Objective: Anogenital distances are considered to be a sensitive indicator of external genitalia exposure to factors such as anti-androgens, and/or endocrine distruptors during the prenatal period. Exposure to such factors can lead to changes in the anogenital measurements (AGM) of newborn infants. These measurements can be used to predict masculinization of the external genitalia in healthy newborns. The goal of this study was to determine normal values for AGM in Turkish newborns of both genders. Methods: One hundred fifteen female and 135 male term newborns with no congenital defects were included in this study. A well-trained observer measured the anogenital distance by using a sliding Caliper graduated in millimeters. Anogenital distance was measured from the center of the anus to the posterior convergence of the fourchette in females and from the center of the anus to the junction of the smooth perineal skin with the base of the scrotum in males. Results: Anogenital distance in males and females was 23±0.6 mm and 10.3±0.2 mm, respectively. There were significant differences in anogenital distance values between male and female newborns (p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study provide data that can be used as reference standards with regard to AGM of the posterior genital structures in Turkish male and female newborns. These data will also serve in postnatal evaluations to determine the effects of prenatal exposures to factors affecting development of genitalia. Conflict of interest:None declared.

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ObjectiveTo investigate the early neonatal outcomes of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants discharged home from neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Turkey.Material and methodsA prospective cohort study was performed between April 1, 2016 and April 30, 2017. The study included VLBW infants admitted to level III NICUs. Perinatal and neonatal data of all infants born with a birth weight of ≤1500 g were collected for infants who survived.ResultsData from 69 NICUs were obtained. The mean birth weight and gestational age were 1137±245 g and 29±2.4 weeks, respectively. During the study period, 78% of VLBW infants survived to discharge and 48% of survived infants had no major neonatal morbidity. VLBW infants who survived were evaluated in terms of major morbidities: bronchopulmonary dysplasia was detected in 23.7% of infants, necrotizing enterocolitis in 9.1%, blood culture proven late-onset sepsis (LOS) in 21.1%, blood culture negative LOS in 21.3%, severe intraventricular hemorrhage in 5.4% and severe retinopathy of prematurity in 11.1%. Hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus was diagnosed in 24.8% of infants. Antenatal steroids were administered to 42.9% of mothers.ConclusionThe present investigation is the first multicenter study to include epidemiological information on VLBW infants in Turkey. Morbidity rate in VLBW infants is a serious concern and higher than those in developed countries. Implementation of oxygen therapy with appropriate monitoring, better antenatal and neonatal care and control of sepsis may reduce the prevalence of neonatal morbidities. Therefore, monitoring standards of neonatal care and implementing quality improvement projects across the country are essential for improving neonatal outcomes in Turkish NICUs.

Background: Additional congenital anomalies have often been found in patients with neural tube defect (NTD). We aimed to find out the clinical features, short term prognosis, treatment approaches, and systemic anomalies of NTD patients in the Konya region. Method: A total of 186 newborn babies with NTD were retrospectively included in the study and all were assessed in detail for congenital anomalies and clinical features. Results: When the application month of the patients was examined, it was seen that the most frequent month was July. Of 186 babies, 101(54.3%) had meningomyelocele, 53 (28.5%) had meningocele, 13 (7.0%) had encephalocele, 16 (8.6%) had spina bifida occulta, and 4 (2.1%) had anencephaly. Of these patients, 97 (52.2%) were male and 89 (47.8%) were female. Hydrocephalus was an almost constant finding and was found in 140 (75.3%) patients. 51 (27.4%) patients had congenital heart disease (CHD). The most common CHD was atrial septal defect 22.3%. Orthopedic anomaly was detected in 51 (27.4%) patients, nephrological anomaly was found in 47 (25.3%) of the cases, congenital hypothyroidism was diagnosed in 14 (7.5%) patients with NTD. The mortality rate of patients diagnosed with NTD was 7.5%. The rates of premature delivery and consanguinity between parents were higher in patients with NTD. Conclusions: Our results indicate that at least one congenital anomaly is also present in about two-thirds of newborn babies with NTD, and these anomalies significantly increase their morbidity and mortality. All newborn babies with NTD should be screened for additional congenital anomalies and evaluated with more organized, multidisciplinary methods. K E Y W O R D Scongenital anomalies, congenital hypothyroidism, folic acid, hydrocephalus, neural tube defect

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