Prenatal Corticosteroids Research Articles

Comparison of the effect of surfactant administration during nasal continuous positive airway pressure with that of nasal continuous positive airway pressure alone on respiratory distress syndrome

Background. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that prophylactic surfactant is no longer advised when continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is frequently used to stabilize preterm newborns and where the rate of prenatal corticosteroid is high. On the other hand, the European Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) urge giving prophylactic surfactants to infants with RDS as early as possible. In this study, we aim to investigate the appropriate guidelines to be adopted in our neonatal intensive care unit about selective or elective INSURE (intubation-surfactant-extubation) method. Materials and methods. This is a clinical trial in which a total number of 120 neonate patients were diagnosed with RDS and had gestational age of 30–34 weeks. Two neonatal intensive care units have been included in the study: group A (n = 87) was treated with CPAP plus INSURE and group B (n = 33) was treated with CPAP only. The primary outcome we searched for is the fate of the patients. The secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay, CPAP management, oxygen therapy, and RDS complications. Results. Group B show a shorter length of hospital stay and CPAP treatment; however, this difference was not statistically significant. On the other hand, oxygen therapy duration was significantly shorter in group B than in group A. Both groups show very close rates of RDS complications (32 vs 33 %). Regarding the primary outcomes, group A had a better survival rate in comparison to group B (88.5 vs 78.8 %); however, this difference was not significant, with P-value of 0.173. Conclusions. In neonates with RDS, the routine INSURE method followed by CPAP gives no more superiority in outcomes (both primary, i.e. survival rate, and secondary, i.e. complications) than CPAP alone.

The need for assisted ventilation corroborates the effectiveness of antenatal corticosteroid therapy in preventing premature lamb mortality

In premature births, deficiency and/or inactivation of surfactant and incomplete development of lung occur, leading to pulmonary complications and greater need for ventilatory interventions. Prenatal corticosteroid therapy is used to improve neonatal lung function and, thus, may reduce mortality and lower incidence and severity of lung injury. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the need for ventilatory support in preterm lambs subjected or not to prenatal betamethasone treatment, and to evaluate the effectiveness on neonatal survival. Lambing was induced and 13 premature lambs were assigned to Corticosteroid Group (n = 8; lambs from ewes subjected previously to 0.5 mg/kg betamethasone, IM, at 133 days of pregnancy) and Control Group (n = 5; non-treated lambs). Lambs were evaluated for vitality, neurologic reflexes, vital functions and birth weight. Three ventilatory modalities were preconized for critical lambs, according to specific criteria: mask oxygen therapy, self-inflating bag with tracheal tube and mechanical ventilation. Non-treated lambs had lower vitality score, muscle tonus and respiratory rate compared to Corticosteroid Group. Ventilatory support was needed for 3 Control lambs and only 1 Corticosteroid neonate. Corticosteroid lamb required significant less time-frame between birth and onset of ventilatory assistance and remained under ventilation for a shorter time. Percentage of ventilated non-treated lambs correlated negatively with birth weight, muscle tone, heart and respiratory rate. In conclusion, antenatal betamethasone treatment reduces the need for ventilatory assistance in premature lambs. Additionally, mortality is low when a protocol for inducing pulmonary maturity (maternal corticosteroid therapy) and/or ventilatory interventions are employed, ensuring the survival of premature lambs.

Influence of prenatal corticosteroid therapy on neonatal vitality and utility as a labor-inducing agent in Santa Inês ewes.

Since the 1970s, maternal corticosteroid therapy has been used successfully to induce labor. This allows for better monitoring of parturients and provision of first aid to neonates, improving neonatal viability, as this treatment induces maturation in a variety of fetal tissues, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Although the effects of corticosteroids are well known, few studies have investigated the influence of this therapy in Santa Inês sheep. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of dexamethasone at two doses (8 and 16 mg) to induce lambing in Santa Inês ewes at 145 days of gestation and assess its effects on neonatal vitality. For this study, 58 ewes raised in an extensive system were investigated. Pregnancy was confirmed after artificial insemination at a set time or after controlled mounting. Ewes were separated into three groups: an untreated control group (G1: 0 mg) and groups treated with two doses of dexamethasone (G2: 8 mg and G3: 16 mg). In total, 79 lambs were born. Their vitality was assessed based on their Apgar score, weight, temperature, and postnatal behavior. SAS v9.1.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC) was used to analyze data, considering a 5% significance level for all analyses. The births in the induced groups occurred 48.4 ± 22.1 h after induction, while the ewes that underwent non-induced labor gave birth 131.96 ± 41.9 h after placebo application (p < 0.05), confirming the efficacy of dexamethasone to induce and synchronize labor. The induced and non-induced neonates had similar Apgar scores, temperatures, weights, and postnatal behavioral parameters (p > 0.05). This study showed that inducing labor in Santa Inês ewes at 145 days of gestation with a full (16 mg) or half dose (8 mg) of dexamethasone is an effective technique and does not compromise neonate vitality.

Rectal and axillary admission temperature in preterm infants less than 32 weeks' gestation, a prospective study.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the differences between rectal and axillary temperature measurements in preterm infants who were born less than 32 weeks' gestation using digital thermometers upon their admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Prospective, observational, single centre study. Rectal and axillary temperatures measurements were performed using a digital thermometer. The study examined various maternal and neonatal factors to describe the study group, including the use of prenatal corticosteroids, the occurrence of maternal diabetes and hypertension, a history of maternal prolonged rupture of membranes (PROM), maternal chorioamnionitis, the mode of delivery, along with the neonate's gender, birth weight, and gestational age. The Pearson correlation coefficient (R) was calculated to ascertain the linear relationship between the temperatures taken at the rectal and axillary sites. The concordance between the two sets of temperature data was analyzed using the Bland-Altman method. Eighty infants with a mean gestational age of 28.4 weeks (SD = 2.9) and a mean birth weight of 1,229 g (SD = 456) were included in the study. The mean axillary temperature was 36.4 °C (SD = 0.7), which was lower than the mean rectal temperature of 36.6 °C (SD = 0.6) (p = 0.012). Rectal temperatures surpassed axillary measurements in 59% of instances, while the reverse was observed in 21% of cases. Rectal and axillary temperatures had a strong correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.915, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman plot showed a small mean difference of 0.1C between the two temperatures measurements but the limits of agreement were wide (+0.7 to -0.6 °C). For hypothermic infants, the mean difference between rectal and axillary temperatures was 0.27 °C, with a wide limit of agreement ranging from -0.5 °C to +1 °C. Conversely, for normothermic infants, the mean difference was smaller at 0.1 °C, with a narrower limit of agreement from -0.4 °C to +0.6 °C. While there is a good correlation between axillary and rectal temperatures, the wider limits of agreement indicate variability, particularly in hypothermic infants. For a more accurate assessment of core body temperature in hypothermic infants, clinicians should consider using rectal measurements to ensure effective thermal regulation and better clinical outcomes.

Interpretation of the key updates in the 2022 European guideline on the management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

With the deepening of clinical research, the management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) needs to be optimized and improved. This article aims to introduce the 2022 European guideline on the management of neonatal RDS, focusing on its key updates. The guide has optimized the management of risk prediction for preterm birth, maternal referral, application of prenatal corticosteroids, application of lung protective ventilation strategies, and general care for infants with RDS. The guideline is mainly applicable to the management of RDS in neonates with gestational age greater than 24 weeks.

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

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

Comparison of post-treatment recurrence between ranibizumab injection and laser photocoagulation for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity

ObjectiveTo compare post-treatment recurrence between ranibizumab injection and laser photocoagulation (LP) for type 1 retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and explore the associated risk factors.MethodsThe clinical data of ROP infants treated with LP or ranibizumab in a NICU of China from October 2007 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed and compared, such as general condition, degree of ROP, therapeutic effectiveness and post-treatment recurrence. The dependent variable was recurrence after ROP treatment. Univariate and regression analysis of risk factors was performed.ResultsOf the 298 ROP infants (556 eyes), 58% of the eyes were treated with LP and the other 42% with ranibizumab. There was no significant difference in gestational age at birth, birth weight, sex, delivery mode, prenatal corticosteroids, ROP diagnosed before admission or after admission, and the duration of oxygen therapy between the two groups. However, the ratio of type 1 ROP and aggressive retinopathy of prematurity (A-ROP) in ranibizumab group was higher than that in LP group. The number of treatments, recurrence rate and recurrence interval in ranibizumab group were higher than those in LP group. However, there was no difference in the recurrence rate between the two groups after stratified analysis by the lesion area and the presence or absence of A-ROP. There was no significant difference in the final lesion regression between the two groups. Regression analysis showed that plus disease and ROP located in zone I were independent risk factors for post-treatment recurrence.ConclusionThere is no significant difference in the recurrence rate of ROP between ranibizumab injection and LP, and recurrence is mainly related to the severity of ROP. In half of our patients treated with A-ROP recurrences occur.

Evaluation and Management of Premature Rupture of Membranes: A Review Article.

Premature rupture of membranes (PROM), now also referred to as "pre-labour rupture of membranes," is the rupture of gestational membranes after 37 weeks but before the process of labour begins. When membrane rupture occurs before 37 weeks of gestation, it is referred to as preterm PROM (PPROM). Prematurity is held accountable for the majority of newborn morbidity and mortality. PROM causes around one-third of all preterm deliveries and complicates 3% of pregnancies. Significant morbidity and mortality rates have been associated with PROM. Preterm (PROM) pregnancies are more difficult to manage. Pre-labour rupture of membranes is characterised by its short latency, higher intrauterine infection risk, and greater umbilical cord compression probability. Women with preterm PROM are more likely to develop chorioamnionitis and placental abruption. Various diagnostic modalities include sterile speculum examination, the nitrazine test, the ferning test, and the latest advances, which are the Amnisure test and the Actim test. Despite all these tests, there is still a need for newer, non-invasive, rapid, and accurate tests. Admission to a hospital, amniocentesis to rule out infection, and, if necessary, prenatal corticosteroids and broad-spectrum antibiotics are all alternatives for treatment. As a result, the clinician managing a pregnant woman whose pregnancy has been affected by PROM plays a crucial role in the management and must be well aware of probable complications and control measures to reduce risks and increase the likelihood of the required outcome. PROM's proclivity for recurrence in later pregnancies provides a chance for prevention. Furthermore, prenatal and neonatal care developments will continue to enhance the outcomes of women and their children. The purpose of this article is to summarise the concepts related to the evaluation and management of PROM.

Use of Antenatal Steroids Treatment to Reduce Neonatal Respiratory Morbidity Prior to Cesarean Section in Preterm Birth

Objective: To compare the rate of neonatal respiratory morbidity between individuals who received prenatal corticosteroids before to caesarean delivery at 34-37 weeks and those who did not. Patients and Methods: A total of 150 patients who presented with preterm labour having gestational age between 34-37 weeks and no neonatal congenital anomaly on anomaly scan were recruited from June-2021 to December-2021 from the gynecology unit of Nishtar Hospital Multan. Women divided into two groups. Group A; in these patients intramuscular dexamethasone (12 mg) was given in 2 doses 12 hours apart. Group B (Control group): in these patients no drug was given as a prophylaxis again neonatal respiratory morbidity. After delivery, each neonate was monitored for 24 hours after delivery to determine the respiratory morbidity. Results: Mean age of patients was 31.19±5.02 years. Mean gestational age was 35.66±1.10 weeks with range of 34-37 weeks. There were 78 (52.0%) patients who were prima-gravida and remaining 72 (48.0%) were Multi-gravida. There were 14 (9.3%) patients who were having previous abortion history. Respiratory morbidity was diagnosed in only 2 (2.7%) neonates in group A and in 07 (9.3%) neonates in group B (p-value 0.08) Conclusion: Prenatal corticosteroid therapy prior to elective caesarean section at 34–37 weeks of gestation significantly reduces neonatal respiratory morbidity. Keywords: Antenatal corticosteroids, Elective cesarean section, Neonatal respiratory morbidity.

Respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants of less than 32 weeks: What difference does giving 100 or 200 mg/kg of exogenous surfactant make?

BackgroundSurfactant dosing and effective delivery could affect continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP)‐failure. Nevertheless, information on exogenous surfactant dosing with current administration methods is limited.ObjectiveTo describe the effect of 100 or 200 mg/kg of surfactant as first‐line treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants of less than 32 weeks gestation.Study DesignA retrospective single‐center cohort study comparing two epochs, before and after switching from 100 to 200 mg/kg surfactant therapy.ResultsSix hundred and fifty‐eight of the 1615 infants of less than 32 weeks were treated with surfactant: 282 received 100 mg/kg (S‐100) and 376 received 200 mg/kg (S‐200). There were no differences between S‐100 and S‐200 in perinatal data including prenatal corticosteroids, medication use, age at first surfactant administration and respiratory severity before surfactant.The S‐200 vs. S‐100 had fewer retreatments (17.0% vs. 47.2%, p < 0.001) and a shorter duration of oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation (315 vs. 339 h, p = 0.018; 37 vs. 118 h, p = 0.000, respectively). There was no difference in postnatal corticosteroid use (S‐200 10.0% vs. S‐100 11.0%, p = 0.361). Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was significantly lower in S‐200 vs. S‐100 when comparing either the 4 and 6‐year periods before and after the dose switch (29.4% vs. 15.7%, p = 0.003, and 18.7% vs. 27.3%, p = 0.024, respectively)ConclusionsThe switch from 100 to 200 mg/kg was associated with a marked reduction in the need for surfactant redosing, respiratory support, and BPD. This information could be important when designing a study in the modern era of less invasive administration as surfactant dosing and its effective delivery may affect the outcome.

Repeat doses of prenatal corticosteroids for women at risk of preterm birth for improving neonatal health outcomes.

Repeat doses of prenatal corticosteroids for women at risk of preterm birth for improving neonatal health outcomes.

Prenatal or postnatal corticosteroids favor clinical, respiratory, metabolic outcomes and oxidative balance of preterm lambs corticotherapy for premature neonatal lambs

Challenges of the extrauterine environment can be life threatening for a premature fetus with inadequate fetal maturity. Maternal corticosteroids therapy is widely employed to induce fetal pulmonary maturation. Nevertheless, whenever therapeutic pregnancy interruption has to be performed in a time manner insufficient to treat the dam, postnatal corticotherapy can be considered an alternative. However, it is not known if antenatal and postnatal corticotherapy can improve similarly neonatal outcomes and pulmonary function. This research aimed to analyze antenatal and postnatal corticotherapy on premature lambs vitality, pulmonary functioning, metabolic and oxidative status. Lambs were evaluated according to the mode of treatment: Prenatal Corticosteroid Group (8 lambs born after maternal betamethasone treatment 48 h prior to birth), Postnatal Corticosteroid Group (9 lambs subjected to betamethasone treatment 10 min after birth) and Control Group (5 lambs remained untreated). Lambs were medically followed-up from birth to 72 h thereafter through a complete physical examination, as well as lactatemia, glycaemia, blood acid-base balance and antioxidant status. Treated lambs had higher vitality score than the Control Group. Heart rate was higher in postnatal therapy compared to prenatal treatment. Respiratory rate and rectal temperature were higher in treated groups. Treated lambs had hyperglycemia, while the Postnatal Group had higher lactatemia than the Control Group. The Prenatal Group had lower and normal pCO2 from 60 min onwards. The Postnatal Group had higher superoxide dismutase activity than untreated lambs. In conclusion, prenatal and postnatal betamethasone treatments favor neonatal clinical outcome, respiratory function, glucose homeostasis and oxidative balance.

Prenatal therapy with magnesium sulphate and intestinal obstruction due to meconium in preterm newborns

IntroductionMagnesium sulphate (MgSO4) therapy has shown to be useful as a neurological protector in the preterm newborn below 32 weeks of gestation. The most documented adverse effect is cardiorespiratory failure, whereas its relationship with meconium obstruction is controversial. The main objective of this study was to analyse the possible association between prenatal MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction. Patients and methodsAn analytical retrospective study was conducted on <32 weeks preterm babies admitted to a tertiary-level hospital (January 2016–December 2017). Epidemiological, prenatal and postnatal data on the outcomes were obtained, analysed and compared in both groups (exposed to MgSO4 and not exposed). ResultsThe study included 201 patients (146 exposed and 55 non-exposed). There were no significant differences in the mean gestational age (28.4 ± 2.2 vs. 28.7 ± 2.8 weeks, respectively), or in the rest of epidemiological and perinatal variables. Prenatal corticosteroid therapy was more frequent in the MgSO4 group (75.9 vs. 53.7%; p = .002), and in the non-exposed group there were more multiple pregnancies (52.7 vs. 36.6%; p = .027), and female gender (56.4 vs. 37%; p = .013). There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of meconium obstruction (75.9% in exposed vs. 67.3% in non-exposed; p = .23), although repeated rectal stimulation was more frequent in the exposed group (43.2 vs. 27.9%; p = .08). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the main cardiorespiratory variables: 1-min Apgar score (6.2 in MgSO4− exposed vs. 5.6 in non-exposed; p = .75), 5-min Apgar score (7.9 vs. 7.6; p = .31), advanced newborn resuscitation (26 vs. 31.5%; p = .44), maximum FiO2 (45.5 vs. 48; p = .58), and initial inotropic requirements (10.3 vs. 20.8%; p = .55). ConclusionsThis study found no correlations between MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction or cardiorespiratory failure.

Benefits of a Single Dose of Betamethasone in Imminent Preterm Labour.

Background: A complete course of prenatal corticosteroids reduces the possibility of morbimortality and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Occasionally, it is not possible to initiate or complete the maturation regimen, and the preterm neonate is born in a non-tertiary hospital. This study aimed to assess the effects of a single dose of betamethasone within 3 h before delivery on serious outcomes (mortality and serious sequelae) and RDS in preterm neonates born in tertiary vs. non-tertiary hospitals. Materials and methods: Preterm neonates who were <35 weeks and ≤1500 g, treated during a period of five years in a level IIIC NICU, were included in this retrospective cohort study. Participants were divided into groups as follows: NM, non-matured; PM, partial maturation (one dose of betamethasone up to 3 h antepartum). They were further divided based on their place of birth (NICU-IIIC vs. non-tertiary hospitals). The morbimortality rates and the severity of neonatal RDS were evaluated. Results: A total of 76 preterm neonates were included. A decrease in serious outcomes was found in the PM group in comparison to the NM group (OR = 0.2; 95%CI (0.07–0.9)), as well as reduced need for mechanical ventilation (54% vs. 68%). The mean time between maternal admission and birth was similar in both cohorts. The mean time from the administration of betamethasone to delivery was 1 h in the PM cohort. With regard to births in NICU-IIIC, the PM group performed better in terms of serious outcomes (32% vs. 45%) and the duration of mechanical ventilation (117.75 vs. 132.18 h) compared to the NM group. In neonates born in non-tertiary hospitals with PM in comparison to the NM group, a trend towards a reduced serious outcome (28.5% vs. 62.2%) and a decreased need for mechanical ventilation (OR = 0.09; 95%CI (0.01–0.8)) and maximum FiO2 (p = 0.01) was observed. Conclusions: A single dose of betamethasone up to 3 h antepartum may reduce the rate of serious outcomes and the severity of neonatal RDS, especially in non-tertiary hospitals.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes: management between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy

Introduction: Premature rupture of membranes remains a challenge for professionals due to the high rates of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality, mainly related to complications resulting from prematurity. Objective: To analyze the scientific production about premature rupture of membranes in pregnancies above 28 weeks and below 34 weeks. Methods: Integrative literature review carried out in the Lilacs, SciELO, Medline and Cochrane Library databases, between 2014 and 2018, in Portuguese, English and Spanish, including original articles, available in full online, with free access, that addressed the study theme, using the keywords "premature rupture of ovular membranes", "premature labor" and "pregnancy complications" combined using the Boolean operators "AND" and "OR". Results: Fourteen studies were included. It was possible to highlight the main recommendations regarding preterm premature rupture of membranes, divided into six categories for discussion, namely: indications for expectant management and delivery induction, prophylactic antibiotic therapy, prenatal corticosteroids, use of tocolytics, recommendations regarding the use of magnesium sulfate and amniocentesis. Conclusion: It was identified that expectant management is the ideal approach, with constant monitoring of the pregnant woman and the fetus, in addition to the administration of prophylactic antibiotics and prenatal corticosteroids, in the face of premature rupture of membranes in pregnancies between 28 and 34 weeks in order to provide the best maternal and perinatal results, guiding health professionals to evidence-based practice.

FIGO good practice recommendations on the use of prenatal corticosteroids to improve outcomes and minimize harm in babies born preterm.

For women with a singleton or a multiple pregnancy in situations where active neonatal care is appropriate, and for whom preterm birth is anticipated between 24 and 34weeks of gestation, one course of prenatal corticosteroids should ideally be offered 18 to 72h before preterm birth is expected to improve outcomes for the baby. However, if preterm birth is expected within 18h, prenatal corticosteroids should still be administered. One course of corticosteroids includes two doses of betamethasone acetate/phosphate 12mg IM 24h apart, or two doses of dexamethasone phosphate 12mg IM 24h apart. In women in whom preterm birth is expected within 72h and who have had one course of corticosteroids more than a week previously, one single additional course of prenatal corticosteroids could be given at risk of imminent delivery. Prenatal corticosteroids should not be offered routinely to women in whom late preterm birth between 34 and 36weeks is anticipated. In addition, prenatal corticosteroids should not be given routinely before cesarean delivery at term. Neither should prenatal corticosteroids be given "just in case". Instead, prenatal steroid administration should be reserved for women for whom preterm birth is expected within no more than 7days, based on the woman's symptoms or an accurate predictive test.

Optimized Clustering Algorithm for Comparative Analysis of Different Prenatal Corticosteroid Neurological Deficits in Premature Infants through Magnetic Reasoning Imaging (MRI).

Objective This study aimed to explore the application of different prenatal corticosteroids in the assessment of neurological deficits and prognosis in premature infants through Magnetic Reasoning Imaging (MRI) under optimized cluster algorithm. Methods 100 pregnant women with threatened preterm labor were retrospectively analyzed, in which 38 pregnant women with lasting threatened preterm labor (group A) were treated with multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids (dexamethasone treatment) and 62 cases of pregnant women with threatened preterm labor (group B) were treated with single course of dexamethasone treatment. Craniocerebral MRI images based on optimal clustering algorithm were used to examine neonates. Neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) rate, serum neuron-specific enolase (NSE) concentration, neonatal behavioral neurological score (NBNA), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) rate, perinatal mortality, neonatal birth weight, and maternal complications rate of two groups were compared. Results Compared with other traditional image segmentation algorithms, this algorithm had the best segmentation effect, the shortest running time (1.43 s), the least number of iterations (5 times), and the highest segmentation accuracy (97.98%). There was no significant difference in the HIE rate, serum NSE concentration, NBNA score, RDS score, and perinatal mortality in group A and group B (P > 0.05). Compared with group B, neonates' body weight in group A was decreased, while the maternal complication rate in group A was increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion MRI images based on optimized clustering algorithm can be used in the diagnosis of neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. There is no significant difference in the application of different antenatal corticosteroids affecting premature nerve function defect and prognosis, but multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids can affect neonatal body mass and increased maternal complications to a certain extent; therefore, before threatened premature delivery treatment, the pros and cons of multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids should fully be considered and in the treatment, measures should be actively taken to alleviate the side effect.

A new individualized prognostic approach to the management of women at risk of extreme preterm birth in France: Effect on neonatal outcome

IntroductionAfter discussion with the parents, periviable infants can receive either active treatment or palliative care. The rate of active treatment in France is lower than in other developed countries, as is the survival rate of infants in this gestational age range. This study's main objective was to assess the effect of a standardized perinatal management protocol (EXPRIM) on the neonatal outcome of children born before 27 weeks of gestation. MethodsA before-and-after study was conducted in the two level-3 hospitals of the Risks and Pregnancy DHU to compare two 16-month periods. The EXPRIM protocol was based on routine administration of prenatal corticosteroid therapy and a scheduled combined obstetric-pediatric group prenatal prognostic evaluation, not based solely on gestational age. The study included all births between 22 weeks and 26 weeks+6 days of gestation, except in utero deaths diagnosed at admission and medical terminations of pregnancy for fetal malformation, both excluded. The principal endpoint was survival without severe neonatal morbidity. ResultsThe study included 267 women: 116 (128 newborns) in period 1 and 151 (172 newborns) in period 2. The median gestational age at admission to the maternity unit was 2.5 days younger in period 2, and the number of women admitted at 22–23 weeks doubled in period 2 (59 vs 29, respectively). Overall, the rates of live births, NICU transfer, and survival without severe morbidity were similar during the two periods. More infants were liveborn between 22 and 24 weeks in period 2 (66 vs 43). Of all newborns transferred to the NICU, 26 (29%) survived without severe morbidity in period 1 and 46 (39%) in period 2. After multivariate analysis, survival without severe morbidity did not differ significantly. ConclusionImplementation of the EXPRIM protocol led to active treatment of more mothers and their children at the border of viability, and increased the number of children who survived without severe morbidity even if, overall, there was no statistically significant difference in percentage.

Association of Adherence to Surfactant Best Practice Uses With Clinical Outcomes Among Neonates in Sweden

While surfactant therapy for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants has been evaluated in clinical trials, less is known about how surfactant is used outside such a framework. To evaluate registered use, off-label use, and omissions of surfactant treatment by gestational age (GA) and associations with outcomes, mainly among very preterm infants (GA <32 weeks). This population-based cohort study used registry data for 97 377 infants born in Sweden between 2009 and 2018. Infants did not have malformations and were admitted for neonatal care. Data analysis was conducted from June 2019 to June 2020. Timing and number of surfactant administrations, off-label use, and omission of use. Registered use was defined by drug label (1-3 administrations for RDS). Omissions were defined as surfactant not administered despite mechanical ventilation for RDS. In-hospital survival, pneumothorax, intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3 to 4, duration of mechanical ventilation, use of postnatal systemic corticosteroids for lung disease, treatment with supplemental oxygen at 28 days' postnatal age and at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated and adjusted for any prenatal corticosteroid treatment, cesarean delivery, GA, infant sex, Apgar score at 10 minutes, and birth weight z score of less than -2. In total, 7980 surfactant administrations were given to 5209 infants (2233 [42.9%] girls; 2976 [57.1%] boys): 629 (12.1%) born at full term, 691 (13.3%) at 32 to 36 weeks' GA, 1544 (29.6%) at 28 to 31 weeks' GA, and 2345 (45.0%) at less than 28 weeks' GA. Overall, 977 infants (18.8%) received off-label use. In 1364 of 3508 infants (38.9%) with GA of 22 to 31 weeks, the first administration of surfactant was given more than 2 hours after birth, and this was associated with higher odds of pneumothorax (adjusted OR [aOR], 2.59; 95% CI, 1.76-3.83), intraventricular hemorrhage grades 3 to 4 (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.23-2.39), receipt of postnatal corticosteroids (aOR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.22-2.03), and longer duration of assisted ventilation (aOR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.04-1.72) but also higher survival (aOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.10-1.91) than among infants treated within 2 hours of birth. In 146 infants (2.8%), the recommended maximum of 3 surfactant administrations was exceeded but without associated improvements in outcome. Omission of surfactant treatment occurred in 203 of 3551 infants (5.7%) who were receiving mechanical ventilation and was associated with lower survival (aOR, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.30-0.82). In full-term infants, 336 (53.4%) of those receiving surfactant had a diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome. Surfactant for meconium aspiration was not associated with improved neonatal outcomes. In this study, adherence to best practices and labels for surfactant use in newborn infants varied, with important clinical implications for neonatal outcomes.

Respiratory distress management in moderate and late preterm infants: The NEOBS Study

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics and management of respiratory failure (RF) in moderate-to-late preterm infants. MethodsNEOBS was a prospective, multicenter, observational study conducted in 46 neonatal intensive care units caring for preterm infants (30+0/7 to 36+6/7 weeks of gestation [WG]) in France in 2018. The cohort was stratified into two groups: 30–33 WG (group 1) and 34–36 WG (group 2). Infants with early neonatal RF were included and the outcomes assessed were maternal, pregnancy, and delivery characteristics and how RF was managed. ResultsOf the 560 infants analyzed, 279 were in group 1 and 281 were in group 2. Most pregnancies were singleton (64.1%), and 67.4% of women received prenatal corticosteroids (mostly two doses). Infants were delivered by cesarean section in 59.6% of cases; 91.7% of the infants had an Apgar score ≥7 at 5min. More than 90% of infants were hospitalized post-birth (median duration, 36 and 15 days for groups 1 and 2, respectively). Medical intervention was required for 95.7% and 90.4% of the infants in group 1 and group 2, respectively, and included noninvasive ventilation (continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP]: 88.5% and 82.9%; high-flow nasal cannula: 55.0% and 44.7%, or other) and invasive ventilation (19.7% and 13.2%). The two main diagnoses of RF were respiratory distress syndrome (39.8%) and transient tachypnea of the newborn (57.3%). Surfactant was administered to 22.5% of the infants, using the less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) method for 34.4% of the patients. In the overall population, 8.6% of the infants had respiratory and/or hemodynamic complications. ConclusionsThe NEOBS study demonstrated that CPAP was widely used in the delivery room and the LISA method was chosen for 34.4% of the surfactant administrations for the management of RF in moderate-to-late preterm infants. The incidence of RF-related complications was low.