Abstract:The purpose of this study was to determine the iron status of preschool children in Sydney. We assessed 678 children aged 9 to 62 months living in 32 randomly selected census collection districts in central and southern Sydney for iron status using plasma ferritin; of these 678 children, 542 had zinc protoporphyrin tests, red cell indices and haemoglobin tests. Risk factors for iron deficiency were assessed by an administered questionnaire. Overall, the prevalence of iron depletion was 10.5 per cent, iron deficiency 2.8 per cent and iron deficiency anaemia 1.1 per cent. The 24to-35-month age group (176 children) had the highest prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia of 3.0 per cent, although iron depletion (18.7 per cent) and iron deficiency (5.4 per cent) were highest among the 9-to-23-month age group (182 children). Low iron status was related to age of under 24 months (odds ratio (OR) 2.86, 95 per cent confidence interval (CI) 1.72 to 4.76). After adjustment for this age effect, the consumption of red meat fewer than four times a week was significantly associated with iron depletion (OR 2.27, CI 1.25 to 4.17) and there was a tendency for children who were being given a vitamin supplement to be less likely to be iron depleted (OR 4.00, CI 0.95 to 16.67). Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anaemia do not represent a major public health problem in preschool children in Sydney. However, for children in the age range of 12 to 36 months there is scope for interventions to further reduce the prevalence of iron deficiency anaemia.

multiple birth. Familial occurrences of dizygotic twinning found in this and other epidemiological studies are at least in part due to genetic factors.The risk of twin births to monozygotic mothers was not significantly increased, but monozygotic mothers had significantly more same sex twin births. Comparison of estimated and expected numbers of monozygotic twin births suggests that this increase is a result of monozygotic twinning. Although other studies have suggested a familial component in monozygotic twinning, samples have been small and the methods susceptible to recall bias.46This population based study shows that women who are twins have an increased risk of giving birth to twins. Contrary to results based on self reports,4 this registry based study, free from recall bias, does not support the existence of a common aetiology for monozygotic and dizygotic twinning.

Predictive models--by developing new strategies to improve outcomes through identifying treatable predictive factors--may be clinically useful in elderly stroke patients.

Aim: To describe the characteristics, outcomes and treatment complications of patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) who were treated at home and as outpatients in an ambulatory care program. Methods: Retrospective descriptive study of patients with PE who were treated in the ambulatory care unit during 2003. Ambulatory care unit data and medical record information were reviewed. Data collected included demographic and clinical data, standard clinical indicators of unplanned admission during treatment program, incidence of major bleeding, recurrent venous thromboembolism (VTE), and death within 3 months of admission into the ambulatory care program. Results: 130 patients with PE were treated: 46% were treated totally as outpatients and 54% as early discharge patients. Mean age was 66.4 years; 61% were women. The program was successfully completed for 89% of patients; one patient was lost to follow‐up. There were three episodes of major bleeding (2%; 95% CI, 0.5%–7%), all in patients aged > 70 years. Four patients died (3%; 95% CI, 0.8%–8%) within 3 months of admission into the program, but none in the first week, no death being directly attributable to PE. There were seven episodes of recurrent VTE (5%; 95% CI, 2%–11%). Conclusion: Appropriately selected patients with sub‐massive PE can be treated as outpatients and in the home. Although the outcome is good in most patients, a significant proportion will require admission, emphasising the need for a well defined protocol and close medical supervision. Further study will more closely define at‐risk patients and refine the care pathways.

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