Cyclopentolate-phenylephrine eye drops are commonly used for mydriasis during routine screening for retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants. Although systemic absorption is minimal, it can result in side effects. We report two cases of transient paralytic ileus associated with transient oxygen desaturation and hypertension following the use of cyclopentolate-phenylephrine eye drops.

In Singapore, the newborn screening programme was started in 1965 in order to reduce the high neonatal mortality and neurological morbidity owing to severe hyperbilirubinaemia caused by erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency. About 25 years later, the national newborn screening for congenital hypothyroidism was established. Subsequently, universal newborn hearing screening and screening for multiple inborn errors of metabolism using tandem mass spectrometry were introduced as national programmes in 2003 and 2006, respectively. All these programmes are widely accepted as standards of care, and practically every newborn is screened despite the absence of any legislation. Two other evidence-based bedside screening tests, namely pulse oximetry screening for critical congenital heart disorders and physical examination of the hips for developmental dysplasia of the hips with selected ultrasonographic screening have been widely performed in hospitals, and they are soon expected to be in the national screening programmes.

Perinatal asphyxia may be severe and affect the neurological system, causing hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Twenty-three term infants with HIE were studied over 3.5 years. Nine died and of the 14 survivors, eight were normal and the rest had abnormal neurological sequelae. Favourable prognostic markers were a 5 minute Apgar score > 5, first pH > 7.1, and stage I HIE. Despite standard neonatal intensive care management, the mortality and morbidity rates for these infants remained high.

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