A comparative study of cord blood lipid profile in term, pre term and small for gestational age - appropriate for gestational age neonates

Background: Cord blood lipid profile in neonates helps to screen for neonatal dyslipidaemia which is associated with long term morbidity mainly cardiovascular disease.Methods: The present study is a observational study done in government medical college, Chidambaram for a period of 2 years from October-2020 till September-2022 with 222 term and pre-term small or appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates using cord blood lipid profile.Results: In the present study of above mentioned 222 neonates, preterm accounts for 30.1% and term neonates accounts for 69.9%. AGA was 63.1% and SGA was 36.9%. Term AGA was 38.2%, term SGA 31.5%, preterm AGA was 24%, preterm SGA was 5.4%. Conclusions: Preterm AGA had higher cord lipid profile values compared to the term AGA neonates. Preterm SGA neonates had lower cord lipid profile of HDL, and LDL as compared to preterm AGA neonates. SGA neonates had higher total cholesterol, triglycerides and VLDL compared to AGA neonates. SGA neonates had lower LDL and HDL as compared to AGA neonates.

The early prediction of umbilical cord blood S100β protein and lactate combined with amplitude integrated electroencephalogram in small for gestational age preterm infants with brain injury / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective:To explore the early predictive value of umbilical cord blood S100β protein and lactate combined with amplitude integrated electroencephalogram（aEEG）in small for gestational age（SGA）preterm infants with brain injury.Methods:One hundred and six cases of SGA preterm infants were enrolled in this study in Neonatology Department of Inner Mongolia People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2021. Umbilical cord blood serum S100β protein and lactate at birth of All SGA preterm infants were tested，and aEEG was monitored at 6h and 72 h after birth，corrected gestational age of 32 weeks and 37 weeks. According to the diagnostic criteria of brain injury in preterm infants，SGA preterm infants were divided into brain injury group（45 cases）and non-brain injury group（61 cases），and compared the differences of S100β protein，lactate and the designated time aEEG between the two groups.SGA preterm infants with brain injury were further divided into symmetrical group（28 cases）and non-symmetrical group（15 cases）. The differences of umbilical cord blood S100β protein and lactate level between the two groups were compared，and the diagnostic value in different types of SGA preterm infants with brain injury was also compared.Results:SGA preterm infants in the brain injury group had significantly higher levels of umbilical cord blood S100β protein［（0.826±0.218）μg/L vs（0.397±0.196）μg/L， t=8.316， P<0.05］and lactate［（8.5±1.3）mmol/L vs（3.8±0.9）mmol/L， t=3.281， P<0.05］than those in non-brain injury group.Symmetric SGA group had higher level of S100β protein than the asymmetric SGA group［（0.924±0.205）μg/L vs（0.438±0.196）μg/L， t=5.734， P<0.05］.But there was no statistically significant difference in lactate levels［（5.6±1.4）mmol/L vs（3.9±1.2）mmol/L， t=0.932， P>0.05］between symmetric SGA group and asymmetric SGA group. The abnormal rates of aEEG in brain injury group and non-brain injury group were respectively 100%（45/45）vs 22.95%（14/61）at 6 h after birth，95.56%（43/45）vs 16.39%（10/61）at 72 h after birth，62.22%（28/45）vs 6.56%（4/61）at 32 weeks of corrected gestational age，22.22%（10/45）vs 3.28%（2/61）at 37 weeks of corrected gestational age. The abnormal rate of brain injury group was higher than the non-brain injury group in the same nodal time，and the differences were statistically significant（ χ 2 value respectively 62.292，64.913，38.074，9.257，all P<0.05）. Conclusion:There were significant value in umbilical cord blood S100β protein，lactate level and aEEG monitoring in the early diagnosis in preterm infants SGA with brain injury. The combination of the three might be more helpful for the early diagnosis and timely treatment of brain injury in SGA preterm infants.

Care of a child with human herpesvirus-6B encephalitis after chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy / 中国实用护理杂志

Summarizing the nursing experience of a child with HHV-6B encephalitis after umbilical cord blood transplantation and CAR-T therapy. The child was 4 years old and was diagnosed with acute T lymphocytic leukemia on May 28, 2021. Nursing points: meticulously observe symptoms for early diagnosis and treatment; develop a specialized management plan, implement individualized care; enhance medication management to improve the quality of care; establish a shared decision-making communication model to prevent hospital-acquired infections; provide patient-centered care for lumbar puncture; assess the needs of the child and family, alleviate negative emotions; improve pre-discharge preparation, emphasize continuity of care. With proactive treatment and careful nursing, the child′s condition improved, and they were discharged. Follow-up for six months showed the child in a sustained remission state with no adverse sequelae, and normal life resumed.

Characteristics of acute graft-versus-host disease of the intestine after unrelated cord blood transplantation / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND:Despite unrelated cord blood transplantation is expected to become an important method for treating malignant hematological diseases,the manifestation and clinical characteristics of acute graft-versus-host disease in the gastrointestinal tract still require further in-depth investigation. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the clinical characteristics of intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease after unrelated cord blood transplantation. METHODS:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 668 malignant hematological disease patients after unrelated cord blood transplantation who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation subspecialty in the Department of Hematology,First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from December 2016 to December 2020.Among them,clinical data of 138 patients with intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease were analyzed,including 76 males and 62 females,with a median age of 13(1-62)years.All patients were treated with a myeloablative regimen(without antihuman thymocyte globulin)and cyclosporin A combined with mycophenolate mofetil to prevent graft-versus-host disease. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The patients with intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease had diarrhea of varying degrees,most of which were yellow-green,yellow-brown watery stools or mucous stools.53 patients(38.4%)had blood stools,82 patients(57.9%)had skin involvement,18 patients(13.0%)had a secondary intestinal bacterial infection,and 90 patients(65.2%)had cytomegaloviremia.(2)The clinical characteristics of patients(70 cases,50.7%)with grade 1-2 intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease were compared with those(68 cases,49.3%)with grade 3-4 intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease.It was found that the age of grade 3-4 intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease patients was higher than that of grade 1-2 intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease patients(P<0.001),and they were complicated with cytomegaloviremia probably(P=0.035).Diarrhea lasted longer(P=0.00)and the length of hospital stay increased substantially(P<0.001).However,there were no significant differences in recipient gender,pre-transplant disease status,HLA matching,diagnosis,combined skin graft-versus-host disease,and secondary intestinal infection rate in patients of the two groups.(3)These findings conclude that the clinical characteristics of intestinal acute graft-versus-host disease after unrelated cord blood transplantation are complex,which affects the prognosis and quality of life of patients seriously and requires early identification and precise treatment.

Correlation of umbilical cord blood IL-25 and IL-33 with early infantile eczema / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the correlation of the levels of interleukin-25 (IL-25) and interleukin-33 (IL-33) in cord blood with the development of infantile eczema within 42 days after birth, so as to provide theoretical support for the prevention of early infant eczema. 【Methods】 A total of 145 newborns who met the inclusion criteria and were born in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department of the Air Force Special Medical Center from September 2020 to September 2021 were selected. Cord venous blood was collected at birth and the levels of IL-25 and IL-33 in cord blood were measured. The occurrence and severity of infantile eczema were recorded in 42 days. 【Results】 Among 145 infants, 79(54.5%) suffered from eczema. The level of IL-25 in cord blood in eczema group was significantly lower than that in non-eczema group (Z=4.957, P<0.001), and the level of IL-33 in cord blood in eczema group was significantly higher than that in non-eczema group (Z=4.594, P<0.001). The proportion of family history of allergy in the eczema group was significantly higher than that in non-eczema group (χ2=4.693, P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that family history of allergy (OR=4.296), lower level of IL-25(<14.5pg/mL) (OR=4.034) and higher level of IL-33(>21.1pg/mL) (OR=2.759) in cord blood were risk factors for eczema (P<0.05), while birth weight was not associated with the onset of eczema in infants at 42 days (P>0.05). Meanwhile, the level of IL-33 in cord blood was related to the mode of delivery (P<0.05). ROC analysis showed that the optimized positive cutoff value was <14.0pg/mL for cord blood IL-25(sensitivity 62.0%, specificity 75.8%) and >22.1pg/mL for IL-33 (sensitivity 64.6%, specificity 69.7%). Spearman correlation test found that there was a linear correlation of the level of cord blood IL-33 with eczema area and severity index (EASI) score (r=0.398, P<0.01). 【Conclusion】 Family allergy history, lower level of cord blood IL-25 and higher level of cord blood IL-33 are important influencing factors of infant eczema in 42 days after birth, and higher level of cord blood IL-33 will aggravate the severity of early infantile eczema.

The role of cerebro placental ratio as a predictor of adverse perinatal outcome in uncomplicated term pregnancies

Background: Aim of the study was to study role of cerebro placental ratio (CPR) as a predictor of adverse perinatal outcome in uncomplicated term pregnancies.Methods: This prospective observational study took place at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in SNMC Agra. We enrolled 140 uncomplicated antenatal cases with gestational age between 37 to 41 weeks, based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each participant underwent comprehensive assessments, including history-taking, examinations, and ultrasound color Doppler evaluations. We then analyzed perinatal outcomes in correlation with CPR.Results: Adverse perinatal outcomes i.e., asphyxia and NICU admissions were found to be significantly higher in patients with CPR<1. We also observed APGAR<7 at 1 and 5 minutes, cord blood ABG with pH<7.3, pO2<50, PCO2>45 in patients with CPR<1.Conclusions: CPR serves as a noninvasive means to identify fetal compromise in seemingly healthy pregnancies, aiding in the decision-making process regarding the mode of delivery. Clinical significance-CPR can assist in stratifying at risk pregnancies, subsequently influencing decisions regarding the mode and place of delivery.

Natural killer cells 56bnght16- have higher counts in the umbilical cord blood than in the adult peripheral blood

ABSTRACT Introduction and hypothesis: Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an alternative source of hematopoietic stem cells for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in the absence of a compatible donor. The UCB transplantation has a lower incidence of chronic graft versus host disease (GvHD), but is associated with slower engraftment and slower immune reconstitution, compared to other sources. Dendritic cells (DCs) and Natural Killer cells (NKs) play a central role in the development of GvHD and the graft versus leukemia (GvL) effect, as well as in the control of infectious complications. Method: We quantified by multiparametric flow cytometry monocytes, lymphocytes, NK cells, and DCs, including their subsets, in UCB samples from 54 healthy newborns and peripheral blood (PB) from 25 healthy adult volunteers. Results: In the UCB samples, there were higher counts of NK cells 56bright16- (median 0.024 × 109/L), compared to the PB samples (0.012 × 109/L, p < 0.0001), NK 56dim16bright (median 0.446 × 109/L vs. 0.259 × 109/L for PB samples, p = 0.001) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs, median 0.008 × 109/L for UCB samples vs. 0.006 × 109/L for PB samples, p = 0.03). Moreover, non-classic monocyte counts were lower in UCB than in PB (median 0.024 × 109/L vs. 0.051 × 109/L, respectively, p < 0.0001). Conclusion: In conclusion, there were higher counts of NK cells and pDCs and lower counts of non-classic monocytes in UCB than in PB from healthy individuals. These findings might explain the lower incidence and severity of chronic GvHD, although maintaining the GvL effect, in UCB transplant recipients, compared to other stem cell sources.

Vitamina D y embarazo: una experiencia piloto / Vitamin D and pregnancy: a pilot experience

La insuficiencia de vitamina D (VD) en el embarazo se relaciona con una mayor incidencia de cesáreas, preeclampsia y partos prematuros. Objetivo: evaluar si el grado de insuficiencia de VD se asocia a mayor número de cesáreas y evaluar la correlación entre la 25 hidroxivitamina D (25OHD) materna y en sangre del cordón del recién nacido. Las mujeres (n=127) se dividieron según sus niveles de 25OHD (ng/mL):G1:<20 (deficiencia), G2:20-30 (insuficiencia), G3:>30 (suficiencia). Se registraron edad; edad gestacional (EG); índice de masa corporal (IMC); tensión arterial sistólica y diastólica; tipo de parto y la estación del año en que se tomó la muestra. Se determinaron calcemia (ng/mL); 25OHD; parathormona intacta (pg/mL); fosfatasa alcalina ósea (UI/L) y crosslaps (pg/mL). La edad media fue de 26±6 años y la EG de 35,8±2,7 semanas, sin diferencias entre grupos. El porcentaje de cesáreas fue mayor en G1 que en G2 y G3 (31,3%, 21,4% y 25%, respectivamente; p<0,05). El mayor porcentaje de muestras se tomó en primavera (p<0,05). No se observaron diferencias en las demás variables maternas estudiadas. La 25OHD materna correlacionó positivamente con los valores de la sangre de cordón de sus respectivos recién nacidos (r= 0,67; p<0,0001). Independientemente de la época del año y del IMC, se observó que un porcentaje significativo de las mujeres embarazadas estudiadas tenía niveles de 25OHD inferiores a 30 ng/mL. Conclusión: evidenciamos que la deficiencia de VD materna se asoció al número de cesáreas. Asimismo, los niveles séricos de 25OHD en sangre de cordón umbilical correlacionaron significativamente con los maternos. (AU)

Vitamin D (VD) insufficiency in pregnancy is associated with a higher incidence of cesarean section, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery. Objective: to evaluate if the degree of VD insufficiency is associated with the incidence of cesarean section and to determine the correlation between maternal and newborn cord blood 25-hydroxy VS (25OHD). Women (n=127) were divided according to their 25OHD levels (ng/mL): G1:<20 (deficiency), G2:20-30 (insufficiency), G3:>30 (sufficiency). Age; gestational age (GA); body mass index (BMI); systolic and diastolic blood pressure (mmHg); type of delivery and the season of the year in which the sample was taken were recorded. Calcemia (ng/mL); 25OHD; intact parathormone (pg/mL); bone alkaline phosphatase (IU/L) and Crosslaps (pg/mL) levels were determined. Mean age was 26±6 years and GA was 35.8±2.7 weeks with no differences among groups. The % of cesarean sections was higher in G1 than in G2 and G3 (31.3%, 21.4% and 25%; p<0.05). The highest % of samples were taken in spring (p<0.05). No differences were observed in the other maternal variables studied. Maternal serum 25OHD levels correlated positively with those of cord blood from their respective newborns (r=0.67; p<0.0001). Regardless the season of the year and BMI, a high % of the studied pregnant women presented 25OHD levels lower than 30 ng/ml. Conclusion: we found that maternal VD deficiency is associated with the number of cesarean sections. In addition, 25OHD levels in the newborn significantly correlate with maternal serum levels. (AU)

High prevalence of alpha thalassemia in the tribal community of the western part of India! Reality or myth? Can simple hematology parameters; MCV and MCH act as screening tools at birth?

Background: The majority of adult tribal subjects in the western part of India, show microcytic hypochromic red cells, and borderline anemia with a normal iron profile, suggesting a high prevalence of thalassemia in this population. Methods: The current study was designed to perform qualitative (to screen for Hb Bart’s) and quantitative (to estimate percentage of Hb Bart’s) hemoglobin electrophoresis with modification of the method, to evaluate the prevalence of ? thalassemia and to determine gene frequency of ?+ thal gene. Furthermore, the present study also aimed to evaluate common hematology parameters like MCV and MCH as screening tools to suspect ? thalassemia at birth. Results: Based on hemoglobin electrophoresis, the prevalence of ? thalassemia in all its forms was found to be 66.66%. The estimated gene frequency for ?+ thal was found to be 0.7453 and based on that, the extrapolated prevalence of ? thalassemia was 93.52% (55.55% homozygous and 37.97% heterozygous). MCV<100 fl and MCH<31 pg were found to be reliable screening tools to predict ? thalassemia at birth in full-term uncomplicated pregnancy. Conclusions: Tribal community in the western part of India bears a very high prevalence of ? thalassemia, it’s a reality and not a myth. Simple hematological parameters like MCV (<100 fl) and MCH (<31 pg) measured at birth can prove to be cost-effective surrogate markers for ? thalassemia. Large scale study using confirmatory genetic analysis is required to validate the findings.

Effect of perinatal factors on cord blood thyroid stimulating hormone levels

Background: Screening for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is a routine practice in most developed countries of the world. This can be done by measuring cord blood thyroid stimulating hormone (CBTSH). Apart from foetal thyroid status and iodine nutrition status of the population, many perinatal factors may also affect CBTSH. The influence of these perinatal factors may affect the sensitivity of CBTSH as a screening tool for CH. The present study was carried out to study the influence of various perinatal factors on CBTSH level.Methods: It was a cross sectional study conducted in tertiary care centre in North Maharashtra. 793 new-borns were included in study. Effects of perinatal factors like maternal age, parity, gender of the baby, birth weight, mode of delivery, gestational age, birth asphyxia on CBTSH was analysed with appropriate scientific method.Results: The mean TSH level in the study group was 7.56±3.9 mIU/l. Among the associated factors vaginal delivery, low gestational age, low birth weight and birth asphyxia were significantly associated with elevated CBTSH values. Hence, any rise in cord blood TSH should be seen in the light of these factors.Conclusions: Among all the associated factors, primi-parity, vaginal delivery, low gestational age, low birth weight and birth asphyxia were significantly associated with elevated CBTSH values. However, no association was observed between CBTSH values and gender of the baby and maternal age.

ASSOCIATION OF SERUM FERRITIN IN POST COVID-19 ANAEMIC PATIENTS TREATED WITH UMBILICAL CORD BLOOD AND HAEMATINICS.

COVID-19 patients commonly present with lower respiratory symptoms with other systemic involvement. Haematological manifestation such as low haemoglobin, thrombocytopenia, lymphocytopenia also common in COVID19 patients. In this study, we investigated prevalence, association with serum ferritin in post COVID-19 anaemic patients, after human umbilical cord blood transfusion in relation to control group. Among 155 COVID-19 RT-PCR positive patients 36 (23%) was anaemic. In our study 18 patients was transfused human umbilical cord blood, 12 patients were treated with haematinics and 6 patients denied taking any of the above. In most cases anaemia was moderate to severe that may be due to inflammation or due to pre-existing iron deficiency.Umbilical cord blood transfusion to post COVID -19 patients for the treatment of anaemia because of the unique composition of UCB. Haematological analysis and serum ferritin estimation reflecting the treatment out come in post COVID-19 anaemic patients. There was a difference between the dependent variable's serum ferritin (p <.001) in anaemic COVID-19 patients. In conclusion, our result highlight serum ferritin is widely used in diagnosis and monitoring of COVID-19 disease.

Meditation and Yoga in pregnancy: maternal and fetal impact

Background: Yoga is a practice which amalgamates the emotional, mental, physical and spiritual aspects of the human body through physical postures(asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), concentration and meditation (dharana and dhyana). Evaluation of databases suggests a positive role of yoga in pregnancies associated with depression, anxiety and lumbosacral pain and also in reducing antepartum complications and pain score during labor. These beneficial effects of yoga are suggested but more systematic researches are required to validate it. With the background of above researches, we undertook the study to evaluate the effect of prenatal yoga and meditation on maternal and fetal outcomes. Aim of the study was to determine the effect of antenatal meditation and yoga on obstetric and fetal outcome.Methods: This was a prospective randomized trial conducted in the antenatal OPD of the institute. Sixty primigravida women with low risk pregnancy between 18 to 26 weeks gestation were included in the trial.They were randomly divided into two equal groups; interventional group underwent meditation and yoga sessions of 30 minutes twice in a week till delivery. Obstetric outcomes including gestational age, antepartum and intrapartum complications, cord blood cortisol levels at delivery and neonatal outcomes were recorded.Results: Thirteen women went post-dated as compared to 3 in the interventional group which was statistically significant (p=0.0003). APGAR scores of neonates in the interventional group showed a highly significant improvement with p=0.0013 as compared to the control group. Cord blood cortisol levels were higher than 10 ng/ml in 16 women in the control group compared to 7 in the group who performed yoga and meditation with p=0.01. NICU admissions were significantly more (p=0.002) in the control group.Conclusions: Meditation and yoga during pregnancy improves maternal and neonatal outcomes.

A cross-sectional study of reticulocyte count and hemoglobin content of umbilical cord blood with relation to maternal factors in newborns of Sikkim

Background: The hematological values of the new born is amenable to certain changes under the influence of fetal, maternal, and environmental factors. Aims and Objectives: The aims of this study was to study the effect of maternal factors on hemoglobin content and reticulocyte count in umbilical cord blood of newborns of Sikkim. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 cord blood samples from newborns delivered at CRH Hospital and STNM Govt. Hospital, Gangtok, Sikkim were analyzed. Two ml of cord blood was taken in an ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid tube under aseptic condition and within 6 h: Hemoglobin estimation and Reticulocyte count was done. Results: The mean reticulocyte count was 2.48 ± 0.87% in normal vaginal delivery (NVD) and in C/S was 3.06 ± 0.97%. The mean hemoglobin content was 13.9 ± 2.6 g/dL in NVD and in C/S was 16.1 ± 3.4 g/dL. P < 0.05 for cord hemoglobin and reticulocytes in relation to mode of delivery was found to be highly significant. The mean reticulocyte count was 2.85 ± 1.0% in normal pregnancy and in complication of pregnancy was 2.9 ± 0.70%. The mean hemoglobin content was 15.36 ± 3.31 g/dL in normal pregnancy and in complication of pregnancy was 16.1 ± 3.4 g/dL. The reticulocyte count was found to be statistically significant in relation to complication of pregnancy. The mean mother’s hemoglobin was 11.16 ± 1.27 when cord hemoglobin content was <14 g/dL and was 11.88 ± 1.24 g/dL when cord hemoglobin content was >14 g/dL. There was statistical significance between the cord hemoglobin content and the hemoglobin content of the mother. Conclusion: Maternal anemia leads to lower circulating hemoglobin in new born. Cord blood screening is a useful means for identification of anemia in neonatal period. High reticulocyte count in neonates denotes active erythropoiesis which might help to defer transfusion unless there were other special reasons for proceeding.

Treatment of severe aplastic anemia and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation / 器官移植

Severe aplastic anemia (SAA) is a severe bone marrow failure syndrome caused by multiple causes, which is clinically manifested with severe anemia, infection and bleeding. The complex pathogenesis of SAA has not been fully understood. SAA is characterized with acute onset, severe disease condition and rapid progression. At present, with the in-depth study of SAA and the improvement of diagnosis and treatment, the therapeutic strategy for SAA has been evolved from classical immunosuppressive therapy based on antithymocyte globulin and cyclosporine to the application of thrombopoietin receptor agonist and combined treatment based on allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, which may promote the reconstruction of hematopoietic function of SAA patients to varying degree and significantly improve survival and clinical prognosis, becoming the research hotspot of SAA treatment. In this article, new advances in the treatment of SAA at home and abroad were reviewed.

Analysis of pathogenic microorganisms in 64 077 cases of umbilical cord blood / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the detection of pathogenic microorganisms in umbilical cord blood and maternal blood from 2012 to 2021, so as to improve the collection of umbilical cord blood and guarantee the safety of umbilical cord blood hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) . 【Methods】 Detection results of pathogenic microorganisms of umbilical cord blood and maternal blood among 64 077 cases from Tianjin Cord Blood Bank from 2012 to 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. 【Results】 A total of, 2 072 cases (3.23%) were detected positive, among which, 184 cases (0.29%) were positive for aerobic bacteria culture, 1 504 cases (2.34%) were positive for anaerobic bacteria culture, and 384 cases (0.60%) were positive for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria culture. From 2012 to 2021,the overall positive rate showed a downward trend, with a difference in the positive rate between each year (P<0.05). The positive rate of anaerobic bacteria was higher than that of aerobic bacteria and that of anaerobic and aerobic bacteria (P<0.05). After Gram staining, the microscopic detection rate of bacterial positive samples was highest in G- bacilli, followed by G+ bacilli, G+ cocci, G- cocci and others. Among the 64 077 cases, 169 cases (0.26%) showed reactivity in cord blood tests and 1 231 cases (1.92%) showed reactivity in maternal blood tests. Umbilical cord blood and maternal blood HIV-Ag/Ab tests showed reactivity after initial screening. After confirmation by Western blotting, there was 1 case of uncertain maternal blood, while the rest were negative. The reactive rates of anti-TP (0.12%) and anti- HCV (0.11%) in umbilical cord blood were higher than those of HBsAg (0.03%) and CMV-IgM (1/64 077).There was a difference in the reactive rate of anti-TP detection in umbilical cord blood between different years (P<0.05),while there was no statistically significant difference in that of HBsAg, anti-HCV and CMV-IgM (P> 0.05).The reactive rate of HBsAg in maternal blood (1.38%) was higher than that of CMV-IgM(0.29%) , anti-TP(0.13%) and anti-HCV (0.12%) . There were differences in the reactive rates of HBsAg, anti-HCV ,and anti-TP in maternal blood among different years (P<0.05),and that of HBsAg showed a decreasing trend, while the reactive rate of CMV-IgM was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The reactive rates of HBsAg and CMV-IgM detected in maternal blood were significantly higher than those in umbilical cord blood (P<0.05) . The reactive rates of anti-HCV and anti-TP in maternal blood were consistent with those in umbilical cord blood (P>0.05). 【Conclusion】 The reactive rates of anti-HIV and CMV-IgM in cord blood, and that of anti-HIV in maternal blood are low, but those of anti-TP and anti-HCV in cord blood are relatively high. The reactive rate of HBsAg is high in maternal blood,but with a downward trend,but low in umbilical cord blood due to maternal-infantile transmission blocking. The detection of transfusion transmitted pathogens and bacteria plays a critical role on the safety of umbilical cord blood HSCs. Effective detection of transfusion transmitted pathogens and culture of bacteria are the key to ensure the quality of umbilical cord blood, which can improve the safety of umbilical cord blood HSCs transplantation.

Comparison of yield of microorganisms in cord blood between two automated blood culture systems / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To compare the difference in the detection rate of microorganisms in cord blood between BACTEC FX and BacT/ALERT 3D automated blood culture systems, and to compare the influence of incubation time and different types of culture sample on the detection rate of microorganisms in cord blood. 【Methods】 Cord blood samples prepared from April to August 2020 in Sichuan Cord Blood Bank(n=4 358) were selected, and 20 mL of plasma was used as culture samples for microbial detection. In addition, cord blood samples prepared in the same months of 2021(n=4 057) were selected, and 19 mL of plasma plus 1 mL of final product was used as culture samples for microbial detection. The total sample size was 8 415, of which 4 849 samples(2 458 in plasma group and 2 391 in plasma plus final product group) were assigned to the BACTEC FX system, and 3 566 samples(1 900 in the plasma group and 1 666 in the plasma plus final product group) to the BacT/ALERT 3D system. All samples were cultured for 7 days, and culture data were recorded on day 5 and day 7. Positive results were confirmed by Gram staining. 【Results】 The positive rate detected by the BACTEC FX system was higher than that of the BacT/ALERT 3D system(4.08% vs 2.69%), with statistically significant difference(P0.05) detected by the BacT/ALERT 3D system. With quality control strains, there were significant differences in TTP between these two systems for Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Clostridium sporogenes, and Bacillus subtilis(P0.05). 【Conclusion】 This study suggests that the selection of BACTEC FX blood culture system with incubation time of not less than 7 days and plasma plus final product as culture samples may improve the detection rate of microorganisms in cord blood.

Association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and incidence of allergy and infection in infants aged 0–6 months

@#Introduction: Vitamin D levels are known to be related to prevalence of allergy and infection in children. However, vitamin D levels in infants’ umbilical cord blood need to be investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to determine association between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and incidence of allergy and infection in children. Methods: A longitudinal study involving 38 full-term newborns was conducted. Serum 25(OH)D levels in infants’ umbilical cord and venous blood were measured at birth and six months, respectively. 25(OH)D levels were classified as insufficient (<20 ng/mL) and sufficient (>20 ng/mL). Parents filled out questionnaires about their children’s allergy and infection symptoms. Paired t-test was performed to compare the 25(OH)D levels at birth and at six months. Chisquared test was conducted to determine relationship between 25(OH)D levels and incidence of infection and allergy in children. Results: 25(OH)D levels in venous blood of 6-month-old infants were significantly higher than in umbilical cord blood (50.44±13.59 ng/mL vs. 20.70±6.60 ng/mL, p<0.001). In addition, 25(OH)D level insufficiency in umbilical cord blood was associated with infection (p<0.05). However, there was no incidence of allergy, and exclusive breastfeeding and sun exposure were not associated with vitamin D levels in 6-month-old infants. Conclusion: We conclude that 25(OH)D level insufficiency in umbilical cord blood was associated with incidence of infection in the first six months of life.

Effect of Hypoxia-Supported Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells on the Expansion of Cord Blood Mononuclear Cells in vitro / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of hypoxia-supported umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC) on the expansion of cord blood mononuclear cell （MNC） in vitro.@*METHODS@#The isolated cord blood mononuclear cells were inoculated on the preestablished umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell layer and cultured under hypoxic conditions (3％ O2) and the experimental groups were normoxia (MNCs were cultured under normoxic conditions), hypoxia (MNCs were cultured under hypoxic conditions), UC-MSC (MNCs were cultured with UC-MSC under normoxic conditions), and UC-MSC+hypoxia (MNCs were cultured with UC-MSC under hypoxic conditions). To further investigate the combinational effect of 3 factors of SCF+FL+TPO (SFT) on expansion of cord blood MNCs in vitro in hypoxia-supported UC-MSC culture system, the experiments were further divided into group A (MNCs were cultured with UC-MSC and SFT under normoxic conditions), group B (MNCs were cultured with UC-MSC under hypoxic conditions), group C (MNCs were cultured with UC-MSC and SFT under hypoxic conditions). The number of nucleated cells (TNC), CD34+ cell, CFU and CD34+CXCR4+, CD34+CD49d+, CD34+CD62L+ cells of each groups were detected at 0, 7, 10 and 14 days, respectively.@*RESULTS@#Compared with group hypoxia and UC-MSC, group UC-MSC+hypoxia effectively promoted the expansion of TNC, CD34+ cell and CFU, and upregulated the expression level of adhesion molecule and CxCR4 of the cord blood CD34+ cell（P<0.05）. After culturing for 14 days, compared with group A and group B, group C effectively promoted the expansion of cord blood MNC at different time points（P<0.05）, and the effect of group A was better than that of group B at 7 and 10 days（P<0.05）.@*CONCLUSION@#Hypoxia-supported UC-MSC efficiently promoted the expansion and expression of adhesion molecule and CXCR4 of cord blood CD34+ cell, and the effect of expansion could be enhanced when SFT 3 factors were added.

The clinical significance of cord blood neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in neonates with perinatal hypoxic organ damage / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the changes of cord blood neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) under different levels of hypoxia at birth and its correlations with hypoxic organ damage (including liver, kidney and heart).Methods:From April to October 2022, all neonates born in our hospital were prospectively enroll in the study. The neonates without perinatal risk factors were assigned into the control group. The neonates with intrauterine distress or hypoxia during labor were assigned into the hypoxia group (no asphyxia at birth) and the asphyxia group (with asphyxia at birth). Cord blood was collected from the umbilical artery and cord blood gas (CBG) and NGAL were measured. Liver enzymes, kidney function and cardiac enzymes as biomarkers for hypoxic organ damage were measured 24~48 h after birth. The correlations of NGAL and the biomarkers were analyzed.Results:A total of 161 neonates were enrolled, including 91 in the control group, 49 in the hypoxia group and 21 in the asphyxia group. NGAL in the asphyxia group was significantly higher than the hypoxia group and the control group [(1.81±0.71) ng/ml vs. (1.22±0.53) ng/ml, (0.88±0.47) ng/ml], NGAL in the hypoxia group significantly higher than the control group ( P<0.05). NGAL was negatively correlated with Apgar score, pH and BE of CBG ( r<-0.3, P<0.05) and positively correlated with lactate, ALT, creatinine ( r>0.3, P<0.05). No significant correlations existed between NGAL and gender, gestational age, birth weight, mother's age, BMI and CK-MB ( P<0.05). ROC curve showed that sensitivity and specificity of NGAL for predicting hypoxic organ damage were 84.3% and 60.3%, respectively, with a cut-off value of 1.07 ng/ml. Conclusions:Cord blood NGAL may increase with the deterioration of hypoxia at birth and may be associated with hypoxic organ damage.

Validity and Reliability of a Questionnaire Developed to Assess the Knowledge of Pregnant Women about Cord Blood Banking

@#Introduction: Cord blood (CB) is rich in hematopoietic stem cells. There has been significant growth in cord blood banks (CBBs) throughout the world. In Malaysia, the CB units cryopreserved in public CBB is below its optimal level. Lack of knowledge about CB banking among mothers in other countries influenced their decision to donate CB, however, there is no local data to support this in Malaysia. Moreover, no validated and reliable tool is available for measuring local women’s knowledge about CB banking. In this study, a questionnaire to assess pregnant women’s knowledge about CB banking was developed and validated. Method: Several steps were taken to develop the knowledge items in the questionnaire which includes comprehensive literature review, content validity by a panel of experts, and face validity by a group of pregnant women. The questionnaire was developed in Malay language and contained 18 items. After modifications, the self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 121 pregnant women to assess its psychometric properties using two-parameter logistic item response theory analysis and internal consistency reliability analysis. Results: The majority of the knowledge items showed acceptable difficulty and discriminatory values. The Cronbach’s alpha and ICC values were 0.831 and 0.887, respectively, indicating good reliability. All 18 knowledge items were retained for the final version of the questionnaire. Conclusion: The newly developed questionnaire demonstrated acceptable psychometric properties and can be used as a reliable tool to assess knowledge about CB banking among pregnant women in the local population.