Epidemiology of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalizations in Poland: An Analysis from 2015 to 2023 Covering the Entire Polish Population of Children Aged under Five Years.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an important cause of childhood hospitalizations. The aim of the study was to estimate the rates of RSV-related hospitalizations in children aged less than 5 years in Poland. METHODS: This retrospective observational cohort study was based on data obtained from the National Health Fund in Poland regarding all acute respiratory tract infections and RSV-coded admissions of children (age < 5 years) to public hospitals between July 2015 and June 2023. Patients were stratified based on the following age groups: 0-1 month, 2-3 months, 4-6 months, 7-12 months, 13-24 months, and 25-60 months. RESULTS: The number of RSV-related hospitalizations increased every season, both before and through the ending phase of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a shift in the seasonality pattern of RSV infection. Hospitalization rates per 1000 inhabitants were the highest for children aged 0-12 months, reaching 47.3 in the 2022/23 season. Within this group, the highest hospitalization rate was observed for children aged 2-3 months-94.9 in the 2022/23 season. During the ending phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, the observed increase in admission rates was 2-, 4-, and 5-fold the pre-COVID rate for children aged <12 months, 12-24 months, and 25-60 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In Poland, RSV infections cause a significant burden in hospitalized children aged less than 5 years. RSV-related hospitalizations were most frequent in children aged less than 1 year. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a shift in the seasonality pattern of RSV infections. After the pandemic, more RSV-related hospitalizations were observed in older children (aged 13 months and older) vs. the pre-pandemic phase.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections in Polish Pediatric Patients from an Expert Perspective.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common pathogen causing respiratory tract infections in infants, affecting over 90% of children within the first two years of life. It may cause lower respiratory tract infections, which constitute a significant healthcare burden both in the primary and secondary care settings. Meanwhile, the data regarding RSV disease in Poland is scarce, and published data significantly differs from the numbers reported for other countries with longstanding surveillance and reporting systems. A literature review and an expert panel were conducted to (1) understand the healthcare burden of RSV infections in Poland; (2) collect data on infection seasonality, patient pathway, and management patterns; and (3) evaluate RSV infection surveillance in Poland. According to the literature, RSV is the major agent responsible for non-influenza respiratory diseases in Poland. The reported rates of hospitalization for RSV infections are 267.5/100,000 for children under 5 years of age and 1132.1/100,000 for those under 1 year of age. Comparisons with data from other countries suggest that these values may be underestimated, possibly due to insufficient access to microbiological testing and a low awareness of RSV. Infections occur mainly between December and April, however, this pattern has changed following the implementation of preventive measures for coronavirus disease 2019 in the past few years. According to available reports, bronchodilators, antibiotics, corticosteroids, and X-ray imaging have been frequently used. The surveillance system in Poland has limitations, but these may be overcome due to recent changes in healthcare law as well as the availability and reimbursement of diagnostic tests.

Guidelines for Preventing and Treating Vitamin D Deficiency: A 2023 Update in Poland.

Introduction: All epidemiological studies suggest that vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among the Polish general population. Since vitamin D deficiency was shown to be among the risk factors for many diseases and for all-cause mortality, concern about this problem led us to update the previous Polish recommendations. Methods: After reviewing the epidemiological evidence, case-control studies and randomized control trials (RCTs), a Polish multidisciplinary group formulated questions on the recommendations for prophylaxis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency both for the general population and for the risk groups of patients. The scientific evidence of pleiotropic effects of vitamin D as well as the results of panelists' voting were reviewed and discussed. Thirty-four authors representing different areas of expertise prepared position statements. The consensus group, representing eight Polish/international medical societies and eight national specialist consultants, prepared the final Polish recommendations. Results: Based on networking discussions, the ranges of total serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration indicating vitamin D deficiency [<20 ng/mL (<50 nmol/L)], suboptimal status [20-30 ng/mL (50-75 nmol/L)], and optimal concentration [30-50 ng/mL (75-125 nmol/L)] were confirmed. Practical guidelines for cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) as the first choice for prophylaxis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency were developed. Calcifediol dosing as the second choice for preventing and treating vitamin D deficiency was introduced. Conclusions: Improving the vitamin D status of the general population and treatment of risk groups of patients must be again announced as healthcare policy to reduce a risk of spectrum of diseases. This paper offers consensus statements on prophylaxis and treatment strategies for vitamin D deficiency in Poland.

COVID-19 impact on perinatal care: risk factors, clinical manifestation and prophylaxis. Polish experts' opinion for December 2020.

Rapid spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coranovirus-2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) caused the pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19). Clinical course of the disease presents symptoms mainly from the respiratory system such as: cough, dyspnea and fever, and among some patients, can deteriorate even further to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), eventually leading to death. This outbreak, as well as previous ones (SARS, MERS) pose a significant challenge for health care managers, epidemiologists and physicians. Below we are presenting the clinical profile of the COVID-19 among special group of patients; pregnant women and newborns, who require special clinical management during hospitalization. In the summary of this manuscript, we present practical guidelines for managing pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2, labor and care of the newborn of a positive mother, as well as practical guidelines for COVID-19 vaccinations. It is important to stress, that this manuscript is based on information available as of December 2020.

Genetic and Environmental Risk Factors for Isolated Hemangiomas in Infants.

The goal of this analysis is to identify risk factors for infantile hemangiomas (IH) to better delineate hemangioma predisposition. We analyzed live birth children with isolated cutaneous hemangioma that were reported to the Polish Registry of Congenital Malformations from across Poland between the years 1998 and 2016. Lower birthweight and gestational age were the most significant risk factors associated with IH. We also observed a trend for a higher risk of IH with a lower level of maternal and paternal education. Moreover, mothers with IH have a higher probability of having a child with IH compared to fathers. However, this association is only present when the child is female. Similarly, a higher risk of hemangioma in a female child is found among mothers having relatives of the first degree with IH, compared to fathers with a similar pedigree. Our results suggest the role of exogenous factors in the etiology of IH. The analysis of familial cases suggests a multifactorial model of inheritance. The study indicates that female gender is an important risk factor for the expression of familial IH. Potential interaction of genetic risk factors with exposure to female sex hormones may play a role in the development of IH.

The management of unanticipated difficult airways in children of all age groups in anaesthetic practice - the position paper of an expert panel.

Children form a specific group of patients, as there are significant differences between children and adults in both anatomy and physiology. Difficult airway may be unanticipated or anticipated. Difficulties encountered during intubation may cause hypoxia, hypoxic brain injury and, in extreme situations, may result in the patient's death. There are few paediatric difficult-airway guidelines available in the current literature, and some of these have significant limitations. This position paper, intended for unanticipated difficult airway, was elaborated by the panel of specialists representing the Polish Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care as well as the Polish Neonatal Society. It covers both elective intubation and emergency situations in children in all age groups. An integral part of the paper is an algorithm. The paper describes in detail all stages of the algorithm considering some modification in specific age groups, i.e. neonates.

Neonatal brain and body imaging in the MR-compatible incubator.

BACKGROUND: The use of a specialized MR-compatible incubator (INC) is very poorly described in the literature and only with regard to brain imaging. OBJECTIVES: To present our own experience with brain and body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the INC in a large cohort of neonates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 555 examinations were performed in 530 newborns with the use of a 1.5T system and Nomag IC 1.5 incubator, equipped with head and body coils. RESULTS: More than half of neonates (54%) were prematurely born at 22 + 6-36 + 6 gestational weeks. They were examined from the first to 153 days of life (median: 18.5, mean: 37.7) with body weights 600-5000 g (mean: 3051 g), 23% of less than 2500 g. The proportion of brain MRIs to other body regions was 533:85 = 86%:14%. In 36.6% of cases, MRI showed more abnormalities than ultrasound (USG), in a further 21.8%, MRI diagnosis was completely different, in 4.7%, a pathology described on a USG was ruled out on MRI. The superiority of MRI over USG was 63.1%. CONCLUSIONS: MR-compatible incubator significantly increased the availability of MRI to newborns, especially to premature and unstable newborns. The integration of body coils into the INC increased the spectrum of examinations and made possible the scanning not only of the brain but also the body. Dedicated neonatal coils improved image quality and allowed more accurate diagnosis than the previously used adult coils. Immobilization of the babies in the INC by means of Velcro belts and head fixation inserts is better than in adult coils. The closed space of the INC isolates newborns to a greater extent from the negative influence of noise in the MR environment.

Severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia - incidence and predictive factors in a prospective, multicenter study in very preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains a major complication of prematurity and can have significant impact on long-term pulmonary sequelae and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and evaluate the predictive factors for severe BPD in very preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. METHODS: Of the 846 premature infants born at ≤32-week gestation who developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), 707 infants with known oxygen dependency at 36 weeks gestational age were included in the analysis of BPD incidence. With univariate and multiple logistic regression models we evaluated the risk factors for the development of severe BPD and calculated odds ratios (ORs). RESULTS: The overall incidence of BPD was 45.2%. Severe BPD accounted for 6%, with morbidity pertaining mainly to infants <29-week gestation (incidence 10%). The risk factors for severe BPD included male gender (OR 3.02 95%CI 1.30-7.46), intubation in the delivery room (OR 2.57, 95%CI 1.00-7.18), and invasive ventilation >7 days (OR 7.05, 95%CI 2.63-22.4). The protective factors were early continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the univariate analysis and receiving surfactant <15 min after birth in the multivariate model. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical ventilation >7 days is the most prevalent risk factor for severe BPD. CPAP initiated in the delivery room and early surfactant are key preventive measures.

Do drugs used in obstetric anesthesia interfere with early breastfeeding? What determines drug safety in lactation? Part 1.

The issues concerning the transfer of drugs into mothers' milk and their influence on breastfed babies have not been fully studied. Assessment of the situation should include such aspects as drug transfer into fetal blood and into mother's milk, the real risk of inhibiting lactogenesis 2 in women after birth, as well as the psychological consequences for the mother of suspending breastfeeding. The risk of feeding a newborn with formula based on cow's milk is another fateful issue. The following paper presents the pharmacokinetic characteristics of drugs which determine their transfer level through the placenta and into mother's milk during the perinatal period and lactation.

Do drugs used in obstetric anesthesia interfere with early breastfeeding? Characteristics of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of certain drugs. Part 2.

Cesarean section requires the administration of drugs that should be limited to specific medical indications. It is important to remember that most of the available and currently administered anesthetics can affect the fetus and the newborn. In obstetric anesthesia, only such medication that demonstrates a beneficial pharmacokinetic profile and maximum effectiveness should be administered. In this article, the authors reviewed the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs used during anesthesia in obstetric procedures. The analysis of the influence of these drugs on the clinical condition of the newborn at birth and during breastfeeding was also presented. Drug safety was determined in the aspect of lactation and natural feeding.

[25 years of work: The Interdisciplinary Team for Fetal Malformation at the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw - from counselling to clinical ethics].

Perinatology is a dynamically developing field of medicine. The progress of technology in recent decades has made it possible to recognize birth defects very early, including those which are lethal or genetically determined. In many clinical situations, it is no longer possible to work alone to reach a definitive diagnosis, plan treatment or predict the clinical course of the affected fetus/newborn. There is a need for teamwork, which ensures the proper, early care starting in the fetal period, not only in the delivery room or NICU. This paper discusses the ethical foundations of creating interdisciplinary teams, taking as an example the Interdisciplinary Team for Fetal Malformation at the Institute of Mother and Child in Warsaw, which has been active for 25 years, and presents how it works in practice. On the basis of the clinical cases that are examined, practical guidelines were formulated for both the work of medical teams and the way parents are informed about the clinical situation of their child and about sharing the care after the birth of the child. A document was also proposed with information on prenatal diagnosis, decisions made by the interdisciplinary team regarding the mother and child, as well as the conclusions resulting from discussions with parents.

Effects of oral probiotic supplementation on gut Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations and the clinical status of low-birth-weight preterm neonates: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

AIM: Probiotic bacteria administered directly after birth to preterm neonates may improve gastrointestinal function and may reduce the incidence of late-onset sepsis, which is a frequent complication in this group. PURPOSE: The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether a new probiotic bacterial mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus KL53A and Bifidobacterium breve PB04 given to preterm, low-birth-weight neonates would influence composition of their gut microbiota and sepsis rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in clinical centers of neonatal care in Poland. A probiotic or placebo preparation was given twice daily to 181 preterm low-birth-weight neonates who were eligible for enteral feeding between July 2012 and July 2013. The probiotic was given to 90 neonates, while placebo was given to 91 neonates. The gut microbiota was monitored by microbiological analysis of stool samples. Sepsis episodes were detected on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings and confirmed by blood cultures. RESULTS: Tested probiotic administration resulted in continuous increase of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts in the gut microbiota. The applied tested strains successfully colonized the neonates gut since they were present in over 90% of stool samples, which was confirmed by molecular analysis. Regardless of the study group (probiotic or placebo), B. breve colonization correlated with lower staphylococcal sepsis incidence, which was irrespective of whether probiotics were given. No sepsis case caused by strains included in study probiotic was recorded. CONCLUSION: Appropriately selected and characterized probiotic bacteria may be safely given to preterm neonates to normalize their distorted gut microbiota and may contribute to lower staphylococcal sepsis rates.

Vitamin D Supplementation Guidelines for General Population and Groups at Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency in Poland-Recommendations of the Polish Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes and the Expert Panel With Participation of National Specialist Consultants and Representatives of Scientific Societies-2018 Update.

INTRODUCTION: Vitamin D deficiency is an important public health problem worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency confers a significant risk for both skeletal and non-skeletal disorders and a number of lifelong negative health outcomes. The objectives of this evidence-based guidelines document are to provide health care professionals in Poland, an updated recommendation for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of vitamin D deficiency. METHODS: A systematic literature search examining the prevention and treatment strategies for vitamin D deficiency was conducted. Updated recommendations were developed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system describing the strength of the recommendation and the quality of supporting evidence. Twenty-seven contributors representing different areas of expertise and medical specialties, including pediatricians, geriatricians, endocrinologists, epidemiologists, nephrologists, gynecologists and obstetricians evaluated the available published evidence related to vitamin D, formulated the goals of this document and developed a common consolidated position. The consensus group, representing six national specialist consultants and eight Polish and international scientific organizations/societies, participated in the process of grading evidence and drawing up the general and specific recommendations. RESULTS: The updated recommendations define the diagnostic criteria for the evaluation of vitamin D status and describe the prevention and treatment strategies of vitamin D deficiency in the general population and in groups at increased risk of the deficiency. Age- and weight-specific recommendations for prevention, supplementation and treatment of vitamin D deficiency are presented, and detailed practice guidance is discussed regarding the management in primary and specialized health care. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency remains still highly prevalent in Poland, in all age groups. Currently, there is a great necessity to implement a regular supplementation with recommended doses and to develop an effective strategy to alleviate vitamin D deficiency in the population. These updated recommendations are addressed to health professionals and the authorities pursuing comprehensive health policies and should also be included in public health programs aimed at preventing a broad spectrum of chronic diseases.

Neuroimaging results, short-term assessment of psychomotor development and the risk of autism spectrum disorder in extremely premature infants (≤28 GA) - a prospective cohort study (preliminary report).

OBJECTIVE: Infants ≤28 GA are at particular risk of psychomotor and neurological developmental disorder. They also remain at a higher risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD), characterized by persistent deficits in communication/social interactions and restricted, repetitive behaviors, activities and interests. Monitoring their development by a team of specialists (a neurologist, psychologist, psychiatrist) allows us to make an early diagnosis and to implement appropriate therapy. Neuroimaging studies during the neonatal period may be helpful in clarifying diagnosis and prognosis. Objective: The aim of the study was to search for the interrelation between the results of neuroimaging and the neurological, psychological and psychiatric evaluation at the age of 2. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: Neonates born at ≤28 weeks between 01.06.2013 and 31.12.2015 and hospitalized at NICU were enrolled. We present the results of the first 12 children who have attained 2 years of corrected age and have undergone both neuroimaging, and neurological, psychological and psychiatric assessments. Transfontanel ultrasound was performed according to general standards, MRI between 38 and 42 weeks of corrected age. Neurological examination based on the Denver scale, ASD screening with use of the STAT test and psychological DSR assessment were performed at 2 years of corrected age. RESULTS: Results: Median GA was 26 weeks and median weight 795 g. The ultrasound examination was normal in 9 cases (75%) and MRI in 4 (33%). Abnormalities in the cerebellum were the main additional information found in MRI as compared to US. Neurological examination was normal in 8 infants (67#37;), in 4 of whom neuroimaging was normal. In 4 (33%) infants the neurological examination was abnormal. Psychomotor development at an average level or above was found in seven (58#37;) children. In 4 of them neuroimaging was normal, whereas 3 had ventricular dilatation and haemorrhagic infarct. There were no abnormalities within the cerebellum in this group. In the remaining 5 children (42#37;) psychomotor development was rated as delayed. All of them had cerebellar haemorrhage. An increased risk of ASD was observed in 4 children who developed cerebellar hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: 1. The use of MRI at a term-equivalent age may contribute to the prognosis of neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely premature infants, allowing risk stratification and thus enhancing early monitoring of a child's development and functional status 2. There is a clear tendency towards abnormal psychomotor development and positive screening for ASD to co-occur with abnormal MRI findings in the cerebellum.

Unanticipated difficult airway management in children - the consensus statement of the Paediatric Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Section and the Airway Management Section of the Polish Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy and the Polish So.

Tracheal intubation may be defined as an artificial airway established in order to provide mechanical ventilation of the lungs during surgical procedures under general anaesthesia, treatment in an intensive care unit, as well as in emergency situations. Difficulties encountered during intubation may cause hypoxia, hypoxic brain injury and, in extreme situations, may result in the patient's death. There may be unanticipated and anticipated difficult airway. Children form a specific group of patients as there are significant differences in both anatomy and physiology. There are some limitations in equipment used for the airway management in children. There are only few paediatric difficult airway guidelines available, some of which have significant limitations. The presented algorithm was created by a group of specialists who represent the Polish Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, as well as the Polish Neonatology Society. This algorithm is intended for the unanticipated difficult airway in children and can be used in all age groups. It covers both elective intubation, as well as rescue techniques. A guide forms an integral part of the algorithm. It describes in detail all stages of the algorithm considering some modifications in a specific age group, e.g. neonates. The main aim of Stage I is to optimise conditions for face mask ventilation, laryngoscopy and intubation. Stage IIA focuses on maximising the chances of successful intubation when face mask ventilation is possible. Stage IIB outlines actions aimed at improving face mask ventilation. Stage IIIA describes the use of a SAD (Supraglottic Airway Device) during effective face mask ventilation or in a CICV (Cannot Intubate, Cannot Ventilate) situation. Stage IIIB outlines intubation through a SAD. Stage IV describes rescue techniques and outlines possible options of either proceeding with surgery or postponing it, depending on clinical situation.

Intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome treated with surfactant: incidence and risk factors in the prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a common pathology in preterm infants with extremely and very low birth weight. It is particularly often seen in newborns with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). AIM: To assess the incidence of IVH in preterm newborns with RDS treated with surfactant, and to identify factors that might reduce the risk of IVH in this population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This multicenter, prospective cohort study is part of the "Neo-pro" study project. The investigations were carried out in 936 newborns, including 652 survivors. We enrolled a consecutive sample of infants born before 32 weeks' gestation. IVH was diagnosed with trans-fontanel ultrasonography, performed according to the approved standards and classified according to Papile's grading system. RESULTS: Intraventricular hemorrhage was diagnosed in 462/936 infants (49.4%), and in 43.3% of the survivors. Grade 3 and 4 IVH occurred in 14.8% and 13.8% of the infants, respectively, and in 10.6% and 5.7% of the survivors. Lack of antenatal application in mothers of corticosteroids increased the incidence rate of severe IVH from 14.2% to 22.1% (p=0.0087). The risk of IVH was reduced with early (from the first day of life) initiation of caffeine citrate (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45-0.88), delivery by cesarean section (OR: 0.50, 95% CI: 0.36-0.69), and the risk of severe IVH - from treatment with antenatal corticosteroids (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.39-0.87). The most significant factor which increased the risk of hemorrhage was invasive mechanical ventilation (OR: 2.90, 95% CI: 2.07-4.07). The risk was further increased if the duration of mechanical ventilation was greater than seven days (OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 2.21-4.12). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of IVH in newborns with RDS is significant and the risk of IVH is increased by mechanical ventilation. Antenatal exposure to corticosteroids and delivery by cesarean section have a protective effect, and the former also reduces the risk of the most severe manifestations of IVH. Caffeine citrate initiated from the first day of life is another protective strategy.

Factors related to compliance with palivizumab prophylaxis for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection - data from Poland.

AIM: To evaluate compliance and health outcomes in children receiving palivizumab prophylaxis and to identify factors that could impact parental compliance with the recommended regimen of palivizumab immunoprophylaxis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective, multicentre, non-interventional study of children enrolled in the Polish National Programme for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Immunoprophylaxis who received ≥1 dose of palivizumab during two consecutive RSV seasons (I: 2008-2009, II: 2009-2010). For each child qualified to receive palivizumab, the following data were collected: sociodemographic factors, clinical characteristics at enrolment, and in the course of palivizumab prophylaxis. RESULTS: One thousand twenty-one infants were enrolled into the Registry at 29 sites across Poland and received a total of 3,241 palivizumab injections (average: 3.2 doses per child). The incidence of adverse reactions was 3.33%; nervousness was the most frequently reported event (1.23%). Overall, 771 (75.5%) children received all of their expected injections, whereas 635 (62.2%) children received their injections within the appropriate interdose interval. Compliance was lower in male infants. None of the other demographic, social, or clinical factors seemed to impact compliance. Non-compliant children had a higher rate of hospitalisation due to respiratory illness (22% vs 9.9%, p<0.0001, and 18.4% vs 9.5%, p<0.0001, for compliance defined by the number of expected injections received and by the interdose interval, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Palivizumab prophylaxis was conducted in accordance with recommendations and was well tolerated in at-risk infants. Non-compliance was higher among male infants and was related with a higher rate of hospitalisation due to respiratory illness.

Magnetic resonance imaging of neonates in the magnetic resonance compatible incubator.

INTRODUCTION: The authors present the first experience in neonatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations using an MR compatible incubator (INC) at the Institute of Mother and Child. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-nine examinations of 47 newborns (20 girls, 27 boys) were performed using the GE Signa HDxt 1.5T system and INC Nomag IC 1.5. Demographic data, anesthetic methods and MRI findings in the INC in comparison with previously performed imaging were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-two neonates were prematurely born (68.1%) at gestational age 23-37 weeks, mean: 29.9 weeks. They were examined at 26 weeks postmenstrual age to 1 month corrected age, mean: 37.5 weeks. Body weight of newborns on the study day was 600-4300 g, mean: 2724 g. Seventeen (34.7%) children were examined in physiological sleep, 32 (65.3%) anesthetized. In none of them did anesthesiological complications or disease worsening occur. In 43 (91.5%) children brain MRI was performed, in 4 (8.5%) MRI of the spinal cord and canal and of the abdomen/pelvis. In children prenatally examined by MRI, the INC provided new diagnostic information in 5 (83.3%) cases, in neonates studied after birth by ultrasound in 32 (82%). Magnetic resonance imaging in the INC did not entail additional knowledge in 9 (18.7%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: The INC enables MRI in preterm newborns and those with low/extremely low body weight. These studies are necessary to assess the extent of changes in the central nervous system and other organs. Incubator coils, designed specifically for neonates, allow more accurate diagnosis than previously used coils for adults. MRI results allow one to determine prognosis, for more accurate planning of diagnostics, helping to make appropriate therapeutic decisions.

Solid Cancers in the Premature and the Newborn: Report of Three National Referral Centers.

BACKGROUND: Advances in multidisciplinary care for pediatric cancer have resulted in significant improvement in cure rates over the last decades; however, these advances have not been uniform across all age groups. Cancer is an important cause of perinatal mortality, yet the full spectrum of malignant neoplasms in newborns is not well defined. METHODS: The authors have reviewed the clinical features and outcomes of 37 newborns with congenital malignant tumors treated at three referral centers in North, Central, and South Poland between 1980 and 2014. Event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were estimated by Kaplan-Meier methods and compared using long-rank test and Cox models. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were diagnosed prenatally. The most common diagnoses were neuroblastoma (48.7%), followed by malignant germ-cell tumor (16.2%), and Wilms' tumor (8.1%). Neuroblastoma was the most common malignancy among full-term infants, and malignant sacrococcygeal teratoma was the most common malignancy in premature infants. Thirty patients (81%) are alive with a median follow-up of 4.8 years from diagnosis. Patients with Wilms' tumor and malignant germ-cell tumors had the best outcomes (5-year OS 100% for both), whereas the worst prognosis was observed for sarcoma patients (5-year OS 72.92%). Premature infants had better outcome than full-term infants (5-year OS 92.8% vs. 72.58%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Although rare, neonatal cancers can present with an aggressive clinical behavior, but they have a generally good outcome. Early diagnosis and management by expert multidisciplinary teams that integrate perinatal medicine experts with pediatric and surgical oncologists are critical. Centralized care with clear referral pathways that facilitate early initiation of specialized treatment should be prioritized.

Device-associated pneumonia of very low birth weight infants in Polish Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

PURPOSE: Late-Onset Pneumonia (LO-PNEU) is still the most important complication associated with the hospitalization of infants with very low birth weight (<1501g). The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of an ongoing surveillance program defining LO-PNEU as associated or not associated with respiratory support in the NICU and distribution of causative pathogens from the Polish Neonatology Surveillance Network (PNSN). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Surveillance of infections was conducted in the years 2009-2011 at six Polish NICUs. RESULTS: The incidence was 3.1/1000 NICU patient days (pds). The mean gestational age and birth weight among infants with LO-PNEU were significantly lower. The VAP incidence was of 18.2/1000 NICU pds for mechanically ventilated (MV) infants, while the rates for those receiving only CPAP were as low as 7.7/1000 NICU pds. MV significantly increased the risk of PNEU, but MV or CPAP for <10 days did not increase the risk of LO-PNEU. Significantly associated with LO-PNEU was the use of central or peripheral venous catheters and total parenteral nutrition for longer periods. Microorganisms isolated in cases of LO-PNEU were Gram-positive cocci (53.5%) and Gram-negative rods, with predominating E. coli. Non fermentative bacilli were significantly more frequent in cases of VAP than in other cases. CONCLUSIONS: Observed incidence rates associated with VAP and CPAP-PNEU, were higher than in other national surveillance systems and expressing the feasibility of lowering the risk of LO-PNEU and increasing patient safety. The incidence of pneumonia was found to be lower when using CPAP as compared to using MV.