Search

The aim of this study was to evaluate the early neonatal outcomes of cases with foetal ventriculomegaly (VM) and to investigate the aetiological and prognostic factors according to the degree of VM in a single tertiary referring centre. The medical records of 87 foetuses diagnosed with VM (≥10 mm) within 6 years were evaluated. Postnatal evaluation and early neonatal prognosis were determined in 39 cases divided into two groups as mild (10-15 mm, 30 cases) and severe (15 mm, 9 cases) according to the ventricular size. The mean gestational age at which foetal VM was detected was 22 + 3 weeks. In terms of severity, severe cases of VM were more frequent in terminated pregnancies. There was no difference in gestational age, birth weight, fifth minute Apgar scores, or cord blood gases between mild and severe cases at delivery. Isolated VM was detected in 63% of mild and 22% of severe cases. In severe cases, the need for intensive care and surgery was higher than in mild cases. Antenatal VM regressed in 50% of mild cases and 22% of severe cases. Increasing knowledge about neonatal prognosis, the factors involved in aetiology, and the degree of VM will guide the management of foetal VM.IMPACT STATEMENT

BACKGROUND In addition to risk factors such as low birth weight and uncontrolled oxygen therapy, genetic predisposition is also thought to play a role in the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). In our study, we aimed to analyze single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in VEGFA, EPAS1, BDNF and NOS3 genes in infants who develop ROP. MATERIALS AND METHODS Seventy-five mild-moderate and 73 severe ROP cases were included in this study. Eleven different SNPs regions that located in VEGFA, EPAS1, BDNF and NOS3 genes were analysed by SnapShot technique and compared between two groups by the multiple logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Statistically significant results were obtained in 8 of the 11 SNPs. It was observed that the excess of mutant alleles in four (VEGFA rs2010963 and rs3025039, EPAS1 rs13419896, NOS3 rs2070744) of these regions increased ROP severity and treatment requirement (p

Aminophylline has been demonstrated to be effective in improving renal functions of the infants suffering from acute kidney injury (AKI) due to perinatal asphyxia. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a single-dose aminophylline on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine output (UO), and incidence and severity of AKI according to the pediatric-modified RIFLE and neonatal RIFLE criteria in newborns with perinatal asphyxia under therapeutic hypothermia. This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study including newborns (gestational age ≥36 weeks) who underwent therapeutic hypothermia due to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy between 2016 and 2019. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records and patient files. Two patient groups were established: aminophylline group and control group which were only under therapeutic hypothermia. Twenty-one newborns were in the aminophylline group and 13 newborns were in the control group. Our study revealed that on the third day of life (DOL), eGFR was significantly higher in the control group (p=0.025), but UO was significantly higher in the aminophylline group (p=0.021). In the aminophylline group, eGFR on the first DOL was higher than the value on the second DOL (p=0.017) while UO was higher on the second and third DOL compared to the first DOL (1-2 DOL p=0.006, and 1-3 DOL p=0.004). However, in the control group, there was no statistically significant difference in UO over the four DOL. Both groups were similar in the presence, severity, and outcome of AKI.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that aminophylline increases UO even in the infants under therapeutic hypothermia. However, the eGFR did not significantly increase in the aminophylline group. Understanding how therapeutic hypothermia affects pharmacokinetics may help us improve our results in future studies. What is known: • Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) reduces the incidence of acute kidney injury in asphyxiated newborns. • Aminophylline is effective in improving renal functions in asphyxiated newborns. What is new: • This is the first study evaluating the effect of a single dose of aminophylline on renal functions in newborns under TH. • A single dose of aminophylline administration in newborns under TH was associated with increased urine output especially on the third day of life. However, no significant increase was detected in glomerular filtration rate associated with aminophylline administration.

Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID; MIM #251850), is a rare life-threatening secretory and malabsorptive diarrhea of infancy due to mutations in the MYO5B gene. A 6-day-old male patient was referred to our neonatal intensive care unit for profuse diarrhea beginning on the 2nd day of life causing 17% weight loss, metabolic acidosis and hyponatremia. Our patient had a homozygous mutation in the MYO5B gene. On 110th day of life, mesenchymal stem cell treatment (1x106 cells trans duodenal and 2x106 cells intravenous) was administered. Although fluid and electrolyte requirements did not decrease after stem cell therapy, the rate of blood stream infections was reduced. Small bowel transplantation using cadaveric intestine was performed at the age of 20 months. Unfortunately, the infant died of sepsis one month after transplantation. In this case report, results of stem cell therapy in a newborn infant with MVID were presented and discussed with the relevant literature., Mikrovillus inklüzyon hastalığı (MİH), Miyosin 5B genindeki mutasyonlara bağlı oluşan sekretuvar ve osmotik diyare ile seyreden hayatı tehdit edici bir hastalıktır. Mezenkimal kök hücre (MKH) tedavisi intestinal yetmezlikte sınırlı sayıda olguda uygulanmıştır ancak MİH’de sadece hayvan çalışmaları bulunmaktadır. Altı günlük erkek bebek postnatal 2. günde başlayan, ishal, metabolik asidoz ve hiponatremi nedeniyle yenidoğan yoğun bakım ünitemize kabul edildi. 36 hafta 4 günlük, 2960 g olarak doğan bebeğin diyareye bağlı iki kardeş ölüm öyküsü vardı. Olgumuzda MYO5B geninde homozigot mutasyon tespit edildi. Enteral beslenme kesilerek total parenteral beslenme başlandı. Bebeğin yüksek sıvı (350 cc/kg/gün), sodyum (20-25 meq/kg/gün) ve bikarbonat (12-18 meq/kg/gün) ihtiyacı mevcuttu. Postnatal 110. gününde hastaya MKH tedavisi (1x106 Ü transduodenal ve 2x106 Ü IV) uygulandı. Kök hücre tedavisi sonrası her ne kadar sıvı ve elektrolit gereksinimleri azalmasa da sepsis sıklığında azalma gözlendi. Bebek 20 aylıkken kadavradan ince barsak nakli yapıldı, ancak nakilden bir ay sonra sepsis nedeniyle eksitus oldu.

The prone position was found to improve oxygenation and pulmonary functions in neonates receiving respiratory support. However, how this improvement changes brain tissue oxygenation has not been studied. We aimed to investigate how prone position effects regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rScOPreterm neonates37 weeks gestational age (GA) stable on NIV were enrolled. NIV was defined as nasal continues positive airway pressure or intermittent positive pressure ventilation via binasal prongs. Near infrared spectroscopy was used to measure rScOMean GA and birth weight of the cohort (In preterm newborns, receiving nasal NIV for mild to moderate respiratory distress, arterial and cerebral oxygenations were better in prone position.

Objective Breast milk (BM) contains antioxidant molecules which may offer protection against oxidative stress (OS). We aim to investigate oxidant–antioxidant balance in preterm BM during the course of lactation and within a nursing session. Study Design Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured in colostrum, transitional, and mature BM samples of preterm infants born earlier than 34th week of pregnancy and healthy term infants. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated. Foremilk and hindmilk samples were collected separately. Results In colostrum and transitional milk, TAC (p Conclusion Oxidant–antioxidant balance is preserved in BM in every stage of lactation. Preterm BM has lower OSI which may offer benefits to preterm newborn against OS.

Objectives Preterm infants are at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency (VDD). We aimed to assess the adequacy of standardized vitamin D supplementation protocol in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Additionally, vitamin D status of mother/infant couples and the associations between vitamin D status at birth and morbidities of the infants were investigated. Methods In this single-center, prospective cohort study blood samples were collected from 55 mothers just before delivery and from their infants at birth and on the 30th day of life (DOL) for 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) measurements. Vitamin D was initiated in dose of 160 IU/kg by parenteral nutrition on the first DOL and oral vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/day) was administered when enteral feedings reached 50% of total intake or on the 15th DOL. Results The median 25OHD levels of the infants were 16.12 (9.14–20.50) in cord blood and 36.32 (31.10–44.44) in venous blood on the 30th DOL (p30 ng/mL). Maternal 25OHD levels were correlated with the 25OHD levels of the infants in cord blood (r=0.665, p Conclusions The results clearly show that by utilizing the current supplementation protocol, the majority of VLBW infants with deficient/insufficient serum 25OHD levels reached sufficient levels on the 30th DOL. Furthermore, vitamin D levels in mother/infant couples were found to be highly correlated.

This article belongs to the Section Prebiotics and Probiotics., The human milk (HM) microbiota is a significant source of microbes that colonize the infant gut early in life. The aim of this study was to compare transient and mature HM virome compositions, and also possible changes related to the mode of delivery, gestational age, and weight for gestational age. Overall, in the 81 samples analyzed in this study, reads matching bacteriophages accounted for 79.5% (mainly Podoviridae, Myoviridae, and Siphoviridae) of the reads, far more abundant than those classified as eukaryotic viruses (20.5%, mainly Herpesviridae). In the whole study group of transient human milk, the most abundant families were Podoviridae and Myoviridae. In mature human milk, Podoviridae decreased, and Siphoviridae became the most abundant family. Bacteriophages were predominant in transient HM samples (98.4% in the normal spontaneous vaginal delivery group, 92.1% in the premature group, 89.9% in the C-section group, and 68.3% in the large for gestational age group), except in the small for gestational age group (only ~45% bacteriophages in transient HM samples). Bacteriophages were also predominant in mature HM; however, they were lower in mature HM than in transient HM (71.7% in the normal spontaneous vaginal delivery group, 60.8% in the C-section group, 56% in the premature group, and 80.6% in the large for gestational age group). Bacteriophages still represented 45% of mature HM in the small for gestational age group. In the transient HM of the normal spontaneous vaginal delivery group, the most abundant family was Podoviridae; however, in mature HM, Podoviridae became less prominent than Siphoviridae. Myoviridae was predominant in both transient and mature HM in the premature group (all C-section), and Podoviridae was predominant in transient HM, while Siphoviridae and Herpesviridae were predominant in mature HM. In the small for gestational age group, the most abundant taxa in transient HM were the family Herpesviridae and a species of the genus Roseolovirus. Bacteriophages constituted the major component of the HM virome, and we showed changes regarding the lactation period, preterm birth, delivery mode, and birth weight. Early in life, the HM virome may influence the composition of an infant’s gut microbiome, which could have short- and long-term health implications. Further longitudinal mother–newborn pair studies are required to understand the effects of these variations on the composition of the HM and the infant gut virome., This study was financially supported by the Eskisehir Osmangazi University Research Grant (2018/2148). This work was also supported by grants to AM from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (PID2019-105969GB-I00), Generalitat Valenciana (project Prometeo/2018/A/133) and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

Intestinal and human milk microbiota studies during infancy have shown variations according to geographical location, delivery mode, gestational age, and mother-related factors during pregnancy. In this study, we performed metagenomic mycobiota analyses of 44 transient and mature human milk among five different groups: mothers of normal spontaneous delivery-term (NS-T), caesarean delivery-term (CS-T), premature (PT), small for gestational age (SGA), and large for gestational age (LGA) infants. Fungi were detected in 80 out of the 88 samples. Regarding the number of observed fungal species, the NS-T group was more homogeneous (less variable) comparing the other groups (P

Emzirme yenidogan ve sut cocugu beslenmesinde altin standart olup ve tum bebeklerin ilk alti ayda tek basina anne sutu ile beslenmesi onerilmektedir. Anne sutu icerisinde bulunabilecek ve bebege gecebilecek istenmeyen toksin ve metabolitlerin belirlenmesi onemlidir. Anne sutu mikotoksin duzeyleri ile ilgili calismalar kisitlidir ve ulkeler arasinda farkliliklar bulunabilmektedir. Bu calismada, anne sutu aflatoksin M1 (AFM1) duzeylerinin belirlenmesi ve annenin diyet aliskanliklari ile olasi iliskisinin degerlendirilmesi planlandi. Bu calismada AFM1 calisilmak uzere 3-5 ml anne sutu ornegi alindi ve analize kadar saklandi. Tum annelere, hamilelik ve dogum sonrasi donemde mikotoksin maruziyeti ile iliskili olabilecek bazi gidalarin tuketimiyle ilgili anket uygulandi. AFM1 toksini, HELICA Aflatoksin M1 ELISA Testi ile ve “Multi-residue Method Based on Chip” teknolojisi ile degerlendirildi. Yalniz ane sutu ile beslnenen bebeklerde gunluk total AFM1 alimi hesaplandi. Calismaya 7-90 gunluk bebekleri olan 17-41 yas arasi 90 anne calismaya dahil edildi. Anne sutu AFM1 duzeyi medyan 3,59 ng/L olup, 2,76 ile 5,99 ng/L arasindaydi. Tum calisma grubunda ELISA yontemi ile esik deger olarak saptanmis olan 5 ng/L’nin uzerinde olan sadece uc ornek mevcuttu. Rezidu duzeylerinin “multichip” teknolojisi ile degerlendirildigi ikinci yontem ile hicbir anne sutu orneginde AFM1 saptanmadi. Yalniz anne sutu ile beslenen 63 bebegin, anne sutu ile gunluk total AFM1 alimi medyan 0,54 ng/kg (0,41-0,90 ng/kg/gun) olup, besinler icin belirlenen gunluk alim limiti duzeyinin cok altinda idi. Anne sutu AFM1 duzeyleri annenin beslenme ozellikleri arasinda iliski saptanmadi (p>0.05). Anne sutu mikotoksin duzeyleri ile ilgili daha onceki calismalarimizda yuksek anne sutu okratoksin, zearalenone ve deoksinivalenol duzeylerini gosterilmis olmasina ragmen, anne sutu AFM1 duzeyleri farkli saptama testleri ile normal sinirlardaydi. Anne sutu aflatoksin duzeylerindeki bolgeler arasindaki farkli bulgular, annelerin gebelik ve lohusalik donemindeki farkli beslenme aliskanliklari ile iliskili olabilir. Anne sutu tum bebekler icin temel besin ogesi oldugundan ve anne sutu icerisindeki toksin ve endokrin bozucularin belirli araliklar ile degerlendirilmesi ve anne beslenmesindeki muhtemel toksin kaynaklarinin diyetten uzaklastirilmasi gereklidir.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a serious life-threatening birth defect characterized by abnormal development in the muscular or tendinous portion of the diaphragm during embryogenesis. Despite its high incidence, the etiology of CDH hasn't been fully understood. Genetic factors are important in pathogenesis; however, few single genes have been definitively implicated in human CDH. SLIT1, SLIT2, and SLIT3 (slit guidance ligand) are three human homologs of the drosophila Slit gene. They interact with roundabout (Robo) homolog receptors to affect cell migration, adhesion, cell motility, and angiogenesis and play important roles in cell signaling pathways including the guidance of axons. In this report, we presented dizygous twin babies with CDH related to the SLIT3 gene variant. Previous studies showed that Slit3 null mice had congenital diaphragmatic hernias on or near the ventral midline portion of the central tendon. This is the first report of homozygous SLIT3 variant associated with CDH in humans.

Objective Microvillus inclusion disease (MVID; MIM #251850), is a rare life-threatening secretory and malabsorptive diarrhea of infancy due to mutations in the Myosin 5B (MYO5B) gene. Most of the patients die before achieving the opportunity of bowel transplantation due to electrolytes and renal tubular function disturbances and complications of parenteral nutrition. In this case report, results of stem cell therapy in a newborn infant with MVID were presented and discussed with the relevant literature. Case report A 6-day-old male patient was referred to our NICU for profuse diarrhea beginning on the postnatal 2nd day after birth, metabolic acidosis and hyponatremia. He was born at 36+4 gestational weeks as the fourth child of nonconsanguineous parents. Second and third siblings died at 2 and 3,5 months due to complications of intractable diarrhea. Third child’s exom sequencing identified a homozygous, disease-causing nonsense variant C.4399C>T (p.Gin1467*) in the MYO5B gene. Both parents were heterozygous for the mutation and they did not accept prenatal diagnosis. Our patient was also affected by homozygous mutation in MYO5B gene. With the knowledge of past history, total parenteral nutrition was started and maximum effort was directed to maintain fluid and electrolyte equilibrium. Patient had high fluid (350 ml/kg/day), sodium (20–25 meq/kg/day) and bicarbonate requirements (12–18 meq/kg/day). On 110th day of life mesenchymal stem cells (1x106 U transduodenal and 2x106 U IV) were administered. Although fluid and electrolyte requirements did not decrease after 2 months of follow up after stem cell therapy, the rate of blood stream infections was reduced. Discussion and Conclusion In MVID, mutations in the MYO5B gene which encodes a protein called myosin Vb contribute to the dysfunction of enterocytes. Survival rate is less than 25% at the age of 9 months. Mortality rate is also high after bowel transplantation. Recently, stem cell therapy was presented as a promising alternative strategy for overcoming the current limitations of intestinal failure treatment. We concluded that, the reason why our patient did not benefit from the treatment was rapid turnover of the intestine epithelial cells and the lack of receptive surface caused by the genetic defect. Furthermore, using modified intestinal stem cells instead of mesenchymal stem cells may be more beneficial. In our patient, decreased incidence of infection with probable immunomodulatory effects of stem cells was the secondary gain.

Objective A temporal relationship has been reported between necrotizing enterocolitis, anemia, and red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) in preterm neonates. However, the mechanism underlying this association is not clearly defined. Intestinal (I-) and liver (L-) fatty acid binding proteins (FABPs) have been proposed as plasma markers for the detection of acute intestinal injury. This study aimed to investigate the effect of anemia and RBCT on intestinal injury in preterm neonates by measuring serum I-FABP and L-FABP levels. Study Design A prospective cohort study including preterm neonates with gestational age Results In total, 39 infants transfused for anemia and 20 controls were enrolled. L-FABP levels were significantly higher in neonates with anemia compared with controls (p Conclusion Anemia is associated with intestinal injury documented by increased L-FABP levels in preterm infants, and this injury is more severe with lower hemoglobin levels.

Beken, Serdar/0000-0002-8609-2684; BAS, AHMET YAGMUR/0000-0002-1329-2167; Bulbul, Ali/0000-0002-3510-3056; Karatekin, Guner/0000-0001-7112-0323, WOS: 000534242500056, PubMed: 31851725, Objective To investigate the early neonatal outcomes of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants discharged home from neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Turkey. Material and methods A prospective cohort study was performed between April 1, 2016 and April 30, 2017. the study included VLBW infants admitted to level III NICUs. Perinatal and neonatal data of all infants born with a birth weight of.1500 g were collected for infants who survived. Results Data from 69 NICUs were obtained. the mean birth weight and gestational age were 1137 +/- 245 g and 29 +/- 2.4 weeks, respectively. During the study period, 78% of VLBW infants survived to discharge and 48% of survived infants had no major neonatal morbidity. VLBW infants who survived were evaluated in terms of major morbidities: bronchopulmonary dysplasia was detected in 23.7% of infants, necrotizing enterocolitis in 9.1%, blood culture proven late-onset sepsis (LOS) in 21.1%, blood culture negative LOS in 21.3%, severe intraventricular hemorrhage in 5.4% and severe retinopathy of prematurity in 11.1%. Hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus was diagnosed in 24.8% of infants. Antenatal steroids were administered to 42.9% of mothers. Conclusion the present investigation is the first multicenter study to include epidemiological information on VLBW infants in Turkey. Morbidity rate in VLBW infants is a serious concern and higher than those in developed countries. Implementation of oxygen therapy with appropriate monitoring, better antenatal and neonatal care and control of sepsis may reduce the prevalence of neonatal morbidities. Therefore, monitoring standards of neonatal care and implementing quality improvement projects across the country are essential for improving neonatal outcomes in Turkish NICUs., Turkish Neonatal Society [2-2016]; Turkish Neonatal Society, This study was supported by the Turkish Neonatal Society, http://www.neonatology.org.tr, number 2-2016, received by AYB. Turkish Neonatal Society funded the study's online registry system. the funder had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized from the amino acid L-arginine by the action of NO synthases (NOS), is a pulmonary vasodilator. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of NOS. Preterm infants have higher plasma ADMA concentrations than term infants which could cause inhibition of NO synthesis and deterioration in pulmonary functions. We aimed to investigate the relationship between serum ADMA and L-arginine levels of preterm infants and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), requirement of surfactant treatment, duration of mechanical ventilation, oxygen treatment, and development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).A prospective cohort study was conducted including 80 preterm infants born with gestational age (GA) ≤ 32 weeks and birth weight (BW) ≤ 1500 g. Blood samples were obtained from all infants immediately after birth, and at postnatal 28th day of age. The relationship of first-day serum ADMA and L-arginine levels and surfactant requirement, duration of mechanical ventilation, oxygen treatment was investigated. Serum ADMA and L-arginine levels at 1st and 28th days were compared at patients with and without BPD. The role of serum ADMA levels at postnatal 28th day of age to predict the requirement of oxygen at postmenstrual 36 weeks of age was also investigated.Eighty preterm infants (42 male, 38 female) were enrolled in the study. Mean BW and GA for the total cohort was 1144.81 ± 220.44 g and 28.3 ± 1.8 weeks, respectively. Sixty-one infants were diagnosed as RDS and 44 infants treated with surfactant. The first-day ADMA levels were significantly higher in infants with surfactant requirement (1.14 ± 0.23 versus 0.86 ± 0.37, p 0.01). First-day L-arginine levels were lower in infants with surfactant requirement compared to infants without surfactant requirement (22.32 ± 2.33 versus 23.75 ± 2.42, p 0.05) but not significantly. Serum ADMA and L-arginine concentrations at first day were not different among infants with and without BPD (p 0.05). ADMA concentrations at 28th day was significantly higher in infants with BPD (1.00 ± 0.25 versus 0.81 ± 0.25, p 0.05). The cutoff level of 0.875 μmol/L for ADMA at 28th day offered the best predictive value for oxygen requirement at postnatal 36 weeks of age with a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 54%. Conclusıon: Serum ADMA and L-arginine levels are related to pulmonary morbidities in newborn. The results of this study show that increased ADMA levels are associated with poor pulmonary outcomes in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND Nutrition nurses are clinical nurse specialists with knowledge and experience in nutrition support. We aimed to investigate the nutrition and growth outcomes after employment of a nutrition nurse in our level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS A retrospective cohort study including preterm neonates < 34 weeks and < 2000 g were conducted. Nutrition and growth outcomes of infants in pre-nutrition-nurse and post-nutrition-nurse periods were compared. Primary outcome was presence of postnatal growth retardation (PGR) at term-equivalent age (body weight < 10 percentile at 40 weeks postmenstrual age). RESULTS Infants in pre-nutrition-nurse (n = 38) and post-nutrition-nurse (n = 40) periods were similar with regard to gestational age, birth weight, gender, and perinatal characteristics. The initiation of parenteral nutrition after admission to NICU (30.8 ± 24.1 vs 6.7 ± 7.6 hours, P < 0,001) and attainment of full enteral feedings (27.3 ±18.1 vs 18.7 ± 11.3 days, P = 0.034) were earlier in post-nutrition-nurse period. First feeds were more commonly started with breast milk (29% vs 75%, P < 0.001); breastfeeding was more common at discharge (79% vs 95%, P = 0.045) and longer in duration (6.1 ± 7.3 vs 8.4 ± 6.3 months, P = 0.008) in post-nutrition-nurse period. Primary outcome PGR at term-equivalent age was lower in post-nutrition-nurse period (57.9% vs 27.5%, P = 0.007). CONCLUSION Employing a nutrition nurse improved quality of nutrition support, increased breastfeeding, and decreased PGR in preterm neonates. Further prospective evaluation of outcomes in the presence of a nutrition nurse is needed to generalize these findings to other NICUs.

Zearalenone (ZEA) and deoxynivalenol (DON) are toxic fungal secondary metabolites, found mainly in contaminated food, that are associated with serious health problems. It is important to identify undesirable toxins and metabolites that may be present in human milk. The aim of this study was to evaluate human milk ZEA and DON levels, total daily intake of ZEA and DON; and their possible relationship with maternal dietary habits.We enrolled 90 lactating mothers who had 7- to 90-day-old babies. A dietary questionnaire was completed by each of the mothers. Human milk samples were obtained from 90 mothers, and human milk ZEA and DON levels were evaluated with the solid-phase direct enzyme immunoassay. The total daily intake (TDI) was calculated for the 63 exclusively breastfed infants.ZEA was detected in all human milk samples; median was 173.8 ng/L (35.7-682 ng/L). The calculated median TDI for ZEA was 33.0 ng/kg body weight (bw) (10.4-120.5 ng/kg) among exclusively breast-fed infants, none of them had a TDI that was above the previously defined threshold levels. Human milk ZEA levels were associated with the maternal consumption of meat, fish, dry fig, dried apricot, flaked red spice and spice. The median DON levels was 3924 ng/L (400-14997 ng/L). The median TDI of DON was 750 ng/kg (240-2774 ng/kg) among exclusively breastfed infants and 36% out of them, the TDI for DON was above the previously defined threshold level. Human milk DON levels were associated with the maternal meat consumption.Our findings are indicative of dietary exposure to mycotoxins during the pregnancy and lactation periods in nursing mothers. Further, the excessive TDI values for DON observed in 36% of the exclusively breastfed infants point to the need for further regulations and recommendations on the dietary habits of pregnant/nursing mothers in order to avoid exposure to potential mycotoxins.

Neonatal arrhythmias (NAs) are defined as abnormal heart rates in the neonatal period. They may occur as a result of various cardiovascular, systemic and metabolic problems.A retrospective chart review was performed on newborns who were diagnosed with NA during hospitalization in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), or who were admitted to the NICU because of an arrhythmia diagnosis in two NICUs in Turkey from May 2011 to June 2013.Seventeen neonates with arrhythmias were identified. The incidence of NA was 0.4% and 0.3% in the two NICUs, and was 0.37% in the study population as a whole. Mean gestational age was 37 (29-40) weeks. Nine of the infants (53%) were diagnosed with fetal arrhythmia (FA) during the last week of gestation. The distribution of NA types was as follows: six (35%) supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), six (35%) premature atrial contractions (PACs), two (11%) premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), two (11%) multiple arrhythmias such as SVT + PAC and AV block + PVC, and one (5%) AV block. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome was present in one patient. An association of NA with congenital heart malformations was identified in five cases.Cardiac arrhythmias are important causes of infant morbidity, and an occasional cause of infant mortality if undiagnosed and untreated. It is important for the physician to be aware of the etiology, development and natural history of arrhythmias in the fetal and neonatal period.

Ozcan B, Kavurt AS, Aydemir O, Gencturk Z, Bas AY, Demirel N. SNAPPE-II and risk of neonatal morbidities in very low birth weight preterm infants. Turk J Pediatr 2017; 59: 105-112. Illness severity scores were described to estimate the mortality and morbidity risks based on data obtained shortly after admission to an intensive care unit. The aim of this study is to evaluate Scores for Neonatal Acute Physiology-Perinatal Extension-II (SNAPPE-II) as a predictors of neonatal morbidities such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). A retrospective cohort study was conducted between October 2011- 2012. A total of 278 preterm infants born with gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks and birthweight (BW) < 1,500 g were given SNAPPE-II scores based on data collected within the first 12 h of admission to ICU. The main outcomes were the development of BPD and ROP. The main variable was the SNAPPE-II obtained at admission. Logistic regression and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) curve were calculated for SNAPPE-II. The mean GA and mean BW of the whole cohort were 29.2 weeks (± 2.15) and 1,323 g (±331,4), respectively. The median SNAPPE-II value was significantly higher among patients with BPD and ROP. After logistic regression the SNAPPE-II was independent risk factor for BPD and ROP. The best discriminative cutoff value for BPD was 14.5 (sensitivity 92%) and for ROP was 23.5 (sensitivity 80%). The present study reviewed an association between SNAPPE-II and neonatal morbidities including ROP and BPD.

Nitric oxide (NO) formed by the enzyme NO synthase (NOS) from L-arginine, is an important mediator for pathogen elimination. Being a potent vasodilator NO is implicated in hypotension and decreased organ perfusion in sepsis. Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous NOS inhibitor. We investigated ADMA and L-arginine levels in neonatal sepsis and their relation to disease severity.A prospective controlled study was conducted including 31 neonates with sepsis and 20 controls. Serum ADMA and L-arginine levels were measured within 24 h of sepsis diagnosis. Clinical and laboratory data including clinical risk index for babies (CRIB) score, presence of septic shock, organ dysfunction and death were recorded.L-arginine and ADMA levels were higher in neonates with sepsis compared to controls (p = 0.029 and p = 0.001, respectively). Neonates with septic shock had higher ADMA levels compared to septic neonates without shock (p = 0.026) and controls (p 0.001). L-arginine levels were higher in neonates with septic shock compared to septic neonates without shock (p = 0.012) and controls (p 0.001). Survivors and non-survivors had similar L-arginine and ADMA levels. ADMA levels were correlated with CRIB score (rho = 0.320, p = 0.025).L-arginine and ADMA levels are elevated in neonatal sepsis and even higher levels are observed in septic shock.

Increased echogenicity of fetal bowel in the second trimester obstetrical ultrasound has been described in association with several pathologic conditions, such as growth restriction, aneuploidy, cystic fibrosis, congenital infections, and gastrointestinal malformations. Zellweger syndrome (ZS) is the prototype of peroxisomal disorders characterized by craniofacial dysmorphism and severe neurologic abnormalities. We report two cases with fetal echogenic bowel (FEB) but no associated anomalies and normal fetal growth. After birth, clinical and laboratory findings led to diagnosis of ZS. Association of FEB with neurometabolic disorders is limited to a few case reports in the medical literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ZS associated with FEB.

To determine changes in body temperature (BT) of hyperbilirubinemic newborns under conventional phototherapy with fluorescent lamps and light emitting diodes (LED) at different irradiances. Otherwise healthy newborn infants >34 wk gestational age (GA) hospitalized for indirect hyperbilirubinemia, requiring phototherapy in the first 10 d of life were enroled. Infants who received conventional phototherapy with fluorescent lamps (10–15 μW/cm2/nm irradiance) were defined as group 1, LED phototherapy of 26–60 μW/cm2/nm irradiance as group 2, and LED phototherapy of 60–120 μW/cm2/nm irradiance as group 3. Primary outcome measure was mean BT which was defined as arithmetical mean of axillary BT measured at 2 h intervals during the first day of phototherapy. Thirty patients were enroled in each group. Mean birth weight and GA of the total cohort was 2800 ± 530 g and 36.6 ± 2 wk, respectively. Baseline demographic variables and serum total bilirubin levels were similar among groups. Mean BT was 36.7 ± 0.1 °C in group 1, 36.6 ± 0.2 °C in group 2, 37.7 ± 0.2 °C in group 3. Mean BT was higher in group 3 compared to group 1 (p

Human milk (HM) has antioxidant constituents which protect newborns against oxidative damage. We aimed to evaluate whether maternal consumption of herbal tea containing fenugreek had any effects on global oxidant and antioxidant capacity of HM.Volunteer mothers 18-35 years of age without any antenatal or perinatal risk factors were randomly assigned to receive galactagogue herbal tea (Humana still-tee®, Herford, Deutschland) 3 cups/d or same amount of water as placebo. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and the oxidative stress index (OSI) of breast milk samples taken in the 1st day and 7-10 d were compared between groups.Herbal tea (n = 40) and placebo (n = 40) groups had similar TAC, TOS and OSI values in the 1st day samples. TAC, TOS and OSI values in the breast milk samples taken on 7-10th day were also similar. OSI increased significantly in 7-10 day samples compared to 1st day in each group, while TAC and TOS levels did not differ.Galactagogue herbal tea containing fenugreek has no detectable effect on global oxidant and antioxidant status of HM. OSI increases in course of lactation compared to colostrums irrespective of galactagogue use.

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a consequence of inadequate neonatal lung fluid clearance. Natriuretic peptides play an important role in the regulation of extracellular fluid volume. The aim of the study was to investigate the relation between plasma N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels and TTN, and to find out its role in predicting disease severity.A prospective controlled study involving 67 infants with TTN and 33 controls ≥34 weeks gestational age was conducted. Study and control groups were compared for plasma NT-proBNP levels measured on the 6th, 24th, 72nd and 120th hours of life. Cardiac systolic functions were evaluated by echocardiography.NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in neonates with TTN compared to controls at 6th, 24th, 72nd and 120th hours (p0.001). NT-proBNP levels at 24th and 72nd hours were significantly higher in infants with prolonged tachypnea (p=0.007 and p=0.03) and in those who required respiratory support (p=0.006 and p0.001). Tachypnea duration was correlated with NT-proBNP levels at 24h (r=0.41, p=0.001). At a cut-off value of 6575 pg/ml, NT-proBNP had a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 64% to predict mechanical ventilation requirement. Cardiac systolic functions were normal in all TTN patients.Plasma NT-proBNP levels are increased in neonates with TTN. Measurement of plasma NT-proBNP can be useful for predicting infants who will have prolonged tachypnea and mechanical ventilation requirement.

We aimed to determine applicable guidelines for screening of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and evaluate the contribution of risk factors for severe ROP.A prospective cohort study of neonates with a gestational age (GA)34 weeks or birth weight2000g who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of a tertiary level hospital was conducted. The study group was classified into three groups according to eye examination findings as no ROP, mild ROP and severe ROP.Of the 700 neonates screened, the frequencies of ROP for any stage and severe ROP were 32.7% and 3.1%, respectively. Laser photocoagulation was needed in 9.6% of neonates with ROP. None of the neonates with a GA ≥ 31 weeks required treatment. Any ROP was detected in 199 (53.6%) of the babies32 weeks (n = 371), 22 (5.9%) of whom were treated with laser photocoagulation. Independent risk factors for severe ROP in babies32 weeks GA were birth weight, duration of mechanical ventilation and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA).This is the largest prospective cohort study including infants younger than 34 weeks GA from Turkey. Our data which belongs to the last 1-year period shows lower incidence of severe ROP when compared to previous reports from Turkey. According to our data, screening babies smaller than 32 weeks GA or 1500g birth weight seems reasonable. In the presence of long duration of mechanical ventilation and PDA, screening should be intensified.

To analyze relative weight gain by 2-week intervals up to 6 weeks after birth in order to predict the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment among very low birth weight (BW) infants.A prospective study including infants with BW ≤1500 g born in a single tertiary intensive care unit over 1-year period was conducted. Body weight measurements were recorded weekly and relative weight gains (g/kg/day) were calculated. The main outcome was development of ROP requiring treatment.Mean BW and gestational age (GA) of the whole cohort were 1165±223 g and 29.3±2.3 weeks, respectively. Relative weight gain at 2 weeks and 4 weeks postnatal age were significantly lower in infants with severe ROP (P=0.041 and P=0.017, respectively). Relative weight gain at 6 weeks was not different between groups. Infants with severe ROP gained 6.7±4 g/kg/day in the first 4 weeks of life, compared with 9.3±4.5 g/kg/day for those with mild or no ROP. After adjusted for BW and GA in logistic regression poor relative weight gain in the first 4 weeks was found to be related to severe ROP (P=0.015). When all the other risk factors significant for severe ROP were included in the logistic regression poor weight gain did not arise as an independent risk factor.Poor postnatal weight gain in the first 4 weeks of life is the end result of several comorbidities rather than being an independent risk factor. Poor weight gain can be an additional predictor of severe ROP in very low BW infants.

Leukemoid reaction, defined as a total leukocyte count of >50,000/mm, is most commonly related to antenatal administration of steroids, infections, and transient myeloproliferative disorder of Down syndrome in newborns. Atypical presentations of viral infections can be a diagnostic challenge in the newborn period. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection causes a multisystem disease, and symptomatic infants generally present with intrauterine growth restriction, hepatosplenomegaly, cholestasis, rash, thrombocytopenia, and microcephaly. We present a case of a preterm infant with severe myeloid leukemoid reaction (leukocyte count >100,000/mm) at birth who was diagnosed with congenital CMV infection on the basis of CMV polymerase chain reaction results after the appearance of cholestasis, blueberry muffin rash, and hepatosplenomegaly.

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized by NO synthase (NOS), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of NOS. We aimed to investigate l-arginine and ADMA levels in transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) and their relationship with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and disease severity. Infants born at ⩾35 weeks gestational age with clinical signs and chest X-ray findings consistent with TTN were enrolled; controls were recruited at the same time. l-arginine and ADMA levels were measured at 12 to 24 h (first samples) and at 48 to 72 h (second samples). Systolic PAP was evaluated on the second day. Patients were divided according to the duration of tachypnea and designated as group A (duration ⩽72 h) and group B (duration >72 h). In the first samples, the ADMA levels were significantly higher in patients with TTN compared with controls (P

To evaluate the incidence, risk factors and severity of retinopathy of prematurity in neonatal intensive care unit and to evaluate its relationship with gestational age.Cohort study of neonates with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks or birthweight ≤ 1500 g.Of the 495 neonates screened, 43 (8.7%) infants were small for gestational age; the frequency of severe retinopathy of prematurity was 5.8%. Sepsis and being small for gestational age were independent risk factors for severe retinopathy of prematurity.Clinicians should be aware of the presence of presence of retinopathy of prematurity when caring for protein small for gestational age infants.

Amaç: Bu çalışmada hipoksik iskemik ansefalopatili zamanında doğmuş yenidoğanlara tüm vücut soğutma yöntemi ile uygulanan hipotermi tedavisinin hem doğum sonrası erken sorunlara hem de uzun dönem nörogelişimsel sonuçlara olan etkisinin değerlendirilmesi amaçlandı.Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmaya perinatal asfiksi ve hipoksik iskemik ansefalopati evre 2 3 tanılı yenidoğan bebekler alındı Olgular ilk altı saatteki amplitüt entegre elektroansefalogram aEEG bulgularına göre iki gruba ayrıldı; Grup 1: aEEG bulguları anormal olan veya klinik nöbet gözlenen ve hipotermi tedavisi uygulananlar Grup 2: aEEG bulguları normal olan ve hipotermi tedavisi uygulanmayanlar Yaşayan olguların 18 ayda Bayley Gelişim Ölçeği 2 kullanılarak mental gelişim indeksi ve psikomotor gelişim indeksi puanları hesaplandı Çalışma için yerel etik kuruldan onay alındı Onay no:8 Bulgular: Toplam 35 hasta Kız=18 Erkek=17 çalışmaya alındı On sekiz olguya 51 hipotermi tedavisi uygulandı Grup 1 rsquo;deki olguların 44 4 rsquo;ünde grup 2 rsquo;deki olguların ise 5 9 rsquo;unda bradikardi saptandı p=0 04 Diğer klinik bozuklukların görülme sıklığı bakımından gruplar arasında önemli bir fark yoktu Grup 1 rsquo;deki olguların ölüm oranı grup 2 rsquo;den yüksekti p=0 03 Grup 1 rsquo;deki olguların 70 rsquo;i; grup 2 rsquo;deki olguların ise 86 rsquo;sı nörogelişimsel açıdan değerlendirilebildi Hipotermi uygulanan olguların nörogelişimsel değerlendirme sonuçları diğer gruba göre daha iyi olmakla birlikte aradaki fark istatistiksel olarak anlamlı değildi Çıkarımlar: Hipotermi tedavisi hipoksik iskemik ansefalopatili olgularda uygulanabilir Hipotermi uzun dönemde nörogelişimsel sonuçların daha iyi olmasına katkı sağlayabilir, Aim: To investigate the effect of whole body hypothermia on short term neonatal morbidities and long term neurodevelopmental outcome in term neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy Material and Method: Neonates with perinatal asphyxia and hypoxic ischemic encepholopathy stage 2 and 3 were enrolled Patients were divided into 2 groups according to findings observed on amplitude integrated electroencephalography aEEG Patients with abnormal aEEG pattern in the first six hours after birth were defined as group 1 and others as group 2 Patients in group 1 were treated with whole body hypothermia Neurodevelopmental outcome was evaluated at 18 months of age in survivors using Bayley Scales of Infant Development II Mental developmental index and psychomotor development index scores were calculated Results: Thirty five patients were enrolled M F=17 18 18 51 of whom were treated with hypothermia Bradycardia was observed in 44 4 of patients in group 1 and 5 9 of patients in group 2 p=0 04 Incidence of other possible adverse events related to hypothermia were similar between the two groups Mortality was higher in group 1 p=0 03 In group 1 70 of the patients and in group 2 86 of the patients were evaluated using Bayley Scales of Infant Development II Although patients treated with hypothermia had a higher mental developmental index and psychomotor development index scores the difference was not statistically significant Conclusions: Whole body hypothermia can be safely applied in term neonates with HIE Hypothermia may improve neurodevelopmental outcome Turk Arch Ped 2011; 46: 286 91

A variety of diseases can cause vesicular or pustular eruptions in newborns. A thorough clinical history and physical exam provide important clues for differential diagnosis. Goltz syndrome, also known as focal dermal hypoplasia, is a rare genodermatosis and generally diagnosed by the presence of the characteristic skin lesions. We present an infant with aplasia cutis, atrophic skin lesions, syndactyly and eye abnormalities who was diagnosed with Goltz syndrome soon after birth. Goltz syndrome should be considered in differential diagnosis of hypoplastic or aplastic skin lesions in neonates in the presence of skeletal or ophthalmic anomalies.

Congenital megalourethra is a rare urogenital malformation characterized by severe dilatation and elongation of the penile urethra. It causes functional obstruction of the lower urinary system. Herein, we present a newborn with congenital megalourethra with single umbilical artery.

Neonates have limited antioxidant protective capacity. It has recently been demonstrated that phototherapy used for treatment of neonatal jaundice produces oxidative stress. Various phototherapy devices using different light sources are available for phototherapy. We aimed to investigate the effects of phototherapy applied with different light sources on the global oxidant/antioxidant status in neonates.Term and late-preterm (≥35 weeks) newborn infants hospitalized to receive phototherapy for non-hemolytic jaundice in the 2-9 days of life were enrolled. Infants who received conventional phototherapy with fluorescent lamps were defined as group 1, intensive light emitting diode (LED) phototherapy as group 2, and fiberoptic phototherapy as group 3. The serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured before and 24 h after phototherapy. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated.Twenty nine patients were included in each group. At the beginning of phototherapy serum TAC, TOS and OSI levels were similar in all groups. After phototherapy serum TAC decreased significantly in all three groups (p0.001). Total oxidant status increased significantly in group 1 (p0.001) and group 2 (p = 0.001) whereas a statistically insignificant increase was observed in group 3 (p = 0.057). After phototherapy OSI increased significantly in group 1 (p0.001), group 2 (p = 0.001), and group 3 (p = 0.038).As indicated by increased OSI, oxidant/antioxidant balance is disturbed in favor of oxidants after blue fluorescent light, LED and fiberoptic phototherapy.

To investigate the value of fecal calprotectin in diagnosis and predicting severity of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants.A prospective controlled study was conducted including preterm infants with stage 2 to 3 NEC, and birth weight and gestational age-matched controls. Fecal samples were obtained both at the time of NEC diagnosis and 3-5 days later from the patients, and at similar postnatal age from controls.Twenty-five infants with stage 2 to 3 NEC and 25 controls were enrolled. Median fecal calprotectin concentrations were 1,282 and 365 µg/g at diagnosis in infants with NEC and controls, respectively. Fecal calprotectin levels of infants with NEC were significantly higher than those of the control group both in the first and second samples. Although the fecal calprotectin levels gradually decreased from the time of diagnosis to the second sampling time in stage 2 NEC, in stage 3 NEC fecal calprotectin concentrations increased to a higher level. A fecal calprotectin value of 792 µg/g was found to be 76% sensitive and 92% specific for the diagnosis of definite NEC.Fecal calprotectin increases in infants with NEC and serial measurements may be useful as a noninvasive prognostic marker for progression of disease.

Background: Large for gestational age (LAG) neonates who had been exposed to an intrauterine environment of either diabetes or maternal obesity are at increased risk of developing the metabolic syndrome. This can be explained by exposure to high glucose and insulin levels in utero which alter fetal adaptation and programming. Objectives: The aim of the study was to evaluate the onset of preclinical atherosclerosis in utero. Methods: We measured umbilical artery wall thickness (ruWT) in the third trimester by obstetric ultrasound and umbilical artery intima-media thickness (uIMT) in pathologic specimens of umbilical cords obtained shortly after delivery and investigated the relation between these measurements and serum insulin level and C-peptide level in cord blood and assessed insulin resistance with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs), i.e. the study group, which was divided into a large for gestational age group (LGA)-IDM group and an appropriate for gestational age group (AGA)-IDM group and compared with a control group. Results: The LGA-IDM group had significantly higher insulin (p < 0.001), C-peptide (p = 0.018) and HOMA-IR levels (p < 0.001) compared with the AGA-IDM and control groups. The LGA-IDM group had significantly larger ruWT (p = 0.013) and uIMT (p < 0.001) compared with the AGA-IDM and the control groups. The LGA-IDM group had increased uIMT and ruWT that correlated with the severity of maternal hyperglycemia. Conclusions: Measurement of ruWT in the third trimester is feasible, reproducible and strongly correlated with pathological serum insulin, C-peptide in cord blood and HOMA-IR levels.

This study aimed to investigate the global oxidant/antioxidant status of infants with perinatal asphyxia and its relation to neurological outcomes. A prospective controlled study including term infants with perinatal asphyxia was conducted. Blood samples were obtained from patients and controls at 6–24 h and on the 3rd day of life for TAC and TOS measurement and OSI values were calculated. Neurodevelopment was evaluated at 12 months of age in survivors using Bayley scales of infant development II (BSID II). 17 term infants with perinatal asphyxia and 17 healthy controls were enrolled. On the first day of life TAC, TOS and OSI were significantly higher in patients with perinatal asphyxia (p

Glomerular function shows a progression directly correlated to gestational age (GA) and postnatal age in preterm infants. In preterms, glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is significantly lower than in term infants, and it matures more slowly in the postnatal period. In infants with very low GA, due to decreased GFR, normalization of serum creatinine values may be prolonged during recovery from acute renal failure (ARF). Herein, we report an extremely premature infant with high creatinine values from third week up to third month of life which normalized thereafter mimicking chronic renal failure.

AIMS There is growing body of evidence that oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus (DM) and in development of maternal and fetal complications of diabetic pregnancies. The aim of the present study was to investigate total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) in infants of diabetic mothers (IDM) and to reveal the influence of maternal hyperglycemia on these parameters. METHODS A prospective controlled study was conducted between March 2010 and November 2010. Umbilical cord blood was taken from IDM and controls for TAC and TOS measurement, and OSI was calculated. IDM were divided into two groups, either of mothers treated with insulin during pregnancy or of those treated with a carbohydrate-restricted diet. RESULTS Thirty-six IDM and 14 infants born to non-diabetic mothers were enrolled. Infants of insulin-treated mothers (group 1) and infants of mothers managed with a carbohydrate-restricted diet (group 2) had significantly higher TOS (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) and OSI (p < 0.001 and p = 0.001, respectively) levels compared to controls. However, TAC levels were similar in all three groups. Maternal HbA(1c) values were correlated to TOS (p < 0.001, r = 0.694) and OSI (p < 0.001, r = 0.683). CONCLUSIONS Oxidative stress is increased in IDM, and a significant relation exists between the degree of maternal hyperglycemia in pregnancy and oxidative stress in the newborn at birth.

Our objective was to determine the factors that affect (i) the rectal-axillary temperature measurement difference (RATD) for digital and mercury-in-glass thermometers and (ii) the difference between mercury-in-glass and digital thermometer readings taken by the rectal and axillary routes. Children (between the ages of 2 and 48 months) who were admitted to Hacettepe University Children Hospital and Corum Children's Hospital in 2 months period were included in this study. Two measurements were taken from each patient within 2 days at two different occasions including day/night and sleep/awake by the same physician. A total of 135 patients were enrolled. RATD was 0.61 + 0.54 degrees C in the mercury-in-glass thermometer, and 0.81 +/- 0.57 degrees C in the digital thermometer. The mean differences between digital and mercury-in-glass thermometers were 0.16 degrees C for rectal routes and -0.02 degrees C for axillary routes. Children at older age with hypoalbuminemia and children exposed to higher ambient temperatures had lower values of RATD than others. Temperature recordings from different sites might change with ambient temperature and individual characteristics of children.

We report the case of a male neonate with a low-set umbilicus. Physical examination revealed an appropriately grown term infant with no unusual findings, except ectopically placed umbilical cord at the level of the bladder in the hypogastric zone. The infant underwent detailed investigations that revealed no associated malformation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with very distinct localization of the umbilicus without any congenital abnormalities.