INCONCLUSIONS OF STUDIES, MOSTLY OF PREMATURE INFANTS

[摘要] We do not know whether or how the rate of oxygen consumption by the cells of premature infants differs from that of full term infants. We do not know the clinical significance of subnormal body temperatures in premature infants. We do not know how much immature renal function and how much handicaps in intracellular defenses contribute to [See CHART 4, CHART 5 in Source PDF] the tendency of premature infants to develop disorders of water and acid-base balance. We do not know the nature of the deviation in ability of premature infants to absorb fat. We do not know how ascorbic acid and other dietary factors promote breaking open of the phenol ring of tyrosine or phenylalanine. We do not know what constitutes "immunity" to malaria.This is a doleful summary; it is a consolation to note the epigram of Rabbi Tarfon, written almost 1,900 years ago: "It is not for thee to complete the work, but neither art thou free to desist from it."

[学科分类] 儿科学