In the Total body hypothermia for neonatal encephalopathy trial (TOBY), newborns who received hypothermic therapy had improved neurologic outcomes at 18 months of age, but it is uncertain whether such therapy results in long-term neurocognitive benefits. In this study, 325 newborns with asphyxial encephalopathy who were born at a gestational age of 36 weeks or more were randomized to receive standard care alone (control) or standard care with hypothermia (rectal temperature of 33 to 34°C) for 72 hours within 6 hours after birth. The neurocognitive function of these　children　at 6 to 7 years of age was evaluated. The primary outcome of this analysis was the frequency of survival with an IQ score of 85 or higher. A total of 52% in the hypothermia group versus 39% in the control group survived with an IQ score of 85 or more (RR, 1.31; P=0.04). The proportions of　children　who died were similar in the two groups. More　children　in the hypothermia group than in the control group survived without neurologic abnormalities. Among survivors,　children　in the hypothermia group, as compared with those in the control group, had significant reductions in the risk of cerebral palsy and the risk of moderate or severe disability. There was no significant difference in parental assessments of　children’s health status, and in results on 10 of 11 psychometric tests.

In pediatric population, Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is slowly gaining acceptance in clinical management of superficial lymphadenopathy. This experience adds some data about the usefulness of this technique in diagnosing its cause, and guiding further treatment. During 2002 to 2006, 238 FNAC procedures were performed in 217 patients with superficial lymphadenopathy; the neck was the most frequent site. The results were available within few hours. In cases of granulomatous findings, the samples were processed for microbiological and PCR test, in order to identify Mycobacteria. Thirty-eight patients had granulomatous lymphadenopathies. Among the 174 reactive lesions, 22 required an incisional biopsy after 1 month follow-up. For 24 malignant lesions, the diagnosis was confirmed by further biopsy. Two false negative and no false positive were detected (sensitivity 92%, specificity 100%). No complications were encountered. The study reiterates that FNAC, performed by experienced cytopathologist, is a fast, safe, non invasive and inexpensive method to achieve diagnosis in persistent superficial lymphadenopathy.