[Effect of breastfeeding versus formula milk feeding on preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the importance of breastfeeding in preterm infants with various gestational ages. METHODS: A total of 639 preterm infants with a gestational age of 28+3-36+6 weeks were enrolled, and according to the feeding pattern, they were divided into exclusive breastfeeding group (n=237) and formula milk feeding group (fed with liquid milk for preterm infants; n=402). These two feeding patterns were compared in terms of their effects on weight gain, laboratory markers including albumin (Alb) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), incidence rate of feeding intolerance, and incidence rates of complications including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). RESULTS: Compared with the formula milk feeding group, the breastfeeding group had a significantly faster increase in body weight, a significantly lower incidence rate of NEC, a significantly higher ALP level, and a significantly lower Alb level in the preterm infants with a gestational age of 28-30 weeks (P<0.05); there were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence rates of anemia, ROP, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and nosocomial infection and length of hospital stay (P>0.05). For the preterm infants with a gestational age of 31-33 weeks, the breastfeeding group had a significantly faster increase in body weight, a significantly lower incidence rate of feeding intolerance, a significantly shorter length of hospital stay, and a significantly higher ALP level (P<0.05); there were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence rates of NEC, anemia, ROP, BPD, and nosocomial infection and the Alb level (P>0.05). For the preterm infants with a gestational age of 34-36 weeks, there were no significant differences in these indices between the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Breastfeeding plays an important role in increasing body weight, reducing the incidence rates of feeding intolerance and NEC, and shortening the length of hospital stay in preterm infants with a gestational age of 28-33 weeks.

[Value of abdominal ultrasound in the diagnosis of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis and evaluation of disease severity].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of abdominal ultrasound in diagnosing neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and its significance in evaluating the disease severity. METHODS: The clinical data of 84 neonates who were diagnosed with NEC between July 2013 and January 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. According to the modified Bell-NEC staging criteria, these neonates were divided into a suspected NEC group (n=44) and a confirmed NEC group (n=40); according to clinical prognosis, they were divided into a medical treatment and full recovery group (n=58) and a surgery/death group (n=26). The changes in the results of abdominal ultrasound and abdominal X-ray plain film were compared between groups. RESULTS: In the confirmed NEC group, abdominal ultrasound showed significantly higher detection rates of portal venous gas and dilatation of the intestine than abdominal X-ray plain film (P<0.05). Compared with the medical treatment and full recovery group, the surgery/death group had significantly higher detection rates of dilatation of intestine, bowel wall thickening, peritoneal effusion and free intraperitoneal air (P<0.05). Dilatation of the intestine and free intraperitoneal air shown by abdominal X-ray plain film were more common in the surgery/death group. CONCLUSIONS: Abdominal ultrasound is useful for the diagnosis of NEC. Ultrasonic findings can contribute to the prediction of the severity of NEC.

[Background patterns and sleep-wake cycles on amplitude-integrated electroencephalography in preterm infants with periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage].

OBJECTIVE: To study the background patterns and sleep-wake cycles (SWC) on amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) in preterm infants with different grades of periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH). METHODS: Fifty-six preterm infants with a gestational age between 25 and 33 weeks who were diagnosed with PIVH and 31 gestational age-matched normal preterm without ICH were enrolled. According to Papile staging criteria, the infants with PIVH were subdivided into mild group (grades I and II) and moderate-severe group (grades III and IV). The results of the aEEG were compared between groups. RESULTS: The moderate-severe PIVH group showed a decreased continuity of the voltage, an increased loss rate of SWC, and a lower aEEG score than the mild PIVH and control groups (P<0.017). There were no significant differences in these parameters between the mild PIVH and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The changes of background patterns and SWCs may be associated with the severity of PIVH in preterm infants.

New insights on the role of the insular cortex and habenula in OSA.

PURPOSE: Abnormal structure or function in the central nervous system (CNS) can also affect obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Because human afferent and motor pathways that regulate apnea are still poorly understood, it is not possible to modify the behavior of motor neurons to control airway function. The purpose of this article is to clear the central control mechanism of genioglossus (GG) and to discuss how altered activity in the limbic system and its related structures might affect OSA development, in order to provide help for the treatment of this disease. METHODS: Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from previous studies on OSA-related brain damage in human beings plus the data from clinical and animal experiments are summarized. These articles are overviewed to discuss the roles of the limbic system-the insular cortex (Ic), the habenula (Hb), and CNS-in the pathogenesis and mechanisms of OSA. RESULTS: The Ic, which relays signals through the Hb, may play a role in OSA because activating the Ic causes the Hb to suppress activity of the raphe nucleus (RN), resulting in lower levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) that decreases the muscle tone of the GG. This leads to airway collapse. CONCLUSIONS: The Ic may be an important region in the development of OSA. Altered activity in the limbic system and its related structures could also be associated with OSA.

High expression of beta2-glycoprotein I is associated significantly with the earliest stages of hepatitis B virus infection.

Human beta2-glycoprotein I (beta2-GPI) binds to recombinant hepatitis B surface antigen (rHBsAg) and can bind specifically to annexin II, which is located on the cell membrane of human hepatoma SMMC-7721 cells. Viral envelope proteins are essential for mediating cellular entry. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of beta2-GPI in the early stages of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses revealed that beta2-GPI expression was upregulated in HepG2.2.15 cells at both the mRNA and protein level and was almost non-existent in 293T and CHO cells. Furthermore, annexin II was expressed at lower levels in HepG2.2.15 cells compared to L02, HepG2, and SMMC-7721 cells. Additionally, ELISA analyses demonstrated that beta2-GPI enhanced the ability of HBsAg to bind to cell surfaces, and there was differential adhesion to L02, HepG2, HepG2.2.15, and 293T cells. Western blot and ELISA were then performed to assess the effects of HBV and the HBsAg domain on beta2-GPI expression in co-transfected 293T cells. This study revealed that HBV and the large HBV envelope protein increased beta2-GPI expression. Further investigation indicated that beta2-GPI colocalized with HBsAg in the cytosol of HepG2.2.15 cells, with sodium taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP) on the cell membrane in NTCP-complemented HepG2 cells, and with annexin II in the cytosol of HepG2 and HepG2.2.15 cells. These data suggest that high expression of beta2-GPI enhances HBsAg binding to cell surfaces, thus contributing to virus particle transfer to the NTCP receptor and interaction with annexin II for viral membrane fusion.

[Early complications and treatment outcomes in test-tube premature infants].

OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence of early complications and treatment outcomes in premature infants conceived via test tube. METHODS: A retrospective analysis and comparison was conducted on the clinical data of 122 test-tube premature infants and 183 naturally conceived premature infants (control group), including maternal complications, birth conditions and early complications. RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in maternal complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (25.4% vs 12.0%; P < 0.05) and malformations (3.3% vs 0%; P < 0.05) in the test-tube group was statistically higher than in the control group. The mortality rate in the test-tube group was statistically higher than in the control group (9.0% vs 2.2%; P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Test-tube premature infants are more likely to suffer from respiratory distress syndrome and have higher incidences of congenital malformations and mortality. Asisted reproductive technique should therefore be chosen cautiously, and enhanced assessment and monitoring is needed during pregnancy.

[Risk factors for capillary leak syndrome in neonates].

OBJECTIVE: To study the risk factors for capillary leak syndrome (CLS) in neonates. METHODS: The clinical data of 52 neonates with CLS (case group) were retrospectively reviewed. Fifty hospitalized neonates without CLS were used as the control group. The possible factors for the development of CLS were identified by univariate analysis. The independent risk factors for CLS were determined by multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The univariate analysis showed that the incidences of hyperglycemia, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), sepsis and cold injury syndrome in the case group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that sepsis (OR=5.004, P=0.001), RDS (OR=3.880, P=0.013) and cold injury syndrome (OR=3.207, P=0.023) were the independent risk factors for the development of CLS. CONCLUSIONS: RDS, sepsis and cold injury syndrome are independent risk factors for CLS in neonates. Hyperglycemia may be associated with the development of CLS.

[Digital retinal camera for screening of retinopathy of prematurity].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the practicability and efficacy of digital retinal camera (RetCam) as a method for early diagnosis of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: One hundred and twelve preterm infants admitted to the First Hospital of Jilin University from June 2007 to March 2008 were enrolled. Fundus examinations were performed by indirect ophthalmoscope and RetCam respectively. The results from RetCam were compared with those from indirect ophthalmoscopy which was a "gold standard" for ROP screening. RESULTS: ROP was identified in 46 eyes by RetCam, and in 43 eyes by indirect ophthalmoscope. The sensitivity of RetCamII was 97.7% (43/44) and the specificity was 98.3% (177/180), and the positive and negative predictive values were 93.5% and 99.4%, respectively. The concordance rate for identification of ROP between RetCam and indirect ophthalmoscopy was 97.3%. CONCLUSIONS: RetCam is an effective method for the identification of ROP and is worth recommending.

The sonographic features of neonatal appendicitis: A case report.

RATIONALE: Neonatal appendicitis is extremely rare, and preoperative diagnosis is challenging. This study aimed to investigate the utility of ultrasound for the diagnosis of neonatal appendicitis. PATIENT CONCERNS: Four cases of neonatal appendicitis were included in this case series. One was a female infant and the other 3 were male infants; they were aged from 10 to 17 days. DIAGNOSES: Neonatal appendicitis. INTERVENTIONS: Four newborns in our hospital were diagnosed with neonatal appendicitis by abdominal ultrasound. Their sonographic features were summarized and compared with surgical and pathological findings. OUTCOMES: In these infants, abdominal ultrasound demonstrated ileocecal bowel dilatation, intestinal and bowel wall thickening, and localized encapsulated effusion in the right lower quadrant and the abscess area, which was assumed to surround the appendix. LESSONS: Ultrasound is helpful for the diagnosis of neonatal appendicitis.

Mortality and Morbidity of Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants in the Mainland of China: A Multi-center Study.

BACKGROUND: With the progress of perinatal medicine and neonatal technology, more and more extremely low birth weight (ELBW) survived all over the world. This study was designed to investigate the short-term outcomes of ELBW infants during their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stay in the mainland of China. METHODS: All infants admitted to 26 NICUs with a birth weight (BW) < l000 g were included between January l, 2011 and December 31, 2011. All the data were collected retrospectively from clinical records by a prospectively designed questionnaire. The data collected from each NICU transmitted to the main institution where the results were aggregated and analyzed. Categorical variables were performed with Pearson Chi-square test. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to detect risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 258 ELBW infants were admitted to 26 NICUs, of whom the mean gestational age (GA) was 28.1 ± 2.2 weeks, and the mean BW was 868 ± 97 g. The overall survival rate at discharge was 50.0%. Despite aggressive treatment 60 infants (23.3%) died and another 69 infants (26.7%) died after medical care withdrawal. Furthermore, the survival rate was significantly higher in coastal areas than inland areas (53.6% vs. 35.3%, P = 0.019). BW < 750 g and GA < 28 weeks were the largest risk factors, and being small for gestational age was a protective factor related to mortality. Respiratory distress syndrome was the most common complication. The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity was 26.2%, 33.7%, 6.7%, 48.1%, and 41.4%, respectively. Ventilator associated pneumonia was the most common hospital acquired infection during hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Our study was the first survey that revealed the present status of ELBW infants in the mainland of China. The mortality and morbidity of ELBW infants remained high as compared to other developed countries.

Clinical utility of the ventricular septal defect diameter to aorta root diameter ratio to predict early childhood developmental defects or lung infections in patients with perimembranous ventricular septal defect.

BACKGROUND: Ventricular septal defect (VSD) is the most frequent type of congenital heart disease. Conventional methods to evaluate VSD size and severity are both invasive and cumbersome to perform. We investigated whether the ratio between the diameter of the defect and the aortic root diameter (DVSD/DAR) would accurately reflect the degree of shunted blood and the severity of VSD in children with perimembranous VSD. METHODS: We recruited 987 children with perimembranous VSD (pmVSD) and used color Doppler echocardiography to calculate DVSD/DAR. 987 healthy children were recruited as control group. The pmVSD group was further stratified into four groups according to age (1 to 4 y) and again into four groups according to the DVSD/DAR ratio: children whose DVSD/DAR was 1/5 to <1/4, 1/4 to <1/3, 1/3 to 1/5, or 1/2 to <2/3 were assigned to groups A, B, C, and D, respectively. Height, weight, infection scores and systemic-pulmonary circulation ratio (QP/QS ratio) were compared among groups A, B, C and D. Then the relationship between the DVSD/DAR ratio and height, weight, QP/QS ratio, infection score were analysed by linear regression analysis. RESULTS: Compared to age-matched children without VSD (the controls), the mean height and weight of children in the pmVSD group were lower, and heights and weights were negatively correlated with the DVSD/DAR ratio. This ratio was significantly reduced in groups C and D compared to control group (both P<0.05). Infection scores of groups A and B were significantly higher only in the one-year-old subgroup, but were significantly higher in groups C and D for all ages compared to the control group (both P<0.05). QP/QS ratio of group C and D were higher than group A and group B (all P<0.05). Moreover, QP/QS ratio of group D for all ages were more than 2. In addition, linear regression analysis revealed that the DVSD/DAR ratio negatively correlated with height and weight and positively correlated with the QP/QS ratio and infection score. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the DVSD/DAR ratio accurately reflects the growth and pulmonary infection rates in children with pmVSD. This ratio, therefore, may be a useful additional reference index to predict the consequences of pmVSD.