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In an attempt to making norms of renal volume (RV) in Indian children, 240 children (137 boys and 103 girls) below 5 years of age were subjected to sonographic examination in supine position. Left RV in female children increased from 18.04 mm3 in early infancy to 48.36 mm3 in 4–5 year age group. Similar increase was observed in the right RV. There was no significant left vs. right difference in RV in boys and girls (p>0.05). Similarly, the RV did not differ significantly in both sexes (p>0.05, in all age groups except 4–5 years, p=0.04).

For the purpose of making norms of ultrasonographic renal length in Indian children, 240 children (137 boys and 103 girls) below 5 years of age were subjected to sonographic evaluation in supine position. Left renal length increased from 59.18 mm, in infancy to 81.89 mm between 4–5 years age in female children. Similar increase was observed in male children. There was no statistically significant difference in renal length in boys and girls in various age groups (p 0.05 to 0.1). Right renal length measured 1–3.5 mm than less than the left renal length, and this difference was statistically significant (p 0.05 to 0.0002) in both sexes. Renal length positively correlated to subject's age, length/height, body weight and body surface area in that order.

Serum IgG at birth was estimated in 31 preterm and 33 full term newborns, grouped according to their weight-for-gestational age. Preterm small-for-gestational age neonates were found to have significantly reduced IgG levels as compared to preterm appropriate-for-gestational age and full term small-for-gestational age newborns. It is suggested that preterms with intra-uterine growth retardation are most suitable for exogenous IgG supplementation to reduce neonatal and postneonatal susceptibility to infections.

The total haemoglobin, foetal haemo-blobin and nucleated red blood cells were analysed in 34 infants born of toxaemic pregnancies and 58 healthy newborns. In the healthy infants, the respective mean values were 16.03 G.% 64.57% and 4.1/100 W.B.C. The corresponding figures for infants born of toxaemic mothers were 16.44 G.%, 79.85 % and 7.1/100 W.B.G. These differences were observed irrespective of gestational age, birth weight and crown to heel length. The total haemoglobin and foetal haemoglobin were higher in newborns of anaemic mothers and normal pregnancy in comparison to newborns of mothers with haemoglobin more than 7 G.%. The total haemoglobin and foetal haemoglobin were higher in small-for-date newborns in comparison to those appropriate-for-date.

Eighty newborns of various birth weights and gestational age ranging from 28 to 45 weeks were studied. There were 26 preterm, 41 term and 13 post-term infants. The average values of total and foetal haemoglobin in males and females were studied and there was no significant difference in the two sexes. Total haemoglobin tended to rise with advancing gestation. On the contrary, foetal haemoglobin showed a gradual fall with advancing gestational age. Correlation between gestational age and birth weight and foetal haemoglobin could not be established. Foetal haemoglobin in preterm, term and post-term newborns was 83.93, 68.59 and 60.03% respectively. It was concluded that foetal haemoglobin can be used as one of the indices for determining the maturity.

Serum lactic dehydrogenase levels were estimated in fifteen healthy children, and were found to be raised in twenty-five cases of Indian childhood cirrhosis, twelve cases of infectious hepatitis, three cases of obstructive jaundice and four cases of postnecrotic cirrhosis. In healthy children, the mean level was 192.6 I.U. with a range of 127.7 to 273.3 I. U. In Indian childhood cirrhosis and in infectious hepatitis, the mean levels were 237.5 I.U. and 216.6 I.U., respectively. Serum lactic dehydrogenase level were more markedly increased in biliary tract obstruction. The level of the enzyme was compared with other liver functions and its significance discussed.

Serum cholinesterase levels in 17 healthy children and 56 cases of severe protein calorie malnutrition were studied on admission and after 3 weeks of nutritional rehabilitation. Liver histopathology was studied on admission. Serum cholinesterase was significantly reduced in malnourished children and levels returned to nortmal after treatment for three weeks. Plant cell appearance in the liver and cell necrosis were associated with a greater reduction in serum cholinesterase levels.