Surgical complications due to postnatal cytomegalovirus infection in a preterm infant with malrotation

We report a case of an extremely preterm infant with intestinal malrotation who contracted postnatal systemic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with a complicated intestinal evolution requiring repeated surgical interventions and antiviral treatment. This report is to emphasize that prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms in extremely preterm infants fed with non‐pasteurized breast milk should lead to suspicion of CMV infection. The importance of preventive measures when feeding very preterm infants with breast milk needs to be considered. Furthermore, the indications for antiviral treatment, in particular in preterm infants, need to be clarified.     

Intrauterine versus postnatal transport of the preterm infant: a short-distance experience

AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare neonatal outcome (mortality, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotising enterocolitis, persisting ductus arteriosus, and septicaemia) after intrauterine transport versus neonatal transport in an area where short-distance transport is the rule. METHODS: The study was retrospective in nature. The files of all neonates delivered between 24 and 34 weeks from 1994 to 1998 and transported intrauterine or postnatally to the Antwerp University Hospital were reviewed. Cases of intrauterine fetal death and mothers discharged before delivery were excluded, as were infants with lethal congenital anomalies. RESULTS: A total of 328 deliveries after intrauterine transport, resulting in 416 neonates and 187 neonates transported postnatally were included. The maximum distance patients had to be transported was 40 km. Placental abruption was more frequent in the mothers of the neonatal transport group (13 vs. 5%, P=0.001). Corticosteroids were administered significantly less in the neonatal transport group (67 vs. 13%, P<0.0001). Preterm rupture of the membranes (36 vs. 20%, P<0.0001), preterm labour (73 vs. 36%, P<0.0001), and pre-eclampsia (10 vs. 7%, P<0.0001) were more frequent in the intrauterine transport group and this group had a lower mean birthweight and gestational age. There was no significant difference for overall neonatal mortality, respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotising enterocolitis, persisting ductus arteriosus or septicaemia.     

Phycomycotic abscesses in a preterm infant.

We report a case of neonatal infection with rhizopus, one of the Mucoraceae family. Human infection is rare but the mortality is high without prompt, correct treatment. The infant had a simultaneous candida septicaemia secondary to colonisation of a central venous line. Serial C reactive protein estimations are valuable in monitoring treatment.     

Cholelithiasis in a preterm infant

A case of cholelithiasis in a preterm infant is described. The baby survived for 105 days, during which time she received multiple blood transfusions. Three pigment stones were found in the gallbladder at necropsy. It is suggested that they were a consequence of an excessive bilirubin load, the result of maintaining the hemoglobin above physiological levels.     

Symptomatic zinc deficiency in a breast-fed preterm infant.

A 2-month-old preterm boy who developed symptomatic zinc deficiency while being exclusively breast fed is described. Oral zinc supplements induced a complete remission but mucosal 65Zn uptake studies and metabolic balances conducted before and after withdrawal of the supplements excluded the diagnosis of acrodermatitis enteropathica. By age 12 months the boy was well and no longer required zinc supplements. Other possible causes of this patient''s symptomatic zinc deficiency are discussed and these should be considered in the immediate and long-term management of preterm infants.     

Neonatal tooth in a preterm infant

A neonatal tooth is defined as a tooth, which erupts within the first month of life. Herein, we report a premature infant with a neonatal tooth.     

Congenital malaria in a preterm infant

Abstract:   A case of congenital malaria in a preterm newborn infant is presented. The case illustrates the difficulty of early diagnosis, and the atypical nature of presentation in a preterm infant.     

The adverse neuro-developmental effects of postnatal steroids in the preterm infant: a systematic review of RCTs

Background  

Recent reports have raised concerns that postnatal steroids may cause neuro-developmental impairment in preterm infants. This systematic review was performed with the objective of determining whether glucocorticoid therapy, to prevent or treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia, impairs neuro-developmental outcomes in preterm infants.     

Amino acid and protein requirements in a preterm infant with classic phenylketonuria.

A preterm infant with classic phenylketonuria required rather less than 90 mg/kg of phenylalanine and between 270 and 290 mg/kg tyrosine daily to achieve a rate of weight gain of around 20 g/kg per day. Using Lofenalac as the low phenylalanine food, the intake of tyrosine, an essential amino acid for patients with phenylketonuria seemed to be limiting in respect of growth.     

早产儿心率变异性的临床研究

目的评价早产儿心脏自主神经功能发育情况.方法根据胎龄将90例早产儿分为A、B、C三组(胎龄分别为27～31周、～34周、～37周),以CompasXMHolter系统检测90例早产儿及21例足月儿的心率变异性时域指标.结果A、B、C三组24h窦性RR间期标准差的均值(SDNN)、每5min窦性RR间期标准差的均值(SDN-NIDX)、50ms间隔以上邻近周期的比例(PNN50)与对照组比较差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05).A组SDNNIDX与B、C组比较,差异有显著性意义(P＜0.05).SDNN与胎龄正相关(r=0.55,P＜0.01),PNN50与日龄正相关(r=0-23,P＜0.05).结论早产儿自主神经功能随胎龄增大逐渐成熟.胎龄大于34周早产儿交感神经功能接近足月儿.大于34周龄早产儿交感神经功能较稳定,副交感神经功能随日龄增加而增强.     

Congenital Candida pneumonia in a preterm infant

A 24 week gestation survivor of congenital Candida pneumonia who received prompt antifungal treatment and modern neonatal intensive care is reported. It was an unusual case in that fungal chorioamnionitis occurred without a foreign body in the maternal genital tract. Early diagnosis and treatment of congenital fungal pneumonia was possible because of prior knowledge of the obstetric history. Amphotericin B was successfully used for the treatment of this condition but combination with fluconazole (a fungistatic agent) was unsatisfactory and may be undesirable. Dexamethasone therapy to assist extubation was instituted once the fungal infection had been successfully controlled.     

Chloral hydrate toxicity in a preterm infant

Ventilator care in premature infants with hyaline membrane disease (HMD) may be complicated by episodes of irritability and "fighting" the respirator, resulting in significant hypoxemia. Neuromuscular blockade with pharmacologic agents such as pancuronium bromide is frequently used to manage this problem [Crone and Favorito, 1980]. This therapy results in the loss of important clinical signs, such as alterations in muscle tone and spontaneous movements, which are important in monitoring the critically ill newborn. As a result of these considerations, we occasionally have utilized the sedative-hypnotic effects of chloral hydrate to achieve adequate ventilation and oxygenation in these infants. We report, however, a case of a preterm infant who developed severe chloral hydrate toxicity after its administration as an adjunct to the treatment of HMD.