Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels in the first days of life and perinatal factors associated with sub-optimal neuromotor outcome in pre-term infants

AIM

To identify perinatal factors associated with sub-optimal neuromotor outcome in infants without evident central nervous system lesions (intraventricular hemorrhage/ periventricular leukomalacia), with gestational age ≤30 (group I) and of 31-32 weeks (group II).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 102 premature infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Pisa, at 26-32 weeks of gestation, were studied. Data about perinatal factors and TSH values at 3-4 days of life were collected. The assessment of neuromotor development was performed at 18 months of corrected age, using the locomotor subscale of the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development.

RESULTS

Risk factors supposed to be predictive of sub-optimal neuromotor outcome (odds ratio >1) were at ≤30 weeks: male sex, small for gestational age, patent duct arterious, respiratory distress syndrome, and at 31-32 weeks: Apgar at 5 min <7, respiratory distress syndrome, patent duct arterious and birth weight <1500 g. A strong correlation was also found between TSH screening values >4,3 mU/l and suboptimal neuromotor outcome in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Several perinatal factors, acting on an immature and more vulnerable nervous system, such as the pre-term one, different for different gestational ages, are associated with a sub-optimal neuromotor outcome. Higher, but within the normal range, TSH values at screening seem to be a strong risk factor for neuromotor outcome in preterm infants without intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia.

Laboratory markers of perinatal acidosis are poor predictors of neurodevelopmental impairment in very low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND

In asphyxiated term and near-term infants, therapeutic hypothermia increases survival without neurologic morbidity, and extending this new treatment to preterm infants is being debated.

AIMS

To investigate the association of low pH and base excess (BE) at birth or admission, as used as entry criteria in cooling trials, and evolving brain damage in preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN AND MEASUREMENTS

Rates of death and neurodevelopmental impairment at 12 and 20 months corrected age were assessed in a cohort of 1137 preterm infants with a gestational age <35 weeks and birth weight <1500 g in relation to severe perinatal acidosis (umbilical artery pH≤7.0, pH at admission ≤7.0, BE at admission ≤-16 mmol/l, lowest BE during first 12 h of life ≤-16 mmol/l).

RESULTS

Umbilical artery pH was not linked to death or neurodevelopmental impairment. There was only weak predictive power of pH or BE at admission for death (positive predictive values [PPV] 0.36/0.30, receiver operator characteristics [ROC] areas 0.591/0.701), and lowest 12-h BE for death or neurodevelopmental impairment at 12 or 20 months (PPV 0.29/0.30/0.27, ROC 0.720/0.656/0.658).

CONCLUSION

In very preterm infants, there is little association between laboratory markers of severe perinatal acidosis and neurodevelopmental outcome at 12 or 20 months.

[The effects of lead level in the blood on social functioning in children with developmental disabilities]

AIM

The aim of the study was to assess the relationship between lead levels in children's blood and the development of social disorders.

METHOD

Lead levels were measured in every child's blood test and following on from that the influence of this toxin on children's behaviour was assessed. Manfred Cierpka questionnaire was used as the assessment tool examining children's family relationships and Children's Health Questionnaire Parent Form-28 was used to assess the subjects' health profile.

RESULTS

The statistical analysis revealed a statistically significant relationship between lead concentration in the child's blood and whether or not the child was able to meet social expectations (p = 0.018), form affective relationships (p = 0.046), its nervousness (p = 0.024) and a generally lower assessment of his/her behavior in comparison with the peer group (p = 0.024).

CONCLUSIONS

Neurotoxic influence of lead on the developing child's organism results in developmental disabilities in its behaviour. These dysfunctions can lead to disorders in the child's social development and they can hinder its functioning. An increased concentration of metal toxins in the child's blood can be responsible for difficulties in meeting social expectation, which in turn is connected with increased nervousness and disorders in forming relationships. Children facing these problems often receive negative marks for their behaviour in comparison with the peer group. Such difficulties can lead to the child's social exclusion and predispose it to making antisocial or criminal decisions in the future.

Levels of neonatal thyroid hormone in preterm infants and neurodevelopmental outcome at 5 1/2 years: millennium cohort study

CONTEXT

Transient hypothyroxinemia is the commonest thyroid dysfunction of premature infants, and recent studies have found adverse associations with neurodevelopment. The validity of these associations is unclear because the studies adjusted for a differing range of factors likely to influence neurodevelopment.

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to describe the association of transient hypothyroxinemia with neurodevelopment at 5.5 yr corrected age.

DESIGN

We conducted a follow-up study of a cohort of infants born in Scotland from 1999 to 2001 ≤34 wk gestation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

We measured scores on the McCarthy scale adjusted for 26 influences of neurodevelopment including parental intellect, home environment, breast or formula fed, growth retardation, and use of postnatal drugs.

RESULTS

A total of 442 infants ≤34 wk gestation who had serum T(4) measurements on postnatal d 7, 14, or 28 and 100 term infants who had serum T(4) measured in cord blood were followed up at 5.5 yr. Infants with hypothyroxinemia (T(4) level ≤ 10th percentile on d 7, 14, or 28 corrected for gestational age) scored significantly lower than euthyroid infants (T(4) level greater than the 10th percentile and less than the 90th percentile on all days) on all McCarthy scales, except the quantitative. After adjustment for confounders of neurodevelopment, hypothyroxinemic infants scored significantly lower than euthyroid infants on the general cognitive and verbal scales.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings do not support the view that the hypothyroxinemic state, in the context of this analysis, is harmless in preterm infants. Many factors contribute both to the etiology of hypothyroxinemia and neurodevelopment; strategies for correction of hypothyroxinemia should acknowledge its complex etiology and not rely solely on one approach.

Maternal thyroid function during early pregnancy and cognitive functioning in early childhood: the generation R study

CONTEXT

Thyroid hormones are essential for neurodevelopment from early pregnancy onward. Yet population-based data on the association between maternal thyroid function in early pregnancy and children's cognitive development are sparse.

OBJECTIVE

Our objective was to study associations of maternal hypothyroxinemia and of early pregnancy maternal TSH and free T(4)(FT(4)) levels across the entire range with cognitive functioning in early childhood.

DESIGN AND SETTING

We conducted a population-based cohort in The Netherlands.

PARTICIPANTS

Participants included 3659 children and their mothers.

MAIN MEASURES

In pregnant women with normal TSH levels at 13 wk gestation (SD = 1.7), mild and severe maternal hypothyroxinemia were defined as FT(4) concentrations below the 10th and 5th percentile, respectively. Children's expressive vocabulary at 18 months was reported by mothers using the MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory. At 30 months, mothers completed the Language Development Survey and the Parent Report of Children's Abilities measuring verbal and nonverbal cognitive functioning.

RESULTS

Maternal TSH was not related to the cognitive outcomes. An increase in maternal FT(4) predicted a lower risk of expressive language delay at 30 months only. However, both mild and severe maternal hypothyroxinemia was associated with a higher risk of expressive language delay across all ages [odds ratio (OR) = 1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.09-1.91; P = 0.010 and OR = 1.80; 95% CI = 1.24-2.61; P = 0.002, respectively]. Severe maternal hypothyroxinemia also predicted a higher risk of nonverbal cognitive delay (OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.22-3.39; P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal hypothyroxinemia is a risk factor for cognitive delay in early childhood.

Blood mercury concentrations in CHARGE Study children with and without autism

BACKGROUND

Some authors have reported higher blood mercury (Hg) levels in persons with autism, relative to unaffected controls.

OBJECTIVES

We compared blood total Hg concentrations in children with autism or autism spectrum disorder (AU/ASD) and typically developing (TD) controls in population-based samples, and determined the role of fish consumption in differences observed.

METHODS

The Childhood Autism Risk from Genetics and the Environment (CHARGE) Study enrolled children 2-5 years of age. After diagnostic evaluation, we analyzed three groups: AU/ASD, non-AU/ASD with developmental delay (DD), and population-based TD controls. Mothers were interviewed about household, medical, and dietary exposures. Blood Hg was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted (n = 452) to predict blood Hg from diagnostic status controlling for Hg sources.

RESULTS

Fish consumption strongly predicted total Hg concentration. AU/ASD children ate less fish. After adjustment for fish and other Hg sources, blood Hg levels in AU/ASD children were similar to those of TD children (p = 0.75); this was also true among non-fish eaters (p = 0.73). The direct effect of AU/ASD diagnosis on blood Hg not through the indirect pathway of altered fish consumption was a 12% reduction. DD children had lower blood Hg concentrations in all analyses. Dental amalgams in children with gum-chewing or teeth-grinding habits predicted higher levels.

CONCLUSIONS

After accounting for dietary and other differences in Hg exposures, total Hg in blood was neither elevated nor reduced in CHARGE Study preschoolers with AU/ASD compared with unaffected controls, and resembled those of nationally representative samples.

Neurodevelopmental disorders, maternal Rh-negativity, and Rho(D) immune globulins: a multi-center assessment

BACKGROUND

Many formulations of Thimerosal (49.55% mercury by weight)-containing Rho(D) immune globulins (TCRs) were routinely administered to Rh-negative mothers in the US prior to 2002.

OBJECTIVES

It was hypothesized: (1) if prenatal Rho(D)-immune globulin preparation exposure was a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs) then more children with NDs would have Rh-negative mothers compared to controls; and (2) if Thimerosal in the Rho(D)-immune globulin preparations was the ingredient associated with NDs, following the removal of Thimerosal from all manufactured Rho(D)-immune globulin preparations from 2002 in the US the frequency of maternal Rh-negativity among children with NDs should be similar to control populations.

METHODS

Maternal Rh-negativity was assessed at two sites (Clinic A-Lynchburg, VA; Clinic B-Rockville and Baltimore, MD) among 298 Caucasian children with NDs and known Rh-status. As controls, maternal Rh-negativity frequency was determined from 124 Caucasian children (born 1987-2001) without NDs at Clinic A, and the Rh-negativity frequency was determined from 1,021 Caucasian pregnant mothers that presented for prenatal genetic care at Clinic B (1980-1989). Additionally, 22 Caucasian patients with NDs born from 2002 onwards (Clinics A and B) were assessed for maternal Rh-negativity.

RESULTS

There were significant and comparable increases in maternal Rh-negativity among children with NDs (Clinic: A=24.2%), autism spectrum disorders (Clinic: A=28.3%, B=25.3%), and attention-deficit-disorder/attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder (Clinic: A=26.3%) observed at both clinics in comparison to both control groups (Clinic: A=12.1%, B=13.9%) employed. Children with NDs born post-2001 had a maternal Rh-negativity frequency (13.6%) similar to controls.

CONCLUSION

This study associates TCR exposure with some NDs in children.

Markers of bone turnover are associated with growth and development in young subjects with sickle cell anemia

Children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) have low bone mass though bone turnover has not been well described. In this study, growth and pubertal development were assessed twice, 1 year apart, in 80 young subjects with type-SS SCA, while whole body bone mineral content (BMC) and density where measured in a subset (n = 46). Markers of bone turnover were measured at the second visit. Bone formation (alkaline phosphatase) was elevated, whereas bone resorption (deoxypyridinoline) was decreased compared to published data in healthy children. Markers of bone turnover correlated with growth velocity and pubertal development but not with changes in bone mass.

Early deprivation and home basal cortisol levels: a study of internationally adopted children

Animal studies reveal that early deprivation impairs regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis, potentially increasing vulnerability to stressors throughout life. To examine early deprivation effects on basal HPA axis activity in humans, basal cortisol levels were examined in 164 internationally adopted children who had experienced varying degrees of preadoption deprivation. Duration of institutional care, age at adoption, and parent ratings of preadoption neglect indexed a latent factor of Deprived Care. Adoption measures of height and weight standardized to World Health Organisation norms indexed a latent factor of Growth Delay that was viewed as another reflection of deprivation. Cortisol samples were collected 3.3-11.6 years postadoption (Md = 7.3 years) at home on 3 days approximately 30 min after wakeup and before bedtime. Both early a.m. levels and the decrease in cortisol across the day were examined. A structural equation model revealed that preadoption Deprived Care predicted Growth Delay at adoption and Growth Delay predicted higher morning cortisol levels and a larger diurnal cortisol decrease.

A Japanese patient of congenital hypothyroidism with cerebellar atrophy

We encountered a Japanese patient of congenital hypothyroidism with severe cerebellum atrophy. The boy was born after 40 weeks of gestation by normal vaginal delivery from nonconsanguineous parents. There were no abnormal physical findings; however neonatal mass screening for congenital hypothyroidism at 5 days of age demonstrated elevated thyrotropin (TSH) level (15.5 microU/ml, normal range 0.54-10.0 microU/ml). He was suspected to have subclinical or mild congenital hypothyroidism (CH). Thus he was treated with L-thyroxine using a regimen that rendered his serum TSH concentration within normal range from 27 days of age. Despite early and adequate treatment, he showed signs of global developmental delay and became gradually hypotonic and exhibited a staggering gait at 3 years of age. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated marked cerebellar atrophy with an intact brainstem. Thyroidal uptake of radioiodide and thyroid gland size were normal, indicating a functional defect only. The relation between congenital hypothyroidism and severe cerebellar atrophy in our patient is not clear. As only a few cases of the combination of CH and cerebellar anomalies have been described previously, cerebellar symptoms in CH should be examined carefully.

[Iron biochemical screening and development in infants from 6 to 24 month, by socioeconomic background, Cordoba Argentina]

AIMS

To correlate the iron biochemical screening with cognitive and motor development, related to social background, in 6 to 24 month infants.

METHODS

a population - based study of 276 children. The iron deficiency was determine by the modified criterion of Hillman (1996), combining three different screenings tests: serum ferritin, hemoglobin and erythrocyte protoporphyrin. To analyse development we used Bayley II Scale.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

the anaemia was significative different (p< 0,05) between social levels, 36% in children with low socioeconomic background, 8% for the high one and iron deficiency without anaemia 42% in the total population. The motor development was homogeneous by social groups, showed 1% significative delay, 8% light delay. But the mental development shows significative differences (p<0,05) in both light and significative delay, been the must affected children with low socioeconomic background.

Elevated plasma citrulline and arginine due to consumption of Citrullus vulgaris (watermelon)

A 19-month-old girl with developmental delay was found to have moderately elevated plasma citrulline and mildly elevated plasma arginine concentrations. Dietary history revealed that she consumed large quantities of watermelon (Citrullus vulgaris), a fruit containing high free citrulline and arginine concentrations. In order to determine whether the patient's high watermelon intake could account for her elevated plasma citrulline and arginine concentrations, we studied the response of plasma citrulline and arginine to ingestion of watermelon in six healthy adult volunteers. All developed markedly elevated plasma citrulline (mean maximum 593 micromol/L, range 386-1069) and moderately elevated plasma arginine (mean maximum 199 micromol/L, range 128-251). Physicians and laboratory personnel performing metabolic investigations should be aware of watermelon-induced citrullinaemia. Its hallmarks are elevated plasma citrulline, and to a lesser extent arginine, in the absence of orotic or arginosuccinic aciduria or hyperammonaemia. This phenomenon has implications for the management of patients with urea cycle and related disorders.

Intraoperative Hyperglycemia during Infant Cardiac Surgery Is Not Associated with Adverse Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 1, 4, and 8 Years

Background

It is unknown whether intraoperative hyperglycemia in infants is associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes after low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass (LF), deep hypothermic circulatory arrest (CA), or both.

Methods

In a database review of a prospective trial of 171 infants undergoing arterial switch for D-transposition of the great arteries who were randomly assigned to predominantly LF or CA, glucose was measured after induction (T1), 5 min after cardiopulmonary bypass onset (T2), at the onset of CA or LF (T3), 5 min after CPB resumption (T4), at rewarming to 32 degrees C (T5), 10 min after cardiopulmonary bypass weaning (T6), and 90 min after CA or LF (T7). Outcomes included seizures, electroencephalographic findings, and neurodevelopmental evaluation at 1, 4, and 8 yr.

Results

Glucose concentrations were affected by support strategy and age at surgery. Lower glucose in the entire group at T6-T7 tended to predict electroencephalographic seizures (P = 0.06 and P = 0.007) but was not related to clinical seizures. Within the predominantly CA group, higher glucose did not correlate with worse outcomes. Rather, it was associated with more rapid electroencephalographic normalization of "close burst" and "relative continuous" activity at all times except T2 (P &lt; or = 0.03), a finding more pronounced in infants aged 7 days old or younger. Intraoperative serum glucose concentrations were unrelated to neurodevelopmental outcomes at ages 1, 4, and 8 yr.

Conclusions

Low glucose after cardiopulmonary bypass tended to relate to electroencephalographic seizures and slower electroencephalogram recovery, independent of CA duration. High glucose concentrations were not associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Avoiding hypoglycemia may be preferable to restricting glucose in infants undergoing heart surgery.

Cocaine, anemia, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children: a longitudinal study

This longitudinal study investigated the rates of iron-deficiency (ID) and iron-deficiency anemia (IDA) among prenatally cocaine-exposed and nonexposed two- and four-year-old children and assessed their relationships to neurodevelopmental outcomes. The sample consisted of 143 two-year-old (70 exposed and 73 nonexposed) and 274 four-year-old (139 exposed and 135 nonexposed) low socioeconomic status children recruited from an ongoing longitudinal study. Hematological assessments included hemoglobin, serum ferritin, mean corpuscular volume, transferrin saturation, and blood lead levels. The neurodevelopmental outcomes consisted of the Bayley Mental (MDI) and Motor (PDI) Development indices at two years, and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scales of Intelligence (WPPSI) and the Peabody Developmental Motor Scales (PDMS) at four years. The rate of IDA in four-year-old children was significantly greater among the cocaine-exposed compared to the nonexposed group (p =.026), while the rates at two years were not significant. Exposure to IDA at two years was associated with a significant decrease in concurrent motor scores (p =.011) after adjustment for relevant covariates. Peak exposure to IDA, defined as being anemic at 2 and/or 4 years of age, was associated with a significant (p <.05) decrease in Full Scale IQ after adjustment. Cocaine exposure was not a significant predictor of Full Scale IQ with the inclusion of peak IDA and lead in the model. These findings indicate the need for greater pediatric surveillance of IDA and lead in cocaine-exposed infants, in order to reduce long-term neuropsychological deficits.

Predictive value of brain-specific proteins in serum for neurodevelopmental outcome after birth asphyxia

Brain-specific proteins have been used to detect cerebral injury after birth asphyxia. Previous investigations suggest that serum protein S-100beta, brain-specific creatine kinase (CK-BB), and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) are capable of identifying patients with a risk of developing hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Whether detection of elevated serum concentrations of these proteins reflects long-term neurodevelopmental impairment remains to be investigated. We examined serum protein S-100beta, NSE, and CK-BB at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h after birth in 29 asphyxiated infants and 20 control infants. Neurodevelopmental follow-up examinations were performed at 20 mo of age using the German revision of the Griffiths scales for developmental assessment. Elevated concentrations of serum protein S-100beta, NSE, and CK-BB within 24 h after asphyxia did not correlate with long-term neurodevelopmental delay. We conclude that serum protein S-100beta, NSE, and CK-BB, sampled on the first day of life, is of limited value in predicting severe brain damage after birth asphyxia.

Should children with developmental and behavioural problems be routinely screened for lead?

AIM

To test the hypothesis that children with behavioural and/or developmental problems have significantly higher blood lead concentrations than the general childhood population.

METHODS

Blood samples were taken from 69 children with behavioural and/or developmental problems and 136 controls (children admitted for elective day case surgery under general anaesthetic). Blood lead estimations were carried out using graphite furnace atomic absorption

RESULTS

Children with behavioural and/or developmental problems had higher lead concentrations than controls, both in terms of their distribution across the group (mean(geometric) lead concentrations: 40.7 (cases), 29.2 (controls), ratio of the means(geometric) 1.35 (95% CI 1.17, 1.58)) and the proportion of children with lead concentrations above those commonly defined as "toxic"-that is, 100 microg/l (12% (cases), 0.7% (controls); p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression suggested that this difference was not explained by differences in age, sex, or socioeconomic status of the two comparison groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with behavioural and/or developmental problems are more likely to have significantly higher blood lead concentrations than the general childhood population. Lead, a known and more importantly, a treatable neurotoxin, would further contribute to the impairment suffered by these children. We argue that this group of children should be routinely screened for lead.

Long-term neurobehavioral outcomes in children with neuroblastoma and opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia syndrome: relationship to MRI findings and anti-neuronal antibodies

OBJECTIVES

Opsoclonus-myoclonus-ataxia (OMA) syndrome affects 2% to 3% of patients with neuroblastoma. This study examined relationships between long-term neurobehavioral outcomes and potential biologic markers of OMA, including chronic changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scanning and prevalence of late antineuronal antibodies.

STUDY DESIGN

Children with neuroblastoma and OMA were identified through medical record review of patients treated at the University of California at San Francisco Medical Center from 1979 to 1999. Eleven patients with a mean follow-up time of 7.6 years underwent standard neurologic, neurocognitive, developmental/behavioral, and academic assessments. Consenting patients underwent MRI brain scanning and a blood draw. Sera were analyzed for the presence of antineuronal immunoreactivity.

RESULTS

Two (18%) patients had no observed neurologic abnormalities, 7 (64%) demonstrated mild deficits, and 2 (18%) had severe neurologic deficits. However, on neurocognitive, behavioral, and academic assessments, 6 (55%) children performed within the average range, 1 (9%) was moderately below average and 4 (36%) had severe cognitive and behavioral deficiencies. Brain MRI in 5 of 5 patients was notable for cerebellar atrophy without supratentorial involvement. Antineuronal activity was detected in sera of 0 of 10 children at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Certain patients with neuroblastoma associated OMA may achieve average-range neurobehavioral function in spite of residual neurologic abnormalities, with suggestion of continued improvement over time. Late cerebellar atrophy appears to be a common finding regardless of neurologic outcome, whereas antineuronal immune reactivity does not appear to be a long-term feature of OMA.

Should infants be screened for anaemia? A prospective study investigating the relation between haemoglobin at 8, 12, and 18 months and development at 18 months

AIMS

To investigate the relation between haemoglobin in children followed longitudinally from 8 to 18 months, and developmental outcome at 18 months.

METHODS

The Avon Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ALSPAC) is a longitudinal survey of a geographically defined population of children born in 1991-92. In a randomly selected subsample, blood samples were assayed for Hb at 8, 12, and 18 months; a developmental assessment was carried out at 18 months on 1141 children using the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development.

RESULTS

There was a strong quadratic association between Hb at 8 months and performance on the locomotor subscale at 18 months. Average scores increased with increasing Hb up to 95 g/l; there was little additional developmental benefit in Hb levels beyond 95 g/l. Infants with Hb <95 g/l at 8 months of age scored on average 6 points lower on the locomotor subscale than infants with Hb >/= 95 g/l; infants with Hb <90 g/l at 8 months scored 12 points lower on the locomotor subscale than children with Hb >/= 90 g/l.

CONCLUSIONS

Low Hb concentrations (</= 95 g/l) in 8 month old children are associated with impaired motor development at 18 months. This cut off point corresponds to the 5th centile of Hb at 8 months. The results indicate that if there is an adverse effect of low Hb on developmental outcome, screening may be more effective at 8 months or earlier, rather than after this age. We propose to examine the importance of infant anaemia in relation to more accurate and detailed long term outcomes as the children get older.

Prothrombotic disorders and abnormal neurodevelopmental outcome in infants with neonatal cerebral infarction

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of prothrombotic disorders in a well-characterized cohort of infants with neonatal stroke and to document any association of prothrombotic disorders with the type of infarct seen on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and clinical outcome.

METHODS

Twenty-four infants with perinatal cerebral infarction confirmed by neonatal MRI were enrolled in the study. All the infants and, when possible, both parents were tested to identify inherited and acquired prothrombotic disorders.

RESULTS

None of the infants had a significant bleeding diathesis, but 10 (42%) had at least 1 prothrombotic risk factor. Five children showed heterozygosity for factor V Leiden, and 6 had high factor VIIIc concentrations. There was a striking association between the occurrence of these abnormalities and both the presence of cerebral hemorrhage on MRI and poor neurologic outcome. Eight of the 11 patients (73%) with hemiplegia or global developmental delay had factor V Leiden and/or raised factor VIIIc, whereas only 1 of the 13 patients (8%) with normal outcome had any prothrombotic risk factors. In particular, all 5 infants with factor V Leiden had hemiplegia, compared with only 4 of the 19 infants without factor V Leiden (21%).

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that the presence of prothrombotic risk factors and, in particular, of the factor V Leiden mutation, is significantly associated with poor outcome after perinatal cerebral infarction.

Developmental and neurologic effects of alpha-stat versus pH-stat strategies for deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass in infants

OBJECTIVES

In a randomized single-center trial, we compared developmental and neurologic outcomes at 1 and 2 to 4 years of age in children who underwent reparative cardiac operations at less than 9 months of age after use of the alpha-stat versus pH-stat strategy during deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass.

METHODS

Among 168 children eligible for follow-up, 1-year developmental evaluations were carried out on 111, neurologic evaluations on 110, and electroencephalographic evaluations on 102. Parents of 122 children completed questionnaires on behavior and development when children were 2 to 4 years of age.

RESULTS

The Psychomotor Development Index scores of the alpha-stat and pH-stat groups did not differ significantly (P =.97). For Mental Development Index scores, the treatment group effect differed according to diagnosis (P =.007). In the D -transposition of the great arteries (n = 59) and tetralogy of Fallot (n = 36) subgroups, the pH-stat group had slightly higher Mental Development Index scores than the alpha-stat group, although these differences were not statistically significant. In the ventricular septal defect subgroup (n = 16), the alpha-stat group had significantly higher scores. Psychomotor Development Index and Mental Development Index scores were significantly higher in the group with D -transposition of the great arteries than in the other 2 groups (P =.03 and P =.01, respectively). Across all diagnoses, Mental Development Index scores were significantly higher than Psychomotor Development Index scores (P <.001). Treatment group assignment was not significantly associated with abnormalities on neurologic examination (P =.70) or electroencephalographic examination (P =.77) at 1 year or with parents' ratings of children's development (P =.99) or behavior (P =.27) at age 2 to 4 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of alpha-stat versus pH-stat acid-base management strategy during reparative infant cardiac operations with deep hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass was not consistently related to either improved or impaired early neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Neonatal catecholamine levels and neurodevelopmental outcome: a cohort study

AIMS

To determine whether neonatal plasma catecholamine concentrations can be used to predict (a) death plus disability and (b) motor and cognitive impairment at 5 years of age.

METHODS

A cohort comprised 136 preterm infants from two randomised controlled trials of neonatal sedation (1989-1992). Adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine) were measured at baseline (first day) and 24 hours later. Intelligence and motor ability were assessed at 5-6 years.

RESULTS

Infants who died or sustained disability had significantly higher plasma noradrenaline levels on the second day of life. Noradrenaline levels above 9.0 nmol/l were most predictive of death (likelihood ratio 3.27; 95% confidence interval 1.48 to 7.23) and death plus disability (likelihood ratio 3. 55; 95% confidence interval 1.77 to 7.10). There was no correlation between neonatal catecholamine levels and cognitive or motor impairment at 5-6 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Elevated noradrenaline levels are associated with adverse outcome in preterm infants; however, the power to predict death or disability is limited and they are not predictive of later motor or cognitive impairment.