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Biomedical subjects

D Vidyasagar

Publications and source records attributed to D Vidyasagar.

At least 181 records · Page 10Linked to original sources

Body electrolytes in bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the effects of diuretic therapy.

Body electrolytes and their regulatory hormones were studied in preterm infants who suffered from bronchopulmonary dysplasia under two groups: those who were not treated with diuretics (Group II), and those who were treated with diuretics (Group III). The values were compared with a group of matched healthy controls (Group I). Lower serum Na levels, a need of higher Na intake, and higher urinary Na concentrations and urinary specific gravity were found in Group II infants. FeNa was normal and the urinary flow rate was lower than the controls. These data suggest an inability of these infants to dilute urine. Group III infants who were treated with diuretics showed higher serum Na levels and lower urinary specific gravity than Group II infants. These values, as well as water and Na intake/output ratios, were all similar to the control values. Serum aldosterone level was highest in Group II but did not reach significance. Intracellular K concentration was not different between the groups indicating an optimum total body K balance. A significant negative correlation between serum Na and aldosterone levels was found in Group II infants, which was not noted in the controls. Significant correlations were also found between FeNa and plasma aldosterone level in the BPD groups, unlike the controls. The control group of infants showed significant positive correlation between Na balance and serum Na levels. Our results suggest that inability to dilute urine appropriately might be the reason for the BPD patients to retain body water. Water restriction and diuretic therapy therefore are reasonable therapeutic approaches in such cases.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia↗

Fecal sodium and potassium losses in low birth weight infants.

We measured 24-hour fecal losses of sodium (Na) and potassium (K) in immediate post natal period of preterm neonates to determine the role of this route in the electrolyte imbalances seen in such infants. The values from preterm infants were compared to a group of age matched term infants. Eleven studies were done on unfed extremely low birth weight infants (group I, birth weight < 1200 gms), seven on fed preterm infants (group II, birth weight 1201-2500 gms) and nine on fed term infants (group III, birth weight 2501-4000 gms). Measured and derived variables compared between the groups were 24 hour fecal volume, total fecal electrolyte contents, Na or K lost per kg of body weight and per gm. of stool and Na or K losses as percent of intake. Although 24 hour fecal volume was lowest in group I, none of the variables related to Na differed between groups I and II whereas all of them were significantly lower in group I when compared with group III. Groups II and III differed only in terms of Na loss/gm stool which was lower in the previous group. Conversely K loss/gm of stool was significantly higher in group I when compared with both groups II and III and the only variable that differed between groups II and III was a higher fecal K content as fraction of intake. Fecal K/Na ratio was highest in group I, and decreased progressively with advancing gestational age, whereas creatinine clearance was lowest in group I and increased along with gestational age.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Feces↗

Endotracheal aspirate cultures in predicting sepsis in ventilated neonates.

Nosocomial infections are the most common complications encountered in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). They are associated with high mortality and prolonged duration of hospitalization in the survivors, contributing to an increased cost of health care. In this article, we review the literature on the value of routine endotracheal aspirate cultures for the prediction of neonatal sepsis and provide guidelines to prevent nosocomial infections. Upon reviewing the literature it appears that the practice of routine cultures of endotracheal aspirate and cultures obtained from multiple body sites is an expensive proposition with low yield. The sensitivity of this test is at best 50% and all studies report a very low positive predictive value. The specificity of this test is 80%, hence its role is mainly limited to identifying infants who are at low risk for sepsis. As we do not have any reliable test for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis and also to identify infants at high risk for sepsis, our main emphasis should be towards preventing nosocomial infections. Guidelines for reducing nosocomial infections are described.

Bacteriological Techniques↗

Inflammatory response and apoptosis in newborn lungs after meconium aspiration.

An important feature of meconium-instilled newborn lungs is an inflammatory response and apoptotic cell death. It was recently demonstrated by our group and supported by several other investigators in a relatively short period of time. Apoptosis exists also in healthy lungs, but in meconium-instilled lungs its level is usually dramatically higher. Apoptosis is characterized by loss of cell function, decrease in cell size, and its morphology. Apoptosis plays an important role in normal cell life, but increased levels of apoptosis induce great damage for any tissues. Apoptosis in the lungs has been greatly overlooked for the past decade, and meconium-induced apoptosis is a relatively new event and not effectively studied at the present time. This Review summarized current knowledge regarding meconium-induced inflammation and apoptosis in newborn lungs.

Animals↗

Respirator weaning of the newborn: some practical considerations.

Weaning of neonates from assisted ventilation or continous positive pressure breathing is a complex process. Unfortunately, at present we lack sensitive indices to measure the infant's ability to sustain spontaneous breathing. In the absence of such criteria we should rely heavily on clinical findings correlated with available biochemical data. Good clinical acumen and experience is necessary for successful weaning.

Adaptation, Physiological↗

Critical care problems of the newborn: insensible water loss in small premature infants.

During the control period in this study, small premature infants, 1500 g in birth weight, had insensible water loss (IWL) of 2.28 g/kg/hr (equivlaent to 54 ml/kg/day), which is considerably higher than in full term infants. Under phototherapy, there was a significant increase in IWL (3.14 g/kg/hr) associated with increase of skin and rectal temperature. The heart rate and respiratory rates were comparable. Full term infants in stress situations such as phototherapy can compensate for water losses by increasing oral intake. In small premature infants, reliance must be placed upon increased amounts of parenteral fluids when under phototherapy.

Body Temperature↗

Acute renal failure in the newborn.

Recent advances in prenatal and neonatal care have increased the number of live births and extended the life expectancy of critically ill premature infants. These infants represent a formidable therapeutic challenge in that multisystem involvement and previously uncommon conditions, such as intravascular coagulation, acute tubular necrosis, and acute cortical necrosis are now seen with increased frequency. This review begins with a discussion of the development of renal function in the neonate followed by a description of the more common causes of acute renal failure (ARF) in this age group. Finally, the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of this condition are discussed.

Acute Kidney Injury↗