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2022 | April-June | Volume 1 | Issue 2

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EDITORIAL

Rachana Singh, Robert D Christensen

Care of the Newly Born Needs to Begin Prior to Birth and to Continue then After

[Year:2022] [Month:April-June] [Volume:1] [Number:2] [Pages:1] [Pages No:00 - 00]

   DOI: 10.5005/newborn-1-2-iv  |  Open Access |  How to cite  | 

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Francesco Morotti, Gilberto F Candela, Giovanni Martellosio, Federico Serana, Moira Micheletti, Duilio Brugnoni, Francesco M Risso

Automated Cell Counter-derived Neutrophil Cell Population Data by VCS Technology as a Marker of Early-onset Neonatal Sepsis

[Year:2022] [Month:April-June] [Volume:1] [Number:2] [Pages:6] [Pages No:209 - 214]

Keywords: Automated cell counter, Case-control study, Cell population data, Diagnosis, Early-onset neonatal sepsis, Markers, Neutrophils

   DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0030  |  Open Access |  How to cite  | 

Abstract

Aim: Early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) occurring within the first 72 hours after birth is a common, life-threatening disease in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The limited accuracy of diagnostic tools makes the diagnosis of EONS difficult, and the quest for new markers remains open. Automated hematology analyzer-derived neutrophil cell population data (N-CPD) have been identified as a potential marker of neonatal sepsis, but their role for EONS has not been elucidated yet. Our aim is to explore the role of automated hematology analyzer-derived N-CPD as a marker of EONS. Methods: We prospectively evaluated a cohort of 289 neonates admitted to the NICU with clinical signs of sepsis, and checked if N-CPD from the Beckman Coulter UniCel DxH 800 device could help identify those who would develop culture-proven EONS. Clinical characteristics, sepsis markers, blood culture results, and N-CPD were recorded. The diagnostic accuracy of N-CPD was tested using receiver-operator curves (ROCs). Results: Receiver-operator curves of the standard deviation of neutrophil volume (SD-V) showed moderate accuracy in identifying EONS (AUC 0.74), with a high negative predictive value (NPV 98.6%) for cut-off values >21.76 arbitrary units. Accuracy was higher with VCS at 12–48 hours of life (AUC 0.8). Standard deviation of neutrophil volume accuracy was independent from gestational age (GA), birth weight, and timing of test execution (OR 1.14, p = 0.002; AUC 0.71). Conclusion and significance: Our study confirms the role of N-VCS in the diagnostic workup for EONS. High NPV values may be useful as they suggest a role as an adjunctive marker useful for ruling-out EONS and support early empirical antibiotic withdrawal.

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REVIEW ARTICLE

Vivek V Shukla, Waldemar A Carlo

Risk Prediction for Stillbirth and Neonatal Mortality in Low-resource Settings

[Year:2022] [Month:April-June] [Volume:1] [Number:2] [Pages:4] [Pages No:215 - 218]

Keywords: Low- and middle-income countries, Mortality fetal, Mortality neonatal, Neonatal, Newborn infant, Preterm infants, Perinatal mortality, Resuscitation, Stillbirth

   DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0034  |  Open Access |  How to cite  | 

Abstract

High stillbirth and neonatal mortality are major public health problems, particularly in low-resource settings in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). Despite sustained efforts by national and international organizations over the last several decades, quality intrapartum and neonatal care is not universally available, especially in these low-resource settings. A few studies identify risk factors for adverse perinatal outcomes in low-resource settings in LMICs. This review highlights the evidence of risk prediction for stillbirth and neonatal death. Evidence using advanced machine-learning statistical models built on data from low-resource settings in LMICs suggests that the predictive accuracy for intrapartum stillbirth and neonatal mortality using prenatal and pre-delivery data is low. Models with delivery and post-delivery data have good predictive accuracy of the risk for neonatal mortality. Birth weight is the most important predictor of neonatal mortality. Further validation and testing of the models in other low-resource settings and subsequent development and testing of possible interventions could advance the field.

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REVIEW ARTICLE

Joann Romano-Keeler, Jun Sun

The First 1000 Days: Assembly of the Neonatal Microbiome and Its Impact on Health Outcomes

[Year:2022] [Month:April-June] [Volume:1] [Number:2] [Pages:8] [Pages No:219 - 226]

Keywords: Bacteria, Fungi, Immunity, Microbiome, Necrotizing enterocolitis, Probiotics, Virome

   DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0028  |  Open Access |  How to cite  | 

Abstract

Early life microbial colonization is critical for the development of the immune system, postnatal growth, and long-term health and disease. The dynamic and nascent microbiomes of children are highly individualized and are characterized by low bacterial diversity. Any disruptions in microbial colonization can contribute to shifts in normal microbial colonization that persist past the first 1000 days of life and result in intestinal dysbiosis. Here, we focus on microbiome-host interactions during fetal, newborn, and infant microbiome development. We summarize the roles of bacterial communities in fetal development and adverse health outcomes due to dysbiosis. We also discuss how internal and external factors program the microbiome's metabolic machinery as it evolves into an adult-like microbiome. Finally, we discuss the limits of current studies and future directions. Studies on the early-life microbiome will be critical for a better understanding of childhood health and diseases, as well as restorative methods for the prevention and treatment of diseases in adulthood.

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REVIEW ARTICLE

Kathryn R Grauerholz

Tasked for Compassion: Initiating Reproductive Grief Care in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

[Year:2022] [Month:April-June] [Volume:1] [Number:2] [Pages:6] [Pages No:227 - 232]

Keywords: Bereavement, Fetal demise, Miscarriage, Neonatal intensive care unit, Perinatal loss, Reproductive grief, Stillbirth

   DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0026  |  Open Access |  How to cite  | 

Abstract

The experience of parenting a premature or ill infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can be overwhelming and traumatic. Parents who have previously endured a reproductive loss may find that an accumulation of escalating distress related to nurturing a neonate while receiving care in intensive care compounded with lingering grief from a prior perinatal loss can overwhelm their capability to cope. The ambiguous nature of perinatal loss and societal disenfranchisement of the grief often results in a prolonged or complicated bereavement trajectory which can inhibit bonding, mental health, and physical wellness. The frequent contact and perinatal conversations between parents and clinicians provide opportunities for essential discussions about emotional vigor, grief, and bereavement. A review of the literature and current research found that initiating conversations and care modalities that facilitate Worden's “tasks of grieving” can foster a necessary healing pattern for bereaved parents. These efforts will theoretically nurture parent–child bonding and promote desirable neonatal outcomes.

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REVIEW ARTICLE

Tamas Jilling

Major Chromosomal Abnormalities and Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Is there a Link?

[Year:2022] [Month:April-June] [Volume:1] [Number:2] [Pages:5] [Pages No:233 - 237]

Keywords: Chromosome, Chromosomal deletion, Chromosomal duplication, Chromosomal translocation, Down syndrome, Genetics, Neonate, Necrotizing enterocolitis, Robertsonian translocation, Trisomy

   DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0032  |  Open Access |  How to cite  | 

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a rare but potentially lethal disease of neonates, and several case reports have associated it with chromosomal disorders. As we know, chromosomal disorders affect approximately 0.6% of live births. Many infants with these abnormalities have no or only mild symptoms, but others can have significant morbidity and mortality. In this review, we summarize the available information about the occurrence of NEC in infants with chromosomal abnormalities. An intriguing aspect of these reports is that many infants with chromosomal abnormalities who developed NEC were near term in gestational age, and would not have otherwise been considered to be at particular risk of this disease. Existing reports have associated NEC with abnormalities of chromosomes 21 (Down syndrome), and 1, 6, 15, and 22. The main limitation of these observations is that the cohorts were not numerically adequate in a statistical sense, and hence the possibility of coincidence cannot be excluded with confidence. The impact of comorbidities or other possible confounders is also not clear. We need studies that are designed specifically, with appropriately large cohorts, to determine the frequency of comorbidities such as NEC in infants with chromosomal abnormalities.

842

REVIEW ARTICLE

Vinayak Mishra, Nalinikanta Panigrahi, Anil Rao, Thierry AGM Huisman

Neurological Abnormalities in Infants of Mothers with Diabetes Mellitus

[Year:2022] [Month:April-June] [Volume:1] [Number:2] [Pages:7] [Pages No:238 - 244]

Keywords: Anencephaly, Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, Autism spectrum disorder, Caudal regression syndrome, Cognitive impairment, Encephalocele, Fetal pathology, Infants of diabetic mothers, Myelomeningocele, Neural tube defect, Neurodevelopmental delay, Neurodevelopmental impairment, Oxidative stress, Schizophrenia

   DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0033  |  Open Access |  How to cite  | 

Abstract

Fetal anomalies, neurocognitive disorders, and perinatal mortality rates are higher in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) than in infants of mothers without diabetes. The pathology of these defects is significantly influenced by maternal glucose control and the onset of diabetes during pregnancy. Maternal hyperglycemia, abnormal inflammatory response, and fetal oxidative stress contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological deficits in IDMs. Pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM) have a higher incidence of congenital neurologic structural anomalies than gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). The assessment of neurodevelopmental impairment in IDMs is confounded by perinatal factors, including birth asphyxia, acute and chronic metabolic insults, and iron deficiency. The incidence of these defects tends to reduce with appropriate antenatal care and maternal glycemic control. We discuss the structural neurologic malformations, cognitive disorders, motor deficits, and psychosocial disorders in the offspring of diabetic mothers.

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REVIEW ARTICLE

Greeshma Sharma, Ratti Ram Sharma

Approach to Neonatal Alloimmune Thrombocytopenia: The Perspective from a Transfusion Medicine Service

[Year:2022] [Month:April-June] [Volume:1] [Number:2] [Pages:9] [Pages No:245 - 253]

Keywords: Alloantibdies, Alloantigens, Antigens capture elisa glycoproteins, Newborn, Platelet genotyping, Platelet specific antigens

   DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0031  |  Open Access |  How to cite  | 

Abstract

Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is an important hematological disorder in neonates. The pregnant mother's immune system gets sensitized to antigens expressed on fetal platelets that have been inherited from the father and begins producing specific alloantibodies against these antigens. Some of these antibodies get transported across the placenta into the baby and can damage/destroy platelets to cause fetal/neonatal thrombocytopenia. Many of these fetuses/infants develop major clinical complications such as intracranial hemorrhages. In this article, we describe normal platelet counts in neonates, the pathogenesis and epidemiology of NAIT, specific platelet antigens that have been identified as targets in NAIT, and the approach for laboratory diagnosis of NAIT. From the perspective of a transfusion medicine service, there are two targets as follows: (a) To identify the differences in the antigenic profiles of the platelets of the mother and her fetus/infant and (b) To detect alloantibodies in the maternal serum that may be specifically reactive to these platelet antigens. Early identification of NAIT can help timely institution of appropriate treatment. In this project, we reviewed the laboratory profiles of infants who were diagnosed to have NAIT at our own institution and also mined the literature in the databases EMBASE, PubMed, and Scopus.

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CASE SERIES

Gurpreet Kaur Grewal, Horacio Osiovich, Richard Schreiber

Neonatal Acute Liver Failure

[Year:2022] [Month:April-June] [Volume:1] [Number:2] [Pages:9] [Pages No:254 - 262]

Keywords: Diagnosis, Enterovirus, Gestational alloimmune liver disease, Hemophagocytic lymphohistocytosis, Neonatal acute liver failure, Neonatal disease, Neonate

   DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-11002-0029  |  Open Access |  How to cite  | 

Abstract

Acute liver failure is a rare event in the newborn period yet early recognition in the neonatal intensive care setting is essential for best outcome. Neonatal acute liver failure (NALF) is distinct from acute liver failure in older children and adults having different etiologies, presentation, and unique treatment interventions. There is a paucity of literature regarding NALF and several newly identified conditions merit discussion. Herein we report three cases of liver failure who were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit and review the diagnostic approach and management of liver failure in this age group.

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