Abstract Objective Acute kidney injury (AKI) in the neonatal period is associated with worst outcomes as increased mortality and increased length of hospital stay. Very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns are at higher risk for developing several other conditions that are associated with worst outcomes. Understanding the risk factors for AKI may help to prevent this condition and improve neonatal care for this population. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 155 very low birth weight newborns admitted between 2015 and 2017. The authors compared the newborns who developed neonatal AKI with the non-AKI group and analyzed the main risk factors for developing AKI in the population. The authors also performed an analysis of the main outcomes defined as the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and death. Results From the cohort, a total of 61 (39.4%) patients had AKI. The main risk factors associated with Neonatal AKI were necrotizing enterocolitis (aOR 7.61 [1.69 - 34.37]; p = 0.008), neonatal sepsis (aOR 2.91 [1.17 - 7.24], p = 0.021), and hemodynamic instability (aOR 2.99 [1.35 - 6.64]; p = 0.007). Neonatal AKI was also associated with an increase in the duration of mechanical ventilation in 9.4 days (p = 0.026) and in an increase in mortality 4 times (p = 0.009), after adjusting for the other variables. Conclusion The present results highlight the importance of minimizing sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis, as well as the importance of identifying hemodynamic instability, to prevent AKI and diminish the burden of morbimortality in VLBW newborns.

Abstract Purpose: The authors aimed to develop a Machine-Learning (ML) algorithm that can predict positive blood culture in the neonatal intensive care unit, using complete blood count and C-reactive protein values. Methods: The study was based on patients’ electronic health records at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in São Paulo, Brazil. All blood cultures that had paired complete blood count and C-reactive protein measurements taken at the same time were included. To evaluate the machine learning model’s performance, the authors used accuracy, Area Under the Receiver Operating Characteristics (AUROC), recall, precision, and F1-score. Results: The dataset included 1181 blood cultures with paired complete blood count plus c-reactive protein and 1911 blood cultures with paired complete blood count only. The f1-score ranged from 0.14 to 0.43, recall ranged from 0.08 to 0.59, precision ranged from 0.29 to 1.00, and accuracy ranged from 0.688 to 0.864. Conclusion: Complete blood count parameters and C-reactive protein levels cannot be used in ML models to predict bacteremia in newborns.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the orofacial characteristics of very low-birth-weight preterm infants through anthropometric facial measures, orofacial anteroposterior analysis and the relationship between the gum pads. Method: Orofacial examinations was performed in 154 infants, classified into two groups: Group A comprised 54 very low-birth-weight infants who were examined after clinical stabilization and before hospital discharge, and Group B comprised 100 full-term infants. Results: The average anthropometricmeasurements in millimetres for Group A and Group B were as follows: upper third:30.2 and 31.1; middle third: 24.2 and 25.9; lower third: 27.6 and 29.9; facial width: 64.8and 81.4. Regarding the orofacial anteroposterior analysis, the results showed that in99% of these infants, the mandible was in a retrognathic position relative to the maxilla.Group A and Group B had the following distributions of the relationship between thegum pads: overbite-overjet: 43% and 77%; overjet: 39% and 17%; open bite: 15% and3%; end-to-end: 2% and 1%; overbite: both 2%. Conclusion: The very low-birth-weight preterm infants showed the upper third with the highest values in the facialharmony analysis, followed by the lower third and the middle third; and exhibited themandible in a retrognathic position relative to the maxilla, and with overbite-overjet themost prevalent type of gum pad relationship. The study emphasizes the importance of orofacial examination during neonatal hospitalization and the investigation of birth weight and gestational age in a multidisciplinary therapeutic approach that includes orofacial neonatal evaluation and actions that promote oral health, besides foster follow-up studies.

RESUMO OBJETIVOS Descrever o título de anticorpos IgG total e específico anti-Streptococcus B, anti-lipopolissacarídeos(LPS) de Klebsiella e Pseudomonas no cordão umbilical em gêmeos e analisar a possível associação entre os títulos desses anticorpos e a ocorrência de infecção. MÉTODOS Estudo prospectivo transversal de uma coorte de recém-nascidos (RN) gemelares em 20 meses. Excluídos: malformação, infecção congênita ou materna. Variáveis estudadas: idade gestacional(IG); peso de nascimento(PN); título de anticorpos e episódios de infecção. Foram utilizados testes t-Student pareado, correlação de Spearman e equações de estimação generalizadas. RESULTADOS Elegíveis 59 pares de gêmeos, excluídos 4 e incluídos 55 pares (n=110RN). A IG foi 36±1,65semanas e o PN foi 2304,8±460g (média±DP). Concentrações de anticorpos dos RN(média±DP): IgG total=835,71±190,73 mg/dL, IgG anti-Streptococcus B=295,1±250,66 UA/mL, IgG anti-LPS Pseudomonas=280,04±498,66 UA/mL e IgG anti-LPS Klebsiella=504,75± 933,93UA/mL. Houve correlação positiva entre níveis de anticorpos maternos e aqueles observados nos RN (p<0,005). A transferência transplacentária de anticorpos maternos IgG total e IgG anti-LPS Pseudomonas foi significativamente menor em RN IG < 34semanas (p<0,05). Foram diagnosticados 5 RN com infecção. Os RN que apresentaram infecção tinham concentração de IgG total significativamente menor (p<0,05). CONCLUSÕES Na população estudada existe correlação entre os anticorpos maternos e os níveis de anticorpos no RN. Nos gêmeos menores que 34 semanas há menor transferência de IgG total e IgG anti-LPS Pseudomonas. Nos RN com infecção a concentração de IgG total é significativamente menor, o que demonstra a maior vulnerabilidade e risco de infecção dessa população e a importância da imunidade passiva transferida pela placenta.

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE To describe the concentration of total and specific IgG antibodies anti-Streptococcus B, anti-lipopolysaccharide of Klebsiella spp, and anti-lipopolysaccharide of Pseudomonas spp in the umbilical cord of newborn(NB) twins and to analyze the association between neonatal infection and antibody concentration in the umbilical cord blood. METHODS A prospective cross-sectional study of a cohort of NB twins admitted during the period of 20 months. Patients with malformations and mothers with infection were excluded. Variables analyzed: gestational age(GA); birth weight(BW); antibody concentrations in umbilical cord blood; infection episodes. We used the paired Student t-test, Spearman correlation, and generalized estimation equation. RESULTS 57 pairs of twins were included, 4 excluded, making the sample of 110 newborns. GA=36±1.65weeks and BW=2304.8±460g(mean±SD). Antibody concentrations in twins(mean±SD): total IgG=835.71±190.73mg/dL, anti-StreptococcusB IgG=250.66±295.1 AU/mL, anti-lipopolysaccharide of Pseudomonas spp IgG=280.04±498.66 AU/mL and anti-lipopolysaccharide of Klebsiella spp IgG=504.75±933.93 AU/mL. There was a positive correlation between maternal antibody levels and those observed in newborns(p <0.005). The transplacental transfer of maternal total IgG and anti-LPS Pseudomonas IgG antibodies was significantly lower at NB GA <34 weeks(p <0.05). Five newborns were diagnosed with an infection. Infants with infection had significantly lower total IgG concentration(p <0.05). CONCLUSION This study showed a positive correlation between maternal and newborn antibodies levels. In infants younger than 34 weeks there is less transfer of total IgG and anti-LPS Pseudomonas IgG. The highest incidence of infection in the newborn group who had significantly lower total IgG serum antibodies reinforces the importance of anti-infectious protection afforded by passive immunity transferred from the mother.

RESUMO Objetivo Investigar o desempenho lexical e a habilidade de memória de curto prazo verbal em crianças prematuras em idade pré-escolar, e comparar os resultados com seus pares nascidos a termo. Método Participaram do estudo 40 pré-escolares com idade entre 4 e 5 anos e 11 meses divididos em dois grupos, sendo 20 nascidos prematuros e 20 nascidos a termo. Os grupos não diferiram quanto à idade, renda familiar e escolaridade materna. Foram utilizados testes de vocabulário expressivo e memória de curto prazo verbal. A análise estatística inferencial foi realizada por meio dos testes de Mann-Whitney e exato de Fisher. Resultados O desempenho dos grupos não diferiu na tarefa de vocabulário, mas o grupo de prematuros apresentou desempenho inferior ao de seus pares na tarefa de repetição de não palavras. Conclusão Nesta amostra, o desempenho dos pré-escolares que nasceram prematuros foi estatisticamente inferior ao daqueles nascidos a termo apenas na tarefa de repetição de não palavras. Assim, o nascimento prematuro esteve associado a desempenho no vocabulário expressivo compatível com o esperado para a idade, porém com prejuízos na memória de curto prazo verbal.

ABSTRACT Purpose To investigate lexical performance and verbal short-term memory ability in premature infants at preschool age and compare the results with their full-term peers. Methods Forty preschool children aged between 4 and 5 years and 11 months participated on the study and were equally divided into two groups considering their gestational age: preterm and full-term. Groups did not differ on age, family income and maternal education. Participants were paired according to their chronological age and their socioeconomic status. Their performance was assessed using expressive vocabulary and verbal short-term memory tests. Inferential statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney and the Fisher exact test. Results Group performance did not differ on vocabulary, but premature children showed an inferior performance on nonword repetition tasks. Conclusion These data indicates that preschoolers born premature performed statistically lower than their peers born full-term on nonword repetition task. Thus, premature birth was associated to vocabulary development on typically developing range, but also to verbal short-term memory impairments.

RESUMO Objetivo: Investigar a influência do manejo da síndrome do desconforto respiratório sobre parâmetros clínicos e ecocardiográficos de avaliação hemodinâmica em recém-nascidos ≤ 32 semanas. Métodos: Foram avaliados prospectivamente 33 recém-nascidos ≤ 32 semanas, submetidos à ventilação mecânica invasiva. A necessidade de surfactante exógeno e os parâmetros clínicos e ecocardiográficos nas primeiras 24 horas de vida foram detalhadas nesse grupo de pacientes. Resultados: O valor da pressão média de vias aéreas foi significativamente maior nos recém-nascidos que necessitaram de inotrópicos [10,8 (8,8 - 23) cmH2O versus 9 (6,2 - 12) cmH2O; p = 0,04]. Houve correlação negativa entre pressão média de vias aéreas e integral velocidade-tempo da artéria pulmonar (r = -0,39; p = 0,026), débito do ventrículo direito (r = -0,43; p = 0,017) e medidas da excursão do plano do anel tricúspide (r = -0,37; p = 0,036). Verificou-se correlação negativa entre o número de doses de surfactante exógeno e: débito de ventrículo direito (r = -0,39; p = 0,028) e a integral velocidade-tempo da artéria pulmonar (r = -0,35; p = 0,043). Conclusão: Nos recém-nascidos ≤ 32 semanas em ventilação mecânica invasiva, elevações de pressão média de vias aéreas e do número de doses de surfactante correlacionam-se com piora da função cardíaca precoce. Aparentemente, o manejo mais agressivo da síndrome do desconforto respiratório contribui para a instabilidade hemodinâmica desses pacientes.

ABSTRACT Objective: To investigate the influence of respiratory distress syndrome management on clinical and echocardiographic parameters used for hemodynamic evaluation in ≤ 32- week newborns. Methods: Thirty-three ≤ 32-week newborns were prospectively evaluated and subjected to invasive mechanical ventilation. The need for exogenous surfactant and clinical and echocardiographic parameters in the first 24 hours of life was detailed in this group of patients. Results: The mean airway pressure was significantly higher in newborn infants who required inotropes [10.8 (8.8 - 23) cmH2O versus 9 (6.2 - 12) cmH2O; p = 0.04]. A negative correlation was found between the mean airway pressure and velocity-time integral of the pulmonary artery (r = -0.39; p = 0.026), right ventricular output (r = -0.43; p = 0.017) and measurements of the tricuspid annular plane excursion (r = -0.37; p = 0.036). A negative correlation was found between the number of doses of exogenous surfactant and the right ventricular output (r = -0.39; p = 0.028) and pulmonary artery velocity-time integral (r = -0.35; p = 0.043). Conclusion: In ≤ 32-week newborns under invasive mechanical ventilation, increases in the mean airway pressure and number of surfactant doses are correlated with the worsening of early cardiac function. Therefore, more aggressive management of respiratory distress syndrome may contribute to the hemodynamic instability of these patients.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the perinatal outcomes of type II and III selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) in monochorionic-diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies treated with expectant management or laser ablation of placental vessels (LAPV). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of cases of sFGR that received expectant management (type II, n=6; type III, n=22) or LAPV (type II, n=30; type III, n=9). The main outcomes were gestational age at delivery and survival rate. RESULTS: The smaller fetus presented an absent/reversed “a” wave in the ductus venosus (arAWDV) in all LAPV cases, while none of the expectant management cases presented arAWDV. The median gestational age at delivery was within the 32nd week for expectant management (type II and III) and for type II LAPV, and the 30th week for type III LAPV. The rate of at least one twin alive at hospital discharge was 83.3% and 90.9% for expectant management type II and III, respectively, and 90% and 77.8% for LAPV type II and III, respectively. CONCLUSION: LAPV in type II and III sFGR twins with arAWDV in the smaller fetus seems to yield outcomes similar to those of less severe cases that received expectant management.

Since studies show that an unfavorable environment during intrauterine development predisposes individuals to several diseases in adulthood, our objective is to assess the relation between fetal growth restriction and chronic renal disease in adults. We searched four different electronic databases through November 2017: CENTRAL, EMBASE, LILACS and MEDLINE. We selected studies with longitudinal or transversal designs associating kidney function in adulthood with low birth weight. Two reviewers evaluated the inclusion criteria and the risk of bias and extracted data from the included papers. Thirteen studies were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis. We observed increased risks of presenting end-stage renal disease (risk ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval: 1.17, 1.47), a lower glomerular filtration rate (ml/min) (mean difference 7.14; 95% confidence interval: -12.12, -2.16), microalbuminuria (risk ratio 1.40; 95% confidence interval: 1.28, 1.52) and a small increase in the albumin/creatinine ratio (mean difference 0.46; 95% confidence interval: 0.03, 0.90) in the low birth weight patients, compared with control group. These findings suggest that low birth weight is associated with renal dysfunction in adults.

Resumo Objetivo: caracterizar o desempenho motor de recém-nascidos em unidade neonatal de nível terciário e comparar os resultados com os valores normativos preconizados pelo Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP). Método: foram incluídos recém-nascidos entre 34 e 416/7 semanas de idade gestacional corrigida, em respiração espontânea e estado de consciência 4 ou 5, segundo Brazelton. Para avaliar o desempenho motor, foi utilizado o TIMP. Resultados: os grupos etários de 34-35 e 36-37 semanas apresentaram em média escore TIMP semelhante aos valores de referência; já nos grupos etários 38-39 semanas e 40-41 semanas, os escores TIMP foram estatisticamente menores que os valores de referência (p<0,001 e p=0,018, respectivamente). Os grupos de 34-35 e 36-37 semanas foram classificados como dentro da média, enquanto os grupos 38-39 e 40-41 semanas como média baixa. As classificações abaixo da média e muito abaixo da média não foram observadas. Conclusão: os recém-nascidos apresentaram escores dentro da média quando comparados aos valores de referência do TIMP; porém, houve dois grupos cujo desempenho se situou na classificação média baixa. Houve diferença significativa no desempenho motor dos recém-nascidos nos grupos etários de 38-39 e 40-41 semanas. Esse comportamento sugere que a casuística estudada apresenta particularidades que, possivelmente, influenciaram de modo negativo o desempenho motor. Os resultados obtidos mostram que o TIMP é instrumento de grande utilidade e pode ser usado com segurança em unidade neonatal terciária.

Summary Objective: To characterize the motor performance of newborns in a neonatal unit of tertiary level and compare the results to the values recommended by the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP). Method: Newborns between 34 and 416/7 weeks of corrected gestational age, breathing spontaneously and presenting state of consciousness 4 or 5, according to Brazelton, were included. TIMP was used to evaluate the motor performance. Results: The age groups of 34-35 and 36-37 weeks showed on average TIMP scores similar to the reference values (p>0.05), while in the age groups of 38-39 weeks and 40-41 weeks TIMP scores were statistically lower than the reference values (p<0.001 and p=0.018, respectively). The 34-35 and 36-37 week groups were rated as average, while the 38-39 and 40-41 week groups were defined as low average. Classifications below average and very below average were not observed. Conclusion: The newborns showed average scores compared to the TIMP reference values; however, there were two groups whose performances were within the low average. There was no significant difference in motor performance of newborns in the age groups of 38-39 and 40-41 weeks. This behavior suggests that the sample studied has special features that possibly negatively influenced their motor performance. The results showed that the TIMP is a very useful tool and can be used safely in tertiary neonatal units.

Resumo A doença de Menkes é causada por uma alteração genética no metabolismo do cobre, por mutações no gene ATP7A. Caracteriza-se por alterações neurológicas e no exame físico. No período neonatal, essas alterações podem ser inespecíficas, o que torna o diagnóstico precoce um desafio. O diagnóstico pode ser suspeitado quando há baixos níveis séricos de cobre e ceruloplasmina. A análise molecular confirma o diagnóstico, e o tratamento deve ser feito com histidina de cobre. Nós relatamos um caso familial de doença de Menkes. O probando apresentava quadro clínico e alterações bioquímicas compatíveis com a doença de Menkes, em consulta com 1 mês de vida. O tratamento foi indicado, mas apenas iniciado com 2 meses e 27 dias. Ele não apresentou melhora clínica e veio a óbito com 6 meses. A mãe teve uma nova gestação, foi identificado um feto do sexo masculino e foi solicitada a manipulação da histidina de cobre ainda durante a gestação. O bebê nasceu saudável, os marcadores bioquímicos estavam diminuídos e o tratamento com histidina de cobre foi indicado. Realizamos a análise molecular, que confirmou mutação no gene ATP7A na mãe e no probando; porém, o outro filho não apresentava mutação e o tratamento foi interrompido. Nós defendemos a importância clínica da confirmação molecular para o correto diagnóstico e o aconselhamento genético da doença de Menkes, uma vez que os achados clínicos e as alterações bioquímicas no período neonatal são inespecíficos, e o tratamento com histidina de cobre parenteral deve ser rapidamente instituído.

Summary Menkes disease is a congenital disorder caused by changes in copper metabolism derived from mutations in the ATP7A gene. It is characterized by physical and neurological alterations. In the neonatal period, these alterations can be nonspecific, which makes early diagnosis a challenge. Diagnosis can be suspected when there are low levels of ceruloplasmin and serum copper. Molecular analysis confirms the diagnosis. Treatment is parenteral administration of copper histidine. We report a familial case with molecular confirmation. The proband had clinical and biochemical suspicious. Treatment with copper histidine was indicated, but initiated at the age of 2 months and 27 days only. He did not present improvements and died at 6 months. The mother became pregnant again, a male fetus was identified and copper histidine was manufactured during pregnancy. He was born healthy, biochemical markers were reduced and treatment was indicated. Molecular analysis was performed confirming mutation in both the mother and the proband, while the other son did not have mutation, so treatment was discontinued. We support the clinical relevance of molecular confirmation for the correct diagnosis and genetic counseling, once clinical findings in the neonatal period are nonspecific and early treatment with parenteral copper histidine must be indicated.

Objetivo: avaliar a morbidade e mortalidade neonatal em gestações monocoriônicas e diamnióticas (MCDA) acometidas pela restrição de crescimento fetal seletiva (RCFS) e não seletiva (RCFNS). Métodos: os parâmetros de morbidade e mortalidade neonatais foram avaliados em 34 gêmeos com RCF (abaixo do percentil 10 de uma curva de crescimento para gêgêmeos): 18 com RCFS e 16 com RCFNS. O grupo com RCFS teve origem em 18 gestações, em que somente um feto apresentava RCF. O grupo com RCFNS teve origem em 8 gestações em que ambos os fetos apresentavam RCF. Foram excluídos deste estudo casos da síndrome da transfusão feto-fetal e malformações fetais. Resultados: os gêmeos de gestações MCDA com RCFS apresentaram maior frequência de entubação orotraqueal (p=0,001), ventilação mecânica (p=0,0006) e maior tempo em jejum durante internação (p=0,014), quando comparados aos gêmeos de gestações MCDA com RCFNS. No grupo com RCFS, também foram observados maior frequência de tipos II e III de dopplervelocimetria de artéria umbilical (p=0,002). Não houve diferença significativa entre os grupos quanto à mortalidade neonatal (p=0,09). Conclusão: em gestações gemelares MCDA, a RCFS representa maior frequência de alterações severas na velocimetria Doppler da artéria umbilical e piores resultados na morbidade neonatal.

Objective: to evaluate neonatal morbidity and mortality in monochorionic- -diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies complicated by selective intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) and non-selective intrauterine growth resctriction (nsIUGR). Methods: neonatal morbidity parameters and mortality were analyzed in 34 twins with IUGR (< 10th percentile on twins’ growth charts): 18 with sIUGR and 16 with nsIUGR. The sIUGR group was made up of 18 pregnancies in which growth was restricted in only one fetus (n = 18). The nsIUGR group was composed of 8 pregnancies in which both fetuses presented restricted growth (n = 16). Cases of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome and fetal malformation were not included in the study. Results: the MCDA twin pregnancies with sIUGR had a higher rate of orotracheal intubation (p = 0.001) and mechanical ventilation (p = 0.0006), as well as longer than average fasting time (p = 0.014) compared to those in which the fetuses had nsIUGR. A higher incidence was also observed of types II and III umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry patterns in the sIUGR cases (p = 0.002). There was no significant difference between the two groups as to mortality during pregnancy and the neonatal period (p = 0.09). Conclusion: in MCDA twin pregnancies, sIUGR presents more severe umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry abnormalities and worse morbidity than nsIUGR.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar o resultado perinatal nas gestações gemelares com partos em hospital universitário segundo a corionicidade. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 289 gestações gemelares com partos no Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, no período de janeiro de 2003 a dezembro de 2006. Os dados maternos e fetais foram obtidos através dos livros de parto e dos prontuários da instituição. A corionicidade foi determinada pela ultrassonografia ou pelo exame anatomopatológico. RESULTADOS: A incidência de gestação gemelar foi de 3,4% sendo 96,6% naturalmente concebidas. Dos 578 conceptos, 60,5% eram de gestações dicoriônicas (DC), 30,8% monocoriônicas diamnióticas (MCDA), 6,6% monocoriônicas monoamnióticas (MCMA) e em 2,1% a corionicidade era desconhecida. A idade gestacional (IG) média do parto foi de 34,6 semanas (DP= 3,9) e o peso médio ao nascimento foi de 2.031g (DP= 693). Nas gestações DC a IG média foi de 35,4 semanas (DP=3,5); MCDA foi de 33,6 (DP=3,9) e nas MCMA foi de 32,9 (DP= 4,5), sendo estatisticamente significativo. O peso médio ao nascer foi 2.171g, 1.832g e 1.760g, respectivamente, para as gestações DC, MCDC e MCMA. A proporção de fetos com IG no parto abaixo de 34 semanas nas gestações DC foi de 21,7% enquanto nas MCDA foi de 39,3% e nas MCMA foi de 42,1%. A frequência de fetos abaixo do percentil 10 para gêmeos foi 15,7% DC, 22,5% MCDA e 26,3% nas MCMA. As malformações fetais foram observadas em 21,3% das monocoriônicas e em 7,4% nas dicoriônicas. O período de hospitalização foi menor nas dicorionicas quando comparadas com as MCDA e MCMA (17,1; 17,3 e 23,3 dias, respectivamente). A porcentagem de alta hospitalar de ambos os recém-nascidos com vida foi maior nas gestações DC (85,7%) do que nas gestações MC (61,1%), porém quando excluídas as complicações (malformações fetais e a síndrome da transfusão feto-fetal) a sobrevida de ambos os recém-nascidos nas MC foi de 80%. CONCLUSÃO: A idade gestacional do parto, o peso ao nascimento e a restrição do crescimento fetal são significativamente menores nas gestações monocoriônicas. A chance de o casal levar para casa dois filhos vivos é semelhante nas gestações dicoriônicas e nas monocoriônicas na ausência de complicações. Porém, na presença de malformações e da síndrome da transfusão feto-fetal, esta chance se reduz para 60%, sendo pior nas monocoriônica monoamnóticas.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the perinatal outcome of twin pregnancies delivered in a tertiary teaching hospital according to chorionicity. METHODS: A retrospective study involving 289 twin pregnancies delivered from January 2003 to December 2006 was carried out. Maternal and perinatal data were obtained from hospital charts and delivery logs. Chorionicity was determined by ultrasonography or histopathological study. RESULTS: Incidence of twin gestations was 3.4% and 96.4% were spontaneously conceived. 60.5% were dichorionic (DC), 30.8% of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA), 6.6% monochorionic monoamniotic (MCMA) and for 2.1% chorionicity was unknown. The mean gestation age at delivery was respectively 35.4, 33.6, 32.9 for DC, MCDA and MCMA. The mean birth weight was 2.171, 1.832 and 1.760 g respectively for DC, MC and MCMA. The proportion of fetuses delivered with less than 34 weeks in DC was of 21.7%, while in MCDA it was of 39.3% and in MCMA of 42.1%. Birth weight below the 10th centile occurred in 15.7% for DC, 22.5% for MCDA and 26.3% in MCMA. Congenital anomalies were observed in 21.3% in monochorionic and in 7.4% in the dichorionic. Lenght of hospital stay was shorter for DC when compared to MCDA and MCMA twins (13.1, 17.3 and 23.3 days, respectively). The proportion of twin pregnancies with both babies discharged alive were 85.7% in DC and 61.1% in MC. CONCLUSION: The rate of preterm deliveries and low birth weight is higher in monochorionic pregnancies when compared to dichorionic twins. However, when adjusted for complications such as fetal abnormalities and twin-twin transfusion syndrome, double survival rates were similar in the two groups.

OBJETIVO: Descrever a evolução clínica e as complicações da meningite bacteriana de acordo com o peso de nascimento em recém-nascidos admitidos em unidade de terapia intensiva externa durante o período de 11 anos. MÉTODO: Foram estudados 87 neonatos, dos quais 34 foram recém-nascidos de baixo peso e 53 apresentaram peso > " 2500 g. Os dados clínicos foram obtidos por análise dos prontuários médicos. Foram realizados teste exato de Fisher, teste do c² e teste de Mann-Whitney. RESULTADOS: Os sintomas neurológicos foram mais comuns em neonatos com peso > " 2500 g (p<0,05 ). As complicações ocorreram na metade dos casos em ambos os grupos, com mortalidade global de 11.5%. CONCLUSÃO: A freqüência de complicações foi alta em ambos os grupos, independentemente do peso de nascimento. Não houve associação entre óbito e peso de nascimento. Os neonatos com cultura de líquor positiva apresentaram pior prognóstico.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical outcome and the complications of bacterial meningitis according to birth weight of out born neonates admitted in intensive care unit during an 11 year-period. METHOD: Eighty-seven newborns were studied. Thirty-four infants were low birth weight newborn and 53 presented birth weight > " 2500 g. The clinical data were obtained through the analysis of patients’ files. Fisher’s exact test, the c² and the Mann-Whitney test were applied. RESULTS: Neurological symptoms were more common in infants weighed > " 2500 g (p<0.05). Complications affected half of the cases in both groups. Complications affected half of the cases in both groups, with an overall mortality rate of 11.5%. CONCLUSION: The rate of complications was high in both groups, regardless of the birth weight. No association was observed between the occurrence of death and birth weight. Infants with positive CSF culture had a poorer prognosis.

OBJETIVO: Analisar os efeitos da eritropoetina recombinante humana (rHuEpo) em recém-nascidos pré-termo com doenças infecciosas graves. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo controlado, não randomizado, em 34 recém-nascidos com diagnóstico de patologias infecciosas graves, peso de nascimento igual ou inferior a 1500 g, idade gestacional inferior a 35 semanas e estabilidade clínica. Os recém-nascidos designados para o tratamento com rHuEpo receberam a eritropoetina ß na dose de 400 UI/kg, duas vezes por semana, por via subcutânea. A suplementação oral com ferro foi iniciada quando os níveis de ferritina sérica foram inferiores a 60 mcg/L. O estudo foi realizado durante seis semanas ou até a alta hospitalar do paciente. Foram avaliados a eritropoese, o número de transfusões, o número de neutrófilos, a contagem de plaquetas e os episódios de novas infecções durante o tratamento com o hormônio. RESULTADOS: Houve aumento significativo do número de reticulócitos no grupo tratado; entretanto, não houve impacto sobre o número ou volume de transfusões. Não foram observadas alterações no número de neutrófilos ou plaquetas. CONCLUSÃO: O uso de rHuEpo em RNPT com doenças infecciosas, na dose de 800 UI/Kg/semana, foi efetivo para induzir eritropoese, sem ocorrerem alterações significativas sobre o número de neutrófilos ou plaquetas. Essa estratégia, associada ao controle rigoroso do volume de sangue retirado para exames, poderá ser benéfica na prevenção da anemia em RNPT com infecção grave.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) in preterm newborns (PTNs) with serious infectious diseases. METHODS: A not randomized case-control study was carried out in 34 preterm newborns with diagnosis of serious infectious pathologies, gestational age up to 35 weeks, birth weight less than 1500 g and clinical stability. Newborns selected for treatment with rHuEpo received 400 U/kg erythropoietin ß, subcutaneously twice a week. Oral iron supplementation was initiated when the levels of serum ferritin were lower than 60 mcg/l. The study was continued for six weeks or until the patient was discharged from the hospital. Erythropoiesis, granulopoiesis, thrombocytopoiesis, the need for transfusions and the occurrence of new episodes of infectious disease were analyzed. RESULTS: In the treated group there was a significant increase in the number of reticulocytes, although there was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to the number or volume of transfusions. There was no significant difference in neutrophils and platelet values. CONCLUSION: The use of rHuEpo, 800 U/kg/week, in PTNs with infectious diseases was effective in inducing erythropoiesis, without significant changes in the number of neutrophils or platelets. This strategy, and the accurate control of the blood collected for laboratory exams, may be beneficial for prevention of the anemia in PTNs with serious infectious diseases.