Antenatal Steroid Use Research Articles

Early neonatal mortality is modulated by gestational age, birthweight and fetal heart rate abnormalities in the low resource setting in Tanzania – a five year review 2015–2019

BackgroundEarly Neonatal mortality (ENM) (< 7 days) remains a significant problem in low resource settings. Birth asphyxia (BA), prematurity and presumed infection contribute significantly to ENM. The study objectives were to determine: first, the overall ENM rate as well as yearly ENM rate (ENMR) from 2015 to 2019; second, the influence of decreasing GA (< 37 weeks) and BW (< 2500 g) on ENM; third, the contribution of intrapartum and delivery room factors and in particular fetal heart rate abnormalities (FHRT) to ENM; and fourth, the Fresh Still Birth Rates (FSB) rates over the same time period.MethodsRetrospective cohort study undertaken in a zonal referral teaching hospital located in Northern Tanzania. Labor and delivery room data were obtained from 2015 to 2019 and included BW, GA, fetal heart rate (FHRT) abnormalities, bag mask ventilation (BMV) during resuscitation, initial temperature, and antenatal steroids use. Abnormal outcome was ENM < 7 days. Analysis included t tests, odds ratios (OR), and multivariate regression analysis.ResultsThe overall early neonatal mortality rate (ENMR) was 18/1000 livebirths over the 5 years and did not change significantly comparing 2015 to 2019. Comparing year 2018 to 2019, the overall ENMR decreased significantly (OR 0.62; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45–0.85) as well as infants ≥37 weeks (OR 0.45) (CI 0.23–0.87) and infants < 37 weeks (OR 0.57) (CI 0.39–0.84). ENMR was significantly higher for newborns < 37 versus ≥37 weeks, OR 10.5 (p < 0.0001) and BW < 2500 versus ≥2500 g OR 9.9. For infants < 1000 g / < 28 weeks, the ENMR was ~ 588/1000 livebirths. Variables associated with ENM included BW - odds of death decreased by 0.55 for every 500 g increase in weight, by 0.89 for every week increase in GA, ENMR increased 6.8-fold with BMV, 2.6-fold with abnormal FHRT, 2.2-fold with no antenatal steroids (ANS), 2.6-fold with moderate hypothermia (all < 0.0001). The overall FSB rate was 14.7/1000 births and decreased significantly in 2019 when compared to 2015 i.e., 11.3 versus 17.3/1000 live births respectively (p = 0.02).ConclusionENM rates were predominantly modulated by decreasing BW and GA, with smaller/ less mature newborns 10-fold more likely to die. ENM in term newborns was strongly associated with FHRT abnormalities and when coupled with respiratory depression and BMV suggests BA. In smaller newborns, lack of ACS exposure and moderate hypothermia were additional associated factors. A composite perinatal approach is essential to achieve a sustained reduction in ENMR.

Abnormal Newborn Screen During a Pandemic.

Abnormal Newborn Screen During a Pandemic.

Gebelik Yaşı ≤32 Hafta Olan Preterm Bebeklerde 25-Hidroksivitamin D Düzeyleri ve Respiratuvar Distres Sendromu Arasındaki İlişki

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate neonatal vitamin D status and effect of vitamin D levels on the development of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants with a gestational age of ≤ 32 weeks. The association between RDS and severity of vitamin D deficiency was secondary outcome of this study.&#x0D; Method: Newborns having a gestational age of ≤32 weeks with RDS consisted the study group, while newborns hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit having ≤32 weeks of gestational age with no signs of RDS were the control group.&#x0D; Results: During the study period, 122 preterm infants having a gestational age of ≤ 32 weeks were included. From these, 56 (46%) had RDS (study group), while 66 (54%) newborns (control group) did not have RDS. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of maternal age, multiple pregnancy, use of antenatal steroid, sex, mode of delivery, maternal age, antenatal steroid use, accompanying maternal diseases and birth season. Median 25-OHD levels of study group and control group were similar (12.3 ng/ml vs 15.6 ng/ml; p=0.38). The rates of preterm infants having low vitamin D levels (25-OHD level

English

BACKGROUND Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common condition in preterm and late preterm neonates with age less than or equal to 34 weeks or weight &lt; 1.5 kgs need some intervention like intubation, and administration of surfactant. Early administration of surfactant can give better outcome. We wanted to assess the outcome of babies administered with surfactant. METHODS New-born babies with respiratory distress admitted to NICU, Department of Paediatric, King George Hospital, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, were enrolled in this case control study. A total of 100 neonates of both sexes who were admitted with respiratory distress syndrome of &lt; 35 weeks and &lt; 1.5 kg were included in the study. RESULTS Out of 100 neonates, most of the neonates 34 (66.6 %) in the surfactant group and 37 (75.0 %) neonates in the control group were between 30wks to 32wks of GA respectively. 12 (25.0 %) in the surfactant group and 10(19.4 %) in the control group were between 27wks. to 29 wks. of GA respectively. Very less 4 (11.76 %) in the surfactant group and 3 (8.10 %) in the control group were between 32 wks. of GA to 35 weeks respectively. CONCLUSIONS The study concludes that among spontaneously breathing premature infants treated with INSURE, decreases the need for subsequent MV by 22 %. The higher birth weight, the use of antenatal steroids, the lower RDS score at the time of procedure and the early use of surfactant are the good predictors in the INSURE success group. KEY WORDS RDS, Preterm, Intubation, Surfactant (INSURE), GA (Gestational age), MV (Mechanical ventilation), Pulmonary Haemorrhage, CPAP.

Современные подходы к профилактике некротизирующего энтероколита у недоношенных новорожденных

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most life-threatening disease of the gastrointestinal tract in newborns. Current strategies and methods of NEC prevention affect the pathogenetic mechanisms of the disease development. The promotion of breastfeeding and the use of early minimal enteral nutrition with native breast milk are the main links in prevention. Immunoglobulins, antiinflammatory cytokines, and other biologically active substances found in breast milk prevent the development of NEC. A change in diet and the use of donor milk lead to a decrease in the incidence of NEC. The use of antenatal steroids in women at risk of preterm birth, control of hypoxia and normalization of the respiratory parameters also reduce the risk of NEC development. For normal colonization of the intestine, the use of probiotics is recommended. The use of oral antibacterial drugs, which are recommended in some multicomponent methods of prevention, often leads to negative results. The use of oral antifungal drugs in modern neonatology is not excluded. The use of oral immunoglobulins is ineffective. Key words: necrotizing enterocolitis, breast milk, enteral antibiotics, oral antifungal drugs, probiotics

MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES WITH ANTENATAL CORTICOSTEROID ADMINISTRATION IN PRETERM DELIVERIES AT GOVERNMENT DISTRICT HOSPITAL, NANDYAL- AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

MATERNAL AND PERINATAL OUTCOMES WITH ANTENATAL CORTICOSTEROID ADMINISTRATION IN PRETERM DELIVERIES AT GOVERNMENT DISTRICT HOSPITAL, NANDYAL- AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Ten-year trend of care practices, morbidities and survival of very preterm neonates in the Malaysian National Neonatal Registry: a retrospective cohort study

ObjectivesTo determine a 10-year trend of survival, morbidities and care practices, and predictors of in-hospital mortality in very preterm neonates (VPTN, gestation 22 to <32 weeks) in the Malaysian National...

In silico numerical simulation of ventilator settings during high-frequency ventilation in preterm infants.

Despite the routine use of antenatal steroids, exogenous surfactants, and different noninvasive ventilation methods, many extremely low gestational age neonates, preterm, and term infants eventually require invasive ventilation. In addition to prematurity, mechanical ventilation itself can induce ventilator-induced lung injury leading to lifelong pulmonary sequelae. Besides conventional mechanical ventilation, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) with tidal volumes below dead space and high ventilation frequencies is used either as a primary or rescue therapy in severe neonatal respiratory failure. Applying a high-resolution computational lung modeling technique in a preterm infant, we studied three different high-frequency ventilation settings as well as conventional ventilation (CV) settings. Evaluating the computed oxygen delivery (OD) and lung mechanics (LM) we outline for the first time how changing ventilator settings from CV to HFOV lead to significant improvements in OD and LM. This personalized "digital twin" strategy advances our general knowledge of protective ventilation strategies in neonatal care and can support decisions on various modes of ventilatory therapy at high frequencies.

Necrotising enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis and mortality after routine probiotic introduction in the UK

ObjectiveTo compare necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), late-onset sepsis (LOS), focal intestinal perforation (FIP) and mortality in infants from a single neonatal unit before and after probiotic introduction.DesignRetrospective review of infants <32...

Propensity-Matched Comparison of Very Preterm Small- and Appropriate-for-Gestational-Age Neonates.

Comparison of mortality and major morbidities between very preterm (< 32 wk gestational age) small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonates. A retrospective observational study of neonates born between 26-31 wk gestational age from January 2015 to December 2019 was done in level-3 neonatal intensive care unit of a high-risk perinatal center in South India. Of the 1,178 very preterm neonates born in the study period, 909 were eligible for inclusion. After propensity score matching for gestational age, gender, and antenatal steroid use, 592 (444 AGA and 148 SGA) were included in the final analysis. SGA neonates had increased odds of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) ≥ stage 2A [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.2; 95% CI: 1.15-4.21], abnormal composite outcome, i.e., any one of the mortality or major morbidities (aOR: 2.99; 95% CI: 1.96-4.57), hypoglycemia requiring intravenous fluids (aOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.05-4.23), and anemia requiring blood transfusions (aOR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.98-4.93); and a trend towards increased odds of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (aOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 0.92-3.91). Mortality, intraventricular hemorrhage ≥ grade 2, periventricular leukomalacia ≥ grade 2, and retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment were not different. SGA neonates have higher odds of having NEC ≥ stage 2A, abnormal composite outcome, hypoglycemia, and anemia compared to appropriately grown neonates.

Temporal trends of in utero and early postnatal transfer of extremely preterm infants between 2011 and 2016: a UK population study

ObjectiveEarly postnatal transfer (PNT) of extremely preterm infants is associated with adverse outcomes compared with in utero transfer (IUT). We aimed to explore recent national trends of IUT and early...

Intubation, Surfactant Administration and Extubation (INSURE) to Nasal CPAP in Preterm and Late Preterm Babies, Outcome in Those Babies

Respiratory distress syndrome, resulting from a deficiency of surfactant, is the most frequent clinical respiratory disorder in preterm infants. It is the most critical cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. The present study INSURE was done in a total of 100 Preterm neonates who came with respiratory distress syndrome with &lt;35 wks and &lt;1.5kg to NICU, Department of Pediatrics, King George Hospital, Andhra Medical College, Visakhapatnam from January 2018 to July 2019 to know the usefulness of INSURE in a resource-poor setting where the only surfactant is given with NCPAP, where a poorer patient can afford and can decrease the morbidity and mortality of MV. This study concludes that, among spontaneously breathing, premature infants treated with INSURE, decreased the need for subsequent MV by 22%. The higher birth weight, the use of antenatal steroids, the lower RDS score at the time of the procedure, and the early use of surfactant as the good predictors in the INSURE success group. There is a significant decrease in the need for MV in the surfactant group compared to the control group. The reduction in the need for MV decreased the risk of air leak syndrome and is advantageous in medical settings where resources are limited, like in our country.

Delivery room resuscitation and short-term outcomes of extremely preterm and extremely low birth weight infants: a multicenter survey in North China.

Background:Delivery room resuscitation assists preterm infants, especially extremely preterm infants (EPI) and extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI), in breathing support, while it potentially exerts a negative impact on the lungs and outcomes of preterm infants. This study aimed to assess delivery room resuscitation and discharge outcomes of EPI and ELBWI in China.Methods:The clinical data of EPI (gestational age [GA] <28 weeks) and ELBWI (birth weight [BW] <1000 g), admitted within 72 h of birth in 33 neonatal intensive care units from five provinces and cities in North China between 2017 and 2018, were analyzed. The primary outcomes were delivery room resuscitation and risk factors for delivery room intubation (DRI). The secondary outcomes were survival rates, incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and risk factors for BPD.Results:A cohort of 952 preterm infants were enrolled. The incidence of DRI, chest compressions, and administration of epinephrine was 55.9% (532/952), 12.5% (119/952), and 7.0% (67/952), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for DRI were GA <28 weeks (odds ratio [OR], 3.147; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.082–4.755), BW <1000 g (OR, 2.240; 95% CI, 1.606–3.125), and antepartum infection (OR, 1.429; 95% CI, 1.044–1.956). The survival rate was 65.9% (627/952) and was dependent on GA. The rate of BPD was 29.3% (181/627). Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for BPD were male (OR, 1.603; 95% CI, 1.061–2.424), DRI (OR, 2.094; 95% CI, 1.328–3.303), respiratory distress syndrome exposed to ≥2 doses of pulmonary surfactants (PS; OR, 2.700; 95% CI, 1.679–4.343), and mechanical ventilation ≥7 days (OR, 4.358; 95% CI, 2.777–6.837). However, a larger BW (OR, 0.998; 95% CI, 0.996–0.999), antenatal steroid (OR, 0.577; 95% CI, 0.379–0.880), and PS use in the delivery room (OR, 0.273; 95% CI, 0.160–0.467) were preventive factors for BPD (all P < 0.05).Conclusion:Improving delivery room resuscitation and management of respiratory complications are imperative during early management of the health of EPI and ELBWI.

Study on prevalence of maternal risk factors, morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight neonates

Background: Very low birth weight babies with respiratory complications are the commonest reason for admission in NICU. We wanted to identify maternal risk factors associated with it and ways to prevent it. The objective of the current study was to study the prevalence of maternal risk factors, morbidity and mortality in VLBW babies admitted in tertiary care hospital NICU.Methods: Cross sectional observational study performed on all very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care unit of tertiary care hospital attached with Smt. Kashibai Navale medical college, Pune from January 2019 to March 2020.Results: In our study VLBW babies were 2.2% (78/3545). Mean gestational age was 31.15±3.21 weeks; mean birth weight was 1226.24±250.95 grams. Small for gestational age (SGA) babies were 41% and 96% were preterm. Maternal risk factors were present in 61.53% of deliveries, commonest were anaemia in 30.06 % and preeclampsia in 24.35%. Resuscitation at birth was required in 30.76% babies. Morbidity profile showed respiratory distress syndrome in 46.15%, neonatal sepsis in 19.23% and patent ductus arteriosus in 16.66% babies. Overall survival was 74.35%. Prematurity and its complications like RDS requiring surfactant therapy and mechanical ventilation were significant contributors for mortality but only 23.07% mothers were found to have received antenatal steroids in the hospital .Conclusions: Anaemia and preeclampsia were commonly found risk factors present in 61.53% of mothers of VLBW babies. Use of antenatal steroids in mothers should be made compulsory to decrease mortality in VLBW preterm newborns.

Effectiveness of antenatal corticosteroids at term: Can we trust the data that ‘inform’ us?

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) are a cornerstone for the assessment of the effectiveness of interventions. Appropriate randomization, design, sample size, statistical analyses, and conduct that reduces the risk of bias, enhance the chance they will deliver true research findings.The credibility of RCTs is difficult to assess without objective evidence of compliance with Good Clinical Practice standards. Remarkably, no mechanisms are in place both in the initial peer review process and during meta-analysis to assess these, and little guidance on how to assess data where research integrity cannot be confirmed (e.g. where data originated from a setting without established infrastructure or an era preceding current standards).We describe the case of the use of antenatal steroids. When these drugs are used in early preterm birth, their benefits outweigh the harms. However, later in pregnancy, and specifically at term, this balance is less clear. We describe that the four randomised clinical trials that inform clinical practice through the Cochrane meta-analysis, for various reasons, lack clear governance which makes it difficult to verify provenance and reliability of the data. We conclude that transparency and assessment of data credibility need to be inbuilt both at the time of publication and at the time of meta-analysis. This will drive up standards and encourage appropriate interpretation of results and the context from which they were derived.

A Question of Timing: 10-year Retrospective Analysis on the Use of Antenatal Steroids for Imminent Preterm Birth.

Antenatal steroids improve the neonatal outcome if they are administered within a therapeutic window of seven days before preterm birth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the timing of antenatal steroids for imminent preterm birth at a single center in Germany. A 10-year retrospective analysis of 843 preterm births between 24/0 and 33/6 weeks was performed from January 2008 to December 2017 at a German university hospital. We evaluated the timing of antenatal steroids according to the indication for their application. Descriptive statistics and binomial regression were performed to analyze factors influencing the timing of antenatal steroid administration. Of 843 preterm births below 34 weeks included in our study, 752 pregnant women received antenatal steroids (89.2%). Only 301/843 women (35.7%) gave birth within the optimal window of 7 days after antenatal steroids. 91/843 women (10.8%) did not receive steroids. 130/843 women (15.4%) only received one dose, 76/843 (9.0%) gave birth within 8 to 14 days, and 245/843 (29.1%) more than 14 days later. In a binomial regression model, preterm premature rupture of membranes (OR 3.40, 95% CI 1.81 to 6.39, p<0.001), fetal growth restriction (OR 3.27, 95% CI 1.63 to 6.58, p=0.001), and preeclampsia (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.37 to 5.83, p=0.005) were positively associated with optimal timing. Two thirds of women with preterm birth before 34 weeks received antenatal steroids outside the optimal therapeutic window. Further research is needed to achieve an optimal effect of antenatal steroids on neonatal outcome and to reduce untimely as well as unnecessary interventions.

Bubble CPAP (Continuous Positive airway pressure) therapy as a primary mode of respiratory support in preterm newborns with mild to moderate respiratory distress syndrome

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is an important cause of morbidity and mortalityin preterm infants. Bubble CPAP when used appropriately, is more cost-effective, non-invasive,requires less training and has a lower risk of complications. However, not all preterm infants withRDS respond to CPAP. Aims: To study the immediate outcome of preterm infants with mild tomoderate respiratory distress syndrome on Bubble CPAP. To study the safety and effectiveness of B-CPAP and to identify the risk factors associated with its failure. Setting: NICU, Department ofpediatrics, Mamata general hospital and medical college, Khammam. Design- Prospectiveobservational study Material and Methods: This duration bound study was conducted fromFebruary 2018 to February 2020. Based on the inclusion criteria 73 Preterm babies with mild tomoderate respiratory distress syndrome requiring respiratory support were included in this study.Details of birth history, use of antenatal steroids, gestational age, type of delivery, birth weight,Downes score and chest X-ray were recorded. And the effectiveness and outcome of bubble CPAPwere studied. Results: Out of the total of 73 cases, 53(72.60%) were treated successfully, while20(27.40%) failed bubble CPAP. Conclusion: Bubble CPAP is the safe primary mode of respiratorysupport in Preterm newborns with mild to moderate RDS, more effective with early Initiation and inPreterm babies born to mothers with the use of antenatal steroids.

Left Ventricle Structure and Function in Young Adults Born Very Preterm and Association with Neonatal Characteristics

Preterm birth increases risk of cardiovascular disease and early death. A body of evidence suggests left ventricle (LV) echocardiographic alterations in children and adults born preterm. We aimed to determine if neonatal characteristics were associated with alterations in LV structure and function in preterm adults. We evaluated a cohort of 86 young adults born preterm below 30 weeks of gestation, and 85 full-term controls. We determined LV dimensions and function using tissue Doppler imaging, conventional and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE). Adults born preterm had smaller LV dimensions, but these differences did not remain after adjustment for body surface area (BSA), which was smaller in the preterm group. Stroke volume and cardiac output were reduced even after adjustment for BSA. We found a smaller e’ wave in the preterm group, but other markers of systolic and diastolic function did not differ. Use of antenatal steroids may be associated with a further reduced cardiac output in those born preterm. Adults born preterm show alterations in markers of LV dimensions and function. Identification of these markers may represent opportunities for early prevention of cardiovascular events in this at-risk population.

Incidence, Risk Factors and Screening Evaluation of Retinopathy of Prematurity in High Birthweight Infants: A Large Cohort Study in Turkey

ABSTRACT Purpose To report and evaluate the incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and to assess the sensitivity and specificity of Turkish national screening guideline (NSG) in heavier infants with a birth weight (BW) of >1500 g. Methods The data of 1784 preterm infants with BW>1500 g, who were screened between 2009 and 2016 in a university hospital in Turkey, were analyzed retrospectively. The rates of any stage and severe (treatment-requiring) ROP incidence were investigated. The possible protective and risk factors were evaluated with univariate analyses and logistic regression analysis. Results The rate of any stage ROP was 14.1% (n = 251). Severe ROP was observed in 11 infants (0.6%), and 2 of the infants (0.1%) had a gestational age (GA)>32 weeks, which fell outside of the NSG. In logistic regression analysis, BW, GA, O2 therapy duration, and exchange transfusion were determined to be independent risk factors (respectively, p < .001, p < .001, P = .055, and P = .033). Furthermore, antenatal steroid therapy was determined to have a highly significant protective effect on ROP development (p < .001). The sensitivity of Turkish NSG in identifying severe ROP increased from 82% to 100% with the inclusion of risk factors in addition to GA and BW. Conclusion This study shows the presence of severe ROP in mature and heavy infants in Turkey. The positive effect of antenatal steroid use and the negative impact of exchange transfusion have been demonstrated for ROP development in mature infants. Possible risk factors should be evaluated with GA and BW to avoid missing severe ROP.

A Retrospective Cohort Study on Mortality and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Very Low Birth Weight Infants Born to Mothers with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

We examined the effects of maternal hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) on the mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (BW ≤1,500 g) based on their intrauterine growth status and gestational age (GA). We included singleton VLBW infants born at <32 weeks' gestation registered in the Neonatal Research Network Japan database. The composite outcomes including death, cerebral palsy (CP), and developmental delay (DD) at 3 years of age were retrospectively compared among three groups: appropriate for GA (AGA) infants of mothers with and without HDP (H-AGA and N-AGA) and small for GA (SGA) infants of mothers with HDP (H-SGA). The adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) stratified by the groups of every two gestational weeks were calculated after adjusting for the center, year of birth, sex, maternal age, maternal diabetes, antenatal steroid use, clinical chorioamnionitis, premature rupture of membranes, non-life-threatening congenital anomalies, and GA. Of 19,323 eligible infants, outcomes were evaluated in 10,192 infants: 683 were H-AGA, 1,719 were H-SGA, and 7,790 were N-AGA. Between H-AGA and N-AGA, no significant difference was observed in the risk for death, CP, or DD in any GA groups. H-AGA had a lower risk for death, CP, or DD than H-SGA in the 24 to 25 weeks group (AOR: 0.434, 95% CI: 0.202-0.930). The odds for death, CP, or DD of H-SGA against N-AGA were found to be higher in the 24 to 25 weeks (AOR: 2.558, 95% CI: 1.558-3.272) and 26 to 27 weeks (AOR: 1.898, 95% CI: 1.427-2.526) groups, but lower in the 30 to 31 weeks group (AOR: 0.518, 95% CI: 0.335-0.800). There was a lack of follow-up data; however, the outcomes of liveborn preterm VLBW infants of mothers with HDP depended on their intrauterine growth status and GA at birth. · The effects of HDP on preterm low birth weight infants need to be further examined.. · The outcomes were not different between AGA infants with and without maternal HDP.. · The outcomes of SGA infants with maternal HDP were dependent on their GA..