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J Messer

Publications and source records attributed to J Messer.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1994

A study of cerebral perfusion using single photon emission computed tomography in neonates with brain lesions.

In this study we used a single photon emission computed tomography technique (SPECT) with radiolabelled 99mTcHMPAO to assess cerebral perfusion in newborn infants with documented cerebral lesions and to determine to what extent brain SPECT might be useful in the neonatal period. A total of 15 newborn infants with the following cerebral pathologies were enrolled: severe parietal bilateral periventricular leucomalacia (PVL, n = 6); moderate parietal bilateral PVL (n = 2); intraventricular haemorrhage grade II with unilateral parietal parenchymal extension (IHV + PE, n = 3); cerebral infarction (CI, n = 2) in the zone of middle cerebral artery; and post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus (n = 2). Follow-up was available in all infants. Alterations in cerebral perfusion were seen in only 12 of 15 infants and at the location of severe PVL, PE and CI. We have noted that the regions of diminished perfusion extended beyond the apparent extent of cerebral pathology delineated by ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging. Markedly diminished perfusion was seen in 1 infant with hydrocephalus, which recovered following placement of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. Regarding outcome, SPECT data failed to provide additional information than that of neuroradiological investigations. We conclude that the use of SPECT, under these conditions, to assess alteration of cerebral perfusion in the neonatal period will not provide any additional information than that of neuroradiological investigations.

Brain↗
PubMed1994

Specific developmental profiles of lysosomal and brush border enzymuria in the human.

Various enzymatic urinary activities have been proposed to assess renal proximal tubule damage in children, including neonates. Nevertheless comprehensive knowledge on the developmental aspects of physiological enzymuria is limited, particularly with regard to lysosomal and brush border enzymuria. Urinary activities of two lysosomal enzymes, N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) and beta-galactosidase (GAL), and of two brush border enzymes, alanine aminopeptidase (AAG) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) were comparatively investigated in normal prematures (n = 28), term neonates (n = 52), infants aged less than 2 years (n = 19) and children (n = 33), and compared to urinary excretion of beta 2-microglobulin (B2M). Enzymatic activities were assayed using either spectrophotometrical (NAG, AAP, GGT) fluorimetrical (GAL) or radioimmunological (B2M) methods, and were related to urinary creatinine excretion. Developmental profiles of both the studied lysosomal enzymes and of B2M were similarly characterized with significantly decreasing values from prematures (NAG 9.29 +/- 1.44, GAL 2.26 +/- 0.26 IU/mmol creatinine, indicated as mean +/- SEM) to term neonates (6,94 +/- 0.58 and 1.76 +/- 0.15 IU/mmol creatinine, respectively) and older infants and children. Lysosomal enzymatic urinary activities correlated linearly with a coefficient of r = 0.75, (p < 0.05), while correlations between each lysosomal enzymatic activity and B2M urinary excretion were weaker.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Acetylglucosaminidase↗
PubMed1994

Cerebral perfusion studies during maturation using single photon emission computed tomography in the neonatal period.

In this study, we used single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) radiolabelled 99mTc HMPAO to assess cerebral perfusion during maturation in the neonatal period. Results of SPECT examinations in 18 newborn infants, in whom gestational age ranged form 30 to 41 weeks, and who were found to be neurologically normal in retrospect, were reviewed. The developmental changes in cerebral perfusion during the neonatal period shown by SPECT parallel findings of other methods on maturational changes of the central nervous system (neuropathological studies, positron emission tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging). Cerebral perfusion progresses from the central part of the brain to the cerebellum, sensorimotor and then visual cortex. A close relation seems to exist between cerebral perfusion, metabolism and behavior under normal conditions in the neonatal period.

Brain↗
PubMed1994

Beta-nerve growth factor levels in newborn cord sera.

This study was designed to examine beta-nerve growth factor (NGF) levels in human cord blood by a two-site enzyme immunoassay using MAb 27/21 to mouse NGF and to determine whether beta-NGF levels show developmental changes. Blood was collected at delivery from 61 newborns, 55 neonates appropriate for gestational age (46 term infants and 9 premature infants), 5 neonates small for gestational age, and 1 neonate with congenital hydrocephalus. In addition, samples were collected from 2 microcephalic children (microcephaly vera) aged 15 and 18 mo, 2 control children, and 4 healthy adults. Mean levels of NGF in preterm infants (n = 9; 13.7 +/- 8 pg/mL) were significantly lower than levels in term infants (n = 47; 21.2 +/- 8.8 pg/mL; p = 0.034 by Mann-Whitney U test). There was no correlation between birth weight, length, head circumference, and beta-NGF levels. In microcephalic children, NGF levels were low (8 pg/mL) compared with control infants' values (22 pg/mL). In adults, beta-NGF levels were higher and ranged between 238 and 292 pg/mL. Our study demonstrates that beta-NGF levels can be assessed in human newborn sera using a two-site enzyme immunoassay with MAb 27/21 to mouse beta-NGF, that beta-NGF levels are extremely low in newborns compared with adults, that beta-NGF levels seems to show developmental changes, and that beta-NGF levels may be used to assess NGF utilization under normal and pathologic conditions such as cerebral malformations.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

[Complications due to insufficient preventive measures in a neonatal intensive care unit].

In 100 records collected from a neonatal intensive care unit, 19 cases of insufficient prevention were noted. In some of them, several tactical faults affected the same infant. In 9 cases pre- or perinatal surveillance was lacking; there were 9 cases of inappropriate transfer and 11 cases of iatrogenic complications. Three mothers refused all examinations. In all other cases, both medical and paramedical staffs did not utilize the means at their disposal to satisfaction. We conclude that for a better effective use of intensive care it seems rational to convince the perinatology actors to exploit under good conditions the existing possibilities of prevention rather than demanding a reinforcement of the present statutory structures.

Bacterial Infections↗
PubMed1993

[Recurrent cutaneous herpes in the newborn and acyclovir].

The authors report two cases of cutaneous recurrent herpes occurring after a neonatal herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2) infection and comment on the role of acute or suppressive therapy by aciclovir (ACV). The two infants were not treated by ACV after the neonatal period. None of the recurrent cutaneous herpes episodes was followed by viral widespread. One case reported by Bergström et al on a relapse of HSV2 encephalitis occurring after a cutaneous herpes in a child argues for the use of ACV in recurrent herpes. However, ACV might alter host defense response to HSV2 infection in neonates and children. Thus, it seems not yet recommended to use ACV either as acute or suppressive therapy in recurrent cutaneous herpes unless a progression of the viral disease is noted.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed1993

Enterovirus infections in neonates. A retrospective study of 21 cases.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to define the major features of enterovirus infections in the neonatal period based on our own experience. METHODS: Epidemiology, clinical manifestations and laboratory investigations concerning 21 neonates having experienced a Coxsackie B or an Echovirus infection between 1987 and 1991, were retrospectively reviewed. Aetiological diagnosis was made by classical viral isolation and/or by evidencing Coxsackie B-specific IgM antibodies with an immunocapture enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: In 13 neonates the infection occurred between June and September. The onset of clinical signs ranged from day 1 to day 25 after birth with two separate periods: before 7 days of age, suggesting a perinatal transmission of the virus, or beyond this date, more likely connected with a postnatal transmission. Clinical manifestations included hyperthermia, gastroenteritis, meningitis, encephalitis, pneumonia and myocarditis, with a diphasic pattern in 6 cases. Most of the neonates improved gradually and developed normally. The Coxsackie B-specific IgM assay was the most rapid method whereas viral isolation, even though it took more time, was the most sensitive technique to establish the aetiological diagnosis in neonates. CONCLUSIONS: Enterovirus infections in neonates are difficult to diagnose and to differentiate from bacterial infections. A viral-like illness in the environment of the neonate allows the clinician to anticipate the clinical signs and a possibly fatal disease. Identification of the causal virus should be performed by both viral isolation and search for specific IgM antibodies. Treatment and prophylaxis are so far disappointing.

Antibodies, Viral↗
PubMed1993

Oral acyclovir and recurrent genital herpes during late pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess plasma acyclovir levels in pregnant women given oral acyclovir during late gestation and to determine the role and effect of oral acyclovir on asymptomatic shedding of virus in cases of recurrent genital herpes. METHODS: Five pregnant women with proven genital herpes isolate (herpes simplex virus [HSV] 2) after 37 weeks' gestation were studied. Oral acyclovir was administered every 8 hours at dosages of 300, 400, and 300 mg in two subjects, and 200 mg five times daily in the other three until delivery. Plasma acyclovir peak and trough levels were determined. Viral cultures were obtained from both the mothers and neonates at delivery. RESULTS: There was no difference in acyclovir plasma levels among the patients. Furthermore, acyclovir levels were comparable to those of nonpregnant adults. The drug failed to suppress asymptomatic shedding of virus and transmission of HSV 2 to the neonate in one of five of the patients. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that asymptomatic shedding of virus is not prevented by use of oral acyclovir during late gestation in proven recurrent genital herpes even though plasma acyclovir levels were within the normal range.

Acyclovir↗
PubMed1993

Early treatment of premature infants with recombinant human erythropoietin.

OBJECTIVES: The specific objectives of this study were (1) to assess the safety and efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in reducing postnatal hemoglobin decline in premature infants of less than 33 weeks' gestation, and thus reducing the need for transfusion; and (2) to determine the optimal dosage of rhEPO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three groups of premature infants of less than 33 weeks' gestation were treated with rhEPO: group 1 (n = 10) received 300 U/kg per week; group 2 (n = 11), 600 U/kg per week; and group 3 (n = 10), 900 U/kg per week. These three groups were compared to a reference group of 20 infants of the same gestational age and birth weight. Treatment started on the 10th day of life and lasted 6 weeks. All infants were given oral iron and vitamin E supplements. RESULTS: Treated infants had significantly higher reticulocyte counts, and the effect was dose dependent (P = .009). Postnatal decline of hemoglobin and hematocrit was lessened in the treated groups; the percent of decrease of hemoglobin and hematocrit was significantly reduced in the treated infants at 35 days of age (P = .0025 and P = .0036, respectively). The need for blood transfusion was also reduced in the rhEPO-treated groups: 19% of treated vs 45% of reference infants received transfusions, and the treated infants received less blood. Serum iron and transferrin saturation percentage dropped significantly during the study and a dose-dependent relationship in treated infants was displayed, suggesting high iron consumption (P = .0008 and P = .006, respectively). No dose effect on hemoglobin level and the need for blood transfusion was found, possibly because of the higher degree of illness severity and iron consumption in groups 2 and 3. No side effects related to rhEPO therapy were observed. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that rhEPO therapy is safe in premature babies when given in the three dosages used in this study; in addition, it enhances erythropoiesis and reduces the need for blood transfusions. rhEPO therapy seems more efficient when given in higher dosages; however, illness severity and iron consumption represent major limiting factors. Controlled, randomized studies are warranted to confirm these data and to determine precise modalities and indications of rhEPO therapy in premature infants.

Anemia, Neonatal↗
PubMed1993

Nicotine analysis in neonates' hair for measuring gestational exposure to tobacco.

Hair samples were collected at time of delivery from 40 neonates whose mothers were known to be smokers during the prenatal period. Hair was decontaminated in dichloromethane, homogenized in NaOH, and nicotine was extracted in diethyl ether. After separation on a BP-5 capillary column, nicotine was identified and quantified by GC/MS using selected ion monitoring. In all cases, nicotine was found in the neonatal hair and in the hair of the corresponding mother. The ranges of nicotine levels were 0.15 to 11.80 ng/mg, and 0.37 to 63.50 ng/mg, for the neonates, and their mothers, respectively. It was possible to establish a significant correlation between both concentrations, and the correlation coefficient was 0.83. These findings suggest the possibility of monitoring the transfer of maternal nicotine through the placenta by measuring nicotine concentration in neonatal hair.

Cotinine↗
PubMed1992

Modified peptidoglycan precursors produced by glycopeptide-resistant enterococci.

Cytoplasmic precursors of the peptidoglycan biosynthetic pathway were purified from vancomycin-treated, glycopeptide-sensitive and -resistant strains of Enterococcus faecium. Resistance was due to production of a modified precursor, UDP-MurNAc-L-Ala-D-Glu-L-Lys-D-Ala-D-lactate, where lactate was identified on the basis of mass of the precursor and on its ability to act as a substrate for D-lactate dehydrogenase after release from the precursor. The presence of the D-lactate residue instead of D-alanine in the terminal position would hinder formation of a vancomycin-precursor complex, without preventing incorporation of the precursor into mature peptidoglycan.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1992

Periventricular haemorrhagic infarction associated with subependymal germinal matrix haemorrhage in the premature newborn. Report of two cases.

Two cases of unilateral subependymal germinal matrix haemorrhage associated with homolateral periventricular haemorrhagic infarction (PVHI) are reported in two premature newborns. This association is rather rare. Indeed, PVHI occurs generally with large intraventricular haemorrhage. Diagnosis is made by brain imaging (ultrasound, MRI) scans and single photon emission computed tomography. PVHI is probably caused by obstruction of periventricular venous drainage by large intraventricular haemorrhage leading to a haemorrhagic venous infarction. From our cases, we conclude that extraventricular haemorrhage leading to a large subependymal haematoma can result in obstruction of periventricular venous drainage, subsequent PVHI and abnormal neuromotor development.

Cerebral Hemorrhage↗
PubMed1992

[Medical treatment of chylous effusions in newborn infants. Apropos of 3 cases].

BACKGROUND: Chylous effusions are the most frequent cause of non immunologic hydrops fetalis. They can be recognized antenatally by ultrasonography. Their evacuation is sometimes necessary and medical treatment often effective. CASE REPORTS: Case n. 1: fetal ascites was detected by ultrasonography at the 30th week of gestation. Paracentesis was performed at 36 weeks, followed 3 days later by spontaneous delivery. The newborn was fed milk formula. A second paracentesis showed a milky fluid, rich in cholesterol, triglycerides and chylomicrons. The child was fed formula rich in medium-chain triglycerides and the chylous ascites disappeared completely within 2 weeks. Case n. 2: a diagnosis of bilateral hydrothorax and hydramnios was made at the 27th week of gestation. An in utero evacuation of the hydrothorax performed at the 30th week was ineffective and a pleuro-amniotic drainage was performed 2 weeks later. The baby was born at the 35th week, and presented a moderate respiratory distress due to the hydrothorax and ascites. Aspiration of the thoracic fluid confirmed its chylous origin. The chylous effusions completely disappeared when the child was fed a high medium chain triglycerides diet. A lymphedema of legs appeared at the age of 1 month. Case n. 3: ascites, hydramnios, hydrothorax and peripheral edema were found at the 21st week of a third pregnancy (the 2 first pregnancies were complicated by lethal hydrops fetalis). Bilateral hydrothorax and peripheral edema were found again after birth at the 37th week. Diuresis and albumin-infusion led to recovery, but chylothorax and chylous ascites reaccumulated after introduction of milk formula, despite repeated evacuations and feeding medium-chain triglycerides formula. The thoracic fluid remains chylous at the age of 9 months. CONCLUSIONS: In utero, and sometimes post-natal, evacuation of fluid present in the thoracic and peritoneal cavities can be necessary, depending of the functional tolerance. Medical management including feeding a low fat and/or high medium-chain triglycerides diet, and sometimes temporary total parental nutrition, is necessary, together with salt restriction, diuresis and albumin infusion as required. Most cases recover spontaneously or as a result of therapy within a few weeks.

Chylothorax↗
PubMed1992

[Unilateral cerebellar atrophy in 2 newborn infants. Value of MRI].

The authors report 2 cases of unilateral cerebellar atrophia presenting in the neonatal period with facial peripheral palsy and iso-immune thrombocytopenia respectively. The recognition of cerebellar atrophia has been made by MRI. Unilateral cerebellar atrophia be due to ischemia. MRI seems to be a useful tool in the recognition of cerebellar malformations in the neonatal period.

Cerebellar Diseases↗
PubMed1992

[Tracheal compression by an aberrant brachiocephalic trunk: diagnosis by magnetic resonance].

In a full-term infant who underwent surgery for type III esophageal atresia, attempts to remove the tracheal tube postoperatively failed. Bronchoscopy disclosed external compression of the trachea in the chest. Selection of the investigations most likely to provide the etiologic diagnosis was discussed. Because of the patient's poor general condition, MRI of the mediastinal area was performed first and showed an abnormal origin of the brachiocephalic trunk which was the cause of tracheal compression. No attempt at corrective surgery was made and the patient was successfully extubated at four months of age.

Airway Obstruction↗
PubMed1991

[Biological indicators of bacterial infection in newborn infants].

Biological markers of neonatal bacterial infection are useful if they bring early indications and if they are sensitive and specific. There are two kinds of tests: hematological signs and acute phase proteins. The most specific hematological signs are, in chronological order: leuconeutropenia--myelemia--neutrophilic polynucleosis. Gestational and post-natal ages have to be taken in consideration for correct interpretation of white cell count and differential. Several acute phase proteins increase in infected newborns: fibrinogen, C reactive protein, orosomucoïd. If determined quantitatively, C reactive protein is a sensitive, specific and early marker allowing, in addition, to follow the reaction to treatment: the return to normal range of CRP and later of orosomucoïd attest for recovery. These biological tests have to be sequentially determined during the first days in order to obtain a maximal information.

Aging↗
PubMed1991

Transcranial Doppler evaluation of cerebral infarction in the neonate.

We recorded cerebral artery flow velocities (CAFV) in two neonates with cerebral infarction, using transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD). Cerebral infarction was diagnosed by brain imaging. The arteries investigated were the middle cerebral artery (MCA), the internal carotid artery (ICA) and the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). The whole territory of right MCA was involved. A decrease in CAFV was noted in MCA and ICA of the affected side. Furthermore, early recordings of CAFV allowed us to distinguish perinatal infarction from antenatal infarction: in the former, Doppler signal was completely absent during the first days of life whereas in the latter, Doppler signal was reduced but present. The process of recanalization could be followed. The asymmetry of CAFV recorded in the neonatal period seems to persist definitively at least in MCA. These Doppler data correlate well with the evolutive stages of cerebral infarction shown by brain imaging. Beside US, CT and MRI scans, TCD may be a useful adjunct for identifying and following infants with suspected occlusion of major cerebral vessels.

Blood Flow Velocity↗