Anencephalics as organ donors

Article Abstract:

Anencephalic newborns are infants born without a brain and spinal cord; these infants die within the first hours or days of life. Recently, anencephalic infants have been considered as organ donors, although there is a limited time span after birth that their organs can be used without damage to these organs. Twenty years ago, a study was carried out in northern Ireland to assess the relationship of hypothalamus and pituitary function to the maturation of the fetal pancreas. Tissues were obtained from anencephalic infants born after 30 weeks gestation. The results showed that a functional hypothalamus and pituitary are needed for the maturation of the pancreas. A functional hypothalamic-pituitary system was defined as: the presence of these structures; the presence of an adrenal cortex; and a normal level of the female hormone estrogen in the mother's urine. Twenty-six of 33 cases of anencephalic infants had a nonfunctional hypothalamic-pituitary system, whereas seven had a functional system. Anencephalic infants with a functional hypothalamic-pituitary system had increased birth weight and were capable of swallowing. Twenty-four of the 26 anencephalic infants without a functional system had polyhydramnios, an excess of amniotic fluid. All anencephalic infants without a functional hypothalamic-pituitary system died within four hours after birth, whereas those with a functional system died within three days. Other findings showed that anencephalic infants with a functional hypothalamic-pituitary system had pain reactions as well as endocrine disorders. Thus, anencephalic infants consist of a heterogeneous group, and the lack of a functional hypothalamic-pituitary system should be taken into account when considering these infants for donation of the pancreas. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Abnormalities, Infants (Newborn), Newborn infants, Donation of organs, tissues, etc., Tissue donation, Pancreas, Anencephaly, Pancreas transplantation

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An updated pediatric perspective on the Apert syndrome

Article Abstract:

The Apert syndrome is a genetic disorder characterized by a misshapen skull and syndactyly, or webbed fingers and toes. Research on 136 cases of Apert syndrome has provided information on a variety of associated structural and physiological abnormalities. Birth weight and length are usually above normal because of an overly large brain and high skull, but growth in childhood is usually between the 5th and 50th percentiles. Patients may have normal intelligence, but often display some degree of mental deficiency, from mild to severe. Surgery to correct abnormal skull fusion may be desirable, but does not seem to alter intelligence level. Two-thirds of patients have stiffness of the neck, resulting from fusion of cervical vertebrae. Approximately 10% of patients have defects of their cardiovascular or genitourinary systems. Apert syndrome may also affect the respiratory system, the eyes, skin and hearing.

Pediatric diseases, Genetic disorders, Syndromes in children, Syndromes

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Fetal and fetal organ volume estimations with magnetic resonance imaging

Article Abstract:

Three-dimensional fetal organ volume calculations using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may better indicate fetal growth patterns than two-dimensional ultrasound. MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique. Total fetal volume and fetal volume of major organs were measured three to five times in the last half of four pregnancies using MRI scans. Brain volume increased by 2.7 to 3.8 milliliters per day (mL/day). Liver volume increased by 0.4 to 1.3 mL/day. Total body volume increased by 19.0 to 30.8 mL/day.

Usage, Fetus, Magnetic resonance imaging

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