Prediction of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in full-term neonates with acute encephalopathy, using two different brain proteins electroencephalogram and magnetic resonance imaging

The Objective of this study was to compare the usefulness of serum levels of two different brain proteins; Neuron specific enolase [NSE] and Creatinine brain specific kinase [CK-BB], electroencephalography [EEG], Conventional MRI imaging and diffusion-weighted MR imaging [DWMRI] for the early diagnosis of ischemic brain injury and prediction of hypoxic brain damage. The study was performed at Tanta University Hospitals, Neonatology Unit. The study design was a cross sectional one. A total of 30 term newborns, 20 with neonatal encephalopathy and 10 normal cases were included in the study. Clinical evaluation of neonatal condition and neurological outcomes was done. Serum estimation of NSE, CK-BB was done at 0, 12 and 24 hours after admission. Electroencephalography [EEG] was done at a median date of 1.17 days. Magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] both conventional and diffusion weighted were also done. EEG and MRI were done for the study group cases. The results showed that the Apgar score at 2 minutes has highest specificity with a good negative predictive value of severe brain injury. Arterial blood base deficit have the highest sensitivity and highest negative predictive values. The highest significance was evident at 12 hours values of both NSE and CK-BB. A combination of NSE at 12 h with arterial blood pH [cutoff value, <6.9] or arterial blood base deficit [cutoff value, >17 mM/L] increased the positive predictive value and specificity. Bad outcomes as severe degree or death are usually associated with the moderate to severe findings of both MRI and background trace of EEG. Bad outcomes as severe degree or death are usually associated with severe findings of both diffusion weighted MRI and background trace of EEG. The early EEG changes distinguish between those infants with a normal or abnormal outcome. MRI gives more specific information about the type of brain lesion. The 12 hour values of NSE and CK-BB have a good predictive power either alone or combined with other clinical tests or investigations. Combined biochemical testing and EEG may give very good indicators about neonatal outcomes. This early determination is becoming increasingly important with the advent of hypothermia and other potential neuroprotective therapies for the treatment of HI brain injury in the asphyxiated newborn

Predictability of neonatal infection in cases of preterm premature rupture of membranes by interleukin-6 estimation: antenatal bed side test from vaginal fluid versus neonatal serum testing at birth and after 24 hours

The Objective of this study was to assess the predictability of interleukin 6[IL-6] for neonatal infection, in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes [PPROM] using a bed side test from vaginal fluid versus neonatal serum testing at birth and after 24 hours. The study was a cross sectional one and enrolled 73 women who were hospitalized for PPROM. The gestational age at study entry ranged between 28 and 35 completed weeks of gestation that was confirmed from history and/or by a first-trimester ultrasonograhy. Maternal routine investigations as serum C reactive protein [CRP] and IL-6 detection in vaginal fluid were done. Neonatal examination and assessment was done. Initial neonatal outcomes as Apgar score, neonatal infections and neonatal cranial ultrasound were assessed. Neonatal CRP and IL-6 were also estimated. The results showed that neonatal infections were more frequent for babies of women with IL-6-positive vaginal samples [29.7% vs 8.3%; P=0.02]. The sensitivity of vaginal testing of IL-6 for predicting neonatal infection was 79%; its specificity was 56%; its positive predictive value was 30%, and its negative predictive value was 92%. The mean neonatal IL-6 at 0 hour was significantly higher in babies of the vaginally positive than the vaginally negative mothers [P<0.01]. The sensitivity of IL-6 at 0 hour for predicting neonatal infection was 99%; specificity was 91.4%; positive predictive value was 57.4%, and negative predictive value was 92%. The sensitivity at 24 hours was 67.4%; specificity was 69.3%; positive predictive value was 50%, and negative predictive value was 63%. Estimation and detection of IL-6 with both the qualitative vaginal secretions bedside test and at birth neonatal serum are of great value in the prediction of neonatal infection in cases of PPROM. This cytokine may reflect the insult that the fetus had been exposed to: hence affection of the fetal brain. Antenatal detection and early at birth estimation are of medico legal importance, which may protect obstetricians and pediatricians from alleged intrapartum or early neonatal mismanagement

Prediction of infants who may develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm babies with respiratory distress syndrome

The objective of this study was to test the neonatal polymorphism of TNF alpha to measure the day one levels of sL-selectin, sE-selectin and sICAM-1 in sera of neonate and placenta growth factor in cord blood, for the prediction of development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia [BPD]. The study design was a cross sectional one. Forty preterm neonates with respiratory distress and 10 normal full term neonates were enrolled. The neonates were divided into 2 subgroups; 15 who developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia and 25 without. Sampling was done and diagnostic evaluation of all parameters was accomplished. The results proved that infants. None of the infants with BPD carried the AA TNF- alpha -238 genotype, compared with 3 infants without BPD, and only 1 infant with BPD carried the GA TNF- alpha -238 genotype, compared with 7 infants without BPD. Higher sE-selectin has a diagnostic ability [sensitivity 73%, specificity 76%] higher PLGF has a sensitivity of 67% and specificity 68%. Combination of both, improved specificity to 80%. If we add to them, cases which have absence of GA TNF- alpha -238 genotype, we have got a very high sensitivity [93%] but with lower specificity. Combined all data supported a specificity 80% with a sensitivity of 86%. What had been found in this study might clarify the role of adhesion molecules, P1GF and TNF polymorphism as biological marker to determine which premature infants with RDS are at risk for development of BPD and to permit early intervention and might provide a new therapeutic target to prevent BPD