Tamaño del léxico en niños(as) muy prematuros y prematuros extremos de 24 meses: un estudio transversal / Vocabulary size in very preterm and extremely preterm infants: a cross-sectional study

Las investigaciones muestran que un número importante de niños nacidos prematuros (antes de las 37 semanas de gestación) presentan dificultades en su desarrollo, entre ellas el desarrollo lingüístico. Las investigaciones previas indican que algunas complicaciones biomédicas, como la hemorragia intraventricular (los grados III y IV), la leucomalacia periventricular y la displasia broncopulmonar, incrementan la probabilidad de presentar alteraciones en el desarrollo de la cognición y/o del lenguaje, por lo que se hace necesario realizar investigaciones que proporcionen más información y con ello poder anticiparse a posibles consecuencias en los aprendizajes futuros de estos niños nacidos bajo la condición de prematuridad. Es así, que los objetivos de este estudio fueron medir el tamaño del léxico temprano en niños muy prematuros y prematuros extremos (con y sin complicaciones biomédicas) a los 24 meses de edad corregida, así como también determinar la asociación entre número de complicaciones biomédicas presentes y el tamaño del léxico. Para ello, se trabajó con 108 niños divididos en tres grupos: 39 niños prematuros de alto riesgo (con complicaciones biomédicas), 36 niños prematuros de bajo riesgo (sin complicaciones biomédicas asociadas a alteraciones del lenguaje y /o cognición) y 33 niños nacidos de término. Todos fueron evaluados con el Inventario II de Desarrollo de Habilidades Comunicativas MacArthur-Bates. Los resultados muestran que los niños nacidos de término tienen significativamente mayor tamaño del léxico que los prematuros, no existiendo diferencias en los resultados entre prematuros de bajo riesgo y los prematuros de alto riesgo. Por otra parte, el tamaño del léxico no presenta correlación con las complicaciones biomédicas.

Research shows that a significant number of children born preterm (before 37 weeks of gestation) have developmental difficulties, among them disturbances in language development. Studies indicate that some biomedical complications such as intraventricular hemorrhage (grades III and IV), periventricular leukomalacia, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia increase the probability of cognitive and/or language development disorders. Therefore, there is a need to conduct more studies that provide information that allows anticipating possible consequences in the learning process of children born prematurely. The aims of this study were to measure the early vocabulary size in very preterm and extremely preterm children (with and without biomedical complications) at 24 months of corrected age and to determine the association between the number of biomedical complications and vocabulary size. To that effect, we worked with 108 children divided into three groups: 39 high-risk preterm children (with biomedical complications), 36 low-risk preterm children (without biomedical complications associated with language and/or cognitive disturbances), and 33 full-term children. All children were evaluated using the MacArthur-Bates Communicative Development Inventory II. The results show that the vocabulary size of full-term children is significantly larger than that of preterm children and that no differences exist between the group of high-risk versus low-risk preterm children. On the other hand, vocabulary size does not correlate withbiomedical complications.

Limite de viabilidade de prematuros extremos atendidos em um hospital universitário / Limit of viability of extremely preterm infants treated at a university hospital / Límite de viabilidad de prematuros extremos atendidos en un hospital universitario

Objetivo: descrever o perfil de recém-nascidos com prematuridade extrema e identificar fatores associados a mortalidade segundo idade gestacional e o limite de viabilidade destes. Método: estudo observacional retrospectivo, com abordagem quantitativa, realizado em um hospital universitário do estado de Minas Gerais, desenvolvido de agosto de 2021 a janeiro de 2022. A amostra foi composta por 39 prontuários de prematuros extremos nascidos vivos. Foi realizada a análise descritiva das variáveis quantitativas usando medidas como média, desvio-padrão e valores mínimo e máximo. As variáveis categóricas foram descritas a partir de suas distribuições de frequência absoluta e percentual. Resultados: a maioria das gestantes são mulheres adultos-jovens, realizaram pré-natal e parto cesárea. Dos prematuros prevalece sexo masculino, idade gestacional de 25 semanas, evoluíram para óbito a maioria destes com idade gestacional de 23 e 24 semanas. Conclusão: o limite de viabilidade nesse serviço situa-se em uma idade gestacional igual ou maior que 25 semanas.

Objective: to describe the profile of newborns with extreme prematurity and to identify factors associated with mortality according to gestational age and their limit of viability. Method: a retrospective observational study, with a quantitative approach, carried out in a university hospital in the state of Minas Gerais, developed from August 2021 to January 2022. The sample consisted of 39 records of live-born extreme preterm infants. Descriptive analysis of quantitative variables was performed using measures such as mean, standard deviation and minimum and maximum values. Categorical variables were described from their absolute and percentage frequency distributions. Results: most pregnant women are young-adult women, who underwent prenatal care and cesarean delivery. Of the preterm infants, the male sex prevails, with a gestational age of 25 weeks, most of whom died at a gestational age of 23 and 24 weeks. Conclusion: the limit of viability in this service is at a gestational age equal to or greater than 25 weeks.

Objetivo: describir el perfil de los recién nacidos con prematuridad extrema e identificar los factores asociados a la mortalidad según la edad gestacional y su límite de viabilidad. Método: estudio observacional retrospectivo, con abordaje cuantitativo, realizado en un hospital universitario del estado de Minas Gerais, desarrollado entre agosto de 2021 y enero de 2022. La muestra estuvo compuesta por 39 prontuarios de prematuros extremos nacidos vivos. El análisis descriptivo de las variables cuantitativas se realizó utilizando medidas como la media, la desviación estándar y los valores mínimo y máximo. Las variables categóricas se describieron a partir de sus distribuciones de frecuencia absoluta y porcentual. Resultados: la mayoría de las gestantes son mujeres adultas jóvenes, que realizaron control prenatal y parto por cesárea. De los prematuros prevalece el sexo masculino, con una edad gestacional de 25 semanas, la mayoría de los cuales fallecieron a las 23 y 24 semanas de edad gestacional. Conclusión: el límite de viabilidad en este servicio es a una edad gestacional igual o mayor a 25 semanas.

Función pulmonar: función pulmonar en pacientes con displasia broncopulmonar / Pulmonary function: pulmonary function in patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

La displasia broncopulmonar (DBP) es una complicación frecuente en los prematuros extremos. La detención de la alveolarización determina menor volumen pulmonar total, el cual se recupera al menos parcialmente en el trayecto de la vida. La vía aérea se ve afectada en su crecimiento en mayor proporción que los alvéolos, y en los pacientes con displasia severa va a existir hasta la etapa adulta una limitación al flujo aéreo debido a su menor calibre. En este artículo, se describirá el origen, hallazgos característicos y evolución de las alteraciones en la función pulmonar, especialmente, en los pacientes con la nueva DBP.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a frequent complication in extremely premature infants. The arrest of alveolarization determines a lower total lung volume, which recovers at least partially during life. The airway is affected in its growth to a greater extent than the alveoli, and in patients with severe dysplasia there will be airflow limitation until adulthood due to its smaller caliber. In this article, the origin, characteristic findings, and evolution of changes in lung function will be described, especially in patients with the new BPD.

Staphylococcus coagulasa negativos como causantes de endocarditis en un recién nacido pretérmino / Neonatal coagulase negative Staphylococcus as a cause of endocarditis / Staphylococcus coagulase negativa como causa de endocardite em recém-nascido prematuro

Los estafilococos coagulasa negativos son microorganismos frecuentemente aislados cuya significancia clínica puede ser difícil de establecer por su carácter de comensales habituales de la piel. En la población neonatal estos patógenos han ido adquiriendo mayor protagonismo debido a la sobrevida de pacientes mas prematuros que en el pasado, así como sus necesidades de tratamiento, que determinan mayores tiempos de estadía hospitalaria. Estos elementos representan factores de riesgo también para el desarrollo de endocarditis en estos pacientes, particularmente debido a la utilización de catéteres intravasculares centrales por tiempo prolongado. En este caso clínico se presenta un paciente pretérmino severo que presentó una endocarditis a estafilococo coagulasa negativo a partir del cual discutiremos las características de las infecciones por estos microorganismos, las características de la endocarditis infecciosa en el recién nacido pretérmino y la utilización de antibióticos en estos pacientes, así como algunos elementos asociados a la vigilancia activa en el uso de antibióticos.

Coagulase negative staphylococcus (CoNS) are commonly isolated microorganisms whose clinical importance may be difficult to establish due to their role as part of our usual skin microbiota. These pathogens have gained relevance in neonatal population due to an improvement in neonatal care that determine longer survival rates and hospitals stays. Neonatal endocarditis is also affected by these microorganisms and particularly by the use of central intra vascular lines for long periods of time. In this clinical case we introduce a severe preterm patient who developed a CoNS endocarditis and discuss the characteristics of CoNS infections and endocarditis in preterm newborns as well as some antibiotic vigilance principles.

Os estafilococos coagulase negativos são microrganismos frequentemente isolados, cujo significado clínico pode ser difícil de estabelecer devido ao seu caráter de comensais cutâneos comuns. Na população neonatal, esses patógenos vêm adquirindo maior destaque devido à sobrevida de pacientes mais prematuros do que no passado, bem como suas necessidades de tratamento, as quais determinam tempos de internação mais longos. Esses elementos também representam fatores de risco para o desenvolvimento de endocardite nesses pacientes, principalmente pelo uso prolongado de cateter intravascular central. Neste caso clínico apresentaremos um paciente pré-termo grave que apresentou endocardite estafilocócica coagulase-negativa a partir do qual discutiremos as características das infecções por esses microrganismos, as características da endocardite infecciosa no recém-nascido pré-termo e o uso de antibióticos nesses pacientes bem como alguns elementos associados à vigilância ativa no uso de antibióticos.

Intervención con probióticos para la prevención de enterocolitis necrotizante en prematuros extremos menores de 1500 gramos o de 32 semanas / Probiotic intervention to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation or with a birth weight of less than 1500 g

Introducción. Existe evidencia del beneficio de los probióticos en prevenir enterocolitis necrotizante en prematuros extremos. Desde 2015, se usa probiótico preventivo en el Servicio de Neonatología, Hospital Hernán Henríquez Aravena, Temuco, Chile.Objetivo. Evaluar el impacto de este probiótico en la incidencia, gravedad, necesidad de terapia quirúrgica y letalidad por enterocolitis necrotizante en prematuros extremos. Pacientes y método. Estudio retrospectivo de cohortes. Datos analizados con Stata. Se aplicó la prueba exacta de Fisher para comparar porcentajes y, para los promedios, la prueba t para varianzas distintas. Los egresados entre 2015 y 2017 recibieron Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis (LRP), dosis única (1 x 108 unidades formadora de colonias) desde los primeros días de vida hasta cumplir las 36 semanas de edad gestacional corregida. Los controles egresados entre 2012 y 2014 no recibieron LRP.Resultados. El 3,45 % de los casos tuvo algún grado de enterocolitis: grado i (el 64 %), ii (el 18 %), iii (el 18 %); requirió cirugía el 18 % y no hubo letalidad. El 3,75 % de los controles históricos presentaron enterocolitis: grado i (el 12 %), ii (el 35 %), iii (el 53 %); el 64,7 % requirió cirugía, y el 47 % falleció. El grupo intervenido presentó grado ii o iii en un 36 %; en el grupo control, la sumatoria de estos estadios fue del 88 %.Conclusión.LRP administrado en dosis única diaria al prematuro extremo no modificó la incidencia de enterocolitis, pero disminuyó su gravedad, la letalidad y necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico.

Introduction. There is evidence of the beneficial effects of probiotics to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely preterm infants. Probiotic prevention has been used since 2015 in the Division of Neonatology of Hospital Hernán Henríquez Aravena, Temuco, Chile.Objective. To assess the impact of this probiotic on the incidence, severity, surgical treatment requirement, and fatality rate of necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely preterm infants.Patients and methods. Retrospective, cohort study. Data were analyzed using Stata. Fisher's exact test was used to compare percentages, and the unequal variances t-test, for averages. Infants discharged between 2015 and 2017 received Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis (LRP), in a single dose (1 x 108 colony forming units), since the first days of life until 36 weeks of corrected gestational age. Controls discharged between 2012 and 2014 did not receive LRP.Results. Some degree of enterocolitis was observed in 3.45 % of cases: stage I (64 %), stage II (18 %), stage III (18 %); 18 % required surgery, and there were no deaths. Among historical controls, 3.75 % had enterocolitis: stage I (12 %), stage II (35 %), stage III (53 %); 64.7 % required surgery, and 47 % died. In the intervention group, stage II or III accounted for 36 % of cases, whereas in the control group, for 88 %.Conclusion. Administering a single daily dose of LRP to extremely preterm infants did not affect the incidence of enterocolitis, but reduced its severity, fatality rate, and surgical treatment requiremen

Association between ventilatory settings and pneumothorax in extremely preterm neonates

OBJECTIVES: Pneumothorax is a catastrophic event associated with high morbidity and mortality, and it is relatively common in neonates. This study aimed to investigate the association between ventilatory parameters and the risk of developing pneumothorax in extremely low birth weight neonates. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cohort study analyzed 257 extremely low birth weight neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit between January 2012 and December 2017. A comparison was carried out to evaluate the highest value of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), peak inspiratory pressure (PIP), and driving pressure (DP) in the first 7 days of life between neonates who developed pneumothorax and those who did not. The primary outcome was pneumothorax with chest drainage necessity in the first 7 days of life. A matched control group was created in order to adjust for cofounders associated with pneumothorax (CRIB II score, birth weight, and gestational age). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in PEEP, PIP, and DP values in the first 7 days of life between extremely low birth weight neonates who had pneumothorax with chest drainage necessity and those who did not have pneumothorax, even after adjusting for potential cofounders. CONCLUSIONS: Pressure-related ventilatory settings in mechanically ventilated extremely low birth weight neonates are not associated with a higher risk of pneumothorax in the first 7 days of life.

Intra- and inter-rater reliability of a biophotogrammetric assessment protocol for preterm infants / Confiabilidade intra e interexaminador do protocolo de avaliação biofotogramétrica em prematuros

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the intra- and inter-rater reliability of a biophotogrammetric assessment protocol for thoracoabdominal motion in preterm infants. Methods: This is an analytical cross-sectional study. Footage of 40 preterm infants was made in two views (lateral and anterior). The babies were placed in the supine position, with retroverted pelvis and semiflexed knees. Acrylic markers were positioned on surgical tape in eight predetermined anatomical points. We analyzed 4 variables in lateral view and 11 in anterior view (angular and linear) (ImageJ®), divided into two stages: 1. same frames - three blinded evaluators analyzed frames previously selected by the main researcher (inter-rater analysis 1), reviewing these same frames after 15 days (intra-rater analysis 1); 2. different frames - each evaluator selected the frames from the original video and repeated the protocol (inter-rater analysis 2), with a review after 15 days (intra-rater analysis 2). In stage 2, we tested the reliability of the entire process, from image selection to the analysis of variables. Data agreement and reproducibility were obtained by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Agreement was high, particularly in angular variables (ICC 0.82 to 0.99). Linear variables ranged between very good and excellent in analysis 1 (same frames: ICC 0.64 to 0.99) and analysis 2 (different frames: ICC 0.44 to 0.89). Conclusions: The present study suggests that the proposed protocol for the thoracoabdominal motion analysis of preterm neonates has high reliability.

RESUMO Objetivo: Mensurar a confiabilidade intra e interexaminador de um protocolo de avaliação biofotogramétrica da mobilidade toracoabdominal de prematuros. Métodos: Estudo de caráter transversal e analítico. Incluíram-se filmagens de 40 prematuros em duas vistas (lateral e superior), realizadas em supino, pelve retrovertida e joelhos em semiflexão. Marcadores de acrílico foram posicionados sobre Micropores em oito pontos anatômicos predeterminados. Foram analisadas 4 variáveis na vista lateral e 11 na vista superior (angulares e lineares) (ImageJ®), divididas em duas etapas: (1-Frames iguais) análises de fotogramas previamente selecionados pela pesquisadora principal por três avaliadores cegos (análise interexaminador 1), com reanálise desses mesmos fotogramas após 15 dias (análise intraexaminador 1); (2-Frames diferentes) cada avaliador selecionou os fotogramas por meio do vídeo original e repetiu o protocolo (análise interexaminador 2), com reanálise após 15 dias (análise intraexaminador 2). Em (2), foi testada a confiabilidade de todo o processo de análise, desde a separação das imagens até a análise das variáveis. A concordância e reprodutibilidade dos dados foram obtidas pelo coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (CCI). Resultados: Houve concordância forte, com ênfase nas variáveis angulares (CCI [0,82 a 0,99]). As variáveis lineares apresentaram variação entre muito boa e excelente na análise 1 (frames iguais: CCI 0,64 a 0,99) e na análise 2 (frames diferentes: CCI entre 0,44 e 0,89). Conclusões: O presente estudo sugere forte confiabilidade do protocolo proposto para análise da movimentação toracoabdominal de neonatos prematuros.

Patent ductus arteriosus closure: experience from a tertiary referral center / Experiência de uma maternidade terciária no fechamento do canal arterial patente

ABSTRACT Objective: To characterize the number and methods of closure of Persistent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) over a span of 16 years in a third level maternity hospital. Methods: Retrospective study of neonates born between January 2003 and Deccember 2018, who underwent ductus arteriosus closure by pharmacological, surgical and/or transcatheter methods. Gestational age, birth weight, number and methods of closures per year were evaluated. The success rate of the pharmacologic method was calculated, as well as the mortality rate. The association between mortality and birthweight, treatment used and treatment failure was explored. Results: There were 47,198 births, 5,156 were preterm, 325 presented PDA and 106 were eligible for closure (median gestational age - 27 weeks, birthweight <1000 g - 61%). Frequency of PDA closure decreased during the study period, especially starting in 2010. Success rate with pharmacologic treatment was 62% after the first cycle and 74% after the second. After drug failure, 12 underwent surgical ligation and two underwent transcatheter closure. Exclusive surgical ligation was indicated in four infants. Ibuprofen replaced indomethacin in 2010, and acetaminophen was used in three infants. Among the 106 infants, hospital mortality was 12% and it was associated with birthweight <1000 g (13/65 <1000 vs. 0/41 >1000 g; p=0.002) and with failure in the first pharmacologic treatment cycle (13/27 with failure, vs. 0/75 without failure; p<0.001). Conclusions: The national consensus published in 2010 for the diagnosis and treatment of PDA in preterm infants led to a decrease in the indication for closure. Pharmacological closure was the method of choice, followed by surgical ligation. Birthweight <1000 g and first cycle of pharmacologic treatment failure were associated with higher mortality.

RESUMO Objetivo: Caraterizar o número e métodos de fechamento de canal arterial durante 16 anos numa maternidade de nível terciário. Métodos: Estudo retrospetivo de nascidos entre 01 de janeiro de 2003 a 31 de dezembro de 2018 submetidos a fechamento do canal arterial por métodos farmacológico, cirúrgico e/ou percutâneo. Avaliaram-se idade gestacional, sexo, peso ao nascimento, número de fechamentos por ano e método utilizado. Aferiram-se as taxas de sucesso de método farmacológico e de mortalidade e sua associação com peso ao nascer, fármaco utilizado e insucesso do fechamento. Resultados: Verificaram-se 47.198 recém-nascidos, 5.156 prematuros, dos quais 325 com canal arterial patente, sendo 106 com indicação para fechamento (idade gestacional mediana 27 semanas, peso <1000 g em 61%). Verificou-se diminuição do número de fechamentos ao longo dos anos, sobretudo a partir de 2010. O fechamento ocorreu em 62% após primeiro ciclo de tratamento farmacológico e em 74% após segundo. Após insucesso farmacológico, 12 realizaram ligadura cirúrgica e dois, fechamento percutâneo. Houve indicação de ligadura cirúrgica exclusiva em quatro. O ibuprofeno substituiu a indometacina em 2010. O acetaminofen foi usado em três doentes. A mortalidade nos 106 pacientes foi de 12%, associando-se ao peso ao nascer (13/65 <1000 vs. 0/41 >1000 g; p=0,002) e à falha do primeiro ciclo de tratamento farmacológico (13/27 com falha vs. 0/75 com sucesso; p<0,001). Conclusões: Consenso nacional de 2010 para diagnóstico e tratamento do canal arterial nos prematuros levou à diminuição do número de fechamentos desse canal. O fechamento farmacológico foi o método mais utilizado, seguido da ligadura cirúrgica. Peso <1000 g e falha no primeiro ciclo de fechamento farmacológico se associaram à maior mortalidade.

Construction and validation of the neonatal nutritional risk screening tool / Construção e validação da ferramenta de avaliação de risco nutricional neonatal

ABSTRACT Objective: To develop and validate both the content and reliability of the Neonatal Nutritional Risk Screening Tool (FARNNeo). Methods: Methodological study, convergent care. The instrument was built prior to the literature review and was analyzed by eight judges, during three cycles of the Delphi technique. The judges assessed their relevance and clarity with responses on the Likert scale with three levels, in addition to suggestions. The validation of the instrument was calculated using the agreement rate and content validity index (CVI). After content validation, the instrument was applied by four assisting nutritionists to verify reliability, using Cronbach`s alpha coefficient and the agreement between the evaluators by the Kappa coefficient. Results: All items of the instrument`s content reached the minimum agreement rate (90%) and/or CVI (0.9), except for item three, which in the first cycle obtained CVI 0.77 and 40% of agreement and, in the second cycle, CVI 0.75 and 38% agreement. At the end of the third cycle, all items had CVI values above 0.9. In the instrument application, alpha of 0.96 and Kappa of 0.74 were obtained, which reflect adequate values of internal consistency and agreement between the evaluators. Conclusions: FARNNeo proved to be reliable, clear, relevant, and reproducible for tracking early nutritional risk, systematizing the care of Brazilian newborns admitted to an intensive care unit.

RESUMO Objetivo: Desenvolver e validar o conteúdo e a confiabilidade da Ferramenta de Avaliação do Risco Nutricional Neonatal (FARNNeo). Métodos: Estudo metodológico, convergente assistencial. O instrumento foi construído previamente à revisão da literatura e analisado por oito juízes, durante três ciclos da técnica Delphi. Os juízes avaliaram sua pertinência e clareza com respostas na escala Likert com três níveis, além de sugestões. A validação do instrumento foi calculada pela taxa de concordância e índice de validade de conteúdo (IVC). Após a validação do conteúdo, o instrumento foi aplicado por quatro nutricionistas assistenciais para verificar a fidedignidade, utilizando o coeficiente de alfa de Cronbach e a concordância entre os avaliadores pelo coeficiente Kappa. Resultados: Todos os itens do conteúdo do instrumento alcançaram o valor mínimo da taxa de concordância (90%) e/ou IVC (0,9), com exceção do item três, que no primeiro ciclo obteve IVC 0,77 e 40% de concordância e, no segundo ciclo, IVC 0,75 e 38% de concordância. No fim do terceiro ciclo, todos os itens obtiveram valores de IVC acima de 0,9. Na aplicação da ferramenta, obteve-se alfa de 0,96 e Kappa de 0,74, que refletem valores adequados de consistência interna e concordância entre os avaliadores. Conclusões: A FARNNeo mostrou-se confiável, clara, pertinente e reprodutível para rastreamento do risco nutricional precoce, sistematizando o atendimento de recém-nascidos brasileiros internados em centro de terapia intensiva.

Retratamento com surfactante em prematuros de muito baixo peso: preditores de risco e sua influência nos resultados neonatais / Retreatment with surfactant in very low birth weight preterm infants: risk predictors and their influence on neonatal outcomes

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess clinical predictors and outcomes associated to the need for surfactant retreatment in preterm infants. Methods: Retrospective cohort study, including very low birth weight preterm infants from January 2006 to December 2015 who underwent surfactant replacement therapy. Beractant was used (100 mg/kg), repeated every six hours if FiO2 ≥0.40. The subjects were classified into two groups: single surfactant dose; and more than one dose (retreatment). We evaluated maternal and neonatal predictors for the need of retreatment and neonatal outcomes associated to retreatment. Results: A total of 605 patients (44.5%) received surfactant; 410 (67.8%) one dose, and 195 (32.2%) more than one dose: 163 (83.5%) two doses and 32 (16.4%) three doses. We could not find clinical predictors for surfactant retreatment. Retreatment was associated to a greater chance of BPD in infants >1000 g (RR 1.78; 95%CI 1.30‒2.45) and ≤1000 g (RR 1.33; 95%CI 1.04‒1.70), in infants with gestational age<28 weeks (RR 1.56; 95%CI 1.12‒2.18) and ≥28 weeks (RR 1.50; 95%CI 1.17‒1.92), in neonates with early sepsis (RR 1.48; 95%CI 1.20‒1.81), and in infants not exposed to antenatal corticosteroids (RR 1.62; 95%CI 1.20‒2.17) Conclusions: We could not find predictor factors associated to surfactant retreatment. The need for two or more doses of surfactant was significantly related to bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar preditores clínicos e resultados associados à necessidade de retratamento com surfactante. Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva com prematuros de muito baixo peso, no período de janeiro de 2006 a dezembro de 2015, em uso de terapia de reposição de surfactante. O surfactante utilizado foi beractante (100 mg/kg), repetido a cada seis horas se FiO2≥0.40. Foram analisados dois grupos: dose única de surfactante e mais de uma dose (retratamento). Foram avaliados preditores maternos e neonatais para retratamento e resultados neonatais. Resultados: 605 pacientes (44,5%) receberam surfactante; 410 (67,8%) uma dose e 195 (32,2%) mais de uma dose: 163 (83,5%) duas doses e 32 (16.4%) três doses. Não foram encontrados fatores associados ao retratamento com surfactante. A displasia broncopulmonar (DBP) foi associada ao retratamento (p<0.01). A presença de retratamento aumentou a chance de ocorrência de DBP em neonatos >1000 g (RR 1,78; IC95% 1,30‒2,45) e ≤1000 g (RR 1,33; IC95% 1,04‒1,70), em recém-nascidos com idade gestacional <28 semanas (RR 1,56; IC95% 1,12‒218) e ≥28 semanas (RR 1,50; IC95% 1,17‒1,92), naqueles com sepse precoce (RR 1,48; IC95% 1,20‒1,81), e nos que não foram expostos ao corticoide antenatal (RR 1,62; IC95% 1,20‒2,17). Conclusões: Não encontramos fatores preditores associados à necessidade de retratamento. A necessidade de duas ou mais doses de surfactante está associada à displasia broncopulmonar.

Does ADHD worsen inhibitory control in preschool children born very premature and/or with very low birth weight?

Abstract Introduction Deficits in executive functioning, especially in inhibitory control, are present in children born very premature and/or with very low birth weight (VP/VLBW) and in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Objective To evaluate whether ADHD imposes additional inhibitory control (IC) deficits in preschoolers born VP/VLBW. Methods 79 VP/VLBW (4 to 7 years) children were assessed for ADHD using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Aged Children - Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL). IC was measured with Conners' Kiddie Continuous Performance Test (K-CPT 2) and the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function - Preschool Version (BRIEF-P).Results: No significant differences were found between ADHD (n = 24) and non-ADHD children (n = 55) for any of the measures (p = 0.062 to p = 0.903). Both groups had deficits in most K-CPT 2 scores compared to normative samples, indicating poor IC and inconsistent reaction times. Conclusions ADHD does not aggravate IC deficits in VP/VLBW children. Either neuropsychological tasks and parent reports of executive functions (EFs) may not be sensitive enough to differentiate VP/VLBW preschoolers with and without ADHD, or these children's EFs are already so impaired that there is not much room for additional impairments imposed by ADHD.

Desarrollo psicomotor a los 18 meses de edad cronológica en recién nacidos de pretérminos extremos: comparación entre edad cronológica y edad corregida / Psychomotor development at 18 months of chronological age in extreme preterm infants: comparison between chronological age and corrected age

En recién nacidos pretérmino extremo (RNPTE) históricamente se ha utilizado la edad corregida (ECo) en la evaluación del desarrollo psicomotor (DSM). Existe controversia en la evidencia respecto de utilidad de esta práctica y riesgo de sobrecorregir. OBJETIVOS: escribir DSM a 18 meses edad cronológica (ECr) en RNPTE, y compararlo con DSM según ECo. OBJETIVO SECUNDARIO: evaluar presencia de patologías o complicaciones de prematurez, en pacientes con retraso en algún área de DSM según ECr. Pacientes y MÉTODO: Estudio de cohorte prospectivo que incluyó RNPTE nacidos en Hospital San José entre Enero y Octubre 2016 con seguimiento en Hospital Roberto del Río. Se aplicó test de Bayley III a 18 meses de ECr y se comparó resultados con ECo. El retraso en algún área según ECr implicó una evaluación clínica neurológica. RESULTADOS: Nacieron 111 pacientes RNPTE entre enero-octubre 2016, 55 participaron del estudio. Según ECr catalogaron 30 pacientes normales y 21 en riesgo. Según ECo, 46 fueron catalogados normales y 5 en riesgo. Los 4 pacientes con retraso según ECr, persistieron en retraso al evaluar según ECo. Evaluación neurológica en pacientes con retraso evidenció trastornos neurológicos que explicaban esta condición. CONCLUSIÓN: Evaluar DSM en RNPTE a 18 meses de ECr permitiría detección de pacientes con riesgo de retraso, a diferencia de lo evaluado por Eco, que es relevante para seguimiento neurológico estrecho. Todos los RNPTE con retraso de DSM en algún área presentan un trastorno neurológico severo que lo explica y no es un desarrollo "madurativo" enlentecido de la prematurez.

In extreme preterm newborns (EPN), corrected age (CoA) has historically been used to evaluate psychomotor development (PSD). There is controversy in the evidence regarding this practice's usefulness and the risk of overcorrection. OBJECTIVE: To describe PSD at 18 months of chronological age (ChrA) in EPN and compare it with CoA. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the presence of pathologies or complications of prematurity in patients with delay in any area using ChrA. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cohort prospective study that included EPN patients born in San José Hospital between January and October 2016 with follow-up in Roberto del Río Hospital. Bayley III test was applied at 18 months ChrA and its results were compared with CoA. Delay in any area according to ChrA implied a clinical neurological evaluation. RESULTS: 111 EPN were born in San José Hospital (January-October 2016), 55 participated in the study. According to ChrA, 30 patients were cataloged as normal and 21 at risk. According to CoA, 46 were classified as normal and 5 at risk. The 4 patients with delay according to ChrA persisted in this category when evaluated with CoA. Neurological evaluation in patients with delay evidenced neurological disorders that explained this condition. CONCLUSION: Assessing PSD in EPN at 18 months ChrA allows early detection of patients with risk of developmental delay, regarding the use of CoA, with importance of a neurological follow-up of this group. All patients with delay in PSD had a severe neurological disorder that explained this delay, which was not just a slow "madurative" development of prematurity. .

Sepsis por Lactobacillus reuteri en un recién nacido pretérmino: reporte de un caso / Sepsis due to Lactobacillus reuteri in an extreme preterm newborn: case report

La utilización de probióticos en la población neonatal ha contribuido a una disminución de la morbilidad y mortalidad en esta población a través de la reducción en la incidencia de entidades como enterocolitis necrosante, infecciones asociadas al cuidado de la salud y sepsis neonatal. A pesar de los múltiples efectos beneficiosos descritos, este tipo de medicamentos debe ser administrado con precaución en los pacientes de alto riesgo, debido a que se han documentado reportes de casos de sepsis neonatal por Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Saccharomyces boulardii y Bifidobacterium, entre otros. Se presenta un caso atípico de sepsis neonatal por Lactobacillus reuteri en un recién nacido pretérmino extremo en una institución de alta complejidad en la ciudad de Bogotá D. C., Colombia. El desenlace, en nuestro caso, fue fatal, pese al manejo médico establecido.

The use of probiotics in the neonatal population has contributed to a decrease in morbidity and mortality in this population through the reduction in the incidence of entities such as necrotizing enterocolitis, infections associated with health care and neonatal sepsis. Despite the multiple beneficial effects described due to the use of probiotics, this type of medication should be administered with caution in high-risk patients because reports of cases of neonatal sepsis by Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Saccharomyces boulardii and Bifidobacterium, among others, have been documented. We present an atypical case of neonatal sepsis due to Lactobacillus reuteri in an extreme preterm newborn in a highly complex institution in the city of Bogotá D. C., Colombia. The outcome in our case was fatal despite the established medical management.

Análogos de prostaglandinas I2 (epoprostenol y treprostinil) para el tratamiento de la hipertensión pulmonar refractaria secundaria a displasia broncopulmonar en un lactante / Prostaglandin 12 analogs (epoprostenol and treprostinil) as a treatment for refractory bronchopulmonary dysplasia-induced pulmonary hypertension in an infant

La hipertensión pulmonar es una complicación frecuente de la displasia broncopulmonar. A pesar de su alta incidencia, existen pocos tratamientos disponibles. El epoprostenol y el treprostinil son análogos de las prostaglandinas I2, que activan la adenilato ciclasa e incrementan el adenosín monofosfato cíclico en las células de la musculatura lisa de la arteria pulmonar y pueden resultar eficaces en el tratamiento de estos pacientes. Se presenta el caso de un prematuro de extremado bajo peso con hipertensión pulmonar secundaria a displasia broncopulmonar grave, no respondedora a óxido nítrico inhalado y sildenafilo, que fue tratado con análogos de prostaglandinas I2. En nuestro paciente, este tratamiento evidenció mejoría clínica y ecocardiográfica significativa tras varias semanas de tratamiento.

Pulmonary hypertension is a common complication of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, with a high mortality rate. Despite the high incidence of pulmonary hypertension, there are few available treatments. Epoprostenol and treprostinil are prostaglandin I2 analogs that activate adenylate cyclase and increase cyclic adenosine monophosphate in the pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells. Therefore, they may be an effective treatment for these patients. We report the use of prostaglandin I2 analogs in an extremely low birth weight preterm baby with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia associated with pulmonary hypertension non-responding to inhaled nitric oxide and sildenafil. In our patient this treatment resulted in remarkable clinical and echocardiographic improvement, evident after a few weeks of treatment.

Mortalidade no primeiro dia de vida: tendências, causas de óbito e evitabilidade em oito Unidades da Federação brasileira, entre 2010 e 2015 / Mortalidad en el primer día de vida: tendencias, causas de muerte y evitabilidad en ocho Unidades de la Federación brasileña, entre 2010 y 2015 / Mortality on the first day of life: trends, causes of death and avoidability in eight Brazilian Federative Units, between 2010 and 2015

Objetivo: calcular taxas de mortalidade no primeiro dia de vida entre 2010 e 2015 em oito Unidades da Federação brasileira com melhor qualidade de informação, avaliar fatores associados e classificar os óbitos segundo causa básica e evitabilidade. Métodos: estudo descritivo; as taxas foram comparadas conforme características maternas e da criança; a análise de evitabilidade usou a 'Lista brasileira de causas de mortes evitáveis'. Resultados: 21,6% (n=20.791) dos óbitos infantis ocorreram no primeiro dia de vida; a taxa de mortalidade reduziu-se de 2,7 para 2,3 óbitos/1.000 nascidos vivos; observaram-se maiores taxas em NV com baixo peso, nascidos pré-termo e filhos de mães sem escolaridade; as principais causas dos óbitos foram síndrome da angústia respiratória (8,9%) e imaturidade extrema (5,2%); 66,3% das causas de óbito foram consideradas evitáveis. Conclusão: dois terços dos óbitos no primeiro dia de vida poderiam ser evitados por atenção adequada à mulher na gestação e no parto, e ao NV.

Objetivo: calcular la mortalidad en el primer día de vida entre 2010 y 2015 en ocho Unidades de la Federación brasileña con mejor calidad de información, analizar factores asociados y clasificar las causas básicas y la evitabilidad de los óbitos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo; las tasas de mortalidad fueron comparadas según las características maternas y del recién nacido (RN); el análisis de evitabilidad utilizó la 'Lista brasileña de causas de muertes evitables'. Resultados: un 21,6% (n=20.791) de los óbitos infantiles ocurrió en el primer día de vida; la tasa de mortalidad se redujo de 2,7 a 2,3 óbitos/1.000 nacidos vivos (NV); las tasas fueron mayores en NV de bajo peso, prematuros e hijos de madres sin escolaridad; las principales causas de óbito fueron síndrome de angustia respiratoria (8,9%) e inmadurez extrema (5,2%); un 66,3% de las causas de óbito fueron consideradas evitables. Conclusión: 2/3 de los óbitos en el primer día de vida podrían haber sido evitados con una atención adecuada a la mujer embarazada, al parto y al NV.

Objective: to calculate mortality rates on the first day of life from 2010 to 2015 in eight Brazilian Federative Units providing better quality information, to assess associated factors and to classify deaths by underlying causes and avoidability. Methods: this was a descriptive study; mortality rates were compared according to maternal and child characteristics; avoidability analysis used the 'Brazilian list of avoidable causes of death'. Results: 21.6% (n=20,791) of all infant deaths occurred on the first day of life; the mortality rate reduced from 2.7 to 2.3 deaths/1,000 live births; rates were higher in live births with low birthweight and preterm births, and among babies born to mothers with no schooling; main causes of death were respiratory distress syndrome (8.9%) and extreme immaturity (5.2%); 66.3% of causes of death were avoidable. Conclusion: 2/3 of deaths on the first day of life could have been avoided with adequate care for women during pregnancy and delivery and adequate care for live births.

Morbimortalidad de recién nacidos prematuros extremos atendidos en el hospital de los valles desde enero 2014 a diciembre 2018 / Morbimortality of extreme premature newborns treated in the valleys hospital from January 2014 to December 2018

Introducción. La neonatología del Hospital de los Valles (HDLV) es un centro de referencia de cuarto nivel con atención de pacientes prematuros que presentan un mayor riesgo de morbimortalidad y en quienes aún hay debate sobre la edad gestacional aceptable para aunar esfuerzos en tratamiento y sobrevida. En los Estados Unidos, la tasa de nacimientos prematuros, que había aumentado constantemente durante la década de 1990 y principios de 2000, ha disminuido anualmente durante 7 años y ahora es aproximadamente del 11,39%. La viabilidad humana, definida como la edad gestacional en la que la posibilidad de supervivencia es del 50%, actualmente es de aproximadamente 23 a 24 semanas en los países desarrollados, con una supervivencia de prematuros de 25 semanas superior al 60%. Materiales y Métodos. Es un estudio descriptivo transversal de tipo retrospectivo, en el que se tomó como población a todos los niños nacidos antes de las 28 semanas de gestación atendidos en el Hospital de los Valles desde enero del 2014 a diciembre del 2018, se obtuvieron los datos de la base de datos EpicLatino y de las historias clínicas de los pacientes, Los datos obtenidos fueron ingresados en el programa Excel para su tabulación y análisis. Resultados. Entre enero del 2014 a diciembre del 2018 se registraron 1710 pacientes de los cuales 479 son prematuros y de estos 29 son prematuros extremos. Se registraron 8 fallecimientos 5 de los cuales nacieron fuera de la institución, la edad gestacional más temprana con sobrevida es de 24.5 semanas y el menor peso registrado es de 575 gramos, la morbilidad más comúnmente asociada a la prematurez extrema en orden descendente es enfermedad de membrana hialina, anemia, sepsis y broncodisplasia pulmonar, no hay registro de retinopatía y se reportaron 6 casos de hemorragia intraventricular. El peso promedio de alta es de 2045 gramos, con 16 pacientes enviados a casa con oxigeno domiciliario. Conclusión. La neonatología del HDLV presta atención de cuarto nivel con una sobrevida en pacientes menores de 28 semanas de edad gestacional comparable con otras instituciones a nivel mundial, con una mejor respuesta en pacientes nacidos dentro de la propia institución, es importante que los pacientes que tengan riesgo de nacer a edades gestacionales muy cortas sean derivados oportunamente a instituciones con mayor capacidad resolutiva en bien del paciente y su familia.

is an increased risk of morbidity and mortality and in whom there is still debate about the acceptable gestational age to combine efforts in treatment and survival. In the United States, the rate of premature births, which had steadily increased during the 1990s and early 2000s, has decreased annually for 7 years and now is approximately 11.39%. Human viability, defined as gestational age in which the possibility of survival is 50%, currently is approximately 23 to 24 weeks in developed countries, with a survival of preterm infants of 25 weeks greater than 60% . Materials and methods. This is a cross-sectional, retrospective descriptive study, in which all children born before the 28 weeks of gestation attended at the Hospital de los Valles from January 2014 to December 2018 were taken as a population. EpicLatino database and the patient's medical records. The data obtained were entered into the Excel program for tabulation and analysis. Results Between January 2014 and December 2018, 1710 patients were registered, of whom 479 are premature and of these 29 are premature preterm infants. There were 8 deaths 5 of which were born out of the institution, the earliest gestational age with survival is 24.5 weeks and the lowest recorded weight is 575 grams, the morbidity most commonly associated with extreme prematurity in descending order is disease. hyaline membrane, anemia, sepsis and pulmonary bronchodysplasia, there is no record of retinopathy and 6 cases of intraventricular hemorrhage were reported. The average dischange weight is 2045 grams, with 16 patients sent home with home oxygen. Conclusion. HDLV neonatology provides fourth level care with a survival in patients younger than 28 weeks gestational age comparable with other institutions worldwide, with a better response in patients born within the institution itself, it is important that patients at risk of being born at very short gestational ages are opportunely referred to institutions with greater resolutive capacity for the good of the patient and his family.

Fatores de risco de óbito neonatal em região do interior paulista, Brasil / Risk factors for neonatal death in an inland region in the State of São Paulo Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste artigo é identificar os fatores de risco de óbito neonatal em região do interior paulista. Estudo de casos e controles. O grupo casos foi constituído por 162 crianças/óbitos neonatais ocorridos em 2009 na região do Departamento Regional de Saúde VI- Bauru/SP. Compuseram o grupo controle 324 crianças selecionadas do Sistema de Informações de Nascidos Vivos dentre aquelas com o mesmo ano de nascimento e município de residência. Para identificar os fatores associados ao óbito neonatal, realizou-se análise de regressão logística univariada e múltipla hierarquizada, estimando-se as razões de odds (e respectivos intervalos de confiança de 95%) brutas e ajustadas para potenciais fatores de confusão. Apresentaram maior chance de óbito os neonatos cujas mães tinham história de óbito infantil, realizaram até três consultas pré-natais e idade gestacional inferior a 28 semanas. A influência do peso ao nascer foi observada apenas entre crianças com peso inferior a 1500g. Este estudo identificou, de maneira independente, cinco fatores de risco para o óbito neonatal, com destaque para a história materna de óbito infantil anterior, fator ainda não valorizado em estudos prévios.

Abstract The main objective of this study was to identify risk factors for neonatal death in an inland region of the State of São Paulo. A case-control study was conducted using a case group of 162 child deaths that occurred in 2009 in the state's VI Regional Health Department - Bauru. The control group consisted of 324 children selected from the Live Births Information System database who shared the same birth date and city of residence. Univariate and hierarchical multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with neonatal death by calculating crude odds ratios adjusted for potential confounders and respective 95% confidence intervals. Results: The likelihood of neonatal death was greater among women who had had a history of infant death (OR = 24.97, CI = 12.20 to 51.10) and who had had only up to three antenatal appointments (OR = 11.40, CI = 5, 92 to 21.93), and among infants born at less than 28 weeks of gestation (OR = 168.00, CI = 49.63 to 568.66). The influence of birth weight was also observed among newborns weighing under 1,500g. Conclusions: This study identified five independent risk factors for neonatal death, the most notable of which is maternal history of neonatal death, which has not been properly acknowledged as a risk factor by previous studies.

Triagem neurológica de recém-nascidos pré-termo com hemorragias peri e intraventriculares: estudo transversal observacional / Neurological screening of preterm infants with peri- and intra-ventricular hemorrhage: observation transversal study

INTRODUÇÃO: Recém-nascidos pré-termo (RNPT) com menos de 27 semanas de idade gestacional apresentam vulnerabilidade para o desenvolvimento de hemorragias peri e intraventriculares (HPIV), o que pode afetar a mielinização e organização do córtex cerebral, acarretando possíveis prejuízos ao desenvolvimento. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o comportamento neurológico de RNPT acometido por HPIV com e sem sepse segundo a versão resumida do Método Dubowitz, delimitar a presença de itens desviantes da avaliação e comparar com as respostas obtidas pelo grupo controle (sem HPIV). MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado no Hospital Municipal Universitário de São Bernardo do Campo (SP). Os RNPT foram divididos em três grupos, sendo dois estudos (HPIV e HPIV + sepse) e um controle. Os participantes foram avaliados com idade correspondente ao termo. A versão resumida do método, utilizada como triagem para recém-nascidos de risco neurológico é constituída por 12 itens. As análises foram realizadas segundo pontuações desviantes nestes itens e comparadas com as pontuações esperadas para a normalidade. Os dados obtidos foram comparados na pontuação resumida e na pontuação da versão íntegra. RESULTADOS: A frequência de RNPT com pontuações atípicas foram: 40% no grupo HPIV + sepse, 10% no grupo HPIV e 15% no controle. CONCLUSÃO: A HPIV de forma isolada não parece ser um fator significante para presença de itens desviantes no Método Dubowitz resumido. A presença de HPIV em graus mais severos esteve associada à presença de sepse. Os RNPT com HPIV associada à sepse obtiveram pior desempenho neurológico.

INTRODUCTION: Preterm infants with less than 27 weeks of gestacional age present vulnerability for development of periand intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH). This can affect the myelinization and organization of cerebral cortex, leading to possible developmental impairment. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the neurological behavior of preterm infants affected by PIVH with and without sepsis according to the Dubowitz Method summary, to delimit the presence of deviant items of the evaluation and to compare with the results of the control group (without PIVH). METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. The preterm infants were divided in three groups, two study groups (PIVH and PIVH + sepsis), and one control group. The summary version of the Dubowitz Method was used as a neurological screening for the risk in preterm infants. The analysis was performed according to scores with deviation in these items and compared to the expected normal score. Data obtained were compared using the summary score and the full version of the test. RESULTS: The frequency of abnormal scores was: 40% in the group with PIVH + sepsis, 10% in the group only with PIVH, 15% in the control group. CONCLUSION: The PIVH does not seem to be a significant factor for the presence of items with deviation in the summary version of Dubowitz Method. The presence of PIVH in more severe stages was associated with the presence of sepsis. The preterm infants with PIVH with sepsis obtained worse neurological performance in the test.

Niveles de hormonas tiroideas en recién nacidos muy prematuros y prematuros extremos / Thyroid hormone Levels in very preterm neonates and extremely preterm

INTRODUCCIÓN: La función tiroidea del prematuro se ve alterada por la relativa inmadurez del eje hipotálamo-hipófisis-tiroides, junto a otros factores como la incidencia de enfermedades o el uso de algunos fármacos. Actualmente existe controversia sobre los niveles normales de tiroxina libre (T4L) en recién nacidos prematuros. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la distribución de los valores de hormonas T4L y TSH, en recién nacidos menores de 32 semanas o 1.500g de peso al nacer, a los 15 días de edad cronológica, en el servicio de neonatología Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena, Temuco. Pacientes y MÉTODO: Estudio de corte trasversal, se analizaron los resultados de T4L y TSH desde una base de datos a 308 recién nacidos, los que fueron categorizados en tres rangos de edad gestacional: 31 a 34, 28 a 30 y 23 a 27 semanas. Se utilizó Chi-cuadrado de Pearson para asociaciones entre variables categóricas, y T-Test o ANOVA para comparaciones entre variables continuas. RESULTADOS: Observamos diferencias significativas entre los valores promedio de T4L por rangos de edad gestacional (p = 0,000), estos fueron 1,13 ng/dl para el rango de 31 a 34 semanas, 1,03 ng/dl para el rango de 28 a 30 semanas y 0,92 ng/dl para el rango de 23 a 27 semanas; no observamos diferencias significativas en los niveles de TSH por categorías de edad gestacional (p = 0,663). CONCLUSIONES: Establecimos la distribución de los niveles de T4L y TSH en nuestra población de recién nacidos muy prematuros y prematuros extremos, encontrando diferencias con reportes anteriores.

INTRODUCTION: The thyroid function of the pretern infant is altered by the relative immaturity of the hypothalamus-pituitary thyroid gland axis, along with other factors such as the incidence of diseases or the use of some drugs. Currently, there is controversy over normal levels of free thyroxine (FT4) in preterm infants. Our objective was to determine the distribution of FT4 and TSH values in newborn younger than 32 weeks or 1500 g of birth weight at 15 days of chronological age, in the neonatology service at Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena Hospital, Temuco. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cross-sectional study; the results of FT4 and TSH from a database of 308 newborns, were analyzed, which were categorized into three gestational age ranges, 31-34, 28-30 and 23-27 weeks. It was used Pearson Chi-square for comparisons between categorical variables, and T-Test or ANOVA for categorical-variable ratios. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed between the average values of FT4 by gestatio nal age ranges (p = 0.000), these were 1.13 ng/dl for the range of 31 to 34 weeks, 1.03 ng/dl for the range of 28 to 30 weeks and 0.92 ng/dl for the range of 23 to 27 weeks; we did not observe significant differences in TSH levels by gestational age categories (p = 0.663). CONCLUSIONS: We established the distribution of FT4 and TSH levels in our population of very preterm and extremely preterm infants, finding differences with previous papers.