UNLABELLED: As in most other scientific journals, the number of authors per paper published in Acta Paediatrica is gradually increasing. In the 2003 volume, the number of authors was six or more in about one-third of the Regular papers and Clinical observations. The editorial board has handled several conflicts of interest due to disputes about authorship. CONCLUSION: Editors of scientific journals should promote a policy with the aim of creating a true balance between authorship and originality of papers.
UNLABELLED: As in most other scientific journals, the number of authors per paper published in Acta Paediatrica is gradually increasing. In the 2003 volume, the number of authors was six or more in about one-third of the Regular papers and Clinical observations. The editorial board has handled several conflicts of interest due to disputes about authorship. CONCLUSION: Editors of scientific journals should promote a policy with the aim of creating a true balance between authorship and originality of papers.