Safaa S. Imam

Evaluation of Renal Glomerular and Tubular Functional and Structural Integrity in Neonates

BackgroundRenal cells are not fully differentiated at birth, representing a major risk in preterm infants. We evaluated glomerular and tubular functional integrity as well as structural integrity of renal tubules among healthy full-term and preterm infants as well as diseased preterm infants. MethodsA total of 50 newborns (10 healthy full-term, 10 healthy preterm, and 30 diseased preterm, at 38.9 ± 1.10, 34.2 ± 0.92, and 32 ± 2.47 weeks gestational age, respectively) were included in the present study. Glomerular function was assessed by measuring urinary levels of both microalbumin and immunoglobulin G as well as serum creatinine levels, whereas the proximal tubular function was investigated by measuring the urinary levels of both &agr;1-microglobulin and &bgr;2-microglobulin as well as retinol-binding protein. Also, distal tubular reabsorption capacity was investigated by assessing fractional excretion of sodium. Moreover, the structural integrity of renal proximal tubules was studied by measuring the urinary activities of both the brush-border membrane enzyme leucine-aminopeptidase (LAP) and the lysosomal enzyme N-acetyl-&bgr;-d-glucosaminidase. The preceding investigations were done on both the first and third days of life of all 50 newborns. ResultsGlomerular and tubular function and structure was relatively impaired at birth among both healthy and diseased preterm as well as healthy full-term neonates and improved rapidly thereafter. The diseased preterm neonates showed worse renal function and structure with minimal improvement regardless of the underlying sickness. ConclusionRenal insufficiency and renal immaturity could be evaluated using enzymuria and low- and high-molecular-weight proteinuria as noninvasive methods.

Single dose recombinant erythropoietin versus moderate hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy in low resource settings

Abstract Objective: To determine the safety and efficacy of single dose systemic recombinant human erythropoietin (rEPO) in neonates with perinatal hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE), and its effect on serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE). Methods: Forty-five full-term neonates; 30 with perinatal HIE and 15 controls were studied. HIE neonates were randomized into three intervention groups (first 6 h of life): 10 received single subcutaneous 1500 U/kg rEPO at day-1, 10 subjected to hypothermia for 72 h and 10 received supportive care. BDNF and NSE measured during first 6 h and day 5 postnatal. Daily Thompsons score, MRI brain and neuromuscular function scale for survivors at 3 months of age were done. Results: Hypothermia group had best survival especially with stage-II Sarnat scale, followed by rEpo and supportive group. BDNF day-5 was significantly higher in each group compared to controls. MRI score and neuromuscular function score were non-significantly lower in the hypothermia group compared to rEPO. Conclusions: Therapeutic hypothermia was superior to single dose rEpo for neuro-protection in HIE especially in patients with stage-II Sarnat scale. Therapeutic effect of combined rEPO multiple dosing and modest hypothermia therapy should be studied.

Targeted versus Universal Neonatal Hearing Screening in a Single Egyptian Center

Aim. To compare targeted neonatal hearing screening (TNHS) and universal neonatal hearing screening (UNHS) since many developing countries, including Egypt, implement selective screening for high-risk neonates. Methods. 150 neonates were assessed; 50 full terms consecutively admitted to the well-baby nursery and 100 neonates consecutively admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Ain Shams University. Patients were further subdivided into high-risk group which included 50 neonates with multiple risk factors for hearing loss and low risk group which included 50 neonates with only one risk factor. Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) were used for hearing screening. Auditory brain response (ABR) was performed 3 months later for failed TEOAEs. Results. The most frequent risk factor was consanguinity (46%). In the well-baby population, 16% failed TEOAEs. In the NICU, 30% of the low risk and 38% of the high risk groups failed TEOAEs. Regarding ABR, failed results were 12%, 10%, and 8% in the high-risk, low-risk, and healthy groups, respectively. Conclusion. The use of TNHS would have missed 8% of neonates from the well-baby group who actually had PCHL (permanent congenital hearing loss). The use of UNHS would identify all cases with PCHL, allowing for early intervention and follow-up.

Effect of right lateral position with head elevation on tracheal aspirate pepsin in ventilated preterm neonates: randomized controlled trial

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effect of right lateral positioning in comparison with supine positioning on tracheal aspirate pepsin levels as a marker of aspiration of gastric contents in ventilated preterm neonates. Study design: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 ventilated preterm neonates <35 weeks; 30 neonates were nursed in right lateral position for 6 hours while the other 30 neonates were nursed in supine position for 6 hours. Tracheal aspirate sample was obtained from each neonate in both the groups just after the end of 6 hours and pepsin level was measured. Results: Neonates in right lateral position group had significantly lower tracheal pepsin level than neonates in supine position group (6 ng/ml) interquartile range [IQR] (3–20) versus 15 ng/ml [IQR] (5.5–90) (p = .024). There is positive correlation between tracheal aspirate pepsin level and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) needed during the intervention (r = 0.383, p = .040). There is no correlation between tracheal pepsin level and gestational age, birth weight, or duration of mechanical ventilation and other ventilatory settings. Conclusion: Nursing ventilated premature infants in right lateral position is associated with decreased aspiration of gastric contents.

Molecular Detection of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Ureaplasma parvum Colonization in Preterm Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Background: Early neonatal acquisition of Ureaplasma urealyticum (U. urealyticum) and Ureaplasma parvum (U. parvum), in the 1 st 24 hours after birth and during passage of an infected maternal birth canal, have been linked to the development of respiratory diseases in premature newborns as a result of respiratory tract colonization. However, the role of these pathogens in the development of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) still needs more clarification. Objectives: In this study we aimed to search for U. urealyticum and U. parvum in tracheal aspirates of premature infants with RDS by species-specific PCR assays and to evaluate the short term outcome of preterm infants with positive results. Methodology: Tracheal aspirate fluid samples from 35 preterm neonates with RDS with a mean gestational age of (32.76±2.48) weeks were collected within the first 24 hours after birth and analyzed for detection of U. urealyticum and U. parvum by species-specific PCR assays targeting urease gene subunits and adjoining spacer regions. Results: Ureaplasma spp. was detected in the tracheal aspirate of 6 (17%) preterm infants with RDS. Among these 6 positive cases; 5 (83%) were positive for U. parvum while only 1 case (17%) was positive for U. urealyticum. The preterm infants with positive results for Ureaplasma spp. had statistically significant higher degree of RD depending on the chest X ray grading results and longer durations of ventilation and hospitalization. Conclusions: Limited by the relatively small sample size, this work can be considered as a pilot study indicating a possible association between the severity of RDS in preterm infants and respiratory tract (RT) colonization with Ureaplasma spp. particularly U.parvum.

Early Zinc Supplementation and Enhanced Growth of the Low-Birth Weight Neonate

BACKGROUND: Nutritional deficits are almost universal in Low-Birth Weight babies. Zinc is essential for normal infant growth and its supplementation assists growth probably through insulin-like growth factor-1. AIM: This double-blind randomized-controlled trial aimed at evaluating the role of zinc in catch-up growth of low-birth-weight infants and investigating its proposed mediator. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted in Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. Two hundred low-birth-weight neonates were simply randomized to either oral zinc therapy or placebo. Anthropometric measurements were recorded at birth, 3, 6, and 12 months; including weight, recumbent length, head, waist, chest, and mid-upper arm circumferences, and triceps and sub-scapular skin fold thickness. RESULTS: We found that initial and 3-months measurements, except weight, were comparable in the 2 groups. All measurements at 6- and 12-months, except sub-scapular skin-fold-thickness, were significantly higher in zinc group than placebo. Catch-up growth, at 12-months, was significant in zinc group and was significantly higher in appropriate-for-gestational-age vs. small-for-gestational-age, in preterm vs. term, and in male vs. female infants. The median 6-months insulin-like growth factor-1 levels were significantly higher in zinc group. CONCLUSION: We conclude that early start of oral zinc supplementation in low-birth-weight neonates assists catch-up growth, probably through rise of insulin-like growth factor-1.

Does Type of Infant Feeding Affect Phototherapy for Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

Phototherapy is the most common method used to treat and prevent neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Breastfeeding compared with formula feeding is associated with an increased risk of jaundice and kernicterus. The main mechanism is failure of successful initiation of breastfeeding. Breast failure jaundice usually leads to significant weight loss resulting in hyperbilirubinemia. The aim was to determine the relation between type of infant feeding and the efficacy of phototherapy for treatment of hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns. The authors included 90 full-term neonates diagnosed with nonhemolytic, unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. According to their total bilirubin level, they received conventional phototherapy for treatment. They were divided into 3 groups according to type of feeding: group 1, mixed feeding (MF; breast and formula); group 2, formula feeding (FF; formula); and group 3, breastfeeding (BF). Rebound bilirubin was checked 24 hours after stopping phototherapy. The mean duration of phototherapy w...

1094 Cord Blood Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor: Diagnostic and Prognostic Marker in Fullterm Newborns with Perinatal Asphyxia

Backgrounds This prospective case control study was designed to evaluate cord blood brain derived neurotrophic factor level in full term newborns with perinatal asphyxia as a marker of central nervous system insult and predictor of severity of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, with follow up of its level during the reperfusion phase. Material and Methods The study included twenty fullterm neonates with perinatal asphyxia (cases) and twenty controls. Cord blood samples were obtained at birth and peripheral blood samples at 72 h postnatal from cases only. Plasma brain derived neurotrophic factor level was measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The clinical severity of encephalopathy was graded based on Sarnat and Sarnat staging. Results Cord Plasma brain derived neurotrophic factor level was significantly increased among cases compared to controls. Among cases, brain derived neurotrophic factor level at delivery and after 72 h significantly correlated with the severity of encephalopathy according to Sarnat staging being higher as severity increases. Brain derived neurotrophic factor level significantly increased after 72 h of life compared to its level at delivery among cases. Brain derived neurotrophic factor levels at delivery and at 72 h postnatal were predictors of severe Sarnat stage and poor outcome. Conclusion We concluded that brain derived neurotrophic factor level as a marker of central nervous system insult is increased in full term newborns with perinatal asphyxia. It can serve as an indicator for the severity of encephalopathy and adverse outcomes.