Mermaid Syndrome: A Case Report of a Rare Congenital Anomaly in Full-Term Neonate with Thumb Deformity

Congenital Heart Disease in Non-Diabetic Large-for-Gestational-Age (LGA) Neonates

BACKGROUND

Congenital heart diseases are the most prevalent congenital abnormalities in the neonates, caused by environmental and genetic factors and contributing to the leading cause of death. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between neonates with large for gestational age and increased risk of congenital heart diseases among non-diabetic mothers.

METHODS

In this study, 179 neonates with large gestational age in Khorramabad were enrolled where heart abnormalities were evaluated using echocardiography.

RESULTS

87 neonates had more than 4000 g of birth weight with no heart abnormalities and 92 (51%) macrosomic neonates had congenital heart diseases. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between birth weight and increased risk of acquiring congenital heart disease between the two groups. There was no significant relationship between birth weight, maternal age, gender, labor type and blood group between the two groups. The highest incidence of congenital heart anomalies was related to 38% of arterial septal defect (ASD) and 15.2% of ASD and VSD, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The most prevalent abnormality was arterial septal ASD. None of these abnormalities were associated with maternal age, birth weight and neonate gender. Future studies for congenital heart disease and neonatal birth weight are, therefore, recommended.

Effect of Phototherapy on Stroke Volume in Newborn Infants with Jaundice

One of the rare complications associated with phototherapy include redistribution of blood flow that can alter cardiac output in infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of phototherapy on left ejection fraction in infants with jaundice. Twenty-nine infants admitted in Shahid Madani Children Hospital for receiving phototherapy were included in this study. Echocardiography was performed in the participants, immediately before and 24 hours after the treatment. Nineteen infants were reported to have decrease in the stroke volume following the treatment. The mean levels of stroke volume before and after phototherapy were 6.99 ± 2.17 and 6.55 ± 1.85 L/m ² , respectively ( p  = 0.011). Phototherapy can reduce left ejection fraction in newborn infants with hyperbilirubinemia.

Sirenomelia (Mermaid Syndrome): A Case Report

Sirenomelia, which is also known as mermaid syndrome and characterized by the fusion of the lower extremities, is the most severe form of caudal regression syndrome and one of the rare and lethal congenital malformations. The anomalies that might be seen in this syndrome include pelvic-sacral dysplasia, genital anomalies, bilateral pelvic renal fusion accompanied by renal dysplasia, colon atresia, unilateral umbilical artery, and imperforated anus. The incidence of sirenomelia is 0.8-1 cases in 60,000-100,000 deliveries and the male/female ratio is 2.7-3:1. The case reported in the present study was a 13-week-old male fetus 30 g in weight with a macerated appearance. The upper extremities had a relatively normal appearance but the lower extremities were conjoined and there was a single lower extremity consisting of conjoined feet and toes. In the face, the nasal bridge was sunken, the ears had a low position, and there were cleft palate and cleft lip. Examination of the external genital organs revealed that the penile part was in the anal region. There was no anus opening. The crown-rump length was 8.5cm, the heel-toe length was approx. 1cm, and the rump-heel length was approx. 3.7cm. There were none of the two kidneys, ureter, bladder, urethra, or rectum. In the umbilical cord, there were 2 venous structures, one of which was the artery. Perivillous congestion and hyperemia, perivillous calcification, deciduitis, and focal infarct regions were observed in placental tissues. This report aims to discuss this very rare case together with the literature.

A review: Nanofibrous scaffold in possible prevention and treatment of coronary artery disease

Nanofibrous scaffolds have potential to improve coronary stent applications by promoting endothelial recovery on the stent surface and aids regeneration of cardiac tissues. Presently, scaffolds fabricated via electro-spinning are been widely used because of their ability to bio-mimic the precise anatomical structure of the protein fibers. Properties like convenience to spin on several components and functionalization with several bioactive molecules have signify the use of nanofibrous scaffolds for tissue engineering. This review highlights some recent applications of electrospun nanofibrous scaffolds in the treatment and management of cardiac arterial diseases and engineering new cardiac tissues.

Pentalogy of Cantrell in Full Term Neonate

Pentalogy of Cantrell (PC) is an uncommon congenital disorder characterized by severe defects in the chest and abdomen, including abdominal visceral prolapsed via umbilical cord (omphalocele), defect in the lower part of the sternum, defect in the front of the diaphragm, defects in the anterior part of the pericardium, and the ectopiacordis. Here, we report a 2-hour-old girl, weighing 3,500 g, who was referred to Shahid Madani Hospital in Khorramabad due to the large omphalocele on her chest with pulsating mass above it. The baby was the first child of a 24-year-old mother who was born with an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. Very rare cases of PC are born as a term new-born.

Sepsis after non-perforated acute appendicitis

Appendicitis is a worm-like appendage whose base is located on the posterior side of the inner cecum. Acute appendicitis is uncommon in children younger than 5 years old. The patient was a 1.5-year-old boy who was admitted to the hospital with a primary complaint of fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. A pathological report of acute puffiness appendicitis with peri appendicitis was confirmed. After two weeks of treatment, the patient was discharged with an good general condition.