ABSTRACT
A novel concept of Oxygen Saturation (SpO2) sensor embedded in a finger ring is presented in this paper. Due to the mechanical conception of the probe, the sensor fits any finger topology and assures a constant force applied to the phalanx. Ambient light artifacts are rejected at the analog electronics level. Finally, an innovative distribution of light sources and detectors and a dedicated signal processing procedure resolve the anatomical heterogeneity of different phalanx topologies, compensate low perfusion indexes due to the phalanx anatomy and estimates equivalent pulse oximetry SpO2 indexes. First in-vivo validation results of the novel sensor are discussed at the end of the paper.
Subject(s)
Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous/instrumentation , Oximetry/instrumentation , Oximetry/methods , Oxygen/metabolism , Adult , Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous/methods , Capillaries/anatomy & histology , Equipment Design , Fingers , Humans , Hypoxia , Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted , Stress, Mechanical , Time FactorsABSTRACT
Pitfalls in organic acid analysis can originate from inadequate methodology, analytical interferences, in vivo interactions and from pre-analytical conditions which often are unknown to the specialized analytical laboratory. Among the latter, ingested food and additives, metabolites of food processing or medications have to be considered. Bacterial metabolites from the gastrointestinal or urogenital system or formed after sample collection can lead to pitfalls as well. An example of such a patient whose urinary metabolites mimic at first glance inherited propionic aciduria is described.
Subject(s)
Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/diagnosis , Lactates/urine , Lactic Acid/analogs & derivatives , Amino Acid Metabolism, Inborn Errors/urine , Diagnosis, Differential , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Specimen HandlingABSTRACT
We report an unusual presentation of congenital intrathoracic neuroblastoma. Severe respiratory distress was present at birth and several salient clinical signs were suggestive of neonatal myocarditis. Excessive catecholamine secretions may have caused the observed cardiac dysfunction. Peculiar previously unreported cutaneous lesions were also noted in this case.
Subject(s)
Neuroblastoma/pathology , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/pathology , Thoracic Neoplasms/pathology , Electrocardiography , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Male , Neuroblastoma/congenital , Thoracic Neoplasms/congenitalABSTRACT
The plasma levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD), total calcium, phosphorus and proteins were measured in 40 healthy mothers and their infants at the time of delivery during the months of December and January. Calcium, phosphorus and proteins were again measured in the plasma of the infants on the fourth day of life. Vitamin D intake of the mothers during their last 3 months of pregnancy were estimated by interviews. The mean (+/-SE) plasma levels of 25-OHD was 9.0 +/- 0.9 ng/ml in the mothers and 5.05 +/- 0.4 ng/ml in cords. There was a significant correlation between mother and cord plasma levels (r = 0.75, p less than or equal to 0.001). The concentration gradient of 25-OHD plasma levels between mother and cord is higher at high 25-OHD maternal concentrations. This suggests that the placenta plays a regulating role in the 25-OHD transfer between mother and foetus. The 4-day-old infants from mothers having a suboptimal vitamin D intake (less than 150 IU/day) have a lower mean serum plasma level than infants born from mothers with a vitamin D intake of more than 500 IU/day.
