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

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

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.

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.

Maternal Diabetes and Newborns: Unveiling Complications through a Retrospective Study in the Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of CHU MOHAMED VI in Oujda (Morocco)

Maternal diabetes during pregnancy carries potential risks for both the mother and the developing fetus. The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the morbidity and mortality outcomes among infants born to mothers with diabetes, and to determine the key maternal and neonatal risk factors associated with these outcomes. This was a retrospective, observational study designed to provide a descriptive and analytical assessment of the data, conducted over a one-year period in the Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of CHU MED VI in Oujda, between January 1, 2023, and December 31, 2023. The results showed a prevalence of 11.23%. The parturients had a history of abortion, preeclampsia and intra uterine fetal death. The sex ratio was 1.81, with an average weight of 3302 g. Respiratory distress was the most common complication followed by prematurity, macrosomia and congenital malformations. Uncontrolled diabetes was associated with serious neonatal complications, as well as advanced maternal age and grand multiparity. The findings underscore the necessity of providing specialized care and close monitoring for newborns born to mothers with diabetes, along with a multidisciplinary care model to address the management of any neonatal complications that may arise.

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.

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

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

A 12-year cohort study on the efficacy of plasmaderived hepatitis B vaccine in rural newborns

AIM To understand the anti-HBs persistenceand the long-term preventive efficacy in ruralnewborns after vaccination with plasma-derivedhepatitis B vaccine.METHODS In the time of expanded program onimmunization(EPI),the newborns werevaccinated with 10μg×3 doses of hepatitis Bvaccine and 762 newborns who were HBsAgnegative after primary immunization wereselected for cohort observation from 1986 to1998.Their serum samples were detectedqualitatively and quantitatively for hepatitis Binfecting markers,including HBsAg,anti-HBsand anti-HBc by SPRIA Kits.The annual HBsAgpositive conversion rate was counted by life-table method.RESULTS①The anti-HBs positive rate was94.44% for the babies born to HBsAg negativemothers and 84.21% for those born to HBsAgpositive mothers in the 1st year afterimmunization,and dropped to 51.31% and52.50% in the 12th year respectively.GMT valuewas dropped from 31.62 to 3.13 and 23.99 to 3.65in the 2nd to the 12th year respectively.Therewas a marked drop in GMT at the 3rd to the 5thyear,and in anti-HBs positive rate at the 9th tothe 10th year.②In the period of 12 yearsobservation,the person-year HBsAg positive conversion rates were 0.12%(5/4150.0)innewborns born to HBsAg negative mothers and0.20%(1/508.0)in those born to HBsAgpositive mothers,and none of the HBsAgpositive converted children became HBsAgchronic carriers.Compared with the baselinebefore immunization,the protective rates were97.19% and 95.32% respectively.CONCLUSION The protective efficacy ofplasma-derived hepatitis B vaccine persisted atleast 12 years,and a booster dose seems notnecessary within at least 12 years after theprimary three-doses immunization to newbornsborn to HBsAg negative mothers.

Experience of Clinical Management for Pregnant Women and Newborns with Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia in Tongji Hospital,China

Based on the New Diagnosis and Treatment Scheme for Novel Coronavirus Infected Pneumonia(Trial Edition 5),combined with our current clinical treatment experience,we recently proposed a revision of the first edition of“Guidance for maternal and fctal management during pneumonia epidemics of novel coronavirus infection in the Wuhan Tongji Hospital".This article focused on the issues of greatest concern of pregnant women including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection diagnostic criteria,inspection precautions,drug treatment options,indications and methods of termination of pregnancy,postpartum fever,breastfeeding considerations,mode of mother-to-child transmission,neonatal isolation and advice on nconatal nursing,to provide valuable experience for better management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women and newborns.

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

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

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.

Fetal programming and early identification of newborns at high risk of free radical-mediated diseases

Nowadays metabolic syndrome represents a real outbreak affecting society. Paradoxically, pediatricians must feel involved in fighting this condition because of the latest evidences of developmental origins of adult diseases. Fetal programming occurs when the normal fetal development is disrupted by an abnormal insult applied to a critical point in intrauterine life. Placenta assumes a pivotal role in programming the fetal experience in utero due to the adaptive changes in structure and function. Pregnancy complications such as diabetes, intrauterine growth restriction, preeclampsia, and hypoxia are associated with placental dysfunction and programming. Many experimental studies have been conducted to explain the phenotypic consequences of fetal-placental perturbations that predispose to the genesis of metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes, hyperinsulinemia, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease in adulthood. In recent years, elucidating the mechanisms involved in such kind of process has become the challenge of scientific research. Oxidative stress may be the general underlying mechanism that links altered placental function to fetal programming. Maternal diabetes, prenatal hypoxic/ischaemic events, inflammatory/infective insults are specific triggers for an acute increase in free radicals generation. Early identification of fetuses and newborns at high risk of oxidative damage may be crucial to decrease infant and adult morbidity.

Role of preoperative tracheobronchoscopy in newborns with esophageal atresia:A review

Preoperative tracheobronchoscopy(TBS) in the diag-nostic assessment of newborns affected by esophageal atresia(EA) was described in 1981. Nevertheless, the value of the procedure is actually much debated; only a few studies have clearly explored the advantages of TBS and this procedure is not yet routinely included inthe diagnostic and therapeutic assessment in many in-ternational pediatric surgery settings. Routine preoper-ative TBS is a safe procedure that enables the accurate examination of the tracheobronchial tree, the visualiza-tion of tracheoesophageal fistula and the diagnosis of tracheomalacia or associated respiratory anomalies. When a distal fistula is found, its occlusion with a Fog-arty balloon catheter improves mechanical ventilation and facilitates surgical repair. This review provides a detailed overview on the use of TBS in newborns with EA, focusing on technical aspects, anesthesiological management, indications and limits. The benefits and risks of the procedure are also compared with alterna-tive diagnostic tools, such as an esophageal contrast study, computed tomography scan and ultrasound.

Tono-pen measurement of intraocular pressure under topical anaesthesia in full term normal newborns

AIM: Tono-pen measurement of intraocular pressure(IOP) under topical anaesthesia in full term normal newborns. ·METHODS: The IOP measurements were taken using Tono-pen XL tonometer under topical anaesthesia in 150 newborns(300 eyes) within 24h after birth,over a period of three months,in a university hospital. Gender,gestation period,mode of delivery and birth weight of newborns were noted from medical records. ·RESULTS: There were 70 males and 80 females. All babies were Malays. The IOP measurements were taken between 12 and 24h after birth. The gestation period of babies ranged between 37 and 41 weeks; 118 babies were delivered by spontaneous vaginal delivery and 32 by caesarian section. The birth weight of babies ranged between 2.1 and 4.3kg. The mean IOP of 300 eyes was 15.99±2.79mmHg(range 8-22). There was no statistically significant difference of mean IOP and gender,laterality of eye,type of delivery,gestation age,or birth weight of newborns. ·CONCLUSION: The IOP in full term normal newborns was 16mmHg. Tono-Pen appears to be ideal instrument for taking IOP in newborns because of its small size and easy handling.

Racial and Ethnic Analysis of Birth Weight Trends among Full-Term Singleton Newborns Delivered in a Prosperous Multicultural Society

Objectives: This study aims to describe birth weight and its variations concerning maternal characteristics as well as to standardize birth weight curves for Qatari and expatriate’s newborn population born in the state of Qatar. Methods: PEARL-Peristat registry is a National maternal-neonatal observation epidemiologic database project where both maternal and neonatal cohort data are collected to evaluate specified outcomes for a population defined by a disease, conditions, or exposures. Results: Out of 50,535 singleton deliveries, only 44,178 live-born infants were included in this study. The LBW rate has remained constant since 2011 and was reported as 2.4% in males and 3.5% in females. The average total LBW was 3%. The lowest incidence of LBW was seen in maternal age between 30 - 45 years. There was a marginal increase in the incidence of LBW among mothers less than 20 years of age. The incidence of LBW among Qatari mothers was reported as 2.6%, 2.2%, and 2.4% in years 2011, 2012, 2017 respectively with a significant difference when compared to expatriates’ newborns particularly in the year 2017 (p-value < 0.001). Moreover, among Qatari newborns, there is a significant rise in the rate of LBW from 2011 to 2017, 2.9% to 4.1% (p-value ≥ 0.007). The expatriate’s population received 69 % of all maternal hospital services offered in government hospitals. Conclusion: The birth weight of newborns delivered in the state of Qatar is to a large extent consistent with the international birth weight figures for both Qatari and expatriate newborns delivered in Qatar. Low birth weight is increasing particularly among young mothers. The lowest rate of LBW was reported among mothers aged above 29 years old. Large for the date was observed among mothers older than 29 years of age.

Hematological Profile of Newborns Hospitalized for Neonatal Bacterial Infection in the Neonatology of the Pediatric Department of Gabriel Toure Teaching Hospital Bamako, Mali

The blood count is an easily achievable routine exam and will it have specifics in the event of a neonatal bacterial infection? Hence, the present study with the objective of determining the profile of the hemogram of newborns hospitalized for early bacterial neonatal infection. Material and methods: This was a cross-sectional study that took place from June 27 to September 03, 2016 in the neonatology department of teaching hospital Gabriel Toure. Included were all neonates hospitalized for early neonatal bacterial infection (ENBI) and who had a blood count. Results: We included 227 patients, 64.8% of whom were premature. The sex ratio was 1.4. The infants were less than 24 hours old in 93.6% of the cases. The mean hemoglobin level was 16.435 g/dl [8.8 - 22.26]. Erythrocytopenia was found in 18.5% of cases. Anemia was present in 17% of newborns. The average leukocyte was 15.228·103/mm3 [1.4 - 72]. Hyperleukocytosis and leukopenia were found in 12.32% and 6.6% respectively. Neutropenia and lymphopenia were present in 14.5% and 30.8%. There was a correlation between leukocytosis of negative blood cultures (23/27) (p = 0.030). For Neutrophils, neutrophilia was more observed in term neonates and neutropenia in premature infants (p = 0.03). Monocytosis was present in 13.6% of cases. One quarter (25.5%) of newborns had thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Hematological variations did not allow a specific profile of newborns hospitalized for early neonatal bacterial infection to be identified.

Association between Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring during Labor and Neonatal Acidosis in Full-Term Newborns: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study

Introduction: Fetal heart rate monitoring during labor is used to study fetal well-being and predict neonatal acidosis of newborn. Fetal heart rate monitoring is analyzed by the obstetrical team and categorized according to the FIGO guidelines. An important limitation of this diagnostic tool is an inter- and intra-observer variability, leading to subjective cardiotocography interpretation and classification. Our objective was to study the association between the categories of fetal heart rate analysis (according to FIGO classification) and neonatal acidosis of full-term newborns. Study design: This is a multicenter retrospective cohort study conducted between 2014 and 2018 in the Grand-Est region. We searched and included retrospectively children hospitalized in a pediatric intensive care unit in one of the participating hospitals with an ICD-10 coding type “P91.6” corresponding to “Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy”. Maternal, pregnancy, delivery, and newborn characteristics were collected and compared by univariate logistic regression with multiple imputation. Odds Ratio and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using the model and presented. Multiple imputation with m = 100 imputations was tested, using Rubin rules to combine the results. Results: 55 patients were included in the study. Fetal heart rate tracings classified in Category 3 as “pathological” according to FIGO guidelines were significantly associated with an increased risk of severe neonatal acidosis. Late decelerations and bradycardia during labor were associated with severe neonatal acidosis. Conclusion: Severe neonatal acidosis may be suspected by interpretation of fetal heart rate during labor. Fetal bradycardia and late decelerations are predictive of the severity of neonatal acidosis. This study emphasizes the need to screen severe neonatal acidosis and allows the identification of populations most at risk. Repeated team training and upgrading of fetal heart rate study would further reduce the incidence of neonatal acidosis.

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.

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.

Effect of Asphyxia on Urinary Epidermal Growth FactorLevels in Newborns

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