Changes of the peripapillary vascular parameters inpremature infants without retinopathy of prematurityusing U-net segmentation

AIM:To quantitatively assess the changes in mean vascular tortuosity(mVT)and mean vascular width(mVW)around the optic disc and their correlation with gestational age(GA)and birth weight(BW)in premature infants without retinopathy of prematurity(ROP).METHODS:A single-center retrospective study included a total of 133(133 eyes)premature infants[mean corrected gestational age(CGA)43.6wk]without ROP as the premature group and 130(130 eyes)CGA-matched fullterm infants as the control group.The peripapillary mVT and mVW were quantitatively measured using computerassisted techniques.RESULTS:Premature infants had significantly higher mVT(P=0.0032)and lower mVW(P=0.0086)by 2.68(10^(4) cm^(-3))and 1.85μm,respectively.Subgroup analysis with GA showed significant differences(P=0.0244)in mVT between the early preterm and middle to late preterm groups,but the differences between mVW were not significant(P=0.6652).The results of the multiple linear regression model showed a significant negative correlation between GA and BW with mVT after adjusting sex and CGA(P=0.0211 and P=0.0006,respectively).For each day increase in GA at birth,mVT decreased by 0.1281(10^(4) cm^(-3))and for each 1 g increase in BW,mVT decreased by 0.006(10^(4) cm^(-3)).However,GA(P=0.9402)and BW(P=0.7275)were not significantly correlated with mVW.CONCLUSION:Preterm birth significantly affects the peripapillary vascular parameters that indicate higher mVT and narrower mVW in premature infants without ROP.Alterations in these parameters may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of ocular vascular disease.

Influence of perinatal factors on full-term low-birth-weight infants and construction of a predictive model

BACKGROUND Being too light at birth can increase the risk of various diseases during infancy.AIM To explore the effect of perinatal factors on term low-birth-weight(LBW)infants and build a predictive model.This model aims to guide the clinical management of pregnant women’s healthcare during pregnancy and support the healthy growth of newborns.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 1794 single full-term pregnant women who gave birth.Newborns were grouped based on birth weight:Those with birth weight<2.5 kg were classified as the low-weight group,and those with birth weight between 2.5 kg and 4 kg were included in the normal group.Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing the occurrence of full-term LBW.A risk prediction model was established based on the analysis results.The effectiveness of the model was analyzed using the Hosmer–Leme show test and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve to verify the accuracy of the predictions.RESULTS Among the 1794 pregnant women,there were 62 cases of neonatal weight<2.5 kg,resulting in an LBW incidence rate of 3.46%.The factors influencing full-term LBW included low maternal education level[odds ratio(OR)=1.416],fewer prenatal examinations(OR=2.907),insufficient weight gain during pregnancy(OR=3.695),irregular calcium supplementation during pregnancy(OR=1.756),and pregnancy hypertension syndrome(OR=2.192).The prediction model equation was obtained as follows:Logit(P)=0.348×maternal education level+1.067×number of prenatal examinations+1.307×insufficient weight gain during pregnancy+0.563×irregular calcium supplementation during pregnancy+0.785×pregnancy hypertension syndrome−29.164.The area under the ROC curve for this model was 0.853,with a sensitivity of 0.852 and a specificity of 0.821.The Hosmer–Leme show test yieldedχ^(2)=2.185,P=0.449,indicating a good fit.The overall accuracy of the clinical validation model was 81.67%.CONCLUSION The occurrence of full-term LBW is related to maternal education,the number of prenatal examinations,weight gain during pregnancy,calcium supplementation during pregnancy,and pregnancy-induced hypertension.The constructed predictive model can effectively predict the risk of full-term LBW.

Immunoprophylaxis failure and vaccine response in infants born to mothers with chronic hepatitis B infection in Djibouti

BACKGROUND In endemic areas,vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus(HBV)remains a major source of the global reservoir of infected people.Eliminating mother-to-child transmission(MTCT)of HBV is at the heart of World Health Organization’s goal of reducing the incidence of HBV in children to less than 0.1%by 2030.Universal screening for hepatitis B during pregnancy and neonatal vaccination are the main preventive measures.AIM To evaluate the efficacy of HBV vaccination combined with one dose of immunoglobulin in children born to hepatitis B surface antigen(HBsAg)-positive mothers in Djibouti city.METHODS We conducted a study in a prospective cohort of HBsAg-positive pregnant women and their infants.The study ran from January 2021 to May 2022,and infants were followed up to 7 mo of age.HBV serological markers and viral load in pregnant women were measured using aVidas microparticle enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(Biomérieux,Paris,France)and the automated Amplix platform(Biosynex,Strasbourg,France).All infants received hepatitis B immunoglobulin and were vaccinated against HBV at birth.These infants were closely monitored to assess their seroprotective response and for failure of immunoprophylaxis.Simple logistic regression was also used to identify risk factors associated with immunoprophylaxis failure and poor vaccine response.All statistical analyses were performed with version 4.0.1 of the R software.RESULTS Of the 50 pregnant women recruited,the median age was 31 years,ranging from 18 years to 41 years.The MTCT rate in this cohort was 4%(2/50)in HBsAg-positive women and 67%(2/3)in hepatitis B e antigen-positive women with a viral load>200000 IU/mL.Of the 48 infants who did not fail immunoprophylaxis,8(16%)became poor responders(anti-HB<100 mIU/mL)after HBV vaccination and hepatitis B immunoglobulin,while 40(84%)infants achieved a good level of seroprotection(anti-HB>100 mIU/mL).Factors associated with this failure of immunoprophylaxis were maternal HBV DNA levels(>200000 IU/mL)and hepatitis B e antigen-positive status(odds ratio=158,95%confidence interval:5.05-4958,P<0.01).Birth weight<2500 g was associated with a poor immune response to vaccination(odds ratio=34,95%confidence interval:3.01-383.86,P<0.01).CONCLUSION Despite a failure rate of immunoprophylaxis higher than the World Health Organization target,this study showed that the combination of immunoglobulin and HBV vaccine was effective in preventing MTCT of HBV.Therefore,further studies are needed to better understand the challenges associated with immunoprophylaxis failure in infants in Djibouti city.

The Effects of Different Feeding Practices on the Nutritional Status of Infants below 12 Months Old in the Kumba 1 Sub-Division

Appropriate feeding practices are important during infancy for good health, growth and development of infants and children. WHO revised its earlier recommendation of Exclusive Breastfeeding (EBF) of infants from 4 to 6 months of age to EBF until about 6 months of age, with the addition of complementary foods thereafter. This recommendation confirms that breast milk alone is sufficient to meet infants’ nutritional requirements for the first 6 months of life. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of various feeding practices on the Nutritional status of infants 0 - 12-month-old in the Kumba 1 Sub-Division. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2019 to August 2020. A total of 341 nursing mothers and their infants 0 - 12 months of age were recruited. Socio-demographic factors and the different feeding habits of the children were assessed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Nutritional status was assessed using anthropometric measurements. The overall proportion of infants who exclusively breastfed for 6 months was 69.2% and those who were mix-fed were 30.8% in the study area. The overall prevalence of malnutrition in the population was 61.0%. Among the malnourished children, 53.1% were underweight, 19.6% were wasted and 10.0% were stunted. Though not significant, the prevalence of wasting (21.0%) and underweight (58.3%) was higher among Mix-Fed (MF) children when compared to their EBF counterparts. Feeding practices affected the nutritional status of the infants. Underweight and wasting were observed among infants on Complementary Feeding (CF), although some exclusively breast-fed infants were stunted. Hence, nursing mothers should try as much as possible to practice EBF as recommended by WHO and can practice CF when the child is above six months.

Study on the Effect of Early Oral Motor Intervention in Preterm Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objective:To study the effective value of introducing the concept of early oral exercise in the process of nursing intervention for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU).Methods:96 cases of preterm infants diagnosed from January 2022 to August 2022 were selected and randomly divided into two groups:the general practice group(general nursing intervention),and the early practice group(early oral exercise intervention),and the effect of intervention on preterm infants in the two groups was observed.Results:After nursing care,the mean value of the non-nutritive sucking ability assessment(76.54±5.82),the mean value of the intellectual development degree assessment(104.57±8.45),the mean value of the psychomotor development degree assessment(102.33±6.74),and the mean value of behavioral neural reflexes ability assessment(38.71±2.40)in the early practice group were better than that as compared to the general practice group(P<0.05);the mean value of oral feeding start time of preterm infants in the early practice group(35.42±7.63)weeks,the mean value of all oral feeding time(34.12±5.28)weeks,and the mean time of hospital intervention(15.33±4.25)days were lesser than compared to those of the general practice group at 37.4±5.82 weeks,37.46±3.55 weeks,and 20.46±2.91 days,respectively(P<0.05);the rate of adverse reactions in preterm infants in the early practice group significantly lower than that of the general practice group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The introduction of the concept of early oral exercise intervention among NICU nurses improved the feeding effect,sucking ability of preterm infants,and intellectual development.Hence,early oral motor care should be popularized.

Advances in Enteral Nutrition Strategies for Preterm Infants

With the continuous progress of medical care, the survival rate of preterm infants is increasing year by year, and adequate nutrition is crucial for the growth and development of preterm infants. Enteral nutrition (EN) is a nutritional support method that provides metabolically required nutrients and various other nutrients through the gastrointestinal tract, which is the best way to supply nutrition to preterm infants. A reasonable EN strategies can help improve the quality of survival, and long-term prognosis of preterm infants. This article summarizes and discusses the literature reports on EN for preterm infants at home and abroad in recent years, and reviews the research progress of EN strategies for preterm infants, personalized feeding programs, and related clinical problems affecting the establishment of EN, to provide reference for clinical work. EN for preterm infants requires the comprehensive use of a variety of research strategies and continuous exploration and innovation to provide better nutritional support for preterm infants and promote their healthy growth.

Etiology and Treatment Advances of Hematochezia in Infants Aged ≤3 Months

The incidence of hematochezia in infants aged three months or younger has shown an upward trend in recent years. This condition is characterized by visible bloody stools, which may appear bright red, dark red, jam-like, or mucus-purulent bloody stools, and is often accompanied by positive fecal occult blood tests, with or without additional systemic clinical symptoms. The etiology is multifactorial, potentially influenced by the maternal health status during pregnancy, neonatal diseases or treatments received in the NICU, and the methods used for establishing enteral and parenteral nutrition. Notably, allergic factors have gained prominence in recent years. This paper reviews recent studies to elucidate the incidence, primary causes, and current treatment approaches for early infant hematochezia, providing a reference for clinical practice.

Epidemiological, Diagnostic and Evolutionary Profile of Seizures in Young Infants at Albert Royer (Dakar/Senegal)

Introduction: Seizures are one of the most common neurological complications in the infant period. The aim of our study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic and prognostic features of seizures in infants at the Albert Royer Children’s Hospital (Senegal). Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective, descriptive study from 1 January 2012 to 30 September 2018 of infants aged 0 days to 2 months who presented with seizures. Results: The hospital rate was 8.5%. Almost all the mothers (99.1%) had undergone at least 3 antenatal visits. Urogenital infection, gestational arterial hypertension and funicular anomalies were the main pregnancy-related pathologies. Delivery was vaginal in the majority of cases (80.9%). Most infants (43.6%) had not cried at birth. The majority of infants (63%) were born at term. Trophicity was normal in 68% of cases. The average age of the infants was 6.7 days. The main causes of seizures were hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (48.7%), metabolic disturbances (48.1%) and central ոеrvοսѕ system infections (15.6%). Phenobarbital was the 1st-line anticonvulsant. The case fatality rate was 39.5%. The main sequela observed were delayed psychomotor development (20.6%). Conclusion: Optimal management of infant seizures requires early diagnosis and etiological treatment by improving the quality of perinatal care to ensure better management of risk factors, as well as increasing the availability of neuroimaging equipment.

Gut microbiota in preterm infants receiving breast milk or mixed feeding

BACKGROUND Preterm birth is the leading cause of mortality in newborns,with very-low-birthweight infants usually experiencing several complications.Breast milk is considered the gold standard of nutrition,especially for preterm infants with delayed gut colonization,because it contains beneficial microorganisms,such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.AIM To analyze the gut microbiota of breastfed preterm infants with a birth weight of 1500 g or less.METHODS An observational study was performed on preterm infants with up to 36.6 wk of gestation and a birth weight of 1500 g or less,born at the University Hospital Dr.JoséEleuterio González at Monterrey,Mexico.A total of 40 preterm neonates were classified into breast milk feeding(BM)and mixed feeding(MF)groups(21 in the BM group and 19 in the MF group),from October 2017 to June 2019.Fecal samples were collected before they were introduced to any feeding type.After full enteral feeding was achieved,the composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Numerical variables were compared using Student’s t-test or using the Mann–Whitney U test for nonparametric variables.Dominance,evenness,equitability,Margalef’s index,Fisher’s alpha,Chao-1 index,and Shannon’s diversity index were also calculated.RESULTS No significant differences were observed at the genus level between the groups.Class comparison indicated higher counts of Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria in the initial compared to the final sample of the BM group(P<0.011).In addition,higher counts of Gammaproteobacteria were detected in the final than in the initial sample(P=0.040).According to the Margalef index,Fisher’s alpha,and Chao-1 index,a decrease in species richness from the initial to the final sample,regardless of the feeding type,was observed(P<0.050).The four predominant phyla were Bacteroidetes,Actinobacteria,Firmicutes,and Proteobacteria,with Proteobacteria being the most abundant.However,no significant differences were observed between the initial and final samples at the phylum level.CONCLUSION Breastfeeding is associated with a decrease in Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria and an increase of Gammaproteobacteria,contributing to the literature of the gut microbiota structure of very low-birth-weight,preterm.

Button Cell Ingestion in Infants: A Report of Five Cases

Button cell ingestion is a common household accident among infants, often leading to serious complications that require immediate diagnosis and urgent removal. We report five cases of button cell ingestion involving infants aged between 9 and 32 months, including four boys and one girl. The ingestion was accidentally discovered in two infants, while in the other three, it was suspected during play. In three cases, mothers attempted to induce vomiting by giving fluids, but the batteries remained in the digestive tract for 38 hours to 5 days. After confirming the diagnosis, the batteries were removed within 4 to 36 hours. The locations of the cells were the esophagus in two cases, the cardia in one, the stomach in one, and the bowel in one. One case involved a large cell in the esophagus, while the others involved smaller cells. Complications occurred in four cases, including esotracheal fistula, esophageal ulceration, and perforation of the jejunum and caecum. In one case, the digestive mucosa appeared normal upon endoscopy. One patient died.

Management of Acute Idiopthic Intestinal Invaginal in Infants at Conakry University Hospital

Introduction: Acute intestinal intussusception (AII) has been known for a long time but its diagnosis sometimes remains difficult and its etiologies, particularly the idiopathic forms, poorly elucidated. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and therapeutic aspects of acute intestinal intussusception in order to contribute to the improvement of the management of this condition in the pediatric surgery department of the Donka National Hospital. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective descriptive study of patients taken in charge of acute idiopathic intestinal intussusception over a period of 7 years (January 2017 to December 31, 2023). Results: We collected 72 patients operated on for IIA, i.e. a hospital frequency of 1.1% and an incidence of 10.3 cases per year. The mean age was 16.58 months with extremes of 3 months and 28 months. The sex ratio was 12.5 in favor of the boy. The triad of ombredanne dominated the clinical picture and paroxysmal abdominal pain with period of calm represented the main reason for consultation (72 cases) i.e. 100%, followed by vomiting (62 cases) and rectal bleeding (50 cases). Ultrasound was performed in 56 patients visualizing the intussusception sausage in 54 patients or 75%. The most common anatomoclinical variety of intussusception was the ileo-caeco-colic form with 35 cases (or 38%) followed by the ileocolic form 24 cases (33%). The surgical procedure performed was a manual reduction in 54 patients or 75% and an anastomosis resection in 18 patients;the appendectomy of principle was done in 62.25%. The postoperative course was simple in 64 patients or 88.88%. The mortality rate was 6.94 %. Conclusion: AII is a common abdominal surgical emergency in infants. Recognition of the Ombredanne triad especially abdominal pain with a period of calm in children and infants in particular is an important element for vital prognosis. Early diagnosis and close interdisciplinary cooperation between pediatric, radiology and pediatric surgery teams could improve the management of IIA and allow this condition to remain benign in children.

Early Intratracheal Administration of Corticosteroid and Pulmonary Surfactant for Preventing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants with Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Meta-analysis

There is uncertain result with regard to the use of inhalation or instillation steroids to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early airway administration (within 2 days after birth) of corticosteroids and pulmonary surfactant (PS) for preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). The related studies were retrieved in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Clinical Trial, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP Database from inception to August 2018. Two reviewers independently screened the studies to ensure that all patients with diagnosis of NRDS were enrolled to studies within 1 day after birth, assessed the quality of included studies by GRADEpro system and extracted the data for review. The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.2 software. A subgroup analysis about inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) delivery method was made between ICS inhalation subgroup [inhalation of ICS by nebulizer or metered dose inhaler (MDI)] and ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup (PS used as a vehicle). Eight randomized controlled trials were enrolled in the meta-analysis, 5 trials of which stated the randomized method, grouping and blinded method, and the follow-up procedures were reported. GRADEpro system showed high quality of 4 trials (5 articles), and the rest 4 trials had moderate quality. Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of BPD was decreased in ICS group, the relative risk (RR) was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.42-0.76), and similar trends were found in ICS inhalation subgroup and ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup, with the corresponding RR being 0.58 (95% CI: 0.41-0.82) and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.24-0.95) respectively. ICS could also significantly reduce the mortality risk as compared with placebo control group (RR: 0.67;95% CI: 0.45-0.99), with RR of ICS inhalation subgroup and ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup being 0.81 (95% CI: 0.34-1.94) and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.41-0.99) respectively. Moreover, the percentage of infants using PS more than one time was lower in ICS group than in the placebo control group, with the RR and 95% CI being 0.55 (95% CI: 0.45-0.67), and that in ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup lower than in ICS inhalation subgroup (RR: 0.56;95% CI: 0.45-0.69, and RR: 0.35;95% CI:0.08-1.52 respectively). There was no significant difference in the incidence of infection or retinopathy of prematurity and neuro-motor system impairment between ICS group and placebo control group, with the corresponding RR being 0.95 (95% CI:0.59-1.52), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.62-1.38) and 1.13 (95% CI: 0.92-1.39), respectively. It was concluded that early administration of ICS and PS is an effective and safe option for preterm infants with NRDS in preventing BPD and reducing mortality, decreasing the additional PS usage, especially for the ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup. Furthermore, the appropriate dose and duration of ICS, combined use of inhalation or instillation of ICS with PS and the long-term safety of airway administration of corticosteroids need to be assessed in large trials.

Safety and utility of capsule endoscopy for infants and young children

AIM:To assess the safety and utility of capsule endoscopy(CE)for children who are unable to swallow the capsule endoscope.METHODS:The medical records of all of the children who underwent CE between 2010 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.The patients were divided into 2groups:group A included patients who were unable to swallow the capsule endoscope,and group B included patients who were able to swallow it.For the patients who were unable to swallow the capsule endoscope,it was placed in the duodenum endoscopically.The small bowel transit time,endoscopic diagnosis and complications of the 2 groups were compared.RESULTS:During the study period,28 CE procedures were performed in 26 patients.Group A included 11patients with a median age of 2 years(range 10 mo-9years),and group B included 15 patients with a median age of 12 years(range 8 years-16 years).The lightest child in the study weighed 7.9 kg.The detection rates did not differ between the 2 groups.The median small bowel transit time was 401 min(range 264-734 min)in group A and 227 min(range 56-512 min)in group B(P=0.0078).No serious complications,including capsule retention,occurred.No significant mucosal trauma occurred in the pharynx,esophagus,stomach or duodenum when the capsule was introduced using an endoscope.CONCLUSION:CE is a safe and useful procedure for infants and young children who are unable to swallow the capsule endoscope.

Analysis of the clinical characteristics and refraction state in premature infants: a 10-year retrospective analysis

AIM: To report the visual outcomes and refractive status in premature infants with and without retinopathy of prematurity(ROP) who were or not treated. METHODS: The clinical records of all premature infants with or without ROP and with or without treatment between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Basic demographic data, serial changes in ROP incidence, treatment and outcomes, and the refractive states were analyzed. Correlations among myopia and astigmatism progression, birth weight, gestational age, and treatment methods were also analyzed.RESULTS: A total of 562 screened premature infants(all Chinese, 1124 eyes), were recruited with a 378:184 maleto-female ratio. Birth weight did not directly influence ROP incidence. The overall ROP incidence was 16.55%(93/562 cases). The incidences in boys and girls were 16.14%(33/378 cases) and 17.39%(32/184 cases), respectively, and this difference was not significant. However, all infants with serious ROP(stage IV and V) were male. Myopia combined with astigmatism was common in premature infants with and without ROP(30.99%, 172/555 cases), and myopic refraction(including myopia and myopia combined with astigmatism) was more common in premature infants with ROP(48.84%, 42/86 cases). In the >8.00 diopter group, there were significantly more ROP infants than without ROP. Myopic refraction(including myopia and myopia combined with astigmatism) was most common in infants with ROP after treatment(63.63%, 7/11 cases). CONCLUSION: The refractive state is different between premature infants and mature infants. Those treated for ROP had a higher chance of developing myopia, astigmatism, and higher diopter.

Epidemiological Characteristics and Risk Factors of the Pertussis in Infants < 12 Months of Age in Tianjin, China

The epidemiologic characteristics of 631 infant pertussis cases 〈 12 months, which accounted for 57.42% of the total cases, were analyzed by descriptive epidemiology in Tianjin, between 2010 and 2015. The incidence of infants was 104.66/100,000, which was 118 times higher than in other age groups （P 〈 0.001）. The primary type of pertussis simultaneously presented in households was adult-to-infant （70.51%）. The parents were identified as the source of infection in 80.18% of cases for infants. The positive rate of placental antibody transfer was 31.06% and 3.13% for 3-month-old infants. Infants presented the highest age-specific pertussis incidence. The most important reason was parents were the important sources of infection, and secondly the lower level of antibodies in neonates and the rapid waning of maternal antibody titer.

Stool characteristics of infants receiving short-chain galactooligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides:A review

Human milk is considered to be the optimal source of infant nutrition. Some of the benefits of breastfeeding have been ascribed to human milk oligosaccharides(HMO). For instance, HMO can affect faecal characteristics such as stool consistency and stool frequency. Such effects on stool characteristics can be beneficial for young infants as hard stools and even constipation is common in that age group. Prebiotics in infant milk formulas have been introduced to exert similar functionalities. A specific mixture of prebiotics consists of a combination of short chain galacto-oligosaccharides and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides(scGOS/lcFOS) in a ratio of 9:1. This specific mixture has been developed to closely resemble the molecular size composition of HMO. Many studies have been done with scGOS/lcFOS, and indicators for digestive comfort have often been included as secondary outcomes. This review summarizes the effects of scGOS/lcFOS(9:1) on stool consistency,stool frequency and transit time in healthy term and preterm infants. In several of the studies with scGOS/lcFOS in a ratio of 9:1 in infant milk formulas, positive effects of this mixture on stool characteristics such as stool consistency and stool frequency were observed. As stool consistency was shown to be correlated to whole gut transit time, scGOS/lcFOS can be hypothesised to have a role in reducing the risk of constipation.

Influencing factors of the neurodevelopment of high-risk infants

Background High-risk infants refer to newborns exposed to high-risk factors in the prenatal, natal or postnatal period. High-risk infants are at high risk of developmental retardation, and early identification of developmental abnormalities plays a vital role in improving high-risk infants' quality of life.Aims To describe the neurodevelopment of high-risk infants aged less than 1 year old, and to analyse the incidences and influencing factors of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in order to provide a basis for neurodevelopment monitoring and management of highrisk infants.Methods High-risk infants born between January 2016 and December 2016 in the maternity and infant health hospitals of three districts in Shanghai were followed up.The Gesell Developmental Scale was used to assess the neurodevelopmental level at the time of recruitment(0-2 months) and at 9 months. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the influencing factors were conducted.Results 484 high-risk infants(male 51 %, female 49%)with an average gestation age of 36.5±2.2 weeks were recruited. At the time of recruitment, the average age was2.1(0.8) months, and the developmental quotient(DQ)scores of full-term high-risk infants in motor(t=3.542,p=0.001), cognitive(t=3.125, p=0.002), language(t=3.189, p=0.002) and social(t=3.316, p=0.001) areas were higher than those of preterm infants. The incidences of developmental abnormalities of full-term high-risk infants in motor(χ~2 =9.452, p=0.002), cognitive(χ~2=6.258, p=0.012), language(χ~2 =12.319, p =0.001) and social(χ~2 =6.811, p=0.009) areas were lower than the preterm infants. At 9 months, there was no difference in the DQ scores and incidences of developmental abnormalities in four areas between full-term and preterm high-risk infants, and the incidence of developmental abnormalities was around 10%.Conclusion The incidence of neurodevelopmental abnormalities in high-risk infants aged less than 1 year old is high. Preterm birth and parental bad habits are significant factors affecting the neurodevelopment.Monitoring and early interventions help to improve highrisk infants' neurodevelopment.

Effects of Nutrient Fortified Complementary Food Supplements on Anemia of Infants and Young Children in Poor Rural of Gansu

Objective To assess the effectiveness of complementary food supplements with protein and multi-micronutrients on hemoglobin and anemia in infants and young children. Methods In 5 poor counties of Gansu, 984 children aged 6-12 months were enrolled and divided into two groups. In addition to the usual home-made complementary food, all the children were fed one sachet of either Formula Ⅰ or Formula Ⅱ supplements each day. Protein and micronutrients were provided in Formula Ⅰ, while the same energy intake was secured in Formula Ⅱ as in Formula Ⅰ. A massive dose of vitamin A was supplemented to all the children every 6 months. Hemoglobin test was done at the same time. Results Prevalence of anemia was about 35% in both Formula Ⅰ and Formula Ⅱ group at baseline, and there were no differences in hemoglobin concentration between the two groups, During the 6-month and 12-month supplementation, hemoglobin of children in Formula Ⅰ group was higher than that in Formula Ⅱ group （P〈0.05）, and hemoglobin increase in Formula Ⅰ group was significantly higher than that in Formula Ⅱ group （P〈0.001）. After 6- and 12-mouth supplementation, the prevalence of anemia in Formula Ⅰ group dropped to 19.1% and 8.2% respectively, and it was 28.0% and 12.4% in Formula 2 group. The prevalence of anemia in Formula Ⅰ group was significantly lower than that in Formula Ⅱ group （P〈0.05）. After adjusting age and hemoglobin level at baseline, the hemoglobin increase at age of 24 months in formula 1 group was higher （10.7 g/L vs 7.9 g/L, P〈0.0001）. Conclusion Micronutrient fortified complementary food supplements, with large-dose vitamin A, is effective for children aged 6-12 months in terms of iron deficiency prevention.

Early complications after excision with hepaticoenterostomy for infants and children with choledochal cysts

Objective: To retrospectively study the early compli- cations of excision with hepaticoenterostomy for in- fants and children with choledochal cysts. Methods: We analyzed 16 patients with early posto- perative complications out of 173 patients with con- genital choledochal cysts aged 27 days to 14 years (mean 2.4 years) who had undergone excisional pro- cedures and biliary tract reconstruction. Results: The early complications included bile leak- age (10 patients), abdominal wall dehiscence (3), and hepatic failure, pancreatic juice leakage and postoperative intussusception (each in 1) respective- ly. Three patients died from bile leakage and 1 from postoperative hepatic failure. No statistical differen- ces were observed between the procedures of biliary tract reconstruction with jejunal segment interposi- tion hepaticoduodenostomy and Roux-en-Y hepatico- jejunostomy (P>0.75). The morbidity was signifi- cantly higher in infants below 1 year than in children (P<0.005). Prevention and treatment of the com- plications were discussed. Conclusion: Bile leakage and abdominal wall dehis- cence are major early postoperative complications. The morbidity of cholechal cysts is higher in infants than in children. Exploratory laparotomy should not be delayed when biliary leakage with diffuse peritoni- tis appears. The 'tension suture in the fascial space of the abdominal wall' is useful to prevent and treat wound dehiscence.

Multi-center Study of Enteral Feeding Practices in Hospitalized Late Preterm Infants in China

Objective To investigate the current enteral feeding practices in hospitalized late preterm infants in the Beijing area of China. Methods A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted. Infants born after 34 weeks and before 37 weeks of gestation were enrolled from 25 hospitals in the Beijing area of China from October 2015 to October 2017. Data on enteral feeding practices were collected and analyzed. Results A total of 1,463 late preterm infants were enrolled, with a mean gestational age（GA） of 35.6（34.9, 36.1） weeks. The percentage of exclusive breastfeeding was 4.5% at the initiation of enteral feeding but increased to 14.4% at discharge. When human milk was not available, most infants（46.1%） were fed with preterm infant formula. The rate of exclusive human milk feeding in infants born at 34 weeks gestation was higher than at discharge（21.1% of infants born at 34 weeks＇ GA versus 12.1% of infants born at 35 weeks＇ GA versus 12.3% of infants born at 36 weeks＇ GA, P 〈 0.001）. Only 28.4% of late preterm infants achieved full enteral feeding at discharge, and only 19.2% achieved 120 kcal/（kg·d） by enteral feeding at discharge. Importantly, 40.5% of infants did not regain the birth weight at discharge. Conclusion Enteral feeding support of late preterm infants has not been standardized to achieve optimal growth. Moreover, the human milk feeding rate was low, and many late preterm infants did not achieve the goal of enteral feeding and failed to regain birth weight at the time of discharge. More aggressive enteral feedings protocols are needed to promote human milk feeding and optimize growth for late preterm infants.