Giacomo Faldella | Università di Bologna (original) (raw)

Papers by Giacomo Faldella

Journal of Child Language, 2006

This study aimed to investigate early lexical and grammatical development and their relations in ... more This study aimed to investigate early lexical and grammatical development and their relations in a sample of very immature healthy preterms, in order to assess whether their linguistic development [*] Perrone for their help with the medical examination; the children and parents for their participation in the research. We would also like to thank Maria Cristina Caselli and Antonella Devescovi for their precious suggestions concerning the questionnaire and the test used in the research and Roberto Bolzani for statistical advice. Thanks also to the reviewers for their perceptive comments. Finally, we are grateful to Annette Karmiloff-Smith for her careful comments and helpful suggestions.

PEDIATRICS, 2009

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Monthly prophylaxis with palivizumab has been shown to reduce RSV h... more WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Monthly prophylaxis with palivizumab has been shown to reduce RSV hospitalizations by ϳ50% overall compared with placebo in children at high risk for severe RSV disease. Motavizumab, a monoclonal antibody developed from palivizumab, has enhanced preclinical activity against RSV.

Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). Supplement, 2003

At birth, the total body iron content is approximately 75 mg/kg, twice that of an adult man in re... more At birth, the total body iron content is approximately 75 mg/kg, twice that of an adult man in relation to weight. During the first 6 mo of life, total iron body content increases slightly and exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to maintain an optimal iron balance. Thereafter, iron body content substantially increases and the infant becomes critically dependent on dietary iron, provided by complementary foods. Numerous factors may contribute to nutritional iron deficiency in infancy, the most important being low body iron content at birth, blood loss, high postnatal growth rate, and a low amount and/or bioavailability of dietary iron. We have documented that the prevalence of iron deficiency declined in Italy as iron nutrition improved and that early feeding on fresh cow's milk is the single most important determinant of iron deficiency in infancy. Healthy full-term infants should maintain optimal iron balance by consuming a good diet, which can be summarized as follows: breas...

Early human development, 2014

Serious difficulties in formal mathematical skills have been identified in preterm children. By c... more Serious difficulties in formal mathematical skills have been identified in preterm children. By contrast, basic-level numerical skills like magnitude judgments have not yet been tested in these children. The aim of the present research was to investigate whether preterm birth also affects these basic numerical abilities, with particular attention to the transition from preschool to formal education. One hundred-forty very preterm children and 60 age-matched controls were recruited in a cross-sectional study at 6 and 8years of age. Magnitude comparison tasks with non-symbolic dot displays or symbolic Arabic-number stimuli, measuring accuracy and reaction time, were administered to participants. We also investigated explicit number knowledge, as well as general cognitive developmental levels, to gain a broader picture of preterm abilities. Despite no general cognitive delay, the more simple approximate non-symbolic representation of numerical magnitude was affected by preterm birth, w...

Journal of Pediatrics

We evaluated the effects of bolus vs continuous tube feeding on cardiorespiratory events, detecte... more We evaluated the effects of bolus vs continuous tube feeding on cardiorespiratory events, detected by polysomnographic monitoring, in healthy preterm infants. Continuous tube feeding resulted in a significant increase of apneas and apneas-related hypoxic episodes compared with bolus feeding.

The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of IgM Western Blot (WB), IgA enzyme 27 i... more The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of IgM Western Blot (WB), IgA enzyme 27 immunoassay (EIA) and DNA amplification by Real-Time PCR on Guthrie cards to retrospectively 28 establish the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT).

Journal of Immunology Research, 2014

Primary immunodeficiencies are rare inherited disorders that may lead to frequent and often sever... more Primary immunodeficiencies are rare inherited disorders that may lead to frequent and often severe acute respiratory infections. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most frequent pathogens during early infancy and the infection is more severe in immunocompromised infants than in healthy infants, as a result of impaired T-and B-cell immune response unable to efficaciously neutralize viral replication, with subsequent increased viral shedding and potentially lethal lower respiratory tract infection. Several authors have reported a severe clinical course after RSV infections in infants and children with primary and acquired immunodeficiencies. Environmental prophylaxis is essential in order to reduce the infection during the epidemic season in hospitalized immunocompromised infants. Prophylaxis with palivizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the RSV F protein, is currently recommended in high-risk infants born prematurely, with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease. Currently however the prophylaxis is not routinely recommended in infants with primary immunodeficiency, although some authors propose the extension of prophylaxis to this high risk population.

Digestive and Liver Disease, 2009

Vaccine, 2006

A combined DTPa-IPV booster vaccine was administered as a 4th or 5th dose after DTPa or DTPw prim... more A combined DTPa-IPV booster vaccine was administered as a 4th or 5th dose after DTPa or DTPw priming. Over 99% vaccines developed antibody levels considered to be protective to diphtheria, tetanus and poliovirus, and >95% mounted a response to acellular pertussis antigens. Rectal temperature >39.5 degrees C was observed in at most 3.2% of vaccinees. Swelling >50 mm occurred in 24% of DTPa-primed compared to 5.5% of DTPw-primed children. Large swelling involving the entire upper arm (extending to involve the elbow joint) was reported for up to 1.2% of DTPa-primed subjects, which is consistent with literature reports for other DTPa vaccines.

Vaccine, 2002

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titres against pertussis antigens, Bordetella pertussis-specific ... more Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titres against pertussis antigens, Bordetella pertussis-specific proliferation and cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were evaluated at the age of 5-6 years in 13 children who had been pre-term infants with a gestational age (GA) of ≤31 weeks, 10 who had been pre-term infants with a GA of 32-37 weeks, and 15 who had been term infants with a GA of 38-42 weeks. All of the infants had been immunised with a combined diphtheria, tetanus, tricomponent acellular pertussis and hepatitis B vaccine (DTaP-HBV) at 3, 5, and 11 months of post-natal age. Our results show that the long-term immune responses induced by primary pertussis vaccination in the pre-term infants (especially those with a GA of ≤31 weeks) were qualitatively and quantitatively lower than those observed in the term infants. In order to maintain an adequate pertussis-specific immune response, in term children a booster at 5-6 years of age may be suggested, whereas in pre-term an earlier booster should be useful.

Vaccine, 2007

To assess the clinical safety of DTaP-IPV-HIb-HBV hexavalent immunization in very premature infan... more To assess the clinical safety of DTaP-IPV-HIb-HBV hexavalent immunization in very premature infants and to verify if the first administration of vaccine is by itself a reason for close monitoring hospitalized VLBW infants born at less than 31 weeks' gestation. Eighty-one preterm newborns less than 31 weeks' gestational age, admitted in the NICU, were eligible to be immunized with hexavalent vaccine under close monitoring, including pre-and post-immunization continuous monitoring of heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, resistance index at the anterior cerebral artery and ECG cQT interval. Of the 81 eligible premature newborns, 36 were graduated from the NICU before the least date for immunization, at 7 weeks of age. The other 45 were vaccinated in the NICU and entered the study. Twenty-three of them were under medical treatment for chronic disease at the time of the immunization while 22 were healthy and stable. Five infants (11%) had apnoea/bradycardia/desaturation, related to vaccine administration and required medical support. All five infants were in the group of newborns with chronic disease (21.7% prevalence of adverse reactions in this group). No significant variation of cQT or RI before and after the immunization was observed either in the whole groups of patients or in the five infants who showed cardio-respiratory events related to vaccination. Hexavalent DTaP-IPV-HIb-HBV immunization is not associated with cardiac electric activity and cerebral blood flow variations in both stable and unstable very premature infants. However, it can cause apnoea/bradycardia/desaturation in premature babies with chronic disease. Therefore, if the baby is in the NICU for chronic diseases at 2 months post-birth, it should be monitored for apnoea, bradycardia and desaturation in association with vaccination. Hospitalized healthy preterm infants without chronic disease and therapy seem to be less vulnerable to cardio-respiratory adverse reactions. Nevertheless, it is advisable to immunize and monitor them at 8 weeks before discharge instead of possibly delaying immunization for several weeks and not monitor them.

Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2007

to evaluate the prevalence of maternal syphilis at delivery and neonatal syphilis infection in an... more to evaluate the prevalence of maternal syphilis at delivery and neonatal syphilis infection in an Italian urban area, in connection with the increased flow of immigration. A prospective surveillance study was carried out in Bologna, Italy, from November 2000 to March 2006. All pregnant women were screened for syphilis at delivery. Infants born to seropositive mothers were enrolled in a prospective follow-up. During the study period 19,205 women gave birth to 19,548 infants. A total of 85 women were seropositive for syphilis at delivery. The overall syphilis seroprevalence in pregnant women was 0.44%, but it was 4.3% in women from eastern Europe and 5.8% in women from Central-South America. Ten women were first found positive at delivery, as they did not receive any prenatal care. Nine of these were from eastern Europe. All their infants were asymptomatic, but six had both reactive immunoglobulin (Ig)M western blot and rapid plasma reagin tests and were considered prenatally infected. Three of six were preterm (gestational age <37 weeks). In Italy, congenital syphilis infection is strictly related to immigration from eastern Europe. Although it is asymptomatic, it could cause premature delivery. Therefore, it is necessary to perform serological tests during the third trimester in mothers coming from endemic areas to adequately treat syphilis in pregnancy and prevent congenital infection. If the mother's test results are not available at delivery, it is necessary to investigate the newborn, especially if it is born prematurely.

PLoS ONE, 2014

Background: To elucidate the role of prenatal, neonatal and early postnatal variables in influenc... more Background: To elucidate the role of prenatal, neonatal and early postnatal variables in influencing the achievement of full enteral feeding (FEF) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and to determine whether neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) differ in this outcome.

Pediatric Research, 2014

Intermittent and continuous tube feeding modes are commonly used to feed preterm infants. However... more Intermittent and continuous tube feeding modes are commonly used to feed preterm infants. However, there is no clear evidence regarding which method is better tolerated. We investigated the differences between bolus and continuous feeding in terms of cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation in healthy preterm infants. Thirty preterm infants underwent a simultaneous 6-h near-infrared-spectroscopy monitoring of cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation, during which they were fed twice through an orogastric tube: one meal was given as a 10-min bolus, and the other was given continuously over a period of 3 h. Oxygenation trends over time were evaluated and compared between bolus and continuous feeding modes. Cerebral oxygenation did not change over time and did not differ between the two feeding techniques. Splanchnic oxygenation changed significantly over time and differed between the two feeding techniques, with a significant increase after bolus feeding and a remarkable reduction during continuous feeding. Bolus and continuous feeding modes influence splanchnic oxygenation in healthy preterm infants differently. Further studies are needed to investigate possible underlying mechanisms and potential effects on feeding tolerance.

Medical and Pediatric Oncology, 1982

Hereditary neuroblastoma in a pair of identical twins is reported. In one of the twins the tumor ... more Hereditary neuroblastoma in a pair of identical twins is reported. In one of the twins the tumor occurred in fetal life and caused death of the twin before birth; in the other one, the tumor occurred at two months of life as IV-S neuroblastoma in the liver with primary tumor undetected. The unusual clinical course of the latter case is described: twice there was tumor regression, but in spite of treatment, fatal uncontrolled growth occurred. The family history, characterized by neoplasms of dissimilar cell types but without additional cases of neuroblastoma, is also detailed.

Neonatology, 2010

head rotation; nTHI increased again when the head was derotated. Conclusions: Hemodynamic changes... more head rotation; nTHI increased again when the head was derotated. Conclusions: Hemodynamic changes after posture variations depend on GA. Head rotation in newborns with GA ^ 26 weeks produced a reduction in nTHI with stable TOI. Possible physiopathological mechanisms are discussed.

The Journal of Pediatrics, 2006

We evaluated the efficacy of the thickening of human milk by precooked starch in reducing gastroe... more We evaluated the efficacy of the thickening of human milk by precooked starch in reducing gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants. Five preterm infants with frequent regurgitations (median gestational age, 28 weeks; range, 27 to 32 weeks; median birth weight, 990 g; range, 570 to 1900 g) were fed alternately during 24 hours with four meals of fortified maternal milk (milk A) and four meals of fortified maternal milk thickened by 1.5 g of precooked starch per 100 mL of milk (milk B). The acidic and buffered refluxes were detected by simultaneous pH monitoring and multiple intraluminal impedance. Eight feeding periods for each baby were recorded.

The Journal of Pediatrics, 2007

To report the accuracy of ultrasound scanning (US) in predicting neurodevelopmental and sensorine... more To report the accuracy of ultrasound scanning (US) in predicting neurodevelopmental and sensorineural outcome in patients with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Fifty-seven neonates with congenital CMV infection underwent brain US and were observed prospectively for motor skills, developmental quotient, and hearing function. Abnormal results on US were found in 12 of 57 neonates. US lesions were more frequent in newborns with clinical and laboratory signs of congenital CMV infection at birth (10/18) than in newborns who had no symptoms at birth (2/39; P < .001). At least 1 sequela developed in all neonates with symptoms who had abnormal US results, whereas none of the neonates with symptoms who had normal US results had long-term sequelae (P < .001). In the population without symptoms, sensorineural hearing loss developed in 3 of 37 (8.1%) neonates with normal US results, whereas severe sequelae developed in 1 of 2 neonates with abnormal US results. A good correlation was found between cerebral US abnormalities and the prediction of outcome in newborns who were congenitally infected with CMV and had symptoms at birth. US could be performed as the first neuroimaging study in these newborns. Data are insufficient to permit any suggestions for the population without symptoms.

Journal of Child Language, 2006

This study aimed to investigate early lexical and grammatical development and their relations in ... more This study aimed to investigate early lexical and grammatical development and their relations in a sample of very immature healthy preterms, in order to assess whether their linguistic development [*] Perrone for their help with the medical examination; the children and parents for their participation in the research. We would also like to thank Maria Cristina Caselli and Antonella Devescovi for their precious suggestions concerning the questionnaire and the test used in the research and Roberto Bolzani for statistical advice. Thanks also to the reviewers for their perceptive comments. Finally, we are grateful to Annette Karmiloff-Smith for her careful comments and helpful suggestions.

PEDIATRICS, 2009

WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Monthly prophylaxis with palivizumab has been shown to reduce RSV h... more WHAT'S KNOWN ON THIS SUBJECT: Monthly prophylaxis with palivizumab has been shown to reduce RSV hospitalizations by ϳ50% overall compared with placebo in children at high risk for severe RSV disease. Motavizumab, a monoclonal antibody developed from palivizumab, has enhanced preclinical activity against RSV.

Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992). Supplement, 2003

At birth, the total body iron content is approximately 75 mg/kg, twice that of an adult man in re... more At birth, the total body iron content is approximately 75 mg/kg, twice that of an adult man in relation to weight. During the first 6 mo of life, total iron body content increases slightly and exclusive breastfeeding is sufficient to maintain an optimal iron balance. Thereafter, iron body content substantially increases and the infant becomes critically dependent on dietary iron, provided by complementary foods. Numerous factors may contribute to nutritional iron deficiency in infancy, the most important being low body iron content at birth, blood loss, high postnatal growth rate, and a low amount and/or bioavailability of dietary iron. We have documented that the prevalence of iron deficiency declined in Italy as iron nutrition improved and that early feeding on fresh cow's milk is the single most important determinant of iron deficiency in infancy. Healthy full-term infants should maintain optimal iron balance by consuming a good diet, which can be summarized as follows: breas...

Early human development, 2014

Serious difficulties in formal mathematical skills have been identified in preterm children. By c... more Serious difficulties in formal mathematical skills have been identified in preterm children. By contrast, basic-level numerical skills like magnitude judgments have not yet been tested in these children. The aim of the present research was to investigate whether preterm birth also affects these basic numerical abilities, with particular attention to the transition from preschool to formal education. One hundred-forty very preterm children and 60 age-matched controls were recruited in a cross-sectional study at 6 and 8years of age. Magnitude comparison tasks with non-symbolic dot displays or symbolic Arabic-number stimuli, measuring accuracy and reaction time, were administered to participants. We also investigated explicit number knowledge, as well as general cognitive developmental levels, to gain a broader picture of preterm abilities. Despite no general cognitive delay, the more simple approximate non-symbolic representation of numerical magnitude was affected by preterm birth, w...

Journal of Pediatrics

We evaluated the effects of bolus vs continuous tube feeding on cardiorespiratory events, detecte... more We evaluated the effects of bolus vs continuous tube feeding on cardiorespiratory events, detected by polysomnographic monitoring, in healthy preterm infants. Continuous tube feeding resulted in a significant increase of apneas and apneas-related hypoxic episodes compared with bolus feeding.

The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of IgM Western Blot (WB), IgA enzyme 27 i... more The aim of the study was to assess the diagnostic value of IgM Western Blot (WB), IgA enzyme 27 immunoassay (EIA) and DNA amplification by Real-Time PCR on Guthrie cards to retrospectively 28 establish the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT).

Journal of Immunology Research, 2014

Primary immunodeficiencies are rare inherited disorders that may lead to frequent and often sever... more Primary immunodeficiencies are rare inherited disorders that may lead to frequent and often severe acute respiratory infections. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most frequent pathogens during early infancy and the infection is more severe in immunocompromised infants than in healthy infants, as a result of impaired T-and B-cell immune response unable to efficaciously neutralize viral replication, with subsequent increased viral shedding and potentially lethal lower respiratory tract infection. Several authors have reported a severe clinical course after RSV infections in infants and children with primary and acquired immunodeficiencies. Environmental prophylaxis is essential in order to reduce the infection during the epidemic season in hospitalized immunocompromised infants. Prophylaxis with palivizumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody against the RSV F protein, is currently recommended in high-risk infants born prematurely, with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease. Currently however the prophylaxis is not routinely recommended in infants with primary immunodeficiency, although some authors propose the extension of prophylaxis to this high risk population.

Digestive and Liver Disease, 2009

Vaccine, 2006

A combined DTPa-IPV booster vaccine was administered as a 4th or 5th dose after DTPa or DTPw prim... more A combined DTPa-IPV booster vaccine was administered as a 4th or 5th dose after DTPa or DTPw priming. Over 99% vaccines developed antibody levels considered to be protective to diphtheria, tetanus and poliovirus, and >95% mounted a response to acellular pertussis antigens. Rectal temperature >39.5 degrees C was observed in at most 3.2% of vaccinees. Swelling >50 mm occurred in 24% of DTPa-primed compared to 5.5% of DTPw-primed children. Large swelling involving the entire upper arm (extending to involve the elbow joint) was reported for up to 1.2% of DTPa-primed subjects, which is consistent with literature reports for other DTPa vaccines.

Vaccine, 2002

Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titres against pertussis antigens, Bordetella pertussis-specific ... more Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody titres against pertussis antigens, Bordetella pertussis-specific proliferation and cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were evaluated at the age of 5-6 years in 13 children who had been pre-term infants with a gestational age (GA) of ≤31 weeks, 10 who had been pre-term infants with a GA of 32-37 weeks, and 15 who had been term infants with a GA of 38-42 weeks. All of the infants had been immunised with a combined diphtheria, tetanus, tricomponent acellular pertussis and hepatitis B vaccine (DTaP-HBV) at 3, 5, and 11 months of post-natal age. Our results show that the long-term immune responses induced by primary pertussis vaccination in the pre-term infants (especially those with a GA of ≤31 weeks) were qualitatively and quantitatively lower than those observed in the term infants. In order to maintain an adequate pertussis-specific immune response, in term children a booster at 5-6 years of age may be suggested, whereas in pre-term an earlier booster should be useful.

Vaccine, 2007

To assess the clinical safety of DTaP-IPV-HIb-HBV hexavalent immunization in very premature infan... more To assess the clinical safety of DTaP-IPV-HIb-HBV hexavalent immunization in very premature infants and to verify if the first administration of vaccine is by itself a reason for close monitoring hospitalized VLBW infants born at less than 31 weeks' gestation. Eighty-one preterm newborns less than 31 weeks' gestational age, admitted in the NICU, were eligible to be immunized with hexavalent vaccine under close monitoring, including pre-and post-immunization continuous monitoring of heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, resistance index at the anterior cerebral artery and ECG cQT interval. Of the 81 eligible premature newborns, 36 were graduated from the NICU before the least date for immunization, at 7 weeks of age. The other 45 were vaccinated in the NICU and entered the study. Twenty-three of them were under medical treatment for chronic disease at the time of the immunization while 22 were healthy and stable. Five infants (11%) had apnoea/bradycardia/desaturation, related to vaccine administration and required medical support. All five infants were in the group of newborns with chronic disease (21.7% prevalence of adverse reactions in this group). No significant variation of cQT or RI before and after the immunization was observed either in the whole groups of patients or in the five infants who showed cardio-respiratory events related to vaccination. Hexavalent DTaP-IPV-HIb-HBV immunization is not associated with cardiac electric activity and cerebral blood flow variations in both stable and unstable very premature infants. However, it can cause apnoea/bradycardia/desaturation in premature babies with chronic disease. Therefore, if the baby is in the NICU for chronic diseases at 2 months post-birth, it should be monitored for apnoea, bradycardia and desaturation in association with vaccination. Hospitalized healthy preterm infants without chronic disease and therapy seem to be less vulnerable to cardio-respiratory adverse reactions. Nevertheless, it is advisable to immunize and monitor them at 8 weeks before discharge instead of possibly delaying immunization for several weeks and not monitor them.

Sexually Transmitted Infections, 2007

to evaluate the prevalence of maternal syphilis at delivery and neonatal syphilis infection in an... more to evaluate the prevalence of maternal syphilis at delivery and neonatal syphilis infection in an Italian urban area, in connection with the increased flow of immigration. A prospective surveillance study was carried out in Bologna, Italy, from November 2000 to March 2006. All pregnant women were screened for syphilis at delivery. Infants born to seropositive mothers were enrolled in a prospective follow-up. During the study period 19,205 women gave birth to 19,548 infants. A total of 85 women were seropositive for syphilis at delivery. The overall syphilis seroprevalence in pregnant women was 0.44%, but it was 4.3% in women from eastern Europe and 5.8% in women from Central-South America. Ten women were first found positive at delivery, as they did not receive any prenatal care. Nine of these were from eastern Europe. All their infants were asymptomatic, but six had both reactive immunoglobulin (Ig)M western blot and rapid plasma reagin tests and were considered prenatally infected. Three of six were preterm (gestational age <37 weeks). In Italy, congenital syphilis infection is strictly related to immigration from eastern Europe. Although it is asymptomatic, it could cause premature delivery. Therefore, it is necessary to perform serological tests during the third trimester in mothers coming from endemic areas to adequately treat syphilis in pregnancy and prevent congenital infection. If the mother's test results are not available at delivery, it is necessary to investigate the newborn, especially if it is born prematurely.

PLoS ONE, 2014

Background: To elucidate the role of prenatal, neonatal and early postnatal variables in influenc... more Background: To elucidate the role of prenatal, neonatal and early postnatal variables in influencing the achievement of full enteral feeding (FEF) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and to determine whether neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) differ in this outcome.

Pediatric Research, 2014

Intermittent and continuous tube feeding modes are commonly used to feed preterm infants. However... more Intermittent and continuous tube feeding modes are commonly used to feed preterm infants. However, there is no clear evidence regarding which method is better tolerated. We investigated the differences between bolus and continuous feeding in terms of cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation in healthy preterm infants. Thirty preterm infants underwent a simultaneous 6-h near-infrared-spectroscopy monitoring of cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation, during which they were fed twice through an orogastric tube: one meal was given as a 10-min bolus, and the other was given continuously over a period of 3 h. Oxygenation trends over time were evaluated and compared between bolus and continuous feeding modes. Cerebral oxygenation did not change over time and did not differ between the two feeding techniques. Splanchnic oxygenation changed significantly over time and differed between the two feeding techniques, with a significant increase after bolus feeding and a remarkable reduction during continuous feeding. Bolus and continuous feeding modes influence splanchnic oxygenation in healthy preterm infants differently. Further studies are needed to investigate possible underlying mechanisms and potential effects on feeding tolerance.

Medical and Pediatric Oncology, 1982

Hereditary neuroblastoma in a pair of identical twins is reported. In one of the twins the tumor ... more Hereditary neuroblastoma in a pair of identical twins is reported. In one of the twins the tumor occurred in fetal life and caused death of the twin before birth; in the other one, the tumor occurred at two months of life as IV-S neuroblastoma in the liver with primary tumor undetected. The unusual clinical course of the latter case is described: twice there was tumor regression, but in spite of treatment, fatal uncontrolled growth occurred. The family history, characterized by neoplasms of dissimilar cell types but without additional cases of neuroblastoma, is also detailed.

Neonatology, 2010

head rotation; nTHI increased again when the head was derotated. Conclusions: Hemodynamic changes... more head rotation; nTHI increased again when the head was derotated. Conclusions: Hemodynamic changes after posture variations depend on GA. Head rotation in newborns with GA ^ 26 weeks produced a reduction in nTHI with stable TOI. Possible physiopathological mechanisms are discussed.

The Journal of Pediatrics, 2006

We evaluated the efficacy of the thickening of human milk by precooked starch in reducing gastroe... more We evaluated the efficacy of the thickening of human milk by precooked starch in reducing gastroesophageal reflux in preterm infants. Five preterm infants with frequent regurgitations (median gestational age, 28 weeks; range, 27 to 32 weeks; median birth weight, 990 g; range, 570 to 1900 g) were fed alternately during 24 hours with four meals of fortified maternal milk (milk A) and four meals of fortified maternal milk thickened by 1.5 g of precooked starch per 100 mL of milk (milk B). The acidic and buffered refluxes were detected by simultaneous pH monitoring and multiple intraluminal impedance. Eight feeding periods for each baby were recorded.

The Journal of Pediatrics, 2007

To report the accuracy of ultrasound scanning (US) in predicting neurodevelopmental and sensorine... more To report the accuracy of ultrasound scanning (US) in predicting neurodevelopmental and sensorineural outcome in patients with congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Fifty-seven neonates with congenital CMV infection underwent brain US and were observed prospectively for motor skills, developmental quotient, and hearing function. Abnormal results on US were found in 12 of 57 neonates. US lesions were more frequent in newborns with clinical and laboratory signs of congenital CMV infection at birth (10/18) than in newborns who had no symptoms at birth (2/39; P < .001). At least 1 sequela developed in all neonates with symptoms who had abnormal US results, whereas none of the neonates with symptoms who had normal US results had long-term sequelae (P < .001). In the population without symptoms, sensorineural hearing loss developed in 3 of 37 (8.1%) neonates with normal US results, whereas severe sequelae developed in 1 of 2 neonates with abnormal US results. A good correlation was found between cerebral US abnormalities and the prediction of outcome in newborns who were congenitally infected with CMV and had symptoms at birth. US could be performed as the first neuroimaging study in these newborns. Data are insufficient to permit any suggestions for the population without symptoms.