Objective:To evaluate lung ultrasound (LUS) for assessing lung aeration heterogeneity in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) across gestational ages and analyze its correlation with oxygenation.Methods:This retrospective cohort study enrolled 125 ventilated NRDS neonates from the neonatal intensive care unit of Hebei Children's Hospital (from March 2023 to May 2024), who were stratified as <32 gestational weeks ( n=47) and ≥32 gestational weeks ( n=78). All underwent LUS, chest X-ray, and blood gas analysis within 2 h of admission. The lung ultrasound score (LUSsc) quantified impaired lung volume percentage (graded: A=normal, B=coalescent B-lines, C=dense B-lines/focal consolidation, D=lobar consolidation). Aeration heterogeneity was measured by coefficient of variation (CV, within-patient) and Gini-Simpson index (between-patients), while oxygenation was assessed by arterial oxygen partial pressure/inhaled oxygen concentration (P/F). Group comparisons, including basic information, lung aeration, and lung aeration heterogeneity, used two independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Chi square tests, or Wilcoxon tests; partial correlation analyzed aeration-oxygenation relationships. Results:(1) Analysis of impaired lung volume percentage revealed similar distribution patterns between groups, with the <32-week cohort ( n=47, 564 lung segments) showing proportions of 15.6% (88/564), 14.9% (84/564), 35.5% (200/564), and 34.0% (192/564) for graded patterns A through D, respectively, while the ≥32-week cohort ( n=78, 936 segments) demonstrated corresponding proportions of 15.7% (147/936), 16.3% (153/936), 31.7% (297/936), and 36.2% (339/936), with no statistically significant difference between groups ( Z=－0.24, P=0.812). (2) Within-patient heterogeneity analysis revealed no significant CV difference between <32-week group and ≥32-week group [0.33 (0.20-0.84) vs. 0.43 (0.21-0.73), Z=－0.99, P=0.321]. (3) Between-patient heterogeneity was significantly higher in the ≥32-week group, as reflected by the Gini-Simpson index [0.12 (0.09-0.14) vs. 0.09 (0.06-0.14), Z=－1.99, P=0.046], with heterogeneous aeration predominantly located in non-gravity-dependent regions—specifically the left upper lung in the <32-week group and anterior lungs in the ≥32-week group. (4) Correlation analyses demonstrated significantly inverse relationships between CV and LUSsc in <32-week and ≥32-week groups ( r=－0.912, P<0.001; r=－0.886, P<0.001), while the ≥32-week group additionally showed positive CV-P/F correlation ( r=0.373, P=0.001) and inverse LUSsc-P/F association ( r=－0.287, P=0.013). Conclusions:LUS effectively evaluates aeration and its heterogeneity in early NRDS. Infants ≥32 weeks exhibit greater between-patient heterogeneity, with ventilation parameters correlating significantly with oxygenation status.

Objective:To evaluate lung ultrasound (LUS) for assessing lung aeration heterogeneity in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) across gestational ages and analyze its correlation with oxygenation.Methods:This retrospective cohort study enrolled 125 ventilated NRDS neonates from the neonatal intensive care unit of Hebei Children's Hospital (from March 2023 to May 2024), who were stratified as <32 gestational weeks ( n=47) and ≥32 gestational weeks ( n=78). All underwent LUS, chest X-ray, and blood gas analysis within 2 h of admission. The lung ultrasound score (LUSsc) quantified impaired lung volume percentage (graded: A=normal, B=coalescent B-lines, C=dense B-lines/focal consolidation, D=lobar consolidation). Aeration heterogeneity was measured by coefficient of variation (CV, within-patient) and Gini-Simpson index (between-patients), while oxygenation was assessed by arterial oxygen partial pressure/inhaled oxygen concentration (P/F). Group comparisons, including basic information, lung aeration, and lung aeration heterogeneity, used two independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Chi square tests, or Wilcoxon tests; partial correlation analyzed aeration-oxygenation relationships. Results:(1) Analysis of impaired lung volume percentage revealed similar distribution patterns between groups, with the <32-week cohort ( n=47, 564 lung segments) showing proportions of 15.6% (88/564), 14.9% (84/564), 35.5% (200/564), and 34.0% (192/564) for graded patterns A through D, respectively, while the ≥32-week cohort ( n=78, 936 segments) demonstrated corresponding proportions of 15.7% (147/936), 16.3% (153/936), 31.7% (297/936), and 36.2% (339/936), with no statistically significant difference between groups ( Z=－0.24, P=0.812). (2) Within-patient heterogeneity analysis revealed no significant CV difference between <32-week group and ≥32-week group [0.33 (0.20-0.84) vs. 0.43 (0.21-0.73), Z=－0.99, P=0.321]. (3) Between-patient heterogeneity was significantly higher in the ≥32-week group, as reflected by the Gini-Simpson index [0.12 (0.09-0.14) vs. 0.09 (0.06-0.14), Z=－1.99, P=0.046], with heterogeneous aeration predominantly located in non-gravity-dependent regions—specifically the left upper lung in the <32-week group and anterior lungs in the ≥32-week group. (4) Correlation analyses demonstrated significantly inverse relationships between CV and LUSsc in <32-week and ≥32-week groups ( r=－0.912, P<0.001; r=－0.886, P<0.001), while the ≥32-week group additionally showed positive CV-P/F correlation ( r=0.373, P=0.001) and inverse LUSsc-P/F association ( r=－0.287, P=0.013). Conclusions:LUS effectively evaluates aeration and its heterogeneity in early NRDS. Infants ≥32 weeks exhibit greater between-patient heterogeneity, with ventilation parameters correlating significantly with oxygenation status.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and survival prognosis of patients with triple/quad-class exposed relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma(RRMM).Methods:The clinical data of patients with triple/quad-class exposed RRMM from eight centers in Shanxi Province between May 2017 and May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method,and factors affecting survival were examined by the Cox proportional hazards model and Log-rank test.Results:Among the 112 patients with triple-class exposure,16 were quadruple-class exposed.The detection rates of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities and extramedullary lesions in patients with triple-class exposure were 57.1%and 36.6%,respectively,while those in patients with quadruple-class exposure were 87.5%and 62.5%,respectively.The median PFS and OS of patients with triple-class expos-ure were 5.6 months and 12.2 months,respectively,while those of patients with quadruple-class exposure were 9.4 months and 16.9 months,respectively.Cox model analysis showed that extramedullary lesions and multi-line treatment(≥3 lines)were independent risk factors for the survival of patients with triple-class exposed RRMM(P<0.05).Previous autologous stem cell transplantation,subsequent con-ventional drug treatment,and B-cell maturation antigen(BCMA)chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR-T)treatment were protective factors(P<0.05).After triple-class drug resistance,the Log-rank test verified that BCMA CAR-T treatment significantly prolonged the median PFS of patients compared to conventional drug treatment(9.4 months vs.5.2 months,P=0.026 9),whereas the difference in OS was not statistic-ally significant(16.9 months vs.7.9 months,P=0.263 4).Conclusions:Patients with triple/quad-class exposed RRMM have a poor prognosis,and BCMA CAR-T cell therapy can improve survival in patients with triple-class drug-resistant RRMM.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and survival prognosis of patients with triple/quad-class exposed relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma(RRMM).Methods:The clinical data of patients with triple/quad-class exposed RRMM from eight centers in Shanxi Province between May 2017 and May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method,and factors affecting survival were examined by the Cox proportional hazards model and Log-rank test.Results:Among the 112 patients with triple-class exposure,16 were quadruple-class exposed.The detection rates of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities and extramedullary lesions in patients with triple-class exposure were 57.1%and 36.6%,respectively,while those in patients with quadruple-class exposure were 87.5%and 62.5%,respectively.The median PFS and OS of patients with triple-class expos-ure were 5.6 months and 12.2 months,respectively,while those of patients with quadruple-class exposure were 9.4 months and 16.9 months,respectively.Cox model analysis showed that extramedullary lesions and multi-line treatment(≥3 lines)were independent risk factors for the survival of patients with triple-class exposed RRMM(P<0.05).Previous autologous stem cell transplantation,subsequent con-ventional drug treatment,and B-cell maturation antigen(BCMA)chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR-T)treatment were protective factors(P<0.05).After triple-class drug resistance,the Log-rank test verified that BCMA CAR-T treatment significantly prolonged the median PFS of patients compared to conventional drug treatment(9.4 months vs.5.2 months,P=0.026 9),whereas the difference in OS was not statistic-ally significant(16.9 months vs.7.9 months,P=0.263 4).Conclusions:Patients with triple/quad-class exposed RRMM have a poor prognosis,and BCMA CAR-T cell therapy can improve survival in patients with triple-class drug-resistant RRMM.

Objective:To analyze the clinical features and etiological results of neonatal central nervous system(CNS) infection and provide basis for optimization of pathogen detection strategy for CNS infection.Methods:We collected the clinical and laboratory data of hospitalized neonates with clinical diagnosis of CNS infection in the neonatal department at Hebei Provincial Children′s Hospital, from January 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021.The clinical manifestations of the enrolled neonates, as well as the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)pathogens detected by conventional and molecular biological detection techniques were analyzed.Laboratory characteristics of different kinds of pathogen were compared.Results:A total of 101 eligible neonates were enrolled.The median gestational age was 38.8(36.2, 39.6)weeks, with a prematurity rate 26.7%.There were 68 boys.The median age of onset was 9(2, 14)days.Blood culture was positive in 19(18.8%) cases, including 17 cases of bacteria and two cases of fungus.Positive findings were found in CSF specimens of 33(32.7%)cases by various methods including 13 bacteria, 19 viruses and one fungi.Streptococcus group B and Escherichia coli were the first two bacteria in CSF.Enterovirus was the most common virus in CSF.In terms of detection methods of CSF pathogens, seven cases(7/101, 6.9%) were detected by CSF culture, two cases(2/21, 9.5%)by smear, 22 cases(22/45, 48.9%)by single-virus targeted/multiplex polymerase chain reaction and four cases(4/7, 57.1%)by metagenomic next-generation sequencing.The CSF white blood cell counts, protein levels and blood C-reactive protein levels were higher in the cases with bacteria/fungi detection from CNS infection than in those with virus detection( P<0.05). Almost all neonates(98/101, 97.0%)were clinically cured or significantly improved before discharge.Two neonates were discharged against medical advice and one neonate was transferred to the other hospital after clinical improvement. Conclusion:Combined use of conventional and molecular biological detection techniques can significantly improve the etiological positive rate of neonatal CNS infection.Viral infection is not rare in the neonatal population.Our study demonstrated the spectrum of organism causing neonatal CNS infection, which provided a basis for the optimization of pathogen detection strategy.

Objective:To summarize the clinical manifestations, treatment and outcome of neonatal pseudo-Bartter syndrome caused by maternal hyperemesis gravidarum.Methods:This retrospective study collected the clinical data of a set of premature twins with pseudo-Bartter syndrome who were admitted to Hebei Children's Hospital in September 2022. Clinical features of the cases were summarized with descriptive analysis.Results:The twins born with a gestational age of 30 +3 weeks required tracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation due to premature birth and respiratory distress. They were transferred to our hospital 2 h after birth. The mother suffered from hyperemesis gravidarum and even had severe vomiting complicated by hypokalemia 3 d before delivery. The blood gas analysis of the twins at 2 h after birth showed severe metabolic alkalosis, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypochloremia and hyperlactatemia. Hyperglycemia appeared at 6 h after birth, and scleredema neonatorum at 24 h after birth. No significant abnormalities were found in the tandem mass spectrometer analysis of blood or urine samples. Whole-exome sequencing showed no abnormalities in the genes related to the phenotype. The twins were diagnosed with neonatal pseudo-Bartter syndrome. After symptomatic and supportive treatment, metabolic alkalosis and electrolyte disorders in the twins were completely resolved 4 d after birth. They were cured and discharged 51 d after birth without recurrence. Follow-up revealed no abnormalities in the physical or neurological development of the twins at 11 months after birth. Conclusions:Maternal hyperemesis gravidarum can lead to neonatal pseudo-Bartter syndrome, characterized by severe metabolic disorders as well as respiratory and circulatory dysfunction at the early stage after birth. Timely diagnosis and treatment are conducive to good prognosis in the affected neonates.

Objective To investigate the early diagnostic and the prognostic value of amplitude integrated e-lectroencephalography(aEEG)in neonates with hypoxic - ischemic encephalopathy( HIE). Methods The medical data subjects were admitted to the Department of Neonatology,Children's Hospital of Hebei Province from January 2012 to December 2013. Ninety term infants with HIE were divided into 3 groups(mild,moderate and severe),and they were investigated respectively by aEEG monitoring within 12 hours after birth,and all of the infants accepted cranial magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)on 3 to 7 days after birth. The outcomes by MRI were divided into 3 groups(mildly abnor-mal,moderately abnormal and severely abnormal). The findings of aEEG monitoring were divided into 3 groups(nor-mal,mildly abnormal and severely abnormal),the correlation between the findings of aEEG and the severity of HIE was analyzed. The correlation between the results of aEEG and severity of MRI were analyzed. Behavior evaluation of infants with HIE were applied by Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment(NBNA)score on 7 d,14 d,28 d after birth and prognostic evaluation of children with HIE was conducted based on Children's Development Center of China infants intelligence development test at 12 months of age. Results (1)Among 90 term infants with HIE,44 cases(48. 9% ) had mild HIE,29 cases(32. 2% )moderate and 17 cases(18. 9% )severe HIE;49 cases(54. 4% )had mildly ab-normal MRI,23 cases(25. 6% )moderately abnormal MRI and 18 cases(20. 0% )severely abnormal MRI;43 cases (47. 8% )had normal aEEG,25 cases(27. 8% )mildly abnormal and 22 cases(24. 4% )severely abnormal aEEG. (2)The findings of aEEG classification were correlated with the severity of HIE(r = 0. 970 7,P ﹤ 0. 001). The findings of aEEG classification were correlated with the severity of MRI(r = 0. 933 5,P ﹤ 0. 001).(3)NBNA score with severe-ly abnormal aEEG was obviously lower than that with the mildly abnormal aEEG. NBNA score on 7 d after birth:(14. 1 ± 4. 2)scores vs(32. 2 ± 2. 3)scores,on 14 d after birth:(17. 8 ± 5. 6)scores vs(33. 4 ± 2. 1)scores,on 28 d after birth:(18. 9 ± 8. 4)scores vs(34. 6 ± 2. 6)scores,and the difference was statistically significant(all P ﹤0. 05).(4)The infants with HIE were followed at 12 months of age. The development quotient mental development in-dex(MDI)and psychomotor development index(PDI)with severely abnormal aEEG were obviously lower than that with the mildly abnormal aEEG[MDI(65. 1 ± 4. 1)scores vs(89. 1 ± 6. 7)scores,PDI(67. 5 ± 10. 1)scores vs(90. 7 ± 8. 3)scores],the difference was statistically significant(all P ﹤ 0. 05). Conclusion It is indicated that aEEG can early evaluate the severity of HIE and help predict its neurological outcome.