Ankyloblepharon Filiforme Adnatum in a 3-day-old Neonate: A Case Report.

Ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum (AFA) is a rare congenital anomaly consisting of partial or complete fusion of the eyelid margins. It is usually isolated and benign, but its presence should alert the neonatologist as it may rarely be associated with other disorders. We present a case of a 3-day-old newborn presenting with isolated AFA at birth.

Suspected or Proven Early-Onset Sepsis and NLR, PLR, and MPV Parameters in Neonates with Born through MSAF.

OBJECTIVE: It was aimed to determine the presence of early-onset sepsis in newborns born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and to investigate the changes of blood parameters in these neonates. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional observational study was performed with neonates born MSAF were divided into two groups as C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) positive and negative group. RESULTS: A total of 3,096 neonates enrolled in this study, and of these 272 with MSAF (8.7%), 76 (27.9%) with neonates were Group I and 196 (72.1%) neonates were Group II. Group I had significantly higher CRP and PCT values and monocyte values significantly lower than Group II, but there were no statistically significant differences between other investigated blood count parameters. There was no association between the platelet, mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit, platelet distribution width, neutrphil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR) and sepsis in neonates born MSAF. The following areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve were found, respectively: MPV was 0.49 (0.36-0.55), NLR was 0.54 (0.48-0.60), PLR was 0.53 (0.47-0.59), and MLR was 0.54 (0.48-0.60). CONCLUSION: MSAF might be a risk factor for early-onset sepsis in neonates. However, MPV, NLR, PLR, and MLR values cannot be helpful for the detection of suspected or proven early-onset neonatal sepsis in born MSAF neonates. KEY POINTS: · MSAF might be as a risk factor for EOS in neonates.. · CRP and procalcitonin values may help to be determined at EOS in asymtomatic neonates with MSAF.. · MPV, NLR, PLR, andMLR values do not seemto behelpful for the early detection of sepsis inmeconium-stained term neonates..

Role of Cord Blood Carboxyhemoglobin in Detecting Significant Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Neonates with ABO Alloimmunization.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether cord blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) levels in jaundiced term neonates with and without a positive direct Coombs test (DCT) and in healthy controls could be used as a predictor of severe hyperbilirubinemia. The percentage of cord blood COHb should be higher among neonates with Coombs-positive ABO hemolytic disease than among those with Coombs-negative ABO incompatibility and higher than that of ABO-compatible control neonates. STUDY DESIGN: This cross-sectional descriptive study of 198 term neonates comprised three subgroups: group I featured 68 DCT-positive ABO-incompatible neonates (ABO + DCT), group II featured 60 DCT-negative ABO-incompatible neonates with hyperbilirubinemia (ABO-DCT), and group III featured 70 healthy controls. COHb was determined by an OSM3 hemoximeter. RESULTS: Group I differed from groups II and III for cord blood bilirubin, cord blood hemoglobin, and cord blood hematocrit. Groups I and II had higher mean total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels than group III, while there was no difference in the mean TSB levels between groups I and II. There was no significant difference between the COHb group means for groups I, II, and III (p = 0.98). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve calculated for group I/group III and group II/group III were found to be 0.62 and 0.54, respectively. CONCLUSION: COHb levels did not prove to be superior to the DCT for predicting the risk of developing severe hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates. KEY POINTS: · COHb levels do not predict the risk of developing severe hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates.. · COHb levels may predict that ABO incompatibility in early life.. · COHb levels did not prove to be superior to the direct coombs test..

Infantil Acute Hemorrhagic Edema in a Neonate: A Case Report.

Acute infantile hemorrhagic edema is a rare leukocytoclastic vasculitis with symptom triad of fever, large purpuric skin lesions, and edema. The major features are an ecchymotic purpura, an inflammatory edema of the limbs and face. It is a benign condition with a dramatic onset, resolves spontaneously and completely within 1-3 weeks, and is seen in children younger than 3 years of age. We would like to detail a newborn with acute infantile hemorrhagic edema, as it is a rare disease in childhood, especially in the neonatal period.

Effect of Neonatal Phototherapy on Eosinophil Levels in Nonsevere Hyperbilirubinemia.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the research was to determine the impact of phototherapy (PT) on eosinophil levels in neonates with nonsevere bilirubin levels (<20 mg/dL) treated with PT. STUDY DESIGN: This observational pilot study included term neonates with early neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. RESULTS: Ninety-six term neonates were included in the study. The male-to-female ratio was 1.23. Hyperbilirubinemia was most frequently related to ABO group incompatibility (49%). Fifty-two neonates (54.1%) were born by normal spontaneous delivery. After PT, while total serum bilirubin, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocyte, and neutrophil levels were found to be significantly decreased, eosinophil levels were significantly increased (p = 0.01). No significant difference was found regarding lymphocyte and basophil levels after PT. A statistically significant correlation was found between bilirubin and eosinophil levels before PT (r 2 = 0.28, p = 0.03). No correlation between eosinophil levels and treatment age, gender, diagnosis of hyperbilirubinemia, and delivery route before PT was found. After PT, eosinophil levels increased, while other blood cell series were found to be decreased. The correlation between the bilirubin levels and eosinophil was found to be negative (r 2 = - 0.32, p = 0.02) after PT. CONCLUSION: PT may increase serum eosinophil levels in term neonates with nonsevere hyperbilirubinemia.

Mutaciones en el gen MEFV y evolución clínica en pacientes pediátricos con púrpura de Schonlein-Henoch / MEFV gene mutations and clinical course in pediatric patients with Henoch-Schonlein purpura

Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de mutaciones del gen MEFV en niños con diagnóstico de púrpura de Schonlein-Henoch y evaluar el efecto que tienen en el pronóstico. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal que incluyeron pacientes pediátricos de entre 2 y 11 años, con diagnóstico de púrpura de Schonlein-Henoch. Se estudiaron para detectar 6 mutaciones en el gen MEFV (M694V, M680I, A744S, R202Q, K695R y E148Q). Resultados. Se incluyeron ochenta pacientes, de los cuales el 55% eran de sexo masculino (n= 44). La media de edad fue 6,44 ± 2,52 años. Durante el seguimiento, 9 pacientes presentaron recurrencia de la enfermedad, 5 sufrieron invaginación intestinal y 1 paciente tuvo convulsiones. Aproximadamente la mitad de los pacientes recibió corticoides. En 44 pacientes (55%) no se detectaron mutaciones en el gen MEFV. En 19 pacientes (22%) hubo una mutación heterocigota. Se encontró E148Q en 8 pacientes, M694V en 5 pacientes, A744S en 4 pacientes y la mutación heterocigota R202Q en 2 pacientes. En 1 paciente se detectó la mutación heterocigota M608I y en otro paciente se encontró la mutación homocigota M694V. En 15 pacientes se encontraron mutaciones heterocigotas compuestas en el gen MEFV. Las mutaciones en el gen MEFV no se correlacionaban con la frecuencia de compromiso renal y gastrointestinal ni con el pronóstico, desarrollo de complicaciones y uso de corticoides. Conclusiones. Las mutaciones en el gen MEFV no se correlacionan con la evolución clínica ni con las complicaciones en pacientes pediátricos con púrpura de Schonlein-Henoch en Turquía.

Objective. To determine the frequency of the MEFV gene mutations in pediatric patients diagnosed with HSP and to assess the effect of the MEFV gene mutations on their prognosis. Material and Methods. Ccross-sectional study; pediatric patients between 2-11 years diagnosed with HSP were included. These cases were investigated for 6 MEFV gene mutations (M694V, M680I, A744S, R202Q, K695R, E148Q). Results. Eighty cases were included in the study of which 55% were male (n= 44). The mean age was 6.44 ± 2.52 years. Disease recurrence occurred in 9 patients, invagination in 5 patients and convulsion in 1 patient during follow-up. Approximately half of the patients received steroids. The MEFV gene mutations was not detected in 44 (55%) of the patients. There was a heterozygous mutation in 19 (22%). E148Q was found in 8 patients, M694V in 5 patients, A744S in 4 patients, and the R202Q heterozygous mutation in 2 patients. The M608I homozygous mutation was detected in 1 patient and the M694V homozygous mutation in 1 patient. The compound heterozygous MEFV gene mutations was found in 15 patients. The presence of the MEFV gene mutations was not correlated with the frequency of renal and gastrointestinal involvement and prognosis, the development of complications and the use of steroids. Conclusion. The presence of the MEFV gene mutations does not correlate with the clinical course and complication in Turkish pediatric patients with HSP.

MEFV gene mutations and clinical course in pediatric patients with Henoch-Schönlein purpura. / Mutaciones en el gen MEFV y evolución clínica en pacientes pediátricos con púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of the MEFV gene mutations in pediatric patients diagnosed with HSP and to assess the effect of the MEFV gene mutations on their prognosis. Material and Methods. Ccross-sectional study; pediatric patients between 2-11 years diagnosed with HSP were included. These cases were investigated for 6 MEFV gene mutations (M694V, M680I, A744S, R202Q, K695R, E148Q). RESULTS: Eighty cases were included in the study of which 55% were male (n= 44). The mean age was 6.44 ± 2.52 years. Disease recurrence occurred in 9 patients, invagination in 5 patients and convulsion in 1 patient during follow-up. Approximately half of the patients received steroids. The MEFV gene mutations was not detected in 44 (55%) of the patients. There was a heterozygous mutation in 19 (22%). E148Q was found in 8 patients, M694V in 5 patients, A744S in 4 patients, and the R202Q heterozygous mutation in 2 patients. The M608I homozygous mutation was detected in 1 patient and the M694V homozygous mutation in 1 patient. The compound heterozygous MEFV gene mutations was found in 15 patients. The presence of the MEFV gene mutations was not correlated with the frequency of renal and gastrointestinal involvement and prognosis, the development of complications and the use of steroids. CONCLUSION: The presence of the MEFV gene mutations does not correlate with the clinical course and complication in Turkish pediatric patients with HSP.

Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de mutaciones del gen MEFV en niños con diagnóstico de púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch y evaluar el efecto que tienen en el pronóstico. Materiales y métodos. Estudio transversal que incluyeron pacientes pediátricos de entre 2 y 11 años, con diagnóstico de púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch. Se estudiaron para detectar 6 mutaciones en el gen MEFV (M694V, M680I, A744S, R202Q, K695R y E148Q). Resultados. Se incluyeron ochenta pacientes, de los cuales el 55% eran de sexo masculino (n= 44). La media de edad fue 6,44 ± 2,52 años. Durante el seguimiento, 9 pacientes presentaron recurrencia de la enfermedad, 5 sufrieron invaginación intestinal y 1 paciente tuvo convulsiones. Aproximadamente la mitad de los pacientes recibió corticoides. En 44 pacientes (55%) no se detectaron mutaciones en el gen MEFV. En 19 pacientes (22%) hubo una mutación heterocigota. Se encontró E148Q en 8 pacientes, M694V en 5 pacientes, A744S en 4 pacientes y la mutación heterocigota R202Q en 2 pacientes. En 1 paciente se detectó la mutación heterocigota M608I y en otro paciente se encontró la mutación homocigota M694V. En 15 pacientes se encontraron mutaciones heterocigotas compuestas en el gen MEFV. Las mutaciones en el gen MEFV no se correlacionaban con la frecuencia de compromiso renal y gastrointestinal ni con el pronóstico, desarrollo de complicaciones y uso de corticoides. Conclusiones. Las mutaciones en el gen MEFV no se correlacionan con la evolución clínica ni con las complicaciones en pacientes pediátricos con púrpura de Schönlein-Henoch en Turquía.

Early diagnosis of severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) in Turkey: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a neonatal emergency. As the T-cell receptor excision circles (TREC) test is not cost effective for neonatal screening of SCID in developing countries, this pilot study's objective aimed at identifying preliminary data to enable SCID identification in the general population. METHODS: This observational study was performed in Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. Cord-blood complete blood count (CBC) was recorded in all neonates included in the study. Absolute lymphopenia was considered in cord-blood samples if the absolute lymphocyte count was less than 2500/mm3. A control blood count was performed 1-month later for cases with detected lymphopenia. RESULTS: A total of 2945 term neonates were included in the study. Absolute lymphopenia was found in nine (0.3%) neonates, while 2936 (99.7%) had an absolute lymphocytic count above 2.5 × 103/mm3. The mean counts of red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), platelets (PLT), and monocytes in the lymphopenia group were not found to significantly differ from the non-lymphopenia group. However, there were significantly lower mean white blood cell (WBC), lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts between the groups (p < .05). CONCLUSION: Absolute lymphopenia detected using CBC analysis is a simple, easier, more non-invasive, and cheaper method than the TREC method for detection of SCID neonates, and this method may prove to be a useful alternative, especially in developing countries.

Humeral Diaphysis Fracture in a Neonate After Vaginal Delivery.

Long bone fractures are rarely seen in newborns. Though the femoral bone is more fragile, occasionally the humeral bone may fracture. Presently described is a rare case of a humeral fracture occurring at birth. A female infant born by vaginal delivery to a 35-year-old multipara woman at the 40th gestational week was hypotonic and in respiratory distress. Resuscitation was performed for 15 minutes. Bilateral Moro reflexes could not be elicited. Radiological evaluation revealed a left humeral diaphysis fracture. Humeral fractures are generally associated with the increase in cesarean deliveries; however, a newborn may also experience trauma during difficult labor and vaginal delivery. Pregnant women should be informed about the potential occurrence of long bone fractures, particularly as a result of necessary obstetric maneuvers performed during a breech delivery. In addition, it should be emphasized that cesarean delivery does not completely eliminate the risk of trauma to the infant.

The Value of Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio for Detecting Early-onset Neonatal Sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between neonate early-onset sepsis (EOS) and the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) of term neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted with term neonates diagnosed with EOS compared with 44 healthy controls. Exclusion criteria were prematurity, postmaturity, small or large for gestational age according to week of pregnancy, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, chorioamnionitis, congenital major anomalies, and cyanotic congenital heart disease. RESULTS: A total of 122 term neonates were included in the study. Of these, 78 were diagnosed with EOS and 44 were healthy controls. Tachycardia and apnea with bradycardia were the most common clinical signs of the onset of EOS in neonates in the EOS group. This group had significantly higher neutrophil counts, axillary temperatures, NLRs, PLRs, C-reactive proteins, and procalcitonin levels compared with the control group. There was a positive association between neutrophil counts, NLR, and PLR in the EOS group. An NLR of 6.76 was determined as the predictive cutoff value of neonate EOS (sensitivity 97.4%; specificity 100%; area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.99; P=0.001). A PLR of 94.05 was determined as the predictive cutoff value of neonate EOS (sensitivity 97.4; specificity 100%; area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.93; P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: NLRs and PLRs were positively correlated with EOS in term neonates, and these ratios can be used as diagnostic adjunct tests for neonate EOS workups.

Critical congenital heart disease screening with a pulse oximetry in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the results of pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) in newborn infants performed at <24 h and >24 h following. METHOD: Measurements were taken for each group at <24 h and >24 h following birth. Echocardiography was performed if the SpO2 readings remained abnormal results. RESULTS: A total of 4518 newborns were included in this prospective descriptive study. Of these, 2484 (60.3%) were delivered vaginally and 1685 (39.7%) by cesarean section. Median time points of the screening were 25.4 (25.3-25.5) vs. 17.3 (12.2-22.4) hours after birth. In 4109 infants screened 24 h after birth, the mean pre- and postductal oxygen saturations (SpO2) were 96.5±1.99 and 97.7±1.98, while 127 infants screened within 24 h of mean preductal and postductal SpO2 were 91.33±2.64 and 94.0±4.44. No CCHD was detected during the study period. Pulse oximetry screening was false positive for CCHD in 9 of 4109 infants (0.02%); of these, six infants were referred to pediatric cardiology and three cases were diagnosed as other significant, non-cardiac pathology. There were two cases with AVSD (atrioventricular septal defect, three cases with ventricular septal defect (VSD), and one case with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). CONCLUSIONS: Saturation values are different between <24-h and >24-h neonates in pulse oximetry screening. The screening in this study identified infants with other important pathologies, this forms an added value as an assessment tool for newborn infants.

Pentoxifylline and Pentaglobin adjuvant therapies for neonatal nosocomial sepsis in neonates less than 1500g weight.

OBJECTIVE: To compare different support therapies in very low birth-weight preterm neonates with nosocomial sepsis. METHODS: This clinical pilot study was conducted at the Bagcilar Research and Training Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey, from September 2015 to November 2016. Preterm infants appropriately sized for a gestational age of < 32 weeks and < 1,500g were included in the study. Pentaglobin was initiated on the day of diagnosis of nosocomial sepsis to very low birth-weight preterm neonates as a support therapy in addition to antibiotics: 5 ml/kg per day of pentaglobin was infused over a four-hour period on three consecutive days. Pentoxifylline (5 mg/kg every 6 hours) was administered to premature infants with sepsis on three successive days. RESULTS: Of the 41 neonates, 19(46.3%) were girls and 22(53.7%) were boys. Vital signs, haematologic tables, peripheral blood smear left shift ratio, and blood-gas parameters did not differ significantly between the groups (p>0.05), but the C-reactive protein (mg/dl) values significantly decreased after pentoxifylline treatment (p<0.05). Coagulase-negative staphylococci were the most frequently isolated bacteria in the two groups (n=4; 19% vs. n=4; 20%). There was no difference in isolated microorganisms. There was no significant difference in intraventricular haemorrhage, necrotising enterocolitis, periventricular leukomalacia or symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in the neonates when comparing the two groups and no systemic reactions were observed during adjuvant therapy in the preterm neonates (p>0.05). The total duration of hospitalisation was 49.46±13.52 days for the pentaglobin group and 44.21±11.1 days for the pentoxifylline group neonates. CONCLUSIONS: Pentoxifylline treatment for nosocomial sepsis decreased C-reactive protein levels and heart rate more than pentaglobin therapy.

Evaluation of the endocrine-disrupting effects of homosalate (HMS) and 2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate (OD-PABA) in rat pups during the prenatal, lactation, and early postnatal periods.

Homosalate (HMS) and 2-ethylhexyl 4-dimethylaminobenzoate (OD-PABA) are ultraviolet filters. We aimed to investigate the effects of dermal exposure to HMS and OD-PABA during the prenatal, lactation, and early infancy periods on pubertal development and thyroid function in male and female rats. The thyroid glands, uteri, testes, prostate glands, and seminal vesicles were excised and weighed, the reproductive organs were analyzed histologically, and the serum hormone levels were measured. In the prenatal period, the thyroxine (T4) levels increased in the female rats in the exposed groups ( p < 0.05); the thyroid weights, reproductive organ weights, and gonadal hormone levels were not altered. In males, the testosterone levels decreased ( p < 0.05), but the thyroid weights, T4 levels, prostate, and testis weights were not changed. In the lactation period, the weights of the thyroid glands increased in the exposed female groups ( p < 0.05), but the T4, gonadal hormone levels, and reproductive organ weights were not changed. In the males, the thyroid gland weights, T4 levels, reproductive organ weights, and gonadal hormone levels were not changed. During infancy, the thyroid gland weights increased in the female rats in the exposed groups ( p < 0.05), but the T4 levels, gonadal hormone levels, and reproductive organ weights were not affected. In the male rats in the exposed groups, the T4 levels were increased ( p < 0.05), but the thyroid and reproductive organ weights, gonadal hormone levels were not affected. Organ histopathology was not affected in all groups. HMS and OD-PABA do not have endocrine disruptor effects on thyroid function and the pubertal development of female and male rats.

Central Hematocrit Levels in Fetal Malnourished Term Infants.

BACKROUND: Fetal malnutrition is especially important for common chronic diseases in adult life. They could potentially be prevented by achieving optimal fetal nutrition. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate hematocrit levels of malnourished, term, appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 80 AGA neonates (between 10% and 90% percentiles interval according to birth week), born with spontaneous vaginal delivery between 37 and 42 weeks of gestation, detected by both last menstrual period and ultrasonography measurements, were included in the study. Neonates with fetal malnutrition constituted the study group and the control group consisted of well-nourished neonates. We analyzed central venous hematocrit levels obtained 4 hours after birth and maternal risk factors for both groups. RESULTS: Although there were no differences in gestational age, head circumference, maternal factors (gravidity, parity, abortions and curettage counts, maternal tobacco use, preeclampsia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus, and history of urinary tract infections), first minute APGAR scores, and sex, Clinical Assessment of Nutritional Status score was lower (29.91±2.87 vs. 21.25±1.65) and hematocrit levels were higher (51.33±2.740 vs. 59.53±5.094) in the fetal malnutrition group (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Central hematocrit levels in malnourished term AGA neonates were found significantly higher than well-nourished term AGA newborns.

La deficiencia de vitamina D y la resistencia a la insulina como factores de riesgo de dislipidemia en niños obesos / Vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance as risk factors for dyslipidemia in obese children

Introducción. La dislipidemia es una de las mayores complicaciones de la obesidad; la deficiencia de vitamina D y la resistencia a la insulina son complicaciones metabólicas que se presentan en niños obesos con dislipidemia. Objetivo. Determinar si la deficiencia de vitamina D y la resistencia a la insulina son factores de riesgo de dislipidemia en niños obesos. Materiales y métodos. Este estudio se llevó a cabo en el Departamento de Pediatría del Hospital Universitario y de Investigación Bagcilar en Estambul, Turquía, entre 2014 y 2015. Se incluyeron en el estudio pacientes obesos de 8 a 14 años de edad. Se midió la concentración sérica de triglicéridos, colesterol total, colesterol de las LDL, colesterol de las HDL, glucemia en ayunas, insulina, alanina aminotransferasa y vitamina D; también se hicieron ecografías hepáticas. La resistencia a la insulina se calculó utilizando el índice de la evaluación del modelo homeostático (HOMA-IR). Resultados. Se incluyeron en el estudio 108 niños obesos, de los cuales 39 (36,11%) padecían dislipidemia. Los valores promedio de glucemia en ayunas (88,74 ± 7,58 frente a 95,31 ± 6,82; p= 0,0001), insulina (14,71 ± 12,44 frente a 24,39 ± 15,02; p= 0,0001) y alanina aminotransferasa (23,45 ± 11,18 frente a 30,4 ± 18,95; p= 0,018) fueron significativamente más altos en los niños con dislipidemia. En los niños obesos con dislipidemia, la tasa promedio de esteatosis hepática y el índice HOMA-IR fueron más altos: 28 niños (71,9%) tuvieron esteatosis hepática y 37 (94,87%), presentaron resistencia a la insulina; las concentraciones de vitamina D fueron <20 ng/ml en el 69,3% de los niños. La deficiencia de vitamina D fue notablemente más frecuente (p= 0,033). El análisis de regresión multivariante confirmó que el aumento del índice HOMA-IR (p= 0,015) y el bajo nivel de vitamina D (p= 0,04) fueron factores importantes de riesgo de dislipidemia. Conclusión. En los niños obesos de nuestra región se observanbajas concentraciones de vitamina D y aumento del índice HOMA-IR, ambos factores de riesgo significativos para la dislipidemia.

Introduction. Dyslipidemia is one of the major complications of obesity; vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance are attending metabolic complications in dyslipidemic obese children. Objective. To determine if vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance are risk factors for dyslipidemia in obese children. Materials and Methods. This study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey between 2014 and 2015. Obese patients whose age range was 8-14 were included in the study. The serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose, insulin, alanine aminotransferase, vitamin D levels were measured; a liver ultrasonography was performed. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR), was used to calculate insulin resistance. Results. 108 obese children were included; 39 (36.11%) had dyslipidemia. The average fasting blood glucose (88.74 ± 7.58 vs. 95.31 ± 6.82; p= 0.0001), insulin level (14.71 ± 12.44 vs. 24.39 ± 15.02; p= 0.0001) and alanine aminotransferase level (23.45 ± 11.18 vs. 30.4 ± 18.95; p= 0.018) were significantly higher in the children with dyslipidemia. In the dyslipidemic obese children, the average hepatosteatosis rate and HOMA-IR level were higher; 28 (71.9%) had hepatosteatosis, 37 (94.87%) had insulin resistance; the vitamin D levels were <20 ng/ml in 69.3%. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common (p= 0.033). The multivariate regression analysis confirmed that the increase in the HOMA-IR level (p= 0.015) and the low vitamin D level (p= 0.04) were important risk factors for dyslipidemia. Conclusion. Obese children in our region exhibit low vitamin D and increased HOMA-IR levels, which are efficient risk factors of dyslipidemia.

Vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance as risk factors for dyslipidemia in obese children. / La deficiencia de vitamina D y la resistencia a la insulina como factores de riesgo de dislipidemia en niños obesos.

INTRODUCTION: Dyslipidemia is one of the major complications of obesity; vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance are attending metabolic complications in dyslipidemic obese children. Objective. To determine if vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance are risk factors for dyslipidemia in obese children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics at Bagcilar Training and Research Hospital in Istanbul, Turkey between 2014 and 2015. Obese patients whose age range was 8-14 were included in the study. The serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, highdensity lipoprotein cholesterol, fasting glucose, insulin, alanine aminotransferase, vitamin D levels were measured; a liver ultrasonography was performed. Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR), was used to calculate insulin resistance. RESULTS: 108 obese children were included; 39 (36.11%) had dyslipidemia. The average fasting blood glucose (88.74 ± 7.58 vs. 95.31 ± 6.82; p= 0.0001), insulin level (14.71 ± 12.44 vs. 24.39 ± 15.02; p= 0.0001) and alanine aminotransferase level (23.45 ± 11.18 vs. 30.4 ± 18.95; p= 0.018) were significantly higher in the children with dyslipidemia. In the dyslipidemic obese children, the average hepatosteatosis rate and HOMA-IR level were higher; 28 (71.9%) had hepatosteatosis, 37 (94.87%) had insulin resistance; the vitamin D levels were <20 ng/ml in 69.3%. Vitamin D deficiency was significantly more common (p= 0.033). The multivariate regression analysis confirmed that the increase in the HOMA-IR level (p= 0.015) and the low vitamin D level (p= 0.04) were important risk factors for dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: Obese children in our region exhibit low vitamin D and increased HOMA-IR levels, which are efficient risk factors of dyslipidemia.

La dislipidemia es una de las mayores complicaciones de la obesidad; la deficiencia de vitamina D y la resistencia a la insulina son complicaciones metabólicas que se presentan en niños obesos con dislipidemia. Objetivo. Determinar si la deficiencia de vitamina D y la resistencia a la insulina son factores de riesgo de dislipidemia en niños obesos.

Pentoxifylline Treatment of Very Low Birth Weight Neonates with Nosocomial Sepsis.

Objective The objective of this study was to assess the result of intravenous pentoxifylline as an adjunct to antibiotic therapy on mortality and morbidity in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm neonates with nosocomial sepsis. Methods For the 18 VLBW preterm neonates, as an adjunct therapy to antibiotics regimens, pentoxifylline (5 mg/kg/h for 6 hours) was administered to premature infants with sepsis on 3 successive days. Clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded before and after treatment. Results Following pentoxifylline therapy, the immature-to-total neutrophil ratio and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly decreased, while the blood pH and base excess were significantly increased (p < 0.05). The axillary temperature, noninvasive blood pressure, hemoglobin, leukocyte, and thrombocyte values did not significantly differ after treatment (p > 0.05). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) (32%), Streptococcus hominis (7.3%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (5.3%), and Candida parapsilosis (3.1%) were identified in the blood cultures. There were no short-term morbidities (intraventricular hemorrhages, necrotizing enterocolitis, periventricular leukomalacia, and patent ductus arteriosus), no adverse effects, and no mortalities during or after the pentoxifylline therapy in the preterm neonate participants. Conclusion The CRP levels and heart rate both decreased, while the pH and base excess parameters of the blood gas analysis changed positively after pentoxifylline treatment in VLBW preterm neonates with nosocomial sepsis.

Potential of Serum and Urinary Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 Levels for the Early Detection of Renal Involvement in Children With Henoch-Schönlein Purpura.

BACKGROUND: Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is an enzyme implicated in the pathogenesis of renal diseases. Renal involvement is the principal cause of morbidity and mortality in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HSP). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether serum and urinary MMP-9 levels are associated with renal involvement in HSP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 40 children with HSP (patient group) and 27 healthy volunteer children (control group). The patient group was divided into two subgroups based on the presence or absence of nephritis. Nephritis was defined as the existence of hematuria and/or proteinuria. All anthropometric data, physical examination findings, blood pressure, and laboratory parameters were recorded. The serum and urine samples were analyzed to determine the MMP-9 levels three days after the initial phase of the disease. RESULTS: The mean age was 7.65 ± 3.41 (range 2 - 16) years in the patient group and 9.52 ± 3.91 (range 2 - 16) years in the control group. Henoch-Schonlein purpura nephritis (HSPN) was identified in eight patients. There was no significant difference in the serum MMP-9 levels between the HSPN subgroup and the controls (P > 0.05). However, there were significant differences in the urinary MMP-9 levels between the HSP subgroup and the control group (P < 0.05), with the urinary MMP-9 levels being significantly higher in patients in the HSP subgroup (P = 0.001). Further, the urinary MMP-9 levels were significantly higher in the patients with nephritis than in the patients without nephritis (P = 0.001) and the controls (P = 0.001). The optimal cut-off point (sensitivity; specificity) of the urinary MMP-9 level for the diagnosis of HSPN was 94.7 pg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: The levels of MMP-9 in the urine were remarkably high in patients with HSPN. This non-invasive marker may therefore be an important indicator for the early diagnosis of nephritis in children with HSP.