Vasodilatory prostaglandins in perinatal hypoxic brain damage.

Prostaglandin (PGE2 and PGI2) synthesis was determined in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 19 hypoxic neonates at the age of 5-96 hours by using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method. Control group consisted of 8 children of the same age whose samples were taken due to initial suspicion of neonatal meningitis. The prostaglandin concentrations in CSF were correlated with initial hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) stage and neurological findings of patients at the age of 12 months. The values of PGE2 and PGI2 in the CSF of children with perinatal hypoxia (PNH) were significantly higher than in the children from the control group. The values of PGI2 in serum were significantly higher than in "CSF" of patients with PNH. Although average values of PGE2 and PGI2 in the liquor were higher in children with advanced stage of HIE, the differences between different stages were not statistically significant. We did not find any significant correlation between average concentrations ofprostaglandins and neurological findings of the 12-month-old children.

Breastfeeding practices in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina: cross-sectional self-report study.

AIM: To investigate breastfeeding practices among mothers of infants in the city of Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. METHODS: The cross-sectional self-report study was conducted among 326 mothers of infants visiting the Advisory Center for Infants at the Medical Center in Mostar and at the Children's Department of Mostar University Hospital between January and May 2003. The data were collected from mothers by trained interviewers using a structured interview. In addition to demographic data, mothers were inquired about the frequency of breastfeeding, use of commercial infant food products, and the reasons for the termination of breastfeeding. RESULTS: According to mothers' statements, 85%, 70%, 44%, and 8% infants were breastfed at the age of 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Significantly more infants aged < or =3 months were breast feed than not. Infant formula was given to 31%, 43%, 85%, and 62% of infants aged 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Cow milk was given to 19% of 6-month-old infants, and the proportion of infants fed with cow milk increased with age. Tea and water were often added to the infant diet. The most frequently stated reason for the termination of breastfeeding was the lack of breast milk. Decision whether to breast feed or not was made by the mothers themselves, in 85% of cases before the delivery. Only 27% of mothers received advice on breastfeeding from the medical personnel. CONCLUSION: The number of breastfed infants decreased with their age, especially after 3 months of age. Infant formulas and cow milk were introduced into infant diet very early. The reasons stated for the termination of breastfeeding reflected unawareness of the indications for ablactation and advantages of breastfeeding. Young mothers should be better educated on breastfeeding.