Multipotent stem cells of mother's milk

In recent years the presence of stem cells (hBSCs: human breastmilkderived stem cells) and epithelial progenitors has been demonstrated in mother’s milk (MM). Stem cells present in samples of fresh MM exhibit a high degree of vitality and this makes possible the performance of cell cultures and to evaluate the differentiation capacity of the hBSCs. The most important datum that expresses the enormous potential of the use of MM stem cells is the presence of a cell population capable of differentiating into the three mesoderm, endoderm and ectoderm lines. The small number of studies and MM samples analyzed and the different sampling methods applied suggest standardization in the collection, analysis and culture of MM in future studies, in consideration of the well-known extreme variability of MM composition, also from the standpoint of cells. The analysis of literature data confirms the uniqueness of MM and its enormous potential

[Acute pyelonephritis in the neonatal period] [Article in Italian] • Pielonefrite acuta in epoca neonatale

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) represent one of the most common pathological conditions in children. It is estimated that even in the countries with the most advanced health care programmes, such as the United States and Europe, UTIs represent the most common serious infections in pediatrics. In the earliest stages of life, UTIs represent the most common febrile illness, although the non specific clinical presentation often leads to diagnostic underestimation. Neonatal UTIs surely represent a special case among pediatric UTIs and need specific considerations and separate treatment with respect to later age: it is no coincidence that the main national and international guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of UTIs, such as those issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and by the Working Group of the Italian Society of Pediatric Nephrology, exclude from their indications the newborn and the infant under two months of age. Low gestational age, low birth weight, association with malformative uropathies are considered specific risk factors. Breastfeeding has a protective effect. E. coli is the major responsible of UTI in term newborns and infants, followed by K. pneumoniae, Proteus spp., E. cloacae. Finally, Candida spp. is very important in hospitalized children. Treatment includes the combination of ampicillin plus an aminoglycoside (frequently gentamicin). The article shows the main aspects of the urinary tract infections in the neonatal period and a review of the most recent literature on the subject. Articoli Selezionati del “3° Convegno Pediatrico del Medio Campidano” · Guspini · 25 Maggio 2013 Guest Editor: Roberto Antonucc

Acute kidney injury in neonatal age

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a pathology characterized by a sudden decrease in kidney function that results in the accumulation of nitrogenous waste products and alteration of the regulation of extracellular fluid volume, electrolytes, and acid-base homeostasis. Previously known as acute renal failure (ARF), in the most recent classifications the term “failure” is used only in conditions requiring renal replacement therapy, peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. The diagnosis and therapy of AKI, especially in the neonatal period, still present great difficulties and are the subject of ongoing research in the attempt to improve the prognosis of a pathology still featuring high rates of morbidity and mortality.   Proceedings of the International Course on Perinatal Pathology (part of the 10th International Workshop on Neonatology · October 22nd-25th, 2014) · Cagliari (Italy) · October 25th, 2014 · The role of the clinical pathological dialogue in problem solving Guest Editors: Gavino Faa, Vassilios Fanos, Peter Van Eyke

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia: physiopathology and management

Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) is the most frequent arrhythmia in newborns and infants. Most supraventricular tachycardias affect structurally healthy hearts. Apart from occasional detection by parents, most tachycardias in this age group are revealed by heart failure signs, such as poor feeding, sweating and shortness of breath. The main symptom reported by school-age children is palpitations. The chronic tachycardia causes a secondary form of dilative cardiomyopathy. Treatment of acute episode usually has an excellent outcome. Vagal manoeuvres are effective in patients with atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia. Adenosine is the drug of choice at all ages for tachycardias involving the atrioventricular node. Its key advantage is its short half life and minimum or no negative inotropic effects. Verapamil is not indicated in newborns and children as it poses a high risk of electromechanical dissociation. Antiarrhythmic prophylaxis of PSVT recurrence is usually recommended in the first year of life, because the diagnosis of tachycardia may be delayed up to the appearance of symptoms. Digoxin can be administered in all forms of PSVT involving the atrioventricular node, except for patients with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome below one year of age. Patients with atrioventricular reentrant PSVT can be treated effectively by class Ic drugs, such as propaphenone and flecainide. Amiodarone has the greatest antiarrhythmic effect, but should be used with caution owing to the high incidence of side effects.   Proceedings of the 10th International Workshop on Neonatology · Cagliari (Italy) · October 22nd-25th, 2014 · The last ten years, the next ten years in Neonatology Guest Editors: Vassilios Fanos, Michele Mussap, Gavino Faa, Apostolos Papageorgio