Unilateral ectrodactyly in a newborn with trisomy 18 syndrome: an unusual association

The case of a newborn male with trisomy 18 syndrome, having bilateral syndactyly, aplasia and hypoplasia of the foot digits, unilateral ectrodactyly of the left foot and a prominently dorsiflexed hallux, clenched hand with overlapping fingers and general hypertonia, is presented. There are only 5 cases of trisomy 18 syndrome associated with ectrodactyly in the literature. We present a case of trisomy 18 syndrome with unilateral ectrodactyly of the left foot, which is an infrequent association

Ileo-Ileal intussusception in a premature neonate: an unusual cause of NEC in premature babies

Intussusception is a rare entity in neonates. It may present with non-specific signs including abdominal distension, feeding intolerance, vomiting and bloody stools. Symptomatology is similar to Necrotizing Entero-Colitis [NEC]. Ultrasound can help to establish early diagnosis in neonate. A 27-week preterm newborn was initially suspected as NEC based on abdominal distention, bilious vomiting, worsening clinical condition and dilated loops of bowel on X-ray, which turned out to be ileo-ileal intussusception. Diagnosis was made by ultrasound obtained for a palpable mass to rule out intra abdominal abscess and lack of improvement in clinical condition despite 5 days of conservative treatment. Surgery was performed consisting of removal of the necrotic intussusception area and end-to-end anastomosis and patient was discharged from hospital on day 60 of life. As a conclusion, pathological abdominal findings in preterm newborns can also be due to conditions other than NEC and ultrasound may be a useful tool for timely and accurate diagnosis

effects of surfactant on oxygenation in term infants with respiratory failure

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous surfactant on respiratory indices in term infants with respiratory failure. Consecutive 18 mechanically ventilated term infants, who received a single dose of exogenous surfactant were retrospectively included into the study. The respiratory outcome of surfactant rescue therapy was evaluated by comparing respiratory indices before and six hours after surfactant administration. Median oxygenation index [OI], mean alveolar pressure [MAP] and fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO[2]] values were significantly decreased [P<0.001]; median arterial oxygen partial pressure [PaO[2]], arterial oxygen saturation [SaO[2]] and PaO[2]/FiO[2] values were significantly increased six hours after surfactant treatment [P<0.001]. Rescue therapy with surfactant was found to be effective in the improvement of early respiratory indices in term infants with respiratory failure