Diaphragmatic Hernia in a Preterm with Congenital Heart Defects with Successful Outcome: A Case Report.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is an anatomical defect of the diaphragm that is often associated with serious cardiopulmonary complications. It can also be associated with many other problems like multi systemic anomalies, chromosomal aneuploidy and prematurity. Of these, cardiac defects, liver herniation and prematurity seem to have a pivotal role in affecting the outcomes of repair. We hereby present a preterm newborn with such multiple defects repaired on 15th day of life and post operatively managed in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with a successful outcome. The key learning objective for our team in this case was to identify the steps taken that led to a successful management of a low birth weight preemie with multiple defects in a resource limited set up. Keywords: congenital diaphragmatic hernia; preterm; surgical repair; ventricular septal defect.

Micro-Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Neonatal Sepsis of a Tertiary Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Neonatal sepsis is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality among low birth weight and preterm babies in developing countries. The main objective of this study is to find the level of micro-Erythrocyte sedimentation rate in neonatal sepsis. METHODS: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at the neonatal unit over six months period (November 2019 to April 2020). All preterm, term and post-term babies with neonatal sepsisdelivered at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital were enrolled. Ethical clearance was received from the Institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu Medical College (Ref: 181020191). Convenient sampling method was applied and statistical analysis was done with Statistical package for social sciences 19 version. RESULTS: Out of 75 babies, confirm sepsis is 13 (17.3%), probable sepsis is 40 (53.4%) and suspected sepsis is 22 (29.2%). Micro-Erythrocyte sedimentation level is elevated (≥15mm in 1st hr) in 25 (33.3%) babies with a mean micro-Erythrocyte sedimentation level 9.32±5.4 (2-18) mm in 1st hr. The elevated micro- Erythrocyte sedimentation level was seen in relation to sepsis types and C-reactive protein. CONCLUSIONS: The bedside micro-Erythrocyte sedimentation level aids in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Rare manifestations of Potter Sequence: A Case Report.

Potter sequence is a rare congenital malformation that primarily affects male fetuses and is characterized by pulmonary hypoplasia, skeletal malformation, and kidney abnormalities. The pressure of the uterine wall due to oligohydramnios leads to an unusual facial appearance, abnormal limbsor limbs in abnormal positions or contractures. The fetus generally dies soon after birth due to respiratory insufficiency. We presented a male baby of 35 wks gestation with birth weight 1200gms delivered by primi mother. She had severe oligohydramnios and virtually there was no liquor during birth. The baby had severe perinatal depression at birth requiring resuscitation. Multiple congenital anomalies like absence of left eye, congenital cataract on the right eye, right-sided choanal atresia, micrognathia, low set ears, beaked nose, bilateral clubbed foot with hip deformity were noted. After 2 hours of life,baby developed fast breathing and cyanosis and died due to respiratory failure.

Prevalence of Perinatal Asphyxia in Neonates at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal asphyxia is one of the major causes of perinatal and early neonatal mortality in developing countries. The main objective of this study was to observe the prevalence of perinatal asphyxia in babies born at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital. METHODS: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study conducted at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital over six month period (January to June 2019). All preterm, term and post term babies delivered at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital were included. Ethical clearance was received from Institutional Review Committee of Kathmandu Medical College (Ref.:2812201808). Convenient sampling method was applied. Data analysis was done in Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 18), point estimate at 95% Confidence Interval was calculated along with frequency and proportion for binary data. RESULTS: A total of 1284 babies delivered over six months period were enrolled in this study and 47 (3.66 %) babies were asphyxiated, at 95% Confidence Interval (2.64%-4.68%). The mean birth weight of asphyxiated babies was 2759.75±65 grams and gestational age was 37.57±2 weeks. Among asphyxiated babies, 15 (32%) babies were normal, 15 (32%) babies were in Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy stage I, 14 (30%) were in stage II and 3 (6%) were in stage III. Twenty Three (49%) asphyxiated babies had antenatal risk factors and all 47 babies had intrapartum risk factors leading to asphyxia. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of perinatal asphyxia was lower compared to that of other similar tertiary care hospitals. Perinatal asphyxia remains a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality.