Adrenal haemorrhage in term neonates: a retrospective study from the period 2001-2013

Abstract Objective: To assess the incidence, risk factors and clinical presentations of neonatal adrenal haemorrhage (NAH) in uncomplicated, singleton and term deliveries. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 26 416 term neonates delivered between 2001 and 2013, and screened with abdominal ultrasonography. Results: Of the 26 416 neonates, 74 (0.28%) displayed NAH; the male/female ratio was 1.55:1. Vaginal delivery was significantly more frequent than caesarean section among them (71 versus 3; 95.9% versus 4.1%). Unilateral bleeding occurred on the right side in 36 (48.7%), and on the left in 34 (45.9%), without a significant difference; bilateral haematomas were found in four cases (5.4%). The most common risk factors were macrosomia (16, 21.6%) and fetal acidaemia (23, 31%), while four (5.4%) neonates exhibited pathological acidaemia. Clinical presentations included jaundice in 37 (50%), anaemia in six (8.1%) and an adrenal insufficiency in only one (1.3%) case. In three cases, neuroblastoma was diagnosed. Conclusions: Vaginal delivery, macrosomia and fetal acidaemia are the most important risk factors for NAH. The adrenal glands on both sides were similarly involved. In the healthy neonates with NAH, the clinical presentations were mild, with spontaneous regression. Differentiation of NAH from tumours is of considerable importance

A cross-sectional study of newborns over a 20-year period in Szeged, Hungary

Abstract Objective: Records of metric data of birth, serve not only the medical needs of the newborn baby, but are also indicators to assess the status of public health. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 4946 newborns (singleton: 2508 boys and 2365 girls) born in 1989 and in 2009 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the University of Szeged. We aimed as to compare and map the metrical changes over 20 years, and to describe the averages of four body parameters of the normal birth weight (2500-4000 g) subgroup (3993 singleton babies) in both years. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 17.0. Results: In 1989, the mean birth weight was 3223.770 +/- 559.595 g, birth length 49.551 +/- 2.729 cm, chest circumference 32.181 +/- 2.231 cm, and head circumference 34.122 +/- 1.688 cm. In 2009, the birth weight was 3309.673 +/- 582.630 g, birth length 49.515 +/- 2.658 cm, chest circumference 32.736 +/- 2.392 cm and head circumference 33.854 +/- 1.768 cm. The mean birth weight, chest circumference and the maximum value of birth weight have thus increased. The mean maternal age shifted to 30.21 +/- 4.863 years, which is an increase of 3.57 years in 20 years. Conclusion: The body parameters of newborns changed significantly between 1989 and 2009. As underlying causes changes in eating habits and lifestyle of the mother are to be mentioned