Does the contribution of human milk oligosaccharides to the beneficial effects of breast milk allow us to hope for an improvement in infant formulas?

Human milk is a source of nutrients and contains many distinct bioactive components. Among these, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) have attracted considerable attention and are being investigated as a "novel foods". Human milk is unique in its oligosaccharide composition. Recent research has focused on the complexity of HMOs by highlighting their diversity, structural variability, concentration variance, and structure-function relationships. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that HMOs drive infant gut microbiota, improve intestinal barrier functions, and modulate cell receptor signaling, thereby contributing to the development of infant immunity. These studies, combined with epidemiological data, indicate that some HMO may confer health benefits by preventing infections and diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis and allergies. However, randomized controlled trials are restricted to structurally simple compounds such as 2' fucosyllactose and lacto-N-neotetraose. More controlled clinical trials are needed to justify routine supplementation of formula. It is felt that a better understanding of the role of HMOs leading to the development of inexpensive methods for large-scale HMO production is needed.

The effect of modes of delivery on infants' feeding practices.

Breast feeding has a great impact on the infant morbidity and mortality. According to Pakistan Demographic and Health survey (PDHS) infant mortality rate is 78 deaths per 1,000 live births. World Health Organization recommends that exclusive breast feeding for six months can decrease infant mortality rate by one-third. The objective of the study was to find out how the mode of delivery had impact on the practice of breast feeding. Data were collected for 2500 consecutive patients during a period of two years, and it was seen that maternal initiative to breast feed was low and problems with lactation were much more in cases delivering their babies via cesarean sections than those delivering theirs by normal delivery. Vaginal and cesarean section deliveries took place in 54% and 46% of the case, respectively. Thirty percent of the women studied felt that they had no problems regarding breastfeeding, but 70% of them had some sort of problems with breastfeeding their babies. When the women were matched for the mode of delivery, 58% of women who had breastfeeding problems belonged to the cesarean delivery group and 42% of complaining mothers were from women with normal delivery. The relative risk of having problems with breastfeeding for women subjected to cesarean was 1.38 and the odds ratio was 0.61. The findings of the present study indicate that more in depth counseling sessions are required for women undergoing operative delivery to improve breast feeding among them.

Peptidome analysis of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (hUC-MSC) conditioned medium from preterm and term infants.

BACKGROUND: The therapeutic role of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) has been widely confirmed in several animal models of premature infant diseases. Micromolecule peptides have shown promise for the treatment of premature infant diseases. However, the potential role of peptides secreted from MSCs has not been studied. The purpose of this study is to help to broaden the knowledge of the hUC-MSC secretome at the peptide level through peptidomic profile analysis. METHODS: We used tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling technology followed by tandem mass spectrometry to compare the peptidomic profile of preterm and term umbilical cord MSC (hUC-MSC) conditioned medium (CM). Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) were conducted to explore the differentially expressed peptides by predicting the functions of their precursor proteins. To evaluate the effect of candidate peptides on human lung epithelial cells stimulated by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blot analysis, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were, respectively, adopted to detect inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) expression levels at the mRNA and protein levels. RESULTS: A total of 131 peptides derived from 106 precursor proteins were differentially expressed in the preterm hUC-MSC CM compared with the term group, comprising 37 upregulated peptides and 94 downregulated peptides. Bioinformatics analysis showed that these differentially expressed peptides may be associated with developmental disorders, inflammatory response, and organismal injury. We also found that peptides 7118TGAKIKLVGT7127 derived from MUC19 and 508AAAAGPANVH517 derived from SIX5 reduced the expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 in H2O2-treated human lung epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, this study provides further secretomics information on hUC-MSCs and provides a series of peptides that might have antiinflammatory effects on pulmonary epithelial cells and contribute to the prevention and treatment of respiratory diseases in premature infants.

The Role of Human Milk in Decreasing Necrotizing Enterocolitis Through Modulation of the Infant Gut Microbiome: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing enterocolitis is associated with a high incidence of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Human milk minimizes necrotizing enterocolitis risk, although the mechanism of protection is not thoroughly understood. Increasingly, dysbiosis of the infant gut microbiome, which is affected by infant diet, is hypothesized to play a role in necrotizing enterocolitis pathophysiology. RESEARCH AIM: The aim of this scoping review was to summarize the state of the science regarding the hypothesis that the gut microbiome composition is a mediator of the relationship between human milk and decreased incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis within a sample of human infants. METHODS: Electronic databases and reference lists were searched for peer-reviewed primary research articles addressing the link between human milk, gut microbiome composition, and subsequent incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis among human infants. RESULTS: A total of four studies met criteria for inclusion in this review. Of these, evidence supporting the link between human milk, gut microbiome composition, and necrotizing enterocolitis was found in two (50%) studies. CONCLUSION: Some evidence linking all three variables is provided in this review. Given the small number of available studies, and the limitations of those studies, more research is urgently needed to thoroughly understand the protection against necrotizing enterocolitis gained through the provision of human milk.

Hypernatremic Dehydration in Breastfed Term Infants: Retrospective Evaluation of 159 Cases.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to reveal the frequency, presenting complaints, risk factors, complications, and ways for prevention of hypernatremic dehydration (HD) among term breastfed infants. METHODS: The files of 159 breastfed term infants hospitalized because of HD between the years 2009 and 2014 were examined retrospectively in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Sivas State Hospital, Turkey. The patients were classified according to serum sodium (Na) levels, group 1 (Na: 146-149 mEq/L, n = 68) and group 2 (Na ≥150 mEq/L, n = 91). RESULTS: The most common complaint was fever (67.9%), and the most common physical finding was oral mucosal dryness (76%). There were positive correlations between serum Na levels and weight loss, hospital stay, admission age, admission to neonatal unit after discharge, serum urea levels, and body temperature (p < 0.05). The normalization period of Na levels was significantly longer (21.7 ± 8.8 versus 29.3 ± 17.8 hours, p = 0.03), and Na reduction rate was faster in group 2 (0.41 ± 0.3 versus 0.50 ± 0.3 mEq/L/hour, p = 0.02). Bradycardia was seen more commonly in group 2 (1.5% versus 16.5%, p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: HD is a significant condition that should be treated appropriately to avoid serious complications.

Intergrowth versus fenton: há diferença no diagnóstico de retardo de crescimento extrauterino em prematuros durante internamento hospitalar? / Intergrowth versus fenton: is there a difference in the diagnosis of extrauterine growth retardation in preterm infants during hospitalization

Introdução: alterações no padrão de crescimento de recém-nascidos prematuros podem ter implicações para sua saúde futura. A literatura dispõe de diversas ferramentas e pontos de corte para avaliação da sua adequação, logo, diferentes diagnósticos podem ser obtidos a depender do parâmetro adotado. Objetivo: determinar a diferença no diagnóstico de Retardo de Crescimento Extrauterino em prematuros, durante internamento hospitalar, conforme as curvas de Fenton e Intergrowth. Metodologia: trata-se de estudo transversal, com dados secundários, coletados durante o internamento em unidade de terapia intensiva e de cuidados intermediários convencionais neonatais de uma maternidade pública, em 2019, Coletaram-se medidas de peso e perímetro cefálico ao nascer e no momento da alta/transferência e calcularam-se seus respectivos indicadores antropométricos de acordo com as duas curvas. Utilizaramse duas classificações para o Retardo: diagnóstico de Pequeno para Idade Gestacional na alta/transferência; queda no escore Z dos indicadores maior ou igual a 1 entre o nascimento e a alta/transferência. Resultados: Não houve diferença em relação ao número de crianças classificadas como Pequeno para Idade Gestacional ao nascer, entre as curvas. Porém, no momento da alta/transferência houve maior prevalência de Pequeno para a Idade Gestacional/Retardo de Crescimento Extrauterino, de acordo com Fenton (73,6% versus 64,9%). A análise longitudinal dos indicadores de crescimento para caracterização do referido retardo por meio da curva de Fenton também detectou maior número de diagnósticos. Conclusão: conclui-se que o diagnóstico do retardo apresentou diferenças entre os referenciais. Os parâmetros de Fenton determinaram maior ocorrência dele no momento do desfecho, independente da realização da avaliação transversal ou longitudinal dos indicadores.

Introduction: changes in growth pattern of preterm infants may have implications for their future health. Literature has several tools and cutoff points to assess its adequacy, therefore, different diagnosis may be obtained depending on the adopted parameter. Objective: determine the difference in diagnosis of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) in preterm infants during hospitalization based on Fenton 2013) and Intergrowth-21 (2014) curves. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study with secondary data which were collected during hospitalization in an intensive care unit and neonatal conventional intermediate care in a public maternity hospital, in 2019. Results: weight and head circumference measurements were collected at birth and at discharge/transfer and their respective anthropometric indicators were calculated according to Fenton and Intergrowth-21 curves. The following EUGR criteria were used: diagnosis of small for gestational age (SGA) at discharge/transfer; decrease in Z score for indicators higher or equal to 1 between birth and discharge/transfer. There was no difference in the number of children classified as SGA at birth between the curves. However, at the time of discharge/ transfer there was a higher prevalence of SGA/EUGR according to Fenton (73.6% versus 64.9%). Longitudinal analysis of growth indicators for EUGR using Fenton curve also detected a higher number of patients with EUGR. Conclusion: the conclusion is that EUGR diagnosis showed differences between Fenton and Intergrowth methods. Fenton's parameters determined a higher occurrence of EUGR at the time of outcome, regardless of whether indicators were cross-sectionally or longitudinally evaluated.

La lactancia materna y su relación con patologías prevalentes en la infancia en jardines infantiles de la ciudad de Manizales (Colombia), 2013 / Breastfeeding and relation ship with prevailing childhood diseases in children garden at Manizales city (Colombia), 2013

Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de enfermedades en niños menores de cinco años que fueron lactados durante 6 meses o más, en relación a los que recibieron lactancia materna durante menos de 6 meses. Materiales y métodos: El estudio se realizó en un jardín infantil de la ciudad de Manizales (Colombia), en 115 niños. Se evaluaron variables demográficas, de lactancia materna, y presencia anterior de algunas patologías. Resultados: La edad promedio de la población seleccionada fue de 31,35 meses, 54,8% de género femenino. El 7,8% recibieron lactancia materna exclusiva, el 51,8% fueron lactados durante 6 meses o más, tiempo promedio de lactancia materna 5.88 meses, inicio de alimentación complementaria 7,93 meses, suplementaria 4,91, duración alimentación suplementaria 10,22 meses. El 49,6% presentó diarrea, 20,9% bronquiolilitis, 9,6% asma, 23,5% dermatitis, 41,7% otitis media, 15,7% faringo-amigdalitis. Con relación a lactancia materna hasta los 6 meses, se encontró relación significativa (p<0,05) con haber padecido diarrea, faringitis, otitis y bronquiolitis. También se encontraron relaciones significativas entre la presencia de diarrea, bronquiolitis, dermatitis, otitis y faringitis, con tiempo de lactancia, edad de inicio y duración de la alimentación suplementaria y edad de inicio de la alimentación complementaria. Conclusiones: Se probó una vez más la importancia de la lactancia materna por lo menos hasta los 6 meses de edad. También se evidenció la importancia que tienen para la presentación de algunas patologías la edad de inicio, y tiempo de duración de la alimentación suplementaria, y la edad de inicio de la alimentación complementarias…

Objective: To determine the prevalence of diseases in children under five years whowere breastfed during 6 months or more, in relation with those who were breastfed forless than 6 months. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on 115 children of a children garden in Manizales. Demographic variables and aspects such as exclusive breastfeeding, complementary and supplementary feeding, diarrhea, bronchiolitis, otitis media, dermatitis among others where analyzed. Results:The average age ofthe selected population was of 31.35 months, 51.8% where girls. 7.8% were exclusively breastfed, 51.8% were breastfed during 6 months or more, the average duration of breastfeeding was of 5.88 months. Start of complementary nutrition 7.93 months, and supplementary nutrition 4.91 months, duration of supplementary nutrition 10.22months. 49.6% presented diarrhea, 20.9% bronchitis, 9.6% asthma, 23.5% dermatitis,41.7% medium otitis, 15.7% pharyngitis. In relation with breastfeeding until 6 months,a significant relation was found (p<0.05) with suffering from diarrhea, bronchiolitis,dermatitis, otitis and pharyngitis, with the duration of breastfeeding, age and durationof supplementary nutrition and age when complementary nutrition started. Conclusion: The importance of duration of exclusive breastfeeding until at least 6 months is relevant as a protective factor for diseases such as diarrhea, pharyngitis, bronchiolitis, and other prevalent diseases in children under 5 years as atopic dermatitis. An early start in the complementary and supplementary feeding was associated with a greater diseases presence such as bronchiolitis, diarrhea and otitis media.

Conceitos atuais sobre avaliação da maturidade pulmonar fetal / Current concepts on the assessment of fetal lung maturity

A Síndrome do Desconforto Respiratório (SDR), também conhecida como Doença da Membrana Hialina, é uma das principais causas de morbidade e mortalidade neonatal. O principal fator associado à SDR é a produção insuficiente de surfactante pulmonar, o que geralmente está associada à prematuridade. Alguns protocolos internacionais recomendam que a confirmação da maturidade pulmonar fetal seja realizada em partos eletivos antes de 39 semanas de gestação. Diversos são os métodos capazes de avaliar a maturidade pulmonar fetal, como a Relação Lecitina/Esfingomielina,a Pesquisa de Corpos Lamelares, a Relação Surfactante/Albumina, o percentual deFosfatidilglicerol, o Índice de Estabilidade da Espuma e o Shake Test ou Teste de Clements. Este estudo visa apresentar os principais métodos disponíveis e as recomendações atuais sobre quando realizar a avaliação da maturidade pulmonar fetal.(AU)

The Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS), also known as hyaline membrane disease, is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The main factor associated with RDS is the insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, which is usually associated with prematurity. Some international guidelines recommend that the confirmation of fetal lung maturity is performed in elective deliveries before 39 weeks of gestation. There are several methods to assess fetal lung maturity, such as the Lecithin/Sphingomyelin ratio, the Lamellar Body Count, the Surfactant/Albumin ratio, the percentage of phosphatidylglycerol, the Foam Stability Index and the Shake Test or Clements test. This study aims to present the main available methods and current recommendations on when to conduct the evaluation of fetal lung maturity.(AU)

Análise epidemiológica de asfixia perinatal em recém nascidos no Hospital Geral Prado Valadares (HGPV) / Epidemiologyc analysis of perinatal asphixia in newborns at Prado Valadares General Hospital

A asfixia perinatal é caracterizada por acidose metabólica ou mista devido à falta de oxigenação e perfusão sanguínea nos tecidos, sendo esta uma das maiores causas de óbitos neonatais e de sequelas neurológicas em recém-nascidos. O objetivo deste trabalho é conhecer a prevalência de asfixia perinatal em recém-nascidos, caracterizando as variáveis maternas, fetais e do parto e quantificando a ocorrência dos óbitos neonatais por asfixia perinatal no Hospital Geral Prado Valadares (HGPV), no município de Jequié (BA). Metodologicamente, trata-se de estudo descritivo, seccional para levantamento da prevalênciade asfixia perinatal em recém-nascidos no HGPV, no período de janeiro a junho de 2007. Osdados foram obtidos através das declarações dos nascidos vivos dos prontuários dos neonatos.Os resultados apontam que a prevalência da asfixia perinatal foi de 4,21% entre recém nascidos; destes, 62,3% a termo, e peso ao nascer (56,6%) entre 2.500 a 3.999g. Para as variáveis maternas 90,8% eram solteiras, com média de idade de 22,63 anos (± 6,295), coma ocupação do lar (82,2%), e menos de 8 anos de estudo (61,8%). Destas mães, 53,9% eramprimíparas, 76,3% tiveram parto vaginal e 50,0% realizaram de 4 a 6 consultas pré-natais.Concluiu-se que a alta prevalência encontrada no estudo aponta a necessidade de atençãopara os nascimentos no HGPV.

Perinatal asphyxia is an affection characterized by metabolic and mixed acidosis due to lack of oxygenation and blood perfusion on tissues, being one of the higher causes of neonatal deaths and neurological sequela e in infants. The objective of this study is to learn the prevalence of perinatal asphyxia in newborns, characterizing maternal, fetal and delivery variables, quantifying the occurrence of neonatal deaths by perinatal asphyxia in Prado Valadares General Hospital. Methodologically, it is a descriptive and cross-sectional study, aimed at finding out the prevalence of perinatal asphyxia in infants born at Prado Valadares General Hospital (PVGH) in the city of Jequié (BA), from January to June 2007. Data about mother, infant and delivery were obtained from birth certificates of live infants records. Results show that the prevalence of perinatal asphyxia was 4.21 cases of asphyxia among infants by 100 births, being term infantsthose with adequate weight (between 2,500 and 3,999g) and with no sex predomination. The mothers have mean age of 22.63 years, singles, housekeepers, education inferior to 8 years ofstudy, who had from 4 to 6 prenatal consultations, being primiparae with vaginal delivery. Of the 76 cases of asphyxia, 6 passed away which represents 7.9%. Concluded that the prevalence of perinatal asphyxia found in the study was high demonstrating the necessity attention to the births in PVGH.