Objective: To describe the clinical outcomes following treatment with vasopressin for a sub-cohort of critically ill preterm neonates who have refractory persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). Design: Case series Setting: Tertiary neonatal intensive care unit, Toronto, Canada. Population: Neonates born <37 weeks gestational age (GA) who received vasopressin for refractory PPHN (lack of response to inhaled nitric oxide) over a 4-year period. Measurements: Changes in physiological indices of cardio-pulmonary stability during vasopressin therapy were analyzed using one-way repeated measures ANOVA, compared to pretreatment values. Data regarding survival to discharge and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18–24 months were described. Main Results: Thirteen neonates with a mean GA of 31.4 ± 3.3 weeks were included. Vasopressin was initiated at 28.5 ± 4.5 h of age. Overall, oxygenation and hemodynamic variables improved significantly following vasopressin therapy (p < .05 at 24 h vs. pretreatment). Oxygenation failure resolved in 8 cases, of which 7 patients survived (6 without disability). Among the 5 cases where oxygenation failure persisted despite vasopressin, 4 died while one survived with disability. Conclusions: Vasopressin offers promise as a therapy for preterm neonates with refractory PPHN and hemodynamic instability, but prospective investigation is needed.

The patent ductus arteriosus frequently poses a significant morbidity in preterm infants, subjecting their immature pulmonary vascular bed to substantial volume overload. This, in turn, results in concurrent hypoperfusion to post-ductal organs, and subsequently alters cerebral blood flow. In addition, treatment has not demonstrated definitive improvements in patient outcomes. Currently, the optimal approach remains a subject of considerable debate with ongoing research controversy regarding the best approach. This article provides a comprehensive review of existing literature.

Superior vena cava is commonly used in neonatal hemodynamics and is suggested to be the best available non-invasive marker for systemic circulation in preterm infants. Inter- and intra-observer variability remain to be an issue. Its association with neonatal outcomes is has not been established. This is a narrative review about this marker, its use, and its potential pitfalls. This is a narrative review about SVC flow in preterm infants, physiology, techniques of measurement and its potential association with outcomes. Literature revie mainly PubMED. SVC flow measurement has some limitations and pitfalls. SVC flow association with neonatal outcomes, still needs to be established in further research.

Lung ultrasound is increasingly used in neonatal intensive care units. We summarized the ultrasonographic patterns, features of most neonatal respiratory morbidities, and clinical application in neonates. Lung ultrasound is a non-invasive, radiation-free, and reproducible adjunct tool that can guide the clinical management of neonates presenting with respiratory distress.

We report a case of a 13-year-old male with trisomy 21 in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, who presented with bilateral pneumonia, pericardial effusion, and peripheral oedema. The pericardial effusion did not respond to standard treatment options. Evaluation revealed severe dietary restriction, consistent with kwashiorkor. Hospital course was complicated by severe hypoalbuminaemia, hypocalcaemia, hypomagnesaemia, and hypophosphataemia. The pericardial effusion and other findings resolved gradually upon slow introduction of a well-balanced diet and adequate caloric and protein intake. Kwashiorkor is an unusual cause of pericardial effusion and can be overlooked especially in developed countries. It is a type of protein–calorie malnutrition often seen in children of impoverished countries and famine. It is a result of insufficient protein intake in the context of adequate caloric intake. Pericardial effusion not responding to usual treatment is a challenge, and other aetiologies must be considered. Malnutrition is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed in developed countries with devastating outcomes if unrecognised. This makes it imperative to consider this diagnosis, recognise potential risk factors, and be prepared to accurately assess overall nutritional status.