We studied drug-induced cardiotoxic effects in 22 pregnant women having tocolysis with intravenous fenoterol and verapamil. Because CK-MB is released from the uterus and placenta, we used the determination of cardiac troponin T (cTnT) as it is one of the most sensitive and specific indicators of myocardial necrosis. Cardiac troponin T levels were within physiological range (0.08 +/- 0.01 microgram/l) in all healthy pregnant women tested between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation (control group). In the pregnant women having tocolysis cTnT levels started to increase slightly during the first day of treatment (0.10 +/- 0.03 microgram/l) and were significantly higher (p < 0.05) during the third day (0.35 +/- 0.14 microgram/l) of tocolytic therapy. The cTnT levels in cord blood (0.13 +/- 0.03 microgram/l) did not correspond with maternal cTnT concentrations.

We tested if reoxygenation with 100% O₂ was superior to 21% O₂ after combined cerebral hypoxemia-ischemia-hypercapnia (HIH) in newborn piglets. Twenty-eight piglets were randomized to reoxygenation with 100 or 21% O₂ following asphyxia. Asphyxia was induced by ventilation with 8% O₂, adding CO₂, and temporary occlusion of both common carotid arteries. After 20 min, reoxygenation-reperfusion was started with 21% O₂ (HIH 21% group, n = 13) or 100% O₂ (HIH 100% group, n = 11) for 30 min followed by 21% O₂. All piglets were observed for 2 h. We measured mean arterial blood pressure (MABP), changes in microcirculation in the cerebral cortex (laser Doppler), and extracellular concentrations of hypoxanthine in the cortex and amino acids in the striatum (microdialysis). We found significantly higher MABP and better restoration of microcirculation after reoxygenation with 100% compared with 21% O₂, but no differences in biochemical markers were found between the groups. This indicates that the brain tolerated reoxygenation with 21% as well as with 100% O₂ in the present model of experimental asphyxia in spite of the differences in MABP and cerebral microcirculation.

Split-flow ventilation significantly reduces apparatus dead space during ventilation in preterm infants. This leads to reduced ventilatory effort.

An unusual case of a primary cutaneous Absidia corymbifera infection in a premature twin successfully treated with low doses of intravenous amphotericin B and topical natamycin is described. Epidemiological and therapeutical aspects of the case are discussed and in vitro antifungal susceptibility data are presented.

Instrumental dead space (iDS) is a major part of total dead space in newborns, and thus significantly determines effective alveolar ventilation. Continuous tracheal gas insufflation (CTGI) is a method for reducing the role of iDS, allowing a reduction in respiratory support and secondary lung injury. The literature and authors' experience with the method are reviewed. Major attention is paid to the risks in providing CTGI, optimal equipment and optimal management of CTGI.