Low Birth Weight Infants Research Articles

Pre-procedural Topical Antisepsis in the Neonate: A Systematic Review Evaluating Risk Factors for Skin Injury.

Pre-procedural antisepsis is a critical component of hospital-acquired infection prevention in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). However, broadly utilized topical antiseptic agents pose an elevated risk of disruption to neonatal skin integrity, and evidence-based guidelines are lacking. This systematic review of the literature sought to assess and characterize the predisposing risk factors for and types of neonatal skin injury from topical antiseptic agents. A systematic search of Medline Ovid, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library was conducted, including academic literature providing data on neonatal skin injuries related to topical antisepsis in the NICU. A total of 19 articles (99 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Of the available data, most reported skin injuries were described in extremely preterm (98.1%) and very low birth weight (98.4%) infants. The majority of reported adverse cutaneous events were attributed to chlorhexidine preparations (74.8%), followed by octenidine (18.2%), povidone-iodine (6.1%), and isopropyl alcohol (2.0%). Erythema (40.1%), skin breakdown (23.4%), and chemical burns (17.5%) were the skin reactions reported most frequently, followed by skin irritation (8.3%), and skin necrosis (2.8%). Our findings indicate that both extremely preterm and very low birth weight infants are particularly susceptible to skin toxicities from pre-procedural antiseptic preparations. These data underscore the need for future research to support the development of guidelines which minimize iatrogenic cutaneous injuries in the neonatal population, specifically for the care of infants under 2 months of age, for whom current recommendations are lacking due to a paucity of data.

Quality Improvement Initiative: Identifying Barriers to Reducing Time to First Feed With Human Milk in Low Birth Weight Infants.

Early exposure to human milk and time to first trophic feed in low birth weight (LBW) infants (<2 kg) is associated with a decreased risk of mortality, sepsis, and length of hospital stay. This project, focused on infants born at less than 2 kg, aimed to identify the mean time to first feed after birth, identify barriers to initiation of the first feed, and meet the target of having 90% of infants receive their first feed within the first 6 hours of life. This quality improvement (QI) project occurred in a thirty-bed level III NICU over 29 months using two Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. A first-feed audit tool and a multifaceted educational plan were at the forefront of this initiative. Interventions were multidisciplinary, targeted, and extended to all healthcare team members caring for LBW infants, including staff of Labor and Delivery, the NICU, and the Child Health Transport Team. At the end of the QI project, 91.3% of inborn infants and 27.5% of outborn infants were being fed by 6 hours of age, compared with 78.8% and 12.5%, respectively, prior to the project. The mean time to first feed for inborn infants after the PDSA cycles was reduced to 4.4 hours, having a decrease of 80 minutes. A multidisciplinary approach was a key factor in the success of this QI initiative. Increasing staff education and improving clinical practice guidelines regarding the importance of early exposure to human milk are associated with reducing first feed times after birth.

Study of Estrogen Receptor Gene Thymine-Adenine Repeat Polymorphisms in Low Birth Weight and Premature Infants with Bone Disease

Abstract Introduction Metabolic Bone disease (MBD) of prematurity is a disorder of bone health with hypocalcemia, hypo or hyperphosphatemia and radiological findings of bone demineralization. MBD often presents in newborns &amp;lt;28wks of gestation in 16-40% of VLBW and ELBW (Rustico et al., 2014). Several pathophysiological conditions have been suggested as factors behind MBD including inadequate supply of calcium and phosphorus. as well as side effects of some drugs as corticosteroids (Lothe et al., 2011 &amp; Sharma and Sohi, 2012). Genetic predisposition to low bone mass content (BMC) in premature infants have been studied lately (Saraff et al., 2021). Estrogen Receptor (ER), a group of nuclear receptor superfamily members has been recently implicated in the development of osteoporosis suggesting the use of its gene as a possible candidate gene for bone mineral density (BMD) (Gennari et al. 2005). The targeted deletion of ER in mice has affected the periosteum (Clancy et al., 2017). Having several polymorphic sites for ER, the low number of Thymine adenine repeats (Ho-L) was found to relate with increased fracture risk or BMD in certain populations (Rooney et al., 2017). Aim of the Work Studying the relation between allelic polymorphism of Thymine Adenine repeats variant of ER gene and metabolic bone disease in low birth weight and premature infants. Patients and Methods A case-controlled study conducted at NICU Ain Shams University Hospitals starting from February 2022 till February 2023. Inclusion criteria: Cases (25): VLBW premature infants with bone disease evidenced by laboratory data (low calcium, low phosphorous and high alkaine phosphatase. (Hung et al., 2011) serving as group 1. Controls (25): VLBW premature infants without bone disease evidenced by normal laboratory data, serving as group 2. Exclusion criteria: Full term infants, or premature infants with syndromic features suggesting genetic diseases or chromosomal anomalies. Parents of patients signed an informed consent before being enrolled to this study and after approval of Ethical committee Ain Shams University. All patients and controls were subjected to the following: Full history taking and examination with special emphasis on length, weight and their SDS, gestational age. Laboratory sample for measurement of ALP, Calcium, phosphorous. Genomic DNA was extracted then amplified by PCR to study TA repeats of ER using gene jet purification mini kit (Kany et al., 2019). Results Group 1 had a percent of females and males of 58 and 48% respectively. their birth weight SD ranged from -6.8 to -3.86 while length SD ranged from -2.8 to -3.6. According to laboratory parameters; there was statistically significant decrease in the level of Ca (8.41 ± 0.86) and Phosphorus (1.96 ± 0.43)and increase in alkaline phosphatase (935.60 ± 50.83) among group 1 compared to group 2. Genotyping of TA repeats of ER, Ho-L(homo with low T-A repeated sequences &amp;lt;19), He-LH(hetero with low and high T-A repeated sequences &amp;lt;19 and&amp;gt;18) were statistically significantly higher in Group 1, while Ho-H(homo with high T-A repeated sequences &amp;gt;18) was significantly higher among group 2. There was a statistically significant increase of Ho-L in males more than females. Also gestational age, birth weight and birth length were less in Ho-L group. Percentage of infants on mechanical ventilation was higher among those with Ho-L group. Conclusion This study concluded that premature infants with less TA repeats of ER gene showed higher incidence of MBD, suggesting the possible link between TA repeats of ER gene with the development of MBD.

Erythromycin as a prokinetic drug for the treatment of feeding intolerance in preterm and low birth weight infants at a provincial hospital in Thailand

Erythromycin as a prokinetic drug for the treatment of feeding intolerance in preterm and low birth weight infants at a provincial hospital in Thailand

Assessment of Blood Products Transfusion in Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Units Ain Shams University

Abstract Background Preterm Neonates, especially very low birth weight infants, remain a category of patients with high transfusion needs. Appropriate transfusion of neonates is vital when the potential clinical benefit outweighs the risk. However, the association between transfusion and adverse outcomes remains inconclusive. Aim Of The Work To evaluate transfusion practices in Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Units at Ain Shams University. Patients and Methods A cross sectional observational study was conducted on patients selected from Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Units at Ain Shams University- Children’s hospital. There were 703 neonates (29.64%) who received at least one type of blood products (packed red blood cells, platelets, fresh frozen plasma or cryoprecipitate) transfusion or underwent exchange transfusion during their hospital stay. All neonates receiving blood products transfusions were assessed for full history taking, clinical parameters i.e. gestational age, birth weight and general examination, indications for admission whether medical or surgical indications. Co-morbid illness such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, sepsis and patent ductus arteriosus were also noted. In addition, the indications for each of blood products transfusion i.e. anemia, exchange transfusion, thrombocytopenia, sepsis or other indications. Then, the requisition was assessed for pre- and post-transfusion laboratory parameters. Results Packed red blood cell was the most frequent blood component transfused (82.4%) and the main indication was anemia of prematurity (34.8%). There was a highly statistically significant increase in each of hemoglobin and hematocrit (HCT) post transfusion (with P value &amp;lt;0.0001) and a highly statistically decrease in the required median fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) (with P value &amp;lt;0.0001). 681 neonates (96.9%) presented with comorbidities; the most common comorbidity was neonatal sepsis in 81.2%. Packed red blood cells (PRBCs) transfusions were highly statistically significant related to comorbidity development. Conclusion Majority of blood transfusions occur during the first 2 weeks of life. Gestational age, birth weight, underlying disease of neonates, the need for oxygen support and blood collection within first two weeks of birth influence their transfusion needs. Sepsis remains the foremost etiological factor for blood component transfusion.

Analysis of zinc and copper levels in very low birth weight infants using human milk additives: phase 1 trial findings

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess whether the micronutrients zinc and copper, provided by human milk additives, are sufficient for very low birth weight preterm infants. MethodA phase 1 randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted with very low birth weight preterm infants. This is a secondary analysis of copper and zinc. Sixty-six newborns were part of the initial sample, with forty participating and reaching the final stage of the study. Inclusion criteria were: gestational age less than 37 weeks, birth weight greater than or equal to 750 g and less than or equal to 1500 g, small or appropriate for gestational age, exclusively receiving human milk at a volume greater than or equal to 100 mL per kilogram per day, and hemodynamically stable. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: intervention, Lioneo (received human milk with additive based on lyophilized human milk), n = 20, and control, HMCA (received human milk with commercial additive based on cow's milk protein), n = 20, and their serum levels of zinc and copper were measured on the first and twenty-first days. ResultsThere was a reduction in intragroup zinc serum levels from the first to the twenty-first day of the study (p < 0.01). There was no intergroup difference. No difference was found in serum copper levels. ConclusionHuman milk additives were not sufficient to maintain adequate zinc serum levels in very low birth weight newborns. It was not possible to affirm whether human milk additives were sufficient to maintain adequate serum copper levels in the studied sample. UTN: U1111–1220–0550.

Maternal AMPK pathway activation with uterine artery blood flow and fetal growth maintenance during hypoxia.

High-altitude (HA) hypoxia lowers uterine artery (UtA) blood flow during pregnancy and birth weight. Adenosine monophosphate kinase (AMPK) activation has selective, uteroplacental vasodilator effects that lessen hypoxia-associated birth weight reductions. In this study, we determined the relationship between AMPK-pathway gene expression and metabolites in the maternal circulation during HA pregnancy as well as with the maintenance of UtA blood flow and birth weight at HA. Residents at HA (2,793 m) versus low altitude (LA; 1,640 m) had smaller UtA diameters at weeks 20 and 34, lower UtA blood flow at week 20, and lower birth weight babies. At week 34, women residing at HA versus women residing at LA had decreased expression of upstream and downstream AMPK-pathway genes. Expression of the α1-AMPK catalytic subunit, PRKAA1, correlated positively with UtA diameter and blood flow at weeks 20 (HA) and 34 (LA). Downstream AMPK-pathway gene expression positively correlated with week 20 fetal biometry at both altitudes and with UtA diameter and birth weight at LA. Reduced gene expression of AMPK activators and downstream targets in women residing at HA versus women residing at LA, together with positive correlations between PRKAA1 gene expression, UtA diameter, and blood flow suggest that greater sensitivity to AMPK activation at midgestation at HA may help offset later depressant effects of hypoxia on fetal growth.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is increased and uterine artery (UtA) blood flow is lower at high altitudes (HA) but not all HA pregnancies have FGR. Here we show that greater UtA diameter and blood flow at week 20 are positively correlated with higher expression of the gene encoding the α1-catalytic subunit of AMP protein kinase, PRKAA1, suggesting that increased AMPK activation may help to prevent the detrimental effects of chronic hypoxia on fetal growth.

Comparison of noninvasive and intermittent positive pressure ventilation in treating extremely premature and extremely low birth weight infants.

We compared the application value of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) and intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) in the treatment of very premature infants and extremely low birth weight infants. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing the transition from noninvasive to invasive ventilation in this infant cohort. Among extremely preterm infants, 83.3% with gestational age <25 weeks transitioned from noninvasive to invasive ventilation, as did 80.6% of those with birth weight <1000 grams. Multivariate analysis indicated that gestational age <25 weeks, birth weight <1000 grams, and Apgar score ≤7 were significant factors affecting the likelihood of transitioning to invasive ventilation. The survival rate at discharge was 94% for the NIPPV group compared with 89% for the IPPV group. The NIPPV group demonstrated significantly lower rates of complications, shorter weaning times, and reduced lengths of hospital stay compared with the IPPV group. Both NIPPV and IPPV effectively improved oxygenation and ventilation in extremely preterm infants. However, NIPPV showed significant advantages in reducing complications, shortening weaning time, and decreasing the hospital stay duration. Prioritizing the use of NIPPV may enhance treatment outcomes and survival quality, providing evidence-based support for clinical practice.

Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant (Gestational Age of 29 Weeks) With Kabuki Syndrome Type I: Case Report and Literature Review.

This paper aimed to investigate the clinical phenotype of Kabuki syndrome (KS) in premature infants. This paper presents a case of an extremely low birth weight infant (gestational age 29 weeks) with KS1 caused by a variant in the KMT2D gene. The clinical, pathological, and differential diagnostic findings were comprehensively analyzed. A thorough literature review was also performed to enhance the understanding of KS, revealing its unique features and prognostic significance. The infant was a male with a gestational age of 29 weeks and a birth weight of 850 g. He had intrauterine growth retardation, characterized by cleft palate, sacrococcygeal skin depressions, and recurrent metabolic acidosis. Whole-exome sequencing revealed the c.4267C > T (p.Arg1423Cys) variant in the KMT2D gene, which was absent in his parents. The patient was discharged after 67 days of treatment, and he was followed up to 19 months of corrected gestational age, with growth retardation and expression language delay. Ten previous studies on preterm infants were retrieved, with 10 preterm infants. They all had characteristic facial features, such as long blepharophimosis, sparse and lateral 1/3 eyebrows, and large and prominent/cupped ears. Other manifestations were extrauterine growth delay (7/10), abnormal development of the cardiovascular system (7/10), abnormal development of the nervous system (5/10), and cleft palate (2/10). Kabuki syndrome is a rare hereditary disorder involving multiple organs and systems. Genetic assessment for preterm infants with congenital abnormalities is recommended.

Multicentre external validation of the Neonatal Healthcare-associated infectiOn Prediction (NeoHoP) score: a retrospective case–control study

Background and objectivesNeonatal mortality due to severe bacterial infections is a pressing global issue, especially in low-middle-income countries (LMICs) with constrained healthcare resources. This study aims to validate the Neonatal...

Perinatal risk factors for late neonatal severe acute kidney injury in very low birth weight infants: a retrospective study.

This study aimed to identify the perinatal risk factors of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) occurring after the first week of birth in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants who survived up to the first week. We conducted a single-center, retrospective cohort study on VLBW infants (birth weight, <1,500 g) delivered at <32 weeks of gestational age (GA) from January 2012 to December 2022. We classified AKI based on changes in serum creatinine and urine output based on the modified The Kidney Disease: improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) neonatal AKI criteria. Stage 2-3 AKI were considered as severe AKI (sAKI). We performed logistic regression analysis to evaluate risk factors for late neonatal severe AKI identified in the second week after birth. We included 274 VLBW infants. The prevalence of late neonatal severe AKI (sAKI) was 27.4%, with the diagnosis rate of sAKI being higher early after birth. Logistic regression analysis revealed that the factors associated with late neonatal sAKI were small for gestational age (SGA) (OR, 3.02; P = 0.032), endotracheal intubation in the delivery room (OR, 2.79; P = 0.022), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (OR, 12.41; P = 0.029), and decreased minimum weekly fluid balance <0 (OR, 2.97; P = 0.012). SGA, intubation in the delivery room, and NEC were associated factors for late neonatal sAKI in VLBW infants. The association of no weekly weight gain with increased late neonatal sAKI risk indicates its use in guiding fluid therapy and aids in biomarker research.

Effect of Interpregnancy Interval on Pregnancy Outcome in a Tertiary Care Centre: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Interpregnancy interval has a major impact on the maternal and fetal health worldwide. Women with short interpregnancy interval show higher rates of low birth weight and preterm babies. So this study aimed to study the effect of interpregnancy interval on pregnancy outcomes.Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of a tertiary care center after taking ethical approval from Institutional Review Committee (Reference number:229/080/081(6-11)E2). Data from September 1st, 2023 to January 30th, 2024 was collected. All multigravida women with singleton pregnancy after 28 weeks of gestation who delivered in our hospital with previous birth were enrolled in the study. Convenience sampling method was done. Point estimate and 95% Confidence Interval were calculated. The data was entered and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 26.0Results: Among the women , 31 (3.57%) women had short interpregnancy interval ≤18 months whereas 836 (96.43%) had interpregnancy interval of &gt;18 months. The mean age of the women was 28 years. Previous cesarean section was common indication of cesarean section 27 (87.09%) among women with short interpregnancy interval. These women had higher rates of preterm and low birth weight babies 11(35.58%) &amp; 15(48.38%).Conclusions: Women with short interpregnancy interval ≤18 months had higher preterm births and low birth weight babies. Pregnancy induced hypertension, hypothyroidism and gestational diabetes were increased in women with interpregnancy interval of &gt;18 months.

Risk factors associated with anemia of prematurity requiring red blood cell transfusion in very low birth weight infants: a retrospective study

BackgroundAnemia of prematurity (AOP) is prevalent among very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, while necessary for managing AOP, have been linked to adverse neonatal outcomes.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 98 VLBWIs (24–31 weeks gestation) admitted to the Chungbuk National University Hospital neonatal intensive care unit. Infants were categorized based on RBC transfusion status and birth weight (< 1000 g and 1000–1499 g). Clinical outcomes between the groups were compared.ResultsOf the 98 infants, 35 (35.7%) received RBC transfusions. The RBC transfusion group exhibited significantly higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\:\\ge\\:\\:$$\\end{document}moderate), prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation, intraventricular hemorrhage (grades 1–2), extended time to full enteral feeding, and extended total parenteral nutrition (TPN) compared to the non-RBC transfusion group. Birth weight was inversely correlated with the number of RBC transfusions (p = 0.004). The duration of invasive mechanical ventilation and TPN administration were positively associated with the number of RBC transfusions (p < 0.001 and p = 0.025, respectively).ConclusionsThe RBC transfusion group experienced more comorbidities than the non-transfusion group. Birth weight, duration of invasive ventilation, and duration of TPN were associated with the number of RBC transfusions. Strategies to reduce the duration of invasive ventilation and early discontinuation of TPN may mitigate the need for RBC transfusions in AOP.

Moringa oleifera, Cyclea barbata, Centella asiatica Leaves Extract Intervention Ability to Improve Fetus Development and Blood Protein Levels in Malnutrition Pregnant Model Mice

Background: Pregnant women experiencing chronic energy deficiency are at risk of giving birth to low birth weight and premature (stunted) babies. Objectives: In an effort to prevent stunting, the study investigates the effects of a 1:1:1 ratio of Moringa oleifera, Cyclea barbata, and Centella asiatica leaf extract on fetal growth and blood protein levels. Methods: This research used a laboratory experimental approach with 25 adult female Mus musculus Balb/C mice as a model of malnourished pregnancy, was divided into 5 groups: pre-test, positive control, negative control, placebo and test group. Moringa oleifera, Cyclea barbata, and Centella asiatica leaf extracts are administered to the test group and positive control in 1:1:1 ratio. Results: The study results indicated that in pregnant mice without malnutrition receiving a mixture of Moringa oleifera, Cyclea barbata, and Centella asiatica leaf extracts, the average fetal body length was 9.7% higher and their weight was 7.4% heavier than pregnant mice with experiencing chronic energy deficiency. Conclusions: The administration of Moringa oleifera, Cyclea barbata, and Centella asiatica leaf extract can contribute to improving fetal development and blood protein levels. However, its effectiveness is more pronounced in normal pregnancies than in pregnancies with chronic energy deficiency as it can prevent stunting.

Effects of nesting and murottal Al-Qur’an on vital sign change in infants with low birth weight

Background: A comfortable position, touch, soothing sound sensory will produce a neuroligic response that will make the infant feel relaxed, calm and can help in the stability of physiological functions of infants with low birth weight. Purpose: To determine effectiveness of nesting and murottal Al-Qur'an on vital sign change in infants with low birth weight Method: Samples were divided into two groups infants with low birth weight in stable conditions, 15 infants with low birth weight were listened to the murottal Qur'an by using meli's nesting for 45 minutes daily for 3 days, the murottal Qur'an was listened to with a noise level of 50-65dB. 15 infants of control group have not any intervention, the measurements of vital signs were carried out toward control and intervention group before and after the intervention. Results: Analysis of wilcoxon test showed that significance in vital signs only occurred in changes in oxygen saturation with a value of α = 0.006 (significance of α &lt; 0.05), the heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature experienced changes in numbers which all led to normal values of the physiological condition of infants with low birth weight.​ Conclusion: The use of meli's nesting and murottal Qur'an is combined therapy to newborns which is able to improve the physiological function of low birth weight infants seen through their vital signs.

Assessing the prognostic impact of KDIGO criteria on acute kidney injury in very low birth weight infants: a critical insight

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence and identify risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) within the first 15 days of life in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in a neonatal intensive care unit. Additionally, this study will examine whether AKI correlates with increased mortality rate in this population.Methods: A prospective analysis was conducted on VLBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from March 2017 to July 2021, diagnosing AKI based on the neonatal modified Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes criteria. Neonates who died before obtaining consent, had complex malformation, or only one serum creatinine measurement were excluded.Results: Out of 121 admitted VLBW infants, 97 were analyzed, with 20 (20.6%; 95% confidence interval, 12.6–28.7) diagnosed with AKI. Among these, 50% had creatinine abnormalities, 30% had urinary output changes, and 20% had both. Severe AKI (stage 2 or 3) was observed in 30% of cases, none required dialysis. AKI was associated with higher SNAPPE-II (Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology with Perinatal Extension-II) scores, more frequent severe intraventricular hemorrhage, and an increased mortality rate (35%). Multivariate analysis identified AKI as an independent risk factor for mortality, with a 9.72-fold increased risk (95% confidence interval, 2.53–37.4; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.01), and a shorter time to death.Conclusions: Our findings underscore a significant incidence of AKI among VLBW infants, along with its strong association with increased mortality. These results highlight the critical need for thorough assessment of both serum creatinine and urinary output when diagnosing AKI in this vulnerable population.

Micronutrient Intake during Complementary Feeding in Very Low Birth Weight Infants Comparing Early and Late Introduction of Solid Foods: A Secondary Outcome Analysis.

Background/Objectives: The complementary feeding period is crucial for addressing micronutrient imbalances, particularly in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. However, the impact of the timing of solid food introduction on micronutrient intake in a representative VLBW population remains unclear. Methods: This prospective, observational study investigated micronutrient intake during complementary feeding in VLBW infants categorized based on whether solids were introduced early (<17 weeks corrected age (CA)) or late (≥17 weeks CA). Nutritional intake was assessed using a 24 h recall at 6 weeks CA and with 3-day dietary records at 12 weeks and at 6, 9, and 12 months CA. Results: Among 218 infants, 115 were assigned to the early group and 82 to the late group. In total, 114-170 dietary records were valid for the final analysis at each timepoint. The timepoint of solid introduction did not affect micronutrient intake, except for a higher iron and phosphorus intake at 6 months CA in the early group (early vs. late: iron 0.71 vs. 0.58 mg/kg/d, adjusted p-value (p-adj.) = 0.04; phosphorus 341 vs. 286 mg/d, p-adj. = 0.04). Total vitamin D, calcium, zinc, and phosphorus greatly met intake recommendations; however, dietary iron intake was insufficient to equalize the iron quantity from supplements during the second half year CA. While nutrient intakes were similar between infants with and without comorbidities, breastfed infants had lower micronutrient intakes compared with formula-fed infants. Conclusions: This study suggests that micronutrient intakes were sufficient during complementary feeding in VLBW infants. However, prolonged iron supplementation may be necessary beyond the introduction of iron-rich solids. Further research is essential to determine micronutrient requirements for infants with comorbidities.

Пребиотики для профилактики некротизирующего энтероколита у недоношенных детей

This publication is the Russian translation of the Plain Language Summary (PLS) of the Cochrane Systematic Review: Sharif S, Oddie SJ, Heath PT, McGuire W. Prebiotics to prevent necrotising enterocolitis in very preterm or very low birth weight infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD015133. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD015133.pub2. Accessed 10 October 2024.

Предотвращает ли донорское человеческое молоко тяжелые расстройства со стороны кишечника у глубоко недоношенных детей или детей с очень низкой массой тела при рождении?

This publication is the Russian translation of the Plain Language Summary (PLS) of the Cochrane Systematic Review: Quigley M, Embleton ND, Meader N, McGuire W. Donor human milk for preventing necrotising enterocolitis in very preterm or very low-birthweight infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2024, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD002971. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD002971.pub6.

Improved Outcomes following a Conservative Approach to Hemodynamically Significant Patent Ductus Arteriosus: A Comparison across Two Periods

Introduction: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a commonly encountered morbidity that occurs inversely with gestational age. In response to the growing trend of avoiding PDA ligation and prophylactic interventions, our center adopted a conservative approach starting in September 2020. This approach involves more precise fluid restriction for hemodynamically significant (hs) PDA. This study aimed to evaluate whether a conservative approach to hsPDA has led to a reduction in adverse clinical outcomes for very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) during the period of conservative treatment. Methods: Since more conservative approach to hsPDA was adopted since September 2020, the two periods were divided into period 1 (January 2015 to August 2020) and period 2 (September 2020 to June 2023). Fluid therapy was carefully monitored and advanced from day 1 in all VLBWI, and a more conservative approach as fluid restriction was attempted in hsPDA during period 2. Results: Of the 540 VLBWI with hsPDA, 348 infants were born and diagnosed with hsPDA. Period 2 demonstrated a significantly higher rate of medical treatment (79.17% vs. 19.51%) and lower PDA ligation (54.17% vs. 78.05%). Period 2 showed a greater adherence to conservative fluid restriction compared to period 1. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and BPD ≥ moderate, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis (≥ grade 2), IVH (grade ≥3) were notably lower in period 2 with lower mortality. In regard to PDA-related treatment, primary PDA ligation was significantly higher in period 1. The secondary PDA ligation after medical failure and more conservative fluid restriction were significantly higher in period 2. At corrected age of 18–24 months, cognitive score was significantly lower in VLBWI born in period 1 compared to those born in period 2. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that a conservative approach to hsPDA led to better clinical outcomes and improved cognitive scores at a corrected age of 18–24 months compared to the period of active PDA ligation. This conservative strategy, involving more precise fluid restriction and the judicious use of appropriate diuretics, has shown to improve clinical outcomes with minimal intervention.