High-risk Infants Research Articles

The Current State of Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Programs in North America: A Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium Report.

This study aimed to determine neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up (NDFU) practices across academic centers. This study was a cross-sectional survey that addressed center-specific neonatal NDFU practices within the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC). Survey response rate was 76%, and 97% of respondents had a formal NDFU program. Programs were commonly staffed by neonatologists (80%), physical therapists (77%), and nurse practitioners (74%). Median gestational age at birth identified for follow-up was ≤32 weeks (range 26-36). Median duration was 3 years (range 2-18). Ninety-seven percent of sites used Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, but instruments used varied across ages. Scores were recorded in discrete electronic data fields at 43% of sites. Social determinants of health data were collected by 63%. Care coordination and telehealth services were not universally available. NDFU clinics are almost universal within CHNC centers. Commonalities and variances in practice highlight opportunities for data sharing and development of best practices. · Neonatal NDFU clinics help transition high-risk infants home.. · Interdisciplinary neonatal intensive care unit follow-up brings together previously separated outpatient service lines.. · This study reviews the current state of neonatal NDFU in North America..

Comparative analysis of inherited metabolic diseases in normal newborns and high-risk children: Insights from a 10-year study in Shanghai

BackgroundCompare the differences between normal newborns and high-risk children with inherited metabolic diseases. The disease profile includes amino acidemias, fatty acid oxidation disorders, and organic acidemias. MethodsData was collected on newborns and children from high-risk populations in Shanghai from December 2010 to December 2020. Results232,561 newborns were screened for disorders of organic, amino acid, and fatty acid metabolism. The initial positive rate was 0.66 % (1,526/232,561) and the positive recall rate was 77.85 %. The positive predictive value is 4.71 %. Among them, 56 cases were diagnosed as metabolic abnormalities. The total incidence rate is 1:4153. Hyperphenylalaninemia and short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase are the most common diseases in newborns. In addition, in 56 children, 39 (69.42 %) were diagnosed by genetic sequencing. Some hotspot mutations in 14 IEMs have been observed, including PAH gene c.728G > A, c.611A > G, and ACADS gene c. 1031A > G, c.164C > T. A total of 49,860 symptomatic patients were screened, of which 185 were diagnosed with IEM, with a detection rate of 0.37 %. The most commonly diagnosed diseases in high-risk infants aremethylmalonic acidemia and hyperphenylalaninemia. ConclusionThere are more clinical cases of congenital metabolic errors diagnosed by tandem mass spectrometry than newborn screening. The spectrum of diseases, prevalence, and genetic characteristics of normal newborns and high-risk children are quite different.

Partnering Early to Provide for Infants At Risk of Cerebral Palsy (PĒPI ARC): protocol for a feasibility study of a regional hub for early detection of cerebral palsy in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Cerebral palsy (CP) can now be diagnosed in infants with identified CP risk factors as early as three months of age; however, many barriers prevent equitable access to early detection pathways. The "Partnering Early to Provide for Infants At Risk of Cerebral Palsy" feasibility study (PĒPI ARC) seeks to trial a new approach to decrease inequitable health service in Aotearoa New Zealand for high-risk infants and their families. PĒPI ARC incorporates face-to-face clinics, an in-person and virtual Hub, and the use of telehealth to enable flexible access to CP assessments and support for health professionals in early CP detection. A non-randomised feasibility study was conducted from a tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Wellington and included seven regional referral centres, servicing nearly 30% of the total population in New Zealand (NZ). The families of infants with a high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment and health professionals interacting with the Hub were invited to participate. Mixed methods were used to evaluate the (i) equitable implementation of an early detection pathway, (ii) acceptability, (iii) demand among families and health professionals, (iv) efficacy in relation to reducing the age of receipt of CP diagnosis, and (v) the experiences around communication and information sharing. The NZ Health and Disability Ethics Committee approved this study (HDEC: 2022 FULL 13434). The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, in conference presentations, and via professional networks. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12623000600640.

Neonatal Filaggrin Genetic Screening and Counseling to Prevent Atopic Dermatitis in High-Risk Infants.

Background: Mutations in filaggrin (FLG), the gene that codes for the skin barrier protein, have been shown to be associated with atopic dermatitis (AD). Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of genetic counseling and parental education on infants at a high risk of AD. Methods: We enrolled 7521 newborns in Taiwan from January 1, 2016, to March 30, 2020, and all of them received genetic testing encompassing 20 known FLG mutations. The genetic counseling and AD prevention and care team consisted of pediatricians, dermatologists, social workers, and genetic counselors. The counseling was arranged for at least 30 minutes within 45 days after delivery. Results: A total of 2963 high-risk infants (39.4%) were identified. Homozygous c.1432C>T was the most commonly identified mutation. A total of 418 neonates' parents were stratified into counseling and noncounseling groups, where the effect of parental education was evaluated. The genetically stratified parental education program was effective in preventing AD development by 63.3% in high-risk infants before 12 months of life (P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Genetic stratification and parental education are effective in preventing the development of AD in high-risk infants before 12 months of life.

Balanced on the Biggest Wave: Nirsevimab for Newborns.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hospitalization in infancy in the United States. Nearly all infants are infected by 2 years of age, with bronchiolitis requiring hospitalization often occurring in previously healthy children and long-term consequences of severe disease including delayed speech development and asthma. Incomplete passage of maternal immunity and a high degree of genetic variability within the virus contribute to morbidity and have also prevented successful neonatal vaccine development. Monoclonal antibodies reduce the risk of hospitalization from severe RSV disease, with palivizumab protecting high-risk newborns with comorbidities including chronic lung disease and congenital heart disease. Unfortunately, palivizumab is costly and requires monthly administration of up to five doses during the RSV season for optimal protection.Rapid advances in the past two decades have facilitated the identification of antibodies with broad neutralizing activity and allowed manipulation of their genetic code to extend half-life. These advances have culminated with nirsevimab, a monoclonal antibody targeting the Ø antigenic site on the RSV prefusion protein and protecting infants from severe disease for an entire 5-month season with a single dose. Four landmark randomized controlled trials, the first published in July 2020, have documented the efficacy and safety of nirsevimab in healthy late-preterm and term infants, healthy preterm infants, and high-risk preterm infants and those with congenital heart disease. Nirsevimab reduces the risk of RSV disease requiring medical attention (number needed to treat [NNT] 14-24) and hospitalization (NNT 33-63) with rare mild rash and injection site reactions. Consequently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently recommended nirsevimab for all infants younger than 8 months of age entering or born during the RSV season and high-risk infants 8-19 months of age entering their second season. Implementing this novel therapy in this large population will require close multidisciplinary collaboration. Equitable distribution through minimizing barriers and maximizing uptake must be prioritized.

Medical Costs of Respiratory Syncytial Virus–Associated Hospitalizations and Emergency Department Visits in Children Aged Younger Than 5 Years: Observational Findings from the New Vaccine Surveillance Network, 2016-2019

To assess medical costs of hospitalizations and emergency department (ED) care associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) disease in children enrolled in the New Vaccine Surveillance Network. We used accounting and prospective surveillance data from 6 pediatric health systems to assess direct medical costs from laboratory-confirmed RSV-associated hospitalizations (n=2007) and ED visits (n=1267) from 2016 through 2019 among children aged <5years. We grouped costs into categories relevant to clinical care and administrative billing practices. We examined RSV-associated medical costs by care setting using descriptive and bivariate analyses. We assessed associations between known RSV risk factors and hospitalization costs and length of stay using χ2 tests of association. The median cost was $7100 (IQR $4006-$13 355) per hospitalized child and $503 (IQR $387-$930) per ED visit. Eighty percent (n=2628) of our final sample were children aged younger than 2years. Fewer weeks' gestational age was associated with greater median costs in hospitalized children (P<.001, ≥37weeks of gestational age: $6840 [$3905-$12 450]; 29-36weeks of gestational age: $7721 [$4362-$15 274]; <29 weeks of gestational age: $9131 [$4518-$19 924]). Infants born full term accounted for 70% of the total expenditures in our sample. Almost three quarters of the health care dollars spent originated in children younger than 12months of age, the primary age group targeted by recommended RSV prophylactics. Reducing the cost burden for RSV-associated medical care in young children will require prevention of RSV in all young children, not just high-risk infants. Newly available maternal vaccine and immunoprophylaxis products could substantially reduce RSV-associated medical costs.

An epidemiological investigation of high-risk infants for Respiratory Syncytial Virus infections: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundRespiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections may lead to severe consequences in infants born preterm with breathing problems (such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)) or congenital heart diseases (CHD). Since studies investigating the influence of different gestational age (WGA) and concomitant specific comorbidities on the burden of RSV infections are scarce, the present study aimed to better characterize these high-risk populations in the Italian context.MethodsThis retrospective, longitudinal and record-linkage cohort study involved infants born between 2017 and 2019 in Lazio Region (Italy) and is based on data extracted from administrative databases. Each infant was exclusively included in one of the following cohorts: (1) BPD-RDS (WGA ≤35 with or without CHD) or (2) CHD (without BPD and/or RDS) or (3) Preterm (WGA ≤35 without BPD (and/or RDS) or CHD). Each cohort was followed for 12 months from birth. Information related to sociodemographic at birth, and RSV and Undetermined Respiratory Agents (URA) hospitalizations and drug consumption at follow-up were retrieved and described.ResultsA total of 8,196 infants were selected and classified as 1,084 BPD-RDS, 3,286 CHD and 3,826 Preterm. More than 30% of the BPD-RDS cohort was composed by early preterm infants (WGA ≤ 29) in contrast to the Preterm cohort predominantly constitute by moderate preterm infants (98.2%), while CHD infants were primarily born at term (83.9%). At follow-up, despite the cohorts showed similar proportions of RSV hospitalizations, in BPD-RDS cohort hospitalizations were more frequently severe compared to those occurred in the Preterm cohort (p<0.01), in the BPD-RDS cohort was also found the highest proportion of URA hospitalizations (p<0.0001). In addition, BPD-RDS infants, compared to those of the remaining cohorts, received more frequently prophylaxis with palivizumab (p<0.0001) and were more frequently treated with adrenergics inhalants, and glucocorticoids for systemic use.ConclusionsThe assessment of the study clinical outcomes highlighted that, the demographic and clinical characteristics at birth of the study cohorts influence their level of vulnerability to RSV and URA infections. As such, continuous monitoring of these populations is necessary in order to ensure a timely organization of health care system able to respond to their needs in the future.

General movement assessment efficacy for assessment of nervous system integrity in children after hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in middle income countries

BackgroundMany infants who survive hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) face long-term complications like epilepsy, cerebral palsy, and developmental delays. Detecting and forecasting developmental issues in high-risk infants is critical. AimThis study aims to assess the effectiveness of standardized General Movements Assessment (GMA) and Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examinations (HINE) in identifying nervous system damage and predicting neurological outcomes in infants with HIE. DesignProspective. Subjects and measuresWe examined full-term newborns with perinatal asphyxia, classifying them as Grade 2 HIE according to Sarnat and Sarnat. The study included 31 infants, with 14 (45.2 %) receiving therapeutic hypothermia (Group 1) and 17 (54.8 %) not (Group 2). We evaluated general movements during writhing and fidgety phases and conducted neurological assessments using the HINE. ResultsAll infants exhibited cramped-synchronized - like movements, leading to cerebral palsy (CP) diagnosis. Three children in Group 1 and four in Group 2 lacked fidgety movements. During active movements, HINE and GMA showed high sensitivity and specificity, reaching 96 % and 100 % for all children. The ROC curve's area under the curve (AUC) was 0.978. ConclusionOur study affirms HINE and GMA as effective tools for predicting CP in HIE-affected children. GMA exhibits higher sensitivity and specificity during fidgety movements. However, study limitations include a small sample size and data from a single medical institution, necessitating further research.

Institutional and Regional Variation in Opioid Prescribing for Hospitalized Infants in the US

High-risk infants, defined as newborns with substantial neonatal-perinatal morbidities, often undergo multiple procedures and require prolonged intubation, resulting in extended opioid exposure that is associated with poor outcomes. Understanding variation in opioid prescribing can inform quality improvement and best-practice initiatives. To examine regional and institutional variation in opioid prescribing, including short- and long-acting agents, in high-risk hospitalized infants. This retrospective cohort study assessed high-risk infants younger than 1 year from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2022, at 47 children's hospitals participating in the Pediatric Health Information System (PHIS). The cohort was stratified by US Census region (Northeast, South, Midwest, and West). Variation in cumulative days of opioid exposure and methadone treatment was examined among institutions using a hierarchical generalized linear model. High-risk infants were identified by International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes for congenital heart disease surgery, medical and surgical necrotizing enterocolitis, extremely low birth weight, very low birth weight, hypoxemic ischemic encephalopathy, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and other abdominal surgery. Infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome, in utero substance exposure, or malignant tumors were excluded. Any opioid exposure and methadone treatment. Regional and institutional variations in opioid exposure. Overall, 132 658 high-risk infants were identified (median [IQR] gestational age, 34 [28-38] weeks; 54.5% male). Prematurity occurred in 30.3%, and 55.3% underwent surgery. During hospitalization, 76.5% of high-risk infants were exposed to opioids and 7.9% received methadone. Median (IQR) length of any opioid exposure was 5 (2-12) cumulative days, and median (IQR) length of methadone treatment was 19 (7-46) cumulative days. There was significant hospital-level variation in opioid and methadone exposure and cumulative days of exposure within each US region. The computed intraclass correlation coefficient estimated that 16% of the variability in overall opioid prescribing and 20% of the variability in methadone treatment was attributed to the individual hospital. In this retrospective cohort study of high-risk hospitalized infants, institution-level variation in overall opioid exposure and methadone treatment persisted across the US. These findings highlight the need for standardization of opioid prescribing in this vulnerable population.

Adaption of Follow-Up Visits for Preterm and High-Risk Children for Video Consultations.

Introduction: Structured and standardized follow-up care for preterm and high-risk infants enables an early detection of developmental deficits. The aim is to adapt the in-person follow-up to video consultation. Developmental delays can thus be identified at an early stage, independently of in-person contact. Methods: The adaptation of these follow-up to video consultation is presented descriptively, compared with the in-person consultation (similarities, differences, challenges, and limitations). Professionals's experiences with the adaption are described. Results: The experience of n = 267 video consultations for follow-up of children up to 6 years shows that an adaptation of the in-person consultation is necessary and possible. Prerequisite is a digital medium with a stable internet connection on both sides: the professional and the family, as well as a portal for video consultations with certified, encrypted data transmission. Among infants, testing is almost entirely parent guided. For older children, testing procedures have been adapted. A neurological examination is largely possible, while a general pediatric examination is omitted. A survey on professionals' (n = 7) experiences with video- and in-person consultations found that the rate of complete follow-up visits and the resources required for taking medical histories, personnel, and time remained constant for both approaches. All reported that the video consultation is generally suitable for identifying developmental delays in children up to an age of 6 years comparable with in-person consultations. One professional stated that the physical examination of children aged ≥1 year is impossible. Discussion: Video consultation is an alternative despite some limitations when an in-person consultation is impossible. Developmental delays can be identified, and therapies recommended.

Intermittent High-Dose Vitamin D3 Administration in Neonates with Multiple Comorbidities and Vitamin D Insufficiency.

Neonates have an increased risk of vitamin D insufficiency due to the inadequate supplementation of mothers and infants after birth. Insufficiency of vitamin D is frequently detected in critically ill patients and is associated with disease severity and mortality. There is yet to be a consensus on the appropriate regimen of vitamin D3 supplementation in high-risk infants. The main objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in neonates with severe comorbidities and to evaluate whether high-dose vitamin D3 oral administration leads to normal plasmatic concentrations without side effects. The current study was a randomized, prospective trial of 150 patients admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Maria Sklodowska Curie Emergency Children's Hospital in Bucharest. Patients were divided into three subgroups based on the chronological order of their admission date. Each subgroup received a different pharmaceutical product of vitamin D3. We administered a dosage of 10,000 IU/kg of vitamin D3 orally in three steps, as follows: at admission, one week after admission, and one month from the first administration, targeting a serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration of at least 40 ng/mL. Most neonates (68%) achieved an optimum vitamin D level after one month, even though only 15% of patients had an optimum concentration at admission. After the first high dose of vitamin D3, there was a 27% increase in the mean vitamin D plasmatic level compared to admission levels. However, after one month, the concentrations decreased in all subgroups due to the gap of three weeks between the last two administrations. An intermittent, weekly high-dose vitamin D3 oral administration leads to a steadier increase and normalization of vitamin D concentration in most critically ill neonates. However, high-dose vitamin D3 administered orally after three weeks decreases vitamin D levels in this high-risk population.

Early skin inflammatory biomarker is predictive of development and persistence of atopic dermatitis in infants

BackgroundThe STOP AD study, a randomized, open-label trial evaluating the effect of short-term (first four postnatal days to 8 weeks) skin barrier protection using AVEENO® Dermexa Fast & Long-Lasting Balm in infants with a parent with allergic disease, demonstrated decreased cumulative incidence and decreased prevalence of AD at 12 months of age. ObjectiveWe aimed to identify skin biomarkers in the STOP AD study that are associated with risk of development of AD. MethodsSkin swabs were collected from the cheek and antecubital fossa (AF) at baseline, 8 weeks, and 12 months from subsets of study participants from each of the intervention arm (43 of 119) and control arm (43 of 138) and were analyzed for specific cytokines (CCL27, CXCL2, hBD1, IL18, IL8, IL1α, IL1RA, IL1β, S100A8/9, IL36γ) by ELISA. ResultsHigher titers of S100A8/9 at the AF at 8 weeks in infants with filaggrin wild type genotype (FLGwt), but not in those with filaggrin loss-of-function mutations (FLGmut), predicted: 1) Development of AD in the first year of life (p=0.033); 2) Presence of AD at 6 months or 12 months of age (p=0.009 and 0.035, respectively); 3) Persistence of AD between 6 and 12 months of age (p<0.001); 4) Development of AD with the emollient intervention. ConclusionIncreased titers of S100A8/9 from skin swabs of the AF in high-risk infants at 8 weeks with FLGwt was predictive of AD developing in the first year of life and of other AD features. These findings suggest that there are different molecular pathways leading to AD in FLGmut individuals and in FLGwt individuals. Early identification of infants who are likely to develop AD will allow more targeted interventions.

Trends of mortality rate in patients with congenital heart defects in Germany—analysis of nationwide data of the Federal Statistical Office of Germany

BackgroundCongenital heart defects (CHD) are still associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to analyze trends of mortality rates in patients with CHD between 1998 and 2018 in Germany.MethodsData of registered deaths with an underlying diagnosis of CHD were used to evaluate annual mortality between 1998 and 2018. Polynomial regressions were performed to assess annual changes in CHD-associated mortality rates by age groups.ResultsDuring the 21-year study period, a total of 11,314 deaths were attributed to CHD with 50.9% of deaths in infants (age < 1 year) and 28.2% in neonates (age ≤ 28 days). The most frequent underlying CHDs associated with death were hypoplastic left heart syndrome (n = 1498, 13.2%), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (n = 1009, 8.9%), atrial septal defects (n = 771, 6.8%), ventricular septal defects (n = 697, 6.2%), and tetralogy of Fallot (n = 673, 5.9%), and others (n = 6666, 58.9%). Among all patients, annual CHD-related mortality rates declined significantly between 1998 and 2010 (p < 0.0001), followed by a significant annual increase until 2018 (p < 0.0001). However, mortality rates in 2018 in all ages were significantly lower than in 1998.ConclusionMortality in CHD patients decreased significantly between 1998 and 2010, but a substantial number of deaths still occurred and even significantly increased in the last 3 years of the observation period particularly in neonates and infants. This renewed slight increase in mortality rate during the last years was influenced mainly by high-risk neonates and infants. Assessment of factors influencing the mortality rate trends in association with CHD in Germany is urgently needed. Obligatory nationwide registration of death cases in relation to surgical and catheter interventions in CHD patients is necessary to provide additional valuable data on the outcome of CHD.Graphical abstract

IMU-Based Approach to Detect Spastic Cerebral Palsy in Infants at Early Stages

INTRODUCTION: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is a non-progressive neurological disorder affecting muscle control in early childhood, leading to permanent alterations in body posture and movement. Early identification is crucial for accurate diagnosis and therapy-based interventions. In recent years, an automated monitoring system has been developed to facilitate the health assessment of infants, enabling early recognition of neurological dysfunctions in high-risk infants. However, the interpretation of these assessments lacks standardization and is subject to examiner bias.&#x0D; OBJECTIVES: Many infants with CP exhibit increased tonic stretch reflexes due to Upper Motor Neuron Syndrome (UMNS), resulting from motor neuron damage that disrupts muscle signalling.&#x0D; METHOD: To detect abnormal muscle reactions, our team employed an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) sensor, comprising three tri-axial sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) that capture movement data continuously and unobtrusively. IMU sensors are compact, cost-effective, and have low processing requirements, requiring attachment to the infant's body to measure inter-body part angles. Our team analyzed muscle activity and posture using IMU sensors, collecting tri-axial data from 43 infants in real-time. Additional factors like age, stride length, and leg length were incorporated into the dataset.&#x0D; RESULTS: Our team has applied various supervised machine learning approaches to predict CP in infants due to the limited dataset size, validating models through k-fold cross-validation. Among the models, Naive Bayes (NB) outperformed Logistic Regression (LR), Decision Tree (DT), Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA), k-Nearest Neighbors (kNN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM), achieving an accuracy of 88%. CONCLUSION: This research contributes to the early detection and intervention of CP in infants, potentially improving their long-term outcomes.

Successful and Rapid Reduction in Neurosedative and Analgesic Medications in Complex Infants with Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia After Tracheostomy Placement: Experience with 24-hour Propofol Infusions

Infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia may require high doses of neurosedative medications to ensure pain control and stability following tracheostomy placement. Subsequent weaning of these medications safely and rapidly is a challenge. We describe a 24-hour propofol infusion to reduce neurosedative medications in 3 high-risk infants following tracheostomy placement.

Identifying Autism Spectrum Disorder in a High-risk Follow-up Program through Quality Improvement Methodology.

Children born prematurely are at increased risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD can be diagnosed between 18 and 24 months of age, but access barriers and medical complexity can delay diagnosis. ASD screening was implemented in a high-risk infant follow-up program using QI methodology. The project aimed to screen 60% of children and refer 90% of those with positive screens. The team developed a standardized workflow to administer the M-CHAT-R/F to HRIF patients between the ages of 16-22 months. Telehealth ASD assessment, using the TELE-ASD-PEDS, was conducted for those who screened positive. Monthly team meetings were held to implement change cycles and review the impact of the previous month's change. Within 7 months of program implementation, ASD screening exceeded the 60% aim. The program referred 72% of patients who screened as medium/high risk on the M-CHAT-R/F. The remaining patients were not referred per provider discretion. Twenty-seven percent of patients who received an autism evaluation received an ASD diagnosis. The average age at diagnosis was 22.5 months. An ASD screening protocol was implemented for patients enrolled in a high-risk infant follow-up program. Patients identified as at risk for ASD received an expedited telehealth ASD evaluation. The screening protocol was maintained for 13 months and is now part of the standard workflow. Screening has been expanded to other HRIF clinics, and evaluation appointments have been added to meet access needs. QI methodology is an effective tool for implementing ASD screening and referral in multidisciplinary HRIF programs.

Challenges and Opportunities in High-Risk Infant Follow-Up: Progress from the 2022 Networking Session at the Pediatric Academic Societies

Challenges and Opportunities in High-Risk Infant Follow-Up: Progress from the 2022 Networking Session at the Pediatric Academic Societies

Safety of Hepatitis B Vaccines (Monovalent or as Part of Combination) in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review.

Introduction: The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vaccination against hepatitis B as soon as possible following birth for all infants, regardless of prematurity. Hepatitis B vaccination at birth is clearly justified, represents a crucial step in the global control of perinatally acquired hepatitis B and there are no safety concerns in infants born at term. However, there is limited information on the safety of the hepatitis B vaccine in preterm infants, whose immune responses and morbidity risk differ from those in infants born at term. Objectives: The objectives of this paper are to systematically review the literature regarding the safety and risk of adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs) associated with the administration of the hepatitis B vaccine (monovalent or as part of a combination vaccine) to preterm infants. Methods: We performed a search for relevant papers published between 1 January 2002 and 30 March 2023 in the Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and CINAHL Plus databases. Two authors independently reviewed and analysed each article to include in the systematic review. Narrative synthesis is presented. Results: Twenty-one relevant papers were identified and included in this systematic review. The vast majority of data pertained to multi-antigen (combination) vaccine preparations and vaccination episodes from 6 weeks of age onwards. We found no publications investigating the timing of the birth dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, and AEFI reporting was exclusively short-term (hours to days following administration). There was substantial variability in the reported rate of AEFIs between studies, ranging from 0% to 96%. Regardless of frequency, AEFIs were mostly minor and included injection site reactions, temperature instability and self-limiting cardiorespiratory events. Six studies reported serious adverse events (SAEs) such as the requirement for escalation of respiratory support. However, these occurred predominantly in high-risk infant populations and were rare (~1%). Using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations (GRADE) approach, the certainty of evidence was assessed as very low. Conclusions: Despite substantial variability between the relatively small number of published studies in terms of cohort selection, definitions, vaccine preparations and reporting, hepatitis B-containing vaccines (mostly as combination vaccines) appear to be relatively well tolerated in preterm infants from 6 weeks of age. Research focusing on the safety of hepatitis B vaccine in preterm infants specifically within 7 days of birth is lacking, particularly regarding long-term morbidity risk. Further research in this area is required.

Burden of disease of respiratory syncytial virus in infants, young children and pregnant women and people.

Passive immunization products for infants and pregnant women and people have sparked interest in understanding Canada's respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) burden. This rapid review examines RSV burden of disease in infants, young children and pregnant women and people. Electronic databases were searched to identify studies and systematic reviews reporting data on outpatient visits, hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, deaths and preterm labour associated with RSV. We also contacted Canadian respiratory virus surveillance experts for additional data. Overall, 17 studies on infants and young children and 10 studies on pregnant women and people were included, in addition to primary surveillance data from one Canadian territory (Yukon). There were higher rates of medical utilization for infants than older children. Hospitalization rates were highest in infants under six months (more than 1% annually), with 5% needing intensive care unit admission, but mortality was low. Severe outcomes often occurred in healthy full-term infants and burden was higher than influenza. Respiratory syncytial virus attack rate was 10%-13% among pregnant women and people. Only one study found a higher hospitalization rate in pregnant women and people compared to non-pregnant women and people. Limited evidence was found on intensive care unit admission, death and preterm birth for pregnant women and people. While risk of severe outcomes is larger in high-risk infants and children, healthcare burden is greatest in healthy term infants. The RSV severity for pregnant women and people appears to be similar to that for non-pregnant women and people.

Quality Improvement Project to improve access to early screening and physiotherapy for infants at high risk of neurodevelopmental disorders

ABSTRACT Purpose and Setting Recent international guidelines for Early Diagnosis of Cerebral Palsy (CP) recommend the use of specific evidence-based tools and early therapy intervention for preterm infants at high risk of cerebral palsy. Referrals for physiotherapy and diagnoses of CP in high-risk infants discharged from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Chelsea and Westminster NHS trust were recorded as occurring later than guidance recommends. A quality improvement project was initiated aiming to enhance identification of CP, increase provision of early physiotherapy and achieve this within the current physiotherapy staffing establishment. Methods A quality improvement project was implemented. Physiotherapists received training in using evidence-based assessment tools and early intervention. A new pathway was developed including a schedule of screening assessments and physiotherapy for high-risk infants on discharge from the NICU. This included a 14-month pilot of a new physiotherapy outpatient screening clinic. Results Following the pilot, age of referral for physiotherapy reduced from a mean of 11.84 to 4.25 months. All babies were assessed using recommended evidence-based tools including the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination, Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination and General Movements. Previously only the Alberta Infant Motor Scales were used. Parent feedback demonstrated that the parents felt supported, valued the relationship with physiotherapists and felt confident to carry out activities suggested by physiotherapists. Conclusion and Recommendations The new physiotherapy screening clinic was effective in increasing access to early physiotherapy and evidence based diagnostic assessments and was achieved within current staffing levels. A business case is being considered to increase physiotherapy provision so intervention can be provided consistently at the planned frequency. It is suggested that other Trusts may also find this model of intervention effective.