effect of high risk pregnancy on duration of neonatal stay in neonatal intensive care unit

High risk pregnancies increase the risk of neonatal mortality and morbidity. In order to identify the influence of pregnancy complications on the period of neonatal stay in Neonatal Intensive Care Units [NICUs], an analysis has been carried out in our center. In a cross-sectional-descriptive analytical study, the data including NICU length of stay was gathered from 526 medical records of neonates. We also assessed their maternal complications such as premature rapture of membranes [PROM], urinary tract infection [UTI], preeclampsia, oligohydramnios, and twin/triplet pregnancy. Finally we analyzed the relation between variables by SPSS statistics software version 19. The level of significance was considered P<0.05. 37 of 526 neonatal medical records were excluded. Of the 489 babies hospitalized in NICU for 1 to 54 days; 28.42% born were preterm, 308 with birth weight <2500 gram and 170 with birth weight between 2500 and 4000 gram. There was a significant relation between length of neonatal NICU stay and maternal PROM [P=0.001], preeclampsia [P=0.01], UTI [P=0.02], multiple gestation [P=0.03], and oligohydramnios[P=0.003]. We found a positive correlation between numbers of gestation and length of NICU stay [P=0.03]. A positive correlation existed between neonatal complication and length of NICU stay [P<0.001]. By increasing maternal health level and prenatal care services, neonatal outcome can be improved and length of stay in NICUs decreased

[Prevalence of congenital toxoplasmosis in two university hospitals: a brief report]

The incidence and clinical presentation of congenital toxoplasmosis in our newborns was not studied until yet. Goal of study is to evaluates the newborns for congenital Toxoplasma. Gondii infection and describe the clinical presentation from birth and follow up them. We conducted a prospective study upon 270 newborns were born in two university hospitals in Tehran [Rasoul akram and Akbar Abadi] during 2011-2012. Cord blood sample obtained from the newborns during labour. The samples centrifuged, transported and restored in -80 centigrade freezer in our Research Laboratory. Specific T.Gondii- antibodies [IGG, IGM] evaluated by ELISA methods. Neonates with positive T.Gondii- IGM diagnosed and studied as infected cases. The infected cases treated and followed for progression of disease. Gestational age of newborns was between 28-41 weeks. Positive T.Gondii - IGM and T.Gondii -IGG determined in 1.5%, 44.1% of cases respectively. The most common clinical presentation in seropositive cases was eye involvement [50%], and brain disorders [50%]. Positive PCR had not found in cerebrospinal fluids of seropositive [IgM] cases. One and a half percent of newborns were seropositive for T.Gondii. Wide variation of clinical presentation and early diagnosis of infected newborns in our country is so important. Adding the serologic tests [IGM] to neonatal screening test is recommended strongly.

[ effect of holly Quran recitation of physiological responses of premature infant]

During recent years, despite remarkable advances in medicine and survival rates of premature infants, they still suffer from neurological disability and abnormal development. Based on theories, complementary cares are necessary for growth and development in preterm infants and neurobehavioral function provide by appropriate infant stimulations. The aim of this research is to study the effects of holly Quran recitation on physiological responses in premature infants. In a randomized control trail and double blind study, from August through September 2009, 120 premature infants who admitted to the NICU of Shahid Akbarabadi hospital, Tehran and had inclusion criteria of this study, were randomly assigned to two groups: control group and holly Quran recitation group, and observed for three dependent variables; oxygen saturation levels, heart rate, respiration rate. Holly Quran recitation was including 20 minutes recitation of Yusuf Quaranic chapters, by Shahhat Mohammad Anvar sound that was played for experimental group via headphone of the morning shift. The volume range was 50-60 db. Two groups were observed for physiological responses from 10 minutes before to 10 minutes after intervention by monitor, and recorded numerous before and 10, 20, 30 minutes after beginning of intervention, were used to analysis. Our results showed that the mean of respiratory and heart rate significantly decreased and oxygen saturation levels increased in Quran group as compared to the basic measurement of this changes continued to 10 minutes after intervention [P < 0.001]. The mean change of three variables in the end of intervention and after 10 minutes was significantly different between two groups [P < 0.001]. Holly Quran recitation can be used as a complementary and supportive care to improve of physiologic state in premature infant; because it effects on the physiological responses in premature infants comprising oxygen saturation level, respiration and heart rate