Predicting Retinopathy of Prematurity Risk Using Plasma Levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1), Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-Alpha), and Neonatal Parameters.

Background/objectives: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) remains a leading cause of vision impairment in premature infants, especially those with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) necessitating respiratory support. This study aimed to identify correlations between plasma levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and the risk of developing ROP. Additionally, it explored the association of ROP severity grades with plasma levels of glucose, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatin phosphokinase (CPK), and other biomarkers, aiming to uncover predictive markers for ROP risk and severity in this population.

Early Postnatal Administration of Erythropoietin and Its Association with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes and Incidence of Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Four-Week Observational Study.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of early erythropoietin (EPO) administration on the neurodevelopment of newborns, specifically focusing on its effects on hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). The primary objective was to determine whether early EPO administration could impact the short-term neurodevelopmental outcomes and provide safety in neonates at risk for neurodevelopmental disorders. Conducted at the "Louis Turcanu" Children's Emergency Clinical Hospital in Timisoara, Romania, this observational study included 121 neonates receiving EPO and 130 No EPO controls.

Predictive Value of Neutrophil-to-Monocyte Ratio, Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio, C-Reactive Protein, Procalcitonin, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha for Neurological Complications in Mechanically Ventilated Neonates Born after 35 Weeks of Gestation.

This prospective study investigated the association between elevated neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio (NMR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR), C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and the risk of developing neurological complications in mechanically ventilated neonates. The aim was to evaluate these biomarkers' predictive value for neurological complications. Within a one-year period from January to December 2022, this research encompassed neonates born at ≥35 weeks of gestational age who required mechanical ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from the first day of life.

Hemoglobin, Ferritin, and Lactate Dehydrogenase as Predictive Markers for Neonatal Sepsis.

(1) Background: This study evaluates the predictive effectiveness of biomarkers in diagnosing newborn sepsis. (2) Methods: This was a case-control study conducted on neonates hospitalized at the Clinical Hospital "Louis Turcanu", Timisoara, Romania, from October 2018 to July 2023. Using a vacutainer collection device, venous blood was collected at admission for complete blood tests, including ferritin, hemoglobin, LDH, and blood culture analysis.

The Effects of Iron Administration on Anemia Development during the 7th and 21st Day of Life in Premature Newborns: A Prospective Cohort Study.

: The administration of iron to premature newborns is a common intervention aimed at preventing iron deficiency (ID). However, there is no consensus on the optimal timing and dosage for iron supplementation in this population. This study evaluates the effects and potential adverse outcomes of administering iron on the 7th and 21st days of life in premature infants.

Effect of Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Retinopathy of Prematurity in Preterm Newborns: A Comparative Analysis with Mechanical Ventilation and High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy.

BACKGROUND Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), originally described as retrolental fibroplasia, represents an abnormal growth of blood vessels in the premature retina that can occur in response to oxygen therapy. The association between ROP and invasive mechanical ventilation has been widely studied in the literature; however, the relationships between different types of ventilation and ROP have not been as well documented. This study aimed to compare the association of ROP incidence with mechanical ventilation (MV), nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP), and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapies in 130 pre-term infants with gestational ages <32 weeks.

Does COVID-19 Infection during Pregnancy Increase the Appearance of Congenital Gastrointestinal Malformations in Neonates?

Background: COVID-19 was an infection that was capable of bringing the entire world to a standstill position within a period of days to months. Despite the advancements in the medical sector, the contagion was difficult to control and costed the lives of millions of people worldwide. Many short- and long-term effects are witnessed even to date in people that contracted the disease.

The Role of Erythropoietin in Preventing Anemia in the Premature Neonate.

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) treatment is an alternative to red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in neonates presenting anemia of prematurity (AOP). This study assesses the impact of early rhEPO administration on AOP (any stage) incidence, as well as the incidence of individual AOP stages and RBC transfusions. Out of 108 preterm neonates, 49 were administered rhEPO and compared to the remaining group using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Comparative Analysis of Hematological and Biochemical Changes in Neonates among Women with and without COVID-19 Infection during Pregnancy.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the test results of neonates delivered by COVID-19-positive mothers during pregnancy with those of neonates born to unvaccinated mothers who are COVID-19-free. A cohort study was conducted on 367 pregnant women who gave birth at Premiere Hospital, Timisoara, Romania, between May 2021 and February 2022. Two groups were established: Group 1, with 167 pregnant women infected with COVID-19, and Group 2, with 200 pregnant women who were not affected by COVID-19 during pregnancy.

The Role of Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography (aEEG) in Monitoring Infants with Neonatal Seizures and Predicting Their Neurodevelopmental Outcome.

Newborn monitoring in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) is mandatory, but neurological and especially electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring can be overlooked or delayed until the newborn is clinically stable. However, the neonatal period is associated with the highest risk of seizures in humans, and the clinical symptoms may often be discrete, but the evolution and long-term neurodevelopmental disorders in these patients may be important. In response to this issue, we conducted a study to evaluate newborns who experienced neonatal seizures (NS) in the NICU and monitored their long-term neurological development.

Macronutrients Management for Growth in Neonates with Congenital Gastrointestinal Malformation.

BACKGROUND Congenital gastrointestinal (GI) malformations are developmental disorders that can result in secondary intestinal failure. Nutrient intakes must be adapted according to the newborn's nutritional requirements based on frequent anthropometric and biochemical assessments. Deficiencies or excess of a macronutrient can hinder the growth of the newborn.

Lung Ultrasound in Children with Cystic Fibrosis in Comparison with Chest Computed Tomography: A Feasibility Study.

Background: Cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease determines the outcome of this condition. For lung evaluation processes, computed tomography (CT) is the gold standard, but also causes irradiation. Lately, lung ultrasound (LUS) has proven to be reliable for the diagnosis of consolidations, atelectasis, and/or bronchiectasis.