Analysis of TORCH results of retinal exudative changes in neonates

AIM:To explore the relationship between retinal exudative changes in neonates and perinatal toxoplasmosis,others,rubella,cytomegalovirus,and herpes simplex virus(TORCH)infections,as well as the characteristics of TORCH infection in neonates with retinal exudative changes.METHODS:Retrospective study.A total of 612 neonates with retinal exudative changes detected during ophthalmic screening in our hospital from May 2019 to March 2023 were selected.TORCH tests were performed on these neonates,and the results were subjected to statistical analysis to determine the infection characteristics.The neonates with retinal exudative changes were grouped by sex and age,the characteristics of TORCH infection were analyzed,and the positive rates were compared.RESULTS:Among the 612 neonates with retinal exudative changes,the highest positive rate was observed for cytomegalovirus(CMV-IgG)(96.7%),followed by rubella virus(RV-IgG)(73.9%).Mixed infections with two or three viruses were also observed,with the highest positive rate for mixed infection of RV-IgG and CMV-IgG reaching 71.2%.There was no statistically significant difference in TORCH infection among neonates of different sex(P>0.05).However,there were statistically significant differences in RV-IgG and CMV-IgM infections with retinal exudative changes among neonates of different age groups(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Perinatal TORCH infection may be an important factor causing retinal exudative changes in neonates.The differences in various infections are not related to sex but are related to different age groups.

Respiratory Distress in Neonates at the Teaching Hospitals of Lomé, Togo

Introduction: Respiratory distress in neonates is a neonatal emergency that can lead to serious complications if not treated appropriately. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology, the diagnostic, and the outcomes of neonatal respiratory distress. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study carried out in the pediatric wards of Lomé Teaching Hospitals (CHU Sylvanus Olympio and CHU Campus), including neonates treated for respiratory distress (dyspnea associated with the use of accessory muscles of respiration, noisy breathing and with or without cyanosis) from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Data were entered using Epi Data 3.1 and SPSS software version 12.0. Results: The total number of neonates hospitalized for respiratory distress was 353, with a frequency of 12.5% and a sex ratio of 1.5. The mean age was 0.82 ± 3.20 days;the 0 - 6-day age group accounted for 92.4% of cases. Neonates had been resuscitated at birth in 46.7% of cases. Dyspnea was tachypnea in 94% of cases and bradypnea in 6%. Dyspnea was associated with cyanosis in 21.5% of cases. The severity of the respiratory distress was moderate in 64.9% of cases. Perinatal asphyxia (49.1%), inhalation pneumonitis (17.1%) and neonatal bacterial infection (14.1%) were the main etiologies. The mortality rate was 20.4%. Age greater than or equal to seven days, no neonatal resuscitation were protective factors against death. Prematurity, no antenatal consultations follow up, neonatal resuscitation, severe respiratory distress were risk factors of death. Conclusion: Neonatal respiratory distress was common in the early neonatal period and its mortality was high.

Surgical Repair of Ventricular Septal Defect in Neonates: Indications and Outcomes

Background:The optimal surgical timing and clinical outcomes of ventricular septal defect(VSD)closure in neo-nates remain unclear.We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of VSD closure in neonates(age≤30 days).Methods:We retrospectively reviewed 50 consecutive neonates who underwent VSD closure for isolated VSDs between August 2003 and June 2021.Indications for the procedure included congestive heart failure/failure to thrive and pulmonary hypertension.Major adverse events(MAEs)were defined as the composite of all-cause mortality,reoperation,persistent atrioventricular block,and significant(≥grade 2)valvular dysfunction.Results:The median age and body weight at operation were 26.0 days(interquartile range[IQR],18.8–28.3)and 3.7 kg(IQR,3.3–4.2),respectively.The median follow-up duration was 110.4 months(IQR,56.8–165.0).Seven patients required preoperative respiratory support,andfive had significant(≥grade 2)preoperative valvular dysfunction.One early mortality occurred due to irreversible cardiogenic shock;no late mortality was observed.One reopera-tion was due to hemodynamically significant residual VSD at 103.8 months postoperatively.The overall survival,freedom from reoperation,and freedom from MAE at 15-years were 98.0%,96.3%,and 94.4%,respectively.Pre-operative mechanical ventilation was associated with a longer duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation(p<0.001)and a longer length of intensive care unit stay(p<0.001).Conclusions:VSD closure with favorable outcomes without morbidities is feasible even in neonates.However,neonates requiring preoperative respiratory support may require careful postoperative management considering the long-term postoperative risks.Overall,surgical VSD closure might be indicated earlier in neonates with respiratory compromise.

Evaluation of Procedural Pain in Neonates in Cameroon

Introduction: Acute pain associated with caregiving is a major cause of pain among neonates. Left untreated, it can lead to long-term neurosensory and psychoaffective consequences. In Cameroon, this subject has been scarcely explored, thus constituting an impediment to the management of care-induced pain. Objective: Assess procedural pain in neonates in Yaoundé. Material and Methods: We conducted a cross sectional study with prospective data collection over a period of eight months (October 2022 to May 2023) in three hospitals. We included neonates who were being cared for and were not crying prior to the onset of healthcare, whose parents consented to the study. Assessments were done using the DAN scale, which is specific to care-induced pain. Data was entered and analyzed using SPSS 23.0 software. Results: A total of 161 newborns were included. The hospital prevalence of care-induced pain in neonates was 85%. Neonatal sepsis was the main cause for admission (96.6%). The most common procedures were venous blood sampling (94.4%) and insertion of peripheral venous lines (93.8%). The pain intensity for these procedures was severe (83.9%). The most painful procedure was lumbar tap, followed by venous access procedures. Conclusion: Neonates in hospitals are subjected to many painful procedures. The pain experienced during these procedures is severe. The most nociceptive procedure is a lumbar puncture.

Clinical profile and risk factors of symptomatic and asymptomatic hypoglycemia in neonates admitted to NICU in a tertiary care center: A cross-sectional study

Objective:To investigate the clinical profile and risk factors of symptomatic and asymptomatic hypoglycemia in neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit in a tertiary care center.Methods:The prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care center in the Specialty Department of Pediatric.196 Newborn babies with blood glucose levels<45 mg/dL were examined with a simple random sampling method between December 2019 and November 2021.Maternal and neonatal risk factors and clinical signs were recorded and compared between symptomatic and asymptomatic cases.Results:The proportion of symptomatic hypoglycemia neonates born to gestational diabetes mellitus mothers was significantly higher(23.4%vs.8.4%)(P<0.05).Small for gestational age,low birth weight,respiratory distress syndrome,hypothermia,and endocrine disorders were risk factors.The death rate in asymptomatic hypoglycemia neonates was significantly higher(58%vs.39%)(P<0.05).Conclusions:The study indicates that maternal gestational diabetes mellitus is associated with symptomatic hypoglycemia and asymptomatic hypoglycemia is associated with neonatal mortality.It is important to take vigilance and timely interventions to address associated symptoms,particularly poor feeding,in the management of neonatal hypoglycemia.

Early Morbidity and Mortality in Neonates of Mothers with Sickle Cell Disease at the Borgou/Alibori Center Departmental Teaching Hospital in Benin

Introduction: Association of sickle cell disease and pregnancy is a risky situation for both the mother and neonate. Objective: To determine the early morbidity and mortality among neonates of mothers with sickle cell disease at Borgou/Alibori Center Departmental Teaching Hospital (CHUD B/A) in Benin. Patients and Methods: This was a descriptive and analytical observational study conducted at CHUD-B/A from January 1, 2015, to August 31, 2019. It included pregnant women with sickle cell disease who gave birth to a liveborn neonate at the term of at least 28 weeks of amenorrhea. Variables studied were sociodemographic, clinical, and evolutionary. Analysis of the factors associated with early death was also carried out with a significance threshold set at p Results: Out of a total of 119 pregnant women, 95 neonates were recorded. Main morbidities were: prematurity and intrauterine growth restriction (49.5%);respiratory distress (40%), bacterial infection (30.5%), and perinatal asphyxia (21.1%). Early mortality rate was 8.4%. In bivariate analysis, the factors associated with early death were: parity (p < 0.001), the severity of maternal anemia (p < 0.008), birth weight under 1500 g (p < 0.002), the birth term under 32 weeks of amenorrhea (p < 0.001), resuscitation for at least 5 minutes (p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, resuscitation for at least 5 minutes (p = 0.007) was mainly associated with early death. Conclusion: One out of two neonates of mothers with sickle cell disease has a low birth weight. Early mortality is high due to perinatal asphyxia. Hence the multidisciplinary care of these mothers.

Analysis of Pulmonary Arteries Growth after Initial Shunt Palliation in Neonates and Infants

Objective:Despite increasing enthusiasm for neonatal repair,patients with ductal-dependent circulation(pulmonary/systemic)or restrictive pulmonary blood flow still require initial palliation.Ductal stenting has emerged as an endovascular approach whereas modified-Blalock-Taussig and central shunt remain surgical references.In this study,we analyzed the relationship between pulmonary artery growth,sites of shunt connection,or antegrade pulmonary blood flow in surgically placed shunts.The need for secondary catheter-based interventions or pulmonary arterioplasty was also investigated.Methods:A retrospective single-center study analyzing 175 patients undergoing surgery for a central or modified-Blalock-Taussig shunt.Outcome growth variables were right pulmonary artery/left pulmonary artery diameters/Z scores,the indexed sum area(right pulmonary artery+left pulmonary artery),and the pulmonary symmetry index.Three imaging modalities were used:angiography,computed tomography,and echocardiography.Results:At baseline,pulmonary arteries were larger in patients with antegrade pulmonary blood flow(Nakata index 137 vs.114,p=0.047)as well as in patients receiving a modified-Blalock-Taussig shunt(Nakata index 138 vs.84,p<0.001).At the time of shunt takedown,both the right pulmonary artery and left pulmonary artery had normalized their diameter.The Nakata index increased from 134 to 233 mm^(2)/m^(2)(p<0.001).The pulmonary artery index remained stable(0.86)over time.During the inter-stage period,shunt-related pulmonary artery stenosis and juxta-ductal stenosis were diagnosed in 16(10%)and 17 patients(11%),respectively.Conclusions:Surgical shunt palliation allows normal pulmonary artery growth.Pulmonary artery stenosis was either shunt-related(10%)or secondary to juxta-ductal stenosis(11%).Close echographic follow-up allows early diagnosis and treatment of juxta-ductal stenosis.

Evaluation of Perinatal and Developmental Outcomes in Neonates with Abstinence Syndrome Admitted to NICU

Drug abuse by pregnant women is one of the significant problems for mothers and their neonates.This study aimed to investigate the effects of maternal substance use disorder during pregnancy on neonatal developmental criteria.In a case-control study,clinical records of 90 neonates diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome who were admitted to NICU in one of four hospitals affiliated with Shahid-Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran,Iran between 2017 and 2020 were compared to 90 neonates without neonatal abstinence syndrome(control group).Demographic information and data for neonatal developmental characteristics and complications were extracted from the clinical records of this convenience sample.Data for the type and method of maternal substance use during pregnancy were collected through a telephone call with mothers.Our data showed that the prevalence of drug addiction was 1.8%among pregnant women,and the most common drugs used by mothers were opium(n=45%,50%),amphetamine(n=30%,33%),and methadone(n=14%,16%).Neonates with abstinence syndrome had a higher prevalence of transient tachypnea of the newborn(TTN)(P=0.004),and a prevalence of being admitted to NICU(P=0.05)and for a longer duration(P<0.001).Their mothers had a higher prevalence of having pre-eclampsia(P=0.010).Using morphine vs.amphetamine showed no difference based on their effects on mothers and neonates.Substance use during pregnancy increased the prevalence of pregnancy complications(pre-eclampsia)and neonatal complications(TTN and prevalence and duration of hospitalization).Therefore,planning for the development of health policies to raise awareness among women and more broadly,all members of the community,is important to prevent the tendency to engage in this potentially high-risk behavior.

Using Pharmacokinetic Modeling and Electronic Health Record Data to Predict Clinical and Safety Outcomes after Methylprednisolone Exposure during Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Neonates

Background:Infants undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB)frequently receive intraoperative methylprednisolone(MP)to suppress CPB-related inflammation;however,the optimal dosing strategy and efficacy of MP remain unclear.Methods:We retrospectively analyzed all infants under 90 days-old who received intra-operative MP for cardiac surgery with CPB from 2014–2017 at our institution.We combined real-world dosing data from the electronic health record(EHR)and two previously developed population pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic models to simulate peak concentration(Cmax)and area under the concentration-time curve for 24 h(AUC24)for MP and the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6(IL-6)and interleukin-10(IL-10).We evaluated the relationships between post-operative,safety,and other clinical outcomes obtained from the EHR with each predicted exposure using non-parametric tests.Results:A total of 142 infants with median post-natal age 8(interquartile range[IQR]:5,37)days received a total dose of 30(19,49)mg/kg of MP.Twelve(8%)died,37(26%)met the composite post-operative outcome,114(80%)met the composite safety outcome,and 23(16%)had a major complication.Predicted median Cmax and AUC24 IL-6 exposure was significantly higher for infants meeting the composite post-operative outcome and those with major complications.Predicted median Cmax and AUC24 MP exposure was significantly higher for infants requiring insulin.No exposure was associated with death or other safety outcomes.Conclusions:Pro-inflammatory IL-6,but not MP exposure,was associated with post-operative organ dysfunction,suggesting current MP dosing may not adequately suppress IL-6 or increase IL-10 to impact clinical outcomes.Prospective study will be required to define the optimal exposure-efficacy and exposure-safety profiles in these infants.

Clinical, Aetiological and Evolutionary Aspects of Respiratory Distress in Term Neonates: A Single-Centre Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Respiratory distress is a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. The aim of this study was to assess its frequency and describe its clinical and evolutionary characteristics in the neonatology department of the Gabriel Touré University Hospital in Bamako. Methodology: This was a prospective cross-sectional study conducted from 1 January 2021 to 30 June 2021. All term neonates aged 0 to 28 days hospitalised with signs of respiratory distress (tachypnoea, nasal flaring, expiratory whining, intercostal and subcostal indrawing, xiphoid funneling and cyanosis) were included. The sociodemographic and clinical variables of the newborns and their mothers were analysed using SPSS.20 software. Results: During the study period, 1272 newborns were admitted to hospital, including 705 born at term, of whom 188 were included in the study. The mothers’ ages ranged from 14 to 45 years, with an average of 24 years. The pregnancy was not followed up in 15% of cases. Newborns were resuscitated at birth in 51% of cases. The main clinical signs observed were hypoxia, neurological disorders and fever. Perinatal asphyxia (55%), neonatal infections (34%) and congenital malformations (6%) were the main causes of respiratory distress. Mortality was estimated at 37%. Conclusion: Neonatal respiratory distress is a major cause of death. Most causes can be avoided if pregnancy and delivery are properly managed.

Epileptic Seizures in Neonates Treated with Hypothermia for Hypoxo-Ischemic Encephalopathy in Brazzaville, Congo: Types and Evolution

Background: Moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in neonates is often treated with hypothermia. However, some neonates may experience epileptic seizures during therapeutic hypothermia (TH). Data on the electrophysiologic and evolutionary aspects of these seizures are scarce in African countries. Objectives: To determine the types of epileptic seizures caused by HIE in neonates in Brazzaville;to describe the evolution of background EEG activities during TH and rewarming;to report the evolution of epileptic seizures. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted from January 2020 to July 2022. It took place in Brazzaville in the Neonatology Department of the Blanche Gomez Mother and Child Hospital. It focused on term neonates suffering from moderate or severe HIE. They were treated with hypothermia combined with phenobarbital for 72 hours. Results: Among 36 neonates meeting inclusion criteria, there were 18 boys and 18 girls. Thirty-one (86.1%) neonates had grade 2 and 5 (13.9%) grade 3 HIE. In our neonates, HIE had induced isolated electrographic seizures (n = 11;30.6%), electroclinical seizures (n = 25;69.4%), and 6 types of background EEG activity. During TH and rewarming, there were 52.8% of patients with improved background EEG activity, 41.7% of patients with unchanged background EEG activity, and 5.5% of patients with worsened background EEG activity. At the end of rewarming, only 9 (25%) patients still had seizures. Conclusion: Isolated electrographic and electroclinical seizures are the only pathological entities found in our studied population. In neonates with moderate HIE, the applied therapeutic strategy positively influences the evolution of both seizures and background EEG activity. On the other hand, in neonates with severe HIE, the same therapeutic strategy is ineffective. .

Cardiac Surgery with Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Low-Weight or Preterm Neonates:A Retrospective Study Analyzing Early Outcome

Background:Most outcome studies in congenital cardiac surgery for“low weight”neonates include patients undergoing surgery without cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB).The primary objective of our study was to identify risk factors for in-hospital mortality in neonates weighing less than 3 Kg and undergoing surgery with CPB.In addition,we compared the effect of early surgery with CPB(before 37W-gestational age(GA))for congenital heart disease to delayed surgery until a corrected GA of 37 weeks in an attempt to promote weight gain.Methods:Retrospective single-center study including all patients operated between 1997 and 2017.Uni-and multivariable analysis were used to analyze outcome.Results:143 patients were included.The median weight was 2.7 Kg and 49(34.3%)weighted<2.5 Kg.80%of the patients were Risk stratification STAT categories≥3.114 patients(80%)were operated without delay(usual timing,median age 9 days),whereas 29 patients(20%)entered a delayed strategy(median age 30 days).In-hospital mortality was 21.7%.By multivariate analysis,dysmaturity,preoperative positive ventilation,post-operative ECMO requirement or resuscitation,and any residual lesion were predictors of in-hospital death.In-hospital mortality in the usual timing group and the delayed group were 21.1%and 24.1%,respectively(p=0.71).In-hospital mortality for neonates operated prior to 37W-GA(n=10)was 27.3%.Conclusions:Predictors of in-hospital mortality in neonates less 3 Kg requiring CPB surgery did not differ from those unveiled in other contemporary studies.Our data demonstrates that a strategy of delaying surgery in selected patients resulted in similar clinical outcome.

Characterization of spontaneous otoacoustic emissions in 2–4 day old neonates with respect to gender and ear

BACKGROUND： Spontaneous otoacoustic emissions （SOAEs） are regarded as a valuable audio- metric parameter that objectively reflects the function of outer hair cells （OHCs）. Many studies have reported that the incidence of SOAEs in adults is less than 50%. Therefore, measurement of SOAEs may be of little value to clinical examinations. However, the incidence of SOAEs in infants and neonates is higher than in adults. OBJECTIVE： To analyze the basic characteristics of SOAEs in 2–4 day old neonates, and to demonstrate the difference in OHC function between sexes and ears. DESIGN, TIME AND SETTING： Neurophysiological contrast study, performed in the Department of Neonates, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, between December 2007 and August 2008. PARTICIPANTS： A total of 112 newborns （224 ears） consisting of 59 females and 53 males were included in this study. METHODS： The probe was adapted and embedded in the neonate external auditory canal with a foam rubber earplug after checking and clearing up the outer ear canal. The presence of SOAEs was determined when the signal amplitude had a clear peak exceeding –30 dB, or was 3 dB above the noise floor. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES： The incidence of SOAEs, the number of SOAE signal peaks, and the maximal tension of SOAEs. RESULTS： The incidence in females （79.7%） was higher than males （76.4%） （P 〉 0.05）, and the incidence in right ears （86.6%） was higher than in left ears （69.6%） （P 〈 0.05）. There were no significant difference in the number of SOAE peaks between females and males （4.49 vs. 4.28）, or between right ears and left ears （4.62 vs. 4.12） （P 〉 0.05）. The mean maximum SOAE level per ear in females （–3.29 ± 9.28） dB sound pressure level （SPL） was slightly higher than that in males （–3.91 ± 9.14） dB SPL （P 〉 0.05）. Also, the mean maximum SOAE level in right ears （–2.03 ± 9.11） dB SPL was higher than in left ears （–5.50 ± 9.65） dB SPL （P 〈 0.05）. The maximum SOAE level showed a positive correlation with maximum SOAE number in emitting ears （r = 0.55, P 〈 0.01）. CONCLUSION： The incidence of SOAEs in neonates is high （78.1%） within 4 days of birth. The in-cidence of SOAEs and the maximum SOAE level exhibited a significant difference between right and left ears, but the difference between sexes was insignificant. Both the strongest SOAE signal peak and number of SOAEs per ear are representative of the function OHCs.

Correlation between UGT1A1 Polymorphism and Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia of Neonates in Wuhan

This study attempts to discuss the correlation between UGT1A1＊28 as uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase gene promoter and coding region Gly71 Arg gene polymorphism with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia of neonates in Wuhan. A total of 168 neonates were divided into the hyperbilirubinemia group（case group, n=108） and healthy neonates group（control group, n=60）. Their DNA was obtained through blood extraction. The gene exon mutation of UGT1A1 was detected by Sanger sequencing, which revealed the relationship between UGT1A1＊28 and Gly71 Arg polymorphism with neonatal hyperbilirubinemia of neonates. The results showed that：（1） The frequency of UGT1A1＊28 allele mutation in the case group and the control group was 9.3% and 10% respectively, with the difference being not significant between the two groups（P〉0.05）.（2） The frequency of Gly71 Arg allele mutation in the case group and the control group was 35.1% and 21.7% respectively, with the difference being significant between the two groups（P〈0.01）.（3） The serum bilirubin level of Gly71 Arg mutant homozygous and heterozygous subgroups（n=66） in the case group was 302.7±31.4 μmol/L, which was significantly higher than 267.3±28.5 μmol/L of the wild subgroup（n=42）（P〈0.01）. It was suggested that the occurrence of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia of neonates in Wuhan was not associated with UGT1A1＊28 gene polymorphism, but closely with the Gly71 Arg gene polymorphism. Meanwhile, the Arg allele mutation was related to the degree of jaundice.

Brainstem tegmental lesions in neonates with hypoxicischemic encephalopathy: Magnetic resonance diagnosis and clinical outcome

Lesions of the brainstem have been reported in the clinical scenarios of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HIE), although the prevalence of these lesions is probably underestimated. Neuropathologic studies have demonstrated brainstem involvement in severely asphyxiated infants as an indicator of poor outcome. Among survivors to HIE, the most frequent clinical complaints that may be predicted by brainstem lesions include feeding problems, speech, language and communication problems and visual impairments. Clinical series, including vascular and metabolic etiologies, have found selective involvement of the brainstem with the demonstration of symmetric bilateral columnar lesions of the tegmentum. The role of brainstem lesions in HIE is currently a matter of debate, especially when tegmental lesions are present in the absence of supratentorial lesions. Differential diagnosis of tegmental lesions in neonates and infants include congenital metabolic syndromes and drug-related processes. Brainstem injury with the presence of supratentorial lesions is a predictor of poor outcome and high rates of mortality and morbidity. Further investigation will be conducted to identify specific sites of the brainstem that are vulnerable to hypoxic-ischemic and toxic-metabolic insults.

Resting-state network complexity and magnitude changes in neonates with severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging has revealed disrupted brain network connectivity in adults and teenagers with cerebral palsy. However, the specific brain networks implicated in neonatal cases remain poorly understood. In this study, we recruited 14 termborn infants with mild hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and 14 term-born infants with severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy from Changzhou Children's Hospital, China. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data showed efficient small-world organization in whole-brain networks in both the mild and severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy groups. However, compared with the mild hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy group, the severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy group exhibited decreased local efficiency and a low clustering coefficient. The distribution of hub regions in the functional networks had fewer nodes in the severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy group compared with the mild hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy group. Moreover, nodal efficiency was reduced in the left rolandic operculum, left supramarginal gyrus, bilateral superior temporal gyrus, and right middle temporal gyrus. These results suggest that the topological structure of the resting state functional network in children with severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is clearly distinct from that in children with mild hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, and may be associated with impaired language, motion, and cognition. These data indicate that it may be possible to make early predictions regarding brain development in children with severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, enabling early interventions targeting brain function. This study was approved by the Regional Ethics Review Boards of the Changzhou Children's Hospital(approval No. 2013-001) on January 31, 2013. Informed consent was obtained from the family members of the children. The trial was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry(registration number: ChiCTR1800016409) and the protocol version is 1.0.

Language and cognitive outcome for high-risk neonates at the age of 2-3 years-experience from an Arab Country

AIM To investigate the effect of different neonatal risk factors on different language parameters as well as cognitive abilities among Arabic speaking Egyptian children at the age of two to three years of life and to find out which risk factor(s) had the greatest impact on language and cognitive abilities.METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted on 103 children with age range of 2-3 years(median age 31 mo).They were 62 males and 41 females who were exposed to different high-risk factors in the perinatal period,with exclusion of metabolic disorders,sepsis/meningitis,congenital anomalies and chromosomal aberrations.The studied children were subjected to a protocol of language assessment that included history taking,clinical and neurological examination,audiological evaluation,assessment of language using modified preschool language scale-4,IQ and mental age assessment and assessment of social age.RESULTS The studied children had a median gestational age of 37 wk,median birth weight of 2.5 kg.The distribution of the high-risk factors in the affected children were prematurity in 25 children,respiratory distress syndromein 25 children,hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in 15 children,hyperbilirubinemia in 10 children,hypoglycemia in 13 children,mixed risk factors in 15 children.The results revealed that high-risk neonatal complications were associated with impairment of different language parameters and cognitive abilities(P < 0.05).The presence of prematurity,in relation to other risk factors,increases the risk of language and cognitive delay significantly by 3.9 fold.CONCLUSION Arabic-speaking children aged 2-3 years who were exposed to high-risk conditions in the perinatal period are likely to exhibit delays in the development of language and impairments in cognitive abilities.The most significant risk factor associated with language and cognitive impairments was prematurity.

Temperature Measurements in Neonates: Assessing the Agreement of Two Methods

Background: Neonatal temperature response during illness is unpredictable. Whereas accurate temperature measurement is an important diagnostic step in Neonatal practice. Abnormalties in temperature pattern may be a pointer to a sinister condition especially in neonates, whose thermoregulatory mechanism is immature. There are several methods of temperature measurements and the search for a suitable thermometry method in neonates continues. This study compared the forehead non touch infra-red thermometer (NTIT) with the axilllary mercury-in-glass (MIGT) method of temperature measurement in neonates. Method: Four hundred babies aged 1 to 28 days were recruited from the immunization clinic of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital between August 2016 and May 2017. Temperatures were taken using both NTIT and MIGT in the standard way and recorded.?Result: The mean age and SD was 5.10 ± 4.28?days. Pearson correlation showed a positive correlation between the Axillary Mercury-in-Glass and Forehead Non-Touch Infra-red thermometry readings (r?=?0.426, p??0.001). Bland-Altman method revealed a good agreement between both methods of thermometry as 95.5% of the readings were within the limits of agreement. Conclusion: Axillary Mercury-in-Glass thermometer and Forehead Non touch Infra-red thermometers have a good agreement and can be used interchangeably in neonates.

Bedside cardiopulmonary ultrasonography evaluates lung water content in very low-weight preterm neonates with patent ductus arteriosus

BACKGROUND Patent ductus arteriosus(PDA)is a common congenital heart abnormality in preterm neonates with a high incidence in neonates with very low birth weights.When PDA persists,interstitial lung water content increases,which could lead to abnormal circulation hemodynamics and pulmonary edema.It is important to perform early and reliable assessment of lung water content in very low-weight preterm neonates with persistent PDA.AIM To evaluate the role of bedside cardiopulmonary ultrasonography in the lung water content assessment in very low-weight preterm neonates with persistent PDA.METHODS From January 2018 to March 2020,69 very low-weight preterm neonates with echocardiography-confirmed PDA were selected as the PDA group.At the same time,89 very low-weight preterm neonates without PDA were randomly selected as the control group.All neonates underwent echocardiography and 6-segment lung ultrasonography on the fourth day after birth.The clinical characteristics and main ultrasonography results were compared between the two groups.Pearson’s analysis was used to analyze the correlation between lung ultrasonography score(LUS)and other related clinical and ultrasonography results in all neonates.In the PDA group,PDA diameters were recorded,and the correlation with LUS and left atrium to aortic(LA/AO)dimension ratio were also analyzed.LA/AO ratio is one of the ultrasonic diagnostic criteria for hemodynamically significant PDA.When the ratio is≥1.5,it suggests the possibility of hemodynamic changes in persistent PDA.A receiver operating characteristic curve was established using the sensitivity of LUS to predict the hemodynamic changes in neonates with PDA as the ordinate and 1-specificity as the abscissa.RESULTS A total of 158 neonates were enrolled in this study,including 69 in the PDA group and 89 in the control group.There were no statistical differences in sex,gestational age,birth weight,ventilator dependence,hospitalization length and left ventricular ejection fraction between the two groups(P>0.05).The LUS and LA/AO ratio in the PDA group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05),but there was no difference of LUS in neonates with or without use of the ventilator(t=0.58,P=0.16).In all cases,LUS was negatively correlated with gestational age(r=-0.28,P<0.01)and birth weight(r=-0.36,P<0.01),while positively correlated with the LA/AO ratio(r=0.27,P<0.01).In the PDA group,PDA diameter was positively correlated with the LA/AO ratio(r=0.39,P<0.01)and LUS(r=0.31,P<0.01).Receiver operating characteristic results showed that LUS had the moderate accuracy for predicting hemodynamic changes in PDA(area under the curve=0.741;sensitivity=93.75%;specificity=50.94%).CONCLUSION Bedside cardiopulmonary ultrasonography can evaluate lung content in neonates with PDA and predict the possibility of hemodynamic changes in persistent PDA.

Lead level in foremilk and neurobehavioral development of neonates

BACKGROUND： Recently, it has been reported that blood lead level lower than 24 μ mol/L can lead to learning and cognitive deficits. OBJECTIVE： To investigate the relationship of lead level in foremilk and early neurobehavioral development of neonates taking lead level in foremilk as lead exposure index. DESIGN： A controlled observation. SETTING： Maternal and Child Health Center, Shanxi Children＇s Hospital. PARTICIPANTS： Totally 128 neonates of full-term normal delivery, 76 male and 52 female, from Shanxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Center and Jiexiu Maternal and Child Health Center were involved in this study. All the involved neonates had no peripartal ischemic/hypoxic history. The corresponding puerperants were aged （27 ±5 ）years. They had no various acute and chronic diseases during pregnancy, and family history of neurological disease as well as occupational lead exposure. Informed consents of detected items were obtained from the puerperants. METHODS： ①Determination of lead level in foremilk- Altogether 128 foremilk samples, 1 mL each, were collected between January and February 2005. The same amount of violet acid was added to each sample. After foremilk was fully dissolved, 0.2 mL solution was taken for determining lead level with atomic absorption spectrometer in graphite stove. The determined process strictly followed the internal quantity control of laboratory and was involved in the blind quality control of Institute of Environmental Health of Chinese Academy. ②Participants grouping： Totally 128 neonates were involved, and the normal reference value of lead level of foremilk was 0.06 - 0.48 μ mol/L. The involved neonates were assigned into high-level lead group （≥ 0.24 μ mol/L, n =60） and low-level lead group （〈 0.24 μ mol/L, n =68）. ③Assessment of neurobehavioral development of neonates： Neurobehavioral development level of neonates who was born 24 to 72 hours was assessed with 20-item neonatal neurobehavioral determination method, which involved behavioral ability （6 items）, passive muscular tension （4 items）, active muscular tension （4 items）, primitive reflection （3 items） and general evaluation （3 items）. Each above-mentioned scoring had 3 scales （0,1 and 2 points）. The full mark of 20 items was 40 points. Neurological behaviors of neonates might be unabnormal when scoring was 〈 35 points. OUTCOME MEASURES： Assessment results of neurobehavioral development of neonates in high- and low-level lead neonates. RESULTS： After lead-level determination, the involved neonates in two groups participated in the final analysis. Neurobehavioral total scores of neonates of high-level lead group were lower than those in the low-level lead group [ （35.9±1.3 ） points vs. （37.7 ±1.4） points, P 〈 0.01 ]. The scores of neonatal erection in high-level lead group were lower than those in low-level lead group [ （ 1.4±0.4） points vs. （ 1.8 ±0.5 ） points, P 〈0.01], and time for head erection of neonates in the high-level lead group was shortened as compared with that in the low-level lead group [ （1.8±1.7） minutesvs. （3.3±2.2） minutes, P〈0.01]. CONCLUSION： 0.24 μ mol/L lead level in foremilk has certain relationship with neurobehavioral development. The main influenced manifestations are shortened duration of neonatal head erection and actively contracted extensor, i.e. cervical curved ability is weakened.