Presepsin and fetuin-A dyad for the diagnosis of proven sepsis in preterm neonates.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis is the most strenuous step in the evaluation of neonatal sepsis. No gold standard diagnostic method is available except for blood culture. We aimed to investigate the role of positive and negative acute phase reactants, namely presepsin and fetuin-A, in the diagnosis of culture-proven late-onset sepsis. METHODS: A prospective, case-control study with the infants ≤32 weeks of age with a diagnosis of culture-proven late-onset sepsis was designed. Twenty-nine preterm infants with similar gestational and postnatal ages without sepsis constituted the control group. Serum values of presepsin, fetuin-A, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6 were evaluated at the enrollment, third and seventh days of the diagnosis in the infants with positive blood culture results. RESULTS: First-day presepsin values were significantly higher in the culture-positive infants than the control group [1583 ng/L (1023-1731) vs. 426 ng/L (287-589), p = < 0.0001]. Presepsin was found to have an 88.9% sensitivity and 88.9% specificity with a cut-off value of 823 ng/ml for culture-proven LOS in our study, and area under the receiver-operating curve was 0.939. Fetuin-A levels were similar between the study and control groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Presepsin may be an accurate marker for both diagnosis and monitoring of treatment response for culture-proven late-onset sepsis in preterm infants. However, fetuin-A does not seem to be a useful tool for the diagnosis of sepsis.

Effects of cord blood vitamin D levels on the risk of neonatal sepsis in premature infants.

PURPOSE: Vitamin D plays a key role in immune function. Vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the pathogenesis of infections, and low levels of circulating vitamin D are strongly associated with infectious diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of low vitamin D levels in cord blood on neonatal sepsis in preterm infants. METHODS: One hundred seventeen premature infants with gestational age of <37 weeks were enrolled. In the present study, severe vitamin D deficiency (group 1) was defined as a 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration <5 ng/mL; vitamin D insufficiency (group 2), 25(OH)D concentration ≥5 ng/mL and <15 ng/mL; and vitamin D sufficiency (group 3), 25(OH)D concentration ≥15 ng/mL. RESULTS: Sixty-three percent of the infants had deficient levels of cord blood vitamin D (group 1), 24% had insufficient levels (group 2), and 13% were found to have sufficient levels (group 3). The rate of neonatal sepsis was higher in group 2 than in groups 1 and 3. CONCLUSION: There was no significant relationship between the cord blood vitamin D levels and the risk of neonatal sepsis in premature infants.

The effect of lactational mastitis on the macronutrient content of breast milk.

AIMS: Mastitis in lactating mothers reduces milk production and alters the cellular composition of milk. Changes occurring in the mammary gland during the inflammatory response are believed to increase the permeability of the blood-milk barrier. This study examined the effect of mastitis during lactation on the macronutrient content of breast milk. METHODS: The study was conducted at Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital. Transitional breast milk samples were obtained from term lactating mothers with or without mastitis. Milk protein, fat, carbohydrate, and energy levels were measured using a mid-infrared human milk analyzer. RESULTS: The study recruited 30 term lactating mothers: 15 mothers diagnosed with mastitis and 15 healthy mothers. The characteristics of the mothers in both groups were similar. Fat, carbohydrate, and energy levels were statistically lower in the milk samples of mothers with mastitis compared with the mothers without mastitis. CONCLUSION: Lactational mastitis was associated with lower breast milk fat, carbohydrate, and energy levels. The local inflammatory response induced by cytokines and increased blood-milk barrier permeability might account for the changes in the fat, carbohydrate, and energy levels of human milk.

Coexistence of Fetal Cardiac Malformation and Maternal Drug-Induced Lupus: Is Lamotrigine Safe?

Lamotrigine (LTG) is a widely used second-generation antiepileptic drug for long-term therapy of epileptic patients. Although LTG monotherapy during pregnancy is assumed to be relatively safe, teratogenic effects related to LTG has been reported previously. The presence of fetal malformations and maternal drug-induced lupus erythematosus concurrently in a pregnant women using LTG have not been reported before. We herein report a term infant with coarctation of aorta and ventricular septal defect, who was born to a mother treated with LTG for epilepsy before conception and throughout pregnancy. The mother was diagnosed with drug-induced lupus erythematosus at the 36th gestational week, and the symptoms resolved after discontinuation of the drug. Fetal cardiac anomalies should be searched in mothers who were exposed to LTG during pregnancy.

Comparison of Three Different Administration Positions for Intratracheal Beractant in Preterm Newborns with Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of various intratracheal beractant administration positions in preterm newborns with respiratory distress syndrome. METHODS: This study was performed on preterm newborns with respiratory distress syndrome. The inclusion criteria were being between 26 weeks and 32 weeks of gestational age, having a birth weight between 600 g and 1500 g, having received clinical and radiological confirmation for the diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) within 3 hours of life, having been born in one of the centers where the study was carried out, and having fractions of inspired oxygen (FiO2) ≥ 0.40 to maintain oxygen saturation by pulse oximeter at 88-96%. Beractant was administered in four positions to Group I newborns, in two positions to Group II, and in neutral position to Group III. RESULTS: Groups I and II consisted of 42 preterm infants in each whereas Group III included 41 preterm infants. No significant differences were detected among the groups with regards to maternal and neonatal risk factors. Groups were also similar in terms of the following complications: patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), pneumothorax, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), chronic lung disease (CLD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), death within the first 3 days of life, death within the first 28 days of life, and rehospitalization within 1 month after discharge. Neither any statistically significant differences among the parameters related with surfactant administration, nor any significant statistical differences among the FiO2 levels and the saturation levels before and after the first surfactant administration among the groups were determined. CONCLUSION: In terms of efficacy and side effects, no important difference was observed between the recommended four position beractant application, the two position administration, and the neutral position.

A novel association between cerebral sinovenous thrombosis and nonketotic hyperglycinemia in a neonate.

Lethargy in newborns usually indicates central nervous system dysfunction, and many conditions such as cerebrovascular events, infections, and metabolic diseases should be considered in the differential diagnosis. Nonketotic hyperglycinemia is an autosomal recessive error of glycine metabolism, characterized by myoclonic jerks, hypotonia, hiccups, apnea, and progressive lethargy that may progress to encephalopathy or even death. Cerebral sinovenous thrombosis is a rare condition with various clinical presentations such as seizures, cerebral edema, lethargy, and encephalopathy. Here, we report the case of a newborn infant who presented with progressive lethargy. An initial diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis was followed by confirmation of the presence of nonketotic hyperglycinemia.

Taquicardia supraventricular en un recién nacido después del tratamiento con salbutamol nebulizado: A propósito de un caso / Supraventricular tachycardia after nebulized salbutamol therapy in a neonate: Case report

La taquicardia supraventricular (TSV) es el tipo de arritmia sostenida más frecuente en los recién nacidos y lactantes. En general, la presentación de la TSV en los recién nacidos es sutil y, a menudo produce insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva. A pesar del amplio uso de los agonistas p2, su toxicidad ha sido cuestionada. En varios estudios se informó un aumento de la incidencia de arritmias cardíacas en los pacientes que reciben estos agentes, y en otros estudios se hallaron tasas elevadas de muerte cardiovascular asociada con el uso de agonistas p2 nebulizados y orales, como el salbutamol, que se utilizan para tratar el broncoespasmo en los recién nacidos con diversas enfermedades. Informamos un caso de TSV después de la administración de salbutamol nebulizado a un recién nacido.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in neonates and infants. Presentation of SVT in the neonate is usually subtle and frequently complicated by congestive heart failure. Despite the widespread use of β2-agonists, their safety has been questioned. Several studies have reported an increased incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in patients treated with these agents, and other studies have found increased rates of cardiovascular death associated with the use of oral and nebulized β2-agonists such as salbutamol, which is used to treat bronchospasm in newborns with several diseases. Herein, we report a case of SVT following administration of nebulized salbutamol in a neonate.

Taquicardia supraventricular en un recién nacido después del tratamiento con salbutamol nebulizado: A propósito de un caso / Supraventricular tachycardia after nebulized salbutamol therapy in a neonate: Case report

La taquicardia supraventricular (TSV) es el tipo de arritmia sostenida más frecuente en los recién nacidos y lactantes. En general, la presentación de la TSV en los recién nacidos es sutil y, a menudo produce insuficiencia cardíaca congestiva. A pesar del amplio uso de los agonistas p2, su toxicidad ha sido cuestionada. En varios estudios se informó un aumento de la incidencia de arritmias cardíacas en los pacientes que reciben estos agentes, y en otros estudios se hallaron tasas elevadas de muerte cardiovascular asociada con el uso de agonistas p2 nebulizados y orales, como el salbutamol, que se utilizan para tratar el broncoespasmo en los recién nacidos con diversas enfermedades. Informamos un caso de TSV después de la administración de salbutamol nebulizado a un recién nacido.(AU)

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in neonates and infants. Presentation of SVT in the neonate is usually subtle and frequently complicated by congestive heart failure. Despite the widespread use of β2-agonists, their safety has been questioned. Several studies have reported an increased incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in patients treated with these agents, and other studies have found increased rates of cardiovascular death associated with the use of oral and nebulized β2-agonists such as salbutamol, which is used to treat bronchospasm in newborns with several diseases. Herein, we report a case of SVT following administration of nebulized salbutamol in a neonate.(AU)

Supraventricular tachycardia after nebulized salbutamol therapy in a neonate: case report.

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in neonates and infants. Presentation of SVT in the neonate is usually subtle and frequently complicated by congestive heart failure. Despite the widespread use of ß2-agonists, their safety has been questioned. Several studies have reported an increased incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in patients treated with these agents, and other studies have found increased rates of cardiovascular death associated with the use of oral and nebulized ß2-agonists such as salbutamol, which is used to treat bronchospasm in newborns with several diseases. Herein, we report a case of SVT following administration of nebulized salbutamol in a neonate.

Effect of dopamine infusion on thyroid hormone tests and prolactin levels in very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of dopamine on thyroid hormone tests and prolactin (PRL) and to assess requirement for L-thyroxin (LT4). METHODS: The infants (n = 102) were divided into three groups (Group 1; received no dopamine, Group 2 received ≤25 mg/kg cumulative dose and Group 3; received >25 mg/kg cumulative dose). Blood samples were taken at 6-8 days (timepoint 1), 13-15 days (timepoint 2), and 4-6 weeks of life (timepoint 3). RESULTS: Respiratory distress syndrome was higher in group 2 and 3. Patnet ductus arteriosus was higher in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2. Duration and cumulative dose in group 3 were higher than group 2. There was no difference between thyroid hormones that were taken after stopping infusion at timepoint 3 among all groups. No therapy with LT4 was needed. PRL levels were higher at timepoint 1 in group 1 than compared to group 2 and 3 (p < 0.05), and no difference between group 2 and 3 (p > 0.05). This difference was disappeared at following timepoints. CONCLUSIONS: The release of TSH, FT3, FT4 and PRL were not inhibited and prophylactic thyroid hormone treatment was not required in VLBW infants receiving dopamine infusions.

Citrulinemia de presentación atípica: hipo persistente: a propósito de un caso / Citrullinemia with an atypical presentation: persistent hiccups: case report

Se informa el caso de un neonato que desarrolló encefalopatía en el transcurso de los primeros tres días de vida. Presentaba hipo persistente, que evolucionó a coma profundo 72 horas después de la admisión al hospital. Los parámetros de septicemia y el análisis del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) fueron normales. Tras la evaluación metabòlica, se confirmó la presencia de hiperamoniemia e hipercitrulinemia. El índice de la concentración de LCR/glicina en plasma era normal. Esto no coincidió con nuestro diagnóstico inicial de hiperglicinemia no cetósica, que suele manifestarse con hipo. Se recomienda tener en cuenta la deficiencia de ácido argininosuccínico sintetasa (ASD por su sigla en inglés; citrulinemia) de inicio neonatal en el diagnóstico diferencial de encefalopatía asociada con hipo durante el período neonatal, lo que sugiere una enzimopatía congénita.

We report an infant who developed encephalopathy within the first 3 days of life. He had persistent hiccups that progressed to deep coma 72 hours after admission. The sepsis parameters and cerebrospinal fluid examination (CSF) were normal. The metabolic evaluation confirmed hyperammonemia, and hypercitrullinemia. The ratio of CSF/plasma glycine concentration was normal. This did not agree with our initial diagnosis of nonketotic hyperglycinemia where hiccups is present more often. Neonatal onset of argininosuccinic acid synthetase deficiency (ASD; citrullinemia) should be brought in mind in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy in association with hiccups in the neonatal period suggesting inborn errors of metabolism.

Citrulinemia de presentación atípica: hipo persistente: a propósito de un caso / Citrullinemia with an atypical presentation: persistent hiccups: case report

Se informa el caso de un neonato que desarrolló encefalopatía en el transcurso de los primeros tres días de vida. Presentaba hipo persistente, que evolucionó a coma profundo 72 horas después de la admisión al hospital. Los parámetros de septicemia y el análisis del líquido cefalorraquídeo (LCR) fueron normales. Tras la evaluación metabòlica, se confirmó la presencia de hiperamoniemia e hipercitrulinemia. El índice de la concentración de LCR/glicina en plasma era normal. Esto no coincidió con nuestro diagnóstico inicial de hiperglicinemia no cetósica, que suele manifestarse con hipo. Se recomienda tener en cuenta la deficiencia de ácido argininosuccínico sintetasa (ASD por su sigla en inglés; citrulinemia) de inicio neonatal en el diagnóstico diferencial de encefalopatía asociada con hipo durante el período neonatal, lo que sugiere una enzimopatía congénita.(AU)

We report an infant who developed encephalopathy within the first 3 days of life. He had persistent hiccups that progressed to deep coma 72 hours after admission. The sepsis parameters and cerebrospinal fluid examination (CSF) were normal. The metabolic evaluation confirmed hyperammonemia, and hypercitrullinemia. The ratio of CSF/plasma glycine concentration was normal. This did not agree with our initial diagnosis of nonketotic hyperglycinemia where hiccups is present more often. Neonatal onset of argininosuccinic acid synthetase deficiency (ASD; citrullinemia) should be brought in mind in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy in association with hiccups in the neonatal period suggesting inborn errors of metabolism.(AU)

Citrullinemia with an atypical presentation: persistent hiccups. Case report.

We report an infant who developed encephalopathy within the first 3 days of life. He had persistent hiccups that progressed to deep coma 72 hours after admission. The sepsis parameters and cerebrospinal fluid examination (CSF) were normal. The metabolic evaluation confirmed hyperammonemia, and hypercitrullinemia. The ratio of CSF/plasma glycine concentration was normal. This did not agree with our initial diagnosis of nonketotic hyperglycinemia where hiccups is present more often. Neonatal onset of argininosuccinic acid synthetase deficiency (ASD; citrullinemia) should be brought in mind in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy in association with hiccups in the neonatal period suggesting inborn errors of metabolism.

Transient ileus associated with the use of mydriatics after screening for retinopathy of prematurity in a very low birth weight infant.

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have ophthalmologic examinations for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) prior to discharge, with appropriate follow-up and intervention where appropriate. Eye drops such as cylopentolate, tropicamide, and phenylephrine are used at different concentrations to provide proper pupil dilation for screening ROP. Topical instillation of eye drops may cause mild or severe ocular or systemic adverse effects. Early recognition of systemic toxicity after eye drop instillation is important. The authors present a case of a VLBW infant who developed significant abdominal symptoms (mimicking ileus) that were significant enough to discontinue oral feeding after ocular instillation of 0.5% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine eye drops for routine examination of ROP. After structural and functional gastrointestinal disorders and sepsis were excluded, symptoms resolved completely after discontinuation of the drug. This report is thought to be the first in the medical literature to address 5% tropicamide and 2.5% phenylephrine eye drops, and the combination that may lead to serious complication after ROP examinations.

Effect of mode of delivery on macronutrient content of breast milk.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of delivery type on macronutrient content of colostral milk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted at Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital. Colostral milk samples from term lactating mothers who gave birth by vaginal or cesarean delivery (CD) were obtained on the 2nd postpartum day. Milk protein, fat, carbohydrate (CHO) and energy levels were measured by using a mid-infrared human milk analyzer. RESULTS: A total of 204 term lactating mothers were recruited to the study; 111 mothers gave birth by vaginal route and 93 mothers by CD. Protein levels were statistically lower in colostral milk of mothers after CD compared to mothers who delivered vaginally (median 2.4 (range 0.3-6.4) g/dl versus 3 (0.5-6.3) g/dl, respectively; p = 0.036). Colostral fat, CHO and energy levels were similar between groups. In linear regression analysis, CD and maternal age were independently associated with lower protein content in colostrum. CONCLUSION: Vaginal delivery is associated with higher colostrum protein content. Hormonal activity induced by labor pain and uterine contractions might account for the alterations in the protein composition of human milk to facilitate optimal development of important physiologic functions in newborns.

Citrullinemia with an atypical presentation: persistent hiccups. Case report. / Citrullinemia with an atypical presentation: persistent hiccups. Case report.

We report an infant who developed encephalopathy within the first 3 days of life. He had persistent hiccups that progressed to deep coma 72 hours after admission. The sepsis parameters and cerebrospinal fluid examination (CSF) were normal. The metabolic evaluation confirmed hyperammonemia, and hypercitrullinemia. The ratio of CSF/plasma glycine concentration was normal. This did not agree with our initial diagnosis of nonketotic hyperglycinemia where hiccups is present more often. Neonatal onset of argininosuccinic acid synthetase deficiency (ASD; citrullinemia) should be brought in mind in the differential diagnosis of encephalopathy in association with hiccups in the neonatal period suggesting inborn errors of metabolism.

A neonate with subcutaneous fat necrosis after passive cooling: does polycythemia have an effect?

Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN) is an inflammatory disorder of adipose tissue. The main risk factors for the development of SCFN are perinatal asphyxia and hypothermia. Presented here is a case of a newborn who developed SCFN in association with polycythemia and hypocalcemia following treatment by passive cooling. Neonates who undergo passive or whole body cooling therapy should be closely monitored for any signs of SCFN.

Intravenous paracetamol treatment in the management of patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: Treatment options for the closure of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) include medical therapy such as ibuprofen and indomethacin and surgical ligation. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous paracetamol in preterm infants with hsPDA whose feeding was contraindicated or had feeding intolerance. METHODS: Preterm infants with hsPDA were started on intravenous paracetamol treatment with parental consent. Paracetamol was administered at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day, in four divided doses, for a period of 3 days. In the absence of closure of hsPDA, treatment was extended up to 6 days, after which echocardiographic examination was performed. RESULTS: A total of 10 preterm infants were included in the study with a median gestational age of 27(4/7) weeks (minimum-maximum: 24-29) and a median birth weight of 775 g (590-990). The first dose of intravenous paracetamol was given after a median of 6 days (2-15). On echocardiographic examination, median internal ductal diameter was 2 mm (1.5-3), with a median left atrium-to-aortic root ratio of 1.95 (1.6-2.2). Intravenous paracetamol resulted in successful closure of hsPDA in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first case series in the literature which used intravenous paracetamol treatment for hsPDA. We believe that intravenous paracetamol could be used as an alternative drug for infants. Further prospective randomized-controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous paracetamol for the closure of hsPDA.

Management of severe hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn: adrenal hematoma revisited.

A 4-day-old male infant presented with complaints of jaundice on the third day of life. He was full-term and appropriate for gestational age and born to unrelated parents. All laboratory investigation tests were normal except total serum bilirubin of 27.4 mg/dl with a direct bilirubin 0.29 mg/dl. Abdominal and cranial ultrasonography (US) was performed on sixth day of life because of severe hyperbilirubinemia. Abdominal US revealed adrenal hematoma. Enclosed hematomas may cause significant unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in absence of other high-risk conditions.