Immature platelet values indicate impaired megakaryopoietic activity in neonatal early-onset thrombocytopenia.

Newly released platelets, referred to as immature platelets, can be reliably quantified based on their RNA content by flow cytometry in an automated blood analyser. The absolute number of immature platelets (IPF#) and the immature platelet fraction (IPF%) reflect megakaryopoietic activity. We aimed to analyse the implication of these parameters in analysing the pathomechanism of early-onset neonatal thrombocytopenia.

Is volume and leak monitoring feasible during nasopharyngeal continuous positive airway pressure in neonates?

Objective: To investigate tidal volume (VT) and leak measurements during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in neonates using a commercial ventilatory device equipped with a flow sensor at the Y-piece.

Design: Randomized cross-over trial.

Setting: Neonatal intensive care unit level III.

Impaired somatic growth and delayed lung development in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia--evidence from a 10-year, single center prospective follow-up study.

Purpose: In infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), somatic growth and pulmonary development are key issues beyond the time of intensive care treatment. The aim of the study was to investigate the somatic growth and pulmonary function after discharge and to compare CDH patients with a group of matched controls.

Methods: Anthropometric measurements and lung function tests were performed in 26 infants after surgical repair of CDH and 26 non-CDH intensive care patients, matched for gestational age and birth weight.

Comparison of 2-h versus 3-h enteral feeding in extremely low birth weight infants, commencing after birth.

Aim: Immaturity is associated with problems in enteral nutrition of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Different time intervals between single feedings are used; however, no data are available to show a benefit of either regime.

Methods: In January 2001 enteral feeding regime was changed from 2-h to 3-h intervals.

Observational study to compare the clinical efficacy of the natural surfactants Alveofact and Curosurf in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.

Introduction: Natural surfactants have been shown to be superior to synthetic surfactants in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In Germany, Alveofact (A) and Curosurf (C) are the most frequently used natural surfactant preparations. The aim of this retrospective, observational study was to compare the effects of A and C on gas exchange and outcome in premature infants.

Somatostatin or octreotide as treatment options for chylothorax in young children: a systematic review.

Objective: Chylothorax is a rare but life-threatening condition in children. To date, there is no commonly accepted treatment protocol. Somatostatin and octreotide have recently been used for treating chylothorax in children.

A survey of transcutaneous blood gas monitoring among European neonatal intensive care units.

Background: PCO2 and PO2 are important monitoring parameters in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Compared to conventional blood gas measurements that cause significant blood loss in preterms, transcutaneous (tc) measurements allow continuous, non-invasive monitoring of blood gas levels. The aim of the study was to survey the usage and opinions among German speaking NICUs concerning tc blood gas monitoring.

Two brothers with findings resembling congenital intrauterine infection-like syndrome (pseudo-TORCH syndrome).

Clinical, pathological, and X-ray findings of two brothers with features resembling congenital intrauterine infection-like syndrome are presented. Extensive screening for intrauterine infection was performed. Nevertheless all confirmatory tests were normal.

Is unexplained third trimester intrauterine death of fetuses with gastroschisis caused by umbilical cord compression due to acute extra-abdominal bowel dilatation?

We report on a case of gastroschisis in which sudden dilatation of extra-abdominal bowel at 34+1 weeks was followed by an unusual umbilical flow velocity waveform (diastolic notching). The condition was associated with normal umbilical Doppler indices, brain sparing effect and a non-reactive cardiotocograph (CTG). Findings at postnatal surgery strongly suggested severe cord compression by the herniated dilated bowel.

Rhabdomyomatous dysplasia of the newborn lung associated with multiple congenital malformations of the heart and great vessels.

Interstitial proliferation of striated muscle in the lung is extremely rare. Most cases are associated with other congenital malformations, such as lung sequestration, diaphragmatic hernia, or cardiac malformations. We describe a newborn with rhabdomyomatous dysplasia of the lung associated with multiple congenital malformations of the heart and great vessels.

Early treatment with erythropoietin beta ameliorates anemia and reduces transfusion requirements in infants with birth weights below 1000 g.

Objective: To investigate whether recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO) reduces the need for transfusion in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants (birth weight 500-999 g) and to determine the optimal time for treatment.

Methods: In a blinded multicenter trial, 219 ELBW infants were randomized on day 3 to one of 3 groups: early rhEPO group (rhEPO from the first week for 9 weeks, n = 74), late rhEPO group (rhEPO from the fourth week for 6 weeks, n = 74), or control group (no rhEPO, n = 71). All infants received enteral iron (3-9 mg/kg/day) from the first week.