Thyrotropin measured by the immunoradiometric assay in low birth weight infants

In 37 infants, the blood levels of TSH were determined by the immunoradiometric assay (IRMA) and the relation between TSH and thyroid hormone was evaluated. The ranges of gestational age (weeks) and birth weight (g) of infants were 28-42 and 982-3,650, respectively. The birth weights of 19 infants were below 2,500 g. The free T4 levels in the low birth weight (LBW) infants were lower than those of the normal infants and significantly correlated to the birth weight (r = 0.64, P less than 0.01) and gestational age (r = 0.58, P less than 0.01). In addition, free T4 levels were significantly correlated to the levels of total T4 (r = 0.66, P less than 0.01). The concentrations of TSH measured by IRMA method were significantly correlated to those of free T4 (r = 0.51, P less than 0.01). From these data, we consider that the transient hypothyroxinemia observed frequently in LBW infants might be a physiological reaction regulated by hypothalamus and that thyroid hormone treatment should be avoided.     

Correlation of urinary inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in very low birth weight infants with subsequent development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Abstract

Currently, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) occurs almost exclusively in pre-term infants. In addition to prematurity, other factors like oxygen toxicity and inflammation can contribute to the pathogenesis. This study aimed to compare urinary inflammatory and oxidative stress markers between the no/mild BPD group and moderate/severe BPD group and between BPD cases with significant early lung disease like respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (‘classic’ BPD) and with minimal early lung disease (‘atypical’ BPD). A total of 60 patients who were a gestational age < 30 weeks or a birth weight < 1250 g were included. Urine samples were obtained on the 1^st, 3^rd and 7^th day of life and measured the levels of leukotriene E₄ (LTE₄) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). The 8-OHdG values on the 3^rd day showed significant correlation to duration of mechanical ventilation. The 8-OHdG levels on the 7^th day were the independent risk factor for developing moderate/severe BPD. In ‘classic’ BPD, the 8-OHdG values on the 3^rd day were higher than those of ‘atypical’ BPD. In ‘atypical’ BPD, the LTE₄ values on the 7^th day were higher than the values in ‘classic’ BPD. These results suggest that oxidative DNA damage could be the crucial mechanism in the pathogenesis of current BPD and the ongoing inflammatory process could be an important mechanism in ‘atypical’ BPD.     

Correlation of urinary inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in very low birth weight infants with subsequent development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Currently, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) occurs almost exclusively in pre-term infants. In addition to prematurity, other factors like oxygen toxicity and inflammation can contribute to the pathogenesis. This study aimed to compare urinary inflammatory and oxidative stress markers between the no/mild BPD group and moderate/severe BPD group and between BPD cases with significant early lung disease like respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) ('classic' BPD) and with minimal early lung disease ('atypical' BPD). A total of 60 patients who were a gestational age < 30 weeks or a birth weight < 1250 g were included. Urine samples were obtained on the 1(st), 3(rd) and 7(th) day of life and measured the levels of leukotriene E(4) (LTE(4)) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). The 8-OHdG values on the 3(rd) day showed significant correlation to duration of mechanical ventilation. The 8-OHdG levels on the 7(th) day were the independent risk factor for developing moderate/severe BPD. In 'classic' BPD, the 8-OHdG values on the 3(rd) day were higher than those of 'atypical' BPD. In 'atypical' BPD, the LTE(4) values on the 7(th) day were higher than the values in 'classic' BPD. These results suggest that oxidative DNA damage could be the crucial mechanism in the pathogenesis of current BPD and the ongoing inflammatory process could be an important mechanism in 'atypical' BPD.     

Subcapsular hematoma of the liver in infants of very low birth weight.

Between January 1982 and May 1986 a large subcapsular hemorrhage of the liver (SHL) was diagnosed in six infants who weighed 1000 g or less at birth at Royal Alexandria Hospitals, Edmonton. The diagnosis of a ruptured SHL was made between 4 and 18 days of life by means of clinical and sonographic findings in four of the infants; an intact SHL was diagnosed at autopsy in the other two. None of the cases was associated with parenchymal rupture of the liver. Thrombocytopenia was present in five of the six infants and in all four infants with hemoperitoneum. Other possibly relevant antecedent events included mechanical ventilation (in all six), administration of indomethacin (in all six), hypoxia (in five), bilateral pneumothorax necessitating repeated pleural drainage (in three), external cardiac massage (in three) and septicemia (in two). Two of the three infants who underwent surgery survived the operation but later died of unrelated events. One infant who was managed conservatively also survived. A large SHL should be considered in all infants of very low birth weight with unexplained hypovolemia or anemia.     

Fluidity and oxidative stress in erythrocytes from very low birth weight infants during their first 7 days of life

Objective: To study the evolution of lipid peroxidation, enzymatic antioxidants response, lipid profile and membrane fluidity in erythrocytes from very low birth weight (VLBW) infants during their first 7 days of extra-uterine life.

Study design: One hundred and twenty infants were selected and divided in two groups according to their weight and gestational age. Hydroperoxides, fatty-acid profile, fluidity (DPH and TMA-DPH) and catalase, SOD and GPx activities were measured in erythrocytes.

Results: VLBW group showed higher concentration of hydroperoxides and lower membrane fluidity during the first 72 h, lower SOD activity during the first 3 h and higher GPx activity during the first 7 days of life. Also, this group showed lower n-3 polyunsaturated fatty-acids percentage with respect to the term group.

Conclusion: Erythrocytes from VLBW infants showed higher oxidative damage and lower fluidity in their membranes, at least during the first 3 days of extra-uterine life, which may cause alterations in their functions and flexibility.     

Fluidity and oxidative stress in erythrocytes from very low birth weight infants during their first 7 days of life

Objective: To study the evolution of lipid peroxidation, enzymatic antioxidants response, lipid profile and membrane fluidity in erythrocytes from very low birth weight (VLBW) infants during their first 7 days of extra-uterine life.

Study design: One hundred and twenty infants were selected and divided in two groups according to their weight and gestational age. Hydroperoxides, fatty-acid profile, fluidity (DPH and TMA-DPH) and catalase, SOD and GPx activities were measured in erythrocytes.

Results: VLBW group showed higher concentration of hydroperoxides and lower membrane fluidity during the first 72 h, lower SOD activity during the first 3 h and higher GPx activity during the first 7 days of life. Also, this group showed lower n-3 polyunsaturated fatty-acids percentage with respect to the term group.

Conclusion: Erythrocytes from VLBW infants showed higher oxidative damage and lower fluidity in their membranes, at least during the first 3 days of extra-uterine life, which may cause alterations in their functions and flexibility.     

Effects of parenteral lipid infusion on DNA damage in very low birth weight infants

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are known to have poorly developed antioxidant system and may be at increased risk for radical damage. Previous studies have reported higher levels of lipid peroxide products in lipid emulsion used for parenteral nutrition. To examine the direct effects of parenteral lipid infusion on DNA damage in VLBW infants, we measured urinary 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) levels in VLBW infants before, during, and after the parenteral lipid infusion. In both the lipid-infused and lipid-free groups, urinary 8-OHdG excretion levels at 14 days old were significantly (p < 0.01) lower than those at 2 and 7 days old. However, there were no significant differences in urinary 8-OHdG excretion levels between the lipid-infused and lipid-free groups at 2, 7, and 14 days old. Our results suggest that parenteral lipid infusion does not cause oxidative DNA damage, but irrespective of the infusion DNA damage during the first week of life is enhanced when compared with 14 days after birth in VLBW infants.     

Outcome of infants of very low birth weight: a geographically based study.

The outcome of 143 live-born infants of very low birth weight (defined as less than 1500 g) who were born in 1980-81 to women resident in Newfoundland and Labrador is described. Sixty-one infants (43%) died during the first year of life. Of the 82 surviving infants 79 were followed for 18 months to 3 years. Eight (10%) were found to have evidence of severe neurodevelopmental abnormality, and nine (11%) were found to have various minor problems, including seizures, developmental delay and behavioural disorders. There was an inverse association between birth weight and mortality. Neonatal pneumothorax, seizures and clinical evidence of intraventricular hemorrhage were more commonly seen among infants who died; these factors also seemed to be predictive of an adverse long-term outcome. Continuous monitoring of the rates of death and disability among infants of very low birth weight born within a defined region should provide the basis for rational planning and delivery of neonatal intensive care.     

Serum selenium levels of the very low birth weight premature newborn infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

BackgroundThe selenium (Se) is an essential trace element that has a critical role in synthesis and activity of a number of selenoproteins with protective properties against free radical damage. This study was conducted to detect the serum Se concentration in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants and its association with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Materials and methodsCord blood Se concentration was determined in 54 neonates with gestation age 30 week or less. Another sample was obtained from these infants at day 28 of birth and serum Se levels were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. All neonates were followed for oxygen dependency at 28 day after birth and 36 week postmenstrual age.ResultsThe mean cord blood Se concentration in studied neonates was 64.78 ± 20.73 μg L^?1. Serum Se concentration was 60.33 ± 26.62 μg L^?1 at age 28-day. No significant correlation was observed for serum Se concentration at birth and at one month after birth (r = ?0.04, p = 0.72). BPD was diagnosed in 25 neonates (46%). The mean serum Se concentration at one month was 57.16 ± 29.68 μg L^?1 in patients with BPD (25 cases) and 63.27 ± 23.6 μg L^?1 in 29 patients without BPD (p = 0.40).ConclusionIn our study, serum Se concentration at 28 day of birth was lower than cord blood levels in preterm neonates, but we have not found significant difference among patients who had BPD or not with respect to serum Se concentrations at this age.     

益生菌制剂治疗极低出生体重儿喂养不耐受的临床研究

目的探讨益生菌制剂对极低出生体重儿（very low birth weight infant,VLBW）喂养不耐受的影响。方法将56例极低出生体重儿随机分成治疗组和对照组,每组28例。2组均予静脉营养及早产儿配方奶喂哺,治疗组在早产儿配方奶喂哺时添加益生菌制剂,每次0．5g,3次／d,2组同时记录恢复出生体重时间、达全胃肠喂养时间及黄疽消退时间。结果治疗组恢复出生体重时间、达全胃肠喂养时间均显著短于对照组（P〈0．01）,治疗组黄疸消退时间也明显缩短（P〈0．05）。微生态制剂治疗过程中无不良反应发生。结论益生菌制剂可改善极低出生体重儿喂养不耐受,促进患儿体重增长,缩短达到全胃肠喂养时间,值得推广应用。     

早期应用微生态制剂对极低出生体重儿影响的临床观察

目的观察早期应用微生态制剂对极低出生体重儿黄疸、喂养、生长以及免疫功能的影响。方法我院NICU收治的生后24h内极低出生体重儿84例,随机分为观察组46例,对照组38例。观察组生后4h内开始口服或鼻饲胃管服用妈咪爱0.5g,2次/d,连用14d。观察两组达到高胆红素血症标准的人数,以及生后24h、5d总胆红素值;喂养不耐受人数;生后5d生理性体重下降及1个月体重增长情况;生后1个月免疫学指标。并加以对比。结果24h内血清胆红素比较无统计学意义(P0.05),治疗5d后观察组血清总胆红素明显低于对照组(P0.05),观察组出现高胆红素血症人数明显低于对照组(P0.05);观察组喂养不耐受出现例数明显低于对照组(P0.01);观察组生后5d体重下降的克数低于对照组(P0.05),1个月时体重增长克数高于对照组(P0.01);观察组IgA水平较对照组明显增加(P0.05),但IgG及IgM含量与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论早期应用微生态制剂能降低血清胆红素水平,对预防极低出生体重儿高胆红素血症有一定作用;能提高喂养的耐受性,有利于患儿生长发育;对极低出生体重儿的肠道功能及免疫功能有明显影响,能增加免疫球蛋白IgA水平,从而促进体液免疫的发展。     

早产极低出生体重儿早期应用不同剂量氨基酸的临床观察

目的观察早产极低出生体重儿早期应用不同剂量氨基酸的临床效果。方法选取2014年1月~2016年10月我院新生儿科早产极低出生体重儿120例为研究对象,根据氨基酸不同用量分为A、B、C 3组,每组各40例。A组40例患儿给予高剂量氨基酸治疗,B组40例患儿给予中剂量氨基酸治疗,C组40例患儿给予低剂量氨基酸治疗,观察比较3组患儿的临床效果。结果 A组患儿在能量摄入,蛋白质合成,各症状恢复时间以及体重、身长、头围均优于B、C组,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05);3组患儿的并发症比较,差异均无统计学意义(均P0.05)。结论早产极低出生体重儿早期应用高剂量氨基酸,对促进患儿身体发育具有重要作用。     

Chronotype in very low birth weight adults – a sibling study

ABSTRACT

Chronotype is the temporal preference for activity and sleep during the 24 h day and is linked to mental and physical health, quality of life, and mortality. Later chronotypes, so-called “night owls”, consistently display poorer health outcomes than “larks”. Previous studies have suggested that preterm birth (<37 weeks of gestation) is associated with an earlier chronotype in children, adolescents, and young adults, but studies beyond this age are absent. Our aim was to determine if adults born preterm at very low birth weight (VLBW, ≤1500 g) display different chronotypes than their siblings. We studied VLBW adults, aged 29.9 years (SD 2.8), matched with same-sex term-born siblings as controls. A total of 123 participants, consisting of 53 sibling pairs and 17 unmatched participants, provided actigraphy-derived data on the timing, duration, and quality of sleep from 1640 nights (mean 13.3 per participant, SD 2.7). Mixed effects models provided estimates and significance tests. Compared to their siblings, VLBW adults displayed 27 min earlier sleep midpoint during free days (95% CI: 3 to 51 min, p =.029). This was also reflected in the timing of falling asleep, waking up, and sleep-debt corrected sleep midpoint. The findings were emphasized in VLBW participants born small for gestational age. VLBW adults displayed an earlier chronotype than their siblings still at age 30, which suggests that the earlier chronotype is an enduring individual trait not explained by shared family factors. This preference could provide protection from risks associated with preterm birth.     

The very low birth weight infant microbiome and childhood health

This review describes current understandings about the nature of the very low birth weight infant (VLBW) gut microbiome. VLBW infants often experience disruptive pregnancies and births, and prenatal factors can influence the maturity of the gut and immune system, and disturb microbial balance and succession. Many VLBWs experience rapid vaginal or Caesarean births. After birth these infants often have delays in enteral feeding, and many receive little or no mother's own milk. Furthermore the stressors of neonatal life in the hospital environment, common use of antibiotics, invasive procedures and maternal separation can contribute to dysbiosis. These infants experience gastrointestinal dysfunction, sepsis, transfusions, necrotizing enterocolitis, oxygen toxicity, and other pathophysiological consditions that affect the normal microbiota. The skin is susceptible to dysbiosis, due to its fragility and contact with NICU organisms. Dysbiosis in early life may resolve but little is known about the timing of the development of the signature gut microbiome in VLBWs. Dysbiosis has been associated with a number of physical and behavioral problems, including autism spectrum disorders, allergy and asthma, gastrointestinal disease, obesity, depression, and anxiety. Dysbiosis may be prevented or ameliorated in part by prenatal care, breast milk feeding, skin to skin contact, use of antibiotics only when necessary, and vigilance during infancy and early childhood. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 105:252–264, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.