Relationship Between Maternal Age and Macronutrient Content of Colostrum.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the relationship between maternal age and the macronutrient content of colostrum. RESEARCH AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between maternal age and human milk macronutrient content by comparing the concentrations of lactose, proteins, and lipids in the colostrum of women with younger, moderate, and advanced maternal age. METHODS: An observational, cross-sectional study was designed to compare the macronutrient concentrations in the colostrum of women aged < 20 years, 20 to 34 years, and > 34 years (younger, moderate, and advanced maternal age, respectively; n = 33 per group). For each participant, 3 ml of colostrum was collected by manual extraction from the right breast at 10 am, 39-48 hr after delivery, and analyzed using a Miris Human Milk Analyzer. Macronutrient concentrations were compared between the groups using analysis of variance. P < 0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Mothers with moderate maternal age had a higher colostrum lipid concentration than those with younger or advanced maternal age (2.3 mg, SD = 1.4 mg vs. 1.5 mg, SD = 1.0 mg vs. 1.6 mg, SD = 0.9 mg, respectively; p = 0.007). Lactose and protein contents in the analyzed samples did not differ among the three study groups. CONCLUSION: This study lends support to the potential variation of lipids in colostrum by maternal age and suggests individual adaptation to the nutritional components of milk to the needs of the infant may be beneficial.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma: evaluation of its approach, treatment and follow-up in two reference children cancer centers in Brazil / Rio de Janeiro.

INTRODUCTION: sacrococcygeal teratoma (TSC) is the most common tumor of the neonatal period. Alphafetoprotein is an important tumor marker and is used in the follow-up period as a marker of malignancy. The complete surgical resection of the tumor associated with coccygectomy is the standard treatment and chemotherapy in different stages are necessary. Follow-up consists of serial exam: tumor markers, imaging searching to possible metastasis sites, in addition to a complete physical examination. METHODOLOGY: a descriptive, retrospective, study was carried out by analyzing a chart of 25 patients of two different reference children cancer center; with TSC in the State of Rio de Janeiro from 2004 to 2019. The clinical and epidemiological data collected were described and a comparison was made between these two centers studied. RESULTS: the sociodemographic characteristics found were similar to those described in the medical literature. Data related to treatment and follow-up, such as the use of chemotherapy, use of specific imaging tests, digital rectal examination, and outpatient follow-up, differed between the two centers studied. There was a 25% loss of follow-up. CONCLUSION: the characteristic of being a non-cancer center can interfere with the full application of the current protocol for the treatment of sacrococcygeal teratoma. The knowledge of the data of the studied cases can allow the optimization of the approach of the patients with this pathology and generate discussions about the integral application of the specific therapeutic protocol in the medical centers that are qualified for such treatment.

ROP screening with the Pictor Plus camera: a telemedicine solution for developing countries.

PURPOSE: To assess the Pictor Plus portable noncontact ophthalmic camera for use in diagnosis of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its feasibility for telemedicine applications, especially in developing countries. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 2018 to December 2019 in six public neonatal care centers in the state of Rio de Janeiro. Observer 1 performed the examination with a binocular indirect ophthalmoscope and subsequently captured a digital image using the Pictor Plus camera. These images were analyzed by observers 2 and 3, who were masked to the results recorded by observer 1. RESULTS: The convenience sample was 200 premature newborns (n = 712 eyes) with a birthweight of ≤1,500 g or gestational age at birth of ≤32 weeks. The sensitivity of Pictor Plus digital images for the diagnosis of plus or pre-plus disease was 65.8% for observer 2 and 63.2% for observer 3; the specificity, 100% and 98,4%, respectively. Interobserver agreement analysis for image reading compared to observer 1 indirect ophthalmoscopy showed kappa coefficients of 0.77 (observer 2) and 0.68 (observer 3). CONCLUSIONS: In our study cohort, the Pictor Plus, a relatively low-cost camera, was effective in facilitating accurate diagnosis of ROP.

Sacrococcygeal teratoma: evaluation of its approach, treatment and follow-up in two reference children cancer centers in Brazil / Rio de Janeiro / Teratoma sacrococcígeo: avaliação de abordagem, tratamento e seguimento em dois centros de referência do estado do Rio de Janeiro

ABSTRACT Introduction: sacrococcygeal teratoma (TSC) is the most common tumor of the neonatal period. Alphafetoprotein is an important tumor marker and is used in the follow-up period as a marker of malignancy. The complete surgical resection of the tumor associated with coccygectomy is the standard treatment and chemotherapy in different stages are necessary. Follow-up consists of serial exam: tumor markers, imaging searching to possible metastasis sites, in addition to a complete physical examination. Methodology: a descriptive, retrospective, study was carried out by analyzing a chart of 25 patients of two different reference children cancer center; with TSC in the State of Rio de Janeiro from 2004 to 2019. The clinical and epidemiological data collected were described and a comparison was made between these two centers studied. Results: the sociodemographic characteristics found were similar to those described in the medical literature. Data related to treatment and follow-up, such as the use of chemotherapy, use of specific imaging tests, digital rectal examination, and outpatient follow-up, differed between the two centers studied. There was a 25% loss of follow-up. Conclusion: the characteristic of being a non-cancer center can interfere with the full application of the current protocol for the treatment of sacrococcygeal teratoma. The knowledge of the data of the studied cases can allow the optimization of the approach of the patients with this pathology and generate discussions about the integral application of the specific therapeutic protocol in the medical centers that are qualified for such treatment.

RESUMO Introdução: teratoma sacrococcígeo é o tumor neonatal mais comum. Alfafetoproteína é um marcador tumoral importante e é utilizado no período de seguimento como um marcador de malignidade. A ressecção cirúrgica completa do tumor associado a coccigectomia é o tratamento padrão, associado a quimioterapia em determinados estadiamentos. Exames de seguimento consistem em avaliação de marcadores tumorais, investigação de sítios de metástases, além de um completo exame físico. Metodologia: foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo descritivo, através da análise de 25 pacientes em dois centros de referência em tratamento oncológico infantil, com teratoma sacrococcígeo no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, entre 2004 e 2019. Os dados clínicos e epidemiológicos foram descritos, comparando-se os dois centros. Resultados: as características socio-demográficas foram similares ao descrito na literatura médica. Os dados relativos ao tratamento e seguimento, como o uso de quimioterapia, uso de testes de imagem específicos, exame de toque e retal e seguimento ambulatorial, foi diferente entre os dois centros. Tivemos uma perda de seguimento de 25%. Conclusão: a característica de ser um centro não oncológico pode interferir com a aplicação do protocolo de tratamento de teratoma sacrococcígeo. O conhecimento dos dados estudados pode permitir a otimização da abordagem dos pacientes com esta patologia e gerar discussões sobre a aplicação integral dos protocolos terapêuticos em centros médicos que são qualificados para tal tratamento.

Influence of different breast expression techniques on human colostrum macronutrient concentrations.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of breast expression methods on macronutrient and caloric concentrations in human colostrum. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional study in which colostrum samples were collected simultaneously from each breast using different milk expression methods, including manual expression or electric pumping, assigned by simple randomization. Macronutrients were measured by infrared spectroscopy, and their concentrations were compared by the Wilcoxon test. RESULTS: Ninety-six samples from each breast of selected donors were evaluated. There were no differences in carbohydrate (6.1 vs. 6.1 g/dL; p: 0.218) and protein (2.1 vs. 2.1 g/dL; p: 0.772) concentrations between the samples collected by manual expression and electric pumping. However, in those collected by manual expression, lipid concentrations (2.6 vs. 2.2 g/dL; p < 0.001) and caloric content (60 vs. 57 Kcal/dL; p = 0.001) were higher. CONCLUSIONS: Colostrum collected by hand expression had a higher lipid concentration and caloric content than that collected by an electric pump.

Avaliação da influência da posição da seringa durante a administração de leite humano pasteurizado / Evaluation of the influence of the position of the syringe during the management of pasteurized human milk / Evaluación de la influencia de la posición de la jeringa durante la administración de la leche humana pasteurizada

Objetivo: avaliar se a posição da seringa durante a administração do leite humano pasteurizado por gastróclise interfere nas concentrações finais dos macronutrientes, principalmente nas concentrações de gordura. Método: ensaio clínico controlado, cego, onde foram comparadas as concentrações de gordura, proteínas e carboidratos do leite humano pasteurizado após sua administração, via gastróclise. Amostras de 20 ml de leite humano pasteurizado foram homogeneizadas e, separadas em duas alíquotas de 10 ml cada. Foi calculado um n amostral de 49 amostras e as concentrações dos macronutrientes foram comparadas por meio do teste t-pareado e expressas em medidas de tendência central. Foi utilizado o pacote estatístico SPSS 16.0. A pesquisa foi aprovada pelo Comitê de Ética e Pesquisa do HUAP/UFF, sob protocolo nº 189/2011. Resultados: as concentrações de gordura obtidas após a gastróclise realizada com seringas em posição horizontal foram significativamente menores do que com as seringas em posição vertical.(AU)

Objective: evaluating if the position of the syringe during administration of pasteurized human milk through gastroclisis interfere in final concentrations of macronutrients, especially in fat concentrations. Method: controlled clinical essay, blind, where there were compared concentrations of fat, proteins and carbohydrates of pasteurized human milk after its administration, via gastroclisis. Samples of 20 ml of pasteurized human milk were homogenized and separated into two aliquots of 10 ml each. There was calculated a n sampling of 49 samples, and the concentrations of macronutrients were compared using the t-paired test and expressed in measures of central tendency. There was used the statistical package SPSS 16.0. The research was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of HUAP/UFF, under Protocol nº 189/2011. Results: the concentrations of fat obtained after gastroclisis held with syringes in a horizontal position were significantly lower than the syringes in vertical position.(AU)

Objetivo: evaluar si la posición de la jeringa durante la administración de la leche humana pasteurizada para gastróclise interfiere en concentraciones finales de macronutrientes, especialmente en concentraciones de grasa. Método: ensayo clínico controlado, ciego, donde se compararon las concentraciones de grasas, proteínas e carbohidratos de la leche humana pasteurizada después de su administración, a través de gastróclise. Las muestras de 20 ml de leche humana pasteurizada se homogeneizaron y se separaron en dos alícuotas de 10 ml cada una. Se calculó un n de muestra de 49 muestras y las concentraciones de macronutrientes se compararon mediante la prueba t-pareada y expresadas como medidas de tendencia central. Se utilizó el paquete estadístico SPSS 16.0. La investigación fue aprobada por el Comité de Ética en Investigación del HUAP/UFF, protocolo nº 189/2011. Resultados: las concentraciones de grasa obtenidas después de gastróclise realizada con jeringas en posición horizontal fueron significativamente menores que las jeringas en posición vertical.(AU)

[Correlation between antenatal corticosteroid therapy, resuscitation and mortality in very low birth weight infants]. / Correlação entre o uso de corticoterapia antenatal, a reanimação e a mortalidade de recém-nascidos prematuros de muito baixo peso.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between the use of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (AC), the frequency of resuscitation in delivery room and mortality of newborn infants under 1,500 g and gestational age less than or equal to 34 weeks. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted on all newborn infants under 1,500 g and with a gestational age less than or equal to 34 weeks admitted at the neonatal ICU between January 2006 and December 2011. Newborns who had congenital anomalies, genetic syndromes, congenital infections and those who were transferred to or came from other institutions were excluded. The studied infants were divided into 2 groups: those who received (n=182) and those who did not receive (n=38) AC. The main outcomes studied were the necessity of neonatal resuscitation, the presence of the main neonatal diseases and mortality during hospitalization. The means of the variables were compared using Student's t-test or non-parametric test and frequencies were compared by χ2test with Fisher's correction. The variables that presented difference between groups were assessed by logistic regression. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0 was used and the significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: In this study, 220 patients were evaluated. The groups were similar concerning birth weight, gestational age and the presence of the main neonatal morbidity during hospitalization. The infants who received antenatal corticosteroids showed lower mortality (OR=3.0; 95%CI 1.4-6.5) and required less resuscitation (OR=2.4; 95%CI 1.1-5.0). Besides, they required less advanced resuscitation procedures, such as tracheal cannula (OR=3.7; 95%CI 1.7-7.6), cardiac massage (OR=5.7; 95%CI 2.0-16.5) and medications (OR=8.9; 95%CI 2.0-39.4). CONCLUSIONS: The use of antenatal corticosteroids reduced the need for resuscitation in delivery room, especially advanced procedures, and reduced the mortality in the studied groups.

Correlação entre o uso de corticoterapia antenatal, a reanimação e a mortalidade de recém-nascidos prematuros de muito baixo peso / Correlation between antenatal corticosteroid therapy, resuscitation and mortality in very low birth weight infants

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a correlação entre o uso de corticoterapia antenatal (CAN), a frequência de reanimação em sala de parto e a evolução ao óbito de recém-nascidos menores de 1.500 g e idade gestacional menor ou igual a 34 semanas. MÉTODOS: Estudo de coorte no qual foram acompanhados, desde a internação até a idade gestacional corrigida de 34 semanas, todos os recém-nascidos admitidos na UTI neonatal de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2011. Foram excluídos os recém-nascidos que apresentaram malformações, síndromes genéticas, infecções congênitas e os transferidos de ou para outras instituições. Os recém-nascidos foram separados em 2 grupos: os que receberam (n=182) e os que não receberam (n=38) corticosteroide antenatal. Os principais desfechos estudados foram a necessidade de reanimação neonatal, a presença das principais morbidades neonatais e a evolução ao óbito durante a internação. As médias das variáveis foram comparadas utilizando-se o teste t de Student ou teste não paramétrico e as frequências foram comparadas pelo teste do χ2, com correção de Fisher. Todas as variáveis que se apresentaram diferentes entre os grupos foram avaliadas por regressão logística. Foi utilizado o pacote estatístico Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0 e a significância foi considerada 0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram avaliados 220 pacientes. Não houve diferença entre os grupos quanto ao peso de nascimento, à idade gestacional e à presença das principais patologias neonatais. O grupo de recém-nascidos que recebeu CAN apresentou mortalidade 3 vezes menor (IC95% 1,4-6,5) e necessitou 2,4 vezes menos de reanimação (IC95% 1,1-5,0). Além disso, houve diminuição ...

PURPOSE: To evaluate the correlation between the use of antenatal corticosteroid therapy (AC), the frequency of resuscitation in delivery room and mortality of newborn infants under 1,500 g and gestational age less than or equal to 34 weeks. METHODS: A cohort study was conducted on all newborn infants under 1,500 g and with a gestational age less than or equal to 34 weeks admitted at the neonatal ICU between January 2006 and December 2011. Newborns who had congenital anomalies, genetic syndromes, congenital infections and those who were transferred to or came from other institutions were excluded. The studied infants were divided into 2 groups: those who received (n=182) and those who did not receive (n=38) AC. The main outcomes studied were the necessity of neonatal resuscitation, the presence of the main neonatal diseases and mortality during hospitalization. The means of the variables were compared using Student's t-test or non-parametric test and frequencies were compared by χ2test with Fisher's correction. The variables that presented difference between groups were assessed by logistic regression. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0 was used and the significance level was set at 0.05. RESULTS: In this study, 220 patients were evaluated. The groups were similar concerning birth weight, gestational age and the presence of the main neonatal morbidity during hospitalization. The infants who received antenatal corticosteroids showed lower mortality (OR=3.0; 95%CI 1.4-6.5) and required less resuscitation (OR=2.4; 95%CI 1.1-5.0). Besides, they required less advanced resuscitation procedures, such as tracheal cannula (OR=3.7; 95%CI 1.7-7.6), cardiac massage (OR=5.7; 95%CI 2.0-16.5) and medications (OR=8.9; 95%CI 2.0-39.4). CONCLUSIONS: The use of antenatal corticosteroids reduced the need for resuscitation in delivery room, especially advanced procedures, and reduced the mortality in the studied groups. .

Avaliação cariotípica de pacientes com clínica de Síndrome de Down no HUAP-UFF / Karyotypic evaluation of patients with down syndrome clinic in HUAP-UFF

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar o perfil cariotípico de pacietnes que deram entrada no Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro-HUAP (Universidade Federal Fluminense), durante o período de 2006 a 2010, com clínica de síndrome de Down (SD) e determinar a ocorrência de cariótipos clássicos, mosaicismos e translocações. Para avaliação do cariótipo foi realizada a técnica de bandeamento G a partir de culturas de linfócitos. Dos 157 pacietnes que tiveram avaliação cariotípica solicitada no Laboratório de Hematologia-HUAP, 39 tinham clínica de SD, sendo que 32 apresentavam trissomia do cromossomo 21, um, translocação 21q:21q e, dois, translocação 14q:21q. Dois casos de mosaicismo foram detectados. Duas amostras não foram diagnosticadas como SD. Além disso, dois foram detectados. Duas amostras não foram diagnosticadas como SD. Além disso, dois casos não associados à suspeita clínica de Síndrome de Down foram diagnosticados como trissomia de cromossomo 21. O diagnóstico preciso da SD é fundamental para a orientação clínica adequada dos indivíduos afetados e para o fornecimento de informações relevantes ao planejamento familiar. O presente estudo indica a ocorrência destas alterações genéticas na população encaminhada ao Laboratório de Hematologia-HUAP, para análise do perfil cariotípico, demonstrando que o diagnóstico laboratorial correto é necessário para confirmar a clínica dos pacientes, salientando a importância da interação clínico laboratorial.

[Evaluation of perinatal factors that influence the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants]. / Avaliação dos fatores perinatais que interferem na incidência de enterocolite necrosante em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the perinatal factors that influence the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns infants (NBI) weighing less than 1,500 g. METHODS: A prospective study that analyzed all infants with birth weight (BW) less than 1,500 g born between January 2006 to December 2010 (n=183). They were divided into two groups, i.e. infants diagnosed with NEC (n=18) and infants without a diagnosis of NEC (n=165), which were compared in terms of perinatal factors that could influence the incidence of NEC. Mean data were compared by Student's t-test or nonparametric tests and percentages of categorical variables were compared by the χ² test. When the variables showed differences between groups, they were analyzed using logistic regression with the dependent variable as the presence of NEC. The statistical package used was SPSS 16.0 for Windows. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in terms of most of the clinical and demographic neonatal and maternal data, except for the presence of preeclampsia (PE), which was higher in patients whose children developed NEC (61.1 versus 35,6%). The presence of PE increased the chance of occurrence of NEC by 2.84 times (95%CI 1.0 - 7.7). CONCLUSION: The only factor that can interfere with the incidence of NEC in infants of very low birth weight was the presence of PE. Awareness of this fact can guide the perinatal team in providing more judicious care regarding the prevention of NEC in this specific population.

Avaliação dos fatores perinatais que interferem na incidência de enterocolite necrosante em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso / Evaluation of perinatal factors that influence the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores perinatais que interferem na incidência de enterocolite necrosante (ECN) em recém-nascidos (RN) com peso menor que 1.500 g. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo no qual foram analisados todos os RN com peso de nascimento (PN) menor que 1.500 g nascidos no período de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2010 (n=183). Estes foram divididos em dois grupos, os que apresentaram ENC (n=18) e os que não apresentaram ECN (n=165), e foram comparados quanto aos fatores perinatais que pudessem influenciar na incidência de ECN. As médias das variáveis foram comparadas pelo Teste t de Student ou testes não paramétricos, e os percentuais das variáveis categóricas foram comparados por meio do teste do χ². Quando as variáveis se apresentaram diferentes entre os grupos, foram analisadas por meio de regressão logística, tendo como variável dependente a presença de ECN. O pacote estatístico utilizado foi o SPSS 16.0 for Windows. RESULTADOS: Os dois grupos foram semelhantes em relação à maioria das características clínicas e dados demográficos, tanto neonatais quanto maternos, exceto pela presença de pré-eclampsia (PE), mais frequente entre as gestantes cujos filhos evoluíram com ECN (61,1 versus 35,6%). A presença de PE aumentou a chance de ocorrência de ECN em 2,84 vezes (IC95% 1,04 - 7,7). CONCLUSÃO: O único fator materno que se mostrou relevante para a incidência de ECN nos RN de muito baixo peso avaliados foi a presença de PE. O conhecimento desse fato pode direcionar a equipe perinatal a um cuidado mais criterioso em relação à prevenção de ECN nesta população específica.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the perinatal factors that influence the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns infants (NBI) weighing less than 1,500 g. METHODS: A prospective study that analyzed all infants with birth weight (BW) less than 1,500 g born between January 2006 to December 2010 (n=183). They were divided into two groups, i.e. infants diagnosed with NEC (n=18) and infants without a diagnosis of NEC (n=165), which were compared in terms of perinatal factors that could influence the incidence of NEC. Mean data were compared by Student's t-test or nonparametric tests and percentages of categorical variables were compared by the χ² test. When the variables showed differences between groups, they were analyzed using logistic regression with the dependent variable as the presence of NEC. The statistical package used was SPSS 16.0 for Windows. RESULTS: The two groups were similar in terms of most of the clinical and demographic neonatal and maternal data, except for the presence of preeclampsia (PE), which was higher in patients whose children developed NEC (61.1 versus 35,6%). The presence of PE increased the chance of occurrence of NEC by 2.84 times (95%CI 1.0 - 7.7). CONCLUSION: The only factor that can interfere with the incidence of NEC in infants of very low birth weight was the presence of PE. Awareness of this fact can guide the perinatal team in providing more judicious care regarding the prevention of NEC in this specific population.

Correlação entre a concentração de lactato plasmático e a mortalidade neonatal precoce / The correlation between plasma lactate concentrations and early neonatal mortality

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a correlação entre a concentração do nível plasmático de lactato, nas primeiras 6 horas de vida, e a mortalidade neonatal precoce. MÉTODOS: Os pacientes foram separados em dois grupos, a partir do melhor ponto de corte do nível plasmático de lactato para predição da mortalidade neonatal nos 3 primeiros dias de vida, obtido por meio da construção de curva ROC. Os grupos foram separados e analisados quanto às diferenças e correlações entre as variáveis estudadas e nível plasmático de lactato dosado nas primeiras 6 horas de vida, por meio dos testes qui-quadrado, t de Student ou Mann-Whitney, e regressão logística. RESULTADOS: O melhor ponto de corte do nível plasmático de lactato determinado pela curva ROC para óbito nos 3 primeiros dias de vida foi 4,2mmol/L. Os grupos estudados foram diferentes em relação à média de peso de nascimento (menor no grupo com nível plasmático de lactato >4,2mmol/L), adequação entre peso de nascimento/idade gestacional, com maior número de recém-nascidos pequenos para idade gestacional nesse grupo. A ocorrência de convulsões, hemorragia intracraniana e óbito nos primeiros 3 dias de vida foi mais freqüente no grupo com nível plasmático de lactato >4,2mmol/L. CONCLUSÃO: Para a amostragem estudada, a presença de nível plasmático de lactato > 4,2mmol/L, nas primeiras 6 horas de vida, foi correlacionada ao óbito neonatal nos 3 primeiros dias de vida, à maior frequência de morbidade neurológica e de recém-nascidos pequenos para idade gestacional.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between plasma lactate concentrations in the first 6 hours of life and early neonatal mortality. METHODS: The patients were divided in 2 groups based on the cutoff point, obtained from a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, of the plasma lactate concentration that best predicted neonatal mortality during the first 3 days of life. The differences between groups and the correlations between the investigated variables and the plasma lactate concentrations measured in the first 6 hours of life were analyzed using the Chi-square, Student's t, or Mann-Whitney tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: The best cutoff point of the plasma lactate concentration as determined by the ROC curve for death during the first 3 days of life was 4.2 mmol/L. The investigated groups differed with regards to the average birth weight, which was lower in the group with serum lactate levels > 4.2 mmol/L, and the match between birth weight and gestational age, where the group with serum lactate levels > 4.2 mmol/L exhibited a higher number of newborns small for their gestational age. Seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, and death during the first 3 days of life occurred more frequently in the group with serum lactate levels > 4.2 mmol/L. CONCLUSION: In the investigated samples, the presence of plasma lactate concentrations > 4.2 mmol/L in the first 6 hours of life correlated with neonatal death during the first 3 days of life, a higher frequency of neurologic morbidity, and newborns that were small for their gestational age.

The correlation between plasma lactate concentrations and early neonatal mortality. / Correlação entre a concentração de lactato plasmático e a mortalidade neonatal precoce.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the correlation between plasma lactate concentrations in the first 6 hours of life and early neonatal mortality. METHODS: The patients were divided in 2 groups based on the cutoff point, obtained from a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, of the plasma lactate concentration that best predicted neonatal mortality during the first 3 days of life. The differences between groups and the correlations between the investigated variables and the plasma lactate concentrations measured in the first 6 hours of life were analyzed using the Chi-square, Student's t, or Mann-Whitney tests and logistic regression. RESULTS: The best cutoff point of the plasma lactate concentration as determined by the ROC curve for death during the first 3 days of life was 4.2 mmol/L. The investigated groups differed with regards to the average birth weight, which was lower in the group with serum lactate levels > 4.2 mmol/L, and the match between birth weight and gestational age, where the group with serum lactate levels > 4.2 mmol/L exhibited a higher number of newborns small for their gestational age. Seizures, intracranial hemorrhage, and death during the first 3 days of life occurred more frequently in the group with serum lactate levels > 4.2 mmol/L. CONCLUSION: In the investigated samples, the presence of plasma lactate concentrations > 4.2 mmol/L in the first 6 hours of life correlated with neonatal death during the first 3 days of life, a higher frequency of neurologic morbidity, and newborns that were small for their gestational age.

Analysis of the influence of pasteurization, freezing/thawing, and offer processes on human milk's macronutrient concentrations.

INTRODUCTION: The macronutrient concentrations of human milk could be influenced by the various processes used in human milk bank. AIMS: To determine the effect of various process (Holder pasteurization, freezing and thawing and feeding method) on the macronutrient concentration of human milk. METHODS: The samples of donated fresh human milk were studied before and after each process (Holder pasteurization, freezing and thawing and feeding method) until their delivery to newborn infants. Fifty-seven raw human milk samples were analyzed in the first step (pasteurization) and 228 in the offer step. Repeated measurements of protein, fat and lactose amounts were made in samples of human milk using an Infrared analyzer. The influence of repeated processes on the mean concentration of macronutrients in donor human milk was analyzed by repeated measurements ANOVA, using R statistical package. RESULTS: The most variable macronutrient concentration in the analyzed samples was fat (reduction of 59%). There was a significant reduction of fat and protein mean concentrations following pasteurization (5.5 and 3.9%, respectively). The speed at which the milk was thawed didn't cause a significant variation in the macronutrients concentrations. However, the continuous infusion delivery significantly reduced the fat concentration. When the influence of repeated processes was analyzed, the fat and protein concentrations varied significantly (reduction of 56.6% and 10.1% respectively) (P<0.05). Lactose didn't suffer significant reductions in all steps. CONCLUSION: The repeated processes that donor human milk is submitted before delivery to newborn infants cause a reduction in the fat and protein concentration. The magnitude of this decrease is higher on the fat concentration and it needs to be considered when this processed milk is used to feed preterm infants.

[Evaluation of the neonatal sepsis diagnosis: use of clinical and laboratory parameters as diagnosis factors]. / Avaliação do diagnóstico da sepse neonatal: uso de parâmetros laboratoriais e clínicos como fatores diagnósticos.

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the clinical, laboratory and health care characteristics of newborns (NBs) with confirmed late onset sepsis and NBs with unconfirmed late sepsis, verify if there were any differences between the groups, and describe the germs prevalent in the studied neonatal unit. This is a descriptive study, involving 168 cases. It was observer that 33.3% had a confirmed diagnosis for late onset sepsis. The age at the time of sepsis onset, the length of stay, the total number of neutrophils, the number of immature neutrophils and the value of PC-r proved good parameters to differentiate between the two groups when analyzed separately. The most common isolated bacteria were: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus coagulase negative and S. aureus.

Avaliação do diagnóstico da sepse neonatal: uso de parâmetros laboratoriais e clínicos como fatores diagnósticos / Evaluation of the neonatal sepsis diagnosis: use of clinical and laboratory parameters as diagnosis factors / Evaluación del diagnóstico de sepsis neonatal: uso de parámetros laboratoriales y clínicos como factores diagnósticos

Objetivou-se descrever e comparar as características clínicas, laboratoriais e assistenciais de RN que apresentaram sepse comprovada tardia e de RN que apresentaram sepse não comprovada tardia. Em seguida, avaliar se houve diferença entre os grupos, além de descrever os germes prevalentes na unidade neonatal estudada. Estudo descritivo, envolvendo 168 casos. Observou-se que 33,3 por cento tiveram sepse tardia provada. A idade no momento da sepse, o tempo total de internação, a quantidade total de neutrófilos, a quantidade de neutrófilos imaturos e o valor da PC-r mostraram bons parâmetros na diferenciação entre os dois grupos quando analisados de forma isolada. A Klebisiella pneumoniae, o Staphylococcus coagulase negativo e o S. aureus foram as bactérias mais comumente isoladas.

The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the clinical, laboratory and health care characteristics of newborns (NBs) with confirmed late onset sepsis and NBs with unconfirmed late sepsis, verify if there were any differences between the groups, and describe the germs prevalent in the studied neonatal unit. This is a descriptive study, involving 168 cases. It was observer that 33.3 percent had a confirmed diagnosis for late onset sepsis. The age at the time of sepsis onset, the length of stay, the total number of neutrophils, the number of immature neutrophils and the value of PC-r proved good parameters to differentiate between the two groups when analyzed separately. The most common isolated bacteria were: Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus coagulase negative and S. aureus.

Se objetivó describir y comparar las características clínicas, laboratoriales y asistenciales de RN que presentaron sepsis comprobada tardía y de RN que presentaron sepsis no comprobada tardía para, entonces, evaluar si hubo diferencia entre los grupos, además de describir los gérmenes prevalentes en la unidad neonatal estudiada. Estudio descriptivo, involucrando 168 casos, 33,3 por ciento tuvieron sepsis tardía probada. La edad al momento de la sepsis, el tiempo total de internación, la cantidad total de neutrófilos, la cantidad de neutrófilos inmaduros y el valor de la PC-r mostraron buenos parámetros en la diferenciación entre los dos grupos cuando fueron analizados en forma aislada. La Klebsiella pneumoniae, el Staphylococcus coagulase negativo y el S. aureus fueron las bacterias aisladas con mayor prevalencia.

Surgical mitral valve repair in children with rheumatic fever.

BACKGROUND: Mitral repair is well accepted in children with rheumatic fever. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of surgical mitral repair in children with rheumatic lesions after four years of follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective study of 40 patients younger than 18 years, who underwent surgery in the National Institute of Cardiology (Rio de Janeiro) between January 1998 and January 2003. The echocardiographic degree of mitral regurgitation; surgical technique used; pre and postoperative functional class; patient outcome; need for valve replacement; and deaths were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty one patients (52.5%) were females. Severe mitral regurgitation was observed in 32 patients (80%) and moderate in eight (20%). Three immediate deaths occurred (7.5%). Three months after surgery, echocardiography showed no valve regurgitation or mild regurgitation in 35 of 37 cases (94.6%) patients, and severe regurgitation in two (5.2%). Thirty three cases (82.5%) were in functional class III or IV in the preoperative period, and three months after surgery all the 37 cases (100%) were in functional class I or II. The differences between the degree of mitral regurgitation and functional class in pre and postoperative periods were statistically significant (p<0.01). Seven (19%) patients underwent heart valve replacement before four years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Mitral valve repair showed favorable results in most of the cases as regards the degree of mitral regurgitation and the pre and postoperative functional class. Only 19% of the patients required surgical valve replacement before four years of follow-up.

Plastia mitral cirúrgica em crianças com febre reumática / Plastia mitral quirúrgica en niños con fiebre reumática / Surgical mitral valve repair in children with rheumatic fever

FUNDAMENTO: A reconstrução mitral é bem aceita em crianças com febre reumática. OBJETIVO: Analisar os resultados da reconstrução cirúrgica mitral, em crianças com lesões reumáticas, após quatro anos de evolução. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 40 pacientes menores de 18 anos, operados no Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia (RJ), entre janeiro de 1998 e janeiro de 2003. Foram analisados o grau da regurgitação mitral pelo ecocardiograma, a técnica cirúrgica, a classe funcional pré e pós-operatória, a evolução dos casos, a necessidade de troca valvar e óbitos. RESULTADOS: Vinte e um pacientes (52,5 por cento) eram do sexo feminino. A insuficiência mitral era grave em 32 pacientes (80 por cento) e moderada em oito (20 por cento). Ocorreram três óbitos imediatos (7,5 por cento). Após três meses da cirurgia, o ecocardiograma demonstrou que em 35 de 37 casos (94,6 por cento) não havia regurgitação valvar ou essa era leve, e em dois pacientes (5,2 por cento) era grave. A classe funcional no pré-operatório era III e IV em 33 casos (82,5 por cento) e, três meses após a cirurgia, todos os 37 casos (100 por cento) estavam em classe funcional I e II. A diferença entre os dados do grau de regurgitação mitral e classe funcional no pré e no pós-operatório foram estatisticamente significativos (p<0,01). A troca valvar antes de quatro anos de evolução ocorreu em sete (19 por cento) dos casos. CONCLUSÃO: A reconstrução da valva mitral mostrou resultado favorável na maioria dos casos, ao considerarmos o grau de regurgitação mitral e a classe funcional pré e pós-cirúrgica e, somente 19 por cento dos pacientes vieram a necessitar da cirurgia para troca valvar antes de quatro anos de evolução.

BACKGROUND: Mitral repair is well accepted in children with rheumatic fever. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the outcomes of surgical mitral repair in children with rheumatic lesions after four years of follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective study of 40 patients younger than 18 years, who underwent surgery in the National Institute of Cardiology (Rio de Janeiro) between January 1998 and January 2003. The echocardiographic degree of mitral regurgitation; surgical technique used; pre and postoperative functional class; patient outcome; need for valve replacement; and deaths were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty one patients (52.5 percent) were females. Severe mitral regurgitation was observed in 32 patients (80 percent) and moderate in eight (20 percent). Three immediate deaths occurred (7.5 percent). Three months after surgery, echocardiography showed no valve regurgitation or mild regurgitation in 35 of 37 cases (94.6 percent) patients, and severe regurgitation in two (5.2 percent). Thirty three cases (82.5 percent) were in functional class III or IV in the preoperative period, and three months after surgery all the 37 cases (100 percent) were in functional class I or II. The differences between the degree of mitral regurgitation and functional class in pre and postoperative periods were statistically significant (p<0.01). Seven (19 percent) patients underwent heart valve replacement before four years of follow-up. CONCLUSION: Mitral valve repair showed favorable results in most of the cases as regards the degree of mitral regurgitation and the pre and postoperative functional class. Only 19 percent of the patients required surgical valve replacement before four years of follow-up.

FUNDAMENTO: La reconstrucción mitral tiene buena aceptación en niños con fiebre reumática. OBJETIVO: Analizar los resultados de la reconstrucción quirúrgica mitral en niños con lesiones reumáticas después de cuatro años de evolución. MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de 40 pacientes menores de 18 años, operados en el Instituto Nacional de Cardiología (RJ), entre enero de 1998 y enero de 2003. Se analizó el grado de regurgitación mitral por ecocardiograma, la técnica quirúrgica, la clase funcional pre y post operatoria, la evolución de los casos, la necesidad de cambio valvular y óbitos. RESULTADOS: Veintiún pacientes (52,5 por ciento) eran del sexo femenino. La insuficiencia mitral era grave en 32 pacientes (80 por ciento) y moderada en ocho (20 por ciento). Ocurrieron tres óbitos inmediatos (7,5 por ciento). Después de tres meses de cirugía, el ecocardiograma mostró que en 35/37 (94,6 por ciento) no había regurgitación valvular o era leve, y en dos pacientes (5,2 por ciento) era grave. La clase funcional en el preoperatorio era III y IV en 33 casos (82,5 por ciento), y tres meses después de la cirugía los 37 casos (100 por ciento) estaban en clase funcional I y II. La diferencia entre los datos del grados de regurgitación mitral y clase funcional en el pre y post operatorio fueron estadísticamente significativos (p<0,01). El cambio valvular antes de cuatro de evolución ocurrió en siete (19 por ciento) de los casos. CONCLUSIÓN: La reconstrucción de la válvula mitral mostró resultado favorable en la mayoría de los casos al considerar el grado de regurgitación mitral y la clase funcional pre y post quirúrgica, y sólo el 19 por ciento de los pacientes necesitaron cirugía para cambio valvular antes de cuatro años de evolución.

Ascaridíase hepatobiliar complicada por pneumonia lipoídica / Hepatobiliary ascariasis complicated by lipoid pneumonia

OBJETIVO: Apresentar um caso de ascaridíase hepatobiliar complicado por pneumonia lipoídica e discutir as implicações anestésicas envolvidas. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO: Menina de dois anos de idade com ascaridíase hepatobiliar complicada por pneumonia lipoídica por aspiração e desnutrição grave, advinda de família em condições sociais precárias em zona rural, com quatro irmãos. Foi tratada com sucesso por uma combinação de lavados broncopulmonares sucessivos e cirurgia. COMENTÁRIOS: Ascaridíase biliar corresponde a cerca de 10 por cento dos casos de complicações de ascaridíase. Apenas uma minoria precisa de tratamento cirúrgico. O uso de óleo mineral por via oral é um tratamento tradicional para a suboclusão intestinal pelo Ascaris lumbricoides, mas a broncoaspiração do óleo e a conseqüente pneumonia lipoídica representam um risco alto para o seu uso. Anestesia geral para laparotomia exploradora em pré-escolar desnutrido com pneumonia lipóide e ascaridíase biliar é uma situação pouco contemplada na literatura médica, o que exigiu um planejamento terapêutico específico.

OBJECTIVE: To present a case of hepatobiliary ascariasis complicated by exogenous lipoid aspirative pneumonia and the anesthetic implications involved. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present a case of hepatobiliary ascariasis complicated by exogenous lipoid aspirative pneumonia and severe undernourishment in a two-year-old female from a five-children poor family from the Brazilian rural area. She was successfully treated by the association of repeated bronchopulmonary lavage and surgery. COMMENTS: Biliary ascariasis corresponds roughly to 10 percent of complicated ascariasis cases. Only a minority requires surgery. Mineral oil is a traditional treatment for intestinal Ascaris lumbricoides subocclusion, but oil aspiration and lipoid pneumonia remain a highly morbid risk of this practice. General anesthesia and laparotomy in an undernourished small child with lipoid pneumonia and biliary ascariasis were rarely addressed in the medical literature. Therefore, the therapeutic planning of this case was difficult.

Medication errors in a neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and type of medical errors in a newborn intensive care unit and the relationship between the error and the patient's clinical status. METHODS: We reviewed the medical charts, during the first 7 days of hospitalization, of all high-risk newborn infants admitted for a period of 3 months. RESULTS: Seventy-three patients were admitted during the study period. Their mean birth weight was 2,140 g (640-5,020 g) and mean gestational age was 34 weeks (25-40 weeks). Of 73 medical charts analyzed, 40 (55%) had one or more errors. A total of 365 days of hospitalization was analyzed and 95 medical errors were detected (one error per 3.9 days of hospitalization). The most frequent error was associated with medication use (84.2%). Use of therapeutic procedures (drugs, phototherapy, etc.) without proper prescription in the patient's chart (commission error) accounted for 7.4% of the errors, and incidence of omission errors was 8.4%. Incidence of medical errors was significantly higher in newborn infants with lower gestational age. CONCLUSIONS: Incidence of errors in the care of high-risk newborn infants is elevated. Strategies to improve education of health professionals involved in the care and development of local culture by disseminating clear, accessible algorithms to guide behavior when errors occur must be encouraged.