Birthweight Infants (birthweight + infant)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Birthweight Infants

  • low birthweight infant
  • very low birthweight infant


  • Selected Abstracts


    Hansenula anomala infection in a neonate

    JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 6 2000
    A R Wong
    Abstract: We present an unusual neonatal fungal infection, Hansenula anomala in a very low birthweight infant who underwent abdominal surgery for an omphalocele. Despite treatment with adequate doses of amphotericin B, the yeast continued to grow from the blood culture, and was only eradicated with the use of oral ketoconazole. [source]


    Characterization of Vernix Caseosa as a Natural Biofilm: Comparison to Standard Oil-Based Ointments

    PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 4 2000
    Maria Imelda B. Bautista M.D.
    Such infants have a structurally immature stratum corneum and lack a surface coating of vernix caseosa. In this study we examined the short-term effects of topical application of vernix caseosa to human skin and contrasted these effects with commonly used ointments and water-in-oil emulsions. Specifically, vernix, Eucerin®, Aquaphor®, and petrolatum were applied to the volar skin surface of adult volunteers. Surface electrical capacitance (SEC) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) were measured as indices of surface hydration. Sorption-desorption profiles were performed to determine skin surface hydrophobicity. Particular attention was given to monitoring the acute (0,120 minutes) changes following vernix treatment in order to compare these effects with earlier reports on the rate of skin surface drying in newborn infants following birth. Immediately after vernix application there was an increase in the rate of water loss from the skin surface. Relative to control skin and skin treated with the ointments and water-in-oil emulsions, the application of vernix to freshly bathed human skin resulted in a unique profile of temporal change in baseline surface hydration, moisture accumulation, and water-holding capacity. These results demonstrate major differences between human vernix and standard oil-based topical ointments. The results provide a framework for discussing the various properties of topical barriers applied to the very low birthweight infant. [source]


    Bacterial vaginosis in a cohort of Danish pregnant women: prevalence and relationship with preterm delivery, low birthweight and perinatal infections

    BJOG : AN INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OBSTETRICS & GYNAECOLOGY, Issue 12 2006
    JA Svare
    Objective, To determine the prevalence of bacterial vaginosis (BV) in the second trimester of pregnancy in a Danish population using the Schmidt criteria and to examine whether BV was associated with subsequent preterm delivery, low birthweight or perinatal infections. Design, Prospective cohort study. Setting, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a University Hospital, Denmark. Population, Three thousand five hundred and forty pregnant women aged 18 years or more. Methods, A smear from the vagina was obtained from all women, air-dried and stored for subsequent diagnosis of BV. After rehydration with isotonic saline, the smear was examined in a phase-contrast microscope at 400×, and the numbers of lactobacilli morphotypes and small bacterial morphotypes were counted. A score for BV was calculated according to the method described by Schmidt. The outcome of pregnancy from 20 weeks of gestation was examined in the 3262 singleton pregnant women who were included in this study before 20 weeks of gestation. The relationship between BV and adverse outcome of pregnancy was examined by univariate and multivariate analyses. Main outcome measures, Prevalence of BV, preterm delivery (<37 weeks), low birthweight (<2500 g), preterm delivery of a low-birthweight infant and clinical chorioamnionitis. Results, The prevalence of BV was 16%, and the rate of preterm delivery was 5.2% in the study population of 3262 singleton pregnant women who were included before 20 weeks of gestation. Mean birthweight was significantly lower in infants of women with BV than in infants of women without BV (3408 versus 3511 g, P < 0.01). Univariate analyses showed that BV was marginally associated with preterm delivery but significantly associated with low birthweight, preterm delivery of a low birthweight infant, indicated preterm delivery and clinical chorioamnionitis. Multivariate analyses, which adjusted for previous miscarriage, previous preterm delivery, previous conisation, smoking, gestational diabetes, fetal death and preterm premature rupture of membranes, showed that BV was significantly associated with low birthweight (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.3,2.9), preterm delivery of a low-birthweight infant (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.6,3.9), indicated preterm delivery (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.4,4.1) and clinical chorioamnionitis (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.4,5.1). Conclusions, The prevalence of BV determined using the Schmidt criteria in the early second trimester of pregnancy was similar to that found in similar studies. The presence of BV before 20 weeks of gestation was an independent risk factor for delivery of an infant with low birthweight, preterm delivery of a low-birthweight infant, indicated preterm delivery and clinical chorioamnionitis. [source]


    Effect of low-dose cisapride on gastric emptying and QTc interval in preterm infants

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 12 2000
    C Costalos
    The aim of the study was a prospective survey of the effects of low-dose cisapride on gastric emptying and QTc interval in very low birthweight infants. Twenty low birthweight infants were studied: mean (SD) gestation 30.5 (2.2) wk; birthweight 1320 (150)g. Gastric emptying was assessed ultrasonically in 15 of these infants, in a randomized blind crossover study, following 24-h low-dose oral cisapride administration (0.1 mg/kg given 8 hourly), or placebo. The QTc interval was also determined in all 20 infants following a 7-d course of cisapride or placebo. Conclusions: Cisapride significantly shortened both gastric emptying time and QTc interval (p < 0.05) compared to placebo. All infants completed the study without any apparent adverse effects. In conclusion, low-dose cisapride administration significantly improves gastric emptying without increasing the QTc interval. [source]


    Budesonide delivered by dosimetric jet nebulization to preterm very low birthweight infants at high risk for development of chronic lung disease

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 12 2000
    B Jónsson
    We investigated the effect of an aerosolized corticosteroid (budesonide) on the oxygen requirement of infants at high risk for developing chronic lung disease (CLD) in a randomized, double-blind study. The study objective was to attain a 30% decrease in FiO2 levels in the budesonide treatment group after 14 d of therapy. Thirty very low birthweight (VLBW) infants (median (range)) gestational age 26 wk (23,29) and birthweight 805 g (525,1227) were randomized. Inclusion criteria were mechanical ventilation on day 6 of life, or if extubated on nasal continuous positive airway pressure with FiO2± 0.3. The budesonide (PulmicortÔ dose was 500 ,g bid, or placebo. The aerosol was delivered with a dosimetric jet nebulizer, with variable inspiratory time and breath sensitivity. Inhalations were started on day 7 of life. Twenty-seven patients completed the study. A significant lowering of the FiO2 levels at 21 d of life was not detected. Infants who received budesonide were more often extubated during the study period (7/8 vs 2/9) and had a greater relative change from baseline in their oxygenation index (budesonide decreased 26% vs placebo increased 60%). Subsequent use of intravenous dexamethasone or inhaled budesonide in the treatment group was significantly less. All patients required O2 supplementation on day 28 of life. At 36 wk postconceptual age, 61% of infants in the budesonide group needed supplemental O2 as opposed to 79% in the placebo group. No side effects on growth or adrenal function were observed Conclusion: We conclude that inhaled budesonide aerosol via dosimetric jet nebulizer started on day 7 of life for infants at high risk for developing CLD decreases the need for mechanical ventilation similar to intravenous dexamethasone, but without significant side effects. [source]


    Analysis of nutritive sucking function in very low and extremely low birthweight infants in Japan: A pilot study

    JAPAN JOURNAL OF NURSING SCIENCE, Issue 1 2005
    Manami MATSUBARA
    Abstract Aim:, The purpose of the present study was to investigate the differences in nutritive sucking patterns between very low, extremely low birth-weight infants (LBWI) and full-term infants (FTI) and to examine the change in those sucking patterns within 5 months after birth. Methods:, Sucking patterns of eight LBWI and seven FTI were compared. In addition, sucking patterns were measured in four of the LBWI and seven of the FTI until 5 months of age to determine change in sucking wave patterns over time. Results:, During the first month after birth, there was a significant difference in the sucking wave between the LBWI and FTI. The sucking cycle time was significantly shorter and the intensity of the sucking pressure was significantly smaller in the LBWI than that in the FTI. By 5 months, significant correlations were noted between the actual age or the modified age and the sucking pressure in both LBWI and FTI. Conclusions:, The findings suggest that the weakness of oral muscular function and less sucking skill can bring about the weakness of intensity of sucking pressure, decreased time of the sucking stage in a sucking cycle, and unstable intensity of sucking pressure and time of the sucking stage in LBWI infants, causing low efficiency of milk intake and smaller amounts of milk swallowing during each sucking period as they obstructs the development of oral muscular function itself. These problems last for a longer period of time in LBWI than in FTI, leading to a deficit in the development of masticatory function in LBWI. The results of the current pilot study will serve as a foundation to investigate the development of masticatory function in LBWI as they grow into early childhood. [source]


    Patient Problems, Advanced Practice Nurse (APN) Interventions, Time and Contacts Among Five Patient Groups

    JOURNAL OF NURSING SCHOLARSHIP, Issue 1 2003
    Dorothy Brooten
    Purpose: To describe patient problems and APN interventions in each of five clinical trials and to establish links among patient problems, APN interventions, APN time and number of contacts, patient outcomes, and health care costs. Design and Methods: Analysis of 333 interaction logs created by APNs during five randomized controlled trials: (a) very low birthweight infants (n=39); (b) women with unplanned cesarean birth (n=61), (c) high-risk pregnancy (n=44), and (d) hysterectomy (n=53); and (e) elders with cardiac medical and surgical diagnoses (n=139). Logs containing recordings of all APN interactions with participants, APN time and type of patient contact were content analyzed with the smallest phrase or sentence representing a "unit." These units were then classified using the Omaha Classification System to determine patient problems and APN interventions. Groups were compared concerning total amount of APN time, number of contacts per patient, and mean length of time per APN contact. All studies were conducted in the United States. Findings: Groups with greater mean APN time and contacts per patient had greater improvements in patients' outcomes and greater health care cost savings. Of the 150,131 APN interventions, surveillance was the predominant APN function in all five patient groups. Health teaching, guidance, and counseling was the second most frequent category of APN intervention in four of the five groups. In all five groups, treatments and procedures accounted for < 1% of total APN interventions. Distribution of patient problems (N=150,131) differed across groups reflecting the health care problems common to the group. Conclusions: Dose of APN time and contacts makes a difference in improving patient outcomes and reducing health care costs. Skills needed by APNs in providing transitional care include well-developed skills in assessing, teaching, counseling, communicating, collaborating, knowing health behaviors, negotiating systems, and having condition-specific knowledge about different patient problems. [source]


    Effect of an early intervention programme on low birthweight infants with cerebral injuries

    JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 12 2004
    S Ohgi
    Objective: To determine the effect of an early intervention programme (EIP) on low birthweight infants with cerebral injuries. Methods: Subjects were 23 high-risk low birthweight infants (periventricular leukomalacia 15, intraventricular haemorrhage 5, both 3) receiving care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Nagasaki University Hospital. Subjects were randomly assigned to the EIP group (n = 12) or the control group (n = 11). Participants in the EIP group received a Neonatal Behavioral Assessment scale (NBAS)-based intervention combined with developmental support designed to enhance the infants' development and the quality of the parent,infant relationship. The control group received routine medical nursing care without the EIP. The EIP began prior to discharge from the NICU and lasted until 6 months of corrected age. All children were examined on the NBAS preintervention and again at 44 weeks postconceptional age. Maternal anxiety status (STAI) and maternal feelings of confidence in dealing with her baby (LCC) were measured pre and postintervention. Mental and motor development was assessed postintervention using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development. Results: Orientation and State Regulation of infant behavioural profiles, the STAI and LCC scores significantly improved in the EIP group (mean difference (95% CI): Orientation 0.7 (0.4, 1.1), State Regulation 0.9 (0.3, 1.5), STAI ,5.5 (, 9.1, ,1.9, LCC 5.3 (4.2, 6.5)), but not in the control group. Bayley mental developmental index (MDI) score in the EIP group was higher than in the control group, but there was no significant difference between the two groups (mean difference (95% CI): MDI 8.5 (, 0.8, 17.8), PDI 6.7 (, 1.9, 15.4)). Conclusion: The EIP has beneficial effects on neonatal neurobehavioural development and maternal mental health of low birthweight infants with cerebral injuries. This evidence suggests that short-term changes in maternal mental health and infant neurobehaviour promoted by an EIP may serve to initiate a positive interaction between parents and infants. [source]


    Transcutaneous bilirubinometry in very low birthweight infants

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 7 2004
    L Karolyi
    Aim: To evaluate whether transcutaneous bilirubinometry (TcB) would be a reliable and efficient screening technique for hyperbilirubinaemia in very low birthweight (VLBW, ±1500 g) infants in an intensive care unit setting. Methods: TcB measurements (Minolta Airshield Jaundice Meter JM-102, Osaka, Japan) were obtained immediately before or within 10min following routine blood sampling for plasma bilirubin concentration measurements in 124 VLBW infants not receiving phototherapy. The relationship between the two techniques was analysed by linear regression analysis. A plasma bilirubin ±150 ,mol/1 was defined as hyperbilirubinaemia. The sensitivity and specificity of possible TcB cut-off readings to detect hyperbilirubinaemia was evaluated. Results: There was a significant correlation between the measurements of both techniques (p < 0.0001, r= 0.68). In the present study, a TcB cut-off reading of 14 would have reduced the need for plasma bilirubin measurements by 26% without missing true hyperbilirubinaemia. Conclusion: The data suggest that TcB will improve VLBW infant care in an intensive care unit setting by reducing the need for invasive bilirubin concentration measurements. [source]


    Corticosteroids for the treatment and prevention of chronic lung disease

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2003
    R. F. Soll
    Postnatal corticosteroids may prevent chronic lung disease in ventilated very low birthweight infants. However, concern regarding serious neurodevelopmental consequences of therapy has led to strong recommendations to curtail use of this treatment. Conclusion: Despite the high risk of severe neurological side effects, centers in Europe and North America continue to utilize postnatal corticosteroids, frequently in a fashion that is not supported by the available evidence. [source]


    Severe liver haemorrhage in extremely low birthweight infants

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 5 2003
    P Clarke
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Role of plasma and urinary calcium and phosphorus measurements in early detection of phosphorus deficiency in very low birthweight infants

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 1 2003
    M Catache
    Aim: To analyse the role of serum and urinary calcium and phosphorus levels in early detection of mineral deficiency in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants born appropriate (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA). Methods: 64 VLBW infants were included in a cohort study and divided into two groups: AGA (n= 30) and SGA infants (n= 34). Then, they were divided according to the presence of radiological signs of metabolic bone disease (MBD): with MBD (n= 21) and without MBD (n= 34). Blood samples and 6 h urine collections were obtained for calcium, phosphorus, alkaline phosphatase activity and creatinine determinations between 3 and 5 wk of life. Results: There were no biochemical differences between AGA and SGA. Higher values of urinary calcium (MBD = 31.9 ± 20.2, without MBD = 19.8 ± 15.4; p= 0.017), calciuria (MBD = 2.3 ± 0.3, without MBD =1.4 ± 0.8; p= 0.037) and alkaline phosphatase activity (MBD = 369 ± 114, without MBD = 310 ± 93; p= 0.04) were found in infants who developed MBD. Both groups showed high tubular phosphorus reabsorption indicating mineral deficiency. Conclusion: Serum calcium and phosphorus levels are not good markers in early detection of mineral deficiency. However, the monitoring of calcium urinary levels may be helpful in early detection of mineral deficiency. [source]


    Late-onset neutropenia in very low birthweight infants

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2002
    G Chirico
    Aim: To evaluate the incidence and duration of late-onset neutropenia (defined as an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) <1500 mm,3 at a postnatal age of >3 wk) in a population of infants with birthweight <2000 g, and to determine whether copper deficiency, a possible cause of both anemia and neutropenia, may be associated with this complication. Methods: Complete blood cell count and differential were assessed in 247 low (LBW) and very low birthweight (VLBW) infants who were discharged after 3 wk of life. In neutropenic infants plasma copper and ceruloplasmin levels were also measured. Results: Late-onset neutropenia was detected in 11 out of 147 VLBW infants (7.5%) and in 7 out of 127 LBW infants (5.5%). A neutrophil count of <1000 mm,3 was observed in 14 infants (5.1%). A significantly lower gestational age was found in neutropenic infants compared with non-neutropenic infants. In neutropenic infants ANCs were significantly correlated with hemoglobin and hematocrit. In addition, a significant negative correlation was found between neutrophil and reticulocyte counts. Plasma copper concentration was significantly correlated with birthweight. Oral copper sulfate was administered to infants with plasma copper concentration <50 ,g dl,1, and did not seem to affect ANC, hemoglobin, hematocrit or reticulocyte counts. Conclusion: Late-onset neutropenia appears to be a benign condition that is not associated with any particular complication and does not require specific treatment. Reference ranges after the early neonatal period and during the first few months of life in LBW and VLBW infants should probably be set at lower values. [source]


    Calcium and phosphorus retention in extremely preterm infants supplemented individually

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 6 2002
    A Trotter
    The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the retention of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) and weight gain and intake of Ca and P when using the concept of individualized Ca and P supplementation in extremely low birthweight infants. Three-day Ca and P balances were performed in 20 infants with a mean gestational age of 26.6 wk (between 24.1 and 28.7 wk) and a birthweight of 744 g (450,990), when the infant was able to tolerate at least 100 ml/kg/d of milk. The daily supplementation with Ca and P was individually adjusted to achieve a simultaneous excretion of ± 1.2 mmol/L Ca and ± 0.4 mmol/L P in the urine. In 16 of the 20 infants, the urinary concentrations of both Ca and P exceeded the lower limits. The retention of Ca (mean 3.8 mmol/kg/d, minimum 0.9; maximum 8.1; 57% of intake, 34,80) and P (2.4,1.1,4.2; 76%, 52,96) was significantly correlated with both the daily weight gain (16 g, 3,28; Ca r2= 0.22, p= 0.02; P r2= 0.21, p= 0.03) and the intake of Ca (6.5 mmol/kg/d, 2.4,10.2; r2=0.67, p > 0.001) and P (3.1,1.9,5.3; r2= 0.85, p > 0.0001). The molar ratio of the Ca and P intake was 2.2 (1.3,4.0). Conclusion: It was found that Ca and P retention was a function of growth and intake. [source]


    Continuous gastric drip versus intravenous fluids in low birthweight infants

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 4 2002
    M Becerra
    This multicentre randomized study compared a continuous gastric drip (CGD) with intravenous (i.v.) fluid administration. Healthy newborns with birthweight from 1501 to 2000 g whose physician ordered i.v. fluids were randomized before the 2nd hour of life to CGD or i.v. fluids. The major outcome variable was the need for an i.v. line in the CGD group. Serum glucose was measured at 30 min, 1 h and every 6 h thereafter. Serum sodium and potassium were measured at least once during the first 72 h of life. Enteral feedings, feeding intolerance, number of venous lines and i.v. line-related complications were recorded until the interruption of CGD or the i.v. line. Twenty-nine infants were randomized to each group. The two groups were comparable in terms of birthweight and gestational age. Ten percent (3/29) of the infants randomized to the CGD group required i.v. fluids and 90% of them received electrolytes and glucose through an orogastric tube. The incidence of hypoglycaemia, hyponatraemia and episodes of feeding intolerance did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: Fluid administration by CGD reduces the need for i.v. lines without increasing the risk of complications. [source]