Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections due to electronic faucets in a neonatal intensive care unit.

AIM: To evaluate the role of electronic faucets in a newborn intensive care unit during a Pseudomonas aeruginosa outbreak. METHODS: After three patients had P. aeruginosa bacteremia, environmental cultures including those from patient rooms, incubator, ventilators, total parenteral nutrition solutions, disinfection solutions, electronic and hand-operated faucet filters/water samples after removing filters and staff hands were taken. RESULTS: Only filters of electronic faucets and water samples after removing filters and one liquid hand soap showed P. aeruginosa (3-7 × 106 cfu/mL). We have removed the electronic faucets and new elbow-operated faucets were installed. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis of outbreak-blood culture isolates from two patients and isolates from electronic water faucets/one liquid hand soap indicated the presence of 90.7% genetically related subtype, probably from the same clone. Water cultures from new faucets were all clean after installation and after 7 months. CONCLUSION: We suggest that electronic faucets may be considered a potential risk for P. aeruginosa in hospitals, especially in high-risk units.

Two newborns of heroin-addicted mothers suffering neonatal withdrawal syndrome.

Neonatal withdrawal syndrome is characterized by non-specific signs and symptoms that occur in infants following in-utero drug exposure. The incidence of neonatal withdrawal syndrome is 16-90% in infants of mothers abusing heroin. Clinical signs of withdrawal syndrome usually occur within the first 48-72 hours after birth. Central nervous system and gastrointestinal system symptoms are the main symptoms. In this case report, two newborns born to the mothers addicted to heroin who suffered neonatal withdrawal syndrome are presented. They were successfully treated with phenobarbital and morphine infusion.

Determinants of allergic signs and symptoms in 24- 48-month-old Turkish children.

The expression of asthma and allergic diseases depends upon an interaction of genetic and environmental factors and thus may differ between populations. This study was performed to document the factors determining allergic signs and symptoms in early childhood in a group of Turkish children. Children followed at the Well-Baby Clinic who were 2 to 4 years were invited and re-evaluated. In addition to face-to-face questionnaire for allergic signs and symptoms and review of files, skin prick test was performed. The associations between risk factors and different aspects of atopy were analyzed. One hundred and nine patients (mean age: 31.6 +/- 3.5 months) were included in the study. All had been breast-fed with mean exclusive and total breastfeeding durations of 3.3 +/- 2.7 and 13.3 +/- 7.2 months, respectively. Eight children had physician-diagnosed allergic diseases (4 atopic eczema, 3 bronchial asthma and 1 food allergy) and the overall prevalence of sensitization was 13%. Introduction of cow's milk before 12 months appeared to be a significant risk factor for atopy. Smoking during lactation and having an older sibling showed a trend towards an increase while regular yoghurt consumption showed a trend to decrease the risk for atopy. No significant risk factor could be defined for ever wheezing. It was concluded that in young Turkish children, early introduction of cow's milk, passive smoking and having an older sibling may predict atopy whereas regular yoghurt consumption may decrease the risk of atopy. These results also support the concept that variability may exist between populations.

Tetralogy of Fallot and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in a case of cardiofaciocutaneous syndrome.

Cardiofaciocutaneous (CFC) syndrome is a rare disorder characterized by psychomotor and growth retardation, a typical facial dysmorphism, congenital heart defects, and ectodermal abnormalities. Pulmonic stenosis, atrial and ventricular septal defects, patent ductus arteriosus, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy are cardiac findings identified in patients with this syndrome; however, tetralogy of Fallot has never been associated with CFC syndrome. CFC should be considered in patients with skin abnormalities in addition to phenotypic features and a congenital heart defect, including tetralogy of Fallot.