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.

Prevalence and Predictors of Neonatal Sepsis among Neonates Admitted at the Newborn Unit of Kenyatta National Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Neonatal sepsis is one of the primary causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality especially in developing countries. Despite the availability of different preventive interventions, in Kenya, the burden of neonatal sepsis remains critically high. Aim: To determine the prevalence and predictors of neonatal sepsis among newborns admitted at the newborn unit of Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya. Methods: This is a hospital-based, cross-sectional study design carried out among 196 neonates and their mothers at the new born unit of Kenyatta National Hospital. A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select the study subjects. Data on the possible contributing factors of neonatal sepsis was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. Statistical analyses were performed using the statistical package for the Social Sciences (SPSS: version 22). Data were descriptively analyzed into frequencies and proportions. The chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression were employed to determine associations between the dependent (neonatal sepsis) and various independents variables. A multiple logistic regression model was carried out to determine the variables independently contributed to the occurrence of neonatal sepsis. Results: Our study revealed that the prevalence of neonatal sepsis was 28.6%. Neonates born of single mothers (AOR = 5.454, p = 0.012), mothers with history of UTI (AOR = 2.969, p = 0.013), PROM (AOR = 6.124, p = 0.001) and anaemia (AOR = 3.379, p = 0.010) were at higher risk to develop neonatal sepsis. Prematurity (AOR = 6.402, p < 0.001), low Apgar score at 5th minutes (AOR = 8.212, p < 0.001) and history of invasive procedure (AOR = 2.464, p = 0.046) were the neonatal factors independently associated with neonatal sepsis. Conclusion and Recommendations: The prevalence of neonatal sepsis in Kenyatta National Hospital is high. This is another piece of evidence showing both maternal and neonatal-related factor had a significant effect on the risk of neonatal sepsis. Provision of community-based health education is highly recommended to increase awareness of women on the risk factors of neonatal sepsis and their preventive methods such as anaemia and UTI during pregnancy. Healthcare providers should exercise a high standard of care when handling premature and babies with low Apgar score to reduce the risks of neonatal sepsis.

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.

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.

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.

Epidemiological and Clinical Profile and Immediate Outcome of Neonates Transferred from the Maternity Unit to the Neonatology Unit of the CSREF in Commune V of Bamako District, Mali

Introduction: Neonatal mortality remains a major public health concern. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the number of newborns dying each year has fallen from 5 million in 1990 to 2.4 million in 2019. The aim of our study was to describe the main morbid conditions and their lethality in newborns admitted to the paediatric ward of the CSREF in Commune V. Methodology: We conducted a 12-month prospective descriptive and analytical study from August 2020 to July 2021. Results: During the 12 months of the study, out of 2654 neonates admitted to hospital, 216 met our inclusion criteria, i.e. 8%. Newborns admitted in the first few hours of life represented 99.54% of cases. Full-term newborns accounted for 65.74% of the total. Forty-eight percent of newborns had hypothermia on admission. The most common diagnosis was asphyxia in 55.56% of cases, followed by neonatal infection in 27.78% and prematurity in 10.65%. Death was recorded in 22.2% of cases. Asphyxia was the main cause of neonatal death, followed by prematurity in our context. Conclusion: Improving the prognosis of newborn babies will require a thorough understanding of neonatal pathologies and the implementation of a pre- and perinatal prevention policy.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Detection of LAMA2 c.715C>G:p.R239G mutation in a newborn with raised creatine kinase: A case report

BACKGROUND We report a rare case of primary clinical presentation featuring elevated creatine kinase(CK)levels in a neonate,which is associated with the LAMA2 gene.In this case,a heterozygous mutation in exon5 of the LAMA2 gene,c.715C>G(resulting in a change of nucleotide number 715 in the coding region from cytosine to gua-nine),induced an amino acid alteration p.R239G(No.239)in the patient,repre-senting a missense mutation.This observation may be elucidated by the neonatal creatine monitoring mechanism,a phenomenon not previously reported.CASE SUMMARY We analysed the case of a neonate presenting solely with elevated CK levels who was eventually discharged after supportive treatment.The chief complaint was identification of increased CK levels for 15 d and higher CK values for 1 d.Ad-mission occurred at 18 d of age,and despite prolonged treatment with creatine and vitamin C,the elevated CK levels showed limited improvement.Whole exo-me sequencing revealed the presence of a c.715C>G mutation in LAMA2 in the newborn,correlating with a clinical phenotype.However,the available informa-tion offers insufficient evidence for clinical pathogenicity.CONCLUSION Mutations in LAMA2 are associated with the clinical phenotype of increased neonatal CK levels,for which no specific treatment exists.Whole genome sequen-cing facilitates early diagnosis.

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

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

A core scientific problem in the treatment of central nervous system diseases:newborn neurons

It has long been asserted that failure to recover from central nervous system diseases is due to the system's intricate structure and the regenerative incapacity of adult neurons.Yet over recent decades,numerous studies have established that endogenous neurogenesis occurs in the adult central nervous system,including humans'.This has challenged the long-held scientific consensus that the number of adult neurons remains constant,and that new central nervous system neurons cannot be created or renewed.Herein,we present a comprehensive overview of the alterations and regulatory mechanisms of endogenous neurogenesis following central nervous system injury,and describe novel treatment strategies that to rget endogenous neurogenesis and newborn neurons in the treatment of central nervous system injury.Central nervous system injury frequently results in alterations of endogenous neurogenesis,encompassing the activation,proliferation,ectopic migration,diffe rentiation,and functional integration of endogenous neural stem cells.Because of the unfavorable local microenvironment,most activated neural stem cells diffe rentiate into glial cells rather than neurons.Consequently,the injury-induced endogenous neurogenesis response is inadequate for repairing impaired neural function.Scientists have attempted to enhance endogenous neurogenesis using various strategies,including using neurotrophic factors,bioactive materials,and cell reprogramming techniques.Used alone or in combination,these therapeutic strategies can promote targeted migration of neural stem cells to an injured area,ensure their survival and diffe rentiation into mature functional neurons,and facilitate their integration into the neural circuit.Thus can integration re plenish lost neurons after central nervous system injury,by improving the local microenvironment.By regulating each phase of endogenous neurogenesis,endogenous neural stem cells can be harnessed to promote effective regeneration of newborn neurons.This offers a novel approach for treating central nervous system injury.

Contribution and Relevance of Transfontanellar Ultrasound in Newborns in Ouagadougou: Multicentre Study on 1000 Cases

Objectives: To demonstrate the contribution and relevance of ETFs through the study of 1000 examination reports carried out in the medical imaging departments of the OUAGADOUGOU CHU. Material and method: Analytical descriptive study with retrospective collection, extended from 1st January 2020 to 1st January 2022. Results: Of the 1000 transfontanellar ultrasound reports, the mean age of patients was 7.61 +/ 7.5 days, with extremes of zero and 28 days. Sex was specified in 989 cases. Males accounted for 54.49% and females for 45.51%. 555 transfontanellar ultrasound were performed in 2020. 441 in 2021 and 4 in 2022. 61.9% of transfontanellar ultrasound were performed at the Bogodogo University Hospital, 205 at Charles de Gaulle and 176 at Tengandogo. Indications for transfontanellar ultrasound were dominated by neonatal distress (65.8%), followed by convulsions (10.2%) and prematurity (9.1%). Transfontanellar ultrasound was normal in 570 cases (57%) and abnormal in 430 cases (43%). Abnormalities were dominated by haemorrhage and ischaemic lesions in 66.28% (285) and 21.63% (93) of cases respectively. In the group of normal transfontanellar ultrasound, neonatal distress represented 59.65% of indications and prematurity 10.7% of indications. As for abnormal transfontanellar ultrasound, neonatal suffering accounted for 73.95% of indications and convulsions for 12.56%. The average age ofpatients with an abnormal transfontanellar ultrasound was 8.74 days +/ 7.89 days. The indication for investigations was relevant in 42.2% of cases and irrelevant in 57.8%;of the transfontanellar ultrasound with relevant indications, 0.71 were normal and 99.29 abnormal;of the transfontanellar ultrasound with irrelevant indications, the transfontanellar ultrasound was normal in 98.1% and abnormal in 1.9%. Conclusion: Transfontanellar ultrasound is an important part of ultrasound in current practice. Haemorrhage, anoxic-ischaemic lesions and hydrocephalus are the most frequent pathologies found by this technique in newborns. Whether or not the examinations were normal depended on the appropriateness of the prescription.

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

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

Various aspects of hearing loss in newborns:A narrative review

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

Effect of caffeine in the intraventricular hemorrhage of the preterm newborn

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

Isolation of Leclercia adecarboxylata Producing Carbapenemases in A Newborn Female

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

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

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