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

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

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

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

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

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

Analysis of TORCH results of retinal exudative changes in neonates

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

Evaluation of Procedural Pain in Neonates in Cameroon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Magnetic resonance imaging scanning susceptibility weighted imaging sequences in the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

BACKGROUND Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)scanning with susceptibility weighted imaging(SWI)sequences plays a significant role in the diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HIE).AIM To observe the role of MRI multi-parameter quantitative indexes in the diagnosis of neonatal HIE.METHODS The imaging data from 23 cases of neonatal HIE admitted to the Imaging Department of Ganyu District People's Hospital of Lianyungang City and 23 neonates without HIE admitted during the same period were analyzed retrospectively from August,2021 to December,2023.The results of clinical judgment were compared with the results of computed tomography(CT)and MRI examinations.RESULTS The degree of cerebral edema(more than moderate),the number of damaged brain regions(>2),the number of cerebral hemorrhages(>2),and the percentage of small venous dilatation detected were higher in MRI than in CT examination,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05).The total area of the largest region of cerebral damage and of cerebral hemorrhage observed by MRI examination were significantly larger than those of CT examination(P<0.01).Multiparametric quantitative MRI combined with diffusion weighted imaging and SWI had higher sensitivity and accuracy than CT diagnosis,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).The difference in the specificity of the two modes of diagnosis was not significant(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The use of MRI multi-parameter quantitative indexes can accurately diagnose and evaluate neonatal HIE.

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

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

FibroScan-aspartate transaminase:A superior non-invasive model for diagnosing high-risk metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)with hepatic histological NAFLD activity score≥4 and fibrosis stage F≥2 is regarded as“at risk”non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH).Based on an international consensus,NAFLD and NASH were renamed as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis(MASH),respectively;hence,we introduced the term“high-risk MASH”.Diagnostic values of seven non-invasive models,including FibroScan-aspartate transaminase(FAST),fibrosis-4(FIB-4),aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index(APRI),etc.for high-risk MASH have rarely been studied and compared in MASLD.AIM To assess the clinical value of seven non-invasive models as alternatives to liver biopsy for diagnosing high-risk MASH.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 309 patients diagnosed with NAFLD via liver biopsy at Beijing Ditan Hospital,between January 2012 and December 2020.After screening for MASLD and the exclusion criteria,279 patients wereincluded and categorized into high-risk and non-high-risk MASH groups.Utilizing threshold values of each model,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),and negative predictive values(NPV),were calculated.Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to evaluate their diagnostic efficacy based on the area under the curve(AUROC).RESULTS MASLD diagnostic criteria were met by 99.4%patients with NAFLD.The MASLD population was analyzed in two cohorts:Overall population(279 patients)and the subgroup(117 patients)who underwent liver transient elastography(FibroScan).In the overall population,FIB-4 showed better diagnostic efficacy and higher PPV,with sensitivity,specificity,PPV,NPV,and AUROC of 26.9%,95.2%,73.5%,72.2%,and 0.75.APRI,Forns index,and aspartate transaminase to alanine transaminase ratio(ARR)showed moderate diagnostic efficacy,whereas S index and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio(GPR)were relatively weaker.In the subgroup,FAST had the highest diagnostic efficacy,its sensitivity,specificity,PPV,NPV,and AUROC were 44.2%,92.3%,82.1%,67.4%,and 0.82.The FIB-4 AUROC was 0.76.S index and GPR exhibited almost no diagnostic value for high-risk MASH.CONCLUSION FAST and FIB-4 could replace liver biopsy as more effectively diagnostic methods for high-risk MASH compared to APRI,Forns index,ARR,S index,and GPR;FAST is superior to FIB-4.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Astrocyte syncytium:from neonatal genesis to aging degeneration

Modern neuroscience began from all reaching and fierce conflict between“neuronismo and reticulismo”——between neuronal and reticular theories of the organization of the nervous system;the conflict culminated in December of 1906 in Stockholm where Santiago Ramon y Cajal(the proponent of the neuronal doctrine)and Camillo Golgi(who advocated the syncytial reticular organization of neural networks)delivered their Noble prize lectures(Verkhratsky,2009).

Development of a chronic compression spinal cord injury model in neonatal and adult rats

Background:Spinal cord injury presents a significant burden globally,with traumatic spinal cord injury being the predominant cause historically.However,nontraumatic spinal cord injury(NTSCI)is emerging as a significant contributor,particularly in devel-oped nations,yet it remains poorly understood due to underreporting and misclassifi-cation.NTSCI,spanning various etiologies such as bony growths,vascular conditions,infections,neoplastic conditions,and immune disorders,poses unique challenges in diagnosis and treatment,often resulting in lifelong morbidity.This study addresses the lack of suitable animal models for NTSCI research,especially in neonatal animals.Methods:Utilizing a solid spacer approach,we developed a compression NTSCI model applicable to both neonatal and adult Sprague-Dawley rats.Results:Through anatomical measurements and in vivo experiments,we confirmed the feasibility and safety of the spacer insertion procedure and observed no acute off-target effects.Conclusion:The versatility of this model lies in its adaptability to different ages of rats,offering a cost-effective and reproducible means to induce graded injuries.Moreover,behavioral assessments demonstrated observable hindlimb function,validating the model's utility for studying functional outcomes.Although challenges persist,par-ticularly in accounting for spinal column growth in neonatal animals,this model fills a crucial gap in pediatric NTSCI research.By providing a platform to investigate patho-physiological mechanisms and test potential treatments,it offers promising avenues for advancing our understanding and management of pediatric NTSCI.

Brain scarring in infants:immunological insights from a neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy model

Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy(HIE)is a significant cause of disability in children.Improving brain function and accelerating neurological recovery may require a combination of neuroprotective and pro-regenerative treatments at different stages of HIE.While the first hours after the neonatal insult are the most critical period for neuroprotection,the existence of secondary and tertiary mechanisms of brain injury offers the possibility of preventing delayed neurodegeneration in the subsequent days,weeks,or months(Levison et al.,2022).