Need For Positive Pressure Ventilation Research Articles

Impact of initial high flow nasal cannula flow rates on clinical outcomes in children with bronchiolitis.

Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the initial high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) flow rate on clinical outcomes in children with bronchiolitis. This secondary analysis of retrospective data included children <2 years who required HFNC for bronchiolitis between 10/01/2018-04/20/2019, and following implementation of a revised institutional bronchiolitis pathway between 10/01/2021-04/30/2022. The new pathway recommended weight-based initiation of HFNC at 1.5-2 L/kg/min. We evaluated the effect of low (<1.0 L/kg/min), medium (1-1.5 L/kg/min) and high (>1.5 L/kg/min) HFNC flow rates on need for positive pressure ventilation (PPV), intensive care unit (ICU) transfer, HFNC treatment time, and hospital length of stay (LOS). The majority of the 885 included children had low initial flow rates (low [n = 450, 50.8%], medium [n = 332, 37.5%] and high [n = 103, 11.7%]). There were no significant differences in PPV (high: 7.8% vs. medium: 9.3% vs. low: 8.2%, p = 0.8) or ICU transfers (high: 4.9% vs. medium: 6.0% vs. low: 3.8%, p = 0.3). The low flow group had a significantly longer median HFNC treatment time (High: 29 [18, 45] vs. medium: 29 [16, 50] vs. low: 39 [25, 63], p < .001) and hospital LOS (High: 41 [27, 59] vs. medium: 42 [29, 66] vs. low: 50 (39, 75), p < .001). Logistic and linear regression models did not demonstrate any associations between HFNC flow rates and PPV or hospital LOS. Initial HFNC flow rates were not associated with significant changes in clinical outcomes in children in children with bronchiolitis.

Risk of Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn following Elective Cesarean Section Increases at a Gestational Age of 37 Weeks Compared to That at ≥ 38 Weeks Despite the Exclusion of Pre-Existing Risk Factors for Neonatal Respiratory Disorders.

Elective cesarean sections (ECSs) for early-term pregnancies at 37 weeks of gestational age (GA) aim to reduce the risk of emergency cesarean sections due to the onset of labor or rupture of membranes. However, resultant increases in neonatal respiratory disorders, including transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) have been observed. However, few studies have elucidated the associated risk factors. Consequently, we aimed to determine whether differences existed in the clinical outcomes between neonates delivered via ECS at 37 weeks and those delivered at ≥ 38 weeks of GA. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 259 neonates born via ECS at Tottori University Hospital, between January 2013 and December 2019, with birthweights ≥ 2500 g and GAs > 37 weeks. The neonates were categorized into two cohorts: births at 37 and at ≥ 38 weeks of GA (37-week and 38-week cohorts). The principal clinical outcomes included the appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration (Apgar) scores, need for positive-pressure ventilation, incidence of TTN, and length of hospital stay. No statistically significant differences were observed in the indications for ECS, sex, or birthweight between the two cohorts. The 37-week cohort exhibited a lower 1-min Apgar score than did the 38-week cohort, with no statistically significant differences between the two cohorts, at 5 min. Statistically significant differences were not observed in the need for positive-pressure ventilation during initial resuscitation or length of hospital stay for patients with TTN between the two cohorts. Notably, the 37-week cohort exhibited a significantly higher incidence of TTN than did the 38-week cohort. ECSs at 37 weeks of GA exhibited an increased risk of TTN than ECSs at ≥ 38 weeks of GA. Strategic neonatal care and adequate preparation can mitigate this risk without affecting the length of hospital stay.

Efficacy of a Novel Site of Tactile Stimulation (Partha’s site) for Neonatal Resuscitation – A Prospective Interventional Study

ABSTRACT Background: Traditional tactile stimulation methods in neonatal resuscitation involve stroking or tapping the back of the infant. However, a recent study has investigated additional tactile stimulation areas, such as the baby’s feet, with a high concentration of nerve endings. In this connection, the primary author has selected a bilateral inguinal crease as an alternate site for tactile stimulation. This study examines the effectiveness of this novel stimulation site in generating crying in noncrying neonates. Methodology: A prospective interventional study was conducted in an established obstetric hospital from February to November 2023. The study population comprised 100 noncrying infants who did not respond to conventional tactile stimulation. The outcome variables included maternal age, gestational age, birth weight, grimace and respiration scores of Apgar, and the time taken to achieve the maximum score after stimulation. Results: Most neonates (71%) achieved a grimace score of 2 after stimulation, and the mean time to achieve this response was 1.39 (2) s. Seventy-six percent of neonates achieved a respiration score of 2 after stimulation, and the mean time to achieve it was 2.24 (0.5) s. Furthermore, 98% of infants had a favorable outcome without further invasive interventions. Conclusion: The novel site of bilateral inguinal stroking is an effective tactile stimulation site in neonatal resuscitation. The findings suggest that this approach may provide a quicker and more consistent response, reducing the need for positive pressure ventilation and potentially improving neonatal outcomes.

Doxapram for the prevention and treatment of apnea in preterm infants.

Doxapram for the prevention and treatment of apnea in preterm infants.

Effects of Single-Course Betamethasone on the Outcomes of Late Preterm Neonates.

Background Prenatal glucocorticoids are commonly used in pregnancies before 34 weeks of gestation in women at risk of preterm delivery; however, the effects of these drugs on late preterm infants (those born after the 34th week of pregnancy) are controversial. As a result, we aimed to investigate the effect of a single course of betamethasone (two doses of betamethasone every 24 hours) on the neonatal outcome of late preterm births. Methods We retrospectively assessed all spontaneous late preterm births (34-36+6 weeks of gestation) at a tertiary hospital in Iran over a period of two and a half years. Exclusion criteria included multiple pregnancies, induced labor, and fetal malformations identified in sonograms. Neonatal outcome measures encompassed first and five-minute Apgar scores, respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal death, birth asphyxia, and the need for positive pressure ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure, tracheal intubation, and surfactant. Baseline characteristics, such as maternal age, parity, fetal gender, and high-risk pregnancy, were considered confounding variables. High-risk pregnancies were defined as any cases involving prolonged rupture of membranes or maternal comorbidities such as severe anemia, preeclampsia, diabetes, or COVID-19. Results During the study period, there were 830 spontaneous preterm births at our center. Of these, only 195 (23.5%) received complete doses of betamethasone. Low birth weight was more common in mothers who did not receive betamethasone compared to those who did (63.6% vs. 41.2%). The mean gestational age was lower in mothers who received betamethasone than in those who did not. Respiratory distress syndrome was more common in mothers who received betamethasone (P<0.001, RR 2.11, 95% CI (0.98-4.18)). However, after adjusting for confounding factors, such as gestational age and birth weight, betamethasone did not increase the risk of respiratory distress syndrome. Other adverse neonatal outcomes did not differ significantly. Conclusions There were no differences in neonatal outcomes between those who received betamethasone and those who did not.

Beyond SEP-1 Compliance: Assessing the Impact of Antibiotic Overtreatment and Fluid Overload in Suspected Septic Patients

BackgroundThe Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) developed the Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock Performance Measure bundle (SEP-1) metric to improve sepsis care, but evidence supporting this bundle is limited and harms secondary to compliance have not been investigated. ObjectiveThis study investigates the effect of an emergency department (ED) sepsis quality-improvement (QI) effort to improve CMS SEP-1 compliance, looking specifically at antibiotic overtreatment and harm from fluid resuscitation. MethodsThis was a retrospective observational study conducted between March and July 2021 with patients for whom a sepsis order set was initiated. The primary outcomes included the number of patients treated with antibiotics who were ultimately deemed nonseptic and the number of patients who developed pulmonary edema, with or without need for positive pressure ventilation (PPV), within 48 h of receiving a 30 mL/kg fluid bolus. Data were collected via nonblinded chart reviews, with a free marginal κ-calculation indicating excellent interrater reliability. ResultsThe study cohort included 273 patients, 170 (62.3%) who were ultimately determined to be septic and 103 (37.7%) who were nonseptic. Of the 103 nonseptic patients, 82 (79.6%) received antibiotics in the ED. Of the 121 patients (44.3%) who received a 30 mL/kg bolus, 5 patients (4.1%) developed pulmonary edema and 0 of 121 patients required PPV within 48 h. ConclusionsThe QI effort led to moderate rates of antibiotic overtreatment and very few patients developed pulmonary edema due to a 30 mL/kg fluid bolus.

Use of Pulse Oximetry during Resuscitation of 230 Newborns-A Video Analysis.

European guidelines recommend the use of pulse oximetry (PO) during newborn resuscitation, especially when there is a need for positive pressure ventilation or supplemental oxygen. The objective was to evaluate (i) to what extent PO was used, (ii) the time and resources spent on the application of PO, and (iii) the proportion of time with a useful PO signal during newborn resuscitation. A prospective observational study was conducted at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway, between 6 June 2019 and 16 November 2021. Newborn resuscitations were video recorded, and the use of PO during the first ten minutes of resuscitation was recorded and analysed. Of 7466 enrolled newborns, 289 (3.9%) received ventilation at birth. The resuscitation was captured on video in 230 cases, and these newborns were included in the analysis. PO was applied in 222 of 230 (97%) newborns, median (quartiles) 60 (24, 58) seconds after placement on the resuscitation table. The proportion of time used on application and adjustments of PO during ongoing ventilation and during the first ten minutes on the resuscitation table was 30% and 17%, respectively. Median two healthcare providers were involved in the PO application. Video of the PO monitor signal was available in 118 (53%) of the 222 newborns. The proportion of time with a useful PO signal during ventilation and during the first ten minutes on the resuscitation table was 5% and 35%, respectively. In total, 97% of resuscitated newborns had PO applied, in line with resuscitation guidelines. However, the application of PO was time-consuming, and a PO signal was only obtained 5% of the time during positive pressure ventilation.

Room air versus 100% oxygen for delivery room resuscitation of preterm neonates in low resource settings: A randomised, blinded, controlled trial.

International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR-2020) report recommend starting delivery room resuscitation of all preterm neonates of <35 weeks' gestation with 21-30% oxygen. However, the correct initial oxygen concentration for resuscitation of preterm neonates in delivery room is inconclusive. In this blinded, randomised, controlled trial, we compared room air with 100% oxygen for oxidative stress and clinical outcomes in delivery room resuscitation of preterm neonates. Preterm neonates 28-33 weeks' gestation requiring positive pressure ventilation at birth were randomly allocated to room air or 100% oxygen. Investigators, outcome assessors and data analysts were blinded. Rescue 100% oxygen was used whenever trial gas failed (need for positive pressure ventilation >60 s or chest compression). Plasma 8-isoprostane levels at 4 h of age. mortality by discharge, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity and neurological status at 40 weeks post-menstrual age. All subjects were followed till discharge. Intention to treat analysis was carried out. A total of 124 neonates were randomised to room air (n = 59) or 100% oxygen (n = 65). Isoprostane level at 4 h was similar in both the groups (median (interquartile range): 280 (180-430) vs. 250 (173-360) pg/mL, P = 0.47). No difference was observed in mortality and other clinical outcomes. Room air group had higher treatment failures (27 (46%) vs. 16 (25%); relative risk (RR) 1.9 (1.1-3.1)) and took longer time to establish regular respiration (230 ± 231 vs. 182 ± 261, mean difference = 48 (40, 136) seconds). In preterm neonates 28-33 weeks' gestation requiring resuscitation in the delivery room, room air (21%) is not the correct concentration to initiate resuscitation. Larger controlled trials involving multiple centres in low- and middle-income countries are immediately required for a conclusive answer.

Improving Initial Steps during Neonatal Resuscitation: A Quality Improvement Study

Background Neonatal resuscitation guided by the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) algorithm is a frequently performed event. However, strict adherence to the algorithm is often lacking. This quality improvement study was conducted when we identified poor compliance with the NRP algorithm in the ‘initial steps’ as a problem in our hospital. Methods The study was carried out over 48 weeks with an aim to improve the early steps of the NRP algorithm in the delivery room from the existing baseline score (maximum score of 22) of 5 (22%) to at least 13 (60%). Objective scoring, which included 11 domains (maximum score of 2 for each) from antenatal counselling, team briefing, equipment check and initial steps, and the time taken to begin positive pressure ventilation (PPV) were taken as process measures. Improvement of score to &gt;90%, PPV requirement, beginning of PPV within 60 s and the use of various checklists were studied as outcome measures, along with the balancing outcome of neonatal intensive care unit admission temperature. Statistical process control charts were used for data analysis with standard rules for upper and lower control limits. Results A total of 480 resuscitations were scored. All domains of scoring improved from the baseline to the sustenance phase. The control limit improved from a baseline score of 5.1–21 during the sustenance phase, while the time to start PPV improved from 93.7 to 61.7 seconds. There was a significant improvement in the use of checklists for antenatal counselling, team briefing, and equipment checks. The need for PPV remained the same, and it could be started in only 36.4% of households within 60 seconds. Conclusion Proper implementation of the initial steps of the NRP algorithm improved along with the time of initiation of PPV after the study, though no major change was documented in the need for PPV administration.

Clinical Spectrum of Neonatal Encephalopathy and the Role of CK-MB Assay in Transient Myocardial Ischaemia in Neonates with Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Significant advancements have been made in the field of perinatal medicine through the use of newer monitoring technologies. However, birth asphyxia continues to cause prolonged hospitalisation due to multiple organ dysfunction and unfortunately, sometimes results in death. An elevation of the serum Creatine Kinase Myocardial Bound (CK-MB) fraction in myocardial ischaemia could indicate exposure to asphyxia and shock in neonates. Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the clinical spectrum of Neonatal Encephalopathy (NE) and investigate Transient Myocardial Ischaemia (TMI) in neonates with Hypoxic Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE) using CK-MB assay at birth, 24 hours, and 72 hours. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Tamil Nadu, India. The study duration was eight months, from January 2014 to August 2014. A total of 70 term neonates admitted with NE symptoms were included. Among them, 65 babies with evidence of asphyxia, such as an Appearance, Pulse, Grimace,Activity and respiration (APGAR) score less than 3 at five minutes, heart rate less than 60 Beats Per Minute (bpm), meconium-stained amniotic fluid, or the need for positive pressure ventilation for more than one minute, were evaluated for TMI. Myocardial involvement was assessed through clinical evaluation, chest X-ray (CXR), Electrocardiogram (ECG), Echocardiography (ECHO), and CK-MB assay at birth, 24 hours, and 72 hours. Statistical analysis was performed using Epi Info software version 7.0. Results: The mean Gestational Age (GA) of the study participants was 38.97±1.31 weeks. During the study period, 70 babies were admitted with NE symptoms, and HIE was the cause of encephalopathy in 65 babies. Other causes included hypoglycaemia, intraventricular haemorrhage, and bilirubin encephalopathy. Meconium staining of amniotic fluid was the most common intrapartum event in HIE babies. The survival rate in encephalopathy cases was 28.57%. Shock and respiratory failure were common complications in HIE, representing 46.15% and 44.61% respectively. Cardiomegaly in CXR, ST depression in ECG, Tricuspid Regurgitation (TR) in ECHO, and elevated CK-MB were commonly detected in babies with TMI associated with HIE. Conclusion: NE caused by HIE has a high mortality and morbidity rate. 83.3% of asphyxiated babies with shock had elevated CK-MB levels at birth, but the CK-MB values at 24 hours and 72 hours were not significantly elevated.

Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (LISA) in Premature Neonates, using 5F feeding tube versus 2 mm Endotracheal tube – An Innovative, Pilot study

Introduction: Administration of LISA using thin and soft catheters like 5 F orogastric tube, though less invasive, is technically challenging and needs expertise. We hypothesized, use of a 2 mm Endotracheal (ET) tube for administration of LISA could be an easy and convenient alternative. Methods: This is a prospective, single-centric, quasi-random, pilot trial conducted in the inborn unit of a tertiary care hospital from May 2020 - December 2020. All the inborn preterm (28 - 34 weeks) neonates with respiratory distress requiring surfactant were alternately allocated to receive LISA using a 5 F infant feeding tube or an uncuffed 2.0 size ET tube. The primary outcome was successful administration of surfactant defined as a procedure without any need for positive pressure ventilation. Results: In our study, 25 neonates were enrolled in each arm. Administration of LISA using 2 mm ET tube was associated with better success of surfactant administration with lesser incidence of PPV (20 vs 11, p &lt; 0.05), desaturation (5 vs 12, p &lt; 0.05), and bradycardia (3 vs 10, p &lt; 0.05) compared to LISAOG. Conclusions: Administration of LISA using a 2 mm ET is an easily adaptable and convenient alternative that is well tolerated by the neonates without any adverse effects.

Tidal volume optimization and heart rate response during stabilization of very preterm infants.

To verify the added value of respiratory function monitor (RFM) to assess ventilation and the heart rate (HR) changes during stabilization of preterm infants. Preterm infants <32 weeks' gestation, bradycardic at birth and in need for positive pressure ventilation (PPV) were included. The first 15 min of stabilization was monitored with RFM. Threetime points were identified according to HRvalues (T0 the start of mask PPV; T1 the HR rise >100 bpm; T2 the delivery of the last PPV). For each inflation, PIP, PEEP, MAP, expired tidal volume/kg (Vte/kg), and mean dynamic compliance (Cdyn) were analyzed. PIP and MAP values were significantly higher at T1 (27.09 ± 5.37and 17.47 ± 3.85 cmH2 O) and at T2 (24.7 ± 3.86and 15.2 ± 3.78 cmH2 O) compared to T0 (24.05 ± 2.27 and 15.85 ± 2.77 cmH2 O). PEEP at T1 was significantly higher (6.27 ± 2.17 cmH2 O) compared to T2 (5.61 ± 1.50 cmH2 O). Vte/kg showed significantly lower T0 values (3.57 ± 2.14 ml/kg) compared to T1 (6.18 ± 2.51 ml/kg) and T2 (6.89 ± 2.40 ml/kg). There was a significant effect of time on Cdyn. A clear correspondence between HR rise and adequate Vte/kg during stabilization of very preterm infants was highlighted. RFM might be useful to tailor ventilation, following real-time changes of lung compliance.

Surviving White-out: How to Manage Severe Noninfectious Acute Lung Allograft Dysfunction of Unknown Etiology.

Surviving White-out: How to Manage Severe Noninfectious Acute Lung Allograft Dysfunction of Unknown Etiology.

Association between respiratory rate oxygenation index and need for positive pressure ventilation in children on high flow nasal cannula for bronchiolitis.

Our objective was to evaluate the association of respiratory rate oxygenation index (ROX) with the need for positive pressure ventilation in children < 2 years of age with bronchiolitis on high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy. We performed a single-center prospective observational study of a convenience sample of children < 2 years of age with bronchiolitis who had HFNC initiated in the pediatric emergency department between November and March, 2018–2020. ROX was calculated as pulse oximetry/FiO2/respiratory rate at HFNC initiation. Demographics, need for positive pressure ventilation (PPV), disposition, and hospital length of stay were collected. Logistic regression model was used to determine the odds ratio for PPV need relative to the highest ROX quartile. Of the 373 patients included, 49 (13.1%) required PPV. ROX was lower in patients who required PPV compared with those who did not (5.86 [4.71–7.42] vs. 6.74 [5.46–8.25]; p = 0.01). Logistic regression revealed that those patients whose ROX was in the lowest quartile (< 5.39) were three times more likely to require PPV compared to those in the highest quartile (> 8.21). These results held true after adjusting for confounders (odds ratio 3.1; 95% CI [1.3 to 7.5]; p = 0.02). The model’s AUROC (0.701) indicated acceptable discrimination between cases and controls.Conclusion: Low ROX index was associated with the need for PPV in children with bronchiolitis on HFNC. The risk stratification provided and ROX threshold for risk stratification require confirmation in other populations with a larger sample size. What is Known:• Demographic and clinical factors associated with high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy in children with bronchiolitis has been studied.What is New:• This is the first study to report the utility of association of Respiratory Rate Oxygenation (ROX) index for need for positive pressure ventilation (PPV) in children < 2 years of age with bronchiolitis on HFNC therapy.• ROX was lower in children who required PPV and children whose ROX was in the lowest quartile (< 5.39) were three times more likely to require PPV compared to those in the highest quartile (> 8.21).Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00431-022-04607-4.

Inhaled Corticosteroid Exposure in Hospitalized Infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

The objective of this paper was to determine inhaled corticosteroid (IC) use in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), define the interhospital variation of IC administration to infants with BPD, and compare clinical, demographic, and hospital factors associated with IC use. Using the Pediatric Health Information System database, a retrospective multicenter cohort of 4,551 infants born at <32 weeks of gestation with developing BPD was studied. The clinical, demographic, and hospital characteristics of infants exposed and not exposed to ICs were compared. IC use varied markedly between hospitals, ranging from 0 to 66% of infants with BPD exposed to ICs. Increased annual BPD census was not associated with IC use. In total, 25% (1,144 out of 4,551) of patients with BPD and 43% (536 out of 1,244) of those with severe BPD received ICs. Increased IC exposure was associated with lower birth weight and gestational age, days on respiratory support, need for positive pressure ventilation at 36-week postmenstrual age, need for tracheostomy, and increased use of systemic steroids, bronchodilators, and diuretics. IC exposure is common in infants with BPD, with substantial interhospital variability. IC use was associated with more severe disease. Hospital experience did not account for the wide variability in IC use by the hospital. Further research into the effects of ICs use is urgently needed to help guide their use in this vulnerable population. · The risks and benefits of IC use in infants with BPD are incompletely understood.. · IC use is common in infants with BPD (25%) and severe BPD (43%) varies widely by hospital (0-66% of patients with BPD received an IC).. · Hospital experience did not account for the wide interhospital variation in IC use..

Routine Tracheal Intubation and Meconium Suctioning in Non-Vigorous Neonates with Meconium-Stained Amniotic Fluid: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is the comparison of endotracheal intubation and suctioning to immediate resuscitation without intubation of non-vigorous infants > 34 weeks’ gestation delivered through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF). Randomized, non-randomized clinical trials and observational studies were included. Data sources were PubMed/Medline and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials, from 2012 to 2021. Inclusion criteria were non-vigorous infants born through MSAF with gestational age > 34 weeks and sample size ≥ 5. We calculated overall relative risks (RR) and mean differences (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to determine the impact of endotracheal suction (ETS) in non-vigorous infants born through MSAF. The outcomes presented are the incidence of neonatal mortality, meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), transient tachypnea, need for positive pressure ventilation, respiratory support, persistent pulmonary hypertension treatment, neonatal infection, ischemic encephalopathy, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the duration of hospitalization between ETS and non-ETS group. Six studies with a total sample of 1026 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Statistically non-significant difference was observed in RR between two groups with regards to mortality (1.22, 95% CI 0.73–2.04), occurrence of MAS (1.08, 95% CI 0.76–1.53) and other outcomes, and MD in hospitalization duration. There is no sufficient evidence to suggest initiating endotracheal suction soon after birth in non-vigorous meconium-stained infants as routine.

Neonatal Pneumothorax in Late Preterm and Full-Term Newborns with respiratory Distress: A Single-Center Experience

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence rate, clinical characteristics, and perinatal outcomes of pneumothorax in late preterm and full-term newborns with respiratory distress and analyze the risk factors associated with pneumothorax.Methods: Infants born at ≥34 weeks’ gestation with respiratory distress and pneumothorax admitted between February 2014 and December 2020 were enrolled in this study. The pneumothorax group (n=36) was matched to the control group (n=144) in a 1:4 ratio, based on gestational age and birth weight. Risk factors were identified using logistic regression analysis with backward stepwise selection.Results: The incidence of pneumothorax during the study period was 1.36% (38/2,788). All patients were diagnosed with pneumothorax within 48 hours after birth, and increased oxygen demand was the most common symptom. The proportion of mortality and perinatal morbidity, such as intraventricular hemorrhage ≥grade 3, was significantly higher in the pneumothorax group than in the control group. The risk factors associated with pneumothorax were the need for positive pressure ventilation in the delivery room (odds ratio [OR], 3.40; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.26 to 9.12; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;=0.015) and a higher fraction of inspired oxygen to achieve an oxygen saturation of ≥90% on admission (OR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.03 to 1.09; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt;&lt;0.001).Conclusion: Pneumothorax should be suspected in late preterm and full-term newborns with respiratory distress within the first 3 days of life. Based on these risk factors, early diagnosis can reduce perinatal mortality and morbidity.

Pulmonary hypertension in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: risk factors, mortality and duration of hospitalisation.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complication of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and associated with increased mortality and morbidity. Our aim was to identify, in infants with BPD, the effect of PH on health-care utilisation and health related cost of care. An electronic data recording system was used to identify infants≤32weeks of gestation who developed BPD. PH was classified as early (≤28days after birth) or late (>28days after birth). In the study period, 182 infants developed BPD; 22 (12.1%) developed late PH. Development of late PH was associated with a lower gestational age [24.6 (23.9-26.9) weeks, p=0.001] and a greater need for positive pressure ventilation on day 28 after birth (100%) compared to infants without late PH (51.9%) (odds ratio (OR) 19.5, 95% CI: 2.6-148), p<0.001. Late PH was associated with increased mortality (36.4%) compared those who did not develop late PH (1.9%) after adjusting for gestational age and ventilation duration (OR: 26.9, 95% CI: 3.8-189.4), p<0.001. In infants who survived to discharge, late PH development was associated with a prolonged duration of stay [147 (118-189) days] compared to the infants that did not develop late PH [109 (85-149) days] (p=0.03 after adjusting for gestational age). Infants who had late PH had a higher cost of stay compared to infants with BPD who did not develop late PH (median £113,494 vs. £78,677, p=0.016 after adjusting for gestational age). Development of late PH was associated with increased mortality, a prolonged duration of stay and higher healthcare cost.

A Scoring Tool That Identifies the Need for Positive-Pressure Ventilation and Determines the Effectiveness of Allocated Respiratory Therapy.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and the need for positive-pressure ventilation (PPV) are significant postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) that increase patients' lengths of stay, mortality, and costs. Current tools used to predict PPCs use nonmodifiable preoperative factors; thus, they cannot assess provided respiratory therapy effectiveness. The Respiratory Assessment and Allocation of Therapy (RAAT) tool was created to identify HAP and the need for PPV and assist in assigning respiratory therapies. This study aimed to assess the RAAT tool's reliability and validity and determine if allocated respiratory procedures based on scores prevented HAP and the need for PPV. Electronic medical record data for nonintubated surgical ICU subjects scored with the RAAT tool were pulled from July 1, 2015-January 31, 2016, using a consecutive sampling technique. Sensitivity, specificity, and jackknife analysis were generated based on total RAAT scores. A unit-weighted analysis and mean differences of consecutive RAAT scores were analyzed with RAAT total scores ≥ 10 and the need for PPV. The first or second RAAT score of ≤ 5 (unlikely to receive PPV) and ≥ 10 (likely to receive PPV) provided a sensitivity of 0.833 and 0.783 and specificity of 0.761 and 0.804, respectively. Jackknifed sensitivity and specificity for identified cutoffs above were 0.800-0.917 and 0.775-0.739 for the first RAAT score and 0.667-0.889 and 0.815-0.79 for the second RAAT score. The initial RAAT scores of ≥ 10 predicted the need for PPV (P < .001) and was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (P < .001). Mean differences between consecutive RAAT scores revealed decreasing scores did not need PPV. The RAAT scoring tool demonstrated an association with the need for PPV using modifiable factors and appears to provide a quantitative method of determining if allocated respiratory therapy is effective.

A CASE OF RECURRENT PNEUMOTHORACES IN A NEWBORN

TOPIC: Pediatrics TYPE: Fellow Case Reports INTRODUCTION: Recurrent pneumothroaces (PTX) is an uncommon presentation in the newborn period, often associated with prematurity or ventilator use. This is a case of rapidly progressive cystic disease in the setting of an absent right pulmonary artery. CASE PRESENTATION: Patient is a 18do female, ex-37 weeks gestation, with negative prenatal history. Noted at birth to have meconium aspiration at birth, cyanosis and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (PPV) at 9 hours of life. CXR showed R PTX, that was resolved with chest tubes and discharged on day of life (DOL) 11. Presented on DOL) 17 with respiratory distress and was found to have a PTX. Chest CT showed R PTX with cystic foci in all three lobes thought to be related to pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE). Cardiothoracic surgery felt patient was too young for surgery and recommended more conservative management. Presented on DOL 27 with recurrrent PTX and then again at 3 months of life. Chest CT at this time showed a absent R pulmonary artery not previously recognized. ECHO confirmed absence of R PA. Patient underwent R pneumonectomy with mediastinal tent placement. Pathology showed pneumatoceles in lower lobes, focal areas of dysplastic lung development, absent large hilar pulmonary arteries, lymphangiectasis and pleural fibrosis. Cytology showed few multinucleated giant cells and fibroblastic proliferation along pneumatocele wall. DISCUSSION: Air leak syndromes such as PTX and PIE are more common in neonates with prematurity, need for PPV, meconium aspiration, and pulmonary hypoplasia. The presence of meconium aspiration and need for PPV likely contributed to the initial pulmonary insult that led to her clinical picture. Persistent PIE can associated with multiple large pseudocysts. Presence of multinucleated giant cells with fibroblast proliferation in cytology further supports presence of persistent PIE. In addition the unilateral absence of the R pulmonary artery (UAPA) can contribute to hypoperfusion and hypoplasia. This can subsequently lead to the cystic development especially when there are multiple other insults to the lung as seen in this patient. Post-pneumonectomy complications include concern for development of pulmonary hypertension as well as complication related to the post-pneumonectomy space, such as mediastinal shift causing compression of the airways. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent PTX can be due to a wide variety of etiologies based on patient's age and presentation. This case highlights recurrent PTX in a neonate in the setting of cystic lung disease that is likely from persistent PIE with further contribution from a unilaterally absent pulmonary artery. REFERENCE #1: Jeng, M.J., Lee, Y.S., Tsao, P.C. & Soong, W.J. Neonatal air leak syndrome and the role of high-frequency ventilation in its prevention. J Chin Med Assoc 75, 551-559 (2012). REFERENCE #2: Agrons, G.A., Courtney, S.E., Stocker, J.T. & Markowitz, R.I. From the archives of the AFIP: Lung disease in premature neonates: radiologic-pathologic correlation. Radiographics 25, 1047-1073 (2005). REFERENCE #3: Kruzliak, P., Syamasundar, R.P., Novak, M., Pechanova, O. & Kovacova, G. Unilateral absence of pulmonary artery: pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis and current treatment. Arch Cardiovasc Dis 106, 448-454 (2013). DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by Ashish George, source=Web Response no disclosure on file for Robin Ortenberg; No relevant relationships by Swaroop Pinto, source=Web Response