Singap Med J
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This study was designed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of a semi-quantitative procalcitonin (PCT) test kit for the diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. ⋯ The semi-quantitative PCT test kit is of moderate sensitivity but poor specificity for early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis. A negative PCT test result may help to "rule out", while a raised CRP result helps to "rule in", the possibility of sepsis.
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Following labour induction at term, 12 percent of neonates can expected to be admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. We aimed to evaluate the Bishop score, pre-induction ultrasonography (US) assessment of amniotic fluid, foetal weight and cervical length, and pre-induction and intrapartum risk factors as predictors of neonatal admission. ⋯ The identification of an unfavourable Bishop score as an independent predictor of neonatal admission is useful in the counselling of women who are considering labour induction.
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Continuous noninvasive monitoring of the partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2) in ventilated neonates would help clinicians to reduce arterial blood sampling. Our objective was to determine the correlation and agreement between end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) and PaCO2 in newborns ventilated for various clinical situations. ⋯ The correlation between mainstream EtCO2 and PaCO2 is good. Neonates with pulmonary disease will have a lower correlation. Surfactant therapy improves the correlation. EtCO2 monitoring is helpful in trending or screening for abnormal PaCO2 values.
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Biography Historical Article
Mary Edwards Walker (1832-1919): surgeon, feminist and war heroine.