Atypical presentations of primary acquired hypothyroidism - a case series.

Primary acquired hypothyroidism in children manifests with a myriad of clinical presentations. Clinical features can be insidious in nature, often under the guise of non-specific presentations to other subspecialties prior to referral to the endocrinologist. Growth failure is a hallmark feature in these children alongside their presenting clinical symptomology which needs to be identified through detailed history, physical examination and analysis of the growth charts. In this case series, we discuss 5 atypical presentations of acquired primary hypothyroidism with multisystemic involvement, including musculoskeletal, hepatobiliary, gynaecological and haematological manifestations. This is of importance as untreated hypothyroidism leads to fatigue, decreased physical activity, suboptimal height gain, disordered puberty and poor neurocognitive development in children with long term detrimental outcomes.

A review of umbilical venous catheter-related complications at a tertiary neonatal unit in Singapore.

INTRODUCTION: Umbilical venous catheters (UVCs), commonly inserted in neonates for vascular access, are not without complications. METHODS: A single-centre retrospective cohort study that reviewed complications related to UVC insertion in neonates was conducted in a tertiary neonatal unit in Singapore from January 2016 to July 2017. Ideal UVC position was defined as catheter tip within 0.5 cm above or below the diaphragm. Catheter-related sepsis was defined as clinical or biochemical abnormalities suggesting any new-onset or worsening sepsis 72 hours before or after removal of UVCs, with or without positive culture. Catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI) was defined as positive microbiological growth in one or more blood cultures obtained from a symptomatic infant up to two days after UVC placement or within 48 hours of catheter removal. RESULTS: 108 patients had UVC insertions. Mean gestational age and birth weight were 30.4 ± 4.0 weeks and 1,536.2 g ± 788.9 g, respectively. Mean UVC duration was 6.6 days. The UVC was in an ideal position in 27 (25.0%), deep in 13 (12.0%) and short in 35 (32.4%) neonates. One-third of the UVCs (n = 33) were malpositioned. Catheter-related sepsis was observed in 16 (14.8%) neonates, with 5 (4.6%) having CABSI. The most common organism was coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Other complications include peritoneal extravasation in 3 (2.8%) patients, with two requiring surgical intervention. Venous thrombosis occurred in 2 (1.9%) neonates and was managed conservatively. CONCLUSION: Although complication rates were in line with international norms, UVCs were associated with serious complications and should be judiciously used.