Results of a Zika Virus (ZIKV) Immunoglobulin M-Specific Diagnostic Assay Are Highly Correlated With Detection of Neutralizing Anti-ZIKV Antibodies in Neonates With Congenital Disease.

BACKGROUND:  Usually, immunoglobulin M (IgM) serologic analysis is not sufficiently specific to confirm Zika virus (ZIKV) infection. However, since IgM does not cross the placenta, it may be a good marker of infection in neonates. METHODS:  We tested blood from 42 mothers and neonates with microcephaly and collected cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from 30 neonates. Molecular assays were performed for detection of ZIKV, dengue virus, and chikungunya virus; IgM enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and plaque-reduction neutralization tests (PRNTs) were performed to detect ZIKV and dengue virus. No control neonates without microcephaly were evaluated. RESULTS:  Among neonates, all 42 tested positive for ZIKV IgM: 38 of 42 serum specimens (90.5%) were positive, whereas 30 of 30 CSF specimens (100%) were positive. ZIKV IgM-specific ELISA ratios, calculated as the mean optical density (OD) of the test sample when reacted on viral antigen divided by the mean OD of the negative control when reacted with viral antigen, were higher in CSF specimens (median, 14.9 [range, 9.3-16.4]) than in serum (median, 8.9 [range, 2.1-20.6]; P = .0003). All ZIKV IgM-positive results among the neonates were confirmed by the detection of neutralizing antibodies. Mother/neonate pairs with primary ZIKV infection had neutralizing antibodies to ZIKV only, and mother/neonate pairs with ZIKV virus infection secondary to infection with another flavivirus had high titers of neutralizing antibodies to ZIKV. Among secondary infections, median titers in serum were 2072 (range, 232-12 980) for mothers and 2730 (range, 398-12 980) for neonates (P < .0001), and the median titer in CSF was 93 (range, 40-578) among neonates (P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS:  Among neonates, detection of ZIKV IgM in serum is confirmatory of congenital ZIKV infection, and detection of ZIKV IgM in CSF is confirmatory of neurologic infection. Therefore, we recommend testing for ZIKV IgM in neonates suspected of having congenital ZIKV infection and performance of PRNTs in equivocal cases

Eventos adversos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal

Estudo observacional, prospectivo, para determinar a incidência de eventos adversos (EAs) em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN). Utilizou-se um "instrumento" específico, adaptado do modelo americano utilizado pela Rede Vermont-Oxford. Dos 218 recém-nascidos, 183 (84%) apresentaram EAs, correspondendo a 2,6 EA/paciente. Distúrbios da termorregulação (29%), distúrbios da glicemia (17,1%) e Infecção Relacionada à Assistência à Saúde (IRAS) de origem hospitalar (13,5%) foram os mais frequentes. Alguns EAs apresentaram associação com peso de nascimento (p < 0,05). O percentual de IRAS e a extubação não programada foi diretamente proporcional ao tempo de internamento. A incidência de EAs em UTIN é elevada entre os recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso. A qualidade da assistência torna-se primordial na elaboração das estratégias preventivas

Avaliação do impacto da corticoterapia antenatal para aceleração da maturidade pulmonar fetal nos recém-nascidos em maternidade-escola brasileira Impact of antenatal corticosteroid therapy for the acceleration of fetal lung maturation in neonates at a teaching hospital in Brazil

OBJETIVOS: avaliar os efeitos da corticoterapia antenatal na incidência da síndrome do desconforto respiratório do recém-nascido (SDRN), outras morbidades e óbito em neonatos prematuros atendidos em maternidade-escola (IMIP) no Brasil. MÉTODOS: realizou-se estudo analítico, observacional, tipo coorte, analisando a evolução de 155 recém-nascidos (RN) de mulheres internadas no IMIP com parto prematuro, sendo que 78 receberam corticóide e 77 não receberam, verificando-se o esquema utilizado, a incidência de SDRN, e outras morbidades associadas com prematuridade e morte neonatal, entre fevereiro e novembro de 2001. Determinou-se a razão de risco e seu intervalo de confiança a 95% para SDRN e os diversos desfechos neonatais (variáveis dependentes), de acordo com o uso ou não de corticóide antenatal (variável independente). RESULTADOS: a corticoterapia foi administrada a 50,3% das pacientes (64% receberam esquema completo e 36% esquema incompleto). A incidência de SDRN foi significantemente menor entre os RN cujas mães receberam corticóide (37,2%) em relação às que não receberam (63,6%). Não houve redução no risco das morbidades associadas à prematuridade. Verificou-se redução no risco de morte (39%) e na freqüência de oxigenoterapia (37%), sem diferença no tempo de oxigenoterapia ou de hospitalização. Após análise de regressão logística múltipla, observou-se redução no risco de SDRN de 72% para o uso de corticóide e aumento de sete vezes neste risco para os RN com idade gestacional menor que 32 semanas. CONCLUSÕES: verificou-se impacto favorável da corticoterapia antenatal, com redução significativa da SDRN na idade gestacional entre 26 e 35 semanas. Embora não tenha se verificado redução de outras morbidades, isso pode ter sido devido ao pequeno tamanho da amostra.<br>PURPOSE: to evaluate the effects of antenatal corticosteroid treatment on the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), neonatal morbidities, and mortality in preterm babies assisted at IMIP, a teaching hospital in Brazil. METHODS: this was an observational, analytical, cohort study which included 155 newborns from women who delivered prematurely. The study was conducted between February and November 2001 and included 78 women in the corticosteroid-treated group and 77 in the nontreated group. The study design included the incidence of RDS, assessment of morbidities related to prematurity and tabulation of neonatal mortality. The risk ratio and its 95% confidence interval were determined for estimation of the relative risk for RDS and neonatal outcome (dependent variables) according to antenatal corticoid therapy administration (independent variable). RESULTS: corticosteroid treatment was administered to 50.3% of the patients (64% of the women received the full treatment course, while 36% of the same group received a partial course of treatment). The incidence of RDS was significantly lower in the corticosteroid treated group (37.2%) compared with the nontreated group (63.6%). There was no observable decrease in the risk for morbidities associated with prematurity. There was a decrease in mortality and in the frequency of supplemental oxygen therapy in the corticosteroid group (37%). On multiple logical regression analysis, there was a 72% reduction in the risk for RDS in the corticosteroid group, and approximately a seven times greater risk for RDS in babies of gestational age below 32 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: a favorable impact of antenatal corticosteroid administration was observed, with significant reduction of the risk for RDS in patients with gestational age between 26 and 35 weeks. Although no effect on the other morbidities was observed, this can be explained by the small size of the sample

Association of arthrogryposis in neonates with microcephaly due to Zika virus - a case serie

Abstract Introduction: in 2015 an increasing number of congenital microcephaly cases were associated to maternal infection due to Zika virus. Some of these patients presented other alterations and arthrogryposis was the most frequently found. Arthrogryposis is defined as congenital joint contractures involving at least two different areas of the body. Description: arthrogryposis was found in 18 patients with congenital microcephaly due to Zika virus. 67% of the cases were vaginal deliveries. 50% of resuscitation performed in the delivery room was necessary. The mean birth weight was 2.371g, gestational age was 39 weeks and the head circumference was 28.3cm, 15 (83%) of these patients presented severe microcephaly. All the neonates resulted in concomitant hip joints and some also had knees, ankles and wrists affected. Nine neonates (50%) presented an early respiratory distress and four (22%) died due to respiratory failure. Discussion: the neurological result found in patients with Congenital Zika Syndrome seems to be associated to the maternal infection period. During the early stages of embryogenesis, in addition to microcephaly, could be related to the peripheral motor nerves leading to fetal akinesia, joint stiffness and arthrogryposis. These neonates tend to present greater morbimortality with the worst prognosis

Unilateral Phrenic Nerve Palsy in Infants with Congenital Zika Syndrome

Since the first identification of neonatal microcephaly cases associated with congenital Zika virus infection in Brazil in 2015, a distinctive constellation of clinical features of congenital Zika syndrome has been described. Fetal brain disruption sequence is hypothesized to underlie the devastating effects of the virus on the central nervous system. However, little is known about the effects of congenital Zika virus infection on the peripheral nervous system. We describe a series of 4 cases of right unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis in infants with congenital Zika syndrome suggesting peripheral nervous system involvement and Zika virus as a unique congenital infectious cause of this finding. All the patients described also had arthrogryposis (including talipes equinovarus) and died from complications related to progressive respiratory failure

Factors associated with red blood cell transfusions in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants in Brazilian neonatal units

Preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units frequently receive red blood cells (RBC) transfusions due to the anemia of prematurity. A number of variables related to gestational age, severity of illness and transfusion practices adopted in the neonatal unit where the neonate was born may contribute to the prescription of RBC transfusions. This study aimed to analyse the frequency and factors associated with RBC transfusions in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants. A prospective cohort of 4283 preterm infants (gestational age: 29.9 ± 2.9 weeks; birth weight: 1084 ± 275 g) carried out at 16 university hospitals in Brazil between January 2009 and December 2011 was analysed. Factors associated with RBC transfusions were evaluated using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. A total of 2208 (51.6%) infants received RBC transfusions (variation per neonatal unit: 34.1% to 66.4%). RBC transfusions were significantly associated with gestational age (OR: -1.098; 95%CI: -1.12 to -1.04), SNAPPE II score (1.01; 1.00-1.02), apnea (1.69; 1.34-2.14), pulmonary hemorrhage (2.65; 1.74-4.031), need for oxygen at 28 days of life (1.56; 1.17-2.08), clinical sepsis (3.22; 2.55-4.05), necrotising enterocolitis (3.80; 2.26-6.41), grades III/IV intraventricular hemorrhage (1.64; 1.05-2.58), mechanical ventilation (2.27; 1.74-2.97), use of umbilical catheter (1.86; 1.35-2.57), parenteral nutrition (2.06; 1.27-3.33), >60 days of hospitalization (5.29; 4.02-6.95) and the neonatal unit where the neonate was born. The frequency of RBC transfusions varied among neonatal intensive care units. Even after adjusting for adverse health conditions and therapeutic interventions, the neonatal unit continued to influence transfusion practices in very-low birth-weight infants

Early Empiric Antibiotic Use Is Associated With Delayed Feeding Tolerance in Preterm Infants: A Retrospective Analysis

The causative factors of neonatal feeding intolerance are poorly understood, but potentially related to clinical practices such as empiric antibiotic usage. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether early empiric antibiotic exposure negatively affects preterm infants' enteral feeding tolerance. Data from infants without risk factors for sepsis, 500 to 1499 g birth weight and 24 to 34 weeks gestational age were analyzed. The primary outcomes were the empiric antibiotic exposure effects on the infants' total parenteral nutrition usage duration and prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Among the 901 infants included, 67 were exposed to early empiric antibiotic. A 50% increase in parenteral nutrition usage duration and a 4-fold greater prevalence of NEC was seen in the early empiric antibiotic-exposed neonates, when compared with control infants (P<0.01). Early empiric antibiotic exposure appears to negatively influence preterm infant feeding tolerance and possibly contributes to NEC.Brazilian Ministry of HealthUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med Ribeirao Preto, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Fac Med Sau Paulo, Sao Paulo, BrazilUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Sao Paulo, BrazilInst Med Integral Prof Fernando Figueira IMIP, Recife, PE, BrazilUniv Fed Maranhao, Hosp Univ, Sao Luis, BrazilUniv Estadual Campinas, Fac Ciencias Med, Sao Paulo, BrazilUNESP, Fac Med Botucatu, Botucatu, SP, BrazilFiocruz MS, Inst Fernandes Figueira, Rio De Janeiro, BrazilPUC Porto Alegre, Fac Med, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilUniv Fed Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, BrazilUniv Estado Rio De Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, BrazilUniv Fed Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Fed Uberlandia, Uberlandia, MG, BrazilFac Ciencias Med Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, BrazilUniv Sao Paulo, Hosp Univ, Sao Paulo, BrazilHosp Estadual Sumare, Sumare, BrazilHosp Geral Pirajussara, Taboao De Serra, BrazilHosp Estadual Diadema, Diadema, BrazilUniv Estadual Londrina, Londrina, BrazilUniv Fed Parana, Curitiba, Parana, BrazilUniv Toronto, Toronto, ON, CanadaUniv Fed Sao Paulo, Escola Paulista Med, Sao Paulo, BrazilBrazilian Ministry of HealthWeb of Scienc