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In this study, we aimed to examine and compare the perinatal outcomes between refugee and resident mother–infant dyads. Data of refugee women who had given birth in a university hospital (n = 924) and matched resident mother–infant dyads (n = 957) were included. Analysis revealed higher adolescent pregnancy rates and lower rates of antenatal care attendance among refugee mothers compared to residents. No significant differences in neonatal outcomes were found, except for a significantly higher number of preterm births among refugee infants. Interventions should be made to ensure antenatal care for all pregnant women, which can also prevent preterm birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess if systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) has a diagnostic role for late-onset sepsis (LOS) in premature neonates. Patients and Methods: A single-center retrospective observational study including preterm infants with culture-proven LOS and controls was conducted between January 2017 and December 2022. SII was derived using complete blood count values acquired at the beginning of and three to five days before LOS. SII was compared between the LOS group and controls. Results: A total of 144 infants were included in the study. The SII values of the LOS group were found to be significantly increased in comparison to the control group [376.74 (11.11 - 15170) vs. 235.24 (46.83 - 1214.38) (median, min-max), P =0.018]. The SII values significantly increased when pre-sepsis and LOS values were compared [200.6 (0 - 1295.78) vs. 328.28 (0 - 14678, P<0.001]. As determined using the receiver operating characteristic analysis, the area under the curve for SII was 0.621 (44.4% sensitivity, 83.3% specificity, 72.7% positive predictive value, and 60% negative predictive value) for predicting LOS. Conclusion: Although, further research is required, SII may be used with other biomarkers to identify LOS in preterm infants and may constitute a readily accessible additional diagnostic parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess serial methemoglobin (MetHb) levels in preterm infants as a possible diagnostic method for late-onset sepsis (LOS). Methods: Preterm infants were assigned into two groups: those with culture-proven LOS and controls. Serial MetHb levels were measured. Results: The MetHb values of the LOS group were found to be significantly increased (p < 0.001). The cutoff value for the detection of LOS was calculated as MetHb > 1.75%, optimized for a sensitivity of 81.9% and specificity of 90%. After antimicrobial therapy, MetHb values were found to decrease significantly (p < 0.001). MetHb had an AUC of 0.810 for mortality using the calculated cutoff of >2% (p < 0.005). Conclusions: MetHb levels increase at the onset of LOS and decrease following treatment. MetHb can be added to other sepsis biomarkers as a rapid infectious process indicator for preterm neonates. MetHb > 2% is associated with LOS mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background In recent years, with the widespread use of assisted reproductive technologies, questions have arisen regarding the possible relationship between these infertile parents with assisted conception procedures and childhood cancers. Case report: We present a 23-day-old newborn conceived by in vitro fertilization (IVF) with a 53 × 46 × 38 mm intracranial mass detected by magnetic resonance imaging on the 15th postnatal day. The mass, removed on 23rd postnatal day, was an Atypical Teratoid Rhabdoid Tumor (ATRT), WHO grade 4. Conclusions: As far as we know, this is the only neonatally detected ATRT. Further studies are needed to investigate whether there is a causal relationship between IVF and childhood cancers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To compare the post-natal effects of delayed cord clamping (DCC) and early cord clamping (ECC) in term large-for-gestational age (LGA) infants.Methods: This prospective randomised study included 51 term LGA infants. The umbilical cords of these infants were clamped at 15 s in group 1 (ECC group (n = 26)) and at 60 s in group 2 (DCC group (n = 25)). Data for Apgar scores, cord blood, pH and lactate values, second haematocrit, 24th bilirubin levels, duration of hospital stay and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were recorded.Results: The demographic characteristics of the infants in the study group were not significantly different. No statistically significant difference was observed in the post-natal haematocrit and bilirubin levels between the groups. Six infants (group 1, n = 3; group 2, n = 3) were diagnosed with polycythaemia (P = 0.79); however, these infants remained asymptomatic, and no treatment was required. One infant in each group developed hyperbilirubinemia, which required phototherapy (P = 1.00). The infant with hyperbilirubinemia in the DCC group presented with asymptomatic polycythaemia. Three neonates in the DCC group required admission to the NICU for transient tachypnoea.Conclusions: No significant increase in the rate of post-natal complications of DCC in term LGA infants was observed in the study. However, before recommending DCC on a routine basis, studies with a larger sample size and long-term follow-up are required to elucidate the risks and benefits of DCC in this group of infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pneumomediastinum is an uncommon cause of neonatal respiratory distress and occurs in approximately 2.5 per 1000 live births. Although, the most common cause of pneumomediastinum is an underlying lung disease, it can be seen in newborns who undergo resuscitation during delivery without a predisposing factor. Initial diagnosis by chest X-ray can be difficult in some cases. The "spinnaker-sail sign" is an uncommon radiological appearance of pneumomediastinum. Careful conservative management can result with spontaneous resolution without long-term sequelae. In this case report, we present a neonate who developed pneumomediastinum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in the management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) ensure that clinicians must continue to revise current practice. We report the third update of the European Guidelines for the Management of RDS by a European panel of expert neonatologists including input from an expert perinatal obstetrician based on available literature up to the beginning of 2016. Optimizing the outcome for babies with RDS includes consideration of when to use antenatal steroids, and good obstetric practice includes methods of predicting the risk of preterm delivery and also consideration of whether transfer to a perinatal centre is necessary and safe. Methods for optimal delivery room management have become more evidence based, and protocols for lung protection, including initiation of continuous positive airway pressure and titration of oxygen, should be implemented from soon after birth. Surfactant replacement therapy is a crucial part of the management of RDS, and newer protocols for surfactant administration are aimed at avoiding exposure to mechanical ventilation, and there is more evidence of differences among various surfactants in clinical use. Newer methods of maintaining babies on non-invasive respiratory support have been developed and offer potential for greater comfort and less chronic lung disease. As technology for delivering mechanical ventilation improves, the risk of causing lung injury should decrease although minimizing the time spent on mechanical ventilation using caffeine and if necessary postnatal steroids are also important considerations. Protocols for optimizing the general care of infants with RDS are also essential with good temperature control, careful fluid and nutritional management, maintenance of perfusion and judicious use of antibiotics all being important determinants of best outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]