Neurodevelopmental Outcome of Newborns Aged More than 34 Weeks Gestational Age Managed for Birth Asphyxia in Douala (Cameroon): A Single Hospital-Based Study

Background: Perinatal asphyxia is a common cause of mortality and of morbidity including motor and neurodevelopmental abnormalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the post-hospital outcome of neonates treated for perinatal asphyxia at the Douala Gynaeco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital (DGOPH) in Cameroon. Patients and Methods: We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study with both a retrospective and prospective data collection, conducted over a period of 3 months and involving neonates above 34 weeks of gestational age who were managed for perinatal asphyxia at DGOPH from August 2015 to February 2020. Socio-demographic, perinatal, motor, nutritional and neuro-developmental out-of-hospital data were recorded. The assessment of the child’s psychomotor development was evaluated through gross motor skills, fine motor skills, language and social contact. We calculated the development quotient (DQ) by dividing the developmental age (DA) by the actual age (RA) of the patient. The data were entered and analyzed using excel and Stata version 15 software. Results: Among the 58 newborns included in our study, males were the most represented (59%). The mean age was 36.5 ± 14.16 months (Extremes: 12 months and 66 months). The majority of patients were born at term (79%), had a birth weight between 2500 and 4000 grams (69%), were resuscitated (95%), and had an Apgar score < 7 at the 5th minute of life (67%). SARNAT stages II and III counted for 48%. Neurodevelopmental abnormalities were found in 25.5% of patients with gross motor delay (mainly tetraparesis) representing 23.5%, fine motor delay 27.5%, impairment in social contact 31% language speech delay. The majority of the children had a normal development quotient (78.4%). Conclusion: The short-term and long-term outcome of newborns who experienced perinatal asphyxia in our setting is marked by numerous impairments in developmental milestones leading to disability.

Clinical Implication of the Changes of cAMP, TXA_2 and PGI_2 in CSF of Asphyxiated Newborns

To evaluate the changes of 3', 5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), thrombox-ane A2(TXA2) and prostacyclin (PGI2) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the asphyxiated newborn and explore their roles in hypoxic-ischamic brain damage (HIBD). Thirty-six full term newborns were divided into 3 groups, including 12 with moderate-severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), 13 with mild HIE, 11 without HIE (control group). The levels of cAMP, TXB2(TXA2 metabolite) and 6-keto-PGF1α(PGI2 metabolite) in CSF and plasma were measured 36-72 h after birth by RIA, and the concentrations were expressed as nM/L (cAMP), ng/L(TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1α). The infants were followed-up at 6 and 12 month of age and Mental Development Index (MDI) and Psychomotor Development Index (FDD were measured using Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID). The CSF cAMP level in moderate-severe HIE group was 8. 60±2. 40, significantly lower than that of the mild HIE group (14. 83±2. 84) and the control group (24. 43±2. 39)(for both P<0. 01). The levels of TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1α in CFS in the moderate-severe HIE group (206. 06±29. 74, 168. 47± 23. 02, respectively) were significantly higher than in the mild HIE group (83. 37±28. 57, 131. 42± 16. 57, respectively, P<0. 01) and the control group (41. 77±21. 58, 86. 23±13. 05, respectively, P<0. 01). The level changes of cAMP,TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1α in plasma in all groups were similar to those in CSF, but no significant difference was found between mild HIE group and the control group (P>0. 05). The follow-up results showed that MDI and PDI of the moderate-severe HIE group were the lowest (84. 79±13. 34, 83. 50±13. 28, respectively), followed by mild HIE group (102.19±7. 02, 99. 94±9. 08, respectively) , with the control group being the highest (116. 63± 12.08, 116. 69±10. 87, respectively). Univariate analysis showed some significant difference (the moderate-severe HIE group vs. the mild HIE group or the control group, P<0. 01; the mild HIE group vs. the control group P<0. 05). The results suggested that the concentration of cAMP, TXA2 and T/K ratio in CSF after neonatal asphyxia might be sensitive markers in evaluating the severity of brain damage in early stage and predicting the future outcome.

Effect of Asphyxia on Urinary Epidermal Growth FactorLevels in Newborns

Urinary epidermal growth factor (EGF) excretion in normal newborn as well as neonates with asphyxia was investigated by using radioimmunoassay,and serum creatinine (Scr) levels determined at the same time. The results showed that in severe asphyxia group the ratio of urinary EGF to urinarycreatinine (Cr) (EGF/Cr), an index reflecting EGF excretion, was decreased on the first day (P<0. 05) and reached the lowest level on the third day (P<0.01).However, EGF/Cr values were decreased only on the third day in neonates with mild asphyxia (P<0. 05). On the seventh day. EGF/Cr values of neonates with asphyxia rose to normal. There were a negative correlation between urinary EGF/ Cr and Scr. It is suggested that EGF may play a role in the repair of acute renal injury after asphyxia and the detection of urinary EGF concentration is useful in the judgment of seventy of renal injury and in the evaluation of the recovery of renal tubule after injury.

Histopathology of renal asphyxia in newborn piglets: Individual susceptibility to tubular changes

AIM： To analyze the effects on the kidney of hypoxia-reoxygenation in an experimental model of normocapnic asphyxia.METHODS： To this end, 40 newborn Landrace/Large-White piglets aged 1-4 d were studied in this work. Hypoxia was induced by decreasing the inspired fiO2 to 0.06-0.08. Animals were resuscitated with different fO2 and subdivided into 4 groups： group 1, 2, 3 and 4 received 18%, 21%, 40% and 100% O2 respectively. Macroscopic examination was carried out to evidence possible pathological features. Tissue sample were obtained from both kidneys. Four or fve micron paraffn sections were stained with H-E and PAS stain and examined under an optical microscope.RESULTS： Pathological changes, mainly affecting tubular cells, were observed in the vast majority of kidneys of asphyxiated piglets. The most frequent tubular changes were： tubular casts （95%）, tubulardilatation （87.5%）, tubular vacuolization （70%）, tubular eosinophilia （52.5%）, sloughing （50%）, fragmentation of the brush border （50%）, oedema （32.5%）, apoptosis （15%） and glomerular changes （meningeal cell pro-liferation, capsular adhesion between the flocculus and Bowman’s capsule, glomerulosclerosis and fbrous or cellular crescents associated with collapse of the glomerular tuft）. Statistical analysis was carried out on changes observed when the animals were allocated in the 4 groups （χ2-test 0.05）. The statistical analysis showed no evidence of differences regarding kidney lesions among the animals groups.CONCLUSION： Our data show that renal pathology in newborn piglets is characterized by interindividual variability to hypoxia and is not associated with oxygenGerosa C et al . Individual susceptibility in renal asphyxiaconcentration.

Risk factors of clinical birth asphyxia and subsequent newborn death following nuchal cord in a low-resource setting

Introduction: Our aim was to identify the risk factors of clinical birth asphyxia and subsequent newborn death in the presence of nuchal cord in a sub-Saharan Africa setting. Methodology: It was a six-months’ case-control study involving 117 parturients whose babies presented with a nuchal cord at delivery. The study was carried out at the Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital, Cameroon, from January 1st to June 30th 2013. Results: The risk factors of clinical birth asphyxia identified were: first delivery, absence of obstetrical ultrasound during pregnancy, nuchal cord with more than one loop, duration of second stage of labor more than 30 minutes during vaginal delivery. The risk factors for newborn death from clinical birth asphyxia in the presence of nuchal cord were: maternal age Conclusion: We recommend a systematic obstetrical ultrasound before labor, so as to detect the presence of a nuchal cord, its tightness and the number of loops. Also, cesarean section should be considered when a nuchal cord is associated with first delivery, tightness or multiple looping.

Risk Factors for Perinatal Asphyxia in Newborns Delivered at Term

Perinatal asphyxia is defined as harm to the fetus or the newborn caused by hypoxia and/or ischemia of various organs with intensity to produce biochemical and/or functional changes. Understanding the risk factors for this clinical condition allows the identification of vulnerable groups, enabling an improvement in care planning in the perinatal period in neonatal intensive care units. In this sense, this research aimed to identify risk factors for perinatal asphyxia present in newborns term that showed record for this clinical condition. This was a cross-sectional, retrospective documentary, quantitative and descriptive, conducted from data from medical records of 55 infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. As for maternal characteristics (78.0%) had between 16 and 35 years, only one child (53.0%) and (76.0%) had no prior history of miscarriage. As for pre-existing diseases or pregnancy (38.0%) developed by Hypertensive Pregnancy Specific disease (02.0%) were suffering from Hypertension and (02.0%) of Diabetes Mellitus. As for newborns, most infants had birth weight (43.6%) and correlation with gestational age (78.2%) compatible for good conditions of birth. Only (20.0%) of the infants had a difficult labor. It stood out although there was a slight predominance of severe asphyxia (50.9%) in the first minute and (45.5%) of the infants had record release intrauterine meconium. It was concluded that most mothers and newborns did not have risk factors for perinatal asphyxia, thus, this fact could be attributed to the structural conditions of service, especially in the care during labor, delivery and immediate assistance newborn.

Draft of an Anthropometric Reference System for Full-Term Cameroonian Newborns: Prospective Study with Analytical Aim in the Maternity Wards of Douala

Introduction: Anthropometry applied to newborns is a reliable indicator of the quality of fetal growth. The latter is influenced by genetic, racial and nutritional factors varying from one population to another, explaining why a standard cannot be applied to all populations. Research question: should the Caucasian frame of reference be dogmatically applied in our African context? Multicenter studies are therefore necessary;hence the interest of this work, the main objective of which was to describe the anthropometric profile of full-term newborns in the city of Douala. Methodology: We carried out a cross-sectional study with an analytical aim and prospective data collection in the maternity wards of the Douala General Hospital, Laquintinie Hospital, District hospitals of Deido, Nylon and Bonassama over a period of 4 months (January to April 2020). We were interested in any newborn, born alive, vaginally or by cesarean section, seen in the first 24 hours from a full-term single-fetal pregnancy whose mother had given consent. We excluded newborns whose term was unclear and those with congenital malformations or signs of embryo-foetopathy. Data collection was done using structured and pre-tested survey sheets. The study variables were obstetric and anthropometric. Statistical analyzes were carried out with CS Pro 7.3 and SPSS version 25.0 software. The Student, Chi-square and Fischer tests were used to compare the means of the variables, the percentages with a significance threshold P value Results: During the study period, 305 full-term newborns were included, divided into 172 boys and 133 girls. The average anthropometric parameters of the full-term newborn in the city of Douala were: average weight: 3305 grams, average height: 49.8 centimeters, average head circumference: 34.6 centimeters, average upper arm circumference: 11.3 centimeters, circumference average thoracic: 32.8 centimeters. The percentile distribution showed a 10th percentile at 2656 grams and a 90th percentile at 3966 grams for weight defining the limits for small-for-gestational-age neonates and macrosomes. Conclusion: The anthropometric data of the full-term newborn in the city of Douala were: an average weight of 3305.4 grams, an average height of 49.8 centimeters, an average head circumference of 34.2 centimeters, an average upper arm circumference of 11.3 centimeters, and an average thoracic circumference of 32.8 centimeters with higher valuesin male newborns.

A Comparison between Late Preterm and Term Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Early-Onset Sepsis, and Neonatal Jaundice in Ecuadorian Newborns

Background: To examine the differences in prevalence of respiratory distress syndrome, early-onset sepsis and jaundice, between late preterm infants versus term infants in Ecuadorian newborns. Methods: Study design: Epidemiological, observational, and cross-sectional, with two cohorts of patients. Settings: IESS Quito Sur Hospital at Quito, Ecuador, from February to April of 2020. Participants: This study included 204 newborns, 102 preterm infants, 102 term infants. Results: There are significant differences between late preterm infants and term infants, with a p-value of 0.000 in the prevalence of early sepsis, 70.59% vs. 35.29%. In respiratory distress syndrome between late and term premature infants, significant differences were observed with a p-value of 0.000, the proportion being 55.58% vs. 24.51% respectively. The prevalence of jaundice is higher in term infants with a p value of 0.002, 72.55%, versus 51.96% in late preterm infants, and the mean value of bilirubins in mg/dL was higher in term infants 14.32 versus 12.33 in late preterm infants;this difference is statistically significant with a p value of 0.004. Admission to the NICU is more frequent in late preterm infants with a p-value of 0.000, being 42.16% for late preterm infants vs. 7.84% in term infants;the mean of the hospital days with p-value 0.005, was higher in late preterm infants 4.97 days vs. 3.55 days for term newborns. Conclusion: Due to the conditions of their immaturity, late preterm infants are 2.86 times more likely to present early sepsis than full-term newborns. It is shown that late preterm infants are 2.69 times more likely to have respiratory distress syndrome compared to term infants, therefore, late preterm infants have a longer hospital stay of 4.97 days versus 3.55 days in term infants. Jaundice and mean bilirubin levels are higher in term infants due to blood group incompatibility and insufficient breastfeeding.

Diagnostic significance of serum levels of serum amyloid A,procalcitonin,and high-mobility group box 1 in identifying necrotising enterocolitis in newborns

BACKGROUND Necrotising enterocolitis(NEC)is a critical gastrointestinal emergency affecting premature and low-birth-weight neonates.Serum amyloid A(SAA),procalcitonin(PCT),and high-mobility group box 1(HMGB1)have emerged as potential biomarkers for NEC due to their roles in inflammatory response,tissue damage,and immune regulation.AIM To evaluate the diagnostic value of SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 in the context of NEC in newborns.METHODS The study retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 48 newborns diagnosed with NEC and 50 healthy newborns admitted to the hospital.Clinical,radiological,and laboratory findings,including serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels,were collected,and specific detection methods were used.The diagnostic value of the biomarkers was evaluated through statistical analysis,which was performed using chi-square test,t-test,correlation analysis,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)analysis.RESULTS The study demonstrated significantly elevated levels of serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels in newborns diagnosed with NEC compared with healthy controls.The correlation analysis indicated strong positive correlations among serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels and the presence of NEC.ROC analysis revealed promising sensitivity and specificity for serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels as potential diagnostic markers.The combined model of the three biomarkers demonstrating an extremely high area under the curve(0.908).CONCLUSION The diagnostic value of serum SAA,PCT,and HMGB1 Levels in NEC was highlighted.These biomarkers potentially improve the early detection,risk stratification,and clinical management of critical conditions.The findings suggest that these biomarkers may aid in timely intervention and the enhancement of outcomes for neonates affected by NEC.

Ethanol changes Nestin-promoter induced neural stem cells to disturb newborn dendritic spine remodeling in the hippocampus of mice

Adolescent binge drinking leads to long-lasting disorders of the adult central nervous system,particularly aberrant hippocampal neurogenesis.In this study,we applied in vivo fluorescent tracing using NestinCreERT2::Rosa26-tdTomato mice and analyzed the endogenous neurogenesis lineage progression of neural stem cells(NSCs)and dendritic spine formation of newborn neurons in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus.We found abnormal orientation of tamoxifen-induced tdTomato+(tdTom^(+))NSCs in adult mice 2 months after treatment with EtOH(5.0 g/kg,i.p.)for 7 consecutive days.EtOH markedly inhibited tdTom^(+)NSCs activation and hippocampal neurogenesis in mouse dentate gyrus from adolescence to adulthood.EtOH(100 mM)also significantly inhibited the proliferation to 39.2%and differentiation of primary NSCs in vitro.Adult mice exposed to EtOH also exhibited marked inhibitions in dendritic spine growth and newborn neuron maturation in the dentate gyrus,which was partially reversed by voluntary running or inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycinenhancer of zeste homolog 2 pathway.In vivo tracing revealed that EtOH induced abnormal orientation of tdTom+NSCs and spatial misposition defects of newborn neurons,thus causing the disturbance of hippocampal neurogenesis and dendritic spine remodeling in mice.

Morbidity and Mortality of Newborns in a Context of Limited Resources in Tombouctou, Mali

Introduction: Worldwide, 2.3 million children died in the first 20 days after birth in 2022, according to the WHO. In Mali, according to the sixth Demographic and Health Survey, the neonatal mortality rate was estimated at 33% live births in 2018. The Timbuktu region had the highest neonatal mortality rate in the country with 44%. The objective of this work was to study the causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality and related factors in the paediatrics department of Timbuktu hospital. Materials and method: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted from 1 January to 31 December 2023 in the neonatology unit of the paediatrics department of Timbuktu hospital, including all newborns admitted to hospital. Results: Our study took place over 12 months, during which 618 admissions were made to the paediatric ward, including 244 newborns, i.e. 39.48%. The majority of newborns (86.5%) were admitted in the first week of life. The mean age was 3 days, with a sex ratio of 1.1 for males. Weight under 2500 g was 54.1% for an average weight of 2372 g. The main mode of admission was transfer from the hospital maternity unit (62%). The main reasons for admission were acute foetal distress (27.9%) and prematurity (26.2%). The average age of the mothers was 24, with extremes of 15 and 49. The mothers were housewives (87.3%), uneducated and primiparous (59% and 36.5% respectively);only 40.2% had made more than 3 antenatal care visits. Newborns born by vaginal delivery accounted for 80.7% and those born by caesarean section for 19.3%. The risk of infection was present in 52.5% of cases. The three leading causes of hospitalisation were birth asphyxia (40.2%), neonatal infection (32.4%) and prematurity (25%). The mortality rate was 21.7%. The main causes of death were prematurity (39.6%), birth asphyxia (32.1%) and neonatal infection (24.5%). Conclusion: Neonatal morbidity and mortality remain a concern in Timbuktu. Despite the unfavourable security situation, morbidity and mortality indicators are close to those in some hospitals in Mali. The correct application of Essential Newborn Care and antenatal care remains a major challenge for the hospital and the Timbuktu region.

Universal newborn hearing screening program in Saudi Arabia: Current insight

Newborn hearing screening(NHS) programs are essential to identify hearing loss early in life and to improve outcomes in children. In Saudi Arabia, the national NHS program has been operational since 2016;however, few studies have evaluated its status, and none have covered all provinces across the country. This cross-sectional retrospective study provides an overview of the program's status across all provinces, focusing on screening coverage rates, referral/fail rates, and follow-up procedures. In 2021, 199,034 newborns were screened, with a coverage rate of 92.6% and an overall referral/fail rate of 1.87%. These performance measures provide a foundation for future progress and improvements. This study highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance the program's effectiveness and sustainability.

Measurements Of Cerebral Blood Flow in Postasphyxiated Newborns by Color Doppler Imaging（CDI）

Cerebral blood flow of 10 asphyxiated term newborns was continuously measured during the first 7 days of life and compared with that of 10 normal term infants by CDI. Frequency spectrum and blood flow variables in the anterior, middle and posterior cerebral arteries were studied. The results showed evidently lower systolic amplitude in patients than that in normal subjects. End diastolic amplitude was zero in part of vessels, and values of bloed flow variables were all lower in day 1 of the life as compared with the control groups. Frequency spectrum recovered to normal patterns in 9 survived infants in day 2. but blood flow variables recovered to normal by day 7. Values of resistance index (RI) rose to 1 in some vessels of moderate hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) infants and stayed at 1 in the severe HIE infants. It is concluded that low CBF plays a key role in brain damage of post-asphyxiated newborns and RI may be an important parameter in the evaluation prognosis.

Balloon dilation of congenital perforated duodenal web in newborns: Evaluation of short and long-term results

BACKGROUND Incomplete congenital duodenal obstruction(ICDO)is caused by a congenitally perforated duodenal web(CPDW).Currently,only six cases of balloon dilatation of the PDW in newborns have been described.AIM To present our experience of balloon dilatation of a perforated duodenal memb-rane in newborns with ICDO.METHODS Five newborns who underwent balloon dilatation of the CPDW along a prein-stalled guidewire between 2021 and 2023 were included.Nineteen newborns diagnosed with ICDO who underwent laparotomy were included in the control group.RESULTS In all cases,good anatomical and clinical results were obtained.In three cases,a follow-up study was conducted after 1 year.The average time to start enteral feeding per os was significantly earlier in the study group(4.4 d)than in the laparotomic group(21.2 days;P<0.0001).The time spent by patients in the intensive care unit and hospital after balloon dilatation was also significantly shorter.We determined the selection criteria for possible and effective CPDW balloon dilatation in newborns as follows:(1)Presence of dynamic radiographic signs of the passage of a radiopaque substance beyond the zone of narrowing or radiographic signs of pneumatisation of the duodenum and small bowel distal to the web;(2)presence of endoscopic signs of CPDW;(3)successful cannulation with a guidewire performed parallel to the endoscope,with holes in the congenital duodenal web;and(4)successful positioning of the balloon performed along a freestanding guidewire on the web.CONCLUSION Strictly following selection criteria for newborns with ICDO caused by CPDW ensures that endoscopic balloon dilatation using a pre-installed guidewire is safe and effective and shows good 1-year follow-up results.

Etiology analysis for term newborns with severe hyperbilirubinemia in eastern Guangdong of China

BACKGROUND Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is one of the common diseases of newborns that typically presents with yellow staining of skin,resulting in sequelaes such as hearing loss,motor and intellectual development disorders,and even death.The pathogenic factors of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia are complex.Different cases of hyperbilirubinemia may have a single or mixed etiology.AIM To explore the etiological characteristics of severe hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns of eastern Guangdong of China.METHODS Term newborns with severe hyperbilirubinemia in one hospital from January 2012 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The etiology was determined according to the laboratory results and clinical manifestations.RESULTS Among 1602 term newborns with hyperbilirubinemia in eastern Guangdong of China,32.20%(580/1602)was severe hyperbilirubinemia.Among the causes of severe hyperbilirubinemia,neonatal hemolysis accounted for 15.17%,breast milk jaundice accounted for 12.09%,infection accounted for 10.17%,glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase(G6PD)deficiency accounted for 9.14%,and the coexistence of multiple etiologies accounted for 6.55%,unknown etiology accounted for 41.72%.ABO hemolysis and G6PD deficiency were the most common causes in the 20 cases with bilirubin encephalopathy.94 severe hyperbilirubinemia newborns were tested for uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A1(UGT1A1)*6 variant(rs4148323,c.211G>A,p.Arg71Gly),9 cases were 211 G to A homozygous variant,37 cases were 211 G to A heterozygous variant,and 48 cases were wild genotypes.CONCLUSION The main cause for severe hyperbilirubinemia and bilirubin encephalopathy in eastern Guangdong of China were the hemolytic disease of the newborns,G6PD deficiency and infection.UGT1A1 gene variant was also a high-risk factor for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.Targeted prevention and treatment according to the etiology may reduce the occurrence of bilirubin encephalopathy and kernicterus.

Various aspects of hearing loss in newborns:A narrative review

Hearing loss is considered the most common birth defect.The estimated prevalence of moderate and severe hearing loss in a normal newborn is 0.1%-0.3%,while the prevalence is 2%-4%in newborns admitted to the newborn intensive care unit.Neonatal hearing loss can be congenital(syndromic or nonsyndromic)or acquired such as ototoxicity.In addition,the types of hearing loss can be conductive,sensorineural,or mixed.Hearing is vital for the acquisition of language and learning.Therefore,early detection and prompt treatment are of utmost importance in preventing the unwanted sequel of hearing loss.The hearing screening program is mandatory in many nations,especially for high-risk newborns.An automated auditory brainstem response test is used as a screening tool in newborns admitted to the newborn intensive care unit.Moreover,genetic testing and screening for cytomegalovirus in newborns are essential in identifying the cause of hearing loss,particularly,mild and delayed onset types of hearing loss.We aimed to update the knowledge on the various aspects of hearing loss in newborns with regard to the epidemiology,risk factors,causes,screening program,investigations,and different modalities of treatment.

Effect of caffeine in the intraventricular hemorrhage of the preterm newborn

There are around 15 million preterm newborns(PT) eve ry year(Atienza-Navarro et al., 2020).With these figures in mind,prematurity represents a major health problem worldwide and it is a leading cause of infant mortality,accounting for up to 35%of all deaths among newborns(Atienza-Navarro et al.,2020) and up to 18% of the deaths among children under 5 years of age.

Isolation of Leclercia adecarboxylata Producing Carbapenemases in A Newborn Female

Leclercia adecarboxylata is a Gram-negative bacterium belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family.To our knowledge,this is the first report of a carbapenem-resistant L.adecarboxylata strain isolated from a healthy newborn.The L.adecarboxylata strain isolated in this study carried four plasmids that may serve as reservoirs for antibiotic resistance genes.Plasmids 2 and 4 did not harbor any antimicrobial resistance genes.Plasmid 3 is a novel plasmid containing three resistance genes.The bla IMP gene harbored in the strain was most similar to bla IMP-79 at the nucleotide level,with a similarity of 99.4%(737/741).This case highlights the importance of considering L.adecarboxylata as a potential cause of infections in children.

Hospital Outcome of Newborns with a Health Cheque System in Comparison to Those Without

Introduction: The health cheque system is a prepayment mechanism aimed at reducing neonatal and maternal mortality through improving the management of pregnant women. The pregnant woman with the health cheque system that she pays at six thousand francs XAF (African financial community) is covered free of charge for all the care provided by the cheque system in the health facilities accredited to the health cheque project. We did a study, with objective to determine the hospital outcome of newborns with a health cheque system (HCS) compared to those without health cheque system. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection was carried out at the Ngaoundere Regional Hospital from January 2018 to September 2021. Results: During our study period, 2985 newborns were received. We saw an increase in admissions over the years, particularly in the group of newborns with the health cheque system. Comparatively, the percentage of newborns cured in the health cheque system group was 76.73% (n = 1643) versus 77.72% (n = 656) those in the non-health cheque system group. Those who died were 8.96% (n = 192) in the health cheque system group compared to 6.27% (n = 53) in the non-health cheque system group. Conclusions and Recommendations: Most patients admitted to our service have the health cheque system. We notice an increase in hospital attendance with the health cheque project. The outcome of the newborn under the health cheque system is not different from that without health cheque system. The health cheque system was successful in getting the larger number of newborns into care. The next step is to put strategies in place to keep these patients in care for the duration of hospitalization.

Uterovaginal Prolapse in the Newborn: A Case Report from the University Hospital of Conakry

Uterovaginal prolapse is an exceptional pathology in the newborn. It is defined by the descent and protrusion of the uterus and vaginal walls to the outside via the vaginal orifice. It particularly affects newborns with neural tube defects. The diagnosis is usually made at birth. Different types of conservative or surgical treatment have been suggested for genital prolapse in neonates. We report the case of a newborn of 6 hours of life who was received for congenital utero-vaginal without neural tube closure anomaly. He was successfully treated with digital reduction of the mass associated with a cerclage of the vaginal orifice. Conclusion: Digital reduction of the prolapse associated with a cerclage of the vaginal orifice is simple, effective and avoids any recurrence.