Breastfeeding provides the optimal antioxidant for neonates, regardless of gestational age. Fresh milk has the higher antioxidant power. When it is not available, refrigerated milk for 24 h is better than for 72 h and preferable than frozen milk. Freezing human milk for 3 months in household conditions markedly diminishes TAS.

High-dose phenobarbital or erythropoietin along with supportive treatment has a positive influence on the outcome of newborns with perinatal asphyxia. Phenobarbital has the advantage of low cost and simplicity.

The aim of this study was to check whether the sFlt-1/PIGF ratio, established as the biomarker for preeclampsia, reduces the false positive rate of late fetal growth restriction (FGR) detection by ultrasound biometry. This was a prospective case-control study, conducted at one regional maternity hospital in Romania. Study participants included singleton pregnancy women for whom the estimated fetal weight (EFW) at 28 to 35 weeks was < 10 percentiles and as controls, pregnant women with EFW >10 percentiles. All pregnancies were dated in the first trimester by crown-rump-length. We also recorded maternal characteristics, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. The primary outcome measures were the relation between the sFlt-1/PIGF ratio and incidence of FGR. Secondary outcome was establishing a threshold for statistical significance of the marker and influence of other conditions (e.g., pre-eclampsia) on the accuracy of the marker in FGR prediction. Included in the study were 37 pregnant women and 37 controls. When we used ultrasound (US) biometry and maternal risk factors to estimate EFW <10 percentiles, the sensitivity was 44.4% with a specificity of 89% for an FPR (false positive result) of 10%. When we combined the US biometry and maternal risk factors with sFlt1/PIGF ratio, for a cut off of 38, the sensitivity was 84.21%, and the specificity was 84.31% for an FPR of 10%. The cut off value (36) did not change if we considered all cases of SGA, including those with associated preeclampsia or if we considered only FGR cases without associated preeclampsia. When associated with maternal factors and US biometry, the sFlt1/PIGF ratio enhanced the sensitivity for detecting late FGR.

IntroductionAlthough screening for congenital heart defects (CHD) relies mainly on antenatal ultrasonography and clinical examination after birth, life-threatening cardiac malformations are often not diagnosed before the patient is discharged.AimTo assess the use of routine pulse oximetry in the delivery room and at 24 hours postpartum, and to study its feasibility as a screening test for CHD.Material and MethodsIn this prospective study, all infants born in “Cuza Voda” Maternity Hospital, Iasi, Romania, were enrolled over a thirteen-month period. Preductal oximetry was assessed during the first hour, and postductal oximetry was evaluated at twenty-four hours postpartum. Data were then analyzed to establish the sensitivity and specificity of pulse oximetry, as a screening test for CHD.Results5406 infants were included in the study, with a mean gestational age of 38.2 weeks and a mean birth weight of 3175 grams. During the first minute, blood oxygen saturation varied between 40% and 90% and at 24 hours of life, it ranged between 90% and 100%. Following oximetry assessment, 14 infants with critical CHD were identified. Blood oxygen saturation values in infants with CHD were lower throughout the entire period of evaluation. Pulse oximetry had good sensitivity and specificity at 1 hour (Se=87.5%, Sp=95.5%) and 24 hours (Se=92.5%, Sp=97.4%) for the diagnosis of CHD. Blood oxygen saturation values at one minute, 1 hour and 24 hours are strong discriminative parameters for the early diagnosis of CHD.ConclusionRoutine pulse oximetry during the first 24 hours postpartum represents an early indicator of CHD to facilitate timely intervention. Pulse oximetry provides excellent sensitivity and specificity and has tremendous potential as a standard screening test for CHD during the first 24 hours of life.

Background:The rate of preterm births in Romania is one of the highest among European countries. However, there is little information regarding the ways in which premature birth affects the outcome in Romanian preterm infants.Aims:To investigate the effects of early developmental intervention after discharge from the hospital on motor and cognitive development in preterm infants.Study Design:Longitudinal observational study.Methods:We performed the Amiel-Tison neurologic evaluation at discharge and the Bayley Scales of Infant Development from 3 to 24 months. Based on these evaluations, an outcome score was formulated.Results:Between 2007 and 2010, 1157 of 2793 premature infants were included into the study. There was a negative correlation between the number of evaluations and the risk of developing neurologic sequelae (p<0.001). The correlation analysis demonstrated a significant association between the final category of risk at the end of the follow up program and the degree of compliance (p<0.01). At 24 months evaluation, there was a correlation between the low gestational age and the risk of developing severe neurologic sequelae (p<0.001).Conclusion:This study shows the importance of follow up program in decreasing the risk of developing neurologic sequelae in preterm infants.