Evaluation of Serum Zinc Levels in Hyperbilirubinemic Neonates Before and After Phototherapy.

Background: The existing therapeutic methods for neonatal jaundice are costly, time-consuming and potentially risky. Zinc salts can reduce phototherapy duration by precipitating unconjugated bilirubin in the intestine (bilirubin and zinc can form a complex in physiologic pH); however, zinc toxicity is an issue that must be considered since theoretically bilirubin reduction by phototherapy may increase serum zinc levels, making additional zinc supplementation the potential cause of zinc toxicity.

Objectives: So, our purpose was evaluating the serum zinc level alterations before and after phototherapy, in hyperbilirubinemic newborns.

Bilirubin/Albumin Ratio for Predicting Acute Bilirubin-induced Neurologic Dysfunction.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the bilirubin albumin (B/A) ratio in comparison with total serum bilirubin (TSB) for predicting acute bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND).

Methods: Fifty two term and near term neonates requiring phototherapy and exchange transfusion for severe hyperbilirubinemia in Children's Medical Center, Tehran, Iran, during September 2007 to September 2008, were evaluated. Serum albumin and bilirubin were measured at admission.

Congenital brain tumors in a series of seven patients.

Background: Congenital brain tumors are very rare. We review these tumors in patients younger than 2 months diagnosed in our Department.

Methods: Seven congenital brain tumors were diagnosed during 5 years.

Spinal epidural abscess in a neonate.

A case of purulent spinal epidural abscess in a 20-day-old girl is presented. The patient had symptoms of fever, localized back pain and swelling over the interscapular area. The diagnosis was made by magnetic resonance imaging.