Search

Central nervous system infections are among the most severe infectious conditions in the neonatal period and are still burdened by significant mortality, especially in preterm infants and those with a low birth weight or other comorbidities. In this study, we examined the role of fosfomycin-containing antibiotic regimens in neonates with central nervous system infections. We included six neonates over a period of five years: four with meningitis and two with cerebral abscesses. All patients underwent fosfomycin therapy after failing first-line antibiotic regimens. Of the six neonates, two died; two developed neurological and psychomotor deficits and two recovered uneventfully. None of the neonates experienced adverse reactions to fosfomycin, confirming the safety of the molecule in this population. In conclusion, the deep penetration in the central nervous system, the unique mechanism of action, the synergy with other antibiotic therapies, and the excellent safety profile all make fosfomycin an attractive drug for the treatment of neonatal central nervous system infections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Italian COVID-19 lockdown, from 11 March to 16 May 2020, led to an economic crisis, social uncertainty and stress. However, our data suggest that effective policies are needed to support the Italian birth rate during the COVID-19 pandemic. The first Italian COVID-19 lockdown reduced births and voluntary terminations by just under a fifth. [Extracted from the article]

Dense, yellowish, milky residuals were obtained from nasogastric suction, and gastric milk curd with a wall sufferance resembling necrotising enterocolitis was diagnosed. The main risk factors are prematurity and low birth weight.1 The pathogenesis of milk curd obstruction is probably multifactorial and still not clear, as it can develop in infants fed with both formula and human milk. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: Background: Late preterm deliveries (LP, between 34 and 36wks), have considerably increased in the last decades. About 20–25% of LP infants who require intensive care and morbidity on public health are of great magnitude. Therefore, we aimed at offering a reference curve in LP period of a well-established neurotrophic and brain damage marker namely S100B protein. Methods: We collected, between December 2009 and March 2012, urine samples, at first void (within 6-hours from birth) for S100B assessment, in 277 healthy LP infants consecutively admitted to our units. Standard clinical and laboratory monitoring parameters were also recorded. S100B was measured by using a commercially available immunoluminometric assay. Results: S100B pattern in LP infants was characterized by a slight decrease in protein''s concentration from 34 to 35wks. From 35wks onwards S100B started to increase reaching a significant difference (P=0.008) at 36wks. When corrected for gender, significantly higher (P<0.01, for all) S100B concentrations in female were observed from 34 to 36wks. Polynomial type-1 regression analysis showed a significant correlation (R=−0.05; P<0.001) between gestational age and S100B in LP infants considering either the whole study population or when corrected for gender. Conclusions: S100B in LP infants is gestational age and gender dependent. The present reference curve, for S100B in LP period, offers additional support to protein''s neurotrophic role and suggests that gestational age and gender have to be taken into due account, whenever S100B is measured, in order to avoid bias factors. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal disorder of preterm neonates and a potential cause of blindness. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of mydriatics on cerebral haemodynamics and oxygenation during ROP screening in preterm infants, by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Three infants showed a self-resolving apnoea episode after drops administration. [Extracted from the article]