Evaluation of Neonates with Ventriculitis

Backgroud: Neonatal meningitis and ventriculitis still remain a problem with high mortality in spite of systemic and intraventricular antibiotics. Ventriculitis due to repeated taps is a serious problem of posthemorragic hydrocephalus in preterm infants. Methods: In this study, we evaluated 16 infants with ventriculitis followed at Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between January 1999-December 2004. Results: Mean gestational week was 33± 5 (25-40) weeks and mean birth weight was 2096 ± 912 (980-3500) grams. Venticulitis was diagnosed at 38 ± 22 days. Eleven of the infants had intraventricular hemorrhage and 15 had hydrocephalus, 5 of whom had congenital hydrocephalus. Drainage of CSF was performed by taps in 13 infants. Gram negative microorganisms (Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa) were predominating in cultures. Both intravenous and intraventricular antibiotic treatment was performed according to the cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Vancomycine and amicasine as intraventricular therapy were performed for 28 ±17 days. Cerebrospinal fluid protein levels increased significantly at 8 infant during intraventricular therapy. Mean cerebrospinal fluid protein at the begining of intraventricular treatment was 624.1± 429.1 (109-1330) mg/dl while on 14th day of treatment it was 993.7± 582.2 (89-1750) mg/dl. Seven of the infants were ventriculoperitoneal shunted 6 of them were reinfected. Seven of the infants were died during treatment, 1 infant with ventriculoperitoneal shunt was treated and 8 infants were discharged during treatment because of parents’ refusal of therapy. Conclusion: Despite the new treatment regimens, the ventriculitis still remains a problem because of nonstandardized practice in neonatal care. [Cukurova Med J 2013; 38(4.000): 553-558

The activity and kinetics of pyruvate kinase in hypoxic newborns (vol 22, pg 567, 2005)

WOS: 000247875700011

The Turkish Neonatal Society proposal for the management of COVID-19 in the neonatal intensive care unit

Due to immaturity of immune function and the possibility of motherfetal vertical and aerosol transmissions, neonates are particularly susceptible to the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). Perinatal-neonatal departments should cooperate closely and take integrated approaches, and neonatal intensive care units (NICU) should prepare emergency plans for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as far as possible, so as to ensure the optimal management and treatment of potential victims. During the epidemic of COVID-19, the emergency response plan for the NICU should be based on the actual situation, including diagnosis, isolation, and treatment, as well as available equipment and staffing, and take into account the psychosocial needs of the families and neonatal care staff. In this context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Turkish Neonatal Society has proposed a protocol with the evidence available at the time of preparation to handle neonates with SARS-CoV-2 infections and outbreaks in NICUs. We hope that this proposal can provide valuable information so medical workers do not have to enter the battlefield alone. At this moment, sharing resources, experiences and lessons, regardless of who you are, is our only chance to win

Original Article The prevalence and diagnostic criteria of health-care associated infections in neonatal intensive care units in Turkey: A multicenter point- prevalence study

Background: Healthcare-acquired infections (HAIs) in the neonatal period cause substantial morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Our purpose was to determine the prevalence of HAIs, antimicrobial susceptibility of causative agents, and the adaptivity of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria in neonatal HAI diagnosis