Clinical characteristics of neonatal and infant osteomyelitis and septic arthritis: a multicenter retrospective study

Abstract Objective: Signs and symptoms of osteomyelitis or septic arthritis in neonates and infants are often nonspecific and early-stage bone infections in infants may often go unnoticed. The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical characteristics of newborns and infants with osteomyelitis and septic arthritis to improve understanding of the disorder and to assist clinicians with diagnosis. Methods: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted on neonates (0-28 days old, n = 94) and infants (1-12 months old, n = 415) with osteoarticular infections. Data consisting of clinical characteristics, complications, laboratory outcomes, and the pathogenic microorganisms causing osteomyelitis were tabulated. The statistics were further broken down into two regions and the significant differences between neonates and infants were evaluated and compared to the literature. Results: Compared to infants, neonates had significantly lower incidences of fever (p < 0.0001), higher incidences of localized swelling (p = 0.0021), higher rate of infection at the humerus (p = 0.0016), higher percentage of Escherichia coli (p < 0.0001) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (p = 0.0039) infections, lower percentage of Staphylococcus aureus infections (p < 0.0001) and were more likely to develop septic arthritis (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Distinct differences were found between neonatal and infants with osteoarticular infections. Future studies should focus on improving diagnosis and subsequent treatment regimens for younger age groups.

Epidemiological indicators and predictors of lethality associated with fungal infections in a NICU: a historical series

Abstract Objectives: Fungal infections (FI) pose a public health concern and significantly increase mortality rates, especially within Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU). Thus, this study aimed to investigate epidemiological indicators, risk factors, and lethality predictors associated with FI in a NICU. Methods: This study included 1,510 neonates admitted to the NICU of a reference hospital in Brazil between 2015 and 2022. Demographic data, such as sex, birth weight, gestational age, and use of invasive devices were analyzed. Results: Thirty neonates developed invasive FI, totaling 33 episodes and an incidence of 1.2 per 1,000 patient days. Candida albicans was the most frequent species (52.9 %), the bloodstream was the most affected site (78.9 %), and 72.7 % of infections occurred between 2015 and 2018. The lethality rate associated with FI was 33.3 %, and 90 % of deaths occurred within 30 days of diagnosis of infection. Weight < 750 g, prolonged hospital stay, use of parenteral nutrition, and broad-spectrum antimicrobials were independent risk factors for infection occurrence, especially glycopeptides and 4th generation cephalosporins, having a considerable role in the increase in fungal infections. Weight < 750 g was considered a significant predictor of lethality, and C. albicans had the highest lethality rate (40 %). Conclusion: These findings highlight the elevated lethality rate associated with these infections, reinforcing the importance of developing strategies to control FI within NICU.

Exploration of pneumoperitoneum signs in neonates based on X-ray examination of bedside abdominal lying film / 实用放射学杂志

Objective To explore the pneumoperitoneum signs of neonates on the bedside abdominal lying film.Methods The pneumoperitoneum signs of 52 neonates on the bedside abdominal lying films were analyzed retrospectively.Results Among 52 neonates with pneumoperitoneum,2 cases had no perforation,and there were 50 cases of digestive tract perforation,with 22 cases of gastric perforation,17 cases of small intestinal perforation and 11 cases of large intestinal perforation.Congenital muscular defect of gastric wall and necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC)were the most common causes of perforation.Forty-three cases with anteroposterior films all had pneumoperitoneum signs;and in 9 cases with anteroposterior and lateral films,6 cases with anteroposterior and lateral films all showed pneumoperitoneum signs,while 3 cases showed pneumoperitoneum signs only on lateral films.Pneumoperitoneum signs included 38 episodes of liver falciform ligament signs,37 episodes of football signs,22 episodes of Rigler signs,21 episodes of round liver ligament signs,10 episodes of liver area bright shadows,9 episodes of inverted"V"signs,6 episodes of scrotal gas,5 episodes of triangular signs,4 episodes of Cupola signs and 1 episodes of dolphin sign.Two or more signs were seen in 46 cases and three or more signs were seen in 31 cases.There was no statistically significant difference in the pneumoperitoneum signs except for scrotal gas among the three groups of gastric,small intestinal and large intestinal perforations(P>0.05).Conclusion Various signs such as liver falciform ligament signs,football signs,Rigler signs and round liver ligament signs can be seen on the bedside abdominal lying film for neonates pneumoperitoneum,and understanding the above signs is conducive to rapid and accurate diagnosis.

Construction and validation of neonatal hypoglycemia risk prediction model / 中国现代医生

@#Objective To investigate the risk factors of neonatal hypoglycemia,establish the risk prediction model of neonatal hypoglycemia and test the effectiveness of the model.Methods Retrospective analysis was performed to collect clinical data of 727 newborns and pregnant mothers who were delivered in a Grade Ⅲ general hospital from October 2018 to August 2020.Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze related risk factors to construct prediction models.The clinical data of 150 newborns and pregnant women from September 2020 to February 2021 were selected to test the efficacy of the model.Results Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that feeding problems,neonatal hypothermia,neonatal complications,gestational diabetes and fetal distress were independent risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia(P<0.05).The model verification results showed that the area under the curve(AUC)was 0.883,the sensitivity was 82.97%,the specificity was 88.35%,the positive predictive value was 76.47%,the negative predictive value was 91.92%,and the total accuracy of the model was 88.67%,which had a good prediction ability.Conclusion The prediction model established in this study has a good ability to predict the risk of neonatal hypoglycemia,which can be used to provide reference for early screening of high-risk groups of neonatal hypoglycemia and starting predictive nursing intervention measures.

Correlation between neonatal retinal hemorrhage and changes in umbilical artery blood gas analysis / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To explore the correlation between neonatal retinal hemorrhage(RH)and changes in umbilical artery blood gas analysis.METHODS: A total of 312 full-term neonates born in our obstetrics department from January 2019 to December 2021 were selected as the study subjects. According to the RetCam III fundus examination results, 245 neonates who did not experience RH were included in the control group, while 67 cases with RH were found to be included in the RH group. In addition, neonates were grouped into I degree group(n=20), II degree group(n=29), and III degree group(n=18)based on the degree of RH. General clinical data and umbilical artery blood gas analysis indicators between the RH group and the control group were compared; the levels of umbilical artery blood gas analysis indicators in neonates with different degrees of RH, the relationship between pH and RH degree, and the influencing factors of neonatal RH were analyzed.RESULTS: There was no obvious difference in maternal age, average gestational week, fetal gender, parity, gestational diabetes, fetal birth weight, and amniotic fluid between the RH group and the control group(all P&#x003E;0.05), while there were obvious differences in delivery methods, gestational hypertension, forceps assisted delivery, neonatal asphyxia, and umbilical cord around the neck(all P&#x003C;0.05). The pH value, arterial blood sample partial pressure(PaO2)and base excess(BE)values of the RH group were obviously lower than those of the control group(all P&#x003C;0.01), while the arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure(PaCO2)was obviously higher than that of the control group(P&#x003C;0.01). There were obvious differences in umbilical artery blood gas analysis indicators among children with different degrees of RH(P&#x003C;0.05), and with the increase of the degree of RH, pH value, PaO2 and BE gradually decreased(P&#x003C;0.05), and PaCO2 gradually increased(P&#x003C;0.05). There was a negative correlation between the degree of RH and the pH of umbilical artery blood gas analysis(rs=-0.593, P&#x003C;0.05). The results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that delivery method, gestational hypertension, forceps assisted delivery, neonatal asphyxia, umbilical cord entanglement, pH, PaO2, PaCO2, and BE were all influencing factors for the occurrence of neonatal RH.CONCLUSION: There is a close correlation between neonatal RH and changes in umbilical artery blood gas analysis, and umbilical artery blood gas analysis can be used for the diagnosis of neonatal RH, which can be used to guide clinical treatment.

Effect of early warning score combined with SBAR communication model on early warning of high-risk neonates / 现代临床护理

Objective To investigate the effect of early warning score system combined with(situation,background,ssessment,recommendation,SBAR)communication model in early warning of high-risk neonates,therefore to provide an effective communication method for an effective communication method to assess the changes of condition in neonates.Methods A before-after study model was adopted in the study.A total of 270 high-risk neonates admitted to the ward of the Department of Neonatology in a tertiary hospital between August and September 2022 were selected as research subjects.The high-risk neonates admitted in hospital in August were assigned in a control group,and those admitted in September were assigned in an trial group,with 135 neonates per group.Routine care was carried out in the control group,while early warning scoring combined with SBAR communication model were applied in the trial group on top of the cares offered to the control group.The occurrence of early warning events,concordance rate of nurse warning event and doctor handling events,and the satisfaction rate of doctors with the nursing performance were compared between the two groups.Results A total of 63.6%of early warning events were triggered by nurses in the control group,while it was 92.6%in the trial group,with a statistically significant difference between the groups(χ2=16.622,P<0.001).The consistency of handling of early warning events between the nurses and doctors in the trial group(Kappa coefficient=0.926)was higher than that in the control group(Kappa coefficient=0.641).The satisfaction rates of the doctors with the nurses about specialist knowledge,ability in emergency events,mastery of disease,timely observation of disease progress,collaboration between doctors and nurses,working enthusiasm,communication capability and the psychological quality in the trial group were all significantly higher than those in the control group[80.0%-95.0%vs.30.0%-55.0%,all P<0.01].Conclusions The Early Warning Score system combined with SBAR communication model can help nurses to accurately evaluate the changes of disease in neonates,complete the communication with doctors timely and effectively.It improves the observation,communication and handling capability among the nurses as well as the satisfaction rate of doctors with nursing work.

Desarrollo del dolor fetal y neonatal / Development of fetal and neonatal pain

Resumen: El dolor es el principal síntoma reportado a nivel mundial, es la principal causa de sufrimiento humano. Se considera que para que un individuo sienta dolor deben estar presentes: nociceptores, neurotransmisores del dolor, vías que llevan el estímulo al cerebro, el tálamo y conexión con la corteza. Por un tiempo se consideró que en esta etapa no se contaba con la madurez suficiente del sistema nervioso para sentir dolor; sin embargo, en la actualidad hay evidencia de que el feto presenta dolor; y su presencia altera el desarrollo del sistema nervioso. La presente revisión proporciona una visión actualizada de la ontogenia del dolor fetal y neonatal.

Abstract: Pain is the main symptom reported worldwide, it is the main cause of human suffering. It is considered that for an individual to feel pain, the following must be present: nociceptors, pain neurotransmitters, pathways that carry the stimulus to the brain, the thalamus and connection with the cortex. For a time it was considered that at this stage the nervous system was not mature enough to feel pain, however, there is currently evidence that the fetus has pain; and its presence alters the development of the nervous system. This review provides an updated view of the ontogeny of fetal and neonatal pain.

Frequency of Acid-Base Derangements Among the Neonates Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit

Background: Every year deranged acid-base physiology drives admission to a critical care arena for a vast number of neonates. The neonatal intensive care unit is a fundamental sector for the survival of high-risk newborns. The acid-base disorder must always be considered in the clinical setting. The clinician should, in most cases, be able to predict the type of acid-base imbalance before the blood gas is available. Arterial blood gases (ABG-s) are the gold standard for assessing the adequacy of oxygen delivery, ventilation, and pH. This study aimed to assess the frequency of acid-base derangements among neonates admitted to the intensive care unit. Material & Methods: This was an observational cohort study that was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (I.C.U.) of Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period from October 2009 to September 2010. In total 230 neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, after fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study as study subjects. For each baby, a detailed history was recorded in a questionnaire form (enclosed herewith) from the mother or other caregiver. It was filled up by the researcher himself containing history (including antenatal history), physical examinations and laboratory findings. Arterial blood gas analysis was done (in a clinical biochemistry laboratory using an automatic analyzer machine) for each neonate at admission and that report was recorded for this study. Results: Among the total study subjects, 127 newborn babies (55.2%) had acid-base imbalances. Mixed acidosis prevailed in the highest frequency (23.9%) Then metabolic acidosis cases were at 17.8% and respiratory acidosis was at 13.9%. Metabolic alkalosis and respiratory alkalosis were absent. Normal blood gas was observed in 44.3% of newborns. All the neonates with pH <7 were dead. After Chi-Square analysis (at df=1), we found a highly significant correlation between mortality outcome with pH <7.35, CO2 >45, HCO3 < 22 mol/l and Base deficit >-10. All modalities of acid-base imbalances were significantly associated with mortality. Conclusion: In this study, a significant number of neonates who were admitted to the intensive care unit, can develop acid-base derangement. Mixed acidosis was found in the highest frequency. Metabolic, respiratory and mixed acidosis all has a significant correlation with death in a NICU. Metabolic alkalosis and respiratory alkalosis were found absent at admission

Albúmina sérica predictor de resultados intrahospitalarios en pacientes admitidos a la UCIN del Hospital de la Mujer / Serum albumin predicator of intrahospital outcomes in patients admitted to the NICU of the women's hospital

INTRODUCCIÓN: En el estrés metabólico existe una sobreproducción proteica de reactantes positivos de la fase aguda y en el hígado, se frena la síntesis de otras proteínas, incluyendo la albúmina, denominadas Reactantes Negativos de la Fase Aguda. Los rangos de referencia precisos para la hipoalbuminemia patológica han resultado difíciles de determinar en los recién nacidos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Descriptivo de corte transversal en 494 recién nacidos. Se realizó un análisis exploratorio de los datos con estadística descriptiva mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS v.20. RESULTADOS: 494 neonatos fueron seleccionados, 39% fueron prematuros tardíos, 27% reportó hipoalbuminemia en sus diferentes grados que se correlacionaron con los días de internación en UCIN (p=0,0001), necesidad y tiempo en ventilador mecánico (p=0,001), con la mortalidad (p=0,001) y patología infecciosa (p=0,001). DISCUSIÓN: La incidencia acumulada de sepsis no confirmada por hemocultivo fue de 54%, La hipoalbuminemia tiene asociaciones importantes con la evolución y pronóstico en pacientes pediátricos. La PCR no tiene correlación en el estudio (p=0,232) y solo fue reactiva en 4 pacientes (0,8%). CONCLUSIONES: El nivel de albúmina sérica reportada en las primeras 24 horas de ingreso a la UCIN es un predictor para los resultados intrahospitalarios (tiempo y requerimiento de ventilación mecánica), mortalidad neonatal, sepsis neonatal y enfermedad de membrana hialina. Su determinación sérica debe ser incluida en la lista de exámenes de laboratorio solicitados a su admisión y la PCR al ingreso debe ser excluida por su pobre sensibilidad como sugiere la SIBEN.

INTRODUCTION: In metabolic stress, there is a protein overproduction of positive acute phase reactants and in the liver, the synthesis of other proteins, including albumin, called negative acute phase reactants is slowed down. Precise reference ranges for pathologic hypoalbuminemia have proven difficult to determine in neonates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Descriptive cross section in 494 newborns. An exploratory analysis of the data with descriptive statistics was carried out using the statistical package SPSS v.20. RESULTS: 494 neonates were selected, 39% were late preterm, 27% reported hypoalbuminemia in its different degrees that correlated with the days of hospitalization in the NICU (p=0.0001), need and time on a mechanical ventilator (p=0.001), with mortality (p=0.001) and infectious pathology (p=0.001). DISCUSSION: The cumulative incidence of sepsis not confirmed by blood culture was 54%. Hypoalbuminemia has important associations with outcome and prognosis in pediatric patients. CRP does not correlate the study (p=0.232) and was only reactive in 4 patients (0.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Serum albumin level reported in the first 24 hours of NICU admission is a predictor for in-hospital outcomes (time and requirement of mechanical ventilation), neonatal mortality, neonatal sepsis, and hyaline membrane disease. Its serum determination should be included in the list of laboratory tests requested upon admission and the PCR upon admission should be excluded due to its poor sensitivity, as suggested by SIBEN.

Bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility of blood culture from neonates in GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar

Background: Neonatal sepsis refers to an infection involving bloodstream in newborn infants <28 days old. Neonatal sepsis contributes substantially to neonatal morbidity and mortality and is an ongoing major global public health challenge. Aim and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to study bacteriological profile and antibiotic susceptibility of blood culture from neonates in GMERS Medical College, Gandhinagar. Materials and Methods: For culture and antimicrobial susceptibility test, blood samples were taken from the suspected cases admitted in NICU. Total 271 blood culture positive NICU admitted patient with septicemia were taken in this study. Results: Total 271 septicemic neonates having blood culture positive septicemia, neonatal septicemia was predominantly caused by Gram-negative organism Klebsiella pneumoniae (40.60%). Among the all Gram-negative organisms, Piperacillin/Tazobactam was most sensitive drug followed by Meropenem. Moreover, for the all Gram-positive organism, vancomycin and linezolid were the most sensitive drugs. Conclusion: Neonatal septicemia is major cause of morbidity and mortality in India. Multiple antibiotic resistance among the isolates worsen the condition more. A high level of suspicions is needed on clinical ground for diagnosis. Judicious use of antibiotics should be promoted.

Screening status of neonatal fundus disease and its influencing factors in Longhua district, Shenzhen / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

AIM: To analyze the screening status of neonatal fundus disease and the related influencing factors of common fundus retinal hemorrhage in Longhua District of Shenzhen, so as to provide references for the prevention, screening and intervention of neonatal fundus disease in clinical practice.METHODS: A total of 3 101 neonates who received fundus screening in the People's Hospital of Longhua, Shenzen from September 2019 to October 2022 were selected as research objects. The screening results were summarized, and the risk factors for neonatal retinal hemorrhage were analyzed by Logistic regression model.RESULTS: The detection rate of neonatal fundus abnormalities was 12.71%, and the detection rate of neonatal retinal hemorrhage was the highest(12.19%). The other types of fundus abnormalities included periretinal white focus, chromatosis, pigment shedding, choroid coloboma and nystagmus. Hemorrhage grade I accounted for the largest proportion of 378 neonates with retinal hemorrhage(75.66%). Follow-up found that different grades of retinal hemorrhage could be automatically absorbed over time without excessive intervention. Logistic analysis suggested that spontaneous delivery [OR=3.180, 95%CI(1.543～6.555)], twin pregnancy [OR=2.119, 95%CI(1.121～4.007)] and umbilical cord round the neck [OR=1.547, 95%CI(1.239～1.930)] were risk factors affecting neonatal retinal hemorrhage.CONCLUSION: Retinal hemorrhage is the most common type of fundus abnormalities in neonates. Spontaneous delivery, twin pregnancy and umbilical cord around the neck are risk factors of retinal hemorrhage. It is recommended that pay attention to the above factors and choose appropriate intervention means to avoid serious fundus complications.

Comparison of the effect of orplinone and Milrinone after biventricular repair of neonatal congenital heart disease / 中华胸心血管外科杂志

Objective:To retrospectively compare the clinical efficacy of two PDE3 inhibitors, oplinone and Milrinone, in order to evaluate which drug has better effects on the improvement of cardiac function, protection of renal function and adverse effects of arrhythmia.Methods:A total of 41 neonates with congenital heart disease after biventricular treatment under cardiopulmonary bypass in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Soochow University Children's Hospital during 2018-2022 were collected. The experimental group was divided into two groups: Oprilinone(25 cases) and Milinone(16 cases). A retrospective study was conducted on the incidence of renal function, cardiac function improvement and arrhythmia in the children.Results:On the first day after operation, EF in both groups decreased significantly compared with that before operation( P<0.01); On day 4 after surgery, EF in the oprilinone group was significantly higher than that on day 1 after surgery( P<0.01), Milrinone group was slightly higher than that on day 1 after surgery( P<0.05), and EF in oprilinone group was significantly higher than that in Milinone group during the same period( P<0.01); EF in Milinone group continued to increase on day 7 compared with day 4( P<0.01), but there was no significant difference between the two groups. Long-term follow-up showed that there was no significant difference in EF value in the oprilinone intervention group on day 7 after surgery( P<0.05), and the long-term EF in Milinone group was higher than that at 7 days after surgery( P<0.05). The creatinine level in the oprinone intervention group continued to decrease on the 4th and 7th day after surgery( P<0.01; P<0.05); The creatinine level of Milinone group on day 4 after surgery was significantly lower than that on day 1 after surgery( P<0.01), the decrease was not significant on the 7th day after surgery compared with the 4th day after surgery; The creatinine level in the oprilinone group was lower than that in the Milrinone group on day 7 after surgery( P<0.05). The rate of arrhythmia in children was slightly decreased in the intervention group of olplinone. There was no change in the Milinone group. Conclusion:Oplinone improved cardiac function better than Milrinone, and the recovery time to normal cardiac function was shorter. In terms of renal function protection, oplinone was stronger than Milrinone, and the protective effect of oplinone on kidney lasted longer. No significant abnormalities were found with respect to adverse reactions, such as the incidence of arrhythmia.

Progress on immune mechanism of neonatal respiratory syncytial virus infection / 国际儿科学杂志

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can easily cause respiratory infection in neonates, and involve other organs in severe cases.The specific pathogenic mechanism is complex, which may be closely related to the properties of virus and the inadequate or dysregulated host innate and adaptive immune response against RSV.At present, the treatment strategy of neonatal RSV infection is mainly symptomatic support.Some European countries and the United States have successively approved the Nirsevimab for preventing neonatal RSV infection.This article reviews the molecular characteristics of RSV and its interacting mechanism with host innate and adaptive immunity.

A clinical analysis of risk factors of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective:To study the risk factors of stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC)in very low birth weight infants by retrospective clinical analysis.Methods:Very low birth weight infants admitted to the NICU of Shanghai Children′s Medical Center within 24 hours after birth from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2022 were included.Control group and NEC group were determined according to Bell staging criteria.Basic data, maternal history, major adverse events of preterm infants before NEC onset, and treatment during hospitalization were collected.Results:There were 437 cases in control group and 22 cases in NEC group.Compared with the control group, the gestational age of NEC group was lower[28.79(27.86, 29.61)weeks vs 30.00(28.79, 31.71)weeks, P=0.002]. The proportion of sepsis was higher(36.4% vs 6.6%, P<0.05), especially the proportion of late-onset sepsis(36.4% vs 6.2%, P<0.05). The proportion of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus(hsPDA)was higher(27.3% vs 5.7%, P<0.05). The proportion of shock before NEC onset was higher(18.2% vs 3.4%, P=0.010). The proportion of RBC transfusion within 48 hours before NEC onset was higher(27.3% vs 9.8%, P=0.026). However, the ratio of eclampsia/preeclampsia in pregnant mother was lower(0 vs 24.3%, P=0.008). Conclusion:Small gestational age, sepsis, hsPDA, shock and blood transfusion are risk factors for NEC, while eclampsia/preeclampsia in pregnant mother may be a protective factor for NEC.

The early use of iNO in extremely premature neonates with refractory hypoxic respiratory failure / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the early use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) as a rescue therapy in extremely premature infants (EPIs) with refractory hypoxic respiratory failure (HRF).Methods:Between January 2021 and December 2021, EPIs with refractory HRF receiving iNO within the first week of life in our NICU were enrolled. Their clinical characteristics and outcomes were retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 11 EPIs were included with 5 males and 6 females. The median gestational age (GA) was 24(22.6, 25.2) weeks. The median birth weight (BW) was 580(490, 770) g. The most common primary diagnoses were moderate/severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (5/11) and early-onset sepsis (3/11). The median age starting iNO therapy was 6.5(4.5, 34.0)h and the median duration of iNO was 24(12, 36)h. The median iNO starting dose was 5(5, 8) ppm and the therapeutic range was 5-20 ppm. Therapeutic efficacy was defined as ≥30% FiO 2 reduction after 6 h of iNO treatment. The treatment was effective in 8 cases. The oxygenation index (OI) decreased more than 10% from baseline 1 h after initiation in 9 patients and in all 11 patients after 12 h of iNO. The reduction of OI was more prominent in EPIs with a higher OI at baseline. Of the 11 patients, 8 survived, 1 died and 2 abandoned further treatments. Conclusions:As an early rescue therapy for EPIs with refractory HRF, iNO can improve oxygenation without obvious short-term adverse effects.

Clinical features and risk factors of pulmonary hemorrhage in extremely preterm infants / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the clinical features and risk factors of pulmonary hemorrhage in extremely preterm (EPT) infants.Methods:From February 2018 to January 2022, EPT infants admitted to NICU of our hospital and diagnosed with pulmonary hemorrhage were retrospectively assigned into the observation group and those without pulmonary hemorrhage were assigned into the control group. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to compare the clinical features and determine risk factors of pulmonary hemorrhage in EPT infants.Results:A total of 114 EPT infants were included, including 28 cases (24.6%) in the observation group with pulmonary hemorrhage and 86 cases in the control group. Pulmonary hemorrhage mainly occurred within the first week after birth. Univariate analysis showed that the observation group had higher incidences of following events than the control group: birth asphyxia, delivery room intubation, severe respiratory distress syndrome, hyperglycemia, thrombocytopenia, severe acidosis, shock, score for neonatal acute physiology with perinatal extension-Ⅱ (SNAPPE-Ⅱ) ≥37 and the highest lactate level. Birth weight was lower in the observation group than the control group ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that SNAPPE-Ⅱ≥37, shock and hyperglycemia were risk factors of pulmonary hemorrhage ( OR=4.081, 4.610 and 3.355, respectively, all P<0.05). The incidences of mortality and intracranial hemorrhage in the observation group were higher than the control group. The duration of mechanical ventilation in the observation group was longer than the control group ( P<0.05). No significant differences existed in the duration of nasal continuous positive airway pressure, assist mechanical ventilation and total oxygen use, the incidences of grade Ⅱ-Ⅲ bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity and the length of hospital stay ( P>0.05). Conclusions:SNAPPE-Ⅱ≥37, shock and hyperglycemia are early risk factors for pulmonary hemorrhage in EPT infants. EPT infants with pulmonary hemorrhage have higher incidences of mortality and intracranial hemorrhage, requiring longer periods of mechanical ventilation.

The correlation of bone metabolism biomarkers in newborn twins and their pregnant mothers / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the correlation of bone metabolism biomarkers between newborn twins and their mothers during pregnancy.Methods:From January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2022, newborn twins with mild symptoms admitted to the neonatal department of our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical data of the twins and their mothers were collected, including bone metabolism biomarkers of the twins within 3 d after birth and their mothers within last month during pregnancy. The twins were assigned into different groups according to gestational age(GA), birth weight(BW), the relationship between BW and GA(appropriate for GA(AGA),small for GA(SGA) and large for GA(LGA), birth season, gender, and the mothers' age, ethnicity, pre-delivery body mass index (BMI), gestational BMI increase, number of births and chorionic properties. The correlations of bone metabolism biomarkers between the twins and their mothers were analyzed.Results:A total of 302 pairs of twins were included. The incidence of insufficient or deficient serum 25-(OH)D 3 was 97.4% among the mothers, and 87.7% among the twins. The levels of blood phosphorus ( r=0.262, P<0.001) and 25-(OH)D 3 ( r=0.239, P=0.002) in mothers were positively correlated with the twin with larger BW. No significant differences existed in 25-(OH)D 3 between genders, AGA,SGA and LGA, birth season, and mothers' age, ethnicity, pre-delivery BMI, gestational BMI increase and chorionic properties( P>0.05). 25-(OH)D 3 in the twins were positively correlated with BW and 25-(OH)D 3 of mothers before delivery ( P<0.05) and negatively correlated with number of births ( P<0.05). Conclusions:In most mothers and their newborn twins, 25-(OH)D 3 are insufficient or deficient. The levels of blood phosphorus and 25-(OH) D 3 are correlated between the newborns and their mothers. The lower the BW of the newborn, the more times the mother give birth and the lower the mother's pre-delivery 25-(OH)D 3 level, the lower the newborn's 25-(OH)D 3 level.

Neonatal nonketotic hyperglycinemia: a case report and literature review / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the phenotypes and genotypes of neonatal nonketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH).Methods:A neonate with severe NKH admitted to our hospital was retrospectively analyzed. Using keywords 'glycine cleavage enzyme', 'glycine decarboxylase', 'nonketotic hyperglycinemia' and 'glycine encephalopathy' (both in Chinese and English), multiple medical databases were searched until December 31, 2022. The clinical phenotypes and genotypes of neonatal NKH were summarized.Results:For our case, the neonate was lethargy and had no appetite on the second day of life, followed by recurrent seizures and irregular breathing, requiring mechanical ventilation. She died at 3 weeks of age. Two compound heterozygous variants were found in GLDC gene from whole exome sequencing , one was c.848C>G(p.A283G) of maternal origin and one was c.1607G>A(p.R536Q) of paternal origin. The former was a novel mutation. A total of 54 cases (including this case) were collected. The main clinical manifestations included poor feeding, decreased muscle tone, hiccups, progressive lethargy, irregular breathing, apnea and neonatal seizures. 42 cases (77.8%) had GLDC gene mutations, 9 cases (16.7%) had AMT gene mutations, 2 cases (3.7%) had LIAS gene mutations and 1 case (1.9%) had GCSH gene mutations. Conclusions:Neurological manifestations are most common in neonatal NKH with wide clinical variations. GLDC gene mutations are the predominant pathogenic mutations.

Dynamic changes and influencing factors of vitamin K levels in neonates / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the incidences of vitamin K 1 and K 2 deficiency (VKD) in umbilical cord blood (UBC) of neonates and the dynamic changes and influencing factors of serum vitamin K 1 levels after preventive vitamin K 1 supplementation. Methods:From January 2021 to June 2022, neonates born in the Obstetrics Department of our hospital were prospectively enrolled and the levels of vitamin K 1 and K 2 in UBC and serum vitamin K 1 levels at 14 d and 28 d after vitamin K 1 supplementation were measured. The neonates were assigned into hospitalization group and healthy group and further assigned into early-preterm, late-preterm and full-term groups based on gestational age (GA). The incidences of VKD of different GA were studied. Dynamic changes of vitamin K 1 levels were calculated. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of vitamin K 1 levels in hospitalization group at 28 d. Results:A total of 100 neonates were included. 80 neonates were hospitalized, including 25 early-preterm, 25 late-preterm and 30 full-term. 20 were healthy full-term neonates. No significant differences existed in the incidences of VKD of different GA ( P>0.05), however, the overall incidences were high (82.0% and 84.0%, respectively). After preventive vitamin K 1 supplementation, the levels of vitamin K 1 in full-term and preterm groups at 14 d were higher than at birth and 28 d. The levels of vitamin K 1 in hospitalized full-term neonates at 14 d and 28 d were higher than hospitalized preterm neonates. The levels of vitamin K 1 at 28 d in healthy group was significantly higher than hospitalization group ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that maternal complications during pregnancy ( OR=5.889, 95% CI 1.621-21.399, P=0.007) and neonatal antibiotic use ( OR=5.615, 95% CI 1.833-17.221, P=0.003) were risk factors and formula feeding ( OR=0.389, 95% CI 0.193-0.786, P=0.008) was a protective factor for VKD. Conclusions:VKD is common in neonates. The serum vitamin K 1 level increases significantly after preventive vitamin K 1 supplementation. The vitamin K 1 levels of hospitalized full-term neonates at 14 d and 28 d are higher than hospitalized preterm neonates. The levels of vitamin K 1 at 28 d in hospitalized neonates are influenced by feeding methods, maternal complications during pregnancy and neonatal antibiotic use.

The myocardial protection of HTK versus del Nido cardioplegia solutions in neonates with surgeries for transposition of the great arteries : A propensity score matching study / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To compare and analyze the effect of myocardial protection between HTK and del Nido cardioplegia solutions in neonates with surgeries for transposition of the great arteries. Methods    The clinical data of 208 neonates with complete transposition of the great arteries in our institution from 2014 to 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the cardioplegia solutions utilized in the operations, the patients were divided into two groups: a HTK group and a del Nido group. Propensity score matching was conducted to eliminate the biases. The cardiopulmonary bypass time, aortic cross-clamping time, total amount of cardioplegia solutions, transfusion frequency of cardioplegia, ICU stay time, mechanical support time, inotropic score, hospital stay, left ventricular ejection fraction, N-terminal proBNP and troponin I were compared and analyzed between the two groups after matching. Results    After 1:1 propensity score matching, a total of 54 patients were analyzed with 27 patients in each group. In the HTK group, there were 22 males and 5 females with a median age of 7.0 (2.0, 11.0) d. In the del Nido group, there were 23 males and 4 females with a median age of 8.0 (3.0, 11.0) d. A total of 3 children died after the surgery: 2 (7.4%) patients in the HTK group and 1 (3.7%) patient in the del Nido group. There was no significant difference in hospital mortality between the two groups (P=1.000). The total amount of cardioplegia solutions in the HTK group was significantly higher than that of del Nido group (P<0.001). Transfusion frequency of cardioplegia in del Nido group was significantly higher than that of the HTK group (P=0.043). There was no significant difference in the postoperative ICU time, mechanical support time, length of hospital stay, inotropic score, left ventricular ejection fraction, N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor or troponin I between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion    For neonates with surgeries for complete transposition of the great arteries, HTK cardioplegia solutions can provide effective and safe myocardial protection, which is similar to del Nido cardioplegia solutions.