Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit Research Articles

Randomized Controlled Trial Protocol on the Effects of a Sensory Motor Intervention Associated with Kangaroo Skin-to-Skin Contact in Preterm Newborns.

There is still very limited evidence on the effects of neonatal interventions on infant neurodevelopmental outcomes, including general movements (GMs). This research will primarily assess the effects of a sensory motor physical therapy intervention combined with kangaroo skin-to-skin contact on the GMs of hospitalized preterm newborns. Secondary outcomes include body weight, posture and muscle tone, behavioral state, length of hospital stay, and breastfeeding. This study protocol details a two-arm parallel clinical trial methodology, involving participants with a postmenstrual age of 34-35 weeks admitted to a Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (NInCU) with poor repertoire GMs. Thirty-four participants will be randomly assigned to either the experimental group, receiving a 10-day sensory motor physical therapy associated with kangaroo skin-to-skin contact, or the control group, which will only receive kangaroo skin-to-skin contact. The study will measure GMs (primary outcome), and body weight, posture and muscle tone, behavioral state, length of hospital stay, and breastfeeding (secondary outcomes). Data collection occurs in the NInCU before and after the intervention, with follow-up measurements post discharge at 2-4 weeks and 12-15 weeks post-term. SPSS will be used for data analyses. The results will provide novel information on how sensory motor experiences may affect early neurodevelopment and clinical variables in preterm newborns.

Contactless assessment of heart rate in neonates within a clinical environment using imaging photoplethysmography.

In neonatology, the accurate determination of vital parameters plays a pivotal role in monitoring critically ill newborns and premature infants, as well as aiding in disease diagnosis. In response to the limitations associated with contact-based measurement methods, substantial efforts have been directed toward developing contactless measurement techniques, particularly over the past decade. Building upon the insights gained from our pilot study, we realized a new investigation to assess the precision of our imaging photoplethysmography-based system within a clinical environment of the neonatal intermediate care unit. We conducted measurements in 20 preterm infants or newborns requiring therapeutic interventions. As a point of reference, we employed a conventional pulse oximeter. To analytically predict measurement artifacts, we analyzed the potential influence of confounding factors, such as motion artifacts, illumination fluctuations (under- and overexposure), and loss of region of interest prior to heart rate evaluation. This reduced the amount of data we evaluated for heart rate to 56.1% of its original volume. In artifact-free time segments, the mean difference between the pulse oximetry and the imaging photoplethysmography-based system for 1 s sampling intervals resulted in -0.2 bpm (95% CI -0.8 to 0.4, LOA ± 12.2). For the clinical standard of 8 s averaging time, the mean difference resulted in -0.09 bpm (95% CI -0.7 to 0.6, LOA ± 10.1). These results match the medical standards. While further research is needed to increase the range of measurable vital parameters and more diverse patient collectives need to be considered in the future, we could demonstrate very high accuracy for non-contact heart rate measurement in newborn infants in the clinical setting, provided artifacts are excluded. In particular, performing a priori signal assessment helps make clinical measurements safer by identifying unreliable readings.

Comparison of neurological assessment and general movements of infants at risk at different time points

Background: Brain development is a constant interaction between genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Its maturation process is extremely sensitive, and if it does not occur in sync, brain damage can occur in the immature brain, triggering a set of permanent movement and posture disorders. Thus, early diagnosis of developmental changes is essential for intervention to begin as soon as possible, optimizing results, improving functional skills, and reducing the damage to the future life of these babies, and serve as a basis for the actions of professional teams dedicated to stimulation and monitoring of child development. Objectives: To compare the neurological assessment and general movements of infants at risk at 40, 52, and 64 weeks of gestational age (GA). Methods: Infants at risk born in a reference maternal and child hospital were assessed for their neuromotor behavior using the "Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE)", "Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE)" and "General Movements Assessment (GMA)" scales at 40, 52, and 64 weeks gestational age. Data will be correlated and analyzed descriptively. Results: 33 infants at risk were assessed at 40, 52 and 64 weeks, i.e., up to six months of corrected age. Male gender (75.8%), a cesarean delivery (51.5%), and white race (60.6%) predominated. The Median Apgar score was nine, mean of five prenatal visits, and a mean GA of 35.8 weeks. Prematurity and congenital syphilis were the main diagnoses found. 30.3% of the patients underwent neuroimaging exams, especially brain ultrasounds, with normal results. There was a predominance of "altered evaluation" in HNNE and HINE at the three evaluative moments for term babies, especially for babies with congenital syphilis, and "adequate" for premature babies. In the GMA evaluation and regarding the presence of fidgety, there was a higher frequency of the "suboptimal" classification and most presented fidgety. In the longitudinal comparison between the three moments assessed using the HNNE/HINE scales, it was found that there was a significant difference between the first and the third evaluative moment (p = 0.029), where babies improved their classification. There were positive associations of results between the HNNE/HINE scales with scores in different variables. Conclusion: Infants at risk had altered scores on neurological assessments, indicating developmental delay. Children at risk or with delayed neurological development may present restrictions in activities and participation with compromised quality of life and even school learning. Therefore, it is extremely important to include standardized scales during neonatal screening in the routine of the Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (NICU), as they are highly reliable and low-cost, so that early identification of neurological changes can be enabled, and thus intervene early, enhancing development.

Third stage of the kangaroo method: exclusive breastfeeding and growth of preterm and/or low birth weight newborns.

To evaluate the rates of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and growth of preterm and/or low birth weight newborns during the third stage of the Kangaroo Method (TSKM), at discharge. Retrospective study in a reference public maternity hospital between Jan/2014 and Dec/2017, including the preterm (less than 37 weeks) and/or low birth weight (less than 2500 g) newborn infants. Information was collected from medical records. Statistics analysis was done in SPSS software. 482 infants were included and followed up at the TSKM ambulatory. The average gestational age was 33 weeks (variation: 24-39 weeks) and birth weight, 1715g (variation: 455-2830 g). EBF occurred in 336 (70.1%) infants at hospital discharge, and in 291 (60.4%) at TSKM discharge. Each additional day of hospital stay increased the chance of infant formula (IF) use by 9.3% at hospital discharge and by 10.3% at TSKM discharge. Staying in the Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (KNICU) favored EBF at hospital discharge and TSKM discharge (p<0.001). Not performing the kangaroo position increased the chance formula administration to the newborn infant at hospital discharge by 11%. Weight gain and head circumference growth were higher in infants using formula (p<0.001). The length of hospital stay and not performing the kangaroo position favored the use of infant formula at hospital and TSKM discharge. Staying in the KNICU favored exclusive breastfeeding at hospital and TSKM discharge. Weight gain and HC growth were higher in newborns receiving infant formula.

Association between the General Movement Optimality Score and clinical features in newborns during hospitalization: A cross-sectional study

AimsTo describe the General Movements (GMs) of hospitalized newborns to verify if their global and detailed GMA are related and if their GMs are associated with clinical features. MethodsCross-sectional study. Thirty-eight preterm and full-term newborns, who were hospitalized in the neonatal intermediate care unit of a reference hospital, were included. Prechtl's General Movement Assessment (GMA), including the General Movement Optimality Score (GMOS) list, was used as an assessment tool. Clinical variables, such as preterm birth, birthweight, length of hospitalization, Apgar scores, pregnancy problems, admission at neonatal intensive care unit, use of invasive mechanical ventilation, and brain imaging findings were also collected. Newborns were videoed at a single time for 3 min before discharge. ResultsMost newborns presented GMs with normal or poor repertoire quality. GMOS ranged from 17 to 42 points. Scores were lower in abnormal GMs. Abnormal GMs were associated with preterm birth, length of hospital stay >30 days and birthweight <2500 g. Accordingly, lower GMOSs were also associated with preterm birth, a birthweight <2500 g and a hospital stay >30 days but also with the invasive mechanical ventilation application. ConclusionPreterm and full-term newborns presented normal or abnormal GMs during hospitalization. Preterm birth, low birthweight, longer hospital stay and a time period of invasive ventilation were associated with worse GM behaviors.

Maternal-fetal and neonatal characteristics associated with Kangaroo-Mother Care Method adherence

ObjectiveTo describe the association of maternal and neonatal characteristics with the adherence status to the in-hospital stages of the Kangaroo-Mother Care Method – KMC (full, partial, and no-adherence). MethodsRetrospective cohort study including infants < 2500 g admitted to a reference maternity hospital for the KMC in Rio de Janeiro from January to December 2018. Maternal and neonatal characteristics were distributed according to the adherence status to the KMC in-hospital stages. In the first stage, KMC is performed in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Conventional Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit. The second stage is completed in Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit. Multinomial multiple regression was performed with KMC adherence as a three-category dependent variable and maternal and neonatal characteristics as independent variables. ResultsOf 166 dyads, 102 (61.5%) participated in two stages. Those who did not participate in any stage (n = 52; 31.3%) had a lower level of education, a higher frequency of adverse conditions, and were more often single mothers; mothers who participated only in the first stage (n = 12; 7,2%) had more premature and sick infants. Conditions associated with adherence to the two stages compared to no adherence were: high school education (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.08-5.07), presence of a partner (OR = 3.82; 95% CI = 1.7-8.61), no adverse conditions (OR = 3.54; 95% CI = 1.59-7.89) and no neonatal resuscitation (OR = 2.73; 95% CI = 1.22-6.1). ConclusionsThe study identified maternal and neonatal conditions associated with adherence status to the KMC. The results suggest opportunities to improve adherence.

Peritonite meconial relacionada à doença hepática materna: relato de caso

Meconium peritonitis has been associated with cystic fibrosis, congenital infections, and bowel disease. A growing number of reports have also associated it with maternal liver disease. This report describes the case of a preterm newborn with meconium peritonitis born from a woman with liver disease and presents a review of the literature on the subject. A male preterm newborn weighing 2595g was admitted to the Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit due to an obstetric ultrasound scan performed at 31 weeks and 3 days of gestation showing calcifications of various sizes throughout his abdomen. His mother had autoimmune hepatitis and sclerosing cholangitis. Postnatal abdominal x-ray images showed calcifications in the liver and right paracolic gutter and abdomen ultrasound scans showed large peritoneal calcifications in the hepatic and splenic capsules and in the pouch of Morrison, in addition to calcifications in the right scrotum.

Epidemiology and infection control of Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a German tertiary neonatal intensive and intermediate care unit: A retrospective study (2013-2020).

In preterm and term infants who require intermediate or intensive care Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection can lead to significant morbidity. In this study MRSA colonization and infection were assessed in a mixed tertiary neonatal intensive and intermediate care unit in Germany over an 8-year period (2013–2020). We investigated patient-related factors, associated with nosocomial MRSA acquisition, and we discuss our infection control concept for MRSA. Of 3488 patients treated during the study period, 24 were MRSA positive patients, corresponding to 26 patient hospital stays. The incidence was 0.7 MRSA patients per 100 patients. The incidence density was 0.4 MRSA patient hospital stays per 1000 patient days. Twelve patients (50%) acquired MRSA in the hospital. One patient developed a hospital acquired MRSA bloodstream infection 9 days after birth (i.e., 0.03% of all patients on the ward during the study period). A total of 122 patients had to be screened to detect one MRSA positive patient. In a logistic regression model, the use of 3rd generation intravenous cephalosporin (cefotaxim) was associated with nosocomial MRSA acquisition compared with matched control patients who did not acquire MRSA. In sum, the burden of MRSA colonization and infection in the ward was low during the study period. A comprehensive infection control concept that included microbiologic colonization screening, prospective infection surveillance together with isolation and emphasis on basic hygiene measures is essential to handle MRSA in this specialized setting.

The possible mediating relationship promoted by the self-efficacy of breastfeeding associated with the Kangaroo Method on indicators of exclusive breastfeeding

ObjectiveAssess the mediating role of breastfeeding self-efficacy in the association between the Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit and exclusive breastfeeding. MethodCross-sectional study nested in a cohort, carried out in the Neonatal Unit of a Brazilian university hospital between September 2018 and March 2020. The sample consisted of 114 newborns weighing ≤1800 g and their mothers who were divided into those who participated in the first and second stages of the Kangaroo Method and those who only passed through the first stage, categorized as the Conventional group. To assess the self-efficacy of breastfeeding, the Breastfeeding Self Efficacy Scale - Short-Form was used. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the breastfeeding self-efficacy score between the groups, and Fisher's exact test to compare rates of exclusive breastfeeding. The adjusted structural equation model was used to check for the mediating effect of breastfeeding self-efficacy. The significance level adopted was 5%. ResultsThe kangaroo group had a higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge (p = 0.000). There was a positive association between having remained in the kangaroo (p = 0.003) and the breastfeeding self-efficacy score (p = 0.025) with the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge. Breastfeeding self-efficacy did not act as a mediator. ConclusionThe self-efficacy of breastfeeding and the stay of the low birth weight newborn baby in the kangaroo unit acted positively and independently in exclusive breastfeeding, and the self-efficacy of breastfeeding did not act as a mediator in this association.

Influência do Método Canguru sobre o aleitamento materno, a introdução da alimentação complementar e a qualidade da dieta, no primeiro ano de vida

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the influence of Kangaroo Mother Care on breastfeeding rates in preterm neonates, both at hospital discharge and throughout the first year of life, as well as its relation with the time of introduction of early complementary feeding and diet quality. Methods Observational, prospective and analytical longitudinal study conducted in a public hospital in southern Brazil. The study included 46 preterm neonates, who were admitted to a Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit or Conventional Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit. Results The frequency of exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge was higher in preterm neonates of Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (p&lt;0.001), and at four months of corrected age, 35% of them continued on exclusive breastfeeding (p=0.029), as compared to infants in Conventional Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit. However, at six and 12 months, no difference was found in breastfeeding rates between the participating groups. At four months of corrected age, approximately 45% of the breastfeeding infants in both groups were already on complementary feeding. At 12 months of corrected age, consumption of ultra-processed foods was 38.9% in infants from the Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit and 70% in infants from the Conventional Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (p=0.054), and no significant differences were found. Conclusion The Kangaroo Mother Care fostered exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge and at 4 months of corrected age. On the other hand, with regard to the early introduction of complementary feeding, Kangaroo Mother Care was not protective, and a high rate of consumption of processed foods by infants was found.

The impact of music therapy in late-moderate premature infants, on their parents and their environment, in a Spanish neonatal intermediate care unit.

The aim of this study is to determine whether a live music therapy session during parent holding had an effect on physiological and comfort outcomes of late-moderate preterm infants, on their parents, and on the ward environment. This is a quasi-experimental study of a cohort of 44 preterm / adult pairs exposed to a music therapy session in the first two weeks after birth. There were 3 moments of observation (before, during, and after the intervention), at which heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (O2-sat), the infant’s behavioral-emotional activation level, and the environmental response were measured. A statistically significant increase was observed in O2-sat (p&lt;.001) after the intervention, as well as a decrease in HR (p&lt;.001). Personal and environmental stress was observed to decrease (p&lt;.001). A music therapy session in the Neonatal Unit at the time of interaction between parents and premature infants was found to be useful in reducing stress and promoted a positive interaction between parents and infants.

Clinical features and risk factors associated with prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse

IntroductionEarly identification of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse during pregnancy allows a more precise clinical management. ObjectivesTo describe the clinical characteristics and to identify risk factors associated with the early detection of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse in a Neonatal Intermediate and Intensive Care Unit. MethodsProspective observational study of neonates with and without clinical suspicion of prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse. Meconium was analyzed using standard chromatographic techniques. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were performed. Results372 neonates were included. Exposure to drugs of abuse was detected in 49 (13.2%) cases: in 41 (83.7%) one drug and in 8 (16.3%) more than one. Somatometry at birth revealed: a) lower length percentile in those exposed to some drug, more than one and cannabis; b) lower weight percentile in those exposed to cannabis and of these compared to those exposed to alcohol. In neonates older than 34 pregnancy weeks (PW): a) lower length percentile in those exposed to any substance; b) lower percentile of length and weight in exposed to more than one. The most clinically relevant independent risk factors useful to detect cases of prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse were (Odds ratio (95% CI)): reason for admission other than prematurity (5.52 (2.55-1.93)), length percentile less than 33 (1.95 (1.05-3.60) and 2.14 (1.04-3.40) in older than 34 PW) and social dystocia/uncontrolled pregnancy in older than 34 PW (4.47 (1.03-19.29)). ConclusionsThere are somatometric alterations and risk factors that can help in the early detection of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse. The somatometric alterations identified can be useful to extend the differential diagnosis of these alterations and to study their causes.

Biometric measurements of the nasal area of newborns for the development of a nasal protector model: cross-sectional study.

To correlate the biometric measurements of the nasal area of premature and term newborns to provide parameters for a nasal protector model. A crosssectional descriptive study, carried out in the neonatal joint accommodation, intermediate and intensive care units of a hospital in Maceio, Alagoas, with a total of 300 newborns, divided into two groups: 150 term and 150 premature. Neonatal history data and 1200 digital photographs were used for biometric measurements. The groups were homogeneous regarding gender, weight and length of the newborn. The measurements of nasal width, distance from the wing of the nose to the right and left columella midline, right and left nasal introitus area, length of the right and left nasal dorsum were different when compared in groups according to gestational age and weight ranges - very low weight, low weight and appropriate weight for gestational age (p<0.05). The data obtained provide parameters for creating a nasal protector for newborns using prongs, considering anatomical aspects.

Congenital infections (syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus) in a federal hospital in Rio de Janeiro

Introduction: Congenital infections are related to a higher risk of morbidity and mortality in the neonatal period and can cause serious complications in the newborn. Among the sexually transmitted infections (IST) present in this group, syphilis and vertical exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are still a challenge in the 21st century. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of congenital syphilis and exposure to HIV among congenital infections. Methods: Cross-sectional, analytical study with data collected from medical records of newborns admitted to the Conventional Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit, Kangaroo and Joint Accommodation, in the database of the service of the Federal Hospital from Bonsucesso, from January 2015 to December 2018. Results: During the study, 2,202 newborns were discharged from the hospital and 474 were positive for congenital infection (21.8%). In cases of congenital infection, congenital syphilis (398–84%) and maternal HIV infection (40–8,4%) were the most frequently encountered clinical situations. The relationship between prenatal care and the absence of congenital infection was evident. Among the newborns, 117 (5.3%) were premature, 352 (16.3%) were older than 37 weeks and 95 (23.7%) had low birth weight. Conclusion: Congenital infection was one of the main causes of neonatal morbidity; syphilis and HIV had the highest prevalence, being associated with reducible deaths when adequate care is provided for women during pregnancy. Perinatology services demand a great effort in order to manage these avoidable and undesirable situations.

A study of medication errors during the prescription stage in the pediatric critical care services of a secondary-tertiary level public hospital

BackgroundMedication Errors (MEs) are considered the most common type of error in pediatric critical care services. Moreover, the ME rate in pediatric patients is up to three times higher than the rate for adults. Nevertheless, information in pediatric population is still limited, particularly in emergency/critical care practice. The purpose of this study was to describe and analyze MEs in the pediatric critical care services during the prescription stage in a Mexican secondary-tertiary level public hospital.MethodsA cross-sectional study to detect MEs was performed in all pediatric critical care services [pediatric emergency care (PEC), pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and neonatal intermediate care unit (NIMCU)] of a public teaching hospital. A pharmacist identified MEs by direct observation as the error detection method and MEs were classified according to the updated classification for medication errors by the Ruíz-Jarabo 2000 working group. Thereafter, these were subclassified in clinically relevant MEs.ResultsIn 2347 prescriptions from 301 patients from all critical care services, a total of 1252 potential MEs (72%) were identified, and of these 379 were considered as clinically relevant due to their potential harm. The area with the highest number of MEs was PICU (n = 867). The ME rate was > 50% in all pediatric critical care services and PICU had the highest ME/patient index (13.1). The most frequent MEs were use of abbreviations (50.9%) and wrong speed rate of administration (11.4%), and only 11.7% of the total drugs were considered as ideal medication orders.ConclusionClinically relevant medication errors can range from mild skin reactions to severe conditions that place the patient’s life at risk. The role of pharmacists through the detection and timely intervention during the prescription and other stages of the medication use process can improve drug safety in pediatric critical care services.

Neonatal Infection Due to SARS-CoV-2: An Epidemiological Study in Spain.

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to increase worldwide. Although some data from pediatric series are available, more evidence is required, especially in neonates, a group with specific characteristics that deserve special attention. This study aimed to describe general and clinical characteristics, management, and treatment of postnatal-acquired (community and nosocomial/hospital-acquired) COVID-19 neonatal cases in Spain.Methods: This was a national prospective epidemiological study that included cases from a National Registry supported by the Spanish Society of Neonatology. Neonates with postnatal SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in this study. General data and infection-related information (mode and source of transmission, age at diagnosis, clinical manifestations, need for hospitalization, admission unit, treatment administered, and complementary studies performed, hospital stay associated with the infection) were collected.Results: A total of 40 cases, 26 community-acquired and 14 nosocomial were registered. Ten were preterm newborns (2 community-acquired and 8 nosocomial COVID-19 cases). Mothers (in both groups) and healthcare workers (in nosocomial cases) were the main source of infection. Hospital admission was required in 22 community-acquired cases [18 admitted to the neonatal intermediate care unit (NIMCU) and 4 to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)]. Among nosocomial COVID-19 cases (n = 14), previously admitted for other reasons, 4 were admitted to the NIMCU and 10 to the NICU. Ten asymptomatic patients were registered (5 in each group). In the remaining cases, clinical manifestations were generally mild in both groups, including upper respiratory airways infection, febrile syndrome or acute gastroenteritis with good overall health. In both groups, most severe cases occurred in preterm neonates or neonates with concomitant pathologies. Most of the cases did not require respiratory support. Hydroxychloroquine was administered to 4 patients in the community-acquired group and to 2 patients in the nosocomial group. Follow-up after hospital discharge was performed in most patients.Conclusions: This is the largest series of COVID-19 neonatal cases in Spain published to date. Although clinical manifestations were generally mild, prevention, treatment, and management in this group are essential.

Características clínicas y factores de riesgo asociados a la exposición prenatal a drogas de abuso

IntroductionEarly identification of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse during pregnancy allows a more precise clinical management. ObjectivesTo describe the clinical characteristics and to identify risk factors associated with the early detection of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse in a Neonatal Intermediate and Intensive Care Unit. MethodsProspective observational study of neonates with and without clinical suspicion of prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse. Meconium was analyzed using standard chromatographic techniques. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyzes were performed. Results372 neonates were included. Exposure to drugs of abuse was detected in 49 (13.2%) cases: in 41 (83.7%) one drug and in 8 (16.3%) more than one. Somatometry at birth revealed: a) lower length percentile in those exposed to some drug, more than one and cannabis; b) lower weight percentile in those exposed to cannabis and of these compared to those exposed to alcohol. In neonates older than 34 pregnancy weeks (PW): a) lower length percentile in those exposed to any substance; b) lower percentile of length and weight in exposed to more than one. The most clinically relevant independent risk factors useful to detect cases of prenatal exposure to drugs of abuse were (Odds ratio (95% CI)): reason for admission other than prematurity (5.52 (2.55-1.93)), length percentile less than 33 (1.95 (1.05-3.60) and 2.14 (1.04-3.40) in older than 34 PW) and social dystocia/uncontrolled pregnancy in older than 34 PW (4.47 (1.03-19.29)). ConclusionsThere are somatometric alterations and risk factors that can help in the early detection of neonates exposed to drugs of abuse. The somatometric alterations identified can be useful to extend the differential diagnosis of these alterations and to study their causes.

Multiresistant microorganism infection in newborns at an intermediate neonatal care unit and intensive care unit of reference: cross-sectional study

The objective was to describe the infection profile of multidrug-resistant organisms of newborns (NB), admitted to the neonatal intermediate care unit and the intensive care unit. It was a descriptive cross-sectional study of epidemiological nature, composed of 931 medical records and/or Hospital Infection Control Committee notification records, during the period of June to September 2012. Eight hundred and seventy newborns (NB) were admitted to the neonatal intensive care units and to intermediate care, with a final sample of 45 NB presenting bloodstream infections (BSI) caused by multiresistant microorganisms. From the analyses, the following results were highlighted: gestational age &lt; 37 weeks in 42 (93.3%); low weight at birth between &lt; 750g to 1.499g. The profile for resistance to enterobacteriaceae was 100% for cefepime and ceftazidime concerning non-fermenting gram-negative bacteria, it was found that (100%) of P.aeruginosa was resistant to aztreonam, (100%) of S. maltophilia resistant to ceftazidime and to gentamycin, however, (1.1%) of S. aureus isolates were resistant to oxacillin and (12.5%) of S. haemolyticus demonstrated a confirmed resistance to vancomycin. These results are worrying and express the importance of correct monitoring, and the need for producing a propaedeutic protocol in consensus with the multiprofessional team through the Hospital Infection Control Committee and managers, which is then implemented and regularly assessed by the service.

Efeitos da ofuroterapia no relaxamento e ganho de peso em recém-nascidos prematuros na unidade de cuidados neonatal

INTRODUÇÃO: Os métodos de banho humanizado são os mais indicados na assistência de recém-nascidos pré-termos (RNPT’s) de baixo peso, por proporcionar a estes uma melhor resposta adaptativa ao ambiente extrauterino, contribuindo para melhora na organização dos sistemas comportamentais, motores e fisiológicos, assim como no desenvolvimento saudável dessa população, através do relaxamento decorrente da imersão do corpo em água morna, evitando assim o gasto energético. OBJETIVO: Investigar os efeitos da ofuroterapia no relaxamento e ganho de peso de RNPT’s, clinicamente estáveis, admitidos em uma Unidade de Cuidados Intermediários Neonatais (UCIN). MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo quantitativo, de caráter descritivo e quase exploratório, com uma amostra de 10 recém-nascidos admitidos na UCIN Canguru, do Hospital Maternidade Almeida Castro, Mossoró/RN, Brasil. A população estudada, de baixo peso, foi submetida a 2 sessões semanais de aplicação do método, por 10 minutos em dias alternados. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença significativa estatisticamente no ganho de peso (p=0,127). Nas variáveis hemodinâmicas, a população estudada apresentou aumento na frequência respiratória (FR) no dia 2 (p=0,028), e diminuição da temperatura corporal no dia 1 (p=0,014) e no dia 2 (p=0,005). Em relação a avaliação da dor, não houve diferenças significativas estatisticamente em ambos os dias. CONCLUSÃO: Apesar de ser observado o relaxamento proporcionado à população do estudo através da aplicação do método, não foram obtidos dados significativamente estatísticos que comprovem a relação entre o relaxamento proporcionado pela ofuroterapia e o ganho de peso dos RNPT’s estudados no presente estudo.

Blood Component Transfusion in Tertiary Care Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit: An Audit.

BackgroundNeonates admitted in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) require multiple blood transfusions because of extended NICU stay and repeated sampling. The rookie organ systems and miniature blood volumes in the neonate call for regular audits in neonatal blood transfusion practice. Sharing component usage data with the blood bank will prepare them to store components according to demand, thus limiting wastage of components as well as make banks ready to face a shortage in case of ramped up requirements.ObjectiveAuditing neonatal blood transfusion indications and identifying the most commonly used component.MethodologyThis retrospective cohort study was conducted by the department of pediatrics over 22 months from February 20, 2017, to December 30, 2018. Any preterm and term neonates admitted to the NICU and Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (NIMC) and receiving any transfusion, i.e., fresh frozen plasma (FFP), red cell concentrate (RCC), platelets, and exchange transfusion were included in our study. We collected data from the medical records of NICU and NIMC admitted patients receiving blood component transfusions from 2011 to 2016. Patients were categorized according to the classification of neonatal conditions by the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11). There were no exclusion criteria. A descriptive statistical analysis was done, and a Chi-square test was applied.ResultsOut of 340 neonates, 249 (73.2%) were low birth weight, 139 (40.9%) were small for gestational age (SGA), and 277 (81.5%) neonates required transfusion during the first week of life. The majority of neonates require multiple transfusions. Fourteen(4.12%) neonates required up to 10 transfusions, two neonates required up to 22 transfusions, and 58 neonates required more than five blood transfusions. The majority required transfusion due to neonatal sepsis, Disseminated intravascular coagulopathy, low birth weight, respiratory distress syndrome, and unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Thirty-seven point eighty-two percent (37.82%) transfusions were fresh frozen plasma, 31.34% transfusions were red cell concentrate, 28.14% transfusions were platelet concentrate, and 2.70% were whole blood. Out of 340 neonates, 317 survived and were discharged.ConclusionThe most commonly transfused component was fresh frozen plasma, the indication was neonatal sepsis, and the group was preterm. Whole blood is still being used and needs to be stopped.