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Background There have been many studies that have investigated the risk factors of mortality in preterm infants, but none has shown an association between preterm mortality and exposure to heavy metals or trace elements. The aim of this study was therefore to measure the levels of toxic metals (lead, cadmium) and trace elements (zinc, iron, copper) in meconium samples and elucidate their association with preterm mortality. Methods Metals and trace elements were measured in the meconium of 304 preterm infants using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results The level of heavy metals and trace elements in non-surviving infants was significantly higher than in surviving infants. Moreover, the level of heavy metals and trace elements in non-surviving infants whose gestational age was

Background: The aim of the present study was to determine, using the score for neonatal acute physiology and perinatal extension II (SNAPPE-II), whether there is an association with acute renal failure (ARF) and whether it is possible to identify newborns at risk for ARF prior to a rise in creatinine in newborns. Methods: Information on postnatal risk factors and SNAPPE-II on the first day of life (non-ARF group, n = 475; ARF group, n = 78) were collected. Renal failure was defined as serum creatinine level >1 mg/dL and >1.3 mg/dL (for 333 weeks and