Healthy Term Newborns Research Articles

Delayed maturation of the structural brain connectome in neonates with congenital heart disease.

There is emerging evidence for delayed brain development in neonates with congenital heart disease. We hypothesize that the perioperative development of the structural brain connectome is a proxy to such delays. Therefore, we set out to quantify the alterations and longitudinal pre- to post-operative changes in the connectome in congenital heart disease neonates relative to healthy term newborns and assess factors contributing to disturbed perioperative network development. In this prospective cohort study, 114 term neonates with congenital heart disease underwent cardiac surgery at the University Children’s Hospital Zurich. Forty-six healthy term newborns were included as controls. Pre- and post-operative structural connectomes were derived from mean fractional anisotropy values of fibre pathways traced using diffusion MR tractography. Graph theory parameters calculated across a proportional cost threshold range were compared between groups by multi-threshold permutation correction adjusting for confounders. Network-based statistic was calculated for edgewise network comparison. White-matter injury volume was quantified on 3D T1-weighted images. Random coefficient mixed models with interaction terms of (i) cardiac subtype and (ii) injury volume with post-menstrual age at MRI, respectively, were built to assess modifying effects on network development. Pre- and post-operatively, at the global level, efficiency, indicative of network integration, was lower in heart disease neonates than controls. In contrast, local efficiency and transitivity, indicative of network segregation, were higher compared to controls (all P < 0.025 for one-sided t-tests). Pre-operatively, these group differences were also found across multiple widespread nodes (all P < 0.025, accounting for multiple comparison), whereas post-operatively nodal differences were not evident. At the edge-level, the majority of weaker connections in heart disease neonates compared to controls involved inter-hemispheric connections (66.7% pre-operatively; 54.5% post-operatively). A trend showing a more rapid pre- to post-operative decrease in local efficiency was found in class I cardiac sub-type (biventricular defect without aortic arch obstruction) compared to controls. In congenital heart disease neonates, larger white-matter injury volume was associated with lower strength (P = 0.0026) and global efficiency (P = 0.0097). The maturation of the structural connectome is delayed in congenital heart disease neonates, with a pattern of lower structural integration and higher segregation compared to controls. Trend-level evidence indicated that normalized post-operative cardiac physiology in class I sub-types might improve structural network topology. In contrast, the burden of white-matter injury negatively impacts network strength and integration. Further research is needed to elucidate how aberrant structural network development in congenital heart disease represents neural correlates of later neurodevelopmental impairments.

The Effect of Warm Compression Applied before Heel Lance on Pain Level, Comfort Level and Procedure Time in Healthy Term Newborns: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background & aim: Warm compression is an effective method preferred in relieving pain. It enables procedures to be completed in a shorter time, and with less pain due to increasing blood flow in the area. This study aimed to investigate the effects of warm compress applied before heel lance on the procedure time, level of pain, and comfort level of healthy term newborns. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical was conducted on 80 neonates who were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The data were collected using demographic questionnaire, observation checklist for procedure, Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS), and The Comfort Behaviour Scale (TCBS). The experimental group was subjected to local dry mild-warm compression to the heel before the heel lance procedure. The control group received routine heel lance procedure. Body temperature, peak heart rate, and oxygen saturation levels before, during, and after the procedure were recorded in both groups. Data were analyzed in SPSS software (version 16) using the Chi-square test and Mann-Whitney U test. Results: The results of the study showed shorter procedure time in the experimental group compared to the control group (P<0.05). Moreover, the mean NIPS and TCBS total scores were lower in the experimental group compared to control group, and this was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: It was found that warm compression applied before heel lance decrease the length of the procedure and is effective in decreasing pain and providing comfort in newborns.

Study of cord blood albumin as a predictor of neonatal jaundice

Background: Neonatal jaundice is a commonly encountered condition in the neonates during first week of life. Early discharge of healthy term newborns is a common practice, because of the risk of nosocomial infections, social causes like in early naming ceremony, and also due to economical constrains. In significant number of newborns, neonatal hyperbilirubinemiais the most common cause for readmission. There is concern regarding early discharge of healthy term newborns due to reports of bilirubin induced brain damage resulting in sequel like kernicterus .There are reports of bilirubin induced brain damage which occurred in healthy term neonates even without hemolysis and the clinical outcome could be serious. The need for early detection of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborns is therefore important.&#x0D; Aims and Objective: The objective of the study was to find whether cord blood albumin can be considered as a predictor of neonatal jaundice. The study also explored for any possible associations of different factors like gender, birth weight and mode of delivery with the occurrence of neonatal jaundice.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The hospital based cross sectional study enrolled 100 healthy term newborns from August 2016-July 2017. Cord blood was sent for albumin level and blood group estimation. All babies were assessed for clinical jaundice using Krammer criteria and confirmed by estimation of total serum bilirubin level on the fourth day of life.&#x0D; Results: Correlation of cord blood albumin with the fourth day bilirubin level revealed negative correlation (r value of - 0.455) with p value of 0.000 which was highly significant. However, there was no correlation between cord blood albumin level with total serum bilirubin level of more than 17mg/dl (neonatal hyperbilirubinemia) that required phototherapy or exchange transfusion (p value of &gt;0.005). Similarly, the study found no statistically significant association of neonatal jaundice with gender, weight and mode of delivery of the neonates.&#x0D; Conclusion: Cord blood albumin can be a risk factor rather than a diagnostic tool which can give a clue to possibility of high bilirubin level during neonatal period. There was no statistical significance seen between cord blood albumin level with total serum bilirubin level of ≥ 17mg/dl (neonatal hyperbilirubinemia) that required phototherapy or exchange transfusion.

Guidance to reduce the risk of Sudden and Unexpected Postnatal Collapse

Early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mothers and healthy term newborns is a key part of the Unicef Baby Friendly Initiative Standards. SSC immediately after birth provides cardiorespiratory stability, improves prevalence and duration of breastfeeding, improves maternalinfant bonding and decreases maternal stress. There is a concern about cases of sudden unexpected postnatal collapse during a period of SSC with the infant prone on the mother´s chest. Said collapse includes both severe apparent lifethreatening event and sudden unexpected early neonatal death in the first week of life. Even if considered rare, consequences are serious with death in half of the cases and remaining disability in majority of the cases reported. For these reasons during SSC and for at least the first 2 hours after delivery, health care personnel in the delivery and recovery room should observe and assess for any sign of decompensation in the infant.

Clinical and Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Human Donor Milk Supplementation in Term Newborns.

To identify differences between healthy term newborns supplemented with human donor milk (HDM) and those supplemented with infant formula. We hypothesized that sociodemographic and clinical distinctions exist between newborns receiving different milk types. This retrospective study included term newborns admitted to the postpartum unit between March 2017 and April 2019 with ≥1 supplemental feeding with HDM or formula for indications other than hypoglycemia. Maternal and newborn data were abstracted from the electronic medical record. Five hundred eighty-four dyads met inclusion criteria. More newborns received supplementation with formula than with HDM (57.7% vs 42.3%; P < .001). Infants undergoing phototherapy who required supplementation were more likely to receive HDM (P < .001). Newborns born to white and non-Hispanic mothers were more likely to receive HDM than those born to African American (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.6; P = .007), Hispanic (aOR 3.0; P = .001), or Asian American mothers (aOR 2.7; P = .007). Newborns born to primiparous women (aOR 1.6; P = .03), those born to women with private insurance (aOR 3.7; P < .001), and those born via cesarean delivery (aOR 2.0; P < .001) were more likely to receive HDM. HDM use was more likely in primary English- or Spanish-speaking households (aOR 8.5; P = .009). Newborns receiving their first supplemental feeding during the day (aOR 1.9; P = .001) were more likely to be supplemented with HDM. There are clinical and sociodemographic differences between healthy term newborns supplemented with HDM and formula. These findings reveal that there are disparities in current supplementation practices for healthy newborns.

Spontaneous delivery is associated with increased endothelial activity in cord blood compared to elective cesarean section

ObjectivesIt is suggested that delivery whether spontaneous or by elective cesarean section is associated with an inflammatory reaction which may be modified by the type of delivery. Inflammatory reactions are associated with endothelial activation. The aim of our study was to assess endothelial biomarkers in cord and neonatal blood following different modes of delivery. Study designThe study group consisted of term healthy newborns after uncomplicated pregnancies and either spontaneous vaginal delivery (n = 39) or elective cesarean section (n = 20). Plasma soluble biomarkers were measured using multiplex magnetic bead immunoassay. The microvesicle count and number of surface antigen-specific microvesicles were determined by flow cytometry. ResultsWe found significantly increased concentrations of cord blood endothelial markers (sVEGFR1, Endothelin-1 and sVCAM1) and microvesicles (EPCR/CD201+, ICAM1/CD54+ and PECAM1/CD31+) in spontaneous vaginal delivery when compared to elective cesarean section. Irrespective of the delivery mode endothelial markers sVEGFR1, Endocan, Angiopoietin-2, VEGF, and sICAM1, were significantly increased in neonatal compared to cord blood. ConclusionWe found increased cord blood concentrations of endothelial markers and microvesicles following spontaneous vaginal delivery, which may reflect the natural activation of endothelial cells during labor. Following the delivery, most of the soluble markers increased, as a possible consequence of activation of neonatal innate immunity and postnatal cardiovascular transition.

Effects of probiotics on stool frequency in term newborns

Background: Probiotics are live micro-organisms, which if given in the right doses, can be beneficial to their host. They are known for their ability to promote the growth of other micro-organisms and to increase the activity of bacteria in the intestinal microflora. Supplementing infants with probiotics was shown to regulate gastrointestinal motility. They can stimulate intestinal peristalsis, which promotes elimination of bilirubin. Probiotics have been shown to increase intestinal transit time.Methods: This study was conducted in Shri Guru Ram Das Institute of Health Sciences and Research involving 150 term healthy newborns. They were divided into two groups. Group 1 was given probiotics with 10ml distilled water and group 2 was given only 10ml distilled water from 1st to 3rd day of life. Total number of stools passed in a day were recorded from 1st to 7th day of life in both the groups.Results: The mean frequency of stools were 3.76±1.08, 3.72±0.95, 4.02±0.92 in group 1 whereas the mean frequency of stools were 3.31±1.10, 3.39±0.98, 3.45±0.99 on 1st, 2nd, 3rd day of life respectively.Conclusions: Statistically significant increase in frequency of stools were observed in group 1(probiotic group) than group 2 (only distilled water group) on 1st to 3rd day of life.

Endocrine-sensitive physical endpoints in newborns: ranges and predictors.

Background:In neonates, endocrine-sensitive physical endpoints, including breast and reproductive tissues may reflect effects of fetal environmental exposure. Studies using standardized measurement techniques that describe demographic and clinical variability in these endpoints are lacking.Methods:388 healthy term newborns <3 days old were evaluated, 69% African American and 25% White. Measures included breast bud diameter, anogenital distance (AGD), stretched penile length (SPL), and testicular volume (TV).Results:Breast buds were larger in females than males bilaterally (right: 13.0±4.0 vs. 12.0±4.0 mm, p= 0.008; left: 13.0±4.0 vs. 11.0±3.0 mm, p<0.001). Breast bud size correlated positively with gestational age (Regression coefficient=0.46±0.12 mm, p<0.001) and weight Z-score (0.59±0.24 mm, p=0.02), and negatively with White race (−1.00±0.30 mm, p=0.001). AGD was longer in males (scrotum-to-anus) than females (fourchette-to-anus) (21.0±4.0 vs. 13.0±2.0 mm, p<0.001) and did not differ by race. SPL was shorter in White infants (35.0±5.0 vs. 36.0±5.0 mm, p=0.04). Median TV was 0.5 cm3, and larger in White males (OR 1.71, 95%CI: 1.02-2.88)Conclusions:This study provides a range of physical measurements of endocrine-sensitive tissues in healthy infants from the US, and the associations with demographic and clinical characteristics.

OR10-02 Diagnosis of Severe GH Deficiency in Newborns: New Reference Range for the Preterm and Confirmation of the GH Cut-Off

IntroductionInborn severe GHD is caused by rare disorders of pituitary morphogenesis or function and frequently associated with additional pituitary hormone deficiencies. Affected newborns commonly present with recurrent hypoglycemia; therefore early diagnosis and therapy is warranted. The GH content of the newborn screening card is a reliable indicator of severe neonatal GHD. Here, we studied the GH content in screening cards and the history of 25 newborns with severe GHD. In addition, we determined the reference range of the GH content in screening cards from 282 healthy preterm newborns.Patients and MethodsSince 2010, a total of 110 screening cards from hospitalized ill newborns were sent to our laboratory for measuring GH content. Using a questionnaire we obtained relevant clinical information from senders in 61 cases. Severe GHD was defined by the presence of recurrent neonatal hypoglycemia with either a significant cerebral MRI morphology or two additional pituitary hormone deficiencies. In addition, the GH content of screening cards from 282 healthy newborns born preterm with a gestational age at birth from 34.0 to 37.9 weeks was prospectively analyzed. The GH concentration of the eluate from the screening card was measured by a highly sensitive ELISA (Mediagnost, Germany); the GH serum concentration was calculated.ResultsIn 25 patients, the definition of severe GHD of the newborn was fulfilled; based on recurrent hypoglycemia in combination with ectopia of the neurohypophysis in 17, septum pellucidum agenesis plus opticus hypoplasia in two, severely hypoplastic pituitary gland in two, and combined TSH and ACTH deficiency with no cMRI findings in four newborns. Five newborns with severe GHD were preterm. The median GH concentration of the term newborns with severe GHD (n=20) was 3.9 µg/l (range; 1.1 to 11.8). This was significantly below the previously reported reference data from healthy term newborns (n=269) (median 16.4 µg/l; 95% reference range 7.0 to 39.4) (p<0.001). Using ROC plot analysis a GH serum concentration of 7.0 µg/l was identified as cut-off with the highest accuracy (90.0% sensitivity and 98.7% specificity). The median GH concentration of the 5 preterm newborns with severe GHD was 7.7 µg/l (range; 2.1 to 9.9). The newly determined 95% reference range for healthy newborns born preterm with a gestational age from 34.0 to 37.9 weeks (n=282) spanned from 7.9 to 41.1 µg/l with a median of 20.3 µg/l.ConclusionsA GH content below 7.0 ng/ml in the newborn screening card identified severe GHD with 90% sensitivity and 98.7% specificity. In preterm newborns, the lower limit of the 95% reference interval was by 0.9 µg/l higher than in term newborns. The newborn screening card is a valuable source for the diagnosis of GH deficiency in newborns and young infants.

Exploring the Emotional Breastfeeding Experience of First-Time Mothers: Implications for Healthcare Support.

Background: Among breastfeeding determinants, the unique emotional breastfeeding experience has been poorly explored. The present study aimed to investigate the emotional breastfeeding experience in a cohort of first-time mothers.Materials and methods: We conducted a prospective observational study that enrolled primiparas having delivered singleton healthy term newborns, and exclusively breastfeeding at hospital discharge. At 3 months post-delivery mothers accessed an online questionnaire investigating their emotional breastfeeding experience. The chi-squared test was used to assess the association between the feelings experienced during breastfeeding and feeding outcomes at 3 months.Results: Out of the 421 enrolled mothers, 273 (65%) completed the questionnaire. At 3 months post-delivery exclusive breastfeeding was reported by a 66% of mothers, a 19% reported complementary feeding, and a 15% of mothers reported exclusive formula feeding. Breastfeeding experience was described as positive by 62% of mothers although breastfeeding difficulties were reported by 80% of the mothers. The mothers that had experienced fear, sadness, anger or concern during breastfeeding showed a significant higher exclusive formula feeding rate at 3 months post-delivery than those who did not (25.5 vs. 12.8%, p = 0.021; 28.6 vs. 13.4%, p = 0.02; 40 vs. 13.4%, p = 0.005; 20.5 vs. 11.8%, p = 0.049, respectively). An 85% of mothers stated that their breastfeeding experience was different from what they would have expected, blaming for this discrepancy the occurrence of difficulties during breastfeeding and the complexity of breastfeeding itself (50%), pain experience (8%), being dependent from the baby (6%), and breastfeeding failure (11%). A total of 25% of mothers, however, reported they found breastfeeding to be a much more positive experience than what they had expected.Conclusion: Breastfeeding care should include a tailored emotional support of first time-mothers in addition to the implementation of their breastfeeding knowledge and skills.

Defining Normal Healthy Term Newborn Automated Hematologic Reference Intervals at 24 Hours of Life.

Automated analyzers have advanced the field of clinical hematology, mandating updated complete blood count (CBC) reference intervals (RIs) to be clinically useful. Contemporary newborn CBC RI publications are mostly retrospective, which some authors have cited as one of their cardinal limitations and recommended future prospective studies. To prospectively establish accurate hematologic RIs for normal healthy term newborns at 24 hours of life given the limitations of the current medical literature. This prospective study was conducted at an academic tertiary care center, and hematology samples were collected from 120 participants deemed to be normal healthy term newborns. Distributions were assessed for normality and tested for outliers. Reference intervals were values between the 2.5th percentile and 97.5th percentile. The novel RIs obtained for this study population are as follows: absolute immature granulocyte count, 80/μL to 1700/μL; immature granulocyte percentage, 0.6% to 6.1%; reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent, 31.7 to 38.4 pg; immature reticulocyte fraction, 35.9% to 52.8%; immature platelet count, 4.73 × 103/μL to 19.72 × 103/μL; and immature platelet fraction, 1.7% to 9.8%. This prospective study has defined hematologic RIs for this newborn population, including new advanced clinical parameters from the Sysmex XN-1000 Automated Hematology Analyzer. These RIs are proposed as the new standard and can serve as a strong foundation for continued research to further explore their value in diagnosing and managing morbidities such as sepsis, anemia, and thrombocytopenia.

Determinants of Length of Stay After Vaginal Deliveries in the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (North-Eastern Italy), 2005\u20132015

Although length of stay (LoS) after childbirth has been diminishing in several high-income countries in recent decades, the evidence on the impact of early discharge (ED) on healthy mothers and term newborns after vaginal deliveries (VD) is still inconclusive and little is known on the characteristics of those discharged early. We conducted a population-based study in Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) during 2005–2015, to investigate the mean LoS and the percentage of LoS longer than our proposed ED benchmarks following VD: 2 days after spontaneous vaginal deliveries (SVD) and 3 days post instrumental vaginal deliveries (IVD). We employed a multivariable logistic as well as a linear regression model, adjusting for a considerable number of factors pertaining to health-care setting and timeframe, maternal health factors, newborn clinical factors, obstetric history factors, socio-demographic background and present obstetric conditions. Results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) and regression coefficients (RC) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI). The adjusted mean LoS was calculated by level of pregnancy risk (high vs. low). Due to a very high number of multiple tests performed we employed the procedure proposed by Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) as a further selection criterion to calculate the BH p-value for the respective estimates. During 2005–2015, the average LoS in FVG was 2.9 and 3.3 days after SVD and IVD respectively, and the pooled regional proportion of LoS > ED was 64.4% for SVD and 32.0% for IVD. The variation of LoS across calendar years was marginal for both vaginal delivery modes (VDM). The adjusted mean LoS was higher in IVD than SVD, and although a decline of LoS > ED and mean LoS over time was observed for both VDM, there was little variation of the adjusted mean LoS by nationality of the woman and by level of pregnancy risk (high vs. low). By contrast, the adjusted figures for hospitals with shortest (centres A and G) and longest (centre B) mean LoS were 2.3 and 3.4 days respectively, among “low risk” pregnancies. The corresponding figures for “high risk” pregnancies were 2.5 days for centre A/G and 3.6 days for centre B. Therefore, the shift from “low” to “high” risk pregnancies in all three latter centres (A, B and G) increased the mean adjusted LoS just by 0.2 days. By contrast, the discrepancy between maternity centres with highest and lowest adjusted mean LoS post SVD (hospital B vs. A/G) was 1.1 days both among “low risk” (1.1 = 3.4–2.3 days) and “high risk” (1.1 = 3.6–2.5) pregnanices. Similar patterns were obseved also for IVD. Our adjusted regression models confirmed that maternity centres were the main explanatory factor for LoS after childbirth in both VDM. Therefore, health and clinical factors were less influential than practice patterns in determining LoS after VD. Hospitalization and discharge policies following childbirth in FVG should follow standardized guidelines, to be enforced at hospital level. Any prolonged LoS post VD (LoS > ED) should be reviewed and audited if need be. Primary care services within the catchment areas of the maternity centres of FVG should be improved to implement the follow up of puerperae undergoing ED after VD.

Glucose Variations in the First Day of Life of Newborns under Observational Surveillance

Nursing protocols for glucose management are well known for both healthy term newborns and high-risk newborns. However, for less risky newborns who are under only observation surveillance, hypoglycemia could be overlooked unless clinical symptoms develop. A retrospective study was performed to explore factors influencing variations in glucose levels in 91 newborns who did not require any interventions, but were under nursing surveillance, at a level II neonatal intensive care unit. Data were retrieved from electrical medical records on glucose levels, demographic characteristics, and other clinical characteristics of newborns in their first day of life from January 2016 to May 2019. Glucose levels tended to stabilize within the normal range (60~80 mg/dL) as time passed during the first day of life. Cesarean section, multiple gestation, abnormal growth, and later preterm birth were associated with low glucose levels in the first 2 hours of life. Thirty-one newborns experienced a hypoglycemic episode (< 45 mg/dL) during the first 24 hours of life. The findings of this study support the active encouragement of early feeding within 2 hours of birth and urgent adoption of a structural protocol for glucose surveillance in newborns with potential health problems immediately after birth.

The feature of brain oxygenation in the sleep cycle of healthy newborn babies

Noninvasive monitoring brain oxygenation with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is becoming a widely used in neonatology for determine the optimal target oxygen saturation during resuscitation of newborns, but its use in clinical practice for diagnostics and prognosis perinatal pathology is limited because intra and especially interpatient variability are too large for this aim. This study aimed to determine cerebral oximetry values during the sleep cycle and wakefulness in healthy full term newborns. 38 newborns (gestational age 38 weeks were included in this study (22 after normal birth I group and 16 after cesarean section). Near-infrared spectroscopy (CrSO2) from left fronto-parietal region was recorded in synchrony with polysomnography. Continuous cerebral CrSO2 were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (Somanetic INVOS 5100C, USA). Fraction tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) was calculated using SaO2 (pulse oximeter Radical Masimo) and CrSO2 (FTOE = (SаO2 CrSO2)/SаO2). CrSO2 and SаO2 were analyzed during 15 minutes polysomnography-defined quiet, active sleep and wakefulness (defined according to standard guidelines). The results: cerebral oxygen saturation varies with sleep-wake states: during active sleep (74,18 0,75%) was similar to the value in wakefulness (75,6 1,0%) and smaller than in quiet sleep (81,93 1,74%, р 0,001), but FTOE during active sleep was significantly higher (0,221 0,008% and 0,129 0,005%, p 0,001). There were no differences of rates between groups. The high oxygen consumption during REM sleep supports its role during postnatal brain functional development. The use of NIRS taking into account sleep structure will be new method for diagnostic and prognosis perinatal pathology CNS.

Predischarge transcutaneous bilirubin screening reduces readmission rate for hyperbilirubinaemia in diverse South African newborns: A randomised controlled trial.

In South Africa (SA), healthy term newborns are usually discharged ˂72 hours after delivery. Discharged babies remain at risk for severe hyperbilirubinaemia if it is not identified early. Hyperbilirubinaemia is an important cause of readmission, and also leads to neonatal mortality and morbidity. Use of transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) screening before hospital discharge has been controversial. To test the clinical benefits of TcB screening of healthy newborns before discharge for the outcomes of readmission for jaundice and severe hyperbilirubinaemia in a randomised controlled trial (RCT). This was a RCT. We compared predischarge TcB screening with visual assessment (alone) for jaundice in apparently healthy newborns at a public tertiary hospital in Cape Town, SA. Patients or study participants were not involved in the study design and implementation. Of the 1 858 infants, 63% were black, 35% of mixed race and 1% white. There was a significant reduction in the rate of readmission for jaundice (risk ratio (RR) 0.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 - 0.46; p&lt;0.0001) and in the incidence of severe hyperbilirubinaemia (RR 0.27; 95% CI 0.08 - 0.97; p=0.05) with the use of TcB screening compared with visual inspection. Predischarge TcB screening is superior in identifying newborns at risk of severe hyperbilirubinaemia compared with visual inspection. We recommend that every newborn, regardless of skin pigmentation, should receive objective bilirubin screening before hospital discharge. Universal bilirubin screening in newborns could potentially reduce hyperbilirubinaemia-related morbidity and mortality.

Predictive value of umbilical cord blood albumin levels as an indicator of neonatal jaundice in healthy term newborns

Background: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NH) is the most common cause of readmission during the early neonatal period. There is a need to find the methods of screening babies at higher risk of developing jaundice before discharge. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to find out the predictive value of cord serum albumin (CSA) levels as an indicator of neonatal jaundice. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary hospital of Maharashtra, from October 2017 to September 2019 on 410 term newborns. CSA was collected at birth and correlated with serum bilirubin levels collected at 48 h of life. Statistical analysis was performed and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) with a 95% confidence interval obtained. Results: Of 410 cases, 266 (64.8%) developed clinical jaundice, of which 148 (93.6%) had albumin levels &lt;2.8 g/dl, 79 (74.5%) between 2.8 and 3.3 g/dl, and 39 (26.7%) &gt;3.3 g/dl. At CSA level &lt;2.8 g/dl, the sensitivity of 93.67% with PPV and NPV of 51.57% and 94.65%, respectively, was found. At CSA level 2.8–3.3 g/dl, the sensitivity estimated was 85.98% with a PPV and NPV of 85.34% and 74.31%, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, CSA appears to be a risk indicator in predicting neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. CSA level &lt;2.8 g/dl is a high-risk factor for the future development of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, while those with CSA level &gt;3.3 g/dl are probably safe for early discharge from the hospital.

Effects of Delayed Newborn Bathing on Breastfeeding, Hypothermia, and Hypoglycemia

ObjectiveTo determine whether delaying the newborn bath by 24 hours increases the prevalence of breastfeeding initiation and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge in healthy full-term and late preterm newborns (34 0/7–36 6/7 weeks gestation) and to examine the effect of delayed newborn bathing on the incidences of hypothermia and hypoglycemia. DesignPre–post implementation, retrospective, cohort study. SettingProvincial children’s hospital with an average of 2,500 births per year. ParticipantsHealthy newborns (N = 1,225) born at 34 0/7 weeks or more gestation who were admitted to the mother–baby unit. MethodsWe compared newborns who were bathed before 24 hours (n = 680, preimplementation group) to newborns who were bathed after 24 hours (n = 545, postimplementation group). ResultsAfter adjustment for confounders, the odds of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge were 33% greater in the postimplementation group than in the preimplementation group (adjusted odds ratio = 1.334; 95% confidence interval [1.049,1.698]; p = .019). Delayed bathing was associated with decreased incidence of hypothermia and hypoglycemia (p = .007 and p = .003, respectively). We observed no difference in breastfeeding initiation between groups. ConclusionDelaying the newborn bath for 24 hours was associated with an increased likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge and a decreased incidence of hypothermia and hypoglycemia in healthy newborns. The implementation of a delayed bathing policy has the potential to improve breastfeeding rates and reduce the incidence of hypothermia and hypoglycemia.

Umbilical cord albumin and serum bilirubin as predictive factors for hyperbilirubinemia in term neonates

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is one of the common causes of neonatal admission. As clinical evaluation may cause a delay in identification and subsequent initiation of medical therapy, there is a need for the sensitive and inexpensive predictive marker for hyperbilirubinemia in neonates. Measurement of cord albumin and its correlation with the serum bilirubin is one of the noninvasive predictive markers for Hyperbilirubinemia. The present study carried out to know the significance of umbilical cord albumin level as a predictor of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.Methods: It is a hospital-based prospective cohort study, total 100 healthy term new-borns admitted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, were included in the study as per study protocol over a period of one year. The blood sample was collected from umbilical cord blood for the analysis of bilirubin and albumin, and post 72 hours of life venous blood obtained for estimation of serum bilirubin and albumin along with direct and indirect Coombs test.Results: In this study most of the patients were in the gestational age of 37-38 weeks (71%) followed by 38-40 weeks (27%) and only 1% are &gt;40 weeks. A positive correlation was observed between cord blood bilirubin, serum bilirubin, serum albumin, and cord blood albumin levels. Cord blood albumin was a better marker for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia with a sensitivity of 83%, and a specificity of 48%; as compared to cord blood bilirubin with a sensitivity and specificity of 73% and 39% respectively.Conclusions: From this study, cord blood albumin level was demonstrated as a good predictive marker for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia with a sensitivity of 83.1%. and specificity 48.8%. Hence, cord blood albumin may be used as a non-invasive predictor for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Combined Laparoscopic-Hysteroscopic Isthmoplasty Using the Rendez-vous Technique Guided Step by Step

To demonstrate the surgical technique of Rendez-vous isthmoplasty for the treatment of symptomatic cesarean scar defect. In this video, the authors show the complete procedure in a step-by-step manner to standardize and facilitate the comprehension and performance of the procedure in a simple and safe way. Step-by-step video demonstration of the surgical technique. Private hospital in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The patient is a 36-year-old woman without any comorbidities, G3 C3, and with radiologic transvaginal ultrasound diagnosis of isthmocele grade 3 (over 25 mm) identified in the superior third of the cervical canal. The main steps of combined laparoscopic-hysteroscopic isthmoplasty using the Rendez-vous technique are described in detail. A combined laparoscopic-hysteroscopic approach was performed. Under general anesthesia, the patient was placed in 0° supine decubitus, with her arms alongside her body. Operative setup included 15 mm Hg pneumoperitoneum, created using the closed Veress technique, and 4 trocars: a 10-mm trocar at the umbilicus for a 0° laparoscope, a 5-mm trocar in the right iliac fossa, a 5-mm trocar in the left iliac fossa, and a 5-mm trocar in the suprapubic area. The procedure begins after a systematic exploration of the pelvic and abdominal cavities. Step 1: Identification of key anatomic landmarks and exposure of the operation field. Step 2: By carrying out blunt and sharp dissection with cold scissors or a harmonic scalpel, the visceral peritoneal layer over the isthmus area is opened, a vesicouterine space is developed, and the bladder is pushed down at least 2 cm from the lower edge of the isthmocele. Step 3: Final Phrase: By hysteroscopic exploration of the cervical canal using the vaginoscopic approach, identification and delimitation of the isthmocele its performed by recognizing the diverticular mucosal hyperplasia, and then the hysteroscopic light is pointed directly toward the cephalic limit of the scar defect. Step 4: Laparoscopic lights are decreased in intensity and the "Halloween sign" is identified (hysteroscopic transillumination). The light of the hysteroscope is pointed to the top of the cesarean scar defect allowing the laparoscopist to identify the upper and lower edges of the scar. Step 5: Laparoscopic resection of all scar tissue, excision of all the edges of the pseudo cavity. Step 6: Adequate intracorporeal suturing technique, with a 2-layer myometrial repair using intracorporeal running and interrupted stitches of polydioxanone 2-0, is done, while ensuring preservation of the cavity by not including the endometrial tissue in the myometrial suture [1-3]. Step 7: Installation of the methylene blue dye to locate any leakage. The surgery ended without any intraoperative complications and within 60 minutes. The patient was discharged on the first day postoperatively and became pregnant 6 months after surgery, with a final C-section delivery of a healthy term newborn at 39-weeks gestational age. Combined Rendez-vous isthmoplasty is feasible, safe, and effective in experienced hands, giving the surgeon a comprehensive evaluation of the anatomy of the isthmocele, and increasing the odds of a complete resection and restoration of the anatomy [4-7]. In this patient, the procedure was uneventful, without any intra- or postoperative complications, and the symptoms were completely controlled.

Feasibility and ethical issues: experiences and concerns of healthcare workers regarding a new RSV prophylaxis programme in Nunavik, Quebec

ABSTRACT Background: The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of hospitalisation in young Inuit children. Prophylaxis with palivizumab is routinely recommended for premature infants and those with severe pulmonary or cardiac diseases. In the fall 2016, the Quebec Ministry of Health expanded the criteria to include healthy full-term (HFT) newborns from Nunavik based on their high RSV hospitalisation rates. Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the impact of this programme on Nunavik health services during the first RSV season after its implementation (2016–2017) by studying challenges, concerns and needs of healthcare workers (HCWs). Methods: An ethnographic approach was used. Semi-structured interviews focusing on HCWs experiences, and opinions to improve the new programme were conducted with 20 HCWs involved in its implementation. Results: Main reported challenges and concerns were: additional work(over)load, lack of information and evidence about the need and efficacy of palivizumab in HFT newborns, communication issues between stakeholders, and ethical issues regarding the Inuit population. Conclusion: The study revealed significant feasibility and acceptability issues. The programme was highly resource consuming. To address HCWs’ concerns, evidence-based data regarding palivizumab effectiveness in HFT infants, as well as consultation and involvement of Inuit population are warranted.