

This paper presents the main characteristics of the clinical examination of children and ado­lescents and differences compared to the examination of adult patients. The medical history of children and adolescents should include data on the presenting signs and symptoms, peri­natal medical history, dietary history, growth and development, completed vaccinations, prior diseases, family history and psychosocial medical history. The clinical status … Preberite več >>

Malignant tumors are the second most common cause of death in children under 15 years, after injuries. While cancer of the epithelial origin is most common in adults, leukemia and embryonal tumors of mesenchymal tissue occur most frequently in children. The fact that the latter respond better to chemotherapy and that the bone marrow of children regenerates mor easily, account … Preberite več >>