Perinatal Asphyxia Research Articles

Analysis and knowledge extraction of newborn resuscitation activities from annotation files.

Deprivation of oxygen in an infant during and after birth leads to birth asphyxia, which is considered one of the leading causes of death in the neonatal period. Adequate resuscitation activities are performed immediately after birth to save the majority of newborns. The primary resuscitation activities include ventilation, stimulation, drying, suction, and chest compression. While resuscitation guidelines exist, little research has been conducted on measured resuscitation episodes. Objective data collected for measuring and registration of the executed resuscitation activities can be used to generate temporal timelines. This paper is primarily aimed to introduce methods for analyzing newborn resuscitation activity timelines, through visualization, aggregation, redundancy and dimensionality reduction. We are using two datasets: 1) from Stavanger University Hospital with 108 resuscitation episodes, and 2) from Haydom Lutheran Hospital with 76 episodes. The resuscitation activity timelines were manually annotated, but in future work we will use the proposed method on automatically generated timelines from video and sensor data. We propose an encoding generator with unique codes for combination of activities. A visualization of aggregated episodes is proposed using sparse nearest neighbor graph, shown to be useful to compare datasets and give insights. Finally, we propose a method consisting of an autoencoder trained for reducing redundancy in encoded resuscitation timeline descriptions, followed by a neighborhood component analysis for dimensionality reduction. Visualization of the resulting features shows very good class separability and potential for clustering the resuscitation files according to the outcome of the newborns as dead, admitted to NICU or normal. This shows great potential for extracting important resuscitation patterns when tested on larger datasets.

Evaluation of criterion-based audit in improving quality of neonatal birth asphyxia care at Balaka district hospital in Malawi

BackgroundBirth asphyxia remains one of the leading causes of neonatal deaths worldwide with a higher incidence in resource limited countries such as Malawi. At Balaka district hospital, Birth asphyxia is the primary cause of neonatal mortality accounting for 37.3% of the district’s neonatal deaths. Although various quality improvement initiatives on birth asphyxia such as Helping Babies Breathe have been documented in Malawi, there is limited information on use of criterion-based audit (CBA) to enhance the care of neonates with birth asphyxia. Criterion-based audit is a systematic and critical analysis that seeks to improve quality of care by reviewing cases against an explicit criterion and using findings to modify practice as necessary. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of CBA in improving the quality of neonatal birth asphyxia care at Balaka district hospital in Malawi.MethodsA CBA on the care of asphyxiated neonates was conducted at Balaka district hospital in Malawi. The care practices were assessed through a retrospective review of 110 cases notes which were selected by systematic random sampling technique. The care practices were compared with locally established standards, by a multidisciplinary team, based on the Malawi guidelines on care of the infant and newborn and World Health Organization documents. The gaps in the current practice were identified, reasons discussed, and recommendations were made and implemented. A re-audit was conducted on 110 case notes, six months after the initial audit.ResultsThe re-audit showed significant improvements in most of the set criteria for quality care: Checking of vital signs (80% vs. 98.2%; p = 0.000), laboratory investigations done (0.9% vs. 74%; p = 0.000), thermal support (82.7% vs. 91.8%; p = 0.041), correct diagnosis (60% vs. 81%; p = 0.001), correct treatment (18.7% vs. 81%; p = 0.000), correct feeding (12.7% vs. 56.4%; p = 0.000), Clinical officers conducting ward rounds (0% vs. 72%; p = 0.000), and daily weight check (49.1% vs. 93%; p = 0.000). Additionally, neonatal death decreased from 11% in the initial audit to 5% in the re-audit.ConclusionCriterion-based audit is a low-cost tool that can significantly improve the care of neonates with birth asphyxia in resource-limited countries.

Birth Asphyxia Prevalence and Related Factors in Live Births at University Hospital, Tripoli, Libya

Birth asphyxia is the cause of about one-third of newborn deaths at University Hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). On the other hand, the precise burden of birth asphyxia has not been supported by modern scientific research. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of birth asphyxia and its associated variables in the NICU of University Hospital in Tripoli, Libya. A descriptive cross-sectional study including 182 mother-newborn pairs delivered at a maternity ward was carried out on the sample. From January 1, 2020, until December 30, 2022, every other mother's newborn was included. Data were gathered using a checklist and a pre-tested structured questionnaire. 28.5% of cases had asphyxia [95% CI: 26.51, 35.24%]. The final model showed that birth asphyxia was positively associated at 95% CI with fetal malpresentation (AOR = 6.96: 3.16, 15.30), rupture of fetal membranes preterm (AOR = 6.30, 95% CI: 2.45, 16.22), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (AOR = 7.15: 3.07, 16.66), and vacuum delivery (AOR = 6.21: 2.62, 14.73). The occurrence of birth asphyxia continues to be a significant public health concern. Consequently, to avoid birth asphyxia due to difficulties such as fetal mal-presentation, premature fetal membrane rupture, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, and vacuum delivery, the current emergency obstetric and newborn care efforts should be reinforced.

Mental health of parents with infants in NICU receiving cooling therapy for hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy

ABSTRACT Background Parents cuddling their babies during intensive care to promote parent-infant bonding is usual practice in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). However, babies undergoing cooling therapy and intensive care are not routinely offered parent-infant cuddles due to concerns of impacting the cooling process or intensive care. We developed the CoolCuddle intervention to enable parents to cuddle babies safely during cooling therapy. We investigated whether CoolCuddle impacted parent-infant bonding and parent’s mental health. Methods We conducted parental interviews and compared mental health and bonding measures in two cohorts of parents; one with access to CoolCuddle and the other where CoolCuddle was not available. Results Ten tertiary NICUs in England and Wales from 2019 to 2023 were involved and 107 families. There were high levels of post-delivery depression amongst all parents. However, at discharge mothers in the CoolCuddle group had significantly less depression, lower EPDS scores, and higher MIBS scores (consistent with better mother-infant bonding) than those where CoolCuddle was not available. All measures appeared similar when re-measured at 8 weeks. Parents reported they were not ready to access psychological support or information whilst on NICU and stressed the need of mental health support following discharge, which was not offered or available. Conclusion The CoolCuddle intervention was associated with a lower prevalence of depression and enhanced bonding scores for mothers at discharge compared to those who did not cuddle their babies. Parents highlighted increased levels of postnatal depression following the sudden and traumatic admission of their infant to NICU after birth asphyxia.

Thiamine: An indispensable regulator of paediatric neuro-cardiovascular health and diseases.

Physicians are recommended to have a low threshold for suspecting thiamine deficiency especially in vulnerable populations. Laboratory diagnosis of thiamine deficiency needs to be implemented as a standard of care, especially in endemic regions. Further, public health policies on food fortification, mandatory supplementation, and surveillance are imperative to eliminate thiamine deficiency-induced health hazards. • South Asian countries report a higher incidence of neonatal and under-five mortalities, many of which are attributed to maternal and perinatal micronutrient deficiencies. • Preventable causes of neonatal/ infantile deaths include birth factors (low birth weight, birth asphyxia), infectious diseases (pneumonia, diarrhoea, tetanus, tuberculosis, measles, diphtheria, malaria, acute infections), deficiency diseases and genetic diseases (vitamin & mineral deficiencies, IEMs, congenital heart disease, unexplained PPHN, SIDS etc). • Acute thiamine deficiency presenting as multisystemic syndromes, has unfortunately been a long standing unresolved public health concern. However, accessible surveillance and diagnostic strategies remain elusive in most clinical settings. • Despite decades of reports and emerging guidelines, diagnosis of thiamine deficiency is often missed and policy mandates at national level are yet to be implemented even in endemic countries. • This review provides a comprehensive summary of the biochemical role of thiamine, its key functions and effects on major organ systems, the diagnostic gap, the enigmatic presentation of acute thiamine deficiency, the plausible role of thiamine in other pathologies and the preventive measures at individual and community level.

Temporal development of seizure threshold and spontaneous seizures after neonatal asphyxia and the effect of prophylactic treatment with midazolam in rats

Birth asphyxia (BA) and subsequent hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is one of the most serious birth complications affecting full-term infants and can result in severe disabilities including mental retardation, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. Animal models of BA and HIE are important to characterize the functional and behavioral correlates of injury , explore cellular and molecular mechanisms, and assess the potential of novel therapeutic strategies. Here we used a non-invasive, physiologically validated rat model of BA and acute neonatal seizures that mimics many features of BA and HIE in human infants to study (i) the temporal development of epilepsy with spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) in the weeks and months after the initial brain injury, (ii) alterations in seizure threshold and hippocampal EEG that may precede the onset of SRS, and (iii) the effect of prophylactic treatment with midazolam. For this purpose, a total of 89 rat pups underwent asphyxia or sham asphyxia at postnatal day 11 and were examined over 8–10.5 months. In vehicle-treated animals, the incidence of electroclinical SRS progressively increased from 0 % at 2.5 months to 50 % at 6.5 months, 75 % at 8.5 months, and > 80 % at 10.5 months after asphyxia. Unexpectedly, post-asphyxial rats did not differ from sham-exposed rats in seizure threshold or interictal epileptiform discharges in the EEG. Treatment with midazolam (1 mg/kg i.p.) after asphyxia, which suppressed acute symptomatic neonatal seizures in about 60 % of the rat pups, significantly reduced the incidence of SRS regardless of its effect on neonatal seizures. This antiepileptogenic effect of midazolam adds to the recently reported prophylactic effects of this drug on BA-induced neuroinflammation, brain damage, behavioral alterations, and cognitive impairment in the rat asphyxia model of HIE.

Paediatric cerebral palsy in South Africa: Prevention and care gaps at hospital level.

Population-based data show high proportions of severe cases of cerebral palsy (CP) in resource-poor regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, where most children have potentially preventable risk factors (factors that may increase the likelihood of CP occurrence but can be mitigated through medical interventions). This study aimed to describe the demographic and clinical profile of children living with CP accessing services at Tygerberg Hospital over a period of 10 years (2010-2020), identify the potential gaps in care (proportion of individuals in a country requiring but not receiving suboptimal or inadequate care), and comparison with a similar study at the same centre two decades ago. This 10-year retrospective study investigated causes and morbidities in children with CP, attending a central hospital in the Western Cape, South Africa. A total of 613 children with CP were identified. Perinatal causes were predominant, especially in 57.7% (n = 354) of the cohort: perinatal asphyxia (41.1%) and preterm birth (16.6%). Postnatal causes constituted 15.2% (n = 93), which included tuberculous meningitis (3.6%) and bacterial meningitis (3.6%). The most common complications were intellectual impairment (61.8%; n = 379); epilepsy (30.8%; n = 189) and visual impairment (54.7%; n = 234). A third of the cohort had severe CP, classified as Gross Motor Function Classification System IV and V (38%). Most of the previously documented main drivers of CP are still present and the implementation of healthcare prevention strategies remains inadequate. This study provides longitudinal evidence to confirm that CP in a South African setting is associated with a high burden of potentially preventable causes.

Post Mortem Molecular Biomarkers of Asphyxia: A Literature Review

Asphyxia is a critical condition characterized by inadequate oxygen supply to the body. Post mortem diagnostics of asphyxia present significant challenges in forensic pathology, particularly when there are equivocal signs during autopsy or uncertain circumstantial data. The identification of biochemical biomarkers that indicate asphyxia has emerged as a promising area of research, as these markers can provide vital insights into the physiological changes occurring at the cellular level during asphyxiation. We performed a review of the scientific literature on the search engines Pubmed and Scopus in order to assess the state of the art on this topic. The aim of this study is to analyze which are the most promising markers and methods in the post mortem diagnosis of asphyxia. The literature review highlighted the great potential that molecular investigations can have in the analysis of this type of death, especially considering that hypoxia determines strong biochemical alterations in response to cellular stress. These changes are marked by specific biochemical alterations, which can be detected through various advanced technologies and methodologies, including mass spectrometry, immunohistochemistry, and metabolomic profiling. The review evidenced a combination of markers that can be used for diagnostic purposes in various cases, including mechanical asphyxia, carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, perinatal asphyxia, and drowning analysis. However, we highlight that, to date, there are still no standard protocols for forensic biochemistry in asphyxia. By scrutinizing the reliability of identified biomarkers and their potential to reshape forensic investigative practices, this research aims to elucidate the critical role that post mortem biochemical analysis can play in diagnosing asphyxia, ultimately contributing to a more nuanced understanding of death-related scenarios and the development of standardized protocols in forensic examinations.

Neonatal screening for hearing loss and its associated factors: A pediatric hospital experience

Abstract Introduction Hearing impairment affects 0.6% of children worldwide, with 60% of cases being preventable. Identifying risk factors for hearing impairment would facilitate early detection and better patient prognosis. Objectives To identify factors associated with abnormalities in auditory screening in a pediatric hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on patients assessed in the early hearing detection program at the Pediatric Tower of the High Specialty Hospital of Veracruz, Mexico, between June 2022 and 2023. Screening was performed using otoacoustic emissions initially. Those with abnormalities underwent two retests, and those positive in all three evaluations underwent confirmatory testing. Newborn screening was conducted at discharge for healthy neonates and after reaching a weight of over 1.8 kg and more than 34 gestational weeks for preterm infants. For term and low-birth-weight babies, screening occurred when they reached 2 kg, considering positive results in any of the three tests indicative of altered screening and probable hearing impairment. Results A total of 2731 patients were fully evaluated, with 1416 (51.8%) being male, and a median Apgar score of 9 at 5 minutes. The incidence of hearing impairment was 0.7%, comprising 19 patients. Evaluation of sex, 5-minute Apgar score, weight, gestational age, congenital malformations, history of neonatal asphyxia, hyperbilirubinemia, sepsis, TORCH infections, family history of hearing impairment, maternal exposure to ototoxic drugs, substances, COVID-19, gestational diabetes, or maternal hypertension obtaining values of p > 0.05 in each of them. Conclusions The prevalence of hearing loss is similar to that reported in the literature. In our population, auditory screening abnormalities are not associated with classic perinatal factors, indicating the complexity of contributors to neonatal hearing impairment. Key messages • The neonatal screening program plays a fundamental role in identifying patients with hearing loss even without any clinical factor that arouses suspicion of hearing loss. • Early diagnosis will favor timely care for patients with hearing loss, favoring their development with adequate care to improve their quality of life.

Analysis of perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with the resolution of placenta previa in the second trimester

Objective: To investigate perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with the resolution of placenta previa in the second trimester. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study, which included singleton pregnant women who received prenatal care and delivered at Peking University Third Hospital from January 1st 2019 to December 31st 2020. A total of 403 pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa by ultrasound at 20-24 weeks of gestation and the placental position returned to normal before delivery were included in the study group, and 403 pregnant women with normal placental position matched 1∶1 were the control group. The primary outcome was postpartum hemorrhage rate, and secondary outcomes included postpartum bleeding volume, severe hemorrhage complications, blood transfusion, drug application, the application of instrument or surgical hemostasis measures, gestational week of delivery, and neonatal outcomes. The perinatal outcomes were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods. Results: (1) Compared with the control group, the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage [10.4% (42/403) vs 17.6% (71/403)], postpartum hemorrhage volume (median: 375 vs 400 ml), the proportion of postpartum hemorrhage≥500 ml [18.6% (75/403) vs 30.5% (123/403)], and the proportion of application of instrument or surgical hemostasis measures [1.7% (7/403) vs 4.5% (18/403)] in the study group were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Neonatal outcomes, including birth weight, small for gestational age, hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit and incidence of neonatal asphyxia, were compared between the two groups, and there were no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). (2) In pregnant women with vaginal delivery, the postpartum hemorrhage rate [31.7% (66/208) vs 17.5% (39/223)], postpartum hemorrhage volume (median: 390 vs 380 ml), the proportion of instrument or surgical hemostasis measures [3.8% (8/208) vs 0.4% (1/223)] of the study group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of postpartum hemorrhage between the study group and the control group who gave birth by cesarean setion (P=0.545), but the proportion of postpartum hemorrhage≥500 ml in the study group and the control group were 29.2% (57/195) and 20.0% (36/180), and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.039). (3) The results of multivariate analysis showed that compared with the control group, the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (aOR=2.042, 95%CI: 1.313-3.175), the application of drugs (aOR=1.684, 95%CI: 1.142-2.484) and the application of instruments or surgical hemostasis measures (aOR=2.696, 95%CI: 1.089-6.675) were significantly increased in the study group (all P<0.05). Among women who delivered vaginally, the risk of postpartum hemorrhage in the study group was 2.021 times greater than that in the control group (95%CI: 1.269-3.220; P=0.003). Conclusion: In women with placental previa in the second trimester of pregnancy, even if the placental position returns to normal before delivery, it is still a high risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage, especially in vaginal delivery.

Balance of Antioxidants vs. Oxidants in Perinatal Asphyxia

Perinatal asphyxia refers to an acute event of cerebral ischemia and hypoxia during the perinatal period, leading to various degrees of brain injury. The mechanisms involved in perinatal asphyxia include the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), accumulation of intracellular calcium, lipid peroxidation, excitatory amino acid receptor overactivation, energy failure, and caspase-mediated cell death. Both primary and secondary neuronal damage are caused by the overproduction of ROS following a hypoxic/ischemic event. ROS can react with nearly any type of molecule, including lipids, proteins, polysaccharides, and DNA. Neonates who suffer from perinatal asphyxia are prone to oxidative stress, which is characterized by a disruption in the oxidant/antioxidant balance, favoring oxidants over the intracellular and extracellular antioxidant scavenging mechanisms. Current research has focused on developing treatment strategies that potentially improve the endogenous antioxidant neuroprotective mechanisms or minimize injury resulting from hypoxia/ischemia. In this narrative review, we aim to present evidence regarding the contribution of oxidant/antioxidant balance to the pathogenesis and progression of perinatal asphyxia. Also, we aim to explore the role of potential antioxidant therapies as promising treatment strategies for perinatal asphyxia, especially as an adjunct to therapeutic hypothermia in infants with perinatal asphyxia. The current literature on antioxidant treatments in newborns is limited; however, allopurinol, melatonin, and erythropoietin have shown some positive effects in clinical trials. Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase, N-acetylcysteine, and docosahexaenoic acid have shown promising neuroprotective effects in preclinical studies. Finally, nanotherapeutics could potentially modulate oxidative stress in hypoxemic/ischemic brain injury by targeted medication delivery. Future research on neuroprotectants and their processes is warranted to develop innovative treatments for hypoxia/ischemia in clinical practice.

Neuromotor and Neurosensory Impairment among High Risk Infants at One Year of Age – Risk Factor Analysis

Background: Improvement in the quality of perinatal care in the last few decades has led on to improve newborn survival. Sick neonates who have survived are exposed to high risk factors in the prenatal period and are termed as high risk infants (HRIn). This study aimed at determining the proportion of neuromotor and neurosensory impairments among HRIn. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary care centre in South India between January 2020 and December 2021. Study population comprised of intramural high risk infants fulfilling the criteria. At discharge infants were stratified as mild, moderate or severe risk for developing neurodevelopmental disorders and follow up plan was given. The subjects were assessed at 4, 6, 8 and 12 month for impairments. Results: Total 138 infants were enrolled and 88 completed follow up. Lost for follow up was 36.2%. The impairments detected with respect to motor and vision were 12.5% and 1.1% respectively. Sepsis, seizures, birth asphyxia and preterm were robust prognostic factors for neuromotor impairment. Risk of tone abnormality was 13 times higher in infants who had sepsis. At risk for developmental delay was noticed in 11.4% of the study for which significant association was with prematurity, sepsis and birth asphyxia. Discussion: HRIn are susceptible for neurodevelopmental impairments. Hence early identification and enrolment in intervention programs will ensure favorable outcomes.

Time to recovery from necrotizing enterocolitis and its predictors among neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia: A retrospective follow up study, 2022.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is one of the most common, life-threatening, gastrointestinal disorders in neonates. The recovery time for neonates with NEC varies depending on disease severity, prompt diagnosis, and effective treatment. Therefore, this study was intended to assess the time to recover from necrotizing enterocolitis and its' predictors among neonates admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Bahir Dar City, Ethiopia. An institution-based retrospective follow-up study design was employed. A sample of 361 medical records of neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis was selected using systematic random sampling. Diagnosis of NEC in this study required clinical, laboratory and radiographic findings. The survival function was described using Kaplan Meier survival curve and log-rank test. Bivariate and multivariate Cox-proportional hazard (Cox-PH) regression models were used for analysis. The median recovery time from necrotizing enterocolitis for neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit was 12 days. The multivariable Cox-PH model showed that neonates classified as Stage III NEC (AHR: 0.42, 95% CI = 0.23-0.77) and those exposed to perinatal asphyxia (AHR: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.35-0.74) had a negative impact on NEC recovery time. However, neonates with a birth weight of 1500-2499gm (AHR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.05-2.58) and a platelet count greater than 150,000 (AHR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.24-2.48) had a positive effect on NEC recovery time. The recovery time for neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit with necrotizing enterocolitis was longer. Comorbidities and advanced stage of NEC were associated with prolonged recovery time from NEC. However, neonates with better platelet count and birth weight greater than 1500mg had shorter recovery time from NEC.

Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury in Asphyxiated Neonates and Its Relationship with Severity of Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: Experience from a Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh.

Background: Perinatal asphyxia (PNA) is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in Bangladesh. Among others, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and acute kidney injury are two common complications of perinatal asphyxia. Morbidity and mortality increases when PNA is associated with these two complications. Objective: The objectives of the study were to determine the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) among asphyxiated neonates associated with various stages of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and to find out the relationship between AKI and HIE stages. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the neonatal unit of Jalalabad Ragib-Rabeya Medical College Hospital, Sylhet, between the periods of January 2018 and June 2018. A total of 130 newborns admitted in the neonatal ward within 24 hours of age with perinatal asphyxia and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were included in the study by the consecutive sampling method. Serum creatinine level was measured at 24 hours after birth. AKI was considered if serum creatinine level was ³1.5 mg/dL. Result: Among 130 neonates, 35.4% had HIE stage-I, 56.1% had HIE stage-II and 8.5% had HIE stage-III. AKI was present in 12.3% of the asphyxiated neonates. There were no significant relationship between AKI and demographic variables like gender, birth weight, and place of delivery, mode of delivery and parity of the mothers. AKI was significantly associated with HIE stage-II and stage-III compared to HIE stage-I (p=0.02). The mean serum creatinine level was significantly higher in HIE stage-II and stage-III than HIE stage-I (p=0.001). Among the study neonates, 28.5% died. There was no significant relationship between death and AKI (p=0.74). The Pearson correlation test revealed no statistically significant relationship between serum creatinine levels and hospital stay. Conclusion: The incidence of acute kidney injury was 12.3% among asphyxiated newborn associated with HIE. Frequency of AKI significantly associated with severity of HIE. BANGLADESH J CHILD HEALTH 2023; VOL 47 (1) : 24-29

Common Causes of Neonatal Seizure among Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Care Unit at Al Ramadi Teaching Hospital for Maternity and Children

Neonatal seizures are the transient occurrence of signs and symptoms due to an abnormal excessive or synchronous neuronal activity in the neural cells causing paroxysmal electro clinical changes. Neonates are at high risk for seizures as compared to other age groups. The aim of this study was to identify the common causes that lead to neonatal seizure during the period from first of October 2020 to the end of July 2021using history, physical examination, and investigations in Al Ramadi teaching hospital for maternity and children. The total number of neonates diagnosed as neonatal seizure during the period of study in Al Ramadi teaching hospital for maternity and childhood was 64 cases. Total number of admissions to neonatal care unit was 4102 so the prevalence in neonatal care unit was 15.6 per 1000 live births. 30 (47.1 %) cases were diagnosed as perinatal asphyxia, 18 (28 %) cases were diagnosed as metabolic, 6 (9.4 %) cases were diagnosed as infections, seizures, 4 (6.3%) cases were diagnosed as intracranial hemorrhage, 3(4.6%) cases were diagnosed as CNS malformation, while 3 cases (4.6 %) were Unknown etiology. 38 (59.3%) of studied neonatal seizures were male, while 26 (40.7%) were female. Male to female ratio was (1.4:1). 37 (57.8%) were term babies (≥37 gestational age), while 27 (42.2%) were preterm babies (&lt;37 gestational age). 41 (64%) of studied neonatal seizure cases were born by normal vaginal delivery, while 23 (36%) of cases were born by caesarian section delivery. The most common cause of neonatal seizure was perinatal asphyxia followed by metabolic causes then infection, intracranial hemorrhage, CNS malformations and unknown causes. Male are more common than female. In term neonates more common than preterm and in normal vaginal delivery more than cesarean section.

EFFECTIVENESS OF MAGNESIUM SULFATE IN TERM NEONATES HAVING PERINATAL ASPHYXIA

In Pakistan, neonatal mortality and morbidity are remarkably high. Birth asphyxia (perinatal asphyxia) is one of the main contributors to this, apart from prematurity, sepsis and other causes. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate in term neonates having perinatal asphyxia Methods: This Randomized Controlled Trial was carried out at the Department of Pediatrics, Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan from July 2023 to December 2023. The overall sample size was 130 patients (65 patients in each group). Neonates in group A received MgSO through I/V, 3 doses 250mg/kg/dose, 24 hours apart along with standard treatment. Group B was a control group that received 20 ml of normal saline infusion at the same interval with similar supportive and symptomatic treatment with regular monitoring. The outcome in terms of mortality, seizure, early initiation of feed, time to the establishment of full oral feeding, duration of seizures and duration of hospital stay were assessed. All the data was analyzed by using SPSS version 25.Results: In the current study, a total of 130 neonates were enrolled. Among them, moderate asphyxia was observed in 90 (69.23%) patients whereas severe perinatal asphyxia was observed in 40(30.77%) patients. In group A, the mean level of serum magnesium in neonates with moderate asphyxia was 2.81 (±0.20) mEq/L while in neonates with severe asphyxia, it was 2.89 (±0.61) mEq/L. The moderate asphyxia patients in group-A showed significant statistical improvement in terms of seizure control (hours) (14.11±1.22 vs 18.11±1.56; P=0.01), normal cry appearance (Days) (11.1±0.12 vs 13.11±1.29; p=0.03), normal activity appearance (Days) (11.9±0.02 vs12.00±1.51; p=0.01), full oral feed acceptance by sucking (Days) (13.31±0.99 vs 14.61±1.51; p=0.01) and mean hospital stay duration (Days) (14.99±1.66 vs 16.21±1.11; p 0.02). Conclusion: Our study concludes that in asphyxiated newborns, postnatal magnesium sulphate infusion is safe and likely to enhance the short-term neurological prognosis in cases with moderate-grade encephalopathy.

Identify of Preoperative and Postoperative Complication of Planned Management and Emergency Management of Patients with PAS Disorder

Background: Placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) often results in significant blood loss and peripartum hysterectomy; the mother may not survive. In many cases, timely prenatal diagnosis allows for careful birth planning in a specialized facility with a highly qualified multidisciplinary team. This has been shown to reduce maternal morbidity. Scheduled deliveries are associated with lower rates of bleeding and emergency procedures when compared to emergency deliveries. Objective: The aim of this study is to identify the preoperative and postoperative complication of planned management and emergency management of patients with PAS disorder. Methods: The cross-sectional comparative study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics &amp; Gynaecology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka from 18th January 2020 to 17th July 2020. A total of 84 patients diagnosed as a case of PAS disorder (antenatally and peroperative diagnosed) and scheduled for planned management or emergency management of PAS were included according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. 42 planned management of PAS disorder patients as Group A and 42 emergency management of PAS disorder patients as Group B. The questionnaire was pretested, corrected and finalized. Data were collected by face-to-face interview and analyzed by appropriate computer based programmed software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 24. Results: In this study, mean ± SD of age was calculated 26.3 ± 4.3 years for Group – A and 28.1 ± 3.2 years for Group – B. Urban population were predominant in group-A. About 30 (70.0%)) patients in group-A and 10 (23.8%) patients in group-B came from urban. Large number of respondents 22 (52.4%) and 10 (50.0%) were housewife in both groups. Among the patients, the lower class 18 (42.9%) and 23 (54.8%) comprised the major percentage of the patients in both groups. More participants in Group-A 29 (69.00%) received ANC regularly than Group B 10 (23.80%), the difference was statistically significant (p&lt;0.05). In group-A maximum patients presented with only USG findings of PAS disorders and with APH or without APH 26 (61.8%). In group-B, PPH and internal haemorrhage 10 (23.8) was noted predominantly. The mild anemia was more in 23 (54.8%) patients in group A and 16 (38.1%) patients in group B which was statistically significant (p &lt; 0.001). More participants in Group-B 26 (61.9%) required early termination, whereas majority of group A 35 (83.3%) was terminated at 35-36 weeks. There was a statistically significant difference between groups. Maximum patients were managed by peripartum hysterectomy 35 (82.0%) and 31 (73.8%) in group A &amp; B respectively. Presence of multidisciplinary team was arranged in 38 (90.4%) in group A and 18 (42.9%) in group B. General anesthesia and CV line was given in 36 (85.7%) patients in group-A and 27 (64.3%) patients in group-B. Massive blood transfusion was needed in 23 (54.8%) patients in Group B &amp; only 3 (7.1%) patients in Group A. Placenta acreta was present 11 (26.2%) patients in group A and 7 (16.7%) patients in group B. Placenta percreta with bladder invasion and peroperative bladder injury was higher in group-B patients. More than 3 L blood was transfused 3 (7.1%) patients in group A and 23 (54.8%) patients in group B. PPH, Sepsis, Re-exploration, DIC and ICU admission were the significant complication in Group-B patients, reported 41 (95.0), 4 (9.5%), 8 (19.0%), 9 (21.4%) and 21 (50.0%) of women and in less complication in Group A 13 (31.0), 0%, 0%, 1 (2.3) and 4 (9.5). In this study mortality rate was 2 (4.8%) in group-B (due to irreversible shock &amp;DIC). Poor outcomes were significantly higher in group-B. NICU admission for prematurity was required in 9 (21.4%) of the babies in group-A and 23 (54.8%) babies of group-B. Birth asphyxia was observed in 4 (9.5%) of the babies in group-A and 13 (31.0%) in Group-B. Conclusion: Prenatal diagnosis and placenta preservation may be linked to lower rates of morbidity in mothers. For morbidly adherent placenta linked with placenta previa, we advise hysterectomy as the preferred course of therapy following extremely thorough prenatal counseling. Maternal problems and fetal outcomes may be improved by early risk factor identification and proactive management.

Predictive factors and risk scoring system for acute kidney injury (aki) in sick neonates-a prospective cohort study.

Nearly half of sick neonates admitted to NICU have AKI, which is maximum in extremely preterm infants. Sepsis, invasive ventilation, acidosis, and perinatal asphyxia have good diagnostic accuracy in identifying neonates likely to develop AKI. • Asphyxia, prematurity, sepsis, shock, hypotension, drugs, congenital heart diseases contribute to neonatal AKI. • Our simple risk prediction model can be used in sick neonates to identify infants who are at risk for developing AKI.

Early Period Survival and Neurologic Prognosis in Newborns with Perinatal Asphyxia: A Tertiary Center Experience and a Mortality Chart

Background: Clinicians require more data regarding mortality and brain damage risk factors in perinatal asphyxia. Objectives: To assess early term outcomes and identify mortality risk factors in perinatal asphyxia. Methods: This study was conducted in a referral-center tertiary intensive care unit in Istanbul, Turkey, between 2016 and 2023. We included all patients who underwent therapeutic hypothermia treatment due to perinatal asphyxia. We recorded laboratory follow-up data, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings, amplitude-integrated electroencephalograms (aEEG) results, mortality, and clinical outcomes. Both conventional frequentist statistical methods and Bayesian methods were used for analysis. Results: A total of 164 patients were included in the study, with an overall mortality rate of 9.8%. Risk factors for mortality included LDH, troponin I, INR, lactate, 2nd day creatinine, voltage anomalies, seizures, and male gender, as well as APGAR scores. A basic chart for mortality prediction was developed. The Sarnat score showed strong evidence, and APGAR 1 showed anecdotal evidence for association with brain damage, although brain damage was independent of laboratory results and other clinical findings, based on moderate and anecdotal evidence from Bayesian calculations. Cranial MRI findings revealed profound damage in 14.8% of Sarnat 1, 21.8% of Sarnat 2, and 50% of Sarnat 3 patients. Conclusions: This study presents prognostic factors for survival and brain damage in perinatal asphyxia. We recommend obtaining cranial MRI for all patients diagnosed with asphyxia, as most laboratory tests were independent of brain damage. Given that profound brain damage can occur even in Sarnat stage I patients, we emphasize the importance of therapeutic hypothermia for these patients.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal-fetal outcomes in a nonepidemic designated hospital: a retrospective study and clinical experience summary

ObjectiveTo assess the changes in maternal-fetal outcomes in a nonepidemic designated hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis retrospective cohort study was conducted between January 1, 2019, and December 31, 2021 on pregnant patients. The fixed-effects regression model was used to determine changes in birth outcomes and pregnancy-related complications between three periods with the pre-epidemic cohort as the control group. Logistic regression was applied to determine the odds ratio (OR) for binary outcomes.ResultsThere were 15,261 births during the pre-epidemic period, and this number decreased by 15% and 23% to 12,980 and 11,736 in the first and second epidemic cohorts, respectively. The mean birth weight during the pre-epidemic period was 3319 which decreased to 3309 and 3272 g in the following periods. Excluding stillbirth and preterm, all other outcomes differed significantly between the three periods. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (17–19%) and maternal hypertension (9.2–11%) appeared to increase. Compared to the pre-epidemic period, the odds of macrosomia and LGA significantly decreased in the second epidemic cohort (adjusted ORs: 0.76 and 0.8), while the odds of low birth weight (LBW) and small gestation age (SGA) increased (ORs: 1.25 and 1.16). The odds of neonatal asphyxia (OR: 1.4), and hypertension (OR: 1.29) appeared to increase in the second epidemic cohort, while GDM decreased in the first cohort (OR: 0.88) and increased in the second cohort (OR: 1.15). Vaginal delivery underwent a marginal decrease in both the first and second epidemic cohorts (ORs: 0.89 and 0.92).ConclusionThe COVID-19 pandemic may have had a substantial and long-term impact on non-infected pregnant women and newborns. Our research results provided precious research information and clinical experience summary for population health research in the future.