In conclusion, there is a recognizable spectrum of abnormalities in some infants exposed to VPA without dose-depence and the common facial dysmorphic features and minor skeletal abnormalities that may occur within the both low and high dose VPA use.

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Background: Late preterm infants have increased rates of morbidity and mortality compared to term infants. Determining the risk factors in these infants leads to more comprehensive preventive and treatment strategies. Aims: Our aim was to analyse the morbidity rates such as respiratory system diseases, infections, congenital anomalies, hypoglycemia and hematologic abnormalities and mortality rates in a large group of patients at a referral center. Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: Medical records of late preterm and term infants who were managed at the referral center were analysed.Results: 41752 births were analysed in 3 years. 71.9% of all births were between 37-42 gestational weeks (i.e. term) and 16.1% were between 34-37 weeks (i.e. late preterm). Compared to term infants, late preterm infants had increased rates of short-term problems. The rate of mortality increased with decreased gestational age. The duration of hospitalization was significantly higher in the smallest late preterm infants. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the need that late preterm infants who have higher risk for morbidity and mortality, compared to term infants require close monitoring. The rate of mortality and hospitalization increased with decreased gestational age.

Oculoauriculovertebral spectrum (OAVS) is characterized by a wide spectrum of symptoms and physical features that may vary greatly in range and severity from case to case. Oculo-auriculovertebral disorder (OAVD) represents the mildest form of the disorder, while Goldenhar syndrome presents frequently as the most severe form. Hemifacial microsomia appears to be an intermediate form. Here we report four cases with different phenotypic expressions. Case 1 had unilateral anotia with cardiac and urogenital abnormalities. Case 2 was an offspring of a diabetic mother, presenting with unilateral microtia, facial paralysis and sacral agenesis. Case 3 had unilateral anotia plus hemifacial microsomia and facial clefting accompanied to Hirsprung disease. Case 4 was presenting with microtia/preauricular tags plus hemifacial microsomia without accompanying any other system abnormalities. Two had a positive family history, one of them was represented an autosomal dominant (case 1), and the other was autosomal ressesive mode of inheritance (case 4). Based on these cases, we highlighted the heterogeneity of the presentation and genetic etiology of OAVS.

Background and Aims Since 2005, babies born between 34 0/7 weeks and 36 6/7 weeks are defined as late preterm babies. We aimed to investigate the rates of mortality and morbidity of late preterm babies born at our hospital and compare them with babies born atterm. Material and Methods A retrospective chart analysis was performed on babies born at our hospital between 2006 and 2008. Demographic features, complications and mortalities were recorded. Results During 3 years, 41752 babies were delivered in our hospital. 6742 (16.2%) of them were late preterm and 30055 (71.9%) were term babies. The rate of hospitalizations (6.5 % vs 17.5%), mortality (3.6% vs. 5 %) and duration of hospitalizations (4 days vs 7 days mean) were significantly higher in the late preterm group. 66% of late preterm infants were transferred to other units for various reasons. When stratified according to gestational age, there were no significant differences in terms of mortality and morbidity among the subgroups. However, the duration of hospitalizations and the costs of babies born at 34 weeks were significantly higher than those of other babies. Conclusion Late preterm babies have increased rates of mortality and morbidity, including higher costs, hence constitute an important risk group, which need to be followed up regularly. The mortality and morbidity rates did not appear to increase with decreasing gestational age in late preterm babies but the duration of hospitalization and the costs were higher in babies born at 34 weeks.