Incidence Of Respiratory Distress Syndrome Research Articles

Risk factors for and short-term prognosis of intrauterine infection in preterm infants.

To identify the risk factors for and short-term prognosis of intrauterine infection (IUI) in preterm infants. We retrospectively collected clinical data regarding preterm infants (28+0-36+6 weeks of gestational age) with IUI from the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital between June 2017 and June 2022. The pathologic characteristics of the infants were classified using the Redline criteria, and the resulting groups were compared with respect to their clinical characteristics, indicators of infection, complications, and mortality rates. Three hundred thirty (78.1%) of the 422 enrolled neonates showed signs of histologic IUI; 51.8% showed histologic chorioamnionitis alone, and 48.2% showed both histologic chorioamnionitis and funisitis. The independent risk factors identified for IUI were maternal prenatal invasive manipulation, premature rupture of membranes (>18 hours before labor), and prenatal C-reactive protein concentration. The infants with IUI showed higher incidences of respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Low gestational age and low birth weight of preterm infants were significantly associated with a higher incidence of histologic IUI, more severe inflammation, and a higher incidence of complications. Histologic IUI is associated with high complication and mortality rates in preterm infants, as is an increasing severity of inflammation.

Influence of severe pre-eclampsia in combination with premature rupture of members on the course of the early neonatal period

Aim. To assess the effect of preeclampsia in combination with premature rupture of membranes (PROM) on the condition of newborns in the early neonatal period.Materials and Methods. The study included 984 mothers and their newborns, divided into four groups. The main group comprised 94 women whose pregnancies were complicated by severe preeclampsia and PROM. The comparison group consisted of 840 patients, further divided into two subgroups: subgroup A included 70 patients with severe preeclampsia, and subgroup B included 770 patients with PROM. The control group comprised 50 healthy pregnant women.Results and Discussion. In the main group, 31 (33%) newborns were premature; in subgroup A, 21 (30%); and in subgroup B, 69 (9%). Newborns with extreme prematurity were born in the main group 3.1 and 5.4 times more often than in subgroups A and B, respectively (p = 0.013). It was found that the main group had a higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, apnea, and neonatal encephalopathy. Hypoglycemia was diagnosed in the main group 5.6 times more frequently than in cases of isolated PROM (p < 0.001) and 1.3 times more frequently than with preeclampsia alone (p > 0.05). In the Republic of Tajikistan, neonatal mortality reaches 56.3%.Conclusion. Reducing early neonatal morbidity and mortality in women with preeclampsia and PROM is possible through referral and delivery in tertiary care facilities.

Role of surfactant therapy in reducing oxygen requirement and mortality among neonates suffering from respiratory distress syndrome: A Prospective study at Al – Batool teaching hospital in Diyala province

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. It is a breathing disorder characterized by a deficiency or inactivity of surfactant in the lungs of preterm and term babies and if not treated, it leads to serious complications like pneumothorax, emphysema, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and death. Objective: To estimate the effect of surfactant therapy on oxygen requirement and neonatal mortality as well as the incidence of RDS in the special care neonatal unit (SCNU) in the AL Batool Teaching Hospital in Diyala Governorate. Patients and Methods: A sample of 2000 patients with signs and symptoms of RDS at the time of presentation was prospectively collected from the 1st of July 2022 until the 1st of March 2023 in SCNU at Al-Batool Teaching Hospital. Gestational age, body weight, the use of oxygen, surfactant therapy, and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were taken into consideration in assessing the outcome of RDS neonates. Results: There was a significant relationship between surfactant administrations, the period of staying on CPAP, and oxygen demand as the p-value was < 0.001 for both. Neonates who received surfactant had a lower mortality rate, with an incidence of 2.5%; the p-value was < 0.001. Incidence of neonatal RDS was 694 (34.7%). Conclusion: Since the incidence of RDS was 34.7%, surfactant therapy should be routine in neonatal special and intensive care units. Proper use of surfactant (proper timing and mode of administration) reduces oxygen demand, the need for CPAP, hospitalization, and mortality among those neonates.

Incidence of neonatal respiratory morbidity after vaginal and caesarean delivery in the late-preterm and term period - a retrospective cohort study.

Respiratory distress syndrome is a leading cause of neonatal intensive care unit admissions for late preterm (34-36 weeks gestational age) and term infants (37-41 weeks). The risk for respiratory morbidity appears to increase after an elective caesarean delivery and might be reduced after antenatal corticosteroids. However, before considering antenatal corticosteroids for women at high risk of preterm birth after 34 weeks, the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and the effect of delivery mode on this incidence requires further evaluation. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between respiratory distress syndrome incidence and delivery mode in late preterm and term infants. In this retrospective cohort study, the clinical databases of the University Hospitals of Zurich and Basel were queried regarding all live births between 34 + 0 and 41 + 6 weeks. Neonatal intensive care unit admissions due to respiratory distress syndrome were determined and analysed in regard to the following delivery modes: spontaneous vaginal, operative vaginal, elective caesarean, secondary caesarean and emergency caesarean. After excluding malformations (n = 889) and incomplete or inconclusive data (n = 383), 37,110 infants out of 38,382 were evaluated. Of these, 5.34% (n = 1980) were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit for respiratory distress syndrome. Regardless of gestational age, respiratory distress syndrome in infants after spontaneous vaginal delivery was 2.92%; for operative vaginal delivery, it was 4.02%; after elective caesarean delivery it was 8.98%; following secondary caesarean delivery, it was 8.45%, and after an emergency caesarean it was 13.3%. The risk of respiratory distress syndrome was higher after an elective caesarean compared to spontaneous vaginal delivery, with an odds ratio (OR), adjusted for gestational age, of 2.31 (95% CI 1.49-3.56) at 34 weeks, OR 5.61 (95% CI 3.39-9.3) at 35 weeks, OR 1.5 (95% CI 0.95-2.38) at 36 weeks, OR 3.28 (95% CI 1.95-5.54) at 37 weeks and OR 2.51 (95% CI 1.65-3.81) at 38 weeks. At 39 weeks, there was no significant difference between the risk of respiratory distress syndrome after an elective caesarean vs. spontaneous vaginal delivery. Over the study period, gestational age at elective caesarean delivery remained stable at 39.3 ± 1.65 weeks. The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome following an elective caesarean is up to threefold higher in infants born with less than 39 weeks gestational age compared to those born by spontaneous vaginal delivery. Therefore - and whenever possible - an elective caesarean delivery should be planned after 38 completed weeks to minimise the risk of respiratory morbidity in neonates.

The Role of Corticosteroids in Prevention of Neonatal Respiratory Morbidity in Term Elective Cesarean Section A Prospective Observation Study

Abstract Background Caesarean sections continue to increase day by day in both developed and developing countries, which is associated with increased respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), the key reason for early neonatal morbidity and mortality. Objective To assess the effect of routine prophylactic corticosteroids before elective caesarean section after 37 weeks of gestational age, on neonatal respiratory morbidity. Methods A prospective observational study was conducted on all pregnant women undergoing elective caesarean sections between 37-42 weeks at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital. Over an 8- month period (from November 2020 to June 2021), 1105 cases were divided into the exposed group (A), (N = 877) who received prophylactic dexamethasone, and 228 cases in the non-exposed group (B) who did not receive dexamethasone. Outcome measures were the incidence of transient tachypnea of the newborn, and NICU admissions due to respiratory morbidity. Data were analyzed using SPSS 22. Results Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of TTN or RDS. No cases of TTN were found in exposed subgroup, versus 1 (0.4%) in non-exposed group (p = 0.745). The respiratory distress (RDS) in the exposed subgroup was 4 cases (16.7%) versus 18 (7.9%) in non- exposed group (p = 0.148). While the admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to respiratory morbidity after an elective caesarean section was 4 cases (16.7%) in the exposed subgroup versus 19 cases (8.3%) in the non-exposed group (p = 0.178). Conclusion Routine administration of prophylactic antenatal corticosteroids before elective caesarean sections at term does not reduce the risk of admission to the NICU compared to non- administration.

Factors affecting neonatal respiratory distress syndrome at Wangaya General Hospital

Introduction: The neonatal period is a crucial window at the start of life. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 10% of all newborns require early respiratory support. Neonates with respiratory distress syndrome have a fourfold increased risk of death. Multiple maternal and neonatal risk factors affect the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome. This study aims to identify the relationship between method of delivery, maternal illness, premature rupture of membrane, amniotic fluid, low birth weight, gestational age, asphyxia, gender, multiple gestation, and perinatal infections towards the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in Wangaya General Hospital. Methods: This is a retrospective case-control study. Secondary data was collected from the medical record. The sample size was 56 neonates aged 0-28 days with respiratory distress and without. Univariate analysis using Chi-square and Fisher’s Exact test and multivariate analysis using logistic regression. Results: Of the 114 neonates with respiratory distress, asphyxia (p < 0.001) and low birth weight (p = 0.014) were correlated with respiratory distress when analyzed using bivariate and multivariate analysis. Maternal factors analyzed in the study did not affect the incidence of respiratory distress. Conclusion: Neonatal factors of birth asphyxia and low birth weight increased the risk of development of respiratory distress syndrome, while maternal factors did not increase such risks. Limitations of the study include secondary data and a lack of analysis of other detrimental factors, such as the administration of antenatal corticosteroids.

Implications of maternal vitamin D administration for the neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: A randomized clinical trial.

Vitamin D deficiency has been suggested to be a risk factor for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 25 (OH) D administrations in pregnant women with findings of preterm labor on the incidence of RDS in their preterm neonates. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on pregnant mothers with gestational age (GA) of less than 34 weeks at risk of preterm delivery. 175 subjects were randomly assigned into two groups, including intervention (intramuscular injection of 50,000 units of 25(OH) D during 72 hours before delivery) and control (no injections). Serum concentrations of 25(OH) D were measured shortly after birth in both mothers and neonates. Then, clinical and laboratory results of mothers and their offspring were recorded (in a checklist). Short-term outcomes and the need for respiratory support were also assessed. Data were analyzed by independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and chi-square test. Even though gestational age, birth weight, delivery method, and serum vitamin D levels are consistent among both groups, 45% of neonates in the control group and 20% in the intervention group developed respiratory distress syndrome (P = 0.05). The mean 25(OH) D level in neonates was 17.7±10.5 and 19.29±9.94 ng/mL in the intervention and control groups, respectively (P > 0.05). A single dose of 50,000 units of intramuscular 25(OH)D in pregnant women at risk of preterm labor can lower the risk of RDS in the infant.

A study of incidence of respiratory distress syndrome in newborns born to mothers with gestational diabetes

Background: Hyaline membrane disease/RDS is an important cause for newborn morbidity and mortality. Many studies have established an association of infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) since decades. Modern lifestyle changes have increased the prevalence of obesity in women and thus diabetes in pregnancy. Maintaining strict euglycemia is a double-edged sword in pregnancy which has been affecting the neonatal health and respiratory maturity in particular which has been associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Methods: It was a prospective case control study done over a span of one year. Results: Hyaline membrane disease (RDS) is significantly associated with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Conclusions: Even our study emphasized the ill effects of gestational diabetes on the respiratory development of baby. Most of the babies are manageable and outcome can be drastically improved by early diagnosis and efficient treatment. Education and anticipation of the complications and prompt referral are the need of the hour in peripheries and advancement of neonatal intensive cares in the referral hospitals is needed.

Risk factors for the incident of respiratory distress syndrome in neonates at the Regional General Hospital of Buleleng District, 2020

<p><strong><em>Background</em></strong><em> : The main causes of death in neonates are complications of pregnancy and childbirth, such as asphyxia, sepsis and low birth weight complications. Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a condition related to the respiratory system of neonates. The large number of RDS cases is one of the highest causes of death in neonates.</em></p><p><strong><em>Objectives</em></strong><em>: The aim of this study is to determine the risk factors for the incidence of RDS at Buleleng District Hospital, especially in premature neonates in 2020.</em></p><p><strong><em>Methods</em></strong><em>: This research method uses a retrospective cohort study. Where the data was taken using secondary data in the NICCU room at Buleleng Regional Hospital. The independent variables included are the characteristics of the neonate including gestational age, history of hypertension experienced by the mother during pregnancy, birth weight, history of premature rupture of membranes, history of asphyxia experienced during the birth process. The dependent variable in this study was the incidence of RDS in neonates. The sample included in this research was 64 mothers who gave birth at the Buleleng District Hospital in 2020. This research used univariate analysis to assess the frequency distribution of each variable, then continued using bivariate analysis to determine the variables that were included in the multivariate analysis. Multivariate analysis was carried out computerized using logistic regression</em></p><p><strong><em>Results</em></strong><em>: The results of this study found that there were 2 risk factors that directly increased the incidence of RDS in neonates including premature gestational age with a value of p 0.01 (19.8, 95% CI 1.8-133.7, low birth weight ( 2.9, 95% CI 1.9-8.4). </em></p><p><strong><em>Conclusions</em></strong><em>: The conclusion is that there are 2 risk factors that are associated and increase the incidence of RDS in neonates, namely premature gestational age and low birth weight.</em></p>

Cerebellar injury in preterm infants less than 28 weeks gestational age.

Cerebellar injury is one of the perinatal complications in preterm infants. Recent studies have highlighted the effect of perinatal complications on neurological morbidity. We investigated the perinatal risk factors and morbidity for cerebellar injury in extremely premature infants. This retrospective cohort study included 285 infants born between April 2009 and December 2020 at gestational age <28 weeks at our institution. The infants were divided into two groups based on magnetic resonance imaging findings: those with and without cerebellar injury. We performed a statistical analysis of the perinatal background and short-term morbidity of the two groups. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed between the groups with respect to the perinatal background, especially gestational weeks, birthweight, and hemoglobin values at birth. In the short-term morbidity, significant differences (p < 0.05) were observed in the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, chronic lung disease, hydrocephalus, severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and cerebellar hemorrhage. Extensive cerebellar lesions, such as cerebellar agenesis or global cerebellar hypoplasia, accounted for 11 of the 22 cases of cerebellar injury; seven of the 11 cases had severe IVH in addition to cerebellar hemorrhage. Gestational age was significantly lower in the cerebellar injury group. The combination of severe IVH and cerebellar hemorrhage may promote cerebellar injury.

Intrauterine Inflammation, Excessive Fetal Growth and Respiratory Morbidities in Moderate-To-Late Preterm Neonates

Introduction: Respiratory morbidities in neonates are often progressive and life-threatening, and its early prediction is crucial. Intrauterine inflammation is one of the key control variables of respiratory morbidities in both very preterm and term neonates; however, little is known about its effects in the remaining group of moderate-to-late preterm neonates born between 32+0 and 36+6 weeks of gestation. This study aimed to confirm whether intrauterine inflammation is associated with respiratory morbidities in moderate-to-late preterm neonates. Methods: A single-center retrospective observational study was conducted in neonates born between 32+0 and 34+6 weeks of gestation between April 2013 and March 2018. The correlation between respiratory morbidities (defined as a requirement for invasive mechanical ventilation longer than the median duration of 3 days) and intrauterine inflammation was assessed using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Results: The study population comprised 242 neonates born at 33.7 ± 0.8 weeks of gestation and weighing 1,936 ± 381 g. The multivariable model to predict the outcome comprised respiratory distress syndrome (odds ratio [OR]: 9.1; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7–22.5; p < 0.001), lower gestational age (per week; OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3–0.8; p < 0.005), higher birth-weight z-score (OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2–2.2; p < 0.005), lower cord blood pH (per 0.10; OR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3–0.7; p < 0.005), and chorioamnionitis (OR: 2.8; 95% CI: 1.1–7.2; p < 0.05). Conclusion: Together with the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and gestational age, chorioamnionitis and high birth-weight z-scores were associated with an increased incidence of respiratory morbidities in moderate-to-late preterm neonates. The deleterious impact of intrauterine inflammation on the lungs may be common in neonates of virtually all gestational ages. Traditional admission policy of neonatal intensive care units based on a threshold birth-weight, may leave a group of neonates without close observation despite their increased risks for respiratory morbidities.

Abstract 17646: Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes in Pregnant Women With Congenital Heart Disease: The Magee Obstetric Maternal and Infant (MOMI) ACHD Substudy

Introduction: Adult patients with congenital heart disease (ACHD) have a life-long burden of cardiovascular morbidity that contributes to increased maternal and neonatal risk during pregnancy and the peripartum period. Hypothesis: Women with ACHD and their neonates have a higher risk of adverse pregnancy and peripartum outcomes as compared to women without ACHD. Methods: We matched 565 deliveries from women with ACHD and 1130 deliveries from women without cardiac disease (1:2 matching), for a delivery year, race and maternal age as a substudy of the Magee Obstetric Maternal and Infant (MOMI) study, of women who received perinatal care at the Magee-Womens Hospital at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 1995-2020. We evaluated for in-hospital maternal and neonatal outcomes. Results: Of the 565 women with ACHD, 24.0% had aortic outflow and mitral valve abnormalities, 19.5% had pulmonary outflow and tricuspid valve abnormalities, 28.1% had isolated atrial or ventricular septal defects, 0.3% had single ventricle physiology, and 1.4% had outflow vessel abnormalities. Maternal and neonatal outcomes are summarized in Table 1. Women with ACHD had a higher rate of pregnancy loss (32.4% vs 26.2% p&lt;0.001), induction of labor, and cesarean section. Neonates from ACHD women were delivered at an earlier gestational age, with a lower birth weight, and had a higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome. ACHD women had a higher incidence of cardiovascular events (predominantly arrhythmias and pulmonary edema) and required intensive care more frequently (10.5% vs 1.2%, p&lt;0.001) and for longer periods (2.1±1.8 vs. 1.1±0.3 days; P=0.027) after delivery. Conclusion: Women with ACHD are at higher risk for adverse clinical outcomes during pregnancy and delivery. Neonates of ACHD women are delivered slightly earlier by induction of labor and have consequent sequelae after birth.

Incidence and predictors of respiratory distress syndrome among low birth weight neonates in the first seven days in Northwest Ethiopia Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals, 2023: A retrospective follow-up study

IntroductionRespiratory distress syndrome is a catastrophic respiratory problem among low birth weight neonates. It increases the suffering of neonates and the economic expenditure of the countries. Notably, it is a...

Multifactorial Colonization of the Pregnant Woman's Reproductive Tract: Implications for Early Postnatal Adaptation in Full-Term Newborns.

This retrospective study aimed to investigate the impact of microorganisms identified in the reproductive tract on disorders during the early adaptation period in newborns. A cohort of 823 patients and cervical canal cultures were analyzed to identify the presence of microorganisms. Newborns included in the study were divided into two groups due to the number of pathogens identified in the swab from the cervical canal of the mother. The first group consisted of newborns whose mothers had one pathogen identified (N = 637), while the second group consisted of newborns whose mothers had two or more pathogens identified (N = 186). The analysis of disorders of the early adaptation period included the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, the number of procedures performed with the use of CPAP, oxygen therapy, antibiotic therapy and parenteral nutrition. Respiratory distress syndrome was more common in group II than in group I (85 vs. 31, p = 0.001). In group II, CPAP (63 vs. 21, p = 0.001), oxygen therapy (15 vs. 8, p = 0.02) and antibiotics were used more frequently (13 vs. 8, p = 0.01). The findings of this study revealed that the number of pathogens colonizing the reproductive tract had a significant influence on the early adaptation period in newborns. Multifactorial colonization of the reproductive tract was associated with an increased incidence of infections in newborns and a higher prevalence of acid-base balance disorders. This study highlights the importance of monitoring and addressing the microbial composition of the reproductive tract during pregnancy.

Clinical characteristics of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very preterm infants.

With the development of perinatal and neonatal intensive care medicine, the survival rate of very premature infants increases year by year. However, the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) increases year by year, which seriously affects the survival prognosis of very premature infants. How to prevent and treat BPD effectively has become the focus of neonatologists. This study aims to provide ideas for the prevention and treatment of BPD in very preterm infants via analyzing the clinical characteristics of BPD. A total of 472 cases of very premature infants admitted to the Divison of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were retrospectively selected and assigned into a BPD group (n=147) and a non-BPD group (n=325) according to the diagnosis of BPD. Clinical data of each group were collected to find out the clinical characteristics of BPD in very preterm infants. Basic information, maternal pregnancy data, laboratory findings, nutritional support, respiratory support patterns and duration, and systemic complications were included. Compared with the non-BPD group, gestational age, birth weight, head circumference and body length in the BPD group were lower, the Apgar score in 1st min and 5th min and average body weight growth rate were lower (all P<0.05); the ratios of male, very low birth weight (VLBW), and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) in the BPD group were higher than those in the non-BPD group (all P<0.5); the incidence of maternal cervical insufficiency and the rate of using embryo transfer technology in the BPD group were higher than those in the non-BPD group, and the rate of using prenatal hormone in the BPD group was lower than that in the non-BPD group (all P<0.05). The positive rate of sputum culture in the BPD group was higher than that in the non-BPD group (P<0.05), and the white blood cell count, neutrophil ratio, and procalcitonin in the BPD group were higher than those in the non-BPD group (all P<0.05). The period of fasting, minimal feeding, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), and partial parenteral nutrition (PPN) in the BPD group were longer than those in the non-BPD group (all P<0.05). The duration of nasal catheter oxygen inhalation and mechanical ventilation in the BPD group was longer than that in the non-BPD group, and the rates of mechanical ventilation at Day 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 after birth were higher than those in the non-BPD group (all P<0.05). The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, apnea of prematurity, respiratory failure, pneumonia, pulmonary hemorrhage, pleural effusion, persistent pulmonary hypertension, hemodynamic patent ductus arteriosus, cytomegalovirus infection, neonatal necrotic enterocolitis, cholestasis, anemia, abnormal blood system, hypothyroidism, retinopathy of prematurity, and internal environment disorders in the BPD group were significantly higher than those in non-BPD group (all P<0.05). There are significant differences between very premature infants with BPD and those without BPD in general information, maternal history, inflammatory indicators, nutritional support, respiratory support, comorbidities and complication rates. To ensure normal fetal development, reducing the inflammatory reaction of very premature infants, establishing enteral nutrition as early as possible, shortening the time of mechanical ventilation, and reducing the occurrence of complications are beneficial to decrease the incidence of BPD in very premature infants and improve the long-term prognosis of BPD.

Association of small-for-gestational-age status with mortality and morbidity in very preterm Chinese infants

Background Very preterm infants born small for gestational age (SGA) are at risk for short- and long-term excess mortality and morbidity resulting from immaturity and deficient intrauterine growth. However, previous findings are inconclusive, and there is a paucity of contemporary data in Chinese population. Objectives To evaluate the excess risks of mortality and morbidity independently associated with SGA birth in very preterm (before 32 weeks of gestation) Chinese infants. Materials and Methods The study population included all very preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in our hospital and our medical treatment partner hospitals during a 6-year period. The SGA group consisted of 615 SGA infants, and 1230 appropriate-for-gestation-age (AGA) infants were matched with GA and sex as controls at a ratio of 2:1. The associations between SGA birth and outcomes (in-hospital mortality and morbidity) were evaluated by using multivariate logistic regression analysis after adjustment for potential confounders. The CRIBII score was used to indicate admission illness severity, acting as a covariate in the multivariate analysis. Results The SGA group was associated with increased risks of mortality [odds ratio (OR) 2.12; 95% CI: 1.27–3.54] and BPD [OR 1.95; 95% CI: 1.58–2.41] compared to the AGA group. No significant incidences of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), severe retinopathy of prematurity (sROP), severe intraventricular hemorrhage (sIVH), and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) were observed in the SGA group. Further GA-stratified subgroup analysis showed SGA status exhibited certain patterns of effects on mortality and morbidity in different GA ranges. Conclusions SGA status is associated with excess risks of neonatal mortality and BPD in very preterm infants, but the increased risks of mortality and morbidity are not homogeneous in different GA ranges. The contemporary data can help inform perinatal care decision-making and family counseling, particularly for very preterm SGA neonates.

Comparison of neonatal outcomes between multiples and singletons among very low birth weight infants: the Korean Neonatal Network cohort study

Objective To compare neonatal outcomes between multiples and singletons among very low birth weight infants, this was a prospective cohort study that was conducted by collecting data registered in the Korean Neonatal Network database. Methods From January 2013 to December 2016, there were 8265 infants in the Korean Neonatal Network database, and 2958 of them were from multiples. Among them, 2636 infants were twins, 308 infants were triplets, and 14 infants were quadruplets. Maternal and neonatal variables including and mortality major morbidity were compared. Finally, the predicted rates of major morbidity between singletons and multiples. Results Multiples had higher gestational age, birth weight, Apgar score at 5 min, rates of cesarean section and artificial reproductive technology but lower maternal hypertension, oligohydramnios, chorioamnionitis rates and Clinical Risk Index for Babies scores II without base excess than the singletons. In univariate analysis, multiples had a lower incidence of respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and sepsis. The mortality rate was not significantly different for overall gestational ages except for those born at ≤26 weeks of gestation. In multivariate logistic analysis, the incidences of intraventricular hemorrhage (grade ≥3), and retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment were significantly higher than the singletons. Conclusions Mortality was not significantly different between multiples and singletons according to overall gestational age, except for multiples born at ≤26 weeks. A significant higher risk of intraventricular hemorrhage and retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment was found in multiples. A new strategy to improve the mortality of immature multiples born at ≤26 weeks of gestation should be developed.

Evaluate the importance of giving antenatal corticosteroids in respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is one of the leading causes of early neonatal morbidity and mortality in late preterm infants (LPIs) worldwide.&#x0D; The aim: The study is intended to evaluate the importance of giving antenatal corticosteroids in decreasing respiratory distress syndrome in preterm neonates.&#x0D; Materials and methods: Prospective cohort study done in all preterms delivered in the hospital attached to those admitted in our neonatal intensive care unit during the study duration are taken as the source. All preterm babies are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.&#x0D; Results: The overall incidence of RDS in this study was 30 (15 %), among which 7 (7 %) were exposed to steroids, and 23 (23 %) were not exposed to steroids. Antenatal corticosteroids were significantly associated with reduced incidence of RDS in preterms (neonates born between 28–37 weeks of gestational age). The overall incidence of TTN (transient tachypnea) was found to be 46 (28 %) in this study, among which 14 (14 %) were exposed to steroids, and 32 (32 %) were not exposed to steroids. Antenatal corticosteroids were significantly associated with reduced incidence of TTN in preterms. Antenatal corticosteroids significantly reduce the need for supplemental oxygen, NICU admission, need for CPAP and mortality rate. The dose of antenatal corticosteroids was significantly associated with the incidence of RDS and TTN. 2 doses of steroids reduced RDS and TTN significantly compared to the single dose, which was just significantly associated. This study found no significance between RDS and TTN with gestational age, mode of delivery, birth weight and RDS among steroid-exposed babies.&#x0D; Conclusion: The use of antenatal corticosteroids should be promoted because they successfully lowered morbidity and mortality among premature newborns in the population studied. In order to optimise proper and timely prenatal corticosteroid treatment, this study underlines the necessity for quality improvement initiatives.

The associations between caffeine treatment and common preterm morbidities: a retrospective cohort analysis.

Caffeine is one of the most used drugs in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). It is widely regarded as beneficial in preventing many morbidities by reducing apnea of prematurity and improving respiratory functions. Premature infants with gestational ages >25 and <32 weeks who were hospitalized in the NICU between 2008 and 2013 and survived up to discharge were retrospectively analyzed. Infants treated with prophylactic caffeine were compared with historical controls born in 2008 and did not receive caffeine treatment. Maternal and neonatal characteristics and common neonatal morbidities were recorded. A total of 475 patients were analyzed. The patients receiving caffeine were classified as Group 1 (n = 355), and the patients not receiving caffeine were classified as Group 2 (n = 120). Despite the higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome requiring surfactant therapy and a longer duration of respiratory support in Group 2, the rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and most other common morbidities were quite comparable. The frequency of apnea was statistically lower in the group that received caffeine prophylaxis (p < 0.01). In this retrospective cohort analysis, we found that caffeine prophylaxis significantly decreased apnea attacks however does not prevent respiratory morbidity such as BPD.

Is Spontaneous Preterm Prelabor of Membrane Rupture Irreversible? A Review of Potentially Curative Approaches.

There is still no curative treatment for the spontaneous preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (sPPROM), the main cause of premature birth. Here, we summarize the most recent methods and materials used for sealing membranes after sPPROM. A literature search was conducted between 2013 and 2023 on reported newborns after membranes were sealed or on animal or tissue culture models. Fourteen studies describing the outcomes after using an amniopatch, an immunologic sealant, or a mechanical cervical adapter were included. According to these studies, an increase in the volume of amniotic fluid and the lack of chorioamnionitis demonstrate a favorable neonatal outcome, with a lower incidence of respiratory distress syndrome and early neonatal sepsis, even if sealing is not complete and stable. In vivo and in vitro models demonstrated that amniotic stem cells, in combination with amniocytes, can spontaneously repair small defects; because of the heterogenicity of the data, it is too early to draw a thoughtful conclusion. Future therapies should focus on materials and methods for sealing fetal membranes that are biocompatible, absorbable, available, easy to apply, and easily adherent to the fetal membrane.