Biomedical subjects

V H Livingstone

Publications and source records attributed to V H Livingstone.

4 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2000

Neonatal hypernatremic dehydration associated with breast-feeding malnutrition: a retrospective survey.

BACKGROUND: Hypernatremic dehydration in neonates is a potentially devastating condition. Recent reports have identified breast-feeding malnutrition as a key factor in its pathophysiology. METHODS: Using a theoretical framework for breast-feeding kinetics, a retrospective chart review of all neonates less than 28 days of age who were seen at either British Columbia's Children's Hospital or the Vancouver Breastfeeding Centre between 1991-1994 was conducted to identify and classify possible causes of breast-feeding malnutrition among neonates who developed hypernatremic dehydration. RESULTS: Twenty-one cases hypernatremic dehydration were identified. Infant weight loss ranged from 8% to 30% of birth weight, and serum sodium levels ranged from 146 mmol/L to 207 mmol/L. In each case, maternal or infant factors (e.g., poor breast-feeding technique, lactation failure following postpartum hemorrhage and infant suckling disorders associated with cleft palate or ankyloglossia) that could interfere with either lactation or breast-feeding dynamics and account for insufficient breast milk intake were identified. INTERPRETATION: Prenatal and in-hospital screening for maternal and infant risk factors for breast-feeding malnutrition combined with early postpartum follow-up to detect excessive infant weight loss are important for the prevention of neonatal hypernatremic dehydration.

Breast Feeding↗

PubMed1996

Staphylococcus aureus and sore nipples.

OBJECTIVE: To correlate clinical symptoms and signs of sore nipples with the presence of Staphylococcus aureus and to determine the probability of mothers having S aureus-infected nipples when these local symptoms and signs are found. DESIGN: Two cohorts of consecutive patients were enrolled regardless of presenting complaint. A questionnaire was administered to determine the presence and severity of sore nipples. Objective findings on breast examination were documented. A nipple swab was taken for culture and sensitivity. SETTING: Breastfeeding clinic serving patients referred by family physicians, pediatricians, and community health nurses. PATIENTS: A sample of 227 breastfeeding mothers was collected in two cohorts. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Answers to questions about sore nipples, objective findings from physical examination, and results from nipple swabs. RESULTS: Most subjects (51%) had sore nipples, and 45% of subjects had objective findings on examination; 23% of subjects had a positive nipple swab culture; 15% grew S aureus on culture. The risk of having S aureus colonization was 4.8 times greater if nipple pain was moderate or severe rather than mild. A break in nipple integument associated with cracks, fissures, ulcers, or pus gave a 35% chance of having S aureus colonization, five times greater than when the integument was intact. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that mothers with infants younger than 1 month who complained of moderate to severe nipple pain and who had cracks, fissures, ulcers, or exudates had a 64% chance of having positive skin cultures and a 54% chance of having S aureus colonization.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1994

Serum lactogens possessed normal bioactivity in patients with lactation insufficiency.

OBJECTIVE: Insufficient breast milk is the most common reason for premature termination of breast-feeding. The causes of lactation insufficiency are usually multifactorial; in a small percentage of cases it is due to primary lactation failure of unknown origin. The aim of this study was to investigate whether lactation insufficiency of unknown origin could be caused by serum lactogens that had reduced biological activity. DESIGN: Women with lactation insufficiency of unknown origin and normal lactating controls were subjected to a standardized breast-feeding test for assessment of milk production. Thirty minutes later, serum samples were obtained for determination of total lactogen bioactivity, using an in-vitro bioassay, and levels of prolactin (PRL) and growth hormone (GH) using radioimmunoassay (RIA). PATIENTS: Twelve lactating mothers with a clinical diagnosis of lactation insufficiency of unknown origin were compared with 12 matched mothers with normal lactation. MEASUREMENTS: The Nb2 lymphoma cell bioassay was used to measure total lactogen bioactivity in sera. Conventional RIA kits were used to estimate serum PRL and GH concentrations. RESULTS: Mean milk yield on standardized test feed was 21.6 ml for patients and 146.5 ml for controls. In both patient and control groups the total serum lactogen bioactivity ranged from about 150 to 5000 mIU/l, while the serum RIA (PRL+GH) levels ranged from about 350 to over 7000 mIU/l. There was no evidence of lactogens with reduced bioactivity in the patients' sera. CONCLUSION: Lactation insufficiency in the women studied cannot be explained by serum lactogens that possess unusually low bioactivity.

Biological Assay↗

PubMed1993

Assisting the breastfeeding mother: a problem-solving process.

At the Vancouver Breastfeeding Centre (VBC), breastfeeding is facilitated through a process of assessment, analysis, diagnosis, care and counsel, and evaluation. This process is described and related to phases of breastfeeding kinetics by considering two presenting problems: sore nipples, and inadequate production of milk.

Consultants↗