infants of diabetic mothers

To analyze the morbidity and mortality of infant of diabetic mothers in Algala maternity hospital. Review of files of newborns admitted to the nursery at the maternity Hospital. Tripoli- Libya over a period of 3 Years from 1[st] of January 1998 to 31[st] of December 2000. Over the study period two hundred and sixty three [263] Infants of diabetic mothers were admitted to our unit. 222[84.4%] were full term,39 [14.8%]babies were premature and only 1 baby [0.4%] was postmature. The mode of delivery was: Caesarean section [CS] in 172 babies [68.4%], normal vaginal delivery [NVD] in 89 babies [33.8%] and 2[0.8%] by instrumental delivery. The average birth weight was 3.72 Kgs [range 0.830-5.800 Kg]. 51[19.3.] were born with congenital anomalies and 80 babies had signs of respiratory distress. Birth injuries were reported in 17 babies [6.4%]. Hypoglycemia occurred in 220 babies [83.7%], jaundice in 89[33.8%], hypocalcaemia in 20 [7.6%] and septicemia in 43[16.3%]. [Table.2]. 224babies [85.2%] were discharged to their mothers while 28 [10.6%] were transferred to special care baby unit and 9babies [3.4%] died. It was concluded that, our group of study showed a high incidence of neonatal complications which might be related to late enrollment of the diabetic mothers and irregular antenatal care. Planned pregnancy, early enrollment and regular antenatal care are recommended to decrease the mortality and morbidity of infant of diabetic mothers. Newborn of diabetic mothers need a special neonatal care. long term studies are highly recommended to detect risk factors and long lasting consequences of maternal diabetes on the developing infant

Erythropoietin therapy of anaemia in predialysed patients with chronic renal failure

Erythropoietin [EPO] therapy and appropriate iron administration are important aspects for managing the anemia of chronic renal failure. Achieving target hemoglobin levels of 11 to 12g/dl, and optimizing iron balance should improve clinical outcome and increase patient quality of life. The need for blood transfusions has been largely eliminated. METHODS. 20 patients were included in this study, 40units/Kg twice weekly, subcutaneously of EPO were given to all patients. Serial hemoglobin [Hgb.], hematocrit [Hct.], platelets, ferritin, urea, creatinine were estimated regularly. The rate of increasing Hgb. were Ig/month, steady increase in the Hct levels, moderate rise in the platelets count within the normal range during treatment with EPO, this progresses during the course of continued therapy Transient increase in serum potassium, a fall in serum ferritin were observed in patient whom were not taking iron supplement, therefore oral iron was started accompanied with a rise in serum ferritn. Our study affords conclusive evidence that EPO therapy gives good results in the treatment of anemia in chronic renal insufficiency with no deleterious increase in blood pressure