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Background Post-hemorrhagic ventricular dilatation (PHVD) in preterm infants can be assessed with ventricular size indices from cranial ultrasound. We explored inter-observer reliability of these indices for prediction of severe PHVD. Methods For all 139 infants with IVH, serial neonatal ultrasound at 3 time points (days 4–7, day 14, 36 weeks PMA) were assessed independently by 3 observers with differing levels of training/experience. Ventricular index (VI), anterior horn width (AHW), and fronto-temporal horn ratio (FTHR) were measured and used to diagnose PHVD. For all, inter-observer reliability and predictive values for receipt of surgical intervention were calculated. Results Inter-observer reliability for all observers varied from poor to excellent, with higher reliability for VI/AHW (ICC 0.49–0.84/0.51–0.81) than FTHR (0.41–0.82), particularly from the second week. Good–excellent inter-expertise reliability was found between observers with ample experience/training (0.65–0.99), particularly for VI and AHW, while poor–moderate when comparing with an inexperienced observer (0.28–0.88). Slightly higher predictive value for PHVD intervention ( n  = 12) was found for AHW (AUC 0.86–0.96) than for VI and FTHR (0.80–0.96/0.80–0.95). Conclusions AHW and VI are highly reproducible in experienced hands compared to FTHR, with AHW from the second week onwards being the strongest predictor for receiving surgical intervention for severe PHVD. AHW may aid in early PHVD diagnosis and decision-making on intervention. Impact While ventricular size indices from serial cUS are superior to clinical signs of increased intracranial pressure to assess PHVD, questions remained on their inter-observer reproducibility and reliability to predict severity of PHVD. AHW and VI are highly reproducible when performed by experienced clinicians. AHW from the second week of birth is the strongest predictor of PHVD onset and severity. AHW, combined with VI, may aid in early PHVD diagnosis and decision-making on need for surgical intervention. Consistent use of these indices has the potential to improve PHVD management and therewith the long-term outcomes in preterm infants.

Neonatal pneumopericardium (PPC) is a rare form of neonatal air leak syndrome with high morbidity and mortality. Air leak syndrome in the newborn is usually associated with active resuscitation, respiratory distress syndrome, meconium aspiration syndrome, mechanical ventilation, or trauma associated with labour. Neonatal PPC can be associated with other air leak syndromes such as pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, and subcutaneous and interstitial emphysema. Spontaneous PPC is a rare event in the neonatal period. We report a case of PPC in association with pneumothorax in a nonventilated term infant. The infant responded to thoracocentesis without the need for pericardiocentesis.

Background Studies have reported prenatal acetaminophen exposure is associated with abnormal neurodevelopment. There is limited and conflicting data on neurodevelopmental outcomes following postnatal acetaminophen exposure. Our objective was to investigate the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants < 29 weeks gestation postnatally exposed to acetaminophen. Methods Retrospective cohort study of infants born between 2008 and 2017 at a tertiary care perinatal center. Exclusion criteria included chromosomal disorders, major congenital abnormalities, and congenital infections. The primary outcome was a composite score of <85 on the cognitive, language, or motor components of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 3rd edition, assessed at 18 to 21 months corrected gestational age. Multivariate logistic regression was used to assess confounders. Results Of the 945 infants included in the study, 120 were in the acetaminophen group. There was no difference in any of Bayley-III cognitive, language or motor composite scores of < 85 between the two groups for postnatal acetaminophen exposure, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) 1.03, 95% CI 0.60–1.78, or days of acetaminophen use, aORs 1.10, 95% CI 0.93–1.29. Conclusions There was no difference in neurodevelopmental outcome between the acetaminophen exposed and non-exposed groups. Our results need validation in larger cohorts. Impact Animal research and cohort studies have suggested that prenatal acetaminophen exposure may be associated with an elevated risk of neurobehavioral abnormalities. However, there is limited and conflicting research on the impact of postnatal acetaminophen on neurodevelopment. The results of this study suggest that postnatal acetaminophen does not negatively impact neurodevelopment at 18 to 21 months in preterm infants born at <29 weeks gestational age. While these results need validation in larger and more longitudinal studies, this study provides reassurance for the use of postnatal acetaminophen in extremely preterm infants.

Spindle cell haemangioma (SCH) is a slow growing, benign vascular lesion with a preference for the distal extremities. Its occurrence in the oral cavity is rare. Clinically, it presents as solitary or multiple subcutaneous nodules, therefore, it could be considered in the differential diagnosis of benign soft tissue tumours. Microscopically it mimics some malignant vascular tumours and it is necessary to differentiate it from other malignant vascular lesions. We report a case of SCH in anterior mandibular region of a young male in his 20s. Although it is a benign lesion, the reported case displayed extensive areas of muscle infiltration and necrosis. After studying the radiographic findings and considering the absence of cellular atypia, a final diagnosis of SCH was made. Literature survey suggests that this is the eleventh case of SCH reported in oral cavity.