Variability in Definitions and Criteria of Extrauterine Growth Restriction and Its Association with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants: A Narrative Review.

Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) has been used in the literature and clinical practice to describe inadequate growth in preterm infants. Significant variability is seen in the criteria for EUGR, with no standard definition reached to date. Moreover, no consensus on the optimal timing for assessment or the ideal growth monitoring tool has been achieved, and an ongoing debate persists on the appropriate terminology to express poor postnatal growth. To ensure an adequate understanding of growth and early intervention in preterm infants at higher risk, it is critical to relate the diagnostic criteria of EUGR to the ability to predict adverse outcomes, such as neurodevelopmental outcomes. This narrative review was conducted to present evidence that evaluates neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants with EUGR, comparing separately the different definitions of this concept by weight (cross-sectional, longitudinal and "true" EUGR). In this article, we highlight the challenges of comparing various published studies on the subject, even when subclassifying by the definition of EUGR, due to the significant variability on the criteria used for each definition and for the evaluation of neurodevelopmental outcomes in different papers. This heterogeneity compromises the obtention of a single firm conclusion on the relation between different definitions of EUGR and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Clinical Utility of the FilmArray® Blood Culture Identification (BCID) Panel for the Diagnosis of Neonatal Sepsis.

This prospective single-center study was designed to assess the clinical utility of the FilmArray® blood culture identification (BCID) panel for improving the diagnostic accuracy in neonatal sepsis. Results obtained using the FilmArray® BCID panel were correlated with results of blood culture in all consecutive neonates with suspicion of early-onset (EOS) and late-onset sepsis (LOS) attended in our service over a two-year period. A total of 102 blood cultures from 92 neonates were included, 69 (67.5%) in cases of EOS and 33 (32.3%) in LOS. The FilmArray® BCID panel was performed in negative culture bottles at a median of 10 h of blood culture incubation (IQR 8-20), without differences by the type of sepsis. The FilmArray® BCID panel showed a 66.7% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100% positive predictive value, and 95.7% negative predictive value. There were four false-negative cases, three of which were Streptococcus epidermidis in neonates with LOS, and there was one case of Granulicatella adiacens in one neonate with EOS. We conclude that the use of the FilmArray® BCID panel in negative blood cultures from neonates with clinical suspicion of sepsis is useful in decision-making of starting or early withdrawal of empirical antimicrobials because of the high specificity and negative predictive values of this assay.

Dexmedetomidine: An Alternative to Pain Treatment in Neonatology.

Infants might be exposed to pain during their admissions in the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU], both from their underlying conditions and several invasive procedures required during their stay. Considering the particularities of this population, recognition and adequate management of pain continues to be a challenge for neonatologists and investigators. Diverse therapies are available for treatment, including non-pharmacological pain management measures and pharmacological agents (sucrose, opioids, midazolam, acetaminophen, topical agents…) and research continues. In recent years one of the most promising drugs for analgesia has been dexmedetomidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist. It has shown a promising efficacy and safety profile as it produces anxiolysis, sedation and analgesia without respiratory depression. Moreover, studies have shown a neuroprotective role in animal models which could be beneficial to neonatal population, especially in preterm newborns. Side effects of this therapy are mainly cardiovascular, but in most studies published, those were not severe and did not require specific therapeutic measures for their resolution. The main objective of this article is to summarize the existing literature on neonatal pain management strategies available and review the efficacy of dexmedetomidine as a new therapy with increasing use in the NICU.

Postnatal Growth Faltering: Growth and Height Improvement at Two Years in Children with Very Low Birth Weight between 2002-2017.

The prevalence of postnatal growth faltering (PGF) in preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) (<1500 g) is a universal problem. Growth improvement is expected as neonatal care is optimized. Objectives: To determine if there has been a decrease in the prevalence of PGF and an improvement in height at 2 years in appropriate for gestational age VLBW children in the last two decades. Methods: Clinical descriptive retrospective analysis of neonatal somatometry at birth and at two-year corrected age in VLBW preterm infants. Small for gestational age were excluded. Two cohorts (2002−2006, n = 112; and 2013−2017, n = 92) were compared. Results. In the second five-year period, a decrease in prevalence of PGF was observed (36.6% vs. 22.8%, p = 0.033), an increase in growth rate in the first 28 days (5.22 (4.35−6.09) g/kg/day vs. 11.38 (10.61−12.15) g/kg/day, p < 0.0001) and an increase in height standard deviation (SD) at 2 years (−1.12 (−1.35−−0.91) vs. −0.74 (−0.99−−0.49) p = 0.023). Probability of short stature at 2 years was directly related to daily weight gain in the first 28 days. Conclusions: when comparing two five-year periods in the last two decades, growth in VLBW preterm infants has improved, both during neonatal period and at two years of age.

Predicción del crecimiento a los dos años utilizando las gráficas de Fenton e Intergrowth-21 en menores de 1.500 g / Growth outcome at 2 years using Fenton and Intergrowth-21st charts in infants less than 1500 g

Introducción: No existe consenso sobre qué gráfica neonatal es mejor utilizar en niños con muy bajo peso al nacer (MBPN). El objetivo del estudio fue comparar las gráficas de Fenton 2013 e Intergrowth-21st (IW-21) con base en su capacidad predictora de la somatometría a los dos años, así como analizar factores relacionados con talla baja a los dos años. Material y métodos: Cohorte de niños con MBPN nacidos entre 2002-2017. Se analizó la asociación entre la somatometría neonatal (z-score por Fenton e IW-21) y el riesgo de talla baja (< -2 desviación estándar [DS]), perímetro craneal < -2 DS y desnutrición a los 2 años (IMC < -2 DS) (gráficas OMS). Resultados: Se incluyeron 513 niños con una edad gestacional media de 30,05 ± 2,5 semanas. El z-score del peso al nacimiento y al alta por Fenton y por IW-21 resultaron útiles para predecir riesgo de talla baja y desnutrición a los dos años (sin diferencias en el AUC de las curvas ROC), siendo el z-score al alta útil además para predecir perímetro craneal < -2D. A los dos años, la prevalencia de talla baja, perímetro craneal < -2 DS, y desnutrición fue del 17,2, 4,1 y 6,1%, respectivamente. El bajo peso para la edad gestacional y la duración del ingreso neonatal se identificaron como factores de riesgo independientes para talla baja a los dos años. Conclusiones: El z-score peso al alta resulta útil para predecir riesgo de talla baja, desnutrición y perímetro craneal < -2 DS a los dos años en niños con muy bajo peso al nacer, sin diferencias estadísticas entre utilizar las gráficas de Fenton o IW-21. (AU)

Introduction: There is no consensus on which neonatal chart is best to use in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The aim of the study was to compare the Fenton 2013 and Intergrowth-21st (IW-21) charts based on their predictive ability for somatometry at 2 years, as well as to analyze factors related to short stature at 2 years. Material and methods: Cohort of children with VLBW born in 2002–2017. Association between neonatal somatometry (z-score by Fenton and IW-21) and risk of short stature (< −2 DS), head circumference < −2 DS and malnutrition at 2 years (BMI < −2 DS) was analyzed (WHO charts). Results: 513 children with a mean gestational age of 30.05 ± 2.5 weeks were included. Birth and discharge weight z-score by Fenton and IW-21 were useful for predicting risk of short stature and malnutrition at 2 years (without differences in the AUC of the ROC curves). Weight z-score at discharge was also useful for predicting head circumference < −2 DS. At 2 years, prevalence of short stature, head circumference < −2 DS, and malnutrition was 17.2, 4.1, and 6.1%, respectively. Low weight for gestational age and length of stay were identified as independent risk factors for short stature at 2 years. Conclusions: Discharge weight z-score is useful for predicting risk of short stature, malnutrition and head circumference < −2 DS at 2 years in very low birth weight children, with no statistical difference between using Fenton or IW-21 charts. (AU)

Growth outcome at 2 years using Fenton and Intergrowth-21st charts in infants less than 1500 g.

INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus on which neonatal chart is best to use in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The aim of the study was to compare the Fenton 2013 and Intergrowth-21st (IW-21) charts based on their predictive ability for somatometry at 2 years, as well as to analyze factors related to short stature at 2 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cohort of children with VLBW born between 2002 and 2017. Association between neonatal somatometry (z-score by Fenton and IW-21) and risk of short stature (<-2 DS), head circumference <-2 DS and malnutrition at 2 years (BMI < -2 DS) was analyzed (WHO charts). RESULTS: 513 children with a mean gestational age of 30.05 ± 2.5 weeks were included. Birth and discharge weight z-score by Fenton and IW-21 were useful for predicting risk of short stature and malnutrition at 2 years (without differences in the AUC of the ROC curves). Weight z-score at discharge was also useful for predicting head circumference < -2 DS. At 2 years, prevalence of short stature, head circumference < -2 DS, and malnutrition was 17.2, 4.1, and 6.1%, respectively. Low weight for gestational age and length of stay were identified as independent risk factors for short stature at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Discharge weight z-score is useful for predicting risk of short stature, malnutrition and head circumference < -2 DS at 2 years in very low birth weight children, with no statistical difference between using Fenton or IW-21 charts.

Extrauterine Growth Restriction in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Concordance Between Fenton 2013 and INTERGROWTH-21st Growth Charts.

Postnatal growth restriction has high prevalence in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm neonates, and this could affect their long-term prognosis. Nowadays, there is no consensus on how to monitor growth in these neonates. Objective: This study aimed to compare prevalence of intra- and extrauterine growth restriction (IUGR and EUGR) in a sample of VLBW infants according to the Fenton 2013 charts and INTERGROWTH-21st (IW-21) standards and to analyze concordance between both in the different EUGR definitions criteria (cross-sectional, dynamic, and true). Patients and Methods: An observational retrospective study of 635 VLBW preterm was performed. The study was carried out in Central University Hospital of Asturias. Body measurements (weight, length, and head circumference) were collected at birth and at hospital discharge and expressed in z-scores for the two references (Fenton 2010 and IW-21). Kappa concordance was calculated. Results: Kappa concordance between Fenton and IW-21 was 0.887 for IUGR and 0.580 for static EUGR. Prevalence was higher according to Fenton in IUGR (36.5 vs. 35.1%), in static EUGR (73.8 vs. 59.3%), and in dynamic EUGR (44.3 vs. 29.3%). Despite observing low prevalence of EUGR when IW-21 was used to define EUGR, a statistical association between neonatal morbidity and diagnosis of EUGR was observed. Conclusion: The Fenton and IW-21 concordance for IUGR is good. IW-21 is more restrictive than Fenton in EUGR. Patients diagnosed by IW-21 as EUGR are more likely to have neonatal morbidity, especially if we use EUGR dynamic definition. In our study, we cannot conclude that one graph is better than the other.

Composición nutricional de la leche materna donada según el periodo de lactancia / Nutritional composition of donor human milk according to lactation period

INTRODUCCIÓN: cuando no se dispone de leche materna propia, la leche materna donada es la mejor alternativa para asegurar los requerimientos nutricionales de los recién nacidos prematuros o enfermos. OBJETIVOS: conocer el contenido de macronutrientes de la leche materna donada y cómo varían estos en los distintos periodos de la lactancia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: se analizó de forma retrospectiva la composición nutricional de 822,423 litros de leche materna donada, procedentes de 160 donantes del banco de leche materna de un hospital de tercer nivel entre el 1 de febrero de 2017 y el 31 de diciembre de 2019. RESULTADOS: el contenido en lípidos y carbohidratos se mantiene constante a lo largo de la lactancia; sin embargo, el contenido proteico disminuye inicialmente para luego volver a aumentar a partir del segundo año de lactancia. CONCLUSIONES: los bancos de leche materna deben conocer las variaciones del contenido en macronutrientes de la leche donada para optimizar la nutrición del recién nacido prematuro

INTRODUCTION: when own mother's breast milk is unavailable, donor human milk is the best option to guarantee the nutritional requirements of preterm or ill newborns. OBJECTIVES: to analyze the macronutrient composition of donor breast milk and its evolution over lactation periods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we retrospectively analyzed the nutritional composition of 822.423 L of donor breast milk from 160 donors at the human milk bank of a third-level hospital between February 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019. RESULTS: lipid and carbohydrate composition remains constant throughout lactation. However, protein content decreases initially to increase again starting in the second year of lactation. CONCLUSIONS: donor human milk banks should be aware of the variations in macronutrient composition donor human milk shows in order to optimize nutrition for preterm newborns

[Nutritional composition of donor human milk according to lactation period]. / Composición nutricional de la leche materna donada según el periodo de lactancia.

INTRODUCTION: Introduction: when own mother´s breast milk is unavailable, donor human milk is the best option to guarantee the nutritional requirements of preterm or ill newborns. Objectives: to analyze the macronutrient composition of donor breast milk and its evolution over lactation periods. Material and methods: we retrospectively analyzed the nutritional composition of 822.423 L of donor breast milk from 160 donors at the human milk bank of a third-level hospital between February 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019. Results: lipid and carbohydrate composition remains constant throughout lactation. However, protein content decreases initially to increase again starting in the second year of lactation. Conclusions: donor human milk banks should be aware of the variations in macronutrient composition donor human milk shows in order to optimize nutrition for preterm newborns.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Introducción: cuando no se dispone de leche materna propia, la leche materna donada es la mejor alternativa para asegurar los requerimientos nutricionales de los recién nacidos prematuros o enfermos. Objetivos: conocer el contenido de macronutrientes de la leche materna donada y cómo varían estos en los distintos periodos de la lactancia. Material y métodos: se analizó de forma retrospectiva la composición nutricional de 822,423 litros de leche materna donada, procedentes de 160 donantes del banco de leche materna de un hospital de tercer nivel entre el 1 de febrero de 2017 y el 31 de diciembre de 2019. Resultados: el contenido en lípidos y carbohidratos se mantiene constante a lo largo de la lactancia; sin embargo, el contenido proteico disminuye inicialmente para luego volver a aumentar a partir del segundo año de lactancia. Conclusiones: los bancos de leche materna deben conocer las variaciones del contenido en macronutrientes de la leche donada para optimizar la nutrición del recién nacido prematuro.

Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in the healthy newborn. / Prevalencia de la alimentación exclusiva con lactancia materna en recién nacidos sanos

Background: The best nourishment for infants during the first 6 months of life is exclusive breastfeeding. It is recommended along with other food to complement the diet until the child is 2 years old, as long as the mother and the child are willing to continue with it. The objectives of this study were to determine he exclusive breastfeeding rate in full term newborns at hospital discharge and 15 days later and to analyze the factors that positively affect the exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in which a sample of postpartum women with full term newborns was recruited during hospital admission. Different variables were compiled and two interviews were made to determine the kind of feeding they were giving their children and if it was maintained at 15 days of birth. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding rate at hospital discharge is much lower than recommended. It significantly decreases at 15 days of birth, increasing artificial feeding. It seems that having a vaginal birth, no complications giving birth, providing early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room are predisposing factors necessary to establish a good breastfeeding at hospital discharge. Conclusions: Despite the efforts of professionals, the percentage of newborns with exclusive breastfeeding at birth is not enough for the current recommendations.

Introducción: El mejor alimento para los niños durante los primeros seis meses de vida es la lactancia materna exclusiva (LME); se recomienda continuar con el amamantamiento junto con otros alimentos que complementen la alimentación hasta los dos años o más, mientras madre e hijo lo deseen. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron determinar la tasa de LME en los recién nacidos a término (RNT) en el momento del alta hospitalaria y a los 15 días y analizar los factores que influyen positivamente en la LME. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo en el que se reclutó una muestra de puérperas con hijos a término durante su ingreso. Se recogieron diferentes variables y se realizaron dos entrevistas para determinar el tipo de alimentación que estaban dando a sus hijos y si se mantenía a los 15 días del parto. Resultados: La tasa de LME al recibir el alta hospitalaria es muy inferior a lo recomendado. Ésta disminuye de manera importante a los 15 días del parto, cuando aumenta la lactancia artificial (LA). Al parecer, el parto eutócico, no presentar complicaciones en el parto, realizar lactancia materna (LM) precoz y el contacto piel con piel en el paritorio son factores favorecedores para establecer una buena LM en el alta hospitalaria. Conclusiones: A pesar de los esfuerzos de los profesionales, el porcentaje de recién nacidos (RN) alimentados con LME al nacer no alcanza las recomendaciones actuales.

Prevalencia de la alimentación exclusiva con lactancia materna en recién nacidos sanos / Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in the healthy newborn

Resumen Introducción: El mejor alimento para los niños durante los primeros seis meses de vida es la lactancia materna exclusiva (LME); se recomienda continuar con el amamantamiento junto con otros alimentos que complementen la alimentación hasta los dos años o más, mientras madre e hijo lo deseen. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron determinar la tasa de LME en los recién nacidos a término (RNT) en el momento del alta hospitalaria y a los 15 días y analizar los factores que influyen positivamente en la LME. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo en el que se reclutó una muestra de puérperas con hijos a término durante su ingreso. Se recogieron diferentes variables y se realizaron dos entrevistas para determinar el tipo de alimentación que estaban dando a sus hijos y si se mantenía a los 15 días del parto. Resultados: La tasa de LME al recibir el alta hospitalaria es muy inferior a lo recomendado. Ésta disminuye de manera importante a los 15 días del parto, cuando aumenta la lactancia artificial (LA). Al parecer, el parto eutócico, no presentar complicaciones en el parto, realizar lactancia materna (LM) precoz y el contacto piel con piel en el paritorio son factores favorecedores para establecer una buena LM en el alta hospitalaria. Conclusiones: A pesar de los esfuerzos de los profesionales, el porcentaje de recién nacidos (RN) alimentados con LME al nacer no alcanza las recomendaciones actuales.

Abstract Background: The best nourishment for infants during the first 6 months of life is exclusive breastfeeding. It is recommended along with other food to complement the diet until the child is 2 years old, as long as the mother and the child are willing to continue with it. The objectives of this study were to determine he exclusive breastfeeding rate in full term newborns at hospital discharge and 15 days later and to analyze the factors that positively affect the exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in which a sample of postpartum women with full term newborns was recruited during hospital admission. Different variables were compiled and two interviews were made to determine the kind of feeding they were giving their children and if it was maintained at 15 days of birth. Results: Exclusive breastfeeding rate at hospital discharge is much lower than recommended. It significantly decreases at 15 days of birth, increasing artificial feeding. It seems that having a vaginal birth, no complications giving birth, providing early breastfeeding and skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room are predisposing factors necessary to establish a good breastfeeding at hospital discharge. Conclusions: Despite the efforts of professionals, the percentage of newborns with exclusive breastfeeding at birth is not enough for the current recommendations.

Hijo de madre con síndrome de HELLP: características y papel de la prematuridad, bajo peso y leucopenia en su evolución / Newborn of mother with HELLP syndrome: characteristics and role of prematurity, low birth-weight and leukopenia in evolution

ResumenIntroducción: El síndrome de HELLP es un grave trastorno hipertensivo del embarazo con importantes problemas neonatales en los hijos de las madres afectadas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer las características de estos neonatos y su evolución.Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo y retrospectivo de los neonatos hijos de madre con síndrome de HELLP, nacidos en un hospital universitario entre el 1° de enero de 2008 y el 31 de diciembre de 2013. Se estudiaron 33 neonatos procedentes de 28 gestaciones (cinco gemelares). Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y comparativo entre grupos, y posteriormente un análisis de multivarianza de factores asociados con la mortalidad dentro de la serie.Resultados: De 33 recién nacidos estudiados (2.2/1,000 recién nacidos totales), dos fueron mortinatos (6.1% del total) y cuatro fallecieron tras el nacimiento (12.9% de los neonatos vivos), con una mortalidad perinatal total del 18.2%; 28 neonatos terminaron la gestación antes de la semana 37 (84.8%) y 11 antes de la semana 32 (33.3%); siete neonatos pesaron menos de 1,500 g (cuatro de ellos menos de 1,000 g). De los 31 recién nacidos vivos, 13 neonatos tenían peso menor al percentil 10 para su edad gestacional (41.9%), 20 precisaron reanimación neonatal (64.5%) y 14 presentaban leucopenia neonatal (45.2%). En la regresión logística final, la mortalidad neonatal se asoció con la gran prematuridad, independientemente del bajo peso, leucopenia o necesidad de reanimación neonatal.Conclusiones: Los hijos de madre con síndrome de HELLP presentan elevada mortalidad asociada con la alta prematuridad, independientemente de la presencia de leucopenia, bajo peso para edad gestacional o necesidad de reanimación neonatal.

AbstractBackground: HELLP syndrome is a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with important neonatal problems in the newborn. The objective of this work was to determine the characteristics of these infants and its neonatal evolution.Methods: A retrospective observational study of all newborns of mothers with HELLP syndrome born in a university hospital between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2013 was carried out. Thirty-three infants from 28 pregnancies (five twin gestations) were studied. A descriptive and comparative analysis between groups and a multivariate analysis of factors associated with mortality in the series took place.Results: Of 33 newborns studied (2.2 newborns/1,000 infants total), two were stillbirths (6.1% of the total) and four died after birth (12.9% of live neonates) with overall perinatal mortality of 18.2%. Pregnancies in 28 infants ended before 37 weeks (84.8%) and 11 pregnancies ended before week 32 (33.3%). Seven infants weighed < 1500 g (four weighed <1000 g). Of the 31 live births, 13 infants were in a <10th percentile weight for gestational age (41.9%), 20 needed neonatal resuscitation (64.5%) and 14 had leukopenia at birth (45.2%). In the final logistic regression, neonatal mortality was associated with extreme prematurity regardless of underweight, leukopenia and/or need for neonatal resuscitation.Conclusions: Children of mothers with HELLP syndrome have a high mortality associated with extreme prematurity, independent of the presence of leukopenia, low weight for gestational age and need for neonatal resuscitation.

[Use of probiotics in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature newborns]. / Empleo de probióticos en la prevención de la enterocolitis necrotizante en recién nacidos prematuros.

Necrotizing enterocolitis is the most frequent and life threatening pathology of the neonatal period and causes high morbi-mortality. According to the most recent metaanalyses, prophylactic treatment of premature newborns with probiotics significantly lowers the risk of suffering from severe necrotizing enterocolitis (stages II and III). This treatment also reduces the mortality, the hospitalization period and the days after which exclusive enteral nutrition is reached. Based in these facts, the Nutrition and Neonatal Metabolism Group of the Spanish Society of Neonatology considers that probiotics should be taken into consideration for use on less than 32 weeks- gestation premature newborns and/or those born with a weight lower than 1,500 g, although their use has to be submitted to close monitoring.

La enterocolitis necrotizante es la patologia digestiva adquirida mas frecuente y grave en el periodo neonatal, que ocasiona una importante morbi-mortalidad. Segun los ultimos metaanalisis, el tratamiento profilactico con probioticos en el recien nacido prematuro disminuye de manera significativa el riesgo de padecer una enterocolitis necrotizante severa (estadios II o III). Dicho tratamiento tambien ha demostrado una disminucion de la mortalidad, de los dias de hospitalizacion y de los dias tras los que se alcanza la nutricion enteral exclusiva. Por todo ello, el Grupo de Nutricion y Metabolismo Neonatal de la Sociedad Espanola de Neonatologia considera que el uso de probioticos deberia tenerse en cuenta en el recien nacido prematuro ≤ 32 semanas de gestacion y/o < 1500 g, si bien su uso debe someterse a una estrecha monitorizacion.

[Newborn of mother with HELLP syndrome: characteristics and role of prematurity, low birth-weight and leukopenia in evolution]. / Hijo de madre con síndrome de HELLP: características y papel de la prematuridad, bajo peso y leucopenia en su evolución.

BACKGROUND: HELLP syndrome is a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with important neonatal problems in the newborn. The objective of this work was to determine the characteristics of these infants and its neonatal evolution. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of all newborns of mothers with HELLP syndrome born in a university hospital between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2013 was carried out. Thirty-three infants from 28 pregnancies (five twin gestations) were studied. A descriptive and comparative analysis between groups and a multivariate analysis of factors associated with mortality in the series took place. RESULTS: Of 33 newborns studied (2.2 newborns/1,000 infants total), two were stillbirths (6.1% of the total) and four died after birth (12.9% of live neonates) with overall perinatal mortality of 18.2%. Pregnancies in 28 infants ended before 37 weeks (84.8%) and 11 pregnancies ended before week 32 (33.3%). Seven infants weighed<1500g (four weighed <1000g). Of the 31 live births, 13 infants were in a <10th percentile weight for gestational age (41.9%), 20 needed neonatal resuscitation (64.5%) and 14 had leukopenia at birth (45.2%). In the final logistic regression, neonatal mortality was associated with extreme prematurity regardless of underweight, leukopenia and/or need for neonatal resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: Children of mothers with HELLP syndrome have a high mortality associated with extreme prematurity, independent of the presence of leukopenia, low weight for gestational age and need for neonatal resuscitation.

Ingesta de yodo durante el embarazo: efectos en la función tiroidea materna y neonatal / Iodine intake during pregnancy: Effects on thyroid function in mother and child

Introduction Recent studies in Spain have shown an inadequate iodine intake in a significant proportion of pregnant women. Pregnancy increases thyroid hormone requirements, and adequate iodine intake is therefore needed. Material and methods One hundred and forty-seven women in their third trimester (week 37) of pregnancy provided a blood sample and a 24-hour urine sample to test serum and urine iodine levels and completed a food frequency questionnaire to assess iodine intake during pregnancy. Serum TSH levels were measured in the babies born to the 140 mothers in the postpartum group. Results Only 10.9% of pregnant women consumed more than 250 μg iodine daily, and 24.4% of them consumed less than 100 μg daily. Mean free T4 levels were 9.37 pmol/L, and 74 women (54.41%) had levels below the hypothyroxinemia threshold. TSH levels were normal in 135 newborns (96.4%), while 5 (3.6%) had levels higher than 5 μU/mL (AU)

Introducción En España, estudios recientes han demostrado que existe una ingesta insuficiente de yodo en un porcentaje importante de mujeres embarazadas. El embarazo supone un aumento en los requerimientos de hormonas tiroideas, para lo que es necesaria una ingesta de yodo adecuada. Material y métodos Se reclutó una muestra de 147 gestantes en el tercer trimestre de embarazo en las que se determinó la ingesta de yodo, la yoduria y la función tiroidea. Las concentraciones de TSH se determinaron en los 140 recién nacidos hijos de dichas mujeres. Resultados Solo el 10,9% de las gestantes consumen más de 250 μg de yodo diarios. La media de T4 libre fue de 9,37 pmol/L y 74 mujeres (54,41%) presentaban valores por debajo del umbral de hipotiroxinemia. Las concentraciones de TSH fueron normales en 135 recién nacidos (96,4%), mientras que en 5 (3,6%) se observaron concentraciones de TSH superiores a 5 μU/mL (AU)

[Iodine intake during pregnancy: effects on thyroid function in mother and child]. / Ingesta de yodo durante el embarazo: efectos en la función tiroidea materna y neonatal.

INTRODUCTION: Recent studies in Spain have shown an inadequate iodine intake in a significant proportion of pregnant women. Pregnancy increases thyroid hormone requirements, and adequate iodine intake is therefore needed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-seven women in their third trimester (week 37) of pregnancy provided a blood sample and a 24-hour urine sample to test serum and urine iodine levels and completed a food frequency questionnaire to assess iodine intake during pregnancy. Serum TSH levels were measured in the babies born to the 140 mothers in the postpartum group. RESULTS: Only 10.9% of pregnant women consumed more than 250 µg iodine daily, and 24.4% of them consumed less than 100 µg daily. Mean free T4 levels were 9.37 pmol/L, and 74 women (54.41%) had levels below the hypothyroxinemia threshold. TSH levels were normal in 135 newborns (96.4%), while 5 (3.6%) had levels higher than 5 µU/mL.

Hypothyroxinemia during pregnancy: the effect on neurodevelopment in the child.

CONTEXT: Experimental studies have shown that maternal hypothyroxinemia during early pregnancy is associated with poor neurodevelopment in affected offspring. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of maternal serum free T4 on psychomotor development of offspring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 147 women in the third trimester (week 37) of pregnancy. TSH and free T4 serum levels were measured at 37 week gestation. The children were evaluated between 38 and 60 months of age by the McCarthy Scales of Children's Abilities. RESULTS: 54.4% of the women had a free T4 below the threshold of hypothyroxinemia. We find a significant effect of maternal hypothyroxinemia on the general cognitive index, and on perceptual-manipulative and memory coefficients.