ABSTRACT
Objective:To analyze the clinical features and etiological results of neonatal central nervous system(CNS) infection and provide basis for optimization of pathogen detection strategy for CNS infection.Methods:We collected the clinical and laboratory data of hospitalized neonates with clinical diagnosis of CNS infection in the neonatal department at Hebei Provincial Children′s Hospital, from January 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021.The clinical manifestations of the enrolled neonates, as well as the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)pathogens detected by conventional and molecular biological detection techniques were analyzed.Laboratory characteristics of different kinds of pathogen were compared.Results:A total of 101 eligible neonates were enrolled.The median gestational age was 38.8(36.2, 39.6)weeks, with a prematurity rate 26.7%.There were 68 boys.The median age of onset was 9(2, 14)days.Blood culture was positive in 19(18.8%) cases, including 17 cases of bacteria and two cases of fungus.Positive findings were found in CSF specimens of 33(32.7%)cases by various methods including 13 bacteria, 19 viruses and one fungi.Streptococcus group B and Escherichia coli were the first two bacteria in CSF.Enterovirus was the most common virus in CSF.In terms of detection methods of CSF pathogens, seven cases(7/101, 6.9%) were detected by CSF culture, two cases(2/21, 9.5%)by smear, 22 cases(22/45, 48.9%)by single-virus targeted/multiplex polymerase chain reaction and four cases(4/7, 57.1%)by metagenomic next-generation sequencing.The CSF white blood cell counts, protein levels and blood C-reactive protein levels were higher in the cases with bacteria/fungi detection from CNS infection than in those with virus detection( P<0.05). Almost all neonates(98/101, 97.0%)were clinically cured or significantly improved before discharge.Two neonates were discharged against medical advice and one neonate was transferred to the other hospital after clinical improvement. Conclusion:Combined use of conventional and molecular biological detection techniques can significantly improve the etiological positive rate of neonatal CNS infection.Viral infection is not rare in the neonatal population.Our study demonstrated the spectrum of organism causing neonatal CNS infection, which provided a basis for the optimization of pathogen detection strategy.
ABSTRACT
【Objective】 To investigate the value of three hemolysis tests and carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level in the diagnosis of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). 【Methods】 From January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2022, the neonates hospitalized in the Department of Neonatology of Hebei Provincial Children's Hospital with suspected hemolytic disease who had serological testing were retrospectively enrolled in the study. They were distributed into HDFN group and non-HDFN group according to the final diagnosis. Their clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed, and the COHb level was detected by blood gas analyzer. 【Results】 A total of 378 neonates with HDFN and 217 neonates without HDFN were included in the study. Most of the neonates in HDFN group were full-term infants (348/378, 92.1%), with median gestational age of 39.1 (38.3, 40.0) weeks. Three hundred and fifty-four cases (354/378, 93.7%) were ABO-HDFN and the rest were Rh HDFN. There were significant differences in the level of serum total bilirubin, hemoglobin, COHb and reticulocyte percentage at admission between the two groups(P<0.05). The positive rate of three hemolysis tests in HDFN group decreased with the increase of the days after birth. The highest positive rate (more than 80%) was observed within 2 days after birth. Correlation analysis showed a negative relationship between the COHb level and the age (rs = -0.434, P<0.001) . Among the three hemolysis tests in HDFN group, the positive rate of antibody release test was the highest (69.0%), followed by the free antibody test (55.6%) and the direct antiglobulin test (DAT) (36.0%). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis showed that the optimal cut-off value of COHb was 1.15%.The sensitivity of COHb ≥ 1.15% was 51.8%, higher than single DAT (36.0%) . The diagnosis effectiveness of three hemolysis tests couldn't be improved when combined with COHb detection(Z = -0.727, P>0.05) . 【Conclusion】 The three hemolysis tests are important in the diagnosis of HDFN, among which the antibody release test has the highest sensitivity. COHb has certain value for the diagnosis of HDFN, but joint testing cannot improve the diagnosis effectiveness of three hemolysis tests. Hemolysis tests and/or COHb detection should be conducted for neonates at risk of hemolysis as early as possible after birth.
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Objective:To study the clinical features of neonatal hyperthyroidism.Methods:From September 2013 to September 2020, clinical data of neonates with hyperthyroidism admitted to the neonatal intense care unit of our hospital were retrospectively collected and analyzed.Results:A total of 7 neonates were included. The average gestation age was (35.8±2.3) weeks with 5 cases had GA<37 weeks. The median age of diagnostic was 16 d (7~18 d). The common clinical manifestations included tachycardia, irritability, low-grade fever, hyperhidrosis, bulimia, poor weight gain, diarrhea and jaundice. The levels of serum free triiodothyronine (FT 3) and thyroxine (FT 4) were elevated in all 7 cases and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were decreased. The Doppler ultrasound of thyroid gland in two neonates revealed enlarged thyroid gland with abundant blood flow. All 7 mothers had hyperthyroidism with 4 mothers provided the history of hyperthyroidism and the other 3 were also confirmed after their infants were diagnosed. All 7 infants were treated with anti-thyroid drugs (ATD) and 2 were additionally given β-blockers to control heart rate. The median ATD duration was 40 d (7~58 d). 2 cases (both preterm infants) had slight decrease in FT 4 during medication. FT 4 of all 7 cases returned to normal before TSH. Conclusions:Neonatal hyperthyroidism has various and nonspecific clinical manifestations. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are important to prevent short-term and long-term adverse outcomes. Whether their mothers provide definite history of thyroid disorder or not, the thyroid function of the suspected neonates should be carefully monitored.