The effect of the zinc concentration in breast milk on neonatal weight gain.

The change in breast milk zinc (Zn) concentration in a feeding period during lactation may affect neonatal weight gain. The aim of this study was to determine how to change the Zn concentrations in breast milk during a feeding period in early and late lactation periods and identify the relationship between the differences in the Zn levels in breast milk during lactation and neonatal weight gain. Breast milk was collected in the early and late lactation periods with samples being obtained before (foremilk) and after (hindmilk) a feeding period. Then, we determined the Zn concentrations in the breast milk and measured the weight of the infants before and after the same feeding period. The study was composed of 37 newborns and their mothers. During the feeding period, the Zn concentrations in both the transitional and mature milk decreased significantly. During the lactation period, the Zn levels were markedly lower in only the hindmilk. The body weights of the infants both before and after feeding in the early lactation period were negatively correlated with the delta Zn concentration in the same period, but the delta body weights in the early lactation period were positively correlated with the Zn levels in the hindmilk in the same period. In addition, body weights before feeding in the late lactation period were also positively correlated with Zn levels in hindmilk in the early lactation period. This study suggests that the Zn concentrations in both the transitional and mature milk decreased, which suggests that changes in the Zn content of breast milk during lactation might play a role in the weight gain of healthy neonates.

Comparison of Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Terms of Birth Weight in Prematurely Born Children.

PURPOSE: To study the potential effects of both prematurity and the sub-groups of low birth weight on thickness of RNFL. METHODS: Prospective case series of 26 preterm school-aged children with low birth weight whose retinal nerve fiber layer analyses with RTVue-100 Fourier-domain optic coherence tomography were performed in 2013 at the Department of Ophthalmology, Erzurum Region Education and Training Hospital. RESULTS: The mean retinal nerve fiber layer thicknesses were 100.6 ± 13.3 microns in extremely low birth weight, 103.9 ± 8.4 microns in very low birth weight, and 104.1 ± 10.8 microns in low birth weight groups. There was no significant difference in RNFL among the groups. CONCLUSIONS: No significant relationship was found between birth weights and retinal nerve fiber layer thickness of preterm children who were appropriate for gestational age.

Unilateral cataract and vitreoretinopathy in a case with klippel-trenaunay syndrome.

Purpose. We present a case with Klippel-Trenaunay (KT) syndrome that had unilateral mature cataract and vitreoretinopathy. Case Report. A 17-year-old boy with KT syndrome presented to the clinic of ophthalmology for low vision in the right eye. His best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was hand motion in the right eye and 20/20 in the left eye. Anterior segment examination revealed mature cataract in the right. During the physical examination, port-wine stains were noted over right side of his face, ankle, and toes. He had asymmetric face and his head was larger on the right side. Leg lengths were symmetrical, although he had skin hypertrophy. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging studies showed cortical atrophy discordant to his age, asymmetric vascular dilatations in the right hemisphere, hypertrophy in the right periorbital soft tissue, and choroidal plexus. The patient received an uncomplicated cataract surgery. His BCVA in the right eye improved to 20/200 after the surgery. After removing cataractous lens, we were able to examine the fundus that revealed severe vitreoretinopathy and choroidal hemangioma. Conclusion. This case emphasizes the importance of prompt ophthalmic examination in patients with KT syndrome.