Immediate Newborn Outcomes of Early Neonates Born to Mothers Who Received Magnesium Sulphate During Intrapartum at Kawempe National Referral Hospital- Uganda.
Mariam Birungi1*, Scovia Nalugo Mbalinda2, Jane Nakibuuka3, Christopher. J Burant4, Shirley Moore5, Carol Blixen5, Martha Sajatovic6
1, 2 Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University. P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda.
3Department of Medicine, Mulago Hospital, P.O. Box 7051, Kampala, Uganda
4Case Western Reserve University Us, Louis Stokes VA Medical Center US, Geriatric Research Education, and Clinical Center, 10701 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH 44106
5Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Case Western Reserve University, 10900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
6Neurological and Behavioral Outcomes Center, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center & Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 11100 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
Background: Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) is a drug used to prevent and treat preeclampsia with severe features (PEC) and eclampsia in pregnant women. MgSO4 is also known to readily cross the placenta, fetal membranes and into the fetus and amniotic fluid and may produce hypotonia and hypotension. We set out to assess immediate newborn outcomes of early neonates born to mothers with preeclampsia receiving MgSO4 during intrapartum period.
Methods: This was an analytical observational cohort study at Kawempe National Referral Hospital in Uganda. Two hundred ten pregnant mothers with PEC or eclampsia were recruited in the study after receiving the loading dose of MgSO4 and then followed through labour and delivery to observe immediate newborn outcomes using Apgar score and the hospitalized newborns were followed through their first seven days of life and scored using Thompson scores. SPSS version 23 was used to analyse data to report frequencies, means and relationships between variables through chi square and analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests. P values <0.05 were considered statistically significant.
Results: The majority, 178/210 (84.8%), of the mothers delivered live babies, while 32/210 (15.2%) delivered stillbirths (13/32; 40.6% FSBs and 19/32; 59.4% MSBs). The mean (SD) Apgar score was 9.02 (1.45) with the majority 166/210 (93.3%) of the newborns having seven or higher. Factors significantly associated with the Apgar scores were maternal diagnosis (p<0.001) and NICU admissions (p<0.001). Apgar scores significantly differed by the gestational age (p<0.001), liquor state (p<0.001), labor induction (p<0.001) and birth weight (p<0.001). The mean (SD) Thompson score was 3.31 (±4.63) units. The majority 37/55 (67.3%) of the children had mild Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE) whereas 17/55 (30.9) were normal without HIE. Only one child had severe HIE. Thompson scores significantly differed by the mode of delivery (p<0.033).
Conclusions: The majority of NICU admissions were caused by respiratory issues and preterm deliveries. The significant number of newborns experiencing mild HIE puts these infants at risk for both immediate and long-term complications. Therefore, extreme care must be exercised when giving MgSO4 to mothers, as improper administration of the drug could further endanger the health and well-being of the newborns.
DOI: 10.29245/2578-2940/2025/1.1180 View / Download PdfCommentary: Current State of Home Health in Children with Medical Complexity
Megan Quinn, Teresa Kodak
MSN, APRN – PC
MSN, APRN-FPA, FNP-C, CWON
Current State of Home Health in Children with Medical Complexity, published in 2024, addressed several important aspects of barriers to care in children with medical complexity (CMC). This article specified three themes which were chosen due to their frequent appearances in the available research: lack of resources, financial implications, and patient and family well-being. This article serves as a commentary of the aforementioned article. Social risks and language barriers also pose a threat to success in home health, though the research in pediatrics is lacking. Reimbursement of nursing continues to be a theme, and the concept of state-to-state variances further affecting quality home health care is discussed. Health Policy is presented as an entirely new theme with a significant impact on home care delivery. An overall need for future research is paramount in this population as the number of CMC who need care in the home continues to grow due to health care improvements over time.
Caring for children with medical complexities (CMC) continues to be a difficult path for both healthcare providers and the caregivers of these children. Lack of resources, financial implications and patient and family well-being, the three themes discussed in Current State of Home Health in Children with Medical Complexity, have continued to evolve and change since its publication. Additionally, Health Policy has emerged as a theme in that it provides barriers to proper home care. As the healthcare landscape changes and grows, reflection on the changes within these roadblocks was paramount to remain up to date on the current issues. Though there is currently more research, it is worth highlighting that this area of healthcare is largely unexplored and in need of further discovery in order to start addressing this problem wholly.
DOI: 10.29245/2578-2940/2025/1.1179 View / Download PdfAtypical/Mysterious Presentation of Hypoammonemia in CAVA-Deficient Neonate: A Case Report
Madhavi Majety1, Laasya Chowdary Nagalla2*, Shivani Ravipati2, K.P.K.N. Venkataramana3, Suryanarayana3
1Hospital for Children, Vijayawada, India.
2*Dr.Pinnamaneni Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation, Vijayawada, India.
3Nori Multi-speciality Hospital, Vijayawada, India.
Background
This case report presents a rare manifestation of carbonic anhydrase (CAVA) deficiency in a neonate, challenging the typical metabolic profile associated with this condition.
Case presentation
A single female preterm born to 3rd-degree consanguineous parents exhibited severe metabolic acidosis, hypoxemia, and shock but notably lacked hyperammonemia, which is an apparently obligatory sign of CAVA deficiency. The baby’s clinical course was complicated by respiratory distress, sepsis, neutropenia, and pulmonary haemorrhage, leading to a fatal outcome at 47 hours of life. Investigations including blood sugars, serum ammonia, and liver function tests provided atypical findings. The case has been managed symptomatically. Clinical exome sequencing revealed a homozygous missense mutation in the CA5A gene.
Conclusions
The case underscores the need for a deeper understanding of CAVA deficiency pathogenesis and suggests the possibility of variant presentations, even in severe cases. This report aims to broaden the clinical spectrum associated with CAVA deficiency and encourage further research into its varied presentations.
DOI: 10.29245/2578-2940/2025/4.1176 View / Download PdfSevere Neonatal Anaemia Caused by Fetomaternal Haemorrhage with a Positive Neonatal Outcome
Deepa C M, Amitoj Singh Chhina
Department of Neonatology, Cloudnine Hospital, Old Airport Road Bengaluru, India.
Spontaneous massive fetomaternal hemorrhage (FMH) is a rare but significant cause of severe neonatal anemia, often presenting without identifiable risk factors and posing diagnostic challenges. This report describes the case of a 35-year-old G2A1 mother with an uneventful pregnancy who delivered a neonate exhibiting profound anemia and respiratory distress shortly after birth. FMH was confirmed by a Kleihauer-Betke test, revealing a significant fetal blood loss of 198 mL into the maternal circulation. Prompt intervention with packed red blood cell transfusion led to stabilization and a favorable neonatal outcome.
FMH frequently presents with nonspecific symptoms such as decreased fetal movements or neonatal anemia, emphasizing the importance of clinician vigilance. Diagnostic methods, including the Kleihauer-Betke test and flow cytometry, play a critical role in confirming FMH and guiding treatment. This case highlights the necessity of early recognition and intervention, as well as routine FMH screening in Rh-negative pregnancies and unexplained neonatal anemia, to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Enhanced awareness and advancements in diagnostic technologies are crucial for better management of this underrecognized condition.
DOI: 10.29245/2578-2940/2025/3.1175 View / Download Pdf