Thesis (M.Med.)--University of the Witwatersrtand, Faculty of Health Sciences, 2013.

Background and aim: Persons sustaining different types of brain injury may experience difficulties with advanced mobility. Both persons with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and persons born with very low birth weight (VLBW) have similar brain abnormalities, such as reduced white matter and connectivity, and may thus experience similar mobility problems. However, few studies have assessed advanced motor abilities, and none have compared mobility functions in adult TBI and VLBW populations. Our aim was to investigate high level mobility functions in adults with TBI and VLBW adults compared to matched controls, and to compare high-level mobility in TBI and VLBW adults. Methods: Participants consisted of 22 subjects (mean age 22.9 ± 2.0 yrs) with chronic traumatic brain injury, and 35 subjects (mean age 22.5 ± 0.7 yrs) born preterm with birth weight (below 1500 grams). Two TBI participants were not able to complete all test items due to pain. The VLBW group included three subjects with cerebral palsy (CP). Each group was matched with its own control group, consisting of 24 subjects each from the same geographical area matched by age and sex. Mean age in the control group was 23.3 ± 1.8 yrs for TBI and 22.8 ± 0.5 yrs for VLBW. Advanced mobility functions were assessed by the High-level Mobility Assessment Tool (HiMAT), which consists of 13 timed mobility tasks, with a maximum total HiMAT score of 54. Results: Mean total HiMAT score in the TBI group was 47.0 ± 7.7 compared to 50.3 ± 3.9 for the controls (U=193, p=0.116). Three of 13 mobility tasks differed significantly from the control group: ‘walking’, ‘walk over obstacle’ and ‘bound non-affected leg’. When the two subjects who reported pain were excluded from the analysis, mean total HiMAT score was 48.9 ± 4.9 (U=193, p=0.264), with ‘walking’ and ‘walk over obstacle’ remaining significantly different from the control group. In the TBI group, nine (40.9%) participants performed at or below the 5th percentile compared to 6 (25%) of the TBI controls. Mean total HiMAT score in the VLBW group was 45.1 ± 7.8 compared to 49.9 ± 3.5 in its control group (U = 256, p=0.011). Five of the 13 mobility task scores were significantly different from the control group: ‘walking backwards’, ‘running’, ‘hop affected leg’, ‘bound affected leg’, and ‘bound non-affected leg’. When the three subjects with CP were excluded, mean total HiMAT score was 46.8 ± 5.5 in the VLBW group (U=256, p=0.033) and three mobility task scores remained significantly different from the controls: ‘walking backwards’, ‘hop affected leg’ and ‘bound non-affected leg’. In the VLBW group, 17 (48.6%) participants performed at or below the 5th percentile compared to 4 (16.7%) of the VLBW controls. When directly compared to the VLBW group, the TBI group had (OR 0.733, CI 0.249 – 2.154) lower risk for performing at or below the 5th percentile, although not significant. Conclusions: Compared to controls, adults with TBI had reduced high-level mobility in specific tasks. Adults born with VLBW had reduced overall high level mobility. Furthermore, the HiMAT seems to be a valuable tool for assessing high-level mobility in VLBW populations, and should be formally tested for further use. Keywords: High-level mobility, high-level mobility assessment tool, traumatic brain injury, very low birth weight

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-10T14:17:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 DISSERTAcaoO MILENE ROVER.pdf: 5749062 bytes, checksum: 18f8d6f313597b7afe33896aa5a3c610 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-13 / The increasing survival of preterm infants with birth weight below 1500 grams (VLBW) determines the need for a focus on care and follow-up of this group after discharge from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Based on the high morbidity rate and changes in the growth of these children, the growth follow-up of the VLBW preterm is turned into an essential tool for monitoring its health. Thus, this study aims to: evaluate the growth of the VLBW preterm from birth to 12 months of Corrected Age (CA) after the NICU s discharge; describe the Z score profile of the anthropometric variables from birth to 12 months of CA; identify events that have influenced the Extra Uterine Growth Restriction (EUGR) during hospitalization and in the 12 month period of follow-up; identify the morbidities that have influenced the growth of the VLBW preterm. It is a quantitative, observational, longitudinal, retrospective and cross sectional study, which was realized in High Risk Follow up Ambulatory. The study enrolled 71 children who were attended between 2006-2013, with birth weight below 1500 g; admitted to the NICU at birth and had at least three outpatient visits in the following periods: period I up to 3 months of CA; period II between 4-6 months of CA and period III between 7-12 months of CA. In order to classify the relation Weight/Gestational Age (GA) the Fenton and Kim s curve was used. Besides, to calculate the Z score, the Research Bulk Calculator and the Anthro calculators were used. The variables were analyzed by logistic regression with XLSTAT program. The GA average was 29.4 weeks; 36 (51%) PT male, 50 (70%) PT babies the weight was Appropriate for GA (AGA). During hospitalization, 43 (61%) babies used Parenteral Nutrition. The weight score Z average at birth was -0.95; at the hospital discharge -3.05; in period I -2.4; period II -1.8; period III -1.2. The height at birth was -1.21, at discharge -2.23; -2.5, -1.8 and -1.1 for the periods I, II and III, respectively. Regarding the Head Circumference (HC): Z score at birth was -0.71; at discharge -1.5; and monitoring -1.1, -0.8 and -0.5, respectively in the periods I, II and III. Presenting AGA birth weight, shorter hospitalization and percentage of lost weight during the hospitalization, reduce the chance for EUGR. In the follow up period, the occurrence of metabolic bone disease, retinopathy of prematurity, gastro esophageal reflux and hospitalization, increase the EUGR chance. Despite of the substantial reduction in the Z score during hospitalization, there was a progressive improvement during follow up in this score in the three anthropometric variables, especially in the HC. At 12 months of CA 86% of infants were with Z score above -2 in relation to HC. Thus, it was possible to verify the importance of nutrition in the neonatal period, as well as, the proper and systematic follow-up in order to minimize the consequences and changes in the growth caused by prematurity, focusing on the full potential of preterm. / A crescente sobrevida de Prematuros (PT) com peso ao nascimento abaixo de 1.500 gramas (PTMBP) determina a necessidade do enfoque no atendimento e acompanhamento desse grupo após alta da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN). Frente ao elevado índice de morbidades e alterações no crescimento dessas crianças, o acompanhamento do crescimento infantil do PTMBP se traduz em ferramenta essencial à vigilância à sua saúde. Nesse contexto, têm-se como objetivos: avaliar o crescimento do PTMBP do nascimento aos doze meses de Idade Corrigida (IC) após a alta da UTIN; descrever o perfil do escore Z das variáveis antropométricas do nascimento até aos 12 meses de IC; identificar intercorrências que influenciaram o Retardo de Crescimento Extrauterino (RCEU) durante a internação e no período de 12 meses de seguimento ambulatorial; identificar as morbidades que influenciaram o crescimento dos PTMBP. Estudo quantitativo, observacional, longitudinal, retrospectivo e de corte transversal, realizado em Ambulatório de Seguimento de Alto Risco. Participaram do estudo 71 crianças atendidas entre 2006 a 2013, nascidas com peso menor de 1.500 g; que ficaram internadas na UTIN ao nascimento e realizaram pelo menos três consultas ambulatoriais, nos seguintes períodos: período I - até 3 meses de IC; período II - entre 4 a 6 meses de IC e período III - entre 7 a 12 meses de IC. Para relação Peso/Idade Gestacional (IG) foi utilizada a curva de Fenton e Kim. O escore Z obteve-se na Calculadora de Pesquisa em Massa disponível em: http://www.ucalgary.ca/fenton/ e calculadora Anthro. As variáveis foram analisadas por meio da regressão logística com o programa XLStat 2014. A IG média foi de 29,4 semanas, 36 (51%) masculinos, 50 (70%) PT eram Adequados para a IG (AIG). Na internação, 43 (61%) PT fizeram uso de Nutrição Parenteral (NP). Média do escore Z do peso ao nascimento: -0,95; na alta hospitalar: -3,05; no período I: -2,4; no período II: -1,8; no período III: -1,2. A média da estatura foi: -1,21 ao nascimento; -2,23 na alta; -2,5, -1,8 e -1,1 nos períodos I, II e III, respectivamente. Em relação ao Perímetro Cefálico (PC): escore Z ao nascimento foi -0,71; na alta: -1,5; e seguimento: -1,1, -0,8 e -0,5, respectivamente nos períodos I, II e III. Apresentar o peso AIG, menor tempo de internação na UTIN e porcentagem de peso perdido na hospitalização, reduz a chance de RCEU. No seguimento ambulatorial, a ocorrência de doença metabólica óssea, retinopatia da prematuridade, refluxo gastroesofágico e reinternação, aumentam a chance de RCEU. Apesar da importante queda do escore Z durante a internação, houve melhora progressiva durante o seguimento ambulatorial nos índices de escore Z das três variáveis antropométricas, principalmente do PC. Sendo que com 12 meses de IC, 86% das crianças acompanhadas estavam com escore Z acima de -2 em relação ao PC. Verifica-se a importância da nutrição no período neonatal, assim como, do seguimento ambulatorial adequado e sistematizado, visando minimizar as sequelas e alterações no crescimento advindas da prematuridade, na busca de alcançar todo o potencial do RNPT.

Trisomy 21 (T21), trisomy 18 (T18) and trisomy 13 (T13) represent the most common autosomal trisomies detected in live-born infants. Previous studies have addressed interventions, morbidities and survival in term or near-term infants with T21, T18 or T13, or were limited by a small number of patients. However, the combination of one of these chromosomal anomalies and very low birth weight (VLBW) presents greater challenges. Data from the NICHD Neonatal Research Network (NRN) and from the Vermont Oxford Network (VON) databases were used to examine the frequency, interventions, risk of mortality and neonatal morbidities, including patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), late onset sepsis (LOS), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), among VLBW infants with T21, T18 or T13 compared to VLBW infants without major birth defects (BD) and VLBW infants with non-chromosomal BD. Anthropometric VON charts for the assessment of birth weight for gestational age among 22 week to term infants with T21, T18 or T13 were also developed. In the VON database (n=539,509), the frequency of VLBW infants diagnosed with T21 was 1681 (0.31%), with T18 was 1416 (0.27%), and with T13 was 435 (0.08%). Major surgery was reported for 30.4% of infants with T21, 9.2% with T18, and 6.8% with T13. In-hospital mortality occurred for 33.1% of infants with T21, 89.0% with T18, and 92.4% with T13. Median survival time was 4 days (95% CI: 3-4) among infants with T18 and 3 days (95% CI: 2-4) among infants with T13. Birth weight for gestational age charts were created using VON data with a total of 5147 infants with T21 aged 22-41 weeks, 1053 infants with T18 aged 22-41 weeks, and 613 infants with T13 aged 22-40 weeks. Among the three groups, infants with T18 were the most likely to be growth restricted while infants with T21 were the least likely to be growth restricted. The new anthropometric VON charts for infants with T21 were also compared to the Lubchenco and Fenton charts and both showed frequent misclassification of infants with T21 as small or large for gestational age. In the NICHD NRN database (n=52,259), 133 (0.26%) VLBW infants were diagnosed with T21, 132 (0.25%) with T18 and 40 (0.08%) with T13. The adjusted relative risk, estimated using Poisson regression models with robust variance estimators, showed an increased risk of death, PDA, NEC, LOS, and BPD among infants with T21 relative to infants with no BD. Relative to infants with non-chromosomal BD, infants with T21 were at increased risk of PDA and NEC. A trend toward a lower risk of ROP was observed among infants with T21 compared to infants with non-chromosomal BD and infants without major BD. Infants with T13, but not infants with T18, were less likely to be mechanically ventilated than infants with T21 and infants without BD. Infants with T18 had increased risk of PDA compared to infants with T13, infants with T21 and infants without BD and increased risk of BPD compared to infants with T21 and infants without BD. The current studies evaluated the largest cohorts of VLBW infants with T21, T18 or T13. These data are important to help families and care providers make informed decisions involving the care of their VLBW infants with these chromosomal anomalies.

Although very low birth weight preterm (VLBW) infants with grade 3,4 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are at high risk for unfavorable visual outcomes, the middle school vision motor integration (VMI) skills and cognitive outcome scores of these children remain largely unknown. Data for 323 very VLBW survivors of the Multicenter Randomized Indomethacin IVH Prevention Trial (BW 600 1250 g) were analyzed to test the hypothesis that grades 3, 4 ROP would be an important predictor of cognitive and VMI skills. 3 subgroups were evaluated: ROP negative (N = 163), ROP grades 1,2 (N = 137) and ROP grades 3,4 (N = 23) were evaluated prospectively at 12 years of age with a neurocognitive battery. High-resolution volumetric MRI scans were quantified for 40 of the study subjects, and occipital brain volumes were correlated with Beery VMI scores. Children with ROP 3-4 had [arrow up - increased] vision impairment and lower test scores. Whole brain volumes were significantly less for children with any grade of ROP (p = 0.02), occipital white matter volumes tended to be less for the same study subjects (p = 0.08) and both total occipital brain volumes and occipital white matter volumes were significantly correlated with Beery VMI scores (r=0.610, p = 0.009 and r = 0.652, p =0.005, respectively). Prematurely-born children with a history of grade 3-4 ROP continue to have [arrow up - increased] vision impairment, special needs and lower performance on cognitive, language and visual motor integration scores at age 12 years. Both whole occipital brain volumes and occipital white matter volumes were predictive of VMI scores for children with ROP. (supp by NS 27116)

Introdução: Há pouca informação a respeito do crescimento cerebelar em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso (RNMBP). Tradicionalmente as funções cerebelares são relatadas como controle do tônus, postura e coordenação da atividade motora. Entretanto, há um incremento de evidências da implicação do cerebelo na cognição, linguagem, memória e aprendizagem motora. No pré-termo com seqüelas neurológicas, o cerebelo está relacionado com alterações cognitivas e distúrbios emocionais. Objetivo: Avaliar o crescimento cerebelar do nascimento até o termo em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso (RNMBP). Comparar o diâmetro transverso cerebelar (DTC) de recémnascidos a termo com recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso na idade corrigida correspondente ao termo. Método: RNMBP foram incluídos seqüencialmente no estudo e seus DTCs foram medidos por ultrassonografia craniana nas primeiras 48 horas após o nascimento e no momento da alta hospitalar de todos. A fossa posterior foi examinada através da fontanela Mastóidea usando o aparelho de US GE LOGIC 5 e a medida do DTC realizada no plano coronal. O grupo controle foi formado por recém-nascidos a termo normais com idade gestacional pareada com a idade gestacional pós menstrual corrigida dos RNMBP,sendo seus DTCs medidos nas primeiras 48 horas após o nascimento. Idade gestacional, peso de nascimento, perímetro cefálico e idade da alta foram obtidos dos RNMBP; e idade gestacional, peso de nascimento e perímetro cefálico dos recém-nascidos controles. Teste T de Student’s e correlação de Pearson foram empregados.O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da instituição. Resultados: Foram incluídos 24 RNMBP e 24 controles. Os RNMBP tiveram idade gestacional media de 30,5± 1,7 semanas, peso de nascimento de 1247± 190 gramas, perímetro cefálico de 27,3 ± 1,5 cm, DTC de 3,28 ± 0,28 cm e idade cronológica da alta de 45,9 ± 12,3 dias. Comparação entre os dois grupos: A idade gestacional corrigida dos RNMBP e a idade gestacional dos controles foram semelhantes (37,04 ± 1,73 semanas e 37,3 ± 1,8 semanas, respectivamente; p= 0,612).O peso dos RNMBP na alta foi significativamente inferior aos controles pareados (2,019 ± 209 g e 2631 ± 423 g; p‹0,0001). Perímetro cefálico dos RNMBP na alta e dos controles, foram respectivamente, 32,23 ± 1,39 centímetros e 33,0 ± 1,6 centímetros (p= 0,098) O DTC aumentou significativamente do nascimento até a alta nos RNMBP; sendo ainda significativamente inferior aos seus pares ao termo ( 4,19 ± 0,41cm e para os controles foi 4,5 ± 0,41 cm; p=0,008). Houve uma correlação positiva entre o perímetro cefálico e o crescimento cerebelar nos RNMBP. Dois RNMBP apresentaram leucomalácia cística e quatro leucomalácia peri-ventricular difusa na ressonância magnética do primeiro ano de vida. Avaliando-se apenas os RNMBP sem leucomalácia peri-ventricular, o crescimento cerebelar foi similar aos recém-nascidos controles (p= 0.135), mas foi menor nos recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso com leucomalácia peri-ventricular quando comparados com os controles (p= 0,005). Conclusões: O crescimento cerebelar foi similar nos recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso sem leucomalácia peri-ventricular e nos controles, e menor naqueles com leucomalácia periventricular em comparação aos controles. Nossos dados sugerem que o crescimento cerebelar é normal na ausência de dano supratentorial. / Introduction: There is little information on cerebellar growth in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). The cerebellar functions are traditionally reported as tonus, posture and coordination of motricity activity. However, there is an evidence growth of the relation of the cerebellum in cognition, language, memory and motor learning. In VLBWI with neurologic injuries the cerebellum is related to cognitive alterations and emotional disturbance. Objective: Evaluate cerebellar growth from birth up to term in VLBWI. Compare transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) of term infants and VLBWI at term corrected age. Design/Methods: VLBWI were sequentially included in the study. TCD was measured by cranial ultrasound in the first 48 hours after birth and at hospital discharge in all of them. The posterior fossa was examined through the Mastoid fontanelle using a General Eletric LOGIQ 5 scanner and TCD measurement was taken in the coronal plane. Control group was formed by normal term infants with gestational age that matched VLBWI corrected pos menstrual age. TCD was measured in the first 48 hours after birth. Data on gestational age, birth weight, head circumference, and age at discharge were collected from VLBWI; and gestational age, birth weight, and head circumference from controls newborns. Student’s T test and Pearson correlation were employed. Study was approved by institutional Ethic Committee. Results: We enrolled 24 VLBWI and 24 controls. VLBWI had mean gestational age 30.5±1.7 weeks, birth weight 1247±190 grams, head circumference 27.3 ±1.5cm,TCD 3.28± 0.28 cm, and chronological age at hospital discharge 45.9±12.3 days. Comparison between both groups: VLBWI corrected age at discharge and controls gestational age were similar: 37.4±1.73 weeks and 37.3±1,8 (p=0.612),VLBWI weight at discharge and controls birth weight was significantly inferior to controls: 2019±and 2631±423 grams (p‹ 0.0001),VLBWI head circumference at discharge and controls head circumference: 32.23±1.39 and 33.0 ±1.6 cm (p=0.098),VBWI TCD at discharge and controls TCD: 4.19±0.41 and 4.5±0.41 cm (p=0.008).TCD increased significantly form birth up to hospital discharge in VLBWI (p< 0.001); being still significantly inferior to its term infants matched. There was a significant positive correlation between head circumference and cerebellar growth in VLBWI. Two very low birth weight infants presented cystic and four diffuse peri-ventricular leukomalacia at magnetic resonance image in the first year. Evaluating only the VLBWI without periventricular leukomalacia the cerebellar growth was similar to controls (p=0.135), but it was smaller in VLBWI with peri-ventricular leukomalacia when compared with controls (p=0.005). Hence we divided the case group in with or without peri-ventricular leukomalacia. We compared the two groups with the control group. Conclusions: Cerebellar growth was similar in very low birth Wright infants without periventricular leukomalacia and controls, and smaller in cases with peri-ventricular leukomalacia than in controls. We suggest that cerebelar growth is normal in the absence of supratentorial injury.

Objetivo: determinar a associação de crises epilépticas neonatais por diagnóstico clínico em pré-termos de muito baixo peso ao nascer com o desfecho neurológico no segundo ano de vida. Métodos: estudo de coorte, com análise retrospectiva de dados coletados prospectivamente. Incluídos recém nascidos pré-termos de muito baixo peso ao nascer (menor que 1500g) que tenham sobrevivido ao período neonatal e acompanhados no ambulatório de follow up da instituição. As crises epilépticas neonatais foram determinadas por critério clínico. O desfecho foi avaliado através da escala de Bayley II, medidas de perímetro cefálico, presença de deficiências sensoriais e óbito. O grupo com crises foi comparado ao grupo sem crises de acordo com o desfecho neurológico. Testes empregados na análise estatística: Qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher (variáveis qualitativas), teste t de Student (variáveis quantitativas), risco relativo como medida de associação, Regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Trezentos e dois pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, com idade gestacional média de 30,4 ± 2,28 semanas e peso de nascimento médio 1182 ± 228,6 gramas. Sessenta pacientes (20%) tiveram crise epiléptica neonatal por diagnóstico clínico. O grupo com crises tinha médias de idade gestacional e peso significativamente menores, além de uma maior incidência de morbidades neonatais. Em relação ao desfecho neurológico, a diferença entre os grupos foi significativa, com um risco relativo estimado de 1,34 , com IC 95% 1,09-1,66 (p=0,006). Corrigindo-se com a regressão passo a passo, este efeito diminuiu, especialmente quando incluídas as variáveis de morbidade neurológica. Conclusão: Pacientes pré-termos com crises epilépticas neonatais apresentam um risco aumentado de desfecho neurológico adverso no segundo ano de vida. sobreposição entre as crises neonatais e as patologias que o pré-termo está exposto dificultam a determinação do seu impacto no desenvolvimento desses pacientes. / Purpose: to establish the association between clinical neonatal seizures in very low birth weight preterm infants and the neurological outcome in the second year of corrected age. Methods: cohort study, with retrospective analyses of prospective collected data. We included very low birth weight newborns (less than 1500g), which survived to the neonatal period, in regular follow-up, who were born between November/2003 and June/2010. Neonatal seizures were determined by clinical criteria. The outcome was assessed by the results of Bayley II scales, head circumference measurements, presence of sensorial deficits and death. The group with seizures was compared to the group without seizures. Statistical methods included Chi-square, Student’s t, Fisher’s exact tests and Poisson regression. Results: we included 302 patients, with mean gestational age and birth weight of respectively 30.4 ± 2.28 weeks and 1182 ± 228.6 grams. Sixty patients (20%) had clinical neonatal seizures. The group with seizures had lower gestational age and birth weight, and a greater incidence of neonatal morbidities. The relative risk of a worse neurological outcome was 1.34, with a CI 95% of 1.09 – 1.66 (p=0.006). After the Poisson regression this effect was reduced, especially when the neurological variables were included. Conclusion: preterm newborns with neonatal seizures are at increased risk for worse neurological outcome in the second year of life. The overlap among the neonatal seizures and the morbidities that these infants are exposed to increases the difficulty to define its impact in the patient neurological outcome.

Introdução: Há pouca informação a respeito do crescimento cerebelar em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso (RNMBP). Tradicionalmente as funções cerebelares são relatadas como controle do tônus, postura e coordenação da atividade motora. Entretanto, há um incremento de evidências da implicação do cerebelo na cognição, linguagem, memória e aprendizagem motora. No pré-termo com seqüelas neurológicas, o cerebelo está relacionado com alterações cognitivas e distúrbios emocionais. Objetivo: Avaliar o crescimento cerebelar do nascimento até o termo em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso (RNMBP). Comparar o diâmetro transverso cerebelar (DTC) de recémnascidos a termo com recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso na idade corrigida correspondente ao termo. Método: RNMBP foram incluídos seqüencialmente no estudo e seus DTCs foram medidos por ultrassonografia craniana nas primeiras 48 horas após o nascimento e no momento da alta hospitalar de todos. A fossa posterior foi examinada através da fontanela Mastóidea usando o aparelho de US GE LOGIC 5 e a medida do DTC realizada no plano coronal. O grupo controle foi formado por recém-nascidos a termo normais com idade gestacional pareada com a idade gestacional pós menstrual corrigida dos RNMBP,sendo seus DTCs medidos nas primeiras 48 horas após o nascimento. Idade gestacional, peso de nascimento, perímetro cefálico e idade da alta foram obtidos dos RNMBP; e idade gestacional, peso de nascimento e perímetro cefálico dos recém-nascidos controles. Teste T de Student’s e correlação de Pearson foram empregados.O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da instituição. Resultados: Foram incluídos 24 RNMBP e 24 controles. Os RNMBP tiveram idade gestacional media de 30,5± 1,7 semanas, peso de nascimento de 1247± 190 gramas, perímetro cefálico de 27,3 ± 1,5 cm, DTC de 3,28 ± 0,28 cm e idade cronológica da alta de 45,9 ± 12,3 dias. Comparação entre os dois grupos: A idade gestacional corrigida dos RNMBP e a idade gestacional dos controles foram semelhantes (37,04 ± 1,73 semanas e 37,3 ± 1,8 semanas, respectivamente; p= 0,612).O peso dos RNMBP na alta foi significativamente inferior aos controles pareados (2,019 ± 209 g e 2631 ± 423 g; p‹0,0001). Perímetro cefálico dos RNMBP na alta e dos controles, foram respectivamente, 32,23 ± 1,39 centímetros e 33,0 ± 1,6 centímetros (p= 0,098) O DTC aumentou significativamente do nascimento até a alta nos RNMBP; sendo ainda significativamente inferior aos seus pares ao termo ( 4,19 ± 0,41cm e para os controles foi 4,5 ± 0,41 cm; p=0,008). Houve uma correlação positiva entre o perímetro cefálico e o crescimento cerebelar nos RNMBP. Dois RNMBP apresentaram leucomalácia cística e quatro leucomalácia peri-ventricular difusa na ressonância magnética do primeiro ano de vida. Avaliando-se apenas os RNMBP sem leucomalácia peri-ventricular, o crescimento cerebelar foi similar aos recém-nascidos controles (p= 0.135), mas foi menor nos recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso com leucomalácia peri-ventricular quando comparados com os controles (p= 0,005). Conclusões: O crescimento cerebelar foi similar nos recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso sem leucomalácia peri-ventricular e nos controles, e menor naqueles com leucomalácia periventricular em comparação aos controles. Nossos dados sugerem que o crescimento cerebelar é normal na ausência de dano supratentorial. / Introduction: There is little information on cerebellar growth in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). The cerebellar functions are traditionally reported as tonus, posture and coordination of motricity activity. However, there is an evidence growth of the relation of the cerebellum in cognition, language, memory and motor learning. In VLBWI with neurologic injuries the cerebellum is related to cognitive alterations and emotional disturbance. Objective: Evaluate cerebellar growth from birth up to term in VLBWI. Compare transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) of term infants and VLBWI at term corrected age. Design/Methods: VLBWI were sequentially included in the study. TCD was measured by cranial ultrasound in the first 48 hours after birth and at hospital discharge in all of them. The posterior fossa was examined through the Mastoid fontanelle using a General Eletric LOGIQ 5 scanner and TCD measurement was taken in the coronal plane. Control group was formed by normal term infants with gestational age that matched VLBWI corrected pos menstrual age. TCD was measured in the first 48 hours after birth. Data on gestational age, birth weight, head circumference, and age at discharge were collected from VLBWI; and gestational age, birth weight, and head circumference from controls newborns. Student’s T test and Pearson correlation were employed. Study was approved by institutional Ethic Committee. Results: We enrolled 24 VLBWI and 24 controls. VLBWI had mean gestational age 30.5±1.7 weeks, birth weight 1247±190 grams, head circumference 27.3 ±1.5cm,TCD 3.28± 0.28 cm, and chronological age at hospital discharge 45.9±12.3 days. Comparison between both groups: VLBWI corrected age at discharge and controls gestational age were similar: 37.4±1.73 weeks and 37.3±1,8 (p=0.612),VLBWI weight at discharge and controls birth weight was significantly inferior to controls: 2019±and 2631±423 grams (p‹ 0.0001),VLBWI head circumference at discharge and controls head circumference: 32.23±1.39 and 33.0 ±1.6 cm (p=0.098),VBWI TCD at discharge and controls TCD: 4.19±0.41 and 4.5±0.41 cm (p=0.008).TCD increased significantly form birth up to hospital discharge in VLBWI (p< 0.001); being still significantly inferior to its term infants matched. There was a significant positive correlation between head circumference and cerebellar growth in VLBWI. Two very low birth weight infants presented cystic and four diffuse peri-ventricular leukomalacia at magnetic resonance image in the first year. Evaluating only the VLBWI without periventricular leukomalacia the cerebellar growth was similar to controls (p=0.135), but it was smaller in VLBWI with peri-ventricular leukomalacia when compared with controls (p=0.005). Hence we divided the case group in with or without peri-ventricular leukomalacia. We compared the two groups with the control group. Conclusions: Cerebellar growth was similar in very low birth Wright infants without periventricular leukomalacia and controls, and smaller in cases with peri-ventricular leukomalacia than in controls. We suggest that cerebelar growth is normal in the absence of supratentorial injury.

Objetivo: determinar a associação de crises epilépticas neonatais por diagnóstico clínico em pré-termos de muito baixo peso ao nascer com o desfecho neurológico no segundo ano de vida. Métodos: estudo de coorte, com análise retrospectiva de dados coletados prospectivamente. Incluídos recém nascidos pré-termos de muito baixo peso ao nascer (menor que 1500g) que tenham sobrevivido ao período neonatal e acompanhados no ambulatório de follow up da instituição. As crises epilépticas neonatais foram determinadas por critério clínico. O desfecho foi avaliado através da escala de Bayley II, medidas de perímetro cefálico, presença de deficiências sensoriais e óbito. O grupo com crises foi comparado ao grupo sem crises de acordo com o desfecho neurológico. Testes empregados na análise estatística: Qui-quadrado ou exato de Fisher (variáveis qualitativas), teste t de Student (variáveis quantitativas), risco relativo como medida de associação, Regressão de Poisson. Resultados: Trezentos e dois pacientes foram incluídos no estudo, com idade gestacional média de 30,4 ± 2,28 semanas e peso de nascimento médio 1182 ± 228,6 gramas. Sessenta pacientes (20%) tiveram crise epiléptica neonatal por diagnóstico clínico. O grupo com crises tinha médias de idade gestacional e peso significativamente menores, além de uma maior incidência de morbidades neonatais. Em relação ao desfecho neurológico, a diferença entre os grupos foi significativa, com um risco relativo estimado de 1,34 , com IC 95% 1,09-1,66 (p=0,006). Corrigindo-se com a regressão passo a passo, este efeito diminuiu, especialmente quando incluídas as variáveis de morbidade neurológica. Conclusão: Pacientes pré-termos com crises epilépticas neonatais apresentam um risco aumentado de desfecho neurológico adverso no segundo ano de vida. sobreposição entre as crises neonatais e as patologias que o pré-termo está exposto dificultam a determinação do seu impacto no desenvolvimento desses pacientes. / Purpose: to establish the association between clinical neonatal seizures in very low birth weight preterm infants and the neurological outcome in the second year of corrected age. Methods: cohort study, with retrospective analyses of prospective collected data. We included very low birth weight newborns (less than 1500g), which survived to the neonatal period, in regular follow-up, who were born between November/2003 and June/2010. Neonatal seizures were determined by clinical criteria. The outcome was assessed by the results of Bayley II scales, head circumference measurements, presence of sensorial deficits and death. The group with seizures was compared to the group without seizures. Statistical methods included Chi-square, Student’s t, Fisher’s exact tests and Poisson regression. Results: we included 302 patients, with mean gestational age and birth weight of respectively 30.4 ± 2.28 weeks and 1182 ± 228.6 grams. Sixty patients (20%) had clinical neonatal seizures. The group with seizures had lower gestational age and birth weight, and a greater incidence of neonatal morbidities. The relative risk of a worse neurological outcome was 1.34, with a CI 95% of 1.09 – 1.66 (p=0.006). After the Poisson regression this effect was reduced, especially when the neurological variables were included. Conclusion: preterm newborns with neonatal seizures are at increased risk for worse neurological outcome in the second year of life. The overlap among the neonatal seizures and the morbidities that these infants are exposed to increases the difficulty to define its impact in the patient neurological outcome.

Introdução: Há pouca informação a respeito do crescimento cerebelar em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso (RNMBP). Tradicionalmente as funções cerebelares são relatadas como controle do tônus, postura e coordenação da atividade motora. Entretanto, há um incremento de evidências da implicação do cerebelo na cognição, linguagem, memória e aprendizagem motora. No pré-termo com seqüelas neurológicas, o cerebelo está relacionado com alterações cognitivas e distúrbios emocionais. Objetivo: Avaliar o crescimento cerebelar do nascimento até o termo em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso (RNMBP). Comparar o diâmetro transverso cerebelar (DTC) de recémnascidos a termo com recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso na idade corrigida correspondente ao termo. Método: RNMBP foram incluídos seqüencialmente no estudo e seus DTCs foram medidos por ultrassonografia craniana nas primeiras 48 horas após o nascimento e no momento da alta hospitalar de todos. A fossa posterior foi examinada através da fontanela Mastóidea usando o aparelho de US GE LOGIC 5 e a medida do DTC realizada no plano coronal. O grupo controle foi formado por recém-nascidos a termo normais com idade gestacional pareada com a idade gestacional pós menstrual corrigida dos RNMBP,sendo seus DTCs medidos nas primeiras 48 horas após o nascimento. Idade gestacional, peso de nascimento, perímetro cefálico e idade da alta foram obtidos dos RNMBP; e idade gestacional, peso de nascimento e perímetro cefálico dos recém-nascidos controles. Teste T de Student’s e correlação de Pearson foram empregados.O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da instituição. Resultados: Foram incluídos 24 RNMBP e 24 controles. Os RNMBP tiveram idade gestacional media de 30,5± 1,7 semanas, peso de nascimento de 1247± 190 gramas, perímetro cefálico de 27,3 ± 1,5 cm, DTC de 3,28 ± 0,28 cm e idade cronológica da alta de 45,9 ± 12,3 dias. Comparação entre os dois grupos: A idade gestacional corrigida dos RNMBP e a idade gestacional dos controles foram semelhantes (37,04 ± 1,73 semanas e 37,3 ± 1,8 semanas, respectivamente; p= 0,612).O peso dos RNMBP na alta foi significativamente inferior aos controles pareados (2,019 ± 209 g e 2631 ± 423 g; p‹0,0001). Perímetro cefálico dos RNMBP na alta e dos controles, foram respectivamente, 32,23 ± 1,39 centímetros e 33,0 ± 1,6 centímetros (p= 0,098) O DTC aumentou significativamente do nascimento até a alta nos RNMBP; sendo ainda significativamente inferior aos seus pares ao termo ( 4,19 ± 0,41cm e para os controles foi 4,5 ± 0,41 cm; p=0,008). Houve uma correlação positiva entre o perímetro cefálico e o crescimento cerebelar nos RNMBP. Dois RNMBP apresentaram leucomalácia cística e quatro leucomalácia peri-ventricular difusa na ressonância magnética do primeiro ano de vida. Avaliando-se apenas os RNMBP sem leucomalácia peri-ventricular, o crescimento cerebelar foi similar aos recém-nascidos controles (p= 0.135), mas foi menor nos recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso com leucomalácia peri-ventricular quando comparados com os controles (p= 0,005). Conclusões: O crescimento cerebelar foi similar nos recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso sem leucomalácia peri-ventricular e nos controles, e menor naqueles com leucomalácia periventricular em comparação aos controles. Nossos dados sugerem que o crescimento cerebelar é normal na ausência de dano supratentorial. / Introduction: There is little information on cerebellar growth in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). The cerebellar functions are traditionally reported as tonus, posture and coordination of motricity activity. However, there is an evidence growth of the relation of the cerebellum in cognition, language, memory and motor learning. In VLBWI with neurologic injuries the cerebellum is related to cognitive alterations and emotional disturbance. Objective: Evaluate cerebellar growth from birth up to term in VLBWI. Compare transverse cerebellar diameter (TCD) of term infants and VLBWI at term corrected age. Design/Methods: VLBWI were sequentially included in the study. TCD was measured by cranial ultrasound in the first 48 hours after birth and at hospital discharge in all of them. The posterior fossa was examined through the Mastoid fontanelle using a General Eletric LOGIQ 5 scanner and TCD measurement was taken in the coronal plane. Control group was formed by normal term infants with gestational age that matched VLBWI corrected pos menstrual age. TCD was measured in the first 48 hours after birth. Data on gestational age, birth weight, head circumference, and age at discharge were collected from VLBWI; and gestational age, birth weight, and head circumference from controls newborns. Student’s T test and Pearson correlation were employed. Study was approved by institutional Ethic Committee. Results: We enrolled 24 VLBWI and 24 controls. VLBWI had mean gestational age 30.5±1.7 weeks, birth weight 1247±190 grams, head circumference 27.3 ±1.5cm,TCD 3.28± 0.28 cm, and chronological age at hospital discharge 45.9±12.3 days. Comparison between both groups: VLBWI corrected age at discharge and controls gestational age were similar: 37.4±1.73 weeks and 37.3±1,8 (p=0.612),VLBWI weight at discharge and controls birth weight was significantly inferior to controls: 2019±and 2631±423 grams (p‹ 0.0001),VLBWI head circumference at discharge and controls head circumference: 32.23±1.39 and 33.0 ±1.6 cm (p=0.098),VBWI TCD at discharge and controls TCD: 4.19±0.41 and 4.5±0.41 cm (p=0.008).TCD increased significantly form birth up to hospital discharge in VLBWI (p< 0.001); being still significantly inferior to its term infants matched. There was a significant positive correlation between head circumference and cerebellar growth in VLBWI. Two very low birth weight infants presented cystic and four diffuse peri-ventricular leukomalacia at magnetic resonance image in the first year. Evaluating only the VLBWI without periventricular leukomalacia the cerebellar growth was similar to controls (p=0.135), but it was smaller in VLBWI with peri-ventricular leukomalacia when compared with controls (p=0.005). Hence we divided the case group in with or without peri-ventricular leukomalacia. We compared the two groups with the control group. Conclusions: Cerebellar growth was similar in very low birth Wright infants without periventricular leukomalacia and controls, and smaller in cases with peri-ventricular leukomalacia than in controls. We suggest that cerebelar growth is normal in the absence of supratentorial injury.