Measurement of reticulocyte hemoglobin content to diagnose iron deficiency in Saudi children.

Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia are common conditions in children, especially in developing countries. It is often difficult for the pediatrician to know which indices should be used in the diagnosis of these conditions in children. Reticulocyte hemoglobin (Hb) content (CHr) has been shown to be an accurate indicator of anemia, however whether its use suits the situation in developing countries or not is unclear.

Severe respiratory distress in term infants born electively at high altitude.

Background: We studied the contribution of elective delivery to severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in term babies born at high altitude.

Methods: We prospectively studied the charts of term babies born in Taif Maternity Hospital (1640 m above sea level) between 1/1/2004 and 31/10/2004 who developed RDS and required mechanical ventilation.

Results: 8634 deliveries occurred from 37-<41 weeks; 13 (0.

What is the optimal gestational age for twin delivery.

Background: The question about outcome in twins delivered early versus late remains unanswered. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association of the timing of delivering twins and the perinatal outcome.

Methods: A prospective cohort study was carried-out in Alexandria University Maternity Hospital.

Fetal pulse oximetry and neonatal outcome: a study in a developing country.

Background: The aim of this cohort, prospective study was to compare the diagnostic value of intrapartum fetal pulse oximetry (FPO) with that of fetal scalp blood gas (FSBG) for an abnormal neonatal outcome in cases with abnormal fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings.

Methods: Fetal oxygen saturation was continuously monitored with Nellcor N-400 FPO during labor. Simultaneous FSBG determinations were obtained.

Effect of predelivery vaginal antisepsis on maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality in Egypt.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if cleansing the birth canal with an antiseptic solution at delivery reduces infections in mothers and their newborn babies.

Methods: Women giving birth in the University Hospital, Alexandria, and their newborns were studied. No intervention for 3 months was followed by 3 months of intervention.

Oxygen concentrations at the rear and front of the bag in bag valve mask devices during oxygenation of neonates.

Objective: To study the concentration of oxygen flowing passively from the front and the rear parts of different brands of self-inflating bag valve mask ventilation devices at different oxygen flows and that flowing actively from the front part at different ventilation rates.

Methods: Two devices were tested, the Ambu device in which the added oxygen enters at a right angle to the axis of the bag and the VBM in which the oxygen enters parallel to the axis of the bag and faces either a hole or a ridge in the intake valve. An oxygen analyzer was used to measure the oxygen concentration at different oxygen flow rates (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 L/min) supplied by a 100% oxygen source.

Prophylactic theophylline to prevent renal dysfunction in newborns exposed to perinatal asphyxia--a study in a developing country.

Renal damage frequently complicates perinatal asphyxia. Renal vasoconstriction due to adenosine metabolite leads to a fall in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and filtration fraction. This might be inhibited by the nonspecific adenosine receptor antagonist, theophylline.

Normal values of pulse oximetry in newborns at high altitude.

The aim of the study was to establish normal values of pulse oximetry saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, and blood pressure in healthy newborns at high altitude. Vital signs and oximetry saturation readings were collected from healthy term newborns at birth, at 1 h, and at 24 h of life. These were analyzed and compared with reference ranges at sea level.

Intravenous lines-related sepsis in newborn babies admitted to NICU in a developing country.

Nosocomial sepsis is very common in newborn units in developing countries. Routes of infection are multiple but the personal factor stays important. The hypothesis of this study was that intravenous lines may be important routes of infection and that contamination of cannula hub may preceded sepsis episodes.