Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition最新文献

Objective: To evaluate the clinical impact of nasal mask ventilator-delivered positive pressure ventilation (PPV) versus face mask manual T-piece resuscitator PPV during resuscitation of preterm neonates.

Design: We conducted a pre-post cohort study in a tertiary neonatal unit, comparing consecutive neonates born 25^0/7-28^6/7 weeks of gestational age (GA) who received PPV ≤10 min after birth, before and after changing the approach during resuscitation from face mask manual T-piece resuscitator PPV (epoch 1, April 2018-April 2020) to nasal mask ventilator-delivered PPV (epoch 2, May 2020-February 2022). The association between birth epoch and the primary outcome of emergent intubation (EI) during resuscitation was examined by multivariable logistic regression and inverse probability of treatment weighting models. Additional outcomes compared between epochs were rates of advanced resuscitation, and early (≤7 days) and late (>7 days) prematurity-related morbidities.

Results: Of 545 eligible births, 336 (62%) received PPV; 176 (58%) in epoch 1 and 160 (66%) in epoch 2. Neonates in epoch 1 had lower GA (26.7 (25.9-27.9) vs 27.4 (26.0-28.1) weeks; p=0.02) but similar birth weight (900 (730-1060) vs 880 (740-1085) g; p=0.53). Neonates in epoch 2 had lower rates of EI (16% vs 44%; p<0.001) and less use of post-resuscitation invasive ventilation (22% vs 59%; p<0.001). After accounting for confounders, nasal mask ventilator-delivered PPV remained associated with lower odds of EI (adjusted OR 0.23 (95% CI 0.13 to 0.42)). Secondary outcomes were similar between groups.

Conclusion: Nasal mask ventilator-delivered PPV may reduce EI during resuscitation of preterm neonates. Our observations support a large trial of nasal mask ventilator-delivered PPV in this context.

Background: Skin antisepsis is one of the most important bundle measures to decrease central line-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). However, in the neonatal population, the use of alcoholic chlorhexidine is limited by the risk of skin lesions.

Objective: We hypothesised that skin antisepsis with alcohol-based 2% chlorhexidine instead of aqueous 2% chlorhexidine could reduce the incidence of CRBSI without increasing skin complications.

Design: We conducted a double cohort study comparing two periods of 3 years, first using aqueous and second using alcohol-based chlorhexidine, leaving a 1-year washout interval between them. In extremely preterm infants, aqueous chlorhexidine was used during the first week of life in both periods.

Results: A total of 1783 patients and 2493 episodes of central line catheter were analysed. There were no statistically significant differences in clinical and demographic data from infants in both periods. There was a significant reduction in the pooled incidence density of CRBSI in the second compared with the first period (4.03 vs 9.05 episodes/1000 central line days, OR 0.45 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.68)). The overall absolute risk reduction was 0.039 (95% CI 0.023 to 0.056) and the number needed to treat was 25. A similar but not significant reduction of the small number of CRBSI was observed in extremely preterm infants within the first week of life OR 0.43 (95% CI 0.134 to 1.379). No statistically significant differences in skin lesions were observed between periods, making erythema the most common injury(5.1% vs 4.2%).

Relevance: Alcohol-based 2% chlorhexidine as a skin antiseptic could reduce the incidence of CRBSI in neonates without producing an increase in skin lesions.

Objectives: Standardised reporting of outcomes in neonatal palliative and/or end-of-life care would facilitate comparison of practice and lead to more informed decisions about practice. We systematically reviewed evidence evaluating outcomes currently used to characterise the clinical provision of palliative and/or end-of-life care in neonatal settings.

Methods: A systematic review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines was undertaken using Ovid Medline, Ovid Embase, OVID PsycINFO, OVID MIDIRIS and EBSCOhost CINAHL. No date or language restrictions were used. Studies were included if they measured or reported outcomes related to the clinical practice of neonatal palliative care in a neonatal unit.

Results: Of 7998 records identified through database searching, 20 articles were included. Identified studies were retrospective chart reviews. No studies used standardised outcomes and all used proxy outcome measures. Results were organised according to the WHO domains of paediatric palliative care. All studies (n=20) reported documentation of physical symptoms and functional status (physical domain); six documented parental emotional and support needs (psychological domain); four reported sibling support and wider family presence (social and cultural domain), and three reported support from spiritual services (spiritual domain).

Conclusion: Despite neonatal death accounting for the largest category of child death under 5 years of age, there are no standardised outcomes from which to characterise or develop clinical practice. Developing a core outcome set for neonatal palliative and end-of-life care would ensure that services can be compared using reliably collected and collated data and help advance care in this area.

Objective: Fetomaternal transfusion (FMT) is associated with increased perinatal mortality and morbidity, but data on postnatal outcomes are scarce. Our aim was to determine the incidence of adverse short-termand long-term sequelae of severe FMT.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: Dutch tertiary neonatal intensive care unit.

Patients: Liveborn neonates with FMT admitted in 2017-2022.

Main outcome measures: Severe FMT was defined as ≥30 mL of fetal red blood cells in the maternal circulation diagnosed with positive Kleihauer-Betke/flow cytometry test. Adverse outcomes were compared between severe and mild FMT (10-30 mL blood loss) to highlight the impact of FMT severity. Primary outcome was an adverse composite outcome consisting of neonatal mortality or severe neurological morbidity (ie, severe cerebral injury and/or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) at 2 years). Secondary outcome was perinatal asphyxia.

Results: 109 neonates with FMT were included, 16 with severe FMT and 93 with mild FMT. Neonatal mortality occurred in 19% (3/16) of neonates with severe FMT and in 4% (4/93) with mild FMT (p=0.063). Perinatal asphyxia was diagnosed in 25% (4/16) of neonates with severe FMT compared with 6% (6/93) with mild FMT (p=0.038). Long-term outcome was assessed in 60 neonates. NDI occurred in 22% (2/9) of children with severe FMT compared with 16% (8/51) with mild FMT (p=0.637). Adverse outcome occurred in 43% (95% CI 38 to 50%) of neonates with severe FMT compared with 18% (95% CI 17% to 24%) with mild FMT (p=0.074).

Conclusion: Neonatal mortality or long-term neurological morbidity occurred in 38%-50% of children with fetal blood loss and anaemia due to severe FMT.

Objective: Despite lack of evidence supporting efficacy, prophylactic fresh frozen plasma and Octaplas transfusions may be administered to very preterm infants to reduce bleeding risk. International variation in plasma transfusion practices in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) is poorly understood, therefore, we aimed to describe neonatal plasma transfusion practice in Europe.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: 64 NICUs in 22 European countries, with a 6-week study period per centre between September 2022 and August 2023.

Patients: Preterm infants born below 32 weeks of gestational age.

Interventions: Admission to the NICU.

Main outcome measures: Plasma transfusion prevalence, cumulative incidence, indications, transfusion volumes and infusion rates and adverse effects.

Results: A total of 92 of 1143 infants included (8.0%) received plasma during the study period, collectively receiving 177 transfusions. Overall prevalence was 0.3 plasma transfusion days per 100 admission days, and rates varied substantially across Europe. By day 28 of life, 13.5% (95% CI 10.0% to 16.9%) of infants received at least one plasma transfusion, accounted for competing risks of death or discharge. Transfusions were given for a broad range of indications, including active bleeding (29.4%), abnormal coagulation screen results (23.7%) and volume replacement/hypotension (21.5%). Transfusion volumes and infusion rates varied significantly; the most common volume was 15 mL/kg (range: 5-30 mL/kg) and the most common duration was 2 hours (range: 30 min to 6 hours).

Conclusions: We found wide variation in plasma transfusion practices in Europe, highlighting the need for evidence to inform neonatologists in daily practice and guidelines, in particular for non-bleeding indications.

Trial registration number: ISRCTN17267090.

Background: The Neonatal Resuscitation Program recommends direct laryngoscopy (DL) as the primary method for neonatal intubation. Video laryngoscopy (VL) is suggested as an option, particularly for training novice operators or for intubating infants with difficult airways. The programme outlines specific steps for intubation, including managing the external environment and techniques for visualising key anatomical landmarks. It is unclear whether the DL method can be effectively applied to VL.

Objectives: To determine the degree of adherence to resuscitation guidelines during intubation using VL, and to examine the relationship between guideline adherence and intubation success.

Methods: In a cohort of newborn infants who were intubated with VL, we simultaneously recorded the view obtained with the video laryngoscope and an external view of the procedure with a GoPro video camera, and synchronised the recordings for analysis. In each set of recordings, we assessed infant and operator positions, interventions during the procedure, and the anatomical landmarks visualised.

Results: We assessed 95 intubation attempts in 57 infants (median corrected gestational age: 28 weeks; median weight: 1160 g). Sixty-six of these attempts (69%) were successful. Operators spent more time attempting to insert the endotracheal tube through a visible glottis than locating it. Sixty-six (69%) attempts were performed with an appropriate lift manoeuvre. The vocal cords were visualised in only 58 (61%) attempts, while the glottis was seen in 85 (89%).

Conclusions: Neonatal intubation using VL differed from the technique recommended in resuscitation guidelines. Revised guidelines considering the use of VL may be warranted.

Objective: Perinatal epidemiological studies and outcomes are often reported on gestational week thresholds. This study aims to quantify and investigate the association of each gestational day at birth on antenatal management, mortality and respiratory outcomes of extremely preterm infants.

Design: Retrospective cohort study using National Neonatal Research Database.

Setting: England and Wales.

Patients: 26 098 infants born <28 weeks of gestational age (GA) and admitted to neonatal units from 2010 to 2020.

Interventions: Antenatal care and outcome measures for each gestational day were described with 95% CI determined using Agresti-Coull method. χ² test for trend assessed the trends across gestational day. Analysis of means assessed if outcome on each gestational day differed from the overall outcome for that gestational week.

Main outcome measures: Mortality and respiratory disease.

Results: Neonatal admissions peaked at the start of each gestational week. Caesarean section was the most common birth mode from 26⁺¹ to 26⁺⁴ weeks GA. Mortality and severe respiratory morbidity decreased with each day of gestation within the gestational week threshold (p<0.01). Mortality at the beginning and end of each gestational week differed from the overall mortality for that gestational week (p=0.03 to <0.001) in infants <27⁺⁰ weeks GA. Mortality was higher in infants <26⁺⁰ weeks GA born to mothers without complete antenatal corticosteroid course or born in centres without neonatal intensive care units.

Conclusions: Each day of gestation is important for extremely preterm infant outcomes. Perinatal decision-making, counselling and reporting should avoid broad gestational weeks and include day of gestation.

Objective: To describe the use and nationwide variation of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) following the introduction of the revised national transfusion guideline in 2019.

Design and patients: We randomly selected neonates born below 32 weeks' gestation admitted to any NICU in the Netherlands in 2020 to include in our retrospective observational cohort study.

Main outcome measures: Main outcome measures were the number of neonates receiving at least one transfusion, and the number of transfusions per transfused neonate.

Results: Of 762 neonates included, 34% (257/762) received at least one RBC transfusion, varying between centres from 20% (12/61) to 50% (39/77). Median phlebotomy loss during admission was 8.2 mL/kg (IQR 4.5-17.3 mL/kg), equating to 54.3% of the median transfusion volume. Of 770 transfusions, 358 (47%) were administered above the recommended threshold, and the proportion of transfusions given above the threshold varied between centres from 15% to 719%. Median transfusion dosage and mean infusion duration were 15.1 mL/kg (IQR 15.0-16.7 mL/kg) and 3.9 hours (SD 1.1 hour) and varied from 14.8 mL/kg to 18.9 mL/kg and from 2.5 hours to 5.5 hours between centres. Blood transfusion volume was positively correlated with cumulative volume of blood draws (Pearson correlation coefficient 0.84, 95% CI 0.82 to 0.86) and lower gestation.

Conclusions: Large variation in transfusion practice remains between Dutch NICUs despite a national guideline. Extreme prematurity and cumulative blood draws were associated with increased use of RBC transfusions. Benchmarking will yield leverage points to understand and potentially prevent unwarranted variation.

Objective: Large-scale mortality trials require reliable secondary assessments of impairment. We compared the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3), a screening tool self-administered by parents, in classifying impairment using the 'gold standard' Bayley Scales of Infant Development (Bayley-III), a diagnostic tool administered by trained assessors.

Design: Analysis of 405 children around 2 years corrected age from the Australian Placental Transfusion Study, a trial conducted over 8 years.

Setting: Secondary analysis of international, open-label, multicentre randomised trial.

Patients: Children born <30 weeks gestation.

Interventions: Immediate (<10 s) versus delayed (60 s+) cord clamping.

Main outcomes: ASQ-3 and Bayley-III assessments around 2 years corrected age. Impairment (or developmental delay) was defined as <2 SD below the mean (<70) for Bayley-III domains.

Results: The area under the receiver operating curve for ASQ-3 domains predicting delay was 0.75-0.99. Sensitivity for predicting delay was 57%-100%, while specificity was 88%-90%.We modelled the cost and sample size using a less expensive, though less precise, screening assessment for impairment compared with a more costly diagnostic assessment. For detecting a 25% reduction in the relative risk of delay, using ASQ-3 rather than Bayley-III could require double the sample size (15 000 to 30 000), but outcome assessment cost savings would be US$13M (EUR$12M). However, assessment cost savings may be outweighed by upscaling.

Conclusions: When measuring developmental outcomes in a large-scale clinical trial, using a more precise diagnostic tool may be financially prohibitive, so increasing the sample size and using a less precise but appropriately calibrated tool may be more affordable.

Trial registration number: ACTRN12610000633088.

Objective: The objective is to evaluate changes in survival to discharge of liveborn infants less than 32 weeks' gestational age (GA) in France, where the latest available data on very preterm survival at a national-level are from the EPIPAGE-2 (Etude épidémiologique sur les petits âges gestationnels) cohort in 2011.

Design: Population-based cohort study.

Setting: Metropolitan France in 2011, 2015 and 2020.

Patients: All births between 22 and 31 weeks' GA using the EPIPAGE-2 cohort study for the year 2011 and hospital discharge data linked to death certificates from the Système National des Données de Santé for the years 2015 and 2020.

Main outcome measures: The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge among liveborn infants. Survival rates were compared using modified Poisson regression and adjusted for population characteristics (maternal age, multiple birth, sex, small for GA). Data on all births were examined to assess changes to the live birth rate.

Results: Survival to discharge among live births increased at 23 and 24 weeks' GA from 1% and 31% in 2011 to 8% and 37% in 2015 and to 31% and 47% in 2020, respectively. From 25 to 28 weeks' GA, survival rates tended to increase, but differences were not significant, and survival rates were stable from 29 to 31 weeks GA. Results were similar after adjustment. The proportion of live births versus stillbirths increased from 22 to 24 weeks' GA.

Conclusion: Survival rates among live births improved between 2011 and 2020 from 23 to 28 weeks' GA, with marked changes at 23 and 24 weeks' GA.