Support In Preterm Infants Research Articles

Optimized control of gas temperature and relative humidity during non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants: A simple and low-cost intervention

Background: During non-invasive respiratory support, administration of gases at high flow rates requires proper air conditioning to avoid upper airways complications. However, closed-loop control of temperature & relative humidity (T&RH) of mixed gases systems with wired-heated circuits are not commonly available in low-middle income countries (LMIC). Thus, a policy for close control of gas T&RH to overcome our system limitations was implemented. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of this intervention. Method: Single center retrospective study including preterm infants admitted to a level II unit (June 2019–2020). Close control of gas T&RH was implemented in Dec 2019 and consisted of starting with the heater at a set number higher than previously and followed by adjustments every 6 h based on intermittent temperature checks (target: 36.5°C–37°C). Humidity was controlled by adjusting the water level every 6 h and checking for the presence of condensation. Two groups were identified: infants treated with or without the close T&RH control. Primary outcome was the occurrence of nasal bleeding. Secondary outcomes were adherence to the policy, need to change the original mode of respiratory support or endotracheal intubation. Appropriate statistical tests were applied. Results: A total of 128 neonates were included: 63 managed without and 65 with close gas T&RH control. Rates of nasal bleeding decreased significantly with the close T&RH control, from 30% to 14% ( p = 0.026) despite longer duration of non-invasive support (CPAP: 1.8 ± 1.9 vs 4.3 ± 5.8 days; p = 0.002 and NIPPV: 1.8 ± 1.4 vs 4.2 ± 5.2; p = 0.009). Adherence to the policy was 93%. Changes of the original mode of respiratory support also decreased significantly (14% vs 3%; 0.024) with no intubation. Conclusion: In the absence of advanced and expensive systems, a simple and low-cost intervention to optimize gas T&RH during non-invasive respiratory support in LMIC is feasible and associated with clinical improvements.

A Comparative Study of Different Modes of Noninvasive Ventilation as Postextubation Respiratory Support and Their Effect on Hemodynamic Changes in Preterm infants

Abstract Background Noninvasive respiratory support has reduced the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (MV). This may reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. There are many different forms of noninvasive respiratory support which include nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP), Non-invasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) and High velocity nasal insufflation (HVNI). Little is known about the hemodynamic changes that occur during NIV, particularly during the weaning phase when lung compliance has improved. Aim of the Work To evaluate the outcome of NHFOV and Hi-VNI Vapotherm in comparison to nasal CPAP as a post extubation noninvasive respiratory support in preterm neonates. 2ry aim is to assess hemodynamic changes during periods of non-invasive respiratory support including echocardiographic, cerebral blood flow and mesenteric blood flow changes. Study Design This was a randomized control prospective study at Ain Shams Children Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. conducted on 61 mechanically ventilated preterm neonates 32-36 weeks gestational age with RDS, who were on invasive ventilatory support then extubated to non-invasive mode: Group A, 21 preterm neonates extubated on NCPAP. Group B, 20 preterm neonates extubated on NHFOV and Group C, 20 preterm extubated on Hi-VNI Vapotherm. The Three groups were studied for the need for re-intubation within the first 24 hours after extubation, length of hospital stay and duration of non- invasive ventilation (NIV), Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), air leak syndromes, Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), nasal trauma, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and mortality. Also assessing hemodynamic changes during and after weaning of non-invasive respiratory support including echocardiography, Anterior cerebral artery resistive index (ACA) RI, Middle cerebral arteries resistive index (MCA) RI, and superior mesenteric artery resistive index (SMA) RI. Results PaCO2 was unchanged from preextubation levels after weaning in the NCPAP and NHFOV but increased significantly after weaning from vapotherm. NCPAP had the shortest length of hospital stay median (IQR) 18 while the NHFOV has the longest duration of hospital stay median (IQR) 28. NHFOV had the least failure rate10% while post extubation to Vapotherm had the highest failure rate 40%, yet this did not reach statistical significance. Significant association found between failure on vapotherm and birth weight less than or equal to 1.75 kg with OR (95% CI) of 77.00 (4.114 – 1441.049) and with p-value = 0.004. A significant higher incidence of mortality was found in vapotherm failed group as compared to the succeed group (75% vs. 0%, p = 0.03). There was significantly higher nasal trauma among NHFOV group compared to the NCPAP and Vapotherm groups (P = 0.001). NHFOV had the least mortality rate 0% while post extubation to Vapotherm had the highest mortality rate 30%, yet this did not reach statistical significance. NCPAP had the least incidence of sepsis while the vapotherm had the highest incidence (P = 0.02). No significant difference between the 3 modes of noninvasive respiratory support in the occurrence of comorbidities as NEC, IVH, ROP and BPD. By Doppler echocardiography, NHFOV showed that both RVO, SVC flow significantly increased after weaning. ACA RI significantly increased after weaning from NHFOV. Also, it showed significant increase in RVO after weaning vapotherm with no significant effect on cerebral blood flow. NCPAP didn’t have significant effect on systemic & pulmonary venous return by Doppler echocardiography. Although it showed that both ACA and MCA RI significantly increased after weaning. Conclusion Overall, these findings suggest that NHFOV may be a favorable option for respiratory support in preterm infants following extubation, as it was associated with better outcomes compared to NCPAP and Vapotherm. However, further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of each mode of noninvasive respiratory support in this population. Infants in the Hi-VNI Technology group had significantly lower nasal trauma scores than those in the NCPAP and NHFOV groups with increased failure rate in preterm infants with a birth weight less than or equal to 1.75 kgs.

The effect of NHFOV on hemodynamics in mild and moderately preterm neonates: a randomized clinical trial

The aim of this study is to study cardio-respiratory effects of nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) vs. NCPAP as an initial mode of ventilation in moderate-late-preterm infants. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in NICU of Alexandria University Maternity Hospital (AUMH). One-hundred late-moderate-preterm infants were randomly assigned to either NHFOV-group (n = 50) or NCPAP-group (n = 50). For both groups, functional echocardiography was performed in the first 24 h to detect hemodynamic changes and respiratory outcome was monitored throughout the hospital stay. The main outcomes were hemodynamic measurements and myocardial function using functional echocardiography of those infants along with the respiratory outcome and complications. Kaplan–Meier survival plot was used representing time course of NCPAP and NHFOV failure. Left ventricular output values were not significantly different in both groups with median 202 ml/kg /min and IQR (176–275) in NCPAP-group and 226 ml/kg/min with IQR (181–286) in NHFOV group. Nevertheless, ejection fraction and fractional shortening were significantly higher in NHFOV-group with P 0.001. The time to weaning, the time to reach 30%-FIO2, the need for invasive ventilation, oxygen support duration, and maximal-FIO2 were significantly more in NCAPAP group. Conclusion: NHFOV is an effective and promising tool of non-invasive-ventilation which can be used as a primary modality of respiratory support in preterm infants with variable forms of respiratory distress syndrome without causing detrimental effect on hemodynamics or significant respiratory complications. Trial registration: NCT05706428 (registered on January 21, 2023).What is Known:• NHFOV might be beneficial as a secondary mode of ventilation and might have an impact on hemodynamics.What is New:• NHFOV can be used as an initial mode of ventilation with CDP beyond the reported pressure limits of CPAP without causing neither CO2 retention nor adverse hemodynamic consequences.

Non-invasive versus invasive respiratory support in preterm infants

Respiratory insufficiency is almost ubiquitous in infants born preterm, with its incidence increasing with lower gestational age. A wide range of respiratory support management strategies are available for these infants, separable into non-invasive and invasive forms of respiratory support. Here we review the history and evolution of respiratory care for the preterm infant and then examine evidence that has emerged to support a non-invasive approach to respiratory management where able. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the non-invasive respiratory support mode currently with the most evidence for benefit. CPAP can be delivered safely and effectively and can commence in the delivery room. Particularly in early life, time spent on non-invasive respiratory support, avoiding intubation and mechanical ventilation, affords benefit for the preterm infant by virtue of a lessening of lung injury and hence a reduction in incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In recent years, enthusiasm for application of non-invasive support has been further bolstered by new techniques for administration of exogenous surfactant. Methods of less invasive surfactant delivery, in particular with a thin catheter, have allowed neonatologists to administer surfactant without resort to endotracheal intubation. The benefits of this approach appear to be sustained, even in those infants subsequently requiring mechanical ventilation. This cements the notion that any reduction in exposure to mechanical ventilation leads to alleviation of injury to the vulnerable preterm lung, with a long-lasting effect. Despite the clear advantages of non-invasive respiratory support, there will continue to be a role for intubation and mechanical ventilation in some preterm infants, particularly for those born <25 weeks’ gestation. It is currently unclear what role early non-invasive support has in this special population, with more studies required.

Noninvasive Positive Airway Pressure Management for Post-extubation Support in Preterm Infants: Observational Cohort Study with Overlap Weighting Analysis.

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP), nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) are often used after initial extubation in preterm infants. However, data regarding the choice between NCPAP/NIPPV and HFNC are limited. This study examined which therapy was more effective as post-extubation support. This is a retrospective, cohort study that used the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database in Japan, 2011-2021. Propensity score overlap weighting analyses were performed to compare the composite outcomes of in-hospital death and reintubation in preterm infants who received NCPAP/NIPPV and HFNC. We identified infants born at gestational age 22-36 weeks who were intubated within 1 day of birth. We included patients who underwent NCPAP/NIPPV or HFNC after initial extubation. Patients with airway obstruction or congenital airway abnormalities were excluded. We identified 1,203 preterm infants treated with NCPAP/NIPPV (n = 525) or HFNC (n = 678). The median (interquartile range) gestational age at delivery was 30 (27-33) weeks, and birth weight was 1296 (884-1,802) g. Compared with the HFNC group, the NCPAP/NIPPV group had a significantly lower proportion of the composite outcome after the overlap weighting analysis (risk ratio, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.47 to 0.83; p = 0.001). This significant difference was also observed in infants born at gestational age 22-31 weeks, whereas no significant difference was observed in infants born at gestational age 32-36 weeks. NCPAP/NIPPV may be a superior post-extubation support than HFNC in preterm infants, especially in those born at gestational age of 22-31 weeks.

Prolonged use of closed-loop inspired oxygen support in preterm infants: a randomised controlled trial

ObjectiveThis randomised study in preterm infants on non-invasive respiratory support investigated the effectiveness of automated oxygen control (A-FiO2) in keeping the oxygen saturation (SpO2) within a target range (TR) during...

Variation in delivery room management of preterm infants across Europe: a survey of the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies.

The aim of the present study, endorsed by the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies (UENPS) and the Italian Society of Neonatology (SIN), was to analyze the current delivery room (DR) stabilization practices in a large sample of European birth centers that care for preterm infants with gestational age (GA) < 33weeks. Cross-sectional electronic survey was used in this study. A questionnaire focusing on the current DR practices for infants < 33weeks' GA, divided in 6 neonatal resuscitation domains, was individually sent to the directors of European neonatal facilities, made available as a web-based link. A comparison was made between hospitals grouped into 5 geographical areas (Eastern Europe (EE), Italy (ITA), Mediterranean countries (MC), Turkey (TUR), and Western Europe (WE)) and between high- and low-volume units across Europe. Two hundred and sixty-two centers from 33 European countries responded to the survey. At the time of the survey, approximately 20,000 very low birth weight (VLBW, < 1500g) infants were admitted to the participating hospitals, with a median (IQR) of 48 (27-89) infants per center per year. Significant differences between the 5 geographical areas concerned: the volume of neonatal care, ranging from 86 (53-206) admitted VLBW infants per center per year in TUR to 35 (IQR 25-53) in MC; the umbilical cord (UC) management, being the delayed cord clamping performed in < 50% of centers in EE, ITA, and MC, and the cord milking the preferred strategy in TUR; the spotty use of some body temperature control strategies, including thermal mattress mainly employed in WE, and heated humidified gases for ventilation seldom available in MC; and some of the ventilation practices, mainly in regard to the initial FiO2 for < 28weeks' GA infants, pressures selected for ventilation, and the preferred interface to start ventilation. Specifically, 62.5% of TUR centers indicated the short binasal prongs as the preferred interface, as opposed to the face mask which is widely adopted as first choice in > 80% of the rest of the responding units; the DR surfactant administration, which ranges from 44.4% of the birth centers in MC to 87.5% in WE; and, finally, the ethical issues around the minimal GA limit to provide full resuscitation, ranging from 22 to 25weeks across Europe. A comparison between high- and low-volume units showed significant differences in the domains of UC management and ventilation practices. Conclusion: Current DR practice and ethical choices show similarities and divergences across Europe. Some areas of assistance, like UC management and DR ventilation strategies, would benefit of standardization. Clinicians and stakeholders should consider this information when allocating resources and planning European perinatal programs. What is Known: • Delivery room (DR) support of preterm infants has a direct influence on both immediate survival and long-term morbidity. • Resuscitation practices for preterm infants often deviate from the internationally defined algorithms. What is New: • Current DR practice and ethical choices show similarities and divergences across Europe. Some areas of assistance, like UC management and DR ventilation strategies, would benefit of standardization. • Clinicians and stakeholders should consider this information when allocating resources and planning European perinatal programs.

Nasal high flow therapy for primary respiratory support in preterm infants.

Nasal high flow therapy for primary respiratory support in preterm infants.

Effects of caffeine on diaphragmatic activity in preterm infants.

Caffeine is the first-choice drug for the treatment for apnea of prematurity (AOP) in preterm infants and it has been reported that it improves the diaphragm activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate by ultrasound possible changes in diaphragm contractility and motility induced by caffeine. We studied 26 preterm infants with gestational age ≤34 weeks treated with caffeine for the prevention or treatment of AOP. Diaphragmatic ultrasound was performed 15 min (T0 ) before and 60 min (T60 ) after the loading (20 mg/kg) or maintenance (5 mg/kg) dose of caffeine. Diaphragmatic excursion (DE) and thickness at the end of inspiration (DT-in) and expiration (DT-ex), as well as peak velocity of the excursion at the end of inspiration (DT-in) and expiration (DT-ex) increased after administration of both loading and maintenance dose of caffeine. Ultrasounds confirmed that caffeine improves the activity of diaphragm in preterm infants improving its thickness, amplitude of excursions, and contraction velocity. These results are consistent with the effectiveness of caffeine in treating AOP and decreasing the risk of failure of noninvasive respiratory support in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

Biphasic non-invasive lung ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit: the choice of tactics for starting respiratory support in preterm infants

The article deals with modern clinical and pathogenetic features of the variants of the respiratory pattern of non-invasive lung ventilation with two phases of airway pressure in the neonatal intensive care unit. The epidemiology, pathogenesis and assessment of the severity of the clinical picture of the neonatal respiratory distress syndrome are presented. The anatomical and physiological features of cardiorespiratory adaptation and targeted indicators of complex monitoring of the vital functions of the body of premature babies during the initiation of the starting two-phase non-invasive ventilation of the lungs are discussed. Early predictors of failure and criteria for optimizing the clinical efficacy of initial biphasic non-invasive ventilation in children with extremely low birth weight are considered. The clinical and prognostic role and features of perinatal screening were assessed when choosing the tactics of starting respiratory support in premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit.

A physiological approach to applying CPAP in the preterm infant.

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is increasingly used for respiratory support in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome at birth and after extubation from mechanical ventilation. Controversies with CPAP use still exists due to non-uniformity of devices and interfaces used, equivalence of testing conditions for different CPAP systems, differences in study designs, and short study periods that may be insufficient to detect important and relevant clinical outcomes. Compared with ventilator-derived constant-pressure flow-opposition CPAP, variable fluidic flow-opposition CPAP systems may be advantageous and offer some clinical benefits. The distinction between constant-flow fluid-sealed bubble CPAP and variable-flow fluidic flow-opposition systems is less clear. Appropriately designed randomized clinical trials that separately address the controversies with CPAP use in various clinical settings, are necessary to determine which CPAP system results in best outcomes.

Efficacy of noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation versus nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation as post-extubation respiratory support in preterm infants: a Meta analysis

To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) versus nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) as post-extubation respiratory support in preterm infants. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, Chinese Journal Full-text Database, China Biology Medicine disc, PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library were searched for articles on NHFOV and NIPPV as post-extubation respiratory support in preterm infants published up to August 31, 2022. RevMan 5.4 software and Stata 17.0 software were used for a Meta analysis to compare related indices between the NHFOV and NIPPV groups, including reintubation rate within 72 hours after extubation, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) at 6-24 hours after switch to noninvasive assisted ventilation, and the incidence rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), air leak, nasal damage, periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). A total of 9 randomized controlled trials were included. The Meta analysis showed that compared with the NIPPV group, the NHFOV group had significantly lower reintubation rate within 72 hours after extubation (RR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.52-0.88, P=0.003) and PCO2 at 6-24 hours after switch to noninvasive assisted ventilation (MD=-4.12, 95%CI: -6.12 to -2.13, P<0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence rates of complications such as BPD, air leak, nasal damage, PVL, IVH, and ROP (P>0.05). Compared with NIPPV, NHFOV can effectively remove CO2 and reduce the risk of reintubation, without increasing the incidence of complications such as BPD, air leak, nasal damage, PVL, and IVH, and therefore, it can be used as a sequential respiratory support mode for preterm infants after extubation.

Machine learning to predict late respiratory support in preterm infants: a retrospective cohort study

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has been a critical morbidity in preterm infants. To improve our definition and prediction of BPD is challenging yet indispensable. We aimed to apply machine learning (ML) to investigate effective models by using the recently-proposed and data-driven definition to predict late respiratory support modalities at 36 weeks’ post menstrual age (PMA). We collected data on very-low-birth-weight infants born between 2016 and 2019 from the Taiwan Neonatal Network database. Twenty-four attributes associated with their early life and seven ML algorithms were used in our analysis. The target outcomes were overall mortality, death before 36 weeks’ PMA, and severity of BPD under the new definition, which served as a proxy for respiratory support modalities. Of the 4103 infants initially considered, 3200 were deemed eligible. The logistic regression algorithm yielded the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). After attribute selection, the AUROC of the simplified models remain favorable (e.g., 0.801 when predicting no BPD, 0.850 when predicting grade 3 BPD or death before 36 weeks’ PMA, and 0.881 when predicting overall mortality). By using ML, we developed models to predict late respiratory support. Estimators were developed for clinical application after being simplified through attribute selection.

Application of e-health on neonatal intensive care unit discharged preterm infants and their parents: Protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.

After preterm birth, parents often conformed with difficulties such as negative emotions, lack of care knowledge and skills, and insufficient professional support. As a remote health guidance method, e-health can provide a series of support for premature infants and their parents during the transition period from neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) to home care. To determine the efficacy of e-health interventions in discharged preterm infants as well as their parents, and to describe the process outcomes and elements of these e-health interventions to inform the effective design of future interventions. The systematic review of the randomized and non-randomized controlled trials on the follow-up effect of e-health on preterm infants and their parents discharged from NICU between the inception to May 2023 will be electronically searched in the following nine databases: Web of Science, CINAHL Complete (EBSCO), PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WANFANG DATA, and SinoMed. Quality will be appraised, respectively, via the revised tool to assess risk of bias (RoB 2) and the tool for risk of bias in non-randomized studies of interventions (ROBINS-I). The main outcome indicators of preterm infants are breastfeeding rate, readmission rate, neurobehavioral development, and premature infant's body mass. The outcome indicators for parents of premature infants are anxiety, depression scale, and parenting competency scale. The RevMan 5.4 software provided by the Cochrane Collaboration will be used for statistical analysis of the data. The results of this study may provide future development opportunities for e-health follow-up prevention in preterm infants and may support evidence-based decision-making for e-health interventions of post-discharge developmental support in preterm infants. CRD42023410334.

Validity of the vasoactive-inotropic score in preterm neonates receiving cardioactive therapies

BackgroundVasoactive-Inotropic Score (VIS) is a weighted sum of various vasopressors and inotropes; its utility among preterm neonates is understudied. ObjectiveTo investigate the association between maximum VIS (VISmax) during the first 12, 24 and 48 h of treatment among preterm neonates who received vasopressors/inotropes, and the composite outcome of death/severe neuroinjury (sNI). MethodsRetrospective cohort study, over 6-years, including neonates <35 weeks gestational age (GA). Infants who met the primary composite outcome of death or sNI (defined as new intraventricular hemorrhage ≥grade 3 or periventricular leukomalacia) were compared to those who survived without sNI. Maximum VIS was categorized as <10, 10–19 or ≥ 20 for comparison. Results192 infants (mean GA and birth weight 26.8 ± 3.3 weeks and 952 ± 528 g, respectively) were included. The most common primary diagnosis was sepsis/necrotizing enterocolitis (69 %). Median VIS for the entire cohort was 10. Death/sNI was associated with lower GA at birth and treatment, as well as higher frequency of VISmax of 10–19 or ≥20, compared to <10, during each time period (all p < 0.01). Multivariable regression revealed GA at treatment and VISmax ≥ 20 [not 10–19, referenced to <10] were associated death/sNI; adjusted odds ratio (95 % CI) for VISmax ≥ 20 within 12, 24, and 48 h were 4.2 (1.6–11.0), 4.9 (1.9–12.3), and 6.7 (2.7–16.7), respectively. ConclusionsVasoactive-Inotropic Score may be a valid measure to quantify cardiovascular support in preterm infants needing hemodynamic support. Maximum VIS ≥20 within 48 h of treatment initiation may identify patients at high risk of adverse outcomes.

Evaluation of three non-invasive ventilation modes after extubation in the treatment of preterm infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome.

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of three different modes of non-invasive post-extubation ventilation support in preterm infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Infants diagnosed with severe RDS after extubation were randomized to receive nasal continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (NCPAP), nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), and non-invasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFO). The clinical outcomes and complications of infants in different groups were recorded. In infants less than 32 weeks, NCPAP had a significant increase in extubation failure when compared with NIPPV and NHFO, and the gastrointestinal feeding time, the numbers of apnea, and hospitalization costs in the NCPAP group were significantly higher. The incidence of complications was also higher in the NCPAP group. There was no difference in clinical outcomes and complications in infants greater than 32 weeks. For infants with severe RDS less than 32 weeks after extubation, NIPPV and NHFO are more cost-effective in comparison to NCPAP.

Clinical significance of dynamics between oxidative stress levels during mechanical lung ventilation in premature infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension

The aim of this study was to determine the clinical significance of the levels and dynamics of the urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, degree of pulmonary hypertension on choosing the duration and form of respiratory support in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome in combination with perinatal asphyxia.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The levels of the urinary 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), ng/ml were determined by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) method and the degree of pulmonary hypertension (PH) - by echocardiography in 60 premature new-borns at 26-32 weeks of gestation on the 1st and the 3rd–5th days of life. A comparative analysis of indicators was carried out in 2 groups: I – 32 children with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS); II – 28 children with RDS combined with perinatal asphyxia. All infants received a respiratory support, depending on the clinical condition, blood gas analyses, and the chest X-ray.&#x0D; Results. The level and dynamics of the urinary 8-OHdG correlated to degree of PH, form, and duration of respiratory support. Children of the group II on the 1st day of life had echocardiogram indicators of mild PH and indicators of the urinary 8-OHdG 2.27±0.39 ng/ml; by 3rd–5th days of life – level of the urinary 8-OHdG increased to 4.10±0.42 ng/ml and the level of PH – to moderate, required 76.2 % longer respiratory support compared to children of the group I.&#x0D; Conclusions. Prematurely born infants with RDS in combination with perinatal asphyxia have a higher oxidative stress (OS) levels and more significant pulmonary hypertension, which requires a longer respiratory support by 76.2 % and more often use of high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) by 9.3 %

The long-term outcomes of preterm infants receiving non-invasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation.

ObjectiveTo investigate the clinical outcomes of preterm infants who received non-invasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation following extubation in a neonatal intensive care unit.MethodsInfants born between 25 and 34 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of <1,500 g, who were admitted into the neonatal intensive care unit of Guangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China, requiring mechanical ventilation on admission were randomized to the non-invasive high-frequency ventilation group, nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation group, or nasal continuous positive airway pressure group following extubation. Their respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes were assessed at 12 and 24 months of corrected age.ResultsAmong 149 preterm infants who underwent randomization, 139 completed their treatment in the neonatal intensive care unit (45, 47, 47 in the non-invasive high-frequency ventilation group, nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation group, or nasal continuous positive airway pressure group, respectively), 113 were assessed at 12-month corrected age, and 110 of 113 were assessed again at 24-month corrected age. There were no differences in the number of times bronchitis, pneumonia, wheezing episodes, and re-hospitalization rates appeared due to respiratory diseases among the three groups (P > 0.05); the pulmonary function tests at 12-month corrected age showed respiratory rate, tidal volume, inspiratory time/expiratory time, time to peak expiratory flow/expiratory time, volume at peak expiratory flow/expiratory volume, expiratory flow at 25, 50, and 75% tidal volume were all similar among infants from the 3 groups (P > 0.05). There were no differences in the rates of neurodevelopmental impairment among the three groups at 24-month corrected age (P > 0.05).ConclusionAs post-extubation respiratory support in preterm infants, non-invasive high-frequency ventilation did not increase the rates of long-term respiratory morbidities and neurodevelopmental impairment compared with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation and nasal continuous positive airway pressure.

Intravitreal Bevacizumab Is Associated With Prolonged Ventilatory Support in Preterm Infants With Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia

Intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB), an anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody, is a widely adopted treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Although animal studies have demonstrated that IVB inhibits alveologenesis in neonatal rat lung, the clinical influence of IVB on respiratory outcomes has not been studied. Does IVB affect the respiratory outcome in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia? We retrospectively assessed very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants admitted to our neonatal ICU between January 2016 and June 2021. Furthermore, we evaluated the short-term respiratory outcomes after IVB therapy in VLBW preterm infants requiring ventilatory support at 36weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA). One hundred seventy-four VLBW preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia were recruited. Eighty-eight infants showed ROP onset before being ventilator free, and 78 infants received a diagnosis of the most severe ROP before being ventilator free. Among them, 32 received a diagnosis with type 1 ROP and received IVB treatment. After adjusting for gestational age, birth body weight, and baseline respiratory status, we discovered that IVB is associated significantly with prolonged ventilatory support and a lower likelihood of becoming ventilator free (hazard ratio, 0.53; P= .03). IVB may have a short-term respiratory adverse effect in patients requiring ventilatory support at 36weeks' PMA. Therefore, long-term follow-up for respiratory outcomes may be considered in VLBW infants who receive IVB treatment.

Need for oxygen therapy and ventilatory support in premature infants in a hospital in Southern Brazil.

BACKGROUNDPrematurity in newborns is a condition that is associated with worse hospital outcomes when compared to birth to term. A preterm infant (PI) is classified when gestational age (GA) < 37 wk.AIMTo analyze prognostic indicators related to the use of oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation (continuous positive airway pressure) and mechanical ventilation (MV) in PI. METHODSThis is a retrospective cohort. The sample was composed of PIs from a private hospital in southern Brazil. We included neonates with GA < 37 wk of gestation in the period of January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2018. For data collection, electronic records were used in the Tasy PhilipsTM system, identifying the variables: maternal age, type of birth, prenatal information, GA, Apgar score, birth weight, neonatal morbidities, vital signs in the 1st hour at birth, need for oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure and MV, hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit, length of stay and discharge or death.RESULTSIn total, 90 PI records were analyzed. The median (p25-p75) of GA was 34.0 (31.9-35.4) wk, and there were 45 (50%) males. The most common morbidity among PIs was the acute respiratory discomfort syndrome, requiring hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit in 76 (84.4%) cases. The utilization rate of oxygen therapy, continuous positive airway pressure and MV was 12 (13.3%), 37 (41.1%) and 13 (14.4%), respectively. The median (p25-p75) length of stay was 12.0 (5.0-22.2) d, with 10 (11.1%) deaths. A statistical association was observed with the use of MV and GA < 28 wk, lower maternal age, low birth weight, Apgar < 8 and neonatal deaths.CONCLUSIONThe identification of factors related to the need for MV in prematurity may help in the indication of a qualified team and technologies to promptly meet the unforeseen events that may occur after birth.