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Background: The increasing prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections among children represents a significant global concern, leading to elevated mortality rates. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors, outcomes, 30-day mortality rates and contributing factors in children with CRE bloodstream infections (CRE-BSIs)., Methods: Data regarding demographic characteristics, treatment approaches and outcomes of hospitalized children aged 0-18 years diagnosed with CRE-BSIs between January 2018 and December 2022 were extracted from medical records. Mortality within 30 days of diagnosis and the predictive factors were analysed., Results: A total of 114 children, with a median age of 11 months (range: 6-69.5), were included. All cases of CRE-BSIs were either healthcare associated or hospital acquired and presented with at least one underlying comorbidity. A previous history of CRE colonization or infection rate was 48.2% (55/114). Klebsiella pneumoniae 87.7% (100/114) was the most frequently isolated microorganism, with a 30-day mortality rate of 14% (16/114). Multivariate analysis identified paediatric intensive care unit admission, invasive mechanical ventilation, inotropic support and thrombocytopenia due to CRE-BSIs as the most discriminative predictors for 30-day mortality (P < 0.001). Central venous catheter (CVC) removal was associated with a reduced mortality rate (P = 0.012). High-dose prolonged infusion of MEM-based or polymyxin-based antibiotic combinations did not impact survival. Lower MEM MIC values were associated with improved survival., Conclusions: The mortality rate of CRE-BSI is notably high in childhood. The use of antibiotic combination strategies did not demonstrate a significant impact on 30-day survival; however, the removal of CVCs was found to lower mortality rates., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy.)

Background: To compare the amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) monitoring (short-term versus prolonged-period) for neonatal seizure detection and outcome., Methods: The aEEG monitoring in a historical cohort (n = 88, preterm:42, and term:46) with neonatal encephalopathy between 2010-2022 was re-evaluated for neonatal seizures (electrographic, electro-clinical, and clinical seizures) and EEG background scoring. The cohort was dichotomized: group I (short-period with 6-12 h, n = 36) and group II (prolonged-period with 24-48 h, n = 52). Both monitoring types were evaluated for the diagnostic accuracy of the "patients with seizures" and for outcome characteristics (early death as well as adverse outcomes at 12 months of age)., Results: A total of 67 (76 %) neonates of the cohort were diagnosed as "patients with seizures": electrographic-only seizures in 10 (15 %), electro-clinical seizures in 22 (33 %), and clinical-only seizures in 35 (52 %). The aEEG provides the "patients with seizures" in neonates with a 36.5 % rate with both types of monitoring: 17/36 (47.2 %) with short-term and 15/52 (28.8 %) with prolonged-period monitoring. The prolonged period aEEG had higher diagnostic values for seizure detection (sensitivity = 0.73 and negative predictivity value = 0.81). However, the aEEG background scores were similar for both types of aEEG monitoring, respectively (the mean ± SD: 4.73 ± 2.9 versus 4.4 ± 4. p = 0.837). The aEEG scoring was correlated with the magnitude of brain injury documented with MRI, the early death, and the adverse outcome at 12 months of age., Conclusions: Both aEEG types are valuable for monitoring the "patients with seizures" and outcome characteristics., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: In countries where pertussis vaccination is not administered during pregnancy, the determination of pertussis antibody levels in pregnant women is very important in terms of knowing the current seroepidemiology and potential strategies for immunizations., Methods: We included 396 pregnant women who were admitted to 4 different obstetrics and gynecology clinics. Anti-Bordetella pertussis toxin (PT) IgG and anti-Bordetella pertussis filamentous hemagglutinin IgG levels in maternal and cord blood pairs were determined by the ELISA method., Results: Venous blood serum anti-PT level was below 5 IU/mL in 58.8%, 5-40 IU/mL in 34.8%, 40-100 IU/mL in 5.1% and >100 IU/mL in 1.3% of pregnant women. Cord blood serum anti-PT level was below 5 IU/mL in 47.7%, 5-40 IU/mL in 44.5%, 40-100 IU/mL in 6.8% and >100 IU/mL in 1% of pregnant women. In our study, the anti-PT level was found below 40 IU/mL in 93.6% of pregnant women and 92.2% of cord blood. Our study found the anti-filamentous hemagglutinin level below 40 IU/mL in 81% of pregnant women and 66.2% of cord blood., Conclusions: Although it is known that pertussis causes serious morbidity and mortality in young infants all over the world and that the most effective and reliable way to prevent it is vaccination of pregnant women, it is a remarkable contradiction that pertussis vaccination rates and therefore seropositivity rates in pregnant women are very low., Competing Interests: The authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To assess the impact of clinical neonatal seizures on outcome characteristics of preterm and term newborns with neonatal encephalopathy (NE)., Methods: We designed a prospective comparative study with 53 babies (preterm neonates: 26 and term neonates: 27) with NE: group 1 (preterm neonates with seizures, n = 13), group 2 (preterm neonates without seizures, n = 13), group 3 (term neonates with seizures, n = 13) and group 4 (term neonates without seizures, n = 14). The functional outcome characteristics of the survivors were assessed by the Ankara Developmental Screening Inventory (ADSI) and the Guide for Monitoring Child Development (GMCD) at 12 months of age., Results: Clinically defined acute symptomatic seizures were diagnosed with prompt conventional EEG / amplitude-integrated EEG in preterm (92.3%) and term neonates (81.4%) with etiology-specific diagnoses of NE. There were no differences between the study groups regarding seizure semiology and EEG characteristics. A primary adverse outcome was defined in 22 (41.5%) of the cohort. However, only 15.3% of infants had an unfavorable functional outcome with ADSI at 12 months. Among the survivors, there was no significant difference between the study groups regarding ADSI scores. The GMDC test revealed normal development in 50% of survivors with seizures in the preterm group and 83% in the term group., Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the characteristics of functional outcomes at 12 months in preterm and term neonates with NE for clinical seizures., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors have no conflicts of interest relevant to this article to disclose., (Copyright © 2022. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

Background: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a significant cause of mortality and short- and long-term morbidities. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has been shown to be the standard care for HIE of infants ≥36 weeks gestational age (GA), as it has been demonstrated to reduce the rates of mortality, and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study aims to determine the incidence of HIE in our country, to assess the TH management in infants with HIE, and present short-term outcomes of these infants., Methods: The Turkish Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy Online Registry database was established for this multicenter, prospective, observational, nationally-based cohort study to evaluate the data of infants born at ≥34 weeks GA who displayed evidence of neonatal encephalopathy (NE) between March, 2020 and April 2022., Results: The incidence of HIE among infants born at ≥36 weeks GA (n = 965) was 2.13 per 1000 live births (517:242440), and accounting for 1.55% (965:62062) of all neonatal intensive care unit admissions. The rates of mild, moderate and severe HİE were 25.5% (n = 246), 58.9% (n = 568), and 15.6% (n = 151), respectively. Infants with severe HIE had higher rates of abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, and mortality (p<0.001). No significant difference in mortality and abnormal MRI results was found according to the time of TH initiation (<3 h, 3-6 h and >6 h) (p>0.05). TH was administered to 85 (34.5%) infants with mild HIE, and of those born of 34-35 weeks of GA, 67.4% (n = 31) received TH. A total of 58 (6%) deaths were reported with a higher mortality rate in infants born at 34-35 weeks of GA (OR 3.941, 95% Cl 1.446-10.7422, p = 0.007)., Conclusion: The incidence of HIE remained similar over time with a reduction in mortality rate. The timing of TH initiation, whether <3 or 3-6 h, did not result in lower occurrences of brain lesions on MRI or mortality. An increasing number of infants with mild HIE and late preterm infants with HIE are receiving TH; however, the indications for TH require further clarification. Longer follow-up studies are necessary for this vulnerable population., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2023 Okulu et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Background: Vitamin D and its receptor (VDR) effects on the gastrointestinal system are among its most critical multisystemic effects., Methods: This study aimed to reveal that VDR gene polymorphisms may constitute a risk factor for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). VDR Fok1-Bsm1-Apa single-nucleotide polymorphisms were analyzed in the NEC group (n = 74) and the control group (n = 147). Among 1112 babies at and below 36 weeks of gestational age who were hospitalized between January 2013 and December 2016 with a diagnosis of prematurity, 74 of a total of 148 patients who developed NEC during follow-up (NEC group) were included in the study. When NEC was diagnosed according to clinical and radiological findings and staged using Modified Bell criteria, 9 (12.1%) of 74 babies were stage 1A, 13 (17.5%) stage 1B, and 5 (6.7%) stage 2A, 33 (44.5%) stage 2B, 7 (9.4%) stage 3A, 7 (9.4%) stage 3B. Of 964 babies who did not develop NEC during follow-up, 147 were included as the control group in the study. Genotyping of VDR polymorphisms was assayed by real-time PCR. From 221 premature babies in the NEC and control groups, 2 ml peripheral blood was taken appropriately and meticulously into an EDTA tube. DNA was isolated from these blood samples. DNA amplification was performed using a thermal cycler (Applied Biosystems GeneAmp PCR System 9600)., Results: When the two groups were compared in terms of the prevalence of VDR Fok1 C/T genotype, it was found that TT genotype increased the risk of NEC by 2.697 times, and there was a significant relationship between TT genotype and the risk of NEC (p = 0.041). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed in terms of gestational age, birth weight, VDR gene polymorphism data between NEC and the control group. According to the analysis results, TT polymorphism, increased the risk of disease 4.5 times (p = 0.033)., Conclusion: Fok 1 C > T polymorphism in the VDR gene plays a role in the development of NEC. Identifying the risk groups by detecting gene polymorphisms that cause increased susceptibility to NEC may assist in the follow-up of these patients and in making early treatment decisions for them., Impact: In this study examining the non-bone effects of the genetic differences in vitamin D metabolism in premature babies, Fok 1 polymorphism has been observed to be an essential risk factor for NEC. This is the first study in our country that has investigated the relationship between VDR gene polymorphism and necrotizing enterocolitis among the Turkish population. Identifying the risk groups by detecting gene polymorphisms that cause increased susceptibility to NEC may assist in the monitoring of these patients and in making early treatment decisions for them., (© 2023. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to the International Pediatric Research Foundation, Inc.)

Background: The prefeed gastric residual check (GRC) when increasing the amounts of feeds given via orogastric and nasogastric tubes as a precaution for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and intestinal intolerance is a routine procedure. However, it is mostly misleading, and recently, there has been a tendency not to check prefeed residuals., Methods: We changed our nutrition protocol at the end of 2018 to start minimal enteral feeds (MEFs) and increase feeds without GRCs. We investigated the effects on the incidence of NEC, complications, time to reach full feeds, and growth parameters RESULTS: We compared the results of 60 preterm infants at ≤35 weeks' gestational age (group 1: 2016-2017, cared for with GRC) and 77 preterm infants (group 2: 2019, without routine GRCs). No differences in incidence of NEC and complications were observed. Group 2 started enteral feeds 3 days earlier, reached total feeds 6 days earlier (P < 0.01), and had higher weight (P < 0.01) and head circumference gain (P < 0.01). Extrauterine growth restriction was significantly less for head circumference and also insignificantly less for weight and height., Conclusion: We conclude that starting MEFs earlier and omitting routine GRCs in clinically stable preterm infants accelerate enteral feeds and growth parameters., (© 2021 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition.)

Introduction: Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) has been widely used to treat the hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Although it has been shown that IVIG treatment reduces the duration of phototherapy and hospitalization, the use of IVIG in hemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility has been controversial in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the role of IVIG in the prevention of exchange transfusion in infants with ABO HDN who presented with bilirubin levels at or above the level of exchange transfusion., Materials and Methods: This study evaluated the data of infants with ABO HDN in the Turkish Neonatal Jaundice Online Registry. The infants with ABO HDN who met the total serum bilirubin level inclusion criteria (within 2-3 mg/dL of exchange transfusion or even above exchange transfusion level) were included in the study according to the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Turkish Neonatal Society. All patients were managed according to the unit protocols recommended by these guidelines and received light-emitting diode (LED) phototherapy. Infants who only received LED phototherapy, and who received one dose of IVIG with LED phototherapy were compared., Results: During the study period, 531 term infants were included in the study according to inclusion criteria. There were 408 cases in the phototherapy-only group, and 123 cases in the IVIG group. The demographic findings and the mean bilirubin and reticulocyte levels at admission were similar between the groups ( p > 0.05), whereas the mean hemoglobin level was slightly lower in the IVIG group ( p = 0.037). The mean age at admission was earlier, the need for exchange transfusion was higher, and the duration of phototherapy was longer in the IVIG group ( p < 0.001, p = 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively). The rate of re-hospitalization and acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE) was higher in the IVIG group ( p < 0.001 and p = 0.01, respectively)., Conclusion: In this study, we determined that one dose of IVIG did not prevent an exchange transfusion nor decrease the duration of phototherapy in infants, who had bilirubin levels near or at exchange transfusion level, with hemolytic disease due to ABO incompatibility., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Okulu, Erdeve, Kilic, Olukman, Calkavur, Buyukkale, Cetinkaya, Ulubas, Demirel, Hanta, Ertugrul, Gultekin, Tuncer, Demir, Bilgin, Narli, Yildiz, Terek, Koroglu, Seren, Ozyazici, Ozdemir, Turgut, Narter, Akin, Ozyazici, Zenciroglu, Asker, Gokmen, Salihli, Bulbul, Zubarioglu, Atasay, Koc and Turkish Neonatal Society IVIG Study Group.)

Appropriate treatment of neonatal seizures with an effective therapy is important in reducing long-term neurologic disabilities. Sixty-seven neonates, who received intravenous (IV) levetiracetam (LEV) as first-line therapy for treating seizures between 2013 and 2017 were evaluated retrospectively to investigate the efficacy of LEV and its neurodevelopmental outcome at 12 months of age. Of the 67 neonates (44 preterm and 23 term babies) evaluated for seizures, 55 (82%) had a defined etiology. EEG confirmation was obtained in 36 (57.1%) of the neonates with clinical seizures. On the 7th day of the treatment (mean seizure control time 7.4 ± 15.1 days), LEV was effective as monotherapy in 43 (64%), whereas add-on therapy was required in 24 (36%) neonates. At the 1-year follow-up, 76% of infants achieved drug-free state, nine (18%) infants remained on LEV monotherapy and three (6%) needed add-on therapy. Neurodevelopmental outcome of the infants was assessed with Ankara Development Screening Inventory and results suggested favorable neurodevelopmental outcome in 69.7% of the infants with at the end of the 1-year follow-up with LEV monotherapy. In conclusion, this retrospective cross-sectional study demonstrated that IV LEV is an effective first-line therapy for treating neonatal clinical seizures and LEV monotherapy effect was sustained during the first year follow-up., (© 2020. Belgian Neurological Society.)

Objective: Late neonatal hypocalcemia (LNH) is a common metabolic problem associated with hypoparathyroidism, high phosphate intake and vitamin D deficiency, often presenting with seizures. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin D deficiency in LNH in Turkey and to describe the characteristics of affected newborns., Methods: Conducted with a cross-sectional design and with the participation of 61 neonatal centers from December 2015 to December 2016, the study included term neonates with LNH (n=96) and their mothers (n=93). Data were registered on the FAVOR Web Registry System. Serum samples of newborns and mothers were analyzed for calcium, phosphate, magnesium, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels., Results: The median (range) onset time of hypocalcemia was 5.0 (4.0-8.0) days of age, with a male preponderance (60.4%). The median (range) serum 25(OH)D levels of the neonates and their mothers were 6.3 (4.1-9.05) and 5.2 (4.7-8.8) ng/mL, respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/mL) was high in both the neonates (86.5%) and mothers (93%). Serum 25(OH)D levels of the infants and mothers showed a strong correlation (p<0.001). While the majority (93.7%) of the neonates had normal/high phosphorus levels, iPTH levels were low or inappropriately normal in 54.2% of the patients., Conclusion: Vitamin D deficiency prevalence was found to be high in LNH. Efforts to provide vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy should be encouraged. Evaluation of vitamin D status should be included in the workup of LNH.

Objective: Endotracheal intubation is a frequent procedure performed in neonates with respiratory distress. Clinicians use different methods to estimate the intubation insertion depth, but, unfortunately, the improper insertion results are very high. In this study, we aimed to compare the two different methods (Tochen's formula = weight in kilograms + 6 cm; and nasal septum-tragus length [NTL] + 1 cm) used to determine the endotracheal tube (ETT) insertion depth., Study Design: Infants who had intubation indications were enrolled in this study. The intubation tube was fixed using the Tochen formula (Tochen group) or the NTL + 1 cm formula (NTL group). After intubation, the chest radiograph was evaluated (above T1, proper place, and below T2)., Results: A total of 167 infants (22-42 weeks of gestational age) were included in the study. The proper tube placement rate in both groups was similar (32.4 vs. 30.4% for infants < 34 weeks of gestational age and 56.8 vs. 45.0% in infants > 34 weeks of gestational age). The ETT was frequently placed below T2 at a higher rate in infants with a gestational age of <34 weeks, especially in the NTL group (46% in the Tochen group and 60.7% in the NTL group)., Conclusion: The NTL + 1 cm formula led to a higher rate of ETT placement below T2, especially in infants with a birth weight of <1,500 g. Therefore, more studies are needed to determine the optimal ETT insertion depth., Competing Interests: None declared., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) in the neonatal period cause substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Our purpose was to determine the prevalence of HAIs, antimicrobial susceptibility of causative agents, and the adaptivity of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria in neonatal HAI diagnosis., Methods: A HAI point prevalence survey was conducted in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of 31 hospitals from different geographic regions in Turkey., Results: The Point HAI prevalence was 7.6%. Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and late onset sepsis were predominant. The point prevalence of VAP was 2.1%, and the point prevalence of CLABSI was 1.2% in our study. The most common causative agents in HAIs were Gram-negative rods (43.0%), and the most common agent was Klebsiella spp (24.6%); 81.2% of these species were extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) (+). Blood culture positivity was seen in 33.3% of samples taken from the umbilical venous catheter, whereas 0.9% of samples of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were positive. In our study, 60% of patients who had culture positivity in endotracheal aspirate or who had purulent endotracheal secretions did not have any daily FiO2 change (p = 0.67) and also 80% did not have any increase in positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (p = 0.7). On the other hand, 18.1% of patients who had clinical deterioration compatible with VAP did not have endotracheal culture positivity (p = 0.005)., Conclusions: Neonatal HAIs are frequent adverse events in district and regional hospitals. This at-risk population should be prioritized for HAI surveillance and prevention programs through improved infection prevention practices, and hand hygiene compliance should be conducted. CDC diagnostic criteria are not sufficient for NICUs. Future studies are warranted for the diagnosis of HAIs in NICUs., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest We declare that there are no competing financial interests in relation to the work described., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the efficiency of a new method called "finger feeding" with a well-known technique called syringe feeding for improving sucking skills and accelerating transition to breastfeeding in preterm infants. Materials and Methods: Totally 70 babies were included in this prospective randomized controlled study. Finger feeding method was applied in Group 1 ( n  = 35) and syringe feeding method was applied in Group 2 ( n  = 35). The COMFORTneo scale (CnS), oxygen saturation, pulse, respiratory rate, body temperature, amount of breast milk taken, and vomiting data were recorded before and after both applications. Hospitalization period and time elapsed for complete transition from both methods to breastfeeding were also recorded. Results: There was no statistical difference for birth weights, mean gestational age, and vital signs recorded before and after feeding between two groups. Predicted comfort and distress scores of Group 1 determined by the CnS were significantly lower than those of Group 2. This means that babies in the finger feeding group had better comfort than the those in Group 2 ( p  = 0.000). Time passed for transition to breastfeeding was significantly shorter than that in Group 2 (19.4 ± 15.0 days versus 29.7 ± 10.2 days, p  = 0.000). Group 1 had lower amount of food leakage while feeding and their average weight gain at the end of 10th day was significantly higher (322.1 ± 82.3 g versus 252 ± 108.4 g, p  = 0.004). They also were discharged earlier than Group 2 (25.8 ± 17.4 days versus 35.9 ± 13.0 days, p  = 0.001). Conclusion: Finger feeding method is an effective way for increasing sucking abilities, accelerating transition to breastfeeding, and shortens duration of hospitalization in preterm infants.

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., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Elizabethkingia meningoseptica is a widespread gram-negative bacillus in the environment, but a rarely reported human pathogen presenting mostly as nosocomial infections. Advances in neonatal intensive care facilities and usage of sophisticated medical devices strengthen the invasive infectious potential of the microorganism. Clinical manifestations usually include primary bacteremia, meningitis, nosocomial pneumoniae, intravascular catheter-related bacteremia and gastrointestinal and biliary tract infections. Lack of improved diagnostic systems in resource constrained settings, might be a cause of underreporting of such infections. Discrimination between colonization and infection is quite difficult, and it has an unusual antibiotic susceptibility pattern. Therefore clinicians should pay special attention to accurate diagnosis in order to prevent mistreatment. Here we report three newborn cases with the diagnosis of E. meningoseptica infection and colopnization, with the aim of drawing attention to the diagnosis and management of this rare but lethal bacteria that is already present in the intensive care unit environment., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)

Aim: To determine the etiological profiles of lower respiratory tract infection (LRI) in neonates during respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) season, and to define the clinical features of RSV-related infection and others., Methods: The retrospective study included newborn infants who were hospitalized for LRI during the two consecutive RSV seasons, and then tested for possible etiological agent by multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction. All relevant data were reviewed, and the clinical characteristics of RSV-related infection were compared to those of others., Results: Of 224 patients, 160 (71 %) were positive for at least one potentially causative agent. Of them, 65 % had RSV, and 15 % had more than on ecausative agent (co-infection). The RSV group had more the findings of respiratory distress (p< 0.01), abnormal chest radiography (p< 0.01), need for intensive care (p< 0.01), and duration of oxygen requirement (p< 0.01) but less fever on admission and duration of antibiotic use (for both, p< 0.01), and no longer hospital stay. Need of intensive care nursery was more common in patients with co-infection than others (25 % vs. 6.5 %, p< 0.01)., Conclusions: This study highlighted that RSV was the most frequent agent in neonates hospitalized for LRI during the season, with a more severe clinical course than other detected pathogens. The disease severity of RSV infection may have seemed to be increased by the presence of coinfection and abnormal chest radiography., Competing Interests: The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work., (Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría.)

Cytomegalovirus (CMV), is the most common cause among congenital infections and is the most seen etiology in long-term sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and neurological impairment. Congenital CMV infection (CCMV) was reported in 0.15-2.2% of live-borne neonates in studies from different countries. A significant proportion of infected infants are asymptomatic after birth and might only be detected by routine screening methods during the new born period. The aim of this study was to screen the saliva of live-born neonates with areal-time PCR based method for the detection of CCMV in our hospital. Saliva samples collected in half an hour after birth by dry dacron swabs and were evaluated for CMV DNA (Rt-PCR, Abbott Molecular USA) from 1000 babies born in Ege University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Obstetrics Clinic between October 2015-October 2017. For the confirmation of CCMV, saliva positive newborns were evaluated with the same method for CMV DNA from their urine or blood within 21 days. All newborns were screened for sensorineural hearing tests. Subjects were 497 girls (49.7%) and 503 boys (50.3%), with a mean weight of 3116.8 g and mean of 37.61 birth week. CMV DNA was positive in the saliva of 16 newborns (1.6%). Fourteen newborns were weakly positive for CMV DNA in their saliva and were not confirmed for CCMV infection. Congenital CMV was confirmed in only two (0.2%) with the CMV DNA results in urine and/or blood samples. One of the two newborns with CCMV was symptomatic and had a neurosensorial hearing loss. The other one was asymptomatic. Saliva samples, taken immediately after birth with a noninvasive and easy method for the detection of CMV DNA is very important for diagnosis of CCMV. Positive samples should be confirmed with CMV DNA in urine or blood samples of these newborns. In this study, detection of positivity in saliva samples that were confirmed with other samples of our newborn population for CCMV was 0.2%. The specific diagnosis for CCMV in newborns with a noninvasive and easy collecting sample is important to avoid sequelae and for public health concerns.

Background/aim: Geographical distribution, ethnicity, and other socioeconomic factors may affect anthropometric measurements, and for that reason each society should determine their own measurements accounting for those factors. In this study, we aimed to determine the anthropometric measurements of healthy late preterm and term infants to compare the results with other national and international studies., Materials and Methods: This sectional study was carried out among 1197 infants born with a gestational age of ≥35 weeks. Chest circumference, ear length, foot length, palmar length, middle finger length, philtrum distance, inner and outer canthal distances, and palpebral fissure length were measured in the first 24 h of life., Results: All measurements of late preterm infants were smaller than those of term infants (P ˂ 0.05). Compared with male infants, the chest circumference, ear length, foot length, palmar length, philtrum distance, and inner canthal distances of the female infants were lower (P ˂ 0.05). No significant differences were found between male and female infants’ middle finger length, outer canthal distance, and palpebral fissure length measurements. Percentile values for all measurements of 35–42-week male and female infants were described., Conclusion: These measurements of male and female infants born between 35 and 42 weeks may be useful for early detection of syndromes by detecting anatomical abnormalities in our population.

Background: Perinatal, foetal and neonatal mortality statistics are important to show the development of a health care system in a country. However, in our country there are very few national and regional data about the changing pattern of perinatal neonatal mortality along with the development of new technologies in this area., Aims: Evaluation of the changes in mortality rates and the causes of perinatal and neonatal deaths within years in a perinatal reference centre which serves a high-risk population., Study Design: Cross-sectional retrospective study., Methods: The perinatal, neonatal and foetal mortality rates in the years 1979-1980 (1 st time point) and 1988-1989 (2 nd time point) were compared with the year 2008 (3 rd time point). The causes of mortality were assessed by Wigglesworth classification and death reports. The neonatal mortality in the neonatal intensive care unit was also calculated., Results: Foetal mortality rates were 44/1000, 31.4/1000 and 41.75/1000 births, perinatal mortality rates were 35.6/1000, 18.8/1000 and 9/1000 births, and neonatal mortality rates were 35.6/1000, 18.8/1000 and 9/1000 live births for the three study time points, respectively. The mortality rate in neonatal intensive care unit decreased consistently from 33%, to 22.6% and 10%, respectively, together with decreasing neonatal mortality rates. The causes of perinatal deaths were foetal death 85%, immaturity 4%, and lethal congenital malformations 8% according to Wigglesworth classification in 2008, showing the high impact of foetal deaths on this high perinatal mortality rate. Infectious causes of neonatal deaths decreased but congenital anomalies increased in the last decades., Conclusion: Although neonatal mortality rate decreased significantly; foetal mortality rate has stayed unchanged since the late eighties. In order to decrease foetal and perinatal mortality rates more efficiently, reducing consanguineous marriages and providing better antenatal care for high risk pregnancies are needed.

Background: Perfusion Index (PI) which reflects the peripheral blood flow may help early detection and treatment decision of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in preterm infants. The present study is designed to analyze the usefulness of PI level in early detection of hsPDA in preterm infants., Methods: Preterm infants born before 36 gestational weeks were assessed for PI and simultaneous echocardiography. Based on echocardiography, each infant is categorized into no-PDA (group 1), non-hsPDA (group 2) and hsPDA (group 3). Heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), body temperature and oxygen saturation (SpO2) and concomitant PI were measured on days 1, 2, 3 and 4., Results: In all preterm infants (N.=42) PI significantly increased from 0.7 on day 1 to 1.4 on day 4. The HR did not change by the days; however, the MAP increased on days 3 and 4 compared to day 1. In hsPDA group, the median PI was 0.7 (IQR, 0.4) on day 1 compared to 0.9 (IQR, 0.2) on day 2. PI is significantly lower in hsPDA group compared to no-PDA group on day 1 and 2; however, this difference disappeared at 48 hour on the intravenous ibuprofen treatment (on day 3 and 4)., Conclusions: PI may predict the perfusion disorder and help to decide for treatment of hsPDA and was also helpful to monitor the response to treatment in hsPDA patients.

Background: Administration of an exogenous surfactant may affect both ventilatory and hemodynamic parameters in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Peripheral perfusion may be expected to be influenced, and serial perfusion index (PI) values may show this effect. Noninvasive transcutaneous carbon monoxide (TCO) monitoring may show RDS severity, oxidative and inflammatory stress, and response to surfactant treatment., Methods: This randomized controlled nonblinded study was performed in 30 preterm infants with RDS, treated with poractant alfa (n = 15) or beractant (n = 15); 18 preterm infants without RDS served as a control group. Oxygenation and hemodynamic parameters were recorded and compared through the first 6 hours of treatment. PI and TCO values were measured prior to (Tp), immediately after (T0), and at 5 minutes (T5), 30 minutes (T30), 60 minutes (T60), and 360 minutes (T360) after the bolus surfactant administration. The mean arterial pressure, oxygenation index, pH, and lactate levels were recorded simultaneously., Results: Both study groups had lower Tp PI and higher Tp TCO levels than controls. Both surfactant preparations improved the PI, TCO, mean arterial pressure, oxygenation index, pH, and lactate levels at the end point of T360. However, the median Tp PI value of 1.3 first decreased to 0.86 at T0 (P < 0.001), and then it increased to 0.99 at T5 (p < 0.001) and to 1.25 at T30 (p = 0.037). The median Tp TCO value of 3 decreased to 2, 1.5, 0, and 0 at T0, T5, T30, and T60, respectively (p < 0.001). PI more quickly recovered to Tp values (30 minutes vs. 60 minutes) and reached the control group values (30 minutes vs. 360 minutes) with beractant compared to that with poractant alfa. TCO recovered to Tp values in both groups at the same time (5 minutes vs. 5 minutes), but reached the control group values more quickly (5 minutes vs. 30 minutes) with poractant alfa than with beractant., Conclusion: Patients with RDS had poor perfusion, and PI improved with both surfactant preparations only following a short decline in the 1(st) minute. The expected improvement of PI occurred earlier in the beractant subgroup. TCO declined in both groups, showing lung improvement and decreased oxidative/inflammatory stress, and it was normalized earlier with poractant alfa., (Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Aim: To assess the efficiency of oral desmopressin lyophilisate (ODL) in neonatal central diabetes insipidus (CDI)., Methods: The characteristics of four newborns with CDI treated with ODL were evaluated., Results: Four newborns with polyuria and hypernatremia were included [male, 2 (50%); mean postnatal age, 19±17 days]. At the time of hypernatremia, the mean serum and urine osmolality values were 310±16 and 179±48 mOsm/kg, respectively. Antidiuretic hormone levels were undetectable (<0.5 pmol/L) in all cases. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed anatomical malformations in all cases. ODL (60 μg/tablet) dissolved in water (3-5 mL) was initiated with a dose of 5 μg/kg/day in two equal doses, together with limitation of water intake to avoid hyponatremia. Serum sodium levels returned to normal in a mean duration of 58±9.9 h with a mean decline rate of 0.37±0.1 mEq/L/h after desmopressin administration. Rehospitalization was required for one of the infants because of hypernatremia due to non-compliance. No episode of hyponatremia was encountered. Weight gain and growth of the infants were normal during the mean follow-up duration of 8.5±1 months., Conclusions: ODL appears to be practical and safe in the treatment of CDI during the first year of life.

Maternal hypercalcemia suppresses parathyroid activity in the fetus resulting in impaired parathyroid responsiveness to hypocalcemia after birth. Resultant hypocalcemia may be severe and prolonged and rarely may lead to convulsions. Here, we present a newborn infant admitted to the pediatric emergency department at age two weeks with recurrent tonic convulsions due to asymptomatic maternal hyperparathyroidism and vitamin D deficiency. Physicians should be aware that undiagnosed maternal hyperparathyroidism can cause severe hypocalcemia in the newborn.

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare inherited metabolic disorder resulting from the defective activity of branched-chain 2-ketoacid dehydrogenase complex. Routine screening of newborn with tandem mass spectroscopy on the third day of life may detect elevated branched-chain amino acids in blood before the appearance of encephalopathic symptoms in MSUD cases. If undiagnosed by such a routine screening test, patients often present with encephalopathy and seizures. Clinical neurologic examination is supplemented by electroencephalography and imaging. Here, we report abnormal amplitude-integrated electroencephalography, electroencephalography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging spectroscopy findings in a neurologically asymptomatic male newborn who was diagnosed with MSUD at the third week of life. These neurologic disturbances disappeared at the fourth month of life with appropriate special diet. Therefore, even in already asymptomatic cases, early neurologic deterioration of brain metabolism and structure can be detected with these early laboratory findings, indicating the importance of early diagnosis and management. Patients may also benefit from these investigations during the follow-up period., (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Sturge-Weber syndrome is a rare, sporadic, congenital neurocutaneous syndrome characterized by facial cutaneous vascular malformation, leptomeningeal angioma and eye abnormalities. Seizures develop during the first year of life, may become refractory to multiple anticonvulsants and status epilepticus may develop. A rare subtype of Sturge-Weber syndrome with bilateral facial vascular malformation, unilateral cerebral involvement and neonatal status epilepticus is reported here. Neonatal status epilepticus was successfully controlled with intravenous levetiracetam infusion., (Copyright © 2012 The Japanese Society of Child Neurology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Non-ketotic hyperglycinemia (NKH) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder of glycine metabolism. We report a newborn case of NKH and discuss the effects of this rare disease on brain metabolism and structure together with amplitude-integrated electroencephalography, cranial magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance spectroscopy findings which are very rarely reported together so far., (© 2012 The Authors. Pediatrics International © 2012 Japan Pediatric Society.)