Transport Risk Index Of Physiologic Stability Research Articles

Comparison of inter-facility transports of critically ill neonates who died after admission vs. survivors

ObjectiveTo compare characteristics before, during and after inter-facility transports (IFT), and changes in the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS) before and after inter-facility transports (IFT) in infants who died within 7 days of admission to a level IV NICU versus matched survivors. Study designThis retrospective case-control study included infants who died within 7 days of IFT and controls matched for gestational age and reason for admission. Unplanned events were temperature or respiratory derangements. Therapeutic interventions included increased respiratory support, resuscitation or blood product transfusion. ResultsOur cohort was predominantly preterm and male. Cases had a higher rate of resuscitation, lower Apgar scores, more respiratory acidosis, lower BP and higher TRIPS, compared to controls. Deterioration in TRIPS was independently associated with male gender and unplanned events; not with patient group. ConclusionsRates of unplanned events, therapeutic interventions, and deterioration in TRIPS following IFT by a transport team are comparable in cases and controls.

Association between Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability in Extremely Premature Infants and Mortality or Neurodevelopmental Impairment at 18 to 24 Months

To examine the association between mortality or neurodevelopmental impairment at 18-24months of corrected age and the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS) score on admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in extremely premature infants. Retrospective cohort study of extremely premature infants (inborn and outborn) born at 22-28weeks of gestational age and admitted to NICUs in the Canadian Neonatal Network between April 2009 and September 2011. TRIPS scores and clinical data were collected from the Canadian Neonatal Network database. Follow-up data at 18-24months of corrected age were retrieved from the Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network database. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Edition III. The primary outcome was death or significant neurodevelopmental impairment at 18-24months of corrected age. The secondary outcomes were individual components of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Edition III assessment. A total of 1686 eligible infants were included. A TRIPS score of ≥20 on admission to the NICU was significantly associated with mortality (aOR 2.71 [95% CI, 2.02-3.62]) and mortality or significant neurodevelopmental impairment (aOR 1.91 [95% CI, 1.52-2.41]) at 18-24months of corrected age across all gestational age groups of extremely premature infants. The TRIPS score on admission to the NICU can be used as an adjunctive, objective tool for counselling the parents of extremely premature infants early after their admission to the NICU.

Study of indications, complications and outcomes of neonatal transport by a skilled team

Background: A skilled transport team is an essential requirement for safe and effective neonatal transport. The transport team of this level III NICU in Chennai performs a considerable number of transports every year and a need was felt to study the indications, complications and outcomes of transport.Methods: Prospective Descriptive study of neonatal transports conducted 18 months Patients were divided into 2 main groups based on transport Duration: Short (≤1hr) and Long (>1hr) transport groups. TRIPS (Transport risk index of physiologic stability) score, a risk- weighted validated neonatal transport was used as a practical system for assessing infant transport careResults: During the study period 210 transports were performed from 12 cities and towns. 60% transports were of short duration. Respiratory causes were the most common indications (43.8%) followed by CNS causes (19.5%). 44.3%(93) patients required ventilation during the transport process. Overall, there was improvement in mean TRIPS 2 score compared to TRIPS 1 in all groups of patients (Short, Prolonged, Survivors and Non-survivors). Total mortality of transported group was 31 patients (14.8%). (Including 02 patients who died enroute). There were non-significant differences in 7 day mortality (7.6% vs 8.4%) and total mortality (13.9% vs 13.4%) between the groups. Complications that occurred during transport included hyperglycemia, prolonged CFT, hypothermia, accidental extubation enroute, hypoglycemia, hyperthermia, Hypotension, and persistent Hypoxia.Conclusions: It appears, that overall, duration of transport does not adversely affect outcome. Transport Team should be able to intubate and ventilate the baby and diagnose and manage complications like hypothermia, shock and hypoglycemia at referring hospital and enroute.

Comparison of referral neonatal scores in predicting the risk of death in premature and low birth weight infants

Objective To compare the value of three neonatal referal scoring systems in predicting the risk of mortality in preterm and low birth weight infants. Methods Six hundred and fourty-nine premature neonates-fetal age <37 weeks and birth weight <2 500g infants were transported to the neonatal intensive care unit of Hunan Children′s Hospital from January 1 to December 31, 2016.The score of transport risk index of physiologic stability(TRIPS), mortality index for neonatal transportation(MINT)score and transport related mortality score(TREMS)were conducted for them. Results TRIPS, MINT and TREMS scoring systems of the death group were significantly higher than those of the survival group(P<0.001). In the multivariate Logistic regression analysis, systolic blood pressure, reaction of foot hit and the intubation of respiratory in the TRIPS entered the regression equation.The birth weight, blood pH value and whether intubation when contacted in the MINT score were included in the equation.Hypotension, hypoxemia and hypercapnia of TREMS were entered the regression equation, indicating these factors were the independent risk factors for death in preterm and low birth weight infants.The area under the receiver operating characteristic and 95%CI of TRIPS, MINT and TREMS were 0.843(0.796, 0.889), 0.796(0.722, 0.871)and 0.712(0.639, 0.786), respectively. Conclusion The TRIPS is more accurate than MINT and TREMS in predicting the risk of referral mortality in referaling preterm and low birth weight infants. Key words: Preterm and low birth weight infants; Transporting scoring system; Mortality risk assessment; Transport risk index of physiologic stability; Mortality index for neonatal transportation score; Transport related mortality score

Modern Neonatal Transport: Sound and Vibration Levels and Their Impact on Physiological Stability

To measure sound and vibration in rotary wing air transport (RWAT) and ground ambulance transport (GAT), comparing them to current recommendations, and correlating them with physiological stability measures in transported neonates. This is a prospective cohort observational study including infants ≤ 7 days of age transported over an 8-month period. Infants with neurologic conditions were excluded. Sound and vibration was continuously measured during transport. Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS) scores were calculated from vital signs as a proxy for physiological stability. In total, 118 newborns were enrolled, of whom 109 were analyzed: 67 in RWAT and 42 in GAT. Peak sound levels ranged from 80.4 to 86.4 dBA in RWAT and from 70.3 to 71.6 dBA in GAT. Whole-body vibration ranged from 1.68 to 5.09 m/s2 in RWAT and from 1.82 to 3.96 m/s2 in GAT. Interval TRIPS scores for each infant were not significantly different despite excessive sound and vibration. Noise levels during neonatal transport exceed published recommendations for both RWAT and GAT and are higher in RWAT. Transported infants are exposed to vibration levels exceeding acceptable adult standards. Despite excessive noise and vibration, levels of physiological stability remained stable after transport in both RWAT and GAT groups.

The effect of transport on the physiologic stability of neonates with ductal-dependent single-ventricle lesions

Objective: To compare the status of infants with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) or pulmonary atresia-hypoplastic right heart (PA-HRH) before and following transport using the validated Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS) score.Methods: In this retrospective review of infants with HLHS or PA-HRH transported to a Children’s Hospital by a pediatric transport team, an increase in TRIPS score (temperature, blood pressure, respiratory status, and response to stimuli) following transport was defined as deterioration. Statistical analyses included t-test (paired and independent), χ2, and McNemar’s tests for comparisons between groups with and without deterioration and before and after transport.Results: Our cohort [n = 64; 39 (61%) HLHS and 25 (39%) PA-HRH] was predominantly female (61%), black (56%), and diagnosed antenatally (78%). Median transport time was 20 (10–30) min and age was <12 h in 48 (75%) infants. TRIPS scores worsened after transport in 24 (37.5%) infants, due to temperature (n = 10) or respiratory (n = 7) dysregulation. Infants who deteriorated during transport had HLH more often (83 versus 48%) and lower pH [7.27 (0.12) versus 7.33 (0.07)]. HLH was significantly predictive of deterioration during transport [OR 5.60 (95% C.I. 1.18–26.62)].Conclusions: The physiologic deterioration in a third of infants with single ventricle following short transports is intriguing and may have implications on their optimal place of birth.

Hospital survival upon discharge of ill‐neonates transported by ground or air ambulance to a tertiary center

ObjectiveTo evaluate the differences in hospital survival between modes of transport to a tertiary center in Colombia for critically ill neonates. MethodsObservational study of seriously ill neonates transported via air or ground, who required medical care at a center providing highly complex services. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS), and mode of transport were collected. Patients were described, followed by a bivariate analysis with condition (live or dead) at time of discharge as the dependent variable. A multiple Poisson regression with robust variance model was used to adjust associations. ResultsA total of 176 neonates were transported by ambulance (10.22% by air) over six months. The transport distances were longer by air (median: 237.5km) than by ground (median: 11.3km). Mortality was higher among neonates transported by air (33.33%) than by ground (7.79%). No differences in survival were found between the two groups when adjusted by the multifactorial model. An interaction between mode of transport and distance was observed. Live hospital discharge was found to be associated with clinical severity upon admittance, birth weight, hemorrhaging during the third trimester, and serum potassium levels when admitted. ConclusionsMode of transport was not associated with the outcome. In Colombia, access to medical services through air transport is a good option for neonates in critical condition. Further studies would determine the optimum distance (time of transportation) to obtain good clinical outcomes according type of ambulance.

Hospital survival upon discharge of ill-neonates transported by ground or air ambulance to a tertiary center

ObjectiveTo evaluate the differences in hospital survival between modes of transport to a tertiary center in Colombia for critically ill neonates. MethodsObservational study of seriously ill neonates transported via air or ground, who required medical care at a center providing highly complex services. Data on sociodemographic, clinical, the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS), and mode of transport were collected. Patients were described, followed by a bivariate analysis with condition (live or dead) at time of discharge as the dependent variable. A multiple Poisson regression with robust variance model was used to adjust associations. ResultsA total of 176 neonates were transported by ambulance (10.22% by air) over six months. The transport distances were longer by air (median: 237.5km) than by ground (median: 11.3km). Mortality was higher among neonates transported by air (33.33%) than by ground (7.79%). No differences in survival were found between the two groups when adjusted by the multiple model. An interaction between mode of transport and distance was observed. Live hospital discharge was found to be associated with clinical severity upon admittance, birth weight, hemorrhaging during the third trimester, and serum potassium levels when admitted. ConclusionsMode of transport was not associated with the outcome. In Colombia, access to medical services through air transport is a good option for neonates in critical condition. Further studies would determine the optimum distance (time of transportation) to obtain good clinical outcomes according type of ambulance.

Quality Assessment of Neonatal Transport performed by the Mobile Emergency Medical Services (Samu)

ObjectiveTo assess the quality of neonatal transport performed by the Mobile Emergency Medical Services (Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência [Samu]). MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional before‐and‐after observational study. The study was carried out from March to August of 2013 using a validated instrument, the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS), to assess the characteristics of the newborn, medical and mechanical complications (equipment and ambulance), and stability of newborns before and after transport. Tests were conducted with 95% confidence level. Numerical variables are represented by measures of central tendency and dispersion. Categorical variables were compared by Fisher's exact test. In the comparison of variables between the groups, the Student's t‐test was used for variables with normal distribution, Fisher exact test, when appropriate, and the Mann‐Whitney test, for non‐normal distribution. Results33 newborns were transported from low‐risk units to neonatal intensive care units. Male gender (57.6%) and full‐term gestational age (63.6%) were more prevalent. Birth weight<2,500g was found in 39.4% of newborns. Respiratory failure accounted for 42.4% of the requests. The mean transport time was 58minutes without medical or mechanical complications. The TRIPS score worsened in 15% of neonates; in this group of infants, the mean initial temperature of 36.46±0.19 decreased significantly to 36.08±0.22 (p=0.041). ConclusionThe transport performed by the Samu was adequate for most newborns. The oscillation in body temperature was the only significant variable for the alteration in the TRIPS score.

Quality Assessment of Neonatal Transport performed by the Mobile Emergency Medical Services (SAMU)

ObjectiveTo assess the quality of neonatal transport performed by the Mobile Emergency Medical Services (Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência [SAMU]). MethodsThis was a cross-sectional before-and-after observational study. The study was carried out from March to August of 2013 using a validated instrument, the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS), to assess the characteristics of the newborn, medical and mechanical complications (equipment and ambulance), and stability of newborns before and after transport. Tests were conducted with 95% confidence level. Numerical variables are represented by measures of central tendency and dispersion. Categorical variables were compared by Fisher's exact test. In the comparison of variables between the groups, the Student's t-test was used for variables with normal distribution, Fisher exact test, when appropriate, and the Mann-Whitney test, for non-normal distribution. Results33 newborns were transported from low-risk units to neonatal intensive care units. Male gender (57.6%) and full-term gestational age (63.6%) were more prevalent. Birth weight<2,500g was found in 39.4% of newborns. Respiratory failure accounted for 42.4% of the requests. The mean transport time was 58minutes without medical or mechanical complications. The TRIPS score worsened in 15% of neonates; in this group of infants, the mean initial temperature of 36.46±0.19 decreased significantly to 36.08±0.22 (p=0.041). ConclusionThe transport performed by the SAMU was adequate for most newborns. The oscillation in body temperature was the only significant variable for the alteration in the TRIPS score.

Utilidad de un índice de estabilidad fisiológica basado en TRIPS (Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability) para la evaluación de neonatos trasladados a un hospital de concentración

BackgroundNeonatal mortality is a public health priority. We review the physiological instability of the newborn after a transfer, which contributes to increased neonatal mortality. The objective of this work was to determine whether the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS) in newborns transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of a secondary hospital serves as a predictor of early neonatal mortality. MethodsWe use the TRIPS to predict neonatal death in the first 7 days after patients’ admission. ResultsNeonatal mortality at 7 days after admission is related to the TRIPS rating. The score of the survivors and neonatal deaths show a significant difference (p: 0.009). For a score of 16, a sensitivity of 62% and a specificity of 84%; area under the curve of 0.757 was determined. ConclusionsPhysiological index weighting using TRIPS is a good predictor of neonatal mortality. It is important to establish measures to improve physiological stability of the newborn before, during and after the transfer in order to reduce neonatal mortality.

Intra‐hospital mortality among neonates transported by ambulance in Colombia

The aims of this study were to identify the main variables associated with intra-hospital mortality among patients transferred to a specialized neonatal care center, and to evaluate agreement and accuracy of referring and admission diagnoses. A 6 month observational study was conducted to obtain clinical variables for intra-hospital mortality among patients requiring interfacility transport. Association among variables was estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance. Agreement was evaluated between diagnosis before and after transfer using Cohen's kappa, sensitivity, specificity and Youden's I. The study included 191 neonates, 12.57% of whom died. Increased mortality was associated with the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS). The associated variables were as follows: TRIPS (adjusted prevalence ratio [aPR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02-1.08), weight 1500-2499 g (aPR, 0.08; 95%CI: 0.01-0.40), weight >2500 g (aPR, 0.56; 95%CI: 0.02-0.19), cardiopathy (aPR, 0.20 95%CI: 0.05-0.75), congenital defects (aPR, 4.59; 95%CI: 0.97-21.82) and renal failure (aPR, 3.69; 95%CI: 1.26-10.78). Diagnosis remained unchanged for 71.15% of the neonates. The greatest differences were hyaline membrane disease (49.4%) followed by transient tachypnea (59.9%). Youden's I for referral diagnosis was 0.22 for transient tachypnea, 0.66-0.69 for cardiopathy, esophageal atresia and pneumonia, 0.72-0.74 for hyaline membrane disease and pulmonary hypertension, and >0.90 for the remaining diagnoses. Weight <1500 g, renal failure, congenital defects (except congenital cardiopathies) and high TRIPS were associated with a higher risk of intra-hospital mortality. The findings suggest that improving transfer time and quality of care in ambulances would decrease mortality.

Estimating the quality of neonatal transport in California

To develop a strategy to assess the quality of neonatal transport based on change in neonatal condition during transport. The Canadian Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS) score was optimized for a California (Ca) population using data collected on 21 279 acute neonatal transports, 2007 to 2009, using models predicting (2/3) and validating (1/3) mortality within 7 days of transport. Quality Change Point 10th percentile (QCP10), a benchmark of the greatest deterioration seen in 10% of the transports by top-performing teams, was established. Compared with perinatal variables (0.79), the Ca-TRIPS had a validation receiver operator characteristic area for prediction of death of 0.88 in all infants and 0.86 in infants transported after day 7. The risk of death increased 2.4-fold in infants whose deterioration exceeded the QCP10. We present a practical, benchmarked, risk-adjusted, estimate of the quality of neonatal transport.

Heart rate variability of transported critically ill neonates

Determining heart rate variability (HRV) in infants is a useful measure of physiological stability. Transport of ill neonates imposes a measurable degree of stress. A prospective observational study on 58 critically ill neonates, transported to an intensive care unit (ICU) was performed. HRV during the 24-h period before, during and after transport, heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure and transport risk index of physiologic stability (TRIPS) score were observed. The median HRV total power value of 40.80 ms(2) was set as the cutoff value, and neonates with values below this were designated as the low-HRV group (l-HRV; n=29), and those above this as the high-HRV group (h-HRV; n=29). The h-HRV group had a significantly lower HR at retrieval and 1 h after admission and a significant 2- and 4-day shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU treatment compared to the l-HRV group. Spearman's correlations between total power and duration of mechanical ventilation (ρ=-0.346; P<0.01) and ICU treatment (ρ=-0.346; P<0.01) were significant. Transported neonates were also tested for differences in HRV and other physiological and demographic parameters between the transport mode and time. No differences were found, except that the nighttime ambulance group had a statistically higher HRV compared to the daytime ambulance group. Higher HRV of group of neonates, who did not differ in illness severity TRIPS score from the lower HRV group, is associated with a faster and significant decrease in HR after transport and a 2- and 4-day shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU treatment.

Impact of Interhospital Transport on the Physiologic Status of Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants

To evaluate the change in physiologic stability of very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants following transport using TRIPS (transport risk index of physiologic stability) score as a measure of physiologic stability and compare changes in TRIPS score in groups of VLBW infants who underwent shorter versus longer transport. Retrospective chart review. Our cohort of 106 infants, 44 (41%) of whom were females, had a mean birth weight of 777 g (standard deviation [SD] 159) and median gestational age of 26 weeks (range 23 to 32 weeks). Mean weight at transfer was 1,610 g (SD 924) and mean postnatal age at transfer was 56 days (SD 45). Median time on transport was 15 minutes (range 10 to 85 minutes). All 106 transports were ground transports. Of the 106 infants, 57 (54%) had deterioration, 20 (19%) had improvement, and 29 (27%) had no change in their physiologic status during transport. Comparison of the two transport duration groups based on median transport time as a cutoff point (i.e., ≤ 15 minutes and > 15 minutes) revealed a higher proportion of infants with deterioration in their physiologic status in the prolonged transport (>15 minutes) group (65% versus 45%; p = 0.03). Temperature change, either alone or in combination with other indices, was responsible for change in TRIPS score (deterioration or improvement) in 79% of these infants. Interhospital transport of VLBW infants may cause deterioration in their physiologic status, the likelihood of which is increased with longer duration of transport. Better temperature regulation during interhospital transport may decrease the chances of deterioration in physiologic status of VLBW infants.

Variations in Transport Outcomes of Outborn Infants among Canadian Neonatal Intensive Care Units

Outborn infants born at community hospitals and transported to tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) for treatment account for 20% of all tertiary NICU admissions in Canada. Little is known about variations in their outcomes. The Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS) is a validated score of neonatal physiological status that can identify differences between transport teams' outcomes. To examine regional variations in outcomes among outborn infants transported to Canadian tertiary NICUs using TRIPS. Transport teams prospectively collected data for all outborn infants admitted to 25 Canadian NICUs during 2006 to 2007. Singleton outborn infants ≥ 32 weeks' gestation admitted to NICUs for at least 24 hours who died or who were transferred to another NICU within 24 hours were examined for overall incidence of mortality, major morbidity, and change in TRIPS score. Complete transport data were available for 2313 (72.9%) of 3193 eligible infants. There were significant variations in interhospital and interprovincial outcomes. Factors significantly affecting change in TRIPS score were gender, pretransport TRIPS score, composition of transport team and distance traveled. Significant variation exists in transport outcomes in Canada. Further investigation is required to optimize infant transport systems, processes, and clinical care.

Assessing Outcome in Interhospital Infant Transport: The Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability Score at Admission

To evaluate the performance of the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS) score at admission for early mortality prediction. The study included all consecutive outborn infants admitted to a single neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over a 3-year period. The data collected included demographic variables, 7-day NICU mortality, and severe (≥ grade 3) intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), TRIPS score at admission, and Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II (SNAP-II) and SNAP-Perinatal Extension-II (SNAPPE-II) scores. A total of 175 neonates were enrolled. TRIPS at admission discriminated 7-day mortality from survival with a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) area of 0.80, and predictive performance of TRIPS for severe IVH showed a ROC area of 0.67. The TRIPS had good calibration for all strata (p = 0.49). For gestational age (GA) >32 weeks, the area under the curve (AUC) for TRIPS was 0.71, whereas the AUC for GA ≤32 weeks was 0.99 for 7-day mortality. Predictive performance of TRIPS for 7-day mortality was similar to that of SNAP-II and SNAPPE-II. TRIPS score at admission had a good performance to discriminate high-risk patients for 7-day mortality, mainly infants with GA ≤32 weeks. TRIPS might be a useful triage tool if applied at the time of first contact with a transport service.

Transport risk index of physiologic stability: A practical system for assessing infant transport care

Objectives: To develop and validate a practical, physiology-based system for assessment of infant transport care. Study design: Transport teams prospectively collected data, before and after transport, from 1723 infants at 8 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from 1996 to 1997. We used logistic regression to derive a prediction model for mortality within 7 days of NICU admission and develop the Transport Risk Index of Physiologic Stability (TRIPS). We validated TRIPS for prediction of 7-day mortality, total NICU mortality (until discharge), and severe (≥grade 3) intraventricular hemorrhage. Results: TRIPS comprises 4 empirically weighted items (temperature, blood pressure, respiratory status, and response to noxious stimuli). TRIPS discriminated 7-day NICU mortality and total NICU mortality from survival with receiver operating characteristic areas of 0.83 and 0.76, respectively. There was good calibration across the full range of TRIPS scores and gestational age groups. Increase and decrease in TRIPS scores after transport were associated with increased and decreased mortality, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic area for TRIPS prediction of severe intraventricular hemorrhage was 0.74. Addition of TRIPS improved performance of prediction models in which gestational age and baseline population risk variables were used. Conclusions: TRIPS is validated for infant transport assessment. (J Pediatr 2001;139:220-6)