The prediction of estimated cerebral perfusion pressure with trans-systolic time in preterm and term infants.

It is important to monitor cerebral perfusion in infants because hypo- and hyperperfusion can contribute to neurological injury. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between trans-systolic time (TST) and critical closing pressure (CrCP) or estimated cerebral perfusion pressure (CPPe) in neonates. Moreover, we aimed to determine the TST values in preterm and term infants with stable cerebral perfusion to clarify normative reference data. This multicentre prospective study included infants with arterial lines admitted to the neonatal intensive care units between December 2021 and August 2023. TST, CrCP, and CPPe were calculated using middle cerebral artery waveforms recorded using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography when clinicians collected arterial blood samples. Three hundred and sixty samples were obtained from 112 infants with a gestational age of 32 (interquartile range, 27-37) weeks and a birth weight of 1481 (956-2355) g. TST was positively correlated with CPPe (r = 0.60, p < 0.001), but not with CrCP (r = 0.08, p = 0.10). The normative reference values of TST in preterm and term infants without samples of hyper- or hypocapnia and/or hyper- or hypotension, which may affect cerebral perfusion, were as follows: ≤ 29 weeks, 0.12 (0.11-0.14) s; 30-36 weeks, 0.14 (0.12-0.15) s; and ≥ 37 weeks, 0.16 (0.14-0.17) s, respectively.  Conclusion: TST in neonates significantly correlated with CPPe, but not with CrCP. TST may be a good predictor of cerebral perfusion and potentially have wider clinical applications. What is Known: • Trans-systolic time (TST) is used in evaluating the effects of increased intracranial pressure on cerebral haemodynamics. However, little is known about the efficacy of TST in predicting neonatal cerebral perfusion pressure. What is New: • This study added evidence that TST correlated with estimated cerebral perfusion pressure, but not with critical closing pressure. Additionally, we showed the normative reference values of the TST in preterm and term infants.

Short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase deficiency causes prominent ketoacidosis with normal plasma lactate levels: A case report.

We report a case of a 7-month-old boy with Short-chain enoyl-CoA hydratase (ECHS1) deficiency concomitant with prominent ketoacidosis, and no elevation in plasma lactate levels. He suddenly became unconscious, after he had a lot of defecation. He was referred to our hospital by a local doctor because of a right conjugate deviation and hypotonia. Initial investigations revealed severe anion gap metabolic acidosis, hyperuricemia, hyperketonemia, and normal lactate levels in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid. Magnetic resonance imaging of the brain showed abnormal signals in the bilateral caudate nucleus and globus pallidus, suggesting the possibility of inborn errors of metabolism. Thus, analysis of acylcarnitine analysis and urine organic acid was performed but could not help diagnose his condition. We then performed mutation analysis using a DNA panel. We found the following heterozygous mutations in ECHS1: c.5C > T (p. Ala2Val) and c.176 A > G (p. Asn59Ser), leading to the diagnosis of Leigh encephalopathy. This case report expands our understanding of the multiple symptoms of ECHS1 deficiency and emphasizes the importance of genetic testing for inborn errors of metabolism, such as ECHS1 deficiency, to initiate early treatment.