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This article provides information on several neonatal emergencies that can occur within the first week of life. It covers conditions such as respiratory distress syndrome, congenital heart defects, sepsis, duodenal atresia, vitamin K deficiency bleeding, necrotizing enterocolitis, intestinal malrotation, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. The article emphasizes the importance of prompt diagnosis, management, and treatment for these emergencies. It also highlights the significance of recognizing and transferring cases of congenital heart disease to a pediatric center, the need for immediate surgical intervention in cases of malrotation and volvulus, and the importance of prompt diagnosis and supportive measures for intestinal atresia. Additionally, the article discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for congenital adrenal hyperplasia. It also mentions other neonatal emergencies such as neonatal sepsis, neonatal hypoglycemia, and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, emphasizing the importance of early detection and treatment for these conditions. [Extracted from the article]

Aim Methods Results Conclusion This study aims to analyse the developmental data from public health nurses (PHNs) to identify early indicators of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) in young children using Bayesian network (BN) analysis to determine factor combinations that improve diagnosis accuracy.The study cohort was 501 children who underwent health checkups at 18 and 36‐month. Data included demographics, pregnancy, delivery, neonatal factors, maternal interviews, and physical and neurological findings. Diagnoses were made by paediatricians and child psychiatrists using standardised tools. Predictive accuracy was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.We identified several infant/toddler factors significantly associated with NDD diagnoses. Predictive factors included meconium‐stained amniotic fluid, 1 min Apgar score, and early developmental milestones. ROC curve analysis showed varying predictive accuracies based on evaluation timing. The 10‐month checkup was valid for screening but less reliable for excluding low‐risk cases. The 18‐month evaluation accurately identified children at NDD risk.The study demonstrates the potential of using developmental records for early NDD detection, emphasising early monitoring and intervention for at‐risk children. These findings could guide future infant mental health initiatives in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides concise summaries of various research studies on different topics. The studies cover a range of subjects, including the effects of exercise on breast cancer patients, the role of a protein in hypertension, and the effects of hypoxia on the heart and skeletal muscle. Other studies explore topics such as the effects of lauric acid on diabetic rats, the assessment of VO2max in triathletes, and the effects of nano/microplastics on leukocyte behavior in mice. These summaries offer a brief overview of each study's findings, allowing library patrons to determine if they want to explore the full articles further. [Extracted from the article]

A thin film of pulmonary surfactant lines the surface of the airways and alveoli, where it lowers the surface tension in the peripheral lungs, preventing collapse of the bronchioles and alveoli and reducing the work of breathing. It also possesses a barrier function for maintaining the blood-gas interface of the lungs and plays an important role in innate immunity. The surfactant film covers the epithelium lining both large and small airways, forming the first line of defense between toxic airborne particles/pathogens and the lungs. Furthermore, surfactant has been shown to relax airway smooth muscle (ASM) after exposure to ASM agonists, suggesting a more subtle function. Whether surfactant masks irritant sensory receptors or interacts with one of them is not known. The relaxant effect of surfactant on ASM is absent in bronchial tissues denuded of an epithelial layer. Blocking of prostanoid synthesis inhibits the relaxant function of surfactant, indicating that prostanoids might be involved. Another possibility for surfactant to be active, namely through ATP-dependent potassium channels and the cAMP-regulated epithelial chloride channels [cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulators (CFTRs)], was tested but could not be confirmed. Hence, this review discusses the mechanisms of known and potential relaxant effects of pulmonary surfactant on ASM. This review summarizes what is known about the role of surfactant in smooth muscle physiology and explores the scientific questions and studies needed to fully understand how surfactant helps maintain the delicate balance between relaxant and constrictor needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: PPHN is a common cause of neonatal respiratory failure and is still a serious condition and associated with high mortality. Objectives: To compare the demographic variables, clinical characteristics, and treatment outcomes in neonates with PHHN who underwent ECMO and survived compared to neonates with PHHN who underwent ECMO and died. Methods: We adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline and searched ProQuest, Medline, Embase, PubMed, CINAHL, Wiley online library, Scopus and Nature for studies on the development of PPHN in neonates who underwent ECMO, published from January 1, 2010 to May 31, 2023, with English language restriction. Results: Of the 5689 papers that were identified, 134 articles were included in the systematic review. Studies involving 1814 neonates with PPHN who were placed on ECMO were analyzed (1218 survived and 594 died). Neonates in the PPHN group who died had lower proportion of normal spontaneous vaginal delivery (6.4% vs 1.8%; p value > 0.05) and lower Apgar scores at 1 min and 5 min [i.e., low Apgar score: 1.5% vs 0.5%, moderately abnormal Apgar score: 10.3% vs 1.2% and reassuring Apgar score: 4% vs 2.3%; p value = 0.039] compared to those who survived. Neonates who had PPHN and died had higher proportion of medical comorbidities such as omphalocele (0.7% vs 4.7%), systemic hypotension (1% vs 2.5%), infection with Herpes simplex virus (0.4% vs 2.2%) or Bordetella pertussis (0.7% vs 2%); p = 0.042. Neonates with PPHN in the death group were more likely to present due to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (25.5% vs 47.3%), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (4.2% vs 13.5%), meconium aspiration syndrome (8% vs 12.1%), pneumonia (1.6% vs 8.4%), sepsis (1.5% vs 8.2%) and alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (0.1% vs 4.4%); p = 0.019. Neonates with PPHN who died needed a longer median time of mechanical ventilation (15 days, IQR 10 to 27 vs. 10 days, IQR 7 to 28; p = 0.024) and ECMO use (9.2 days, IQR 3.9 to 13.5 vs. 6 days, IQR 3 to 12.5; p = 0.033), and a shorter median duration of hospital stay (23 days, IQR 12.5 to 46 vs. 58.5 days, IQR 28.2 to 60.7; p = 0.000) compared to the neonates with PPHN who survived. ECMO-related complications such as chylothorax (1% vs 2.7%), intracranial bleeding (1.2% vs 1.7%) and catheter-related infections (0% vs 0.3%) were more frequent in the group of neonates with PPHN who died (p = 0.031). Conclusion: ECMO in the neonates with PPHN who failed supportive cardiorespiratory care and conventional therapies has been successfully utilized with a neonatal survival rate of 67.1%. Mortality in neonates with PPHN who underwent ECMO was highest in cases born via the caesarean delivery mode or neonates who had lower Apgar scores at birth. Fatality rate in neonates with PPHN who underwent ECMO was the highest in patients with higher rate of specific medical comorbidities (omphalocele, systemic hypotension and infection with Herpes simplex virus or Bordetella pertussis) or cases who had PPHN due to higher rate of specific etiologies (congenital diaphragmatic hernia, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and meconium aspiration syndrome). Neonates with PPHN who died may need a longer time of mechanical ventilation and ECMO use and a shorter duration of hospital stay; and may experience higher frequency of ECMO-related complications (chylothorax, intracranial bleeding and catheter-related infections) in comparison with the neonates with PPHN who survived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Small (SGA) and large (LGA) for gestational age infants have higher risks of infant morbidity when compared to those who are appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Increasing pre-pregnancy maternal BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) are associated with higher risks of LGA and lower risks of SGA infants; however, their direct effects on infant morbidity are unknown. Therefore, we intended to 1) assess how maternal pre-pregnancy BMI, GWG, and birthweight (categorized as SGA, AGA or LGA) affect infant morbidity and 2) estimate at entry of care the risk of infant morbidity according to pre-pregnancy BMI and possible GWG. Methods: we used Consortium on Safe Labor data, a retrospective observational cohort study collecting pregnancy and birth data from 2002 to 2008 in 12 US centers. The association between maternal BMI, GWG and infant morbidity was estimated in singleton gestations delivering ≥ 37 weeks using binomial logistic regression. Hypoxic composite neonatal morbidity was defined as any the following: stillbirth, neonatal death, resuscitation at birth, NICU admission, intracranial hemorrhage, PVH grade III and IV, neonatal seizures, NEC, meconium aspiration, CPAP or mechanical ventilation, RDS, and sepsis. Traumatic composite neonatal morbidity included shoulder dystocia or birth injuries. Results: In this study of 110,594 mother-infant dyads, a total of 8,369 (7.6%) infants experienced hypoxic, while 2,134 (1.9%) developed traumatic morbidity. The risk of hypoxic morbidity among SGA, AGA and LGA infants increased when mothers were overweight (aOR 1.26 [95%CI 1.18–1.34]) or obese (class 1: aOR 1.3 [1.2–1.4]; class 2: aOR 1.7 [1.5–1.9]; class 3: aOR 1.8 [1.6–2]) as opposed to normal weight, and when GWG exceeded (aOR 1.08 [1.02–1.014]) rather than remained within recommendations. The risk of traumatic morbidity increased with maternal obesity (class 1: aOR 1.3 [1.1–1.5]), whilst it dropped with GWG below recommendations (aOR 0.7 [0.6–0.8]). The risk of hypoxic events estimated at entry of care increased with maternal overweight (aOR 1.27 [1.19–1.35]) or obesity (class 1: aOR 1.4 [1.2–1.5]; class 2: aOR 1.7 [1.5–1.9]; class 3: aOR 1.8 [1.6–2.1]), and with possible GWG above (aOR 1.09 [1.03–1.015]) recommendations. The risk of traumatic morbidity increased with overweight (aOR 1.1 [1–1.3]) or obesity (class 1: aOR 1.4 [1.2–1.6]; class 2: aOR 1.3 [1–1.6]), with possible GWG above (aOR 1.2 [1–1.3]), as opposed to below recommendations (aOR 0.7 [0.6–0.8]). Conclusions: While maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG equally affected traumatic morbidity, the former had a greater impact on hypoxic complications. Therefore, weight control prior to pregnancy is at least as effective as avoiding excessive gestational weight gain to prevent neonatal morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate obstetric and perinatal outcomes among small for gestational age (SGA) infants born to patients diagnosed with Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Materials and methods: A multicenter retrospective cohort study between 2005 and 2021. The perinatal outcomes of SGA infants born to patients with singleton pregnancy and GDM were compared to SGA infants born to patients without GDM. The primary outcome was a composite adverse neonatal outcome. Infants with known structural/genetic abnormalities or infections were excluded. A univariate analysis was conducted followed by a multivariate analysis (adjusted odds ratio [95% confidence interval]). Results: During the study period, 11,662 patients with SGA infants met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 417 (3.6%) SGA infants were born to patients with GDM, while 11,245 (96.4%) were born to patients without GDM. Overall, the composite adverse neonatal outcome was worse in the GDM group (53.7% vs 17.4%, p < 0.01). Specifically, adverse neonatal outcomes such as a 5 min Apgar score < 7, meconium aspiration, seizures, and hypoglycemia were independently associated with GDM among SGA infants. In addition, patients with GDM and SGA infants had higher rates of overall and spontaneous preterm birth, unplanned cesarean, and postpartum hemorrhage. In a multivariate logistic regression assessing the association between GDM and neonatal outcomes, GDM was found to be independently associated with the composite adverse neonatal outcome (aOR 4.26 [3.43–5.3]), 5 min Apgar score < 7 (aOR 2 [1.16–3.47]), meconium aspiration (aOR 4.62 [1.76–12.13]), seizures (aOR 2.85 [1.51–5.37]) and hypoglycemia (aOR 16.16 [12.79–20.41]). Conclusions: Our study demonstrates that GDM is an independent risk factor for adverse neonatal outcomes among SGA infants. This finding underscores the imperative for tailored monitoring and management strategies in those pregnancies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the challenges of studying the effects of elective induction of labor (eIOL) compared to expectant management (EM) during pregnancy. The authors discuss the methodological issues in comparing outcomes between the two approaches due to differences in time at risk. They highlight the findings of the ARRIVE study, which found associations between eIOL and neonatal morbidity and caesarean birth, but stress the importance of considering time at risk when interpreting these results. The article suggests using measures of frequency that account for varying times at risk to enable valid comparisons and calls for further research to determine the best approach for comparing outcomes between eIOL and EM. [Extracted from the article]

Background: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 2.5 and 1.25 mg nebulized salbutamol on Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN) compared with placebo. Methods: We conducted a triple-blind, phase II/III parallel randomized controlled trial in two university-affiliated hospitals with neonatal intensive care units. Newborns with a confirmed diagnosis of TTN, with gestational age >35 weeks and gestational weight >2 kg were included. Cases of asphyxia, meconium aspiration syndrome, and persistent pulmonary hypertension were excluded. Ninety eligible patients were randomly allocated in three intervention groups (2.5 mg salbutamol, 1.25 mg salbutamol, and placebo), and a single-dose nebulized product was prescribed 6 hours after the birth. Safety outcomes included postintervention tachycardia, hyperglycemia, hypokalemia, and changes in blood pressure. To evaluate the efficacy, the duration of postintervention tachypnea, TTN clinical score, and clinical and paraclinical respiratory indices were assessed. Parents, Outcome assessors, and data analyzer were blind to the intervention. Results: There was no adverse reaction, including tachycardia, hypokalemia, and jitteriness. Both groups of salbutamol recipients showed significant improvement regarding respiratory rate, TTN clinical score, and oxygenation indices compared with the placebo (p-values <0.001). Nonstatistically significant higher hospital stay was observed in the placebo group. Single 2.5 mg salbutamol nebulization showed a little better outcome than the dose of 1.25 mg, although we could not find statistical superiority. Conclusion: The newly applied single high dose of 2.5 mg nebulized salbutamol is safe in treating TTN and leads to notable faster improvement of respiratory status without any considerable adverse reaction. Registry code: IRCT20190328043133N1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Administration of oxygen microbubbles (OMBs) has been shown to increase oxygen and decrease carbon dioxide in systemic circulation, as well as reduce lung inflammation and promote survival in preclinical models of hypoxia caused by lung injury. However, their impact on microenvironmental oxygenation remains unexplored. Herein, we investigated the effects of intraperitoneal administration of OMBs in anesthetized rats exposed to hypoxic ventilation (FiO2 = 0.14). Blood oxygenation and hemodynamics were evaluated over a 2 h time frame, and then organ and tissue samples were collected for hypoxic and metabolic analyses. Data showed that OMBs improved blood SaO2 (~14%) and alleviated tissue hypoxia within the microenvironment of the kidney and intestine at 2 h of hypoxia. Metabolomic analysis revealed OMBs induced metabolic differences in the cecum, liver, kidney, heart, red blood cells and plasma. Within the spleen and lung, principal component analysis showed a metabolic phenotype more comparable to the normoxic group than the hypoxic group. In the spleen, this shift was characterized by reduced levels of fatty acids and 2-hydroxygluterate, alongside increased expression of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione and hypoxanthine. Interestingly, there was also a shuttle effect within the metabolism of the spleen from the tricarboxylic acid cycle to the glycolysis and pentose phosphate pathways. In the lung, metabolomic analysis revealed upregulation of phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine synthesis, indicating a potential indirect mechanism through which OMB administration may improve lung surfactant secretion and prevent alveolar collapse. In addition, cell-protective purine salvage was increased within the lung. In summary, oxygenation with intraperitoneal OMBs improves systemic blood and local tissue oxygenation, thereby shifting metabolomic profiles of the lung and spleen toward a healthier normoxic state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, 2.6 million stillbirths are estimated to occur each year. The causes of stillbirth are often unknown but can be attributed to various causes. Therefore, identifying the determinants of stillbirth is quite important for applying further meaningful interventions. The purpose of this study was to identify the determinants of stillbirth among deliveries conducted at selected public hospitals in the West Shoa Zone, Oromia, Ethiopia. Methods: A hospital-based unmatched case‒control study with a 1:4 ratio was conducted. A total of 431 (87 cases and 344 controls) participants were involved. A systematic random sampling method was used for control selection. Data were collected using interview administered questionnaire and analysed using SPSS version 26 software. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed for the independent variables and outcome variables. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to assess the strength of the associations, and statistical significance was declared at P value < 0.05. Results: In this study, 428 mothers who delivered (85 patients and 343 controls) participated, for a 99.3% response rate. Preeclampsia/eclampsia (AOR = 13.43, 95% CI: 5.67–31.82), other health conditions (AOR = 5.39, 95% CI: 2.34–12.46), mal-presentation (AOR = 3.42, 95% CI: 1.50–7.76), umbilical cord accidents (AOR = 2.57, 95% CI: 1.11–5.93), meconium-stained amniotic fluid problems (AOR = 5.01, 95% CI: 2.15–11.67) and low birth weight (AOR = 2.91, 95% CI: 1.28–6.59) were identified as determinant variables of stillbirth. Conclusions: Low birth weight, referral status, meconium-stained amniotic fluid problems, umbilical cord accidents, mal-presentation and preeclampsia/eclampsia were identified as independent determinants of stillbirth. Therefore, hospitals and health workers are recommended to focus on identifying and preventing these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the 2015 Neonatal Resuscitation Program recommendations of no routine endotracheal suctioning for nonvigorous neonates on the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and death. We hypothesized that the revised guidelines have not changed the outcome of MAS/death. Study Design This was a single-center retrospective cohort study. We recorded data on nonvigorous neonates born at gestational age > 37 weeks, who were divided into period 1, n = 95 (before the new guidelines, January 1, 2013–December 31, 2015) and prospective period 2, n = 91 (after the implementation of new guidelines, January 1, 2017–December 31, 2020). Primary outcomes included MAS and death. Secondary outcomes included respiratory neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, length of NICU stay, and feeding difficulties. Results No significant differences in the occurrence of MAS (11 vs. 17%) (odds ratio [OR] of 1.46 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.59–3.55]) or death (1 vs. 3%) (OR of 2.00 [95% CI: 0.18–21.57]) among the two periods were observed. In period 2, there was an increased NICU respiratory admission (37 vs. 61%), with an OR of 2.31 (95% CI: 1.10–4.84). More neonates in period 2 required subsequent intubation for respiratory failure in the delivery room (12 vs. 28%) with an OR of 2.03 (95% CI: 1.02–4.51); p -value of 0.05. Conclusion Our study did not observe a significant difference in the incidence of MAS or death between the two periods since the 2015 guidelines. However, the incidence of NICU respiratory admission increased. Key Points Nonvigorous neonates born through MSAF who did not undergo ET suctioning soon after birth did not have increased incidence of MAS or death, but had increased NICU respiratory admissions. A large Multi-center RCT may give more clear verdict on the outcomes of these newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung type 2 pneumocytes (T2Ps) and alveolar macrophages (AMs) play crucial roles in the synthesis, recycling and catabolism of surfactant material, a lipid/protein fluid essential for respiratory function. The liver X receptors (LXR), LXRα and LXRβ, are transcription factors important for lipid metabolism and inflammation. While LXR activation exerts anti-inflammatory actions in lung injury caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other inflammatory stimuli, the full extent of the endogenous LXR transcriptional activity in pulmonary homeostasis is incompletely understood. Here, using mice lacking LXRα and LXRβ as experimental models, we describe how the loss of LXRs causes pulmonary lipidosis, pulmonary congestion, fibrosis and chronic inflammation due to defective de novo synthesis and recycling of surfactant material by T2Ps and defective phagocytosis and degradation of excess surfactant by AMs. LXR-deficient T2Ps display aberrant lamellar bodies and decreased expression of genes encoding for surfactant proteins and enzymes involved in cholesterol, fatty acids, and phospholipid metabolism. Moreover, LXR-deficient lungs accumulate foamy AMs with aberrant expression of cholesterol and phospholipid metabolism genes. Using a house dust mite aeroallergen-induced mouse model of asthma, we show that LXR-deficient mice exhibit a more pronounced airway reactivity to a methacholine challenge and greater pulmonary infiltration, indicating an altered physiology of LXR-deficient lungs. Moreover, pretreatment with LXR agonists ameliorated the airway reactivity in WT mice sensitized to house dust mite extracts, confirming that LXR plays an important role in lung physiology and suggesting that agonist pharmacology could be used to treat inflammatory lung diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a newborn admitted to a small community medical center with complications following delivery. Topics include the mother's prenatal challenges and the diagnosis of placental abruption, the newborn's critical condition with evidence of meconium aspiration and respiratory distress, and the delayed response in care that led to the eventual need for intubation and transport to a more advanced facility.

Background: This study aims to investigate the diverse etiologies leading to the need for mechanical ventilation in neonates and to analyze the outcomes associated with this intervention. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on a cohort of 60 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Gandhi Hospital during a specified period. Data were collected from medical records, including demographic information, clinical presentation, and diagnostic findings. Etiologies necessitating mechanical ventilation were categorized, and relevant clinical parameters were assessed. Outcomes such as survival rates, duration of ventilation, and potential complications were analyzed. Results: The study included a total of 60 neonates who required mechanical ventilation during the study period. The primary etiologies identified encompassed a range of conditions including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), congenital anomalies, sepsis, and neurological disorders. Each etiology was further analyzed for its contribution to the need for mechanical ventilation and associated outcomes. The outcomes revealed varying survival rates among different etiological groups. Additionally, the duration of mechanical ventilation was assessed, and potential complications such as ventilator-associated pneumonia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and intraventricular hemorrhage were investigated. Conclusion: This study sheds light on the intricate web of etiological factors leading to mechanical ventilation in neonates and provides valuable insights into the associated outcomes. Understanding the diverse challenges faced by neonates requiring mechanical ventilation is crucial for improving clinical management strategies and ultimately enhancing the overall care and survival rates of this vulnerable population. The findings of this study contribute to the existing body of knowledge on neonatal care and may guide future research and clinical practices in the field of neonatology [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The paediatric intensive care unit changed heparin infusion dosing from a variable weight-based concentration to a fixed concentration strategy, when smart pump-based drug library was introduced. This change meant significantly lower rates of infusion were needed for the same dose of heparin in the neonatal population. We performed a safety and efficacy assessment of this change. Methods: We performed a retrospective single-centre evaluation based on data from respiratory VA-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) patients weighing ≤5 kg, pre and post the change to fixed strength heparin infusion. Efficacy was analysed by distribution of activated clotting times (ACT) and heparin dose requirements between the groups. Safety was analysed using thrombotic and haemorrhagic event rates. Continuous variables were reported as median, interquartile ranges, and non-parametric tests were used. Generalised estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyse associations of heparin dosing strategy with ACT and heparin dose requirements in the first 24 h of ECMO. Incidence rate ratios of circuit related thrombotic and haemorrhagic events between groups were analysed using Poisson regression with offset for run hours. Results: 33 infants (20 variable weight-based, 13 fixed concentration) were analysed. Distribution of ACT ranges and heparin dose requirements were similar between the two groups during the ECMO run and this was confirmed by GEE. Incidence rate ratios of thrombotic (fixed v weight-based) (1.9 [0.5–8], p =.37), and haemorrhagic events (0.9 [0.1–4.9], p =.95) did not show statistically significant differences. Conclusions: Fixed concentration dosing of heparin was at least equally effective and safe compared to a weight-based dosing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although pulmonary embolism (PE) is a frequent complication in COVID-19, its consequences remain unknown. We performed pulmonary function tests, echocardiography and computed tomography pulmonary angiography and identified blood biomarkers in a cohort of consecutive hospitalized COVID-19 patients with pneumonia to describe and compare medium-term outcomes according to the presence of PE, as well as to explore their potential predictors. A total of 141 patients (56 with PE) were followed up during a median of 6 months. Post-COVID-19 radiological lung abnormalities (PCRLA) and impaired diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCOc) were found in 55.2% and 67.6% cases, respectively. A total of 7.3% had PE, and 6.7% presented an intermediate–high probability of pulmonary hypertension. No significant difference was found between PE and non-PE patients. Univariate analysis showed that age > 65, some clinical severity factors, surfactant protein-D, baseline C-reactive protein, and both peak red cell distribution width and Interleukin (IL)-10 were associated with DLCOc < 80%. A score for PCRLA prediction including age > 65, minimum lymphocyte count, and IL-1β concentration on admission was constructed with excellent overall performance. In conclusion, reduced DLCOc and PCRLA were common in COVID-19 patients after hospital discharge, but PE did not increase the risk. A PCRLA predictive score was developed, which needs further validation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) 2015 gave a weak recommendation based on low certainty of evidence against routine endotracheal (ET) suctioning in non-vigorous (NV) neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and suggested for immediate resuscitation without direct laryngoscopy. A need for ongoing surveillance post policy change has been stressed upon. This study compared the outcomes of NV MSAF neonates before and after implementation of the ILCOR 2015 recommendation. Study Design This was a prospective cohort study of term NV MSAF neonates who underwent immediate resuscitation without ET suctioning (no ET group, July 2018 to June 2019, n = 276) compared with historical control who underwent routine ET suction (ET group, July 2015 to June 2016, n = 271). Results Baseline characteristics revealed statistically significant higher proportion of male gender and small for gestational age neonates in the prospective cohort. There was no significant difference in the incidence of primary outcome of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) between the groups (no ET group: 27.2% vs ET group: 25.1%; p = 0.57). NV MSAF neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) was significantly lesser in the prospective cohort (no ET group: 19.2% vs ET group: 27.3%; p = 0.03). Incidence of air leaks and need for any respiratory support significantly increased after policy change. In NV MSAF neonates with MAS, need for mechanical ventilation (MV) (no ET group: 24% vs ET group: 39.7%; p = 0.04) and mortality (no ET group: 18.7% vs ET group: 33.8%; p = 0.04) were significantly lesser. Conclusion Current study from a developing country indicates that immediate resuscitation and no routine ET suctioning of NV MSAF may not be associated with increased risk of MAS and may be associated with decreased risk of HIE. Increased requirement of any respiratory support and air leak post policy change needs further deliberation. Decreased risk of MV and mortality among those with MAS was observed. Key Points Not performing ET suction in NV MSAF infants is not associated with increase in the incidence of MAS. Initiating immediate resuscitation without ET suctioning was associated with decreased risk of HIE but increased receipt of any respiratory support and air leak. Large multicentric trial is required to generate robust evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitamin A plays a key role in lung development, but there is no consensus regarding the optimal vitamin A dose and administration route in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants. We aimed to assess whether early postnatal additional high-dose fat-soluble enteral vitamin A supplementation versus placebo would lower the rate of moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death in ELBW infants receiving recommended basic enteral vitamin A supplementation. This prospective, multicentre, randomised, parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled, investigator-initiated phase 3 trial conducted at 29 neonatal intensive care units in Austria and Germany assessed early high-dose enteral vitamin A supplementation (5000 international units [IU]/kg per day) or placebo (peanut oil) for 28 days in ELBW infants. Eligible infants had a birthweight of more than 400 g and less than 1000 g; gestational age at birth of 32+0 weeks postmenstrual age or younger; and the need for mechanical ventilation, non-invasive respiratory support, or supplemental oxygen within the first 72 h of postnatal age after admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Participants were randomly assigned by block randomisation with variable block sizes (two and four). All participants received basic vitamin A supplementation (1000 IU/kg per day). The composite primary endpoint was moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death at 36 weeks postmenstrual age, analysed in the intention-to-treat population. This trial was registered with EudraCT, 2013-001998-24. Between March 2, 2015, and Feb 27, 2022, 3066 infants were screened for eligibility at the participating centres. 915 infants were included and randomly assigned to the high-dose vitamin A group (n=449) or the control group (n=466). Mean gestational age was 26·5 weeks (SD 2·0) and mean birthweight was 765 g (162). Moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death occurred in 171 (38%) of 449 infants in the high-dose vitamin A group versus 178 (38%) of 466 infants in the control group (adjusted odds ratio 0·99, 95% CI 0·73–1·55). The number of participants with at least one adverse event was similar between groups (256 [57%] of 449 in the high-dose vitamin A group and 281 [60%] of 466 in the control group). Serum retinol concentrations at baseline, at the end of intervention, and at 36 weeks postmenstrual age were similar in the two groups. Early postnatal high-dose fat-soluble enteral vitamin A supplementation in ELBW infants was safe, but did not change the rate of moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death and did not substantially increase serum retinol concentrations. Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and European Clinical Research Infrastructures Network (ECRIN). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clear amniotic fluid aspiration syndrome (CAF-AS) is a very rare event occurring in 0.25% of our term clear amniotic fluids deliveries. The study's aims were: 1. to characterize the risk factors and outcomes associated with Clear Amniotic Fluid Aspiration Syndrome and 2. to compare the outcomes of Clear Amniotic Fluid Aspiration to Meconium Aspiration. Methods: This was an observational study over a 22-year period in a single level-3 medical center. Compared were parturient/labor characteristics and neonatal outcomes in cases with suspected Clear Amniotic Fluid Aspiration to cases suspected for Meconium Aspiration. Results: Out of 79,620 term deliveries there were 66,705 (83.8%) clear amniotic fluids and 12,915 (16.2%) meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). Of neonates born with clear amniotic fluid, 166 (0.25%) were diagnosed with Clear Amniotic Fluid Aspiration Syndrome (CAF-AS), while 202 (15.7%) of those born with MSAF, were diagnosed with aspiration syndrome (MSAF-AS). Both conditions had comparable rates of mild manifestation (67.5% vs 69.2%, p = 0.63). Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPH) occurred 5 times less in CAF-AS than MSAF-AS (4% vs 20%, OR 0.17, P< 0.0001) Both conditions presented similar rates of surfactant without PPH (11.1% vs 13.4%, p = 0.87). There was 1 postnatal death in CAF-AS vs 10 in MSAF. Conclusion: CAF-AS were quantitatively quite similar in terms of need of actual active intervention of the neonatologists in the delivery room (166 vs 202, i.e. in terms of numbers of cases and not prevalence) to MSAF-AS.We identified in these cases two major specific causes: hyperkinetic explosive deliveries in multiparas and long-lasting episodes of maternal hypotension due to epidural/spinal anaesthesia during labor. Out of 140 million births per year in the world, it should be of concern that 3 million cases are neglected nowadays. Future studies should evaluate if this CAF-AS should benefit from a more active intervention such as immediate endotracheal suction at birth, this clear fluid being very easy to suction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hepatic cancer endures a major health scourge as the consequence of a high incidence of > 1 million cases by 2025. Plant-based products are typically effective in ameliorating health conditions. Pomegranate peel extract (PE) with its high polyphenolic content has anticancer effects against different types of cancer. Herein, we aimed to maximize the PE chemotherapeutic efficacy by loading it in a suitable delivery system to overcome the limitations of PE, to control its release and to achieve liver targeting. Method: A nanoprecipitation procedure was adopted to incorporate PE into biodegradable and biocompatible natural polymeric zein (ZN)-based nanoparticles (NPs) (PE-ZN NPs). A full factorial design (22 × 31) was developed to study the effects of the formulation variables, namely pH of dispersion, PE-to-ZN ratio and surfactant concentration. Results: The optimization revealed a surfactant-free stable PE-ZN NPs formula with a small particle size of 99.5 ± 6.43 nm, high PE encapsulation efficiency % of 99.31% ± 3.64 (w/w) and controlled release of PE over 24 h. Conclusion: Moreover, the cytotoxicity of the optimum formula against hepatic cancer HepG2 cell lines was assessed and attained about a 2.5-fold reduction in the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values compared to the free PE affording a promising green platform to combat hepatic cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is the most common respiratory disorder among premature infants. The use of surfactant has significantly reduced respiratory complications and mortality. There are two conventional methods for administering surfactant: Intubate-Surfactant-Extubate (INSURE) and Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (LISA). This study aims to compare the effects of surfactant administration using these two methods on the treatment outcomes of premature newborns. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included 100 premature newborns with RDS and spontaneous breathing who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Besat Hospital in Sanandaj city in 2021. Exclusion criteria comprised congenital anomalies and the needing for intubation for resuscitation at birth. The outcomes of empirically treated with two methods were compared: the LISA (50 neonates) and the INSURE (50 neonates). Our interesting outcomes were needing for mechanical ventilation, duration of medical ventilation, pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, severe retinopathy, CPAP duration, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Finally, we entered the data into STATA-14 statistical software and analyzed it using chi-square and t-tests. RESULTS: In this study, 69% of the neonates were boys. The LISA group exhibited significantly lower rates of need for mechanical ventilation (P = 0.003) and ventilation duration (P < 0.001) compared to the INSURE group. Conversely, there were no significant differences between the two groups (P > 0.05) in terms of pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, severe retinopathy, CPAP duration, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia rates. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that the LISA method is a safe and non-invasive approach for surfactant administration. Notably, it resulted in a reduced need for mechanical ventilation and decreased ventilation duration compared to the INSURE method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The early management of neonates with meconium ileus (MI) and cystic fibrosis (CF) is highly variable across countries and is not standardized. We conducted a systematic review according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024522838). Studies from three providers of academic search engines were checked for inclusion criteria, using the following search terms: meconium ileus AND cystic fibrosis OR mucoviscidosis. Regarding the patient population studied, the inclusion criteria were defined using our predefined PICOT framework: studies on neonates with simple or complicated meconium which were confirmed to have cystic fibrosis and were conservatively managed or surgically treated. Results: A total of 566 publications from the last 10 years were verified by the authors of this review to find the most recent and relevant data, and only 8 met the inclusion criteria. Prenatally diagnosed meconium pseudocysts, bowel dilation, and ascites on ultrasound are predictors of neonatal surgery and risk factor for negative 12-month clinical outcomes in MI-CF newborns. For simple MI, conservative treatment with hypertonic solutions enemas can be effective in more than 25% of cases. If repeated enemas fail to disimpact the bowels, the Bishop–Koop stoma is a safe option. No comprehensive research has been conducted so far to determine the ideal surgical protocol for complicated MI. We only found three studies that reported the types of stomas performed and another study comparing the outcomes of patients depending on the surgical management; the conclusions are contradictory especially since the number of cases analyzed in each study was small. Between 18% and 38% of patients with complicated MI will require reoperation for various complications and the mortality rate varies between 0% and 8%. Conclusion: This study reveals a lack of strong data to support management decisions, unequivocally shows that the care of infants with MI is not standardized, and suggests a great need for international collaborative studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pulmonary surfactants play a crucial role in managing lung lipid metabolism, and dysregulation of this process is evident in various lung diseases. Alternations in lipid metabolism lead to pulmonary surfactant damage, resulting in hyperlipidemia in response to lung injury. Lung macrophages are responsible for recycling damaged lipid droplets to maintain lipid homeostasis. The inflammatory response triggered by external stimuli such as cigarette smoke, bleomycin, and bacteria can interfere with this process, resulting in the formation of lipid-laden macrophages (LLMs), also known as foamy macrophages. Recent studies have highlighted the potential significance of LLM formation in a range of pulmonary diseases. Furthermore, growing evidence suggests that LLMs are present in patients suffering from various pulmonary conditions. In this review, we summarize the essential metabolic and signaling pathways driving the LLM formation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, tuberculosis, and acute lung injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major cause of hypoxemic respiratory failure in adults. In ARDS extensive inflammation and leakage of fluid into the alveoli lead to dysregulation of pulmonary surfactant metabolism and function. Altered surfactant synthesis, secretion, and breakdown contribute to the clinical features of decreased lung compliance and alveolar collapse. Lung function in ARDS could potentially be restored with surfactant replacement therapy, and synthetic surfactants with modified peptide analogues may better withstand inactivation in ARDS alveoli than natural surfactants. Methods: This study aimed to investigate the activity in vitro and the bolus effect (200 mg phospholipids/kg) of synthetic surfactant CHF5633 with analogues of SP‐B and SP‐C, or natural surfactant Poractant alfa (Curosurf®, both preparations Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.) in a severe ARDS model (the ratio of partial pressure arterial oxygen and fraction of inspired oxygen, P/F ratio ≤ 13.3 kPa) induced by hydrochloric acid instillation followed by injurious ventilation in adult New Zealand rabbits. The animals were ventilated for 4 h after surfactant treatment and the respiratory parameters, histological appearance of lung parenchyma and levels of inflammation, oxidative stress, surfactant dysfunction, and endothelial damage were evaluated. Results: Both surfactant preparations yielded comparable improvements in lung function parameters, reductions in lung injury score, pro-inflammatory cytokines levels, and lung edema formation compared to untreated controls. Conclusions: This study indicates that surfactant replacement therapy with CHF5633 improves lung function and lung architecture, and attenuates inflammation in severe ARDS in adult rabbits similarly to Poractant alfa. Clinical trials have so far not yielded conclusive results, but exogenous surfactant may be a valid supportive treatment for patients with ARDS given its anti-inflammatory and lung-protective effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) represent a promising antibiotic alternative to overcome drug-resistant bacteria by inserting into the membrane of bacteria, resulting in cell lysis. However, therapeutic applications of AMPs have been hindered by their ability to lyse eukaryotic cells. GF-17 is a truncated peptide of LL-37, which has perfect amphipathicity and a higher hydrophobicity, resulting in higher haemolytic activity. However, there is no significant difference in the cytotoxicity against human lung epithelial cells between the GF-17 and LL-37 groups, indicating that there are significant differences in the sensitivity of different human cells to GF-17. In this study, LL-37 and GF-17 were administered to mouse lungs via intranasal inoculation. Blood routine examination results showed that LL-37 did not affect the red blood cells, platelet, white blood cells and neutrophil counts, but GF-17 decreased the white blood cells and neutrophil counts with the increasing concentration of peptides. GF-17-treated mice suffer a body weight loss of about 2.3 g on average in 24 h, indicating that GF-17 is highly toxic to mice. The total cell counts in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from GF-17-treated mice were 4.66-fold that in the untreated group, suggesting that GF-17 treatment leads to inflammation in the lungs of mice. Similarly, the histological results showed the infiltration of neutrophils in the lungs of GF-17-treated mice. The results suggest that the administration of GF-17 in the lungs of mice does not affect the red blood cells and platelet counts in the blood but promotes neutrophil infiltration in the lungs, leading to an inflammatory response. Therefore, we established a mouse acute lung injury model to preliminarily evaluate the in vivo toxicity of AMPs. For AMPs with a clinical application value, systematic research is still needed to evaluate their acute and long-term toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The barrier function of the scalp is maintained by normal sebum secretion and balanced microecology. As the core ingredient to provide cleansing efficacy in shampoos, surfactants can interact with proteins and lipids of stratum corneum (SC), and have an impact on the scalp microecology, thereby disrupting the scalp barrier. In addition, the application of surfactants may cause irritation reactions on the scalp, such as itching, stinging, redness, and inflammation. Specifically, different types of surfactants may be selective for lipid removal. Anionic surfactants can remove cholesterol, free fatty acids, and squalene with no effect on ceramides and triglycerides, whereas cationic surfactants significantly reduce the contents of triglycerides and ceramides. In the future, lipidomics and microbiomics strategies can be combined to further study the effects of surfactants on scalp lipids and microorganisms, thus providing guidance on the selection of appropriate surfactants for different scalp types, and the basis for the development of shampoos with targeted scalp type, low irritation, and high efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the leading cause of mortality among term newborns globally. Infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid are at risk of developing meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) and HIE. Simultaneous occurrence of MAS and HIE is a perilous combination for newborns due to the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Moreover, therapeutic hypothermia (TH), which is the current standard of care for the management of HIE, may increase pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and worsen PPHN. Infants with MAS and HIE require close cardiorespiratory and hemodynamic monitoring for PPHN. Therapeutic strategies, including oxygen supplementation, ventilation, use of surfactant, inhaled nitric oxide and other pulmonary vasodilators, and systemic vasopressors, play a critical role in the management of PPHN in MAS, HIE, and TH. While TH reduces death or disability in infants with HIE, infants with MAS and HIE undergoing TH need close hemodynamic monitoring for PPHN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Diagnostic autopsy is the most reliable approach to definitively ascertain the cause of death and evaluate the accuracy of antemortem clinical diagnoses. Identifying diagnostic discrepancies is vital to understanding common gaps in antemortem clinical diagnoses and modifying antemortem diagnostic approaches to increase the accuracy of clinical diagnosis. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of diagnostic discrepancies between antemortem clinical diagnoses and postmortem autopsies on lung pathologies and to understand the reasons for diagnostic discrepancies among cases included in Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) in Ethiopia. Methods: A clinical case series study of deaths among children under-five in the CHAMPS study at three sites in Ethiopia between October 2019 and April 2022 was conducted. The antemortem clinical diagnoses and postmortem pathological diagnoses of the lung were compared for each case. Two senior physicians assessed the findings for both agreement and disagreement. McNemar's test was used to assess for statistically significant differences between antemortem and postmortem diagnoses. Results: Seventy-five cases were included (73.3% male). Over half (54.7%) died between the 1st and 7th day of life. Sepsis (66.7%), pneumonia (6.7%), and meconium aspiration syndrome (5.0%) were the most common immediate causes of death. Half (52%) of cases were correctly diagnosed antemortem. The magnitude of diagnostic discrepancy was 35% (95% CI: 20-47%). The most common contributing factors to diagnostic discrepancy were gaps in knowledge (22/75, 35.5%) and problems in consultation and teamwork (22/75, 35.5%). Conclusions: Misdiagnoses were common among young children who died with positive lung pathology findings. In-service education initiatives and multidisciplinary collaboration are needed to mitigate high rates of diagnostic discrepancies among young children to potentially prevent future deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) may cause severe pulmonary and neurologic injuries in affected infants after birth, leading to long-term adverse pulmonary or neurodevelopmental outcomes. Methods: This retrospective population-based cohort study enrolled 1,554,069 mother-child pairs between 2004 and 2014. A total of 8,049 infants were in the MAS-affected group, whereas 1,546,020 were in the healthy control group. Children were followed up for at least 3 years. According to respiratory support, MAS was classified as mild, moderate, and severe. With the healthy control group as the reference, the associations between MAS severity and adverse pulmonary outcomes (hospital admission, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, length of hospital stay, or invasive ventilator support during admission related to pulmonary problem) or adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes (cerebral palsy, needs for rehabilitation, visual impairment, or hearing impairment) were accessed. Results: MAS-affected infants had a higher risk of hospital and ICU admission and longer length of hospital stay, regardless of severity. Infants with severe MAS had a higher risk of invasive ventilator support during re-admission (odds ratio: 17.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.70–39.75, p < 0.001). Moderate (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.66, 95% CI: 1.30–2.13, p < 0.001) and severe (HR: 4.94, 95% CI: 4.94–7.11, p < 0.001) MAS groups had a higher risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome, and the statistical significance remained remarkable in severe MAS group after adjusting for covariates (adjusted HR: 2.28, 95% CI: 1.54–3.38, p < 0.001) Conclusions: Adverse pulmonary or neurodevelopmental outcomes could occur in MAS-affected infants at birth. Close monitoring and follow-up of MAS-affected infants are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasitic infection that can be transmitted in utero, resulting in fetal chorioretinitis and other long-term neurological outcomes. If diagnosed early, pregnancy-safe chemotherapeutics can prevent vertical transmission. Unfortunately, diagnosis of acute, primary infection among pregnant women remains neglected, particularly in low-and-middle-income countries. Clinically actionable diagnosis is complex due to the commonality of infection during childhood and early adulthood which spawn long-last antibody titers and historically unreliable direct molecular diagnostics. The current study employed a cross-sectional T. gondii perinatal surveillance study using digital PCR, a next generation molecular diagnostic platform, and a maternal-fetal outcomes survey to ascertain the risk of vertical toxoplasmosis transmission in the Western Region of El Salvador. Of 198 enrolled mothers at the time of childbirth, 6.6% had evidence of recent T. gondii infection—85% of these cases were identified using digital PCR. Neonates born to these acutely infected mothers were significantly more likely to meconium aspiration syndrome and mothers were more likely to experience labor and delivery complications. Multivariable logistic regression found higher maternal T. gondii infection odds were associated with the presence of pet cats, the definitive T. gondii host. In closing, this study provides evidence of maternal T. gondii infection, vertical transmission and deleterious fetal outcomes in a vulnerable population near the El Salvador-Guatemala border. Further, this is the first published study to show clinical utility potential of digital PCR for accurate diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis cases. Author summary: Toxoplasmosis infection is globally prevalent but can cause severe negative neonatal health outcomes when acquired congenitally. Transmission from mother to neonate depends upon a mother's first-time infection and the stage of pregnancy when mother is infected. The causative agent of toxoplasmosis is a protozoan parasite that contributes to the common difficulties in identifying a mother's primary acute infection. Commonly, serologic testing is administered to identify antibodies to the infection, along with avidity testing that helps to determine current versus past infection. Digital PCR is a next-generation molecular tool that can identify very small quantities of pathogens. This tool was utilized in addition to typical serology plus avidity testing to identify suspected primary T. gondii infections in banked blood and serum samples from Salvadoran women at the time of labor and delivery. Health outcomes surveys were also utilized from the original study to determine associations between recent T. gondii infections during pregnancy and maternal-neonatal pregnancy and birth outcomes. We identified 13 women with evidence of recent T. gondii infection during pregnancy, 11 of which were identified through dPCR. Maternal infection was associated with negative maternal outcomes including pregnancy complications, and associations were found between infection and neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome. Maternal infection was also associated with owning pet cats. This study utilized a new molecular tool to aid in identification of T. gondii primary infection, a neglected disease that is historically difficult to identify through traditional methods. Digital PCR could be useful for toxoplasmosis testing in future studies and clinical settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal hypothermia, defined as an axillary temperature of <36.5C in a neonate, is common in neonatal intensive care units and is almost universal across all geographic and climatic regions of the world. This is even though environmental temperature is a known risk factor for its occurrence. We conducted a retrospective study in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to document the prevalence and risk factors associated with hypothermia at presentation to the hospital. The study spanned the period from January 2019 to December 2019 and involved all neonates with axillary temperature documented at the time of admission. The prevalence of neonatal hypothermia in this study was 54.76%. Hypothermia was most common in neonates diagnosed with meconium aspiration syndrome (87/105, 82.86%), prematurity and low birth weight (575/702, 81.91%), and birth asphyxia (347/445, 77.98%). Neonates who were delivered vaginally were less likely to develop hypothermia compared to those delivered via Cesarean section. Inborn neonates (delivered in TTH) were 3.2 times more likely to be hypothermic when compared to those who were delivered at home. Neonates with low birth weight and APGAR scores < 7 at 1 and 5 minutes were more likely to be hypothermic. The dry season was found to be protective against hypothermia when compared to the rainy season. The overall mortality rate was 13.68% and the mortality in the subgroup with hypothermia at presentation was 18.87%. Our study documented a high prevalence of hypothermia with higher rates in neonates requiring intervention at birth. It is therefore crucial for perinatal care providers to adhere to the warm chain precautions around the time of birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Perinatal mortality is among the key health, prosperity, and economic status indicators. This retrospective study determines the causes of prenatal (stillbirth) and neonatal mortality during July–December 2021 and their yearly prevalence during 2013–2021 in the Women and Children's Hospital in the district Dera Ismail Khan. Materials and Methods: The data were extracted from the admission registers maintained by the said hospital and were found not in organized and consolidated form. A month-wise organized/consolidated report for each cause of mortality was prepared. Results: A total of 508 cases of both prenatal and neonatal mortality in the nursery ward indicated hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) showed overall 39.8% mortality in the study area, followed by premature (15.4%), senile prostatic enlargement (10%), low birth weight revealed (9.3%), birth asphyxia (5.3%), neonatal jaundice (4.5%), respiratory distress syndrome (4.3%), non-nutritive sucking (3.5%), congenital heart defects (2.4%), meconium aspiration syndrome (1.8%), and the remaining cases each contributed to ≤0.6% of overall mortality. The isolation ward contributed (48.5%), followed by the labor room (42.4%), the nutrition ward (6.1%), and the Gynae wards (3%) of all 33 cases. The overall highest mortality occurred in 2019 (15.4%) and lowest in 2013 (6.8%). The remaining years showed each <10% mortality. Neonatal mortality was mostly higher than prenatal mortality during 2013–2021 and highest (85.8%) in 2013 and the lowest (19%) in 2014. The highest and lowest prenatal mortality was 81% (2014) and 14.2% (2013), respectively. Conclusion: HIE caused about 40% of perinatal mortality. Neonatal mortality showed higher prevalence than prenatal mortality except in 2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To find out the spectrum of respiratory distress and outcome in neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) of National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Karachi, Pakistan. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: NICU of NICH, Karachi, Pakistan. Period: June 2022 to May 2023. Methods: We analyzed 148 neonates of either gender presenting with respiratory distress. At the time of enrollment, demographic and clinical information was noted in all neonates along with detailed maternal history. Relevant laboratory and radiological studies were performed. Final outcomes were recorded in terms of discharged, expired or referred. Results: In a total of 148 neonates, 96 (64.9%) were boys. The mean age was 4.04±5.65 days. Tachypnea, nasal flaring, intercostal recession, subcostal recession, grunting, and cyanosis 148 (100%), 146 (98.6%), 138 (93.2%), 133 (89.9%), 97 (65.5%), and 83 (56.1%) were the most frequent clinical presentations among neonates with respiratory distress. The most frequent causes behind respiratory distress were noted to be respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and meconium staining of labour in 31 (20.9%), 25 (16.9%), and 24 (16.2%) neonates. Mortality was observed in 21 (14.2%) neonates. Significant association of neonates presenting with congenital pneumonia (p=0.048), or congenital anomalies (p<0.001) were found to with poor outcomes. Mechanical ventilation was found to have significant relationship with poor outcomes (p<0.001). Conclusion: Tachypnea, Nasal flaring, intercostal and subcostal recessions, grunting, and cyanosis were the primary clinical presentations among the neonates with respiratory distress. Congenital pneumonia, and congenital anomalies emerged as key predictors of poor outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review aimed to summarize the available data on the treatment of pulmonary contusions with exogenous surfactants, determine whether this treatment benefits patients with severe pulmonary contusions, and evaluate the optimal type of surfactant, method of administration, and drug concentration. Three databases (MEDline, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched using the following keywords: pulmonary surfactant, surface‐active agents, exogenous surfactant, pulmonary contusion, and lung contusion for articles published between 1945 and February 2023, with no language restrictions. Four reviewers independently rated the studies for inclusion, and the other four reviewers resolved conflicts. Of the 100 articles screened, six articles were included in the review. Owing to the limited number of papers on this topic, various types of studies were included (two clinical studies, two experiments, and two case reports). In all the studies, surfactant administration improved the selected ventilation parameters. The most frequently used type of surfactant was Curosurf® in the concentration of 25 mg/kg of ideal body weight. In most studies, the administration of a surfactant by bronchoscopy into the segmental bronchi was the preferable way of administration. In both clinical studies, patients who received surfactants required shorter ventilation times. The administration of exogenous surfactants improved ventilatory parameters and, thus, reduced the need for less aggressive artificial lung ventilation and ventilation days. The animal‐derived surfactant Curosurf® seems to be the most suitable substance; however, the ideal concentration remains unclear. The ideal route of administration involves a bronchoscope in the segmental bronchi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the rate and severity patterns of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and identify antenatal and postnatal factors associated with BPD in preterm infants <32 weeks of gestational age (GA). Methods: This retrospective observational study included preterm neonates <32 weeks of gestation admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit between January 2010 and December 2017 at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman. A data set of antenatal and perinatal factors were collected. BPD was defined as the need for oxygen and/or respiratory support at 36 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA). Infants with and without BPD were compared in their antenatal and perinatal factors. Results: A total of 589 preterm infants <32 weeks were admitted. Among them, 505 (85.7%) survived to 36 weeks’ PMA and 90 (17.8%) had BPD. The combined BPD and mortality rate was 28.4%. Grades 1, 2 and 3 BPD constituted 77.8%, 7.8% and 14.4%, respectively. BPD was associated with lower GA, lower birth weight, need for intubation at resuscitation, lower Apgar scores, longer duration of ventilation, surfactant therapy and higher rates of neonatal morbidities. On binary logistic regression analysis, predictors of BPD were longer duration of ventilation, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Conclusion: In an Omani centre, 17.8% of preterm infants (<32 weeks GA) developed BPD. Various perinatal and neonatal factors were associated with BPD. However, longer duration of ventilation, IVH grades 1 and 2 and NEC stages II and III were significant predictors. Future multicentre research is necessary to provide the overall prevalence of BPD in Oman to help optimise the resources for BPD prevention and management in preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The outcome for newborns with respiratory distress syndrome has significantly improved since introducing surfactant therapy along with the initiation of bi-level positive airway pressure or continuous positive airway pressure. It has not been established yet regarding the best mode of respiratory assistance for pre-term neonates with respiratory distress syndrome. This investigation aims to evaluate the application of bilevel-positive airway pressure as a management approach for preterm newborns who have undergone surfactant therapy and compare it to other commonly used respiratory support methods. Our data suggests a positive trend towards a higher percentage of full-term births and a gradual decrease in preterm births over the evaluated period. This trend highlights notably the significance of surfactant therapy in the care of preterm infants. The use of CPAP has dropped tremendously, while the practice of BiPAP has shown a magnificent upsurge. Preterm newborns who received CPAP had higher levels of measured mean values of carbon dioxide compared to those treated with BIPAP. The lower carbon dioxide values in BIPAP-treated infants suggest that BIPAP may be a more effective form of respiratory support in maintaining proper carbon dioxide levels. In conclusion, the data analysis reveals a noticeable decrease in total newborns and the expansion of the use of BIPAP over CPAP for respiratory support. Our data suggests that BiPAP may be more effective in diminishing the necessity for intubation and the required time of ventilation for preterm newborns with respiratory issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease that primarily affects premature infants receiving mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy. Severe BPD leads to long-term respiratory complications, including lung tissue damage, vascular abnormalities, and airway diseases. This study aimed to investigate bronchoscopy findings and characteristics in patients with moderate-to-severe BPD, and to investigate BPD-associated airway diseases. Methods: A retrospective study of preterm infants diagnosed with moderate-to-severe BPD who underwent bronchoscopic evaluation in the neonatal intensive care unit at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between 2004 and December 2022 was conducted. Results: Nineteen patients with a mean gestational age of 28.0±1.6 weeks and mean birth weight of 960.5±271.0 g were included in the study. Among these 19 patients, 18 were diagnosed with severe BPD. Tracheobronchomalacia, laryngomalacia, and subglottic stenosis were observed in 63.2%, 52.6%, and 36.8% of patients, respectively. Tracheostomy was performed in nine of the 19 patients (47.4%); five were discharged without requiring tracheostomy following surgical or medical interventions. Conclusion: Tracheobronchomalacia, laryngomalacia, and subglottic stenosis were common in patients with moderate or severe BPD who underwent bronchoscopic evaluations, of which 50% required tracheostomy. Our study findings provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of BPD-associated airway diseases and may inform future clinical management strategies for patients with BPD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: India accounts for 30 percent of the neonatal deaths globally. The causes of neonatal deaths in India are infections(33%) such as pneumonia, septicemia and umbilical cord infection; prematurity(35%) and asphyxia(20%) (2). AIM: To study major causes of morbidity and mortality among neonates in Special Newborn Care Unit of a Tertiary care Hospital in Peripheral hilly region of North India. Results: A total of 1170 neonates were admitted in the SNCU over one year study period. 34.01% of these were out born babies. Male-female ratio was 1.7:1. 19.57% neonates were of Low Birth Weight, 2.48% were Very Low birth weight and 0.34% babies were Extremely Low birth weight. 10.6% babies were Late Preterm and 4.27% were preterm<34wks. Majority 30.68% of neonates were admitted for jaundice, 27.44% had sepsis, 21.28% had respiratory distress, 7.35% Birth asphyxia and 4.02% newborn babies had Meconium aspiration syndrome. 78.5% of all admitted neonates were discharged successfully.19.06% required referral to higher centre for further care, 2.22% neonates died and 0.68% Left against medical advice. In this retrospective study, 38.46% of the died neonates were Preterm (<37wks) and 42.31% had Low Birth weight (<2.5kg). CONCLUSION Neonatal jaundice, Sepsis, Respiratory distress and Birth asphyxia are major cause of hospitalization where as Prematurity, Respiratory distress syndrome and birth asphyxia are the leading cause of mortality in our study. The proportionate mortality is higher in outborn than the inborn. There is more need to promote institutional deliveries, improve antenatal and Post natal care services in this peripheral region to further bring down neonatal morbidity and mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cold-stored (CS) platelets are once again being reintroduced for clinical use. Transfused CS platelets offer benefits over room temperature-stored (RTS) platelets such as increased hemostatic effects and prolongation of shelf-life. Despite these advantages little is known about their association with transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI). TRALI is associated with prolonged storage of RTS platelets and has a mortality of >15%. Determining the safety of CS platelets is important considering their proposed use in TRALI-vulnerable populations with inflammation such as surgical patients or patients with trauma. Donor platelet-derived ceramide causes TRALI, whereas donor platelet sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is barrier protective. Females have higher plasma levels of S1P than males. Cold temperatures increase S1P levels in cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that female (donors or recipients) and/or CS platelets would decrease TRALI. To test this, we compared how male and female donor and recipient allogeneic platelet transfusions of CS (4°C) versus RTS (23°C) platelets stored for 5 days influence murine TRALI. Transfusion of CS platelets significantly reduced recipient lung tissue wet-to-dry ratios, bronchoalveolar lavage total protein, lung tissue myeloperoxidase enzyme activity, histological lung injury scores, and increased plasma sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) levels compared with RTS platelet transfusions. Female as opposed to male recipients had less TRALI and higher plasma S1P levels. Female donor mouse platelets had higher S1P levels than males. Mouse and human CS platelets had increased S1P levels compared with RTS platelets. Higher recipient plasma S1P levels appear protective considering females, and males receiving platelets from females or male CS platelets had less TRALI. NEW & NOTEWORTHY: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) though relatively rare represents a severe lung injury. The sphingolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) regulates the severity of platelet-mediated TRALI. Female platelet transfusion recipient plasmas or stored platelets from female donors have higher S1P levels than males, which reduces TRALI. Cold storage of murine platelets preserves platelet-S1P, which reduces TRALI in platelet-transfused recipients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrous oxide inhalation for intrapartum maternal analgesia was associated with a lower likelihood of neonatal intensive care unit admission but with increased risk of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between intrapartum nitrous oxide use and adverse short-term neonatal outcomes. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of individuals with singleton gestations at 35 or more weeks who attempted labor and delivered at an academic hospital between June 1, 2015, and February 28, 2020. Data were extracted from the electronic medical record using billing and diagnostic codes. Patients were classified based on whether they received no intrapartum analgesia or received nitrous oxide only. Those who received other analgesia types were excluded. The primary outcome was neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. Secondary outcomes included Apgar score less than 7 at 1 minute and 5 minutes, respiratory composite outcome (including meconium aspiration syndrome, neonatal bronchopulmonary disorders, neonatal transient tachypnea, and other neonatal respiratory distress that required NICU admission), hypoglycemia, and hyperbilirubinemia. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to estimate the association between nitrous oxide exposure intrapartum and the selected outcomes. RESULTS: Of 6,047 included, 4,153 (68.7%) received no analgesia, and 1,894 (31.3%) received nitrous oxide only. In comparison with individuals who received no analgesia, those who received nitrous oxide were more likely to be nulliparous, be of Black racial identity, have noncommercial insurance, and be less likely to deliver by intrapartum cesarean. The reception of nitrous oxide, compared with the reception of no analgesia, was associated with a lower likelihood of NICU admission (6.4% vs 8.1%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.77, 95% CI, 0.62–0.96) and an increased likelihood of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (aOR 1.23, 95% CI, 1.08–1.41). Inhaled nitrous oxide exposure, in comparison with the reception of no analgesia, was not associated with the other secondary outcomes, including Apgar score less than 7 at 1 minute (odds ratio [OR] 0.74, 95% CI, 0.50–1.10) or 5 minutes (OR 0.91, 95% CI, 0.32–2.60), respiratory composite outcome (OR 0.91, 95% CI, 0.70–1.17), and hypoglycemia (OR 0.82, 95% CI, 0.64–1.05). CONCLUSION: In this single-center retrospective cohort of low-risk patients, intrapartum inhaled nitrous oxide, compared with the reception of no analgesia, was associated with a decreased risk for NICU admission but with an increased risk for hyperbilirubinemia; other outcomes did not differ. These findings may be used to counsel patients when considering nitrous oxide for labor analgesia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a case of Carmi Syndrome in a neonate. Aim: To share our lessons in diagnosis of the case of Carmi Syndrome. Case Report: Carmi Syndrome is an extremely rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized the coexistence of pyloric atresia and junctional epidermolysis bullosa, and with aplasia cutis congenita in approximately 28% patients. In this case, a full-term male neonate was born to a G4P2+1L1 multipara through cesarean section delivery in hospital in a non-consanguineous marriage with 4000mL of II°meconium-stained amniotic fluid. He was found extensive skin loss over lower legs and other parts, with scattered blisters and bilateral microtia. Plain abdominal X-ray revealed a large gastric air bubble with no gas distally. The mother had an intrauterine fetal loss previously for reasons unknown. The dermatologist diagnosed the newborn with Bart Syndrome, while the pediatric surgeon diagnosed congenital pyloric atresia(CPA). The parents refused further treatment and the neonate passed away about 30 hours after birth. Outcome: The neonate passed away about 30 hours after birth. Conclusion: Lessons from this case:①.Rule out Carmi Syndrome in patients with PA, and differentiate Bart syndrome and Carmi Syndrome in patients with abnormal skin manifestations. ②. For rare and/or severe diseases, multidisciplinary teams(MDTs) should be establish. ③. Genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis are necessary prior to subsequent childbearings. ④.Termination of pregnancy might be contemplated if certain indicators are revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To investigate the effects of different angles of pulmonary surfactant (PS) administration on the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and intracranial hemorrhage in preterm infants. Methods A prospective study was conducted on 146 preterm infants (gestational age <32 weeks) admitted to the Department of Neonatology, Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University from January 2019 to May 2023. The infants were randomly assigned to different angles for injection of pulmonary surfactant groups: 0° group (34 cases), 30° group (36 cases), 45° group (38 cases), and 60° group (38 cases). Clinical indicators and outcomes were compared among the groups. Results The oxygenation index was lower in the 60° group compared with the other three groups, with shorter invasive ventilation time and oxygen use time, and a lower incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia than the other three groups (P<0.05). The incidence of intracranial hemorrhage was lower in the 60° group compared to the 0° group (P<0.05). The cure rate in the 60° group was higher than that in the 0° group and the 30° group (P<0.05). Conclusions The clinical efficacy of injection of pulmonary surfactant at a 60° angle is higher than other angles, reducing the incidence of intracranial hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Annually, 5.4 million children under five face mortality, with 2.5 million deaths in the first month, 1.6 million between one and eleven months, and 1.3 million aged one to four. Despite global strides, sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana, grapples with persistent high child mortality. This study employs statistical methods to pinpoint factors driving under-five mortality in the Greater Accra Regional Hospital. Methods. The data was acquired from Greater Accra Regional Hospital, Ghana, spanning January to December 2020. The data comprised all under-five deaths recorded in the hospital in 2020. The statistical tools employed were the chi-square test of association and the multinomial logistic regression model. Results. In 2020, there were 238 cases of under-five mortality recorded in the hospital, with males constituting the majority (55%). About 85% of these cases occurred within the first month of birth, primarily attributed to respiratory distress, prematurity, and sepsis. Notably, meconium aspiration was the least common among grouped diagnoses. The test of association and multinomial logistic model emphasised the child's age, birth type, and weight at birth as significant factors influencing child mortality. Conversely, attributes like sex, marital status, and mother's age displayed no notable association with the diagnosis of death. Conclusion. The study on child mortality at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital unveils key factors shaping child health outcomes, emphasising the role of age, birth type, and weight. While specific demographics show no significant association, identified predictors are vital for targeted interventions. Proposed strategies encompass education programs, improved care, birthing practices, and data-driven policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]