Dear Readers and Authors

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00004_s_006">
<h3>Background</h3>
<p>Congenital H-type tracheo-oesophageal fistula (H-TOF ) accounts for 4%–5% of all congenital tracheo-oesophageal malformations. We present our experience in managing 18 cases with congenital H-TOF at a tertiary institute over a 10-year period.</p></sec>
<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00004_s_007">
<h3>Methods</h3>
<p>Records of all patients with congenital H-TOF managed from January 2009 to December 2018 in the Department of Paediatric Surgery at a tertiary institute were retrospectively analysed based on the age at presentation, gender, antenatal ultrasonography findings; birth history; details of previous hospitalisations, previous treatment details, presenting symptoms and associated anomalies; time to diagnosis; radiological investigations performed, bronchoscopy findings, intraoperative details, complications and postoperative follow-up.</p></sec>
<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00004_s_008">
<h3>Results</h3>
<p>Totally 18 patients with congenital H-TOF were managed over a 10-year period. There were 12 females and six males. Six patients had associated anomalies. There was wide variation in age at the start of symptoms (3 days–4 years) and presentation/referral to us (15 days–12 years). Four patients were diagnosed to have H-TOF at first admission. The most common presenting symptom was recurrent pneumonias (n=18). Bronchoscopy was done in all patients, and fistula was diagnosed and cannulated before surgery. The fistula was present at C8–T1 in 14 patients. The median age at surgery was 12 months. In 17 patients, the fistula was repaired by the cervical approach. There were two deaths, and 16 patients are doing well on median follow-up of 8 years.</p></sec>
<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00004_s_009">
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Congenital H-TOF should be considered in differential diagnosis while managing patients with recurrent lower respiratory tract infection and ‘coughing and choking episodes’; early diagnosis and management of the associated H-TOF is important for improved survival and outcome.</p></sec>

</abstract>

Congenital H-type tracheo-oesophageal fistula: An institutional review of a 10-year period

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00014_s_008">
<h3>Background</h3>
<p>There are limited data on factors that determine viral load (VL) in congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) might influence individual host response to infection. This study aimed to investigate the association between SNPs in genes encoding cytokines or cytokine receptors and VL in newborns with cCMV.</p>
</sec>
<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00014_s_009">
<h3>Material and methods</h3>
<p>Eight polymorphisms (IL1B rs16944, IL12B rs3212227, IL28B rs12979860, CCL2 rs1024611, DC-SIGN rs735240, TLR2 rs5743708, TLR4 rs4986791 and TLR9 rs352140) were analyzed in study population of 233 newborns, including 92 cCMV-infected newborns (73 symptomatic and 19 asymptomatic) by TaqMan SNP Predesigned Genotyping Assays. The association analysis was performed using SNPStats software and STATISTICA10.</p>
</sec>
<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00014_s_010">
<h3>Results</h3>
<p>The association between IL12B polymorphism and viruria was observed (<italic>p</italic> = 0.029). In multiple comparison tests, heterozygous T/G genotype of IL12B was associated with higher viruria than T/T genotype (<italic>p</italic> = 0.041) in cCMV-infected newborns. In allele analysis, T allele of IL12B was associated with higher viremia (<italic>p</italic> = 0.037) in symptomatic newborns. We observed higher VL in symptomatic newborns in comparison to asymptomatic (median viremia: 1.7 × 10<sup>4</sup> copies/mL vs. 2.0 × 10<sup>3</sup> copies/mL (<italic>p</italic> = 0.002), median viruria: 1.0 × 10<sup>7</sup> copies/mL versus 6.9 × 10<sup>5</sup> copies/mL (<italic>p</italic> = 0.001), respectively).</p>
</sec>
<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00014_s_011">
<h3>Conclusions</h3>
<p>IL12B rs3212227 was associated with VL in cCMV. Symptomatic newborns had significantly higher viremia and viruria. The role of SNPs in pathogenesis of cCMV warrants further investigations.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms and viral load in congenital cytomegalovirus infection

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00016_s_006">
<h3>Background</h3>
<p>Foetal growth restriction (FGR) complicates about 25–47% of twin pregnancies. One or both foetuses can be restricted. Pregnancies with discordant growth of foetuses are associated with a sevenfold increased risk of neonatal morbidity.</p>
</sec>
<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00016_s_007">
<h3>Materials and methods</h3>
<p>This is a narrative or traditional literature review. A literature search was performed to present a comprehensive, critical and objective analysis of the current knowledge on growth restriction in twin pregnancies.</p>
</sec>
<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00016_s_008">
<h3>Results</h3>
<p>The definitions of FGR in twin pregnancies and selective FGR (sFGR) differ between international societies. In 2019, the Delphi procedure aimed to unify the definitions of sFGR in twin pregnancies. Several growth charts for twins have been published. However, most societies recommend singleton growth charts as better in detecting hypoxic complications of FGR in twin pregnancies. Discordant growth in twins results from placental insufficiency, congenital anomalies, chromosomal aberrations and TORCH infections.</p>
</sec>
<sec id="j_jmotherandchild.20202404.d-20-00016_s_009">
<h3>Conclusions</h3>
<p>Definitions and management of sFGR depend on chorionicity. The management aims to protect the properly growing foetus from ischemic complications or in utero death. In most cases, expectant management, strict surveillance and preterm labour are the methods of choice. Due to the co-existence of properly growing and small foetuses in one uterus, determining the appropriate time for delivery is challenging. In the case of preterm labour, even late preterm, antenatal corticosteroid therapy (ACT) in FGR twin pregnancies is beneficial because it decreases neonatal morbidity.</p>
</sec>
</abstract>

Is growth restriction in twin pregnancies a double challenge? – A narrative review

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>The patient, a boy born in 1991, showed pronounced polyostotic fibrous dysplasia due to McCune–Albright syndrome, as well as Gilbert syndrome and Charcot–Marie–Tooth neuropathy caused by a <italic>DNM2</italic> mutation. In addition, the patient, his sister, mother and maternal grandfather had intermittently increased plasma arginine and lysine levels, most probably due to heterozygosity for a novel pathogenic <italic>SLC7A2</italic> variant.</p></abstract>

A Patient with neonatal cholestasis

<abstract xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">

<p>Pathological gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER) is one of the most common complications that results in the aftermath of treatment of congenital oesophageal atresia (EA). The aim of this study is to present a case of a 7-year-old girl with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) operated on in the neonatal period due to EA with a lower tracheo-oesophageal fistula (TEF). The patient, despite the use of adequate conservative treatment, clinically and in the endoscopic examination was diagnosed with severe oesophagitis (LA-D in the Los Angeles classification). After a laparoscopic fundoplication by the Nissen method at the age of 4, a transient clinical improvement and a reduction of inflammatory lesions in the oesophagus were obtained. Three years after the procedure, the patient presented with deterioration of GERD clinical symptoms in the form of: regularly occurring vomiting with periodic admixture of fresh blood, recurrent cough, symptoms of dysphagia and failure to thrive. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (upper GI endoscopy) revealed significant progression of inflammatory changes in the oesophagus and the two-level oesophageal stricture together with endoscopic signs of wrap disruption. Based on the conducted diagnostics, the girl was qualified for surgical revision. The diagnosis was confirmed intraoperatively. During the 4-month postoperative period, a significant clinical improvement and resolution of symptoms were observed. The presented case indicates the need for close and long-term monitoring of patients after EA. In the case of a recurrent reflux oesophagitis in patients after anti-reflux surgery, the possibility of prolonged complications, such as a wrap disruption, herniation or slippage should be taken into consideration.</p></abstract>

Management with wrap disruption after Nissen fundoplication in a child with gastro-oesophageal reflux after congenital oesophageal atresia: A case report and minireview

AHEAD OF PRINT

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Journal of Mother and Child

The history of the title Relatively new only by the title, the Journal of Mother and Child (JMC) has a long tradition of being issued for nearly 25 years. The journal is a direct successor of a former periodical: Developmental Period Medicine/Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego. The change of the journal title from Developmental Period Medicine to Journal of Mother and Child took place on January 01, 2020. The archive papers under the old name can be found at: journals.indexcopernicus.com.  The Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland, has been publishing the journal Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego (ISSN 1428-345X) since 1997. That title stems from another journal: Problemy Medycyny Wieku Rozwojowego (ISSN 0303-2264), issued by the Institute in the years 1972-1990. Since 1998 until the end of 2019, the English language translation: Developmental Period Medicine (e-ISSN 2354-0060) was used on the title page. Since 2020, the quarterly Developmental Period Medicine changed its English-language title to the one being more to the point, to: Journal of Mother and Child (ISSN 2719-6488; e-ISSN 2719-535X).　  Thus, until December 31, 2019, the journal was titled Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego (ISSN 1428-345X) / Developmental Period Medicine (e-ISSN 2354-0060), and from January 1, 2020 it is published further under the title Journal of Mother and Child/Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego (ISSN 2719-6488; e-ISSN 2719-535X). In other words, there is an uninterrupted continuation of issuing of the journal from 1997 to the present. Title modifications on the way reflected more and more focused selection of topics of interest and increasing role of English language in medical sciences. With our international readership visibly broadened over the last years and with the solely English-language contents, we intend to abandon the title’s Polish translation (subheading: ‘Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego’) in the near future.  The former version of this journal: Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego / Developmental Period Medicine was indexed in PubMed / Medline and as such was entered into other databases. Journal of Mother and Child / Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego continues to be indexed in PubMed / Medline.  Cooperating societies:  The title is published in association with the Polish Society of Perinatal Medicine and the Polish Society of Inborn Errors of Metabolism.     Aims &amp; Scope  JMC is a peer reviewed, diamond open access journal dedicated to disseminating basic and applied research related to the health of mother and child. The journal’s ambition is to create a platform for presenting original results from all areas of research studies that aim to improve human maternal, fetal, neonatal, and child health, reflecting the connection between clinical and basic science. We at JMC strongly believe that translational medicine should support interdisciplinary collaboration, which usually results in important scientific papers. We accept original research papers, review articles, editorials, short communications and case studies.  JMC‘s scope is based on a holistic approach towards the patient, covering all medical aspects of health of a mother and her child, including such important life sciences areas as origins of disease, modern diagnostic tools, effective up-to-date treatment, long-term health consequences, nutrition, psychology, as well as social and bioethical issues. Most importantly, we focus on the patient throughout all stages of life, from early years, i.e. prenatal and perinatal periods, through early childhood and childhood to adolescence and adulthood (including maternal health). JMC follows a concept of the systems medicine, looking at the human body as part of an integrated whole which incorporates biomolecular, physiological and environmental interactions.  JMC also encourages submissions of papers pertaining to rare diseases which may be a good model for a study on common disorders and thus revealing novel pathomechanisms and conditions.  Journal metrics  Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego  Cite Score (2020) 0.9Cite Score (2019) 0.8Ministry of Education and Science (Poland) Journal Rating Scale - Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego – 20 points (2019-2021)SCImago Journal Rank (2021) 0.154SCImago Journal Rank (2020) 0.215SCImago Journal Rank (2019) 0.210h-index 17  Journal review process  Journal of Mother and Child is double-blind peer reviewed journal.  Article processing charges  The journal has no article processing charges (APCs) and article submission charges.  Archiving  Sciendo archives the contents of this journal in Portico - digital long-term preservation service of scholarly books, journals and collections.  Plagiarism Policy  The editorial board is participating in a growing community of Similarity Check System's users in order to ensure that the content published is original and trustworthy. Similarity Check is a medium that allows for comprehensive manuscripts screening, aimed to eliminate plagiarism and provide a high standard and quality peer-review process.  EDITORIAL POLICIES AND ETHICAL STANDARDS 　  The Institute of Mother and Child, Warsaw, Poland, the owner of the Journal of Mother and Child (JMC) / Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego is committed to upholding standards of ethical behaviour at all stages of the publication process. Editorial Board of the Journal follow closely the industry associations, such as the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICJME), World Association of Medical Editors (WAME), Council of Science Editors that set standards and provide guidelines for best practices in order to meet these requirements.  Duties and responsibilities of Authors  The Author(s) is obliged to prepare and send the article in accordance with the requirements set out in the Instructions for Authors. 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Journal of Mother and Child

Volume 24 (2020): Issue 4 (December 2020)

Editorial

Dear Readers and Authors

Original article

Congenital H-type tracheo-oesophageal fistula: An institutional review of a 10-year period

Association between single nucleotide polymorphisms and viral load in congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Case study

Is growth restriction in twin pregnancies a double challenge? – A narrative review

A Patient with neonatal cholestasis

Management with wrap disruption after Nissen fundoplication in a child with gastro-oesophageal reflux after congenital oesophageal atresia: A case report and minireview

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