Fetal premature excess vertebral linear calcification: a case series.

During embryogenesis, the vertebrae begin development during the 6th week of gestation via two lateral chondrification centers per segment. It was assumed that when disruptions occur in the process of somitogenesis during membranous vertebral body formation, chondrification and ossification will follow the anomalous membranous vertebral body scaffolding, resulting in an anomalous vertebral formation, such as a hemivertebra. Another hypothesis is that hemivertebra may result from anomalous distribution of intersegmental arteries of the vertebral column. There is no description in the medical literature of "excess linear calcifications" of part of the fetal vertebra, characterized by the presence of linear calcifications in the vertebrae of a developing fetus. In the first two trimesters of pregnancy, the fetal vertebrae usually show three calcified points in an axial section: the vertebral body and two transverse processes. Premature linear vertebral calcification was defined as an anterior or posterior echogenic connection between two of the points (Fig. 1). In this study, we describe seven cases of premature fetal linear vertebral calcification.

Oral versus intravenous paracetamol for patent ductus arteriosus closure in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: To examine whether oral administration of paracetamol as a first-line agent had a greater effect on the closure of a patent ductus arteriosus than the intravenous route. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of preterm infants (<37 weeks of gestation) between 2012 and 2020 treated with oral or intravenous paracetamol as the first line for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) constriction and compared rates of ductal closure, course duration, cumulative dose, PDA characteristics, and serum levels. RESULTS: Over the study period, 80 preterm infants received paracetamol, of which 50 received paracetamol as first-line treatment to augment constriction of the PDA. Closure rate was higher in the oral group (n = 15/19, 79%) compared to the intravenous group (n = 8/20, 40%, p < 0.01), and remained significant after adjusting for gestational age, length of treatment, and postnatal age (OR 0.14, 95% CI 0.03-0.67, p = 0.014, RR 0.51, 95% CI 0.28-0.91). Eleven preterm infants received a combination of both oral and intravenous paracetamol with a closure rate of 45% (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: Oral administration of paracetamol as a first-line agent is more efficacious to constrict the PDA than the intravenous route, irrespective of gestational age or course duration. IMPACT: Our retrospective study comparing the use of oral versus intravenous paracetamol as the first line for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) constriction in preterm infants demonstrates that oral administration of paracetamol is more efficacious to constrict the PDA than the intravenous route, irrespective of gestational age or course duration. To our knowledge, this is the first published study (prospective or retrospective) to compare the efficacy of oral versus intravenous paracetamol as a first-line treatment for PDA closure in preterm infants. Our finding may improve the rate of PDA closure when paracetamol is used as a first-line agent.

Fetal Trigonocephaly (Strawberry Skull) in Early Pregnancy.

Trigonocephaly was previously described prenatally in association with severe abnormalities, mostly observed after 18 weeks of gestation. We describe our experience with this finding in early pregnancy, between 14 and 17 weeks of gestation. Our series includes 18 cases of trigonocephaly with several etiologies; trisomy 18, de novo translocation, thanatophoric dysplasia, and open spina bifida without hydrocephalus. Two fetuses had no other significant abnormalities and a spontaneous normalization of the skull shape was observed on follow-up. Both had normal genetic testing and postnatal outcome. These two cases represent a new phenomenon of an isolated transient form with normal outcome.

[FUNCTIONAL ECHO IN PRETERM INFANTS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE].

INTRODUCTION: The use of point of care ultrasound to assess cardiovascular function performed by a neonatologist who is not a cardiologist, is gaining interest in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Clinical signs such as heart rate, blood pressure and capillary refill time provide limited insight into the adequacy of systemic blood flow and organ perfusion. Functional echocardiography (echo) enables real time evaluation of cardiac performance, identifying the nature of cardiovascular compromise, guiding therapeutic decisions and monitoring response to treatment. Application of functional echo in the NICU includes assessment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), pulmonary hypertension, shock and placement of umbilical catheters. There is evidence implicating that functional echo alters neonatal treatment and may improve outcome. Functional echo does not aim to replace the detailed structural assessments provided by consultative services of pediatric cardiologists. Close collaboration with pediatric cardiology is essential. In the past two years there is an increasing awareness for using functional echocardiography by neonatologists in Israel. Three conferences and an educational workshop were held in Israel with world renowned lecturers. Protocols defining how the exam should be performed were prepared, and agreement was reached with pediatric cardiologists on how to implement the use of functional echo by neonatologists, with the intention to create a distinct group of neonatologists with knowledge and skills in functional echo and a profound understanding of cardiac and respiratory physiology and hemodynamics.

Unilateral Renal Agenesis Diagnosed on Early Prenatal Trans-Vaginal Scans.

BACKGROUND: Unilateral renal agenesis is a rare finding. There are no large-scale studies reporting this finding in early pregnancy. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence of unilateral renal agenesis (URA) and of associated anomalies diagnosed by early prenatal trans-vaginal sonography. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of all 59,382 trans-vaginal scans performed at 14-16 weeks gestation by a single operator at different clinics during the period 1994-2013. RESULTS: The incidence of URA was 1:1212 (49/59382 cases). Associated anomalies were diagnosed in 22 cases (45%). Renal anomalies were diagnosed in 22.4%. Extra-renal anomalies (with exclusion of a single umbilical artery or nuchal edema as isolated findings) were diagnosed in 24.5%. Ambiguous genitalia were diagnosed in 8.2%. CONCLUSIONS: URA is a rare finding in early trans-vaginal sonography. Associated anomalies are very common and should be sought.

Characteristics and Outcomes of Ptyalism Gravidarum.

BACKGROUND: Ptyalism gravidarum (PG) is a condition of hypersalivation that affects pregnant women early in gestation. Symptoms include massive saliva volumes (up to 2 liters per day), swollen salivary glands, sleep deprivation, significant emotional distress, and social difficulties. OBJECTIVES: To examine maternal and fetal characteristics and pregnancy outcomes of patients with PG. METHODS: Patients diagnosed with PG in our clinic during the years 2001-2016 were identified and contacted. Demographic data were extracted from patient charts and clinical and outcome data was collected via telephone interviews. RESULTS: The incidence of PG was 1/963 (0.09%) in our sample. Eleven out of 22 women (40%) with PG were also diagnosed with hyperemesis gravidarum. Fetal gender did not increase the risk. Of the mothers presenting with PG, 37% had a positive family history for this condition. There was no associated increase in the rate of fetal or maternal complications. Two women reported a resolution of the symptoms immediately following hypnosis with acupuncture treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although PG represents an unpleasant mental and physical condition, it does not pose any specific risk to the health of the mother or increase adverse perinatal outcomes for the fetus. Alternative medicine could play a role in the treatment of PG.

Prenatal Sonographic Abnormal Appearances of the Fetal Hyaloid Artery: From Normal Variants to Pathology.

This is a case series on the abnormal sonographic appearance and outcome of the fetal hyaloid artery (HA) detected during between 1987 and 2015 at one medical center. Fifteen cases were detected during fetal anatomy scans, usually performed at 14 to 16 weeks' gestation. Three other cases were diagnosed following referral for a second opinion. In nine fetuses, the HA regressed normally throughout pregnancy. Of them, eight neonates had normal outcomes and one had cataract at the same eye. All nine other cases ended with adverse outcomes. Failure of the HA to regress in the third trimester appears to be an indicator of congenital blindness.

Transient Distention of Right Posterior Located Sigma, a New Sonographic Sign for the Prenatal Diagnosis of Anal Atresia.

We describe a new sonographic sign for the detection of anal atresia in the early midtrimester on transvaginal sonography. In six cases of fetal anal atresia, the finding of a transient, distended, and right-sided sigmoid colon was observed at 13-16 weeks' gestation. Three cases have undergone pregnancy termination due to multiple anomalies. In the other three, the colonic distension resolved by 19 weeks' gestation. In two of these, the finding was isolated, and no other anomalies were detected. In all six cases, anal atresia or cloaca was confirmed on postabortal autopsy or after delivery. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 45:160-162, 2017.

Detection Rate and Sonographic Signs of Trisomy 21 Fetuses at 14-17 Weeks of Gestation.

BACKGROUND: Early prenatal ultrasound is an important part of prenatal screening in Israel. No studies have described the rate of trisomy 21 [T21] identification at 14-17 weeks gestation. OBJECTIVES: To describe the rate of T21 identification by transvaginal sonograms (TVS) at 14-17 weeks gestation. METHODS: We conducted a historical prospective study. Since 1986, early TVS of 72,000 fetuses at 14-17 weeks gestation have been prospectively recorded together with prenatal screening data at a private ultrasound center (AL-KOL, Haifa). We calculated the fraction of T21 cases by dividing the total number of cases with abnormal sonographic findings by the total number of diagnosed T21 cases. We also examined the percentage of verified T21 cases that had completely normal prenatal screening tests prior to the early prenatal TVS, thus revealing the contribution of this examination to the existing prenatal screening. Fisher's exact test was used to calculate odds ratios for each sonographic marker. RESULTS: Of 137 T21 fetuses, 123 had sonographic markers on early TVS, yielding a prediction capability of at least 89.87%. Of all T21 cases, 14% had completely normal nuchal translucency/first-trimester screening prior to the abnormal 14-17 week TVS findings. Isolated abnormal sonographic findings, which were found to increase the risk for T21, were common atrioventricular septal canal (odds ratio 88.88), duodenal atresia (OR 88.23), nuchal edema (OR 39.14), and hydrocephalus (OR 15.78). Fetal hydronephrosis/pyelectasis was non-significant when isolated (OR 1), and cardiac echogenic focus was associated with a decreased risk (OR 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Early prenatal TVS at 14-17 weeks may identify almost 90% of T21 and adds 14% to the identification rate at the first-trimester screening.

Outcome of patients with gastroschisis managed with and without multidisciplinary teams in Canada.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outcomes of gastroschisis (GS) patients managed with and without a multidisciplinary team during the postoperative period in Canada. METHOD: The Canadian Pediatric Surgery Network (CAPSNet) collects patient data from all Canadian tertiary perinatal centres. The outcomes of 396 GS patients born between 2005 and 2009 who were managed with and without a multidisciplinary team were analyzed. RESULTS: Significantly more parenteral nutrition (PN) days (P=0.003) and longer lengths of stay (P=0.018) were observed among patients in centres with multidisciplinary teams. Higher mortality rate and earlier death were observed in centres without multidisciplinary teams, especially for high-risk patients, although this was not statistically significant. With regard to low-risk patients, those in centres with multidisciplinary teams had significantly more PN days (P=0.019). CONCLUSIONS: GS patients managed by multidisciplinary teams had significantly more PN days and longer lengths of stay compared with patients who were not managed by multidisciplinary teams. This difference may be due to improved survival of high-risk patients in centres with multidisciplinary teams, and a uniform feeding approach for all patients.

OBJECTIF: Décrire l'évolution des patients ayant un gastroschisis (GS) traités ou non par une équipe multidisciplinaire pendant la période postopératoire au Canada. MÉTHODOLOGIE: Le Réseau canadien de chirurgie pédiatrique (CAPSNet) collige les données sur les patients de tous les centres périnatals de soins tertiaires au Canada. L'évolution de 396 patients ayant un GS nés entre 2005 et 2009 et qui ont été traités ou non par une équipe multidisciplinaire a été analysée. RÉSULTATS: Les patients hospitalisés dans des centres dotés d'équipes multidisciplinaires passaient considérablement plus de jours sur alimentation parentérale (AP) (P=0,003) et étaient hospitalisés plus longtemps (P=0,018). Bien que ce résultat ne soit pas significatif, le taux de mortalité était plus élevé et les décès, plus rapides dans les centres ne disposant pas d'une équipe multidisciplinaire, surtout chez les patients à haut risque. Pour ce qui est des patients à faible risque, ceux qui étaient traités dans des centres disposant d'une équipe multidisciplinaire passaient considérablement plus de jours sur AP (P=0,019). CONCLUSIONS: Les patients ayant un GS traités par une équipe multidisciplinaire passaient considérablement plus de jours sur AP et étaient hospitalisés plus longtemps que ceux qui n'étaient pas traités par une telle équipe. Cette différence peut être attribuable au meilleur taux de survie des patients à haut risque dans les centres disposant d'équipes multidisciplinaires et à une approche uniforme en matière d'alimentation pour tous les patients.

[Why perform routine brain sonography in late preterm infants?].

We present a case of a late preterm baby with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), prolonged jaundice and congenital hypothyroidism. The infant developed late lenticulostriate vasculopathy (LSV). LSV was previously described in association with various neurodevelopmental abnormalities and in this case would have been missed by the current US brain screening recommendations for newborns.

The Impact of Religious Beliefs on Early Lactation in Israeli Mothers.

Objective: To explore the influence of religious beliefs and faith on breastfeeding initiation among mothers in Israel. Materials and Methods: The study, conducted from February 2022 to July 2023 at Bnai Zion Medical Center (located in Haifa district) and Laniado hospital (located in Netanya, Sharon plain), included mothers and their partners who voluntarily completed questionnaires. The survey, comprising 26 questions, delves into religion, faith, religiosity, and infant feeding approaches, while considering various socioeconomic and health-related factors. Results: Religious and secular mothers exhibited a higher inclination toward exclusive breastfeeding compared with the traditional mothers (p < 0.001). Notably, more maternal education years were associated with more exclusive breastfeeding (odds ratio [OR] 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-2.32; p = 0.017). However, older age of youngest sibling (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.32-0.98; p = 0.041), cesarean delivery (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.44-0.94; p = 0.023), and no desire to breastfeed during pregnancy (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.57-0.80; p < 0.001) emerged as significant factors decreasing exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The study indicates that the level of religiosity and prenatal intention to breastfeed impact breastfeeding practices, along with maternal education, age of the youngest sibling, and delivery mode. These insights provide valuable guidance for initiatives aimed at boosting breastfeeding rates, particularly in sectors where rates are comparatively low.

Procedural pain and brain development in premature newborns.

OBJECTIVE: Preterm infants are exposed to multiple painful procedures in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) during a period of rapid brain development. Our aim was to examine relationships between procedural pain in the NICU and early brain development in very preterm infants. METHODS: Infants born very preterm (N=86; 24-32 weeks gestational age) were followed prospectively from birth, and studied with magnetic resonance imaging, 3-dimensional magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging, and diffusion tensor imaging: scan 1 early in life (median, 32.1 weeks) and scan 2 at term-equivalent age (median, 40 weeks). We calculated N-acetylaspartate to choline ratios (NAA/choline), lactate to choline ratios, average diffusivity, and white matter fractional anisotropy (FA) from up to 7 white and 4 subcortical gray matter regions of interest. Procedural pain was quantified as the number of skin-breaking events from birth to term or scan 2. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equation modeling adjusting for clinical confounders such as illness severity, morphine exposure, brain injury, and surgery. RESULTS: After comprehensively adjusting for multiple clinical factors, greater neonatal procedural pain was associated with reduced white matter FA (ß=-0.0002, p=0.028) and reduced subcortical gray matter NAA/choline (ß=-0.0006, p=0.004). Reduced FA was predicted by early pain (before scan 1), whereas lower NAA/choline was predicted by pain exposure throughout the neonatal course, suggesting a primary and early effect on subcortical structures with secondary white matter changes. INTERPRETATION: Early procedural pain in very preterm infants may contribute to impaired brain development.

Intracardiac Thrombi in Preterm Infants-A Case Study and Review of the Literature.

Intracardiac thrombi in preterm infants are not common but may lead to fatal outcomes. Predisposing and risk factors include small vessel size, hemodynamic instability, immaturity of the fibrinolytic system, indwelling central catheters and sepsis. In this paper, we present our own experience with a case of a catheter-related right atrial thrombus in a preterm infant, which was successfully treated with an aspiration thrombectomy. Then, we review the literature on intracardiac thrombosis in preterm infants: epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical signs, echocardiographic diagnostic features and treatment options are discussed.

Prenatal detection of gastrointestinal bubbles since early pregnancy: Clues to correct diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize gastrointestinal bubbles detected since early pregnancy and to describe corresponding diagnoses. METHOD: A retrospective cohort review of all cases in which gastrointestinal bubbles were detected starting in early prenatal transvaginal scans at 14-17 weeks of gestation between the years 2007 and 2021. Sonographic features and data regarding associated anomalies, genetic abnormalities, and pregnancy outcome were evaluated. RESULTS: Bubbles were detected in 23 of 27 073 early scans and a total of 31 394 scans. Diagnosis was available in 22 cases. Transient bubbles were detected in 10 cases and represented normal peristalsis. Fixed double bubble was detected in nine cases. Double-walled double bubbles represented duodenal duplications (three cases) and esophageal duplications (two cases). Simple cysts represented duodenal atresia (three cases) and a pancreatic cyst (one case). A triple bubble represented duodenal obstruction from Ladd bands in one case. Quadribubble was detected in two cases and represented jejunal atresia. CONCLUSION: Prenatal detection of gastrointestinal bubbles can accurately diagnose physiological versus pathological upper gastrointestinal conditions. Transient bubbles are physiological. Fixed double bubbles might represent either duodenal atresia or esophageal/duodenal duplications when a double wall is demonstrated. Three or four bubbles might represent more distal intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction.

The Effect of SSRI Exposure in Pregnancy on Early Respiratory and Metabolic Adaptation in Infants Born Preterm.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are increasingly used for maternal depression during pregnancy; however, their use has been linked to adverse effects in newborns. Respiratory and feeding problems, jaundice, metabolic and temperature dysregulation and hypoglycemia have been described in term infants. However, scarce data exists on early neonatal adaptation in exposed infants born prematurely. We aimed to assess the effects of SSRI exposure on early neonatal adaptation measures in infants born prematurely. Data from preterm infants exposed to maternal SSRIs during pregnancy and from matched controls were retrospectively collected. Forty-two infants comprised the final cohort: 21 infants with SSRI exposure and 21 matched controls. 1 min Apgar score was significantly lower in the exposed group compared to the non-exposed group (p = 0.043). No differences were found in 5 min Apgar scores, cord pH, need for delivery room resuscitation, rate of hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, hyperbilirubinemia, need for phototherapy, temperature stability and maximal oxygen requirements. No differences were found in the total time of respiratory support, time to reaching full enteral feeds, length of stay and complications of prematurity. Unlike studies in term infants, no significant differences were found in adaptation and short-term outcomes between preterm infants with and without SSRI exposure in pregnancy.

Intrapartum Maternal Prophylactic Antimicrobial Treatment and Neonatal Jaundice.

Intrapartum antibiotics are widely used and may potentially affect bilirubin levels and neurotoxicity in the newborn. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of intrapartum antibiotic exposure on neonatal jaundice. We retrospectively collected data from 972 neonates born to 963 mothers. Five hundred forty-five mothers (56.6%) received intrapartum antibiotics. There were no statistically significant differences in maximum bilirubin level (7.82 ± 3.65 vs 7.63 ± 3.71, P = .43) or need for phototherapy (9 [1.62%] vs 4 [0.94%], P = .52) between exposed and non-exposed newborns. The rate of phototherapy was significantly higher only in the group of infants born to mothers who received broad-spectrum antibiotics at 2 to 3.9 hours prior to delivery (χ2 = 10.453, P = .015) and was not higher in the group of exposure >4 hours, which may represent a short transient effect of antibiotics exposure on bilirubin turnover. Further studies are needed to validate this finding.

Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Very Low Birth Weight Infants in the Northern District of Israel: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, no local database in Israel collects neurodevelopmental outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. We investigated neurodevelopmental outcomes in one district of the largest healthcare organization in Israel. METHODS: A cross-sectional study including all VLBW (<1500 g) preterm infants born between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2016 who were followed in any of seven child development centers in Israel's Northern District. Data were retrospectively collected from the computerized medical record database. RESULTS: Out of 436 participants, 55.1% had normal developmental outcomes. A total of 8.9% had cerebral palsy (CP), 12.2% had a global developmental delay (GDD), and 33.4% had a language delay. Out of the extremely preterm infants (n = 109), 20.2% had CP, 22.0% had GDD, and 44.9% had language delay. We found a statistically significant higher rate of abnormal neurodevelopment outcomes in non-Jews compared to Jews (57% vs. 37.8%, respectively, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: We found a relatively high overall rate of CP in our local population and a significant difference in neurodevelopmental outcomes between Jews and non-Jews. This study emphasizes the need for an expanded and detailed national database collecting post-discharge outcomes, as well as an assessment of national healthcare resource allocation and inequalities in preterm infants' post-discharge care.