Search

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a cause of serious morbidity and mortality in newborns. Dexpanthenol, which is metabolized into D-pantothenic acid, has antioxidant and other potentially therapeutic properties. We examined some effects of dexpanthenol on the brains of week-old rat pups with HIE induced by obstruction of the right carotid artery followed by keeping in 8% O2 for 2 hours. Dexpanthenol (500 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to 16 of 32 pups with HIE. Protein, DNA, and lipid oxidation degradation products were assayed and hippocampal and cortical cell apoptosis and neuronal cell numbers were evaluated in stained sections. Dexpanthenol application reduced oxidative stress and inflammation. TNF-α and IL-6 cytokine levels in HIE also decreased with dexpanthenol treatment. The numbers of caspase-3 positive cells in the dentate gyrus and CA1/CA2/CA3 regions of the hippocampus was lower, and apoptosis was decreased in the dexpanthenol-treated animals. These findings suggest possible clinical applications of dexpanthenol in human HIE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Systemic inflammatory indices are newly defined parameters in diseases in the field of neonatology. However, it is not known whether the levels of systemic inflammatory indices change in twin preterms. Materials and Methods: Premature infants <32 weeks of gestational age were included in our study. Demographic characteristics, morbidity, mortality, leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte, platelet count data of all patients were recorded retrospectively. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), systemic immune ratio-inflammation index (SII), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and systemic inflammation response index (SIRI) values were calculated. Twins and singleton infants were compared with each other in terms of demographic characteristics, morbidity, mortality, complete blood count parameters and systemic inflammatory indices. Results: A total of 953 infants, including 200 twins and 753 singleton premature infants, were included in the study. Çesarean section, respiratory distress syndrome, and intraventricular hemorrhage were found to be higher in the twins group compared to the singleton group. The leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte count was found to be lower in the twins group and the platelet count was found to be significantly higher in the singleton group. PLR value was higher (41.81 and 32.09, respectively) and PIV value was lower (43.66 and 47.93, respectively) in the twins group compared to the singleton group. NLR, MLR, SII, SIRI values were similar between twins and singleton groups. There was no difference in demographic characteristics, morbidity, mortality, complete blood count parameters and systemic inflammatory indices of the first and the second twin premature infants. Conclusion: Differences in systemic inflammatory indices and multiple hematological parameters between twins and singleton premature infants should be interpreted carefully taking into account pre/postnatal conditions to understand clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Information on systemic inflammatory indices in the field of neonatology is limited. How sex and mode of delivery affects systemic inflammatory indices is unknown. The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of mode of delivery and sex on systemic inflammatory indices in preterm infants. Materials and Methods: Preterm infants <32 weeks of gestation were evaluated retrospectively. Complete blood count parameters, monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), pan immune inflammation value (PIV), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), systemic immune inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), demographic and clinical characteristics were compared in terms of sex and mode of delivery. Results: In our study, 1322 preterm infants were evaluated. Leukocyte, platelet, neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin levels, NLR, MLR, PLR, PIV, SII, and SIRI values were found to be similar between genders. Leukocyte, neutrophil, monocyte, lymphocyte count, hemoglobin levels, MLR, PLR, and SIRI values did not differ significantly according to mode of delivery. The values of platelet count (225 103 µ/L), NLR (0.30), PIV (42.17) and SII (67.86) in the cesarean section group were higher than those in the vaginal delivery group (platelet count: 248 103 µ/L, NLR: 0.44, PIV: 80.88 and SII: 91.63). Conclusion: Gender had no effect on systemic inflammatory indices and NLR, PIV, and SII were lower in cesarean delivery in preterm infants born <32 weeks of gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between thyroid hormone levels and clinical outcomes in preterm, small for gestational age (SGA) infants. Materials and Methods: The premature newborns (gestational age of =30 weeks) were divided into two groups as SGA and non-SGA. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (fT4) levels, the frequency of congenital hypothyroidism (CH), demographic and clinical characteristics, morbidity and mortality rate were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 430 premature newborns, 72 in the SGA group and 358 in the non-SGA group were included. The frequency of CH, morbidity, demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between two groups. The mortality rate was higher in SGA (36.1%) than in non-SGA group (13.6%). Serum fT4 level was lower in SGA group (1.04±0.30 ng/dl) compared to the non-SGA group (1.24±0.33 ng/dl). The serum TSH level was higher in SGA group (9.91 ± 5.6 uIU/L) than in non-SGA group (6.6 ± 5.2 uIU/L). Conclusion: The frequency of thyroid dysfunction was higher in preterm SGA infants compared to non-SGA, which was due to transiently high TSH and low fT4 concentrations. Therefore, thyroid function tests should be monitored periodically in preterm and SGA infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Anatolian Clinic Journal of Medical Sciences is the property of Hayat Saglik ve Sosyal Hizmetler Vakfi and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction: Umbilical cord blood gas values at birth are the best method to show the acid-base balance of the newborn. While gas values in term and late preterm infants provide information about the clinical results of the newborn, the use of these values in premature infants is not clear. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the relationship between umbilical cord blood gas values and mortality in preterm babies born at <29 weeks of gestation. Materials and Methods: Babies with a gestational age of <29 weeks were included in the study. Our study was carried out retrospectively. Umbilical cord gas (pH: power of hydrogen, pCO2: partial pressure of carbon dioxide, HCO3: bicarbonate, BE: base excess) values, demographic characteristics and clinical results were compared in the groups with and without mortality in the patients included in the study. Results: A total of 346 patients were included in the study, with 54 patients with mortality and 292 patients without mortality. According to our results, the mortality rate was 15.6% (54/346) in preterms with <29 weeks of gestation. Gestational week and birth weight were found to be lower in the group with mortality compared to the group without mortality (p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). pH, HCO3 and BE were lower in patients with mortality compared to patients without mortality (p<0.001, p<0.001, p<0.001, respectively). Results were similar between the groups in terms of pCO2 values (p=0.270). Threshold pH value for mortality ≤7.18 [area under curve (AUC): 0.627], threshold HCO3 value ≤19.3 mmol/L (AUC: 0.950), and threshold BE value ≤-8.1 mmol/L (AUC: 0.969) was detected. Conclusion: HCO3 and BE are the most valuable parameters for mortality in umbilical cord blood gas in premature babies born with a gestational week <29. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Although some ABO blood groups are known to be associated with risk in adult diseases, the data related to neonatal diseases remain insufficient. The aim of this study was to identify blood groups that may confer a risk of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g) preterm infants. Materials and Methods: The records of preterm infants admitted to our unit who weighed <1500 g at birth were reviewed retrospectively. The prevalence of PDA and the demographic and clinical characteristics were compared according to blood group. Results: The study included a total of 497 infants: 155 (31.2%) in blood group O, 227 (45.7%) in blood group A, 83 (16.7%) in blood group B, and 32 (6.4%) in blood group AB. There were no significant differences in PDA, demographic characteristics, or clinical parameters according to blood group (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of this study did not suggest a relationship between PDA and blood group in VLBW infants. These findings represent a valuable first contribution to the literature on the role of blood group in premature infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal polycythemia is a clinical condition frequently encountered in newborn babies. Although the definition of polycythemia in newborns, born with physiologically higher values than the adult hematocrit value, is well known, the issue of how to treat which hematocrit value remains unclear. Considering that polycythemia causes severe complications up to infarction in the central nervous system in addition to mild clinical symptoms, up-to-date management guidelines are needed. In this review, the approach to neonatal polycythemia was prepared based on current data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The reason for gastrointestinal system (GIS) motility problems in premature infants is multifactorial and intestinal immaturity is the most important contributing factor. To investigate the effect of epidural (EA) or general anesthesia (GA) on GIS function and early neonatal morbidity in preterm infants delivered by cesarean section (CS). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in a single neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between October 2011 and April 2015. Preterms =32 weeks and =1500g who were delivered by CS were enrolled in this study. Mode of anesthesia, demographic, clinical characteristics, first meconium passage time, meconium obstruction, use of drug for dysmotility and other preterm morbidities were evaluated. Results: Three hundred and sixty four preterm infants were enrolled during the study period. Use of drug for dysmotility, time to first meconium passage, and meconium obstruction rate, were significantly higher in the GA group. Conclusion: This was the first study in the literature that investigated the role of anesthesia methods, effect on preterm infant GIS motility. Anesthesia modalities during delivery may have an effect on GIS function in preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between blood groups and osteopenia of prematurity (OOP) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Materials and Methods: Our retrospective study was performed in the 3rd level neonatal intensive care unit between 1 January 2013 - 31 December 2018. Newborns with gestational age (GA) <32 weeks and birth weight (BW) <1500 g were included in the study. Infants were divided in to four groups according to blood groups (O, A, B, AB). Infants with alkaline phosphatase levels at postnatal first month > 700 IU / L were included in the OOP. Results: A total of 1567 preterm infants were included in the study. The overall OOP ratio was found to be 14.6%. The rates of OOP were 14.3% in the O blood group, 14.7% in the A blood group, 15.3% in the B blood group and 13.2% in the AB blood group. There was no statistically significant difference among four blood groups in terms of OOP (p=0.612). Conclusion: Our study is the first study evaluated the possible relationship between OOP and blood group. We concluded that different type of blood groups were not related to the development of OOP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Ankara University Faculty of Medicine / Ankara Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Mecmuasi is the property of Galenos Yayinevi Tic. LTD. STI and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose: Early recognition of the retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), timely and appropriate treatment will contribute to the developmental process of the infant and increase the quality of life by preventing vision loss. We here by aimed to figure out the value of the blood levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in infants with severe ROP requiring laser therapy. Materials and Methods: Very low birth weight infants (VLBW, ≤1500 g and gestational age ≤32 weeks) were included in the study. Blood samples for the evaluation of markers were obtained from the cord at birth for all preterms and at the same postpartum corrected age (34 weeks) for ROP and control group. Results: The mean serum VEGF level was 185.6 ± 88.1 pg/mL in the control group and 590.2 ± 97.4 pg/mL before laser treatment in the ROP group . It was decreased to 83.7 ± 25.4 pg/mL at 4 day after laser treatment in the ROP group). No significant difference was existed between the values of IGF-1 before and after laser treatment in infants with severe ROP. Conclusion: Serum VEGF and IGF-1 levels may be suggested as a sensitive marker of severe ROP. Additionally, the decrease in serum levels of VEGF after laser therapy can be used as an indicator for the efficacy of laser treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is inversely proportional to gestational age and birth weight, and may lead to many premature morbidities and mortality. There are contradictory results regarding the fact that magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), that is used as tocolytic in premature labor, increases the frequency of PDA. In our study, we aimed to determine the effect of antenatal MgSO4 application on haemodynamically significant PDA (hsPDA) in very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500g) premature infants. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of VLBW preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500g) between January 2013 and December 2016.The demographic and clinical characteristics of the infants were recorded. The preterms included in the study were divided into two groups as with hsPDA and without hsPDA. Demographic, clinical features and MgSO4 administration were compared between two groups. Results: A total of 602 VLBW infans were included. 257 (42.7%) infants had hsPDA, and 11 (1.8%) infants with hsPDA had PDA ligation due to being unresponsive to medical treatment. The rate of administration of antenatal MgSO4 in the hsPDA group was 61.8% (n = 159), and the rate of antenatal MgSO4 administration in the non-hsPDA group was found to be statistically significant (31.6%) (n = 109) (p <0.001). Conclusions: In our study, the rate of antenatal MgSO4 administration and premature morbidities were found to be higher in the hsPDA group than infants without hsPDA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chylothorax is a relatively uncommon condition defined as an abnormal collection of lymphatic fluid within the pleural space. Morbidity of congenital chylothorax (CC) is high, and prognosis is very poor if CC is associated with hydrops fetalis. Although the optimal treatment of CC has not been determined, conservative treatment and surgical intervention are employed. However, there is still little experience with the use of octreotide therapy for this condition, and optimal duration of the treatment for response evaluation is not known. We report a newborn with CC who presented with intrauterine bilateral pleural effusion and was resistant to conservative treatments. Octreotide (6 /μg/kg/h) infusion was started on the 10th postnatal day due to ongoing pleural drainage. Although the patient improved rapidly with continuous administration of octreotide, we had to continue the drug for 151 days, even subcutaneously on outpatient follow-up. To the best of our knowledge, this patient is unique in receiving octreotide treatment for such a long time, with a successful outcome and a safe profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal primary hyperparathyroidism causing hypercalcemia during pregnancy can suppress fetal and neonatal parathyroid hormone secretion. We report a newborn with transient hypoparathyroidism presented by hypocalcemic seizure and tetany on the 21st postnatal day in whom the final diagnosis was asymptomatic maternal primary hyperparathyroidism. Neonatal hypocalcemia usually occurs early in life in infants of maternal primary hyperparathyroidism, and although it is very rare, further investigation for unexplained late-onset hypocalcemia may reveal this diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin-9 (ADAMTS-9), one of the ADAMTS enzymes, is expressed in all fetal tissues, unlike other ADAMTS enzymes, and is thus thought to play a role in fetal development. In this context, the objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between ADAMTS-9 activity and the development of congenital heart diseases (CHD) with a view to using ADAMTS-9 level as a biomarker for CHDs., Study Design: Newborns diagnosed with CHD and healthy newborns were included in the study as the CHD and control groups, respectively. Gestational age, maternal age, and mode of delivery information pertaining to the mothers and Apgar score and birthweight information pertaining to the newborns were recorded. Blood samples were taken from all newborns to determine their ADAMTS-9 levels in the first 24 hours of life., Results: Fifty-eight newborns with CHD and 46 healthy newborns were included in the study. Median ADAMTS-9 levels were 46.57 (interquartile range [IQR]: 33.31 [min: 26.92, max: 124.25]) and 23.36 (IQR: 5.48 [min: 11.7, max: 37.71]) ng/mL in the CHD and control groups, respectively. ADAMTS-9 levels in the CHD group were statistically significantly higher than in the control group ( p  = 0.000). ADAMTS-9 levels of the CHD and control groups were analyzed by the receiver operating characteristics curve. The area under the curve value for ADAMTS-9 levels of >27.86 ng/mL as the cut-off value for predicting the development of CHD in newborns was 0.836 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.753-0.900, p  = 0.0001). ADAMTS-9 levels of >27.86 ng/mL were determined to predict the development of CHD in newborns with a sensitivity of 77.78% (95% CI: 65.5-87.38) and a specificity of 84.78% (95% CI: 71.1-93.60)., Conclusion: In conclusion, it was found that the serum ADAMTS-9 levels were significantly higher in newborns with CHD than in healthy newborns. In parallel, ADAMTS-9 levels above a certain cut-off value were associated with CHD., Key Points: · ADAMTS-9 is expressed in fetal tissues.. · Its level increases in congenital heart diseases.. · It can be used as a biochemical marker in diagnosis.., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background/aim: Hyperoxia- and inflammation-induced lung injury is an important cause of the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants. We aimed to ascertain the beneficial effects of ginger ( Zingiber officinale ) on rat pups exposed to hyperoxia and inflammation., Materials and Methods: Thirty-six newborn Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups as the hyperoxia (95% O 2 ) + lipopolysaccharide (LPS) group, the hyperoxia + LPS + ginger-treated group, and the control/no treatment group (21% O 2 ). Pups in the hyperoxia + LPS + ginger group were administered oral ginger at a dose of 1000 mg/kg daily during the study period. Histopathologic, immunochemical (SMA and lamellar body), and biochemical evaluations including total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and caspase-3 activities were performed., Results: Better weight gain and survival rates were shown in the hyperoxia + LPS + ginger group (P < 0.05). In the histopathologic and immunochemical evaluation, severity of lung damage was significantly reduced in the hyperoxia + LPS + ginger group, as well as decreased apoptosis (ELISA for caspase-3) (P < 0.05). Tissue TAS levels were significantly protected, and TOS, MDA, and MPO levels were significantly lower in the hyperoxia + LPS + ginger group (P < 0.05). Tissue TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 concentrations were significantly decreased in the ginger-treated group (P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Ginger efficiently reduced the lung damage and protected the lungs from severe damage due to hyperoxia and inflammation. Therefore, ginger may be an alternative option for the treatment of BPD.