Biallelic mutations in DYNC2LI1 are a rare cause of Ellis-van Creveld syndrome.

Ellis-van Creveld syndrome (EvC) is a chondral and ectodermal dysplasia caused by biallelic mutations in the EVC, EVC2 and WDR35 genes. A proportion of cases with clinical diagnosis of EvC, however, do not carry mutations in these genes. To identify the genetic cause of EvC in a cohort of mutation-negative patients, exome sequencing was undertaken in a family with 3 affected members, and mutation scanning of a panel of clinically and functionally relevant genes was performed in 24 additional subjects with features fitting/overlapping EvC. Compound heterozygosity for the c.2T>C (p.Met1?) and c.662C>T (p.Thr221Ile) variants in DYNC2LI1, which encodes a component of the intraflagellar transport-related dynein-2 complex previously found mutated in other short-rib thoracic dysplasias, was identified in the 3 affected members of the first family. Targeted resequencing detected compound heterozygosity for the same missense variant and a truncating change (p.Val141*) in 2 siblings with EvC from a second family, while a newborn with a more severe phenotype carried 2 DYNC2LI1 truncating variants. Our findings indicate that DYNC2LI1 mutations are associated with a wider clinical spectrum than previously appreciated, including EvC, with the severity of the phenotype likely depending on the extent of defective DYNC2LI1 function.

Epidemiology of candidemia in neonatal intensive care units: a persistent public health problem.

BACKGROUND: Candidemia has become an increasingly important problem in infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Candida species are the third most common agents of late-onset infections in critically ill neonates and they are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. In this study we evaluated the epidemiology of Candida bloodstream infections in the NICU of an Italian university hospital during a 15-year period. Our specific aims were to analyze the change in species distribution and the vitro susceptibility of these yeasts to fluconazole (FCZ) and amphotericin B (AmB). METHODS: A retrospective study of candidemia in the NICU of a university hospital in southern Italy, covering the years 2000-2014 was carried out. The isolates were identified using the VITEK2 yeast identification system and antifungal susceptibility was determined using the E-test method. RESULTS: Among the 57 patients with confirmed candidemia, 60% were males (n = 34 cases) and 82% (n = 47) had a gestational age of 24-32 weeks. Twenty-seven neonates (47%) had a very low birth weight (<1500 g), 20 (35%) an extremely low birth weight (<1000 g), and 10 (18%) a low birth weight (<2500 g). The most important potential risk factors were the placement of a central venous catheter, total parenteral nutrition, and endotracheal intubation (100%, each). Candida albicans was the most frequent yeast (47%), followed by Candida parapsilosis (44%). The proportion of Candida non-albicans increased slightly, from 46% in 2000-2004 to 71% in 2010-2014 (χ2 test for trend, p = 0.030). All isolates were susceptible to FCZ and AmB. CONCLUSIONS: The detection in this epidemiologic study of an increase in Candida non-albicans highlights the importance of correct species-level identification in the rapid diagnosis for an efficient treatment of candidemia. Knowledge of the local epidemiological trends in Candida species isolated in blood cultures will facilitate therapeutic decision-making.

A case of neonatal intrapericardial teratoma. Clinical and pathological findings.

AIM: It is of general agreement that complete surgical removal after birth of intrapericardial fetal teratomas is needed, because of the risk of severe cardiovascular and respiratory distress, related to the mass size, location and secondary pericardial effusion. Histological examination generally shows mature aspect of cells and tissues. METHODS: We present a case of grade II immature pericardial teratoma, diagnosed in utero and completely removed after birth. RESULTS: Even surgical removal was complete, histological aspects raised the need of long follow-up with serial alpha-fetoprotein determinations. CONCLUSION: A neonatal grade II immature pericardial teratoma was completely removed after birth. The follow-up of the patient, until 10 months of life, was good with no recurrence of the disease.

Invasive fungal infections in neonatal intensive care units of Southern Italy: a multicentre regional active surveillance (AURORA project).

INTRODUCTION: During the past years invasive fungal infections (IFIs) have become an increasingly important problem in infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Candida species is the third most-common agent of late-onset infections in critically ill neonates, with an estimated incidence of 2.6-10% in very low birth weight and 5.5-20% in extremely low birth weight infants. The aim of this observational study is to evaluate the epidemiology of IFIs among infants admitted to NICUs of one Italian region by a multicenter surveillance (Aurora Project). METHODS: The IFIs surveillance was carried out prospectively in Apulia (Southern Italy) between February 2007 and August 2008. This report focuses on the results from 6 enrolled NICUs. RESULTS: Twenty-one neonates developed IFIs: the overall incidence was 1.3% and crude mortality was 23.8%. Infants weighing < or = 1500 g (4.3%) showed a significantly higher incidence than those > or = 2500 g (0.2%). C. parapsilosis (61.9%) was the most frequent isolated species. The main potential risk factors were having a central venous catheter placed, length of stay in NICU > 7 days and total parenteral nutrition for > 5 days. The (1,3)-beta-D glucan (BDG), mannan antigens and anti-Candida antibodies' evaluation was performed in 7 neonates. All neonates were positive to the BDG; the mannan antigen result was positive in 5 newborns, the anti-mannan antibodies were always negative. All isolates were amphotericin B and fluconazole-susceptible. DISCUSSION: This first prospective study on neonatal fungal infection in one Italian region gives evidence of a preponderance of non-albicans Candida spp and indicates potential utility of BDG as an adjunct diagnostic test.

Perinatal risk factors and mode of delivery correlated to survival and psychomotor disability in extremely low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Extreme preterm birth, <28 weeks of gestation, represents a public health concern with major economic implications, being the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective cohort study was carried out to assess the role of caesarean section and to identify perinatal factors affecting neonatal survival and psychomotor development in these infants. 57 cases with complete maternal, obstetrical and neonatological information were selected for this study and neurological development was assessed for at least 18 months of life. RESULTS: Infant survival and neurological morbidity rates were directly and inversely correlated to birth weights and gestational age at birth, respectively. In multivariate analysis only extreme prematurity (

Pleural loculated empyema masking a CPAM 3 in a newborn infant: A case report with breef literature review.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformations (CPAMs) are a heterogeneous group of hamartomatous cystic and noncystic lung lesions that result from early airway maldevelopment. Usually they are distinguished according to Stocker's classification in type 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. We present the case of a 2 weeks old baby who was admitted to hospital with RDS symptoms and left pleural effusion: X rays and CT were suggestive for a pulmonary cystic lesion with pleural complications. Because of the persistence of pleural empyema and the development of a pneumothorax the baby underwent surgery. The histological examination revealed a type 3 CPAM associated with pleural loculated empyema. According to this case, in newborns with RDS loculated pleural empyema may mimick pulmonary cystic lesions; a treatment-resistant pleural empyema or pyopneumothorax in a newborn can recognize a CPAM 3 as a probable underlying condition, even in the absence of lung suppurative changes; CPAM 3 involving only two lung segments can have an excellent prognosis after surgical excision.

First trimester prenatal treatment and molecular genetic diagnosis of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (21-hydroxylase deficiency).

Prenatal treatment of pregnancies at risk for congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency was carried out in conjunction with chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in the first trimester for analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphisms. Fourteen families of a total of 49 families at risk for this disease elected to undergo both prenatal treatment and diagnosis via CVS. Dexamethasone administration to the pregnant woman was initiated at a mean gestational age of 7 weeks (range, 4-10 weeks) before testing to determine whether the fetus was affected with 21-hydroxylase deficiency, and CVS was performed at a gestational age of 8-10 weeks. Two affected female fetuses were identified by molecular genetic techniques among this group; neonatal physical examination demonstrated amelioration of the degree of genital ambiguity compared with both nonprenatally treated older sisters with 21-hydroxylase deficiency. The duration of unnecessary prenatal dexamethasone treatment for unaffected or male fetuses was substantially reduced in the CVS group compared with that in a cohort of 8 prenatally treated pregnancies in which amniocentesis was performed in the early second trimester. There were no major morbidities observed in the treated pregnancies. Postnatal confirmation of CVS diagnosis was obtained in all cases in which DNA from an affected sibling was available for comparative analysis with the DNA from chorionic villus tissue. We conclude based on these data that the benefit/risk ratio is favorable for prenatal administration of dexamethasone in pregnancies at risk for 21-hydroxylase deficiency. Treatment should be initiated during the first trimester in conjunction with diagnosis by CVS/molecular genetic techniques. Long term postnatal surveillance is recommended for all offspring of dexamethasone-treated pregnancies.

Gastric electrical activity and gastric emptying in term and preterm newborns.

The aims of this study were to evaluate the gastric electrical activity and gastric emptying in preterm and term newborns and to assess the development of gastric motility by comparing newborns of different gestational ages. The cutaneous electrogastrography and the ultrasonographic study of the gastric emptying were performed before and after milk formula in three groups of infants: 12 preterm newborns with a gestational age of 28-32 weeks, 11 preterm newborns with a gestational age of 32-36 weeks, and 10 full-term newborns with a gestational age of 36-40 weeks. All recording sessions were performed 1 week after infants had reached full enteral feeding. The percentage of normal slow waves was similar in the three groups but it was not predominant compared to tachygastria in the earliest premature infants (59.3% (12.7-92.3) vs. 29.6% (3.7-78.8); P < 0.05). In addition, a progressive increase in the normal slow wave percentage (59.3% (17.4-87.4), 60.9% (38.1-89.7), 77.8% (66.4-84.8); P < 0.05) was observed as gestation advanced. As regards gastric emptying parameters, the antral area was greater and T(1/2) was longer in the preterm newborns of 28-32 weeks than preterm newborns of 32-36 weeks and full-term newborns (fasting antral area: 0.96 cm2 (0.6-1.5), 0.63 cm2 (0.4-1.2), 0.55 cm2 (0.1-0.9) respectively, P < 0.05; T(1/2): 83.4 min (76.0-108.5), 70 min (57.5-89.5) and 71.8 min (54.9-81.2), respectively P < 0.05). The comparisons of gastric emptying curves made among the three groups showed a reduced antral dilatation in preterm newborns of 28-32 weeks compared to full-term newborns at 30 and 60 min after a meal. In conclusion, although enteral feeding is important for the development process of gastrointestinal motility, gastric electrical activity and gastric emptying show an intrinsic maturation depending on the gestational age.

[Blood lead levels during pregnancy in th the newborn period. Study of the population of Bari]. / Livelli ematici di piombo in gravidanza e in età neonatale. Studio della popolazione di Bari.

Blood lead levels during pregnancy and in neonates immediately after birth have been evaluated, showing higher values in mothers compared to neonates (5.81 +/- 3.05 vs 4.87 +/- 3.60 micrograms/100 ml) and a positive correlation between maternal and neonatal levels (r = 0.82). On the basis of the results derived from the population examined, it has been observed that 6% of newborns have blood lead levels higher than 10 micrograms/100 ml a value recently identified by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC, Atlanta, USA) as a limit for toxicity in children. Moreover, neonatal Pb levels were higher than those found in infants from 6 to 12 months (4.87 +/- 3.60 vs 2.24 +/- 0.54 micrograms/100 ml). During the first week of life there is a steady decrease of blood lead levels, together with increasing renal lead excretion. This study was carried out at the "Dipartimento di Biomedicina dell'Età Evolutiva" University of Bari, southern Italy.

[Atopic manifestations, growth and nutritional data in newborns at high risk for allergy fed serum protein hydrolysate: 2-year follow-up]. / Manifestazioni atopiche, accrescimento e dati nutrizionali in neonati ad alto rischio per atopia allattati con idrolisato di sieroproteine: due anni di follow-up.

Authors have studied, in high risk for atopy newborns, with a follow-up of two years, the effect of feeding whey hydrolysate, evaluating the incidence of atopic manifestations, the growth pattern and different biochemical nutritional parameters, comparing the results to those observed in breast fed newborns. No significative differences have been shown suggesting that whey protein hydrolysate could be a good alternative to breast milk, when this is not available.

Fecal expression of human ß-defensin-2 following birth.

BACKGROUND: Newborns display high intestinal permeability and a naive adaptive immune system, but infections are rare, indicating strong innate defense mechanisms. OBJECTIVE: To measure the kinetics of fecal ß-defensin-2 (HBD2), an inducible endogenous antimicrobial peptide produced by intestinal epithelial cells, in full-term and preterm infants. METHODS: As a first step of this bicentric study, we enrolled 30 healthy full-term infants and 20 healthy preterm infants, with fecal samples collected at days 3, 7, 12 and 30 in full-term infants and at days 15, 30 and 60 in preterm infants. As a second step, we enrolled 10 preterm infants with intestinal distress, either necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) Bell's stage III (n = 3) or isolated rectal bleeding (n = 7) and 20 controls, cross-matched for gestational age and age at sampling. RESULTS: HBD2 decreased significantly from day 3 to day 7 (227 ng/g; 14-440 vs. 117 ng/g; 30-470, p = 0.01) then moderately until day 30 (84 ng/g; 10-500) in healthy full-term infants. Healthy preterm infants showed similar high levels between days 15 and 60 (82 ng/g; 30-154 and 85 ng/g; 26-390, respectively). No significant variation of fecal HBD2 levels was observed between infants with clinical features of intestinal distress (77 ng/g, 2-1,271) and cross-matched controls (56 ng/g, 31-164). However, 2/3 infants with NEC and 1/7 infants with isolated rectal bleeding had HBD2 levels above the maximal level observed in controls. CONCLUSIONS: The kinetics of fecal HBD2 in the neonatal period indicate that this inducible defensin can be detected at high level in the feces of full-term and preterm infants, independently of gestational age or mode of feeding. The potential role of fecal HBD2 in detecting NEC is suggested.

Lactoferrin and prevention of late-onset sepsis in the pre-term neonates.

Late-onset sepsis (LOS) affects a large proportion of pre-term neonates in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) worldwide, with high morbidity and related mortality, and frequent occurrence of severe late neurodevelopmental impairment. Due to the frequency, severity and difficulties in early diagnosis and prompt therapy, prevention is crucial for decreasing the burden of infection-related complications in NICUs. It is well known that feeding with fresh maternal milk, hygiene measures and the cautious use of H2-blockers are related with a decreased risk of developing sepsis. However, evidence from randomised clinical trials exists only for fluconazole in the prevention of fungal infections in the NICU. Lactoferrin is the main whey protein in mammalian milk, and is involved in innate immune host defences. Notably, human lactoferrin can be found at increased concentrations in colostrum and in milk from mothers of premature neonates. Human (hLF) and bovine lactoferrin (bLF) share a high (77%) amino-acid homology, and the same N-terminal peptide responsible for antimicrobial activity, called lactoferricin. In vitro, bLF shows potent direct antimicrobial activity against all types of pathogens, which occurs via anti-cell wall actions and leads to disintegration of the micro-organism's membranes. bLF is also synergistic with many antimicrobials and antifungals, and promotes growth and differentiation of the immature gut. Based on this background data, a randomised clinical trial was recently conducted in very low birth weight pre-term neonates given bLF alone or with the probiotic Lactobacillus GG. The aim of the trial was to assess the ability of bLF to prevent late-onset sepsis of any origin in the studied infants during their stay in the NICU. This article discusses the preliminary data from this study, along with the proposed mechanisms of action of bLF in pre-term infants.

Delayed closure of ductus arteriosus in term newborns with congenital hypothyroidism: effect of L-thyroxine therapy.

Congenital hypothyroidism is associated with increased incidence of congenital defects (15.6%), frequently involving the heart (5.8%). Only few studies have evaluated the association between congenital hypothyroidism and patent ductus arteriosus. We report on two term newborns affected by thyroid agenesis and patent ductus arteriosus that closed after starting L-thyroxine substitutive therapy. This association suggests a close relation between hypothyroidism and patent ductus arteriosus. Hypothyroidism should be considered in term infants with patent ductus arteriosus because thyroid hormone production is among the prerequisites for postnatal ductal closure.

Early low-dose hydrocortisone in very preterm infants: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Several reports indicate a decreased cortisol response to adrenocorticotropic hormone in preterm infants developing chronic lung disease and in preterm infants with refractory hypotension. Low-dose hydrocortisone (HC) may allow for beneficial effects. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to assess whether HC is able to increase survival without chronic lung disease. METHODS: We performed a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Fifty mechanically ventilated infants (birth weight: 500-1,249 g) were randomized to receive treatment (HC 0.5 mg/kg/12 h for 9 days, then HC 0.5 mg/kg/24 h for 3 days) or placebo. Major outcome was survival without oxygen dependence at 36 weeks of postconceptional age (O(2)-free survival). RESULTS: The basic characteristics were similar between the two groups. O(2)-free survival was higher in the HC group (64 vs. 32%). The advantage was particularly evident among infants without antenatal steroids. The mortality rate was 16% in the HC group versus 40% in the control group (difference not significant). Hypotension after recruitment was reduced by HC (0 vs. 30%). The incidence of gastrointestinal perforation and other adverse effects was similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: HC prophylaxis improved O(2)-free survival and early cardiocirculatory function in our population, without important short-term effects. The neurodevelopmental outcome will be assessed at 2 years.

Does calprotectin represent a regulatory factor in host defense or a drug target in inflammatory disease?

Calprotectin, a protein composed by two subunits of 8 and 14 kD respectively, is released by neutrophils in the biological fluids under inflammatory states. For instance, detection of calprotectin in faeces represents a diagnostic tool in the case of inflammatory bowel disease. Quite interestingly, calprotectin is increased in the stool of healthy newborns from day three up to day thirty and, physiologically, this increase may be interpreted as a defense mechanism against yeast and fungi. Therapeutic attempts at inhibiting the deleterious effect of calprotectin have been experimentally made by using lycoricinidol. This natural compound is able to hamper the calprotectin-induced apoptosis on the one hand. On the other hand, the same compound plays a prophylactic role in the course of experimental arthritis in rats.

Cord blood endothelin-1 and perinatal asphyxia.

UNLABELLED: Discordant data have been reported on endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent endothelium-derived vasoconstriction peptide, during the neonatal period, and elevated levels have been found in various neonatal diseases. This study evaluated ET-1 in the cord blood of 74 neonates of different gestational age, birthweight, mode of delivery and 5'-Apgar score. CONCLUSION: Higher ET-1 levels were found in neonates born by emergency caesarean section, and in newborns with low 5'-Apgar score, suggesting that ET-1 could be a marker of perinatal asphyxia.

Neonatal diabetes mellitus: evaluation of pancreatic beta-cell function in two cases.

Two cases of neonatal diabetes mellitus, a transient form and a permanent form, are described. Comparing their clinical presentations and courses, we exclude the possibility of an early differential diagnosis based on clinical or laboratory data. We hypothesize that only repeated dynamic evaluations of pancreatic beta-cell function could be useful to differentiate the two forms.

Maternal and neonatal lead exposure in southern Italy.

We evaluated the blood lead levels in 159 pregnant women and in their healthy newborns at birth. The blood lead levels were higher in mothers as compared with neonates, with a linear correlation between maternal and neonatal levels. The blood lead levels were also higher in neonates as compared with infants aged 6-12 months, and, besides, 2.5% of the newborns had blood lead levels > 10 microg/dl, the actual level of concern according to the Center for Disease Control. The study of blood and urinary lead levels during the 1st week of life showed a steady decrease of blood lead levels, together with increasing levels of urinary lead. The mechanism of renal elimination is important to avoid persistently high free blood lead levels, with possible deposition in tissues with high lead affinity, such as bone. In newborns, the possibility of a functional renal insufficiency during the first days of life suggests that newborns with high cord blood lead levels and impaired renal function could be at high risk of lead toxicity, so that it could be advisable to perform a careful and prolonged follow-up.