Near-term Infants Research Articles

Novel extracorporeal treatment for severe neonatal jaundice: a mathematical modelling study of allo-hemodialysis

Severe Neonatal Jaundice (SNJ) causes long-term neurocognitive impairment, cerebral palsy, auditory neuropathy, deafness, or death. We developed a mathematical model for allo-hemodialysis as a potential blood purification method for the treatment of SNJ in term or near-term infants. With allo-hemodialysis (allo-HD), the neonate’s blood flows through hollow fibers of a miniature 0.075 m2 hemodialyzer, while the blood of a healthy adult (“buddy”) flows counter-currently through the dialysate compartment. We simulated the kinetics of unconjugated bilirubin in allo-hemodialysis with neonate blood flow rates of 12.5 and 15 mL/min (for a 2.5 kg and 3.5 kg neonate, respectively), and 30 mL/min for the buddy. Bilirubin production rates in neonate and buddy were set to 6 and 3 mg/kg/day, respectively. Buddy bilirubin conjugation rate was calculated to obtain normal steady-state bilirubin levels. Albumin levels were set to 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 g/dL for the neonate and 3.3 g/dL for the buddy. Model simulations suggest that a 6-h allo-hemodialysis session could reduce neonatal bilirubin levels by > 35% and that this modality would be particularly effective with low neonatal serum albumin levels. Due to the high bilirubin conjugation capacity of an adult’s healthy liver and the larger distribution volume, the buddy’s bilirubin level increases only transiently during allo-hemodialysis. Our modelling suggests that a single allo-hemodialysis session may lower neonatal unconjugated bilirubin levels effectively. If corroborated in ex-vivo, animal, and clinical studies, this bilirubin reduction could lower the risks associated with SNJ, especially kernicterus, and possibly avoiding the morbidity associated with exchange transfusions.

Current Pharmaceutical Strategies in the Management of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN): A Comprehensive Review of Therapeutic Agents.

Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN) is a life-threatening condition characterized by the failure of normal circulatory transition after birth, leading to sustained pulmonary hypertension and severe hypoxemia. Despite advancements in neonatal care, PPHN remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among newborns, particularly in full-term and near-term infants. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current pharmaceutical strategies for managing PPHN, focusing on various therapeutic agents' mechanisms, efficacy, and safety. Key interventions include inhaled nitric oxide, which has become the standard treatment for reducing pulmonary vascular resistance, alongside prostacyclin analogs, phosphodiesterase inhibitors, and endothelin receptor antagonists. Additionally, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is highlighted as a critical intervention for severe, refractory cases. The review also discusses emerging therapies and the potential role of personalized medicine in improving treatment outcomes. Despite the progress made, challenges remain, including the timely diagnosis of PPHN and the need for accessible treatments in resource-limited settings. As research continues to uncover the underlying pathophysiology of PPHN, it is crucial to develop more targeted and effective pharmaceutical strategies. This review aims to inform clinicians and researchers of the current state of PPHN management and the ongoing advancements that may shape future therapeutic approaches.

Evaluation of Inhaled Nitric Oxide Generation Systems at Altitude.

Inhaled nitric oxide (INO) is a selective pulmonary vasodilator delivered from compressed gas cylinders filled to 2,200 psig (137.8 bar) with 800 ppm of NO in a balance of nitrogen. NO is currently FDA-approved for use in term or near-term infants with hypoxemia and signs of pulmonary hypertension in the absence of cardiac disease. INO has also been shown to improve oxygenation in adults with refractory hypoxemia. Current doctrine precludes the use of NO during military aeromedical transport owing to the requirement for large compressed gas cylinders. We performed a bench evaluation of 2 delivery systems that create NO from room air without the need for pressurized cylinders. We evaluated 2 portable nitric oxide INO generation systems (LungFit PH, Beyond Air Inc, Garden City, NJ and a prototype NO generator, Odic Inc, Littleton, MA) at ground level, 8,000, and 14,000 feet (2,437 and 4,267 meter) simulated altitude in an altitude chamber. The output from each device was injected into the inspiratory limb of the ventilator circuit that was attached to a test lung. A 731 ventilator (Zoll Medical, Chelmsford, MA) and T1 (Hamilton Medical, Reno, NV) were used employing 24 combinations of ventilator settings each repeated in duplicate. An INOmax DS IR was used to measure delivered INO and NO2 via a sampling line attached in the ventilator circuit inspiratory limb. A fast response oxygen analyzer (O2CAP, Oxigraf Inc, Sunnyvale, CA) was used to measure inspired FiO2. Target INO concentration was 20 ppm. Across all ventilator settings, the LungFit device delivered INO was 19.8 ± 1.6 ppm, 16.1 ± 1.9 ppm, and 11.6 ± 1.7 ppm at ground level, 8,000 ft (2,437 meter), and 14,000 ft (4,267 meter), respectively. The Odic device delivered INO dose was 20.6 ± 1.4 ppm, 21.3 ± 5.5 ppm, and 20.4 ± 9.1 ppm at ground level, 8,000 ft (2,437 meter), and 14,000 ft (4,267 meter), respectively. Both devices delivered a reliable INO dose at ground level. Altitude significantly affected INO delivery accuracy at 14,000 ft (4,267 meter) (P < 0.01) with both devices and at 8,000 ft (2,437 meter) (P < 0.01) with LungFit. Differences in INO dosage were not statistically significant with the Odic device at 8,000 ft (2,437 meter)(P > 0.05) although there were large variations with selected ventilator settings. With careful monitoring, devices creating INO from room air without cylinders could be used during aeromedical transport without the need for pressurized cylinders.

DNA methylation patterns in umbilical cord blood from infants of methadone maintained opioid dependent mothers

Methadone maintenance treatment for opioid dependent mothers is standard of care. Infants of methadone maintained opioid dependent (MMOD) mothers have better outcomes compared to infants of opioid dependent mothers without treatment. However, when compared to non-exposed infants, infants of MMOD mothers are associated with worse outcomes. We conducted a pilot study to examine genome wide differential DNA methylation using cord blood samples from sixteen term and near-term infants of MMOD and opioid naïve mothers, excluding Infants with chorioamnionitis. A total of 152 differentially methylated loci were identified at a difference > + 2, < − 2 and p-value < 0.05. There were 90 hypermethylated loci (59 annotated genes) and 62 hypomethylated loci (38 annotated genes) observed. The hypermethylated and hypomethylated DNA changes involved multiple genes, pathways and networks that may explain some of the changes seen in infants of MMOD mothers. Top hypermethylated and hypomethylated genes involved areas of cell growth, neurodevelopment, vision and xenobiotic metabolism functions. Our data may explain the role of key pathways and genes relevant to neonatal outcomes seen from methadone exposure in pregnancy. Functional studies on the identified pathways and genes could lead to improved understanding of the mechanisms and identify areas for intervention.

Two-Year Outcomes of Umbilical Cord Milking in Nonvigorous Infants

Compared with early cord clamping (ECC), umbilical cord milking (UCM) reduces delivery room cardiorespiratory support, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and therapeutic hypothermia in nonvigorous near-term and full-term infants. However, UCM postdischarge outcomes are not known. To determine the 2-year outcomes of children randomized to UCM or ECC at birth in the Milking in Nonvigorous Infants (MINVI) trial. A secondary analysis to evaluate longer-term outcomes of a cluster-randomized crossover trial was conducted from January 9, 2021, to September 25, 2023. The primary trial took place in 10 medical centers in the US, Canada, and Poland from January 5, 2019, to June 1, 2021, and hypothesized that UCM would reduce admission to the neonatal intensive care unit compared with ECC; follow-up concluded September 26, 2023. The population included near-term and full-term infants aged 35 to 42 weeks' gestation at birth who were nonvigorous; families provided consent to complete developmental screening questionnaires through age 2 years. UCM and ECC. Ages and Stages Questionnaire, 3rd Edition (ASQ-3) and Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers, Revised/Follow-Up (M-CHAT-R/F) questionnaires at ages 22 to 26 months. Intention-to-treat analysis and per-protocol analyses were used. Among 1730 newborns from the primary trial, long-term outcomes were evaluated in 971 children (81%) who had ASQ-3 scores available at 2 years or died before age 2 years and 927 children (77%) who had M-CHAT-R/F scores or died before age 2 years. Maternal and neonatal characteristics by treatment group were similar, with median birth gestational age of 39 (IQR, 38-40) weeks in both groups; 224 infants (45%) in the UCM group and 201 (43%) in the ECC group were female. The median ASQ-3 total scores were similar (UCM: 255 [IQR, 225-280] vs ECC: 255 [IQR, 230-280]; P = .87), with no significant differences in the ASQ-3 subdomains. Medium- to high-risk M-CHAT-R/F scores were also similar (UCM, 9% [45 of 486] vs ECC, 8% [37 of 441]; P = .86). In this secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial among late near-term and full-term infants who were nonvigorous at birth, ASQ-3 scores at age 2 years were not significantly different between the UCM and ECC groups. Combined with previously reported important short-term benefits, this follow-up study suggests UCM is a feasible, no-cost intervention without longer-term neurodevelopmental risks of cord milking in nonvigorous near-term and term newborns. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03631940.

Initial Oxygen Concentration for the Resuscitation of Infants Born at Less Than 32 Weeks’ Gestation

Resuscitation with lower fractional inspired oxygen (FiO2) reduces mortality in term and near-term infants but the impact of this practice on very preterm infants is unclear. To evaluate the relative effectiveness of initial FiO2 on reducing mortality, severe morbidities, and oxygen saturations (SpO2) in preterm infants born at less than 32 weeks' gestation using network meta-analysis (NMA) of individual participant data (IPD). MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, and WHO ICTRP from 1980 to October 10, 2023. Eligible studies were randomized clinical trials enrolling infants born at less than 32 weeks' gestation comparing at least 2 initial oxygen concentrations for delivery room resuscitation, defined as either low (≤0.3), intermediate (0.5-0.65), or high (≥0.90) FiO2. Investigators from eligible studies were invited to provide IPD. Data were processed and checked for quality and integrity. One-stage contrast-based bayesian IPD-NMA was performed with noninformative priors and random effects and adjusted for key covariates. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes were morbidities of prematurity and SpO2 at 5 minutes. IPD were provided for 1055 infants from 12 of the 13 eligible studies (2005-2019). Resuscitation with high (≥0.90) initial FiO2 was associated with significantly reduced mortality compared to low (≤0.3) (odds ratio [OR], 0.45; 95% credible interval [CrI], 0.23-0.86; low certainty) and intermediate (0.5-0.65) FiO2 (OR, 0.34; 95% CrI, 0.11-0.99; very low certainty). High initial FiO2 had a 97% probability of ranking first to reduce mortality. The effects on other morbidities were inconclusive. High initial FiO2 (≥0.90) may be associated with reduced mortality in preterm infants born at less than 32 weeks' gestation compared to low initial FiO2 (low certainty). High initial FiO2 is possibly associated with reduced mortality compared to intermediate initial FiO2 (very low certainty) but more evidence is required.

A prospective study on the causes of hyperbilirubinemia and its clinical markers in term and near-term newborns admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Patna, India

This study aimed to investigate the root causes, prognostic factors, and therapeutic strategies for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia among term and near-term infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at IGIMS, Patna. Furthermore, the research aimed to analyze the clinical progression of these infants throughout their NICU stay.Conducted within the NICU at IGIMS, Patna, Bihar, this study encompassed term and late preterm infants admitted with serum bilirubin levels exceeding 12 mg/dl. The primary focus was on identifying risk factors, etiological factors, and the clinical profile of these infants during their NICU tenure.The study examined birth weight distribution and concurrent medical conditions. Parameters included the initiation of phototherapy based on bilirubin levels and treatment methodologies. Out of the 210 infants studied, 27.14% and 47.62% weighed between 2001 and 2500 grams. The most prevalent causes were physiological (129 cases), fetal prematurity (30 cases), birth asphyxia (7 cases), and prolonged labor (18 cases). Idiopathic causes were observed in 28 instances, ABO incompatibility in 7 cases, and Rh incompatibility in 7 cases. G6PD deficiency was identified once. At the commencement of phototherapy, 19.52% had bilirubin levels between 12 and 15 mg/dl, 58.57% between 15.1 and 18 mg/dl, 11.91% above 20 mg/dl, and 10% between 18.1 and 20 mg/dl.Physiological causes emerged as the most frequent contributors to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, followed by septicemia and idiopathic factors. Infrequent causes included blood group incompatibility. Phototherapy was established as a cost-effective and efficient method for reducing bilirubin levels in neonatal jaundice. Exchange transfusion proved to be a safe therapeutic measure in cases of severe hyperbilirubinemia. Blood group incompatibility was the main determinant requiring exchange transfusion.

Postnatal growth and weight gain in term and near-term infants with severe neonatal hypoglycemia: a comparison between offspring of diabetic and non-diabetic mothers

Postnatal growth and weight gain in term and near-term infants with severe neonatal hypoglycemia: a comparison between offspring of diabetic and non-diabetic mothers

Adverse respiratory patterns in near-term spontaneously breathing newborn lambs with elevated airway liquid volumes at birth.

Recent evidence indicates that respiratory distress (RD) in near-term infants is caused by elevated airway liquid (EL) volume at the beginning of air-breathing after birth. While the adverse effects EL volumes on newborn lung function are known, the effects on respiratory control and breathing patterns shortly after birth (<4 h) are unknown. We investigated the effects of EL volumes on cardiorespiratory function and breathing patterns in spontaneously breathing near-term newborn lambs in the first hours after birth. At 137-8 days gestation (2-3 days prior to delivery; term ∼147 days), sterile surgery was performed on fetal sheep (n = 17) to implant catheters and blood flow probes. At 140 days, lambs were delivered via caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia. Airway liquid volumes were adjusted to mimic the level expected following vaginal delivery (∼10 ml/kg; Controls; n = 7), or elective caesarean section (∼30 ml/kg; elevated airway liquid group; EL; n = 10). Spontaneous breathing and cardiorespiratory parameters were recorded over four hours after birth. Non-invasive respiratory support with supplemental oxygen was provided if required. EL lambs required higher inspired oxygen levels (p = 0.0002), were less active (p = 0.026), fed less (p = 0.008) and had higher respiratory morbidity scores than Controls (p < 0.0001). EL lambs also displayed higher rates of breathing patterns associated with RD, such as expiratory braking and tachypnoea. These patterns were particularly evident in male EL lambs who displayed higher levels of severe respiratory morbidity (e.g., expiratory braking) than female EL lambs. The study demonstrates that EL volumes at birth trigger respiratory behaviour and breathing patterns that resemble clinically recognised features of RD in term infants.

Sex-Based Differences in the Sonographic Characterization of Diaphragm Thickness in Preterm Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia at Term Corrected Age: A Secondary Analysis of a Prospective Study.

To determine the sex-specific diaphragm thickness in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) as well as in healthy term and near-term infants. We performed a secondary analysis of an observational study to compare the sonographic diaphragm thickness at end expiration (DTexp) in female and male infants. The study included infants with BPD and healthy near-term and term infants. To account for differences in anthropometric measurements, we calculated the DTexp as a ratio of body surface area (BSA). Statistical analysis was performed using R statistical software. Of the 111 infants included, 54 (48.6%) were female. There were no significant differences in mean (SD) birth gestation [26.2 (2.1) vs 26.3 (2.1) weeks] and mean study age [38.0 (2.0) vs 37.4 (1.1) weeks] of male vs female infants with BPD. The mean (SD) DTexp [1.5 (0.4) mm vs 1.2 (0.3) mm, P = .02] and DTexp/BSA [8.3 (2.3) mm/m2 vs 6.7 (1.6) mm/m2, P < .01] were significantly thicker in female than male infants with BPD. In contrast, there were no significant differences in DTexp between sexes [1.5 (0.4) mm vs 1.5 (0.3) mm, P = .89] within the healthy control group. Moreover, there were no differences in inspiratory diaphragm thickness, diaphragm thickness fraction, or excursion between males and females in the BPD or healthy groups. Male infants with BPD exhibit thinner diaphragm thickness compared with female infants. Its implication on higher rates of BPD in preterm males is unclear, but this finding highlights the need for further investigation.

Hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis

Introduction: Diaphragmatic paralysis (DP) involving the phrenic nerve is related to brachial plexus injury in 80–90% of the cases. Other causes include iatrogenic procedure involving the cardiopulmonary area. It causes respiratory distress which can be severe requiring prolonged need for respiratory support. Recovery can be spontaneous, typically by the first 6–12 months of life though some infants may require surgical intervention if no improvement in DP is noted by 1–2 months of life in the setting of compromised quality of life. Case Report: We present a preterm infant, 31 completed weeks of gestational age, birth weight 1440 g born via emergency C-section due to preterm labor in breech presentation. During delivery, the patient suffered a left brachial plexus injury with phrenic nerve involvement. He developed respiratory distress requiring endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. His clinical course involved multiple failed extubation attempts. Chest X-ray (CXR) and chest fluoroscopy confirmed the diagnosis of left hemi-diaphragmatic paralysis. The patient had a prolonged respiratory support course but was finally weaned to room air by three months of age. Conclusion: Preterm infants can sustain perinatal brachial plexus injury like term or near-term infants in the setting of a traumatic birth irrespective of birth weight. The time and indications for conservative (non-surgical) versus surgical intervention remains debatable. Each case should be tailored to the child’s severity of injury and quality of life and growth. Clinical recovery can occur even with considerable persistence weakness on radiography or chest ultrasound.

Clinical outcome of babies born through meconium stained liqour

Background: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is as a result of aspiration of meconium-stained amniotic fluid antepartum or postpartum in term or near-term infants resulting in respiratory morbidity of varying severity. The present study was conducted to assess the clinical outcome of babies born through meconium stained liquor. Methods: This is a prospective observational study of babies born through meconium stained liquor at ESIC Medical College and Post Graduate Institute of Medical Science and Research over a period of 18 months from March 2021 to August 2022. Results: Majority of the babies were born through thin MSL. The highest incidence of MSL is seen in term babies. Normal vaginal delivery was the predominant mode of delivery. Thick MSL babies had low APGAR score at 1min .Majority of the thick MSL group had moderate to severe respiratory distress. Thick MSL babies required invasive mechanical ventilation compared to thin MSL group. Thick MSL study group had moderate to severe meconium aspiration syndrome compared to thin MSL study group. Perinatal depression was the most commonly associated complication in this study. Sepsis and PPHN were the complications that lead to mortality among the study group. Higher morbidity was seen in thick MSL group. The overall mortality was 1.6% and morbidity 55.2%. Conclusions: Thick meconium stained amniotic fluid is associated with increased risk perinatal depression, persistent pulmonary hypertension, sepsis, severe meconium aspiration syndrome and mortality.

Does Screening Ultrasound Timing in Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip Need to be Adjusted for Moderate Preterm and Near-term Infants: A Prospective Study.

An initial screening ultrasound is essential for patients at higher risk of developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) due to breech presentation or a family history of DDH. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends screening ultrasounds to be performed after 6 weeks of age to reduce the rate of false positives. However, there is limited evidence regarding whether these screening ultrasounds need to be adjusted for gestational age in prematurity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of moderate preterm and near-term births on screening hip ultrasounds for high-risk DDH populations. We identified all prospectively enrolled patients in a single-center database referred for screening hip ultrasound for DDH. We included those hips referred for risk factors of DDH, including breech presentation, family history of DDH, or hip click, and excluded those with known dysplasia or referral for hip instability. Each ultrasound was measured by a pediatric radiologist to determine the alpha angle and femoral head coverage. Patients were classified as "premature" if born at <37 weeks gestation or "full term" if born at ≥37 weeks gestation. All patients underwent screening hip ultrasound between 5 and 8 weeks of age. Sonographic markers of dysplasia and the incidences of abnormal ultrasound and Pavlik harness treatment were compared between cohorts. Significance was set at P <0.05. A total of 244 hips in 122 patients were included, 58 hips in the premature cohort and 186 hips in the full-term cohort. The premature cohort had a significantly decreased gestational age compared with the full-term cohort (35.4 ± 1.1 vs 38.5 ± 1.1wk, respectively, P < 0.001). However, there was no difference between premature and full-term cohorts in sex distribution (69% vs 75%, females, P = 0.39), unadjusted age at the time of ultrasound (6.6 ± 0.7 vs 6.8±0.7wk, respectively, P = 0.07), or referral reason (P = 0.14). On hip ultrasound, there was no difference between premature and full-term cohorts with respect to alpha angle (62.6 ± 3.3 vs 62.2 ± 5.3 degrees, P = 0.41), femoral head coverage (54.9 ± 6.3 vs 55.1 ± 10.6, P = 0.19), rate of abnormal ultrasound (18.3% vs 20.7%, respectively, P = 0.68), or the rate of Pavlik harness treatment (0% vs 5.3%, respectively, P = 0.12). There was no significant difference in alpha angle or femoral head coverage between premature and full-term patients at 5 to 8 weeks of unadjusted age. This preliminary data suggests that screening ultrasounds can be performed without adjusting for prematurity. Level II, prognostic study.

Association of Preterm Birth and Socioeconomic Status With Neonatal Brain Structure

Preterm birth and socioeconomic status (SES) are associated with brain structure in childhood, but the relative contributions of each during the neonatal period are unknown. To investigate associations of birth gestational age (GA) and SES with neonatal brain morphology by testing 3 hypotheses: GA and SES are associated with brain morphology; associations between SES and brain morphology vary with GA; and associations between SES and brain structure and morphology depend on how SES is operationalized. This cohort study recruited participants from November 2016 to September 2021 at a single center in the United Kingdom. Participants were 170 extremely and very preterm infants and 91 full-term or near-term infants. Exclusion criteria were major congenital malformation, chromosomal abnormality, congenital infection, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, hemorrhagic parenchymal infarction, and posthemorrhagic ventricular dilatation. Birth GA and SES, operationalized at the neighborhood level (using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation), the family level (using parental education and occupation), and subjectively (World Health Organization Quality of Life measure). Brain volume (85 parcels) and 5 whole-brain cortical morphology measures (gyrification index, thickness, sulcal depth, curvature, surface area) at term-equivalent age (median [range] age, 40 weeks, 5 days [36 weeks, 2 days to 45 weeks, 6 days] and 42 weeks [38 weeks, 2 days to 46 weeks, 1 day] for preterm and full-term infants, respectively). Participants were 170 extremely and very preterm infants (95 [55.9%] male; 4 of 166 [2.4%] Asian, 145 of 166 [87.3%] White) and 91 full-term or near-term infants (50 [54.9%] male; 3 of 86 [3.5%] Asian, 78 of 86 [90.7%] White infants) with median (range) birth GAs of 30 weeks, 0 days (22 weeks, 1 day, to 32 weeks, 6 days) and 39 weeks, 4 days (36 weeks, 3 days, to 42 weeks, 1 day), respectively. In fully adjusted models, birth GA was associated with a higher proportion of brain volumes (27 of 85 parcels [31.8%]; β range, -0.20 to 0.24) than neighborhood-level SES (1 of 85 parcels [1.2%]; β = 0.17 [95% CI, -0.16 to 0.50]) or family-level SES (maternal education: 4 of 85 parcels [4.7%]; β range, 0.09 to 0.15; maternal occupation: 1 of 85 parcels [1.2%]; β = 0.06 [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.11] respectively). There were interactions between GA and both family-level and subjective SES measures on regional brain volumes. Birth GA was associated with cortical surface area (β = 0.10 [95% CI, 0.02 to 0.18]) and gyrification index (β = 0.16 [95% CI, 0.07 to 0.25]); no SES measure was associated with cortical measures. In this cohort study of UK infants, birth GA and SES were associated with neonatal brain morphology, but low GA had more widely distributed associations with neonatal brain structure than SES. Further work is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the association of both GA and SES with early brain development.

Chlorhexidine bathing in a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit: A pilot study.

Concerns regarding potential risk of dermal irritation have led to the exclusion of NICU patients from the recommendation regarding the use of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) wash for daily skin cleansing to reduce bloodstream infections. Our aim was to assess the safety of 2% CHG bathing in NICU patients. The regulator required a stepwise study enrollment to three successive groups: term infants, followed by near-term and pre-term infants. For comparison, we used a cohort of matched controls. A propensity score-adjusted regression model was used to compare the groups. Infants were bathed thrice-weekly with 2% CHG-impregnated washcloths. Participant's skin was examined daily. Over a total of 661 days of treatment: 384,129, and 148 days for the term, near-term and pre-term groups, respectively, no skin reactions were observed. The intervention group was generally sicker, however, bloodstream infections were similar between the groups. For infants >30 weeks and >3 days old, 2% CHG bathing was safe. Large multicenter studies are urgently needed to establish the effectiveness of this practice in the NICU.

Incidence and outcomes of intrapartum-related neonatal encephalopathy in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

AimTo examine the incidence of intrapartum-related neonatal encephalopathy, and neonatal mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes associated with it in low-income and middle-income countries.MethodsReports were included when neonatal encephalopathy diagnosed clinically within...

New WHO recommendations for the care of preterm or low birthweight infants have the potential to transform maternal and newborn health-care delivery

The incidence of preterm birth (gestational age <37 weeks) worldwide was 15·2 million in 2019, occurring in 11% of livebirths. 1 Cao G Liu J Liu M Global, regional, and national incidence and mortality of neonatal preterm birth, 1990-2019. JAMA Pediatr. 2022; 176: 787-796 Crossref PubMed Scopus (6) Google Scholar , 2 Our World in DataNumber of births and deaths per year, world. https://ourworldindata.org/grapher/births-and-deaths-projected-to-2100Date: 2022 Date accessed: November 7, 2022 Google Scholar In 2015, an estimated 20·5 million livebirths globally were low birthweight (LBW; weight <2500g at birth). 3 Blencowe H Krasevec J de Onis M et al. National, regional, and worldwide estimates of low birthweight in 2015, with trends from 2000: a systematic analysis. Lancet Glob Health. 2019; 7: e849-e860 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (322) Google Scholar The survival, health, growth, and neurodevelopment of preterm and LBW infants lags behind that of full-term infants and special care is needed for these vulnerable infants. 4 Escobar GJ McCormick MC Zupancic JA et al. Unstudied infants: outcomes of moderately premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2006; 91: F238-F244 Crossref PubMed Scopus (119) Google Scholar , 5 Wang ML Dorer DJ Fleming MP Catlin EA Clinical outcomes of near-term infants. Pediatrics. 2004; 114: 372-376 Crossref PubMed Scopus (535) Google Scholar Preterm and LBW infants are susceptible to impaired respiration, difficulty feeding, growth failure, poor body temperature regulation, and infection. 4 Escobar GJ McCormick MC Zupancic JA et al. Unstudied infants: outcomes of moderately premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2006; 91: F238-F244 Crossref PubMed Scopus (119) Google Scholar , 5 Wang ML Dorer DJ Fleming MP Catlin EA Clinical outcomes of near-term infants. Pediatrics. 2004; 114: 372-376 Crossref PubMed Scopus (535) Google Scholar Globally, preterm birth accounts for 36·1% of neonatal deaths and 17·7% of deaths among children younger than 5 years. 6 Perin J Mulick A Yeung D et al. Global, regional, and national causes of under-5 mortality in 2000-19: an updated systematic analysis with implications for the Sustainable Development Goals. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2022; 6: 106-115 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (52) Google Scholar Complications of preterm birth are the leading cause of death in children before their fifth birthday. An estimated 0·94 million deaths worldwide were due to preterm birth in 2019. 6 Perin J Mulick A Yeung D et al. Global, regional, and national causes of under-5 mortality in 2000-19: an updated systematic analysis with implications for the Sustainable Development Goals. Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2022; 6: 106-115 Summary Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (52) Google Scholar

Evaluation of antibiotic stewardship among near-term and term infants admitted to a neonatal unit.

The evidence-based antibiotic stewardship can safely and effectively reduce antibiotic use and shorten the duration of therapy in the neonatal unit. • Overuse of antibiotics has been associated with adverse events in neonates, including necrotizing enterocolitis, multidrug-resistant organism infections, and death. • More clinical effectiveness evidence is needed to support antibiotic stewardship of neonates in China. • Using prospective audit, targeted stewardship interventions, this study shows that a 32% reduction in overall antibiotic consumption was achieved safely. • Implementation of evidence-based neonatal antibiotic stewardship, including the observation form of neonatal infections, antibiotic therapy of no more than 48h for suspected infections, and 5days for pneumonia and culture-negative sepsis, is safe and effective among newborns in a developing country.

Variation in Early-Onset Sepsis Risk Assessment in Asymptomatic Term and Near-Term Infants in Portugal

Variation in Early-Onset Sepsis Risk Assessment in Asymptomatic Term and Near-Term Infants in Portugal

Early Plasma Magnesium in Near-Term and Term Infants with Neonatal Encephalopathy in the Context of Perinatal Asphyxia.

Magnesium ions are implicated in brain functioning. The disruption of brain metabolism subsequent to a perinatal hypoxic-ischaemic insult may be reflected by plasma magnesium. Infants at 36 weeks after birth or later with neonatal encephalopathy and who were admitted to our neonatal unit from 2011 to 2019 were retrospectively included. The kinetics of plasma magnesium were investigated for the first 72 h of life and correlated to the Barkovich MRI score. Among the 125 infants who met the inclusion criteria, 45 patients (36%) had moderate to severe brain lesions on neonatal MRI. Plasma magnesium values were not strongly associated with the severity of clinical encephalopathy, initial EEG background and brain lesions. Intriguingly, higher plasma magnesium values during the 0–6 h period were linked to the presence of brain injuries that predominated within the white matter (p < 0.001) and to the requirement of cardiac resuscitation in the delivery room (p = 0.001). The occurrence of seizures was associated with a lower mean magnesium value around the 24th hour of life (p = 0.005). This study supports that neonatal encephalopathy is a complex and multifactorial condition. Plasma magnesium could help to better identify the subtypes of neonatal encephalopathy. Further studies are needed to confirm these results in this prospect.