Common Causes of Neonatal Death in Calabar, South-South Nigeria: An Autopsy Study

Background: Neonatal deaths are deaths of live born babies occurring before 28 completed days. The vast majority occur in low-income countries like Nigeria with a high neonatal mortality rate. There is paucity of autopsy studies due to refusal of family to give consent for such procedures. Aim: To identify the commonest causes of neonatal death in 53 neonatal autopsies in Calabar, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Detailed postmortem was carried out using lettules techniques and bits taken for histological analysis to ascertain the cause of death. Other relevant contributory factors such as the gestational age, mode of delivery, place of birth, antemortem cause of deaths and maternal obstetric history were obtained from the medical records and autopsy request forms. Results: In the one-year retrospective study of 53 neonatal autopsies, male: female ratio was 1: 0.83 and mean age at death was 6.5 + 7.3 days, ranging from 1 to 28 days. The commonest cause of neonatal death was severe birth asphyxia seen in 10 cases (18.9%), followed by kernicterus in 6 cases (11.3%), birth trauma seen in 6 cases (11.3%), congenital heart disease seen in 5 cases (9.4%), and prematurity seen in 5 cases (9.4%). Conclusion: The study confirms the usefulness of neonatal autopsy in ascertaining the definitive cause of death. Severe birth Asphyxia was identified as the commonest cause of death in the neonatal period followed by birth trauma, kernicterus and congenital heart diseases.

Effectiveness of Neonatal Resuscitation program training among MBBS interns in a Tertiary care hospital of South India

Background: Use of simulation-based learning methodologies enhance performance in both simulated resuscitations and real-life clinical situations. Retention of skill is very important for the MBBS doctors who hardly get any exposure to such learning before entering post-graduate courses. The major cause of early neonatal death is neonatal asphyxia, which can be prevented by neonatal resuscitation. Effective resuscitation at birth can prevent neonatal deaths to a greater extent. Training in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation is critical in determining successful outcomes in perinatal asphyxia. Hence the present study was done to check the retention of knowledge after Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP ) training. Methods: A prospective interventional study was carried out among the MBBS interns who started their internship program from March 2020 - February 2021 in ACSR Government Medical College, Nellore. All the Interns were given training in NRP as a part of internship orientation programme during the first week of internship. Out of 150 interns, 143 participated in the study. The interns were oriented to the study and a pretest questionnaire was administered to them to assess their knowledge and skill regarding NRP which was followed by NRP training by the faculty of pediatrics and neonatology. The same questionnaire was administered immediately at the end of the training, 1 and 6 months post NRP training for assessing their knowledge and skill. Results: As compared to pre intervention score, the mean scores of the immediate post intervention score and at 1 month after intervention the mean score was increased with respect to knowledge and skills. After 6 months the mean scores pertaining to knowledge and skill decreased which were statistically significant. Conclusions: A significant decrease in the level of knowledge and skills regarding neonatal resuscitation was observed. Therefore, maintaining resuscitation skill requires continuous practice, supplemented by simulation training as needed.

Newer Therapies In Management of Neonatal Birth Asphyxia

Asphyxia is an insult to the fetus or newborn due to lack 1 of oxygen or lack of perfusion to various organs.National Neonatology Forum of India has de?ned asphyxia as gasping or ineffective breathing or lack of 2breathing at 1 min of life.Birth asphyxia is one of the most important causes of neonatal brain injury whose incidence ranges from 3.7 to 9/1000 deliveries in the 3west.With the advent of therapeutic hypothermia (TH), improved outcomes are being reported in moderate HIE. TH, however, has not demonstrated improvement in outcomes related to severe HIE. . This has led clinicians and researchers to continue evaluating complementary and/or alternative therapies for infants with HIE. In this review, we will discuss current and emerging therapies in the management of HIE, other than hypothermia. With issues of access to health care and the burden of birth asphyxia shifting to developing and least developed nations, there is a need for alternative and supplementary neuroprotective agents. Low cost and easy availability along with ease of use would assist in ensuring that these therapies have global applicability. So global efforts must be taken to increase such studies as birth asphyxia is causing more morbidity & mortality globally

Incidence of acute kidney injury in asphyxiated babies in university of Uyo teaching hospital, Uyo, Nigeria

Background: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a consequence of birth asphyxia. In resource poor countries like ours, birth asphyxia still contributes to the high rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality. A few studies have reported the incidence of AKI in birth asphyxia in Nigeria but none from Uyo, south-south region of Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross sectional study carried out in the Newborn Unit of the University of Uyo Teaching hospital, Uyo, Nigeria over a period of eight months. One hundred and four term neonates with provisional diagnosis of birth asphyxia using Apgar scoring were recruited. Blood sample was collected within six hours of life from each subject for serum creatinine estimation using modified Jaffe method. Urine output was assessed by application of plastic collection bag to the skin by adhesive patch. AKI was diagnosed when sCr >1.5mg/dl while oliguria was defined as urinary output <1.5ml/kg/hour.Results: Of the total of 104 asphyxiated neonates enrolled into the study, 56 (53.8%) were males while 48 (46.2%) were females giving a male/female ratio of 1.2:1. Twenty-eight (26.9%) of the subjects had severe birth asphyxia; 52 (50%) had moderate birth asphyxia while 24 (23.1%) were mildly asphyxiated. Incidence of AKI was 48 (46.1%), twelve (11.5%) had AKI based on serum creatinine criteria while 36 (34.6%) had AKI based on urinary output criteria. The mean urinary output (ml/kg/hr) for the subjects was 1.65±0.68 while the mean serum creatinine (mg/dl) was 0.88±0.46.Conclusions: The incidence of AKI among asphyxiated neonates in our locale is high at 46.1%.

A clinical study of spectrum of low platelet count to establish etiology, diagnosis, complications and prognosis in newborns admitted in Al-Ameen medical college hospital NICU, Bijapur, Karnataka, India

Background: In the newborn low platelet count is a common finding in both preterm and term newborn. It has been estimated that as many as 22% of all new borns admitted to NICU develop low platelet counts. A platelet count of less than 150,000/mL is defined as thrombocytopenia irrespective of the age of the individual.Methods: All the neonates underwent necessary blood investigations like Complete blood counts, (including platelet counts, HB estimation, Red cell indices and PCV), Capsular Polysaccharide - reactive protein. (CRP), Peripheral Smear study, Blood culture, BT, CT, PT, aPPT, Anti-platelet Antibodies.Results: The prevalence of thrombocytopenia in our study was 28%. The proportion of severe thrombocytopenia among the neonatal thrombocytopenia, 11.2% in our study.Conclusions: It can be concluded that thrombocytopenia is very much common in among our NICU admissions. Septicemia is its most important and most common cause.

Association Of Risk Factors Of Cerebral Palsy – A Matched Case Control Study

Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) is one of the leading causes of childhood disability worldwide. The exact etiology of CP is poorly understood, but many risk factors are related to problems during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. The age and sex-matched control study were done to evaluate the association of perinatal risk factors with the development of CP among children in a rural area. Methods: The study was conducted in the Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR). Seventy clinically diagnosed CP children as cases and 70 children without CP as controls were included. Information regarding perinatal risk factors was collected from the parents of the children. Data were collected and statistically analyzed by using the Mc-Nemar chi-square test. Results: The study results suggested that children with male sex (53%) had a higher incidence of CP compared to female (47%) children. Spastic diplegia (60%) was the most common subtype of CP. The significant ‘p’ value (< 0.01) reveals that all the perinatal risk factors are associated with the development of CP. Conclusion: This study concluded that spastic diplegia was the most common subtype of CP. The perinatal risk factors such as preterm, low birth weight, birth asphyxia, and neonatal seizures had a significant association with the development of CP.

A clinico-etiological evaluation and EEG correlation of neonatal seizures in a tertiary care hospital: a prospective cohort study

Background: Neonatal seizure is defined as a paroxysmal alteration in neurological function. The diagnosis of neonatal seizures is difficult to establish because of varied etiologies involved. The incidences vary from 1.5-3.7/1000 live births in term babies.Methods: Hospital based observational study was conducted from December 1, 2016 till March 31, 2018. Universal sampling technique was followed. 93 neonates fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study after consent from parents.Results: This study results showed that 60.2% were males. Pre-term delivery occurred in 12.9% neonates. Most common etiology of neonatal seizures was birth asphyxia with 47.3% followed by metabolic abnormalities 32.3%. Abnormal EEG pattern was seen in 29% cases of neonatal seizures.Conclusions: To conclude, the most common aetiology for neonatal seizures was birth asphyxia followed by metabolic abnormalities in which hypoglycaemia was the most common type. A significant association of seizures due to meningitis and metabolic abnormalities was observed with pre-term gestation while abnormal EEG pattern was observed with birth asphyxia and meningitis. EEG findings were found normal in majority of cases of neonatal seizure.

Características clínicas y del electroencefalograma de amplitud integrada en recién nacidos con encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica bajo protocolo de hipotermia corporal total / Clinical and integrated amplitude electroencephalogram characteristics of newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy under the protocol of total body hypothermia

RESUMEN La encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica (EHI) es causa importante de mortalidad y discapacidad neurológica en neonatos. La evidencia sugiere que la terapia de hipotermia es capaz de impactar estos desenlaces. Este estudio se realizó con el objetivo de describir las características clínicas y las ayudas diagnósticas realizadas a recién nacidos con EHI sometidos a terapia de hipotermia corporal total con el uso de criterios preestablecidos de ingreso a la terapia, en una muestra de dos instituciones de la ciudad de Medellín. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo en el periodo 2017-2018, incluyendo la totalidad de pacientes con EHI ingresados a terapia de hipotermia. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvieron datos de 256 pacientes, con predominio masculino (182; 71,1%). Se evidenciaron fallas en el registro y subjetividad en la aplicación de los criterios de ingreso al protocolo de hipotermia en ambas instituciones. En 197 pacientes (77 %) no hubo reporte de evento centinela, y el expulsivo prolongado fue considerado por los clínicos un hallazgo significativo a la hora de definir el ingreso a la terapia. Hubo, además, pacientes ingresados que no cumplieron con el criterio de APGAR ≤ 5 a los 10 minutos (n = 136). Los resultados sugieren la necesidad de mejorar la adherencia al protocolo de ingreso a la terapia, pero al mismo tiempo señalan la importancia del concepto del clínico a la hora de abordar cada paciente de manera individual.

SUMMARY Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is an important cause of mortality in the neonatal population and neurological disability. The evidence shows that hypothermia therapy is capable of impacting these outcomes. This study was carried out with the objective of describing the clinical characteristics and the diagnostic aids made to newborns with HIE undergoing total body hypothermia therapy and the use of criteria for admission to therapy in a sample of two institutions in the city of Medellin. METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study was conducted, including all patients with HIE admitted to hypothermia therapy during 2017 and 2018. RESULTS: The data of 256 patients (males 182; 71.1 %) were obtained. There were flaws in the registry and subjectivity in the application of the entry criteria to the hypothermia protocol in both institutions. In 197 (77 %) patients there was no report of sentinel event and the prolonged labour was considered by the clinicians as a significant finding when defining the entrance to the therapy. There were also admitted patients who did not meet the criterion of APGAR ≤ 5 at 10 minutes (n = 136). The results suggest the need to improve adherence to the protocol for admission to therapy; but at the same time, it points out the importance of the clinician's concept when dealing with each patient individually.

A study of clinical profile of intractable epilepsy in children

Background: This study was undertaken to find out the prevalence and clinical features of intractable epilepsy (IE) in a tertiary referral center.Methods: Study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital on 60 children with intractable epilepsy. Cases includes' intractable epilepsy is when seizures continue to occur despite maximally tolerated doses of more than two antiepileptics, occurrence of an average of one seizure per month for 18 months with no more than a 3 month seizure free period during these 18 months. Controls: epileptic children who had good control of seizures for the previous 18 months.Results: The prevalence of intractable seizures was 10% with maximum number of children 25 (41.6%) belonged to the 5-12 years. 15 (50%) children had daily seizures. Myoclonic seizures proved to be an important predictor of intractability. 4 children among the cases had history of family seizures, 6 children in cases had history febrile seizure, whereas, 6 children among the controls had history of family seizures, 8 children in controls had history febrile seizure.' 23.3% of children presented with Status epilepticus in the cases and 16.6% of the children in the controls. Remote symptomatic etiology 12(40%) is the commonest cause of seizure. 13 (43.3%) children in cases and 3 (10%) children among the controls had a history suggestive of birth asphyxia. EEG was abnormal in 17 (56.6%) cases when compared to 11 (36.6%) children in the controls. CT scan was abnormal in 14 (46.6%) cases and 10 (33.3%) controls. MRI was abnormal in 16 (53.3%) children of the cases and 8 (26.6%) children of the controls.Conclusions: The commonest cause of intractable epilepsy was perinatal asphyxia. Perinatal asphyxia can be prevented by good nutrition during pregnancy, regular antenatal check ups with detection of high risk pregnancy, promoting hospital deliveries and prompt resuscitation of newborn when required.

A clinico-etiological evaluation of neonatal seizures in a tertiary care hospital: a prospective cohort study

Background: Neonatal seizure is defined as a paroxysmal alteration in neurological function. The diagnosis of neonatal seizures is difficult to establish because of varied etiologies involved. The incidences vary from 1.5-3.7/1000 live births in term babies.Methods: Hospital based observational Study was conducted from December 1, 2016 till March 31, 2018. Universal sampling technique was followed. 93 neonates fulfilling the inclusion criteria were included in the study after consent from parents.Results: Present study results showed that 60.2% were males. Pre-term delivery occurred in 12.9% neonates. Most common etiology of neonatal seizures was birth asphyxia with 47.3% followed by metabolic abnormalities 32.3%.Conclusions: The most common etiology for neonatal seizures was birth asphyxia followed by metabolic abnormalities in which hypoglycaemia was the most common type. A significant association of seizures due to meningitis and metabolic abnormalities was observed with pre-term gestation.

Comparative analysis of maternal and fetal outcome in meconium stained amniotic fluid and clear liquor in primigravida

Background: The present study was undertaken to evaluate the significance of MSAF and its fetal outcome in parturients.Methods: A total of 121 pregnant women who had completed more than 37 weeks of gestation with live singleton pregnancy, spontaneous onset of labor and at term with adequate pelvis were included in the study. All (121) low risk primigravida with MSAF were studied to identify maternal and fetal outcome and compared with equal number of cases with clear amniotic fluid. Meconium stained cases were clinically classified into two groups- thin (54 cases) and thick (67 cases). MSAF on spontaneous or artificial rupture of membranes were monitored with fetal heart rate abnormality, 1- and 5-minutes Apgar score, NICU admissions and neonatal complications as outcome variables.Results: Overall incidence of meconium staining of AF during labour was 7.71%. The common fetal heart rate abnormalities i.e. bradycardia was seen in 36% in MSG. Apgar score of less than 7 was observed in MSG at 5 minutes in 5% of cases, in thick group. Major neonatal complication was birth asphyxia in MSG (18.18%) that was more in thick MSG (14.87%). MAS were observed in 6 cases in thick and 4 cases in thin meconium stained cases. NICU care was required in 18% cases in MSG and in control group it was required in 7% cases. Neonatal morbidity was more in newborn with thick meconium group (52%) compared to thin meconium group (20%).Conclusions: The present study confirmed that meconium staining of amniotic fluid adversely influences the fetal outcome.

Clinico-aetiological profile and outcome patterns of neonatal seizures at a tertiary care centre

Background: Neonatal seizures are a major risk factor for neonatal mortality and subsequent neurological disability. The incidence of seizure varies from 1.5-3.7/1000 live birth; while in NICU it can be up to 5/1000 live birth.Methods: This Descriptive type of observational study aimed to study clinical profile, aetiology in neonatal seizures and short term outcome was done in all Neonatal units attached to paediatric Department of SMS Medical College, Jaipur.Results: In the 100 cases Majority of neonates had onset of seizure <3 days (<72 hours) 53% and remaining 47% neonates had onset of seizure >3 days (>72 hours). Most common type of neonatal seizure was subtle(75%), other types were tonic seizure (17.3%), clonic seizure (5.1%) and least common type was myoclonic (2.5%). Most common cause of neonates seizure noted was birth asphyxia (73%) second common cause is pyomeningitis and third common cause is hypoglycaemia. Most common cause of neonatal seizure both in full term (71.17%) and preterm (25%) is birth asphyxia. Second most common cause of neonatal seizure in full term is pyomeningitis (8.70%) and in preterm is pyomeningitis and hypoglycaemia (25%). Most common cause of neonatal seizure both in onset of seizure <3 days (<72 hours) 53% and in onset of seizure >3 days (>72 hours).Conclusions: Out of total 100 cases, neonates with normal birth weight 92% and low birth weight 8%. Majority of neonates had onset of seizure <3 days (<72 hours) 53% and remaining 47% neonates had onset of seizure >3 days (>72 hours). Majority of neonates with seizure delivered by vaginal route (86%) and remaining 14% neonates were delivered by LSCS.

Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion in neonates with birth asphyxia at tertiary care centre

Background: Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone is an important metabolic complication of perinatal asphyxia. This study aims to study the occurrence of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone in different grades of perinatal asphyxia and to find out the correlation of syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone to gestational age and birth weight in birth asphyxiated babies.Methods: It was a hospital-based cohort study. 50 neonates with different grades of asphyxia were enrolled in the study and 50 controls were taken. Syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone was diagnosed based on calculated plasma osmolality, serum and urine sodium, urine specific gravity and analyzed with different grades of birth asphyxia and birthweight and gestation age.Results: The occurrence of SIADH in birth asphyxiated babies was 26% and none of the babies in control group developed SIADH. The occurrence was more in the severely asphyxiated babies (53.8%), followed by moderate (30.8%) and then mildly asphyxiated babies (15.4%). Hyponatremia was seen in 26% of birth asphyxiated babies and can be used as a marker of SIADH. In relation to gestation age and birth weight there was no statistically significant correlation between SIADH and different grades of asphyxia. Mortality was high among the neonates who developed SIADH.Conclusions: The occurrence of SIADH was 26% in asphyxiated neonates and high in severe asphyxia and gestation age and birth weight beard no significant co relation.

Comparison of Conventional and Combined APGAR score in Predicting Adverse Early Neurologic Outcomes in Term and Near Term Babies with Birth Asphyxia

Objective: To compare the Conventional and Combined Apgar scoring systems in predicting adverse early neurologic outcomes in term and near term babies with birth asphyxia. Methods: A retrospective cross sectional study was conducted over a period of 2 years. All the neonates with gestational age more than 35 weeks delivered in this hospital with birth asphyxia requiring admission in NICU were included in the study. Neonates with gestational age less than 35 weeks, those with major congenital anomalies and death in delivery room were excluded from the study. The APGAR and COMBINED APGAR scores were noted. Convulsion, use of anticonvulsant drugs, requirement of mechanical ventilation, and duration of hospital stay were also noted. The data was analysed using fisher exact test. Results: Statistically significant associations were observed between Apgar score less than 3 at 1 minute and occurrence of convulsion (p=0.003) and requirement of ventilation (p<0.001), Apgar score less that 6 at 5 minutes” occurrence of convulsion (p=0.001) and requirement of ventilation (p<0.001), Combined Apgar score less that 7 at 1 minute and occurrence of convulsion (p=0.003) and requirement of ventilation (p=0.002), Combined Apgar score less that 10 at 5 minutes and occurrence of convulsion (p<0.001) and requirement of ventilation (p<0.001), and early neonatal death (within 7 days)” and Combined Apgar score less than 7 at 1 minute (p=0.09) and Combined Apgar score less than 10 at 5 minutes (p=0.09). Conclusion: Though a low combined apgar score was superior to the traditional apgar score in predicting early neonatal mortality, no difference was seen in prognostication of convulsion and mechanical ventilation.

Correlation of Apgar score with serum glucose, calcium and electrolytes on the asphyxiated neonates

Background:Neonatal asphyxia is characterized by discrepancy of oxygen during perinatal period that can lead to severe hypoxic ischaemic organ damages followed by a fatal outcome including neurodegenerative diseases, mental retardation, and epilepsies. According to world health organization, four million neonatal deaths occurred each year due to birth asphyxia. Therefore, our study was designed to evaluate the status of serum glucose, calcium, electrolytes, and their correlation with the fetal risk factors associated with birth asphyxia. Methods:Neonates diagnosed with birth asphyxia were considered as “cases” while neonates birth either normal or by cesareanwith having no abnormality were considered as “control”. Demographics and possible risk factors of both the mother and neonate were noted. All asphyxiated neonates and controls were chosen to examine for serum glucose, calcium and electrolytes.Automated analyzers were used to estimate serum glucose, calcium, sodium and potassium.Results:We found thatthe mean serum glucose level was significantly lower in the asphyxiated neonates compared with controls, and consequently showed very strong positive correlation with the Apgar score. Furthermore, significant reduction levels were observed in serum calcium and sodium in the asphyxiated neonates, showing a linear correlation with the Apgar score. Moreover, higher serum potassium was detected in the asphyxiated neonates than in controls, showing a negative correlation with the Apgar score.Conclusions:We validated that the examined biochemicals of asphyxiated neonates was strongly correlated with the Apgar score. Our study reinforces for adequate clinicalevaluation and biochemical monitoring for early diagnosis to prevent adverse neurodevelopmental outcome

Trans-fontanellar ultrasound evaluation of neonates and infants in a tertiary care hospital in Garhwal referred for sonography

Ultrasound is widely used to diagnose various conditions in neonates and infants like intracranial hemorrhage, hypoxic-ischemic insult, changes of birth asphyxia and congenital disorders of the ain like hydrocephalus, etc as it is easily available, simple and noninvasive and more important is that it lacks ionizing radiation. The present hospital-based study of cranial sonography (Trans-fontanellar ultrasound) done in the Department of Radiodiagnosis, HNB Base government teaching hospital situated in Srinagar Garhwal, was done with the aim of assessing the burden of intracranial disorders in neonates and infants, especially the premature newborns who get admitted in neonatal intensive care units. A retrospective descriptive analysis was done on the data of 196 CUSG done.70.4 % CUSG were performed on neonates, 24.5% were performed on age group 29 days to 6 month age group and rest on age more than 6 months. The male-female gender ratio was 1: 0.96. The most common neonatal pathological conditions were changes of Hypoxic- ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) (28.4 %). Cranial sonography is a useful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of neonatal and infant ain and is a well-established mode of making primary diagnosis.It is preferred because it can be rapidly performed and is a portable, cost-effective test.

​Spot Urine Uric Acid Level As Early Marker Of Kidney Injury In Birth-Asphyxiated Newborns

Introduction: Perinatal asphyxia is a condition defined as hypoxemia, hypercapnia, and acidosis in neonate. Cellular hypoxialeads to increased excretion of uric acid. This study was conducted to assess the feasibility of urine uric acid level for theidentification of kidney injury in asphyxiated newborns in first 48 h of life.Aims and objectives: The aims and objectives of this study were to evaluate the utility of urinary uric acid levels within 48 hof birth as non-invasive and early biochemical means of identifying kidney injury in birth asphyxiated neonates.Material and methods: Study design - this was a prospective observational cohort study. Settings - this study was conductedat neonatal intensive care unit in tertiary level hospital in Central India. Duration - the study duration was from July 2017 to June2018. Due to financial constraints, 100 neonates were enrolled and urine sample collected within 48 h of life was evaluated forurine uric acid level. On day 3rd of life, serum creatinine was done. Statistical analysis was performed by Mann–Whitney U-test.Results: The mean rank of urine uric acid (32.76 vs. 20.29) was significantly higher in term newborns as per asphyxia (P = 0.005). Themean rank of urine uric acid (24.13 vs. 15.46) was significantly higher in term asphyxiated as per urine output (P = 0.031). However,the mean rank of urine uric acid (23.29 vs. 16.00) was not significant in term asphyxiated newborns as per serum creatinine (P = 0.08).Conclusions: Urine uric acid = 16.10 µmole/24 h has a sensitivity (61.4%) and specificity (72.2%) for detecting asphyxia innewborns. Similarly, urine uric acid = 22.3 µmole/24 h has a sensitivity (66.7%) and specificity (91.4%) for detecting kidneyinjury in asphyxiated newborns.

Biochemical abnormalities in neonatal seizures in term and preterm neonates

Background: Neonatal seizures may arise as a result of diverse etiologies and can have varied presentations. Biochemical abnormalities are commonly observed in neonates which can be either primary or secondary. Early recognition and treatment of biochemical disturbances is essential for optimal management and satisfactory long-term outcome.Methods: A total of 100 neonates presenting with seizures admitted to NICU of JJM Medical College, Davanagere, from November 2015 to April 2017 were enrolled in the study. Detailed antenatal, natal, postnatal history along with detailed examination was done along with baseline characteristics of convulsing were recorded at admission along with relevant biochemical investigations before instituting any specific treatment.Results: In the present study, out of 100 neonates studied, 64 were full term of which 49(76.5%) were AGA and 15(23.5%) were SGA, whereas 36 cases were preterm. Most neonatal seizures occurred in first 3 days of life, i.e. 59% of which majority occurred on first day of life (34%). Birth asphyxia and septicemia are common cause of neonatal seizures in present study (38 cases each), followed by pure metabolic disturbances 19%. In pure metabolic seizures, hypoglycemia (47.8%) is most common more in preterm babies (55%) followed by hypocalcemia.Conclusions: Biochemical abnormalities are common in neonatal seizures and often go unrecognized and may significantly contribute to seizure activity. Hence, a biochemical work up is necessary for all cases of neonatal seizures.

Efficacy of passive hypothermia and adverse events during transport of asphyxiated newborns according to the severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy / Eficácia da hipotermia passiva e eventos adversos durante o transporte de recém-nascidos asfixiados de acordo com a gravidade da encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica

Abstract Objective To determine if the efficacy of passive hypothermia and adverse events during transport are related to the severity of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Methods This was a retrospective study of 67 infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, born between April 2009 and December 2013, who were transferred for therapeutic hypothermia and cooled during transport. Results Fifty-six newborns (84%) were transferred without external sources of heat and 11 (16%) needed an external heat source. The mean temperature at departure was 34.4 ± 1.4 °C and mean transfer time was 3.3 ± 2.0 h. Mean age at arrival was 5.6 ± 2.5 h. Temperature at arrival was between 33 and 35 °C in 41 (61%) infants, between 35 °C and 36.5 °C in 15 (22%) and <33 °C in 11 (16%). Infants with severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy had greater risk of having an admission temperature < 33 °C (OR: 4.5; 95% CI: 1.1-19.3). The severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and the umbilical artery pH were independent risk factors for a low temperature on admission (p < 0.05). Adverse events during transfer, mainly hypotension and bleeding from the endotracheal tube, occurred in 14 infants (21%), with no differences between infants with moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Conclusion The risk of overcooling during transport is greater in newborns with severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and those with more severe acidosis at birth. The most common adverse events during transport are related to physiological deterioration and bleeding from the endotracheal tube. This observation provides useful information to identify those asphyxiated infants who require closer clinical surveillance during transport.

Resumo Objetivo Determinar se a eficácia da hipotermia passiva e eventos adversos durante o transporte estão relacionados à gravidade da encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica neonatal. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo de 67 neonatos com encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica (nascidos entre abril de 2009 e dezembro de 2013) transferidos para hipotermia terapêutica e resfriados durante o transporte. Resultados Foram transportados 56 recém-nascidos (84%) sem fontes externas de calor e 11 (16%) precisaram de uma fonte externa de calor. A temperatura média na saída foi de 34,4 ± 1,4 °C e o tempo médio de transporte foi de 3,3 ± 2,0 horas. A idade média na chegada foi de 5,6 ± 2,5 horas. A temperatura na chegada ficou entre 33-35 °C em 41 (61%) neonatos, entre 35°-36,5 °C em 15 (22%) e < 33 °C em 11 (16%). Neonatos com encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica grave apresentaram maior risco de temperatura < 33 °C na internação (RC 4,5; IC de 95% 1,1-19,3). A gravidade da encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica e o pH da artéria umbilical foram fatores de risco independentes para uma baixa temperatura na internação (p < 0,05). Eventos adversos durante o transporte, principalmente hipotensão e sangramento do tubo endotraqueal, ocorreram em 14 neonatos (21%), sem diferenças entre neonatos com encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica moderada ou grave. Conclusão O risco de super-resfriamento durante o transporte é maior em recém-nascidos com encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica grave e naqueles com acidose mais grave no nascimento. Os eventos adversos mais comuns durante o transporte estão relacionados a deterioração fisiológica e sangramento do tubo endotraqueal. Essa observação fornece informações úteis para identificar neonatos asfixiados que exigem maior vigilância clínica durante o transporte.

Perceptions of first year dental students on case based learning in Physiology

Background: Seizure is the most frequent sign of neurologic dysfunction in the neonate. Biochemical disturbances occur frequently in neonatal seizures either as an underlying cause or as associated abnormalities. Early recognition and treatment of biochemical disturbances are essential for optimal management and satisfactory long-term outcome. The aims were to study the biochemical abnormalities in neonatal seizures and to describe the clinical presentation, time of onset and its relation to etiology of neonatal seizures. Materials and methods: The present study included 125 neonates presenting with seizures admitted to neonatal unit. Detailed antenatal, natal and postnatal history was taken and examination of baby was done. Then relevant investigations including biochemical parameters were done and etiology of neonatal seizures and their associated biochemical abnormalities were diagnosed. Results: In the present study out of 125 neonates studied. 112 were full-term of which, 97 (77.6%) were AGA and 15 (12%) were SGA, 11(8.8%) were preterm and 2 (1.6%) was post-term babies. 121 (96.8%) were hospital deliveries and 110 (88%) were spontaneous vaginal deliveries. 78 (62.4%) were with birth weight > 2.5 kg. In our study, 90 (72%) cases had on set of seizures within first 3 days. The highest number was seen on first day of life 70(56%). Subtle seizures were the most common type of seizures in our study 52 (41.6%). Birth asphyxia was the most common cause of neonatal seizures in our study 68(54.4%), followed by neonates meningitis 21 (16.8%) and metabolic disorders 12 (9.6%). The most common biochemical abnormality detected in neonatal seizures in Hypocalcemia and Hypoglycemia. Conclusions: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy was the commonest etiology of neonatal seizures and in them most of the seizures had on onset in the first 72 hours. Overall focal clonic and subtle Wakil Paswan, Bankey Behari Singh. A study of clinico-biochemical profile of neonatal seizure: A tertiary care hospital study. IAIM, 2018; 5(4): 139-143. Page 140 seizures were the commonest seizure types encountered. Hypocalcemia was the commonest biochemical abnormality in primary metabolic seizures. Biochemical abnormalities were commonly associated with other etiologies like asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage and meningitis; hence these should be actively sought for and treated for optimal seizure control.