RESUMEN
The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the level of inhaled oxygen during resuscitation on the levels of free radicals and anti-oxidative capacity in the heparinized venous blood of preterm infants. Forty four preterm infants <35 weeks of gestation with mild to moderate neonatal asphyxia were randomized into two groups. The first group of infants were resuscitated with 100% oxygen (100% O(2) group), while in the other group (reduced O(2) group), the oxygen concentration was titrated according to pulse oximeter readings. We measured total hydroperoxide (TH) and redox potential (RP) in the plasma within 60 min of birth. The integrated excessive oxygen ( summation operator(FiO(2)-0.21) x Time(min)) was higher in the 100% O(2) group than in the reduced O(2) group (p<0.0001). TH was higher in the 100% O(2) group than in the reduced O(2) group (p<0.0001). RP was not different between the 100% O(2) and reduced O(2) groups (p = 0.399). RP/TH ratio was lower in the 100% O(2) group than in the reduced O(2) group (p<0.01). We conclude that in the resuscitation of preterm infants with mild to moderate asphyxia, oxidative stress can be reduced by lowering the inspired oxygen concentration using a pulse oximeter.
RESUMEN
A set of monochorionic male twins presented with intestinal perforation. The smaller twin was diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis followed by sepsis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, and necrotizing fasciitis of the abdominal wall. The infant died on the fourth day after surgery, 16 days after birth. Surgical specimens and autopsy revealed a disseminated zygomycotic infection. Gastrointestinal zygomycosis followed by necrotizing fasciitis in premature infants is a rare condition and mimics necrotizing enterocolitis clinically. Necrotizing fasciitis after gastrointestinal zygomycosis in premature infants is considered a poor prognostic sign. Gastrointestinal zygomycosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis.