https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/27463 2026-04-04T20:07:32Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3858 Title: Parasitic disease affecting the heart in childhood Authors: Gilles, Herbert Abstract: Parasitic diseases may occasionally affect the cardiovascular system, albeit rarely in childhood. This paper lists the main features of tropical diseases which may affect the heart. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3800 Title: Of networks, large and small Authors: Galea, Wilfred Abstract: Computer networks are constantly and radically changing the way in which the medical professions thinks and works. This article briefly explores some of these innovations. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3797 Title: Spontaneous regression of huge cardiac rhabdomyoma in an infant Authors: Besikçi, Resmiye; Batmaz, Gülhis; Arslan, Gülseren; Kafadar, Ihsan; Ahunbay, Gülay Abstract: Rhabdomyomas are the most common primary cardiac tumors in childhood, and are often associated with tuberous sclerosis. This article reports on a huge rhabdomyoma in an asymptomatic four hour old infant who presented initially with a murmur due to moderate subaortic stenosis. Followup showed regression of the tumour. Although the indications for surgical resection of symptomatic tumors are well established, medical follow-up should be the prefered treatment. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/3794 Title: Do multivitamin supplements reduce the risk for congenital heart defects? : evidence and gaps Authors: Botto, Lorenzo Abstract: Progress in the primary prevention of heart defects has been slow. Some findings suggest that multivitamin supplementation might reduce the risk for some heart defects. This review of the literature shows that two studies, one of which is a randomized clinical trial, provide data supporting a possible protective effect of multivitamins for all heart defects combined (a 25 to 50% reduction). Three of five studies support a protective effect for outflow tract defects, whereas two studies do not. More studies are clearly needed to elucidate the relation between multivitamin use and occurrence of heart defects. Such studies must take into account intake from multiple sources (diet and supplements), as well as genetic background and potential confounders. From a practical perspective, all health-care providers, including pediatric cardiologists, should ensure that women of childbearing age, regardless of whether they had a previous child with a heart defect, take a multivitamin containing 400 micrograms of folic acid, to reduce their risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect. Should such supplements eventually be proven to reduce the risk also for heart defects, this would be an important additional benefit of such supplement use. 2000-01-01T00:00:00Z