Sascha Meyer

Universität des Saarlandes | UKS · Klinik für Allgemeine Pädiatrie und Neonatologie

Background Umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) are often used in preterm infants. Their use is associated with complications (infections, clot formation, organ injury). Very preterm infants with acquired bloodstream infection are at a higher risk for death and important morbidities (e.g., adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes). It is standard clinical...

Background Congenital heart defects (CHD) are still associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze trends of mortality rates in patients with CHD between 1998 and 2018 in Germany. Methods Data of registered deaths with an underlying diagnosis of CHD were used to evaluate annual mortality between 1998 and...

Background: Vaccination is an essential preventative medical intervention, but needle fear and injection pain may result in vaccination hesistancy. Study purpose: To assess the role of magic tricks – no trick vs. one trick („disappearing handkerchief trick“) vs. three tricks (“disappearing handkerchief trick“, “jumping rubber band trick“, and “disa...

Background This study analyzes the RSV season 2021/2022 in a referral children’s hospital, compares the epidemiology and illness severity with RSV-infected inpatients from 2016 to 2020 and audits the adherence to our internal therapy standard for RSV bronchiolitis. Material and methods Inpatients with rtPCR-confirmed RSV infection (Jan. 2016 to Jan...

This report highlights the early and unusual detection of a pneumopericardium by echocardiography prior to potential development of cardiocirculatory compromise. It is important to consider pneumopericardium into the differential diagnosis when difficulties arise in the visualization of the heart by conventional echocardiography. Pneumopericardium...

To explore the effect of a daily goal checklist on pediatric cardiac intensive care unit (PCICU) length of stay (LOS) after congenital heart surgery. This study is a prospective randomized single-center study. Group characteristics were as follows: STANDARD group: n = 30, 36.7% female, median age 0.9 years; control group: n = 33, 36.4% female, medi...

Background: The diagnostics of autism spectrum disorder is complex due to missing biological markers and numerous comorbidities. The aim was to assess the role of neuropediatric diagnostics and to develop a standard operating procedure for a targeted assessment. Method: All patients presenting to the neuropediatric outpatient clinic at Saarland...

Background: Umbilical venous catheters (UVCs) are used for central vascular access in preterm infants, but controversy exits with regard to the optimum dwell-time. Patients and methods: Prospective, randomized controlled trial at a level III University neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), comparing a UVC dwell-time of 1-7 days (control group) to...

Objective The aim of this study was to provide seizure etiology, semiology, underlying conditions, and out‐of‐ and in‐hospital diagnostics, treatment, and outcome data on children with out‐of‐ or in‐hospital‐onset status epilepticus (SE) according to the International League Against Epilepsy definition that required admission to the pediatric inten...

Purpose We evaluated the host-response marker score “BV” and its components TRAIL, IP-10, and CRP in SARS-CoV-2 positive children, and estimated the potential impact on clinical decision-making. Methods We prospectively analyzed levels of TRAIL, IP-10, CRP, and the BV score, in children with suspected COVID-19. Classification of infectious etiolog...

Background: Early prognostication of COVID-19 severity will potentially improve patient care. Biomarkers, such as TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), interferon gamma-induced protein 10 (IP-10), and C-reactive protein (CRP), might represent possible tools for point-of-care testing and severity prediction. Methods: In this prospective coh...

Background: As neonates are susceptible for many diseases, establishing non-invasive diagnostic methods is desirable. We hypothesized that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could be successfully measured in diaper samples. Methods: We performed a feasibility study to investigate whether ambient air-independent headspace measurements of the VOC p...

Importance: The inclusion of less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) in the care of preterm infants has been found to be beneficial for respiratory outcomes. Recently, the OPTIMIST trial found higher mortality rates in the subgroup of infants born at 25 to 26 weeks' gestational age (GA) who received surfactant treatment while spontaneously...

Background and objective Umbilical venous catheters (UVC) and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are commonly used in preterm infants but have been associated with a number of serious complications. We performed a survey in Austria and Germany to assess the use of UVCs and PICCs in preterm infants with a birth weight < 1250 g and associ...

Pseudotumor cerebri (PTC) is defined as a rare disease with a pathological increase in intracranial pressure of unknown origin. The aim of this retrospective study was to establish a uniform diagnostic and therapeutic protocol for children and adolescents for the Saarland University Medical Center. Data from 28 patients with pseudotumor cerebri age...

Background : Early prognostication of COVID-19 severity will potentially improve patient care. Biomarkers such as TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), interferon gamma-induced protein-10 (IP-10), and C-reactive protein (CRP) might represent possible tools for point-of-care-testing and severity prediction. Methods : In this prospective co...

Background: The therapeutic landscape of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) has changed dramatically during the last 4 years but treatment responses differ remarkably between individuals and therapeutic decision-making remains challenging - underlining the persistent need for validated biomarkers. Methods: We applied untargeted proteomic analyses to...

Zusammenfassung Der Pott-Puffy-Tumor (PPT) stellt als bakterielle Infektion des Sinus frontalis mit subperiostaler und intrakranieller Abszessbildung eine seltene Erkrankung in der Pädiatrie dar. Nachfolgend präsentieren wir vier Fälle eines PPT, die bei zwei Kindern (6 und 9 Jahre) und bei zwei jungen Erwachsenen (17 und 19 Jahre) auftraten. Alle...

Background Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is a rare but serious complication of infection with SARS-CoV-2. A possible involvement of pathogenetically relevant autoantibodies has been discussed. Recently, neutralising autoantibodies against inflammatory receptor antagonists progranulin and interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL...

Background As neonates are susceptible for many diseases, establishing non-invasive diagnostic methods is desirable. We hypothesized that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) could be successfully measured in diaper samples. Methods We performed a feasibility study to investigate whether ambient air-independent headspace measurements of the VOC profi...

Pott’s puffy tumor (PPT) is an infection of the frontal sinus with subperiosteal and intracranial abscess formation and one of the rare entities in pediatrics. We present a series of four cases of PPT that occurred in two children (6 and 9 years) and in two young adults (17 and 19 years). All patients were treated by an interdisciplinary team of pe...

Background Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), a multisystem genetic disorder, affects many organs and systems, characterized by benign growths. This German multicenter study estimated the disease-specific costs and cost-driving factors associated with various organ manifestations in TSC patients. Methods A validated, three-month, retrospective ques...

Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed drugs in children’s hospitals, which is why regular monitoring of antibiotic use in hospitals is of great importance. This retrospective audit (60 months, January 2014 – December 2018) analyzes the antibiotic consumption at a university inpatient department of general pediatrics including neonata...

Objective This study aimed to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in children and adolescents with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and quality of life (QOL) and depressive symptoms among caregivers. Methods Adequate metrics were used to assess HRQOL in children and adolescents with TSC (4–18 years, KINDLR) as well as QOL (EQ-5D) and sy...

Congenital heart disease comprises one of the largest groups of congenital defects, affecting approximately 1% of births. Advances in pre- and postoperative critical care treatment as well as surgery and interventional procedures have improved survival rates, but treatment and long-term care of children with complex congenital heart disease remains...

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C or PIMS) is a rare but serious complication after an infection with SARS-CoV-2. A possible involvement of pathogenetically relevant autoantibodies has been discussed. Recently neutralizing autoantibodies against anti-inflammatory receptor antagonists progranulin (PGRN) and IL-1-receptor antagonis...

Umbilical venous and peripherally inserted central venous catheters are often used in preterm infants, but complications include late-onset catheter-associated infections. Conversely, other sites of infection have to be taken into account in the case of clinical deterioration. In this Image in Science and Medicine paper, we report on a preterm infa...

Described herein is a case of distended abdomen in a 4-year-old boy with a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt due to bilateral intraventricular hemorrhage following premature birth. Physical examination and laboratory tests revealed tenderness in the lower quadrants, with mild leukocytosis and normal C‑reactive protein levels. X‑ray demonstrated an in...

Background: Histologic chorioamnionitis is only diagnosed postnatally which prevents interventions. We hypothesized that volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the amniotic fluid might be useful biomarkers for chorioamnionitis and that VOC profiles differ between amnionitis of different origins. Methods: Time-mated ewes received intra-amniotic inject...

Background The approval of everolimus (EVE) for the treatment of angiomyolipoma (2013), subependymal giant cell astrocytoma (2013) and drug-refractory epilepsy (2017) in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) represents the first disease-modifying treatment option available for this rare and complex genetic disorder.Objective The objective...

In their retrospective analysis including 59 preterm infants with a birth weight ranging from 318 to 500 g (56% of neonates ≤3rd percentile) and gestational age from 23 to 29 weeks, Goeral et al. demonstrated that 88% received standard care; and survival rate was 37% for all live births and 42% for infants with standard care [1]. Neurodevelopmental...

Abstract Background Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a monogenetic, multisystemic disease characterised by the formation of benign tumours that can affect almost all organs, caused by pathogenic variations in TSC1 or TSC2. In this multicentre study from Germany, we investigated the influence of sociodemographic, clinical, and therapeutic factors...

Background: Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a monogenetic, multisystem disorder characterized by benign growths due to TSC1 or TSC2 mutations. This German multicenter study estimated the costs and related cost drivers associated with organ manifestations in adults with TSC. Methods: A validated, three-month, retrospective questionnaire asses...

We report on an 11-year old pediatric cancer patient with T-lymphoblastic lymphoma who acquired a severe SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia immediately after the start of oral maintenance treatment with mercaptopurine. He was admitted to our hospital on day 7 after onset of symptoms (day 5 after diagnosis). Due to respiratory failure, he was transferred to the p...

This study is aimed at detecting the rate of untimely immunization in a large cohort of extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) of the German Neonatal Network (GNN) and at addressing risk factors for delayed vaccination and associated long-term consequences. We performed an observational study of the GNN between 1st January 2010 and 31st De...

This article focuses on particular aspects of infection prevention concerning the treatment of high-risk neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Furthermore, some aspects regarding severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) prevention and management in this setting are included. In addition we emphasize the important ro...

A 4-year old girl was admitted to our hospital after she collapsed at home while having dinner. She had a history of recurrent upper airway infections and wheezing, which were being treated with inhaled β2-adrenoceptor agonist, as an outpatient. On examination in our emergency department, the patient was tachycardic and tachypnoeic with subcostal r...

Significant progress in prenatal care has decreased the incidence of rhesus incompatibility, which may result in hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). This case report describes an unusual presentation of HDFN in a preterm infant delivered by caesarean section with isolated massive abdominal fluid collection as the leading clinical sig...

Background Analgosedation is often used for endotracheal intubation in neonates, but no consensus exists on the optimal pre-procedural medication. Aims To compare the time to intubation and vital signs during and after intubation in 2 NICUs using different premedication protocols. Methods Prospective observational study in 2 tertiary NICUs, compari...

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Synkopen im Kindes‑/Jugendalter sind häufig und meist gutartig. Mögliche kardiale Synkopen müssen durch sorgfältige Basisdiagnostik (Anamnese (I), körperliche Untersuchung (II), Elektrokardiografie (III)) und ggf. weiterführender Diagnostik ausgeschlossen werden. Fragestellung Wurde die Diagnostik bei Vorliegen einer S...

In their prospepective study in very preterm neonates, De Kort et al. analysed the effects of different propofol starting doses as premedication for endotracheal intubation on blood pressure (1.0 mg/kg (n = 30), 1.5 mg/kg (n = 23) or 2.0 mg/kg (n = 26)) [1]. The authors demonstrated that propofol caused a dose‐dependent profound and protracted drop...

Zusammenfassung Hintergrund Die Muskeldystrophie Duchenne (DMD) ist die häufigste genetische neuromuskuläre Krankheit im Kindesalter, bei der es meist im Alter von 9 bis 11 Jahren zum Verlust der Gehfähigkeit kommt. Ziel der Arbeit und Material und Methoden Auf der Grundlage aktueller Leitlinien und Studien erarbeiteten neuropädiatrische und neur...

Background Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applies positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and has been shown to reduce the need for intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation in very low birth weight infants with respiratory distress syndrome. However, CPAP failure rates of 50% are reported in large randomized controlled trial...

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fped.2019.00442.].

Aim: To evaluate the role of cerebral ultrasonography studies (CUSS) in detecting intracerebral and cranial pathologies (hemorrhages, ischemia, skull fractures) in near-term and term neonates following assisted vaginal delivery. Patients and methods: Prospective single-center study (11/2017-11/2018) at the University Children's Hospital of Saarl...

Since 2012, a colonization screening (CoS) for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (MRGN) in very low birth weight infants (VLWBI) was implemented in order to provide a basis for an effective empiric therapy of subsequent nosocomial infections (NI). According to antibiotic stewardship, carbapenems should be reserved for NI caused by MRGN or...

Background: In patients with neurosurgical interventions requiring dura reconstruction, the use of bovine graft material may be required. Patients and methods: Case report. Results: We present a 12-year-old girl with a profound graft reaction with severe neurologic symptoms mimicking post-neurosurgical bacterial meningitis after resection of a...

Background: PHACE syndrome is a rare inborn condition characterized by large facial hemangiomas and variable malformations of the arterial system, heart, central nervous system, and eyes. According to Orphanet estimates, the prevalence is <1.0 per million. Data from Europe are limited to small case series, and there are no population-based data av...

Aims Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene with a broad spectrum of physical and psychological manifestations. The aim of the study was to examine incontinence, psychological problems, and adaptive behavior skills in patients with TSC. Methods Through a worldwide TSC suppor...

Background Controversy exists regarding the impact of small for gestational age (SGA = birth weight < 10th percentile) status on mortality and major morbidities. Aim To assess the effects of SGA on mortality and major morbidities in ≤750 gram (g) neonates. Study design Retrospective (01/2005–12/2017), single center study at a tertiary NICU. Subj...

Intensiv-pflichtiger Status epilepticus ab dem 29. Lebenstag Seit 01.07.2019 werden über einen Zeitraum von mindestens einem Jahr alle neu diagnostizierten Patientinnen/Patienten mit intensiv-pflichtigem Status epilepticus (≥4 Stunden stationäre intensivmedizinische Behandlung) im Hinblick auf Behandlung, klinischen Verlauf und Outcome erfasst.

Herr Professor Dr. med. Ludwig Gortner, geboren 1950 in Pirmasens, hat sein berufliches Leben 40 Jahre lang in den Dienst an kranken Früh- und Neugeborenen, Kindern und Jugendlichen gestellt.

Introduction: Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a genetic disease affecting the second motor neuron, causing progressive muscle atrophy and weakness due to decreased expression of the survival motor neuron. Different subtypes exist, type 2 being one of the most frequent ones. These patients show a high incidence of scoliosis requiring surgery. In 2...

Aim: To provide data on the inadequate use of emergency medical transports services (EMTS) in children and underlying contributing factors. Methods: This was a prospective single-center cohort study (01/2017-12/2017) performed at the Saarland University Children's Hospital, Homburg, Germany. Patients ≤20 years of age transported by EMTS for suspect...

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fped.2018.00316.].

Background Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X‑linked recessive neuromuscular disorder. In children without corticosteroid therapy, progressive muscular weakness is associated with loss of ambulation on average by the age of 9.5 years. Objective, material and methods On the basis of current guidelines, a group of experts in this field...

Aim To assess the role of the TAND (tuberous sclerosis complex [TSC] associated neuropsychiatric disorders) checklist as a screening tool for neuropsychiatric pathology, to evaluate behavioral and psychiatric symptoms and related parental stress in children with TSC, and to analyze associations between parental stress, TAND findings, and TSC pathol...

Background: Early and non-invasive diagnosis of common diseases is of gr eat importance in the care of preterm infants. We hypothesized t hat volatile organic compounds (VOC) can be successfully measured in the neonata l incubator atmosphere. Methods: This is a feasibility study to investigate whether the discr imination of occupied and unoccupied...

An ever‐increasing body of data has demonstrated a close link between poverty and an increased risk for developing chronic non‐communicable diseases and psychopathology. A study by Anand et al, published in Acta Paediatrica, studied the effects of socioeconomic adversity on the health on 1,503 pregnant girls and women aged 16–40 years without pregn...

Background: Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a rare multisystem disorder. In 2012 diagnostic criteria for TSC were revised. However, data on the incidence of TSC are limited. Methods: Prospective, national surveillance study in Germany over a 2-year-period (03/2015-02/2017) using current revised criteria for TSC. Patients up to the age of 18...

About 15% of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) cases are caused by point mutations leading to premature stop codons and disrupted synthesis of the dystrophin protein. Stop codon read-through therapy is available with the drug Ataluren (Translarna® by PTC Therapeutics). Following positive results in ambulatory nmDMD (non-sense mutation Duchenne musc...

Aim We assessed the risk factors for transient acute kidney injury in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants treated for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) using the serum creatinine‐based criteria in Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes. Method This retrospective study of infants requiring ibuprofen and, or, surgery for haemodynamic relevant PDAs...

Aim: To correlate nucleated red blood cell counts and serum lactate concentrations on day 2 and 5 of life with morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight infants and to determine corresponding cutoff values. Methods: Retrospective analysis in a cohort of very low birth weight infants. Results: 250 very low birth weight infants were inclu...

Background: The German Paediatric Surveillance Unit (ESPED) was founded in 1992 to generate incidence data and detailed clinical descriptions of rare, childhood-onset diseases. Methods: Retrospective analysis of the ESPED epidemiological data collection from 1992-2017, and analysis of all published national and international publications origina...

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease with a significant morbidity and mortality. We conducted a retrospective analysis of two cohorts (Vall d'Hebron University Hospital [HVH], Barcelona, Spain, 1982–2015, and at Saarland University Medical Center [UKS], Homburg, Germany, 1998–2015) to assess prevalence and treatment of TSC associat...

Zusammenfassung Obschon die intrauterine Exposition gegenüber Drogen vom Typ Opioide, Cannabinoide sowie Kokain eine nicht ganz seltene Entität ist, liegen nur wenige systematische Arbeiten zu deren langfristigen Konsequenzen für die Entwicklung Betroffener vor. Wesentliche Konsequenzen der Exposition gegenüber Opioiden sind innerhalb der ersten 2...

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a rare genetic multisystem disease, which can affect almost every organ. Autosomal-dominant mutations in either the TSC1 or TSC2 genes account for the majority of cases. The skin, the central nervous system, heart, lungs and kidneys are commonly affected. Intellectual disability, epilepsy and other severe neurolo...

Objectives: Somatic development is impaired in children with congenital heart defects (CHDs), and head circumference seems to be a strong predictor of neurodevelopmental prognosis. The aim of this study was to generate up-to-date reference values for the somatic development (head circumference, body weight, and length/height) of children with CHDs...