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Query: UMLS:C0020672 (hypothermia)
 17,327 document(s) hit in 31,850,051 MEDLINE articles (0.00 seconds)

In very low birth weight infants, the occurrence of bilirubin-related brain damage has been repeatedly observed at low serum bilirubin concentrations in close association with altered pathophysiologic status (hypoxia, acidosis, hypothermia, and so on). This increased susceptibility is accompanied by increased severity and duration of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia as compared with more mature infants. Clinical manifestations of kernicterus in very low birth weight infants are almost always nonspecific. No single biochemical or physiologic measurement is sufficient to predict the risk for development of the bilirubin-related brain damage in this group. Prevention of bilirubin-related brain damage in very low birth weight infants requires not only the maintenance of physiologic and biochemical milieu within normal limits, but also specific therapy to alleviate unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Although exchange transfusion has been the mainstay of therapy for unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia, the increased morbidity and mortality associated with exchange transfusion in these immature infants and the need to maintain very low serum bilirubin concentrations suggest that prophylactic phototherapy may be more beneficial for this group.
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PMID:Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in very low birth weight infants. 33 31

The classic modes of heat loss affecting the newborn are conduction, convection, radiation and evaporation. The disproportionate ratio of surface area to body weight (SA/BW) of the premature infant is the basis of inefficient heat conservation, combined with a blunted metabolic response. Hypothermia leads to hypoxemia, acidosis, hypoglycemia, kernicterus and other lethal complications. Mistakes are common. Attention to minute details is required for stabilization of body temperature at the "neutral temperature zone" in delivery room, nursery and in transport.
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PMID:Thermoregulation of the newborn. 92 May 70

To focus attention on the problem of infant mortality in Lebanon, data were compiled on infant mortality from 1978 to 1986 at the American University of Beirut Medical Center. Causes of death are analyzed for 602 males and 398 females. 54.9% deaths occurred at 1 month of age and 77.4% died within the 1st year. Autopsies were performed on .7%. 37.7% of all neonatal deaths were due to neonatal diseases such as hyaline membrane disease, asphyxia neonatorum, immaturity, necrotizing enterocolitis, hemorrhage, hemolysis, meconium aspiration, and kernicterus. Better prenatal care would reduce this group, or the administration of corticosteroids to the mother 24-48 hours prior to delivery, as well as rapid resuscitation at birth and prevention of the 5 curses: hypoxemia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, hypotension, and acidosis. Although unavailable in Lebanon, administration of surfactants through an endotracheal tube would also help. Infections constitute 25.1% of deaths; many are preventable through adequate public health measures and strict personal hygiene, i.e., diseases such as sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis, gastroenteritis, hepatitis, encephalitis, and 1-2 cases of the following: diphtheria, measles, peritonitis, tetanus, tuberculosis, cytomegalis inclusion, herpes, parathyphoid, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and shigellosis. Congenital diseases were 21.6%. In utero diagnosis could prevent some diseases and in utero treatment is possible for hydrocephalus and hydronephrosis. Screening programs postnatally could lead to treatment. 5.9% were malignancies such as leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, histocytosis, Wilm's tumor, Ewing sarcoma, and Hodgkin's disease. Early diagnosis is critical if mortality is to be reduced in this group, but medical advances are still needed. 2.9% are miscellaneous diseases such as poisoning, rheumatic diseases, marasmus, Reye's syndrome, nephrosis, rickets, and epilepsy. Most of these diseases are preventable, except for rheumatic inflammation of the heart. Recommended necessary steps to reduce infant mortality are: prenatal care, diagnosis and screening, intrauterine surgery; resuscitation and intensive care centers with modern equipment and trained personnel; national vaccination and screening programs; adequate public health measures and hygiene; parental education; and well-equipped hospitals to serve all regardless of income level.
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PMID:Pediatric mortality: an avoidable tragedy. 251 28

An analysis of the causes of death in the neonatal nursery of the Port Moresby General Hospital in Papua New Guinea from 1982-1985 is presented, and conclusions were enumerated. The nursery has beds for 24 babies, subdivided into intensive care, infection and growing areas. Dormitory space for 12 mothers is available, and breast feeding is encouraged, whether by sucking, cup or tube: no bottle feeding is done. Up to 9 sisters staff the unit. A total of 2948 infants were admitted, including 831 cesarean births. 343 deaths occurred. 80 deaths were previable babies less than 1000 g. The neonatal mortality was 10/1000. The most common causes of death were septicemia or meningitis (24%), perinatal asphyxia (20%), respiratory distress syndrome (15%), congenital abnormalities (12%), meconium aspiration 7%, apnea of prematurity (7%). Other causes included pneumonia, hypothermia, intrauterine infection syndrome, cerebral hemorrhage and kernicterus. Note that hypothermia can occur in tiny babies, even in the tropics. Both respiratory distress and jaundice appear to be rare in melanesians compared to caucasians. Infections were due to tetanus, E. coli, S. aureus a Strep. faecalis, rather than the Group B hemolytic Strep. more often seen in the West. It was concluded that several inexpensive measures can be put in place to markedly enhance survival: train birth attendants to prevent perinatal asphyxia; maintain body temperature by available means; feed adequately, using expressed breast milk if necessary; maintain oxygenation properly using simple equipment such as a nasal catheter or perspex head box; prevent infection by scrupulous hand washing, cord care and overall cleanliness; manage neonatal jaundice.
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PMID:Neonatal care in perspective: results of neonatal care at Port Moresby. 347 16

Yellow staining of central nervous system (CNS) nuclei occurs in the brains of some neonates, despite low levels of serum bilirubin. Two conditions appear to be important in the evolution of this form of kernicterus: prematurity and asphyxia. In a seven year retrospective study of a large neonatal autopsy population, 102 cases had kernicterus as indicated by selective macroscopic yellow staining and microscopic damage within specific CNS nuclei. Neuropathological study disclosed minor variations and numerous similarities in the manifestations of kernicterus in the asphyctic premature neonate with low levels of serum bilirubin, as compared to kernicterus in the full-term neonate with high levels of serum bilirubin. Acidosis, hypoxia, hyperoxia, hypothermia and sepsis have been considered significant risk factors, but recent comparative clinical studies have not defined predictive indices. Analysis of this disorder is difficult because of the concurrence of other complications of asphyxia and its pathological correlates in premature infants. Diagnostic difficulties are also compounded by variations in the definitions of kernicterus as used by different investigators.
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PMID:The neuropathology of kernicterus in the premature neonate: diagnostic problems. 669 27

To assess the value of free bilirubin (FB) measurements in predicting kernicterus (KI) in sick premature infants, 91 newborns weighing less than 1,500 gm at birth were observed during the first week of like with twice daily FB and total bilirubin determinations. Autopsies were performed on 30 of the 53 infants who died. Seven had KI and 23 did not. There were no differences between infants with and with out KI in the maximum FB level (KI 18.2 +/- 4.5 [SEM] nm/liter, no KI 11.1 +/- 0.9 nm/liter, P not significant) or the total bilirubin level (KI 7.3 +/- 1.3 mg/100 ml, no KI 6.1 +/- 0.5 mg/100 ml, P not significant). In fact, three kernicteric infants had very low maximum FB levels (less than 10 nm/liter). These three infants had prolonged episodes of acidosis, hypoxemia, or hypothermia during the 24 hours preceding their maximum level of FB. Although elevated levels of FB may be predictive of KI in some infants, other factors may make the blood-brain barrier more permeable to low levels of FB. This may limit the clinical applicability of FB measurements.
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PMID:A prospective study of free bilirubin and other risk factors in the development of kernicterus in premature infants. 706 82

A review of 398 neonatal autopsies at Downstate Medical Center revealed 27 cases of kernicterus during the seven-year period from 1971 through 1977. With the current intensive care of the sick newborn, kernicterus continues to occur, mainly in premature infants with relatively low levels of serum bilirubin (mean of 11.5 mg/100 ml). To understand the factors contributing to the development of kernicterus, clinical and pathologic findings in 27 infants with kernicterus were compared to 103 "control" infants with retrospectively. Birth weight, gestational age, sex, and Apgar scores were comparable in both groups. The duration of survival was significantly shorter in infants with kernicterus than in the control infants. The clinical signs and symptoms of kernicterus were nonspecific and the premortem diagnosis of kernicterus was not suspected in most of the cases. There were no significant differences in the peak serum bilirubin values, incidence of hypothermia, hypoglycemia, convulsions, anemia, infection, use of phototherapy, transfusion and exchange transfusion in the two groups. Serum albumin values and bilirubin binding capacity measured by 2-(4-hydroxybenzeneazo)benzoic acid were significantly lower in the kernicteric group although the bilirubin-albumin molar ratio was equal in both groups. The incidences of severe acidosis and hypoxic encephalopathy were significantly higher in the kernicteric infants. In this study, acidosis, hypoxia, hypoalbuminemia, and low bilirubin binding capacity were seen more often in kernicteric infants than in control infants. However, analysis of previously suggested risk factors failed to identify any single factor or combination of factors which could be predictive to the development of kernicterus.
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PMID:Lack of predictive indices in kernicterus: a comparison of clinical and pathologic factors in infants with or without kernicterus. 719 47

In recent years kernicterus at autopsy has been observed in sick premature infants in the absence of markedly elevated levels of serum bilirubin. Potentiating factors have been suggested to explain kernicterus in such a setting. In order to establish which factors are associated with increased risk for kernicterus in these small babies, this retrospective matched control study was undertaken. Thirty-two infants with kernicterus at autopsy were matched for gestational age, birth weight, length of survival, and year of birth to 32 control infants without kernicterus. Multiple historical, clinical, and laboratory factors were compared, including therapy, sepsis, hypothermia, asphyxia as reflected by Apgar score, hematocrit, acidosis, hypercarbia, hypoxia, hypoglycemia, and hyperbilirubinemia. No statistically significant differences between the kernicteric and nonkernicteric infants were demonstrated for any of these factors, including peak total serum bilirubin levels. Multivariant analysis also failed to determine a group of factors associated with increased risk for kernicterus. It was not possible to separate those infants with and without kernicterus at autopsy on the basis of the clinical factors evaluated.
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PMID:Lack of identifiable risk factors for kernicterus. 743 34

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hypothermia on bilirubin-induced alterations in brain cell membrane function and energy metabolism in the developing brain. Thirty-seven newborn piglets were divided randomly into four groups: normothermic control (NC, n=9); hypothermic control (HC, n=7); normothermic bilirubin infusion (NB, n=11); and hypothermic bilirubin infusion (HB, n=10) groups. In bilirubin infusion groups (NB and HB), a loading dose of bilirubin (35 mg/kg) was given over 5 min, followed by a continuous infusion (25 mg/kg/h) for 4 h. The control groups (NC, HC) received a bilirubin-free buffer solution. Sulfadimethoxine was administered to animals in all experimental groups. Rectal temperature was maintained between 38.0 and 39.0 degrees C in normothermic groups, and between 34.0 and 35.0 degrees C in hypothermic groups for 4 h after the start of bilirubin infusion. The final blood and brain bilirubin concentrations in the bilirubin infusion groups (NB and HB) were not significantly different. Decreased cerebral cortical cell membrane Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity and increased lipid peroxidation products observed in the NB group, indicative of bilirubin-induced brain damage, were significantly attenuated in the HB group. Hypothermia also significantly improved the bilirubin-induced reduction in brain ATP and phosphocreatine levels and increase in blood and brain lactate levels. In summary, hypothermia significantly attenuated the bilirubin-induced alterations in brain cell membrane function and energy metabolism in the newborn piglet. These findings suggest the possibility that hypothermia could be a good neuroprotective therapeutic modality in neonatal bilirubin encephalopathy.
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PMID:Effect of hypothermia on bilirubin-induced alterations in brain cell membrane function and energy metabolism in newborn piglets. 1174 60

The dramatic advances that have taken place in recent years in the care of sick and premature infants also have been matched by a similar increase in the use of blood transfusion therapy. Haematological features indicate that a newborn has a blood volume of 85-125 ml/kg the foetal haemoglobin is 60-85% and average Hb in full term infant is 18 gm/dl. By 2-3 months it falls to 11-12 g/dl the main cause of anemia are iron poor diet, weaning diets recurrent or chronic infections and hemolytic episodes in malarious areas. The red cells transfusions are usually top up transfusions, exchange transfusions, partial exchange transfusions. Top up- are for investigational losses and correction of mild degrees of anemias, upto to 5-15 ml/kg. They comprise 90% of all neonatal transfusions and are used in low birth babies in special care units for a maximum of 9-10 episodes. The walk in donor programs once popular are not much in vogue. The threshold for transfusion is 8-10 g/dl Hb for upto 5 weeks. Exchange transfusions are done for correction of anemia, removal of bilirubin, removal of antibodies and replacement of red cells. Ideally plasma reduced red cells that are not older than 5 days are used. It is prepared by removal of 120 ml of standard whole blood donation. The advantage of fresh cells is that hyperkalemia is avoided and good post transfusion survival acceptable red cell oxygen affinity. However it has to be screened for sickle cell disease and G6PD deficiency. Indications for exchange transfusion are kernicterus, neonatal hemolysis, G6PD deficiency, ARDS, neonatal sepsis, DIC and neonatal isoimmune thrombocytopaenia. Complications include over transfusion, perforation of major vessels, hypocalcaemia, citrate toxicity, hypothermia, hypoglycaemia, thrombocytopenia, necrotizing enterocolitis, GVHD, bacterial, viral infections. Partial exchange transfusions are done for symptomatic anemia, where Hb<10 g/dl, it is indicated in polycythemia and hyperviscosity syndromes. Exchange volume = Blood volume x (observed Hct-Desired HCt) divided observed Hct. Points to consider-there is weak expression of ABO antigens so particular care while grouping. Transfusing volumes should be 2-5 ml/kg/hour in paediatric bags of 50-100 ml with infusion devices. Platelet transfusion are indicated in neonatal throbocytopaenia, thrombocytopaenia due to sepsis, DIC, bacterial pathogens, CMV, TORCHS, Obstetric conditions such as pre eclampsia, intrauterine death abruption placenta birth injury hypoxia schock neonatal iso immune thrombocytopaenia and maternal ITP. Administration 1 RDE/pack per 2.5 kg single dose of fresh platelets less than 24hrs which contains 55 x 10(9) cells. This also contributes fresh plasma so is useful for coagulation defects also, though there is a risk of CMV and GVHD due to leucocyte contamination. Granulocyte concentrate; Gravity leucopheresis-1:8 ratio of 60 ml of 6% HES made to stand for 1hr.
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PMID:Component therapy. 1451 88


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