Neurosonographic Classification in Premature Infants Receiving Omega-3 Supplementation Using Convolutional Neural Networks.

This study focuses on developing a model for the precise determination of ultrasound image density and classification using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for rapid, timely, and accurate identification of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Image density is measured by comparing two regions of interest on ultrasound images of the choroid plexus and brain parenchyma using the Delta E CIE76 value. These regions are then combined and serve as input to the CNN model for classification. The classification results of images into three groups (Normal, Moderate, and Intensive) demonstrate high model efficiency, with an overall accuracy of 88.56%, precision of 90% for Normal, 85% for Moderate, and 88% for Intensive. The overall F-measure is 88.40%, indicating a successful combination of accuracy and completeness in classification. This study is significant as it enables rapid and accurate identification of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in newborns, which is crucial for the timely implementation of appropriate therapeutic measures and improving long-term outcomes for these patients. The application of such advanced techniques allows medical personnel to manage treatment more efficiently, reducing the risk of complications and improving the quality of care for newborns with HIE.

Advanced Diagnostics of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Premature Infants Treated with Surfactant and Budesonide through Computer-Assisted Chest X-ray Analysis.

This research addresses the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm newborns caused by insufficient surfactant synthesis, which can lead to serious complications, including pneumothorax, pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary hemorrhage, increasing the risk of a fatal outcome. By analyzing chest radiographs and blood gases, we specifically focus on the significant contributions of these parameters to the diagnosis and analysis of the recovery of patients with RDS. The study involved 32 preterm newborns, and the analysis of gas parameters before and after the administration of surfactants and inhalation corticosteroid therapy revealed statistically significant changes in values of parameters such as FiO2, pH, pCO2, HCO3, and BE (Sig. < 0.05), while the pO2 parameter showed a potential change (Sig. = 0.061). Parallel to this, the research emphasizes the development of a lung segmentation algorithm implemented in the MATLAB programming environment. The key steps of the algorithm include preprocessing, segmentation, and visualization for a more detailed understanding of the recovery dynamics after RDS. These algorithms have achieved promising results, with a global accuracy of 0.93 ± 0.06, precision of 0.81 ± 0.16, and an F-score of 0.82 ± 0.14. These results highlight the potential application of algorithms in the analysis and monitoring of recovery in newborns with RDS, also underscoring the need for further development of software solutions in medicine, particularly in neonatology, to enhance the diagnosis and treatment of preterm newborns with respiratory distress syndrome.

The Different Clinical Courses of Legionnaires' Disease in Newborns from the Same Maternity Hospital.

In children, the incidence of Legionnaires' disease (LD) is unknown, hospital-acquired LD is associated with clinical risk factors and environmental risk, and children with cell-mediated immune deficiency are at high risk of infection. Both newborns were born in the same delivery room; stayed in the same hospital room where they were cared for, bathed, and breastfed; were male; were born on time, with normal birth weight, and with high Apgar score at birth; and survived this severe infection (L. pneumophila, serogroup 2-15) but with different clinical courses. In neonate 1, bleeding in the brain, thrombosis of deep pelvic veins, and necrosis of the lungs, which left behind cystic and cavernous changes in the lungs, were found, while neonate 2 suffered from pneumonia alone. The only difference in risk factors for LD between these two newborns is the number of days of illness until the start of azithromycin treatment (sixth versus the third day of illness). We suggest that a change in the guidelines for diagnosing and treating community-acquired pneumonia and hospital-acquired pneumonia in newborns is needed in terms of mandatory routine testing for Legionella pneumophila. Early initiation of macrolide therapy is crucial for the outcome of LD in the newborn.