Objective:Phototherapy is the most common treatment used for severe jaundice. There is increasing evidence that phototherapy can directly affect the expression and function of cell surface receptors including adhesion molecules, cytokines, and growth factor receptors. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of phototherapy use on the levels of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α as cytokine expressions from keratinocytes, and also white blood cell counts in the treatment of neonate with hyperbilirubinemia.Materials and Methods:We studied 32 term newborns with hyperbilirubinemia. Blood samples were obtained before and 72 h after phototherapy. Serum levels of IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α, and WBC count were measured in the samples using appropriate methods.Results:Serum TNF-α at 72 h of exposure to phototherapy increased, while the levels of IL-1α and IL-6 at the same time were decreased. These changes were not statistically significant. WBC counts rose significantly with phototherapy.Conclusion:Phototherapy in term neonate does not affect cytokines’ levels, but can raise peripheral WBC count.
In order to decrease the need for emergency visits, we suggest a program of early hospital discharge with home nursing visits and neonatologist support.
Background:Management of hyperbilirubinemia remains a challenge for neonatal medicine because of the risk of neurological complications related to the toxicity of severe hyperbilirubinemia.Objectives:The purpose of this study was to examine the validity of cord blood alkaline phosphatase level for predicting neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.Patients and Methods:Between October and December 2013 a total of 102 healthy term infants born to healthy mothers were studied. Cord blood samples were collected for measurement of alkaline Phosphatase levels immediately after birth. Neonates were followed-up for the emergence of jaundice. Newborns with clinical jaundice were recalled and serum bilirubin levels measured. Appropriate treatment based on serum bilirubin level was performed. Alkaline phosphatase levels between the non-jaundiced and jaundiced treated neonates were compared.Results:The incidence of severe jaundice that required treatment among followed-up neonates was 9.8%. The mean alkaline phosphatase level was 309.09 ± 82.51 IU/L in the non-jaundiced group and 367.80 ± 73.82 IU/L in the severely jaundiced group (P = 0.040). The cutoff value of 314 IU/L was associated with sensitivity 80% and specificity 63% for predicting neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring treatment.Conclusions:The cord blood alkaline phosphatase level can be used as a predictor of severe neonatal jaundice.
Background: The neonate’s birth and subsequent hospitalization cause families to experience various needs. Assessing the family needs can lead identify the real needs of parents, provide qualitative services and implement family-centered care by nurses. The aim of this study was to assess the needs of families with neonates hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 360 parents of neonates admitted to NICU in northern Iran in 2018- 2019. Data were collected by demographic questionnaire of parents and neonates and NICU Family Needs Inventory (NFNI) of Ward with 5 dimensions of proximity, assurance, information, comfort and support. Data were analyzed using independent t-test, Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients. Results: The most important dimensions of family needs, proximity to infant (93.59%), information (90.53%), assurance (89.18%), comfort (86.70%) and support (80.78%).Comparison indicated that the dimensions of need including assurance of multiparous parents (P<0.001) and comfort in parents with term infants (P<0.02) were significantly more than the rest. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, the most important dimension of family needs is proximity to infants. Therefore, it is recommended that the relevant authorities should take effective measures to provide parent-infant proximity.
Objectives: We experienced hepatitis A outbreaks among Korean military personnel. We investigated the characteristics of hepatitis A outbreaks and serologic examination to determine the necessity for selective HAV vaccination. Methods: Each case of hepatitis A in this outbreak was defined as a person who had symptoms compatible with acute viral hepatitis A and had positive HAV IgM between May 2 to August 14, 2007 in Inje district, Gangwon, Korea. We tested HAV IgM and IgG antibody to consenting 204 persons among entire exposure men for HAV susceptible person at July 23. Results: We tested 70 cases with symptoms for HAV IgM, and 67 cases showed positive results. They were consisted of 4 sergeants, 1 officer and 62 privates. A positive result for HAV IgG among asymptomatic military personnel was seen in 11.8%. The most frequently reported symptoms included nausea (74.6%), anorexia (74.6%), headache (71.6%), jaundice (67.2%), abdominal pain (65.7%), fever (61.2%), chill (55.2%), vomiting (44.8%), diarrhea (41.8%), flu-like symptom (25.4%), myalgia (22.4%) and arthralgia (9.0%). But, 2 cases had no symptoms. The result of HAV IgG for asymptomatic military personnel was 11.8% (24 among 204 persons). This epidemic occurred after a heavy rainfall in the military compound area where drinking water was supplied by the stream water. After the outbreaks, supply of drinking water was switched to public water system. Total of 178 military personnel who had no HAV IgG were vaccinated on July 26, 2007. Conclusion: The seropositive rate of HAV IgG in Korean military personnel was only 11.8% in this study. The HAV virus infection cases are dramatic increasing and already several outbreaks was reported in recent years in Korea. We think that this is the time for HAV vaccination to high risk group, especially young Korean military personnel.
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