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.

Objectives: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of different treatment modalities on refractive outcomes in patients treated with severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: The records of children who were treated for severe ROP in our clinic between January 2015 and August 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. The children who were treated were analyzed in three subgroups as intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), laser photocoagulation (LPC), and IVB + LPC. Spherical equivalent (SEQ), spherical and cylindrical power measurements of the cases were recorded in diopters (D). SE =-0.25D was accepted as myopia and SE of more than 1 D between two eyes was accepted as anisometropia. Results: A total of 160 eyes of 80 participants were eligible for inclusion: 38 eyes in the IVB group, 24 eyes in the LPC group, 16 eyes in the IVB + LPC group, 44 eyes in the spontaneously regressed group, and 38 eyes in the full-term children. Although the mean spherical power and SEQ in the IVB group were lower than in the LPC group (p=0.019 and 0.013, respectively), there was no significant difference between the IVB group and the IVB + LPC group (p=0.541 and 0.804, respectively). In terms of mean cylindrical power and prevalence of myopia and anisometropia, there was no significant difference between the treatment groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: Although spherical power and SEQ can change according to the ROP treatment management, there is no difference in terms of the cylindrical power, prevalence of myopia, and anisometropia. The most important risk factor for myopia and anisometropia in premature children may be ROP severity and retinal immaturity.

Objective: Real-time bedside ultrasound-guided catheterization of the internal jugular vein (IJV) offers potential benefits for critically ill neonates, especially those with low birth weight and preterm delivery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and success rates in a high-risk neonatal population. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four neonates (birth weight 500-4010 g; 61% preterm) who underwent ultrasound-guided IJV catheterization were retrospectively analyzed in the Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital. The primary outcome is successful usage of the catheter. Other key outcomes include first session and overall successful catheterization rates, number of attempts, catheter dwell time, and complication rates. Subgroup analyses were performed based on birth weight (<2500 g vs. ≥2500 g) and gestational age (preterm vs. term). Results: First-session catheterization success was 88.5%; overall success increased to 94.4% by the third attempt. The median number of attempts was 1. Median catheter dwell time was 13.7 Å} 5.1 days. Successful usage of the catheter by completion of therapy without removal was achieved in 81.5% of cases; premature removal due to occlusion or dislodgement occurred in 13%, and catheter-related complications in 5.6%. Subgroup comparisons showed no statistically significant differences in success rate, number of attempts, or complication rates based on birth weight or gestational age. Conclusion: Bedside ultrasound-guided IJV catheterization is a feasible, effective, and safe alternative to operating-room procedures, even in fragile neonates. High success rates, minimal complications, and avoidance of general anesthesia support its adoption in routine neonatal intensive care unit practice. Cite this article as: Zübarioğlu AU, Bülbül A, Coşkun Yİ, et al. Ultrasound-guided internal jugular vein catheterization in neonates: A retrospective single-center study of procedural success and outcomes. TurkArch Pediatr. 2025;60(6):608-615.

Objective The COVID-19 pandemic was declared a pandemic and a global health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. COVID-19 infection is the most common cause of life-threatening acute respiratory tract infection in adults and older people but more mildly in the childhood age group. While the pandemic continues, there is no clear information about the vertical transmission of COVID-19 infection from the mother to the baby. Methods In our study, we aimed to examine vertical virus transmission (breast milk, amniotic fluid, placenta) in pregnant women with COVID-19 infection and to examine the demographic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of these infants. Our prospective and observational study was conducted in our hospital between March 1, 2020 and July 31, 2021. Results During the study period, a total of 24 infants were included. All infants were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for postnatal follow-up. The virus was not detected in breast milk or amniotic fluids by the SARS-COV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, and no evidence of vertical transmission was found. Conclusion In our study, no life-threatening complication was found in the babies of mothers infected with COVID-19 at birth. Babies born to mothers with COVID-19 infection did not develop any system findings that required specific treatment.