Intestinal carriage of antibiotic resistant Acinetobacter baumannii among newborns hospitalized in Moroccan neonatal intensive care unit

This study was conducted in order to assess the acquisition rate of Acinetobacter baumannii by newborn screening, on admission and during the discharge process of neonatal intensive care unit. (NICU). Furthermore, we investigated risk factors for potential colonization and molecular epidemiology of isolated resistant bacteria. This prospective study was conducted in the neonatal unit of Hassan II University Hospital of Fez from February 2013 to July 2015. During this period, all consecutive admitted neonates were screened for A. baumannii intestinal carriage, on admission and during the discharge process. Bacteriological and molecular tests were evaluated according to the international standards. This study examines the screening on admission of 455 newborns, 59% of whom were male. The average gestational age and birth weight were 35.2 weeks and 2612.1 g respectively. In total, 277 patients were included in the acquisition study on admission. The prevalence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) A. baumannii strain carriage was 6.5%, while the acquisition rate during the hospital recovery was 13.7%. In this study, 68 MDR A. baumannii isolates were collected. The resistance rates to different antibiotic classes including, Ceftazidime, Gentamycin and Ciprofloxacin varied between 92 and 100%. Moreover, 13% of MDR A. baumannii isolates were carbapenemase producers and 88% harbored blaOXA-23 gene. On admission, three risk factors were significantly associated with A. baumannii colonization: age (OR, 2.803; IC95%, 1.191-6.596; P = 0.01), gender (OR, 0.382; IC95%, 0.158-0.921; P = 0.03) and the delivery birth at the Maternity of University Hospital (MUH), (OR, 0.196; IC95%, 0.071-0.540; P = 0.002). However during hospitalization, the only risk factor associated with acquisition of A. baumannii was the respiratory distress (OR, 2.270; IC95%, 1.055-4.881; P = 0.03). A high intestinal carriage rate of A. baumannii and multiple antibiotic resistance were found in our NICU. Thus, the spread of MDR A. baumannii should be monitored by an active surveillance strategy.

[Severe poisoning by traditional medication in the newborn]

The use of traditional products for therapeutic purposes in the newborn cause many cases of severe poisoning, especially in newborns. The aim of this study was to identify the main medicinal plants causing poisoning and emphasize the seriousness of poisonous plants. We report a series of eight newborns admitted for intake of poisonous medicinal plants admitted to the neonatal unit and neonatal intensive care unit at the Fez (Morocco) Hassan II University Hospital in 2014. The reasons for use were dominated by the infant's refusing to suckle. Clinical signs at admission were neurological signs and respiratory distress. The decision was spontaneously declared by the family for only two patients. A particular smell of the urine and unusual lesion associations were the main signs drawing the attention of physicians in other cases. The amounts and rates differed. Laboratory tests revealed renal failure in two cases. Transaminases (SGOT and SGPT) were greater than three times normal and the TP was below 50% in two newborns. Hemoglobin less than 9g/dL in three cases and thrombocytopenia less than 50,000/mm³ in two newborns. The main poisonous plants were identified as cade oil and henna. Medicinal plants were associated in all cases. Toxicological analysis was negative in three cases and was not done in the other five cases. The management was symptomatic and etiological. The outcome was favorable in six newborns. Death occurred in two neonates despite resuscitation. Medicinal plants must, like drugs, obey strict rules that only the standard herbal medicine specialist can answer. This necessarily involves the regulation of the profession in our country.

Rectal carriage of extended-spectrum β-lactamase- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae among hospitalised neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit in Fez, Morocco

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the faecal carriage and molecular epidemiology of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae (ESBLE) isolated from rectal samples of neonates hospitalised in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a university hospital in Fez, Morocco.

METHODS

From February-July 2013, all neonates hospitalised in the NICU were screened for ESBLE carriage at discharge. ESBLs were identified by double-disk synergy test, PCR and DNA sequencing analysis. ESBLE were analysed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and conjugation was performed by the broth mating method.

RESULTS

In this study, 169 Enterobacteriaceae were collected from 164 neonates. The prevalence of faecal carriage of ESBLE was 58.0% (98/169), predominantly Klebsiella pneumoniae (65/98; 66.3%). A high rate of multiresistance in ESBLE was noted. bla_CTX-M-1 group (78.5%) was the most frequent ESBL gene detected, and all isolates harboured the CTX-M-15 variant. The prevalence of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae was 1.8%, and bla_OXA-48 was the only gene found in these isolates. Sequencing revealed subgroups corresponding to bla_{(CTX-M-15,TEM-1,TEM-104,SHV-1,SHV-44,SHV-49andSHV-133)} genes. Conjugation experiments showed the transferability of bla_CTX-M-15 and bla_TEM, but not bla_SHV. These genes were carried by a high-molecular-weight conjugative plasmid (ca. 125kb). PFGE profiles demonstrated high clonal dissemination of ESBL-positive strains in the NICU.

CONCLUSIONS

These results demonstrate the existence of high clonal transmission of ESBLE in a Moroccan NICU. This finding provides useful information to implement a screening policy for resistant Enterobacteriaceae among neonates hospitalised in this ward.

Pediatric recurrent respiratory tract infections: when and how to explore the immune system? (About 53 cases)

Recurrent respiratory tract infections are one of the most frequent reasons for pediatric visits and hospitalization. Causes of this pathology are multiple ranging from congenital to acquired and local to general. Immune deficiencies are considered as underlying conditions predisposing to this pathology. Our work is about to determine when and how to explore the immune system when facing recurrent respiratory infections. This was based on the records of 53 children hospitalized at the pediatrics unit of Hassan II University Hospital, Fez Morocco. Thirty boys and 23 girls with age ranging from 5 months to 12 years with an average age of 2 years were involved in this study. Bronchial foreign body was the main etiology in children of 3 to 6 year old. Gastro-esophageal reflux, which in some cases is a consequence of chronic cough, as well as asthma were most frequent in infants (17 and 15% respectively). Immune deficiency was described in 7.5% of patients and the only death we deplored in our series belongs to this group. Recurrent respiratory tract infections have multiple causes. In our series they are dominated by foreign body inhalation and gastroesophageal reflux, which in some cases is a consequence of a chronic cough. Immune deficiency is not frequent but could influence the prognosis. Therefore immune explorations should be well codified.

[Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pneumorachis, and pneumoretroperitoneum revealing an unknown foreign body aspiration]

Subcutaneous emphysema develops from the spread of air essentially from the mediastinum into the subcutaneous tissue causing progressive distension and infiltration. Diagnostic and therapeutic delay expose the patient to massive air effusion and risk of compression of cervical and mediastinal structures. The initial mechanism is a breach in the tracheobronchial tree with air diffusion into the interstitial space and along the perivascular spaces toward the mediastinum, and then spread and dissection in the subcutaneous tissue. A tracheobronchial foreign body is a very rare cause of emphysema and is often localized. An association with a combination of epidural emphysema, pneumopericardium, or pneumoretroperitoneum is exceptional. Here, we present a unique case associating massive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pneumorrhachis, and pneumoretroperitoneum in a 3.5-year-old child complicating an unrecognized aspirated foreign body. The extraction of the foreign body resulted in gradual regression of the symptoms and the disappearance of these emphysematous locations.

[Neonatal purpura fulminans without sepsis due to a severe congenital protein C deficiency]

Severe congenital protein C deficiency is a rare life-threatening coagulopathy. In the early hours of life, the neonate presents with extensive purpura fulminans and substantial skin necrosis contrasting with a preserved general state and a negative infectious exam. Disseminated intravascular coagulation sets in secondarily. Prenatal outset of thrombotic events is a rare situation that worsens the prognosis, especially protein C replacement in utero is not available. We report a case of a male newborn of consanguineous parents who were asymptomatic carriers of heterozygous protein C deficiency. This infant presented prenatal ventricular hemorrhage with hydrocephalus and rapidly extensive postnatal skin necrosis that was not regressive in spite of fresh frozen plasma administrated after 24h of life. Prenatal diagnosis, early recognition, and urgent therapy with protein C replacement and anticoagulant treatment are crucial to improve the prognosis, avoid further damage after delivery, and prevent the devastating consequences of severe protein C deficiency.

[Hypercalcemia complicating BCG lymphadenitis: case report]

One of the side effects of the BCG vaccine is a local infection that may spread to the regional lymph nodes causing lymphadenitis, which can resolve spontaneously without treatment. We report the case of an immunocompetent infant who developed lymphadenitis after administration of the BCG vaccine, complicated with persistent symptomatic hypercalcemia in spite of the usual treatment including corticotherapy. Antituberculous treatment was necessary to reduce this hypercalcemia.

[Congenital chylothorax: rapid and complete response to polyvidone iodine]

Idiopathic congenital chylothorax refers to abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid within the pleural space due the disruption of the thoracic duct or its lymphatic tributaries. It is a relatively rare disease and a cause of neonatal respiratory distress with major nutritional and immunological consequences. Therefore, it is critical to decrease pleural effusion promptly. Conservative treatment is always started as soon as the diagnosis is made, and refractory cases require chemical pleurodesis or surgery. However, the choice and timing of therapeutic escalation is not clear in the neonatal period and long waiting periods may have adverse consequences for the baby. We report a case of congenital idiopathic chylothorax who did not respond to conservative treatment after 18 days in whom one intrapleural injection of 5 mL of 4% concentrated Betadine stopped the pleural effusion promptly, effectively, and definitively, with no side effects observed, thus challenging such delayed administration.

[Overdose or hypersensitivity to vitamin D?]

Vitamin D intoxication with severe hypercalcemia is rare in the neonatal and infancy period. Through nine cases of hypercalcemia, secondary to taking 600,000 units of vitamin D (Sterogyl(®)), a review of vitamin D requirements and possible mechanisms of toxicity including hypersensitivity to this vitamin will be discussed. We report nine cases of babies admitted to our department between the ages of 25 and 105 days for treatment of severe dehydration. The pregnancies were normal, with no incidents at delivery. Clinical signs were dominated by weight loss, vomiting, and fever. Examination on admission revealed dehydration whose degree ranged from 8 to 15% with preserved diuresis and loss weight between 100 and 1100 g. Laboratory tests objectified hypercalcemia between 113 and 235mg/L, hypercalciuria (urinary calcium/creatinine mmol/mmol >0.5), and a low-level of parathyroid hormone. The vitamin D values in nine patients were toxic (344-749 nmol/L; normal >50 nmol/L; toxicity if >250 nmol/L). Abdominal ultrasound objectified renal nephrocalcinosis in seven patients. The DNA study, performed in eight patients, did not reveal a mutation of the vitamin D 24-hydroxylase gene (CYP24A1). The treatment consisted of intravenous rehydration with treatment of hypercalcemia (diuretics and corticosteroids). Serum calcium returned to the normal range within 4-50 days, with weight gain progressively over the following weeks. The follow-up (2 years for the oldest case) showed the persistence of images of nephrocalcinosis. Genetic susceptibility and metabolic differences appear to modulate the threshold of vitamin D toxicity. However, respect for recommended doses, recognized as safe in a large study population, reduces the risk of toxicity.

[Seizures revealing phosphocalcic metabolism abnormalities]

Hypocalcemia due to hypoparathyroidism produces a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, but overt symptoms may be sparse. One unusual presentation is onset or aggravation of epilepsy in adolescence revealing hypoparathyroidism. This situation can lead to delayed diagnosis, with inefficacity of the antiepileptic drugs. We report five cases of adolescence-onset epilepsy with unsuccessful antiepileptic therapy, even with gradually increasing dose. Physical examination revealed signs of hypocalcemia, confirmed biologically. Full testing disclosed the origin of the seizures: hypoparathyroidism in three patients and pseudohypoparathyroidism in the other two. In four of five patients, computed tomography showed calcification of the basal ganglia, defining Fahr's syndrome. The patients were treated with oral calcium and active vitamin D (1-alphahydroxy vitamin D3). Seizure frequency progressively decreased and serum calcium levels returned to normal. These cases illustrate the importance of the physical examination and of routine serum calcium assay in patients with new-onset epileptic seizures in order to detect hypocalcemia secondary to hypoparathyroidism.

[Jaundice and urinary tract infection in neonates: simple coincidence or real consequence?]

In neonates, jaundice may be one of the initial symptoms related to urinary tract infection (UTI). The routine testing of the urine in jaundiced neonates is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the related factors of neonatal infants with the initial presentation of hyperbilirubinemia and the final diagnosis of UTI by evaluating data that help diagnose UTI early in apparently healthy newborns with jaundice.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively investigated the medical records of neonates who had been admitted for management of jaundice (n=26) and compared with neonates with jaundice but without UTI (n=26).

RESULTS

There was a significant difference between the two groups in male gender and maternal conditions (prolonged rupture of membranes, maternal UTI). There was also a significant difference between the two groups in their age at the time jaundice started (4 ± 3 days vs 2 ± 1 days) in the UTI and non-UTI groups, respectively (P>0.05). The cases in the UTI group had significantly lower total bilirubin levels (183 ± 71 mg/l) vs (227 ± 40 mg/l) in the non-UTI group, but a higher indirect bilirubin rate than the non-UTI group (P<0.05). Type B blood group was more common in neonates with UTI (P<0.01). In the cases presented herein, none of the jaundiced infants with UTI presented conjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Therefore, urinary tests for UTI should not be absolutely excluded or neglected in neonates in the early stage with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Performing urinary tests to exclude the possibility of coincidental UTI may be necessary for admitted jaundiced infants younger than if they have a high level of indirect bilirubin, especially in male newborns with group B blood and in the presence of maternal urinary infection.

La maladie de Wilson chez l’enfant: à propos de 20 cas

La maladie de Wilson ou dégénérescence hépato-lenticulaire est une affection génétique autosomique récessive caractérisée par une accumulation toxique de cuivre dans l'organisme, essentiellement dans le foie, le système nerveux central et la cornée. L'objectif de ce travail était de soulever les difficultés diagnostiques et thérapeutiques dans la prise en charge de la maladie de Wilson dans notre contexte. Nous avons réalisé une étude rétrospective portant sur 20 cas de maladie de Wilson colligés au sein du service de pédiatrie du CHU HASSAN II de Fès sur une période de 7 ans et demi. Il s'agit de 13 garçons et 7 filles dont l’âge moyen est de 9 ans avec des extrêmes allant de 5 à 13 ans. La consanguinité est retrouvée chez 13 malades. Sur le plan clinique, l'ictère est noté dans 13 cas, un syndrome oedémateux est retrouvé dans 13 cas aussi et un syndrome hémorragique dans 6 cas. Les signes neurologiques sont présents dans 7cas. Trois enfants étaient asymptomatiques diagnostiqués à l'occasion d'un dépistage. Sur le plan biologique les signes d'insuffisance hépatocellulaire sont retrouvés chez 17 malades avec une cytolyse dans 8 cas. Une anémie hémolytique est retrouvée chez 8 malades (soit 40%). La céruléoplasminémie est abaissée chez 17 malades, la cuprurie réalisée chez 19 malades s'est révélée augmentée chez 17 soit 89,4%. L'anneau de Kayser- Fleischer est retrouvé chez 14 patients. L’échographie abdominale a montré des signes d'hypertension portale (HTP) sur foie de cirrhose chez 16 malades soit 80%. La D pénicillamine est instaurée chez 17 patients et trois sont mis sous sulfate de zinc. Trois malades ont bénéficié de la vitamine B6. L’évolution est favorable chez 11 malades avec un recul moyen de 3 ans. Nous déplorons 4 décès chez des malades ayant consulté au stade de cirrhose décompensé. Le pronostic de la maladie de Wilson dépend de la précocité du traitement. Le dépistage chez les membres de la famille est une démarche importante et obligatoire pour un diagnostic précoce.

[Blueberry muffin syndrome]

Le Blueberry Muffin Baby est un syndrome cutané rare observé en période néonatale. Il est caractérisé par des papulo-nodules disséminés inflammatoires traduisant des réactions d'hématopoïèse dermique. Plusieurs causes doivent être recherchées, notamment les infections congénitales, une hémolyse sévère et les pathologies tumorales. Nous rapportons l'observation d'un nouveau-né chez qui l'aspect d'un Blueberry muffin baby a conduit au diagnostic d'une leucémie aiguë myéloïde.

Severe hypernatremic dehydration associated with cerebral venous and aortic thrombosis in the neonatal period

Severe neonatal hypernatremia is an important electrolyte disorder that has serious effects. Cerebral venous thrombosis and aortic thrombosis are relatively rare in severe neonatal hypernatremic dehydration. The authors report a case of cerebral venous thrombosis, associated with aortic thrombosis revealed by dehydration in a 9-day-old boy. Diagnostic was performed using Doppler ultrasound and imaging techniques. Thrombosis was resolved after anticoagulation treatment with low-molecular weight heparin for 1 month, and then was substituted by oral anticoagulant. The case report is followed by a review of the literature dealing with clinical, aetiological and therapeutic aspects of neonatal thrombosis.

[Congenital syphilis revealed by a spontaneous fracture]

Alors qu'elle est actuellement oubliée dans les pays développés, la syphilis congénitale se voit encore chez nous faute du dépistage anténatal. Ses formes cliniques sont polymorphes et orientent à tord vers d'autres pathologies surtout en période néonatale. Le diagnostic n'est donc pas toujours facile. La révélation d'une syphilis congénitale par une fracture spontanée est exceptionnellement décrite. Nous rapportons dans ce travail le cas d'un nourrisson de 2 mois ramené en consultation pour limitation douloureuse des mouvements du bras droit. Le diagnostic est évoqué sur les données radiologiques et confirmé par la sérologie syphilitique. Le traitement a reposé essentiellement sur l'administration de la pénicilline G avec une bonne évolution clinique.

An unusual complication of subcutaneous fat necrosis of the newborn

Subcutaneous fat necrosis (SCFN) is a well-described cause of subcutaneous calcification occurring in a young infant. Calcification of areas of fat necrosis in the neonate is a rare condition. In this case, the radiographic demonstration of soft-tissue calcification revealed the skin calcification in the absence of clinical signs of SCFN and without hypercalcaemia in the first 48 h of life.

Intracerebellar haematoma simulating congenital medulloblastoma during neonatal period

The authors report a case of intracerebellar haematoma occurring during the neonatal period. A 5-day-old baby girl was admitted because of poor feeding and the anterior fontanelle was tense. CT scan of the brain revealed a round mass at the cerebellar vermis; the lesion simulated a cerebellar tumour such as a medulloblastoma. The mass was surgically removed and found to be an intracerebellar haematoma. The clinical and radiologic characteristics are discussed.

Actuality of juvenile dermatomyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis is a rare disorder, but remains the most commonly occurring chronic inflammatory myopathy among children. Other than the proximal muscles and skin, which are routinely affected, vasculopathy may affect other viscera and can be multisystemic. A redefinition of the diagnostic criteria is currently underway and is likely to lead to other clinical signs and to sensitive and non-invasive examinations such as MRI. The impact of juvenile dermatomyositis on health and quality of life remains significant despite systemic corticosteroid therapy and immunosuppressor treatment, which have considerably improved the prognosis. Numerous predictors for favourable and pejorative evolution have been identified. The standardisation and the generalisation of clinical assessment tools will make it possible to carry out the clinical trials required to determine the relevance of the new therapeutic options available for children.

Cerebral ischaemic stroke and bilateral pheochromocytoma

We report a case of a 10-year-old girl who presented with an acute neurological deficit preceded by a 2 month history of headaches. The patient was treated for acute viral encephalitis because of the presence of inflammation. A computed tomography (CT) scan of her brain scan showed a cerebral ischaemic stroke, and paroxysmal arterial hypertension led us to suspect pheochromocytoma. The diagnosis was confirmed by elevated urinary catecholamine and by imaging (abdominal x-ray and abdominal/pelvic CT scan). Bilateral adrenal gland tumours were successfully removed. This report illustrates an uncommon presentation of pheochromocytoma in children and shows the importance of a careful investigation for pheochromocytoma as a cause of hypertension in children with cerebral ischaemic stroke.

Haemolytic disease of the newborn due to anti-c

Anti-D isoimmunisation remains the most common cause of erythroblastosis fetalis. Whereas most clinically significant blood group sensitisations noted during pregnancy are still secondary to anti-D incompatibility, sensitisation to antigens other than D in the CDE system is not uncommon and can cause severe disease. The widespread use of Rh-D immune globulin has led to a relative increase in the importance of non-Rh-D isoimmunisation as a cause of haemolytic disease of the newborn. We report the case of a baby with severe hyperbilirubinaemia and persistent anaemia due to anti-c isoimmunisation with a high-titre maternal c antibody. The baby required emergency transfusion and intensive phototherapy. The medical literature relating to maternal c isoimmunisation and neonatal outcome is also reviewed. Because of its ability to cause clinically significant haemolytic disease of the newborn, practitioners must manage anti-c isoimmunisation in a manner similar to that for anti-D.

Lemierre syndrome: once seen it can never be mistaken

Lemierre syndrome is a rare but severe septicaemia due most frequently to Fusobacterium necrophorum, with primary foci in the head, internal jugular vein thrombosis and metastatic infections, mainly in the lungs. We report two cases of Lemierre syndrome admitted to the paediatric unit of our hospital at 2-month intervals. The first was 10 years old and the second one was a 3-month-old infant. They were diagnosed on the 25th hospital day and at the time of admission, respectively. In the first case, diagnosis was delayed due to unfamiliarity with this disease. In the second patient the diagnosis was established on the first day because of the recent experience with patient 1. In both cases, bacteriological investigations were not helpful. Both patients had a favourable outcome after prolonged antibiotic treatment, anticoagulation and surgical drainage.