Time- and fluid-sensitive resuscitation for hemodynamic support of children in septic shock: barriers to the implementation of the American College of Critical Care Medicine/Pediatric Advanced Life Support Guidelines in a pediatric intensive care unit in a developing world.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze mortality rates of children with severe sepsis and septic shock in relation to time-sensitive fluid resuscitation and treatments received and to define barriers to the implementation of the American College of Critical Care Medicine/Pediatric Advanced Life Support guidelines in a pediatric intensive care unit in a developing country. METHODS: Retrospective chart review and prospective analysis of septic shock treatment in a pediatric intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Ninety patients with severe sepsis or septic shock admitted between July 2002 and June 2003 were included in this study. RESULTS: Of the 90 patients, 83% had septic shock and 17% had severe sepsis; 80 patients had preexisting severe chronic diseases. Patients with septic shock who received less than a 20-mL/kg dose of resuscitation fluid in the first hour of treatment had a mortality rate of 73%, whereas patients who received more than a 40-mL/kg dose in the first hour of treatment had a mortality rate of 33% (P < 0.05). Patients treated less than 30 minutes after diagnosis of severe sepsis and septic shock had a significantly lower mortality rate (40%) than patients treated more than 60 minutes after diagnosis (P < 0.05). Controlling for the risk of mortality, early fluid resuscitation was associated with a 3-fold reduction in the odds of death (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% confidence interval, 0.13-0.85). The most important barriers to achieve adequate severe sepsis and septic shock treatment were lack of adequate vascular access, lack of recognition of early shock, shortage of health care providers, and nonuse of goals and treatment protocols. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate was higher for children older than 2 years, for those who received less than 40 mL/kg in the first hour, and for those whose treatment was not initiated in the first 30 minutes after the diagnosis of septic shock. The acknowledgment of existing barriers to a timely fluid administration and the establishment of objectives to overcome these barriers may lead to a more successful implementation of the American College of Critical Care Medicine guidelines and reduced mortality rates for children with septic shock in the developing world.

Ductus venosus Doppler and postnatal outcomes in fetuses with absent or reversed end-diastolic flow in the umbilical arteries.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between ductus venosus Doppler findings on the day of delivery and postnatal outcomes in pregnancies with absent or reversed end-diastolic (ARED) flow in the umbilical arteries. STUDY DESIGN: Postnatal outcomes of 103 newborns of pregnancies with a diagnosis of ARED flow on Doppler velocimetry of the umbilical arteries were analyzed retrospectively between January 1997 and December 2004. Single pregnancies and fetuses without malformations were included. The cases were divided into two groups according to the flow during atrial contraction (a-wave) in the ductus venosus on the day of delivery: group A, 20 cases with absent or reversed flow in the ductus venosus and group B, 83 cases with positive flow. The results were analyzed statistically using the chi-square test, Fisher's exact test and the Mann-Whitney U test with the level of significance set at 5%. RESULTS: All newborns were delivered by cesarean section. Gestational age was similar in the two groups (group A: 30 weeks and group B: 30.9 weeks, P=0.23). Absent or reversed ductus venosus flow was associated with the following adverse postnatal outcomes: lower birthweight (P<0.001), lower Apgar scores in the first (P=0.001) and fifth minute (P=0.001), a higher frequency of orotracheal intubation (P=0.001) and pH at birth less than 7.20 (P<0.001), pulmonary hemorrhage (P=0.03), thrombocytopenia (P=0.02), hypoglycemia (P=0.01), intracranial hemorrhage (P=0.02), and postnatal death (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: The study of ductus venosus flow may provide additional information regarding the best time for interruption of pregnancies with ARED flow in the umbilical arteries characterized by extreme prematurity.

ACCM/PALS haemodynamic support guidelines for paediatric septic shock: an outcomes comparison with and without monitoring central venous oxygen saturation.

INTRODUCTION: The ACCM/PALS guidelines address early correction of paediatric septic shock using conventional measures. In the evolution of these recommendations, indirect measures of the balance between systemic oxygen delivery and demands using central venous or superior vena cava oxygen saturation (ScvO(2) > or = 70%) in a goal-directed approach have been added. However, while these additional goal-directed endpoints are based on evidence-based adult studies, the extrapolation to the paediatric patient remains unvalidated. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare treatment according to ACCM/PALS guidelines, performed with and without ScvO(2) goal-directed therapy, on the morbidity and mortality rate of children with severe sepsis and septic shock. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: Children and adolescents with severe sepsis or fluid-refractory septic shock were randomly assigned to ACCM/PALS with or without ScvO(2) goal-directed resuscitation. MEASUREMENTS: Twenty-eight-day mortality was the primary endpoint. RESULTS: Of the 102 enrolled patients, 51 received ACCM/PALS with ScvO(2) goal-directed therapy and 51 received ACCM/PALS without ScvO(2) goal-directed therapy. ScvO(2) goal-directed therapy resulted in less mortality (28-day mortality 11.8% vs. 39.2%, p=0.002), and fewer new organ dysfunctions (p=0.03). ScvO(2) goal-directed therapy resulted in more crystalloid (28 (20-40) vs. 5 (0-20 ml/kg, p<0.0001), blood transfusion (45.1% vs. 15.7%, p=0.002) and inotropic (29.4% vs. 7.8%, p=0.01) support in the first 6 h. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the current ACCM/PALS guidelines. Goal-directed therapy using the endpoint of a ScvO(2)> or =70% has a significant and additive impact on the outcome of children and adolescents with septic shock.

Nosocomial infection in newborns by Pichia anomala in a Brazilian intensive care unit.

Disseminated candidiasis is the most common nosocomial fungal infection, and Candida albicans has been reported to account for 50% to more than 70% of cases of invasive candidiasis. However, recent reports have also suggested the emergence of infections caused by non-albicans species. In addition, less-common pathogenic yeasts (Malassezia, Trichosporon, Rhodotorula, Debaryomyces and Pichia) have recently been reported, with increased frequency, as causes of nosocomial infections with high mortality. This article describes two cases of fungemia caused by Pichia anomala in newborns that occurred in an intensive care unit (ICU), in November 2004 at the Instituto da Criança (Pediatric Institute) of the Hospital das Clínicas of the School of Medicine, São Paulo University, Brazil. The principal factors related to virulence (proteinase and phospholipase) and the susceptibility of the isolated strains to antifungal agents were also evaluated, and the biotype of each strain was determined through the use of an epidemiological marker (killer biotype).

[Interleukins 6 and C-reactive protein for the diagnosis of late onset sepsis in the newborn infant]. / Interleucina 6 e proteína c reativa no diagnóstico de sepse tardia no recém-nascido.

BACKGROUND: Verify the accuracy of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) for diagnosis of late onset sepsis in newborn (NB) infants. METHODS: a prospective cohort study with 43 NB infants hospitalized at the NICU with suspicion of late onset sepsis was carried out. Levels of IL-6 and of CRP were dosed with suspicion diagnoses; day (0) and sequentially on day 1, 3, and 7 of the evolution and the best cut-off values were calculated for the diagnoses. Indices of sensibility (S), specificity (SP), positive predictive value and negative predictive value (PPV, NPV) were calculated for each test as well as for the combination between them. RESULTS: Levels of IL-6 and CRP were above the established cut-off values in the NB infants with sepsis and with presumed sepsis. There was a significant difference between both groups, where the only difference was the positive blood culture for the first group. Diagnosis could be rejected in 6 NB infants. The IL-6 showed better indices on the day of suspicion diagnosis, day 0 (S: 88.9%, Sp: 80.0%, PPV: 76.2%, NPV: 90.9%), followed by the C-reactive protein (S: 94.0%, Sp: 78.3%, PPV: 77.3%, NPV: 94.7%) 24 hours later. The combination of IL-6 / CRP demonstrated to be adequate for early diagnosis of sepsis on day 0 and 24 hours later with S and NPV of 100%. CONCLUSION: for diagnosis of sepsis the combination interleukin 6 / CRP presented accuracy. During the following days their development reflected the clinical evolution of the NB infants.

Analysis of the immunogenicity and stability of a porcine pulmonary surfactant preparation administered in rabbits.

PURPOSE: To study the immunogenicity and the stability of the porcine pulmonary surfactant preparation produced by the Instituto Butantan. METHOD: Immunogenicity assay: Sixteen New-Zealand-White rabbits (1000 g body weight) were divided into 4 study groups. Each group was assigned to receive either a) Butantan surfactant, b) Survanta (Abbott Laboratories), c) Curosurf (Farmalab Chiesi), or d) no surfactant. The surfactants were administered intratracheally, and the animals were collected immediately before and 60 and 180 days after surfactant administration. Sera were assayed for the presence of antisurfactant antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Stability assay: The Butantan surfactant used in this assay had been stored for one year in the refrigerator (4 to 8 degrees C) and its stability was evaluated in distinct assay conditions using a premature rabbit model. RESULTS: Immunogenicity assay: None of the surfactants analyzed triggered antibody immune responses against their components in any of the animals. Stability assay: The results of this study demonstrate that Butantan surfactant was as effective as Curosurf when both were submitted to the adverse circumstance of short- and long-term storage at room temperature. A similar level of efficacy for the Butantan surfactant, as compared to Curosurf was demonstrated by the pulmonary dynamic compliance, ventilatory pressure, and pressure-volume curve results. CONCLUSION: The results of our study demonstrate that Butantan surfactant may be a suitable alternative for surfactant replacement therapy.

Analysis of the immunogenicity and stability of a porcine pulmonary surfactant preparation administered in rabbits

OBJETIVO: Estudar a imunogenicidade e a estabilidade do surfactante de origem porcina produzido pelo Instituto Butantan. MÉTODO: Experimento imunogenicidade: 16 coelhos da raça New-Zealand-White (Peso de 1000g) foram divididos em grupos de 4 animais. Cada grupo foi designado para receber: a) Surfactante do Butantan, b) Survanta® (Abbott Laboratories), c) Curosurf (Farmalab Chiesi) e d) nenhum tratamento com surfactante. Os surfactantes foram administrados via intratraqueal e o sangue dos animais foi coletado antes, 60 e 180 dias após a administração do surfactante. O soro obtido foi analisado quanto a presença de anticorpos anti-surfactante pelo método ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Experimento estabilidade: O surfactante do Butantan usado neste experimento tinha sido armazenado por um ano em refrigerador (4 a 8°C) e sua estabilidade foi analisada em condições distintas de experimentação, usando o modelo de coelho prematuro. RESULTADOS: Experimento imunogenicidade: Nenhum dos surfactantes analisados determinou a produção de anticorpos contra seus constituintes. Experimento estabilidade: Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que o surfactante do Instituto Butantan mostrou eficácia semelhante a do Curosurf após ter sido submetido à condições adversas ao longo do tempo. A eficácia foi demonstrada através da complacência pulmonar dinâmica, pressão ventilatória e da curva pressão-volume. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados deste estudo demonstraram que o surfactante do Instituto Butantan pode representar um tratamento alternativo de reposição de surfactante.

Interleucina 6 e proteína c reativa no diagnóstico de sepse tardia no recém-nascido / Interleukins 6 and c - reactive protein for the diagnosis of late onset sepsis in the newborn infant

OBJETIVO: Verificar a acurácia da interleucina 6 (IL-6) e da proteína C reativa (PCR) para o diagnóstico de sepse tardia no recém-nascido (RN). MÉTODOS: Trata-se de estudo de coorte prospectivo com 43 RNs internados com suspeita de sepse tardia na UTIN. Foram dosados no dia da suspeita diagnóstica (dia 0) e nos dias 1, 3 e 7 de evolução os níveis séricos da IL-6 e da PCR e calculado o melhor valor de coorte para o diagnóstico de sepse. Também foram calculados os índices de sensibilidade (S), especificidade (E), valor preditivo positivo e negativo (VPP, VPN) para cada um dos testes, assim como para a combinação entre eles. RESULTADOS: Os níveis séricos da IL-6 e da PCR estiveram acima do ponto de coorte nos RN com sepse e com sepse presumível com diferenças significantes entre ambos os grupos, nos quais a única diferença foi hemocultura positiva no primeiro. Foi possível afastar esse diagnóstico em seis RNs. Para o diagnóstico de sepse, a IL-6 obteve os melhores índices no dia da suspeita diagnóstica, dia 0 (S: 88,9 por cento, E: 80 por cento, VPP: 76,2 por cento, VPN: 90,9 por cento), seguida da proteína C reativa (S: 94 por cento, E: 78,3 por cento, VPP: 77,3 por cento, VPN: 94,7 por cento) 24 horas após. A combinação dos dois (IL 6/PCR) mostrou-se mais adequada para o diagnóstico precoce no dia 0 e até 24 horas de evolução com S e VPN de 100 por cento. CONCLUSÃO: A combinação de IL6/PCR apresentou acurácia para o diagnóstico de sepse. A evolução destes testes ao longo dos dias refletiu a evolução clínica dos RN.

Effects of corticosteroids in very low birth weight newborns dependent on mechanical ventilation.

UNLABELLED: Corticosteroids have been used in bronchopulmonary dysplasia prevention because of their antiinflammatory effects. Among their effects is a decrease in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. However, short- and long-term side effects have been detected in preterm newborns. PURPOSE: To analyze the effects of corticosteroids on bronchopulmonary dysplasia, length of stay, mortality, growth, as well as the adverse effects in very low birth weight newborns between 10 and 14 days of life and dependent on mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Cohort study. All newborns with a birth weight under 1500 g, mechanical ventilation-dependent between 10 and 14 days of life, during the period January 2000 and June 2001 were included (n = 38). They were divided into 2 groups: Group I with corticosteroids (n = 16) and Group II without corticosteroids (n = 22). Dexamethasone administration: from the 10th day of life, d1-d3, 0.3 mg/kg/d; d4-d6, 0.2 mg/kg/d; d7-d9, 0.1 mg/kg/d. Respiratory evolution, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (oxygen dependence at 28 days of life), growth pattern and the presence of adverse effects were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was 6.5% (Group I) and 30% (Group II), P = .07. A decrease in growth was detected in Group I compared with Group II (change in weight: Group I--47 g/week, Group II--85.5 g/week, P = .06; change in head circumference: Group I--0.75 cm/week, Group II--1 cm/week, P = .05). CONCLUSION: Use of corticosteroids in very low birth weight infants dependent on mechanical ventilation during the first 10 to 14 days of life did not affect the respiratory evolution and occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, but the velocity of growth was reduced.

Effects of corticosteroids in very low birth weight newborns dependent on mechanical ventilation

Devido às suas ações anti-inflamatórias, os corticosteróides têm sido utilizados para prevenção de displasia broncopulmonar, sendo descrita, uma redução da incidência desta patologia. No entanto, efeitos adversos a curto e a longo prazo têm sido detectados, em recém-nascidos pré-termo. OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos sobre a incidência de displasia broncopulmonar, duração de ventilação mecânica e de internação, mortalidade, crescimento, além dos efeitos adversos dos corticosteróides, administrados entre 10-14 dias de vida, em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso, dependentes de ventilação mecânica. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se estudo de coorte, incluindo-se todos os recém-nascidos com peso de nascimento < 1500 gramas dependentes de ventilação mecânica, entre 10-14 dias de vida. Foram divididos em: Grupo I - receberam dexametasona (16) e Grupo II - não receberam dexametasona (22). Administrou-se dexametasona, a partir do 10º dia de vida, dias 1 a 3 - 0,3 mg/kg/d, dias 4 a 6 - 0,2 mg/kg/d, dias 7 a 9 - 0,1 mg/kg/d. Analisou-se o desenvolvimento de displasia broncopulmonar (dependência de oxigênio aos 28 dias de vida), efeitos sobre a evolução respiratória e sobre o padrão de crescimento, além da ocorrência de efeitos adversos. RESULTADOS: A incidência de displasia broncopulmonar não diferiu entre os grupos (GI - 62,5%; GII - 22,7%;p = 0,07). Detectou-se desaceleração do crescimento no GI em relação ao GII(D P = 47g/semana, GI e 85,5g/semana, GII; p = 0,06; D PC - 0,75 cm/semana GI e 1cm/semana, no GII; p = 0,05). CONCLUSAO: O uso de corticosteróides, em recém-nascidos pré-termo, entre 10 - 14 dias de vida não reduziu incidência de displasia broncopulmonar e causou uma desaceleração do crescimento.

Uso antenatal de corticosteróide e evolução clínica de recém-nascidos pré-termo / Antenatal corticosteroid use and clinical evolution of preterm newborn infants

OBJETIVO: Descrever a freqüência de utilização de corticosteróide antenatal e a evolução clínica dos recém-nascidos pré-termo. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional prospectivo tipo coorte de todos os neonatos com idade gestacional entre 23 e 34 semanas nascidos na Rede Brasileira de Pesquisas Neonatais entre agosto e dezembro de 2001. Os prontuários médicos foram revistos, as mães entrevistadas e os pré-termos acompanhados. A análise dos dados foi realizada com o teste do qui-quadrado, t de Student, Mann-Whitney, ANOVA e regressão logística múltipla, com nível de significância de 5 por cento. RESULTADOS: Avaliaram-se 463 gestantes e seus 514 recém-nascidos. As gestantes tratadas tiveram mais gestações prévias, consultas de pré-natal, hipertensão arterial e maior uso de tocolíticos. Suas crianças apresentaram melhores escores de Apgar no 1º e 5º minutos, menor necessidade de intervenção na sala de parto e menor SNAPPE II. Nasceram com maior peso e idade gestacional, receberam menos surfatante exógeno, ventilação mecânica e oxigenoterapia. Após regressão logística, o uso pré-natal de corticosteróides manteve de forma independente o efeito protetor para as condições de nascimento e para a diminuição do tempo de ventilação mecânica e esteve associado com aumento na ocorrência de sepse neonatal. CONCLUSAO: O uso do corticosteróide antenatal foi associado a melhor atendimento pré-natal. As crianças nasceram em melhores condições e tiveram melhor evolução, porém com maior risco de infecção.

Uso de sangue, hemocomponentes e hemoderivados no recém-nascido / Use of blood and blood components and derivatives in newborn infants

Objetivo: o objetivo deste estudo foi descrever os conceitos atuais sobre as indicações de transfusão de sangue, hemocomponentes e hemoderivados para recém-nascidos de termo e prematuros. Métodos: para isso , os autores selecionaram as referências bibliográficas que consideram mais relevantes na hemoterapia neonatal nos últimos dez anos. Resultados: como resultado, destacaram as características peculiares e cuidados especiais que se deve ter na exsanguineotransfusão e na transfusão de concentrados de hemácias, plaquetas e granulócitos no período neonatal. O estudo também contempla a transfusão do plasma fresco congelado, as indicações do uso de fatores de crescimento hematopoéticos e o uso de hemoderivados como fibronectina, imunoglobulinas e albumina. Conclusões: os autores comentam as indicações, contra-indições e advertem sobre as limitações e efeitos colaterias da hemoterapia

Brain abscess by citrobacter diversus in infancy: case report

Citrobacter diversus is closely related to brain abscess in newborn infants. We describe a case of brain abscess by this bacteria in a newborn infant and his clinical and cranial computed tomographic evaluation until the fourth month of life and discuss therapeutic management of this patient

Fatores associados à candidíase sistêmica em recém-nascidos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal / Sistemic candidiasis in the newborn intensive care unity

A candidíase sistêmica em recém-nascidos, especialmente pré-termos, submetidos à terapia intensiva tem aumentado nos últimos anos. Diversos fatores na UTI Neonatal são responsabilizados pelo incremento desta grave infecção. O objetivo deste artigo é analisar a relação entre alguns procedimentos (nutrição parenteral, cateterismo venoso, ventilação mecânica), bem como o uso de antibióticos em recém-nascidos internados em UTI Neonatal e a candidíase sistêmica. Foram estudados, no período de 1991 a 1994, 41 recém-nascidos: 21 com diagnóstico de candidíase sistêmica (Grupo I), e 20 com sepse bacteriana (Grupo II). A análise estatística utilizada foi a univariada de comparação de medianas, por meio do teste do qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher, adotando-se um nível de significância de 5 por cento (p<0,05). Verificou-se que comparados os dois grupos, naquele com candidíase sistêmica a proporção relativa de cateterismo venoso foi de 9,28 (p=0,0013), de ventilação mecânica 2,98 (p=0,0143), e nutrição parenteral 2,6 (p=0,0238). O número de associação de troca de antibióticos foi maior no mesmo grupo, sendo a associação vancomicina e cefalosporina de terceira geração a que maior correlação teve com a candidíase sistêmica (p=0,0018). Os resultados indicam que os procedimentos invasivos, especialmente o cateterismo venoso, a maior utilização de antibióticos e as associações de largo espectro como vancomicina e cefalosporina de terceira geração correlacionaram-se com a maior incidência de candidíase sistêmica.

Uso racional de sangue e de hemocomponentes em unidade de cuidados intensivos neonatal / Rational use of blood transfusion in neonatal intensive care unit

Recém-nascidos (RN) internados em unidades de cuidados intensivos recebem grande quantidade de transfusões de hemocomponentes, expondo-se a muitos doadores diferentes e a efeitos colaterais. Nosso objetivo foi diminuir a quantidade de hernocomponentes transfundidos e melhorar a qualidade dos mesmos. Comparamos quantidade e qualidade de transfusões realizadas em RN de tempo (RNT) e prematuros (RNPT) em 1997/98 as de transfusões realizadas no primeiro semestre de 96 (controle histórico). Propusemos critérios de indicação de transfusão e irradiação gama de concentrados de hemácias (CH) e plaquetas, diminuição do volume de amostras e utilização de gel-teste e bromelina nos testes pré-transfusionais. Diminuímos as repetições daipesquisas de anticorpos irregulares e testes de compatibilidade através de um programa de aliquotagem múltipla da mesma unidade. Utilizamos hemocomponentes leuco-reduzidos e conservados em solução aditiva. Houve redução no consumo geral de hemocomponentes, a mediana do númerode unidades transfundidas diminuiu de 3,Opara I, O @=O, 006); sobretudo ascustas de CH: de 2,O para 1, O (p=0,012). Houve redução na exposição dos RN: a mediana do número de doadores diferentes diminuiu de 3, O para 1,O porRN (p=0,002). Observamos melhora na sobrevida dos RN que receberam transfusão de mais de 5 unidades (p

Newborns in neonatal intensiue care unitsreceive a great number of blood transfusions, which exposes them to dqferent donors and physical, chemicals and biological risks. Our goal was to limit these risks through the reduction of blood transfusion and the improvement of its quality. The number and quality of blood transfusions made in newborns andpre-tem infants in 1997-98 were compared to those made on newbornsand pre-tem infants in thefirst half-year of 1996. Criteria for the indication of transfusion and gamma irradiation of blood products were proposed: packed red cells and platelet concentrates, the reduction of sample volume and the use ofpre-transfusion gel-tests with bromelin.We reduced repetition of irregular antibodies o screening and compatibility tests through a multiple aliquot program of the same blood product unit. We used leukocyte-reduced blood products with additive solution. There was general drop on the use of blood components: median drop from 3.0 to 1.0 (p=0.006), mainly of packed red cells: medianof drop in units from 2.0 to 1.0 (p=0.012). There was reduction of infants exposed to different donors: median of number of donors diminishedfrom 3.0 to 1.0 per newhorn (p=0.002). We observed increased survival rate of whom received more than 5 units (p<0.02). Rational use may be considered one of the factors that improved the survival rate, mainly that of those who received more than 5 units. Reduction of blood components' waste providing stock savings.

[Composition of the cerebrospinal fluid in the premature newborn infant]. / Composición del líquido cefalorraquídeo del recién nacido pretérmino.

The composition of the spinal fluid was determined in 54 healthy premature infants in the first week of life. The infants were divided into three groups according to their gestational age; the results in each group, submitted to variance analysis, indicated similar values. The results in these premature infants were then compared with those in 79 normal full-term infants. The spinal fluid of the pre-term children showed higher bilirubin concentrations, more hemoglobin and higher levels of protein, indicating a greater permeability and immaturity of the blood-brain barrier. There were more erythrocytes in the premature infants, while the number of leukocytes and their differential count were similar in both groups; the only difference was the number of eosinophils, which were absent in the premature infants.