Despite recent advances, prematurity is associated with high morbidity and mortality in developing countries. We conducted a descriptive case series to identify frequency of various morbidities in premature neonates at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH), Karachi, from November 2008 to April 2009. All inborn premature < or = 37 weeks gestation were included in study. The frequency of preterm bi...

BACKGROUND Some etiological factors involved in developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) occur in the last trimester of pregnancy, which could result in a decreased incidence of DDH in preterm infants. The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of DDH between preterm and term infants. METHODS Ultrasound of the hip joint was performed in 2,534 term infants and 376 preterm infants withi...

Over a 12 months period, out of 25,411 livebirths, 155 neonates (6.1 per 1000 livebirths) had proven septicemia by blood culture. The mortality rate was 26.5%. Septicemia was more common among the very low birthweight and preterm neonates of gestation of 30 weeks or less. 45.8% of the septicemia occurred during the first 48 hours of life. Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common causative...

Vitamin K is required for the hepatic production of blood coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X. The term vitamin K refers to a variety of fat-soluble 2-methyl-1, 4-naphthoquinone derivatives. Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) occurs in green plants, while vitamin K2 (menaquinone) is synthesized by microbial in the gut. The recommended dose of vitamin K in neonates is 1 mg intramuscularly. For infants...

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) has been known as the most common cause for congenital infections worldwide which can lead to death in fetus and neonates as well as neuropsychiatric deficits. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of congenital CMV infection in newly born neonates and to evaluate the medical outcomes. Materials and Methods In this cross-sectional study, 868 neon...

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in infants. Palivizumab is an immunoprophylactic agent for RSV prevention in preterm infants and those with neonatal chronic lung disease. This study examines its use across neonatal units in Ireland. A questionnaire was administered to one Consultant Neonatologist or Paediatrician in each of the 20 maternity centres in Ire...

Deficient nutritional support and subsequent postnatal growth failure are major covariates of short- and long-term outcome in preterm neonates. Despite its relevance, extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is still prevalent, occurring in an important portion of extremely preterm infants. Lipids provide infants with most of their energy needs, but also cover specific supplies critical to growth...

To date, morphine pharmacokinetics (PKs) are well quantified in neonates, but results about its efficacy are ambiguous. This work presents an analysis of a previously published study on pain measurements in mechanically ventilated preterm neonates who received either morphine or placebo to improve comfort during invasive ventilation. The research question was whether morphine reduces the pain a...

OBJECTIVE Validation of Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB II) score in predicting the neonatal mortality in preterm neonates < or = 32 weeks gestational age. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Tertiary care neonatal unit. SUBJECTS 86 consecutively born preterm neonates with gestational age < or = 32 weeks. METHODS The five variables related to CRIB II were recorded within the f...

It is well known that the innate immunity system, involving the contribution of monocytes and macrophages, may dysfunction in fetuses and preterm neonates. Monocytes are capable of differentiating into dendritic cells (DCs) or into mucosal macrophages during certain infections and of producing inflammatory mediators such as TNF- α (tumor necrosis factor-alpha), nitric oxide, and reactive oxygen...