Biomedical subjects

Anil Narang

Publications and source records attributed to Anil Narang.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2006

Randomized controlled trial of compact fluorescent lamp versus standard phototherapy for the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

BACKGROUND: Special blue tube lights of standard length are used in most neonatal units to deliver phototherapy. Of late, special blue compact fluorescent lamp phototherapy equipments have been introduced in India, which are claimed to be better than standard tube lights. AIM: To compare special blue compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) phototherapy with special blue standard-length tube lights (STL). METHODS: This randomized, controlled trial was conducted in a level III NICU. Neonates, otherwise healthy, of gestation greater than 34 weeks with hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy, were included. Rh iso-immunized babies, those who underwent prior exchange transfusion and whose parents declined to consent were excluded. By stratified block randomization, babies were allocated to receive phototherapy by CFL or STL. CFL and STL were both special blue lights with irradiance maintained above 15 microWatts/nm/cm2. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) was measured 12 hourly till phototherapy was stopped or an exchange transfusion was done. Temperature and clinical and laboratory parameters of dehydration were recorded 12 hourly till 72 hrs. Nursing staff answered an objectivized proforma about the disadvantageous effects on nurses. RESULTS: Fifty babies were enrolled in each group. Baseline characteristics, causes of jaundice, hemolysis, baseline TSB and irradiance were similar in both groups. Mean duration of phototherapy (P = 0.98) was similar in both groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis of phototherapy duration showed no difference in the survival curves of the 2 groups (P = 0.6). Axillary temperature was similar in both groups and no baby was dehydrated. Nursing staff reported no significant differences between CFL and STL visavis glare hurting the eyes, giddiness and headache. CONCLUSIONS: CFL phototherapy has no superiority over STL phototherapy in terms of efficacy and adverse effects on the neonate and effects on nursing staff.

Female↗

PubMed2005

Ciprofloxacin administration to very low birth weight babies has no effect on linear growth in infancy.

There is limited information whether the use of ciprofloxacin in the neonatal period affects the linear growth of very low birth weight (VLBW) babies in infancy. This was a retrospective cohort study on VLBW babies followed up until 12 months corrected age (12-mCA). Exclusions were: infants with no length record taken at 12-mCA, who received ciprofloxacin after neonatal period, were neurologically abnormal, growth retarded in utero or congenitally malformed, had chronic systemic illnesses or endocrinopathies in infancy. Cases were defined as those who received intravenous ciprofloxacin (10 mg/kg/dose 12-hourly) for at least 3 days in the neonatal period, whereas controls were those not exposed to ciprofloxacin during neonatal life. Of 205 babies included in the study, there were 61 cases and 144 controls. Length at 12-mCA was similar in both groups [71.9 +/- 3.0 cm and 71.7 +/- 3.3 cm; p = 0.95]. On multi-variate linear regression analysis, length at a post-conceptional age of 40 weeks and sex emerged as independent predictors of length at 12-mCA. Ciprofloxacin administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/dose 12-hourly for 3 days or more to VLBW babies does not affect their linear growth until 12 months corrected age.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

PubMed2005

Evaluation of renal functions in asphyxiated newborns.

Renal injury due to perinatal asphyxia has not been systematically evaluated. The available studies have used variable definitions, incomplete investigations and none had a control group. The aim of this study was to evaluate systematically the renal functions in severely asphyxiated newborns and to find if abnormal renal function tests can predict adverse outcome (death or neurologic abnormality at discharge). In a prospective case-control design, 25 inborn babies>or=34 weeks gestation having asphyxia (5 min Apgar or=5 min) were enrolled as 'cases'. Simultaneously 25 gestation and weight matched babies with no asphyxia were enrolled as 'controls'. Renal function tests, calculated renal indices using timed urine collections and excretion of beta2-microglobulin and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) were monitored in both the groups for first 4 days of life. Fourteen (56 per cent) asphyxiated babies had acute renal failure (ARF) as compared to 1 (4 per cent) control (p=0.002). Blood urea and serum creatinine values were significantly higher in asphyxiated babies on day 4 but not on day 2. Renal failure index and FeNa were higher in asphyxiated babies on both day 2 and day 4, but creatinine clearance was not different. Urinary excretion of both beta2-microglobulin and NAG was higher in the asphyxiated babies on day 2 as well as day 4. Five minute Apgar 1.5 mg/dl alone had the best specificity and positive predictive value. The renal parameters were however poorer predictors of adverse outcome in comparison to clinical markers like 5 min Apgar<or=3 and HIE stage II/III. Both glomerular and tubular involvement was seen commonly in babies with birth asphyxia. Clinical markers of asphyxia were better predictors of adverse outcome than renal function tests.

Acetylglucosaminidase↗

PubMed2005

A randomized controlled trial of fluid supplementation in term neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of fluid supplementation in decreasing the rate of exchange transfusion and the duration of phototherapy in term neonates with severe nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia. STUDY DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted in a tertiary care referral unit in northern India. Seventy-four term neonates with severe nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia (total serum bilirubin > 18 mg/dL [308 micromol/L] to < 25 mg/dL [427 micromol/L]). The subjects were randomized to an "extra fluids" group (intravenous fluid supplementation for 8 hours and oral supplementation for the duration of phototherapy; n = 37) or a control group (n = 37). RESULTS: At inclusion, 54 infants (73%) had high serum osmolality, including 28 (75%) in the extra fluids group and 26 (70%) in the control group. The proportion of infants who underwent exchange transfusion was lower in the extra fluids group than in the control group: 6 (16%) versus 20 (54%)(P = .001; relative risk = 0.30; 95% confidence interval = 0.14 to 0.66). The duration of phototherapy was also shorter in the extra fluids group: 52 +/- 18 hours versus 73 +/- 31 hours (P = .004). CONCLUSION: Fluid supplementation in term neonates presenting with severe hyperbilirubinemia decreased the rate of exchange transfusion and duration of phototherapy.

Analysis of Variance↗

PubMed2005

A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled trial of prophylactic oral phenobarbital to reduce the need for phototherapy in G6PD-deficient neonates.

OBJECTIVE: Decreased conjugation is probably more important than hemolysis for causing jaundice in G6PD-deficient neonates. The role of enzyme inducers, like phenobarbital, in G6PD deficiency is unclear. This randomized controlled trial was performed to evaluate Phenobarbital's role in reducing the need for phototherapy among G6PD-deficient neonates. STUDY DESIGN: This stratified, randomized, triple-blinded, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in a level III NICU. Consecutive babies with gestation >/=34 weeks and birth weight >/=1800 g were screened from cord blood. G6PD-deficient neonates, who were otherwise healthy, were enrolled. Rh isoimmunization, maternal Phenobarbital use and lack of parental consent were exclusion criteria. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive 5 mg/kg day of oral phenobarbital/ placebo for first 3 days. They were monitored daily for total serum bilirubin (TSB) until declining TSB was documented twice. The primary outcome was requirement for phototherapy and secondary outcomes were duration of phototherapy, need for exchange transfusion, peak TSB and adverse effects. Sample size of 56 could detect a decline in phototherapy requirement from 40 to 5% with 80% power and 5% error. RESULTS: Of 2370 babies screened, 63 were G6PD-deficient. Of them, 56 eligible babies were allocated to phenobarbital (n=27) or placebo (n=29). The mean age of administration of the first dose was 18.55+/-7.3 h. In total, 44% in phenobarbital group and 41% in placebo group required phototherapy (p=1.0). There was no significant difference in exchange transfusion rates (18.5 vs 10%, p=0.46). No baby had adverse reactions. CONCLUSION: Prophylactic oral phenobarbital does not decrease the need for phototherapy or exchange transfusions in G6PD-deficient neonates.

Administration, Oral↗

PubMed2005

A randomized controlled trial of phenobarbital in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: Phenobarbital is one of the oldest, cheapest and most easily available cerebro-protective drugs for the hypoxic brain. It has multiple actions that could be of benefit to the asphyxiated brain. However, its potential has not been fully explored. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of phenobarbital given within six hours of life to term and near-term asphyxiated neonates, on mortality, neurological abnormality at discharge and seizures. METHODS: This was a randomized controlled trial set in a tertiary care referral perinatal centre. Asphyxiated neonates (gestational age >or= 34 weeks) manifesting with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in the first six hours of life were randomized to receive either injection of phenobarbital 20 mg/kg IV or to the control group. The primary outcome was death or abnormal neurological examination at discharge while seizures, need for ventilation and multi-organ dysfunction were secondary outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty-five babies received phenobarbital and 20 were in the control group. The mortality (20% vs. 15%) and abnormal neurological outcome at discharge (30% vs. 53%, p = 0.15) were statistically not different between the two groups. In the phenobarbital group, 8% of neonates developed seizures while 40% of babies in the control group developed seizures (p = 0.01, relative risk (RR) = 0.20 (0.05-0.84)). Phenobarbital was well tolerated and did not increase the need for respiratory support. CONCLUSIONS: Phenobarbital in the dose of 20 mg/kg IV given within six hours of life to term and near-term neonates with HIE, significantly decreased the incidence of neonatal seizures and was well tolerated. However, it did not alter the mortality and neurologic outcome at discharge.

Anticonvulsants↗

PubMed2005

Fatal neonatal renal failure due to maternal enalapril ingestion.

UNLABELLED: ACE inhibitors are commonly used drugs in the management of adult hypertension. However their use in pregnant women can have serious effects on the fetus. In this manuscript we report a case of fatal neonatal renal failure associated with maternal intake of enalapril during third trimester and review the related literature. CASE: The index case was born to a mother with PIH which was treated with enalapril (5 mg) once a day for 21 days prior to delivery in addition to other anti-hypertensives. Temporally, use of enalapril was associated with the onset of oligohydramnios. The neonate presented with intrauterine growth retardation, hydrops and oliguric renal failure, which did not respond to furosemide, peritoneal dialysis and exchange transfusion. Autopsy showed macroscopically and microscopically normal kidneys. CONCLUSION: Use of ACE inhibitors during pregnancy should be avoided.

Acute Kidney Injury↗

PubMed2005

Cost of neonatal intensive care in a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: The number of neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in India has increased substantially over the last decade; yet many more are required. There is limited information on the actual costs of setting up and running an NICU in India. OBJECTIVE: Systematic and comprehensive calculation and analysis of the costs of neonatal intensive care in a tertiary care teaching hospital. METHODS: The costs were compiled by studying the detailed records of various hospital departments and prospectively documenting the costs of drugs, consumables and investigations for a representative group of 30 babies. RESULTS: The total cost of establishing a 16 bed level III tertiary care NICU was Rs 3.78 crore (Rs. 37.8 million, USdollar 860,000) (2003). Equipment cost formed two-thirds of the establishment cost. The running cost of NICU care per patient per day was Rs 5450 (USdollar 125). NICU and ancillary personnel salary comprised the largest proportion of the running costs. The average total cost of care for a baby less than 1000 grams was Rs. 168000 (USdollar 3800), Rs. 88300 (USdollar 2000) for babies 1000 g to 1250 g. and Rs. 41700 (USdollar 950) for those between 1250 to 1500 g. The family had to bear only 25 percent; rest was subsidized. CONCLUSIONS: Equipment and personnel salary form the biggest proportion of establishment and running costs. The costs of treatment for a baby in NICU should be seen in context with costs of other types of health care and the number of useful life years gained.

Cost Control↗

PubMed2005

Effects of cessation of a policy of neonatal fluconazole prophylaxis on fungal resurgence.

Fluconazole has been used as prophylaxis against systemic fungal infections in preterm neonates. We conducted a study to determine whether cessation of a policy of prophylactic fluconazole results in a resurgence of fungal infections in a unit. Neonates born in the 3 epoches: A 36-month pre-Fluconazole prophylaxis epoch (Group 1), a 21-month Fluconazole prophylaxis epoch (Group 2) and a 39-month post Fluconazole prophylaxis epoch (Group 3) were compared for incidence and onset of fungal sepsis and resistance patterns. There was a decline in the incidence of fungal sepsis from Group 1 to Group 2, and it remained stable from Group 2 to Group 3. There was no significant difference in resistance to Fluconazole and to any of the azoles in Groups 1, 2 and 3 respectively.

Antifungal Agents↗

PubMed2004

Cutaneous Aspergillus flavus infection in a neonate.

A premature newborn infant born at 30 weeks gestation developed erythematous papular skin lesions that coalesced to form a necrotic plaque with black eschar. Skin histopathology and culture demonstrated infection with Aspergillus flavus. There was no evidence of Aspergillus flavus infection elsewhere.

Aspergillosis↗

PubMed2004

Effect of a single dose of sodium bicarbonate given during neonatal resuscitation at birth on the acid-base status on first day of life.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of a single dose of sodium bicarbonate given during neonatal resuscitation at birth on the acid-base status on the first day of life. SETTING: Tertiary care Level III NICU. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 55 consecutively born asphyxiated neonates continuing to receive positive pressure ventilation at 5 minutes of life were randomized to receive either 4 ml/kg (1.8 meq/kg) of sodium bicarbonate or 5% dextrose. RESULTS: The mean pH, base deficit and PaCO(2) were similar between the Base group and the Control group for the first 24 hours of life. The number of babies with persistent metabolic acidosis at 1, 6, 12 and 24 hours were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Sodium bicarbonate given during neonatal resuscitation did not change the acid-base status in the first 24 hours of life.

Acid-Base Equilibrium↗

PubMed2004

Effect of phenobarbital on free radicals in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy--a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Phenobarbital is one of the oldest, cheapest and easily available cerebroprotective drugs for the hypoxic brain. However, its potential and various actions have not been fully explored. AIM: To evaluate the effects of Phenobarbital on levels of oxidants and anti-oxidants in term and near term neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy. METHODS: Design--randomized controlled trial. Setting--tertiary care referral perinatal centre. Procedure--asphyxiated neonates (gestation > or = 34 weeks) with HIE were randomized to receive Phenobarbital 20 mg/kg i.v. within first six hours of life or to control group. CSF levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and blood levels of vitamins A and E were estimated at 10-12 hours of age. RESULTS: CSF levels of MDA, SOD, GPx and blood levels of vitamins A and E were significantly lower in the Phenobarbital group (p<0.001). There was a trend towards lower levels of CSF MDA, SOD, GPx and blood vitamins A and E in babies with normal outcome as compared to babies with adverse outcome (death or neurologically abnormal at discharge). CONCLUSION: Phenobarbital in the dose of 20 mg/kg i.v. given within 6 hours of life in term and near-term neonates with HIE, was associated with a decrease in lipid peroxides, anti-oxidant enzymes and anti-oxidant vitamins.

Anticonvulsants↗

PubMed2004

Research in neonatology: need for introspection.

This study was conducted to evaluate the quality of neonatal research published in major Indian journals. Four indexed Indian journals were scanned for topics pertaining to neonatology and the manuscripts were evaluated for the most important morbidity studied and its relevance to the national need. The analytical studies were evaluated for their quality of research methodology. Approximately 12% studies were pertaining to neonates and only one third of them were investigative in nature. Less than 20% studies were of national interest and only 5% of the total studies were community based. Although aims of the studies were clearly defined in 81%, sample size estimation was done in only 11%, blinding in 15% and one or more category of bias was seen in 84% of the studies. We conclude that there is an urgent need for interventional and community based studies in neonatology, on issues of national interest. A need was felt for improvement in the quality of research in neonatology with special emphasis on training in clinical epidemiology.

Forecasting↗

PubMed2004

Subgaleal hematoma and seven exchange transfusions.

A 3 kg baby was delivered by cesarean section after prolonged labor. He had massive subgaleal hematoma. He developed anemia requiring packed cell transfusions and hyperbilirubinemia requiring a total of seven exchange transfusions and highly intensive phototherapy. There were no adverse complications of the hyperbilirubinemia or the exchange transfusion.

Anemia↗

PubMed2004

Risk factors of threshold retinopathy of prematurity.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors which predispose to the development of threshold retinopathy of prematurity among patients of retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS: The ROP clinic records of a 3 year period were retrospectively studied to identify babies with threshold ROP (T-ROP) and sub-threshold ROP (ST-ROP). Various antenatal and perinatal risk factors, neonatal morbidity and therapeutic interventions were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Of the total of 108 babies, 55 had T-ROP and 53 had ST-ROP. On univariate analysis, packed cell transfusions for anemia, double volume exchange transfusions (DVET), number of DVET, ventilation, gestational age <or= 28 weeks and apneic episodes were significantly higher in the T-ROP group. On multivariate analysis, the administration of packed cells [OR 2.8, 95 PERCENT CI 1.2, 6.6; (p = 0.014)] and DVET [OR 2.7, 95 PERCENT CI 1.2, 6.5; (p = 0.022)] emerged as independent risk factors of T-ROP. CONCLUSION: Administration of blood products increases the risk of developing T-ROP among patients who have ROP. There is a need to exercise caution in the use of blood products in premature newborns.

Female↗

PubMed2004

Multiple dose pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in preterm babies.

BACKGROUND: Ciprofloxacin is increasingly used in preterm neonates to treat multi-drug resistant infections, however the pharmacokinetics of this drug in preterm newborns is not well studied. OBJECTIVES: To determine the multi-dose pharmacokinetics of intravenous ciprofloxacin in pre-term infants. DESIGN: Prospective, cohort study. SETTING: Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in a tertiary Care hospital in North India. METHODS: 24 preterm neonates with age < 28 days, who received intravenous ciprofloxacin 10 mg/kg/dose 12 hourly for clinical and/or culture proven sepsis, were enrolled. Serum levels of ciprofloxacin were analyzed after first dose on day 1 and at the end of days 3 and 7. RESULTS: Of 24 babies included in the study [mean gestation (SD) 32 wks (2.4 wks)], 3 died and 1 dropped out in the initial few days, leaving 20 patients whose data on serum ciprofloxacin were available. Peak values on days 1, 3 and 7 were [mean +/- SEM] 2.3 +/- 0.39 microg/mL, 3.0 +/- 0.44 microg/mL and 2.7 +/- 0.39 microg/mL respectively (P >0.05). Trough values on these days were 0.7 +/- 0.14 microg/mL 0.8 +/- 0.14 microg/mL and 1.0 +/- 0.21 microg/mL respectively (P > 0.05). There were no differences between the <1500 g and > 1500 g sub-groups and the < 7 days and >7 days sub-groups with respect to the corresponding peak and trough values on days 1, 3 and 7. The 95% C.I. of serum concentrations were above the MIC90 for most Enterobacteriaceae species, however the lower bound of the 95% C.I. of the mean trough levels was lower than MIC90 for Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous ciprofloxacin in a dose of 10 mg/kg/dose 12 hourly is an effective treatment of neonatal sepsis, but higher doses may be required for treating Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

PubMed2004

Early onset neonatal sepsis due to Morganella morganii.

Two neonates, both 32-weekers, developed Morganella morganii sepsis on the first day of life. They presented within a day of each other, primarily with respiratory signs. In both cases there was a history of spontaneous premature rupture of membranes, exposure to a single dose of ampicillin ante-partum, and similar antibiograms. No common source could be identified.

Ampicillin Resistance↗

PubMed2003

Enalapril-induced acute renal failure in a newborn infant.

A full-term baby boy developed congestive cardiac failure secondary to left-to-right shunts. He developed acute renal failure following the administration of oral enalapril given for the treatment of cardiac failure. There was no underlying renal disease or renal artery stenosis. He required three peritoneal dialyses, following which he recovered from the renal failure.

Acute Kidney Injury↗