Effect of cervical and lumbosacral spina bifida cystica on volumes of intracranial structures in children.

PURPOSE: Spina bifida is a major disorder that occurs when the membranes of the spinal cord and medulla fail to close during the embryonic period and affects the individual for the rest of life. Some physical, mental, and social difficulties can be observed in the lives of children with spina bifida after surgery. The aim of this study is to determine what kind of volumetric changes occur in the brain when spina bifida occurs in different regions of the cord. METHODS: The volume of intracranial structures of 14 children aged 1 to 9 years (7 cervical, 7 lumbosacral) with different levels of spina bifida compared with vol2Brain. RESULTS: Spina bifida occurring in the cervical region was found to cause a greater volumetric reduction in subcortical structures, cortex and gyrus than spina bifida occurring in the lumbosacral region. CONCLUSION: We believe that our study will help clinicians involved in the management of this disorder.

Effects of Aromatherapy on Pain, Stress, and Behaviors of Newborns: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled double-blind trial to examine the effects of massage and bathing using lavender oil on the pain, stress, and behavior of newborns. It was hypothesized that the interventions would be associated with changes in pain, stress, and behavior in newborns. Methods: The sample of the study included 45 term newborns (15 lavender massage groups, 15 lavender bath groups, 15 control groups). Newborns with a postnatal age of 1-5 days and a gestational age of 38-42 weeks, who could tolerate enteral nutrients, were not connected to a respiratory support device, had no skin disease, had no genetic or chromosomal abnormalities, did not undergo surgical intervention, and at least one parent giving written consent were included in the study. Descriptive statistics, chi-square, repeated measures ANOVA, and one-way ANOVA tests were used to evaluate the data. Results: It was determined that the Neonatal Pain and Stress Rating Scale scores of the newborns in the lavender massage group decreased at the 5th minute after the study compared to before the study. It was determined that the Anderson Behavior Status Scoring System scores of the newborns in the lavender massage group decreased at the 5th minute after the study compared to before the study. It was also determined that the mean difference between the Neonatal Pain and Stress Rating Scale scores of the newborns in the lavender massage group was higher than the other groups. Conclusion: Aromatherapy massage with lavender oil is more effective in reducing pain and stress levels and improving behavioral outcomes in newborns than a bath application using lavender oil.

The effect of music on pain, comfort, and physiological parameters during premature retinopathy examination.

AIM: To determine the effect of music applied during the ROP examination on pain, comfort, and physiological parameters in preterm infants. METHODS: The sample of this prospective randomized controlled double-blind experimental study consisted of 28 preterm infants who were examined for ROP of a tertiary hospital in the Neonatal Unit. Data were collected with a Questionnaire, Physiological Parameters Observation Form (PPOF), Revised-Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP-R), and Premature Infant Comfort Scale (PICS). RESULTS: The results revealed that the crying times of the infants in the experimental group were shorter than the infants in the control group. The preterm infants in the experimental group had statistically lower PIPP-R scores during and after the procedure than the PIPP-R scores of the infants in the control group (p < 0.001) and the music applied to the preterm infants resulted in a mean decrease of 3.857 in the post-procedure and pre-procedure PIPP-R scores (p < 0.05). While there was no statistical difference between the pre-procedure and pre-procedural PICS scores of the preterm infants in the experimental and control groups (p = 0.599; p = 117), the post-procedure PICS values of the preterm infants in the experimental group were found to be lower than those of the control group (p < 0.001). It was found that the music applied to preterm infants during the ROP examination resulted in a mean decrease of 1.286 in PICS scores after the procedure and before the procedure (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was determined that the music listened to during the ROP examination decreased the PIPP-R pain scores of preterm infants, had a positive effect on the PICS scores after the procedure, but did not affect the physiological parameters positively. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05263973.

Which Inotropic Drug, Dobutamine or Milrinone, Is Clinically More Effective in the Treatment of Postligation Cardiac Syndrome in Preterm Infants?

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to detect which of the two main medicines suggested in the treatment of postligation cardiac syndrome (PLCS)-dobutamine or mirinone-possesses a more therapeutic effect. While doing this, clinicians are provided with a broader perspective on the treatment and follow-up of cases. The desire was to increase the treatability and monitor ability of the cases in question and hence their survivability. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review of a cohort of infants with PLCS was conducted between March 2012 and December 2018. In the treatment of infants with PLCS, dobutamine (dobutamine study group-DSG) or milrinone (milrinone study group-MSG) was used. The respiration, cardiac, echocardiography, and perfusion parameters of the cases were assessed both before and after ligation. Based on the data obtained, both the effects of the medicines on PLCS and the difference between their therapeutic effects were studied. The accuracy of prognostication was assessed with receiver operating characteristic analyses. RESULTS: PLCS was detected in 29 (34.1%) of 85 patent ductus arteriosus ligation cases in total. Of all the PLCS cases, 13 (44.8%) were treated with dobutamine and 16 (55.2%) with milrinone. It was observed that the effects of the medicines on the respiratory system and cardiovascular system manifested in the third and 6th hour, respectively. It was detected that both medicines had more effect on the systolic blood pressure (SBP) (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.997/0.996, p = 0.001/0.002) than on the diastolic blood pressure (AUC: 0.911/0.843, p = 0.032/0.046). CONCLUSION: Dobutamine and milrinone, two primary medicines that can be used in the treatment of cases with PLCS, possess similar therapeutic effects on this pathology. In addition, their postoperative therapeutic effects on the SBP are more in the foreground.

The Effect of Daily Exercise Program on Bone Mineral Density and Cortisol Level in Preterm Infants with Very Low Birth Weight: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: This randomized controlled double-blinded experimental study was carried out to determine the effects of the daily exercise program on bone mineral density and cortisol level in preterm infants with VLBW matched for birth weight, gestation week, and gender. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was carried out with preterm infants (n = 24) hospitalized in the NICU of a tertiary hospital. Ethical committee approval, institutional permission, parental written consent were obtained. A daily exercise program was implemented in preterm infants in the exercise group for 30 days, once a day, and continuing for 7-10 min. Before and after the study the following were evaluated in preterm infants in the exercise and control group: anthropometric measurements, tibia speed of sound (SOS) for bone mineral density, serum cortisol levels. RESULTS: Serum cortisol levels (p = 0.05) were decreased, bone SOS values in the exercise group were increased (p = 0.009), after the study. The difference between pre-, post-study bone SOS and serum cortisol values of infants in the exercise group were high (p > 0.05). Percentage increases in anthropometric values in the exercise group were higher than the control group after the study (for all; p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The daily exercise program has positive effect on bone SOS and serum cortisol values in preterm infants. Neonatal nurses can implement the daily exercise program in clinical practice. Trial registration numberClinicaltrials.govNCT03773679.

Can Platelet Mass Index Be a Parameter to Predict Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Newborns?

OBJECTIVE: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is an important problem in neonatal units not only in terms of its consequences but also its follow-up and the prediction of its emergence in newborns. In this study, we have compared platelet parameters such as platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet mass index (PMI) in terms of IHV in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) newborns. Thus, we have tried to determine platelet values to guide clinicians in both the prediction and follow-up of IVH. STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective, multicenter, and case-controlled study. In this study, 386 cases of VLBW newborns (below 1,500 g) and gestational age below 32 weeks, hospitalized and monitored between August 8, 2012, and April 7, 2018, were included. The platelet values of the cases on their 12th hour postpartum (PC1, MPV1, and PMI1) and the platelet values on days 5 to 7 (PC2, MPV2, and PMI2) were recorded in their study cards. A p-value of <0.05 was accepted as statistically significant. RESULTS: While there was no difference of PC1, MPV1, PMI1, PC2, or MPV2 values (p > 0.05), PMI2 values in the severe stage IVH group cases were found to be significantly lower compared with other platelet parameters (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PMI2 values can provide clinicians with important knowledge that may aid them in recognizing important pathologies such as IVH.

Effects of Lycopene in Hyperoxia-Induced Lung Injury in Newborn Rats.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effect of lycopene on a hyperoxia-induced lung injury model in rat pups. Full-term rat pups were included in the study 12-24 h after delivery. The pups were separated into 4 groups: normoxia control (NC), hyperoxia control (HC), hyperoxia + lycopene (HL), and normoxia lycopene (NL). The normoxia groups were housed in ambient air, and the hyperoxia groups in > 85% O2. HL and NL groups received 50 mg lycopene in oil/kg body weight/day delivered intraperitoneally (i.p.), the other groups received oil alone. On day 11, the rat pups were sacrificed and their lungs removed. Statistically significant injury was observed in all histological parameters measured (MLI, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and apoptosis) in the HC group (HC vs NC, p = 0.001). This injury could not be reversed with lycopene treatment (HC vs HL, 0.05; NC vs HL, p = 0.001). With hyperoxia, statistically significant decreases were observed in biochemical parameters in terms of SOD, MDA, and IL-6 values (HC vs NC: SOD, p = 0.02; MDA, p = 0.043; IL-6, p = 0.001). The use of lycopene did not provide any improvement in these values (HC vs HL, p > 0.05). Hyperoxia or lycopene had no effect on IL-1ß and GPx (p > 0.05). When comparing NC and NL groups, negative effects were observed in the group given lycopene in terms of MLI, PCNA, apoptosis, and IL-6 (all parameters, p = 0.001). We observed that 50 mg lycopene in oil/kg body weight/day given via i.p. had no curative effect on the hyperoxia-induced lung injury in newborn rats and may even induce adverse effects.

A Newborn With Familial Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Complicated With Transfusion Associated Graft Versus Host Disease.

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is characterized by activation of cytotoxic T and natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages related to a spectrum of hyperinflammatory disorders. The clinical findings mainly include high fever, cytopenia, splenomegaly, phagocytosis, and proliferation of histiocytes in lymphoreticular tissue. To the best of our knowledge, transfusion-associated graft versus host disease (TA-GVHD) in a 13-day old male newborn with HLH is being reported first time in the literature. The aim of this report was to emphasize the importance of blood products irradiation in the prevention of the development of graft versus host disease especially among high-risk subjects such as newborns with HLH.

Neonatal Endocrinologic Problems in Collodion Babies.

OBJECTIVES: To identify endocrinologic problems, particularly those concerning growth, in collodion babies (CBs). METHODS: Clinically identified newborn CBs were included in the study group (group 1). Because CBs are generally born premature, small for gestational age (SGA), or both, a control group matched to the study group in terms of gestational age and birthweight (group 2) was also established. Blood specimens were collected from both groups for thyroid function tests and to measure serum growth hormone (GH), insulinlike growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and IGF binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels. RESULTS: Group 1 consisted of 42 CBs (25 male, 17 female) with gestational ages of 32 to 42 weeks and birthweights of 1,400 to 4,000 g. Twelve were assessed as premature and 17 as SGA. Serum IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels were lower and serum GH levels higher than in controls. Primary hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 10 patients in the study group, subclinical hypothyroidism in 2, and central hypothyroidism in 1. A statistically significant difference was determined between the groups in terms of primary hypothyroidism (p = 0.01). Serum GH levels were weakly negatively correlated with birthweight (correlation coefficient [r] = -0.32, p = 0.04) and serum IGF-1 (r = -0.38, p = 0.001) and IGFBP-3 (r = -0.36, p = 0.002) levels. CONCLUSION: Premature birth and SGA are common in CBs. GH levels are high and IGF-1 and IGFBP-3 levels low at birth as a sign of GH resistance in these patients. The greater prevalence of hypothyroidism in these children is also significant.

Relationship between maternal c-reactive protein level and neonatal outcome in patients with preterm premature rupture of membranes treated with Ampicillin and Azithromycin.

This historical cohort study aimed to assess the relationship between antenatal maternal C-reactive protein (CRP) level and neonatal outcome preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). We reviewed the records of 70 singleton pregnancies with PPROM between 24 and 34 weeks. Maternal CRP levels of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal sepsis, grade 3-4 intraventricular haemorrhage and stage 2-3 necrotizing enterocolitis, perinatal mortality were compared with those without these complications. Administration of corticosteroid, tocolysis for two days and prophylactic antibiotics (intravenous ampicillin/sulbactam, and oral azithromycin) were the standard management protocol. The mean age at PPROM was 29 weeks 2 days (±3 weeks), the mean age at birth was 30 weeks 5 days (±20 days). CRP levels were not different between groups. Uni/multivariate analysis showed that maternal CRP levels were not related with neonatal outcomes. Neonatal complications in PPROM are related with the degree of prematurity and maternal WBC counts.

Daily physical activity in low-risk extremely low birth weight preterm infants: positive impact on bone mineral density and anthropometric measurements.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in bone mineral density and anthropometric indices of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) preterm infants undergoing daily physical activity. Twenty-eight low-risk ELBW preterm infants (intervention group = 14, control group = 14) with a birth weight of under 1000 g and gestational age of 26-32 weeks were recruited. Preterm infants in the control group were provided with standard nursing care, whereas those in the intervention group received a daily physical activity programme in addition to standard nursing care during the study. Before and after the study, anthropometric indices and tibial speed of sound (SOS) values were measured. In this study, the tibial SOS values were found to be increased in the intervention group (+111.14 m/s) (p = 0.001) and decreased in the control group (-58.21 m/s) (p = 0.030). The increase in percentage of body weight, height, and tibial length of infants in the intervention group was significantly higher than in the control group (respectively; p = 0.002, p = 0,015, p < 0.001). A daily physical activity programme increased body weight, height, tibial length, and SOS values of the tibia in ELBW preterm infants.

Effect of iodine loading on the thyroid hormone level of newborns living in Kayseri province.

INTRODUCTION: Excessive iodine exposure during the fetal and neonatal periods can lead to neonatal hypothyroidism. This study was conducted to evaluate the level of iodine loading among newborns living in Kayseri province. A total of 59 newborns, who were admitted due to disorders in thyroid hormone levels, were included in the study. Materials and METHODS: Among the patients who applied with thyroid hormone dysfunction, newborns with a spot urine iodine level ≥ 20 µg/dL were included in the study between the years 2003 and 2013. Free T3 (fT3), free T4 (fT4), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), thyroglobulin (Tg), breast milk iodine, thyroid ultrasonography, and control measurements of fT3, fT4, TSH, and Tg levels were obtained accordingly from both groups of patients who received or did not receive treatment. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 15 days with a 36/23 girl to boy ratio. Statistically, no significant difference was noticed between all the girls and boys with respect to all the measured values. The etiologic search showed that out of 59 cases, in 18 cases (30.5%) only the mother and in 19 cases only the newborns (32.2%) had a history of povidone iodine exposure; in 8 cases both mothers and their babies had exposure to povidone iodine (13.6%). In 14 cases (23.7%), the source of iodine loading could not be determined. Levothyroxine (L-thyroxine) treatment was initiated in 56% of the patients (n = 33). Out of 33 patients who were under treatment with L-thyroxine, in 13 cases only the mother had history of povidone iodine exposure; in 12 cases, only the baby had a history of povidone iodine exposure; in 1 case, both mother and her baby had a history of povidone iodine exposure, but the etiology could not be found in 7 cases. CONCLUSION: The use of antiseptics-containing iodine for mothers before and after birth and for newborns, especially for umbilical cleansing, can lead to iodine loading and hypothyroidism. If transient hypothyroidism develops within this period, then it may not be detected promptly. This can later lead to retardation in psychomotor development and disorder in learning skills during the childhood period.

The effect of gentle human touch on pain, comfort and physiological parameters in preterm infants during heel lancing.

OBJECTIVE: This research was conducted to evaluate the effects of gentle human touch (GHT) on pain, comfort, and physiologic parameters in preterm infants during heel lancing. METHOD: This prospective, assessor-blind, randomized controlled study was performed between August 10, 2021 and September 10, 2021 in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) of a tertiary hospital in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Fifty preterm infants were randomly appointed to GHT and control groups. The researcher applied GHT to the infants in the GHT group by placing one hand on the infant's head and the other hand on the lower abdomen covering the waist and hips for 15 min. Data were collected with a Questionnaire, Physiological Parameters Observation Form, Newborn Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), The Comfort Scale (COMFORT), and Pulse Oximeter. RESULTS: The NIPS and COMFORT mean scores of preterm infants in the GHT group were lower during (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively) and after heel lancing (p < 0.05, p < 0.001, respectively). There was no difference between the preterm infants' peak heart rate, respiratory rate, and SPO2 values in the GHT and control groups during and after heel lancing (p > 0.05). The study found that preterm infants in the GHT group had less crying time during the heel lancing (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It could recommend using in painful procedures because GHT may positively affect preterm infants' pain, comfort, and physiologic parameters. The results of this study will contribute to NICU nurses should include non-pharmacological methods such as GHT to decrease pain of preterm infants in procedural pain. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05001191).

A very rare cause of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita: a novel mutation in TOR1A.

OBJECTIVES: Arthrogryposis multiplex congenita-5 (AMC5) is an autosomal recessive disease caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in the TOR1A gene on chromosome 9q34. Congenital multiple joint contractures with microcephaly, typical facial dysmorphism, developmental delay, strabismus, tremor, and increased tone are the main characteristics defined in seven patients thus far. One third of the individuals with monoallelic mutations of the gene develop isolated early-onset dystonia (DYT1 dystonia), which is inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion, with variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance. We believe that different inheritance patterns of the same gene resulting in different phenotypes will provide an opportunity to understand other similar disease groups and different aspects of gene functions. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case with severe arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, respiratory failure, and feeding difficulties, with additional hitherto unreported symptoms, such as spontaneous bone fracture, sliding esophageal hernia, and uterine prolapse. The patient carried a novel homozygous variant (c.835delA, p.Lys275Asnfs*3) in the TOR1A gene (NM_000113.2). CONCLUSIONS: We want to contribute to the phenotypic and genotypic spectra of this extremely rare disease.

Aortic intima-media thickness in nicotine-exposed rat pups during gestation and lactation period.

There have been several studies confirming an association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and low birth weight. The detrimental effect of nicotine exposure beginning in fetal life continues during lactation, in infancy and in the early childhood period. In our previous studies, we found increased aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT) as a preatherosclerotic lesion in neonates with intrauterine growth restriction and in infants of smoking mothers. We aimed to evaluate histopathologically the effect of nicotine exposure during pregnancy and lactation period on fetal growth and aIMT at postnatal 45 days of age (end of the mid-adolescent period) in rat pups living in the same conditions. Gravid rats were assigned into three groups. In nicotine A, pregnant rats received 6 mg/kg/day nicotine intraperitoneally during pregnancy from 1 to 21 days of gestation and lactation (until postnatal day 21). Nicotine B received 3 mg/kg/day nicotine for the same period. Control pregnant rats received only saline intraperitoneally. Abdominal aIMT was studied histopathologically at postnatal 45 days of age. Nicotine exposure resulted in decreased birth weight and pregnancy weight gain. The mean aIMT values of the rat pups exposed to nicotine in both nicotine A and B groups were higher than those of the control group (103.78 ± 21.33 µm, 99.11 ± 30.12 µm, and 62.56 ± 7.18 µm, respectively). In conclusion, the detrimental effect on birth weight of nicotine exposure that began in fetal life is dose dependent. Nicotine exposure during intrauterine life and the lactation period causes increased aIMT in rat pups.

Daily physical activity in low-risk pre-term infants: positive impact on bone strength and mid-upper arm circumference.

BACKGROUND: Prevention of pre-term osteopenia is important because it results in ventilator dependency, fractures in long bones, softening of the ribs or respiratory failure due to bone breaks in newborns. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in bone strength and anthropometric indices of very low birth-weight (VLBW) pre-term infants undergoing daily physical activity. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Forty VLBW and low-risk pre-term infants (n intervention group = 20, n control group = 20) with a birth weight of 800-1600 g and gestational age of 26-32 weeks were recruited. Pre-term infants in the control group were provided with standard nursing care whereas those in the intervention group received a daily physical activity programme in addition to standard nursing care during the study. Before and after the study, anthropometric indices and tibial speed of sound (SOS) values were measured. RESULTS: In this study the tibial SOS values were found to be increased in the intervention group (p < 0.001) and decreased in the control group (p = 0.002). The increase in percentage of the mid-upper arm circumference of infants was significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A daily physical activity programme increased SOS values of the tibia and mid-upper arm circumference in VLBW pre-term infants.

Prevalence of cutaneous findings in hospitalized neonates: a prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of physiologic and pathologic skin findings in the newborns hospitalized in our Newborn Unit. METHODS: All of newborn infants hospitalized in the Newborn Unit of Erciyes University Medical School Hospital in Central Anatolia, Turkey from February 1 to November 30, 2003, were included prospectively in the study. A questionnaire regarding maternal gestational history, maternal and family history was administered to the parents of each child. All skin lesions were recorded and mapped on a body chart. RESULTS: Of the 816 newborns, parents of 650 gave informed consent. Only 28 (4.3%) of the infants had no dermatologic examination findings. The most common 10 diagnoses were: xerosis/desquamation 257 (39.5%), sebaceous hyperplasia 207 (31.8%), transient toxic erythema 201 (30.9%), salmon patch 125 (19.2%), Mongolian spot 86 (13.2%), cutis marmorata 69 (10.6%), suction bulla 67 (10.3%), miliaria 55 (8.5%), hypertrichosis 51 (7.8%), and dermatitis (irritant, seborrheic, or diaper) 14 (2.1%). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that skin changes in the newborn are common, particularly desquamation, sebaceous hyperplasia, and transient toxic erythema.

[Investigation of respiratory syncytial virus by three different methods in children with lower respiratory tract infection]. / Alt solunum yolu enfeksiyonu olan çocuklarda solunum sinsityal virus varliginin üç farkli yöntemle arastirilmasi.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the most important viral agent leading to lower respiratory tract infection in infants and children. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of RSV by direct immunofluorescence antibody (DFA), cell culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in children with lower respiratory tract infection. Nasotracheal aspirate specimens collected from 80 hospitalized patients aged between 0-24 months and clinically diagnosed as lower respiratory tract infection, during November 2005-May 2006 period, were included to the study. RSV antigen was investigated in clinical specimens by DFA method (Monofluo Bio-Rad, France). Hep-2 culture was used for isolation of RSV. RSV-RNA was investigated by real-time PCR (Fluorion lontek, Turkey) in clinical specimens. RSV was found positive in 26 (32.5%) of 80 samples by DFA and in 17 (21.3%) samples by cell culture. Six specimens were not studied by PCR as sample amounts were not sufficient. Of the 74 samples tested, 20 (27%) were found to be positive by real-time PCR. Fifty-four of the samples were negative by 3 of the methods, while 12 were positive by all of them. DFA and PCR positive 8 samples yielded negative result in cell culture. Five of the 6 samples not investigated by PCR, were positive both in DFA and cell culture while 1 sample was positive only by DFA. Considering cell culture as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were found as 100%, 85.7%, 65.4% and 100%, respectively, for DFA and 100%, 94.7%, 85% and 100%, respectively, for PCR. As a conclusion for the accurate diagnosis of RSV infections the clinical samples should be collected in the early phase of the disease and inoculated to the cell cultures immediately for viral isolation. If cell culture or PCR facilities are not available for routine diagnosis, DFA method can be used for rapid and cost effective diagnosis of RSV infections.

Differential Effects of Pentoxifylline on Learning and Memory Impairment Induced by Hypoxic-ischemic Brain Injury in Rats.

OBJECTIVE: Hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury in the human perinatal period often leads to significant long-term neurobehavioral dysfunction in the cognitive and sensory-motor domains. Using a neonatal HI injury model (unilateral carotid ligation followed by hypoxia) in postnatal day seven rats, the present study investigated the long-term effects of HI and potential behavioral protective effect of pentoxifylline. METHODS: Seven-day-old rats underwent right carotid ligation, followed by hypoxia (FiO2 = 0.08). Rats received pentoxifylline immediately after and again 2 hours after hypoxia (two doses, 60‒100 mg/kg/dose), or serum physiologic. Another set of seven-day-old rats was included to sham group exposed to surgical stress but not ligated. These rats were tested for spatial learning and memory on the simple place task in the Morris water maze from postnatal days 77 to 85. RESULTS: HI rats displayed significant tissue loss in the right hippocampus, as well as severe spatial memory deficits. Low-dose treatment with pentoxifylline resulted in significant protection against both HI-induced hippocampus tissue losses and spatial memory impairments. Beneficial effects are, however, negated if pentoxifylline is administered at high dose. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that unilateral HI brain injury in a neonatal rodent model is associated with cognitive deficits, and that low dose pentoxifylline treatment is protective against spatial memory impairment.