Effects of synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation versus pressure support plus volume guarantee ventilation in the weaning phase of preterm infants*.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects and short-term outcomes of pressure support ventilation with volume guarantee versus synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation in the weaning phase of very low-birth weight infants with respiratory distress syndrome. DESIGN: Randomized controlled prospective study. SETTING: Tertiary care neonatal unit. PATIENTS: A total of 60 premature infants who were less than 33 weeks' gestation and/or less than 1,500 g birth weight and received mechanical ventilation because of respiratory distress syndrome were studied. INTERVENTIONS: All infants were ventilated from the time of admission with synchronized intermittent positive pressure ventilation mode after surfactant treatment for respiratory distress syndrome and then switched to pressure support ventilation with volume guarantee or synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation mode in the weaning phase. The ventilatory variables and neonatal outcomes were recorded in each group. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean peak inflation pressure was higher in synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation group (p < 0.001) and the mean airway pressure was higher in pressure support ventilation with volume guarantee group (p = 0.03), whereas mean tidal volume and respiratory rates were similar in both groups. The prevalence of postextubation atelectasis was higher in synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). No differences were found in the prevalence of reintubation, patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and pneumothorax between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure support ventilation with volume guarantee mode may be a safe and feasible mode during the weaning phase of very low-birth weight infants on mechanical ventilation support for respiratory distress syndrome with respect to reducing the frequency of postextubation atelectasis and using less peak inflation pressure.

Reference ranges of kidney dimensions in term newborns: sonographic measurements.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonographic measurement of kidney dimensions is important in evaluation of renal disease during the neonatal period, when renal abnormalities are common and renal size rapidly changes with age. OBJECTIVE: To determine the reference ranges of kidney dimensions in newborns and to provide a reference chart for daily practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, kidney dimensions were evaluated in 385 healthy newborns with a gestational age ≥37 weeks. Each neonate seen at an obstetrics clinic and neonatal intensive care unit was examined with sonography within the first week of life. Relationships of all dimensions with gender, gestational age, height and weight were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: All dimensions of the kidneys were smaller in girls than in boys (P < 0.05). The dimensions of the left kidney were larger than those in the right kidney in both genders (P < 0.01). Longitudinal and anteroposterior dimensions of the right and left kidneys showed no correlation with the gestational age in either gender. The dimensions correlated with the height in boys (P < 0.01), while no correlation was seen between the dimensions and height in girls (P < 0.05). Weight had the best correlation with all dimensions in both genders. CONCLUSION: The reference values of kidney lengths and diagrams from this study may be useful in the sonographic evaluation of kidneys in newborns.

Reference ranges for sonographic renal dimensions in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasonographic measurement of kidney dimensions is important in evaluation of renal disease in preterm infants who have multiple comorbidities that affect renal function. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the reference ranges of kidney dimensions in preterm newborns and to provide a chart to use easily in daily practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We evaluated renal dimensions in 498 preterm infants with a gestational age of <37 weeks using sonography within the first week of life. We statistically analyzed the relationships between all dimensions and gender, gestational age (based on the last menstrual period), height and weight. Minimum and maximum values of dimensions were defined. RESULTS: All dimensions of the kidneys were statistically different in boys and girls (P < 0.05). Both longitudinal and anteroposterior dimensions of the right and left kidneys showed high correlation with gestational age, weight and height in girls and boys. Weight correlated best with dimensions. CONCLUSION: Nomograms from these data can be used to determine an abnormality in kidneys of preterm newborns.

Reference ranges for sonographic dimensions of the liver and spleen in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants usually have multiple comorbidities that affect spleen and liver. Ultrasonographic measurement of organ sizes is an important and reliable parameter in evaluation of spleen and liver pathology in preterm newborns. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine reference values of ultrasonographic measurements of the liver and spleen in preterm newborns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We prospectively performed sonography on 498 preterm newborns in the first week of life. We measured spleen and liver dimensions and statistically analyzed relationships between the dimensions and gender, gestational age (based on mother's last menstrual period), height and weight. Reference ranges of dimensions were defined. RESULTS: Longitudinal and anteroposterior dimensions of the liver and spleen were statistically significantly different between the boys and girls (P < 0.05) and showed high correlation with the gestational age, weight and height. Weight was the parameter best correlated with the dimensions. CONCLUSION: Nomograms from these data are useful for sonographic evaluation of the liver and spleen in preterm newborns.

Escherichia coli brain abscess in a twin pair associated with TLR4 gene mutation.

Brain abscesses are uncommon complications of bacterial meningitis or sepsis in neonates and infants. The causative pathogens of brain abscess in newborns are various. Of those, Escherichia coli is rarely seen as a pathogen in brain abscess at this age. Herein we reported brain abscesses in twin infants caused by E. coli sepsis. Interestingly, genetic analysis identified heterozygous Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) gene mutation in the twins. Because TLR plays an important role in the natural response to bacterial products and initiates specific immune response against these pathogens, this may explain the development of brain abscess in the present case.

An unusual case of trisomy 18 associated with paucity of bile ducts.

A case of neonatal cholestasis associated with Trisomy 18 (Edward's syndrome) is presented. A 3-day-old boy was referred to our clinic due to respiratory distress, elevated serum direct bilirubin levels, a systolic heart murmur, growth restriction and micrognathia. Liver biopsy and chromosomal analysis revealed paucity of intrahepatic bile ducts and Trisomy 18. Extrahepatic biliary atresia was reported in only a few patients with Trisomy 18. To our knowledge, we described for the first time a patient with Trisomy 18 and neonatal cholestasis associated with paucity of interlobular bile ducts.

Reticular dysgenesis in a preterm infant: a case report.

Reticular dysgenesis (RD) is a rare congenital immunodeficiency classified within the severe combined immunodeficiencies (SCIDs) and characterized by impairment of both lymphoid and myeloid cell development. Neutropenia unresponsive to recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rGCSF) is the hallmark of RD and the clinical course is rapidly fatal due to overwhelming infections. The authors report a female newborn at 32 weeks of gestation presenting with severe leukopenia at birth. The bone marrow showed a maturation arrest in the myeloid and lymphoid lineage. She had no response to granulocyte colony stimulating factor (rGCSF) treatment and died with sepsis at age of 2 months.

Value of urinary kidney injury molecule-1 levels in predicting acute kidney injury in very low birth weight preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the significance of urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (uKIM-1) levels in predicting acute kidney injury (AKI) and mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. METHODS: This prospective, observational cohort study was conducted on 39 VLBW preterm infants. Serum creatinine (SCr) and uKIM-1 levels were measured in the first 24 and 48 to 72 hours of life. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated. Levels of uKIM-1 were measured with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Among 39 VLBW infants, 9 (23%) developed AKI. The mortality rate was 17.9% (n = 7 neonates). There was no significant difference in SCr levels, uKIM-1 levels, or the eGFR obtained in the first 24 hours in the AKI group compared with controls. However, significant differences were found in SCr and uKIM-1 levels, and the eGFR rate at 48 to 72 hours between the groups. Levels of uKIM-1 were significantly higher in non-survivors than in survivors in the first 24 and 48 to 72 hours of life. CONCLUSION: The level of uKIM-1 can be used as a simple noninvasive diagnostic method for predicting AKI and mortality, especially within 48 to 72 hours of life.Clinical trial registration: We do not have a clinical trial registration ID. In Turkey, clinical trial registration is not required for non-drug, noninvasive, clinical studies.

Reference ranges of liver and spleen dimensions in term infants: sonographic measurements.

PURPOSE: To determine reference values of ultrasonographic measurements of the liver and spleen in newborns and to provide a reference chart to use easily in daily practice. METHODS: In this prospective study, spleen and liver dimensions were evaluated in 384 healthy newborns with a gestation age ≥37 weeks in an obstetrics clinic and neonatal intensive care unit with sonography within the first week of life. Relationships of all dimensions with sex, gestational age, height, and weight were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the two sexes in any dimensions of the liver and spleen (p > 0.05). Longitudinal and anteroposterior dimensions of the liver and spleen showed no correlation with the gestational age. All dimensions of the liver and spleen showed a high correlation with the height and weight. Weight was the best correlated with all dimensions. CONCLUSION: The reference values of spleen and liver lengths and diagrams from this study may be useful in the sonographic evaluation of the spleen and liver in newborns.

The Association between Vitamin D Levels and Urinary Tract Infection in Children.

AIM: We aimed to examine whether there is any association between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D3] and urinary tract infection (UTI) among children. METHODS: White blood cell count, serum C-reactive protein, calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase, parathormone, and serum 25(OH)D3 levels were measured in 82 children experiencing a first episode of UTI, with no risk factors for UTI, and 64 healthy control children. RESULTS: The mean serum levels of 25(OH)D3 among children with UTI were significantly lower than those of controls (11.7 ± 3.3 vs. 27.6 ± 4.7 ng/ml; p < 0.001). The serum levels of 25(OH)D3 were significantly lower in patients with acute pyelonephritis compared to patients with lower UTI (8.6 ± 2.8 vs. 14.2 ± 3.0 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Within the study group, mean serum levels of 25(OH)D3 among girls were lower than those of boys (10.9 ± 3.4 ng/ml vs. 13.2 ± 4.4 ng/ml; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that a serum 25(OH)D3 level of <20 ng/ml (odds ratio 3.503, 95% confidence interval 1.621-7.571; p = 0.001) was associated with UTI in children. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that vitamin D deficiency may be a risk factor for UTI in children.

The effect of topical ointment on neonatal sepsis in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of topical ointment therapy on neonatal sepsis in premature infants. METHODS: A total of 197 premature infants≤34 weeks gestation were randomized to receive topical ointment (Aquaphor Original Emollient) or routine skin care group. Skin cultures were obtained on 3th, 7th and 14th day and blood cultures were obtained if sepsis was suspected clinically. Data included the maternal and neonatal characteristics, factors affecting the risk of sepsis and neonatal outcomes of both groups were collected. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in terms of gestational age, birth weight, gender, mode of delivery, multiple pregnancy and receiving antenatal corticosteroids between the study and control group. No statistically significant difference was found in the prevalence of sepsis, in the positive skin culture rates at any follow-up and in terms of the neonatal morbidities including patent ductus arteriosus and necrotizing enterocolitis between the groups. Although the rate of death was higher in the topical ointment group, no statistically significant difference was found between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests that applying topical ointment during the first 2 postnatal weeks did not affect the risk of neonatal sepsis in preterm infants, although it changed the bacterial flora on the skin compare to the routine care group.

Hemlock (Conium Maculatum) Poisoning In A Child.

Poison hemlock (Conium maculatum) is a plant that is poisonous for humans and animals. Accidental ingestion of the plant may result in central nervous system depression, respiratory failure, acute rhabdomyolysis, acute renal failure and even death. The main treatment of hemlock poisoning is supportive care. The case of a 6-year-old girl who was admitted to the emergency department with complaints of burning sensation in mouth, hypersalivation, tremor in hands and ataxia after ingestion of poison hemlock is presented here with clinical and laboratory features. In this case, we aim to report that accidental ingestion of plants resembling vegetables that are consumed daily can lead to serious complications and even death.

The mean platelet volume levels in children with PFAPA syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: To assess whether mean platelet volume (MPV) can be used as a marker in the differential diagnosis of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome. METHODS: The leucocyte counts, thrombocyte counts, and MPV values of 57 children with PFAPA syndrome were recorded during an attack and an attack free period. These values were compared with a healthy control group of 55 individuals. Demographic features of the PFAPA patients group including age, gender and age of first attack, age at diagnosis, frequency of attacks, serum reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were also recorded. RESULTS: The MPV values of the children with PFAPA both during an attack and attack free period were found significantly lower than the MPV values of healthy control group (p<0.001). Also, the MPV values of the children with PFAPA during an attack were significantly lower than in attack free periods (p<0.001). The MPV values showed no correlation with leucocytes counts, CRP, and ESR during attacks. A 8.30fl [area under the curve (AUC: 0.965)] optimal cutoff value of MPV with a sensitivity of 89.5% and specificity of 92.8% was determined during an attack in children with PFAPA. CONCLUSIONS: The MPV values during an attack and attack free period of patients with PFAPA is lower than in controls. The MPV values may be used as a marker in the differential diagnosis of PFAPA syndrome but more studies are needed and they should be prospective in order to validate this data.

Comparison of oral and intravenous fluid therapy in newborns with hypernatremic dehydration.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of oral and intravenous fluid therapy in newborns with hypernatremic dehydration. METHODS: A total of 75 term and near-term (>35 weeks) neonates with hypernatremic dehydration (Na ≥ 150 mmol/L) were included in this retrospective study. The patients were divided into two groups according to therapy approach for rehydration (breast milk-oral formula and intravenous fluid). The decline in sodium concentration (<0.5 mmol/L/h was regarded as safe drop) and complications were analyzed. RESULTS: The mean gestational age, birth weight and age at admission were 38.9 ± 1.4(36-42) weeks, 3341 ± 504 (2500-4500) gram and 4.3 ± 2.6 (1-17) day, respectively. Fever (61.8%) and jaundice (39.4%) were the most common presenting signs. Forty-four (58.6%) of the infants were treated with breast milk and/or oral formula (group 1) and 31 (41.4%) of the infants were treated with IV fluid (group 2). In group 1 and group 2, respectively, mean % weight loss, 5 and 7.5; median serum sodium at admission, 153 and 152 mmol/L; median change in sodium at 12 hours, 7 and 11 mmol/L; and median change in sodium at 24 hours, 10 and 15 mmol/L. The decline in sodium concentration was more safely in group 1 than group 2 at both 12 and 24 hours of rehydration. One patient had convulsion associated with cerebral edema in group 2. Otherwise no complication was observed in both groups. CONCLUSION: Enteral route for fluid replacement may be safe and effective and may be an alternative to intravenous fluid therapy in newborns with hypernatremic dehydration when clinical situation is stable.

Unsynchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants after extubation.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of unsynchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation compared to continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants after extubation. METHODS: A total of 67 premature infants who were <35 weeks gestation and/or <2000 g birth weight and received mechanical ventilation because of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were studied. Infants were randomized to receive either unsynchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) with shortened endotracheal tube (Group 1) or nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) with binasal prongs (Group 2) after extubation. Extubation failure and neonatal outcomes were recorded in each group. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between the two groups. The prevalence of re-intubation and post-extubation atelectasis were higher in CPAP group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.01). No differences were observed in the prevalence of IVH, ROP, PDA, NEC, sepsis, pneumothorax, BPD and BPD/death between the groups while the mortality was higher in NCPAP group (p < 0.01). Neither procedure had any serious side effects such as intestinal perforation. CONCLUSION: NIPPV (although non-synchronized and delivered by single nasal prong) had a better effect than NCPAP after extubation of preterm infants on mechanical ventilation in respect to reducing the prevalence of post-extubation atelectasis, re-intubation and also death.

Papaverine intoxication in a newborn: an unusual case report.

Herbal agents are increasingly used for medicinal purposes, but there is a lack of knowledge about the content of these agents. Indiscriminate use of herbal agents may cause severe side effects and also death. We report a newborn who developed convulsions and respiratory arrest after oral intake of an opium poppy preparation containing papaverine for its antitussive effect. The infant experienced a good outcome with supportive treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time a newborn with papaverine intoxication has been described. Parents should avoid self-medication of their children, and the possibility of exposure to foreign products should be kept in mind in any seizure of a newborn with unexplained origin.

Association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and TTN.

AIM: To investigate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D3) levels and transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). METHODS: Calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), parathormone (PTH) and serum 25(OH)D3 levels were measured in 51 infants diagnosed with TTN and 59 healthy control infants for comparison. Demographic factors including gestational age, birth weight, gender, delivery mode, parity, vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy and severity of TTN were recorded. RESULTS: The serum levels of 25(OH)D3 were significantly lower in infants with TTN compared to infants with no respiratory distress (p < 0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in serum Ca, P and ALP levels between the groups while the serum levels of PTH were significantly higher in the study group (p < 0.01). No correlation was found between the serum 25(OH)D3 levels and severity of TTN. Vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/day) during pregnancy did not affect the serum levels of newborns. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that lower 25(OH)D3 serum levels are associated with an increased risk of TTN and vitamin D may have a role in the pathogenesis of TTN.

Neuronal apoptosis in the neonates born to preeclamptic mothers.

OBJECTIVE: Preeclampsia may result in uteroplacental insufficiency and chronic intrauterine fetal distress. The aim of this study is to address this issue investigating neuronal apoptosis in an experimental model of preeclampsia and to evaluate the neurological outcome of the perinatal asphyxia in the neonates born to preeclamptic mother. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two out of four pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats (preeclamptic group) were given water containing 1.8% NaCl on gestation day 15 and 22 in order to establish the model of preeclampsia whereas other two (non-preeclamptic group) received normal diet. A model of perinatal asphyxia was established on the postnatal 7th day to one preeclamptic and one non-preeclamptic dam. Overall 23 pups born to overall four dams were decapitated to assess neuronal apoptosis by the TUNEL assay. RESULTS: The number of apoptotic neuronal cells was significantly higher in the preeclampsia groups in comparison with the control group (p = 0.006 and p = 0.006, respectively). It was also significantly higher in the asphyctic/non-preeclamptic group than the count in the control group (p = 0.01). There was also significant difference between both asphyctic groups (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: We conclude that preeclampsia causes small babies for the gestational age and cerebral hypoplasia. Both preeclampsia and perinatal asphyxia can cause increased neuronal apoptosis in the neonatal brains. However, the prognosis for neurological outcome is much worse when the perinatal asphyxia occurs in newborns born to preeclamptic mothers.

Homocysteine levels and its association with intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants born to preeclamptic mothers.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between serum homocysteine levels and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants born to preeclamptic mothers. METHOD: This study included 84 preterm infants (42 born to preeclamptic mothers and 42 born to normotensive healthy mothers) who were admitted to Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital Neonatology Clinic on the postnatal first day. The measurement of homocysteine levels in all samples were performed with an Immulite 2000 analyzer, using the chemiluminescence method. Cranial ultrasounds were performed on the fourth day and in the 1 month of age. RESULTS: The mean plasma levels of homocysteine in infants born to preeclamptic mothers and in the control group were 8.2 ± 5.9 µmol/L and 5.3 ± 2.7 µmol/L, respectively. The plasma levels of homocysteine were significantly higher in the study group (p = 0.006). There was no association between the plasma homocysteine levels and IVH or other neonatal complications including necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and mortality. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that plasma levels of homocysteine are higher among infants born to preeclamptic mothers, but these high levels are not associated with IVH and other neonatal complications in preterm infants.

Amniotic band sequence: an extreme case.

Amniotic band sequence (ABS) is a rare cause of fetal disruptions associated with fibrous bands that entrap various fetal parts in utero and lead to abnormalities. Fetal disruptions of ABS are influenced by the timing of the amnion rupture and the site of amnion adherence. Herein we report an extreme case of ABS presented with dysmorphic face, amputation of four extremities and fusion of legs and genitalia with a fibrotic band. This is an extreme case of ABS characterized by an unusual combination of multiple fetal anomalies.