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Two groups of infants, one fed whole cow milk commencing at 6 months of age (n = 69) and the other continuing to receive iron-fortified infant formula (n = 98), were closely observed over their second 6 months of life. At 12 months of age, infants fed cow milk had significantly lower mean serum ferritin levels and mean corpuscular volume, higher free erythrocyte protoporphyrin values, and greater incidence of hemoglobin values less than 11 g/dl than did formula-fed infants. There were no significant differences in frequency of otitis media, wheezing episodes, nasal discharge or congestion, diaper dermatitis, constipation, guaiac-positive stools, or hospital admissions between the two groups. These data suggest that, to avoid iron deficiency, infants should continue to receive iron-fortified formula throughout the first year of life or a daily iron supplement if they are fed whole cow milk before their first birthday.

The reasons for the controversy regarding the use of corticosteroids to treat croup were reviewed by evaluating nine studies for their adequacy in meeting eight methodologic standards essential for reducing bias and distortion in clinical trials. Five studies employed diagnostic criteria for croup but none stratified patients with croup into acute laryngotracheitis and spasmodic croup, the two forms which account for the large majority of cases of croup. Only four studies used adequate doses of steroids, defined as 100 mg of cortisone or an equivalent. Only two studies developed clinically relevant choices for the outcome event. Although steroids may be helpful in certain types of croup, it is impossible to reach a definite conclusion about the efficacy of steroids, since all of the studies have major inadequacies in clinical trial design.