Magnetic resonance imaging scanning susceptibility weighted imaging sequences in the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scanning with susceptibility weighted imaging(SWI)sequences plays a significant role in the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HIE).AIM To observe the role of MRI multi-parameter quantitative indexes in the diagnosis of neonatal HIE.METHODS The imaging data from 23 cases of neonatal HIE admitted to the Imaging Department of Ganyu District People's Hospital of Lianyungang City and 23 neonates without HIE admitted during the same period were analyzed retrospectively from August,2021 to December,2023.The results of clinical judgment were compared with the results of computed tomography(CT)and MRI examinations.RESULTS The degree of cerebral edema(more than moderate),the number of damaged brain regions(>2),the number of cerebral hemorrhages(>2),and the percentage of small venous dilatation detected were higher in MRI than in CT examination,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The total area of the largest region of cerebral damage and of cerebral hemorrhage observed by MRI examination were significantly larger than those of CT examination(P<0.01).Multiparametric quantitative MRI combined with diffusion weighted imaging and SWI had higher sensitivity and accuracy than CT diagnosis,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The difference in the specificity of the two modes of diagnosis was not significant(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The use of MRI multi-parameter quantitative indexes can accurately diagnose and evaluate neonatal HIE.

Astrocyte syncytium:from neonatal genesis to aging degeneration

Modern neuroscience began from all reaching and fierce conflict between“neuronismo and reticulismo”——between neuronal and reticular theories of the organization of the nervous system;the conflict culminated in December of 1906 in Stockholm where Santiago Ramon y Cajal(the proponent of the neuronal doctrine)and Camillo Golgi(who advocated the syncytial reticular organization of neural networks)delivered their Noble prize lectures(Verkhratsky,2009).

Prevalence and Causes of Neonatal Mortality at Chu-Mel, Cotonou in 2023

Introduction: Neonatal mortality represents a global health problem that has been at the core of programs developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for more than 30 years. In our country, it represents a real scourge and remains high despite the efforts made by the Ministry of Health. The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence and causes of neonatal mortality at CHU-MEL of Cotonou in 2023. Material and Methods: This was a cross-sectional and descriptive study with retrospective data collection, carried out in the neonatology unit of the Mother and Child Teaching Hospital of Lagune (CHU-MEL) in Cotonou over a period of six months from January 1, 2023 to June 30, 2023. All neonates, premature or full-term, born alive and who died during hospitalization in the unit were included. Results: 211 cases of neonatal deaths were recorded among the 2884 neonates hospitalized in the unit during the study period, representing a hospital prevalence of 7.31%. Early neonatal mortality represented 81.5% of cases. The average age at admission was 4.6 days ± 5.3. The average weight of deceased neonates was 1609.08 ± 798.35 g. The most frequent reasons for hospitalization were represented by prematurity (60.66%) and respiratory distress (23.22%), respectively. Prematurity was the leading cause of neonatal mortality (41.7%), followed by neonatal infections (29.4%) and perinatal asphyxia (10.9%). Conclusion: The prevalence of neonatal mortality in the neonatology unit of CHU-MEL is high. Efforts to improve the quality of perinatal care departments must be intensified to reduce this prevalence.

Factors Associated with Neonatal Sepsis: A Case Study at Chilenje General Hospital in the Neonatal Unit and Paediatric Wards

Background: Neonatal sepsis is known to result in 26% of mortalities in children below the age of five worldwide, countries in Sub-Saharan African recording the highest deaths. Although the deaths of neonates have reduced world over up to 3.6 million counts, Chilenje General Hospital continues to register significant numbers of neonatal sepsis. This study aimed at investigating the factors associated with neonatal sepsis at Chilenje General Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. Methods: An institution based cross-sectional study design was conducted at Chilenje General Hospital. Data were collected by the use of a researcher designed questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 25. Frequencies were used for descriptive analysis while bivariate analysis was used to establish association among risk factors and outcome variables. Variables with significant association at 5% level were further subjected to multivariate analysis at α ≤ 0.05. Results: The study showed that out of 156 neonates, 40.4% (63/156) developed neonatal sepsis. Maternal factors that projected the incidence of sepsis amongst neonates were distance to nearest health facility [AOR: 6.3 (95% CI: 1.8 - 21.3), p = 0.003], occupation [AOR: 5.8 (95% CI: 1.2 - 27.6), p = 0.026], number of antenatal visits [AOR: 6.3 (95% CI: 1.9 - 21.6), p = 0.003], number of vaginal examinations [AOR: 10.8 (95% CI: 2.8 - 42), p = 0.001], and pregnancy induced hypertension [AOR: 5.4 (95% CI: 1.4 - 20), p = 0.013]. Neonatal risk factor which projected the incidence of sepsis was Neonate’s age [AOR: 18.8 (95% CI: 4.9 - 72.5), p = 0.000]. Conclusions: The chance of developing neonatal sepsis was strongly correlated with both mother and child variables, according to the study. In order to lower the chance of the neonate acquiring sepsis, encouraging maternal antenatal care use would assist to detect risk factors during prenatal, perinatal and postnatal care and apply the proper therapies.

Case Report: Bilateral Intra-Parenchymal Hematomas Caused by Ventricular Flood Complicating Neonatal Salmonella typhi Meningitis

Salmonella meningitis is an uncommon condition in neonates, and when it does occur, it is often linked to serious complications, such as subdural collections and abscesses. We present a case involving a 23-day-old neonate diagnosed with Salmonella meningitis, who developed complications including bilateral intra-parenchymal hematomas with ventricular involvement. The infant showed significant improvement following an extended course of systemic antibiotics and supportive care.

Audit of Neonatal Jaundice as Experienced at a Mission Hospital in Western Nigeria

Introduction: Neonatal jaundice (NNJ) is a common disorder in neonates that can impact negatively on the brain and cause death. The peculiarities in aetiology and solutions for different settings are a knowledge gap. This informed the desire to determine local aetiology and solutions for neonatal jaundice in a missionary hospital in Abeokuta, Southwestern Nigeria. Methods: Consecutive consenting babies diagnosed with significant neonatal jaundice were studied between July 2016 and June 2019. Institutional ethical consent was obtained. A proforma was used to obtain socio-demographic data and other relevant information such as age, sex, birthweight, gestational age and history regarding the jaundice. All the information obtained was inputted into a computer and analysed with SPSS version 16. Results: A total of 179 babies with neonatal jaundice comprising of 120 (67.0%) boys and 59 (33.0%) girls with ages ranging between 1 and 12 days (mean 2.7 ± 2.9) were studied. Prematurity, ABO incompatibility, neonatal sepsis and glucose-6-phosphate enzyme deficiency accounted for over 80% of the causes of significant NNJ. Sixty (33.5%) of the 179 babies studied developed acute bilirubin encephalopathy and 11 (6.1%) mortalities were recorded. Higher proportions of babies that were out-born with spontaneous vaginal delivery modes had acute bilirubin encephalopathy (p < 0.05). Mothers with formal education had better outcome compared to mothers without, in terms of mortalities (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Neonatal jaundice is still a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal age group. Maternal education is key to good outcome in neonatal jaundice.

Neonatal Intestinal Obstruction in Acute Renal Failure in Premature Infant: A Case Report

Introduction: Intestinal obstruction is a common cause of abdominal surgery in the neonate. Diagnosis is straightforward using standard radiology, and surgical technique depends on the underlying anatomical lesion. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is an effective, albeit invasive, therapy for neonatal renal failure. We report a case of neonatal obstruction with severe renal failure treated by PD to highlight our hospital practice and possible remedies in a context of limited resources. Case Presentation: This was a female neonate of moderate prematurity admitted on day 4 of life for management of a flat neonatal obstruction. Radiological diagnosis suggested small bowel atresia. Biological tests revealed severe renal failure with creatinine levels of 416 micromoles per liter and blood urea of 27.1 micromoles per liter. Management consisted of preoperative peritoneal dialysis for 48 hours followed by laparotomy. The intraoperative diagnosis was GROSFELD type IIIa digestive atresia. The postoperative course was favourable, transit was resumed on day 5 and the patient returned home on day 12. Progress at 3 months was satisfactory. Conclusion: Neonatal intestinal obstruction with renal failure in premature infants is associated with a poor prognosis, even more so if there is a delay in treatment. Peritoneal dialysis seems to be a suitable alternative for this management in our working conditions with limited resources.

Neonatal Direct Rigid Laryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy: A Near Miss

Airway management is a skill necessary for healthcare providers who manage patients. Intubation is a skill that both anesthesiologists and intensivists use daily. We present a case of a neonate that developed significant worsening stridor after a successful intubation for a hernia repair. After 4 intubation attempts, with easy visualization of the vocal cords and unsuccessful placement of the endotracheal tube, the patient was emergently brought to the operating room for evaluation.

Epidemiological Aspects of Stillbirth and Neonatal Deaths in the Delivery Room at the Libreville Mother-Child University Hospital from 2019 to 2022

Introduction: Stillbirths are estimated at 2 million each year, of which more than 40% occur during labour. Our objective was to study the epidemiological aspects of stillbirth and neonatal deaths in the delivery room in our health facility. Patients and methods: Prospective, descriptive and analytical study, conducted at the Jeanne Ebori Foundation Mother-Child University Hospital over 4 years (January 2019-December 2022). All neonatal deaths in the delivery room or foetal death in utero, were included. Results: Among the 18,346 deliveries performed, 512 newborns were declared dead in the delivery room (27.9‰ live births), divided into in utero foetal death (19.0‰) and immediate neonatal death (8.9‰). The mean age was 34.3 weeks of amenorrhea. The rate of preterm birth was 60.4%. The sex ratio was 1.1. The average weight was 2186.6. The main causes were vascular (46.1%), foetal (20.2%), adnexal (17.1%) and asphyxia per partum (16.6%). Foetal causes were more likely to result in IUFD than other causes (OR = 6.4 [2.4 - 15.7], p < 0.001). After birth, partum asphyxia was more likely to lead to death before 15 minutes of life than other causes (OR = 11 [6.1 - 18.9], p Conclusion: The causes of stillbirth and early neonatal mortality are dominated by maternal vascular pathologies. However, the proportion of childbirth-related causes remains worrying. Better monitoring of pregnancy and labour will minimize this prevalence in our hospital.

Risk Factors for Neonatal Mortality at the Institute of Nutrition and Child Health of the Donka/Guinea-Conakry National Hospital

Introduction: The birth of a baby is a moment of joy and celebration. However, the neonatal period is a very delicate phase of life. Neonatal mortality rates remain high in low-income countries. In Guinea, after 20 years, this rate has fallen from 34.2% in 1998 to 32% in 2018. Objective: To identify the main risk factors for neonatal mortality. Methods: This was an observational, analytical case-control study, lasting 6 months from January 1 to June 30, 2019, conducted at the Institut de Nutrition et de la Santé de l’Enfant (INSE) at Donka National Hospital. Results: We collected 242 cases and 242 controls, i.e. a total of 484 records. 748 patients were registered, with 32.35% deaths. 82.86% of deaths occurred in the early neonatal period. Statistical analysis revealed the main risk factors: prematurity (RQ 7.39 95% CI 3.27 - 16.61 p = 0.0000003), hypothermia (RQ 2.29 95% CI 1.51 - 3.46 p = 0.0001), acute fetal distress (RQ 2.13 95% CI 1.33 - 3.43 p = 0.0016), low birth weight (QR 1.91 95% CI 1.12 - 3.24 p = 0.016), home birth (QR 3.26 95% CI 1.25 - 8.46 p = 0.015). Conclusion: Neonatal mortality is a health problem in the INSE neonatology department. To reduce the mortality rate in this referral facility, it is essential to equip it and provide ongoing training for staff.

Comparative Study of Early Neonatal Complications between the First and Second Twin during Twin Vaginal Deliveries at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, and the Yaounde Central Hospital

Introduction: Twin birth is the expulsion of two fetuses and their appendages out of the woman’s reproductive tract. It’s a high-risk delivery because of the high frequency of maternal, fetal and neonatal complications. Few studies exist on the comparative prognoses of twins. Our objective was to compare early neonatal complications in first and second twins. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional prospective study from January 2 to April 30, 2020 (4 months) at the Yaounde Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, and the Yaounde Central Hospital. Data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were done in frequencies and percentages, means and standard deviations. Paired-sample student's t-test were used to compare means. McNemar’s Chi-square and Ficher’s exact tests were used to compare proportions. Statistical significance was set at p-values less than 0.05. Results: Of a total of 2183 deliveries during the study period, 43 (1.96%) were twin vaginal deliveries. Among the 43 women, 41 consented to have their newborns participate in the study. Overall, APGAR scores were better for the first twins at the first (p = 0.004) and fifth (p = 0.031) minutes than for the second twins. Although both twins had complications and that there were 4 neonatal deads of the second twin, there was no relationship between studied complications and the rank of the twin (p = 0.310). Conclusion: As the APGAR score seemed to be better for first twins, clinicians should pay more attention during twin births, in order to improve the prognosis of the second twin.

Abnormal Umbilical Doppler: Incidence and Neonatal Outcomes among Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy at KCMC: A Hospital-Based Prospective Cohort Study

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are the most common maternal and perinatal health challenges. Globally, the incidence of HDP increased from 16.30 million to 18.08 million, with a total increase of about 10.9% from 1990 to 2019. Umbilical Doppler study in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy helps to predict neonatal outcomes and prevent neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. Objective: This study aims to determine the incidence of abnormal umbilical Doppler among hypertensive pregnant women, to identify the adverse neonatal outcomes associated with abnormal umbilical Doppler, and also to detect the diagnostic predictive values of umbilical Doppler to neonatal outcomes at KCMC. Material and methods: A hospital-based prospective cohort study included women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy from the gestational age of 28 weeks and above, followed up to delivery during the study period from August 2022 to March 2023. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between AUD and neonatal outcomes. Results: Out of 112 women with HDP, the incidence of abnormal umbilical Doppler was 38 (33.93%). Abnormal umbilical Doppler was associated with neonates with low birth weight aOR (95% of CI) of 4.52 (1.59 - 12.83) p = 0.005 and neonatal ICU admission 9.71 (2.90 - 32.43) p Conclusion: The incidence of abnormal umbilical Doppler is high in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy which is associated with an increase in neonatal low birth weight and neonatal ICU admissions, the sensitivity of abnormal umbilical Doppler in prediction of low birth weight and neonatal ICU admission is significant hence the routine use of umbilical Doppler assessment among hypertensive pregnant women is crucial.

Unusual Case of Unilateral Neonatal Eyeball Luxation: A Case Report

The newborn infant presented with severe proptosis. Data on clinical history, presentation, photos, radiological imaging, and laboratory results were presented. A literature review was conducted for the case and relevant treatment modalities. The surgical technique and the outcome were also discussed. The mass was present since birth in a full term neonate, causing complete globe dislocation of the left eye. Imaging showed a large cystic retro-bulbar mass completely occupying the orbital cavity and causing anterior dislocation of the left globe. Surgical excision of the tumor was carried out with globe preservation and Histopathology examination confirmed the diagnosis of optic nerve glioma. This was an atypical presentation of an optic nerve glioma causing globe dislocation in a neonate. The resection of such a large orbital tumor made globe preservation possible and resulted in an excellent cosmetic outcome. .

Increased Risk of Neonatal Pneumonia in Pregnant Women with Atypical Pre-Labor Rupture of Membrane Assessed at Pregnancy Week 39

Purpose: Neonatal pneumonia is a major newborn disease with a high morbidity rate. We aimed to evaluate whether atypical prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) is a high-risk factor for causing neonatal pneumonia in a prospective real-world study. Patients and Methods: A total of 250 pregnant women at pregnancy week 39 were non-selectively recruited. All were examined by PROM and neonatal pneumonia related clinical, bedside and lab tests, including body temperature, blood pressure, increased vagina discharge, posterior vault pooling, abdominal tenderness, WBC count, nitrazine test, amniotic fluid index, Leakection (a sICAM-1 based lateral flow immunoassay) and vagina streptococcus examinations. Increased vagina discharge with a Leakection positivity was adopted as a working criterium for identifying atypical PROM. Neonatal pneumonia was diagnosed based on the clinical presentation and lab tests. Results: Twenty cases of neonatal pneumonia (8.0%) were diagnosed after the deliveries of the 250 pregnant women. In these neonatal pneumonia cases, 12 (16.7%) occurred in 72 deliveries with atypical PROM, 2 (16.7%) in 12 deliveries with typical PROM, and 6 (3.6%) in 166 deliveries with non-PROM. Conclusion: In this real-world study, we find that a systematic screening at pregnancy week 39 was very meaningful in revealing atypical PROM. Moreover, atypical PROM is a major risk factor for neonatal pneumonia. Therefore, an early diagnosis and intervention on atypical PROM could potentially reduce the occurrence of neonatal pneumonia.

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment confers resistance to neonatal ischemia and hypoxia:effects on neurobehavioral phenotypes

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury is the main cause of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and cerebral palsy.Currently,there are few effective clinical treatments for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.Here,we investigated the neuroprotective and molecular mechanisms of exogenous nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide,which can protect against hypoxic injury in adulthood,in a mouse model of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury.In this study,nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide(5 mg/kg)was intraperitoneally administered 30 minutes befo re surgery and every 24 hours thereafter.The results showed that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment improved body weight,brain structure,adenosine triphosphate levels,oxidative damage,neurobehavioral test outcomes,and seizure threshold in experimental mice.Tandem mass tag proteomics revealed that numerous proteins were altered after nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury mice.Parallel reaction monitoring and western blotting confirmed changes in the expression levels of proteins including serine(or cysteine)peptidase inhibitor,clade A,member 3N,fibronectin 1,5'-nucleotidase,cytosolic IA,microtubule associated protein 2,and complexin 2.Proteomics analyses showed that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide ameliorated hypoxic-ischemic injury through inflammation-related signaling pathways(e.g.,nuclear factor-kappa B,mitogen-activated protein kinase,and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B).These findings suggest that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide treatment can improve neurobehavioral phenotypes in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury mice through inflammation-related pathways.

Relationship between neonatal respiratory distress syndrome pulmonary ultrasonography and respiratory distress score,oxygenation index,and chest radiography grading

BACKGROUND Accurate condition assessment is critical for improving the prognosis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(RDS),but current assessment methods for RDS pose a cumulative risk of harm to neonates.Thus,a less harmful method for assessing the health of neonates with RDS is needed.AIM To analyze the relationships between pulmonary ultrasonography and respiratory distress scores,oxygenation index,and chest X-ray grade of neonatal RDS to identify predictors of neonatal RDS severity.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed the medical information of 73 neonates with RDS admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Liupanshui Maternal and Child Care Service Center between April and December 2022.The pulmonary ultrasonography score,respiratory distress score,oxygenation index,and chest Xray grade of each newborn before and after treatment were collected.Spearman correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationships among these values and neonatal RDS severity.RESULTS The pulmonary ultrasonography score,respiratory distress score,oxygenation index,and chest X-ray RDS grade of the neonates were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis showed that before and after treatment,the pulmonary ultrasonography score of neonates with RDS was positively correlated with the respiratory distress score,oxygenation index,and chest X-ray grade(ρ=0.429–0.859,P<0.05).Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis indicated that pulmonary ultrasonography screening effectively predicted the severity of neonatal RDS(area under the curve=0.805–1.000,P<0.05).CONCLUSION The pulmonary ultrasonography score was significantly associated with the neonatal RDS score,oxygenation index,and chest X-ray grade.The pulmonary ultrasonography score was an effective predictor of neonatal RDS severity.

Diagnostic significance of complete blood cell count and hemogramderived markers for neonatal sepsis at Southwest Public Hospitals,Ethiopia

BACKGROUND Neonatal sepsis is defined as an infection-related condition characterized by signs and symptoms of bacteremia within the first month of life.It is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity among newborns.While several studies have been conducted in other parts of world to assess the usefulness of complete blood count parameters and hemogram-derived markers as early screening tools for neonatal sepsis,the associations between sepsis and its complications with these blood parameters are still being investigated in our setting and are not yet part of routine practice.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic significance of complete blood cell count hemogramderived novel markers for neonatal sepsis among neonates attending public hospitals in the southwest region of Oromia,Ethiopia,through a case control study.METHODS A case control study was conducted from October 2021 to October 2023 Sociodemographic,clinical history,and laboratory test results data were collected using structured questionnaires.The collected data were entered into Epi-data 3.1 version and exported to SPSS-25 for analysis.Chi-square,independent sample ttest,and receiver operator characteristics curve of curve were used for analysis.A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS In this study,significant increases were observed in the following values in the case group compared to the control group:In white blood cell(WBC)count,neutrophils,monocyte,mean platelet volume(MPV),neutrophils to lymphocyte ratio,monocyte to lymphocyte ratio(MLR),red blood cell width to platelet count ratio(RPR),red blood width coefficient variation,MPV to RPR,and platelet to lymphocyte ratio.Regarding MLR,a cut-off value of≥0.26 was found,with a sensitivity of 68%,a specificity of 95%,a positive predictive value(PPV)of 93.2%,and a negative predictive value(NPV)of 74.8%.The area under the curve(AUC)was 0.828(P<0.001).For WBC,a cutoff value of≥11.42 was identified,with a sensitivity of 55%,a specificity of 89%,a PPV of 83.3%,and a NPV of 66.4%.The AUC was 0.81(P<0.001).Neutrophils had a sensitivity of 67%,a specificity of 81%,a PPV of 77.9%,and a NPV of 71.1%.The AUC was 0.801,with a cut-off value of≥6.76(P=0.001).These results indicate that they were excellent predictors of neonatal sepsis diagnosis.CONCLUSION The findings of our study suggest that certain hematological parameters and hemogram-derived markers may have a potential role in the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Unique presentation of neonatal liver failure:A case report

BACKGROUND Acute fulminant liver failure rarely occurs in the neonatal period.The etiologies include viral infection(15%),metabolic/genetic disease(10%),hematologic disorders(15%),and ischemic injury(5%).Gestational alloimmune liver disease usually manifests as severe neonatal liver failure,with extensive hepatic and extrahepatic iron overload,sparing the reticuloendothelial system.Empty liver failure is a rare cause of liver failure where a patient presents with liver failure in the neonatal period with no hepatocytes in liver biopsy.CASE SUMMARY A 5-week-old male presented with jaundice.Physical examination revealed an alert but deeply icteric infant.Laboratory data demonstrated direct hyperbilirubinemia,a severely deranged coagulation profile,normal transaminase,and normal ammonia.Magnetic resonance imaging of the abdomen was suggestive of perinatal hemochromatosis.Liver biopsy showed histiocytic infiltration with an absence of hepatocytes.No hemosiderin deposition was identified in a buccal mucosa biopsy.CONCLUSION Neonatal liver failure in the absence of hepatocellular regeneration potentially reflects an acquired or inborn defect in the regulation of hepatic regeneration.

Epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii colonization in neonatal intensive care units:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND The rising prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)in neonatal intensive care units(NICUs)represents an escalating challenge in healthcare settings,particularly in managing hospital-acquired infections(HAIs).Studies across various World Health Organization regions have documented a significant incidence of CRAB-related HAIs,with rates as high as 41.7 cases per 1000 patients in ICUs,accounting for 13.6%of all HAIs.These infections pose a doubled mortality risk compared to infections with carbapenem-susceptible Acinetobacter baumannii.A particularly concerning aspect of CRAB colonization is its asymptomatic nature,enabling its transmission through healthcare workers(HCWs)or the NICU environment to vulnerable neonates with developing immune systems.AIM To explore the prevalence of CRAB colonization in NICUs,focusing on neonates,healthcare workers,and the environmental samples,to enhance epidemiological understanding and inform targeted interventions.METHODS We conducted according to PRISMA 2020 checklist guidelines,a comprehensive literature search across multiple databases including MEDLINE(Ovid),EMBASE(Ovid),Global Health(Ovid),Web of Science,and Global Index Me-dicus.Studies were selected based on predetermined criteria,primarily involving neonates,HCWs,and environmental swabs,using culture or molecular methods to detect CRAB colonization.We excluded studies that did not specifically focus on NICUs,were duplicates,or lacked necessary data.The study selection and quality assessment were conducted independently by two reviewers.Data extraction involved collecting comprehensive details about each study.Our statistical analysis used a random-effects model to calculate the pooled prevalence and confidence intervals,stratifying results by regional location.We assessed study heterogeneity using Cochran's Q statistic and I²statistic,with regression tests employed to evaluate potential publication bias.RESULTS We analyzed 737 records from five databases,ultimately including 13 studies from ten countries.For neonates,the pooled prevalence was 4.8%(95%CI:1.1%to 10.5%)with the highest rates observed in South-East Asia(10.5%;95%CI:2.4%to 23.3%).Among HCWs,a single Indian study reported a 3.3%prevalence.Environmental samples showed a prevalence of 2.3%(95%CI:0%to 9.3%),with the highest rates in South-East Asia(10%;95%CI:4.2%to 17.7%).Significant heterogeneity was found across studies,and no publication bias was detected.CONCLUSION This systematic review highlights a significant prevalence of CRAB colonization in neonates across various regions,particularly in South-East Asia,contrasting with lower rates in high-income countries.The study reveals a gap in research on HCWs colonization,with only a single study from India reporting moderate prevalence.Environmental samples indicate moderate levels of CRAB contamination,again higher in South-East Asia.These findings underscore the need for more extensive and focused research on CRAB colonization in NICUs,including exploring the roles of HCWs and the environment in transmission,understanding antimicrobial resistance patterns,and developing effective prevention measures.

Salivary C-reactive protein and mean platelet volume as possible diagnostic markers for late-onset neonatal pneumonia

BACKGROUND Neonatal sepsis,a formidable threat to newborns,is a leading cause of neonatal mortality,with late-onset sepsis manifesting after 72 hours post-birth being particularly concerning.Pneumonia,a prevalent sepsis presentation,poses a significant risk,especially during the neonatal phase when lung defenses are compromised.Accurate diagnosis of pneumonia is imperative for timely and effective interventions.Saliva,a minimally invasive diagnostic medium,holds great promise for evaluating infections,especially in infants.AIM To investigate the potential of serum C-reactive protein(CRP),salivary CRP(sCRP),and mean platelet volume(MPV)as diagnostic markers for late-onset neonatal pneumonia(LONP).METHODS Eighty full-term neonates were systematically examined,considering anthropometric measurements,clinical manifestations,radiology findings,and essential biomarkers,including serum CRP,sCRP,and MPV.RESULTS The study reveals noteworthy distinctions in serum CRP levels,MPV,and the serum CRP/MPV ratio between neonates with LONP and healthy controls.MPV exhibited a robust discriminatory ability[area under the curve(AUC)=0.87]with high sensitivity and specificity at a cutoff value of>8.8.Correlations between serum CRP,sCRP,and MPV were also identified.Notably,sCRP demonstrated excellent predictive value for serum CRP levels(AUC=0.89),underscoring its potential as a diagnostic tool.CONCLUSION This study underscores the diagnostic promise of salivary and serum biomarkers,specifically MPV and CRP,in identifying and predicting LONP among neonates.These findings advocate for further research to validate their clinical utility in larger neonatal cohorts.