Reporting interhospital neonatal intensive care transport: international five-step Delphi-based template.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a general and internationally applicable template of data variables for reporting interhospital neonatal intensive care transports. DESIGN: A five-step Delphi method. SETTING: A group of experts was guided through a formal consensus process using email. SUBJECTS: 12 experts in neonatal intensive care transports from Canada, Denmark, Norway, the UK and the USA. Four women and eight men. The experts were neonatologists, anaesthesiologists, intensive care nurse, anaesthetic nurse, medical leaders, researchers and a parent representative. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: 37 data variables were included in the final template. RESULTS: Consensus was achieved on a template of 37 data variables with definitions. 30 variables to be registered for each transport and 7 for annual registration of the system of the transport service. 11 data variables under the category structure, 20 under process and 6 under outcome. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a template with a set of data variables to be registered for neonatal intensive care transports. To register the same data will enable larger datasets and comparing services.

Which left atrial volume measurement should we use in the neonatal intensive care?

BACKGROUND: Increased left atrial volume (LAV) is a marker of cardiovascular risk. Echocardiography standards to assess LAV in adults and children are the biplane area-length method (AL) and method of disks (MOD). LAV in neonatology is usually derived as M-mode ratio between the LA and the Aorta (LAAo). The aim of this study is to determine feasibility and reliability of these methods in neonatal clinical practice. METHODS: Clinically indicated echocardiograms in neonatal intensive care patients were retrospectively analyzed. Feasibility was determined with an image quality score describing insonation angle, foreshortening and wall clarity. Reliability was determined with Bland-Altman and correlation coefficient analysis of intra- and inter-observer measurements. RESULTS: 104 infants ranging from 23 to 39 weeks gestation were included. The feasibility of LAAo, AL and MOD was comparable (median image score 4 out of 6 points). Linear regression between AL and MOD was excellent (R2 0.99). LAAo best-fit with MOD was reached with curve-linear regression (R2 0.28) whereby a LAAo of 1.60 correlated with 1.24 ml/kg, but with a wide 95 % CI. The correlation coefficient within and between observers for LAAo, biplane AL, biplane MOD and monoplane MOD was 0.93 (0.87-0.96), 0.98 (0.96-0.99), 0.98 (0.96-0.99), 0.99 (0.97-0.99) and 0.58 (0.11-0.81), 0.75 (0.44-0.89), 0.92 (0.88-0.98), 0.96 (0.88-0.98) respectively. CONCLUSION: All methods were equally feasible and reliable when repeated by the same observer, but LAAo reliability was poor when repeated by a different observer. Biplane MOD was the most reliable and thus recommended in neonatal practice. Monoplane MOD performed well and could be considered as alternative but might be less accurate.

360-degree phenomenology: A qualitative approach to exploring the infant experience of hospitalisation in neonatal intensive care.

This paper describes the development and justification of a qualitative methodology aimed at exploring the infant's personal experience of hospitalisation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We begin by briefly reviewing existing methods for documenting and recording infant experiences. These methods focus on the clinical needs of the infant predominantly through quantifiable medical outcome data. Research understanding their experience of receiving clinical care is lacking. By exploring newborn infant behaviour, cues, and communication strategies we assert the infant as a capable participant in neonatal research. We then describe the methodology and methods which we have named 360-degree phenomenology that draws directly from the capabilities and knowledge of the infants themselves. We propose this methodology will address the gap in the literature by enabling a rich and comprehensive overview of the early life experiences of infants hospitalised in NICU.

Exploring Parent Experiences With Early Palliative Care Practices in the NICU.

BACKGROUND: The anxiety and uncertain outcome of an admission of a seriously ill infant to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) can cause great stress for parents and contribute to poor mental health outcomes. Early implementation of family-centered palliative care (PC) may provide support for NICU parents. Key concepts of early PC in the NICU include shared decision-making, care planning, and support for coping with distress. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore parent experiences during their child's NICU admission with the early PC practices of shared decision-making, care planning, and coping with distress. METHODS: Qualitative descriptive methodology was used. Strategies of reflexive journaling, peer debriefing, and data audits were used to enhance trustworthiness. Parents (N = 16) were interviewed, and data were analyzed by conventional content analysis. Targeted recruitment of fathers occurred to ensure they comprised 25% of sample. RESULTS: Parents' descriptions of decision-making were contextualized in gathering information to make a decision, the emotional impact of the decision, and influences on their decision-making. In experiences with care planning, parents described learning to advocate, having a spectator versus participant role, and experiencing care planning as communication. Key themes expressed regarding parental coping were exposure to trauma, survival mode, and a changing support network. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: These findings highlight key areas for practice improvement: providing more support and collaboration in decision-making, true engagement of parents in care planning, and encouraging peer support and interaction in the NICU and in online communities.

Transient abnormal myelopoiesis requiring advanced neonatal intensive care treatment.

AIM: Five to thirty percent of neonates with trisomy 21 develop transient abnormal myelopoiesis (TAM) with a high mortality rate. The aim of the study was to identify contributing factors that determine mortality and need for chemotherapy in this patient group. METHODS: Six-year, single-centre, retrospective study of neonatal TAM cases requiring admission to intensive care. Data were collected from electronic patient records, laboratory and genetic results. The odds ratio was calculated to assess the likelihood of neonates with certain clinical characteristics having short-term mortality and needing chemotherapy. RESULTS: Twenty-one neonates were studied with a mortality rate of 28%. Neonates requiring inotropic support (OR 19, 95% CI: 0.9-399, p = 0.05) and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) (OR 13, 95% CI: 1.4-124.3, p = 0.03) were less likely to survive to discharge. Neonates needing mechanical ventilation (OR 14, 95% CI: 1.1-185.5, p = 0.04), or a white cell count >50 × 109/L (OR 27, 95% CI: 1.2-605.7, p = 0.04) were more likely to receive chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: A high mortality rate was identified in TAM neonates with symptomatic pulmonary hypertension (PH) needing active treatment strategies, such as inotropes and iNO. The presence of PH should be considered in the clinical management, prognosis and parental counselling.

National Rapid Genome Sequencing in Neonatal Intensive Care.

Importance: National implementation of rapid trio genome sequencing (rtGS) in a clinical acute setting is essential to ensure advanced and equitable care for ill neonates. Objective: To evaluate the feasibility, diagnostic efficacy, and clinical utility of rtGS in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) throughout Israel. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective, public health care-based, multicenter cohort study was conducted from October 2021 to December 2022 with the Community Genetics Department of the Israeli Ministry of Health and all Israeli medical genetics institutes (n = 18) and NICUs (n = 25). Critically ill neonates suspected of having a genetic etiology were offered rtGS. All sequencing, analysis, and interpretation of data were performed in a central genomics center at Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center. Rapid results were expected within 10 days. A secondary analysis report, issued within 60 days, focused mainly on cases with negative rapid results and actionable secondary findings. Pathogenic, likely pathogenic, and highly suspected variants of unknown significance (VUS) were reported. Main Outcomes and Measures: Diagnostic rate, including highly suspected disease-causing VUS, and turnaround time for rapid results. Clinical utility was assessed via questionnaires circulated to treating neonatologists. Results: A total of 130 neonates across Israel (70 [54%] male; 60 [46%] female) met inclusion criteria and were recruited. Mean (SD) age at enrollment was 12 (13) days. Mean (SD) turnaround time for rapid report was 7 (3) days. Diagnostic efficacy was 50% (65 of 130) for disease-causing variants, 11% (14 of 130) for VUS suspected to be causative, and 1 novel gene candidate (1%). Disease-causing variants included 12 chromosomal and 52 monogenic disorders as well as 1 neonate with uniparental disomy. Overall, the response rate for clinical utility questionnaires was 82% (107 of 130). Among respondents, genomic testing led to a change in medical management for 24 neonates (22%). Results led to immediate precision medicine for 6 of 65 diagnosed infants (9%), an additional 2 (3%) received palliative care, and 2 (3%) were transferred to nursing homes. Conclusions and Relevance: In this national cohort study, rtGS in critically ill neonates was feasible and diagnostically beneficial in a public health care setting. This study is a prerequisite for implementation of rtGS for ill neonates into routine care and may aid in design of similar studies in other public health care systems.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Brief Training for Neonatal Intensive Care Nurses on the Prevention of Medical Device-Related Nasal Pressure Injury.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a brief training in medical device-related pressure injury (MDRPI) prevention for neonatal intensive care nurses. METHODS: This single-group, pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted between April and October 2021 with 81 nurses working in the neonatal ICU of a city hospital. The participants completed a training program consisting of two 40-minute sessions that used a small-group problem-based learning approach developed in accordance with evidence-based research. Data were collected using a neonatal nurse information form, knowledge of MDRPI in preterm infants form, and training evaluation form, all of which were prepared for this study based on the literature. Data collection was performed before the training and repeated at 1 week and 1 month after the training. Data analysis was performed using the Number Cruncher Statistical System. Descriptive statistics, the Shapiro-Wilk test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Spearman correlation analysis were used. RESULTS: The participants' mean score on the knowledge of MDRPI in premature infants form was 82.44 ± 7.26 before training and increased significantly to 94.57 ± 5.03 at 1 week and 94.67 ± 3.11 at 1 month after training (P = .001 and P = .001, respectively). No significant relationship was detected between the participants' descriptive characteristics and their knowledge scores before or after the training (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Brief training on the prevention of nasal pressure injury caused by noninvasive ventilation increased nurses' knowledge level.

Assessing fluid responsiveness with ultrasound in the neonatal intensive care setting: the mini-fluid challenge.

The mini-fluid challenge (MFC) can guide individualised fluid therapy and prevent fluid overload and associated morbidity in adult intensive care patients. This ultrasound test is based on the Frank-Starling principles to assess dynamic fluid responsiveness, but limited MFC data exists for newborns. This brief report describes the feasibility of the MFC in 12 preterm infants with late onset sepsis and 5 newborns with other pathophysiology. Apical views were used to determine the changes in left ventricular stroke volume before and after a 3 ml/kg fluid bolus was given over 5 min. Four out of the 17 infants were fluid responsive, defined as a post-bolus increase in stroke volume of 15% or more.  Conclusion: The MFC was feasible and followed the physiological principles of stroke volume and extravascular lung water changes and 24% were fluid responsive. The MFC could enable future studies to examine whether adding fluid responsiveness to guide fluid therapy in newborns can reduce the risk of fluid overload. What is Known: • Fluid overload is associated with morbidity and mortality. • The mini-fluid challenge (MFC) provides a personalised approach to fluid therapy. What is New: • The MFC is feasible in newborns. • The MFC followed the physiological principles of stroke volume and extravascular lung water changes.

Development of a pharmaceutical science systematic review process using a semi-automated machine learning tool: Intravenous drug compatibility in the neonatal intensive care setting.

Our objective was to establish and test a machine learning-based screening process that would be applicable to systematic reviews in pharmaceutical sciences. We used the SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, Research type) model, a broad search strategy, and a machine learning tool (Research Screener) to identify relevant references related to y-site compatibility of 95 intravenous drugs used in neonatal intensive care settings. Two independent reviewers conducted pilot studies, including manual screening and evaluation of Research Screener, and used the kappa-coefficient for inter-reviewer reliability. After initial deduplication of the search strategy results, 27 597 references were available for screening. Research Screener excluded 1735 references, including 451 duplicate titles and 1269 reports with no abstract/title, which were manually screened. The remainder (25 862) were subject to the machine learning screening process. All eligible articles for the systematic review were extracted from <10% of the references available for screening. Moderate inter-reviewer reliability was achieved, with kappa-coefficient ≥0.75. Overall, 324 references were subject to full-text reading and 118 were deemed relevant for the systematic review. Our study showed that a broad search strategy to optimize the literature captured for systematic reviews can be efficiently screened by the semi-automated machine learning tool, Research Screener.

Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound: Practical integration in the pediatric and neonatal intensive care settings.

Cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is a technology increasingly leveraged at the bedside by pediatric critical care and neonatology providers to identify real-time hemodynamic pathophysiology. We present a framework for (1) identifying the scope of cardiac POCUS within the clinical practice setting, (2) standardizing views for protocolized hemodynamic assessment relevant to pediatric critical illness and (3) integrating POCUS findings for therapeutic guidance. Within the review, we also discuss practical strengths and limitations to image acquisition and interpretation within the varied cardiac POCUS views. Finally, we explore unique considerations within the neonatal population.    Conclusion: Cardiac POCUS is a technology and tool that reveals important real-time information at the bedside of the critically ill child and infant. Understanding strengths and limitations of cardiac POCUS views and protocolizing an approach to answer focused clinical questions provides a framework for training and translation to clinical care. What is Known: • Ultrasound technology is now ubiquitous among pediatric critical care and neonatology settings, and growing literature supports an expanded role in not only procedural but also diagnostic applications. • Cardiac POCUS influences provider perception of pathophysiology and changes clinical management. What is New: • Effective cardiac POCUS training and subsequent translation to clinical practice should improve when clinical questions and protocolized approaches to image acquisition are standardized within a specialty. • Cardiac POCUS views have strengths and limitations which must be recognized when assessing the hemodynamic profile of a child or neonate.

The effect of paternal anxiety on mother-infant bonding in neonatal intensive care.

BACKGROUND: The hospitalization of a preterm infant in the NICU can lead to mental health difficulties in parents, but not much is known how paternal anxiety might affect the mother-infant relationship. METHODS: This prospective cohort study is a secondary analysis investigating how paternal anxiety levels might affect maternal bonding in the NICU using the dataset of the multinational pragmatic randomized controlled trial LongSTEP. A linear mixed-effects model was used for correlations of paternal anxiety (GAD-7) and maternal bonding (PBQ) at NICU discharge, and at 6 and 12 months infant corrected age. Secondary analyses examined effects on paternal anxiety related to: site (Argentina, Colombia, Israel, Norway, and Poland), maternal depression (EPDS), infant gestational age at birth, paternal age, and type of pregnancy. RESULTS: Paternal anxiety did not predict maternal bonding at NICU discharge (p = 0.096), at 6 months (p = 0.316), or at 12 months infant corrected age (p = 0.473). Secondary outcomes showed a statistically significant site effect, with higher paternal anxiety levels at the two Colombian sites at baseline (p = 0.014 and p = 0.020) and for one site at discharge (p = 0.012), but not for paternal age (p = 0.925 and p = 0.793), infant gestational age at birth (p = 0.974 and p = 0.686 and p = 0.340), or type of pregnancy (p = 0.381). Maternal depression predicted paternal anxiety at baseline (p < 0.001) and at discharge (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, paternal anxiety did not predict maternal bonding. Paternal anxiety varied by site, indicating a need for research on potential cultural differences in manifestation of paternal anxiety. Maternal depression predicted paternal anxiety, confirming a previously reported correlation. Further research on variations in paternal mental health in the neonatal period is warranted, as well as exploration of the social contagion of mental health in preterm parents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03564184.

Continuous renal replacement therapy in neonates and children: what does the pediatrician need to know? An overview from the Critical Care Nephrology Section of the European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC).

Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) is the preferred method for renal support in critically ill and hemodynamically unstable children in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) as it allows for gentle removal of fluids and solutes. The most frequent indications for CRRT include acute kidney injury (AKI) and fluid overload (FO) as well as non-renal indications such as removal of toxic metabolites in acute liver failure, inborn errors of metabolism, and intoxications and removal of inflammatory mediators in sepsis. AKI and/or FO are common in critically ill children and their presence is associated with worse outcomes. Therefore, early recognition of AKI and FO is important and timely transfer of patients who might require CRRT to a center with institutional expertise should be considered. Although CRRT has been increasingly used in the critical care setting, due to the lack of standardized recommendations, wide practice variations exist regarding the main aspects of CRRT application in critically ill children.     Conclusion: In this review, from the Critical Care Nephrology section of the European Society of Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care (ESPNIC), we summarize the key aspects of CRRT delivery and highlight the importance of adequate follow up among AKI survivors which might be of relevance for the general pediatric community. What is Known: • CRRT is the preferred method of renal support in critically ill and hemodynamically unstable children in the PICU as it allows for gentle removal of fluids and solutes. • Although CRRT has become an important and integral part of modern pediatric critical care, wide practice variations exist in all aspects of CRRT. What is New: • Given the lack of literature on guidance for a general pediatrician on when to refer a child for CRRT, we recommend timely transfer to a center with institutional expertise in CRRT, as both worsening AKI and FO have been associated with increased mortality. • Adequate follow-up of PICU patients with AKI and CRRT is highlighted as recent findings demonstrate that these children are at increased risk for adverse long-term outcomes.

Neonatal intensive care nurses' accounts of care for mothers/families with substance-exposed pregnancies: A critical discourse analysis.

AIMS: To explore the effects of power dynamics and hospital organizational structure upon neonatal intensive care nurses' experiences caring for infants and families from a substance-exposed pregnancy (SEP). DESIGN: This secondary data analysis further investigated the results of a primary study after the original analysis suggested differences in work environments may impact relationship-building opportunities between nurses and mothers/families. Critical discourse analysis served as both the theoretical lens and analytic technique. METHOD: Nine (9) nurses from the southeast region of the United States (U.S.) were interviewed in 2019. Fifty-one (51) stories of caregiving experiences were analysed with a focus on narratives related to organizational structure and care delivery. RESULTS: Study findings revealed nurses experienced challenges providing high-quality, family-centered care for patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) affected by substances during pregnancy. Nurses described the central challenge of workload, exacerbated by power imbalances and structural constraints within the hospital's organizational structure. Findings suggest workload issues may endorse stigma by inhibiting opportunities to build relationships. Nurses report manageable workloads can support healthcare teams and recipients of care. CONCLUSION: The study suggests power imbalances between nurses, families and adjacent healthcare professionals can inhibit the delivery of high-quality care. Supporting healthcare teams and recipients of care while centering the role of organizational structure is critical. Questions emerged about workload demands impacting the potential production of stigma in clinical environments. IMPACT: This study examines the intersection of nurses' care experiences and hospital organizational structure. It identifies how the unique needs of caring for infants and families from a SEP increase the complexity of power imbalances and organizational constraints to further increase workload demands. Findings have implications for global healthcare organization leaders who build and maintain the structural integrity of clinical environments and nurse leaders who advocate and guide clinical teams to provide high-quality care in stressful healthcare environments. REPORTING METHOD: EQUATOR guidelines were followed, using the COREQ checklist. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: NICU nurses were interviewed about their care-provision experiences. Interviews were analysed in the primary study and the current analysis of secondary data.

Family Management Skills Reported by Parents of Preterm Infants in the NICU Using the Self- and Family Management Framework (SFMF).

BACKGROUND: Across the globe, family-integrated care (FICare) has become an evidence-based standard in which parents deliver the majority of infant care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Because of extensive barriers to parent presence, adaptations to FICare may be required for successful implementation. Family management theory may provide structure to the Parent Education of FICare and help nurses guide parents' skill development as equal care members. PURPOSE: To identify family management skills employed by NICU parents using the Self- and Family Management Framework (SFMF). METHODS: We conducted secondary analyses of qualitative interview data from NICU parents (n = 17) who shared their experiences of using family management skills to care for their infant. We categorized skills according to 3 main self- and family management processes: Focusing on Infant Illness Needs; Activating Resources; and Living With Infant Illness. RESULTS: Parents reported several family management skills currently identified in the SFMF, as well as new skills such as conflict management, power brokerage, and addressing resources related to social determinants of health. Parent activation of resources was critical to sustaining parent focus on the infant's illness needs. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: By teaching skills that parents reported as helping them manage infant care, neonatal nurses may better facilitate parent integration into the care team. Future researchers can incorporate the skills identified in this study into the design of family management interventions that facilitate FICare implementation in the United States.

Significant improvement in survival outcomes of trisomy 18 with neonatal intensive care compared to non-intensive care: a single-center study.

Background: Trisomy 18 syndrome, also known as Edwards syndrome, is a chromosomal trisomy. The syndrome has historically been considered lethal owing to its poor prognosis, and palliative care was primarily indicated for trisomy 18 neonates. Although there have been several reports on the improvement of survival outcomes in infants with trisomy 18 syndrome through neonatal intensive care, few studies have compared the impact of neonatal intensive care on survival outcomes with that of non-intensive care. Therefore, we compared the survival-related outcomes of neonates with trisomy 18 between intensive and non-intensive care. Methods: Seventeen infants of trisomy 18 admitted to our center between 2007 and 2019 were retrospectively studied. We divided the patients into a non-intensive group (n = 5) and an intensive group (n = 12) and evaluated their perinatal background and survival-related outcomes of the two groups. Results: The 1- and 3-year survival rates were both 33% in the intensive group, which was significantly higher than that in the non-intensive group (p < 0.001). Half of the infants in the intensive care group were discharged alive, whereas in the non-intensive care group, all died during hospitalization (p = 0.049). Conclusions: Neonatal intensive care for neonates with 18 trisomy significantly improved not only survival rates but also survival-discharge rates. Our findings would be helpful in providing 18 trisomy neonates with standard neonatal intensive care when discussing medical care with their parents.

Identifying neonatal intensive care (NICU) admissions using administrative claims data.

BACKGROUND: To define a method for identifying neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions using administrative claims data. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study using claims from Optum's de-identified Clinformatics® Data Mart Database (CDM) from 2016 -2020. We developed a definition to identify NICU admissions using a list of codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM), Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), and revenue codes frequently associated with NICU admissions. We compared agreement between codes using Kappa statistics and calculated positive predictive values (PPV) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: On average, revenue codes (3.3%) alone identified more NICU hospitalizations compared to CPT codes alone (1.5%), whereas the use of CPT and revenue (8.9%) and CPT or revenue codes (13.7%) captured the most NICU hospitalizations, which aligns with rates of preterm birth. Gestational age alone (4.2%) and birthweight codes alone (2.0%) identified the least number of potential NICU hospitalizations. Setting CPT codes as the standard and revenue codes as the "test,", revenue codes resulted in identifying 86% of NICU admissions (sensitivity) and 97% of non-NICU admissions (specificity). CONCLUSIONS: Using administrative data, we developed a robust definition for identifying neonatal admissions. The identified definition of NICU codes is easily adaptable, repeatable, and flexible for use in other datasets.

Biologically aware lighting for newborn intensive care.

OBJECTIVE: We designed and implemented a novel neonatal intensive care (NICU) lighting system to support the current understanding of daylight-coupled physiology. METHODS: We created a system that generates wavelengths corresponding to the known blue and violet activation spectra of non-visual opsins. These are known to mediate energy management and related physiologic activity. RESULTS: Light produced by the system spans the visible spectrum, including violet wavelengths that are blocked by modern glazing and not emitted by standard LED fixtures. System features include automated light and dark phases that mimic dawn/dusk. The system also matches length of day seasonality. Spectral composition can be varied to support translational research protocols. Implementation required a comprehensive strategy to inform bedside providers about the value and use of the lighting system. CONCLUSION: Full-spectrum lighting for the NICU is feasible and will inform the optimization of the NICU environment of care to support optimal neonatal growth and development.