Prenatal presentation of transient central diabetes insipidus.

Introduction: Nephrogenic diabetes insipidus (DI) in the foetus has been described as a rare presentation of severe polyhydramnios.

Discussion: We report a case of foetal central DI, characterised by severe polyhydramnios. Significant polyuria was noted at birth.

Human recombinant lactoferrin acts synergistically with antimicrobials commonly used in neonatal practice against coagulase-negative staphylococci and Candida albicans causing neonatal sepsis.

Neonatal sepsis causes significant mortality and morbidity. Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and Candida frequently cause neonatal sepsis at >72 h of age. Lactoferrin, which is present in human milk, is a component of innate immunity and has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.

Prophylaxis with lactoferrin, a novel antimicrobial agent, in a neonatal rat model of coinfection.

Lactoferrin has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, and the authors hypothesized that recombinant human lactoferrin (Talactoferrin alfa [TLF]) would reduce mortality and morbidity in a coinfection model. The MIC 50 (minimum inhibitory concentration required to inhibit the growth of 50% of organisms) of TLF against Candida albicans and Staphylococcus epidermidis was determined. Neonatal Wistar rats were infected with C albicans or S epidermidis or both, at doses of 2 x10(8) colony-forming units (CFUs) given subcutaneously.

Prevention and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus infection in infants: an update.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a serious pathogen causing significant mortality and morbidity, especially in premature infants and infants with chronic lung disease or significant congenital heart disease. Therapy for RSV infection is essentially supportive, although several new compounds are under investigation. Therefore, immunoprophylaxis to prevent severe RSV disease in high-risk infants assumes great significance.