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Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most severe and unpredictable complications of prematurity. There are two possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of NEC: individual inflammatory response and impaired blood flow in mesenteric vessels with secondary ischemia of the intestine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between polymorphisms: Il-1β 3953C>T, Il-6 −174G>C and −596G>A, TNFα −308G>A, and 86 bp variable number tandem repeat polymorphism of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (Il-1RN VNTR 86 bp) and three polymorphisms that may participate in arteries tension regulation and in consequence in intestine blood flow impairment: eNOS (894G>T and −786T>C) and END-1 (5665G>T) and NEC in 100 infants born from singleton pregnancy, before 32 + 0 weeks of gestation, exposed to antenatal steroids therapy, and without congenital abnormalities. In study population, 22 (22%) newborns developed NEC. Surgery-requiring NEC was present in 7 children. Statistical analysis showed 20-fold higher prevalence of NEC in infants with the genotype TT [OR 20 (3.71–208.7); p = 0.0004] of eNOS 894G>T gene polymorphism. There was a higher prevalence of allele C carriers of eNOS 786T>C in patients with surgery-requiring NEC [OR 4.881 (1.33–21.99); p = 0.013]. Our investigation did not confirm any significant prevalence for NEC development in another studied genotypes/alleles. This study confirms the significant role of polymorphisms that play role in intestine blood flow. Identifying gene variants that increase the risk for NEC development may be useful in screening infants with inherent vulnerability and creating strategies for individualized care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: A growing body of evidence shows that genetics plays a vital role in the development and progression of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Perinatal inflammation is also considered an important risk factor of ROP. Therefore, understanding the interplay of genetics and susceptibility to inflammation might shed light on the pathogenesis of ROP and make its screening and treatment more effective in preventing visual impairment in premature infants., Material and Methods: This study investigated the correlation of inflammation-associated gene polymorphisms: IL-1 β +3953 C>T, IL-1RN VNTR 86 bp, IL-6 -174 G>C, IL-6 -596 G>A, and TNF- α -308 G>A as well as demographic and clinical characteristics of ROP in preterm infants (n = 90)., Results: Our results demonstrate that IL-1RN rs2234663 1/1 genotype prevails in infants with ROP that regresses without intervention, when compared to those requiring laser photocoagulation/anti-VEGF injection (p = 0.031). Genotype 2/2 of IL-1RN occurs more frequently in children with severe ROP (28.6%) than in the group in which ROP regressed spontaneously (4.0%). The analysis revealed also differences between the genotypes of IL-1RN in ROP patients with intrauterine infection and in patients who had ROP without intrauterine infection; however, this was not statistically significant. Other studied polymorphisms were not associated with ROP development or its progression., Conclusions: These results suggest that different genotypes of IL-1RN might have an impact on the course of ROP. Genotype 2/2 of IL-1RN gene may predispose to ROP progression., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2020 Termedia.)

Introduction: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that affects primarily preterm infants. Genetic factors are also taken into consideration in the pathogenesis of BPD. Genetic predispositions to higher production of inflammation mediators seem to be crucial., Material and Methods: The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between polymorphisms: interleukin-1β +3953 C>T, interleukin-6 -174 G>C and -596 G>A, tumour necrosis factor -308 G>A and interleukin-1RN VNTR 86bp and the occurrence of BPD in a population of 100 preterm infants born from singleton pregnancy, before 32+0 weeks of gestation, exposed to antenatal steroids therapy, and without congenital abnormalities., Results: In the study population BPD was diagnosed in 36 (36%) newborns. Among the studied polymorphisms we found the higher prevalence for BPD developing of the following genotypes: 1/2 (OR 1.842 [0.673-5.025] and 2/2 IL-1RN (OR 1.75 [0.418-6.908] 86bpVNTR; GC (2.222 [0.658-8.706]) and CC IL-6 -174G>C (1.6 [0.315-8.314]) and GA (2.753 [0.828-10.64]) and AA (1.5 [0.275-8.067] IL-6 -596G>A), GA 1.509 (0.515-4.301) TNF-α -308G>A. However, these finding were not statistically significant., Conclusions: Genetic factors are undeniably involved in the pathogenesis of BPD. In the times of individualised therapy finding genes responsible for BPD might allow the development of new treatment strategies. A new way of specific therapy could ensure the reduction of complications connected with BPD and treatment costs., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Objective: The aim of the following study was to evaluate the impact of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) on neonatal outcome, particularly on the incidence of intrauterine infections (IUI)., Material and Methods: The study included 428 newborns, born after PROM and hospitalized in the Department of Neonatology at Poznan University of Medical Sciences in 2006. The influence of selected variables on the development of IUI and other complications was analyzed., Results: IUI occurred in 124 newborns (29%). The odds ratio (OR) of IUI incidence increased with decreasing gestational age, birth weight and Apgar score, as well as with increasing duration of the time between PROM and birth, called the latency period. Logistic regression showed that IUI was significantly influenced by the latency period (OR=1.37; 95% CI: 1.10-1.71; p<0.01), gestational age (OR=2.29; 95% CI: 1.59-3.30; p<0.0001) and 5-minute Apgar score (OR=2.50; 95% CI: 1.57-3,98; p<0.001). The incidence of other complications such as prematurity respiratory distress syndrome, respiratory failure, intraventricular hemorrhage, and anemia increased with the duration of the latency period. Compared to uninfected infants, the infected ones were characterized by lower birth weight, lower gestational age, lower Apgar score and poorer laboratory results., Conclusions: Among neonates born from pregnancies complicated with PROM, the incidence of IUI is significantly influenced by the latency period, gestational age and 5-minute Apgar score. The incidence of other complications increases with the duration of the latency period. Prematurity is an important contributor to morbidity in this group of neonates.

Background: Perinatal asphyxia constitutes a significant problem influencing neonatal mortality and morbidity., Objectives: The aim of the present work was to provide evidence of the usefulness of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) and echocardiographic investigations in the diagnosis of heart damage in full-term infants after intrauterine hypoxia., Material and Methods: The subjects were 39 asphyxiated and 44 term infants without fetal anoxia. Quantitative determinations of cTnT were performed between 12 and 24 h of life. Two-dimensional Doppler and color Doppler studies were performed at the bedside. We evaluated fractional shortening (FS), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), tricuspid (TI) and mitral (MI) insufficiency., Results: Asphyxiated infants presented increased cTnT (mean 0.141+/-0.226 vs. 0.087+/-0.111 ng/ml; p<0.01) and TI (38.5 vs. 11.4% of population; p<0.05) compared to healthy infants. CO, CI and FS remained in the same range., Conclusions: We found cTnT to be the most useful among accessible diagnostic tools used in post-hypoxic heart damage in neonates. The data from our relatively small population study suggest a cTnT value of >0.1 ng/ml as a reliable marker of myocardial injury in neonates. Further study should be performed to generate a receiver-operator characteristic curve to discover what the cut-off level should be., (Copyright (c) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

A case of Group B Streptococcus sepsis is reported in a male newborn with a renal vascular hypertension. An abdominal Doppler examination revealed aortic thrombosis extending from renal to the common iliac arteries. Prolonged broad spectrum antibiotic therapy and fibrinolytic treatment combined with surgical thrombectomy were used, at last obtaining improvement of general patient condition. The infant's hypertension resolved and reperfusion of the right kidney and urine output resumed. Ultrasound examination at 4th month showed presence of collateral circulation to arteries providing right lower limb. Patient's long-term out come is still under control of Outpatient Department of Vascular Surgery.

In spite of much ethical uncertainty and wide variations in obstetric and neonatal outcomes reported in the literature, we have studied the outcome of Polish newborns after assisted reproductive technology (ART). In all of our patients, both obstetrics and neonatal care were performed in the Level Three Center in Poznan, Poland. A total of 45 and 82 newborns were analyzed from the ART and the control group, respectively. We analyzed gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score, duration of hospitalization, newborn mortality, and congenital malformations. We found a far higher rate of mothers over 35 years and with university education in ART compared to controls. The incidence of cesarean section and birth weight <1,500 g was much higher in ART. Newborn mortality was much higher among ART newborns compared to controls and was related to premature delivery of triplet pregnancy. The most important factor resulting in high neonatal mortality in our study group was multiple pregnancy. We consider the lack of regulation in Poland concerning the number of replaced embryos as a main factor influencing newborns' outcome after ART.

The aim of the study was to detect changes in pulmonary function following ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Pulmonary function was recorded in 16 newborns (birth weight 1,081 +/- 166 g, gestational age 27.6 +/- 1.7 weeks) before and after ligation. No change in resistance of airways or mean airway pressure was observed. We found an increase in dynamic compliance (Cdyn) of 77% (p < 0.01), in tidal volume (TV) of 29% (p = 0.004), and in minute ventilation (MV) of 17% (p < 0.01) after the procedure. We demonstrated that pulmonary function improves after surgical ligation of the PDA. Because of considerable variation in intubated and spontaneously breathing premature newborns, we recommend the analysis of three main parameters: Cdyn, TV and MV for estimation of pulmonary mechanics in these infants., (Copyright 2004 S. Karger AG, Basel)