Highlights in this issue

There have been fairly pessimistic reports from the United Kingdom on the outcome of extremely preterm infants in the Epicure study. This study encompassed all neonatal intensive care units in the UK. However, the results were considerably better at the University College of London as reported by K Riley et al. (pp. 159–165). The results are commented on by Avroy Fanaroff.

Modern nomograms for measurement of transcutaneous bilirubin based on studies of more than 2000 European infants are reported by Daniele de Luca et al. These nomograms are, of course, of particular value for clinicians. The first author, Dr. Luca is honoured as first recipient of the award for a young investigator given by the foundation of Acta Paediatrica. We hope that this reward will encourage other young investigators to submit their first articles to Acta Paediatrica (pp. 146–150).

Margaret Kenna reports about the popularity of MP3 players among young people. However, are they good for the ears? There are some data, which indicate that they may damage hearing, although the epidemiological evidence is weak (pp. 151 152).

Young fathers are often seen pushing prams in the streets of Swedish cities. This is a hype trend but what about the scientific basis whether it is good for the child. Anna Sarkadi et al. review a number of studies. Most of them suggest that it is good (pp. 153–158).

Kangaroo care reduced the stressful behavioural signs during blood test sticks in preterm infants, as reported by Sari Goldstein Ferber et al. from Haifa (pp. 171–176).

General varicella vaccination is not so common in Europe as in North America. A German study shows that varicella accounts for a small but not negligible risk for death, mostly in immunocompromised children (pp. 187–192).