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Background and aim: Prematurity and related problems, especially respiratory distress, are one of the main challenges for neonatal medicine. The aim of this study was to compare vitamin D levels in preterm infants with, and those without respiratory distress. Methods: This case-control study was conducted in Ghaem and Emam Reza Hospitals in Mashhad (Iran) from 2015 to 2016. In this study, we examined 160 preterm infants weighing less than 2000 grams and born at less than 34 weeks’ gestation. Serum vitamin D levels were measured in preterm infants without- and those with respiratory distress, and their mothers. Neonatal characteristics, including age, sex, birth weight, gestational age, Apgar score and needs for oxygen, resuscitation, ventilation and surfactant were documented. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0. Results: Means serum level of maternal vitamin D in control and case groups were 16.66±14.29 ng/dl and 21.23±15.19 ng/dl, respectively (p=0.029). In addition, mean serum level of neonatal vitamin D in control and case groups were 11.69±8.66 ng/dl 17.9±12.55 ng/dl, respectively (p=0.001). Vitamin D levels in premature neonates without respiratory distress and their mothers were significantly different from other preterm neonates with respiratory distress (p=0.029). There was a direct correlation with neonatal and maternal vitamin D levels (r=0.713, p=0.001). The duration of hospitalization (p=0.001), gestational age (p=0.073), birth weight (p=0.001), one- and (p=0.001) five- minute (p=0.001) Apgar scores and head circumference (p=0.002) had significant relation with vitamin D levels in neonates. Death (12.5%) and pneumothorax (7.5%) were the main complications among cases with respiratory distress. Conclusion: According to the results of present research, neonatal vitamin D levels have a significant association with respiratory distress syndrome and maternal vitamin D levels.

Background: The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the characteristics of patients, treated by acute peritoneal dialysis (PD). We also assessed the indications for PD, PD-associated complications and neonatal outcomes in our patients. Methods: During five years, 30 term newborns underwent temporary cycling PD. The procedure was performed by applying the manual technique. A straight and relatively rigid peritocat catheter (Germany) was percutaneously inserted in neonates. Statistical analysis was performed, using Chi-square and student's t-test. Results: All subjects were term newborns, including 16 females (52%) and 14 males (48%). In total, 16 cases (52%) were born via cesarean section. The average age and weight of neonates at catheter insertion were 15 days (range of 5-26 days) and 2800 g (range of 2300-4060 g), respectively. The mean PD duration was two days. There was no significant difference between gender, weight, mode of delivery and associated complications. In total, 74% of patients needed assisted ventilation. No case of death was reported due to catheter insertion; however, 12 patients (40%) died during PD. PD-related complications were reported in 70% of patients, and the most common complication was catheter outflow failure (14 cases, 46%). The underlying causes included inborn errors of metabolism (16 cases, 52%) and acute renal failure (14 cases, 48%). Urea cycle enzyme defect, along with hyperammonemia, was the most common etiologic disease (9 cases). Conclusion: PD is an effective treatment for seriously ill newborns with life-threatening conditions such as acute renal failure or certain inborn errors of metabolism. However, mortality rate remains high due to the severity of underlying diseases and comorbidities.