Antimicrobial Stewardship: A Correct Management to Reduce Sepsis in NICU Settings.

The discovery of antimicrobial drugs has led to a significant increase in survival from infections; however, they are very often prescribed and administered, even when their use is not necessary and appropriate. Newborns are particularly exposed to infections due to the poor effectiveness and the immaturity of their immune systems. For this reason, in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), the use of antimicrobial drugs is often decisive and life-saving, and it must be started promptly to ensure its effectiveness in consideration of the possible rapid evolution of the infection towards sepsis.

Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT II) deficiency responsible for refractory cardiac arrhythmias, acute multiorgan failure and early fatal outcome.

Background: Carnitine palmitoyltransferase II (CPT II) deficiency is a rare inborn error of mitochondrial fatty acid metabolism with autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Its phenotype is highly variable (neonatal, infantile, and adult onset) on the base of mutations of the CPT II gene. In affected subjects, long-chain acylcarnitines cannot be subdivided into carnitine and acyl-CoA, leading to their toxic accumulation in different organs.

Surveillance of Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens in Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Palermo, Italy, during SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a topic of concern, especially in high-level care departments like neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The systematic use of an "active" epidemiological surveillance system allows us to observe and analyze any changes in microbial distribution, limiting the risk of healthcare-associated infection (HAI) development.

Methods: We have conducted a longitudinal observational study in the five NICUs of Palermo, comparing the "pre-pandemic period" (March 2014-February 2020) with the "pandemic" one (March 2020-February 2022).

Report and follow-up on two new patients with congenital mesoblastic nephroma.

Background: Tumors are rare in neonatal age. Congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN) is a usually benign renal tumor observed at birth, or in the first months of life. It may also be identified prenatally and associated with polyhydramnios leading to preterm delivery.

Congenital hypopituitarism and multiple midline defects in a newborn with non-familial Cat Eye syndrome.

Background: Cat eye syndrome (CES) is a rare chromosomal disease, with estimated incidence of about 1 in 100,000 live newborns. The classic triad of iris coloboma, anorectal malformations, and auricular abnormalities is present in 40% of patients, and other congenital defects may also be observed. The typical associated cytogenetic anomaly relies on an extra chromosome, derived from an inverted duplication of short arm and proximal long arm of chromosome 22, resulting in partial trisomy or tetrasomy of such regions (inv dup 22pter-22q11.

Efficacy of a coordinated strategy for containment of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria carriage in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the context of an active surveillance program.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients is a threat, due to the frequent use of antimicrobial treatment and invasive devices in fragile babies. Since 2014 an active surveillance program of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MDR-GNB) carriage has been in place in the five NICUs of Palermo, Italy. In 2017 an increase in the prevalence of MDR-GNB, and in particular of extended-spectrum β-lactamases-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-KP), was observed in "Civico" hospital NICU.

A Snapshot on MRSA Epidemiology in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network, Palermo, Italy.

Objectives: We performed a 1-year prospective surveillance study on MRSA colonization within the five NICUs of the metropolitan area of Palermo, Italy. The purpose of the study was to assess epidemiology of MRSA in NICU from a network perspective.

Methods: Transfer of patients between NICUs during 2014 was traced based on the annual hospital discharge records.

The Increasing Challenge of Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli: Results of a 5-Year Active Surveillance Program in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Colonization and infection by multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacilli (MDR GNB) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are increasingly reported.We conducted a 5-year prospective cohort surveillance study in a tertiary NICU of the hospital "Paolo Giaccone," Palermo, Italy. Our objectives were to describe incidence and trends of MDR GNB colonization and the characteristics of the most prevalent organisms and to identify the risk factors for colonization.