Predicting deaths in a resource-limited neonatal intensive care unit in Nepal.

Background: This study aimed to determine whether the Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP) scoring system (SNAP II) and with perinatal extension (SNAP II PE) can be used to predict neonatal deaths in a resource-limited neonatal intensive care unit in Nepal. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Kanti Children's Hospital in Kathmandu, Nepal. Data required for the SNAP II and SNAP II PE scores were collected. The relationships between the SNAP II and SNAP II PE scores and neonatal mortality were analyzed. Results: There were 135 neonates admitted during the 6 month study period, of whom 126 met the inclusion criteria. Of these 126 neonates, 29 (23.0%) died. Mortality was 83% (5/6) when SNAP II was >40, and 66.7% (6/9) when SNAP II PE was >50. A SNAP II score of ≥12 had a sensitivity of 75.9%, and specificity of 73.2% for predicting mortality, and a SNAP II PE score of ≥14 had a sensitivity of 82.8% and specificity of 67.0% for it. Conclusions: SNAP II and SNAP II PE scoring of neonates can be used to predict prognosis of neonates in resource-limited NICUs in Nepal.

A preliminary randomized double blind placebo-controlled trial of intravenous immunoglobulin for Japanese encephalitis in Nepal.

BACKGROUND: Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus (JEV) is a mosquito-borne flavivirus found across Asia that is closely related to West Nile virus. There is no known antiviral treatment for any flavivirus. Results from in vitro studies and animal models suggest intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) containing virus-specific neutralizing antibody may be effective in improving outcome in viral encephalitis. IVIG's anti-inflammatory properties may also be beneficial. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We performed a pilot feasibility randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of IVIG containing anti-JEV neutralizing antibody (ImmunoRel, 400mg/kg/day for 5 days) in children with suspected JE at two sites in Nepal; we also examined the effect on serum neutralizing antibody titre and cytokine profiles. 22 children were recruited, 13 of whom had confirmed JE; 11 received IVIG and 11 placebo, with no protocol violations. One child (IVIG group) died during treatment and two (placebo) subsequently following hospital discharge. Overall, there was no difference in outcome between treatment groups at discharge or follow up. Passive transfer of anti-JEV antibody was seen in JEV negative children. JEV positive children treated with IVIG had JEV-specific neutralizing antibody titres approximately 16 times higher than those treated with placebo (p=0.2), which was more than could be explained by passive transfer alone. IL-4 and IL-6 were higher in the IVIG group. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: A trial of IVIG for JE in Nepal is feasible. IVIG may augment the development of neutralizing antibodies in JEV positive patients. IVIG appears an appealing option for JE treatment that warrants further study. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01856205.