Perinatal mortality in a rural district of south India.

Perinatal mortality is one of the most sensitive indices of maternal and child health. The perinatal mortality rate is an indicator of the extent of pregnancy wastage as well as of the quality and quantity of health care available to the mother and the newborn. A community based prospective study carried out on 13,214 births in South Kanara district between Oct. 1991-Sept. 1992 revealed a perinatal mortality rate (PNMR) of 44.65/1000 births. Among the various factors influencing perinatal mortality, breech deliveries and babies of multiple pregnancies had a very high perinatal mortality rate of 180.81/1000 births (adjusted odd's ratio: 4.90) and 128/1000 births (adjusted odd's ratio: 2.64). The previous bad obstetric history of the mother, parity and sex of the newborn were among the other important factors influencing the PNMR.

Gentamicin therapy in preterms: a comparison of two dosage regimens.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pharmacokinetic profile of gentamicin given as a once daily dose as against the conventional twelve hourly dose in preterm neonates. DESIGN: Randomized double blind study. SETTING: Tertiary level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. SUBJECTS: Eighteen preterms admitted during the period January 1994 to May 1994. METHODS: The babies were randomly assigned to receive either the once daily (plan O, 4 mg/kg Q 24 h) or the conventional (plan C, 2.5 mg/kg Q 12 h) gentamicin dosage regimen. Blood was collected for the first peak level one hour after the first dose of gentamicin. Trough and peak-2 levels were collected before and one hour after the dose due at 48 hours, respectively. Assays were done using fluorescence immunoassay and the pharmacokinetic estimations were calculated using the three measured levels on a simplified one-compartment open model. Serum concentration time curves were plotted using the computerized Bayesian forecasting. Student 't' and Mann-Whitney U tests were applied as required. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Initial peak levels and steady state trough and peak levels in both groups. RESULTS: Optimum therapeutic peak level after the first dose was achieved only with the once daily gentamicin regimen (mean level 5.88 vs 3.88 micrograms/ml p = 0.000). Mean trough levels remained over 2 micrograms/ml in the conventional regimen (2.76 vs 1.96 micrograms/ml p = 0.019) group. Mean peak levels at the steady state were not significantly different in either regimen (6.65 vs 5.45 micrograms/ml in conventional p = 0.177). None of the neonates showed nephrotoxicity. CONCLUSION: Once daily dose (4 mg/kg) of gentamicin has logistic and monetary benefits in addition to the obvious pharmacokinetic advantage.

Neonatal polycythemia.

461 consecutive inborn babies, delivered during the period September 1993-March 1994 were subjected to a microhematocrit assessment at 6 hours of age to determine the incidence of polycythemia. 47 babies (inborn and out born), admitted to the neonatal unit with confirmed polycythemia were studied for clinical and laboratory abnormalities. These 47 babies were then randomly assigned to receive partial exchange transfusion with either normal saline or fresh plasma. The incidence of polycythemia was 27 of 461 (5.8%). 23 of 27 (85.1%) were term babies and 15 of 27 (55.5%) were small for gestational age. 14 of 27 (51.1%) babies had mothers who had pregnancy induced hypertension. Feeding problems (16/47) and lethargy (25/47) were the commonest symptoms (34% and 51% respectively). 25 of 47 (51%) babies had hypoglycemia and 5 of 47 (10.6%) had hypocalcemia. Thrombocytopenia was seen in 13/47 (27.65%) of cases. 24 babies received normal saline and 23 received fresh plasma for partial exchange transfusion. The immediate post-exchange fall in hematocrit was significant in both groups and this was well sustained over the following 48 hours. However, improvement in clinical and laboratory parameters was more remarkable with fresh plasma. Polycythemia appears to be a real clinical entity in neonates in India and babies with known risk factors should be actively screened for this condition. Once diagnosis is established special attempts should be made to rule out hypoglycemia. For treatment of polycythemia fresh plasma is preferable for partial exchange transfusion but normal saline appears to be an adequate substitute.

Effect of temperature on functional response of platelet concentrates stored in PVC bags.

Haemostatic efficacy of platelet concentrates prepared and stored in locally available PVC triple bags was compared against a Japanese bag. In vitro functional parameters studied included shape change, aggregation and secretion in response to ADP. We have observed remarkable difference in the aggregatory response of platelets stored at slightly varying temperatures. The stimulatory responses of platelets stored with constant agitation at 70 strokes per min and 23 +/- 2 degrees C, deteriorated drastically by the time platelets were stored for 48 h. Both the rate and the extent of aggregation were affected showing no response to ADP at 72 h. However, when platelets were stored in a BOD incubator, thermostated at 22 +/- 0.5 degrees C, with continuous horizontal agitation at 70 strokes per min, 50 per cent functional response was retained till 72 h. We also demonstrated fragmentation of platelet membrane during storage. The membrane fragments collected by high speed centrifugation, expressed PF3 activity. Shedding of microvesicles indicates alterations at the membrane level that possibly cause functional lesion during storage. Our data suggest the significance of controlling the storage temperature steadily, to get maximum post transfusion efficacy.

Biochemical lesions of platelets stored as concentrates in PVC bags.

Acid-base status of platelet suspension during storage is a measure of the gas permeability of the bag material. To assess the efficacy of the bags available in our market to store platelets, we compared biochemical lesions of platelets stored in an Indian polyvinyl chloride (PVC) triple bag against a Japanese PVC bag standardized for 5 days platelet storage. Platelet concentrates prepared in both control and test PVC bags were stored for 72 h. Two ml samples were drawn 1 h after preparation, and then at 24 h intervals, for analysis. Our data show that the mean pH value in the test bags was maintained above 6.5. However, the CO2 tension was high and O2 tension was low. We also analyzed malondialdehyde (MDA) formation which is a measure of arachidonic acid metabolism, and seemed to be unaffected in stored platelets. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was not released into the plasma excessively and hence significant platelet lysis was absent during storage. Hypotonic shock response (HSR) of platelets stored in both test and control bags was comparable, indicating the possibility of satisfactory post-transfusion recovery.

Morphological & ultrastructural changes of platelet concentrates stored in PVC bags.

To assess the effect of storage bags on platelets, we studied the morphological and ultrastructural changes of samples drawn from platelet concentrates (PC) prepared and stored in triple, poly vinyl chloride (PVC) bags, manufactured in India. Using the scanning electron microscopy, we demonstrate formation of long pseudopods, and interaction through these to form aggregates. When platelets were stored at 23 +/- 2 degrees C, morphological changes were severe compared to the deleterious effects when kept at 22 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Ultrastructural analysis also showed that maintenance of discoid shape and prevention of granule secretion could be improved by storing the platelets at 22 +/- 0.5 degrees C. Significant degree of platelet fragmentation took place when the storage temperature was high. The morphology score done for platelets stored at both 22 +/- 0.5 degrees C and 23 +/- 2 degrees C showed that preservation of discoid shape was better with the former.

Influence of parental literacy and socio-economic status on infant mortality.

The influence of parental literacy and socio-economic status (SES) on infant mortality rate (IMR) was studied. This report is only a part of much larger community-based prospective study conducted to determine the factors influencing infant mortality in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka, by the Department of Community Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, with the financial assistance form IDRC, Canada. A total of 12,857 livebirths during the period of October 1, 1991, to September 30, 1992, where registered and followed up for one year. There were 391 infant deaths which gives an IMR of 30.4 per 1,000 livebirths. Univariate analysis and subsequent stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that, literacy and SES have a very significant role in reducing IMR.

Routine antibiotic cover for newborns intubated for aspirating meconium: is it necessary?

A retrospective analysis was performed on 215 babies to evaluate the incidence of septicemia in babies intubated at birth for aspirating meconium from the trachea. Only term, appropriate for gestational age babies were included. Babies with any known perinatal risk factor for infection were excluded from the study and none of the babies had been put on "prophylactic antibiotics." There were 88 babies in the intubated group in a one year period from January 1991 to December 1991. One hundred and twenty seven babies were taken as controls. There was no significant difference in the incidence of early septicemia in the two groups. There were no deaths in either group. It is concluded that well term babies who are intubated for aspirating meconium need not be put on routine antibiotic cover.

Anesthesia for caesarean section and immediate neonatal outcome.

Seventy-eight parturient mothers undergoing elective caesarean section were studied with regard to the immediate neonatal outcome in those receiving general and spinal anesthesia. All mothers were of grade I anesthesia risk, were term and had singleton appropriate for gestational age babies. There was no difference in fetal acid base chemistry in the two groups. Babies delivered after general anesthesia appeared relatively depressed requiring more free flow oxygen and bag and mask ventilation though one minute Apgar scores showed no significant difference in either group. Induction delivery intervals were longer in the spinal group but it was not associated with more morbidity. Uterine incision delivery intervals were very small in both groups and no meaningful conclusion could be drawn as regards effect on the newborn. A plea is made for more frequent use of spinal anesthesia considering its many postnatal advantages.

Neonatal effects of anesthesia for caesarean section.

Seventy eight parturient mothers undergoing elective caesarean section were studied with regard to the immediate neonatal outcome in those receiving general and spinal anesthesia. All mothers were of grade I anesthesia risk, were term and had singleton appropriate for gestational age fetuses. There was no difference in fetal acid base chemistry in the two groups. Babies delivered after general anesthesia appeared relatively depressed requiring more free flow oxygen and bag and mask ventilation, though one minute Apgar scores showed no significant difference in either group. Induction delivery intervals were longer in the spinal group but it was not associated with more morbidity. Uterine incision delivery intervals were very small in both groups and no meaningful conclusion could be drawn as regards effect on the newborn. A plea is made for more frequent use of spinal anesthesia considering its many postnatal advantages.

Assisted ventilation in neonates: the Manipal experience.

Case records of 68 newborns who required assisted ventilation over a 24 month period were reviewed. Fortyfour (64.7%) received intermittent mandatory ventilation, 10 (14.7%) received nasal CPAP and the remaining 14 (20.58%) received a combination of the above. Some of the indications for ventilation were infections (21), hyaline membrane disease (16), problems related to asphyxia (11), apnea of prematurity (10) and persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (5). The overall survival rate was 41.17%. In the CPAP group 90% (9/10) survived, while in the remaining survival was 32.7% (19/58). The best outcome was observed in persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (80%) followed by apnea of prematurity (70%) and hyaline membrane disease (43.75). Outcome was poor in conditions related to birth asphyxia (27.2%) and infections (19.05%). Survival rates were higher (44.4%) in babies weighing > 1500g at birth as compared to 40.9% in babies < 1500g. Babies less than 32 weeks gestation had a survival rate of 32% as compared to 46.5% in those over 32 weeks. This difference was not statistically significant. Complications were seen in 12/68 patients (17.6%). Pneumothorax was the commonest followed by sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage and blocked endotracheal tubes. Babies with hyaline membrane disease had the highest incidence of complications. Analysis of the data with regard to the indications, outcome and complications is presented.

Computerised neonatal case records: a four year experience.

A computerized system for neonatal case records has been used for the last four years at Kasturba Hospital. The software was developed in-house. The data base can be used to generate discharge summaries, neonatal statistics and epidemiological information. For a single patient, entry of data and printing of the discharge summary takes four to five minutes. Consolidated demographic and epidemiological statistics or selective clinical data for clinical research is easily retrievable. The system is efficient, accurate and easy to operate.