Nevirapine plasma concentrations in premature infants exposed to single-dose nevirapine for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV-1.

Background: No pharmacokinetic data exist for premature infants receiving single-dose nevirapine (sd NVP) for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV.

Aim: To describe NVP decay pharmacokinetics in two groups of premature infants - those whose mothers either received or did not receive NVP during labour.

Methods: Infants less than 37 weeks' gestation were prospectively enrolled.

Intracardiac air--the 'hospital killer' identified? Case reports and review of the literature.

Venous access is an essential part of caring for the sick neonate. The primary problem with catheters, whether peripherally or centrally placed, is the difficulty in maintaining them, the development of phlebitis and systemic infection, and fluid extravasation. A lesser known complication is the development of venous air embolism (VAE), as described in the 4 cases presented.

Prospective, randomized trial comparing general with spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery in preeclamptic patients with a nonreassuring fetal heart trace.

Background: There are no randomized studies on neonatal outcome after spinal versus general anesthesia for cesarean delivery in preeclamptic patients with a nonreassuring fetal heart trace. This study examined both markers of neonatal hypoxia and maternal hemodynamics.

Methods: Seventy patients were randomized to general (n = 35) or spinal anesthesia (n = 35).