pancuronium and Fetal-Hypoxia

Recent progress in understanding the pathophysiology of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathies and intraventricular hemorrhages have enabled us to propose new therapeutic modalities in preventing the development and severity of these disorders in the newborn. Because neuronal damage may be reversible under certain conditions, appropriate evaluation of these drugs (single or in combination) is very important in the continuous attempt to ameliorate the neurodevelopmental outcome of these infants. An interventionist attitude should prove to be a better alternative than a supportive one.

Topics: Asphyxia Neonatorum; Barbiturates; Brain Ischemia; Cerebral Hemorrhage; Female; Fetal Hypoxia; Humans; Indomethacin; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Pancuronium; Pregnancy

A fatal case of fulminant hepatic failure that occurred in the neonatal period is reported in a premature infant born after 27 4/7-weeks' gestation. Immediately after birth the infant had severe hypoxia and hypotension resulting from birth asphyxia, hypovolemic shock, and septicemia. At autopsy, histological appearance of the liver showed virtually total hepatocellular necrosis without features of fibrosis. Although the exact cause of hepatocellular injury cannot be fully ascertained, it is assumed that hypoxia and hypotension must have been the predominant factors leading to massive hepatic necrosis.

Topics: Acyclovir; Alanine Transaminase; Aspartate Aminotransferases; Bicarbonates; Cloxacillin; Dopamine; Female; Fetal Hypoxia; Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Liver; Male; Necrosis; Netilmicin; Pancuronium; Partial Thromboplastin Time; Penicillins; Pregnancy; Prothrombin Time; Sepsis; Shock; Sodium; Sodium Bicarbonate