Function In Preterm Infants Research Articles

Developmental Outcomes of Preterm Infants Enrolled in a Randomized Clinical Trial of a Parent-Administered Sensorimotor Intervention in the NICU

Abstract Date Presented 03/22/24 This study revealed that a parent-administered sensorimotor intervention can enhance motor function in preterm infants, supporting the importance of OT’s advocacy for early parent-delivered interventions in the neonatal intensive care unit. Primary Author and Speaker: Sandra Fucile Contributing Authors: Laurie Snider, Kimberly Dow

Investigation of influencing factors and reference ranges for thyroid function in hospitalized preterm infants at the age of 7 days

To investigate the influencing factors and reference ranges for thyroid function in preterm infants at the age of 7 days, with the aim of avoiding unnecessary clinical reexamination and intervention. A retrospective analysis was performed for the data of 685 preterm infants from January 2020 to January 2023. According to gestational age and birth weight, they were divided into a high-risk group (gestational age <34 weeks or birth weight<2 000 g; 228 infants) and a low-risk group (gestational age ≥34 weeks and birth weight ≥2 000 g;457 infants). The influencing factors for thyroid function were analyzed, and 95% reference range was calculated. Gestational age, birth weight, birth season, sex, and assisted reproduction were the influencing factors for thyroid function (P<0.05). For the preterm infants in the high-risk group, the reference ranges of free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4), total triiodothyronine (TT3), total thyroxine (TT4), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were 2.79-5.40 pmol/L, 8.80-25.64 pmol/L, 0.80-2.15 nmol/L, 50.06-165.09 nmol/L, and 0.80-18.57 μIU/mL, respectively. For those in the low-risk group, the reference ranges of these indicators were 3.08-5.93 pmol/L, 11.17-26.24 pmol/L, 1.02-2.27 nmol/L, 62.90-168.95 nmol/L, and 0.69-13.70 μIU/mL, respectively. FT3, FT4, TT3, and TT4 were positively correlated with gestational age (P<0.05); FT3, FT4, TT3, and TT4 were positively correlated with birth weight (P<0.05); TSH was negatively correlated with birth weight (P<0.05). Thyroid function in preterm infants at the age of 7 days is affected by the factors such as gestational age and birth weight, and the reference ranges of thyroid function in preterm infants at the age of 7 days should be established based on gestational age and birth weight.

Biventricular function in preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus ligation: A three-dimensional echocardiographic study

BackgroundThe detailed hemodynamics after patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation in preterm infants remain unknown. We aimed to clarify the effect of surgical ligation on left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) volume and function.MethodsEchocardiography was performed in 41 preterm infants (median gestational age: 25 weeks) before and after PDA ligation. Global longitudinal strain was determined using three-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography. These values were compared with those in 36 preterm infants without PDA (non-PDA).ResultsPreoperatively, the PDA group had greater end-diastolic volume (EDV) and cardiac output (CO) in both ventricles, a higher LV ejection fraction (LVEF) (53% vs 44%) and LV global longitudinal strain, and a lower RVEF (47% vs 52%) than the non-PDA group. At 4–8 h postoperatively, the two groups had a similar LVEDV and RVEDV. However, the PDA group had a lower EF and CO in both ventricles than the non-PDA group. At 24–48 h postoperatively, the RVEF was increased, but the LVEF remained decreased, and LVCO was increased.ConclusionsPDA induces biventricular loading and functional abnormalities in preterm infants, and they dramatically change after surgery. Three-dimensional echocardiography may be beneficial to understand the status of both ventricles.ImpactPreterm infants are at high risk of hemodynamic compromise following a sudden change in loading conditions after PDA ligation.Three-dimensional echocardiography enables quantitative and serial evaluation of ventricular function and volume in preterm infants with PDA.PDA induces biventricular loading and functional abnormalities in preterm infants, and they dramatically change after surgery.

Cardiac biomarkers and left ventricular systolic function in former very preterm infants and term controls at preschool age.

Due to improvements in perinatal care, survival rates of preterm infants have improved during the last decades. However, these infants remain at risk of developing cardiovascular sequelae later in life. This study aimed to investigate the cardiac biomarkers and left ventricular systolic function in former preterm infants in comparison with term controls at preschool age. The study included children aged 5-7 years old born below 32 weeks of gestational age. The control group consisted of same-age children born at term. Basic data of study participants were collected using questionnaires and follow-up databases. During the study visit, we recorded anthropometric data and blood pressure readings, determined high-sensitive cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT) and N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) concentrations, and calculated fractional shortening (FS) and left ventricular mass (LVM). Term-born (n = 25; median gestational age, 40.1 weeks) compared with preterm-born infants (n = 80; median gestational age 29.6 weeks) showed no significant differences in the median concentration of hs-cTnT [median, 3.5 (IQR 3.5; 3.5) vs. 3.5 (3.5; 3.5) ng/L, p = 0.328] and the median concentration of NT-pro-BNP [median, 91.0 (IQR 40.8; 150.3) vs. 87.5 (50.1; 189.5) ng/L, p = 0.087]. FS and LVM/LVMI were not significantly different between the two groups. At preschool age, we observed no significant differences in cardiac biomarkers and left ventricular systolic function in preterm infants. Further studies are warranted to explore the potential of cardiac biomarkers as a prognostic tool for subclinical cardiac alterations after preterm birth.

The Role of CysC Levels as Biomarkers for Renal Function in the Use of Gentamicin for Preterm Infants Aged 28-36 Weeks with Neonatal Sepsis: A Narrative Literature Review

Premature infants with neonatal sepsis often require antibiotics, such as Gentamicin, commonly used in the NICU to treat suspected Gram-negative infections associated with neonatal sepsis. However, to limit the risk of nephrotoxicity associated with minimum levels, the use of high-dose Gentamicin with extended dosing intervals has been widely adopted in NICU clinical practice. Gentamicin use can impact kidney function. The examination of Cystatin C (CysC) levels as a biomarker to assess kidney function and nephrotoxicity due to antibiotic use is highly recommended, especially in premature infants. Gentamicin use in preterm infants can influence CysC levels as a biomarker for kidney function. The correlation between Gentamicin use, changes in CysC levels, and the impact on kidney function highlights the need for strict monitoring of these parameters. This study concludes that CysC levels can be a crucial indicator in assessing the impact of Gentamicin use on kidney function in preterm infants with neonatal sepsis. Routine monitoring of CysC levels can aid in early identification of potential kidney issues and support appropriate clinical decision-making in the use of antibiotics for this vulnerable preterm infant population.

Social predictors of breastfeeding and the impact of interventions on breastfeeding of preterm infants: A longitudinal study.

The multifaceted benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants include enhanced neurodevelopment and immune function in preterm infants. However, more research is needed to understand the unique factors affecting breastfeeding practices in preterm infants. This study aimed to identify key social predictors of breastfeeding in preterm infants and assess the effectiveness of specific interventions on their feeding practices during the first six months postpartum. A prospective, monocentric, longitudinal study involving a cohort of 201 preterm infants was executed at the Neonatology Department, Ceske Budejovice Hospital, Czech Republic, from January 2020 to January 2023. The STROBE guidelines were used. The study results elucidated a transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding and formula within the infants' first six months. Notable social predictors of breastfeeding encompassed factors such as the number of children in the household, the mother's marital status, and the nature of housing. Certain interventions, including immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and child, and initiation of nutritive feeding within the first half-hour post-birth, significantly influenced the probability of breastfeeding. The data underscored that social predictors and nursing interventions substantially shape the breastfeeding practices of preterm infants during the first six months postpartum. Inequities in health outcomes among premature infants can be effectively curbed through comprehensive care models that account for socioeconomic factors influencing breastfeeding.

CHARACTERISTICS OF PANCREATIC EXOCRINE FUNCTION IN PREMATURE INFANTS WITH PERINATAL PATHOLOGY

Introduction. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the incidence of preterm birth is 10-15%, demonstrating with a consistent upward trajectory. Preterm infants exhibit immature and limited exocrine function of the pancreas during the first weeks of life that impedes enteral feeding and leads to the development of malnutrition and malabsorption.&#x0D; The aim of this study is to investigate the indicators of pancreatic exocrine function in premature infants with perinatal pathology. Materials and methods. The study included 91 premature infants with clinical manifestations of moderate and severe perinatal pathology with signs of disorders of the functional state of the digestive system (group I, gestational age 29 (0/7) - 36 (6/7) weeks) and 57 generally healthy newborns (group II, gestational age 35 (0/7) - 36 (6/7) weeks). The list of laboratory parameters characterizing the functional state of the pancreas in newborns includes: trypsin, amylase and lipase activity in blood serum. Statistical processing of data was performed using the software “STATISTICA” (StatSoft Inc., USA, version 10), program MedCalc (https://www.medcalc. org/index.php). Comparison of quantitative indicators with normal distribution was performed using Student’s t-test. The difference in parameters was considered statistically significant at p&lt;0.05. Results. Newborns of group I had clinical signs of food intolerance including weakened or absence of sucking reflex, regurgitation, stasis, intestinal paresis with delayed meconium and transitional stools, flatulence. Indicators of exocrine pancreatic function in newborns of the experimental group showed a decrease in the activity of trypsin, lipase, and amylase in blood serum compared with those in children of the control group. Conclusions. Clinical signs of dysfunction of digestive system in newborns are characterized by weakened or absence of sucking reflex, regurgitation, intestinal stasis and paresis, delayed passage of meconium and transitional stools, flatulence. Low activity of pancreatic enzymes in blood serum in the presence of gastrointestinal disorders confirms the primary exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, which impairs the assimilation of food ingredients in prematurely infants.

Lung function in preterm infants at 3 months corrected age after neonatal LC-PUFA supplementation.

To test the hypothesis that long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LC-PUFA) supplementation improves lung function at 3 months corrected age (CA) compared with standard treatment in very preterm infants. We also aimed to investigate the association between bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), longitudinal growth, and lung function at 3 months CA. A secondary analysis from the ImNuT trial, in which 121 infants with gestational age <29 weeks were randomized to a daily supplement with arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (ARA:DHA group) or MCT-oil (control group) from birth up to 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Lung function was assessed at 3 months CA by tidal flow volume loops and the outcomes were the ratio of time to peak tidal expiratory flow to expiratory time (tPTEF /tE ) and tidal volume (VT ) per body weight (mL/kg). Thirty-nine infants in the ARA:DHA group versus 51 in the control group had a successful lung function test. There was no mean difference (MD) in tPTEF /tE ratio (MD: 0.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.04 to 0.05; p = .77) or VT (MD: 0.09 mL/kg, 95% CI: -0.79 to 0.62; p = .81) between the study groups. The multivariable regression model showed that BPD was associated with tPTEF /tE ratio ≤ 0.25 (p = .03) and that an increase in z score for length after 36 weeks PMA correlated positively with VT (mL/kg) (p = .03). Neonatal LC-PUFA supplementation did not improve lung function at 3 months CA in very preterm infants. BPD was independently associated with reduced lung function, while improved linear growth correlated with higher tidal volumes.

Longitudinal Assessment of Preterm Infants Treated with Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents.

We previously reported improved neurodevelopment at 2 and 4 years among preterm infants treated with erythropoietin or darbepoetin, known as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). We now characterize longitudinal outcomes through 6 years. Children randomized to ESAs or placebo were evaluated at 6 years. Healthy-term children served as controls. Tests of cognition and executive function (EF) were performed. Cognitive/EF scores remained similar between 4 and 6 years within each group (ESA: 43 children; placebo: 17 children; term: 21 children). ESA recipients scored higher than placebo on Full-Scale IQ (94.2±18.6 vs 81.6±16.7, p=0.022), and Performance IQ (97.3±16.2 vs 81.7±15.2, =0.005). Aggregate EF trended better for the ESA group. Term controls scored better than placebo on all measures. ESA and term controls scored similarly on cognitive and EF tests. ESA recipients had better outcomes than placebo recipients, and were similar to term children. ESAs may improve long-term cognition and executive function in preterm infants.

The effects of massage therapy and white noise application on premature infants’ sleep

AimSleep is vital to premature infants’ physical, social and emotional development. The significance of sleep duration, efficiency, and function in premature infants regarding growth development, behavior and neurological development has been increasing. Materials and methodsThis study was conducted in a randomized controlled experimental design with three groups. Premature infants at 28–37 weeks of gestation who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Şanlıurfa Mehmet Akif İnan Training and Research Hospital Haliliye Annex Building were the research population. The sample of the present study consisted of 120 premature infants in the massage therapy group (40), white noise group (40), and control group (40). ResultsThe sleep duration and sleep efficiency of the premature infants in the massage group increased compared to before the application, whereas the number of awakenings and WASO values decreased. The sleep duration of premature infants in the massaged group increased by some five hours. In the white noise group, the sleep duration increased by about two hours than the pre-treatment, and there was an increase in sleep efficiency. White noise application provided a significant decrease in the number of awakenings and WASO values in premature infants. ConclusionIn this experimental study, which was designed with three groups, it was revealed that massage and white noise application in premature infants were significant non-pharmacological methods to increase sleep duration and sleep efficiency. It was concluded that massage therapy and white noise application is one of the considerable interventions regarding sleep duration, efficiency and functions in premature infants who left the intrauterine period early.

Echocardiography algorithms to assess high left atrial pressure and grade diastolic function in preterm infants.

Relaxation, restoring forces, myocardial stiffness and atrial function determine left ventricular (LV) diastolic function. This study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of diastolic function in preterm infants using conventional echocardiography and speckle tracking imaging and determine the diagnostic accuracy of various algorithms to detect high left atrial pressure (LAP). Preterm infants received an echocardiogram 1week after birth and diastolic reference values were derived from the outer percentiles of stable preterm infants. Impaired relaxation, LV stiffness and high LAP were defined by using algorithms where at least half of the parameters were outside the normal range. Diastolic function was graded using the 2016 American Society of Echocardiography algorithm and expanded with the EA ratio and left atrial strain. The diagnostic accuracy of various algorithms to detect high LAP was determined with sensitivity analysis. We studied 146 infants (59 stable) with a mean of 27(1) weeks gestation. Impaired relaxation, LV stiffness and high LAP were found in 8%, 7%, and 14% of infants. The patent ductus arteriosus was a contributing factor to high LAP and LV stiffness, not impaired relaxation. Diagnostic accuracy improved from 90% to 96% and sensitivity from 40% to 90% by adding left atrial strain to the 2016 algorithm. Various grades of diastolic dysfunction could be appreciated in preterm infants using a multi-parameter approach. Adding left atrial strain improved sensitivity to detect infants with high LAP.

Analysis of the value of echocardiographic parameters in the early diagnosis of preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

The objective of this study was to investigate the role of echocardiographic parameters in diagnosing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Ninety preterm infants with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks and a weight less than 1.5 kg, admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the hospital between January 2020 and January 2021, were selected for the study. The study subjects were divided into two groups: a BPD group (54 cases, observation group) and a non-BPD group (36 cases, control group). The correlation between tricuspid regurgitation (TR) velocity and BPD was investigated by detecting the cardiac function of preterm infants in both groups using a color Doppler ultrasound diagnostic instrument and analyzing the cardiac ultrasound results. The early prediction efficiency of TR velocity (m/s) for BPD was evaluated using the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve. The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and pulmonary hypertension (PH) in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group. The levels of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular shorting fraction (LVFS) were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The incidence of patent foramen ovale (PFO), atrial septal defect (ASD), and ventricular septal defect (VSD) in the observation group were not significantly different from the control group (p > 0.05). The proportion of tricuspid regurgitation in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group, and the TR velocity was significantly higher than that in the control group. The Spearman correlation analysis showed that TR velocity (m/s) was positively correlated to BPD severity (r = 0.379, p < 0.05). The area under the curve (AUC) for predicting BPD with TR velocity was 0.735. The sensitivity and specificity were 88.0% and 62.6%, respectively, when the TR velocity was 1.45 m/s. Echocardiography is useful for understanding the degree of impaired cardiac function in preterm infants and for early detection of PH, which may reduce the mortality rate to a certain extent. The risk of BPD is significantly increased when TR velocity is higher than 1.45 m/s.

Red cell infusion but not saline is effective for volume expansion in preterm piglets.

A common first-line treatment for supporting cardiovascular function in preterm infants is volume expansion using saline, but this does not improve outcomes. This study aimed to determine if volume expansion with saline increases blood volume, blood pressure and cerebral oxygenation; and if volume expansion with packed red blood cells (RBC) is more effective. We hypothesized that RBC infusion is more effective than saline for increasing blood volume and maintaining cardiovascular function and cerebral oxygenation. Five groups of preterm piglets (98/115d gestation) were infused with saline (10 or 20 mL/kg) or RBC (10 or 20 mL/kg) or no treatment. Blood volume, blood pressure, central venous pressure, heart rate, carotid flow, cerebral oxygenation, arterial pH, base excess, and lactate levels were assessed for 6 h after treatment started. Both RBC groups had significant increases in blood volume, and improved measures of cardiovascular function, cerebral oxygenation and metabolic acidosis. Saline infusion did not increase blood volume or measures of cardiovascular function, cerebral oxygenation or metabolic acidosis. The results suggest that the deteriorating cardiovascular function in the hours after birth in preterm piglets, and possibly in premature babies, may be reversed or halted by more effective support of blood volume. Blood volume decreases after birth in preterm piglets and this decrease is associated with deteriorating cardiovascular function and cerebral oxygenation. Infusion of saline does not increase blood volume nor prevent deterioration in cardiovascular function. Infusion of packed red blood cells results in an increase in blood volume and improvements in cardiovascular function and cerebral oxygenation. Deteriorating cardiovascular function in the hours after birth in preterm piglets, and possibly in human preterm neonates, may be reversed or halted by more effective support of blood volume.

Different Settings of Nonsynchronized Bilevel Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Respiratory Function in Preterm Infants: A Pilot Study.

With this study, we evaluated the short-term effects of different modes and settings of noninvasive respiratory support on gas exchange, breathing parameters, and thoracoabdominal synchrony in preterm infants in the acute phase of moderate respiratory distress syndrome. A feasibility crossover trial was conducted in neonates < 32 weeks' gestation on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (n-CPAP) or bilevel n-CPAP. Infants were delivered the following settings in consecutive order for 10 minutes each: • n-CPAP (5 cm H2O) • bilevel n-CPAP 1 (Pres low = 5 cm H2O, Pres high = 7 cm H2O, T-high = 1 second, rate = 30/min) • n-CPAP (5 cm H2O) • bilevel n-CPAP 2 (Pres low = 5 cm H2O, Pres high = 7 cm H2O, T-high = 2 second, rate = 15/min) • n-CPAP (5 cm H2O). During each phase, physiologic parameters were recorded; the thoracoabdominal synchrony expressed by the phase angle (Φ) and other respiratory patterns were monitored by noncalibrated respiratory inductance plethysmography. Fourteen preterm infants were analyzed. The mean CPAP level was significantly lower in the n-CPAP period compared with bilevel n-CPAP 1 and 2 (p = 0.03). Higher values were achieved with bilevel n-CPAP 2 (6.2 ± 0.6 vs. 5.7 ± 0.5 cm H2O, respectively; p < 0.05). No statistical difference in the Φ was detected, nor between the three settings. Our study did not show any superiority of bilevel n-CPAP over n-CPAP. However, nonsynchronized bilevel n-CPAP might be helpful when additional pressure is needed. · There is currently a high degree of uncertainty about the superiority of one modality and setting of noninvasive respiratory over another.. · Our study confirmed that non-synchronized bilevel n-CPAP might be helpful when additional pressure is needed for recruitment.. · A T-high of 1 second could possibly be better tolerated in this population, but further research is needed..

Flicker electroretinogram in newborn infants

PurposeTo develop and validate a flicker electroretinogram (ERG) protocol in term-born neonates as a potential tool for assessing preterm infants at risk of developing retinopathy of prematurity.MethodsA custom flicker ERG protocol was developed for use with the hand-held RETeval® electrophysiology device. Feasibility of measuring flicker ERG through closed eyelids and without mydriasis was established in a pilot study enabling optimisation of the test protocol. Following this, healthy term-born neonates (gestational age 37–42 weeks) were recruited at the Neonatology clinic of the University Hospital Zurich. Flicker ERG recordings were performed using proprietary disposable skin electrodes during the first four days of life when the infants were sleeping. Flicker stimuli were presented at 28.3 Hz for a stimulus series at 3, 6, 12, 30, and 50 cd·s/m2, with two measurements at each stimulus level. Results were analysed offline. Flicker ERG peak times and amplitudes were derived from the averaged measurements per stimulus level for each subject.Results28 term-born neonates were included in the analysis. All infants tolerated the testing procedure well. Flicker ERG recording was achieved in all subjects with reproducible flicker ERG waveforms for 30 and 50 cd·s/m2 stimuli. Reproducible ERGs were recorded in the majority of infants for the weaker stimuli (with detectable ERGs in 20/28, 25/28, and 27/28 at 3, 6, and 12 cd·s/m2, respectively). Flicker ERG amplitudes increased with increasing stimulus strength, with peak times concurrently decreasing slightly.ConclusionFlicker ERG recording is feasible and reliably recorded in sleeping neonates through closed eyelids using skin electrodes and without mydriasis. Flicker ERG amplitude decreases for lower luminance flicker but remains detectable for 3 cd·s/m2 flicker in the majority of healthy term-born neonates. These data provide a basis to study retinal function in premature infants using this protocol.

Cystatin C and lipocalin — endogenous markers of glomerular filtration in children born prematurely

The need to search for new markers of the functional state of the kidneys is increasing due to the gain in the number of extremely premature infants. The review analyzes publications on the possibilities of assessing kidney function using cystatin C and lipocalin in children born prematurely. The constant rate of cystatin C production in all tissues, its elimination through the renal glomerular filter, the absence of secretion in the proximal tubules, as well as independence from many factors, including gender, age, diet, inflammation are ideal conditions for its use as an endogenous biochemical marker of glomerular filtration. Due to biochemical features, the analysis of serum levels of cystatin C was established to be a promising method in the diagnosis of acute renal injury (AKI) in premature infants. For a comprehensive assessment of kidney function in premature infants, simultaneous determination of lipocalin and cystatin C levels in the blood may be important. At the same time, the evaluation of these indicators may have diagnostic significance in predicting the development of chronic kidney disease in children who underwent AKI in infancy. The absence of reference values of lipocalin and cystatin C in premature infants was concluded to hinder the clinical use of their quantitative analysis for a comprehensive assessment of the functional state of the kidneys.

Reference Values for Point-of-Care Echocardiographic Measurements of Preterm Infants in China.

BackgroundFew studies have examined the reference value of the left ventricular structure and function in preterm infants. This study was designed to establish a point-of-care echocardiographic reference range of left ventricular structure and function based on different gestational age, weight, and body surface area (BSA) for preterm infants within 7 days after birth.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 489 patients with traditional echocardiographic data of left ventricular (LV) M-mode: LV end diastolic dimensions (LVED), LV end systolic dimension (LVES), end-diastolic interventricular septal thickness (IVSd), end diastolic LV posterior wall thickness (LVPWd), left atrial (LA) and aortic root (AO) diameters, and index of LA/AO, LV ejection fraction (LVEF), LV fractional shortening (LVFS), and pulsed wave Doppler: aortic valve flow rate (AV), peak mitral valve flow rate E(MV-E), peak mitral valve flow rate A(MV-A), and MV-E/A. The LV dimensions and the maximum blood flow velocities of the aortic valves and mitral valves according to gestational age, birth weight, and body surface area (BSA) are presented in percentiles tables. Percentile curves of aforesaid four cardiac measurements (LVED, LA diameter (LAD), MV-E, MV-E/A) using the R language Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) method were developed according to different gestational ages and weights.ResultsMeasurements of all cardiac dimensions and Doppler maximum velocities of AV, MV-E, and MV-E/A showed a correlation with gestational age, weight, and BSA. LVED, LAD, MV-E, and MV-E/A showed a trend of increasing values with gestational age and weight on the percentile curves.ConclusionThe percentile tables and graphs of these point-of-care echocardiographic data can provide reliable reference data for Chinese neonates. Normative values are recommended as a source of reference data for the identification of potentially abnormal echocardiography.

Nephrotoxic drugs and renal function in preterm infants: are urinary biomarkers the answer?

Nephrotoxic drugs and renal function in preterm infants: are urinary biomarkers the answer?

Sex Differences in the Association of Pretransfusion Hemoglobin Levels with Brain Structure and Function in the Preterm Infant

To assess sex-specific differences in early brain structure and function of preterm infants after red blood cell (RBC) transfusions. A single-center subset of infants with a birth weight <1000g and gestational age 22-29weeks were enrolled from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's Neonatal Research Network Transfusion of Prematures Trial. Hemoglobin (Hb) concentration obtained directly before each transfusion (pretransfusion Hb [ptHb]) was obtained longitudinally throughout each infant's neonatal intensive care unit stay and used as a marker of degree of anemia (n=97). Measures of regional brain volumes using magnetic resonance imaging were obtained at ∼40weeks postmenstrual age or at hospital discharge, if earlier (n=29). Measures of brain function were obtained at 12months corrected age using the Bayley Scales of Infant & Toddler Development, 3rd Edition (n=34). PtHb was positively correlated with neonatal cerebral white matter volume in males (B=+0.283; P=.006), but not females (B=-0.099; P=.713), resulting in a significant sex interaction (P=.010). Bayley-III gross motor scores and a pooled mean score were significantly lower in association with higher ptHb in females (gross motor score: B=-3.758; P=.013; pooled mean score: B=-1.225; P=.030), but not males (gross motor score: B=+1.758; P=.167; pooled mean score: B=+0.621; P=.359). Higher ptHb was associated with descriptively lower performance on multiple Bayley-III subscales in females, but not in males. This study demonstrates sex-specific associations between an early marker of anemia and RBC transfusion status (ie, ptHb) with both neonatal white matter volume and early cognitive function at age 12months in preterm infants.

Follow-up study of preterm infants with thyroid dysfunction after medication.

To study the effect of levothyroxine sodium tablets on the growth and development and thyroid function in preterm infants with thyroid dysfunction. A retrospective analysis was performed for 82 preterm infants who were born in the Department of Obstetrics of the First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2017, and these infants were hospitalized after birth in the Department of Neonatology of the hospital. They were regularly followed up to observe growth and development and thyroid function at the outpatient service of the Department of Neonatology. According to thyroid function test results, they were divided into an abnormal thyroid function group (observation group; n=31) and a normal thyroid function group (control group; n=51). The infants in the observation group were given oral administration of levothyroxine sodium tablets, while those in the control group were not given any treatment. The two groups were compared in terms of the physical and intelligence development and thyroid function of preterm infants with various gestational ages (28-<32 weeks, 32-<34 weeks, and 34-<37 weeks) after regular follow-up to the corrected age of 12 months. There were no significant differences in physical development indices (body length, body weight, and head circumference) between the observation and control groups at various gestational ages after follow-up to the corrected age of 12 months (P>0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the scores of each functional area of the Gesell Developmental Scale among the preterm infants with a gestational age of 28-<32 weeks and 32-<34 weeks after follow-up to the corrected age of 12 months (P>0.05). For the preterm infants with a gestational age of 34-<37 weeks, compared with the control group, the observation group had a significantly lower score of gross motor ability at the age of 3 and 12 months, significantly lower scores of fine motor ability, language ability, and adaptation ability at the age of 12 months (P<0.05), and a significantly lower score of personal-social ability at the age of 3 months (P<0.05). However, the score of personal-social ability in the observation group was not significantly different from the control group at the age of 12 months (P>0.05). After 2-4 weeks of treatment with levothyroxine sodium tablets, the thyroid function of the 31 preterm infants with thyroid dysfunction returned to normal. Among the 31 infants, 21 (68%) achieved complete drug withdrawal, with normal results of neonatal screening (100%); 10 infants (32%) failed to achieve drug withdrawal, and only 2 (20%) out of the 10 infants had normal neonatal screening results (P<0.05). Early diagnosis and reasonable treatment can reduce the impact on growth and development in preterm infants with thyroid dysfunction. Most preterm infants tend to have transient thyroid dysfunction, while those with positive results of neonatal screening are more likely to develop permanent thyroid dysfunction.