. Bergqvist, G. (Department of Paediatrics, Karolinska Institutet, St Göran's Hospital for Children, Stockholm, Sweden). Viscosity of the blood in the newborn infant. Acta Paediatr Scand,63: 858, 1974.—Whole blood viscosity has been measured with a Brookfidd LVT viscometer on newborn infants with varying hematocrit values. Normal term infants appropriate for gestational age, preterms and small for gestational age infants were studied during the first week. Viscosity/hematocrits varied enormously both in different infants, but also between groups, i.e. terms, preterms and SGA. Marked variations occurred during the first week of life. The normal viscosity values were found to be roughly twice as high as in adults, whereas the plasma viscosity was the same or rather lower. The difference in viscosity in relation to adults seems to be due almost entirely to the higher hematocrit values. With late clamping of the cord, infants (and especially small for gestational age infants) may have extremely high hematocrit and viscosity valUS.

Two siblings of Turkish-Assyrian extraction, whose parents were first cousins, had poor appetite, slow weight gain and retarded psychomotor development. When given milk the galactose concentration in blood increased. An oral galactose load showed a markedly reduced capacity to metabolize galactose. Fanconi syndrome was present as in classical galactosemia. A galactose-free diet reduced the aminoaciduria but did not normalize the renal tubular function nor the children's general condition. Galactokinase and galactose-1-phosphate uridyltransferase activities in red blood cells were normal. The physical appearance of the children (sparse subcutaneous fat, thin extremities and distended abdomen) and the results of vitamin A and xylose absorption tests, were in accordance with a malabsorption condition. Glucose, however, seemed to be absorbed normally from the gut. There was no evidence of primary liver disease. Since the condition did not normalize with a galactose-free diet, an enzyme defect of galactose metabolism is unlikely. Instead, a more general transport defect with autosomal recessive inheritance is proposed.

During the 6-year period 1970-1975 5 cases of late intrauterine death caused by group B streptococcal infection were seen in two obstetrical departments in the Stockholm area. During the same period 17 638 infants were born in the two departments, and in 117 cases intrauterine death occurred. Hematogenous spread of the infection from the mother was the most likely cause in the 5 cases. This figure should be compared with a carrier rate of 15-20% in pregnant women in the Stockholm area.

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