[The use of caspofungin in extremely low birth weight preterm infants based on clinical trials and reports considering the own experience (case report)].

In recent years, despite of significant progress in the treatment of premature infants with extremely low body weight, still a significant problem remains severe, treatment-resistant generalized infections among which the percentage of fungal infections is increasing. The invasive candidiasis, especially caused by non-albicans species of Candida, are of particular importance. In the case of resistance on fluconazole and amphotericin B the use of echinocandin drug may be a useful choice. This paper reviews the pharmacokinetics of caspofungin in neonates and children, as well as the case reports and clinical trials on the use of caspofungin in neonates, including the premature infants. We describe also the premature neonate with low birth weight and a generalized infection caused by Candida glabrata, where, despite of the treatment based on the sensitivity of the fungus it did not achieve clinical improvement and sterilization of cultures. It was not until the lead-in of caspofungin in dose 2 mg/kg/day allowed to cure the patient. There was a transient increase in the activity of aminotransferases and level of bilirubin as a complication of treatment. At the end of application of caspofungin the liver functions have been slowly normalized. Caspofungin appeared to be effective in the treatment of systemic fungal C. glabrata in premature neonate with extremely low birth weight. Echinocandins, including caspofungin, appear to be a promising alternative to previously used agents in the treatment of invasive Candida infections in newborns. However, the further randomized trials on the use of caspofungin in preterm neonates, regarding long term follow-up, should be undertaken.

[Chylothorax--a rare complication of surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in a premature infant-a case report]. / Chlonkotok do jamy oplucnowej--rzadkie powiklanie operacyjnego zamkniecia przewodu tetniczego u noworodka urodzonego przedwczesnie--opis przypadku.

A case of left sided chylothorax in preterm infant is reported. The chylothorax was a complication of ligation of patent ductus arteriosus. Treatment consisted of parenteral nutrition, pleural taps, drainage of pleural cavity, mechanical ventilation and replacement of immunoprotein losses. When the lymph effusion reduced, enteral nutrition was started with a formula containing medium chain triglycerides. Treatment of this patient was successful.

[Newborn life threatening respiratory failure treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation]. / Leczenie skrajnej niewydolnosci oddechowej noworodków z zastosowaniem natleniania pozaustrojowego.

UNLABELLED: THE AIM of the study was to show first results of newborn life threatening respiratory failure treatment with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in Poland. MATERIAL: Nine newborns were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Silesian Center for Heart Diseases. Newborns were born in 38 week of gestational age (36-41 weeks) with mean birth weight of 3490 g. Reasons for the referral were: meconium aspiration syndrome, infection, and pulmonary hypertension. Each newborn fulfilled an Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) criteria for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. RESULTS: seven out of nine of patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation survived. Full clinical stabilization was reached about 6th hour of treatment. Mean extracorporeal oxygenation time was 162 hours. For eight newborns veno-venous method was applied and for one newborn veno-arterial method. Roller pump was used in 7 cases and centrifugal pomp in one case. Five newborns had uneventful treatment. During extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy we have observed several complications: PDA, hemorrhagic complications, renal failure, arterial hypertension, septicemia, tubing rupture. CONCLUSIONS: extracorporeal oxygenation is an effective method of treatment for newborn life threatening respiratory failure. Obtained results do not differ much from Extracorporeal Life Support Organization register results. The most essential problem for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy is correct qualification, early referral, safe transportation as well as the development of centers providing ECMO treatment.