Birth Characteristics of Childhood Cancer Cases, Controls, And Their Siblings

Reproductive characteristics of childhood cancer cases, controls, and their siblings were examined using data from a case-control study in the Denver, Colorado metropolitan area, Childhood cancer patients (n=356) diagnosed from 1976 to 1983 were identified, and 242 were interviewed. Controls were selected by random digit dialing, with 212 interviews being completed (60% of eligibles). Extremes of birth weight were more common only among brain cancer cases. Patients were more often born preterm, particularly those with brain tumors [odds ratio (OR) = 6.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6-23.4] and were more likely to have birth defect F (OR = 2.1; 95% CI, 0.9-5.0). Twins were more common among case siblings (OR = 2.6; 95% CI, 0.8-8.2). Low birth weight and preterm delivery among siblings were related only to soft tissue sarcoma. Birth defects were more common among case siblings, particularly leukemia cases (OR = 3.2; 95% CI, 1.3-7.7). Previous reports of elevated birth weight among cases and increased risk of miscarriage in case mothers were not corroborated, but associations with preterm delivery, high birth order, and birth defects among cases and birth defects and twinning among case siblings encourage additional evaluation.     

Spina bifida and pediatric cancers

Abstract

Spina bifida has been reported to co-occur with pediatric cancer, but comprehensive evaluations remained elusive. We investigated this co-occurrence in two large, population-based studies in Taiwan (N?=?1900 cancer cases, 2,077,137 controls) and Denmark (N?=?5508 cases, 137,700 controls). Analyses in Denmark were restricted to the period before prenatal diagnostics became available (2004) and pregnancy terminations of fetuses with birth defects became more common. Using national patient and cancer registries, we linked spina bifida and cancer diagnoses among cases and non-cases. The risk of spina bifida among all cancer cases was increased and similar in Denmark [odds ratio (OR)=8.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.1-13.8] and Taiwan (OR = 8.5, 95% CI 4.0-17.8), particularly for central nervous system (CNS) tumors (Denmark: OR = 16.3, 95% CI 8.1-33.0; Taiwan: OR = 26.6, 95% CI 8.5, 83.1), including benign CNS tumors (Denmark: OR = 41.5, 95% CI 21.2, 81.4). These findings suggest the need for comprehensive investigation of shared risk factors in the link between spina bifida and pediatric cancer.     

Predictors of extubation outcomes among extremely and very preterm infants: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectiveTo explore the clinical or sociodemographic predictors for both successful and failed extubation among Chinese extremely and very preterm infantsMethodsA retrospective cohort study was carried out among extremely and very preterm infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestational age (GA).ResultsCompared with the infants who experienced extubation failure, the successful infants had higher birth weight (OR 0.997; CI 0.996–0.998), higher GA (OR 0.582; 95% CI 0.499–0.678), a caesarean section delivery (OR 0.598; 95% CI 0.380–0.939), a higher five-minute Apgar score (OR 0.501; 95% CI 0.257–0.977), and a higher pH prior to extubation (OR 0.008; 95% CI 0.001–0.058). Failed extubation was associated with older mothers (OR 1.055; 95% CI 1.013–1.099), infants intubated in the delivery room (OR 2.820; 95% CI 1.742–4.563), a higher fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂) prior to extubation (OR 5.246; 95% CI 2.540–10.835), higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO₂) prior to extubation (OR 7.820; 95% CI 3.725–16.420), and higher amounts of lactic acid (OR 1.478;95% CI 1.063–2.056).ConclusionsHigher GA, higher pre-extubation pH, lower pre-extubation FiO₂ and PCO, and lower age at extubation are significant predictors of successful extubation among extremely and very preterm infants.     

Preterm delivery but not intrauterine growth retardation is associated with young maternal age among primiparae in rural Nepal

Pregnancy during adolescence is associated with adverse birth outcomes, including preterm delivery and low birthweight. The nutrient availability to the fetus may be limited if the mother is still growing. This research aims to study the effects of pregnancy during adolescence in a nutritionally poor environment in rural Nepal. This study utilized data from a randomized controlled trial of micronutrient supplementation during pregnancy in south-eastern Nepal. Women of parity 0 or 1 and of age 相似文献   

Descriptive epidemiology of anotia and microtia, Hawaii, 1986-2002

The objective of this investigation was to describe the epidemiology of anotia and microtia with respect to various factors. The cases studied were all infants and fetuses with anotia or microtia identified by a population-based birth defects registry in Hawaii. The anotia and microtia rates were determined for selected factors and comparisons made among the subgroups by calculating the rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). A total of 120 cases were identified, for a rate of 3.79 per 10,000 live births. The anotia and microtia rate increased during 1986-2002, although the trend was not significant (P = 0.715). Of 49 specific structural birth defects examined, four were found to be significantly more common in the presence of anotia and microtia. When compared with Caucasians, the anotia and microtia rates were higher among Far East Asians (RR 1.79, 95% CI 0.89-3.68), Pacific Islanders (RR 2.26, 95% CI 1.24-4.32), and Filipinos (RR 2.34, 95% CI 1.23-4.64). The defects were less common among females (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.43-0.93) and more common with multiple birth (RR 3.72, 95% CI 1.66-7.33), birth weight < 2500 g (RR 3.35, 95% CI 2.04-5.30), and gestational age <38 weeks (RR 2.27, 95% CI 1.49-3.40). In conclusion, the rate for anotia and microtia increased in Hawaii during the study period. The rates for only a few structural birth defects were substantially greater than expected in association with anotia and microtia. Anotia and microtia rates varied significantly according to maternal race/ethnicity, infant sex, plurality, birth weight, and gestational age.     

Clinical associations of prenatal ischaemic white matter injury.

Neuropathological examinations were carried out at necropsy on 274 cases of intrauterine death or neonatal death at or before three days after birth. Fifty six (20.4%) subjects had evidence of prenatal ischaemic brain damage. On review of the maternal case notes to ascertain antenatal clinical associations there was an increased incidence of intrauterine growth retardation, either based on birth weight for gestational age (odds ratio (OR) 2.0; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1 to 3.7) or diagnosed antenatally (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.3 to 5.6). Oligohydramnios was also more common (OR 2.9; 95% CI 1.2 to 7.0). The association of intrauterine growth retardation and white matter damage remained after excluding fetuses with a major congenital anomaly (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.1 to 5.1). The findings suggest that chronic intrauterine hypoxia may be associated with damage to cerebral white matter among fetuses and infants who die. The relation between ischaemic white matter damage and cerebral palsy among survivors remains speculative.     

Descriptive epidemiology of hemivertebrae, Hawaii, 1986-2002

The intent of this study was to report on the epidemiology of hemivertebrae. Cases were derived from a population-based birth defects registry in Hawaii and comprised all infants and fetuses with hemivertebrae delivered during 1986-2002. Hemivertebrae rates per 10 000 births were determined for selected factors and comparisons made by calculating the rate ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Forty-two cases of hemivertebrae were identified, for a total rate of 1.33. Forty-one of the cases were live births, of which 26.83% expired within one year after delivery. Other major structural birth defects were found in 95.24% of the cases. The most frequent associated defect was scoliosis, affecting 54.76% of the cases. The rate among females was significantly lower than among males (RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23-0.94). The rate was lower with maternal age > or =35 years (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.10-1.57) and higher with birth weight < 2500 g (RR 5.96, 95% CI 2.84-11.90) and gestational age < 38 weeks (RR 3.94, 95% CI 2.01-7.64). The majority of hemivertebrae cases had other major structural birth defects. Hemivertebrae occurred predominantly among males and risk was lower with increased maternal age. Rates for hemivertebrae were higher with lower birth weight and gestational age. Further population-based research involving larger study populations are recommended to confirm these observations.     

Intrauterine growth and gestational age in preterm infants with cerebral palsy

In a case-control study, gestational age and intrauterine growth of 191 preterm singleton infants 1971–1982 with cerebral palsy were compared to all preterm live-born singletons in Denmark in 1982 (N = 2203). The distribution of gestational age among preterm cases was slightly bimodal with maximum values at 29 and 32 weeks. The risk for cerebral palsy was highest in the infants with gestational age 28–30 weeks (OR = 5.6 (4.0 – 7.8), 95% confidence interval). Birth weight deviation, in the 34–36 weeks infants, expressed as the number of standard deviations from the mean birth weight for gestational age, was more negative in cases than in controls (P < 0.001). The frequency of small for gestational age (SGA) was 13% in cases and 9% in controls (OR = 1.5 (0.96 – 2.3), 95% confidence interval). The odds for cerebral palsy being SGA, was lower in 28–30 weeks (OR = 0.22 (0.06 – 0.86), 95% confidence interval), the same in 31–33 weeks (OR = 0.83 (0.35 – 2.0), 95% confidence interval) and higher in 34–36 weeks (OR = 5.2 (2.9 – 9.5), 95% confidence interval). In conclusion, preterm infants with cerebral palsy are born earlier than other preterm infants. Small for gestational age is associated with cerebral palsy in preterm infants only above 33 weeks.     

高危晚期早产儿脑损伤病因学及其磁共振发现

目的 探讨以弥散加权成像(DWI)结合常规磁共振成像(T1WI-T2WI)诊断的高危晚期早产儿脑损伤的相关危险因素及临床特点,并分析不同时间MRI序列的信号特点及DWI的早期诊断价值。方法 首先对符合纳入标准的649例晚期早产儿的MRI片重新阅片,按照脑损伤评估标准得出诊断,其次收集相关的临床资料,分析不同类型脑损伤的危险因素和临床特点,并对其中271例确诊脑白质损伤（CWMD）的MRI序列进行分析,探讨不同类型CWMD的信号特点、损伤部位及结局。结果 ①晚期早产儿发生脑损伤332例（51.2%）,其中CWMD 271例（41.8%）,以局灶性CWMD为主（62.7％,170例）;颅内出血112例（17.3%）,主要为蛛网膜下腔出血55.4%（62/112）。②非出血性脑损伤的危险因素是男性（OR=1.510,95％CI：1.067～2.136,P=0.020）、阴道分娩（OR=2.367,95％CI：0.251～22.294 ,P=0.000）、早发型败血症（OR=2.194,95％CI：1.159～4.155,P=0.016）及抢救复苏史（OR=3.784,95％CI：1.908～7.506,P=0.000）。出血性脑损伤的危险因素是阴道分娩（OR=7.195,95％CI：4.249～12.184 ,P=0.000）和早发型败血症（OR=2.692,95％CI：1.185～6.117,P=0.018）。低钙血症（OR=2.593,95％CI：1.343～5.005,P=0.005）、晚发型败血症（OR=1.533,95％CI：1.012～2.323,P=0.044）和抽搐（OR=4.006,95％CI：1.790～8.970,P=0.001）是非出血性脑损伤组的主要临床特点。出血性脑损伤组主要表现为高血糖和抽搐。③局灶性CWMD 65.3％仅累及一处损伤,主要集中在侧脑室后脚（53.5%）,有97.1%病灶消失或病灶范围减少;广泛性CWMD 79.2%累及胼胝体和内囊;弥漫性CWMD 50％合并灰质损伤,全部发生软化。④生后2周内,DWI具有较高的敏感性,98.0%表现为高信号,T1WI信号无变化或稍高信号,伴或不伴T2WI低信号。局灶性CWMD DWI高信号持续时间长达3周以上,弥漫性CWMD DWI高信号持续时间2周以内。结论 晚期早产儿仍然容易受产前产时因素影响而发生不同类型的脑损伤。对有高危因素,或早期出现临床表现或电解质紊乱的患儿应选择生后2周内（1周内最佳）进行DWI和常规MRI检查,以早期发现病变。局灶性CWMD预后较好,合并有灰质损伤或弥漫性CWMD预后极差,需要动态随访,并进行早期康复训练。     

Fetal risk associated with rubella vaccination during pregnancy

BACKGROUND: Costa Rica implemented a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign among men and women (15-39 years old) in May 2001. A protocol was developed to follow-up the vaccinated women who were unknowingly pregnant, to determine the risk of congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) or congenital rubella infection only associated with the administration of the rubella vaccine RA27/3 during pregnancy. METHODS: To classify the prevaccination maternal immune status, a serum sample was taken at the initial evaluation to detect IgM and IgG rubella antibodies (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). All pregnancies were followed up and all newborns were evaluated. A cord serum sample of their children was taken at birth. We calculated odds ratio, OR (95% confidence interval, 95% CI) associated with miscarriage, stillbirth, prematurity, low birth weight, and the presence of defects compatible with CRS. RESULTS: The prevaccination immune status was established in 797 women and 1191 mother and child pairs were analyzed. Adjusted OR for miscarriage (OR = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.26-1.39), stillbirth (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 0.10-16.81), prematurity (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.03-2.39), low birth weight (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.03-2.23) and defects compatible with CRS (OR = 1.09, 95% CI = 0.34-3.54) showed no association between immune and susceptible maternal status. There were no cases of CRS and no children were IgM positive. CONCLUSIONS: No adverse pregnancy outcome such as miscarriages or CRS was documented in women who were vaccinated and unknowingly pregnant. These results support RA27/3 rubella vaccine safety.     

Residential environmental tobacco smoke exposure during pregnancy and low birth weight of neonates: Case control study in a public hospital in Lucknow, India

Objective

To determine whether residential environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure during pregnancy is associated with low birth weight (LBW) neonates and establish a dose response relationship.

Design

Case control study.

Setting

Tertiary care hospital.

Methodology

Mothers giving birth to LBW neonate (<2.5 kg) were cases and those whose neonates weighed ≥2.5 kg at birth were controls. Excluded were women smokers and tobacco chewers, high parity (>3), multiple pregnancy and still births. Included were 100 cases and 200 controls, aged 20 to 30 years. Information was collected on ETS exposure and other risk factors of LBW within 24 hours of delivery. Clinical information like maternal haemoglobin levels, birth weight and gestational age of the neonate was extracted from hospital records.

Results

On univariate analysis, preterm pregnancy, low socioeconomic status, previous LBW neonate, no utilization of antenatal care (ANC), severe anemia and ETS exposure were statistically significantly associated with LBW neonate and controlling for these in logistic regression analysis, adjusted Odds ratio for ETS exposure association with LBW neonate was 3.16 (95% CI=1.88–5.28). A dose response relationship was also found which was statistically significant (10–20 cigarettes smoked/day: OR = 4.06, 95% CI=1.78–9.26 and >20 cigarettes smoked/day, OR = 17.62, 95% CI= 3.76–82.43).

Conclusion

Exposure to ETS during pregnancy is associated with LBW of neonates. Hence, there is an urgent need to increase awareness about health hazards of ETS during pregnancy and bring about behavioural changes accordingly as a one of the strategies to reduce LBW deliveries in India.     

胎龄≤32周早产儿低血糖的危险因素分析

目的 探讨胎龄≤32周早产儿出生后发生低血糖的危险因素。方法 回顾性纳入2017年1月至2020年6月入住新生儿重症监护病房的86例胎龄≤32周低血糖早产儿作为低血糖组,随机选取同期住院监测血糖正常的早产儿172例为对照组。采用单因素分析与多因素logistic回归分析筛选早产儿低血糖的危险因素。结果 研究期间早产儿共计515例,其中低血糖86例（16.7%）。低血糖组小于胎龄儿（SGA）、剖宫产出生、孕母高血压、产前使用激素的比例均高于对照组（P < 0.05）,而出生体重及血糖检测前已静脉使用葡萄糖的比例均低于对照组（P < 0.05）。SGA（OR=4.311,95% CI：1.285~14.462）、孕母高血压（OR=2.469,95% CI：1.310~4.652）和产前使用激素（OR=6.337,95% CI：1.430~28.095）为早产儿低血糖的危险因素（P < 0.05）,静脉使用葡萄糖（OR=0.318,95% CI：0.171~0.591）为早产儿低血糖的保护因素（P < 0.05）。结论 SGA、孕母高血压和产前使用激素可增加胎龄≤32周早产儿早期发生低血糖的风险;对胎龄≤32周早产儿,建议生后尽早静脉使用葡萄糖,以减少低血糖的发生。     

Maternal migraine and risk of pediatric cancers

Background

Maternal migraine has been linked to adverse birth outcomes including low birth weight and preterm birth, as well as congenital anomalies in offspring. It has been speculated that this may be due to the use of medications in pregnancy, but lifestyle, genetic, hormonal, and neurochemical factors could also play a role. There is evidence for varying cancer incidences among adults with migraine. Here, we utilized data from national registries in Denmark to examine associations between maternal diagnoses of migraine and risk for cancer in offspring.

Methods

We linked several national registries in Denmark to identify cases from the Cancer Registry among children less than 20 years (diagnoses 1996–2016) and controls from the Central Population Register, matched to cases by birth year and sex (25:1 matching rate). Migraine diagnoses were identified from the National Patient Register using International Classification of Diseases, versions 8 and 10 codes and migraine-specific acute or prophylactic treatment recorded in the National Pharmaceutical Register. We used logistic regression to estimate the risk of childhood cancers associated with maternal migraine.

Results

Maternal migraine was positively associated with risk for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (odds ratio [OR] = 1.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–2.86), central nervous system tumors ([OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.02–1.68], particularly glioma [OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.12–2.40]), neuroblastoma (OR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.00–3.08), and osteosarcoma (OR = 2.60, 95% CI: 1.18–5.76).

Conclusions

Associations with maternal migraine were observed for several childhood cancers, including neuronal tumors. Our findings raise questions about the role of lifestyle factors, sex hormones, genetic, and neurochemical factors in the relationship between migraine and childhood cancers.     

Risk factors for intraventricular hemorrhage in very low birth weight infants in Tehran, Iran

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants; 80-90% of cases occur between birth and the third day of life. In a retrospective case control clinical study, files of all premature infants with birth weights <1500 grams admitted between April 2004 and October 2005 to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Akbar Abadi Hospital were reviewed. We determined risk factors that predispose to the development of high-grade IVH (grades 3 and 4) in VLBW infants. Thirty-nine infants with IVH grade 3 and 4 were identified. A control group of 82 VLBW infants were also selected. Prenatal data, delivery characteristics, neonatal course data and reports of cranial ultrasonography were carefully collected for both groups. Those variables that achieved significance (p<0.05) in univariate analysis were entered into multivariate logistic regression analysis. A total of 325 VLBW infants were evaluated. Mortality rate was 21.5%. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that the following factors are associated with greater risk of high-grade IVH occurrence: lower gestational age (OR: 3.72; 95% CI: 1.65-8.38), birth weight (OR: 3.42; 95% CI: 1.65-8.38), mechanical ventilation (OR: 4.14; 95% CI: 1.35-12.2), tocolytic therapy with magnesium sulfate (OR: 4.40; 95% CI: 1.10-24.5), hyaline membrane disease (HMD, OR: 3.16; 95% CI: 1.42-7.45), symptomatic hypotension (OR: 2.32; 95% CI: 1.06-5.42), hypercapnia (OR: 1.9; 95% CI: 1.1-3.4) and Apgar score at 5 minutes (OR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.59-6.32).     

Maternal chorioamnionitis & long term neurological morbidity in the offspring

BackgroundChorioamnionitis is a common and potentially devastating complication of pregnancy associated with maternal and perinatal adverse outcomes.ObjectiveTo evaluate a possible association between maternal chorioamnionitis and long-term pediatric neurological morbidity.Study designA population-based retrospective cohort analysis was performed comparing the risk of long-term neurological morbidity. Pediatric neurological morbidity evaluated included hospitalizations with neurological morbidity. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were constructed to compare the cumulative neurological morbidity and a Cox regression model was used to control for confounders.Results238 622 newborns were included. Of them, 0.5% were born to mothers with chorioamnionitis. 3.1% offspring were hospitalized with a neurological condition. Total neurological morbidity was not significantly more common in the chorioamnionitis group (3.8% vs. 3.1% respectively, OR 1.23, 95% CI 0.9–1.6, p = 0.147). However, a significant and independent association was noted between maternal chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy. (0.5% vs. 0.1%, OR 5.77, 95% CI 2.5–13.0, p = 0.001). In a Cox proportional hazards model, controlling for preterm delivery, birthweight, maternal factors and mode of delivery the association between chorioamnionitis and cerebral palsy remained significant (adjusted HR = 2.78, 95% CI 1.20–6.43, P = 0.016).ConclusionMaternal chorioamnionitis is associated with cerebral palsy in the offspring, independently of other birth circumstances such as preterm delivery and birthweight.     

Congenital Anomalies in Singapore

Abstract A 3-year study (Jan. 1986-Dec. 1988) in the Kandang Kerbau Hospital revealed 678 infants with birth defects in 44,842 livebirths, (15.13 per 1,000 live births, 95% confidence intervals, CI 14.0–16.2). There were 161 cases with musculoskeletal abnormalities (3.5 per 1,000, 95% CI 3.06-4.19), 111 gastrointestinal system malformations (2.47 per 1,000, 95% CI 2.04-2.58), 88 chromosomal abnormalities (1.96 per 1,000, 95% CI 1.57-2.42), 78 cardiovascular system abnormalities (1.74 per 1,000, 95% CI 1.38-2.17), 73 urogenital system defects (1.63 per 1,000, 95% CI 1.28-2.05), and 52 central nervous system defects (1.16 per 1,000, 95% CI 0.87-1.52). The prevalence of cleft lip, cleft palate, and cleft lip/palate was 1.72 per 1,000, and Down's Syndrome 1 in 700. At review, six weeks later, the false positive rate was 4% in the infants with defects, and in the group of 709 normal controls (matched by race, maternal age, ward class and time/date of birth), the false negative rate was 0.84%. The strongest risk factors were a family history of birth defects (odds ratio, OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.8-6.4), and previous abnormal sibling(s) (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.1–5.3). Other risk factors included drug intake during pregnancy (OR 1.2, 95% CI 0.8-2.0), becoming significant with ingestion during the first trimester (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1-1.8). Traditional medicine (mainly Chinese herbs during pregnancy) had a slightly higher risk (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.0–2.0). The National University Hospital keeps a register of birth defects; trained nurses interview all mothers using a set questionnaire. Evaluation of 11,460 livebirths over a 3-year period (1991–1993) revealed 472 cases (41.19 per 1,000 livebirths, 95% CI 37.48-44.90) with 171 musculoskeletal defects (14.92 per 1,000 livebirths, 95% CI 12.69-17.16), 105 cardiovascular defects (9.16 per 1,000, 95% CI 7.41-10.91), 64 urogenital defects (5.58 per 1,000, 95% CI 4.22-6.95), 30 gastrointestinal defects (2.62 per 1000, 95% CI 1.68-3.55), 35 mixed system defects (3.06 per 1,000, 95% CI 2.04-4.07), and 18 chromosomal abnormalities (1.57 per 1,000, 95% CI 0.85-2.30). The prevalence of cleft lip/cleft lip and palate was 1.48 per 1,000. This higher prevalence could be due to the present practice of routine screening of every infant on the first day of life, together with a careful assessment for musculoskeletal defects, especially congenital dislocation of the hips.     

Case-control study of the risk factors linked to respiratory syncytial virus infection requiring hospitalization in premature infants born at a gestational age of 33-35 weeks in Spain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify those risk factors most likely to lead to the development of RSV-related respiratory Infection and subsequent hospital admission among premature infants born at 33-35 WGA (FLIP study) METHODS: This was a prospective case-control study. Cases (186) hospitalized for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness were recruited from 50 participating Spanish hospitals during the 2002-2003 RSV season (October 2002-April 2003). Controls (371) were selected in June 2003 but born at same time as cases. RESULTS: Of these cases, 20.5% were admitted to the intensive care unit intensive care unit, and 7.6% required mechanical ventilation. None of the patients died. Conditional logistic regression analysis adjusted for medical center demonstrated that the risk of RSV-related respiratory infection requiring hospital admission in preterm infants 33-35 weeks of gestation (WGA) in Spain was most often associated with absolute chronologic age at start of RSV season < or =10 weeks [ie, born between July 15 and December 15; odds ratio (OR), 3.95; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.65-5.90], breast-feeding for < or =2 months total (OR 3.26; 95% CI 1.96-5.42), presence of > or =1 school age siblings (OR 2.85; 95% CI 1.88-4.33), > or =4 residents and visitors at home (discounting school age siblings and the case/control him/herself) (OR 1.91; 95% CI 1.19-3.07) and a family history of wheezing (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.19-3.01). CONCLUSIONS: In premature infants born 33-35 WGA, certain underlying risk factors significantly increase the risk of RSV-related respiratory infection and hospitalization. Premature infants 33-35 WGA with additional risk factors should be considered for RSV prophylaxis with palivizumab.     

Congenital abnormalities among children with cerebral palsy: More evidence for prenatal antecedents

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between cerebral palsy (CP) and congenital abnormalities among children with very low, low, and normal birth weight.Study design: A population-based, case-control study among the cohort of 155,636 live births delivered between 1983 and 1985 in 4 California counties. Children with moderate or severe congenital CP (n = 192) diagnosed by age 3 were identified from 2 California State service agencies, and 551 control children were randomly sampled from birth certificate files. Information on congenital abnormalities diagnosed by the age of 1 year was obtained from the California Birth Defects Monitoring Program registry. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% CIs were calculated to estimate risk for CP associated with congenital abnormalities. RESULTS: Among singletons, congenital abnormalities were present in 33 (19.2%) children with CP and 21 (4.3%) control children (OR = 5.2, 95% CI 2.8-9.7). For each birth weight group, the percent of children with congenital abnormalities among children with CP exceeded that among control children. Structural abnormalities of the central nervous system were more common among children with CP (OR = 16.2, 95% CI 5.8-49.3) than control children. In contrast, the percent of children with non-central nervous system abnormalities only was similar between case patients and control subjects. CONCLUSION: These findings provide further evidence that factors operating in the prenatal period contribute significantly to the etiology of CP.     

Comparison of different growth curves in the assessment of extrauterine growth restriction in very low birth weight preterm infants

BackgroundPreterm infants are at risk of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) and associated complications in the long term. Growth curves are important in assessing postnatal growth in these infants. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of EUGR in preterm infants and the factors associated with EUGR using two different growth curves.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 596 preterm infants with birth weight ≤1500 g. Small for gestational age (SGA) was defined as birth weight <10th percentile for gestational age. EUGR was defined as discharge weight z score <?2. All z scores were determined using both the Fenton 2013 and Intergrowth-21st (IG-21) growth curves.ResultsThe infants’ median gestational age was 28 weeks (27–29) and median birth weight was 1080 g (900–1243). The prevalence of SGA was 9.2% with IG-21 curves and 5% with Fenton curves (p < 0.001). The median discharge weight was 2060 g (1860–2363). The prevalence of EUGR was significantly higher with the Fenton curves than with the IG-21 curves (38% vs. 31.7%, p < 0.001). The mean discharge weight z score was ?1.82±1.29 with Fenton and ?1.44±1.49 with IG-21 curves. In multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for EUGR according to the Fenton curves were SGA (odds ratio [OR]: 19.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4–82.59), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.12–2.4), late neonatal sepsis (LNS) (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.5–3.44), and >16 days to full enteral feeding (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.22–2.68). Similarly, independent risk factors for EUGR according to the IG-21 curve were SGA (OR: 16.3, 95% CI: 7.23–36.9), RDS (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.16–2.83), LNS (OR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.43–3.68), and >16 days to full enteral feeding (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.38–3.23).ConclusionThe growth curves used for diagnosis may lead to differences in EUGR rates in intensive care units and the factors identified as associated with EUGR. At-risk infants should be evaluated for EUGR and their weight and nutritional support should be monitored carefully. Comparisons of long-term outcomes are needed to assess the suitability of growth curves used for EUGR follow-up.     

Potential risk factors for the development of acute renal failure in preterm newborn infants: a case-control study

AIMS: To determine in a case-control study possible associations between the development of acute renal failure in preterm newborns and therapeutic interventions, particularly drug treatments. METHODS: The study population was 172 preterm infants of <38 weeks gestation; 71 had acute renal failure and 101 were controls closely matched for gestational age and birth weight. Maternal and neonatal information was collected for both groups through questionnaires and interviews. Routine data on renal variables were also collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Very low birthweight infants were at high risk of acute renal failure (79% of cases were <1500 g). However, the acute renal failure was transient. Mothers of infants with acute renal failure received more drugs during pregnancy and delivery (mainly antibiotics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Of the possible therapeutic interventions, intubation, catheterisation, and phototherapy were mainly applied to case subjects. A low Apgar score and patent ductus arteriosus were diagnosed in a greater percentage of neonates with acute renal failure. Moreover, in the first few days of life and before diagnosis of acute renal failure, case subjects received more drugs (antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and diuretics) and for a longer time. In the multivariate logistic analysis, medullary hyperechogenicity (odds ratio (OR) 4.491; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.879 to 10.731) and ceftazidime administration (OR 5.082; 95% CI 1.493 to 17.297) were associated with a greater risk of acute renal failure. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest the need for careful monitoring of very low birthweight infants and attention to drug treatments, as it is difficult to differentiate between normality and renal failure in the first few days of life.