Lung ultrasound score in the decision of patent ductus arteriosus closure in neonates.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate the role of lung ultrasound (LUS) score in the closure of hemodynamically insignificant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and the clinical findings of the patients before and after closure. METHODS: The study groups (107 preterm neonates under 34 gestational weeks) were classified as hemodynamically significant PDA (group 1), hemodynamically insignificant PDA with closure therapy (group 2), hemodynamically insignificant PDA without closure therapy (group 3), and no PDA group (group 4) based on the echocardiography. 6- and 10-region LUS scores were compared for each group. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between groups 1 and 3 on first, third, and seventh days. In contrast, groups 1 and 2 had similar LUS scores on the first, third, and seventh days. There was a negative correlation between LUS scores on the first and third days and gestational age, birth weight, the first- and fifth-minute APGAR scores, and there was a positive correlation between aortic root to left atrium ratio, and PDA diameter/weight ratio. CONCLUSION: We observed that LUS scores in patients with hemodynamically insignificant PDA treated with closure therapy were similar to in patients with hemodynamically significant PDA. Thus, LUS score can have role in PDA closure in preterm neonates. However, more comprehensive studies are needed.

Ischemic-Modified Albumin in Neonates with Congenital Heart Defects.

OBJECTIVES: Ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) is a new biochemical marker of ischemia. We aimed to search blood IMA levels in neonates with congenital heart defects. STUDY DESIGN: During the study period, patients diagnosed with congenital heart disease and newborns with a diagnosis of hyperbilirubinemia as a control group were included in the study. IMA level was analyzed using the IMA absorbance unit (ABSU) method. RESULTS: In total, 57 newborns with congenital heart disease requiring cardiac operation for the study group and 38 newborns for the control group were included. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of gender, mode of delivery, and weeks of gestation. The average IMA values in the control group were 0.19 ± 0.09 ABSU. The prepostoperative mean IMA values of the patient group were 0.22 ± 0.07 and 0.23 ± 0.07 ABSU, respectively. Comparison of the postoperative IMA with the mean of the control group was statistically significant. Preoperative and postoperative IMA values of patients who have died due to primary heart disease and surgical complications were 0.21 ± 0.07 (0.08-0.32) ABSU and 0.25 ± 0.06 (0.12-0.36) ABSU, respectively. IMA levels were not statistically different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Hypoxia and ischemia in congenital heart disease in the newborn period both preoperatively and postoperatively were important in prognosis. IMA was higher in the postoperative group. Many comprehensive studies are important in terms of preventing complications and decreasing mortality and morbidity by commenting on prognosis. KEY POINTS: · IMA is a new biochemical marker of ischemia.. · In the literature, there are no reports about the relation between congenital heart defects and IM.. · The exposure of CHD patients to hypoxia/asphyxia in the preintra and postoperative periods cause neurologic deficits.

Determination of normal values of optic nerve sheath diameter in newborns with bedside ultrasonography.

OBJECTIVES: Bedside sonographic opthalmic ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is an easy, portabl, noninvasive and a radiation free technique to determine increased intracranial pressure. This prospective, multicenter study was aimed to establish the range of normal values for ONSD in preterm and term newborns with a large study population. METHODS: Newborns without intracranial pathology in the Newborn Intensive Care Units and in Obstetrics and Gynecology Departments were enrolled in the study. ONSD was measured at 3 mm distance behind of the right optic nerve head. As 3 mm distance was beyond the optic nerve head in some of the premature newborns, we had also measurements at 2 and 2.5 mm. RESULTS: ONSD was measured in 554 newborns. Mean ONSD of preterm babies at 2, 2.5 and 3 mm distances were 3.2 ± 0.3 mm (range 2.0-4.2 mm), 3.3 ± 0.3 mm (range 2.2-4.5 mm) and 3.6 ± 0.2 mm (range 2.9-4.5 mm), (p2.0-2.5 mm < 0.001, p 2.5-3.0mm < 0.001, p2.0-3.0 mm < 0.001) respectively. Mean ONSD of term babies at 3 mm was higher than the mean ONSD of preterm babies in 33 weeks 0 day- 37 weeks 0 days group (p < 0.001). In correlation analysis, a significant, strong and positive correlation was found between ONSD measurements and gestational age, weight, height and head circumference at 2, 2.5 and 3 mm distances. CONCLUSION: The normal values reported by the present study may be used for evaluating the ONSD of newborns with different conditions with increased incracranial pressure.

A congenital soft tissue Ewing sarcoma in a newborn patient.

Akçali M, Yapicioglu H, Akay E, Özlü F, Kozanoglu B, Erdogan K, Gönlüsen G, Satar M. A congenital soft tissue Ewing sarcoma in a newborn patient. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 76-79. < p < Congenital Ewing sarcoma is extremely rare. Here we present a newborn baby born with a mass on the left shoulder. Immunohistochemical staining showed congenital Ewing sarcoma. Chemotherapy and then surgical operation were planned, however the patient died before initiation of chemotherapy on the 30th day of life.

Corset Usage for Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Problems in a Newborn with Prune Belly Syndrome.

Prune Belly syndrome (PBS), comprises a triad of anomalies that include abdominal wall flaccidity, urologic anomalies and bilateral cryptorchidism in males. The abdominal musculature hypoplasia predisposes to respiratory problems, respiratory infections secondary to impaired cough mechanism, and cause chronic constipation secondary to ineffective valsalva ability. Here, the authors present a newborn baby with Prune Belly syndrome who had respiratory and gastrointestinal problems which resolved after corset use. To the authors knowledge, this is the first case of corset usage in the treatment of PBS in a newborn infant.

Fetal Oropharyngeal and Neck Tumors: Determination of the Need for Ex-Utero Intrapartum Treatment Procedure.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the ex-utero intrapartum therapy (EXIT) applied to 3 of the 7 cases with oropharyngeal or neck masses and review the indicators of the need for an EXIT procedure. CASE REPORT: Prenatal presentation, size and localization of the masses, existence of fetal hydrops and associated findings such as polyhydramnios, intraoperative managements, complications, and maternal and neonatal outcomes were evaluated through a retrospective analysis. Four cases had neck masses and three cases had oropharyngeal masses. Prenatal sonography was used as the main diagnostic tool for all patients. The median gestational age was 34.5 weeks at the time of diagnosis and 36 weeks at delivery. Polyhydramnios was observed in three of the seven cases and they were delivered prematurely. Interventions such as endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy were performed to provide patency of the airway during delivery by the EXIT procedure in three cases. Hemangioma was found in two cases, teratoma in two cases, lymphangioma in two cases and hamartoma in one case following pathological examination of the masses. CONCLUSION: The localization of mass, its characteristics, invasion (if it exists), and relation to the airway are the main factors used to determine the need for EXIT. The presence of polyhydramnios may be an important indicator to predict both the need for EXIT and fetal outcomes.

Are vital signs indicative for bacteremia in newborns?

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal systemic infection is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality both in industrialized and developing countries. The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate if vital signs had a predictive power in neonatal sepsis as an early marker. METHODS: This study was designed as a matched case-control study. Vital signs were monitorized prior to infection in newborns that had healthcare-associated blood stream infection (BSI). Maximum and minimum values of the vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature) of the babies at rest were recorded from the nurse observation charts five days prior to clinical sepsis and compared with vital signs of healthy, age-matched babies. RESULTS: Maximum mean heart rates, respiratory rates and systolic blood pressure levels of the patients in BSI group were significantly higher than the control group in the past three days prior to clinical deterioration. CONCLUSION: Monitoring vital signs closely might be helpful in a newborn infant to define a BSI. In future, a respiratory and blood pressure predictive monitoring system such as heart rate variability index may be developed for newborn patients with sepsis.

Do all deliveries with elective caesarean section need paediatrician attendance?

AIM: To determine whether paediatrician attendance to deliveries with elective caesarean section (CS) is really needed for term and also for preterm babies with 35-37 weeks gestational age. METHODS: Singleton newborns ≥35 gestational weeks without any identified risk factor were evaluated for resuscitation steps prospectively after CS under regional and general anaesthesia. RESULTS: 545 infants were included in the study. 150 (27.5%) of infants needed only supplemental oxygen and 23 (4.2%) neonates needed bag and mask ventilation. None of the babies needed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (chest compression) or endotracheal tube insertion/epinephrine administration. More infants required supplemental oxygen and bag-mask ventilation in general anaesthesia delivery group compared to spinal/epidural anaesthesia group (35.5% vs. 24.4%, p = 0.29 for oxygen and 9.2 % vs. 2.3%, p < 0.0001 for bag-mask) The need for resuscitation steps was not statistically significantly different between neonates who were born in 35-37 gestational week and neonates who were born ≥38 week (p = 0.170 for supplementary oxygen, p = 0.442 for bag-mask ventilation). CONCLUSION: There is not increased risk for chest compression and entubation for infants ≥ 35 gestation weeks without antenatally identified risk factors born with elective CS either under regional or general anesthesia and only 4.2% of the babies needed bag-mask ventilation, so a health care personel who knows basic NRP may be sufficient in the clinics where it is easy to achieve an advanced skilled health care personel when needed.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections due to electronic faucets in a neonatal intensive care unit.

AIM: To evaluate the role of electronic faucets in a newborn intensive care unit during a Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak. METHODS: After three patients had P. aeruginosa bacteremia, environmental cultures including those from patient rooms, incubator, ventilators, total parenteral nutrition solutions, disinfection solutions, electronic and hand-operated faucet filters/water samples after removing filters and staff hands were taken. RESULTS: Only filters of electronic faucets and water samples after removing filters and one liquid hand soap showed P. aeruginosa (3-7 × 106 cfu/mL). We have removed the electronic faucets and new elbow-operated faucets were installed. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of outbreak-blood culture isolates from two patients and isolates from electronic water faucets/one liquid hand soap indicated the presence of 90.7% genetically related subtype, probably from the same clone. Water cultures from new faucets were all clean after installation and after 7 months. CONCLUSION: We suggest that electronic faucets may be considered a potential risk for P. aeruginosa in hospitals, especially in high-risk units.

Two newborns of heroin-addicted mothers suffering neonatal withdrawal syndrome.

Neonatal withdrawal syndrome is characterized by non-specific signs and symptoms that occur in infants following in-utero drug exposure. The incidence of neonatal withdrawal syndrome is 16-90% in infants of mothers abusing heroin. Clinical signs of withdrawal syndrome usually occur within the first 48-72 hours after birth. Central nervous system and gastrointestinal system symptoms are the main symptoms. In this case report, two newborns born to the mothers addicted to heroin who suffered neonatal withdrawal syndrome are presented. They were successfully treated with phenobarbital and morphine infusion.

Healthcare-associated infections in a neonatal intensive care unit in Turkey in 2008: incidence and risk factors, a prospective study.

In this study, we have prospectively recorded healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in NICU and found incidence density as 18 infections per 1000 patient days. Of the infections, 51.3% was bacteriemia (BSI), and 45.1% was ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Gram-negative microorganisms were predominant in VAP and Staphylococcus epidermidis was the leading microorganism (53.0% of BSIs) in BSIs. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed the importance of hood O(2) use in days (RR: 1.3) and total parenteral nutrition use in days (RR: 1.09) for BSIs. Umbilical arterial catheterization in days (RR: 1.94), ventilator use in days (RR: 1.05), chest tube (RR: 12.55), orogastric feeding (RR: 3.32) and total parenteral nutrition in days (RR: 1.05) were found to be significantly associated with VAP. In conclusion, incidence density in our unit is high and Gram-negative rods are predominant similar to developing countries. These results strongly suggest improving measures of prevention and control of HAIs in the unit.

A 6-year prospective surveillance of healthcare-associated infections in a neonatal intensive care unit from southern part of Turkey.

AIM: To report the incidence of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs), site of infection and bacterial epidemiology in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a university hospital in Adana, Turkey, between 2001 and 2006. METHODS: During these years, HAIs were collected by an active surveillance system. RESULTS: Five hundred one of 2832 infants hospitalised more than 72 h had 1124 HAI. The HAI incidence and incidence density ranged between 14.1 and 29.7 infections/100 patients, and 10.9-17.3 infections/1000 patient days within the study period; 61.5% of HAIs were ventilator-associated infections; 26.2% were bloodstream infections; 3.5% were urinary tract infections; 3.5% were necrotising enterocolitis (Stages II and III) and 1.4% was meningitis. The most frequent pathogens were gram-negative pathogens (75.6% of all infections) followed by gram-positive micro-organisms (21.4%) and Candida species (3.0%). Birthweight, gestational age and Apgar scores were lower and overall mortality rate (32.9% vs. 19.7%) and number of inpatient days were higher in patients with HAIs (for all P<0.001) when compared with those who did not have HAIs. Furthermore, HAI rate was inversely related to birthweight (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: In this study, the overall infection rate is high compared with developed countries and predominant micro-organisms are gram-negative enteric rods. These results strongly suggest the need for improving measures for prevention and control of HAIs in this hospital.

High-frequency oscillatory ventilation for acute respiratory distress syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of HFOV in pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we reviewed all 20 pediatric patients, who were consecutively ventilated with HFOV in the pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary medical center, from January 2006 to February 2007. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients were enrolled. The median age of the subjects was 70 (3-168) months; 10 were male. All patients received conventional ventilation before HFOV. After initiation of HFOV, there was an immediate and sustained increase in PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio. The PaO(2)/FiO(2) ratio was elevated and OI was decreased significantly after 10-20 minutes and maintained for at least 48 hours (p= 0.03, both). Thirteen of the 20 patients were successfully weaned. No significant change in the mean arterial pressure and heart rate was noted after HFOV. Overall survival rate was 65%. Of 20 patients, 11 patients suffered from extrapulmonary ARDS (ARDSexp) and 9 from pulmonary ARDS (ARDSp). When HFOV was initiated, there was significant increase in PaO(2)/FiO(2) and decrease in OI in ARDSexp compared to ARDSp (p= 0.03, both). Also mortality rate was significantly lower in patients with ARDSexp (9% vs.66%), (p= 0.01). CONCLUSION: In our study, HFOV was effective in oxygenation and seems to be safe for pediatric ARDS patients. HFOV affected ARDSp and ARDSexp paediatric patients differently. However prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed to identify its benefits over conventional modes of mechanical ventilation.

A neonate with homozygous protein C deficiency with a homozygous Arg178Trp mutation.

Homozygous protein C deficiency affects approximately 1/400,000 to 1/1,000,000 live births. Homozygous protein C deficiency is associated with catastrophic and fatal purpura fulminans-like or thrombotic complications and disseminated intravascular coagulation. In the present patient, genetic study revealed Arg178Trp, a mutation found widely in European population; but this is the first case of homozygous Arg178Trp mutation who suffered from catastrophic purpura fulminans phenotype.

A newborn infant with intrapericardial rhabdomyosarcoma: a case report.

Cardiac tumors are uncommon in neonates and most of them are histologically benign. The most common cardiac tumor in neonates and infants is rhabdomyoma. Malignant cardiac tumors are considerably rarer, and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the leading malignancy. To our knowledge, only one case of intrapericardial RMS was reported in the literature, in a seven-month-old baby. Here we present another newborn baby with intrapericardial RMS.

Cord blood cytokine levels in neonates born to mothers with prolonged premature rupture of membranes and its relationship with morbidity and mortality.

The purpose of this study was to determine cord blood cytokine levels and their relationship with morbidity and mortality in neonates with prolonged, premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). Forty two premature neonates of 29-35 weeks gestational age with PPROM exceeding 24 hours were considered as the PPROM group and simultaneously, 41 premature neonates without PPROM were considered as the control group. All the neonates were admitted to the Neonatology Unit for further evaluation of subsequent complications such as early neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, intraventicular haemorrhage (IVH), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and chronic lung disease (CLD). Cord blood and mothers' blood samples were obtained during delivery in both groups and tested for IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-alpha levels. Twenty one percent of patients with PPROM had histological chorioamnionitis. The risk for developing early neonatal sepsis increased significantly in neonates whose mothers had histological chorioamnionitis (p < 0.05). There was a statistically significant relationship between PPROM and risk of developing NEC (p < 0.05); no significant increase was seen as regards early neonatal sepsis, IVH, RDS, pneumonia, or BPD. The mean IL-8 levels in cord blood and mothers' serum were significantly higher in the PPROM group (p < 0.001, p< 0.005). In addition, IL-6 levels found in mothers' serum were significantly higher than those found in the control group (p < 0.01). However, levels in cord blood were similar (p > 0.05). TNF-alpha levels were similar in both groups (p > 0.05). Neonates who developed NEC had higher IL-8 levels in their cord blood when compared to those without NEC (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the presence of PPROM increases the risk of chorioamnionitis. In addition, PPROM increases the risk of NEC, and patients who developed NEC had significantly higher cord blood IL-8 values. We may conclude that patients with PPROM and higher IL-8 levels in cord blood might be considered as at possible risk of NEC.

Terlipressin as a rescue therapy for catecholamine-resistant septic shock in children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of terlipressin on oxygenation, PaO2/FIO2, heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and mortality in children with septic shock refractory to high doses of dopamine/dobutamine and adrenaline. DESIGN AND SETTING: A randomized, nonblind study in the pediatric intensive care unit of a university hospital. PATIENTS AND MEASUREMENTS: We studied 58 children with septic shock and refractory hypotension despite fluid loading and high doses of catecholamines, randomly enrolled to terlipressin (TP, n=30) or control (n=28). TP was administered as intravenous bolus doses of 20 microg/kg every 6 h for a maximum of 96 h. Hemodynamic changes, PaO2/FIO2 rates, length of stay, and mortality rate in PICU were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure and PaO2/FIO2 significantly increased, and heart rate significantly decreased 30 min after each TP treatment, but mortality did not differ from control (67.3% vs. 71.4%). Mean stay in the PICU was shorter in the TP group (13.4+/-7.9 vs. 20.2+/-9.7 days and was longer among nonsurvivors of the TP group vs. control (10.4+/-6.9 vs. 6.2+/-3.4 days). Blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, AST, ALT, and urine output of patients in the TP group did not change after terlipressin. CONCLUSIONS: Although terlipressin infusion had no effect on mortality, it significantly increases mean arterial pressure, PaO2/FIO2, and survival time in nonsurvivors. Terlipressin seems to cause no adverse effect but warrants further evaluation as a rescue therapy in refractory septic shock.

The prevalence of atopy in children with antibodies against hepatitis A virus and hepatitis B virus.

To investigate the relationship between atopy and hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections, we studied 42 children who had had HAV infection (Group I), 28 children who had had HBV infection (Group II), and 31 children who were seronegative for both HAV and HBV infection (Control group). Serological tests for HAV and HBV infections (anti-HAV IgG, HBsAg, anti-HBc IgG) and allergic skin tests and specific IgE investigations for the detection of atopy were carried out. In this study, there was no significant divergence in the socio-demographic characteristics among the three groups. The rates of specific IgE positivity in children in the HAV seropositive group (11.9%) and in children in the HBV seropositive group (17.8%) were lower than in the control group (35.4%) (p = 0.03 and p = 0.22, respectively). Also, the number of children with respiratory allergic diseases (allergic rhinitis and/or asthma) both in the HAV seropositive group and in the HBV seropositive group were significantly lower than in the control group (p < 0.05). When atopy in all of the groups was evaluated, the prevalence of atopy was found to be more widespread in HAV seronegative children (Adjusted OR, 9.2; 95% CI, 1.7-48.2) and HBV seronegative children (Adjusted OR, 5.9; 95% CI, 1.1-31.8) than in HAV and HBV seropositive children, after adjustment for age, number of older siblings and education of the father. In conclusion, in this study, the prevalence of atopy in children who had had HAV or HBV infection was found to be low, and this situation was considered to be related to the relationship of HAV and HBV infections to poor hygiene and to the fact that these infections occur at early ages in Turkey.

The effect of human growth hormone on superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione and malondialdehyde levels of hypoxic-ischemic newborn rat brain.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of human growth hormone (GH) on newborn rat brain superoxide dismutase, glutathione and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in hypoxic-ischemic (H-I) newborn rats. METHODS: Fourty-eight 7 days old newborn rats were randomized to a healthy (n: 15), H-I (n: 18) and GH administered H-I (GH-H-I, n: 15) group. Permanent, left common carotid ligation was performed in the H-I groups. In the GH-H-I group, 50 mg/kg human GH (Norditropin Simplex, Novo Nordisk A/S) was administered subcutaneously just before carotid artery ligation. Two hours after ligation, rats were subjected to 2 h of hypoxemia and then were decapitated. Right and left cerebral hemispheres (CHs) and cerebellum-brain stem (C-BS) were separated. RESULTS: Glutathione levels of each region were not statistically different from each other in and between the groups. Superoxide dismutase levels were higher in C-BSs compared to CHs (for each comparison p < 0.01). CHs and C-BS MDA levels were similar in the control and H-I groups but MDA levels of both CHs of the GH-H-I group were significantly higher than the levels of the H-I group (p = 0.01; p = 0.024, respectively). Left CH MDA level of GH-H-I group was higher compared to left CH MDA of the control group (p = 0.045) while there was no difference between right CHs. In the GH-H-I group, left CH MDA level was higher than the C-BS (p = 0.03). MDA levels of the C-BSs did not differ between the groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Although we have not evaluated the effect of GH histopathologically, increased lipid peroxidation especially in the H-I (left) hemisphere of the GH treated rats might suggest that GH treatment may be harmful in H-I encephalopathy.