Effects of maternal aspirin treatment on hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants - pilot study.

AIM: To assess the burden of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hs-PDA) in preterm infants exposed to aspirin in utero. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 21 preterm infants <34 weeks whose mothers were treated with aspirin during gestation, and were screened for patent ductus arteriosus due to severe respiratory distress syndrome and the need for positive pressure ventilation. These infants were compared to 42 preterm infants born without exposure to aspirin in utero. RESULTS: We found significantly lower frequency of hs-PDA and higher rate of successful pharmacological PDA closure after single course of ibuprofen treatment along with significantly lower cumulative doses of ibuprofen in the study group. Furthermore, PDA closure was achieved significantly earlier in the study group (day 4 versus 11, p = .02). CONCLUSION: Aspirin treatment during pregnancy seemed to reduce the incidence of hs-PDA in preterm infant and to increase infant responsiveness to postnatal medical treatment of PDA.

Dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease risk factors in patients with type 1 diabetes: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Type 1 diabetes (T1D) contributes to altered lipid profiles and increases the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Youth with T1D may have additional CVD risk factors within the first decade of diagnosis. AIM: To examine risk factors for dyslipidemia in young subjects with T1D. METHODS: Longitudinal and cross-sectional retrospective study of 170 young subjects with T1D (86 males; baseline mean age 12.2 ± 5.6 years and hemoglobin A1c 8.4% ± 1.4%) were followed in a single tertiary diabetes center for a median duration of 15 years. Predictors for outcomes of lipid profiles at last visit (total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TGs], low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-c], and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-c]) were analyzed by stepwise linear regression models. RESULTS: At baseline, 79.5% of the patients had at least one additional CVD risk factor (borderline dyslipidemia/dyslipidemia [37.5%], pre-hypertension/hypertension [27.6%], and overweight/obesity [16.5%]) and 41.6% had multiple (≥ 2) CVD risk factors. A positive family history of at least one CVD risk factor in a first-degree relative was reported in 54.1% of the cohort. Predictors of elevated TC: family history of CVD (ß[SE] = 23.1[8.3], P = 0.006); of elevated LDL-c: baseline diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (ß[SE] = 11.4[4.7], P = 0.003) and family history of CVD (ß[SE] = 20.7[6.8], P = 0.017); of elevated TGs: baseline DBP (ß[SE] = 23.8[9.1], P = 0.010) and family history of CVD (ß[SE] = 31.0[13.1], P = 0.020); and of low HDL-c levels: baseline DBP (ß[SE] = 4.8[2.1], P = 0.022]). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that elevated lipid profiles are associated with DBP and a positive family history of CVD. It is of utmost importance to prevent and control modifiable risk factors such as these, as early as childhood, given that inadequate glycemic control and elevation in blood pressure intensify the risk of dyslipidemia.

The Barriers to Neonatal Hepatitis B Vaccination in Israel: A Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Opposition to neonatal Hepatitis B vaccination is a growing trend in Israel. OBJECTIVES: To assess the sociodemographic factors and attitudes associated with non-vaccination of term singleton newborns. METHODS: This prospective, pair-matched, controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary university-affiliated hospital. Data on maternal sociodemographic parameters, delivery, and infant care practices were gathered. Knowledge and references of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination, vaccination schedule, and health government policies were assessed. A follow-up telephone survey was completed at the age of 7 weeks postpartum regarding vaccine catch-up rate. RESULTS: Mothers in the study group were mostly Jewish white middle class married multiparous women with some higher education. Hepatitis B serology was not tested in most. Higher rates of rooming-in and exclusive breastfeeding were observed. Knowledge about HBV was stated, multiple sources of information were significantly associated with newborn non-vaccination. Many objected to the timing of the vaccine and its necessity. Multiple medical encounters are viewed as missed opportunities. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple sources of vaccine information are associated with non-vaccination. Medical encounters prior and post-delivery should be used for vaccination education and may improve vaccination coverage.

Green Breast Milk Following Ingestion of Blue-Green Algae: A Case Report.

Breast milk is an excellent nutritional source for newborns, and a change in its color can be alarming to both mother and physician, and may prevent breastfeeding. Different colors of breast milk have been reported such as blood-stained, blue, and bluish-green. We present the first case of green breast milk caused by maternal ingestion of blue-green algae pills immediately before and after delivery. The score on the Naranjo Adverse Drug Reaction Probability Scale was 5, indicating a probable adverse drug reaction. Laboratory analysis yielded no other abnormalities in the milk. The mother stopped taking the supplement, and the milk returned to its normal appearance 3 days later. This report should alert physicians to include supplement intake as part of the anamnesis for new mothers who present with breast milk changes.

Phenotypic variability in patients with fanconi-bickel syndrome with identical mutations.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the phenotypic features of an ethnically homogenous group of patients with Fanconi-Bickel syndrome harboring the p.R310X mutation. METHODS: The study group consisted of eight patients from a single Bedouin family with clinically and molecularly diagnosed Fanconi-Bickel syndrome who had been followed at the same tertiary medical center for 8 years or more. All were homozygous for the p.R310X mutation. The medical files were reviewed for presenting signs and symptoms, laboratory and imaging findings, treatment regimens, and disease severity over time. RESULTS: Seven patients were diagnosed at our center before age 1 year, and one transferred from another center at age 16 years. Most patients presented with failure to thrive and/or hepatomegaly. All had short stature and doll-like facies. Most had biochemical abnormalities. Evaluation of the long-term findings revealed a wide spectrum of disease severity according to the following parameters: growth patterns, maximal electrolyte replacement therapy, skeletal and renal complications, frequency of follow-up visits, and hospitalizations for disease exacerbations. There was no apparent association of the clinical picture at presentation and later disease severity. CONCLUSION: Fanconi-Bickel syndrome has a broad phenotypic variability in patients harboring the same homozygous p.R301X mutation. This finding might be explained by genetic elements such as modifier genes and epigenetic factors, as well as the effects of still-undetermined environmental and nutritional factors.

[Magnesium and bronchopulmonary dysplasia].

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that occurs in premature infants who have needed mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy. BPD is defined as the presence of persistent respiratory symptoms, the need for supplemental oxygen to treat hypoxemia, and an abnormal chest radiograph at 36 weeks gestational age. Proinflammatory cytokines and altered angiogenic gene signaling impair prenatal and postnatal lung growth, resulting in BPD. Postnatal hyperoxia exposure further increases the production of cytotoxic free radicals, which cause lung injury and increase the levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Magnesium is the fourth most abundant metal in the body. It is commonly used for the treatment of preeclamsia, as well as for premature labor alleviation. Magnesium's role in BPD development is not clear. A significant association between high magnesium levels at birth and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), pulmonary interstitial emphysema in the extremely low birth weight, respiratory failure, and later development BPD was found. Conversely, low magnesium intake is associated with lower lung functions, and hypomagnesemia was found in 16% of patients with acute pulmonary diseases. Magnesium is used for the treatment of asthmatic attacks. Magnesium deficiency in pregnant women is frequently seen due to low intake. Hypomagnesemia was also found among preterm neonates and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Experimental hypomagnesemia evokes an inflammatory response, and oxidative damage of tissues. These were accompanied by changes in gene expression mostly involved in regulation of cell cycle, apoptosis and remodeling, processes associated with BPD. It is rational to believe that hypomagnesemia can contribute to BPD pathogenesis.

Birth trauma--risk factors and short-term neonatal outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The ability to predict birth trauma (BT) based on the currently recognized risk factors is limited and there is little information regarding the short-term neonatal outcome following BT. We aimed to identify risk factors for BT and to evaluate the effect of BT on short-term neonatal outcome. METHODS: A retrospective, cohort, case-control study of all cases of BT in a single tertiary center (1986-2009). The control group included the two subsequent full-term singleton neonates who did not experienced BT. Short-term neonatal outcome was compared between the groups including Apgar scores, NICU admission, duration of hospitalization and neurologic, respiratory and metabolic morbidity. RESULTS: Of the 118 280 singleton full-term newborns delivered during the study period, 2874 were diagnosed with BT (24.3/1000). The most frequent types of BT were scalp injuries (63.9%, 15.5/1000) and clavicular fracture (32.1%, 7.7/1000). The following factors were found to be independent risk factors for BT: instrumental delivery (OR 7.5, 95% CI 6.3-8.9), birth weight, delivery during risk hours, parity, maternal age and neonatal head circumference. Cesarean delivery was the only factor protective of BT (OR 0.2, 95% CI 0.2-0.3). Neonates in the study group had a prolonged length of hospital stay (3.3 versus 2.7 d, p = 0.001), were more likely to be admitted to the NICU (3.9% versus 1.9%, p < 0.001), and had a higher rate of jaundice (11.9% versus 7.1%, p < 0.001) and neurological morbidity (4.7% versus 2.3%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Instrumental delivery appears to be responsible for most cases of neonatal BT.

Intestinal perforation in very-low-birth-weight infants with necrotizing enterocolitis.

PURPOSE: To identify risk factors for intestinal perforation in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). METHODS: Retrospective case-control study over a 10-year period, using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses to compare all VLBW infants treated for perforated NEC, with two age and weight-matched groups: infants with non-perforated NEC and infants without NEC. RESULTS: Twenty infants with perforated NEC were matched to 20 infants with non-perforated NEC and 38 infants without NEC. Infants with perforated NEC were younger (p<0.01) and had higher rates of abdominal distention, metabolic acidosis, hyperglycemia and elevated liver enzymes (p<0.05). On logistic regression analysis, abdominal distention was associated with an increased risk of intestinal perforation (OR 39.8, 95% CI 2.71-585) and late onset of NEC (one-day increments) was associated with a decreased risk (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-1.0). CONCLUSION: Identification of abdominal distention at an early age in VLBW infants should lead to increased vigilance for signs of perforated NEC and may enable early intervention.

Management of term newborns following maternal intrapartum fever.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to full term neonates born to mothers with intrapartum fever. METHODS: In a retrospective study, neonates born to mothers with intrapartum fever, (≥ 37.8°C), were compared to control group matched by gestational age and birthweight. RESULTS: Overall, 159 singleton full term neonates born to women with intrapartum fever (study group) were compared to 159 control infants. No differences in neonatal outcomes were found between the two groups except for a higher rate of meconium-stained amniotic fluid in the maternal-fever group. There were no cases of neonatal infection, severe neonatal morbidity, or neonatal mortality in either of the groups. Full sepsis workup and intravenous antibiotic treatment were provided to 17.6% of the neonates in the study group. Logistic regression analysis revealed that delivery by Cesarean section was the only factor independently associated with the decision to perform a full sepsis work up and antibiotic treatment in cases of maternal intrapartum fever (OR 32.0, 95% CI 9.4-112.1). CONCLUSIONS: In low-risk women with asymptomatic intrapartum fever, neonatal infection is uncommon, so that aggressive evaluation and management of these infants may not be necessary and should be balanced against the low risk of neonatal sepsis.

Síndrome de Munchausen por poder / Munchausen syndrome by proxy

El síndrome de Munchausen por poder es una forma de maltrato infantil que suele pasar inadvertida,implica serios riesgos para la salud y calidad de vida para el niño,con consecuencias de orden físico,psíquico y social.Es considerado un trastorno facticio y el adulto perpretador sufre desórdenes emocionales severos.Esta comunicación incluye dos ejemplos clínicos de los puntos desarrollados en ella

Síndrome de Munchausen por poder / Munchausen syndrome by proxy

El síndrome de Munchausen por poder es una forma de maltrato infantil que suele pasar inadvertida,implica serios riesgos para la salud y calidad de vida para el niño,con consecuencias de orden físico,psíquico y social.Es considerado un trastorno facticio y el adulto perpretador sufre desórdenes emocionales severos.Esta comunicación incluye dos ejemplos clínicos de los puntos desarrollados en ella