Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Research Articles

Evaluation of Anxiety Levels and Related Factors in Parents of Preterm Infants Hospitalized in NICU

Background: The hospitalization of preterm infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is generally an unexpected event that can be stressful experience for families and especially for parents. Objective: To assess the anxiety levels in parents with preterm infants hospitalized in NICU and determine its association with clinical and sociodemographic variables. Method: This prospective, follow up–cohort study was conducted at the NICU of a tertiary maternity hospital in Athens, Greece during 18/12/2019 to 31/12/2022. A total of 120 parents, whose infants had birth weight (BW)<1750 grams (g) and gestational age (GA)<34 weeks (w) were involved. The data collected by a demographic form and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale (STAI). Results: Our data showed that the STAI score for state anxiety to mothers was significantly higher in the 1st assessment (Mean±SD:52.2±11.9) than 2nd (Mean±SD:47.8±12) and 3rd (Mean±SD:49±10.3). The STAI score for trait anxiety was similar, in particular it was significantly higher in the 1st assessment (Mean±SD:46.6±14.6) compared to 2nd (Mean±SD:41.9±14) and 3rd (Mean±SD:42.8±13). Also, the STAI score for state anxiety to fathers was significantly higher during the 1st assessment (Mean±SD:47.1±12.2) compared to the other two assessments (Mean±SD:42.8±9.8 & Mean±SD:41.7±9.1 respectively), while trait anxiety didn’t show significant variability. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that the premature birth and infant’s hospitalization might have a negative effect on parents’ emotional state. Identifying which mothers and fathers are at risk immediately after birth and during NICU stay could help to direct specific interventions that can prevent them of stressful feelings.

Explore Parent’s Perception Regarding Role of Nurse as an Educator in an Intensive Care Unit Punjab Pakistan: A Qualitative Study

Background: The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) environment is highly stressful for both neonates and their family caregivers. The quality of interaction between caregivers and medical staff can significantly influence caregiver trust and satisfaction, which are crucial for the effective care and recovery of the neonate. Objective: This study aims to assess the perceptions of family caregivers regarding the role of nurses as educators in a NICU in Punjab, Pakistan, focusing on the communication strategies employed by nurses and the support infrastructure available to caregivers. Methods: This qualitative study involved semi-structured interviews with 14 family caregivers of neonates hospitalized in the Allama Iqbal Teaching Hospital's NICU. Participants were selected based on their intensive involvement in the care of their hospitalized newborns. Data were analyzed using content analysis to explore the themes related to nursing care quality as perceived by the caregivers. Results: Caregivers generally perceived the nursing care as excellent, noting particularly the professionalism and empathy of the nursing staff. However, issues such as inadequate hospital infrastructure, particularly sleeping facilities for caregivers, and occasional lapses in communication and caregiving flexibility were identified as areas needing improvement. The study also highlighted the critical role of timely and accurate information provided to caregivers in reducing anxiety and enhancing their involvement in the care process. Conclusion: Effective communication and adequate support infrastructure are essential in enhancing caregiver trust and satisfaction in the NICU setting. Improving these areas can significantly impact the recovery and well-being of both neonates and their families.

Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography Performed by Nurse Practitioners in the NICU

Background: Targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) and hemodynamic consultation have typically been performed by physicians. The Stollery Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) expanded their TNE training program to include neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs), the first in North America. Purpose: This study examines the thoughts and perceptions of clinicians about the incorporation of NNPs providing TNE and hemodynamic consultation and investigates key facilitators and challenges for consideration when planning future training, expansion of service in Edmonton, or beyond. Methods: In this descriptive study using qualitative methodology, purposive sampling was used to invite NICU clinicians to participate. Using a semistructured topic guide, a focus group and 2 individual interviews were conducted. Results: Participants were supportive of NNPs. Advantages included increased access to service, acquisition and retention of skills, provision of patient-centered care, and leveraged interpersonal relationships in the decision-making process. Key aspects of program expansion included climate and culture of the NICU, presence of adequate patient volume, and resources to support training. Implications for Practice and Research: Support across disciplines and the collaborative working nature of the NICU are key factors in the success of the program’s development and implementation. Benefits of having NNPs on the TNE team were clearly expressed. Benefits to the health system included rapid access to hemodynamic information allowing for care based on specific pathophysiology and additional local capacity to perform TNE and reducing demand on other trained providers. Additional research could consider parental views of NNPs performing TNE and hemodynamic consultation as well as the accuracy of diagnosis between the NNPs and physician group.

Clinical Analysis of Risk Factors and Perinatal Outcomes in Recurrent Pre-Eclampsia with Severe Features.

To analyze the differences in risk factors and pregnancy outcomes between recurrent and initial pre-eclampsia(PE) with severe features. Data from recurrent (n = 128) and initial (n = 904) PE with severe features who terminated their pregnancy or gave birth at 20weeks of gestation or later at the tertiary teaching hospital (Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital) from January 2016 to December 2022 were collected. Risk factors for recurrent PE with severe features and differences in pregnancy outcomes between the two groups were assessed using the chi-square test, student t-test, or nonparametric test. Independent risk factors for recurrent PE with severe features were further analyzed by logistic regression. (1) Logistic regression analysis identified 3 independent risk factors for recurrent PE with severe features: history of cesarean section, rural residence and chronic hypertension. In addition, assisted reproductive technology (ART) is an independent risk factor for initial PE with severe features; (2) The incidence of oligohydramnios, chorioamnionitis, preterm birth, stillbirth, fetal growth restriction (FGR) and abnormal umbilical blood flow was higher in the recurrent PE with severe features group than in the initial PE with severe features group(P < 0.05). In contrast, the incidence of premature rupture of membrane (PROM) and postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) was higher in the group of initial PE with severe features(P < 0.05); (3) In the recurrent PE with severe features group, gestational age(GA) of birth and birth weight were lower than those in the initial PE with severe features group(P < 0.05). Also, the incidence of mild asphyxia, the rate of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization, length of stay in NICU, and the rate of abandoning treatment in the recurrent PE with severe features group were higher than those in the initial PE with severe features group(P < 0.05). 3 independent risk factors was identified for recurrent PE with severe features: history of cesarean section, rural residence and chronic hypertension. Women with recurrent PE with severe features are more likely to have adverse perinatal outcomes than those with initial PE with severe features.

Navigating Uncertain Waters: First-Trimester Screening's Role in Identifying Neonatal Complications.

Background: Contemporary diagnostic methods aimed at assessing neonatal outcomes predominantly rely on the medical history of pregnant women. Ideally, universal biomarkers indicating an increased risk of delivering infants in poor clinical condition, with a heightened likelihood of requiring hospitalization in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), would be beneficial for appropriately stratifying pregnant women into a high-risk category. Our study evaluated whether biochemical and ultrasonographical markers universally used in first-trimester screenings for non-heritable chromosomal aberrations could serve this purpose. Methods: This study encompassed 1164 patients who underwent first-trimester screening, including patient history, ultrasound examinations, and biochemical tests for pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) and the free beta-HCG subunit (fbHCG), from January 2019 to December 2021. The research concentrated on the correlation between these prenatal test results and neonatal outcomes, particularly Apgar scores, umbilical blood pH levels, and the necessity for NICU admission. Results: In our cohort, neonates scoring lower than 8 on the Apgar scale at birth exhibited lower concentrations of PAPP-A in the first trimester, both in raw and normalized values (PAPP-A MoM 0.93 vs. 1.027, p = 0.032). We also observed a higher pulsatility index in the venous duct in the first trimester in full-term neonates born with <8 points on the Apgar scale. Additionally, newborns born with an umbilical blood pH < 7.2 had lower normalized first-trimester PAPP-A concentrations (0.69 vs. 1.01 MoM, p = 0.04). We also noted that neonates requiring NICU hospitalization post-delivery had lower first-trimester bHCG concentrations (0.93 MoM vs. 1.11 MoM, p = 0.03). However, none of the correlations in our study translated into a robust prognostic ability for predicting dichotomous outcomes. All areas under the curve achieved a value < 0.7. Conclusions: Low concentrations of PAPP-A and free bHCG subunit in the first trimester may be associated with poorer clinical and biochemical conditions in neonates post-delivery. However, the relationship is weak and has limited predictive capability. Further research evaluating these relationships is necessary for the appropriate stratification of pregnant women into high-risk categories for neonatological complications.

Effect of vitamin E supplementation on bilirubin levels in infants with hyperbilirubinemia: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

The effect of vitamin E supplementation on bilirubin levels in infants was previously explored, but the results were inconclusive. To examine the effect of vitamin E supplementation on bilirubin levels in term infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This interventional double-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in the Sanandaj Besat Hospital NICU. Enrolled newborns were between 37 and 42 weeks and 6 days of gestation and required phototherapy according to American Academy of Pediatrics clinical guidelines. A total of 138 infants were randomly assigned to vitamin E (n=68) or placebo (n=70) groups. In addition to phototherapy, the vitamin E group received 0.5 mL (5 IU) of supplemental vitamin E daily, whereas the placebo group received 0.5 mL of oral dextrose daily. STATA 17 was used for the data analysis. Changes in bilirubin levels at 24 hours postintervention did not differ significantly from baseline in either group. Vitamin E supplementation did not significantly reduce total bilirubin levels at 24 hours postintervention (mean difference [MD], -0.18; P=0.204; 95% confidence interval [CI], -1.39 to 1.02). However, the vitamin E group exhibited lower total bilirubin levels than the placebo group at 48 hours postintervention (MD, 0.18; P=0.365; 95% CI, -0.89 to 1.27) and 72 hours (MD, 0.36; P=0.356; 95% CI, -2.34 to 1.61), although the differences were not statistically significant. A subgroup analysis revealed that female infants experienced a greater reduction in total bilirubin levels than male infants. Infants administered vitamin E versus placebo demonstrated similar reductions in bilirubin levels and hospital stays. Although the average bilirubin changes did not differ significantly between groups, the vitamin E group showed a more noticeable reduction over time, indicating a positive effect of vitamin E supplementation on serum bilirubin reduction. Trial registration: IRCT20220806055625N2 (registered December 26, 2022; http://irct.ir/trial/67135).

Identification of Inflammatory Mediators in Saliva Samples From Hospitalized Newborns: Potential Biomarkers?

To characterize the levels of 11 inflammatory mediators (IFNg, IL1b, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12, IL17, TNF, and VEGF) in saliva samples from NB on the first and second day of hospitalization in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Exploratory study, descriptive, nested within a primary clinical, observational, and prospective study, conducted in the NICU of a public hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Demographic data and vital signs were recorded in the clinical records of 90 NB, and five saliva samples from 5 NB were collected between the first and second day of life (D1-D2) at approximately 8-hr intervals (8-9 am, 4-5 pm, and 11-12 pm). Saliva samples were used for the measurement of 11 cytokines (IFNg, IL1b, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL8, IL10, IL12, IL17, TNF, and VEGF). Five NBs participated in this exploratory study, and the vital signs showed variability from the first (D1) to the second day (D2) of hospitalization, variability similar to that of the total population of the primary study. The presence and levels of the 11 cytokines were detected in the saliva samples, as well as a statistical correlation between 10 cytokines (IFNg, IL1b, IL2, IL4, IL6, IL10, IL12, IL17, TNF, and VEGF) and vital signs. The novelty of measuring inflammatory mediators in saliva samples from hospitalized NBs in the NICU is highlighted, providing support and new perspectives for the development of clinical and experimental research and an opportunity for developing and implementing new salivary biomarkers in different population segments.

Risk factors associated with neonatal mortality among neonates admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka

Globally, several children die shortly after birth and many more of them within the first 28 days of life. Sub-Sharan Africa accounts for almost half (43%) of the global neonatal death with slow progress in reduction. These neonatal deaths are associated with lack of quality care at or immediately after birth and in the first 28 days of life. This study aimed to determine the trends and risk factors of facility-based neonatal mortality in a major referral hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. We conducted retrospective analysis involving all neonates admitted in the University Teaching Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (UTH-NICU) in Lusaka from January 2018 to December 2019 (N = 2340). We determined the trends and assessed the factors associated with facility-based neonatal mortality using Generalized Linear Models (GLM) with a Poisson distribution and log link function. Overall, the facility-based neonatal mortality was 40.2% (95% CI 38.0–42.0) per 1000 live births for the 2-year period with a slight decline in mortality rate from 42.9% (95% CI 40.0–46.0) in 2018 to 37.3% (95% CI 35.0–40.0) in 2019. In a final multivariable model, home delivery (ARR: 1.70, 95% CI 1.46–1.96), preterm birth (ARR: 1.59, 95% CI 1.36–1.85), congenital anomalies (ARR: 1.59, 95% CI 1.34–1.88), low birthweight (ARR: 1.57, 95% CI 1.37–1.79), and health centre delivery (ARR: 1.48, 95% CI 1.25–1.75) were independently associated with increase in facility-based neonatal mortality. Conversely, hypothermia (ARR: 0.36, 95% CI 0.22–0.60), antenatal attendance (ARR: 0.76, 95% CI 0.68–0.85), and 1-day increase in neonatal age (ARR: 0.96, 95% CI 0.95–0.97) were independently associated with reduction in facility-based neonatal mortality. In this hospital-based study, neonatal mortality was high compared to the national and global targets. The improvement in neonatal survival observed in this study may be due to interventions including Kangaroo mother care already being implemented. Early identification and interventions to reduce the impact of risks factors of neonatal mortality in Zambia are important.

Impact of Whole Genome Sequencing to investigate transmission of Serratia marcescens in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Newborns admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) are at increased risk of health care-associated infections. Serratia marcescens represent the third most common pathogen in NICU outbreaks. Here we present an outbreak investigation performed using Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) analyses and the control measures implemented to limit the spread of S. marcescens in the NICU of an Italian hospital. In February 2023 S. marcescens was isolated from six newborns, when in 2022 this pathogen was isolated only from two samples in the same ward. Measures for infection prevention were adopted. Routinary surveillance screening, performed with rectal swabs collected at admission and weekly thereafter, was implemented to search for S. marcescens presence. Environmental samples were collected. All the isolates, obtained from the conjunctival swab of six newborns, from rectal swab of two newborns who did not develop infections, as well as from the aerators of two faucets, were sequenced. WGS analyses showed no correlation between the isolates from newborns and environmental isolates. The implementation of the measures for infection prevention and control had enabled us to successfully control the outbreak within a short period. WGS analyses proved to be crucial in outbreak investigation to limit the spreading of the pathogens.

Hospital-Level NICU Capacity, Utilization, and 30-Day Outcomes in Texas

Risk-adjusted neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) utilization and outcomes vary markedly across regions and hospitals. The causes of this variation are poorly understood. To assess the association of hospital-level NICU bed capacity with utilization and outcomes in newborn cohorts with differing levels of health risk. This population-based retrospective cohort study included all Medicaid-insured live births in Texas from 2010 to 2014 using linked vital records and maternal and newborn claims data. Participants were Medicaid-insured singleton live births (LBs) with birth weights of at least 400 g and gestational ages between 22 and 44 weeks. Newborns were grouped into 3 cohorts: very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g), late preterm (LPT; 34-36 weeks' gestation), and nonpreterm newborns (NPT; ≥37 weeks' gestation). Data analysis was conducted from January 2022 to October 2023. Hospital NICU capacity measured as reported NICU beds/100 LBs, adjusted (ie, allocated) for transfers. NICU admissions and special care days; inpatient mortality and 30-day postdischarge adverse events (ie, mortality, emergency department visit, admission, observation stay). The overall cohort of 874 280 single LBs included 9938 VLBW (5054 [50.9%] female; mean [SD] birth weight, 1028.9 [289.6] g; mean [SD] gestational age, 27.6 [2.6] wk), 63 160 LPT (33 684 [53.3%] female; mean [SD] birth weight, 2664.0 [409.4] g; mean [SD] gestational age, 35.4 [0.8] wk), and 801 182 NPT (407 977 [50.9%] female; mean [SD] birth weight, 3318.7 [383.4] g; mean [SD] gestational age, 38.9 [1.0] wk) LBs. Median (IQR) NICU capacity was 0.84 (0.57-1.30) allocated beds/100 LB/year. For VLBW newborns, NICU capacity was not associated with the risk of NICU admission or number of special care days. For LPT newborns, birth in hospitals with the highest compared with the lowest category of capacity was associated with a 17% higher risk of NICU admission (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.01-1.33). For NPT newborns, risk of NICU admission was 55% higher (aRR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.22-1.97) in the highest- vs the lowest-capacity hospitals. The number of special care days for LPT and NPT newborns was 21% (aRR, 1.21; 95% CI,1.08-1.36) and 37% (aRR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.08-1.74) higher in the highest vs lowest capacity hospitals, respectively. Among LPT and NPT newborns, NICU capacity was associated with higher inpatient mortality and 30-day postdischarge adverse events. In this cohort study of Medicaid-insured newborns in Texas, greater hospital NICU bed supply was associated with increased NICU utilization in newborns born LPT and NPT. Higher capacity was not associated with lower risk of adverse events. These findings raise important questions about how the NICU is used for newborns with lower risk.

Application of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Framework to the NICU.

Infants and families requiring neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) care often experience significant stress and trauma during the earliest period of the infant's life, leading to increased risks for poorer infant and family outcomes. There is a need for frameworks to guide clinical care and research that account for the complex interactions of generational stress, pain, toxic stress, parental separation, and lifelong health and developmental outcomes for infants and families. Apply the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) framework in the context of the NICU as a usable structure to guide clinical practice and research focused on infant neurodevelopment outcomes and parental attachment. An overview of ACEs is provided along with a detailed discussion of risk at each level of the ACEs pyramid in the context of the NICU. Supportive and protective factors to help mitigate the risk of the ACEs in the NICU are detailed. NICU hospitalization may be considered the first ACE, or potentially an additional ACE, resulting in an increased risk for poorer health outcomes. The promotion of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and implementation of trauma-informed care and individualized developmental care potentially counter the negative impacts of stress in the NICU. Nurses can help balance the negative and positive stimulation of the NICU through activities such as facilitated tucking, skin-to-skin care, mother's milk, and active participation of parents in infant care. Future research can consider using the ACEs framework to explain cumulative risk for adverse health and well-being in the context of NICU care.

Effectiveness of Alprostadil for Ductal Patency

OBJECTIVES This study aims to describe the effectiveness of low initial alprostadil dosages to maintain a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in infants with ductal-dependent congenital heart disease (DDCHD). Secondary objectives were to describe any adverse drug events, describe prescribing trends, describe ductus arteriosus diameter changes, and compare the safety and efficacy of very low and low initial alprostadil dosage regimens. METHODS This retrospective observational cohort study at the British Columbia’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric intensive care unit examined neonates admitted with DDCHD who received alprostadil to maintain ductal patency. Very low–dose alprostadil (less than 0.01 mcg/kg/min) versus low-dose alprostadil (equal to or greater than 0.01 mcg/kg/min) was examined. Effectiveness was defined as survival and infants not requiring a resuscitation event (cardiac arrest, cardiogenic shock, code blue, extracorporeal life support, requirement for emergent cardiac surgery, and respiratory acidosis). Adverse drug events with a Naranjo score of 3 or more were included. RESULTS Alprostadil was effective for 88% of patients, with no difference between the very low–dose and low-dose groups. Of the 75 patients included, 25 received very low–dose alprostadil. Adverse drug events were common (51%) with neonates in the low-dose group experiencing more apnea and pyrexia than neonates in the very low–dose group. CONCLUSIONS Alprostadil therapy was effective in maintaining the PDA in neonates with DDCHD with low-dosage regimens. Adverse drug events were common with both dosage regimens; however, the very low dosage appeared to have less apnea and pyrexia.

Pain/Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants.

Introduction Preterm infants experience tremendous early life pain/stress during their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization, which impacts their neurodevelopmental outcomes. Mitochondrial function/dysfunction may interface between perinatal stress events and neurodevelopment. Nevertheless, the specific proteins or pathways linking mitochondrial functions to pain-induced neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants are remain unidentified. Our study aims to investigate the associations among pain/stress, proteins associated with mitochondrial function/dysfunction, and neurobehavioral responses in preterm infants. Methods We conducted a prospective cohort study, enrolling 33 preterm infants between September 2017 and July 2022 at two affiliated NICUs located in Hartford and Farmington, CT. NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS) datasets were evaluated to explore potential association with neurobehavioral outcomes. The daily pain/stress experienced by infant's during their NICU stay was documented. At 36-38 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA), neurobehavioral outcomes were evaluated using the NNNS and buccal swabs were collected for further analysis. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics was conducted on epithelial cells obtained from buccal swabs to evaluate protein expression level. Lasso statistical methods were conducted to study the association between protein abundance and infants' NNNS summary scores. Multiple linear regression and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were performed to examine how clinical characteristics and neurodevelopmental outcomes may be associated with protein levels and underlying molecular pathways. Results During NICU hospitalization, preterm premature rupture of membrane (PPROM) were negatively associated with neurobehavioral outcomes. The protein functions including leptin receptor binding activity, glutathione disulfide oxidoreductase activity and response to oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, phosphate and proton transmembrane transporter activity were negatively associated with neurobehavioral outcomes, in the contrast, cytoskeletal regulation, epithelial barrier and protection function were found to be associated with the optimal neurodevelopmental outcomes. In addition, mitochondrial function associated proteins including SPRR2A, PAIP1, S100A3, MT-CO2, PiC, GLRX, PHB2, and BNIPL-2 demonstrated positive association with favorable neurodevelopmental outcomes, while proteins of ABLIM1, UNC45A, Keratins, MUC1, and CYB5B showed positive association with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Conclusion Mitochondrial function-related proteins were observed to be associated with early life pain/stress and neurodevelopmental outcomes in infants. Large-scale studies with longitudinal datasets are warranted. Buccal proteins could be used to predict potential neurobehavioral outcomes.

Frequency of Hypoglycemia in Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore

Background: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) often necessitates admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for specialized care.– Among the various complications associated with HIE, hypoglycemia is a notable concern due to its potential to exacerbate neurological injury and compromise neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, the frequency of hypoglycemia in neonates with HIE, particularly in resource-limited settings like Pakistan, remains poorly characterized. Objectives: Aim of this study is to determine the frequency of hypoglycemia in neonates with HIE admitted to the NICU of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. By systematically reviewing medical records, this study is aimed to describe the prevalence of hypoglycemia in this population.Methods: Medical records of neonates diagnosed with HIE and admitted to the NICU were reviewed from July 2023 to October 2023. Data on demographic characteristics, perinatal history, clinical presentation, laboratory investigations including blood glucose levels, and neurodevelopmental outcomes were extracted. The frequency of hypoglycemia was determined as the proportion of neonates with documented hypoglycemia among all neonates diagnosed with HIE during the study period. Results: Among the cohort of neonates diagnosed with HIE (n = 120), 20.8% were found to experience hypoglycemic episodes during their hospital stay. Subgroup analyses revealed associations between hypoglycemia and variables such as gestational age, birth weight, and severity of HIE. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the demographic characteristics of this population, providing context for understanding the prevalence and implications of hypoglycemia in neonates with HIE. Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence of hypoglycemia as a common metabolic disturbance in neonates with HIE, underscoring the need for vigilant monitoring and prompt intervention in this vulnerable population. Standardized protocols for managing hypoglycemia in neonates with HIE are imperative to optimize clinical outcomes. 

Risk factors and trends in neonatal mortality in NICU in a tertiary care hospital in India

Introduction: The most vulnerable period of human life is neonatal period, which accounts for most of the morbidities and mortalities. Most of them are preventable with adequate health-care facilities. Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine the trends of neonatal mortality and identify the risk factors, most of which are preventable and measure the progress of health-care services. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Al-Ameen Children Hospital (AMCH) Vijayapura, Karnataka, India. Data were extracted from paper medical records at AMCH of a period of 1 year and digitized. Data obtained included age, sex and birth weight, place of delivery, morbidity profile, mortality profile, diagnosis, and period of stay in NICU. Results: A total of 648 neonates were admitted in NICU during the study period of 1-year duration, between January and December 2021. A total of 382 (58.9%) infants were discharged on recovery, 65 (10.3%) were referred due to unavailability of advanced surgical intervention, 39 (6%) were discharged against medical advice, 162 (25%) died due to various reasons. Male neonatal deaths outnumbered female neonates (56.8%). Among the total neonatal deaths, 82 (50.6%) were preterm neonates, 73 (45.1%) were term neonates and 7 (4.3%) were post-term neonates. It was noticed that among neonatal deaths, 87 (54.3%) babies were out-born and 75 (46.2%) babies were inborn. In this study, it was noticed that the mortality percentage of the neonate falling in the category of 1.5–1.9 kg was high compared to other categories. In our study, respiratory distress syndrome was the main cause of mortality accounting for 19.1% (31 cases) of total cases and prematurity was the most common risk factor. Conclusion: Improving the standard of antenatal care and encouraging deliveries in institutions having good NICU facility and early identification of risk factors help to reduce the mortality and its complications.

Determinants of Hypoglycemia in Premature Vietnamese Infants: A Case-Control Study.

Background Premature infants are more likely to experience hypoglycemia. Early recognition and prompt therapy are essential to avoiding neurological sequelae in the future. This study aimed to identify the determinants of hypoglycemia in premature Vietnamese infants. Methodology This was a case-control study conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, The Women and Children Hospital of An Giang, Vietnam. Hypoglycemia was defined as a plasma glucose value of less than 2.6 mmol/L (47 mg/dL) after two hours postpartum. Maternal and neonatal information was collected and analyzed. Both bivariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify the risk factors of neonatal hypoglycemia (NH) Results A total of 65 cases and 195 controls were included in the study. Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.69-8.52; P< 0.001) and excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) (AOR 2.80, 95% CI1.12-6.98; P < 0.026) were associated with NH in the multiple logistic regression model. An observed positive interaction between gestational hypertension and GDM on NH yielded an odds ratio (OR) of 6.29 (95% CI2.46-16.64). Conclusions GDM, excessive GWG, andthe interaction between gestational hypertension and GDM were the determinants of hypoglycemia in premature infants.

Five-Year Survival Analysis and Causes of Late Deaths of Infants Admitted to the Tertiary Newborn Intensive Care in Latvia.

Background and Objectives: Studies on long-term survival following admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse the epidemiology, five-year survival, and causes of late death of infants admitted to the only tertiary NICU in Latvia. Materials and Methods: The study population included all newborns admitted to the Children's Clinical University Hospital (CCUH) NICU from 1 January 2013 to 31 December 2017. The unique national identity numbers from the infants or their mothers were used to link the CCUH electronic medical records to the Medical Birth Register and the Database of Causes of Death of Inhabitants of Latvia maintained by The Centre for Disease Prevention and Control of Latvia. Results: During the study period, a total of 2022 patients were treated in the tertiary NICU. The average admission rate was 18.9 per 1000 live births per year. One hundred and four patients (5.1%) died in the tertiary NICU before hospital discharge. A total of 131 (6.5%) patients from the study cohort died before 12 months of age and 143 (7.1%) before 5 years of age. Patients with any degree of prematurity had a lower five-year mortality (0.9%, 9 out of 994 discharged alive) than term infants (3.2%, 30 out of 924 discharged alive; p < 0.001). Of the 39 patients who died after discharge from the NICU, the most common causes of death were congenital heart disease 35.9% (n = 14), multiple congenital malformations and chromosomal abnormalities 17.9% (n = 7), cerebral palsy 10.3% (n = 4), and viral infections 7.7% (n = 3). Conclusions: We observed increased mortality up to five years following NICU admission in both premature and term infants. These findings will help to guide the NICU follow-up programme.

Platelet Transfusion and Death or Neurodevelopmental Impairment in Children Born Extremely Preterm

Infants born extremely preterm receive transfusions at higher platelet count thresholds than older children and adults due to concerns for intracranial hemorrhage. A recent randomized trial comparing 2 platelet transfusion thresholds showed the higher threshold was associated with increased risk of long-term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. To evaluate the association of platelet transfusion exposure with death and severe neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 2 years' corrected age in a cohort of infants born extremely preterm. An observational cohort study and secondary analysis of the Preterm Erythropoietin Neuroprotection Trial, a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of erythropoietin neuroprotection in neonates born extremely preterm, was conducted in 30 neonatal intensive care units in the US from December 1, 2013, to September 31, 2016. This analysis included 819 infants born extremely preterm at 24 to 27 completed weeks of gestation who had a documented outcome (death or neurodevelopmental assessment). Analysis was performed in April 2023. Any platelet transfusion during neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization. The primary composite outcome was death or severe NDI evaluated at 2 years' corrected age using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-Third Edition (BSID-III) and the Gross Motor Function Classification System and was defined as the presence of severe cerebral palsy or a BSID-III composite motor or cognitive score 2 SDs below the mean. Confounding by indication for platelet transfusion was addressed with covariate adjustment and propensity score methods. Of the 819 infants included in the analysis (429 [52.4%] male; mean [SD] gestational age, 25.5 [1.1] weeks), 245 (30.0%) received at least 1 platelet transfusion during their initial hospitalization. The primary outcome occurred in 46.5% (114 of 245) of infants exposed to a platelet transfusion and 13.9% (80 of 574) of nonexposed infants with a corresponding odds ratio of 2.43 (95% CI, 1.24-4.76), adjusted for propensity score, gestational age at birth, and trial treatment group. The individual components of death and severe NDI were directionally consistent with the overall composite outcome. The findings of this study suggest that platelet transfusion in infants born extremely preterm may be associated with an increased risk of death or severe NDI at 2 years' corrected age, although the possibility of residual confounding by indication cannot be excluded.

Being a "Good Parent" to a NICU Infant With a Major Congenital Anomaly.

In the United States, up to one-third of infants with a congenital anomaly require neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization. Parents of these infants may have different decision-making priorities, which may be influenced by the timing of the infant's diagnosis. (1) To compare the ranked importance of decision-making beliefs for parents of infants who received a prenatal versus postnatal congenital diagnosis and (2) explore how parents describe their decision-making beliefs. A cross-sectional, sequential mixed-methods pilot design was applied to collect quantitative data using the Good Parent Ranking Exercise and further explore parents' decision-making beliefs through qualitative interviews. Maximum difference scaling/hierarchical Bayes estimation and content analysis were used to analyze the quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Forty mothers completed the Good Parent Ranking Exercise and 20 mothers completed qualitative interviews. Four of the top 5 ranked parenting beliefs were shared by mothers in the prenatal and postnatal groups. Mothers in the postnatal group ranked "focusing on my child's quality of life" higher. Qualitative interviews revealed that previously identified decision-making beliefs were consistent in this NICU parent population, with 1 additional belief identified. Mixed-methods analysis revealed high concordance between the prenatal and postnatal groups. NICU nurses need to know that decision-making beliefs for parents who receive a prenatal versus postnatal congenital diagnosis, while largely similar, may have differences. Future research should explore decision-making beliefs in demographically diverse parent groups (ie, fathers, partnered vs nonpartnered couples) and effective strategies for promoting NICU parents' decision-making beliefs.

Perceived barriers of family-centred care in neonatal intensive care units: A qualitative study.

Family-centered care (FCC) approach in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) has been shown to improve family satisfaction and quality of care. However, several contextual barriers influence its use in NICUs, and these barriers are understudied in Ghana. To describe FCC practice in Ghanaian NICUs in order to understand the contextual barriers. The study employed a descriptive qualitative design. The researchers used a structured interview guide to collect the data in 24 interviews and 12 focus group discussions. We engaged families (n = 42), nurses and midwives (n = 33), and doctors (n = 9) to describe their perspectives on the barriers to FCC in two public tertiary hospital NICUs. The data were mapped, triangulated, and aggregated to inform the findings. Thematic analysis and MAXQDA qualitative software version 2020 were employed to analyse the data. This qualitative study followed the COREQ guidelines and checklist. Perceived family barriers and perceived facility barriers to FCC were the two main themes. The perceived family barriers include family stress and anxiety, inadequate information sharing and education, culture and religion. The perceived facility barriers are inadequate space and logistics, workload and inadequate staff, restricted entry, and negative staff attitudes. The findings of this study shed light on the barriers to FCC practice in neonatal care in Ghanaian NICUs. Family stress and anxiety, a lack of information sharing, cultures and religious beliefs, NICU workload and staffing shortages, restrictions on family entry into NICUs, and staff attitudes towards families are all contextual barriers to FCC practice. Health facility managers and NICU staff may consider addressing these barriers to implement FCC in the NICU in order to enhance family satisfaction and quality neonatal care. The design of future NICUs should consider family comfort zones and subunits to accommodate families and their sick infants for optimal health care outcomes. The development of communication models and guidelines for respectful NICU care may aid in integrating families into ICUs and promoting quality health care outcomes.