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Eur J Pediatr 2019 12 30;178(12):1823-1824. Epub 2019 Oct 30.

Department of Pediatrics, NICU-Ospedale dei Bambini "V.Buzzi"-ASST-FBF-Sacco, Milan, Italy.

Eur J Pediatr 2019 Dec 7;178(12):1825-1832. Epub 2019 Oct 7.

Department of Neonatology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, India.

The current version of Neonatal Resuscitation Program no longer favors routine endotracheal suctioning (ETS) in non-vigorous newborns with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) due to possibility of procedure-related harms and questionable benefits. However, it calls for additional research on this procedure to provide a definitive answer. The present study was conducted to evaluate the role of ETS in non-vigorous neonates of ≥ 34 weeks' gestation born through MSAF on the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Read More

Early Hum Dev 2019 09 8;136:21-26. Epub 2019 Jul 8.

Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Electronic address:

Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among term, otherwise healthy newborns, yet population studies are rare. Definitions, outcomes and International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes are heterogenous, complicating estimates of incidence, outcomes and risks.

Aims: To measure population incidence, risks and outcomes of MAS by ICD codes. Read More

BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2018 Oct 30;18(1):429. Epub 2018 Oct 30.

Department of midwifery, College of medicine and health science, Bahir Dar University, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

Background: Meconium stained amniotic fluid is one of the risk factors to increase the rate of perinatal morbidity and mortality both in developed and developing countries. Due to a multitude of factors associated with socioeconomic and quality of service, the ill effect of meconium stained amniotic fluid is even worse in developing countries. But very little information is known about the situation in Ethiopia, particularly the study area to design appropriate prevention strategies. Read More

J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2018 ;11(4):393-397

Dean Academics and Director Indian Naval Academy, Indian Naval Hospital Ship, Mumbai, India.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of gastric lavage (GL) in preventing feed intolerance in babies born through Meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF).

Study Design: In this randomized trial conducted at a tertiary care hospital, neonates born of MSAF after 34 weeks period of gestation requiring routine care were randomly allocated to GL with 10 ml/kg of normal saline. The control group did not receive GL. Read More

Adv Neonatal Care 2018 Aug;18(4):267-275

Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle.

Background: The approach to intrapartum and postnatal management of an infant born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) in the delivery room (DR) has changed several times over the last few decades, leading to confusion and anxiety among health care providers (nurses, nurse practitioners, respiratory therapists, midwives, and physicians). This article provides state-of-the-art insight into the evidence or lack thereof for the changes in guidelines.

Purpose: To discuss the evidence for evolution of DR management of vigorous and nonvigorous infants born through any type of MSAF. Read More

Life Sci 2018 Jun 21;203:121-128. Epub 2018 Apr 21.

Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFM CU), Biomedical Center Martin JFM CU, Slovakia.

Aims: Combination of exogenous surfactant with antioxidant enzyme recombinant human superoxide dismutase (rhSOD) was tested in the treatment of experimental meconium aspiration syndrome as oxidative processes play key role in its pathogenesis.

Material And Methods: Young New Zealand rabbits were instilled by saline (Sal group) or by meconium suspension (Mec group). Some of meconium-instilled animals were treated by surfactant alone (Surf group) or surfactant in combination with rhSOD (Surf + SOD group) and oxygen-ventilated for 5 h. Read More

Am J Perinatol 2018 07 16;35(9):815-822. Epub 2018 Jan 16.

Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, California.

Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) during delivery is a marker of fetal stress. Neonates born through MSAF often need resuscitation and are at risk of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), air leaks, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), and death. The neonatal resuscitation approach to MSAF has evolved over the last three decades. Read More

Am J Perinatol 2018 Mar 11;35(4):331-335. Epub 2017 Oct 11.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.

Objective:  The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between umbilical cord partial pressure of oxygen (pO) at delivery and neonatal morbidity.

Study Design:  This is a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study of term deliveries with universal cord gas collection between 2010 and 2014. The primary composite outcome of neonatal morbidity included neonatal death, meconium aspiration syndrome, intubation, mechanical ventilation, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and hypothermia treatment. Read More

Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2017 08 11;22(4):267-274. Epub 2017 Jul 11.

Department of Pediatrics, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, USA. Electronic address:

Although only a small proportion of full term and late preterm infants require invasive respiratory support, they are not immune from ventilator-associated lung injury. The process of lung damage from mechanical ventilation is multifactorial and cannot be linked to any single variable. Atelectrauma and volutrauma have been identified as the most important and potentially preventable elements of lung injury. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017 06 28;6:CD006183. Epub 2017 Jun 28.

Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Canada.

Background: Approximately 1 in 10 pregnancies is affected by meconium passage at delivery, which can result in meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). MAS can cause respiratory complications and, very rarely, death. Antibiotics have been prescribed for neonates exposed to meconium in amniotic fluid, with the intention of preventing infection due to potential bacterial contaminants. Read More

Semin Fetal Neonatal Med 2017 08 11;22(4):214-219. Epub 2017 Apr 11.

Newborn Medicine, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA.

The designation meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) reflects a spectrum of disorders in infants born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, ranging from mild tachypnea to severe respiratory distress and significant mortality. The frequency of MAS is highest among infants with post-term gestation, thick meconium, and birth asphyxia. Pulmonary hypertension is an important component in severe cases. Read More

Obstet Gynecol 2017 03;129(3):e33-e34

In 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association published the 2005 guidelines on neonatal resuscitation. Before the 2005 guidelines, management of a newborn with meconium-stained amniotic fluid included suctioning of the oropharynx and nasopharynx on the perineum after the delivery of the head but before the delivery of the shoulders. The 2005 guidelines did not support this practice because routine intrapartum suctioning does not prevent or alter the course of meconium aspiration syndrome in vigorous newborns. Read More

Obstet Gynecol 2017 03;129(3):593-594

In 2006, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Heart Association published the 2005 guidelines on neonatal resuscitation. Before the 2005 guidelines, management of a newborn with meconium-stained amniotic fluid included suctioning of the oropharynx and nasopharynx on the perineum after the delivery of the head but before the delivery of the shoulders. The 2005 guidelines did not support this practice because routine intrapartum suctioning does not prevent or alter the course of meconium aspiration syndrome in vigorous newborns. Read More

Arch Pediatr 2016 Sep 19;23(9):899-907. Epub 2016 Jul 19.

Service de maternité, hôpital Paule-de-Viguier, CHU de Toulouse, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 70034, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France; Service de néonatologie, hôpital des Enfants, CHU de Toulouse, 330, avenue de Grande-Bretagne, TSA 70034, 31059 Toulouse cedex 9, France. Electronic address:

Introduction: Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the most common infectious agent responsible for early-onset bacterial sepsis (EOS) in term newborns. French prevention of perinatal GBS disease guidelines recommend screening for maternal vaginal GBS colonization at the 9th month of pregnancy, and use of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) in case of detected GBS vaginal colonization. Peripheral bacterial sampling (gastric aspiration, ear, or meconium) and measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) are performed in asymptomatic newborns in case of infectious risk factors and/or incomplete IAP. Read More

Exp Lung Res 2016 05 7;42(4):199-204. Epub 2016 Jun 7.

e Department of Biostatistics , Mersin University, School of Medicine , Mersin , Turkey.

Background: Inflammation is believed to play a key role in the pathophysiology of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS).

Purpose Of The Study: The objective was to determine whether the recombinant human Erythropoietin (rhEPO) pretreatment could attenuate meconium-induced inflammation.

Materials And Methods: In this study, 24 ventilated adult male rats were studied to examine the effects of recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) on meconium-induced inflammation. Read More

Acta Paediatr 2016 Sep 20;105(9):1009-13. Epub 2016 May 20.

Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Unlabelled: Despite extensive use of the term 'standard of care' (SOC), there is no such medical definition. How are neonatal therapies accepted as SOC with huge centre-to-centre variation? What defines SOC? We will consider paths to acceptance of multiple therapies (antenatal corticosteroids, preventing GBS, others). We conclude single-centre trials drive care, but are not consistently predictive for multicentre trials. Read More

J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2016 Dec 3;29(23):3875-8. Epub 2016 Mar 3.

a Department of Obstetrics , Gynecology and Reproductive Medecine, University Hospital Jean Verdier , Bondy , France and.

Objective: To investigate the effect of using fetal scalp blood sampling on the risk of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF).

Methods: Prospective data collection with regard to MSAF during labor for low-risk term cephalic singleton live birth from 2012 to 2014. Maternal, obstetric and neonatal data were compared according to the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS group) or not (no RDS group). Read More

Pediatr Pulmonol 2016 06 15;51(6):555-6. Epub 2016 Jan 15.

Department of Paediatrics, Royal Hobart Hospital, Hobart, Australia.

Resuscitation 2015 Dec 11;97:83-7. Epub 2015 Oct 11.

Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Lady Hardinge Medical College, New Delhi, India.

Objective: Evidence about IP-OP suction and selective tracheal intubation in meconium stained neonates is from developed countries. Little information is available about their role in developing countries with high incidence of meconium staining and MAS. This randomized trial was planned to evaluate the effectiveness of IP-OP suction in meconium stained term neonates on prevention of MAS and reduction of its severity. Read More

Pract Midwife 2015 Jun;18(6):16-9

There is sufficient evidence to support the practice of optimal cord clamping in normal labour and birth. In this paper, the physiology of meconium stained liquor (MSL), meconium aspiration syndrome and the practice of optimal cord clamping in babies born through MSL, is discussed. Guidelines suggest not stimulating babies born through MSL, at birth, to avoid aspiration. Read More

Indian Pediatr 2015 Jul;52(7):607-9

Department of Pediatrics, PGIMER, Chandigarh, India.

Midwifery Today Int Midwife 2014 (111):32-3

J Pediatr 2015 May 24;166(5):1109-12. Epub 2015 Feb 24.

Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University Institute, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Neonatology Division, Hospital Italiano, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

J Physiol Pharmacol 2015 Feb;66(1):101-10

Department of Physiology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius School of Medicine in Martin, Martin, Slovakia.

Since inflammation and oxidative stress are fundamental in the pathophysiology of neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), various anti-inflammatory drugs have been used in experimental and clinical studies on MAS. This pilot study evaluated therapeutic potential of N-acetylcysteine in modulation of meconium-induced inflammation and oxidative lung injury. Oxygen-ventilated adult rabbits were intratracheally given 4 ml/kg of meconium (25 mg/ml) or saline (Sal, n = 6). Read More

Physiol Res 2014 ;63 Suppl 4:S629-42

Department of Physiology, Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin, Martin, Slovak Republic.

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is meconium-induced respiratory failure of newborns associated with activation of inflammatory and oxidative pathways. For severe MAS, exogenous surfactant treatment is used which improves respiratory functions but does not treat the inflammation. Oxidative process can lead to later surfactant inactivation; hence, surfactant combination with antioxidative agent may enhance the therapeutic effect. Read More

J Pediatr 2015 May 4;166(5):1208-1213.e1. Epub 2015 Feb 4.

Neonatology Division, Department of Pediatrics, Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Pondicherry, India. Electronic address:

Objective: To assess whether endotracheal suctioning of nonvigorous infants born through meconium stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) reduces the risk and complications of meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS).

Study Design: Term, nonvigorous babies born through MSAF were randomized to endotracheal suction and no-suction groups (n=61 in each). Risk of MAS, complications of MAS and endotracheal suction, mortality, duration of neonatal intensive care unit stay, and neurodevelopmental outcome at 9 months were assessed. Read More

Indian Pediatr 2014 Dec;51(12):1023

Department of Pediatrics, RD Gardi Medical College, Ujjain, MP, India.

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014 Dec 14(12):CD002054. Epub 2014 Dec 14.

The Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Egyptian Neonatal Network (EGNN),Mansoura, Egypt.

Background: Surfactant replacement therapy has been proven beneficial in the prevention and treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The deficiency of surfactant or surfactant dysfunction may contribute to respiratory failure in a broader group of disorders, including meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS).

Objectives: To evaluate the effect of surfactant administration in the treatment of late preterm and term infants with meconium aspiration syndrome. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014 Nov 6(11):CD007772. Epub 2014 Nov 6.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Khon Kaen Hospital, Srichan Road, Khon Kaen, Thailand, 40000.

Background: Chorioamnionitis is more likely to occur when meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is present. Meconium may enhance the growth of bacteria in amniotic fluid by serving as a growth factor, inhibiting bacteriostatic properties of amniotic fluid. Many adverse neonatal outcomes related to MSAF result from meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Read More

Pediatr Rev 2014 Oct;35(10):417-28; quiz 429

Department of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Sanford School of Medicine-University of South Dakota, Sanford Children's Specialty Clinic, Sioux Falls, SD. Sanford Children's Health Research Center, Sioux Falls, SD.

Respiratory distress presents as tachypnea, nasal flaring, retractions, and grunting and may progress to respiratory failure if not readily recognized and managed. Causes of respiratory distress vary and may not lie within the lung. A thorough history, physical examination, and radiographic and laboratory findings will aid in the differential diagnosis. Read More

Arch Gynecol Obstet 2015 Apr 26;291(4):849-53. Epub 2014 Sep 26.

Pediatrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul, Turkey,

Purpose: Approximately 5% of infants born with a meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) develop meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Early recognition of infants at highest risk for the development of MAS and the prediction of disease severity are important for optimizing the clinical strategies for prevention and treatment. The aim of the present study was to identify the risk factors for MAS and to investigate the effect of blood lactate level on the development of MAS. Read More

Eur J Pediatr 2015 Feb 3;174(2):237-43. Epub 2014 Aug 3.

Department of Pediatrics, Lady Hardinge Medical College and Kalawati Saran Children Hospital, New Delhi, India,

Unlabelled: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of administering prophylactic antibiotics on the development of neonatal sepsis in term neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). Two hundred and fifty eligible neonates were randomized to study group (Antibiotic group-receiving first-line antibiotics for 3 days) and control group (No Antibiotic group). Both groups were evaluated clinically and by laboratory parameters (sepsis screen and blood cultures) for development of sepsis. Read More

PLoS Med 2014 May 20;11(5):e1001648. Epub 2014 May 20.

Clinical Epidemiological Unit, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.

Background: Maternal overweight and obesity increase risks of pregnancy and delivery complications and neonatal mortality, but the mechanisms are unclear. The objective of the study was to investigate associations between maternal body mass index (BMI) in early pregnancy and severe asphyxia-related outcomes in infants delivered at term (≥37 weeks).

Methods And Findings: A nation-wide Swedish cohort study based on data from the Medical Birth Register included all live singleton term births in Sweden between 1992 and 2010. Read More

Minerva Pediatr 2014 Apr;66(2):111-22

Department of Preventive Medicine University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil -

Aim: Aim of the study was analyzing the association between mode of delivery and neonatal mortality/ morbidity in term pregnancy.

Methods: Cohort study with births of liveborn normally formed fetuses from single term pregnancies in a public teaching hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, from January 2003 to March 2004 (total of 1471 births). Data were collected from medical records. Read More

J Neonatal Perinatal Med 2014 ;7(1):29-38

Department of Pediatrics, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, Canada.

Objective: To examine rates, trends, predictive risk factors, and outcomes associated with pneumothorax in neonates.

Study Design: Retrospective analyses were used to estimate rates and assess trends in pneumothorax among early preterm (GA <32 weeks), moderate-late preterm (GA 32-36), and term (GA ≥37 weeks) neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) participating in the Canadian Neonatal Network™ from 2005 to 2011. For each GA group, multivariable logistic regression models were derived to predict pneumothorax using risk factors with known clinical relevance. Read More

Arch Cardiol Mex 2014 Apr-Jun;84(2):121-7. Epub 2014 May 3.

Área de Investigación en Pediatría, Unidad Neonatal, Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, Floridablanca, Colombia.

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation is considered a rescue therapy and complex vital support with benefits in cardiorespiratory diseases during neonatal period that fulfil the characteristics of being reversible in neonates older than 34 weeks. The criteria for patient selection and its prompt use are critical for the final result. Even though new alternatives for management of hypoxemic respiratory failure in full term and almost full term neonates have decreased its use, congenital diaphragmatic hernia continues being a complex disease where it can have some applicability. Read More

Adv Neonatal Care 2014 Apr;14(2):103-9

Section of Congenital Heart Surgery (Dr Thompson and Mr Mogan), Diamond Children's Medical Center (Mss Grisham and Scott), Arizona Simulation Technology and Education Center (Ms Grisham, Messrs Prescher, Biffar, and Jarred, and Dr Hamilton), and Department of Pediatrics (Dr Meyer), University of Arizona, Tucson.

Initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is stressful, especially for inexperienced extracorporeal life support providers. The main objective of this study was to create a novel, reusable mannequin for high-fidelity simulation of ECMO initiation. We modified a Laerdal neonatal mannequin (SimNewB; Stavanger, Norway) so that it could be used to simulate an ECMO initiation. Read More

Kinderkrankenschwester 2014 Jan;33(2):58-9

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014 Jan 23(1):CD000014. Epub 2014 Jan 23.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East London Hospital Complex, University of the Witwatersrand, University of Fort Hare, Eastern Cape Department of Health, Frere and Cecilia Makiwane Hospitals, Private Bag X 9047, East London, Eastern Cape, South Africa, 5200.

Background: Amnioinfusion is thought to dilute meconium present in the amniotic fluid and so reduce the risk of meconium aspiration.

Objectives: To assess the effects of amnioinfusion for meconium-stained liquor on perinatal outcome.

Search Methods: We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (1 December 2013). Read More

Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 2014 ;41(5):512-6

Background: Healthcare has dramatically improved for both mothers and neonates over the last three decades in China. However, the reported rates of morbidity and mortality vary among different regions of China, and the exact rates in Northeast China are unknown. This study aimed to determine neonatal morbidity and mortality rates and the associated risk factors in Northeast China. Read More

Paediatr Int Child Health 2014 May 6;34(2):115-9. Epub 2013 Dec 6.

Background: The role of gastric lavage in preventing retching, vomiting and secondary meconium aspiration syndrome in neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid is uncertain, and no there are no definitive guidelines.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of gastric lavage in preventing retching, vomiting and secondary meconium aspiration syndrome in neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

Methods: This was an open-label, parallel, randomized controlled trial conducted in the labour room, postnatal and neonatal wards of a tertiary-care teaching hospital. Read More

Rev Paul Pediatr 2013 Jan-Mar;31(1):37-45

EPM, Unifesp, São Paulo, SP, Brasil.

Objective: To compare the epidemiological profile of avoidable early neonatal deaths associated with perinatal asphyxia according to region of death in the State of São Paulo, Brazil.

Methods: Population-based cohort study including 2,873 avoidable deaths up to six days of life associated with perinatal asphyxia from January 2001 to December 2003. Perinatal asphyxia was considered if intrauterine hypoxia, birth asphyxia, or meconium aspiration syndrome were written in any line of the original Death Certificate. Read More

J Med Assoc Thai 2013 Apr;96(4):389-94

Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital, The Thai Red Cross Society, Chonburi, Thailand.

Background: The rising rate of cesarean section has been of concern worldwide. Maternalfactors and neonatal outcomes of cesarean section and vaginal delivery remain unclear

Objective: To compare the diferences of maternal factors and neonatal outcomes between mothers who underwent Elective Cesarean Section (ECS) and spontaneous vaginal delivery (SVD) MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive research studied all delivery data of Queen Savang Vadhana Memorial Hospital between June 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011. Two thousand eight hundred seventy six deliveries were included. Read More

J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2013 May 17;39(5):953-9. Epub 2013 Mar 17.

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.

Aim: To study the nature and clinical outcome of pregnancies with obstetric cholestasis on active management and to correlate perinatal outcome to gestational age at delivery.

Material And Methods: This prospective randomized study included 69 women with obstetric cholestasis. Fetal surveillance began at 34 weeks or later at diagnosis and included daily maternal record of fetal movements, and biophysical profile (i. Read More

Ginekol Pol 2012 Oct;83(10):795-9

Klinika Poloznictwa i Chorób Kobiecych UM w Poznaniu, Poznań, Polska.

Maternal obesity (defined as prepregnancy maternal BMI> or = 30 kg/m2) is a risk factor strongly associated with serious perinatal complications and its prevalence has increased rapidly in a general population during the last decades. Therefore, following international approach to regulate perinatal care in this population, Group of Experts of Polish Gynecological Society developed these new guidelines concerning perinatal care in obese pregnant women, including women after bariatric surgery. The recommendations cover detailed information on specific needs and risks associated with obesity in women of reproductive age, pregnancy planning, antenatal care, screening, prophylaxis and treatment for other pregnancy complications characteristic for maternal obesity fetal surveillance, intrapartum care and post-partum follow-up. Read More

Ginekol Pol 2012 Sep;83(9):713-7

Katedra i Klinika Połoznictwa i Perinatologii, Uniwersytet Medyczny w Lublinie.

Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) constitutes the most common, reversible liver disease closely connected with pregnancy and spontaneously resolving in puerperium. ICP usually reoccurs in consecutive pregnancies (45-90%), often in a more intensified form. Many compounds (hormones, cytokines, medicines, endotoxins) can impair transport in the hepatocyte, disturb the intracellular transport and increase the permeability of the intercellular connections. Read More

Sudan J Paediatr 2013 ;13(1):11-22

Department of Pediatrics , College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh , Saudi Arabia.

The efficacy of surfactant preparations used in the prevention and treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a well known fact; however, many controversies remain. The debate over which surfactant to be used, when and what is the best mode of delivery is still raging. Currently, animal-derived surfactants are preferred and clearly recommended by various practice guidelines, but new synthetic surfactants containing peptides that mimic the action of surfactant proteins are emerging and they seem to have a comparable efficacy profile to the natural surfactants. Read More

Dev Med Child Neurol 2013 Jun 26;55(6):499-508. Epub 2012 Nov 26.

Paediatrics and Child Health, School of Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

Aim: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review in order to identify the risk factors for cerebral palsy (CP) in children born at term. The secondary aim was to ascertain if the potential for prevention of these risk factors has been adequately explored.

Method: A MEDLINE search up to 31 July 2011 was completed, following the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology guidelines. Read More

Surg Clin North Am 2013 Feb 3;93(1):251-72. Epub 2012 Nov 3.

Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA.

Colorectal disease in pediatric patients includes a spectrum of diseases, many of which have a significant impact on quality of life and warrant long-term follow-up and treatment into adulthood. Although many diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, are managed similar to adults, other disease processes are more common to pediatric patients and are the focus of this article. Read More