Purpose To evaluate complete blood count (CBC) parameters in the first week of life as predictive biomarkers for the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods Multicenter, prospective, observational study of a cohort of preterm infants born with gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks or birth weight < 1500 g in eight Portuguese neonatal intensive care units. All demographic, clinical, and laboratory data from the first week of life were collected. Univariate logistic regression was used to assess risk factors for ROP and then multivariate regression was performed. Results A total of 455 infants were included in the study. The median GA was 29.6 weeks, and the median birth weight was 1295 g. One hundred and seventy-two infants (37.8%) developed ROP. Median values of erythrocytes (p < 0.001), hemoglobin (p < 0.001), hematocrit (p < 0.001), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (p < 0.001), lymphocytes (p = 0.035), and platelets (p = 0.003) of the group of infants diagnosed with ROP any stage were lower than those without ROP. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) (p = 0.044), red blood cell distribution width (RDW) (p < 0.001), erythroblasts (p < 0.001), neutrophils (p = 0.030), neutrophils-lymphocytes ratio (p = 0.028), and basophils (p = 0.003) were higher in the ROP group. Higher values of MCV, erythroblasts, and basophils remained significantly associated with ROP after multivariate regression. Conclusion In our cohort, the increase in erythroblasts, MCV, and basophils in the first week of life was significantly and independently associated with the development of ROP. These CBC parameters may be early predictive biomarkers for ROP.
DescriptionA 30-year-old primigravida was referred to our institution due to an isolated fetal ascites (IFA). The gestation was uneventful until the 32nd week when the mother was hospitalised due to refractory hypertension. An ultrasound revealed a fetal abdominal circumference above percentile 99. Fetal parameters and amniotic fluid volume were normal. andThe investigation of IFA was started on the mother: blood type was ARh+, indirect Coombs test and infectious serology (toxoplasmosis, syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes (TORCH)) were negative.A spontaneous vaginal delivery occurred at 34 weeks. As the ascites compromised ventilation, the neonate was intubated and an urgent paracentesis was performed evacuating 175 mL of a transudate, and thereafter, the caucasian female neonate with 2235 g was stable with spontaneous breathing.As the ascites persisted, the investigation continued on the neonate: blood group ARh+, negative direct Coombs test and normal echocardiography. Abdominal ultrasound showed dilated bowel loops. The abdominal X-ray revealed three hypertransparent images (figure 1), suggestive of a gastrointestinal anomaly.On the next day, there was a clinical (figure 2) and radiological worsening (figure 3). So an exploratory laparotomy was performed. A mesenteric defect, with intestinal malrotation and internal hernia was diagnosed. After surgery, she had a significant ponderal loss with a slow Figure 1 The abdominal X-ray on the first day that revealed three conic hypertransparent images. Learning points► When ascites is identifiable in fetal period, the investigation should start in the mother with blood group test, indirect Coombs test, amniocentesis and screening of G6DP deficiency,thalassaemia and TORCH infections. If the ascites persists after birth, the search for an aetiology should continue in the infant with blood group test, direct Coombs test, karyotype, echocardiography, abdominal X-ray and ultrasound.
The urachus is an intra-abdominal fibrous remnant of the allantois. The non-involution of the allantois can result in urachal anomalies. The abnormal appearance of the umbilicus may be a sign of such anomalies. We have observed 3 cases of term neonates with atypical appearance of the umbilical stump, all of which manifested urachal anomalies, as documented by ultrasound scan. These appearances are rarely described in the literature, and seem to regress at around 2 months. Therefore, it is important that healthcare professionals should be aware of the possible implications of atypical umbilical stumps, evaluate each case accordingly and, if an urachal anomaly is diagnosed, refer the patient to a paediatric surgery centre, as such malformations carry an underlying risk of infection or malignancy.
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