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.

STUDY ON THE GROWTH OF CEREBELLUMIN NEWBORN INFANTS

Objective To know the growth of the cerebellum in newborn infants. Methods The centraivermian area (CVA) of the cerebellum was measured by head ultrasonography in 90 newborns including 65full - terms, 14 preterms and 11 small for gestational age infants (SGA). Results The average age of the newborninfants were 4.7d (3~7d). The mean CVA in full-terms was 5.81±0.8cm2, which was significantly greater thanthat in preterms (3.7±1.0cm2), and SGA (5.1±0.8cm2), respectively. However, when corrected for birth weight(BW), the ratio of CVA/BW in term SGA was 2.07, being signoficantly higher than the ratio of 1.72 in normalfull- term newborns. There was no dillerence between male and female infants. Statistically significantrelationships were lound between CVA and BW (r=0.8129, P<0.01) and between CVA and gestational age(r=0.7450, P<0.01). Conclusion The study provide some understanding on the grouth of the cerebellum, and thecerebellar measurement by cranial ultrasound is helpful for the assessment of neurological maturation in newborninfants.

The Distribution and Morphological Diversity of GABA-containing Neurons in The Prefrontal Cortex of Human Newborn Baby Infant

The prefrontal cortex of a human full termnewborn infant just after accidental death was studies by mcans of immunocytochemical technique with antibody directedagainst GABA(Immunonuclear Corp.)and ABC kit(Vector)。GABA-containing neurons were found over all layers and all were nonpyramidal cells.The laminar distribution of GABA-containing ne-urons was not even between different layers,density in laye Ⅱ was prominently higher than any other layers,density in layer Ⅲ and layer Ⅳ was higher than that in layer V and Ⅵ.

Nutritional management of newborn infants:Practical guidelines

The requirements of growth and organ development create a challenge in nutritional management of newborn infants,especially premature newborn and intestinal-failure infants.Since their feeding may increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis,some high-risk infants receive a small volume of feeding or parenteral nutrition (PN) without enteral feeding.This review summarizes the current research progress in the nutritional management of newborn infants.Searches of MEDLINE (1998-2007),Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library,Issue 3,2007),abstracts and conference proceedings,references from relevant publications in the English language were performed,showing that breast milk is the preferred source of nutrients for enteral feeding of newborn infants.The number of nutrients found in human milk was recommended as a guideline in establishing the minimum and maximum levels in infant formulas.The fear of necrotizing enterocolitis and feeding intolerance are the major factors limiting the use of the enteral route as the primary means of nourishing premature infants.PN may help to meet many of the nutritional needs of these infants,but has significant detrimental side effects.Trophic feedings (small volume of feeding given at the same rate for at least 5 d) during PN are a strategy to enhance the feeding tolerance and decrease the side effects of PN and the time to achieve full feeding.Human milk is a key component of any strategy for enteral nutrition of all infants.However,the amounts of calcium,phosphorus,zinc and other nutrients are inadequate to meet the needs of the very low birth weight (VLBW) infants during growth.Therefore,safe and effective means to fortify human milk are essential to the care of VLBW infants.

Modeling and Simulation of Heat Transfer Phenomenon from Infant Radiant Warmer for a Newborn Baby

Nowadays death of a newborn baby due to hypothermia is one of the vital factors. To overcome the problem infant radiant warmer has been used in hospitals which helps to prevent excessive heat loss of the baby by maintaining a proper temperature. However, in practice, it is critical to regulating proper thermal stability that is exactly required for a premature baby to conquer the heat loss problem. In this study, we have established a computational model for heat transfer analysis using the Finite Element Method. The heat transfer to the surrounding area skin of newborn with the help of Infant Radiant Warmer (IRW) is simulated to study the best range of light source to overcome the hypothermia. We simulate the efficiency and effect of the infant radiant of the thermal radiation using COMSOL Multiphysics program. For this simulation, we considered the distance between the infant’s mattress and the bottom surface of the heater unit as 70 cm and the heater power 500 watts, and 600 watts. We have investigated mattress temperature, baby temperature and surface radiosity which are important to understand to increase newborn baby body temperature. It is found that the temperature of mattress raises up to 36 - 36.5 degrees Celsius and skin temperature raises up to 37 - 37.5 degrees Celsius.

Ultrasound screening of the kidneys and urinary tract in 11.887 newborn infants: A 10-year experience

Objective: To determine the usefulness of sonographic screening of the newborn kidneys and urinary tract over a 10-year time period. Methods: Ultrasound screening of the kidneys and the urinary tract was performed between the third and tenth day after birth on 11.887 newborn infants. The classification of renal pyelectasis (RPE) according to the Society for Fetal Urology (SFU) was used. We evaluated infant renal pathologies and correlated them with the gestational age and weight at birth. Results: Renal pyelectasis (grades 1-4) was detected in 179 cases (1.5%);it was significantly more common in male (vs female) infants (p 4.000 g were the most significant risk factors (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Renal pyelectasis grades 1-4 was detected in only 1.5% of 11.887 consecutive infants subjected to sonographic screening of the kidneys and the urinary tract within the first 10 days after birth. Sonographic screening of the kidneys and the urinary tract is a non-invasive and effective screening method after birth. It allows planning for appropriate diagnostic tests and therapeutic procedures in a timely fashion.

Single-incision pediatric endosurgery in newborns and infants

This study focuses on the successful application of single-incision pediatric endosurgery in the treatment of congenital anomalies and acquired diseases in neonates and infants. The purpose of this scientific review consists in highlighting the spectrum, indications, applicability, and effectiveness of single-port endosurgery in children during the first 3 postnatal months.

Achondrogenesis Type II in a Live Term Newborn Infant: A Case Report

Background: Achondrogenesis type II is a lethal form of osteochondrodysplasia characterized by short trunk, disproportionately large head, prominent forehead, micrognathia, extreme micromelia, anasarca, large abdomen and poor ossification of the bones. The children with achondrogenesis are usually born premature, or die in the neonatal period mostly from respiratory failure. We report the case of a live term newborn infant with achondrogenesis type II who died shortly after birth. Methods: We report a case of achondrogenesis type II in a live male newborn. Results: We report the case of a term male infant delivered to a 24-year-old woman with a chondrogenesis type II confirmed radiologically but died at age 5 days. Conclusion: Whenever a skeletal dysplasia in a fetal dwarfism is suspected, a proper work-up plan should be done to evaluate family history. A clinical, radiographic and histopathologic examination, should be done and confirmed by genetic study. Following evidence-based diagnosis, patients could be offered termination of pregnancy after counseling.

Transition of Depressive Symptoms and Anxiety Symptoms According to Parity and Associations of These Symptoms with Feelings for Involvement with Newborn Infants during a 6-Month Postpartum Period

Background: Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms during the postpartum period affect physical health and child rearing and that these effects are important social issues. Objective: The aims of this study were to clarify the differences in the transition of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms according to parity during a 6-month postpartum period and to clarify the differences in associations of depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms with feelings for involvement with newborn infants in primiparous and multiparous postpartum women. Methods: The design of this study was a longitudinal investigation. This study was conducted from February 2017 to July 2018 in Japan. By using self-administered questionnaires that included questions on psychological symptoms in a standard climacteric scale and questions on feelings for involvement with newborn infants, we collected data at 3 days postpartum, 2 weeks postpartum, one month postpartum, 3 months postpartum and 6 months postpartum. Results: Responses to all of the questionnaires were obtained from 121 (52.8%) of 229 women. The score for depressive symptoms in primiparous women was significantly higher than that in multiparous women at 3 days postpartum. Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms showed peaks at 2 weeks postpartum in both primiparous women and multiparous women, but depressive symptoms reoccurred from 3 months postpartum to 6 months postpartum in primiparous women and anxiety symptoms reoccurred from one month to 3 months postpartum in multiparous women. Depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were associated with negative feelings for involvement with newborn infants and with mother’s sleeping time. Conclusion: Changes in depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were different in primiparous women and multiparous women during a 6-month postpartum period. In addition, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms were associated with negative feelings for involvement with newborn infants and with sleeping time in postpartum women.

Clinical analysis of congenital diaphragmatic hernia in newborn infants:report of 33 cases

Objective To review the clinical experience of diagnosis and treatment of the congenital diaphragmatic hernia in newborn infants. Methods Thirty-three neonates were diagnosed having congenital diaphragmatic hernia in our hospitalfrom Jan. 1,2004 to Sept. 30,2009. The clinical data was retrospectively reviewed. Results 21 cases were treated

Gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional infant formula: A systematic review

BACKGROUND Infants'nutrition significantly influences their growth,development,and overall well-being.With the increasing demand for organic infant formula driven by the perception of health benefits and growing awareness of natural feeding options,it is crucial to conduct a comparative analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability between organic and traditional infant formulas.AIM To provide a concise and precise analysis of the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic infant formula compared to traditional infant formula.Due to limited direct comparisons,the review synthesizes available literature on each formula type,presenting insights into their potential effects on infants'digestive health.METHODS An extensive literature search was conducted,compiling studies on organic and traditional infant formulas,their compositions,and reported effects on gastrointestinal tolerability.We searched academic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar and specialized nutrition,paediatrics,and infant health journals using relevant keywords till October 1,2023.RESULTS Although specific comparative studies are scarce and formula heterogeneity is a significant limitation,this systematic review provides an in-depth understanding of organic infant formulas'composition and potential benefits.While scientific evidence directly comparing gastrointestinal tolerability is limited,organic formulas strive to use carefully selected organic ingredients to imitate breast milk composition.Potential benefits include improved lipid profiles,higher methionine content,and decreased antibiotic-resistant bacteria levels.Understanding the gastrointestinal tolerability of organic and traditional infant formulas is crucial for parents and healthcare providers to make informed decisions.CONCLUSION Despite limitations in direct comparisons,this systematic review provides insights into the composition and potential benefits of organic infant formulas.It emphasizes the need for further research to elucidate their gastrointestinal effects comprehensively.

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.

Advances in Enteral Nutrition Strategies for Preterm Infants

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

Effect of foot reflexology on an infant with sensorineural hearing loss:A case report

BACKGROUND Our study contributes to the further understanding of the mechanism of foot reflexology.Foot reflexology has been reported to affect hearing recovery,but no physiological evidence has been provided.This lack of evidence hampers the acceptance of the technique in clinical practice.CASE SUMMARY A girl was taken to North Sichuan Medical University Affiliated Hospital for a hearing screen by her parents.Her parents reported that her hearing level was the same as when she was born.The girl was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL)by a doctor in the otolaryngology department.After we introduced the foot reflexology project,the parents agreed to participate in the experiment.After 6 months of foot reflexology treatment,the hearing threshold of the girl recovered to a normal level,below 30 dB.CONCLUSION Foot reflexology should be encouraged in clinical practice and for families of infants with SNHL.

Evaluation of the Practice of Immediate Care for Newborns in the Obstetric Gynecology Department of the Gabriel Touré University Hospital of Bamako, Mali

The care provided in the neonatal period by caregivers in health facilities and by parents in the community is essential for the survival of the newborn. Our work aimed to assess the practice of essential care for newborns at the maternity hospital during the first six hours of life. Methodology: It was a cross-sectional study, which took place over a period of six months and fifteen days (from April 27 to November 12, 2020). We evaluated the practice of immediate care given to newborns over 32 weeks of amenorrhea by the health personnel involved against the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) on essential newborn care (ENC). Results: Our study involved 422 live newborns, which represented 22% of all live births. The sex ratio was 1.2. The gestational age of newborns was 37 to 41Week of Amenorrhea (WA) in 69.2%. The majority of births were performed by doctors specializing in gynecology and obstetrics, or 66.4% of cases. Midwives provided care in 51.7% of cases. Out of 422 newborns, 408 were immediately dried, 96.7% of the time. Less than half (44.1% of newborns) had benefited from the late cord clamping. Eye care was administered to the vast majority of newborns (94.3% of cases). The breastfeeding technique was verified in only 2.8% of cases. Only 1.7% (7 newborns) were monitored during the first six hours of immediate postpartum. In the immediate post-partum period, 18 newborns had problems that required treatment. NNS were correctly administered in 39 newborns (9.2%). Conclusion: Our study shows inadequacies in the practice of essential care for newborns within our maternity. Thus, many newborns can be saved through the practice of essential newborn care (NHS) at different levels of the health pyramid.

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.

Nutritional and Sanitary Quality of Infant Flours Produced in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

The quality of infant flours used during the weaning age is of great importance in that it conditions the nutritional health of infants and young children. This study aimed to assess the nutritional and sanitary quality of infant flours produced in the city of Ouagadougou. This was a cross-sectional study including 11 out of 25 infant flour production units that gave their consent to partake in the study. In total, 25 infant flour samples have been collected from July to September 2021. The physicochemical and microbiological parameters were determined according to standard methods. The ANOVA analysis of variance showed significant differences between the means of the physico-chemical and the means of the microbiological parameters respectively. The results showed that 60% of proteins and 80% of lipid and total carbohydrate contents were below the authorised limits. The energy values were below the authorised limit in 88% of the cases. All instant infant flours had microbiological loads compliant with Burkinabè standards. As for infant flour to be cooked, 63.64% and 81.82% had satisfactory numbers of total coliforms and faecal coliforms respectively. Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were detected in these samples with 86.36% of infant formulae having results below the recommended limit. These results show that the infant flours produced in Ouagadougou were somehow of acceptable quality. However, there is a need to improve the formulae for macronutrient contents, energy values and sanitary quality to comply with the recommendations.

Brain development in newborns and infants after ECMO

Background Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation(ECMO)not only significantly improves survival rates in severely ill neonates but also is associated with long-term neurodevelopmental issues.To systematically review the available literature on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of neonates and infants who have undergone ECMO treatment,with a focus on motor deficits,cognitive impairments,sensory impairments,and developmental delays.This review aims to understand the incidence,prevalence,and risk factors for these problems and to explore current nursing care and management strategies.Data sources A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed,EMBASE,and Web of Science using a wide array of keywords and phrases pertaining to ECMO,neonates,infants,and various facets of neurodevelopment.The initial screening involved reviewing titles and abstracts to exclude irrelevant articles,followed by a full-text assessment of potentially relevant literature.The quality of each study was evaluated based on its research methodology and statistical analysis.Moreover,citation searches were conducted to identify potentially overlooked studies.Although the focus was primarily on neonatal ECMO,studies involving children and adults were also included due to the limited availability of neonate-specific literature.Results About 50%of neonates post-ECMO treatment exhibit varying degrees of brain injury,particularly in the frontal and temporoparietal white matter regions,often accompanied by neurological complications.Seizures occur in 18%–23%of neonates within the first 24 hours,and bleeding events occur in 27%–60%of ECMO procedures,with up to 33%potentially experiencing ischemic strokes.Although some studies suggest that ECMO may negatively impact hearing and visual development,other studies have found no significant differences;hence,the influence of ECMO remains unclear.In terms of cognitive,language,and intellectual development,ECMO treatment may be associated with potential developmental delays,including lower composite scores in cognitive and motor functions,as well as potential language and learning difficulties.These studies emphasize the importance of early detection and intervention of potential developmental issues in ECMO survivors,possibly necessitating the implementation of a multidisciplinary follow-up plan that includes regular neuromotor and psychological evaluations.Overall,further multicenter,large-sample,long-term follow-up studies are needed to determine the impact of ECMO on these developmental aspects.Conclusions The impact of ECMO on an infant’s nervous system still requires further investigation with larger sample sizes for validation.Fine-tuned management,comprehensive nursing care,appropriate patient selection,proactive monitoring,nutritional support,and early rehabilitation may potentially contribute to improving the long-term outcomes for these infants.

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.

Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Probio-M9 may be vertically transmitted from mother to infant during lactation based on faeces metagenomics

Probiotics exert beneficial effects on the host.This study aimed to investigate whether maternally ingested Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus Probio-M9 during pregnancy could access and colonize the infant gut.This study recruited one pregnant woman,who ingested Probio-M9 daily from 35 weeks of gestation to delivery.Feces of the mother-infant pair were regularly collected from one month before delivery to 6 months of infant's age for metagenomic sequencing.Probio-M9 genomes were mappable to all infant fecal samples,suggesting the ingested probiotics could be vertically transmitted from mother to infant.Infant-or mother-specific differential metabolic pathways were found between the maternal and infant's gut microbiome,implicating apparent differences in the intestinal metagenomic potential/function between the mother and the infant.In conclusion,maternal ingestion of Probio-M9 during the final weeks of gestation could deliver to the infant gut.The findings provided novel insights into shaping infant's gut microbiota.