The Association between Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels in Preterm Infants ≤32 Weeks Gestational Age.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) levels and the development of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in preterm infants. METHODS: Newborns having a gestational age (GA) of ≤32 weeks with hsPDA consisted the study group (n = 25, 20%), while newborns ≤32 weeks of GA without PDA/hsPDA were the control group (n = 97, 80%). RESULTS: The study group had lower GA, birth weight (BW) and 25-OHD levels (p < 0.0001, p = 0.002 and p = 0.003, respectively). After adjusting for the effects of GA, BW and the presence of respiratory distress syndrome, multivariable logistic regression analyses demonstrated that preterm infants with low 25-OHD levels were 6.407 (95% CI: 1.656-24.788, p = 0.007) times more likely to experience hsPDA than preterm infants with normal 25-OHD levels. Every 1 ng/mL increase in 25-OHD levels decreased the probability of hsPDA (OR: 0.894, 95% CI: 0.816-0.98, p = 0.016). Conclusion: Low 25-OHD levels may have a role in the development of hsPDA.

Evaluation of Morbidities and Complications of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Patients with Respiratory Disorders at Different Gestational Ages.

OBJECTIVE: Respiratory distress presented within the first few days of life is life-threatening and common problem in the neonatal period. The aim of this study is to estimate (1) the incidence of respiratory diseases in newborns and related mortality; (2) the relationship between acute neonatal respiratory disorders rates and gestational age, birth weight, and gender; and (3) the incidence of complications associated with respiratory disturbances. STUDY DESIGN: Only inborn patients with gestational age between 230/7 and 416/7 weeks having respiratory distress were included in the study. The data were collected from the medical records and gestational age was based on the menstrual dating. RESULTS: There were 8,474 live births between January 1, 2013, and June 30, 2013, in our hospital. A total of 1,367 newborns were hospitalized and oxygen therapy was applied in 903 of them because of respiratory distress. An acute respiratory disorder was found to be in 10.6% (903/8,474) among all live births. Mortality was 0.76% (66/8,474). The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was 2.8% (n = 242). The occurrence of transient tachypnea of newborn was 3.1% (n = 270). Meconium aspiration syndrome, pneumonia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and pulmonary maladaptation and primary persistent pulmonary hypertension rates were 0.1, 0.7, 2.2, and 0%, respectively. Overall, 553 (61%) of the 903 newborns having respiratory diseases had complications. The occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage and air leak was 6.8, 19.8, 4.7, 24.9, and 5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study offers an epidemiological perspective for respiratory disorders from a single-center level-III neonatal intensive care unit. Although number of births, premature newborns, extremely low birth weight/very low birth weight infants, and complicated pregnancies increase in years, decreasing rates of mortality and complications are very promising. As perinatal and neonatal cares are getting better in every day, we think that more promising results can be achieved over the coming years. KEY POINTS: · Respiratory distress in the newborn is life-threatening.. · Pulmonary or extrapulmonary diseases may be underlying cause.. · More promising results can be achieved over the coming years with advanced care..

Lung Lavage with Dilute Surfactant vs. Bolus Surfactant for Meconium Aspiration Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of lung lavage with surfactant vs. bolus surfactant treatment in meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included newborns ventilated with MAS. In lavage group (n = 17) 30 ml/kg of diluted porcine surfactant was instilled into the lung. In bolus group (n = 16) porcine surfactant (100 mg/kg) was administered as bolus. Respiratory outcomes and mortality were compared between groups. RESULTS: Duration of respiratory support was found to be similar between lavage and bolus groups (3 vs. 3.5 days, p = 0.36). Death or requirement for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was 12% vs. 6%; respectively (RR: 2, 95% CI 0.16-24.48; p = 1.0). Duration of oxygen therapy, high-frequency ventilation or inhaled nitric oxide requirement did not differ among the groups. CONCLUSION: Lung lavage did not show any advantage over bolus therapy on duration of respiratory support. The incidence of pneumothorax and surfactant re-administration decreased nonsignificantly in lavage group. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: We registered the trial to ClinicalTrials.gov (http://clinicaltrials.gov) under identifier NCT02041546. REGISTRY NAME: Lung Lavage With Dilute Poractant Alfa for Meconium Aspiration Syndrome.

Does Circadian Variation of Mothers Affect Macronutrients of Breast Milk?

Objective To determine the within-day variation of fat, protein, and carbohydrate content of breast milk. Methods The study was conducted at Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital between April 2013 and January 2014. We obtained milk samples from lactating mothers of hospitalized infants through hand expression after breast-feeding or pumping three times a day. A mid-infrared human milk analyzer was used for measuring the macronutrient contents of breast milk samples. Results Lactating mothers of 52 infants (30 preterm, 22 term) were recruited to the study. No significant difference was found in protein, fat, and carbohydrate content of milk samples throughout the day. We compared within-day variation of macronutrients of transitional and mature milk, milk samples from the mothers of preterm and term infants, and samples collected by either hand expression or pumping. We did not find a significant difference between the groups. Conclusion Absence of circadian variations in lipid, carbohydrate, and protein content of breast milk in our study may be related to ethnic differences, maternal nutritional status, different milk content measurement technique, and population characteristics.

Successful management of twin anemia/polycythemia sequence by syngeneic partial exchange transfusion.

Twin anemia/polycythemia sequence (TAPS) is characterized by large intertwin hemoglobin (Hb) differences without signs of twin oligopolyhydramnios. The spontaneous form complicates approximately 3-5% of monochorionic twin pregnancies. TAPS placentas are characterized by the presence of only very few and small unidirectional arteriovenous anastomoses, which allow a slow transfusion of blood from the donor to the recipient, gradually leading to highly discordant Hb levels. Neonatal morbidity in TAPS appears to be mainly limited to hematological problems at birth. Donor twins may be severely anemic and require blood transfusions, whereas recipient twins may be severely polycythemic and require partial exchange transfusion (PET). We herein report monochorionic twins with TAPS: the anemic twin was transfused with the blood concomitantly obtained from the polycythemic co-twin during PET. To our knowledge this is the first therapeutic approach using a recipient twin's whole blood as a donor source instead of a foreign blood donor. In this case, we have approached this recently (un)known form of chronic fetofetal transfusion from a different aspect. In our opinion, this will lead to new postnatal therapeutic approaches for optimal TAPS management.

Serum Endocan, Neuron-Specific Enolase and Ischemia-Modified Albumin Levels in Newborns with Partial Blood Exchange Transfusion.

BACKGROUND: Hyperviscosity of blood secondary to polycythemia results in increased resistance to blood flow and decrease in delivery of oxygen. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether serum endocan, NSE and IMA levels can be compared in terms of endothelial injury/ dysfunction and neuronal damage in term neonates with polycythemia who underwent PET. METHODS: 38 symptomatic polycythemic newborns having PET and 38 healthy newborns were included in the study. Blood samples for endocan, NSE and IMA were taken at only postnatal 24 hours of age in the control group and in polycytemia group just before PET, at 24 and 72 hours after PET. RESULTS: The polycythemia group had higher serum endocan(1073,4 ± 644,8 vs. 378,8 ± 95,9ng/ml; p<0.05), IMA(1,32 ± 0,34 vs.0,601 ± 0,095absorbance unit; p<0.05) and NSE(44,7 ± 4,3 vs. 26,91 ± 7,12µg/l; p<0.05) levels than control group before the PET procedure. At 24 hours after PET, IMA(0,656 ± 0,07 vs. 0,601 ± 0,095absorbance unit; p<0.05) and endocan(510,9 ± 228,6 vs. 378,8 ± 95,9ng/ml; p<0.05) levels were closer to the control group, being still statistically significant higher. NSE levels decreased to control group levels having no difference between the PET and control groups at 24 hours after PET (28,98 ± 6,5 vs. 26,91 ± 7,12µg/l; p>0.05). At 72 hours after PET the polycythemia and control groups did not differ statistically for IMA, endocan and NSE levels (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum endocan and IMA levels can be used as a biomarker for endothelial damage/ dysfunction and tissue hypoxia in infants with symptomatic polycytemia.

Inhibition of Interleukin-6 signaling: A novel therapeutic approach to necrotizing enterocolitis.

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of tocilizumab on the prevention and treatment of experimental necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborn rats. METHODS: Forty-two newborn Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into three groups: NEC + placebo, NEC + tocilizumab, and the control group. NEC + placebo and NEC + tocilizumab groups were given 1 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide intraperitoneally once only on the first day, were fed with a special rodent formula every 3 h, inhaled 100% CO2 for 10 min, were exposed to cold stress at + 4 °C for 5 min, and 97% O2 for 5 min twice a day for 3 days. NEC + tocilizumab group was treated with 8 mg/kg/day tocilizumab (Actemra®) intraperitoneally, while NEC + placebo group was given intraperitoneal 0.9% saline at a dose of 2 mL/kg/day from the first day to the end of the study. All newborn rats were sacrificed on day 4. Specimens were taken for histopathologic, immunohistochemical and biochemical evaluation from the ileum and proximal colon. RESULTS: NEC + tocilizumab group had higher weight gain and survival rate compared to NEC + placebo group and clinical sickness score was reduced in NEC + tocilizumab group (p < 0.05). Lower tissue damage and apoptosis were found in the NEC + tocilizumab group compared to the NEC + placebo group (p < 0.01). Tissue Interleukin-6, Interleukin-1ß, TNF-α, myeloperoxidase and caspase-3 levels were significantly decreased in the NEC + tocilizumab group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Tocilizumab could be a potential option in the prevention and treatment of NEC.

COVID-19-Associated Cerebral White Matter Injury in a Newborn Infant With Afebrile Seizure.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) symptoms in newborn infants are incompletely described. We present the first case of neuroradiologic abnormality associated with COVID-19 in a newborn infant with afebrile seizure. This case underlines the possible neurologic involvement of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in this age group.

Novel useful markers for follow-up of necrotizing enterocolitis: endocan and interleukin-33.

Objectives: To ascertain the diagnostic value of endocan and interleukin (IL)-33 in infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and to compare their effectiveness with C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).Methods: Eighty-four preterm infants including control (n = 42) and NEC (n = 42) were eligible. Blood samples were obtained from infants in the NEC for the assessment of CRP, IL-6, endocan, and IL-33 serum levels at the time of diagnosis (first day), at the third and seventh days of NEC. Endocan, IL-33, CRP, and IL-6 serum levels were measured at the 14th day of life in the control group.Results: Serum levels of endocan, IL-33, CRP, and IL-6 were significantly higher in the NEC group compared to the control group at the first, third, and seventh days (p < .05). IL-33 and endocan levels continued to rise in the consequent days in patients with stage III NEC (p < .05). Serum endocan and IL-33 levels gradually increased in patients who underwent surgery (p < .05). Serum endocan levels were higher in patients with stage III NEC than those in the stage II NEC at the diagnosis.Conclusions: Serum levels of IL-33 and endocan can be used as markers in the diagnosis and follow-up of NEC.

Neonatal pain and heart rate variability in preterm infants treated with surfactant: a pilot study. / Dolor y variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca en recién nacidos prematuros que recibieron surfactante: un estudio piloto.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the pain perception of preterm infants treated with different surfactant administration techniques by using heart rate variability (HRV). METHODS: Preterm infants who required surfactant therapy for RDS were randomized to INSURE or MIST groups. HRV analysis was performed by Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation monitor. HRV was recorded before, during and after surfactant administration. Pain assessment was determined by Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) score. RESULTS: Fourteen infants were enrolled in the study. Demographic characteristics of the groups were similar. PIPP scores did not differ between INSURE and MIST groups (p = 0.05). Statistically significant difference in median HRV during surfactant administration was observed between INSURE and MIST groups (52 vs. 56, p = 0.03). HRV analysis was similar between groups before and after surfactant administration. CONCLUSION: Surfactant administration with MIST technique might be more comfortable for preterm infants with RDS. However further studies with larger series are needed.

Objetivo. Evaluar la percepción del dolor de recién nacidos prematuros a quienes se les administró surfactante mediante diferentes técnicas, utilizando la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (VFC). Métodos. Se aleatorizó a los recién nacidos que requirieron tratamiento con surfactante por SDR a los grupos INSURE o MIST. El análisis de la VFC se realizó con la tecnología NIPE para evaluar el componente parasimpático del sistema nervioso autónomo de los recién nacidos. Se registró la VFC antes, durante y después de administrar el surfactante. La evaluación del dolor se determinó con la escala PIPP. Resultados. Se incluyó a 14 recién nacidos en el estudio. Los grupos tenían características demográficas similares. Los puntajes de la escala PIPP no difirieron entre los grupos INSURE y MIST (p = 0,05). Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la mediana de la VFC durante la administración del surfactante entre los grupos INSURE y MIST (52 frente a 56, p = 0,03). El análisis de la VFC fue similar entre los grupos antes y después de administrar el surfactante. Conclusión. La administración de surfactante mediante la técnica MIST podría ser más cómoda para los recién nacidos prematuros con SDR. No obstante, es necesario realizar otros estudios con series más importantes.

Adrenal hemorrhage presenting as a scrotal hematoma in the newborn: A case report.

Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage is uncommon. It is present in 0,2% of newborns. Ten percent of the cases occur bilaterally. It can be associated with birth trauma, large birth weight, or neonatal course complicated by hypoxia and asphyxia, hypotension, or coagulopathy. Scrotal hematoma is an extremely rare manifestation of NAH. Most patients present scrotal swelling with bluish discolouration. Scrotal swelling with/without bluish discoloration in newborns may result from different causes. We report an unusual case of neonatal adrenal hemorrhage secondary to perinatal asphyxia, associated with SH. Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage and scrotal hematoma were diagnosed by ultrasonography and treated by conservative treatment, avoiding unnecessary surgical exploration.

Dolor y variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca en recién nacidos prematuros que recibieron surfactante: un estudio piloto / Neonatal pain and heart rate variability in preterm infants treated with surfactant: a pilot study

Objetivo. Evaluar la percepción del dolor de recién nacidos prematuros a quienes se les administró surfactante mediante diferentes técnicas, utilizando la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardíaca (VFC).Métodos. Se aleatorizó a los recién nacidos que requirieron tratamiento con surfactante por SDR a los grupos INSURE o MIST. El análisis de la VFC se realizó con la tecnología NIPE para evaluar el componente parasimpático del sistema nervioso autónomo de los recién nacidos. Se registró la VFC antes, durante y después de administrar el surfactante. La evaluación del dolor se determinó con la escala PIPP. Resultados. Se incluyó a 14 recién nacidos en el estudio. Los grupos tenían características demográficas similares. Los puntajes de la escala PIPP no difirieron entre los grupos INSURE y MIST (p = 0,05). Se observó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la mediana de la VFC durante la administración del surfactante entre los grupos INSURE y MIST (52 frente a 56, p = 0,03). El análisis de la VFC fue similar entre los grupos antes y después de administrar el surfactante.Conclusión. La administración de surfactante mediante la técnica MIST podría ser más cómoda para los recién nacidos prematuros con SDR. No obstante, es necesario realizar otros estudios con series más importantes.

Objective. We aimed to assess the pain perception of preterm infants treated with different surfactant administration techniques by using heart rate variability (HRV).Methods. Preterm infants who required surfactant therapy for RDS were randomized to INSURE or MIST groups. HRV analysis was performed by Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation monitor. HRV was recorded before, during and after surfactant administration. Pain assessment was determined by Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) score.Results. Fourteen infants were enrolled in the study. Demographic characteristics of the groups were similar. PIPP scores did not differ between INSURE and MIST groups (p = 0.05). Statistically significant difference in median HRV during surfactant administration was observed between INSURE and MIST groups (52 vs. 56, p = 0.03). HRV analysis was similar between groups before and after surfactant administration. Conclusion. Surfactant administration with MIST technique might be more comfortable for preterm infants with RDS. However further studies with larger series are needed.

Hemorragia suprarrenal que se manifiesta como hematoma escrotal en el recién nacido: A propósito de un caso / Adrenal hemorrhage presenting as a scrotal hematoma in the newborn: A case report

La hemorragia suprarrenal neonatal es poco frecuente. Se presenta en el 0,2% de los recién nacidos. El 10% de los casos son bilaterales. Puede estar asociada a un traumatismo al nacimiento, peso alto al nacer o un curso neonatal complicado por hipoxia, asfixia, hipotensión o coagulopatía. El hematoma escrotal es una manifestación extremadamente rara de la hemorragia suprarrenal neonatal. La mayoría de los pacientes presentan tumefacción escrotal con coloración azulada. En los recién nacidos, la tumefacción escrotal, con o sin coloración azulada, puede deberse a diferentes causas. Comunicamos un caso inusual de hemorragia suprarrenal neonatal secundaria a asfixia perinatal, que se manifestó con un hematoma escrotal. El diagnóstico de hemorragia suprarrenal neonatal y hematoma escrotal fue ecográfico; el tratamiento conservador evitó la exploración quirúrgica innecesaria.

Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage is uncommon. It is present in 0,2% of newborns. Ten percent of the cases occur bilaterally. It can be associated with birth trauma, large birth weight, or neonatal course complicated by hypoxia and asphyxia, hypotension, or coagulopathy. Scrotal hematoma is an extremely rare manifestation of NAH. Most patients present scrotal swelling with bluish discolouration. Scrotal swelling with/without bluish discoloration in newborns may result from different causes. We report an unusual case of neonatal adrenal hemorrage secondary to perinatal asphyxia, associated with SH. Neonatal adrenal hemorrhage and scrotal hematoma were diagnosedby ultrasonography and treated by conservative treatment, avoiding unnecessary surgical exploration.