Severe Asphyxia Research Articles

Lethal Complication in a Very Preterm Infant with Congenital Syphilis

Introduction: Congenital syphilis is a multi-organ infection caused by Treponema pallidum and transmitted from mother to fetus through uteroplacental circulation. Congenital syphilis is one of the main contributors to neonatal deaths in the United States. Case: A male infant was born by cesarean delivery from a G1P0 mother at 28 weeks of gestational age because of premature rupture of the membrane and anhydramnion. The mother had an untreated latent syphilis infection. The birthweight was 1,400 grams, the head circumference was 25 cm, and the body length was 35 cm. His APGAR score was 3-3-5 with severe asphyxia and respiratory distress syndrome. Multiple abnormalities were found, and the VDRL titre was 1/128. Cardiac-pulmonary resuscitation started immediately with 0.15 mg epinephrine through an intraendotracheal tube and continued with 0.02 mg epinephrine through intravenous access every 3 minutes. The baby was declared dead after 30 minutes of resuscitation. Conclusion: Congenital syphilis can cause lethal complications due to untreated latent syphilis suffered by his mother. The mother should undergo antenatal screening to prevent congenital syphilis.

An unusual case of severe asphyxia with the fetal position unexpectedly inverted in a malformed uterus: a case report

BackgroundWe present a severe neonatal consequence due to the unexpected and crucial inversion of the fetal position after sudden termination of tocolysis during early labor of a woman with congenital uterine anomaly. It has been reported that congenital uterine anomalies latently affect the fetal position. The clinical pitfalls in childbirth with uterine anomalies are discussed here on the basis of clinical evidence.Case presentationAt a perinatal medical center in Japan, a 29-year-old Japanese mother who had a history of bicornuate uterus, received tocolysis to prolong her pregnancy for 5 days during the late preterm period after preterm-premature rupture of the membrane. She gave birth to a 2304 g male neonate of the gestational age of 35 weeks and 5 days with severe asphyxia by means of crash cesarean section for fetal sustained bradycardia after sudden termination of tocolysis. We found the fetal position to reverse from cephalic to breech position during early labor. He ended up having severe cerebral palsy after brain cooling against hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy for 3 days. The mechanism of inversion from cephalic to breech position without amnionic fluid remains unclear, although women with a known diagnosis of a uterine anomaly have higher risk of adverse outcomes such as malpresentation.ConclusionsWhen considering the clinical course of this case on the basis of the medical reports, we suspected that uterine anomalies and changes in intrauterine pressure could cause fetal malpresentation and adverse neonatal outcomes.

Cord Blood Hepatic Enzymes as Biochemical Correlates of Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy and Immediate Postnatal Outcome in Term Asphyxiated Babies

Background: The untoward effect of perinatal asphyxia on newborns cannot be over-emphasised.
 Objective: This study aimed to determine whether hepatic enzymes can serve as biochemical correlates of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) and immediate outcomes.
 Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at the neonatal intensive care unit for 15 months among 70 asphyxiated and 70 healthy neonates. The clinical staging of HIE was based on the Sarnat and Sarnat classification system. A cord blood sample was obtained for the assay of Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The enzymatic assay was performed using the spectrophotometric method.
 Results: There was a significant positive correlation between AST (r = 0.644, p <0.001), ALT (r = 0.364, p = 0.002), LDH (r = 0.377, p = 0.001), and the stages of HIE. AST correlated best with the severity of asphyxia (r = 0.644, p <0.001). Of the five mortalities in this series, the cord blood enzyme levels were significantly higher than in those that survived (p <0.05), and all the enzymes demonstrated a positive correlation with mortality, best with ALT (r = 0.354, p = 0.003).
 Conclusion: The worse the degree of perinatal asphyxia in the newborn, the higher the serum hepatic enzymes. Elevation of serum hepatic enzymes may also be associated with the risk of death in such babies. Efforts should be made to prevent severe perinatal asphyxia, and when it becomes inevitable, appropriate and prompt management should be instituted to limit the risk of poor outcomes.

Clinical-functional correlation with brain volumetry in severe perinatal asphyxia: a case report

BackgroundHypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) appears in neurological conditions where some brain areas are likely to be injured, such as deep grey matter, basal ganglia area, and white matter subcortical periventricular áreas. Moreover, modeling these brain areas in a newborn is challenging due to significant variability in the intensities associated with HIE conditions. This paper aims to evaluate functional measurements and 3D machine learning models of a given HIE case by correlating the affected brain areas with the pathophysiology and clinical neurodevelopmental.Case presentationA comprehensive analysis of a term infant with perinatal asphyxia using longitudinal 3D brain information from Machine Learning Models is presented. The clinical analysis revealed the perinatal asphyxia diagnosis with APGAR <5 at 5 and 10 minutes, umbilical arterial pH of 7.0 BE of -21.2 mmol / L), neonatal seizures, and invasive ventilation mechanics. Therapeutic interventions: physical, occupational, and language neurodevelopmental therapies. Epilepsy treatment: vagus nerve stimulation, levetiracetam, and phenobarbital. Furthermore, the 3D analysis showed how the volume decreases due to age, exhibiting an increasing asymmetry between hemispheres. The results of the basal ganglia area showed that thalamus asymmetry, caudate, and putamen increase over time while globus pallidus decreases. Clinical outcomes: spastic cerebral palsy, microcephaly, treatment-refractory epilepsy.ConclusionsSlight changes in the basal ganglia and cerebellum require 3D volumetry for detection, as standard MRI examinations cannot fully reveal their complex shape variations. Quantifying these subtle neurodevelopmental changes helps in understanding their clinical implications. Besides, neurophysiological evaluations can boost neuroplasticity in children with neurological sequelae by stimulating new neuronal connections.

Clinical analysis of complete uterine rupture during pregnancy

BackgroundUterine rupture in pregnant women can lead to serious adverse outcomes. This study aimed to explore the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of patients with complete uterine rupture.MethodsData from 33 cases of surgically confirmed complete uterine rupture at Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital between January 2015 and December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively.ResultsIn total, 31,555 pregnant women delivered in our hospital during the study period. Of these, approximately 1‰ (n = 33) had complete uterine rupture. The average gestational age at complete uterine rupture was 31+4 weeks (13+1–40+3 weeks), and the average bleeding volume was 1896.97 ml (200–6000 ml). Twenty-six patients (78.79%) had undergone more than two deliveries. Twenty-five women (75.76%) experienced uterine rupture after a cesarean section, two (6.06%) after fallopian tube surgery, one (3.03%) after laparoscopic cervical cerclage, and one (3.03%) after wedge resection of the uterine horn, and Fifteen women (45.45%) presented with uterine rupture at the original cesarean section incision scar. Thirteen patients (39.39%) were transferred to our hospital after their initial diagnosis. Seven patients (21.21%) had no obvious symptoms, and only four patients (12.12%) had typical persistent lower abdominal pain. There were 13 cases (39.39%, including eight cases ≥ 28 weeks old) of fetal death in utero and two cases (6.06%, both full term) of severe neonatal asphyxia. The rates of postpartum hemorrhage, blood transfusion, hysterectomy were 66.67%, 63.64%, and 21.21%. Maternal death occurred in one case (3.03%).ConclusionsThe site of the uterine rupture was random, and was often located at the weakest point of the uterus. There is no effective means for detecting or predicting the weakest point of the uterus. Rapid recognition is key to the treatment of uterine rupture.

Perinatal risk factors for asphyxia and the occurrence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in newborns

Intranatal asphyxia and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy of newborns are caused by risk factors from both the mother and the fetus, which makes the pathophysiology of this condition extremely difficult. Data from the federal statistical observation form No. 32 for the Moscow region show minor changes in the number of chronic diseases, a burdened obstetric and gynecological history, as well as pathology during pregnancy and childbirth in pregnant women over 3 years Perinatal risk factors were significantly more common in newborns with severe intranatal asphyxia and HIE compared with a moderate degree who underwent a therapeutic hypothremia procedure. Complications during the birth process, surgical methods of rapid fetal extraction (vacuum extractor) were the causal factors of asphyxia. To a minor extent, the asphyxia of the newborn is affected by the untimely discharge of amniotic fluid.

Hemodynamic changes and perinatal outcome associated with umbilical artery thrombosis: a retrospective study

ObjectivePoor fetal and perinatal outcomes in fetuses associated with umbilical artery thrombosis (UAT), such as severe intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and intrauterine asphyxia have been reported by some case series. Its hemodynamic impact remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemodynamic changes and perinatal outcome in UAT fetuses with a relatively large sample.MethodsWe included singleton fetuses diagnosed with UAT and with at least one available Doppler evaluation before the end of pregnancy in our center from 2016 to 2023. Fetuses with structural abnormalities and with no follow-up results were excluded. Doppler waveforms from the Umbilical artery (UA), middle cerebral artery (MCA), ductus venosus (DV) and uterine artery (UtA) were routinely evaluated according to ISUOG Practice Guidelines from diagnosis. The same sample of GA-matched normal fetuses with Doppler measurements during the same period were randomly selected as control group.ResultsEighty-nine singleton fetuses with UAT with at least one Doppler evaluation before the end of pregnancy were identified, 13 fetuses with no follow-up results were excluded. After comprehensive prenatal counseling, 14 cases received urgent cesarean section, the remaining 55 cases received expectant management, the median day between GA at diagnosis and end of pregnancy was 13 (5–53) days (range, 2-159). 7 (7/76, 9.2%) cases occurred stillbirth, and the incidence of IUGR and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission were 18.4% (14/76) and 13.2% (10/76) respectively. 49 fetuses (49/76, 64.5%) combined with Doppler abnormalities. UA abnormalities (35/76, 46.1%) and MCA abnormalities (34/76, 44.7%) were the most changes at presentation. Compared to control group, UA-EDV was significantly increased in UAT fetuses [21.84 (15.59–26.64) vs. 16.40 (12.43–20.70) cm/s, p < 0.001], UA-PI and UA-RI significantly decreased [0.68 (0.57–0.84) vs. 0.92 (0.79–1.11), p<0.001; 0.51 (0.44–0.59) vs. 0.62 (0.55–0.68), p < 0.001, respectively]. Both the MCA-PSV and MCA-EDV were significantly higher in UAT fetuses [54.60 (48.00-61.34) vs. 44.47 (29.66–57.60) cm/s, p < 0.001; 11.19 (7.84–17.60) vs. 8.22 (5.21-12.00) cm/s, p < 0.001, respectively], this led to a lower MCA-PI and MCA-RI. Meanwhile, DV-PIV was significantly higher in UAT fetuses [0.6 (0.47–0.87) vs. 0.45 (0.37–0.55), p < 0.001], CPR and UtA-PI were no significant difference between these two groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that DV-PIV was an independent risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes (OR 161.922, p<0.001), the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.792 (95% CI 0.668–0.917; p < 0.001).ConclusionOur data showed serious adverse pregnancy consequences are combined with UAT fetuses. Hemodynamic changes in UAT fetuses showed the remaining artery for compensation and brain perfusion derangement. With a comprehensive and standardized Doppler evaluation, progression of fetal deterioration may be detailed presented.

Prenatal diagnosis of non-typical Chiari malformation type I associated with de novo Nuclear Factor I A gene mutation: a case report

BackgroundChiari malformation is one of the most common Central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities that can be detected in routine fetal scanning. Chiari malformation type I (CMI) is a congenital defect characterized by a displacement of the cerebellar tonsils through the foramen magnum. The etiology of CMI has not been well established and suggested having multifactorial contributions, especially genetic deletion. Clinical characteristics of this anomaly may express in different symptoms from neurological dysfunction and/or skeletal abnormalities in the later age, but it is rarely reported in pregnancy.Case presentationWe present a case in which the Chiari malformation type I was diagnosed with comorbidities of facial anomalies (flatting forehead and micrognathia) and muscular-skeletal dysmorphologies (clenched hands and clubfeet) at the 24+6 weeks of gestation in a 29-year-old Vietnamese pregnant woman. The couple refused an amniocentesis, and the pregnancy was followed up every 4 weeks until a spontaneous delivery occurred at 38 weeks. The newborn had a severe asphyxia and seizures at birth required to have an emergency resuscitation at delivery. He is currently being treated in the intensive neonatal care unit. He carries the novel heterozygous NFIA gene mutation confirmed after birth. No further postnatal malformation detected.ConclusionCMI may only represent with facial abnormalities and muscle-skeletal malformations at the early stage of pregnancy, which may also alert an adverse outcome. A novel heterozygous NFIA gene mutation identified after birth helps to confirm prenatal diagnosis of CMI and to provide an appropriate consultation.

Extremely preterm infants born outside a provincial tertiary perinatal center and transferred postnatally associated with poor outcomes: a real-world observational study.

Extremely preterm infants (EPIs) have high morbidity and mortality, and are recommended to be born in a tertiary perinatal center (inborn). However, many EPIs in central China are born in lower-level hospitals and transferred postnatally, the outcomes of which remain to be investigated. EPIs admitted to the Department of Neonatology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province from January 2013 to December 2022 were retrospectively recruited and divided into the control (inborn) and transfer groups (born in other hospitals). The neonatal and maternal characteristics, neonatal outcomes, and the treatment of survival EPIs were analyzed. A total of 174 and 109 EPIs were recruited in the control and transfer groups, respectively. EPIs in the transfer group have a higher birth weight and a lower proportion of multiple pregnancies than the control group (all P < 0.05). The proportions of antenatal steroids, magnesium sulfate, cesarean delivery, premature rupture of membranes ≥18 h, gestational diabetes, and amniotic fluid abnormalities were lower in the transfer group (all P < 0.05). Survival rates (64.22% vs. 56.32%), proportions of severe periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) (11.93% vs. 11.49%), severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD) (21.05% vs. 20%), and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (24.77% vs. 20.11%) were similar in the transfer and control groups (all P > 0.05). However, the transfer group had higher proportions of severe birth asphyxia (34.86% vs. 13.22%, P < 0.001), PIVH (42.20% vs. 29.89%, P = 0.034), and extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) (17.43% vs. 6.32%, P = 0.003). Less surfactant utilization was found in the transfer group among survival EPIs (70.00% vs. 93.88%, P < 0.001). EPIs born outside a tertiary perinatal center and transferred postnatally did not have significantly higher mortality and rates of severe complications (severe PIVH, severe ROP, and sBPD), but there may be an increased risk of severe asphyxia, PIVH and EUGR. This may be due to differences in maternal and neonatal characteristics and management. Further follow-up is needed to compare neurodevelopmental outcomes, and it is recommended to transfer the EPIs in utero to reduce the risk of poor physical and neurological development.

Effect of Sildenafil in Neonates with Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension: An Interventional Study

Introduction: Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) reflects a disruption of the normal perinatal circulatory transition and is characterised by high pulmonary artery pressure. Inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO) is considered the mainstay of treatment for PPHN. However, many developing and resource limited countries do not have access to such expensive therapy. Therefore, sildenafil, due to its easy availability and low cost, becomes the most commonly used drug in the management of PPHN in such settings. Aim: To study the treatment response and outcomes of neonates who received sildenafil for the management of PPHN. Materials and Methods: The present hospital-based prospective interventional study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), BJ Medical College, Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, between May 1, 2020, and April 30, 2021. Study was conducted on neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome and/or severe birth asphyxia admitted to the NICU. A total of 48 neonates with Two Dimensional (2D) echocardiography-proven PPHN were enrolled. Baseline clinical parameters including heart rate, respiratory rate, preductal and postductal Saturation of Peripheral Oxygen (SpO2), Oxygenation Index (OI), Saturation Oxygen Distending Pressure Index (SOPI), and Non Invasive Blood Pressure (NIBP) were monitored every six hours. Neonates who were on invasive/ non invasive ventilation had their Fraction of Inspired Oxygen (FiO2), Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP), Peak Inspiratory Pressure (PIP), respiratory rate and flow rate monitored every six hours. Data were statistically analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test. Results: During the study period, a total of 1080 neonates were admitted with meconium aspiration syndrome and/or severe birth asphyxia, out of which 48 neonates showed findings suggestive of PPHN on 2D echocardiography. A statistically significant improvement in oxygenation after sildenafil treatment was indicated by a significant reduction in OI from 35.3±8.6 to 13.2±2.1 (p-value&lt;0.001), a reduction in SOPI from 3.6±0.3 to 1.5±0.2 (p-value&lt;0.001), a reduction in FiO2 (%) from 94.6±8.19 to 24.2±4.5 (p-value&lt;0.001), an increase in Partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) (mmHg) from 52±5.6 to 72±3.4 (p-value&lt;0.001), and an increase in SpO2 (%) from 83.5±8.6 to 93.5±5.1 (p-value&lt;0.001). Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that oral sildenafil can be successfully used to improve oxygenation in patients with PPHN, especially in a resource limited setting where facilities like Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and iNO are not available, as demonstrated in the present study.

Thrombocytopenia-related outcome and pattern in preterm neonates hospitalized in neonatology unit: A single-center experience

Abstract: BACKGROUNDS: In preterm newborns, thrombocytopenia is one of the most often observed hematologic findings. Most cases of thrombocytopenia are mild to moderate, self-limiting, and have a short duration; nevertheless, in rare cases, it can result in serious complications including pulmonary hemorrhage that lead to death and morbidity. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify the pattern, risk factors, and outcome of thrombocytopenia in preterm neonates hospitalized in a tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All sick preterm neonates who developed thrombocytopenia within the first 28 days of life admitted to the NICU were included. A platelet count was performed at presentation time and as needed after that. Thrombocytopenia-related morbidities (intraventricular hemorrhage, pulmonary hemorrhage, and sepsis), mortality, and risk factors were analyzed concerning severity (mild, moderate, and severe) and age of thrombocytopenia onset (early and late) in preterm neonates. RESULTS: A total of 100 preterm neonates were admitted to our NICU. Of these, 48% of neonates developed thrombocytopenia. In terms of severity, mild, moderate, and severe thrombocytopenia were present in 62.5%, 37.5%, and 16.7% of newborns, respectively. The prevalent risk factors for late-onset thrombocytopenia (LOT) were necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late-onset sepsis; for early-onset thrombocytopenia, the risk factors were pregnancy-induced hypertension and early-onset sepsis. Neonates with sepsis, severe birth asphyxia, and NEC were significantly associated with severe thrombocytopenia (P &lt; 0.001). Thrombocytopenia-related morbidities and mortality were significantly higher among moderate-to-severe thrombocytopenia cases (P &lt; 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sepsis was the most common risk factor associated with severe and LOT. Compared to mild/moderate thrombocytopenia, severe thrombocytopenia required more platelet transfusions, was associated with major bleeding manifestations, and had a higher mortality rate. When caring for premature newborns, these issues need to be taken into account.

Risk factors of severe perinatal asphyxia at tertiary hospital

Background. Perinatal asphyxia is still one of the main causes of neonatal mortality and morbidity, especially in the first week of life in developing countries. In Indonesia, based on data reported by the Directorate of Family Health in 2020, of the 28,158 deaths of infants and toddlers, 72% (20,266 deaths) occurred during the neonatal period. One of the causes of neonatal death is perinatal asphyxia. Objective. To analyze risk factors affecting severe perinatal asphyxia in tertiary hospital. Method. Analytical observational research with case-control design. The data source is secondary data on mothers and babies born at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital from January 1 to December 31, 2021. The inclusion criteria were all neonates with perinatal asphyxia and the exclusion criteria were incomplete data. Results. The prevalence of severe perinatal asphyxia at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital in 2021 is 3.9% (115/2,885). Prematurity was significantly associated with severe perinatal asphyxia (p=0.000). Low birth weight is also significantly related to severe perinatal asphyxia (p=0.000). The most dominant risk factor for severe perinatal asphyxia is prematurity. Extremely preterm have a 232.8 (95% CI: 35.8-2920.3) times higher risk of experiencing perinatal asphyxia compared to very preterm (OR 36.2, 95% CI: 12.4-105.4), moderately preterm (OR 11.6, 95 %CI: 4.1-22.6) and late preterm (OR 3.3, 95%CI: 1.1-9.1). Conclusion. Risk factors for severe perinatal asphyxia are prematurity and low birth weight. Prematurity is the most dominant risk factor for severe perinatal asphyxia in tertiary hospital.

Myocardial Work for Dynamic Monitoring of Myocardial Injury in Neonatal Asphyxia.

To assess the value of parameters of myocardial work for dynamic monitoring of myocardial injury after neonatal asphyxia. Fifty-three neonates with asphyxia admitted within 24h after delivery were divided into a mild asphyxia group (n = 40) and severe asphyxia group (n = 13). Echocardiography was performed within 24h post-birth, within 72h post-birth (48h after first echo), and during recovery. The left ventricular ejection fraction on M-mode echocardiography and by Simpson's biplane method (LVEF and Bi-EF, respectively), stroke volume (SV), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), global longitudinal strain (GLS), global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), and other parameters were measured. Echocardiographic indicators were compared between groups and over time. GWI was significantly increased at 72h in the mild asphyxia group (P < 0.05) but showed no significant change over time in the severe asphyxia group (P > 0.05). While GCW increased significantly over time in both groups (P < 0.05), it increased earlier in the mild asphyxia group. Time and grouping factors had independent effects on GWI and GCW (P > 0.05). The characteristics of differences in GWI and GCW between the two groups were different from those for LVEF, Bi-EF, SV, CO, CI, and GLS and their change characteristics with improvement from treatment. GWI and GCW changed significantly during recovery from neonatal asphyxia, and their change characteristics differed between mild and severe asphyxia cases. Myocardial work parameters can be used as valuable supplements to traditional indicators of left ventricular function to dynamically monitor the recovery from myocardial injury after neonatal asphyxia.

Radical Surgical Treatment of Idiopathic Tracheal Stenosis. A Clinical Observation

Introduction. Idiopathic cicatricial tracheal stenosis (ICTS) comprises a rare and dangerous disease of unknown etiology. Its morphological substrate consists in the formation of circular fibrotic stenosis, usually at the level of the cricoid cartilage and the first two С-shaped rings of the trachea. The first cases of the disease were described by Brandenburg only in 1972. Progression of the disease is slow, right up to severe respiratory failure and asphyxia. Treatment methods for idiopathic cicatricial tracheal stenosis include both endoscopic and open surgical techniques. However, endoscopic treatment fails to produce the desired effect. Materials and methods. The authors of the present paper performed tracheo-laryngeal resection as a radical method for treating idiopathic tracheal stenosis in a 54-year-old patient against the background of prolonged unsuccessful endoscopic treatment. The follow-up period accounted for 45 days. Examinations in the postoperative period showed complete epithelialization of the anastomosis line without inflammation. Results and discussion. Idiopathic cicatricial tracheal stenosis is considered to be a dangerous disease without significant causes of development. However, it is claimed to be a potentially curable disease, though its treatment is a difficult task. Some authors report satisfactory results of endoscopic treatment of ICTS, but most publications on this issue consider a single tracheo-laryngeal resection with anastomosis as the most optimal method of treatment, thereby correlating with the results of the present study. Conclusion. The present observation characterizes the peculiarity and possibility of radical treatment of ICTS, since the endoscopic method of treatment produces only a temporary effect. Small number of observations and lack of a coherent pathogenetic theory necessitate further research into this problem.

Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics and Associated Factors to Mortality in Neonates with Birth Asphyxia: A Prospective Observational Study

Aims: To describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics and to investigate associated factors with mortality of birth asphyxia. Methods: This was a prospective observational study conducted on a total of 120 asphyxiated neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Results: Severe asphyxia was observed in 33.3%, and moderate asphyxia in 66.7% of the cases. The mortality rate was 19.2%. The common clinical features: apnea/gasping (45.8%), hypothermia (37.5%), lethargy (33.0%). The serious clinical signs: abnormal heart rate (15.8%), gastrointestinal bleeding (13.3%), oliguria and anuria (17.5%). The laboratory findings showed hypoglycemia (30.8%), elevated SGOT (45.0%), serum creatinine &gt; 133 µmol/l (31.7%), hyponatremia (35.0%), hypocalcemia (65.8%), elevated lactate &gt; 5mmol/l (53.6%). The factors that increased the risk of mortality in neonatal asphyxia were Apgar score at 5 min ≤ 5, seizure/coma, need for mechanical ventilation, serum creatinine &gt; 133 µmol/l, liver injury, and lactate ≥ 5 mmol/l. Conclusion: The mortality rate is still high, and elevated serum creatinine, elevated liver enzymes, elevated lactate, and low 5-minute Apgar scores increase the risk of death in asphyxiated neonates. Key words: birth asphyxia, mortality, risk factors, neonates.

Relationship of passive hypothermia during transport with the incidence of early multiorgan compromise in newborns with perinatal asphyxia

BackgroundNewborns with perinatal asphyxia can be born in institutions that cannot perform therapeutic hypothermia. Therefore, hypothermia should be initiated during transport using passive hypothermia. The effects of overcooling on mortality and multiorgan compromise in newborns with perinatal asphyxia subjected to passive hypothermia are poorly understood. AimsTo evaluate the relationship between the temperature of newborns with perinatal asphyxia during transport to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and incidence of multiorgan compromise. MethodsSingle-center, retrospective cohort study. Full-term or near-term newborns with moderate to severe perinatal asphyxia who required transport to the NICU between January 2021 and April 2022 were included. Exposure was defined as the temperature during transport to the unit. The main outcome assessed was the presence of multiorgan compromise during hypothermia treatment and mortality before discharge. ResultsThe study included 77 newborns, 15 of whom were admitted at a temperature <33 °C (overcooling). Multiorgan compromise was observed in 33 % and 66 % of the patients in the overcooling and passive hypothermia groups, respectively. Overcooling during transport (aOR 4.8, 95 % CI 1.3, 18.1), and the need for resuscitation (aOR 9.8, 95 % CI 1.1, 90.6) were associated with greater multiorgan compromise and mortality compared to the passive hypothermia group. ConclusionsOvercooling during transport was associated with a higher risk of mortality and multiorgan compromise upon arrival at the referral site. Strategies need to be developed to optimize the transfer and implementation of passive hypothermia in patients who are transfer to the referral center.

Hearing impairment after asphyxia and neonatal encephalopathy: a Norwegian population-based study.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the association between perinatal asphyxia, neonatal encephalopathy, and childhood hearing impairment. This is a population-basedstudy including all Norwegian infants born ≥ 36weeks gestation between 1999 and 2014 and alive at 2years (n = 866,232). Data was linked from five national health registries with follow-up through 2019. Perinatal asphyxia was defined as need for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and an Apgar 5-min score of 4-6 (moderate) or 0-3 (severe). We coined infants with seizures and an Apgar 5-min score < 7 as neonatal encephalopathy with seizures. Infants who received therapeutic hypothermia were considered to have moderate-severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The reference group for comparisons were non-admitted infants with Apgar 5-min score ≥ 7. We used logistic regression models and present data as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The aOR for hearing impairment was increased in all infants admitted to NICU: moderate asphyxia aOR 2.2 (95% CI 1.7-2.9), severe asphyxia aOR 5.2 (95% CI 3.6-7.5), neonatal encephalopathy with seizures aOR 7.0 (95% CI 2.6-19.0), and moderate-severe HIE aOR 10.7 (95% CI 5.3-22.0). However, non-admitted infants with Apgar 5-min scores < 7 did not have increased OR of hearing impairment. The aOR for hearing impairment for individual Apgar 5-min scores in NICU infants increased with decreasing Apgar scores and was 13.6 (95% CI 5.9-31.3) when the score was 0. Conclusions: An Apgar 5-min score < 7 in combination with NICU admission is an independent risk factor for hearing impairment. Children with moderate-severe HIE had the highest risk for hearing impairment. What is Known: • Perinatal asphyxia and neonatal encephalopathy are associated with an increased risk of hearing impairment. • The strength of the association, and how other co-morbidities affect the risk of hearing impairment, is poorly defined. What is New: • Among neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), decreased Apgar 5-min scores, and increased severity of neonatal encephalopathy, were associated with a gradual rise in risk of hearing impairment. • Neonates with an Apgar 5-min score 7, but without NICU admission, did not have an increased risk of hearing impairment.

The incidence, indications, risk factors and pregnancy outcomes of peripartum hysterectomy at a tertiary hospital between 2013 and 2022.

To analyze the incidence, indications, risk factors and pregnancy outcomes of postpartum hemorrhage resulting in peripartum hysterectomy (PH). We retrospectively reviewed patients with postpartum hemorrhage requiring surgical procedures at ≥ 28weeks of gestation from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2022 at a tertiary hospital in Shanghai, China. The patients were divided into a PH group and a non-PH group. Maternal clinical characteristics, the management of postpartum hemorrhage, pregnancy outcomes were compared between groups. Logistic regression was used to analyze the correlations between risk factors and PH. The incidence of hysterectomy was 0.2/1000 deliveries (31/150194). The variables significantly associated with PH were placenta previa with placenta increta/percreta (OR36.26), uterine rupture (OR266.16) and an estimated blood loss ≥ 3513mL (OR431.11). The proportion of cases involving hemorrhagic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, bladder injury, neonatal severe asphyxia, neonatal death and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were significantly higher in the PH group (P < 0.05). The most common indications of PH were placental pathology. Efforts should be made to reduce the rate of cesarean deliveries and uterine curettage to lower the probability of abnormal placental invasion and appropriate medical indications for trial of labor after cesarean should be strictly followed to avoid the risk of uterine rupture.

Analysis of the effect of intensive therapy of premature infants on the development of neonatal retinopathy

Retinopathy of prematurity is one of the most severe diseases that lead to permanent blindness from early childhood. The frequency of retinopathy of prematurity in neonatology closely correlates with the degree of maturity of the child’s body.Goal. To conduct a analysis of the correlation of the degree of oxygenation, the number of blood transfusions with the severity of progressive retinopathy in newborns. The study included 40 premature infants diagnosed with retinopathy of newborns who were being treated in the neonatal intensive care unit. Conducted: clinical and diagnostic examination of patients; analysis of the dependence of the degree of oxygenation, the number of blood transfusions, gestational age, inotropic support and the severity of retinopathy.Materials and methods. Out of 40 patients diagnosed with neonatal retinopathy, 6 children were operated on.Results and discussion. The study showed that all the operated children were born at a gestation period of less than 29 weeks, were treated with antibacterial and inotropic drugs. There was no direct relationship between the number of blood transfusions and the risk of developing a severe form of the disease with further surgical treatment. In 40% of cases, children who developed retinopathy of stages 1 and 2 did not receive transfusion of erythrocyte suspension at all. At the treatment stage, all operated patients received a gas-air mixture with an oxygen content above 45%, as well as inotropic and vasopressor support with epinephrine and norepinephrine. Statistical analysis has shown that the number of blood transfusions is not the leading factor in the decision to refer a child for surgery. Among children with a gestation period of less than 29 weeks, retinopathy of varying severity was found in all infants; in the group of children aged 30–35 weeks, the disease developed only in 45% of patients.Conclusion. The conducted studies have shown that the parameter number of hours spent using IVL (the parameter artificial lung ventilation) is informative, and parameters such as weight and gestational age are significant.It is necessary to note the importance of additional parameters. Among the operated children, the condition of severe asphyxia was suffered by 45.5% of children in group A, in Weight groups severe asphyxia was in 28% of cases. Statistical analysis showed that children who required surgical treatment received catecholamine therapy at the initial stages. The most unfavorable percentage of oxygen supplied with the air mixture starts from 40–45%. The children who required surgical treatment received catecholamine therapy at the initial stages.

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF ADDITIONAL MARKERS FOR ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN PRETERM NEONATES WITH PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS

DIAGNOSTIC VALUE OF ADDITIONAL MARKERS FOR ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY IN PRETERM NEONATES WITH PATENT DUCTUS ARTERIOSUS