Flow-resistive loading and diaphragmatic muscle function in term and preterm infants.

Purpose: We aimed to assess diaphragmatic function in term and preterm infants with and without history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), before and after the application of inspiratory flow resistive loading.

Methods: Forty infants of a median (range) gestational age of 34 (25-40) weeks were studied. BPD was defined as supplemental oxygen requirement for >28 days of life.

Diaphragmatic muscle function in term and preterm infants.

We aimed to assess the determinants of diaphragmatic function in term and preterm infants. 149 infants (56 term; 93 preterm, of whom 14 were diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia-BPD) were studied before discharge. Diaphragmatic function was assessed by measurement of the maximum transdiaphragmatic pressure (Pdimax)-a measure of diaphragmatic strength, and the pressure-time index of the diaphragm (PTIdi)-a measure of the load-to-capacity ratio of the diaphragm.

Preterm newborns exposed to early-onset preeclampsia have altered postnatal Tumor Necrosis Factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand trends versus controls.

Background: Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a protein with anti-atherogenic and vasoprotective effects that has never been studied in newborns exposed to preeclampsia. Our aim was to examine TRAIL serum concentrations in such neonates after birth and during the transitional period.

Methods: Serum TRAIL levels were measured on the first and fifth day of life (DOL1 and DOL5, respectively) in 38 newborns exposed to early-onset preeclampsia and 38 controls born of normotensive mothers.

Nutrition of Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia before and after Discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) represents a severe sequela in neonates born very prematurely. The provision of adequate nutritional support in this high-risk population is challenging. The development of the lungs and physical growth are closely linked together in infants with BPD.

Influenza vaccination among caregivers and household contacts of children with congenital heart disease before and during COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim: We aimed to investigate the influenza immunisation status of caregivers and household contacts of children with congenital heart disease (CHD) and potential barriers to vaccine uptake.

Methods: Prospective questionnaire-based survey over two influenza seasons (2019-2020 and 2020-2021) on 161 children with CHD attending a tertiary paediatric cardiology clinic and their families. Logistic regression and factor analysis were performed to identify factors associated with influenza vaccine uptake.

Parents under siege: the psychological impact of COVID-19 outbreak on children's caregivers.

AIMS OF THE STUDY: It is well known that parenting stress is an important but often underestimated psychosocial variable. Data regarding the impact of the corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak on parental psychology are currently lacking. The aim of the present study was to assess parenting stress during the COVID-19 pandemic in Greece.

Anxiety levels in parents of asymptomatic neonates and young infants referred for echocardiography.

Introduction: Previous studies in children with innocent murmurs have shown that parental concern is common.

Methods: We assessed the anxiety levels among parents of asymptomatic neonates or infants up-to 6 weeks referred for cardiologic consultation because of a heart murmur. A six-item short-form of the state scale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) was completed by the parents before and after consultation.

Preeclampsia Emerging as a Risk Factor of Cardiovascular Disease in Women.

The objective of this literature review was to explore the long-term cardiovascular effects of preeclampsia in women. The primary goal was to determine which organs were most commonly affected in this population. Although it was previously believed that preeclampsia is cured after the delivery of the fetus and the placenta current evidence supports an association between preeclampsia and cardiovascular disease later in life, many years after the manifestation of this hypertensive pregnancy related disorder.

Parental anxiety and misperceptions in children with innocent murmurs.

Background: Previous studies in children with innocent murmurs have shown that parental concern is common. Our aim was to assess the level of anxiety among parents of children referred for cardiology evaluation because of an innocent heart murmur and investigate their perceptions about innocent murmurs.

Methods: A questionnaire was completed by parents before and after consultation.

Aortic intima-media thickness in neonates exposed to early-onset preeclampsia.

Aortic intima-media thickness (aIMT) and its ratio to aortic diameter (aIMT/AoD) were measured on the second and fifth postnatal day in 39 neonates exposed to early-onset preeclampsia and 39 controls. Both aIMT and aIMT/AoD were higher in neonates exposed to preeclampsia (P < 0.001 for all comparisons).

Work of Breathing in Mechanically Ventilated Preterm Neonates.

Objectives: To compare the imposed work of breathing by means of pressure-time product of the diaphragm in newborn infants receiving different modes of mechanical ventilation.

Design: Prospective observational crossover study.

Setting: Tertiary care neonatal unit.

Effect of Early-Onset Preeclampsia on Offspring's Blood Pressure during the First Month of Life.

Objective: To explore the effect of early-onset preeclampsia on the blood pressure of offspring during the first month of life.

Study Design: This prospective case-control study included 106 neonates of mothers with early-onset preeclampsia (developing at <34 weeks of gestation) and 106 infants of normotensive mothers, matched 1-to-1 for sex and gestational age. Serial blood pressure measurements were obtained on admission, daily for the first postnatal week, and then weekly up to the fourth week of life.

Preeclampsia Emerging as a Novel Risk Factor for Cardiovascular Disease in the Offspring.

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific disorder which affects 2%-8% of all gestations and is associated with high maternal, fetal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. There is no "cure" for the disease except for early delivery of the fetus and placenta, however leaving preeclampsia a long term health risk both for mothers and infants.

Aim: The aim of the study is to review currently available information linking preclampsia to longterm cardiovascular complications in infants and children.

Osteoprotegerin and RANKL serum concentrations in neonates of mothers with early-onset pre-eclampsia: comparison with neonates of normotensive mothers.

Background: Pre-eclampsia is a known risk factor for long-term cardiovascular complications. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease. The OPG-RANKL axis function is also altered in pregnant women with pre-eclampsia, but there is lack of data regarding OPG and RANKL concentrations in their neonates.

Nutrition of neonates with congenital heart disease: existing evidence, conflicts and concerns.

Congenital heart disease is one of the most of the groups of congenital anomalies with an incidence of about 1 per 100 live births. Almost one-third of these infants require some type of intervention, usually in the first year of life and increasingly often in the neonatal period. Innovative reparative and palliative surgical procedures and advanced medical support in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit have significantly reduced the mortality related to congenital heart disease.

Complete heart block complicating the acute phase of respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis.

Respiratory syncytial virus is the most common pathogen causing lower respiratory tract infection in infants. In recent years, the importance of extrapulmonary complications and longterm sequelae including those involving the cardiovascular system has become apparent. We report on a 10 month old infant with respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis, the acute phase of which was complicated by irreversible complete heart block, which was managed conservatively.

Congenital heart disease in twins: The contribution of type of conception and chorionicity.

Background: Increased incidence of congenital heart disease (CHD) has been reported in the offspring of monochorionic twin gestations. Assisted reproductive technology (ART), which is related to increased rates of twinning, has also been associated with higher risk of birth defects. We studied the incidence of CHD in a cohort of twins to clarify the contribution of type of conception and chorionicity.

Influence of Antenatal Glucocorticosteroid Exposure on Osteoprotegerin and Receptor Activator of Nuclear Factor x03BA;B Ligand Levels in Newborn Infants.

Background/aims: The physiologic relevance of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and the receptor activator of nuclear factor x03BA;B ligand (RANKL) in the preterm neonate is unknown. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of prematurity on OPG and RANKL concentrations at birth and to investigate in particular whether antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) exposure affects serum OPG and RANKL levels in premature neonates.

Methods: Quantitative determination (enzyme immunoassay) of serum OPG and RANKL at 24 postnatal hours was performed in 47 healthy term neonates, 43 preterm newborns not exposed to ACS, and 55 preterm infants exposed to ACS.

Heterogeneity of ventricular repolarization in newborns with intrauterine growth restriction.

Background: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with structural and functional cardiac alterations but the electrophysiological consequences of these disturbances remain unknown.

Aims: To explore the distribution of ventricular repolarization and its relation to myocardial mechanics in newborns with IUGR. STUDY DESIGN, SUBJECTS AND OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic data, and electrocardiographic parameters used to describe the distribution of ventricular repolarization (dispersion of QT [QTd] and JT [JTd]), were obtained on the second (D2) and fifth (D5) postnatal day and compared between 25 IUGR newborns and 25 matched-for-gestational age controls.

Neonatal cardiac dysfunction in intrauterine growth restriction.

Background: The early postnatal cardiovascular consequences of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have not been completely elucidated. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of IUGR on neonatal myocardial function and cardiovascular adaptation to extrauterine life.

Methods: Conventional and tissue Doppler echocardiographic parameters were compared on the second and fifth postnatal day between 30 IUGR and 30 appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) neonates.