Spino-Pelvic Fixation in Unstable Sacral Fracture: A Case Report

A 22-year-old female patient visited the emergency room (ER) after a pedestrian traffic accident in a drunken state. An examination at the ER revealed fractures at the right side of the sacral ala, sacral foramina, left anterior acetabulum, right inferior ramus, and right superior articular process of S1. She underwent spino-pelvic fixation and iliosacral (IS) screw fixation. One year later, bone union was completed and implant removal was performed and the treatment was completed without complications. The authors recommend spino-pelvic fixation and IS screw fixation for unstable sacral fractures as one of the excellent methods for obtaining posterior stability of the pelvis among the various treatments of unstable sacral fractures.

Apophyseal Avulsion Fracture of Ischial Tuberosity during Soccer: A Case Report and Literature Review / 대한스포츠의학회지

The incidence of avulsion fracture of ischial tuberosity is reported to present in 1.4%–4% of hamstring injuries. The injury mechanism is known to be caused by a sudden forceful hip flexion in the extended knee with eccentric load to the hamstrings. Although the majority of hamstring injuries are strains of the muscle, avulsion fracture of ischial tuberosity occurs rarely. In this report, a 13-year-old boy with avulsion fracture of ischial tuberosity is presented. Successful clinical outcome was achieved with careful conservative management. Previous literatures including operative indications are reviewed.

Influence of Routine Probiotic Supplementation on the Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Late Onset Sepsis

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the influence of routine probiotic supplementation on causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late onset sepsis. METHODS: All neonates born at <32 weeks of gestation and weighing <1,500 g admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit during the study period were included. The study period was divided into the pre-probiotic period, between January 2009 and February 2011, and the probiotic period, between November 2012 and December 2014. The probiotic given was a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum, L. rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium lactis and B. longum, administered at the time of the first feeding over 2 mL once daily. RESULTS: A total of 358 infants were screened for enrollment, with 149 infants included in the pre-probiotic group (mean birth weight 937 g, mean gestational age 27.9 wk), and 158 in the probiotic group (1,040 g, 28.6 wk). Probiotics had no statistically significant impact on NEC and late onset sepsis. However, three cases of probiotic related sepsis occurred after the infants were routinely administered probiotics in our unit. CONCLUSION: Routine probiotic supplementation did not reduce the incidence of NEC in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. However, severe sepsis was caused by strains in the probiotic administered to patients. Therefore, routine prophylactic use of probiotic in VLBW infants should be performed cautiously.

Decolonization of Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus: Role in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the incidence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) colonization and infection in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by using various decolonization methods and to evaluate their efficacy. METHODS: Medical records of all neonates who were admitted to the NICU of Seoul National University Children's Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Surveillance culture were obtained for all neonates in the NICU 48 hours after admission. Three periods with different decolonization methods were compared; Period 1 was without any decolonization measures (July 1, 2009 to August 26, 2010). In period 2, intranasal mupirocin and chlorhexidine gluconate bathing were administered to MRSA-colonized neonates (August 27, 2010 to September 6, 2011). In period 3, only chlorhexidine bathing was performed for MRSA-colonized infants (September 7, 2011 to August 31, 2012). RESULTS: A total of 1,378 infants were admitted to the NICU during the study period. Baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were similar among the 3 periods. The incidence of MRSA colonization per 1,000 patient-days was 6.27 for period 1, 7.02 for period 2, and 6.29 for period 3; however, these values were not significantly different. The incidence of MRSA infection was highest in period 3, with 0.69 cases per 1,000 patient-days; however, this finding was not significant. The MRSA infection/colonization ratio also did not differ significantly among the 3 study periods. CONCLUSION: Decolonization of MRSA in the NICU with the application of chlorhexidine gluconate bathing alone or in combination with intranasal mupirocin were not effective in decreasing the incidence of MRSA colonization and infection.

Neurodevelopmental Outcome According to Prenatal and Postnatal Growth Patterns in Preterm Infants

PURPOSE: We compared neurodevelopmental outcomes according to prenatal and postnatal growth patterns in preterm infants and evaluated the proper catch-up growth timing and risk factors that affect poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of preterm infants born at <32 weeks of gestational age or with <1,500 g of birth weight, who were tested with the Bayley scales of infant and toddler development, third edition (Bayley-III), at 8 and/or 18 months of corrected age in the outpatient clinic. Study populations were divided into four groups according to catch-up growth patterns, which were evaluated about <10th or ≥10th percentile at birth and at 8 or 18 months. RESULTS: In this study, 107 preterm infants were enrolled and 149 results of Bayley-III were analyzed. Infants whose lengths were within <10th percentile at birth had lower cognitive score than those whose lengths were ≥10th percentile at birth (P=0.007). The catch-up growth of length affected cognitive score (P<0.001), and the catch-up growth of head circumference affected cognitive (P<0.001) and motor scores (P=0.024). The catch-up growth of head circumference by 8 months than that by 18 months was more correlated to cognitive (R2=0.300 vs. 0.266, respectively) and motor development (R2=0.257 vs. 0.210, respectively) at 18 months. CONCLUSION: Appropriate body length at birth in preterm infants was significantly associated with optimal cognitive development. Catch-up growth of body length was related to cognitive development, while catch-up growth of head circumference was related to both cognitive and motor development. Earlier catch-up growth of head circumference was more critical for neurodevelopment than weight and length.

Risk Factors for Late-onset Hyponatremia and Its Influence on Neonatal Outcomes in Preterm Infants

Late-onset hyponatremia (LOH), hyponatremia occurring after two weeks of age with the achievement of full feeding, is the result of a negative sodium balance caused by inadequate salt intake or excessive salt loss due to immature renal or intestinal function in preterm infants. The aims of our study were to identify the risk factors for LOH and its influence on neonatal outcomes. This was a retrospective cohort analysis of 161 preterm infants born before 34 weeks of gestation between June 2009 and December 2010 at Seoul National University Hospital. LOH was defined as a sodium level < or = 132 mEq/L or 133-135 mEq/L with oral sodium supplementation. LOH occurred in 49 (30.4%) of the studied infants. A lower gestational age, a shorter duration of parenteral nutrition, the presence of respiratory distress syndrome, the use of furosemide, and feeding with breast milk were significant risk factors for LOH. In terms of neonatal outcomes, the infants with LOH had longer hospital stays and higher risks of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity requiring surgery. LOH lasting at least 7 days significantly increased moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia, and extra-uterine growth retardation. LOH is commonly observed in preterm infants; it may be a risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity or a marker of illness severity.

A Case of a Preterm Infant with Prenatally Diagnosed Intrauterine Midgut Volvulus / 대한주산의학회잡지

Intrauterine midgut volvulus is a rare and potentially life-threatening congenital disease that can lead to intestinal ischemia, sepsis and peritonitis caused by bowel perforation and meconium obstruction. Early detection and immediate treatment is crucial to improve the outcome. Herein, we report a preterm infant of 30 weeks of gestation with intrauterine midgut volvulus associated with meconium peritonitis who survived after cesarean delivery and immediate postnatal surgical intervention. The outcome of in-utero intestinal volvulus depends on optimal delivery timing and adequate postnatal treatment. Therefore, prompt multidisciplinary consultation and planning with obstetricians, neonatologists and pediatric surgeons is necessary to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with fetal midgut volvulus, especially in the preterm period.

Characteristics of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Very Low Birth Weight Infants according to the Timing of Dexamethasone Administration / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: Corticosteroids has been used for treatment and prophylaxis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. However, administration of corticosteroids could be delayed due to its potential harmful effects on neurodevelopment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the adequate dexamethasone administration timing in very low birth weight infants. METHODS: Medical records of 56 VLBW infants who were admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of Seoul National University Children's Hospital and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between January 2008 and September 2014 were collected retrospectively. Study population were divided into early administration group (dexamethasone administration before 4 weeks of postnatal days) and late administration group (after 4 weeks) and respiratory morbidities were compared between groups. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in clinical characteristics between early administration group (n=30) and late administration group (n=26). Respiratory severity score and oxygen needs at 7 days after birth and before administering dexamethasone were comparable. Extubation was done earlier postnatal days in early administration group. Incidence of severe BPD was higher in the late administration group. There was no significant difference in diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) at 12 months of corrected age. When adjusting for multiple risk factors, administration of dexamethasone 4 weeks after birth and severe of BPD showed a significant association (adjusted OR 17.14 [1.29-227.52], P=0.031). CONCLUSION: Administration of dexamethasone in order to minimize ventilator care and to reduce severe BPD might be done between 1 week and 4 weeks after birth in very low birth weight infants.

Neonatal Morbidities Associated with Histologic Chorioamnionitis Defined Based on the Site and Extent of Inflammation in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Conflicting results on the influences of histologic chorioamnionitis (HC) on neonatal morbidities might be partly originated from using different definition of HC. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between HC and neonatal morbidities using definition of HC that reflects the site and extent of inflammation. This was a retrospective cohort study of 261 very low birth weight (VLBW) infants admitted at a tertiary academic center. Based on the site of inflammation, HC was categorized: any HC; amnionitis; funisitis; amnionitis+funisitis. The extent of inflammation in each site was reflected by sub-defining high grade (HG). The incidences of morbidities in infants with and without HC were compared. The bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) rate was significantly higher in infants with amnionitis and the severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) rate was significantly higher in infants with any HC and funisitis. After adjustment for both gestational age and birth weight, the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) rate was significantly lower in infants with all categories of HC except for HG amnionitis and HG funisitis, which are not associated with lower RDS rate. HG amnionitis was significantly associated with increased BPD rate but the association of HC with severe ROP disappeared. In conclusion, HC is significantly associated with decreased RDS and HG amnionitis with increased BPD while lacking association with other neonatal morbidities in VLBW infants. The association with HC and neonatal morbidities differs by the site and extent of chorioamnionitis.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Related Readmission in Preterm Infants Less than 34 weeks' Gestation Following Discharge from a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Korea

This study was done to evaluate respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) related readmission (RRR) and risk factors of RRR in preterm infants 1 yr after discharge from the NICU, were enrolled. The average GA and birth weight of the infants was 30(+5) +/- 2(+5) weeks and 1,502 +/- 474 g, respectively. The RRR rate of enrolled infants was 8.4% (96/1,140), and RSV accounted for 58.2% of respiratory readmissions of infants who had laboratory tests confirming etiological viruses. Living with elder siblings (odd ratio [OR], 2.68; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.68-4.28; P < 0.001), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (OR, 2.95; 95% CI, 1.44-6.04; P = 0.003, BPD vs. none) increased the risk of RRR. Palivizumab prophylaxis (OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.03-0.13; P < 0.001) decreased the risk of RRR. The risk of RRR of infants of 32-33 weeks' gestation was lower than that of infants < 26 weeks' gestation (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.53; P = 0.006). This was a nationwide study that evaluated the rate and associated risk factors of RRR in Korean preterm infants. Preterm infants with BPD or living with siblings should be supervised, and administration of palivizumab to prevent RRR should be considered.

Clinical Manifestations of Capillary Hemangiomas in Preterm Infants / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: Capillary hemangiomas occur more frequently in preterm infants. We aimed to describe the clinical course of capillary hemangiomas in preterm infants. METHODS: The records of preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) of <35 weeks who were admitted to two tertiary neonatal intensive care units from January 2004 to December 2013 and had capillary hemangiomas were reviewed retrospectively. Subgroup analysis of between infants of GA <30 weeks and GA 30-34+6 weeks were done and ad hoc analysis comparing study population and matched preterm infants without hemangioma for investigation of differences in clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 2,772 preterm infants, 112 (4%) infants developed capillary hemangiomas. The majority (91.9 %) of them had a solitary hemangiomas with the trunk was the most commonly involved site (43%). Three quarters of the patients were treated with topical corticosteroid, propranolol or laser treatment. When we divided this population as who were born before or after GA 30 weeks, there was no difference at postmenstrual age (PMA) of onset of capillary hemangiomas (median [IQR], 36(+4) [30(+5)-40(+5)] vs. 36+2 [33(+6)-41(+1)] weeks, P = 0.275). The age at involution of capillary hemangiomas was also not differ between two groups (median [IQR], 7.75 [3.75-12.25] vs. 7.5 [4-13.75] months, P=0.425). There were no statistical differences between preterm infants with capillary hemangiomas and their age, weight and sex matched control preterm infants without hemangiomas in the neonatal and maternal factors. CONCLUSION: The development of capillary hemangiomas occurred at approximately 36 to 37 weeks of PMA regardless of prematurity in preterm infants. Capillary hemangiomas of preterm infants resolved spontaneously and disappear completely by around 7 months of corrected age.

Comparison of Enteral Feeding in Early Neonatal Period in Very Low Birthweight Infants with Hypothyroidism / 대한주산의학회잡지

PURPOSE: We investigated the effects of hypothyroidism on feeding advancement in very low birth weight infants (VLBW). METHODS: This study was a retrospective case-control study of 14 very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) diagnosed with hypothyroidism and other 14 infants were recruited as age- and weight-matched controls without hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia in Seoul National University Children's Hospital between January 2007 and August 2009. We examined whether these infants gained weight more, achieved full-volume enteral feedings sooner, had fewer episodes of increased pre-gavage residuals, and had fewer days of parenteral nutrition. RESULTS: Until full enteral feeding (120 mL/kg/day) was not statistically significant between the groups. In the hypothyroidism group, during the first 14 days after birth, the volume of feeding was smaller [14.7 (0.5-84.0) mL/kg/day, P=0.041], the episodes of increased pre-gavage residuals were frequently observed [16.7 (0.2-78) times, P=0.036], and the duration of central line was significantly longer [18 (10-50) days, P=0.018]. In hypothyroidism group, mean day at first L-thyroxine supplementation was 24.2+/-10.2 days after birth. L-thyroxine administration boosted thyroid function for hypothyroidism infants, helped them tolerate a larger amount of enteral feeding [from 89.5 (2.9-160.8) to 146.9 (31.8-178.8) mL/kg/day, P=0.002] and decreased episodes of excessive gastric residuals [from 5.5 (0-41.6) to 0 (0-44) time, P=0.026]. However, no more weight gain was statistically found. CONCLUSION: In VLBW infants, hypothyroidism may induce feeding intolerance. L-thyroxine supplementation was effective in feeding advancement on preterm infants with hypothyroidism.

Effect of Prenatal and Postnatal Prophylaxis with Macrolide for Ureaplasma on the Development of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the effects of two different macrolide prophylaxis protocols (prenatal and postnatal) for Ureaplasma on the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of 121 preterm infants whose birth weights were <1,250 g or gestational ages were <30 postmenstrual weeks. The demographic and clinical characteristics, including the presence of BPD, were compared between a prophylactic group, who received macrolide as prophylaxis prenatally and postnatally according to risk level, and a confirmed treatment group, who received macrolide prenatally and postnatally after detection of Ureaplasma infection. RESULTS: Seventy-four (61.2%) of 121 preterm infants were included in the prenatal prophylaxis group. No significant differences in demographic characteristics were observed between the prenatal prophylaxis and prenatal confirmed treatment group. The detection rate of Ureaplasma and the frequency of postnatal therapeutic treatment with macrolide were lower in the prenatal prophylaxis group than in the prenatal confirmed treatment group (16.2% vs. 40.4%, P=0.003; 8.1% vs. 48.9%, P< 0.001, respectively). Although no significant differences in the incidence of moderate to severe BPD, the rate of severe BPD was lower in the prenatal prophylaxis group than in prenatal confirmed treatment group (18.9% vs. 40.4%, P=0.010). No significant differences in the incidences of BPD of any level of severity were observed between the postnatal prophylaxis and confirmed treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Administration of prenatal prophylaxis with macrolide decreased the detection rate of Ureaplasma after birth and was associated with the decrease in the incidence of severe BPD in preterm infants.

Prognosis and Predictive Factors according to Extent of Involvement in Necrotizing Enterocolitis among Very Low Birth Weight Infants

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the prognosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) according to the extent of involvement, among very low birth weight infants. Furthermore, the predictive factors for extent of involvement were evaluated. METHODS: Medical records of all newborns with surgically treated NEC admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Seoul National University Children's Hospital between 2005 and 2013 were reviewed. Infants were grouped according to the extent of involvement of NEC: isolated segment involvement (ISI, n=31) and multi-segment involvement (MSI, n=17). We evaluated the clinical characteristics, outcomes, and pre-operative factors according to symptoms, laboratory and radiologic findings. RESULTS: The incidence of small for gestational age was significantly higher in the MSI than ISI group (12.9% vs. 41.2%, P=0.036). The length of resected bowel was significantly longer (1.7 cm vs. 8 cm, P=0.010), and the incidence of short bowel syndrome (SBS) (0% vs. 23.1%, P=0.023) and mortality (3.2% vs. 23.5%, P=0.047) were significantly higher in the MSI than ISI group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of high-output stoma, time of full enteral feeding, extrauterine growth retardation, changes of z-score of body weight between admission and discharge and reoperation. Portal vein gas detected by ultrasonography was the only statistically significant predictive factor of extent of involvement (odds ratio=13.237, P=0.029). CONCLUSION: SBS and mortality were higher in MSI NEC compared to ISI NEC. However, there was no difference in the time of full enteral feeding and growth between the two groups. Portal vein gas detected by ultrasonography maybe a predictive factor of extent of NEC.

A Case of Lactobacillus Bacteremia during Probiotic Supplementation in a Very Preterm Infant with Short Bowel Syndrome

Probiotics are living micro-organisms that beneficially affect the composition of the host intestinal microflora. In very preterm infants, probiotics reportedly help reduce necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), invasive fugal colonization and sepsis, and enable the establishment of complete enteral feeding at an earlier stage. However, emerging evidence has indicated the risk of potential side effects of probiotic use, such as gut organism translocation, including probiotic organisms, in infants that are more premature. In the present report, we describe a case of Lactobacillus bacteremia in a very preterm infant with short bowel syndrome. Lactobacillus sepsis developed during the therapeutic use of this organism for diarrhea and diarrhea-related malabsorption. The organism isolated from the blood sample was found to be of the same strain as that administered, by using molecular techniques. The findings of the present case suggest that probiotics should be carefully used, particularly in very preterm infants with altered intestinal permeability such as short bowel syndrome.

Risk Factor for Massive Pulmonary Hemorrhage Occurring during the First Five Days after Birth in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

PURPOSE: Massive pulmonary hemorrhage(MPH) within the first five days after birth is a major cause of early death in extremely low birth weight(ELBW) infants. The objective of this study was to determine risk factors for MPH in ELBW infants. METHODS: Data were retrospectively collected from 115 ELBW infants admitted to Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between January 2007 and September 2012. MPH was defined as the presence of hemorrhagic fluid in the trachea accompanied by acute respiratory failure within the first five days after birth. Initial echocardiography and cranial ultrasonography were performed in all subjects before MPH. Clinical characteristics of ELBW infants with and without MPH were compared and the risk factors for MPH were investigated. RESULTS: MPH occurred at 54+/-30 h after birth and was more frequent in ELBW infants with lower gestational age and lesser birth weight. Older maternal age was also associated with MPH. The presence of patent ductus arteriosus diagnosed using initial echocardiography was not significantly associated with MPH. The presence of intraventricular hemorrhage diagnosed using serial cranial ultrasonography was significantly associated with MPH. Logistic regression analysis indicated that among the variables that preceded MPH, only lower gestational age was independently associated with MPH. CONCLUSION: Lower gestational age was found to be a risk factor for MPH within the first five days after birth in ELBW infants.

Risk Factors of Invasive Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infection in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during Outbreak

PURPOSE: Invasive carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates in critically ill patients and neonates. We aimed to determine the risk factors of invasive infection in neonates with CRAB colonization, and differences in clinical outcomes between CRAB colonization and infection groups during the CRAB outbreak. METHODS: We retrospectively collected data from 45 patients with CRAB during the outbreak at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Seoul National University Children's Hospital from May 2011 until April 2012. RESULTS: CRAB infection developed in 7 neonates (15.5%). Clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus (colonization group, 57.9% vs. infection group, 100%; P=0.04) and intubation state at initial CRAB isolation (44.7% vs. 100%, respectively; P=0.01) were more prevalent in the infection group. Univariate analysis results showed that a 1-min Apgar score of 14 had odds ratios of 9.9 (P=0.04) and 24.0 (P=0.02), respectively, for invasive CRAB infection. Total lengths of intubation, central venous catheterization, and CRAB isolation were significantly longer in the invasive infection group than colonization group. As a clinical outcome, incidence of bacteremia other than CRAB (26.3% vs. 71.4%, P=0.03) was higher in the infection group, but there was no differences in the mortality rates between groups (15.8% vs. 42.9%, respectively; P=0.13). CONCLUSION: A 1-min Apgar score of 14, clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus, and intubation state at initial isolation were found to be risk factors for invasive CRAB infection during the outbreak. During CRAB outbreak, early and appropriate antimicrobial treatment should be administered to high-risk patients.

Timing of Liberation from Ventilation Assistance and Decannulation in Preterm Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia after Tracheostomy

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia after tracheostomy. METHODS: We retrospectively examined 24 preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Seoul National University Hospital and treated with tracheostomy between January 1999 and December 2013. We collected data on the age at tracheostomy, indication for the tracheostomy, and the long-term outcomes. RESULTS: Of the admitted patients, 1.0% were treated with tracheostomy, and the median age at tracheostomy was 185 days. Fifteen patients (62.5%) were weaned from mechanical ventilation. Of these, 56.5% patients were weaned from positive pressure ventilation (PPV) within 24 months, and 81.3% were weaned from PPV within 60 months. The median time from the tracheostomy procedure to independent PPV was 15.9 months. Decannulation was achieved in 8 patients (33.3%); of these, 41.5% were decannulated within 24 months, and 69.9% were decannulated within 60 months. The median time from the tracheostomy procedure to decannulation was 48.8 months. In patients without airway disease, the time from the tracheostomy procedure to independent PPV and decannulation was 15.6 months. In patients with airway disease, the time from the tracheostomy procedure to independent PPV and decannulation was found to be extended. However, the presence of airway disease was not significantly associated with the duration of mechanical ventilation, or with the time to decannulation. The 5-year survival rate was 80.2%; the patients who did not survive died within 12 months of the tracheostomy procedure. CONCLUSION: Infants with moderate or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia occasionally require tracheostomy tube placement for mechanical ventilation. In cases with airway disease, the time from the tracheostomy procedure to independent PPV and decannulation tended to be increased, although this increase was not significant.

A Case of Congenital Hypothyroidism in a Preterm Infant Presenting with Meconium Obstruction

Many infants with congenital hypothyroidism have few or no clinical manifestations at birth. In preterm infants, discovering related signs and symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism is even more difficult, despite the higher incidence of transient thyroid function abnormalities. Therefore, these patients need to be closely monitored during the early neonatal period. We report a case of a very low birth weight infant presenting with meconium obstruction concurrent with congenital hypothyroidism in the early neonatal period. Unless diagnosed and treated appropriately, meconium obstruction of prematurity may lead to feeding intolerance, intestinal perforation, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis. It is important for medical caregivers to understand that meconium obstruction can be an early sign of congenital hypothyroidism in preterm infants with abdominal distension.

Rosiglitazone, a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-gamma Agonist, Restores Alveolar and Pulmonary Vascular Development in a Rat Model of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

PURPOSE: We tested whether rosiglitazone (RGZ), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist, can restore alveolar development and vascular growth in a rat model of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rat model of BPD was induced through intra-amniotic delivery of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and postnatal hyperoxia (80% for 7 days). RGZ (3 mg/kg/d, i.p.) or vehicle was given daily to rat pups for 14 days. This model included four experimental groups: No BPD+vehicle (V), No BPD+RGZ, BPD+V, and BPD+RGZ. On D14, alveolarization, lung vascular density, and right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) were evaluated. RESULTS: Morphometric analysis revealed that the BPD+RGZ group had significantly smaller and more complex airspaces and larger alveolar surface area than the BPD+V group. The BPD+RGZ group had significantly greater pulmonary vascular density than the BPD+V group. Western blot analysis revealed that significantly decreased levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and its receptor VEGFR-2 by the combined exposure to intra-amniotic LPS and postnatal hyperoxia were restored by the RGZ treatment. RVH was significantly lesser in the BPD+RGZ group than in the BPD+V group. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that RGZ can restore alveolar and pulmonary vascular development and lessen pulmonary hypertension in a rat model of BPD.