Craniomegaly in Neonate and Infants Requiring Neurosurgical Intervention: An Experience at Tertiary Care Center

Background The identification of neurosurgical causes of craniomegaly and early institution of therapy requires for better clinical and functional outcomes. Aims and Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurosurgical causes, managements, and outcomes of craniomegaly in neonate and infants. Materials and Methods The cases with a history of head enlargement from neonatal period were included in this study. Their causes, managements, and outcomes were recorded retrospectively during the period of January 2010 to February 2013, in neurosurgery department at SGPGIMS Lucknow, and June 2018 to June 2020, at UPUMS, Saifai, Etawah, UP, India. Results Out of 41 cases, there were 30 (73.14%) cases of hydrocephalus, 4 (9.76%) Dandy-Walker malformation, 2 (4.88%) subdural collection, 2 (4.88%) arachnoid cyst, 1 (2.44%) craniosynostosis, and 2 (4.88%) with tubercular meningitis. The age range of our cases was 18 to 178 days and the mean age was 102.54 ± 50.73. Preoperative head circumference range was 39 to 62 cm (mean: 55.27 ± 6.58cm). Majority of the cases (n = 32, 78.05%) were managed with ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgeries. Out of 41 cases, 33(80.49%) had improved outcomes, 7 (17.07%) stabilized, and mortality occurred in 1 (2.44%) case. Postoperatively, there was improvement in the head circumference (range: 39–60 cm and mean: 46.15 ± 5.83 cm) on 6 to 24 months (mean: 17.85 ± 5.18 months) of follow-up. Conclusion Hydrocephalus was the commonest neurosurgical cause of head enlargement in neonate and infants. Shunt surgery was the most common form of management of these cases. Early detection, institution of therapy, and periodic follow-up program for diagnosing and treating complications were the key to successful outcomes in these patients.

Fast and Accurate U-Net Model for Fetal Ultrasound Image Segmentation

U-Net based algorithms, due to their complex computations, include limitations when they are used in clinical devices. In this paper, we addressed this problem through a novel U-Net based architecture that called fast and accurate U-Net for medical image segmentation task. The proposed fast and accurate U-Net model contains four tuned 2D-convolutional, 2D-transposed convolutional, and batch normalization layers as its main layers. There are four blocks in the encoder-decoder path. The results of our proposed architecture were evaluated using a prepared dataset for head circumference and abdominal circumference segmentation tasks, and a public dataset (HC18-Grand challenge dataset) for fetal head circumference measurement. The proposed fast network significantly improved the processing time in comparison with U-Net, dilated U-Net, R2U-Net, attention U-Net, and MFP U-Net. It took 0.47 seconds for segmenting a fetal abdominal image. In addition, over the prepared dataset using the proposed accurate model, Dice and Jaccard coefficients were 97.62% and 95.43% for fetal head segmentation, 95.07%, and 91.99% for fetal abdominal segmentation. Moreover, we have obtained the Dice and Jaccard coefficients of 97.45% and 95.00% using the public HC18-Grand challenge dataset. Based on the obtained results, we have concluded that a fine-tuned and a simple well-structured model used in clinical devices can outperform complex models.

Embryo development of hatching eggs of superior local broiler (ALPU) with Arab native chickens (Kamaras)

Efforts to improve the quality of local chickens, especially free-range chickens, are carried out by improving genetic traits, namely through a strict selection method to produce broilers with the name of Superior Local Broilers (ALPU) and laying purposes with Arab Kampung Chickens (Kamaras). This study was conducted to obtain information on the comparison of ALPU and Kamaras embryo development for genetic improvement as the basis for further research. This study used 105 ALPU hatching eggs and 105 Kamaras hatching eggs, the observations were carried out for 21 days. Eggs were collected for 7 days and then put into the incubator, then observed every day by breaking each 5 ALPU and Kamaras eggs to see 7 parameters of embryo development in the form of: body weight, body length, head circumference, neck length, beak length, wing length and leg length. The results showed that there was no significant developmental difference between ALPU and Kamaras embryos. However, the embryo weight and beak length of Kamaras tended to be larger than those of ALPU, while the head circumference and wing length of ALPU tended to be larger than that of Kamaras. In conclusion, the embryonic development between ALPU and Kamaras showed relatively similar embryo development during the hatching period.

Fetal head circumference versus fetal weight at term as a predictor of labour outcome

Background: Several models have been proposed to predict the need for an LSCS. With reference to this, the impact of the size of the fetal head traversing the birth canal is an important determinant of delivery outcomes. We examined the association between the head circumference and mode of delivery and perinatal outcomes, when compared to birth weight predicted by scan.Methods: This was a retrospective study, on 800 electronic delivery records between December 2019 and May 2021. Sociodemographic data, obstetrical parameter, term scan findings of head circumference and estimated fetal weight, and labour and perinatal outcomes were collected and analysed.Results: HC >95th centile was found to be comparatively more predictive and statistically significant compared to EFW >95th centile in the prediction of LSCS, with the most common indication being cephalopelvic disproportion. Prolonged second stage of labour was statistically significant in both cohort A and B, undergoing vaginal delivery. It was also noted that a significant number of newborns in cohort A required NICU admissions, while NICU admissions after emergency LSCS was significantly higher in the cohort B (p=0.0032) though the overall 5 and 10 minute APGAR scores and duration of stay were comparable in the groups classified on basis of EFW and HC.Conclusions: The above statistics observed on an Indian population may aid obstetricians in the planning of the mode of delivery, improve pre-labor counselling and efficient management of mothers of large babies.

Identifying possible inaccuracy in reported birth head circumference measurements among infants in the US Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry

The US Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry (USZPIR) monitors infants born to mothers with confirmed or possible Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy. The surveillance case definition for Zika-associated birth defects includes microcephaly based on head circumference (HC). We assessed birth and follow-up data from infants with birth HC measurements <3rd percentile and birthweight ≥10th percentile to determine possible misclassification of microcephaly.We developed a schema informed by literature review and expert opinion to identify possible HC measurement inaccuracy using HC growth velocity and neuroimaging results. Two or more HC measurements between 2-12 months of age were required for assessment. Inaccuracy in birth HC measurement was suspected if growth velocity was >3 centimeters/month in the first three months or HC was consistently >25th percentile during follow-up. Normal neuroimaging was considered supportive of HC measurement inaccuracy. Of 6,799 infants, 351 (5.2%) had Zika-associated birth defects, of which 111 had birth HC measurements <3rd percentile and birthweight ≥10th percentile. Of 84/111 infants with sufficient follow-up, 38/84 (45%) were classified as having possible inaccuracy of birth HC measurement, 19/84 (23%) had HC ≥3rd percentile on follow-up without meeting criteria for possible inaccuracy, and 27/84 (32%) had continued HC <3rd percentile. After excluding possible inaccuracies, the proportion of infants with Zika-associated birth defects including microcephaly decreased from 5.2% to 4.6%.About one-third of infants with Zika-associated birth defects had only microcephaly, but indications of possible measurement inaccuracy were common. Implementation of this schema in ZIKV infection during pregnancy studies can reduce misclassification of microcephaly.

The relation between head circumference and mid pelvic circumference: A simple index for cephalo-pelvic disproportion evaluation

Introduction: Cephalo-pelvic-disproportion (CPD) is one of the most common obstetric complications. Since CPD is the disproportion between the fetal head and maternal bony pelvis, evaluation of the head-circumference (HC) relative to maternal bony pelvis may be a useful adjunct to pre-labor CPD evaluation. The aim of the present study was a proof-of-concept evaluation of the ratio between HC to pelvic circumference (PC) as a predictor of CPD. Methods: Of 11,822 deliveries, 104 cases that underwent an abdomino-pelvic CT for any medical indication and who underwent normal vaginal deliveries (NVD) (n=84) or cesarean deliveries (CD) due to CPD (n=20) were included retrospectively. Maternal pelvis dimensions were reconstructed and neonatal HC, as a proxy for fetal HC, were measured. The correlation between cases of CPD and Cephalo-Pelvic Circumference Index (CPCI), which represents the ratio between the HC and PC in percent (HC/PC *100) was evaluated. Results: The mid-pelvis cephalo-pelvic circumference index (MP-CPCI) was larger in CD groups as compared to the NVD group: 103±11 vs. 97±8% respectively (p=0.0003). In logistic regression analysis, the MP-CPCI was found to be independently associated with CD due to CPD: each 1% increase in MP-CPCI increased the likelihood of CD for CPD by 11% (aOR 1.11, CI 95% 1.03-1.19, p=0.004). The adjusted odds ratio for CD due to CPD increased incrementally as the MP-CPCI increased, from 3.56 (95%CI, 1.01-12.6) at MP-CPCI of 100, to 5.6 (95%CI, 1.63-19.45) at 105, 21.44 (95%CI, 3.05-150.84) at 110, and 28.88 (95%CI, 2.3-362.27) at MP-CPCI of 115 Conclusions: The MP-CPCI, representing the relative dimensions of the fetal HC and maternal PC, is a simple tool that can potentially distinguish between parturients at lower and higher risk of CPD. Prospective randomized studies are required to evaluate the feasibility of prenatal pelvimetry and MP-CPCI to predict the risk of CPD during labor.

Growth in achondroplasia including stature, weight, weight-for-height and head circumference from CLARITY: achondroplasia natural history study—a multi-center retrospective cohort study of achondroplasia in the US

Background Achondroplasia is the most common genetic skeletal disorder causing disproportionate short stature/dwarfism. Common additional features include spinal stenosis, midface retrusion, macrocephaly and a generalized spondylometaphyseal dysplasia which manifest as spinal cord compression, sleep disordered breathing, delayed motor skill acquisition and genu varus with musculoskeletal pain. To better understand the interactions and health outcomes of these potential complications, we embarked on a multi-center, natural history study entitled CLARITY (achondroplasia natural history study). One of the CLARITY objectives was to develop growth curves (length/height, weight, head circumference, weight-for-height) and corresponding reference tables of mean and standard deviations at 1 month increments from birth through 18 years for clinical use and research for achondroplasia patients. Methods All available retrospective anthropometry data including length/height, weight and head circumference from achondroplasia patients were collected at 4 US skeletal dysplasia centers (Johns Hopkins University, AI DuPont Hospital for Children, McGovern Medical School University of Texas Health, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health). Weight-for-age values beyond 3 SD above the mean were excluded from the weight-for-height and weight-for-age curves to create a stricter tool for weight assessment in this population. Results Over 37,000 length/height, weight and head circumference measures from 1374 patients with achondroplasia from birth through 75 years of age were compiled in a REDCap database. Stature and weight data from birth through 18 years of age and head circumference from birth through 5 years of age were utilized to construct new length/height-for-age, weight-for-age, head circumference-for-age and weight-for-height curves. Conclusion Achondroplasia-specific growth curves are essential for clinical care of growing infants and children with this condition. In an effort to provide prescriptive, rather than purely descriptive, references for weight in this population, extreme weight values were omitted from the weight-for-age and weight-for-height curves. This well-phenotyped cohort may be studied with other global achondroplasia populations (e.g. Europe, Argentina, Australia, Japan) to gain further insight into environmental or ethnic influences on growth.

Diagnostic challenges of an incidental finding: case report of definitely-congenital glioblastoma multiforme in a very preterm infant

Background Congenital brain tumors are extremely rare in the neonatal population, and often associated with a poor prognosis. The diagnostic suspicion is often aroused at antenatal scans or postnatally, if clinical signs and symptoms of increased intracranial pressure become evident. We present a case of definitely congenital glioblastoma multiforme incidentally diagnosed in a preterm infant, aiming to raise clinical awareness on this condition and to highlight the challenges of the related diagnostic work-up. Case presentation This female infant was born at 31 weeks’ gestation after an uneventful pregnancy. No abnormalities were detected at antenatal ultrasound scans and genetic tests. Head circumference at birth was on the 25th centile. A routine brain ultrasound scan performed on day 1 revealed a large, inhomogeneous lesion in the right cerebral hemisphere, with contralateral midline shift, which was confirmed by brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Eye fundus and routine blood exams, including platelets count, coagulation screening and C-reactive protein, were normal. Given the high risk of complications, surgical biopsy of the lesion was temporarily hold and a daily sonographic follow-up was undertaken. Although head circumference growth was steady on the 25th centile, progressive changes of the lesion were detected by cranial ultrasound. The repeat MRI scans showed a significant enlargement of the mass, with contralateral midline shift and signs of intralesional and intraventricular bleeding. In view of this worsening, surgical resection was performed. The histological examination of the lesion biopsy documented a GFAP+ highly cellular neoplasm, with no mutation on SMARCB1 gene. At the molecular analysis, mutations on IDH and H3F3A genes were absent, whereas MGMT promoter was unmethylated. The diagnosis was grade IV glioblastoma IDH wild-type. Conclusions Congenital glioblastoma multiforme is an extremely rare but highly aggressive neoplasm. Since intralesional biopsy is not often feasible in affected neonates, knowledge of the associated clinical and neuroradiological features is particularly important, as they can also add useful information on the neoplasm behavior. Specimens from open surgical resection allow to perform a definite histological analysis and an extended molecular characterization, with relevant prognostic implications.