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.

Prevalence and outcomes of neonates with severe COVID-19:An observational study at Children’s Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City,Vietnam

Objective:To evaluate the impact of the severe COVID-19 pandemic on neonates and develop strategies to improve their outcomes.Methods:We conducted an observational cross-sectional study at Children's Hospital 1(CH1)from July 25,2021,to May 31,2022.All neonates who had fever or respiratory symptoms or were born from mothers with COVID-19 and had a positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 result would be included.We classified neonates with COVID-19 into 2 groups:mild/moderate and severe for analysis.Differences between groups were analyzed using Fisher's exact test/Chi-square test for categorical variables and Student's t-test/Wilcoxon Rank Sum test for continuous variables.Results:This study included 88 newborns who had positive RT-PCR SARS-CoV-2 results.The severity COVID-19 rate among neonatal cases was found to be 13.6%(12/88),with a corresponding mortality rate of 1.1%(1/88).All severe cases showed lung abnormalities as evident on chest X-ray images.In addition to respiratory symptoms,a higher incidence of gastrointestinal manifestations,such as vomiting and diarrhea,was observed in the severe group,indicating a compelling association.The administration of anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory drugs in the study group resulted in a satisfactory outcome with no significant complications.Conclusions:The COVID-19 pandemic has had a substantial impact on the well-being of neonates.The management of COVID-19 in this population presents significant challenges.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effects of pulmonary surfactant combined with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS)is one of the most common diseases in neonatal intensive care units,with an incidence rate of about 7%among infants.Additionally,it is a leading cause of neonatal death in hospitals in China.The main mechanism of the disease is hypoxemia and hypercapnia caused by lack of surfactant AIM To explore the effect of pulmonary surfactant(PS)combined with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation on keratin-14(KRT-14)and endothelin-1(ET-1)levels in peripheral blood and the effectiveness in treating NRDS.METHODS Altogether 137 neonates with respiratory distress syndrome treated in our hospital from April 2019 to July 2021 were included.Of these,64 control cases were treated with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and 73 observation cases were treated with PS combined with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation.The expression of KRT-14 and ET-1 in the two groups was compared.The deaths,complications,and PaO_(2),PaCO_(2),and PaO_(2)/FiO_(2)blood gas indexes in the two groups were compared.Receiver operating characteristic curve(ROC)analysis was used to determine the diagnostic value of KRT-14 and ET-1 in the treatment of NRDS.RESULTS The observation group had a significantly higher effectiveness rate than the control group.There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of neonatal mortality and adverse reactions,such as bronchial dysplasia,cyanosis,and shortness of breath.After treatment,the levels of PaO_(2)and PaO_(2)/FiO_(2)in both groups were significantly higher than before treatment,while the level of PaCO_(2)was significantly lower.After treatment,the observation group had significantly higher levels of PaO_(2)and PaO_(2)/FiO_(2)than the control group,while PaCO_(2)was notably lower in the observation group.After treatment,the KRT-14 and ET-1 levels in both groups were significantly decreased compared with the pre-treatment levels.The observation group had a reduction of KRT-14 and ET-1 levels than the control group.ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of KRT-14 was 0.791,and the AUC of ET-1 was 0.816.CONCLUSION Combining PS with noninvasive positive pressure ventilation significantly improved the effectiveness of NRDS therapy.KRT-14 and ET-1 levels may have potential as therapeutic and diagnostic indicators.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.