In conclusion, we point to the diagnostic accuracy of serial measurements of serum CRP levels. As an alternative, simultaneous measurement of CRP and serum levels using a faster marker, such as procalcitonin, is recommended.

AbstractGentamicin is readily used for suspected or proven sepsis in neonates, yet it shows considerable inter-individual pharmacokinetic variability, which limits achievements of therapeutic levels. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare peak and trough gentamicin concentrations according to dosing regimen, to evaluate pharmacokinetic parameters, and to consider adjustments of dosing regimen. Babies with infection were treated with 1 h infusion, and daily dose of 5 or 7.5 mg/kg depending on the age. Patients were randomized into two groups: I — dosing interval 12 h (n=8), II — 24 h (n=11). Two steady-state blood samples were obtained. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using one-compartment model. The results showed a difference (p<0.05) in peak gentamicin concentrations between the groups, and tendency of lower trough levels in the group II. Calculated pharmacokinetic parameters included the volume of distribution (Vd) 0.52±0.47 l/kg, clearance (CL) 0.055±0.036 l/hkg and a half-life (t1/2) of 6.89±3.21 h. Based on the method for dosing regimen adjustments, there was a need to extend dosing interval to 36 h in 6 patients

Introduction/Objective Air leak syndrome is more frequent in neonatal period than at any other period of life. Its timely recognition and treatment is a medical emergency. We present results of a tertiary medical center in treatment of air leak syndrome in term and late preterm neonates. Methods Neonates born between 34th 0/7 and 41st 6/7 gestational weeks (g.w.) who were treated for air leak syndrome in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Mother and Child Health Care Institute, from 2005 to 2015 were included in the study. Antropometric data, perinatal history, type of respiratory support prior to admission, chest radiography, type of pulmonary air leak syndrome and its management, underlying etiology, and final outcome were analyzed. Results Eighty-seven neonates of an average gestational age 38.1 ± 1.9 g.w. were included in the study. The average birth weight was 3182.5 ± 55.5 g. Fourty-seven (54%) were born by cesarean section and 40 (46%) were born by vaginal delivery. Prior to admission, 62.1% received supplemental oxygen, 4.6% were on nasal continuous positive airway pressure, and 21.8% were on conventional mechanical ventilation. Type of delivery did not significantly affect the appearance of pneumothorax, nor did the type of respiratory support received prior to admission (p > 0.05). The majority (93.1%) had pneumothorax, which was unilateral in 79%. The length of mechanical ventilation significantly affected the appearance of pneumothorax (p = 0.015). Low Apgar score in the first minute and the presence of pneumopericardium were significant factors predisposing for an unfavorable outcome. Conclusion Improving mechanical ventilation strategies and decreasing the rate of perinatal asphyxia in term and late preterm neonates could diminish the incidence of pulmonary air leak syndrome in this age group.

Introduction/Objective. Vitamin K deficiency is common in newborn infants and without prophylaxis there is a risk of vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB). The most frequent prophylactic approach is an intramuscular (IM) injection of vitamin K1 immediately after birth. Its efficiency to prevent late VKDB has been recently questioned by several reports. Based on our experience, we discuss the need for additional vitamin K1 supplementation after its IM administration at birth. Methods. We present a retrospective review of 12 infants, 11 with confirmed and one with probable late VKDB despite IM prophylaxis at birth, who were treated in the two largest tertiary care pediatric hospitals in Serbia during the last 15 years. Results. All the patients were exclusively breastfed. In 11 patients, daily weight gain was normal or increased, and one patient had failure to gain weight. Six infants were previously healthy, three infants received antibiotics prior to bleeding, and in two diarrhea and cholestasis, respectively, existed previously. An intracranial bleeding was documented in nine infants, four of whom died. Conclusion. Low content of phytomenadione in human milk could occasionally be attributed to late VKDB despite postnatal IM injection of vitamin K1 in otherwise healthy, exclusively breastfed infants. This might be aggravated by transient disturbance of vitamin K turnover due to antibiotic use, acute diarrhea, or transient cholestasis. We suggest that an additional vitamin K1 supplementation after postnatal IM prophylaxis could be justified in exclusively breastfed infants.

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