Should Ocular Hemorrhage Screening be Conducted in Newborns with Acidosis?

OBJECTIVE

 Ocular hemorrhages (OHs) may cause visual disturbances and incidence vary from 18 to 39% in newborns. Precipitated/instrumental delivery and perinatal asphyxia were predefined risk factors. Acidosis can interfere with coagulation and disrupt the pressure of ocular capillaries and put infants with moderate acidosis with or without hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy at risk for OH. We aimed to evaluate the OH in neonates with fetal acidosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Neonates >34 weeks are included if pH < 7.10 and BE <  -12 mmol/L within the first hour. Ophthalmologic examinations for retinal (RH), vitreous, and anterior chamber (hyphema) hemorrhage were done within the third day. RH was staged according to Egge's classification. Follow-up of the patients was continued until the age of 2. Clinical characteristics of newborns were analyzed.

RESULTS

 Sixty-two neonates (38 ± 2.3 weeks, 2,971 ± 612 g) were included. pH = 6.91 ± 0.16, BE = - 17.2 ± 5.3 mmol/L. OH was found in 22 (36.7%) neonates (hyphema n = 2, vitreous n = 2, RH n = 21). Thirty-eight eyes with RH were staged (Stage 3: n = 15 [39.5%]; Stage 2: n =11 [28.9%]; Stage 1: n = 12 [31.6%]). Vaginal delivery (OR: 4.9, 95% CI [1.4-17.8]) and advanced resuscitation at the delivery room (OR: 8.8; 95% CI [1.9-41.7]) were found to increase the risk of RH.

CONCLUSION

 Approximately one-third of neonates with moderate to severe acidosis exhibited RH when examined on the third day. Contrary to previous studies that reported mild RH in otherwise healthy neonates, our findings revealed that neonates with moderate to severe acidosis predominantly presented with Stage 3 RH. While the higher incidence of RH in vaginally delivered infants is consistent with previous studies, the identification of advanced resuscitation as a risk factor is a new addition to the literature. The findings in our study highlight the importance of retinal examination in neonates with acidosis in the presence of intubation during resuscitation.

KEY POINTS

· One-third of neonates with moderate to severe acidosis exhibited RH.. · Stage 3 RH was identified as the most prevalent.. · Advanced resuscitation was identified as an independent risk factor for RH..

The effect of oscillometric blood pressure measurement on pain response in preterm infants

AIM

Preterm neonates are exposed to many painful procedures in neonatal intensive care units. This study aims to evaluate the effect of oscillometric blood pressure (BP) measurement on pain response in preterm infants.

METHODS

This prospective study was performed over 4 months in a level III neonatal intensive care unit. Premature neonates whose gestational age was <34 weeks and postmenstrual age <36 weeks were included if they had no systemic diseases. BP measurement was performed on the right arm. The Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R) scores were evaluated three times before, during, and 10 min after BP measurement.

RESULTS

During the 5-month period, 100 preterm neonates (53 male infants) were included in the study. Median birth weight and gestational age of the infants were 1148 (IQR: 1015-1300) g and 28 (IQR: 27-30) weeks, respectively. PIPP-R scores were found to be ≥7 in 34% of neonates. PIPP-R scores increased during BP measurement and decreased after.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that oscillometric BP measurement which is generally accepted as a non-invasive tool for monitoring can produce mild pain in premature neonates of postmenstrual age <36 weeks.

Can the triglyceride-glucose index predict insulin resistance in LGA newborns?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study is to investigate the TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio and their relationships with insulin resistance in LGA infants.

METHODS

A prospective controlled study was conducted including 65 LGA and gestational age, gender-matched appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates. Serum TG, total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), insulin and glucose levels were measured within two hours after birth, TyG index and HOMA-IR values were calculated.

RESULTS

TyG index and TG/HDL- C ratio were higher in LGA neonates compared to AGA ones (p = 0.03; p = 0.00, respectively). Compared with AGA newborns, LGA newborns had higher levels of insulin and HOMA-IR (p = 0.00; p = 0.00, respectively). TyG index and TG/HDL-C ratio showed moderate correlation with HOMA-IR (r = 0.59 R2 = 0.35 p < 0.001; r = 0.5 R2 = 0.25 p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSıON: The results of this study show that LGA newborns have increased levels of TyG index and TG/HDL-C associated with insulin resistance.

Short-term outcomes of extremely low birth weight infants in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in Türkiye

BACKGROUND

Advances in neonatal care have led to increased survival of extremely preterm infants. Extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, defined as infants weighing less than 1000 g at birth, constitute a significant portion of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients. The aim of this study is to determine the mortality and short-term morbidities of ELBW infants and assess the risk factors related to mortality.

METHODS

The medical records of ELBW neonates hospitalized in the NICU of a tertiary-level hospital between January 2017 and December 2021 were evaluated retrospectively.

RESULTS

616 ELBW (289 females and 327 males) infants were admitted to the NICU during the study period. Mean birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA) for the total cohort were 725 ± 134 g (range 420-980 g) and 26.3 ± 2.1 weeks (range 22-31), respectively. The rate of survival to discharge was 54.5% (336/616) [33% for the infants with ≤750 g BW, 76% for the infants with 750-1000 g BW], and 45.2% of survived infants had no major neonatal morbidity at discharge. Independent risk factors for mortality of ELBW infants were asphyxia at birth, birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, pulmonary hemorrhage, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, and meningitis.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of mortality and morbidity was very high in ELBW infants, particularly for neonates born weighing less than 750 g in our study. We suggest that preventive and more effective treatment strategies are needed for improved outcomes in ELBW infants.

Evaluation of radiologic evidence of metabolic bone disease in very low birth weight infants at fourth week of life

AIM

The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of metabolic bone disease (MBD) and assess the risk factors for development radiologic evidence of MBD.

METHODS

Preterm infants with gestational age ≤32 weeks and birth weight ≤1500 g were included in this prospective study. Metabolic bone disease was defined as hypophosphatemia (phosphorus levels <4 mg/dl), ALP levels >450 U/L, or radiologic findings of MBD at four weeks of age.

RESULTS

The study included 254 infants (gestational age: 29 (27-30) weeks, birth weight: 1130 g (960-1300)). Metabolic bone disease was diagnosed in 96 patients (37%); 48 infants had only radiologic evidence of MBD, 24 infants had only biochemical diagnosis of MBD, and 24 infants had both radiologic evidence of MBD and biochemical diagnosis of MBD.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that radiologic evidence of MBD existed in some infants with normal biochemical results. That finding may guide further development of screening programs for MBD.

Increased asymmetric dimethylarginine levels in severe transient tachypnea of the newborn

OBJECTIVE

Nitric oxide (NO) is synthesized by NO synthase (NOS), and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) is an endogenous inhibitor of NOS. We aimed to investigate l-arginine and ADMA levels in transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) and their relationship with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and disease severity.

STUDY DESIGN

Infants born at ⩾35 weeks gestational age with clinical signs and chest X-ray findings consistent with TTN were enrolled; controls were recruited at the same time. l-arginine and ADMA levels were measured at 12 to 24 h (first samples) and at 48 to 72 h (second samples). Systolic PAP was evaluated on the second day. Patients were divided according to the duration of tachypnea and designated as group A (duration ⩽72 h) and group B (duration >72 h).

RESULTS

In the first samples, the ADMA levels were significantly higher in patients with TTN compared with controls (P<0.001). In the second samples, the ADMA levels were significantly higher in group B compared with that in group A (P=0.019). In group A patients, the second ADMA levels were significantly lower compared with that in the first samples (P<0.001), whereas the second ADMA levels remained unchanged compared with the first samples in group B. Systolic PAP values were significantly higher in group B compared with that in group A patients (P=0.033).

CONCLUSION

Increased ADMA concentration may reduce NO synthesis, leading to increased PAP and thus longer duration of tachypnea.

Clinical findings and effect of sodium hydrogen carbonate in patients with glutathione synthetase deficiency

BACKGROUND

Glutathione synthetase (GS) deficiency is a rare inborn error of glutathione (GSH) metabolism manifested by severe metabolic acidosis, hemolytic anemia, neurological problems and massive excretion of pyroglutamic acid (5-oxoproline) in the urine. The disorder has mild, moderate, and severe clinical variants. We aimed to report clinical and laboratory findings of four patients, effect of sodium hydrogen carbonate treatment and long-term follow up of three patients.

METHODS

Urine organic acid analysis was performed with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Molecular genetic analysis was performed in three patients, mutation was found in two of them. Enzyme analysis was performed in one patient. Clinical and laboratory findings of four patients were evaluated.

RESULTS

One patient died at 4 months old, one patient's growth and development are normal, two patients have developed intellectual disability and seizures in the long term follow up period. Three patients benefited from sodium hydrogen carbonate treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The clinical picture varies from patient to patient, so it is difficult to predict the prognosis and the effectiveness of treatment protocols. We reported long term follow up of four patients and demonstrated that sodium hydrogen carbonate is effective for treatment of chronic metabolic acidosis in GS deficieny.

Risk of retinopathy of prematurity in small for gestational age premature infants

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the incidence, risk factors and severity of retinopathy of prematurity in neonatal intensive care unit and to evaluate its relationship with gestational age.

METHODS

Cohort study of neonates with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks or birthweight ≤ 1500 g.

RESULTS

Of the 495 neonates screened, 43 (8.7%) infants were small for gestational age; the frequency of severe retinopathy of prematurity was 5.8%. Sepsis and being small for gestational age were independent risk factors for severe retinopathy of prematurity.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians should be aware of the presence of presence of retinopathy of prematurity when caring for protein small for gestational age infants.

A case series of neonatal arrhythmias

OBJECTIVE

Neonatal arrhythmias (NAs) are defined as abnormal heart rates in the neonatal period. They may occur as a result of various cardiovascular, systemic and metabolic problems.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on newborns who were diagnosed with NA during hospitalization in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), or who were admitted to the NICU because of an arrhythmia diagnosis in two NICUs in Turkey from May 2011 to June 2013.

RESULTS

Seventeen neonates with arrhythmias were identified. The incidence of NA was 0.4% and 0.3% in the two NICUs, and was 0.37% in the study population as a whole. Mean gestational age was 37 (29-40) weeks. Nine of the infants (53%) were diagnosed with fetal arrhythmia (FA) during the last week of gestation. The distribution of NA types was as follows: six (35%) supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), six (35%) premature atrial contractions (PACs), two (11%) premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), two (11%) multiple arrhythmias such as SVT + PAC and AV block + PVC, and one (5%) AV block. Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome was present in one patient. An association of NA with congenital heart malformations was identified in five cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Cardiac arrhythmias are important causes of infant morbidity, and an occasional cause of infant mortality if undiagnosed and untreated. It is important for the physician to be aware of the etiology, development and natural history of arrhythmias in the fetal and neonatal period.

Fetal echogenic bowel in association with Zellweger syndrome

Increased echogenicity of fetal bowel in the second trimester obstetrical ultrasound has been described in association with several pathologic conditions, such as growth restriction, aneuploidy, cystic fibrosis, congenital infections, and gastrointestinal malformations. Zellweger syndrome (ZS) is the prototype of peroxisomal disorders characterized by craniofacial dysmorphism and severe neurologic abnormalities. We report two cases with fetal echogenic bowel (FEB) but no associated anomalies and normal fetal growth. After birth, clinical and laboratory findings led to diagnosis of ZS. Association of FEB with neurometabolic disorders is limited to a few case reports in the medical literature. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of ZS associated with FEB.

Remifentanil analgesia during laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity: a practical approach in neonatal intensive care unit

BACKGROUND

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of childhood blindness.

AIM

The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of remifentanil analgesia during laser treatment of ROP performed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Remifentanil was infused continuously during the procedure starting with a dose of 0.2 µg/kg/min and increased gradually to 0.6 µg/kg/min to provide an adequate level of analgesia.

RESULTS

We enrolled 64 infants. Remifentanil was infused continuously at a mean rate of 0.4 ± 0.1 μg/kg/min. No major adverse effects were observed except in two patients with reversible bradycardia and hypotension. Premature infant pain profile (PIPP) scores revealed no pain. Patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia had similar remifentanil dosage, intubation duration, and extubation time.

CONCLUSIONS

Remifentanil analgesia for ROP treatment performed in the NICU by pediatricians is a safe and effective modality. This modality offers a practical solution in hospitals without readily available pediatric anesthetists.

Body temperature changes of newborns under fluorescent versus LED phototherapy

OBJECTIVE

To determine changes in body temperature (BT) of hyperbilirubinemic newborns under conventional phototherapy with fluorescent lamps and light emitting diodes (LED) at different irradiances.

METHODS

Otherwise healthy newborn infants >34 wk gestational age (GA) hospitalized for indirect hyperbilirubinemia, requiring phototherapy in the first 10 d of life were enrolled. Infants who received conventional phototherapy with fluorescent lamps (10-15 μW/cm(2)/nm irradiance) were defined as group 1, LED phototherapy of 26-60 μW/cm(2)/nm irradiance as group 2, and LED phototherapy of 60-120 μW/cm(2)/nm irradiance as group 3. Primary outcome measure was mean BT which was defined as arithmetical mean of axillary BT measured at 2 h intervals during the first day of phototherapy.

RESULTS

Thirty patients were enroled in each group. Mean birth weight and GA of the total cohort was 2800 ± 530 g and 36.6 ± 2 wk, respectively. Baseline demographic variables and serum total bilirubin levels were similar among groups. Mean BT was 36.7 ± 0.1 °C in group 1, 36.6 ± 0.2 °C in group 2, 37.7 ± 0.2 °C in group 3. Mean BT was higher in group 3 compared to group 1 (p < 0.001) and group 2 (p < 0.001). Group 1 and group 2 had similar mean BT measurements (p = 0.09). During phototherapy all the patients in group 3 had at least one BT measurement ≥ 37.5 °C and 77 % had BT ≥ 38 °C. Only one patient in group 2 had BT ≥ 37.5 °C which was also ≥ 38 °C. During phototherapy all BT measurements were <37.5 °C in group 1.

CONCLUSIONS

LED phototherapy of ≥ 60 μW/cm(2)/nm intensity significantly increases BT in hyperbilirubinemic newborns.

Isolated ectrodactyly in a newborn with Down syndrome

Down syndrome (DS), trisomy 21, is the most common numerical chromosome abnormality among live born infants. Dysmorphic features, congenital malformations, cognitive impairment are major features. Musculoskeletal anomalies are associated with abnormal collagen function. Ectrodactyly is characterized by a deep median cleft of the hand and/or foot. Failure of apical ectodermal ridge while developing limbs leads to ectrodactyly. Here we report a patient diagnosed with DS and ectrodactyly which were split between the third and fourth fingers and there were 4 fingers on both hands. There was no additional musculoskeletal anomaly. Karyotype analysis revealed 47,XY,+21. To the best of our knowledge our patient is the first patient with DS and ectrodactyly. Pathogenesis ofmusculoskeletal anomalies in DS and ectrodactyly seems to be different which may be coincidental or not. In conclusion, patients with ectrodactyly should be evaluated for association with syndromes, and it should be kept in mind that patients with Down syndrome may have different organ anomaly from frequently seen anomalies.

Effects of phototherapy using different light sources on oxidant and antioxidant status of neonates with jaundice

BACKGROUND/AIM

Neonates have limited antioxidant protective capacity. It has recently been demonstrated that phototherapy used for treatment of neonatal jaundice produces oxidative stress. Various phototherapy devices using different light sources are available for phototherapy. We aimed to investigate the effects of phototherapy applied with different light sources on the global oxidant/antioxidant status in neonates.

METHODS

Term and late-preterm (≥35 weeks) newborn infants hospitalized to receive phototherapy for non-hemolytic jaundice in the 2-9 days of life were enrolled. Infants who received conventional phototherapy with fluorescent lamps were defined as group 1, intensive light emitting diode (LED) phototherapy as group 2, and fiberoptic phototherapy as group 3. The serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured before and 24 h after phototherapy. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated.

RESULTS

Twenty nine patients were included in each group. At the beginning of phototherapy serum TAC, TOS and OSI levels were similar in all groups. After phototherapy serum TAC decreased significantly in all three groups (p < 0.001). Total oxidant status increased significantly in group 1 (p < 0.001) and group 2 (p = 0.001) whereas a statistically insignificant increase was observed in group 3 (p = 0.057). After phototherapy OSI increased significantly in group 1 (p < 0.001), group 2 (p = 0.001), and group 3 (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

As indicated by increased OSI, oxidant/antioxidant balance is disturbed in favor of oxidants after blue fluorescent light, LED and fiberoptic phototherapy.

Erythema annulare centrifugum as the presenting sign of Pseudomonas aeruginosa sepsis in a newborn

We report a case of erythema annulare centrifugum (EAC) with neonatal onset. The patient presented on the fourth day of life with erythematous papules that enlarged centrifugally to form annular or policyclic plaques on anterior surface of trunk and legs without signs of systemic toxicity. Subsequently, she developed sepsis and disseminated intravascular coagulation and died on the sixth day of life. Blood culture grew Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The coexistence of P. aeruginosa sepsis with the clinical appearance of erythema annulare centrifugum strongly suggests a pathogenetic effect of the microorganism on the skin eruption. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of EAC with P. aeruginosa sepsis in a newborn.

An unusual localization of the umbilicus in a neonate

We report the case of a male neonate with a low-set umbilicus. Physical examination revealed an appropriately grown term infant with no unusual findings, except ectopically placed umbilical cord at the level of the bladder in the hypogastric zone. The infant underwent detailed investigations that revealed no associated malformation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case with very distinct localization of the umbilicus without any congenital abnormalities.

The effect of galactagogue herbal tea on oxidant and anti-oxidant status of human milk

OBJECTIVE

Human milk (HM) has antioxidant constituents which protect newborns against oxidative damage. We aimed to evaluate whether maternal consumption of herbal tea containing fenugreek had any effects on global oxidant and antioxidant capacity of HM.

METHODS

Volunteer mothers 18-35 years of age without any antenatal or perinatal risk factors were randomly assigned to receive galactagogue herbal tea (Humana still-tee®, Herford, Deutschland) 3 cups/d or same amount of water as placebo. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS) and the oxidative stress index (OSI) of breast milk samples taken in the 1st day and 7-10 d were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Herbal tea (n = 40) and placebo (n = 40) groups had similar TAC, TOS and OSI values in the 1st day samples. TAC, TOS and OSI values in the breast milk samples taken on 7-10th day were also similar. OSI increased significantly in 7-10 day samples compared to 1st day in each group, while TAC and TOS levels did not differ.

CONCLUSION

Galactagogue herbal tea containing fenugreek has no detectable effect on global oxidant and antioxidant status of HM. OSI increases in course of lactation compared to colostrums irrespective of galactagogue use.

Respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in preterm infants: a cost-effectiveness study from Turkey

The main aim of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) prophylaxis with palivizumab in Turkey, by comparing hospitalization rates and costs as well as results of risk analyses in preterm infants who were treated either with palivizumab or conservatively. This retrospective study was undertaken in two centers on infants born with a gestational age of ≤32 weeks during the 2010-2011 seasons. Patients were divided into two groups based on status of RSV prophylaxis. The records of 272 infants were included in the final analysis, 201 (73.9%) of which had received palivizumab (Group 1), while 71 (26.1%) were not given any form of RSV prophylaxis. The difference between groups in terms of demographic characteristics and risk factors for RSV infection was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Thirteen patients (6.5%) in Group 1 and 5 patients (7%) in Group 2 were hospitalized for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) (p>0.05). In newborns born at ≤286/7 weeks of gestation, RSV prophylaxis with palivizumab was associated with a 38.75% decrease in hospitalization rates due to LRTIs compared to the untreated group (8% in the untreated group vs. 4.9% in the palivizumab group; p=0.577). The hospitalization rate due to LRTIs for infants in Group 1 born after 29-32 weeks of gestation was 7.5% compared to a rate of 6.5% in Group 2, with a statistically insignificant difference (p=0.828). In infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) born at ≤286/7 weeks of gestation, treatment with palivizumab was associated with a 39.1% decrease in LRTI-related hospitalization rates (14.3% in the untreated group vs. 8.7% in the palivizumab group; p=0.677). This clinical study is the first of its kind from Turkey to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of palivizumab treatment as prophylaxis against RSV infections in preterm infants, where hospitalization rates and costs of patients treated with palivizumab were compared with those of infants who were treated conservatively. Our study results suggest that administration of palivizumab does not have any cost benefit, regardless of gestational age. However, a reduction in hospitalization rates in association with palivizumab treatment was observed in infants born at ≤286/7 weeks of gestation with or without BPD.

A rare tumor of nasal bone in a child: osteoblastoma

Benign osteoblastoma is an uncommon bone tumor, representing 1% of all benign tumors and 3% of all primary bone tumors. Intranasal or paranasal osteoblastoma is particularly rare. Osteoblastoma occurs more frequently in males, at a peak age between 10 and 20 years. We report an osteoblastoma of the nasal septum in an 11-year-old boy who presented with swelling of the nasal septum. The diagnosis and management of this unusual lesion, as well as the histopathology and imaging characteristics, are reviewed. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a solid midline nasal mass originating from the septum with intense contrast enhancement. There was no evidence of osteoid or chondroid matrix mineralization on computed tomography (CT). Biopsy was performed. Histologically, the tumor contained abundant plump osteoblast-like cells, with eosinophilic cytoplasm and large nuclei that were frequently juxtaposed to the newly formed osteoid. Conservative excision was performed. The literature concerning occurrence of osteoblastoma in this unusual location is reviewed.

Oligodendroglioma arising in a mature cystic ovarian teratoma in a child

In childhood mature cystic teratomas are the most common type of ovarian germ cell tumors. Tumors of neuroepithelial origin are extremely rare in mature teratomas. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first case report oligodendroglioma arising in a mature cystic ovarian teratoma in children. A 13-year-old girl presented with a history of pelvic pain for 2 months. An ultrasound examination showed a monolateral multicystic, calcific ovarian mass, measuring approximately 6 x 5 cm, arising in the left over and adnexia, suggesting a teratoma. An exploratorative laparotomy and ooferectomy were performed. On histopatological examination, various samples from cystic areas had mature tissues from all 3 germ cell layers, including skin, bone, bronchial structures, and cerebellum. Sections from solid areas showed uniform population of monotonous, rounded cells with indistinct cytoplasm and having perinuclear halo (fried-egg appearance) on a fibrillary, neuropilic background. Microcalcifications as calcospherites were noted in the stroma. Based on the typical morphological features, the cased was diagnosed as mature cystic teratoma with low-grade oligodendroglioma. To the authors' knowledge, there are a few reports in the literature of an oligodendroglioma arising in an ovarian teratoma in adults and this presented patient is the first case in childhood.

Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease in severe combined immunodeficiency

Transfusion-associated graft-versus-host disease (TA-GVHD) is a rare complication of cellular blood component transfusion that produces a graft-versus-host clinical picture with concomitant bone marrow aplasia. We report the case of 2 patients with severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) who developed TA-GvHD. Both patients had been given nonirradiated erythrocyte suspension before the diagnosis of SCID. Although one of them was aged 12 months, he had still not been diagnosed as having severe T-cell deficiency at the time of transfusion. Both patients presented similar signs and symptoms (fever, skin rash, diarrhea, pancytopenia, and icterus). Skin biopsies demonstrated Grade II GVHD involvement. In both cases, sepsis and septic shock developed, with progression to multiorgan failure. Unfortunately, the 2 patients died, despite prompt, appropriate sepsis treatment and immunomodulatory therapy. TA-GVHD must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients who present fever, pancytopenia, diarrhea, skin rash and icterus, and the transfusion history must be questioned.