Dilşad Cebeci

Auditory neuropathy in hyperbilirubinemia: is there a correlation between serum bilirubin, neuron-specific enolase levels and auditory neuropathy?

This study evaluated whether a correlation exists between increased serum bilirubin and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) assays (a biochemical index of neuronal damage) and auditory neuropathy. Nineteen term neonates without hemolysis whose serum bilirubin levels were above 20 mg/dl and 27 healthy term newborns with bilirubin levels <13 mg/dl were included in the study. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) of patients with hyperbilirubinemia were obtained before discharge. This preliminary study did not show any correlation between the serum NSE and bilirubin values. However, infants who had auditory neuropathy had significantly higher NSE levels, and thus these patients, being in the high-risk group, need close follow-up. Sumario Este estudio evala cu ndo existe una correlacin entre la bilirrubina s rica aumentada y los niveles neuronaespecficos de enolasa (NSE) (un índice bioqumico de da o neuronal) con la neuropata auditiva. Diez y nueve neonatos a t rmino sin hemlisis, cuya bilirrubina s rica estuvo por arriba de 20 mg/dl y 27 neonatos de trmino sanos, con niveles de bilirrubina de <13 mg/dl, se incluyeron en este estudio. Las respuestas auditivas del tallo cerebral (ABRs) y las emisiones otoac sticas evocadas por transitorios (TEOAEs) de los pacientes con hiperbilirrubinemia se obtuvieron despus del alta hospitalaria. Este estudio preliminar no mostró ninguna correlacin entre la NSE en suero y los valores de bilirrubina. No obstante, los ni os que tuvieron neuropata auditiva presentaron niveles NSE significativamente mayores por lo que esos pacientes, estando en el grupo de alto riesgo, requieren un seguimiento m s cercano.

Comparison of two doses of breast milk and sucrose during neonatal heel prick.

Background:  The aim of the present study was to test analgesic effects of double‐ versus single‐dose breast milk and compare this effect with efficacy of double‐ versus single‐dose sucrose in a group of healthy term newborns during heel prick blood sampling.

Expanding family planning options: offering the Standard Days Method™ to women in Istanbul

Background This study introduced the Standard Days Method™ (SDM), a fertility awareness-based method of family planning, to couples in a region of Istanbul, Turkey who were using a method of low effectiveness or no family planning method. The objective was to determine potential demand for, and satisfaction with, the SDM. Methods A total of 657 couples were selected by systematic sampling and offered the SDM. Those accepting this method were interviewed 1 and 3 months after starting the SDM. Results Some 47% of the participants were satisfied with the method and intended to continue using it. Conclusions Potential demand for the SDM was 80.3% (278/346 eligible women) among couples who were using a method of low effectiveness or no family planning method. Our results suggest that adding the SDM to the contraceptive method mix may benefit Turkish women.