Radiation exposure in extremely low birth weight infants during their neonatal intensive care unit stay

Background

Extremely low birth weight (ELBW <1000 g) infants may have increased sensitivity to radiation exposure. Our objective was to estimate the radiation exposure in survivors of ELBW infants during their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, medical records of all ELBW infants who had been admitted to our NICU between May 1999 and October 2009 were reviewed. The infants’ total entrance skin exposure [ESE in micro-Gray (μGy)] was estimated.

Results

Among 450 survivors, the mean gestational age (GA) was 26.3±2.1 weeks, and the mean birth weight (BW) was 774.2±144.4 g. Infants received a median of 32 (range: 1–159) X-rays, with an estimated ESE of 1471 μGy (range: 28–9264). Total ESE was inversely proportional to GA (r=?0.34; P<0.01), and BW (r=?0.39; P=0.01) and proportional to the severity of illness [score for neonatal acute physiology-perinatal extension (SNAPPE), r=0.39; P=0.01]. In a linear regression analysis, GA, SNAPPE and necrotizing enterocolitis were associated with radiation exposure (ESE) in ELBW infants (r2=0.133; P<0.001).

Conclusions

During their NICU stay, ELBW infants were subjected to a significant number of diagnostic X-ray procedures. Our data highlight the need to closely monitor the number of X-ray procedures ordered to ELBW infants to avoid unnecessary radiation exposure.     

Predictors of mortality in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome

Objective

To identify risk factors for mortality in neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome.

Methods

All neonates (2004–2010) with meconium aspiration syndrome, irrespective of gestation were included. Risk factors were compared between those who died and survived.

Results

Out of 172 included neonates, 44 (26%) died. Mean (SD) gestation and birth weight were 37.9 (2.3) weeks and 2545 (646g), respectively. Myocardial dysfunction [aOR 28.4; 95% CI (8.0–101); P<0.001] and higher initial oxygen requirement [aOR 1.04; 95% CI (1.02–1.07); P<0.001] increased odds of dying while a higher birth weight [aOR 0.998; 95% CI (0.997–1.00); P=0.005] reduced the odds of dying.

Conclusions

Meconium aspiration syndrome is associated with significant mortality. Myocardial dysfunction, birth weight, and initial oxygen requirement are independent predictors of mortality.     

Pulmonary hypertension in extremely low birth weight infants: characteristics and outcomes

Background

To determine the characteristics and outcomes of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.

Methods

A retrospective case-control study of all ELBW infants admitted to a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2010.

Results

During the study period, 450 ELBW infants were admitted. 6.4% (29/450) were diagnosed with PAH and were matched to 26 controls. The mean gestational age of infants with PAH and their controls were similar [24.5±1.3 vs. 24.9±1.8 weeks (P=0.26)]; however the cases were smaller at birth than were controls [640.7±119.5 vs. 727.0±184.5 g (P=0.04)]. The diagnosis of PAH was made at a mean postnatal age of 131.8±53.7 days. Infants with PAH had a higher rate of intrauterine exposure to illicit maternal drug use [12/29 (41%) vs. 1/25 (4%); P=0.001], a longer duration of initial mechanical ventilation [74.9±28.3 vs. 59.1±27.8 days; P=0.04)], a higher incidence of severe BPD [23/29 (79%) vs. 13/26 (50%); P=0.02], and a greater NICU mortality rate [12/29 (41%) vs. 4/26 (15%); P=0.04].

Conclusion

PAH in ELBW infants is associated with maternal illicit drug use in pregnancy, longer exposure to mechanical ventilation, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and a significant increase in early mortality.     

Diffusion tensor imaging in extremely low birth weight infants managed with hypercapnic vs. normocapnic ventilation

Background

Permissive hypercapnia is a ventilatory strategy used to prevent lung injury in ventilated extremely low birth weight (ELBW, birth weight ≤1,000 g) infants. However, there is retrospective evidence showing that high CO₂ is associated with brain injury.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare brain white matter development at term-equivalent age in ELBW infants randomized to hypercapnic vs. normocapnic ventilation during the first week of life and in healthy non-ventilated term newborns.

Materials and methods

Twenty-two ELBW infants from a randomized controlled trial were included in this study; 11 received hypercapnic (transcutaneous PCO₂ [tcPCO₂] 50–60 mmHg) ventilation and 11 normocapnic (tcPCO₂ 35–45 mmHg) ventilation during the first week of life while still intubated. In addition, ten term healthy newborns served as controls. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was performed at term-equivalent age for the ELBW infants and at approximately 2 weeks of age for the control infants. White matter injury on conventional MRI was graded in the ELBW and control infants using a scoring system adopted from literature. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to evaluate for differences in DTI measured fractional anisotropy (FA, spatially normalized to a customized template) among the ELBW and term control infants.

Results

Conventional MRI white matter scores were not different (7.3?±?1.7 vs. 6.9?±?1.4, P?=?0.65) between the hypercapnic and normocapnic ELBW infants. TBSS analysis did not show significant differences (P?<?0.05, corrected) between the two ELBW infant groups, although before multiple comparisons correction, hypercapnic infants had many regions with lower FA and no regions with higher FA (P?<?0.05, uncorrected) compared to normocapnic infants. When compared to the control infants, normocapnic ELBW infants had a few small regions with significantly lower FA, while hypercapnic ELBW infants had more widespread regions with significantly lower FA (P?<?0.05, fully corrected for multiple comparisons).

Conclusions

Normocapnic ventilation vs. permissive hypercapnia may be associated with improved white matter development at term-equivalent age in ELBW infants. This effect, however, was small and was not apparent on conventional MRI. Further research is needed using larger sample sizes to assess if permissive hypercapnic ventilation in ELBW infants is associated with worse white matter development.     

Longitudinal growth and post-discharge mortality and morbidity among extremely low birth weight neonates

Objectives

To study post-discharge growth, mortality and morbidity of extremely low birth weight neonates at corrected age of 2 years.

Methods

Weight, length and head circumference were compared on WHO growth charts at corrected ages 3 (n=54), 6, 9, 12 (n=51) and 24 months (n=37); rates of underweight, stunting, microcephaly and wasting were calculated.

Results

The mean Z-score for weight, length, head circumference and weightfor-length significantly improved from 3 to 24 months (P<0.001); a significant proportion remained malnourished at 2 years. Nine infants (11%) died and 35 (44%) required readmission during first year of age.

Conclusion

Extremely low birth weight neonates remain significantly growth retarded at corrected age of 2 years.     

Acute kidney injury in a single neonatal intensive care unit in Turkey

Background

Although advances in perinatal medicine have increased the survival rates of critically ill neonates, acute kidney injury (AKI) is still one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in neonatal intensive care units. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AKI and analyze demographic data and risk factors associated with the mortality or morbidity.

Methods

Of 1992 neonates hospitalized between January 2009 and January 2011, 168 with AKI were reviewed in the study. The diagnosis of AKI was based on plasma creatinine level >1.5 mg/dL, which persists for more than 24 hours or increases more than 0.3 mg/dL per day after the first 48 hours of birth while showing normal maternal renal function.

Results

The prevalence of AKI was 8.4%. The common cause of AKI was respiratory distress syndrome, followed by sepsis, asphyxia, dehydration, congenital anomalies of the urinary tract, congenital heart disease, and medication. The prevalence of AKI in neonates with birth weight lower than 1500 g was about three-fold higher than in those with birth weight higher than 1500 g (P<0.05). Pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm prolonged rupture of membranes, and administration of antenatal corticosteroid were associated with increased risk of AKI (P<0.05). Umbilical vein catheterization, mechanical ventilation and ibuprofen therapy for patent ductus arteriosus closure were found to be associated with AKI (P<0.05). The overall mortality rate was 23.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed that birth weight less than 1500 g, mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, anuria, and dialysis were the risk factors for the mortality of infants with AKI.

Conclusions

Prenatal factors and medical devices were significantly associated with AKI. Early detection of risk factors can reduce the mortality of AKI patients.     

Glycerin suppository for promoting feeding tolerance in preterm very low birthweight neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective

To compare the efficacy of glycerin suppository versus no suppository in preterm very-low-birthweight neonates for improving feeding tolerance.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Level III neonatal unit from Mumbai, India.

Participants

50 very-low-birthweight (birth weight between 1000 to 1500 grams) preterm (gestational age between 28 to 32 weeks) neonates randomized to glycerine suppository (n=25) or no intervention (n=26).

Intervention

Glycerin suppository (1g) once a day from day-2 to day-14 of life or no suppository, along with intermittent oral feeds and standardized care.

Primary outcome

Time required to achieve full enteral feeds (180 mL/kg/d).

Results

Baseline characteristics of neonates like gestational age, birth-weight, gender and age at the time of introduction of feeds were comparable in both groups. The mean (SD) duration to reach full enteral feed was 11.90 (3.1) days in glycerin suppository group and was not significantly different (P=0.58) from control group, [11.33 (3.57) days]. Glycerin suppository group regained birth weight 2 days earlier than control group but this difference was not significant (P=0.16). There was no significant difference in duration of hospital stay or occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis amongst the two study groups.

Conclusion

Once daily application of glycerin suppository does not accelerate the achievement of full feeds in preterm very-low-birthweight neonates.     

Placental and neonatal outcome in maternal malaria

Objective

Primary: To determine the incidence of congenital malaria in a cohort of pregnant women in a hyper-endemic area of central India. Secondary: (1) To find out the placental weight and placental malaria positivity, and to assess fetal and neonatal outcome in terms of survival, mean hemoglobin and mean birth weight.

Design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Maternity and neonatal ward of a tertiary level hospital attached to a medical college located in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Participants

Near term and term pregnant women admitted in the maternity ward with a singleton pregnancy, whose neonates were available for examination till at least 6 hours after birth.

Methods

Thick and thin blood smear were examined for malarial parasites from mothers prior to delivery. Based on the results of peripheral smear they were divided into ‘exposed group’ (peripheral smear positive for malaria parasite) and unexposed group’ (smear negative for malaria parasite). These groups were then followed prospectively till delivery and subsequently till the mother and the neonates were discharged from the hospital.

Outcome variables

Primary: Presence of asexual parasite in neonate. Secondary: Placental weight, presence of asexual malarial parasite in placenta, still births, early neonatal deaths, mean birth weight and mean hemoglobin.

Results

Seventy-two (35.5%) of 203 blood smears of near term and term pregnant women were found positive for malaria parasite (60 P. vivax and 12 P. falciparum); rest 131 comprised the unexposed group. Six (2.95%) neonates had parasitemia (4 P. vivax and 2 P. falciparum). Of the 203 smears made from placental blood, 24 (11.8%) were positive for malaria parasite. The mean (SD) birth weight [2300 (472) g vs 2430 (322) g; P=0.98], proportion of preterm babies (6.9% vs 8.4%, P=0.71), incidence of still birth (4.2% vs 3.0%, P=1.0) and early neonatal death (2.8% vs 3.0%, P=1.0) were not significantly different between the exposed and unexposed group.

Conclusions

The incidence of congenital malaria is low despite high maternal smear positivity for malaria.     

Mortality and Morbidity in Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Infants in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objective

To determine the morbidity and mortality in ELBW babies till discharge from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

Methods

This study was a prospective observational study conducted in a 40 bed well equipped level III care NICU between 01.12.2006 and 30.04.2008. All ELBW babies admitted during this period were assessed for morbidities and interventions required during NICU stay and for their outcome like survival or death.

Results

The survival rate of 87 ELBW babies admitted during this period was 56.1 %. Pulmonary hemorrhage was the commonest cause of death (25 %) followed by respiratory distress syndrome (22.5 %), intraventricular hemorrhage (22.5 %) and sepsis (20 %). Significantly higher number of non-survivors were <750 g at birth (p?=?0.0001) and <28 wk gestation (p?=?0.0001). Small for gestational babies had better chances of survival compared to those appropriate for gestational age (p?=?0.005). RDS (67.8 %), probable sepsis (62.1 %) and hyperbilirubinemia (59.8 %) were the most frequent morbidities. Conventional ventilation (72.4 %) and nasal CPAP(48.3 %) were the commonest respiratory interventions. Surfactant replacement therapy was required in 47.1 % babies.

Conclusions

ELBW babies have a major contribution to mortality in a NICU. Babies with birth weight <750 g and gestation <28 wk have poor survival. RDS, pulmonary hemorrhage, IVH and sepsis are the common causes of death while RDS, sepsis and hyperbilirubinemia are the most common morbidities.     

Influence of nose and mouth leaks on peripheral oxygen saturation during continuous positive airway pressure in neonates

Background

Nose and mouth leaks impair effective pressure transmission during neonatal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), but little is known about how these leaks affect physiological parameters. This study investigated the influence of nose leaks and spontaneous mouth opening on peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and respiratory rate (RR) using nasopharyngeal CPAP.

Methods

In 32 neonates with a gestational age of 30 (24–38) weeks and a birth weight of 1435 (710–2730) g, SpO₂ and RR measurements were taken with and without occlusion of the contralateral nostril in a randomized cross-over trial in 1-minute intervals over a 10-minute period during each condition. Mouth opening and newborn activity were documented.

Results

SpO₂ with open nostril was comparable to that with occluded nostril [93 (78.5–99.5)% vs. 94 (80–100)%, P=0.20]. RR decreased from 51 (26–82)/min to 48 (32–85)/min (P=0.027). In infants with an SpO₂≤93% during open nostril (n=17), SpO₂ increased after nostril occlusion [91 (80–96)% vs. 89.5 (78.5–93)%, P=0.036]. The mouth was open in 78.5% of measurements with open nostril, and in 87.4% of measurements after nostril occlusion (P=0.005). No significant influence of mouth opening or closure on SpO₂ or RR was detected.

Conclusions

In neonates on unilateral nasopharyngeal CPAP with an SpO₂ ≤93%, occlusion of the contralateral nostril significantly increased SpO₂ and reduced RR. The beneficial physiological effects further support using binasal prongs to minimize nose leaks in this population. Future studies should investigate the beneficial effects of reducing mouth leaks when applying CPAP to these infants.     

Role of Gastric Lavage in Vigorous Neonates Born with Meconium Stained Amniotic Fluid

Objective

To compare reduction in incidence of feed intolerance in neonates born with meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) by use of gastric lavage to those who did not receive lavage.

Methods

This Randomized controlled trial was conducted in all vigorous newborns delivered through MSAF, with birth weight ≥1800 g and gestation ≥34 wk. In the lavage group, gastric lavage with 10 ml/kg of normal saline was done.

Results

Twelve neonates in the lavage group (n?=?124) developed feed intolerance compared to 16 neonates in control group (n?=?120), (p?=?.309; OR 0.69; 95%CI 0.27–1.58). No difference in any other morbidity was noted.

Conclusions

Gastric lavage in neonates with MSAF does not reduce feed intolerance, irrespective of thickness of MSAF and it confers no advantages.     

Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin as a marker of acute kidney injury in asphyxiated neonates

Objective

To determine the clinical utility of serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) as an early marker of acute kidney injury in asphyxiated neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE).

Design

Cohort study.

Settings

National Intensive Care Unit of Maternity Hospital, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

Patients

The study included 30 term asphyxiated neonates (8 with mild, 13 with moderate and 9 with severe HIE) and 20 control neonates.

Intervention

Serum NGAL level was measured within 6 hours after birth using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.

Main outcome measures

Patients were subsequently discriminated into AKI (n=12) and no-AKI (n=18) groups.

Results

The median (Interquartile range) serum NGAL concentration was 95.0 (70.75–180.00) ng/mL in asphyxiated neonates, and 39.75 (6.0–48.0) ng/mL in control neonates; (P<0.001). Serum NGAL correlated with HIE severity: mean (SD) was 65.50 (3.77) ng/mL in infants with mild HIE, 115.07 (45.83) ng/mL in infants with moderate HIE and 229.66 (79.50) ng/mL in infants with severe HIE; (P<0.01). The median (Interquartiles) serum NGAL level was 182.50 (166.25–301.75) ng/mL in patients with AKI, 74.00 (66.00–78.75) ng/mL in those without AKI; (P<0.001). A cutoff value 157 ng/mL for serum NGAL could detect AKI in asphyxiated neonates with a sensitivity of 83.3% and a specificity of 94.4%.

Conclusion

Elevated serum NGAL measured within 6 hours after birth reliably indicates acute kidney injury in asphyxiated neonates.     

Hyperthyroxinemia at birth: a cause of idiopathic neonatal hyperbilirubinemia?

Background

Some neonates develop idiopathic hyperbilirubinemia (INHB) requiring phototherapy, yet with no identifiable causes. We searched for an association between abnormal thyroid levels after birth and INHB.

Methods

Of 5188 neonates, 1681 (32.4%) were excluded due to one or more risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia. Total thyroxine (TT4) and thyroid stimulating hormone values were sampled routinely at 40–48 hours of age and measured in the National Newborn Screening Program.

Results

Of the 3507 neonates without known causes for hyperbilirubinemia, 61 (1.7%) developed INHB and received phototherapy. Univariate analyses found no significant association between mode of delivery and INHB (vacuum-delivered neonates were a priori excluded). Nonetheless, in cesarean-delivered (CD) neonates, two variables had significant association with INHB: TT4 ≥ 13 µg/dL and birth at 38–38.6 weeks. In vaginally delivered (VD) born neonates, INHB was associated with weight loss > 7.5% up to 48 hours of age. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed a strong effect of mode of delivery on possible significant association with INHB. In CD neonates, such variables included: TT4 ≥ 13 µg/dL [P = 0.025, odds ratio (OR) 5.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23–24.4] and birth at 38–38.6 weeks (P = 0.023, OR 3.44, 95% CI 1.19–9.97). In VD neonates, weight loss > 7.5% (P = 0.019, OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.13–3.83) and 1-min Apgar score < 9 (P < 0.001, OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.83–7.9), but not TT4, showed such an association.

Conclusions

INHB was significantly associated with birth on 38–38.6 week and TT4 (≥ 13 µg/dL) in CD neonates, and with a weight loss > 7.5% in VD neonates. We herein highlight some acknowledged risk factors for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, and thus minimize the rate of INHB.

     

Prooxidant-Antioxidant Balance in Perinatal Asphyxia

Objective

To determine the prooxidant-antioxidant balance (PAB) in neonatal asphyxia and compare it with values for PAB in healthy neonates.

Methods

In a prospective observational study, serum PAB of umbilical cord blood of 30 neonates with asphyxia [pH <?7.2, low Apgar score, signs of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)] as the case group and 35 healthy neonates (without an abnormal clinical event at birth and after the first week) as the control group were compared.

Results

Among the 35 neonates in the control group, the average level of serum PAB was 20.00 HK units, which was significantly lower than for the 30 neonates within the case group (40.46 HK units; p?=?0.019). The blood pH in the case group was significantly lower than for control group (P?<?0.001). In controls, HCO₃ ^- and pCO₂ were 18.6 mmol/L and 38.5 mmHg respectively, whilst in the case group these values were 15.5 mmol/L and 45.7 mmHg respectively (p?<?0.05).

Conclusions

Determination of PAB may be useful in the early diagnosis of perinatal asphyxia and is consistent with HCO₃ ^-, pCO₂ and Apgar score.     

Outcome of Very Low Birth Weight Infants Over 3 Years Report From an Iranian Center

Objective

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are at high risk for morbidity and mortality. This article determines the frequency of disease, rate od survival, complications and risk factors for morbidity and mortality in VLBW neonates admitted to a level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Mahdieh Hospital in Tehran.

Methods

This cross-sectional retrospective study was performed from April 2007 to March 2010 on all hospitalized VLBW neonates. Relevant pre- and peri-natal data up to the time of discharge from the hospital or death, including complications during the course of hospitalization, were collected from the case notes, documented on a pre-designed questionnaire and analyzed.

Findings

Out of 13197 neonates, 564 (4.3%) were VLBW with 51.4% males. Mean gestational age was 29.6±2.5 weeks; mean birth weight 1179±257 grams. Mean birth weight, gestational age and Apgar scores were significantly higher in babies who survived than in those who died, (1275±189 vs. 944±253 grams; 30.5±2.2 vs. 27.5±2 weeks and 6.9±1.7 vs. 5±2.1 respectively, P<0.001 in all instances). Overall survival was 70.9%; in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) newborns this figure was 33.3% rising to 84.1% in infants weighing between 1001-1500 grams. Respiratory failure resulting from RDS in ELBW babies was the major factor leading to death. Need for mechanical ventilation, pulmonary hemorrhage and gastro-intestinal bleeding were also significant predictive factors for mortality.

Conclusion

Birth weight and mechanical ventilation are the major factors predicting VLBW survival.     

Effect of Birth Asphyxia on P Wave Dispersion

Objectives

To evaluate the cardiac conduction system using P wave dispersion on electrocardiogram and its relationship with the short term mortality and development of arrhythmia in asphyxiated neonates.

Methods

Thirty term babies with evidence of asphyxia and without any congenital abnormalities were consecutively evaluated as cases. They were compared with thirty healthy term babies without asphyxia. Twelve-lead surface electrocardiography was obtained from all the patients and the controls, and P wave dispersion was calculated according to its definition as the difference between P maximum duration and P minimum duration in 12-lead electrocardiogram.

Results

A statically significant difference of P wave dispersion was observed between the patients and the control group (0.027?±?0.011 mm/s and 0.016?±?0.006 mm/s, respectively; P value?=?0.0001). The P wave dispersion had a statistically significant correlation with the grade of asphyxia (P?=?0.004, r?=?0.62), the P wave dispersion had no statistically significant correlation with Apgar scores, short term arrhythmia, and troponin I level in asphyxiated neonates (P?<?0.05).

Conclusions

The P wave dispersion increased in asphyxiated neonates and correlated with grade of asphyxia; however, the increased P wave dispersion was not correlated with the short term mortality, arrhythmia and troponin I level of the asphyxiated neonates.     

Incidence and risk factors of post-phototherapy neonatal rebound hyperbilirubinemia

Background

To determine the incidence and risk factors of post-phototherapy rebound hyperbilirubinemia because data about bilirubin rebound in neonates are lacking and few studies have concerned this condition.

Methods

A prospective observational study was conducted on 500 neonates with indirect hyperbilirubinemia who were treated according to standard guidelines. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) was measured at 24–36 h after phototherapy; significant bilirubin rebound (SBR) is considered as increasing TSB that needs reinstitution of phototherapy.

Results

A total of 124 (24.9%) neonates developed SBR with TSB increased by 3.4 (2.4–11.2) mg/dL after stopping phototherapy. Multiple logistic regression model revealed the following significant risk factors for rebound: low birth weight (B = 1.3, P < ?0.001, OR 3.5), suspected sepsis (B = 2.5, P < ?0.001, OR 12.6), exposure to intensive phototherapy (B = ?0.83, P = ?0.03, OR 2.3), hemolysis (B = ?1.2, P < ?0.001, OR 3.1), high discharge bilirubin level (B = ?0.3, P = ?0.001, OR 1.3), and short duration of conventional phototherapy (B = ?? 1.2, P < ?0.001, OR 0.3).

Conclusions

SBR should be considered in neonates with hemolysis, low birth weight, suspected sepsis, short duration of conventional phototherapy, exposure to intensive phototherapy, and relatively high discharge TSB. These risk factors should be taken into account when planning post-phototherapy follow-up.

     

Growth of children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Objective

To evaluate the growth pattern in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis and its subtypes in comparison with age, sex and temporally matched controls.

Study design

Prospective study.

Setting

Pediatric rheumatology clinic of a tertiary care hospital in Eastern part of India.

Participants

Seventy-five children (2–12 years) diagnosed as juvenile idiopathic erthritis by International League of Associations for Rheumatology criteria and 75 age- and sexmatched controls.

Intervention

Weight, height and body mass index were recorded at six monthly interval in both groups over a period of 3 years.

Main outcome measures

weight, height and body mass index.

Results

Subtype distribution of juvenile idiopathic arthritis was: oligoarthritis (49%, n=37), rheumatoid factor negative polyarthritis (27%, n=20), rheumatoid factor positive polyarthritis (8%, n=6), systemic onset (15%, n=11) and enthesitis related arthritis (1.3%, n=1). Anthropometric parameters in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis were not significant different from controls. Comparison between the subtypes showed significant differences in height (P=0.011), weight (P=0.005), and growth velocity (P=0.005), but not in body mass index. Systemic onset disease led to significant restriction in height (P=0.018; 95% CI 2.13–33.77) and weight (P=0.008; 95% CI 1.47–14.43) compared to controls. Growth velocity was significantly affected in rheumatoid factor positive polyarthritis (P=0.003; 95% CIO. 46–3.14).

Conclusions

Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis do not have significantly lower values of anthropometric parameters compared to controls. Significant restriction in height and weight is seen in systemic onset disease, and growth velocity is significantly reduced in rheumatoid factor positive subjects.     

Correlation of Paraoxonase1 Activities with Birth Weight

Objectives

To evaluate arylesterase and lactonase activity of paraoxonase (PON)1 in cord blood of neonates in relation to their birth weight. The authors hypothesized that cord blood PON1 arylesterase and lactonase activities will be compromised in neonates having low birth weight.

Methods

Eighty neonates born in authors’ hospital, irrespective of mode of delivery were included. Forty children with low birth weight were included in case group and 40 with normal birth weight were included as controls. PON1 arylesterase and lactonase activities were measured.

Results

Serum arylesterase activity decreased significantly in low birth weight babies (p?<?0.05). Linear regression analysis (R?=?0.728) indicated significant correlation between arylesterase and birth weight. Serum lactonase activity was also reduced in low birth weight babies. Its linear regression analysis (R?=?0.727) indicated significant correlation between lactonase and birth weight.

Conclusions

PON 1 activity is significantly reduced among low birth weight babies in comparison to normal weight babies.     

Effect of kangaroo mother care Vs expressed breast milk administration on pain associated with removal of adhesive tape in very low birth weight neonates: A randomized controlled trial

Objective

To compare the pain relief effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and Expressed Breast Milk (EBM) on the pain associated with adhesive tape removal in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates.

Design

Randomized Controlled Trial.

Setting

Neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital.

Participants

15 VLBW neonates who needed adhesive tape removal for the first part and 50 VLBW neonates needing adhesive tape removal for the second part.

Methods

In first stage of the study, we studied whether adhesive tape removal in VLBW neonates was painful. In the second stage, eligible VLBW neonates were randomised to compare the efficacy of KMC and EBM in reducing the pain during the procedure of adhesive tape removal.

Outcome Variables

Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) Score, heart rate, oxygen saturation.

Results

There was significant increase in pain associated with the removal of adhesive tape (Mean pre-procedure PIPP score 3.47 ± 0.74; post-procedure mean PIPP score 12.13 ± 2.59; P<0.0001). The post intervention mean PIPP pain score was not significantly different between the KMC and EBM groups (P= 0.62).

Conclusions

Removal of adhesive tape is a painful procedure for VLBW neonates. There was no difference between KMC and EBM in relieving pain associated with adhesive tape removal.