Neonatal polycythemia: effects of partial exchange transfusion using fresh frozen plasma, Haemaccel and normal saline.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal polycythemia remains a significant clinical problem in Thailand. Partial exchanges transfusion (PET) with fresh frozen plasma (FFP) has been the mainstay of management for this condition in Thailand. Since FFP is difficult to find in certain areas and can cause concerns of transfusion related diseases, this study was undertaken to investigate the possibility of using plasma substitute and normal saline (NSS) for PET in the newborn infant with polycythemia. OBJECTIVE: 1. To compare the rate and duration of decrease of venous hematocrit (Hct) before and after PET with FFP, Haemaccel and NSS. 2. To compare any complications from using FFP, Haemaccel and NSS such as coagulation defect, electrolytes change, etc. in PET. METHODS AND SUBJECTS: A randomized prospective trial was conducted in Neonatal Unit, Department of Pediatrics, Ramathibodi Hospital. The first phase of study: July 1, 1993 to June 30, 1994: randomized prospective trial using FFP or Haemaccel for PET in 26 newborn infants with polycythemia. The second phase of study: July 1, 1994 to June 30, 1995: consecutive enrollment trial using NSS for PET in 38 consecutive newborn infants with polycythemia. RESULTS: There was significant decrease in Hct in both groups after PET but there was no statistically significant difference in the rate of decrease of Hct. There was no significant difference in biochemical profiles in both groups of infants 24 hours after PET. In the NSS group, there was significant decrease of Hct level after PET. There was no significant change of biochemical profiles and coagulation activity in these patients 24 hours after exchange transfusion. There were 2 patients with complications related to umbilical venous catheter and PET. CONCLUSION: Haemaccel and NSS can be safely used for PET to treat neonatal polycythemia. However, the attending physician should be aware of possible complications related to umbilical venous catheterization and PET.

Five-year thyrotropin screening for congenital hypothyroidism in Ramathibodi Hospital.

OBJECTIVES: To detect newborns with congenital hypothyroidism (CH) and to treat the affected infants as early as possible. STUDY DESIGN: Cord blood thyrotropin (TSH) screening for CH in Ramathibodi Hospital began in 1993. From October 1993 to December 1998, 35,390 neonates were screened. The infants with elevated TSH level of greater than 30 mU/L were recalled for verification of CH. Confirmation tests included total thyroxine, free thyroxine and TSH level. Thyroid scan and uptake were performed in some affected infants. RESULTS: Twelve infants with CH were detected resulting in an incidence of one in 2,949 live-births. All affected infants were asymptomatic at birth. Of 12 infants with CH, one premature neonate had a delayed TSH elevation and was diagnosed as having primary hypothyroidism at 2 months of age. The recall rate for validation of CH based on a cut-off value at serum TSH level of greater than 30 mU/L is 1.1 per cent. If the cut-off value of serum TSH level was raised to greater than 40 mU/L, the recall rate would decrease to 0.43 per cent. None of the affected infants had cord blood TSH level of less than 50 mU/L except one premature patient. Therefore, beginning in January 1997, the cut-off value of TSH was raised to 40 mU/L or greater. Pitfalls in this program include incomplete blood-specimen collection and incomplete follow-up. To strengthen the program, improvements were made in the follow-up system from 1996 onward. Therefore, the coverage for blood-specimen collection progressively increased from 84 per cent in 1994 to 96 per cent in 1998. Simultaneously, the patients' return after recalls also increased from 38 per cent to 100 per cent. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of CH in Ramathibodi Hospital is approximately 1:3,000 live-births. The optimal cord blood TSH level for recall is 40 mU/L or greater. The intensification of follow-up strategy resulted in better response to recall and earlier treatment in the affected infants.

The benefit of the direct antiglobulin test using gel technique in ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn.

The direct antiglobulin test (DAT) using the gel technique was included in the investigation of infants with hyperbilirubinemia in the first week of life. Twelve cases were preterm and 48 cases were full term infants. The patients were divided into 2 groups: the study group comprised 22 cases of blood group A or B infants born to blood group O mothers; the control group comprised 38 cases of ABO blood groups compatible with those of their mothers. The mean +/- SD (39 +/- 26 hours) of the age at the onset of hyperbilirubinemia induced by ABO hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) was significantly earlier than that due to other causes. The positive rate of DAT in the ABO incompatible group was similar by both the conventional technique and the gel technique, 54.5% and 50% respectively. However, the scores by the gel technique were higher than those of the conventional technique. The gel technique is simple, reliable, involves less technical error and requires a small amount of blood sample. The grading system is clear-cut, especially grade 1 + or weak positive as compared to the conventional technique which requires examination under a microscope. Therefore, the DAT using the gel technique is beneficial to the diagnosis of ABO HDN. It should be included in the investigation of infants with hyperbilirubinemia especially in case of suspected ABO HDN.

Serum bilirubin levels in breast-fed vs formula-fed infants during the first 3-5 days of life.

Breast feeding seems to be a cause of neonatal jaundice during the first five days of life; the mechanism of which needs further study. Thai infants appear to exhibit a higher level of "physiological jaundice" bilirubin level than Caucasians.

Effect of phototherapy on nutrients utilization in newborn infants with jaundice.

The effect of phototherapy on digestion and absorption of nutrients was performed in 25 male, newborn infants with hyperbilirubinemia. The infants were divided into 2 groups; one group was fed with lactose formula whereas the other group received the non-lactose formula. The quantities of daily volume, fat and energy intakes of both groups were similar. Protein intake was significantly higher in the latter group. During 72-hours of phototherapy, there were decreases in serum bilirubin in all infants and mean weight change was decreased in infants fed with non-lactose formula. Treatment by phototherapy in jaundiced infants did not affect protein, fat and energy absorption. The presence of loose stool, lower stool pH and trace in reducing substances in some subjects fed with lactose formula suggests mild lactose intolerance. Prospective study in clinical trial needs to be further assessed and clarified on other nutrients such as amino acids and riboflavin status in these infants during phototherapy.

Neonatal jaundice and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.

Ninety-six newborn aged 0-7 days with serum bilirubin of more than 15 mg/dl were studied for the G6PD status using semiquantitative and the assay method. It was found that the result of the 2 methods corresponded. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was 12.4 per cent (there were 11 boys and one girl). Among the G6PD deficiency and the normal group, there was no difference in the age of the patient, onset of jaundice, bilirubin level, hematocrit status and the reticulocyte count. The semiquantitative method is a reliable as the assay method.

Clinical trial of special premature formula for low-birth-weight infants.

Feeding 25 low birth weight infants during a one month period either with special premature formula or with standard formula resulted in better weight gain, nutritional efficacy, fat absorption, and lower frequency of metabolic acidosis in the special premature formula group. Various biochemical indices demonstrated excellent protein and mineral metabolization of this formula, which seem appropriate for the infants studied (1,000-1,750 g birth weight). Both formulae were well tolerated without any untoward effects.