The journal of maternal-fetal & neonatal medicine : the official journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
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J. Matern. Fetal. Neonatal. Med. · Oct 2012
ReviewCaffeine citrate: when and for how long. A literature review.
The efficacy of caffeine in an episode of Apnoea of Prematurity (AOP) has been known for over thirty years. Its use over long periods of time has not only found it to be manageable within the field of neonatology, but it has also been found to have other favourable actions, such as reducing the incidence of extubation failure, preventing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), reducing the need for Patent Ductus Arteriosus treatment and the beneficial effect it has on Retinopathy of Prematurity. Recent in vitro trials have highlighted the neuroprotective role that caffeine plays, which has already partly been observed from in vivo trials. Just recently, caffeine citrate has become a "label" drug and it would be beneficial if more studies could confirm the more significant effects it has on the more severe conditions of prematurity.
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J. Matern. Fetal. Neonatal. Med. · Oct 2012
Review Historical ArticleNeonatology and the caesarean section.
The origins of the use of the Caesarean section date far back in human history. Traces of this procedure can be found in Greek mythology and in the history of Ancient Rome. Many documents about the history of religion make reference to a delivery from the abdomen.
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J. Matern. Fetal. Neonatal. Med. · Oct 2012
Soluble CD14 subtype (sCD14-ST) presepsin in critically ill preterm newborns: preliminary reference ranges.
Soluble CD14 subtype (sCD14-ST), also named presepsin, is a 13 kDa truncated form of soluble CD14 (sCD14), consisting of 64 amino acid residues. Systemic inflammation and sepsis are characterized by an early, significant increase in sCD14-ST presepsin blood concentration and thus, this small polypeptide has been proposed as a novel, reliable biomarker for the management of sepsis. ⋯ The mean sCD14-ST presepsin blood level in 26 preterm newborns was 643.1 ng/L, with a standard deviation (SD) of 303.8 ng/L; the median value was 578 ng/L. Our results clearly suggest no correlation between GA and sCD14-ST presepsin blood level between 26 and 36 weeks and thus it is reasonable to adopt a unique reference range for preterm newborns.