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ABSTRACT: Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to find out the percentage of preterm infants that needed treatment for patent ductus arteriosus, when treatment decision was based on clinical signs and symptoms, besides echocardiographic findings. Methods: Daily echocardiographic evaluation was conducted in 39 preterms ≤29(6/7) weeks' gestation. Patients with ductus arteriosus were closely followed up for clinical symptoms of patent ductus arteriosus for treatment decision until ductus arteriosus was closed either spontaneously or by treatment. Results: Patent ductus arteriosus was found in 25 (64%) infants. Mean gestational age and birth weight of the patients with patent ductus arteriosus were 27.8±1.2 and 998±221 g, respectively. Patent ductus arteriosus closed spontaneously or had minimal ductal shunting before any signs and symptoms attributable to patent ductus arteriosus were observed in 16 (41%) infants. Mean ductus size/birth weight ratio and mean left atrial/aortic root ratio were significantly higher in 9 (23%) symptomatic patients (2.06±0.75 mm vs 1.32±0.75 mm, p=0.012 and 1.31±0.52 mm vs 1.19±0.2, p=0.043 respectively). Patent ductus arteriosus closure was observed after the first dose of ibuprofen in 6/9 patients. Conclusion: Correlation of clinical signs with echocardiographic findings for decision of patent ductus arteriosus treatment can be appropriate to prevent unnecessary medical treatment.
The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 05/2013; · 1.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background: Ischemia/reperfusion-induced intestinal injury is mediated by reactive oxygen species and inflammatory mediators. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate whether all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA) administration can attenuate intestinal injury and to analyze the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of ATRA in a neonatal rat model of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Methods: Twenty-nine Wistar albino rat pups were randomly divided into 3 groups: group 1 = control, group 2 = NEC and saline, and group 3 = NEC and ATRA treatment. NEC was induced by hyperosmolar enteral formula feeding and exposure to hypoxia after cold stress at +4°C and oxygen. Pups in group 3 were injected intraperitoneally with ATRA (0.5 mg/kg body weight) once a day prior to each NEC procedure, beginning on postnatal day 1 and daily through postnatal day 4. The pups were killed on the 4th day and their intestinal tissues were harvested for biochemical and histopathological analysis. Results: Mucosal injury scores and intestinal malondialdehyde levels in group 2 were found to be significantly higher than other groups (p < 0.05). Intestinal superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in group 3 were significantly higher than group 2 (p = 0.04 and p = 0.04, respectively). Intestinal tissue tumor necrosis factor-α levels were significantly reduced with ATRA treatment in group 3 compared to group 2 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: It is likely that oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators contributed to the pathogenesis of NEC and that ATRA had a protective effect on intestinal injury through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Neonatology 04/2013; 104(1):22-27. · 2.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Abstract Objective: To compare the effectiveness of oral clarithromycin versus placebo treatment in preventing feeding intolerance in very low birth weight infants. Study Design: A prospective, randomized, controlled trial in which two groups of preterm infants (birth weight < 1500g) were randomized to clarithromycin (7.5 mg/kg/ dose every 12 h) or placebo treatment. During the period 38 infants whose parents accepted participation were enrolled in the study. Feeding intolerance and time to achieve full enteral feeding were considered as primary outcome measures. Results: Feeding intolerance was significantly longer in the placebo than clarithromycin (p= 0.031). Time to achieve full feeding after begining the treatment was equal among the groups. Conclusion: This is the first randomised controlled study of clarithromycin and placebo treatment that compares the improvement of feeding intolerance in very low birth weight infants. Our findings indicate a dramatic improvement in feeding intolerance after oral clarithromycin treatment. But according to our results clarithromycin treated infants were not able to attain full enteral feeding more quickly than placebo. This may be due to prophylactic usage of clarithromycin. Significant differences might have resulted if only infants who had feeding intolerance were recruited.
The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 04/2013; · 1.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Abstract The aim of the present study was to characterize the pharmacokinetic profile of oral ibuprofen on consecutive 3 days by trough serum levels, and if possible to define a cut-off level for ductal closure in preterm infants. The study enrolled 20 preterm infants with gestational age ≤30 weeks, birth weight <1250 g and hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA). Patients received oral ibuprofen at an initial dose of 10 mg/kg, followed by 5 mg/kg at 24 and 48 h. Patients were compared for serum ibuprofen levels in addition to their demographic and clinical data in case of their response to the treatment. hsPDA closed in 16 (80%) of the patients. Although mean ibuprofen levels on consecutive 3 days showed a plateau in general, ibuprofen serum levels on the first treatment day were statistically low in patients with unclosed hsPDA (p=0.003).The optimal cut-off value for serum ibuprofen level on the first treatment day was measured as 5.5 mg/l with 100% sensitivity and 93% specificity. Serum ibuprofen level on the first treatment day seems to be an important factor for a successful ductal closure.Target concentration approach by evaluation of trough level may be applicable to real-time dosing strategy.
The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 03/2013; · 1.36 Impact Factor
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The Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 03/2013; 32(3):301. · 3.58 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Although moderate therapeutic hypothermia is the only proven neuroprotective therapy in neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy secondary to perinatal asphyxia (PA), there is lack of data for its effect on hemostasis. To investigate the effect of neonatal asphyxia on hemostasis and to evaluate the effect of whole body cooling on hematological parameters. Hematological parameters evaluated on the first day of patients with PA before start of hypothermia were compared with those of healthy controls. The effects of whole body cooling on the same parameters were also evaluated on the fourth day. A total of 17 neonates with PA and 15 healthy controls were included. Mean values for prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), and d-dimer obtained on the first day were significantly higher in the PA group compared to healthy controls (P ≤ .001 for all comparisons), whereas platelet count, levels of fibrinogen, factors II, V, VII, IX, X, and XI were significantly lower (P ≤ .005 for all comparisons). Levels of factor XIII were normal in both groups. In the study group, mean values for PT, INR, aPTT, and d-dimer evaluated on postnatal day 4 were significantly lower compared to values obtained on the first day of birth in PA group (P < .05 for all comparisons), with statistically significant increases in mean levels of fibrinogen, factor II, V, VII, IX, X, and XII (P < .05 for all comparisons). PA results in significant reductions in levels of factors of the extrinsic pathway and has been associated with thrombocytopenia and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Hypothermia may actually improve the clinical picture in such patients rather than aggravating the hemostatic disturbance, particularly with the implementation of supportive treatment.
Pediatric Hematology and Oncology 02/2013; · 0.89 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: The pathophysiology of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) includes the massive production of endogenous cytokines with exaggerated activation of inflammatory pathways. Colchicine has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of colchicine in a neonatal rat model of NEC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We randomly divided rat pups into three groups: a control group, a saline-treated NEC group, and a colchicine-treated NEC group. We induced NEC by hyperosmolar enteral formula feeding and exposure to hypoxia/reoxygenation after cold stress. Intestinal samples were harvested for biochemical and histopathologic analyses. RESULTS: The grade of intestinal injury of pups in the saline-treated NEC group was significantly higher than in the control and colchicine-treated groups (P < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). The median level of intestinal malondialdehyde was significantly higher in the saline-treated NEC group compared with the control group (P = 0.006) or the colchicine-treated NEC group (P = 0.015). We observed significantly higher activity levels of intestinal superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the colchicine-treated NEC group compared with the saline-treated NEC group (P = 0.033 and 0.030, respectively). The tissue levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β were significantly higher in the saline-treated NEC group compared with the colchicine-treated NEC group (P < 0.001 and 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: We observed that in this model of NEC, colchicine had favorable effects on intestinal histologic and biochemical changes.
Journal of Surgical Research 02/2013; · 2.25 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection continues to be a serious global health problem. During the course of HBV vaccination, we observed C-reactive protein (CRP) elevation in term infants without sepsis. Therefore, we prospectively studied interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CRP responses to HBV immunization. In 70 healthy term infants without signs and symptoms of sepsis and sepsis risk factors, IL-6, CRP, and white blood cell count levels were determined before and 24 h after immunization. Significant increases in CRP levels were seen 24 h after vaccination (p < 0.001). Although CRP levels of 22 infants at second evaluation were above the cutoff level for sepsis (4.82 mg/L), they had no clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis. After 48-72 h, CRP levels of these infants returned to normal levels with no blood culture positivity. Conclusion: our study showed that HBV vaccine is responsible for CRP elevation in term infants after vaccination at birth. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating CRP response to HBV vaccine at birth in term infants. We suggest that this response should be considered in differentiation of early neonatal sepsis to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use.
European Journal of Pediatrics 01/2013; · 1.88 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Objective Although neurodevelopmental outcomes related to the management of patent ductus arteriosus with intravenous indomethacin and ibuprofen are known, little data on the long-term effects of oral ibuprofen can be found in the literature.Method A follow-up study of 99 infants with birth weight ≤ 1,500 g and gestational age ≤ 32 weeks who received either oral or intravenous ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus was conducted to assess at 18 to 24 months (corrected age), abnormal neurological, neurosensory, and cognitive impairment were defined as follows:neurological outcomes included moderate/severe cerebral palsy, neurosensory outcomes included bilateral hearing loss and blindness in either eye, and cognitive impairment included mental developmental index score < 70.Results The 18- to 24-month (corrected age) long-term outcomes of 30 subjects who received oral ibuprofen were compared with 27 subjects who received intravenous ibuprofen by certified and experienced examiners who were blind to the definitions of the groups. The results revealed that the long-term outcomes of the treatment regimens did not significantly differ.Conclusions Preterm infants who were treated with oral ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus had similar neurological, neurosensory, and cognitive outcomes to patients who received intravenous ibuprofen at 2 years of age.
American Journal of Perinatology 01/2013; · 1.32 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The primary aim of this randomized study was to describe the feasibility of early administration of surfactant via a thin catheter during spontaneous breathing (Take Care) and compare early mechanical ventilation (MV) requirement with the InSurE (Intubate, Surfactant, Extubate) procedure.METHODS:Preterm infants, who were <32 weeks and stabilized with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in the delivery room, were randomized to receive early surfactant treatment either by the Take Care or InSurE technique. Tracheal instillation of 100 mg/kg poractant α via 5-F catheter during spontaneous breathing under nCPAP was performed in the intervention group. In the InSurE procedure, infants were intubated, received positive pressure ventilation for 30 seconds after surfactant instillation, and placed on nCPAP immediately.RESULTS:One hundred infants in each group were analyzed. The MV requirement in the first 72 hours of life was significantly lower in the Take Care group when compared with the InSurE group (30% vs 45%, P = .02, odds ratio -0.52, 95% confidence interval -0.94 to -0.29). Mean duration of both nCPAP and MV were significantly shorter in the Take Care group (P values .006 and .002, respectively). Bronchopulmonary dysplasia rate was significantly lower among the infants treated with the Take Care technique (relative risk -0.27, 95% confidence interval -0.1 to -0.72)CONCLUSIONS:The Take Care technique is feasible for the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in infants with very low birth weight. It significantly reduces both the need and duration of MV, and thus the bronchopulmonary dysplasia rate in preterm infants.
PEDIATRICS 01/2013; · 4.47 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Acquired Bartter-like syndrome (BLS), characterized by hypokalemic metabolic alkalosis, hypomagnesemia, hypocalcemia, and normal kidney function, can be induced by diuretics or antibiotics. It is a very rare condition and only anecdotal cases mostly in adults were reported. Although tubulopathy associated with colistin was reported in adults, to the best of our knowledge, colistin-associated BLS neither in adults nor in children has been reported in the literature. We here report a-28-week, 740 g female preterm infant who developed BLS just after colistin treatment for Acinetobacter baumannii infection and recovered few days after the drug cessation, and discuss the possible association of colistin and tubulopathy. More research on colistin pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in critically ill patients and preterm infants is needed to guide adequate colistin dosing at the least toxicity.
Renal Failure 01/2013; · 0.82 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the neurodevelopmental outcome at 12-18 months' corrected age between multiples and singleton preterm infants. Methods: We designed a prospective study of preterm infants (≤32 weeks gestation) born and hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit between November 2008 and November 2009, whose assessments were performed at 12-18 months' corrected age. Neurodevelopmental impairment was defined as the presence of any one of the following: moderate or severe cerebral palsy, severe bilateral hearing loss or bilateral blindness, mental developmental index score, or psychomotor developmental index score less than 70. Results were compared for both multiples and singleton infants. Results: One hundred and fifty-nine multiples and 211 singleton infants were assessed at 12-18 months' corrected age. The neurodevelopmental outcome including all parameters at 12-18 months' corrected age in multiples was not significantly different from singleton preterm infants. Conclusions: Multiple gestation in preterm infants is not associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment at 12-18 months' corrected age compared with singleton preterm infants. For further information, long term and high participation in neurodevelopmental follow-up and evaluation at pre-school age will be needed.
Twin Research and Human Genetics 01/2013; · 1.70 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Streptococcus pneumoniae infections which are relatively unusual in the neonates, are associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Although S.pneumoniae has more than 90 serotypes, invasive disease is more common with certain serotypes. Pneumococcal polysaccharide and conjugate vaccines are developed against the serotypes that cause invasive disease. Until now invasive pneumococcal diseases have been defined due to various serotypes in the neonatal period. Here we present a neonate with an invasive pneumococcal disease due to S.pneumoniae serotype 7F which has not yet been reported in the literature. A 3180 g infant was born to a healthy 31 year old primigravida by normal vaginal delivery at 39 weeks gestation. Since the infant developed uneasiness, decreased sucking reflex and respiratory difficulty at postnatal 10th hour, he was admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Upon admission to intensive care unit mechanical ventilation, fluid replacement and empirical penicillin G and netilmycin had been initiated since the patient had hypotension, hypothermia and tachycardia. The infant later developed severe metabolic acidosis and had anemia, leukocytosis and high CRP values. CSF culture revealed no bacterial growth, however, S.pneumoniae was grown in the blood culture. The isolate was identified as serotype 7F by capsule swelling reaction. The vaginal specimen taken from the mother for the determination of the infectious foci revealed no pathogen growth. The patient's general condition improved after the second day of supportive treatment and antibiotherapy. Since the isolate was penicillin susceptible, the treatment continued with penicillin G and netilmycin for 14 days and the case was discharged with cure. This case was presented to emphasize that S.pneumoniae serotype 7F might lead to invasive disease not only during childhood but also during early neonatal period.
Mikrobiyoloji bülteni 01/2013; 47(1):158-63. · 0.40 Impact Factor
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Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health 01/2013; 49(1):E105-6. · 1.28 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background: Treatment options for the closure of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) include medical therapy such as ibuprofen and indomethacin and surgical ligation. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous paracetamol in preterm infants with hsPDA whose feeding was contraindicated or had feeding intolerance. Methods: Preterm infants with hsPDA were started on intravenous paracetamol treatment with parental consent. Paracetamol was administered at a dose of 60 mg/kg/day, in four divided doses, for a period of 3 days. In the absence of closure of hsPDA, treatment was extended up to 6 days, after which echocardiographic examination was performed. Results: A total of 10 preterm infants were included in the study with a median gestational age of 27(4/7) weeks (minimum-maximum: 24-29) and a median birth weight of 775 g (590-990). The first dose of intravenous paracetamol was given after a median of 6 days (2-15). On echocardiographic examination, median internal ductal diameter was 2 mm (1.5-3), with a median left atrium-to-aortic root ratio of 1.95 (1.6-2.2). Intravenous paracetamol resulted in successful closure of hsPDA in all patients. Conclusions: This study is the first case series in the literature which used intravenous paracetamol treatment for hsPDA. We believe that intravenous paracetamol could be used as an alternative drug for infants. Further prospective randomized-controlled trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous paracetamol for the closure of hsPDA.
Neonatology 12/2012; 103(3):165-168. · 2.66 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effects of a short cervix (<25 mm) on neonatal morbidity and mortality as opposed to a normal cervical length (≥25 mm). The predictive value of a short cervix on neonatal outcome is also investigated. METHODS: Preterm infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and whose mothers had undergone a pre-delivery evaluation for cervical length (CL) and cervical cultures were included in the study. Infants were stratified into two groups based on CL measurements (Group 1, CL < 25 mm; Group 2, CL ≥ 25 mm). RESULTS: A total of 203 infants were included in the final analysis. Group 1 consisted of 105 neonates while Group 2 had 98 newborns. Cervical culture positivity rate was 46.7 % (n = 49) in Group 1 compared to 19.4 % (n = 19) in Group 2 (p = 0.0001). Frequencies of early onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) in Group 1 and Group 2 were 31.5 and 18.4 %, respectively (p = 0.032), whereas respective frequencies of proven sepsis in the two groups were 18.1 and 8.2 % (p = 0.037). A CL < 25 mm was found to increase the risk of cervical culture positivity, EOS and proven EOS by odds ratios of 3.63, 2.03 and 2.48, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first clinical study to demonstrate a significant link between CL and each of cervical culture positivity, EOS and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Preterm infants born to high-risk mothers with short CL should be monitored closely for the risk of EOS.
Archives of Gynecology 12/2012; · 0.91 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Abstract AIM: In this study, it is aimed to investigate total oxidant and anti-oxidant status of newborns and their breast milks.METHODS: Totally, 184 infants who were born in our hospital were included in the study. Study group was divided into two main study groups, including term and preterm groups; main study groups were also divided into two sub-groups, AGA and SGA. TOS and TAC levels were measured in cord blood of all newborns and in mother milks. Groups were statistically compared with each other in terms of TOS, TAC and OSI levels.RESULTS: The study included 92 preterm newborns (Group I) and 92 term newborns (Group II). TOS, TAC and OSI levels were found significantly higher in Group I than Group II (p<0,0001, p=0,17, p<0,0001, respectively ). When sub-groups of Group I and Group II, namely TAGA, TSGA and PAGA and PSGA, were compared with each other. TOS and OSI levels were significantly higher and TAC levels were significantly lower in TSGA group relative to TAGA group (p<0,0001; p=0,001; p<0,0001, respectively). No statistically significant difference was found between Group I and Group II and between sub-groups of Group I and II with regards the TOC, TAC and OSI levels of mother milkCONCLUSION: In preterm newborns and term SGA infants, total oxidant stress is increased and anti-oxidant capacity is low. No significant difference was found between mother milks of preterm and term AGA and SGA infants.
The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine: the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians 12/2012; · 1.36 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: Background:Fortification of human milk (HM) is a common clinical practice to adapt breast milk to the nutritional needs of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The optimal method for HM fortification remains to be determined, and a variety of protocols are currently used in neonatal intensive care units.Objective:It is believed that standard fortification is insufficient to meet the needs of VLBW infants. Therefore, we designed a randomized prospective study that investigated the effects of varying levels of blind fortification on short-term growth and metabolic responses of preterm infants.Methods:Eligible infants were randomized into 3 groups: standard fortification (SF), moderate fortification (MF), and aggressive fortification (AF). Short-term growth, feeding intolerance, and urea, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels were assessed.Results:There were 26, 29, and 29 infants in the SF, MF, and AF groups, respectively. The baseline characteristics of the groups were similar. Daily weight gain and length at discharge did not differ among the groups; however, head circumference was significantly higher in the MF and AF groups compared with the SF group. Urea, calcium, phosphorus, and alkaline phosphatase levels were similar between the groups.Conclusion:We demonstrated that blind fortification of HM, even with higher amounts than recommended by manufacturers, did not cause any measured adverse effects on the metabolic response of preterm infants. Anthropometric measurements (except head circumference) were not different between the different dosages of fortification.
Journal of Human Lactation 11/2012; · 1.15 Impact Factor
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ABSTRACT: AIM: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of early oral ibuprofen administration on the incidence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) and define the association between serum ibuprofen levels and ductal closure. METHOD: Preterm infants with a gestational age of <28 weeks and/or birth weight of <1,000 g were randomized either to the intervention (ibuprofen prophylaxis) or control group. The intervention group received oral ibuprofen 10 mg/kg within 12-24 h after birth followed by 5 mg/kg at 24 and 48 h. Serum ibuprofen levels after the treatment were analyzed in the intervention group, and the incidence of hsPDA and complication rates were compared between two groups. RESULTS: Nineteen infants who received one course (three doses) of prophylactic ibuprofen in the intervention group and 17 infants in the control group who underwent an echocardiographic examination on the fourth day of life were analyzed. hsPDA was observed in five (26 %) infants in the intervention group and ten (58 %) infants in the control group (p = 0.09). In the intervention group two infants experienced gastrointestinal bleeding two infants had spontaneous intestinal perforation, and two infants developed acute kidney failure. Mean serum ibuprofen level was 28.7 ± 16.9 mg/L in the intervention group, and there was no correlation between ibuprofen level obtained on the fourth day and ductal closure. CONCLUSION: Oral ibuprofen prophylaxis reduces the rates of hsPDA even it is not statistically significant. The ductal closure rate did not correlate with serum ibuprofen levels. Due to high prevalence of adverse events observed, our data do not support the use of oral ibuprofen for prophylaxis of hsPDA.
European Journal of Clinical Pharmacology 11/2012; · 2.85 Impact Factor
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Pediatric Pulmonology 11/2012; · 2.53 Impact Factor
