Vocabulary

Lactoferrin for prevention of neonatal infections.
Manzoni P, Mostert M, Stronati M.
Source
Neonatologia e TIN, A.O. Regina Margherita-S. Anna. S. Anna Hospital, Torino, Italy. paolomanzoni@hotmail.com
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW:
Sepsis-related morbidity and mortality is an increasing concern in all neonatal ICUs (NICUs). Sepsis occurs in 20-40% of all preterm patients, and although muchis known on the origin, the incidence is reported to be constantly increasing. Many risk factors account for the increased risk of sepsis in preterms, including use of broad-spectrum antibiotics selecting resistant microflora and pathogenic gut colonization, parenteral nutrition, acid inhibitors and steroids, as well as the systematic and long-lasting use of invasive management and in-dwellinglines. As treatment does not prevent severe long-term neurodevelopmental impairment and sequelae in septic premature neonates, the best strategy is to avoid infections rather than to treat them.
RECENT FINDINGS:
Published results from several recent randomized controlled trials currently show a level I evidence that fluconazole for prevention of fungal sepsis, probiotics for prevention ofnecrotizing enterocolitis, and bovine lactoferrin for prevention of bacterial sepsis should be considered as preventive strategies in NICUs.
SUMMARY:
In this article, the current evidence in favour of lactoferrin use in preterm neonates will be reviewed and the areas of further research and future improvements will be discussed in order to illustrate the implications of the recent findings for clinicalpractice or research.
PMID:
21415742
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types, MeSH Terms, Substances
[Prenatal dexametasone and periventricular leucomalacia in prematures].
[Article in Spanish]
Veloz-Serrano CV, Hernández-Herrera RJ, García-Quintanilla F.
Source
Departamento de Neonatología, Hospital de Gineco-obstetricia 23, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Monterrey,Nuevo León, Mexico.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Prematurity is observed in 5-8% of deliveries, and is frequent cause of handicap. Premature have 5-24% risk for developing periventricular leukomalacia (PLM). The use of antenatal steroids (AS) is controversial for preventing PLM.
METHODS:
We studied 110 premature neonates < 1500 g, divided in 2 groups: control (group 1, n = 55), and group 2 (n = 55)who received antenatal dexamethasone. We registered clinical data, evolution and use of oxygen or mechanical ventilation. At one month age a transfontanelar ultrasound was done looking specific PLM.
RESULTS:
In group 1, found 6/55 (10.9%) with PLM and 3/55 (5.4%) in group 2, RR = 0.5, CI 95% (0.13-1.90). In group 1: 30/55 (54.54%) the ultrasound was normal; in 16 (29%) had intraventricularhaemorrhage, and in 3 cases (5.45%) had severe hydrocephalus. In group 2: 32/55 (58.18%) ultrasound was normal, 16/55 (29%) had intraventricular haemorrhage, 4/55 (7.27%) had severe hydrocephalus. We did not find significant difference between other variables in both groups.
CONCLUSIONS:
There was no significant difference in PLM incidence between patients who did or did not received antenataldexamethasone.
PMID:
21184719
[PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]
Publication Types, MeSH Terms, Substances
LinkOut - more resources
Efficacy of intrapartum chemoprophylaxis less than 4 hours duration.
Berardi A, Rossi C, Biasini A, Minniti S, Venturelli C, Ferrari F, Facchinetti F.
Source
Unità Operativa di Neonatologia, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Policlinico di Modena, Italy.berardi.alberto@policlinico.mo.it
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Current guidelines for prevention of group B streptococcus (GBS) early-onset infection recommend to administer antibiotic during labor at least 4 h prior to delivery (adequate prophylaxis). We aimed to determine if neonatal GBS colonization may be significantly decreased in case of inadequate (<4 h) duration of ampicillin prophylaxis.
METHODS:...