Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network Research Articles

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm neonates receiving rescue inhaled nitric oxide in the first week of age: a cohort study

ObjectiveTo assess the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm neonates who received inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in the first week of age for hypoxaemic respiratory failure (HRF).MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, we...

Long-Term Neurodevelopmental Impairment among Very Preterm Infants with Sepsis, Meningitis, and Intraventricular Hemorrhage

Introduction: Sepsis and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) are associated with poorer long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm infants (VPIs), but less is known about the long-term effect of meningitis and the combined impact of both meningitis and IVH. Our objective was to examine the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of VPIs with late onset sepsis and meningitis, with and without IVH, in Canada. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all infants <29 weeks GA who were admitted to 26 tertiary-level neonatal intensive care units in the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) and Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network (CNFUN) databases, from January 1, 2010, to December 31, 2016. Results: Of the 6,322 infants in the cohort, 4,575 had no infection, 1,590 had late onset culture-positive bloodstream infection (CPBSI) only, and 157 had late onset meningitis. There was a significant (p < 0.05) trend of increasing rates of significant neurodevelopmental delay (sNDI) when comparing infants with no infection (sNDI rate 15.0%), late onset CPBSI (sNDI rate 22.9%), and late onset meningitis (sNDI rate 32.0%), even after adjustment for infant characteristics. Similar trends were observed for neurodevelopmental impairment, cerebral palsy, and individual Bayley-III scores <85 for cognitive, language, and motor development. There was an additive effect of IVH in all infant categories, but there was no multiplicative effect between IVH and late onset meningitis. Conclusion: There was an increasing trend of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes when infants with no infection, late onset CPBSI and late onset meningitis are compared. IVH had an additive effect.

54 Preterm Parents Identified Meaningful Outcomes: Involving Parents in Implementing Change

Abstract Background The Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network (CNFUN) reports on neurodevelopmental impairments (NDI) in the very preterm population but has never asked parents which outcomes and definitions are meaningful to them. The Parent Voices group conducted four studies which showed differences between parents and CNFUN perspectives on definitions, severity, composite outcomes, which outcomes, and the need to report positive as well as adverse outcomes. Disseminating and implementing change based on these results is the next essential step. Objectives To create consensus statements to guide evidence-based change. Design/Methods Using a modified Delphi method, Parent Voices results were reviewed and discussed with parents, clinicians and researchers in a virtual workshop in Oct 2021. The discussion was analyzed qualitatively to create statements, circulated for feedback, and 80% consensus statements identified by electronic polling. Priority items requiring further work were identified, working groups created, and results presented at a Sept 2022 workshop. Results In the 2021 workshop, 17 consensus statements were identified (7 from the Parent Voices results, 5 from the discussion, and 5 were out of scope). Actionable statements (n=11, Table 1) and items needing further work (n=6, Table 2) were identified and progress was made (Tables 1 and 2). To identify how to measure 7 outcomes which parents and stakeholders identified as important (child well-being, quality of life, socioemotional and behavioural, respiratory, feeding, sleeping, and caregiver well-being), working groups reviewed literature and made recommendations for minimal dataset and funded research at a virtual presentation with parent, clinicians, and researchers in Sept 2022. In the summer of 2022, the Canadian Premature Babies Foundation (CPBF), Parent-EPIQ team members and summer students disseminated the Parent Voices results to lay stakeholder groups via CPBF blogs and webinars. They also pursued a project identified in the 2021 workshop to educate parents about the role of Neonatal Follow-Up Programs using infographics and information sheets. Conclusion We have successfully collaborated with parent partners to implement the actionable results from our Parent Voices Project, and have a process to implement change when further work is required. Involving parents in research, knowledge dissemination and implementation can lead to changes that accurately represent the priorities of families.

62 Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Following Preterm Prelabour Rupture of Membranes Versus Spontaneous Preterm Birth among Infants Born at &amp;lt;29 Weeks of Gestation

Abstract Background Few studies examine differences in neurodevelopmental outcomes between spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB) and those additionally complicated by preterm prelabour rupture of membranes (PPROM). Objectives This prospective cohort study from the Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network compared mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes (Bayley-III scores &amp;lt;70 and &amp;lt;85, hearing/vision loss and cerebral palsy) at 18-24 months corrected age following PPROM versus sPTB among infants &amp;lt;29 weeks of gestation born between 2010-2018. Secondarily, this study compared neurodevelopmental outcomes between those with PPROM lasting 1-7 days, &amp;gt;7days, and sPTB. Design/Methods Differences in maternal-infant characteristics and neonatal morbidities were assessed by Chi-square and Student t-tests. Raw and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% CIs were calculated to compare outcomes. Results Study population included 4271 children, 1503 (35%) PPROM, 2768 (65%) sPTB. The sPTB group had younger mothers, and a higher proportion of maternal nulliparity, maternal hypertension, and outborn infants. In the neonatal period, PPROM neonates had lower rates of ROP and severe neurologic injury. Raw OR comparing PPROM vs. sPTB showed decreased mortality (OR: 0.75[0.65, 0.87]), and decreased total cerebral palsy rates (OR: 0.57 [0.41, 0.80]) (Table 1). Conclusion Among Canadian infants born at &amp;lt;29 weeks of gestation, PPROM lasting 1-7 days associated with decreased mortality and decreased rates of non-ambulatory cerebral palsy at 18-24 months corrected age when compared to sPTB. Such findings may be explained by heightened maternal/fetal care in PPROM cases. RESULTS Table1 Comparisons of the neurodevelopmental outcomes between exposure groups.

Hyperbilirubinemia Among Infants Born Preterm: Peak Levels and Association with Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

To describe the distribution of peak bilirubin levels among infants born before 29weeks of gestation in the first 14days of life and to study the association between quartiles of peak bilirubin levels at different gestational ages and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Multicenter, retrospective, nationwide cohort study of neonatal intensive care units in the Canadian Neonatal Network and Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network, including neonates born preterm at 220/7 to 286/7weeks of gestation born between 2010 and 2018. Peak bilirubin levels were recorded during the first 14days of age. Main outcome was significant neurodevelopmental impairment, defined as cerebral palsy with Gross Motor Function Classification System ≥3, or Bayley III-IV scores of <70 in any domain, or visual impairment, or bilateral hearing loss requiring hearing aids. Among 12 554 included newborns, median gestational age was 26weeks (IQR 25-28) and birth weight was 920 g (IQR 750-1105 g). The median peak bilirubin values increased as gestational age increased (112mmol/L [6.5mg/dL] at 22weeks and 156mmol/L [9.1mg/dL] at 28weeks). Significant neurodevelopmental impairment was identified in 1116 of 6638 (16.8%) of children. Multivariable analyses identified an association between peak bilirubin in the highest quartile and neurodevelopmental impairment (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.01-1.60) and receipt of hearing aid/cochlear implant (aOR 3.97, 95%CI: 2.01-7.82) compared with the lowest quartile. In this multicenter cohort study, peak bilirubin levels in neonates of <29weeks of gestation increased with gestational age. Peak bilirubin values in the highest gestational age-specific quartile were associated with significant neurodevelopmental and hearing impairments.

Fungal infection and neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18-30 months in preterm infants.

Invasive fungal infection (IFI) is associated with significant mortality and morbidity among preterm infants but there has been no population-based study of long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine population-based incidence trends as well as mortality, short term in-hospital morbidity and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes among preterm infants with IFI, non-fungal infections (NFI) and no infections in Canada. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 8,408 infants born at <29 weeks gestational age (GA), admitted to Canadian Neonatal Network neonatal intensive care units (NICU) from April 2009 to December 2017, and followed up at 18-30 months corrected age (CA) in Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network clinics. We compared mortality, long term neurodevelopmental outcomes and short term in-hospital morbidity among 3 groups of infants (IFI, NFI, and no infections). The incidence of IFI was 1.3%, non-IFI 26.9% and no infections 71.7%. IFI incidence varied between 0.93% and 1.94% across the study period with no significant trend over time. Infants of higher gestational age were significantly (p < 0.01) less likely to have IFI. Among infants with IFI, NFI and no infections, the incidence of the significant neurodevelopmental impairment (sNDI) was 44.26%, 21.63% and 14.84% respectively, while mortality was 50%, 25.35% and 22.25% respectively. Even after risk adjustment for confounders (GA, Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Version II, ruptured membranes >24 h, maternal antibiotic treatment, antenatal steroid use, cesarean section), infants with IFI had significantly higher odds of sNDI than NFI (aOR: 2.19; 95% CI: 1.23, 3.91) or no infections (aOR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.55, 5.71), and higher odds of mortality than NFI (aOR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.07, 2.26) or no infections (aOR: 1.45; 95% CI: 0.97, 2.17). Preterm infants with invasive fungal infections have significantly higher incidence of mortality and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes than those with non-invasive fungal infections and no infections.

Association of Postnatal Growth Changes and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Neonates of

To examine associations between weight and head circumference (HC) changes and neurodevelopment in preterm infants. This retrospective cohort study of Canadian Neonatal Network and Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network sites included preterm infants born 2010-2018. Logistic regression and model diagnostics evaluated relationships between changes in z score and velocity of weight and HC from birth to discharge from a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit, discharge to 18-24months corrected age (CA), and birth to 18-24months CA and significant cognitive/motor impairment at 18-24months CA classified using a Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition cognitive or motor composite score <70. In total, 4530 infants (53.0% male) with a mean (SD) gestational age of 26.3 (1.4) weeks and birth weight of 920 (227) g were included. Weight and HC changes were associated with lower odds of significant cognitive/motor impairment including an OR of 0.87 (95% CI: 0.83, 0.91; P< .001) for a 1-g/d increase in weight from discharge to 18-24months CA and 0.81 (95% CI: 0.75, 0.88; P< .001) for a 1-unit increase in HC z score from birth to 18-24months CA. Associations were not statistically significant in morbidity-free neonates. Weight and HC gains poorly discriminated between infants with and without significant cognitive/motor impairment (areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve of <0.64). No growth measure had a clinically useful balance of sensitivity and specificity. Weight and HC changes were associated with significant cognitive/motor impairment but had poor discriminatory capability. Neonatal morbidities may make a larger contribution than postnatal growth to neurodevelopment.

Timing of Systemic Steroids and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Infants < 29 Weeks Gestation

Objective: To determine the association between postnatal age (PNA) at first administration of systemic postnatal steroids (sPNS) for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and mortality or significant neurodevelopmental impairment (sNDI) at 18−24 months corrected age (CA) in infants < 29 weeks’ gestation. Methods: Data from the Canadian Neonatal Network and Canadian Neonatal Follow-up Network databases were used to conduct this retrospective cohort study. Infants exposed to sPNS for BPD after the 1st week of age were included and categorized into 8 groups based on the postnatal week of the exposure. The primary outcome was a composite of mortality or sNDI. A multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for potential confounders was used to determine the association between the sPNS and ND outcomes. Results: Of the 10,448 eligible infants, follow-up data were available for 6200 (59.3%) infants. The proportion of infants at first sPNS administration was: 8%, 17.5%, 23.1%, 18.7%, 12.6%, 8.3%, 5.8%, and 6% in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8−9th, and ≥10th week of PNA respectively. No significant association between the timing of sPNS administration and the composite outcome of mortality or sNDI was observed. The odds of sNDI and Bayley-III motor composite < 70 increased by 1.5% (95% CI 0.4, 2.9%) and 2.6% (95% CI 0.9, 4.4%), respectively, with each one-week delay in the age of initiation of sPNS. Conclusions: No significant association was observed between the composite outcome of mortality or sNDI and PNA of sPNS. Among survivors, each week’s delay in initiation of sPNS may increase the odds of sNDI and motor delay.

15 Ranking and rating severity: stakeholder perspectives of neurodevelopmental impairment after preterm birth

Abstract Background Children born very preterm are at increased risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). NDI rates are used to make critical healthcare decisions. The Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network (CNFUN) defines severe NDI at age 18–24 months as Bayley-III Cognitive, Motor or Language composite scores &amp;lt;70, need for hearing aids or cochlear implants, bilateral visual impairment or non-ambulatory cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Classification System level 3 or higher). This definition was developed using the perspectives of clinicians and scientists. Stakeholders including parents/caregivers, persons born preterm and community partners have never been asked how they categorize disabilities and rank different impairments. Objectives To evaluate stakeholder perspective of severity of disability and ranking of different health conditions all defined as severe by CNFUN using clinical vignettes. Design/Methods Ten clinical vignettes describing 18 month old children with combinations of single and multiple impairments based on the CNFUN definition of severe NDI and one clinical vignette describing a child without NDI (control) were co-developed by clinicians and parents. The survey of 11 vignettes was distributed to: (1) British Columbian parents of very preterm children during follow-up clinic visits; and (2) Canadian and international parents, families, individuals with lived experience with prematurity and/or NDI and their social networks using a snowball sampling technique. Participants rated the severity of each vignette on a scale from 0 (worst possible health) to 10 (best possible health) and answered if they perceived the vignette to represent a severe disability. Results were analyzed descriptively and mean differences from the control were compared using a linear mixed effects model. Results 827 participants and 4553 vignettes were completed with no significant difference by population sampled. Participants classified the clinical vignettes as describing a severe condition ranging from 5% for the cognitive delay vignette to 55% for the cerebral palsy and language delay vignette. Mean difference in rank compared to control is shown in Figure 1. Only the ranking of the latter vignette was significantly different from the control. Conclusion Most key stakeholders do not perceive clinical vignettes describing CNFUN definitions of severe NDI as truly severe. Components of severe NDI rank differently but only the cerebral palsy and language delay vignette varies significantly. Current CNFUN definitions of severe NDI need to be revised.

Impact of Differing Language Background Exposures on Bayley-III Language Assessment in a National Cohort of Children Born Less than 29 Weeks' Gestation.

Preterm infants are at risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially language delay. Preterm infants < 29 weeks’ gestational age, cared for in Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network affiliated hospitals, were assessed between 18 to 21 months corrected age using the Bayley-III. Bayley-III Language Composite Scores were compared using univariate and multivariate analyses for children in three primary language groups: English, French and other. 6146 children were included. The primary language at home was English, French or another language for 3708 children (60%), 1312 children (21%) and 1126 children (18%), respectively, and overall, 44% were exposed to two or more languages at home. Univariate analysis showed that primary language was associated with lower Bayley-III Language scores; however, multivariate analyses demonstrated that neither primary language nor language of administration were significantly associated with lower language scores when adjusted for gestational age, other developmental delays and sociodemographic factors, but multiple language exposure was. Sociodemographic and other factors are more important in determining language development than primary language at home. Further studies are needed to examine the association between exposure to multiple languages and lower Bayley-III language scores in preterm infants.

Neurodevelopmental consequences of early plasma sodium changes in very preterm infants.

BackgroundSodium fluctuations in very preterm neonates and their neurodevelopmental consequences are not well described.MethodsWe assessed the changes in plasma sodium and glucose in the first days of life in very preterm neonates and studied the association of glucose-corrected plasma sodium fluctuations on neurodevelopmental outcomes. We included 147 consecutive neonates born before 29 weeks of gestation in our center and retrospectively obtained plasma sodium, glucose, and glucose-corrected sodium levels. Neurodevelopmental assessment was obtained from the Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network.ResultsMean ± standard deviation of plasma sodium changes within the first 10 days of life were 16.2 ± 6.0, 14.8 ± 5.3, and 11.1 ± 5.2 mmol/l in neonates born ≤25, 25–26, and 26–27 weeks of gestation, respectively (p < 0.001). Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration was associated with larger plasma sodium fluctuation. Eighty-six percent had a known neurological status at 18 months. Higher fluctuations in glucose-corrected plasma sodium were associated with death or neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 months corrected age (B = 3.19, 95% CI [1.24, 5.14]), and this association remained after adjustment for gestational age (B = 2.1, 95% CI [0.16, 4.04]).ConclusionsNeonates born very preterm show fluctuations in glucose-corrected plasma sodium during the first days of life, which may increase the risk of death or developmental impairment.Impact Risk factors and neurodevelopmental consequences of plasma sodium changes in early neonatal life of preterm infants are not well characterized.This study shows for the first time that glucose-corrected plasma sodium fluctuations within the first days of life are more severe in preterm infants receiving non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and are associated with death or neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 months corrected age.Large plasma sodium and glucose fluctuations should be expected more often in preterm infants receiving NSAIDs and should be avoided.

6 Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Extremely Preterm Infants with Late-Onset Bacterial Sepsis According to Type of Bacteria

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background Late-onset sepsis (LOS) is associated with adverse neonatal outcome. There is limited data on the long-term neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes of infants based on type of bacteria causing LOS. We hypothesize that the type of bacterial pathogen causing late-onset sepsis influences the developmental outcome in extremely preterm infants. Objectives To compare the neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes at 18-24 months corrected age (CA) of infants born &amp;lt; 29 weeks who had late-onset sepsis (LOS) caused by: (1) gram-positive bacteria; (2) gram-negative bacteria; (3) mixed (both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria); and (4) those with no sepsis (that is, no sepsis or culture-negative sepsis). Design/Methods In this retrospective multicentre cohort study, we studied infants born at &amp;lt;29 weeks’ gestational age (GA) between January 2010 and December 2017 and evaluated for neurodevelopmental assessment at 18–24 months’ CA at nine Canadian Neonatal Follow-up Network centers. Infants with early-onset sepsis, major congenital anomalies, those who received palliative care at birth, those who died before 2 days of age, those with non-bacterial infections, and those lost to follow up were excluded. Exposure is late-onset sepsis (LOS) which is defined as the presence of a pathogenic organism in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture obtained from a neonate suspected of having sepsis after 2 days of age. The primary outcome was a composite of death or ND impairment (NDI) defined as the presence of any one of the following: cerebral palsy, Bayley-III score of &amp;lt;85 on any one of the components (Cognitive, Language, Motor composite score), hearing loss, and visual impairment. Demographic factors and ND outcomes were compared among the four groups using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results Of the 3640 infants included, 823 (22.6%) had late-onset sepsis (LOS). Of the 823 infants with LOS, 569 (69.1%) infants had gram-positive sepsis, 172 (20.9%) had gram-negative sepsis, and 82 (10%) had mixed sepsis. Maternal and neonatal characteristics and outcome are reported in Table 1. Outcome data after adjustment for gestational age (GA), sex, antenatal steroids, SNAP-II score, small for gestational age (SGA), maternal age, and caesarian delivery are presented in Table 2. Conclusion Late-onset bacterial sepsis, especially gram-negative sepsis and mixed infections, were associated with increased risk of composite outcome of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), or NDI alone, at 18-24 months corrected age (CA) in infants &amp;lt;29 weeks’ gestational age (GA).

Parent-reported health status of preterm survivors in a Canadian cohort

ObjectivesHealth status (HS)/ health-related quality of life measures, completed by self or proxy, are important outcome indicators. Most HS literature on children born preterm includes adolescents and adults with limited...

Family integrated care: very preterm neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 months

ObjectiveTo examine whether the family integrated care (FICare) programme, a multifaceted approach which enables parents to be engaged as primary caregivers in the neonatal intensive care unit, impacts infant neurodevelopment...

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of singleton large for gestational age infants

To compare neurodevelopmental outcomes of large and appropriate for gestational age (LGA, AGA) infants <29 weeks' gestation at 18-24 months of corrected age. Retrospective cohort study using the Canadian Neonatal Network and Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network databases. Primary outcome was a composite of death or significant neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), defined as severe cerebral palsy, Bayley III cognitive, language and motor scores of <70, need for hearing aids or cochlear implant and bilateral visual impairment. Univariate and multivariable logistic analyses were applied for outcomes. The study cohort comprised 170 LGA and 1738 AGA infants. There was no difference in significant NDI or individual components of the Bayley III between LGA and AGA groups. LGA was associated with the increased risk of death by follow-up, 44/170 (25.9%) vs. 320/1738 (18.4%) (aOR: 1.60 95% CI: 1.00-2.54). Risk of NDI was similar between LGA and AGA infants.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants conceived by assisted reproductive technology

There have been concerns about the development of children conceived through assisted reproductive technology. Despite multiple studies investigating the outcomes of assisted conception, data focusing specifically on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology and born preterm are limited. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestation at 18 to 24 months' corrected age who were conceived through assisted reproductive technology and those who were conceived naturally. This retrospective cohort study included inborn, nonanomalous infants, born at <29 weeks' gestation between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, who had a neurodevelopmental assessment at 18 to 24 months' corrected age at any of the 10 Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network clinics. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 24 months, defined as the presence of any of the following: cerebral palsy; Bayley-III cognitive, motor, or language composite score of <85; sensorineural or mixed hearing loss; and unilateral or bilateral visual impairment. Secondary outcomes included mortality, composite of mortality or neurodevelopmental impairment, significant neurodevelopmental impairment, and each component of the primary outcome. We compared outcomes between infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology and those conceived naturally, using bivariate and multivariable analyses after adjustment. Of the 4863 eligible neonates, 651 (13.4%) were conceived using assisted reproductive technology. Maternal age; education level; and rates of diabetes mellitus, receipt of antenatal corticosteroids, and cesarean delivery were higher in the assisted reproduction group than the natural conception group. Neonatal morbidity and death rates were similar except for intraventricular hemorrhage, which was lower in the assisted reproduction group (33% [181 of 546] vs 39% [1284 of 3318]; P=.01). Of the 4176 surviving infants, 3386 (81%) had a follow-up outcome at 18 to 24 months' corrected age. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for gestational age, antenatal steroids, sex, small for gestational age, multiple gestations, mode of delivery, maternal age, maternal education, pregnancy-induced hypertension, maternal diabetes mellitus, and smoking showed that infants conceived through assisted reproduction was associated with lower odds of neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.86) and the composite of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.84). Conception through assisted reproductive technology was associated with decreased odds of a Bayley-III composite cognitive score of <85 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.99) and composite language score of <85 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.88). Compared with natural conception, assisted conception was associated with lower odds of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially cognitive and language outcomes, at 18 to 24 months' corrected age among preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestation. Long-term follow-up studies are required to assess the risks of learning disabilities and development of complex visual-spatial and processing skills in these children as they reach school age.

42 The Impact of Home Respiratory Support on Developmental Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants

Abstract Introduction/Background Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common complication of extreme prematurity and may require prolonged home respiratory support. BPD is associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcomes but the impact of home respiratory support on neurodevelopmental outcomes, rehospitalization rates and association with caregiver sociodemographics is less well studied. Objectives This study examines the impact of home respiratory support on neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm infants at 18-24 months corrected gestational age. Design/Methods This linked Canadian Neonatal Network and Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network (CNFUN) multicenter cohort study of infants born April 1, 2009-December 31, 2016 at &amp;lt;29 weeks’ gestational age assessed at 18-24 months corrected age at a CNFUN site compared significant neurodevelopmental impairment rates, rehospitalization rates and sociodemographics in children with and without home respiratory support using Chi-square and student t-tests. Results Of the 3918 infants, 622 (15.9%) received home respiratory support. As expected, infants on home respiratory support had a lower gestational age (mean 25.5 vs 26.5 weeks, p &amp;lt; 0.01), lower birth weight (mean 781 vs 955 grams, p &amp;lt; 0.01), longer NICU stay (mean 118 vs 76 days, p &amp;lt; 0.01) and more comorbidities: late onset sepsis (35.1% vs 22.9%, p &amp;lt; 0.01), NEC ≥ stage 2 (8.9% vs 5.9%, p = 0.01), grade 3-4 IVH or PVL (12.7% vs 8.4%, p &amp;lt; 0.01) and ROP ≥ grade 3 (28% vs 10.8%, p &amp;lt; 0.01). Infants on home respiratory support had higher significant neurodevelopmental impairment rates defined as Bayley-III motor, cognitive, language scores &amp;lt;70, nonambulatory cerebral palsy (GMFCS ≥ 3), hearing and/or visual impairment rates (Table 1), rehospitalization rates (63.3% vs 29.2%, p &amp;lt; 0.01) and &amp;gt;3 rehospitalizations (19.8% vs 5.0%, p &amp;lt; 0.01). With home respiratory support, fewer families had paid employment and more were on social welfare. Conclusion Children born preterm who are discharged home on respiratory support, compared to those without home support, are more likely to experience neurodevelopmental impairment and rehospitalization, and may have an adverse impact on family income. This is important for discharge planning and follow-up care of these high risk children.

Association between Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability in Extremely Premature Infants and Mortality or Neurodevelopmental Impairment at 18 to 24 Months

To examine the association between mortality or neurodevelopmental impairment at 18-24months of corrected age and the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS) score on admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in extremely premature infants. Retrospective cohort study of extremely premature infants (inborn and outborn) born at 22-28weeks of gestational age and admitted to NICUs in the Canadian Neonatal Network between April 2009 and September 2011. TRIPS scores and clinical data were collected from the Canadian Neonatal Network database. Follow-up data at 18-24months of corrected age were retrieved from the Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network database. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Edition III. The primary outcome was death or significant neurodevelopmental impairment at 18-24months of corrected age. The secondary outcomes were individual components of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Edition III assessment. A total of 1686 eligible infants were included. A TRIPS score of ≥20 on admission to the NICU was significantly associated with mortality (aOR 2.71 [95% CI, 2.02-3.62]) and mortality or significant neurodevelopmental impairment (aOR 1.91 [95% CI, 1.52-2.41]) at 18-24months of corrected age across all gestational age groups of extremely premature infants. The TRIPS score on admission to the NICU can be used as an adjunctive, objective tool for counselling the parents of extremely premature infants early after their admission to the NICU.

Risk factors for re-hospitalization following neonatal discharge of extremely preterm infants in Canada.

Survivors of extremely preterm birth are at risk of re-hospitalization but risk factors in the Canadian population are unknown. Our objective is to identify neonatal, sociodemographic, and geographic characteristics that predict re-hospitalization in Canadian extremely preterm neonates. This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective observational cohort study that included preterm infants born 22 to 28 weeks' gestational age from April 1, 2009 to September 30, 2011 and seen at 18 to 24 months corrected gestational age in a Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network clinic. Characteristics of infants re-hospitalized versus not re-hospitalized are compared. The potential neonatal, sociodemographic, and geographic factors with significant association in the univariate analysis are included in a multivariate model. From a total of 2,275 preterm infants born at 22 to 28 weeks gestation included, 838 (36.8%) were re-hospitalized at least once. There were significant disparities between Canadian provincial regions, ranging from 25.9% to 49.4%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors associated with an increased risk for re-hospitalization were region of residence, male sex, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, prolonged neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay, ethnicity, Indigenous ethnicity, and sibling(s) in the home. Various neonatal, sociodemographic, and geographic factors predict re-hospitalization of extremely preterm infants born in Canada. The risk factors of re-hospitalization provide insights to help health care leaders explore potential preventative approaches to improve child health and reduce health care system costs.

Neonatal follow-up programs in Canada: A national survey

A 2006 Canadian survey showed a large variability in neonatal follow-up practices. In 2010, all 26 tertiary level Neonatal Follow-Up clinics joined the Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network (CNFUN) and agreed to implement a standardized assessment (including the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-III (Bayley-III) at 18 months corrected age for children born < 29 weeks' gestation. It is unknown whether the variability in follow-up practices lessened as a result. To describe the current status of neonatal follow-up services in Canada and changes over time. A comprehensive online survey was sent to all tertiary level CNFUN Follow-up programs. Questions were based on previous survey results, current literature, and investigator expertise and consensus. Respondents included 23 of 26 (88%) CNFUN programs. All sites provide neurodevelopmental screening and referrals in a multidisciplinary setting with variations in staffing. CNFUN programs vary with most offering five to seven visits. Since 2006, assessments at 18 months CA increased from 84% to 91% of sites, Bayley-III use increased from 21% to 74% (P=0.001) and eligibility for follow-up was expanded for children with stroke, congenital diaphragmatic hernia and select anomalies detected in utero. Audit data is collected by > 80% of tertiary programs. Care became more consistent after CNFUN; 18-month assessments and Bayley-III use increased significantly. However, marked variability in follow-up practices persists.