Hypereosinophilia in premature newborn infants

Eosinophilia is a common finding in premature babies during the neonatal period (75%). It has a variable correlation with several factors that may influence it: gestational age, birth weight, time required to regain birthweight, neonatal stress, caesarean birth, formula feeding, endotracheal intubation, positive pressure ventilation, parenteral nutrition, umbilical catheterization, blood transfusions, antibiotics, phototherapy, sex, neutropenia and sepsis. The possible mechanisms are discussed: resolution of a stress, anabolic state, reaction to antigens, normal granulopoietic maturation, transplacental transfer of a factor stimulating the eosinophil synthesis.     

Spontaneous DNA synthesis of blood lymphoid cells in premature newborn infants,in older premature infants and in full-term newborn infants

In adults, blood cells which synthesize DNA spontaneously are large, pale lymphoid phagocytes. In fetal blood, transitional cells label spontaneously in addition to the lymphoid phagocytes (Prindull et al., 1975a, b). In the present study, we have measured quantitatively by scintillation counting, spontaneous thymidine incorporation of blood cells from different groups of infants.When compared with the conditions in the normal adult, spontaneous DNA synthesis of peripheral blood lymphoid cells is increased by a factor of 16.4 in premature newborn infants (P<0.002), by a factor of 8.7 in full-term newborn infants (P<0.01), and in older premature infants studied at the time of their calculated birth dates by a factor of 4.3 (P<0.001).Spontaneously labelling blood cells most likely are, at least in part, hematopoietic stem cells from the bone marrow.With technical assistance of Brigitte Prindull.     

Pancreatic echogenicity in premature and newborn infants

Little information is available regarding pancreatic echogenicity in premature infants and neonates. We prospectively studied 65 patients (30 premature infants and 35 neonates) and compared pancreatic echogenicity to a control group of 25 infants and 35 older children. Pancreatic echogenicity was graded relative to hepatic echogenicity measured at a similar depth. In the premature infants and neonates the initial ultrasounds were hyperechoic in 71% compared to 5% in both control groups. Follow up ultrasounds were obtained in 73% of the premature infants and 17% of the neonates. The pancreatic echogenicity became isoechoic in 14 of 19 premature infants and 3 of 4 neonates in whom the initial ultrasound was hyperechoic. We conclude that the normal pancreatic echogenicity in premature infants and neonates is usually hyperechoic relative to liver. Pancreatic hyperechogenicity in premature infants and neonates is not necessarily indicative of disease.     

早产儿黄疸的特点与管理

美国Ｇｕｂｅｒｎｉｃｋ新近报道 :正常足月新生儿高胆红素血症发生率约 6 0 % ,早产儿达 80 % [1] 。新生儿黄疸可以是发育过程的暂时现象 ,也可以是某些疾病的症状。及时区分是“生理性”抑或病理性 ,尤其是早产儿 ,由于其黄疸程度较重 ,延续时间较长 ,尚存在一定困难[2 ] 。