Mean platelet volume/count and mortality in extremely low birth weight infants of preeclamptic mothers

Purpose: To compare complete blood count (CBC) parameters in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants born to mothers with and without preeclampsia and to evaluate whether these parameters could be used to determine the prognosis of infants born to mothers with preeclampsia. Method: Thirty-eight infants of preeclamptic mothers (IPM) and 77 infants of non-preeclamptic mothers (INPM) were included in the study. The CBC parameters of ELBW infants were evaluated at the sixth hour of life. Results: The mean hemoglobin level of the IPM group was higher than the INPM group (16.4±2.4 vs 15.3±2.4; p=0.02). The mean platelet count of the IPM Group was significantly lower than the INPM group (168±65 vs 206±78; p=0.008). Overall and 7th day of life survival of infants were not different between the groups, but there was a correlation between platelet count of the IPM group and mortality in the first 7 days of life and overall mortality (r=-0.38, p=0.023 and r=-0.36, p=0.029). A cut-off point of 0.4 had significant predictive value for mortality (sensitivity of 91%, specificity of 66%). Conclusion: Hemoglobin and platelet counts were statistically different in ELBW infants born to preeclamptic mothers compared with non-preeclamptic mothers. Although the survival was not different between the two groups, platelet count and MPV/platelet count ratio were significantly correlated with overall mortality and mortality in the first 7 days of life in infants of preeclamptic mothers

Prognostic value of amplitude-integrated electroencephalography in neonates with hypernatremic dehydration

Conclusion: The follow-up of newborns after discharge is key to determine the risks associated with hypernatremic dehydration. Our results suggest that hypernatremic dehydration had no impact on the long-term outcome. In addition, continuous aEEG monitoring could provide information regarding early prognosis and mortality

Factors associated with breastfeeding initiation time in a Baby-Friendly Hospital

Orun E, Yalcin SS, Madendag Y, Ustunyurt-Eras Z, Kutluk S, Yurdakok K. Factors associated with breastfeeding initiation time in a Baby-Friendly Hospital. Turk J Pediatr 2010; 52: 10-16

The association of early postnatal weight loss with outcome in extremely low birth weight infants

Background: To compare outcomes of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants having different weight losses in the first 3 days of life. Methods: One hundred and twenty six ELBW infants were evaluated retrospectively for weight loss percentages on the third day of life compared to their birth weight. We examined the weight loss on the third day of life compared to the birth weight for the ELBW infants and tested its association with mortality and morbidities. The mortality was subgrouped as overall mortality and mortality in the first 7 days of life. The morbidities were patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). BPD was defined as need for supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks’ postconceptional age. We grouped the infants into four quartiles according to weight loss percentage on the third day of life: Group 1 (Quartile 1), infants with weight loss of 0–3% of birth weight; Group 2 (Quartile 2); infants with weight loss of 3.1–7.5%, Group 3 (Quartile 3), infants with weight loss of 7.51–12%; and Group 4 (Quartile 4), infants with weight loss of more than 12%. The mortality and morbidities were analyzed according to these groups and other risk factors. Results: Overall mortality and mortality in the first 7 days of life were significantly higher in Groups 1 (36% and 27%) and 4 (43% and 24%), compared to Groups 2 (10% and 10%) and 3 (18% and 9%), respectively. Conclusion: Weight loss less than 3% and more than 12% was significantly associated with an increase in mortality. There was a positive correlation between weight loss on the third day of life and IVH. Conclusion: Inappropriate weight loss in ELBW infants is associated with increased mortality and IVH. Appropriate weight loss can improve outcomes in this population. Key Words: ELBW, weight loss, premature, neonat