Objective:Late neonatal hypocalcemia (LNH) is a common metabolic problem associated with hypoparathyroidism, high phosphate intake and vitamin D deficiency, often presenting with seizures. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin D deficiency in LNH in Turkey and to describe the characteristics of affected newborns.Methods:Conducted with a cross-sectional design and with the participation of 61 neonatal centers from December 2015 to December 2016, the study included term neonates with LNH (n=96) and their mothers (n=93). Data were registered on the FAVOR Web Registry System. Serum samples of newborns and mothers were analyzed for calcium, phosphate, magnesium, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and 25 hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels.Results:The median (range) onset time of hypocalcemia was 5.0 (4.0-8.0) days of age, with a male preponderance (60.4%). The median (range) serum 25(OH)D levels of the neonates and their mothers were 6.3 (4.1-9.05) and 5.2 (4.7-8.8) ng/mL, respectively. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (<12 ng/mL) was high in both the neonates (86.5%) and mothers (93%). Serum 25(OH)D levels of the infants and mothers showed a strong correlation (p<0.001). While the majority (93.7%) of the neonates had normal/high phosphorus levels, iPTH levels were low or inappropriately normal in 54.2% of the patients.Conclusion:Vitamin D deficiency prevalence was found to be high in LNH. Efforts to provide vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy should be encouraged. Evaluation of vitamin D status should be included in the workup of LNH.

Background/aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the supplemental feeding tube device (SFTD) and bottle methods on weight gain, transition to full breastfeeding, breastfeeding success, and duration of discharge in preterm infants. Materials and methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted with a total of 46 preterm infants including 23 infants in study (SFTD) and control (bottle) groups. An information form, an infant follow-up form for feeding, and LATCH breastfeeding assessment instrument were used to collect the data. Results: The gestation week of the infants in the study group was 31.22 +/- 2.76, and in the control group it was 30.52 +/- 2.47. The birth weight of the infants in the study group was 1586.3 +/- 525.35 g and 1506.09 +/- 454.77 g in the control group. The daily weight gain of the infants was 24.09 +/- 15.21 g in the study group and 27.17 +/- 17.63 g in the control group. The infants in the study group (4.70 +/- 2.44 days) transitioned to full breastfeeding earlier than those in the control group (6.00 +/- 4.10 days). LATCH 2nd measurement scores were significantly higher in both groups than LATCH 1st measurement scores (p < 0.01). Although it was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), the infants in the study group (10.22 +/- 5.20 days) were discharged earlier than those in the control group (13.48 +/- 8.78 days). Conclusion: The SFTD and bottle methods were determined to be similar in terms of daily weight gain, transition to full breastfeeding, breastfeeding success, and duration of hospitalization.

OBJECTIVE: Implementation of strategies to prevent vertical transmission is highly important steps in reducing the global burden of chronic hepatitis B. We conducted this prospective study to observe the clinical course and outcomes of untreated and treated HBV in pregnant.STUDY DESIGN: HBsAg-positive pregnants were prospectively enrolled from 2013 to 2016 and antiviral therapy was administered to eligible patients. Pregnancy and neonatal outcomes were determined in the treated (n=29) and untreated group (n=136). Active-passive immunoprophylaxis was administered to infants and they were tested for HBsAg.RESULTS: The risk factors for transmission (HBeAg positivity, history of previously-born HBsAg-positive child) were significantly higher in the treated group. All participants under treatment had sufficient viral suppression. Half of the pregnant women for whom the treatment was withheld at the postpartum period, experienced increased viral load. The treated group had significantly higher pre- and postpartum alanine aminotransferase levels more than the untreated group, although there were no significant differences in other biochemical parameters. There were no significant differences regarding fetal outcomes between the two groups. All infants were HBsAg-negative at seven months postpartum.CONCLUSION: While the untreated group included inactive carriers, there were more patients at risk for transmission of HBV to their offsprings in the treated group. Half of the pregnant women for whom the treatment was withheld at the postpartum period, experienced increased viral load. Antiviral therapy did not adversely affect the outcomes of infants. As a result, we successfully prevented perinatal HBV transmission by close monitoring of participant pregnant women and starting antiviral therapy when needed.