Total body water in small- and appropriate- for gestational age newborns

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain total body water in small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) newborns. METHODS: SGA and AGA babies were matched by gestational age and studied from birth to term age. Criteria for exclusions were genetic syndromes, malformations, and congenital infections. Bioelectrical impedance was performed at two days of life (term infants), or at seven days of life and term age (preterm infants). Weight and length were measured by trained interviewers, and Z-score, weight/length ratio and Rohrer ponderal index was calculated. RESULTS: Of the 54 infants evaluated, 28 were SGA (17 preterm) and 26 were AGA (15 preterm). Total body water was greater in SGA preterm babies at seven days of age (P=0.058) and at term age (P<0.0001). Weight/length ratio and Rohrer ponderal index increased towards term. Weight Z-score and anthropometric measures at term were significantly smaller in SGA babies. Being SGA and variation in Rohrer ponderal index influenced the variations in total body water. CONCLUSIONS: SGA babies had greater total body water, and both groups presented insufficient increase in body solid mass, stressing the importance of nutritional support during neonatal care.     

Evaluation of biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in the cord blood of preterm low birth weight neonates

Objective: The objective of the study is to investigate the association between oxidative stress markers and enzymatic / non-enzymatic antioxidants (marker of the resistance in body to oxidative damage) in the cord blood of preterm low birth weight (LBW) neonates. Methods: Malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl proteins, total antioxidant capacity and Vitamin A, E and C levels in the cord blood were determined by spectrophotometry. Results: Increased lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation with decreased values of vitamin A, E, C and total antioxidant capacity were observed in the preterm LBW newborns. Observations of negative correlation between MDA and protein carbonyl with antioxidants vitamin A, E and C and total antioxidant status points towards the existence of oxidative stress in the preterm LBW newborns. Conclusions: Poor fetal growth affects the development of antioxidant defenses of preterm LBW babies, predisposing them to higher oxidative stress, which in turn may partly account for increased morbidity and mortality in these infants. The presence of an association between oxidative stress biomarkers and enzymatic /non-enzymatic antioxidants in the cord blood of preterm LBW neonates suggest that increased oxidative stress may be the result of changes in the levels of certain enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants due to the cause or the effect of oxidative damage occurring at the molecular level.     

早期新生儿骨代谢指标血清水平分析

目的 分析早期新生儿骨代谢指标血清值水平.方法 采集2018年7月至2019年12月在我院新生儿科住院的早期新生儿121例,检测血清骨代谢指标总碱性磷酸酶(ALP)、总Ⅰ型前胶原N端前肽(PINP)、β-Ⅰ型胶原交联羧基端肽区(β-CTX)、钙、磷、25-羟胆骨化醇(25-(OH)D)、甲状旁腺激素、降钙素的浓度,进行...     

儿童肥胖与出生体重、胎龄及宫内营养的关系

目的 了解不同出生体重、胎龄及宫内营养状况与儿童期肥胖之间的关系,为围产期干预提供依据.方法 对上海市东北区域10所小学6～10岁共2395名儿童进行体格检查.收集每位儿童的出生资料,分析出生体重、胎龄以及宫内营养状况与儿童期肥胖的关系.结果 出生时巨大儿(出生体重≥4000 g)儿童期发生肥胖的危险是正常出生体重儿的1.55倍(OR=1.55,95%CI:1.17～2.05,x2=9.380,P=0.002);与足月儿相比,早产儿和过期儿的儿童期肥胖检出率有升高趋势,但差异无统计学意义(OR=1.38,95%CI;0.82～2.3,x2=1.448,P=0.229;OR:1.34,95%CI:0.71～2.51,x2=0.834,P=0.361);大于胎龄儿(LGA)儿童期发生肥胖的危险是适于胎龄儿(AGA)的1.38倍(OR=1.38,95%CI:1.05～1.82,x2=5.206,P=0.023).结论 巨大儿、大于胎龄儿均为发生儿童期肥胖的高危因素.     

Early postnatal growth in preterm infants and cord blood leptin.

Although circulating leptin and insulin concentration is linked to intrauterine growth, fetal development and birth weight in full-term infants, there has been no enquiry into the influence of cord blood insulin and leptin for catch-up growth in preterm infants. The study evaluated the association of cord blood leptin with growth and weight gain of 96 premature babies during 6 months (corrected age). The temporal changes of anthropometric indexes over this period were calculated by repeated random regression (PROC MIXED) using SAS. Cord blood leptin was negatively associated with the rate of change in BMI (p=0.01) and length (p<0.001), from birth until 64 postnatal weeks. Insulin was positively associated with the change rate in BMI (p=0.03); however, this disappeared when adjusted for birth weight. For the first time, the association between lower leptin levels with greater catch up growth is shown for both BMI and length among preterm children. In conclusion, leptin levels at birth, but not insulin levels, predict growth rates.     

Thrombopoietin levels of thrombocytopenic term and preterm newborns with infection

We measured Thrombopoietin (Tpo) levels in thrombocytopenic term and preterm babies with infection to investigate the relationship between thrombopietin levels and platelet counts. Sixteen preterm (27-34 weeks' gestational age) and 5 term neonates (38-41 weeks' gestational age) with the diagnosis of neonatal infection and thrombocytopenia (platelets <150 x 10(9)/L) but, without the evidence of disseminated intravascular coagulation, were prospectively enrolled in the study. Fifteen preterm (27-34 weeks' gestational age) and 9 term (38-40 weeks' gestational age) age-matched healthy neonates were enrolled in the study as control. Blood samples were obtained from each subject at the time when infection and thrombocytopenia were detected and stored until assay. Bacterial infection was confirmed by blood cultures in five patients and by tracheal cultures in five. Median Tpo levels of term controls were lower than those of preterm controls (62 pg/mL vs. 87 pg/mL) (p <0.05). Median Tpo levels of thrombocyopenic preterm patients were higher than the levels of healthy preterms (258 pg/mL vs. 87 pg/mL) (p <0.05). Similarly, median Tpo levels of sick terms were significantly higher than those of healthy term controls (209 pg/mL vs. 62 pg/mL) (p <0.001). There was not significant difference between the median Tpo levels of term and preterm babies with infection (258 pg/mL vs. 209 pg/mL) (p >0.05). There was no correlation between platelet counts and Tpo levels in both term and preterm groups. The results of our study show that healthy term and preterm babies have detectable levels of Tpo and preterm babies have higher Tpo levels than term infants. Although thrombocytopenic babies with infection have increased levels of Tpo, these levels are still lower than the levels of thrombocytopenic children/adult patients and there seems to be no correlation between platelet counts and thrombopoietin levels. So our observation of increased Tpo levels may still be inadequate for normal platelet production in this period. and this group of babies may also be candidates for the administration of recombinant human Tpo.     

The effect of blood gas and Apgar score on cord blood cardiac troponin I.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to (a) establish a reference range for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) in the cord blood of healthy infants, and (b) investigate the effect of Apgar score, cord blood gas, gestational age, and creatine kinase (CK) and creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) fraction levels on cord blood cTnI levels. METHODS: 112 perinatal hypoxic and 84 control newborns without perinatal hypoxia were enrolled in this study. Cord blood samples were collected from the babies for arterial blood gas analysis, cTnI, CK and CK-MB measurements. Gestational age, birth weight, sex, Apgar score and history of fetal distress were recorded. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) group, hypoxic but without HIE group and control groups were identified according to clinical observations during the first 72 h in the newborn unit. RESULTS: HIE and perinatal hypoxic without HIE groups had a significantly higher cord blood cTnI level according to the control group (1.8 ng/mL (0-13), 0 ng/ml (0-1.1) and 0 ng/ml (0-0.3) respectively). Cord blood cTnI level did not have a correlation with birth weight and gestational age (r = -0.02, p > 0.05 and r = 0.08, p > 0.05 respectively). Cord blood cTnI level also had a negative correlation with pH, bicarbonate, base deficit, and Apgar score (r = -0.40, p < 0.001; r = -0.39 p < 0.001; r = -0.45 p < 0.001; r = -0.41, p < 0.001) respectively). Cord blood cTnI level showed a positive correlation with CK and CK-MB levels (r = 0.45, p < 0.001 and r = 0.37, p < 0.001 respectively). Receiver operator curve analysis revealed that the most sensitive factor for prediction of perinatal hypoxia is cord cTnI value [area under curve = 0.929]. The optimal cut-off value of cord cTnI was 0.35 ng/ml for hypoxia. CONCLUSION: cTnI levels in the cord blood are not affected by gestational age and birth weight. cTnI together with CK and CK-MB has been found to be elevated in hypoxic infants compared to normal infants. Therefore cTnI may be an indicator for perinatal hypoxia in neonates.     

Esophageal pH study and symptomatology of gastroesophageal reflux in newborn infants

A retrospective study was undertaken to assess the association between esophageal pH monitoring variables and signs such as regurgitation, vomiting, apnea, bradycardia, and cyanotic episodes attributable to gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in neonates. One hundred thirty-four infants with one or more of the above-described signs underwent 24-hour distal esophageal pH monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit, and were divided into 2 groups by gestational age. Group 1 (preterm infant group) consisted of infants aged 25 to 36 weeks of gestation ( n = 45) and group 2 (term infant group) consisted of infants aged 37 to 42 weeks gestation ( n = 89). Esophageal pH monitoring variables were compared by gestational age group and within preterm infants by theophylline treatment and, separately, by nasogastric tube using the Mann-Whitney U test. Comparisons of nominal data were made using the chi square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the net effect of each independent variable on the risk of developing GER. The prevalence of GER was not influenced by gestational age. The prevalence of gastrointestinal signs did not differ between groups. Cardiorespiratory signs attributed to GER were more frequent in preterm infants than in term infants. The number of episodes with pH < 4 in 24 hours was greater in the term compared with the preterm infant groups. Logistic regression analysis failed to detect an association between acid GER and gestational age, apnea, bradycardia, cyanotic episodes, vomiting, or regurgitation. Theophylline treatment and the presence of a nasogastric tube did not significantly affect the esophageal pH monitoring variables in preterm infants. Preterm infants have a smaller number of reflux episodes compared with term infants. In addition, treatment with theophylline for apnea of prematurity and the presence of a nasogastric tube in preterm infants did not significantly affect pH-monitoring variables in preterm infants.     

Neonatal and maternal serum levels of soluble ICAM-1 in preeclamptic and normal pregnancies

The aim of this study is to determine whether circulating levels of sICAM-1 were changed in infants of preeclamptic mothers, and factors influencing these levels. Peripheral venous blood samples were obtained from preeclamptic and nonpreeclamptic pregnant women (control) and their babies in the first 2 hours post partum. The enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay (ELISA) technique was used to determine concentrations of sICAM-1. Compared with the control group, maternal and neonatal serum sICAM-1 levels were higher in the preeclamptic group. Neonatal levels were correlated with the maternal levels only, and there were no difference between premature and term babies and their mothers. In the control group, on the other hand, premature babies and their mothers had higher sICAM-1 levels than term babies and their mothers, with values close to those of premature group in the preeclamptic group. Neonatal sICAM-1 levels were correlated with gestational age, birth weight, and also with maternal levels. Linear regression analysis of these parameters, however, showed that only the gestational age was significant. The study suggests that perinatal sICAM-1 levels possibly are not independent from the maternal levels. High sICAM-1 levels in infants of preeclamptic mothers and premature babies might reflect the high maternal levels.     

Trends in fetal growth among singleton gestations in the United States and Canada, 1985 through 1998

We examined trends in fetal growth among singleton live births in the United States and Canada. The data files (n = 48,637,680; 16.6% blacks) for US births, and the Canadian Birth Database of Statistics Canada (n = 3,167,702) for Canadian births were used. Trends were assessed between 1985-86 and 1997-98 with reference to mean birthweight, birthweight-for-gestational-age z-score, and proportions delivered low birthweight (< 2,500 g), small for gestational age (SGA: birthweight < 10th centile for gestational age) and large for gestational age (LGA: birthweight > 90th centile). The term "mean birth weight" increased in the US and Canada between 1985 and 1998, as have the mean z-score. Rates of term SGA births declined among US (11% among whites and 12% among blacks) and Canadian births (27%). Preterm SGA births increased by 3% and 17%, respectively, among US whites and blacks, but declined by 11% among Canadian births. Further, term LGA births increased in the US (5% among whites and 9% among blacks) and Canada (24%). Preterm LGA births declined by 13%, 25%, and 14% among US whites and blacks, and Canadian births, respectively. These findings suggest that US and Canadian babies are getting bigger. The role of preterm obstetrical induction and preterm cesarean delivery are likely to have influenced these trends.     

The relationship among intrauterine growth, insulinlike growth factor I (IGF-I), IGF-binding protein-3, and bone mineral status in newborn infants

Insulinlike growth factors (IGFs) exert profound effects on somatic growth and cellular proliferation of many tissues and play an essential role in bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate how fetal growth and bone mineralization correlate with IGF-I and IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3) levels of newborn infants and their mothers. In addition, we aimed to determine the predictive value of anthropometric measurements on variability in bone mineral status. Umbilical cord venous blood samples were obtained at delivery from 100 term newborn infants. Forty of the newborn infants had birthweights appropriate for gestational age (AGA), 30 were small for gestational age (SGA), and 30 were large for gestational age (LGA). Data were acquired using whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanner with a pediatric platform. Umbilical cord serum IGF-I concentrations were higher in LGA newborns ( P < 0.01), but lower in SGA newborns ( P < 0.01) than in AGA newborns. Umbilical cord serum IGFBP-3 concentrations in LGA newborns were significantly greater than in SGA and AGA newborns ( P < 0.01 and P < 0.01, respectively). Whole-body bone mineral density (WB BMD) was higher in LGA babies (0.442 +/- 0.025 g/cm2 [SD]; P < 0.01) but lower in SGA (0.381 +/- 0.027 g/cm 2; P < 0.0001) than in AGA babies (0.426 +/- 0.022 g/cm2). WB BMD and content (WB BMC) were correlated significantly with birthweight, birth height, head circumference, body mass index (BMI) of the infants; ponderal index and triceps skinfold thickness (reflecting fat stores) of the infants; cord serum IGF-I concentration, serum IGF-I concentration of the mothers; and fat mass, proportionate fat mass, weight, and BMI of the mothers. In contrast, WB BMC was also correlated positively with cord serum IGFBP-3 concentration and gestational age, and WB BMD was positively correlated with serum IGFBP-3 levels of the mothers. Umbilical cord serum IGF-I concentration of the infants was correlated significantly with the concentration of the mothers ( R = 0.232; P = 0.020). Umbilical cord serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations were correlated significantly with the fat mass, gestational age, birthweight, birth height, head circumference, and BMI of the infants. Umbilical cord IGF-I concentration was also correlated with ponderal index and triceps skinfold thickness of the infants, maternal weight, BMI, and proportionate fat mass of the infants. Stepwise multiple regression analyses showed no significant relation between bone indices (WB BMD, WB BMC) and the infant's or mother's variations including serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 concentrations. Birthweight and gestational age are related to bone indices. However, the present study does not provide support for the hypothesis that serum IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels of infants and their mothers may play a major role in the regulation of bone metabolism in the developing skeleton.     

Fetal umbilical cord oxygen values and birth to placental weight ratio in relation to size at birth

OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to examine regulatory linkages between fetal oxygenation and fetal and placental growth. We determined umbilical cord PO (2) and oxygen saturation, fractional oxygen extraction, and birth to placental weight ratio values in relation to size at birth for a large tertiary hospital population delivering at term. STUDY DESIGN: The computerized perinatal database of St Joseph's Health Care London, London, Ontario, was used to obtain the umbilical cord gases, pH, birth weight, placental weight, and other selected information for all term, singleton, liveborn infants between January 1990 and December 1999 (N = 27,043). Oxygen saturation values were calculated from the umbilical cord PO(2) and pH data with a previously derived empirical equation; fractional oxygen extraction values were calculated from the umbilical cord oxygen saturation data. Size at birth was divided into the following 5 birth weight categories using neonatal growth standards: fetal growth restriction, <3%; borderline fetal growth restriction, >or=3% and <10%; appropriate for gestational age, >or=10% and 90% and 97%. RESULTS: Infants in the borderline fetal growth restriction and fetal growth restriction groups had umbilical vein and artery PO(2) and oxygen saturation values that were stepwise lower than respective values for infants in the appropriate for gestational age group. Conversely, infants in the borderline large for gestational age and large for gestational age groups had umbilical vein PO(2) and oxygen saturation values that were stepwise higher than respective appropriate for gestational age group values; infants in these groups showed no change in arterial PO (2) and oxygen saturation values. Therefore infants in the borderline fetal growth restriction and fetal growth restriction groups had fractional oxygen extraction values that were stepwise higher than the appropriate for gestational age group value, whereas values for infants in the borderline large for gestational age and large for gestational age groups remained unchanged. Birth weight was disproportional to placental weight for infants in the borderline fetal growth restriction and fetal growth restriction groups when compared with that of the infants in the appropriate for gestational age group, with the birth to placental weight ratio values stepwise decreased. Conversely, birth weight was proportional to placental weight for infants in the borderline large for gestational age and large for gestational age groups with the birth to placental weight ratio values thus unchanged when compared with that of the infants in the appropriate for gestational age group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that fetal oxygenation is related to size at birth across the entire range of birth weights as studied at term from macrosomic to growth-restricted infants; this conclusion supports oxygen as a primary determinant of fetal growth. However, there are differences in the linkage between fetal oxygenation and metabolic rate or growth for these cohort groups that may relate to underlying etiologic processes.     

Kernicterus in late preterm infants cared for as term healthy infants

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical profile and health care experiences related to management of newborn jaundice and hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants (<37(0/7) weeks gestation) who are cared for as term infants (> or =37(0/7) weeks) and develop acute and/or chronic posticteric sequelae. METHODS: Retrospective study of a convenient sample of term and near term infants voluntarily reported to the Pilot Kernicterus Registry (1992-2003). Study infants were required to meet the clinical definitions for acute bilirubin encephalopathy (moderate or advanced severity) and/or the classical signs of kernicterus. Main outcome measures were the comparison of etiology, severity and duration of extreme hyperbilirubinemia (TSB levels >20 mg/dL), response to interventions of intensive phototherapy and exchange transfusion, and health care delivery experiences in preterm as compared with term infants. RESULTS: No targeted attention was accorded to preterm infants during their neonatal health care experiences as related to predischarge risk assessment, feeding, discharge follow-up instructions, or breastfeeding, regardless of the known vulnerability of preterm infants to safely transition during the first week after birth. The TSB levels, age at re-hospitalization, and birth weight distribution were similar for late preterm and term infants. Large for gestational age and late preterm infants disproportionately developed kernicterus as compared with those who were appropriate for gestational age and term. Clinical management of extreme of hyperbilirubinemia, by the attending clinical providers, was not impacted or influenced by the gestational age, clinical signs, or risk assessment. This resulted in severe posticteric sequelae which was more severe and frequent in late preterm infants. CONCLUSIONS: Late prematurity (34(0/7) to 36(6/7) weeks) of healthy infants was not recognized as a risk factor for hazardous hyperbilirubinemia by clinical practitioners. Unsuccessful lactation experience was the most frequent experience; being large for gestational age as well as the other known biologic risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia and bilirubin neurotoxicity were not identified by the clinical care providers either before discharge or at immediate postdischarge follow up.     

胎盘肥胖基因表达与胎儿宫内生长发育相关性研究

目的　探讨胎盘肥胖基因表达与脐血瘦素水平和胎儿宫内生长发育的关系。　方法　采用逆转录定量聚合酶链反应 (RT- PCR)检测 40例胎盘肥胖基因 m RNA相对表达水平 ,采用放射免疫法检测脐血肥胖基因蛋白 (瘦素 )水平 ,采用 Ponderal指数 [PI=10 0×体重 (g) /身长 (cm) 3 ]估测新生儿营养状态。　结果　胎盘组织肥胖基因呈现高效表达 ,表达水平与孕母脂肪组织肥胖基因表达水平相似 ;13例小于胎龄儿胎盘组织瘦素 - m RNA相对表达水平为 0 .44 9± 0 .0 2 6 ,显著低于 15例适于胎龄儿的表达水平 [0 .487± 0 .0 42 (P<0 .0 5 ) ];12例大于胎龄儿胎盘组织瘦素 - m RNA相对表达水平为 0 .5 2 5± 0 .0 2 9,显著高于适于胎龄儿 (P<0 .0 5 )。胎盘肥胖基因 m RNA相对表达水平与脐血瘦素水平显著相关 (r=0 .6 1,P<0 .0 5 ) ,与新生儿出生体重和 Ponderal指数显著相关 (r=0 .6 0和0 .5 6 ,P<0 .0 5 )。　结论　胎盘是脐血瘦素重要来源 ,胎盘瘦素可能对胎儿宫内生长发育有促进作用     

Reference values of serum IgG and IgM levels in preterm and term newborns

Aim: Although, variations of normal immunoglobulin (Ig) levels in different gestational age and birth weight groups have been studied so far, data are still limited in newborns, especially in preterm infants. The aim of this study was to determine serum IgG and IgM levels in newborns in order to generate a reference standard for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and address the variations in preterm babies.

Methods: This study was conducted from June 2012 to June 2013 in a level III NICU. A total of 300 newborn infants hospitalized within first 72?h were included in the study. The quantification of serum IgG and IgM was performed by nephelometric method.

Results: Both serum IgG and IgM levels were increased in correlation with increased gestational age and birth weight.

Conclusion: The reference values of serum IgG and IgM levels should be further evaluated in larger series with the presented data in this article. In addition, preterm babies appear to have lower Ig levels thus carry the risk of relevant morbidity.     

Hypoxic risk in twins assessed by serum creatinine kinase brain isoenzyme measurement

A marked intrapair discordance in placentas and in many body and organ measurements are risk factors influencing perinatal mortality and morbidity in twins. Asphyxia is the single most important perinatal cause of neurologic morbidity in newborn infants. The higher hypoxic risk for the second twin arises, however, from conclusions based on studies that did not consider the new diagnostic possibility of using blood measurements of the brain-type isoenzyme of creatine kinase (CK-BB) as a marker of perinatal asphyxia. CK-BB levels were measured in cord blood of 60 preterm infants (mean birth weight 1670 +/- 390 g, and mean gestational age 33 +/- 1.9 weeks) born of twin gestation in the last 3 years. The mean CK-BB values were 48 +/- 40 U/l versus 29 +/- 31 U/l (p less than 0.5). Skilful antepartum and perinatal care are the keys for optimal management of both babies, as demonstrated by similar CK-BB values obtained in their cord-blood specimens after birth.     

Vitamin D levels in newborns and association with neonatal hypocalcemia

Objective: Vitamin D has many important functions in our body. Especially in intrauterine and early infancy periods, Vitamin D plays a major role in bone development, growth, and the maturation of tissues such as lung and brain. Fetus is dependent on the mother in terms of Vitamin D and maternal Vitamin D deficiency results in a Vitamin D deficient newborn. The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of Vitamin D in newborns and to investigate the association between Vitamin D status of the baby and neonatal hypocalcemia.

Method: Vitamin D, calcium, and parathyroid hormone levels of 750 infants, born between 1 January 2014 and 30 June 2015 and followed in Ondokuz May?s University Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were analyzed retrospectively. Blood levels of Vitamin D were checked within 3 days after birth. A 25(OH)D3 level of <10?ng/ml indicated severe, levels between 10 and 20?ng/ml, which indicated moderate and levels between 20 and 30?ng/ml indicated mild Vitamin D deficiency. Serum calcium levels below 8?mg/dl in term infants and below 7?mg/dl in preterm infants were accepted as hypocalcemia. Hypocalcemia that developed within the first week after birth was defined as early, while hypocalcemia after one week were defined as late hypocalcemia.

Results: A total of 44% of the infants in the study were girls, while 56% were boys; 38% were term and 62% were preterm. Average 25(OH)D3 level of all infants was 11.4?±?10.2 (0–153) ng/ml. Only 30 (4%) infants had normal (>30?ng/ml) 25(OH)D3 levels; 68 (9%) had mild, 234 (31%) had moderate and 418 (56%) had severe vitamin D deficiency. No correlation was found between Vitamin D levels and gender, mother’s age, gestational week or birth weight. In 79 (17.2%) preterms, neonatal hypocalcemia was observed. Vitamin D levels of the premature infants who had early neonatal hypocalcemia were statistically significantly lower when compared with those who did not have early neonatal hypocalcemia (p?=?.02). No significant difference was found between the Vitamin D levels of the term infants who had early neonatal hypocalcemia and those who did not (p=?.29). No significant difference was found between the Vitamin D levels of the infants who had late neonatal hypocalcemia and those who did not (in preterm p?=?.27; in term p?=?.29).

Conclusions: Although lack of Vitamin D is preventable and curable, it is an important health problem for newborns in Turkey. In our study, 56% of the infants were found to have severe lack of Vitamin D and lack of Vitamin D was found to be associated with early neonatal hypocalcemia in preterm newborns. However, long-term effects of lack of Vitamin D in infancy are not fully known. In order to be able to prevent neonatal Vitamin D deficiency, 1200?IU/day vitamin D was supplemented to mothers from the 12th gestational week to 6th month of the birth, which was put into effect by the Ministry of Health in 2011, and should be applied by all health workers.     

不对称二甲基精氨酸与早产儿呼吸窘迫综合征的相关性分析

目的探讨不对称二甲基精氨酸(ADMA)与早产儿呼吸窘迫综合征(NRDS)的关系及脐血ADMA对预测NRDS的意义。方法以胎龄35周、体质量2500g的早产儿为研究对象,18例NRDS为实验组,其中分2级以上RDS组14例,1级RDS组4例;17例同期住院的早产儿为对照组。分别抽取脐带血,生后7、14d桡动脉血各2mL,用ELISA法进行ADMA检测。结果 (1)ADMA变化:早产儿胎龄、出生体质量、分娩方式,母亲合并妊娠高血压综合征与脐血ADMA无明显相关关系;(2)ADMA与NRDS的关系:2级以上RDS组脐血中ADMA明显高于1级RDS组和对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);生后7d和14d的ADMA水平各组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05);(3)2级以上RDS组脐血ADMA与机械通气时间、吸氧时间呈直线正相关关系(r=0.532,0.663,P0.05)。结论脐血ADMA是独立于胎龄、出生体质量、分娩方式及母亲是否有妊娠高血压综合征的指标;脐血ADMA可能是2级以上NRDS的预测因子,脐血ADMA越高,机械通气和吸氧时间越长。     

Role of antioxidant nutrients and lipid peroxidation in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia

The objective of this study was to determine if newborn premature infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) demonstrate, within the first 3 days of life, lower blood levels of antioxidants and higher urine levels of lipid peroxidation products than premature infants who recovered from RDS. Perinatal variables (gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores) and antioxidant indices in cord and in third day of life plasma and red blood cell (RBC) samples from healthy premature infants (n = 35), infants with RDS (n = 23) and infants with BPD (n = 23) were examined. Antioxidant indices included selenium, alpha-tocopherol, total and oxidized glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and urinary malondialdehyde. By inferential statistics, only the perinatal variables and cord plasma selenium distinguished healthy premature infants from premature infants with RDS or BPD. From perinatal variables and antioxidant indices we calculated: (1) cord to third-day-of-life variable differences, (2) variable-to-variable ratios, and (3) ratios of a difference for one variable to a difference for any second variable. Subset regression analysis yielded an equation (adjusted R2 = 0.8839) that correctly predicted infants who developed BPD 100% of the time. Predictor variables for BPD were gestational age, Apgar at 1 min, cord and third-day-of-life RBC selenium, cord total glutathione, cord and third-day-of-life glutathione peroxidase and nine different ratios involving Apgar scores, RBC selenium, total and oxidized glutathione, alpha-tocopherol, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase. In this study, there was no relationship between lipid peroxidation and BPD. There was a higher rate of patent ductus arteriosus, congestive heart failure, and retinopathy of prematurity in infants with BPD. This study confirms that low plasma selenium and alpha-tocopherol levels in premature infants (< or = 30 weeks' gestational age or lower) were significantly associated with an increased respiratory morbidity.     

Implication of cord blood myeloperoxidase but not of soluble p-selectin levels in preterm deliveries

Although maternal amniotic and vaginocervical cytokines are known to play a role in triggering preterm delivery, the effects of activating fetal phagocytes and platelets are not clear. In an attempt to clarify this issue, we measured levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), a phagocyte activation marker, and soluble p-selectin (sCD62p), a platelet activation marker, in umbilical cord blood samples from 2200 consecutive cord blood collections, 106 of which were from preterm infants. MPO and sCD62p levels were correlated to gestational age and preterm delivery. It was found that MPO levels were significantly higher in preterm infants and were not significantly correlated to gestational age. In contrast, sCD62p levels were lower in preterm infants and were negatively correlated to gestational age. In summary, we showed that fetal phagocyte activation as demonstrated by higher cord blood MPO levels is associated with preterm delivery, but platelet activation as shown by lower sCD62p levels is not. This suggests that fetal phagocyte activation may be implicated in preterm delivery, and subsequently in prematurity-related inflammatory insults.