Bilirubinemia and retinopathy of prematurity in infants ≤ 29 weeks' gestational age.

BACKGROUND: Bilirubin is a known antioxidant. We hypothesized that the degree of bilirubinemia is inversely associated with oxidative stress-mediated retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: A prospective study was performed to determine if bilirubinemia is associated with ROP in infants ≤ 29 wks' gestational age and birth weights ≤ 1000 g. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels were measured at least twice daily during the first week and at least daily during the second week to determine peak and mean TSB levels. The outcomes were the incidence and severity of ROP. RESULTS: Of 193 infants studied, 110 developed ROP: 53 had mild (stage 1 in zone 2 or 3); 31 had moderate (stage 2 in zone 2 or 3); and 26 had severe ROP ( ≥ stage 3 in any zone or any stage in zone 1). Mean TSB levels were associated with the severity (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.68, 95% confidence interval [CI]:0.47-0.98, p = 0.04), but not with the incidence of ROP (AOR 0.81, 95% CI:0.52-1.27, p = 0.3). Peak TSB levels were also associated with the severity (AOR 0.71, 95% CI:0.52-0.96, p = 0.02), but not with the incidence of ROP (AOR 0.71, 95% CI:0.48-1.01, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Bilirubinemia may be protective against severity of ROP. IMPACT: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease mediated by oxidative stress. Increasing antioxidant status may decrease the incidence and severity of ROP. Bilirubin is a known antioxidant; however, findings from observational studies evaluating the role of bilirubinemia against the incidence and/or severity of ROP in premature infants are conflicting. Our findings from this prospective study suggests that bilirubinemia may be protective against the severity of ROP.

Effect of chest shielding during phototherapy for hyperbilirubinemia on symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus - a double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Meta-analysis of randomized trials suggests that phototherapy is associated with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We hypothesized that chest shielding during phototherapy would decrease the incidence of symptomatic PDA (sPDA) compared to sham shielding. METHODS: A single center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was performed to evaluate the effect of chest shielding during phototherapy on sPDA in infants ≤ 29 weeks gestational age (GA) or with birth weight (BW) ≤ 1000 g. Infants were randomized to either chest shield (with aluminum foil, intervention group) or sham shield (without aluminum foil, control group) during phototherapy. The primary outcome was sPDA during the period 24 h after phototherapy initiation until 3 days after phototherapy cessation. RESULTS: 160 infants were randomized with 10 infants withdrawn from each group due to shield placement after phototherapy initiation. Of 140 infants analyzed, the mean GA and BW was 26.6 weeks and 872 g, respectively. There was no difference in the incidence of sPDA between the intervention (n = 70) and control group (n = 70) (10% vs 11%, respectively, adjusted odds ratio 0.78, 95% CI:0.33-1.82; p = 0.57). CONCLUSIONS: Chest shielding during phototherapy had no effect on sPDA in infants ≤ 29 weeks GA or with BW ≤ 1000 g. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://clinicaltrials.gov , Identifier: NCT02552927. IMPACT: Meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials suggests that chest shielding during phototherapy used for hyperbilirubinemia may decrease the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus. The effect of chest shielding during phototherapy on symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus has not been evaluated in a double-blind randomized trial. In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, chest shielding during phototherapy was not associated with a decreased incidence of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants.

Effectiveness of generic tofacitinib in idiopathic inflammatory myositis (IIM)-a retrospective analysis from Indian Myositis Registry (MyoIN).

OBJECTIVES: Determine domain-based-outcomes and steroid-sparing efficacy of generic tofacitinib in IIM. METHODS: This is a multicenter retrospective study wherein clinical phenotype, autoantibody profile, prior immunosuppressives, and outcomes at 3, 6, and 12 months were retrieved for IIM patients prescribed tofacitinib. Overall clinical response was assessed as complete or partial remission as per physician judgment. Changes in cutaneous and calcinosis domain were recorded as per physician global assessment (PGA), lung domain as per medical research council (MRC) dyspnea scale, and muscle strength by Manual Muscle Testing-8 (MMT-8). RESULTS: Forty-two patients of IIM with mean age 38.7 ± 16 years; (76.2% (N = 32) women), median duration of illness 48 (19;88) months were included. Commonest indication for initiating tofacitinib was either for refractory or as steroid sparing for cutaneous domain (N = 25/42, 59.5%) followed by calcinosis (N = 16/42, 38%). Overall complete and/or partial remission was achieved in 23/37 (64.8%), 30/35 (85.7%), and 29/30 (96.6%) patients at 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. At 12-month follow-up, there was a reduction in prednisolone dose, with absolute decrease from a daily dose of 17.5 mg (IQR 5;50) to 2.5 mg (IQR 0;5) (p < 0.001). Individual domain assessments revealed improvement in cutaneous domain [16/25 (64%)] and calcinosis [6/15 (40%)]. Adverse effects included herpes zoster (N = 2/42, 4.8%) and dyslipidemia (N = 4/42, 9.5%). CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with generic tofacitinib significantly reduces the daily dose of corticosteroids and is effective in cutaneous domain including calcinosis in IIM. KEY POINTS: • This multicenter retrospective study is the first real-world data from India, elucidating steroid sparing efficacy of generic tofacitinib in patients with inflammatory myositis. • Domain-based outcome assessment suggests good clinical improvement especially in cutaneous domain, even those with refractory disease. • Modest benefits were evident in calcinosis, but its effect on the muscle and pulmonary domain appears limited.

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases versus family controls: a multi-city cross-sectional survey.

There is uncertainty regarding the effect of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRD) who are on immunosuppressive drugs. We did a multicity cross-sectional seroprevalence study conducted in five different cities in India before COVID-19 immunization. Patients with a diagnosis of AIRD and DMARDs were included. Relatives of the patients, preferably staying in the same household with no known rheumatic diseases served as controls. Serum IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the spike protein and nucleoprotein (NP) were assayed in eight hundred and eighty nine sera (subjects with disease = 379 and in subjects without disease = 510). IgG antibodies to either RBD and/or NP were positive in 135 (36%) subjects with AIRD as compared to 196 (38%) controls. The seroprevalence of anti-RBD and anti-NP varied between different cities but was not significantly different between subjects with and without disease in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Bhubaneswar. However, the occurrence of IgG antibodies to RBD was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in subjects with disease (28/65;43%) as compared to subjects without disease (42/65;65%) in Kolkata, where the positivity rate was lower in connective tissue disease group than in inflammatory arthritis group. Overall, patients with rheumatic diseases on DMARDs have IgG antibodies to RBD and NP of SARSCoV-2 at a comparable level with that of subjects without disease, but the level of antibodies to RBD is lower in patients with connective tissue disease on immunosuppressive drugs in one centre.

Unbound Bilirubin and Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy in Infants Born Late Preterm and Term with Significant Hyperbilirubinemia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the association of unbound bilirubin (UB), total serum bilirubin (TSB), and bilirubin:albumin molar ratio (BAMR) with acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE), as assessed by bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction (BIND) score, in infants with significant hyperbilirubinemia (TSB ≥20 mg/dL or underwent exchange transfusion). STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective cohort study, infants ≥34 weeks of gestational age with significant hyperbilirubinemia during the first 2 postnatal weeks were eligible, unless they had craniofacial malformations, chromosomal disorders, TORCH (toxoplasmosis, other infections, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex) infections, surgery, or a family history of congenital deafness. TSB, serum albumin, and UB were measured at hospital admission using the colorimetric, bromocresol green, and modified peroxidase method, respectively. Infants were evaluated on admission for ABE using a standardized neurologic examination and assigned a BIND score by trained physicians. Infants with a total BIND score of 0 were deemed to not have ABE, whereas those with a score ≥1 were deemed to have ABE. RESULTS: A total of 151 infants were studied, among whom 37 (24.5%) had ABE. Of these, 19 had mild ABE (BIND score 1-3) and 18 had moderate-to-severe ABE (BIND score 4-9). On logistic regression, UB, but not TSB or BAMR, was associated with ABE (aOR 1.64; 95% CI 1.17-2.3). On ordered logistic regression, UB, but not TSB or BAMR, was associated with severity of ABE (aOR 1.76; 95% CI 1.28-2.4). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings of the association between UB and ABE indicate that BIND scoring may be useful for evaluation of ABE in infants ≥34 weeks of gestational age.

Effectiveness and safety of generic tofacitinib in spondyloarthritis: A real-world retrospective analysis from India.

BACKGROUND: Clinical trial evidence demonstrates the efficacy of tofacitinib in ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Real-world data from spondyloarthritis (SpA) patients are scarce; there are few reports of its effectiveness and safety from low- to middle-income countries like India, despite its widespread usage. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of clinical and laboratory records of 100 patients with SpA prescribed generic tofacitinib from a single center in Mumbai, India. Disease activity was measured using the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score C-Reactive Protein (ASDAS-CRP) in all patients, along with disease-specific outcome measures in the subgroups. We used paired t test for response to tofacitinib. We compared Δ ASDAS-CRP in patients with active peripheral arthritis and in patients without. We defined clinical tofacitinib failure as the physician's decision to change or add a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD), and performed logistic regression to identify factors associated with tofacitinib failure. RESULTS: Among 100 patients (71 male, median age 42.5 years), 57 had axial SpA, 10 had peripheral SpA, 4 had inflammatory bowel disease-SpA and 29 had PsA. One-third had received biologic DMARDs previously. Patients received tofacitinib for a median of 192 days. There was a significant improvement in ASDAS-CRP in all types of SpA. Patients with active peripheral arthritis had a significantly greater fall in ASDAS-CRP. There were no serious adverse events, 19 patients had mild COVID-19; no patient had tuberculosis. Ten patients had tofacitinib failure; no baseline parameter could predict failure. INTERPRETATION: In the real-world setting, generic tofacitinib showed good effectiveness and tolerable safety profile in Indian patients with SpA.

Bilirubin-Displacing Effect of Ceftriaxone in Infants With Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia Born at Term.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of intravenous (IV) ceftriaxone on free bilirubin concentrations in infants with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia born at term. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective study was performed with subjects serving as their own controls. Our inclusion criteria were infants born at term <7 days old with sepsis and receiving IV antibiotics for >3 days and resolving hyperbilirubinemia with total serum bilirubin levels between 6 and12 mg/dL by day 4 of life. Free bilirubin concentrations were measured by the peroxidase method using a UB analyzer and a Zone Fluidics device before (baseline) and 15 minutes after (follow-up) IV ceftriaxone administration on postnatal days 4 to 6. Paired measurements of free bilirubin were analyzed using a Student paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: In total, 27 infants were studied. The mean free bilirubin (µg/dL) at follow-up was not different from that at baseline when measured by the UB analyzer (P = .78). The mean free bilirubin was significantly lower at follow-up compared with baseline when measured by the Zone Fluidics device (P = .02). The ratio of a free bilirubin with and without ceftriaxone, an index of displacing effect, was 1.02 (95% CI 0.89-1.14) using the UB analyzer and 0.58 (95% CI 0.30-0.86) using the Zone Fluidics device. CONCLUSIONS: Ceftriaxone is not associated with a bilirubin-displacing effect in infants with a mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia. Home therapy with once-daily intramuscular ceftriaxone may be an alternative option for management of sepsis in asymptomatic infants with a mild unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia born at term.

Real-world evidence of the effectiveness and safety of generic tofacitinib in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a retrospective, single-centre analysis from Western India.

Generic tofacitinib has been available in India for more than a year and is widely used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy. There is scarce real-world data on its effectiveness and safety from India, especially given infection endemicity. We retrospectively analysed records (demographic and clinical information, haematology and biochemistry, adverse events) of patients prescribed generic tofacitinib from a single centre in Mumbai, India. Disease activity was calculated using the disease activity score-28 and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28-ESR) and other tools, and we used paired T-tests for significant response. We defined clinical tofacitinib failure as a composite outcome, including clinician's decision to change to an alternative disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) or flare after self-withdrawal. We performed logistic regression and survival analysis for determinants of clinical failure. We reviewed records of 102 patients (92 female; median age: 53 years) with mean RA duration of 146 months. Thirteen had prior treatment with innovator tofacitinib. There was significant improvement in disease activity parameters at a mean duration of 186 days. No serious adverse events were reported; 4 patients had tuberculosis and 19 patients had mild COVID-19 while on treatment. Clinical failure was seen in 25 patients, and mean time to failure on survival analysis was 357 days. No baseline characteristic predicted clinical failure. Generic tofacitinib showed good effectiveness and a tolerable adverse effect profile, despite tuberculosis endemicity and COVID-19. Setting up registries would be valuable in gaining more data on generic tofacitinib. Key Points • There is scarce data from India regarding the use of tofacitinib in rheumatoid arthritis, despite widespread use. • In this retrospective analysis of 102 patients at a single centre, we found tofacitinib monotherapy was efficacious and tolerable. • Tuberculosis was detected in four and nineteen patients had mild covid.

Soybean-Oil Lipid Minimization for Prevention of Intestinal Failure-Associated Liver Disease in Late-Preterm and Term Infants With Gastrointestinal Surgical Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD), a multifactorial disease, is common among infants with gastrointestinal surgical disorders (GISDs). Prolonged soy-based intravenous lipid emulsion (S-ILE) intake is associated with IFALD, but preventive studies of limiting S-ILE have been inconclusive. Furthermore, a double-blind, randomized preventive trial (DBRPT) of S-ILE intake has not been performed in infants with GISDs. Our objective was to compare the effect of 1 g/kg/d vs 2 g/kg/d S-ILE intake for 6 weeks on the incidence of IFALD and the rate of rise of direct bilirubin (DB) in infants with GISDs. METHODS: A DBRPT was conducted in infants with GISDs at ≥34 weeks' gestational age (GA) admitted to the NICU within 72 hours after birth. Infants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 1 or 2 g/kg/d S-ILE for 6 weeks. IFALD was defined as DB ≥2 mg/dL. RESULTS: Forty infants were studied. The 2 groups had similar clinical characteristics except for GA and blood group incompatibility. Thirty percent of infants in each group developed IFALD (P = .94). However, infants in the group receiving 1 g/kg/d S-ILE (n = 20) had a lower rate of rise of DB compared with infants in the group receiving 2 g/kg/d S-ILE (n = 20). CONCLUSIONS: Reducing S-ILE intake for 6 weeks in infants with GISD at ≥34 weeks' GA may not prevent IFALD. The extrapolated data on the rate of rise of DB suggest a possible risk of earlier development of IFALD with S-ILE intake of 2 g/kg/d, as compared with 1 g/kg/d, beyond the 6-week study period.

Reticulocyte hemoglobin content as a function of iron stores at 35-36 weeks post menstrual age in very premature infants.

BACKGROUND: Premature infants are born with lower iron stores and are at risk for iron deficiency during early infancy. To prevent iron deficiency, premature infants are routinely supplemented with 2 mg/kg/day oral elemental iron. Reticulocyte hemoglobin content (RET-He), a measure of iron deficiency, has not been well evaluated prior to discharge in premature infants. OBJECTIVES: Our objectives were to evaluate RET-He and its correlation with serum ferritin (SF), an index of iron stores, at 35-36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) in ≤32 weeks gestational age (GA) infants. METHODS: We performed a prospective nested study involving 24-32 weeks GA infants who were receiving 2 mg/kg/day oral elemental iron with full enteral feedings at 35-36 weeks PMA. Infants with the following conditions were excluded: craniofacial malformation, chromosomal disorders, TORCH (toxoplasmosis, other infections, rubella, cytomegalovirus, and herpes simplex), culture-proven sepsis, C-reactive protein >5 mg/l within 10 days of iron status assessment, or erythropoietin therapy. SF and RET-He were measured at 35-36 weeks PMA using chemiluminescence immunoassay and Sysmex XN hematology analyzer, respectively. RET-He <27 pg was deemed indicative of iron deficiency. RESULTS: Ninety-eight infants were studied, of which 21 infants had RET-He <27 pg. There was a positive correlation between RET-He and SF (coefficient 0.22, p = .03) that remained significant after controlling for GA (coefficient 0.21, p = .03) and frequency of prior erythrocyte transfusions (coefficient 0.21, p = .03). On stratified analysis, there was a positive correlation between SF and RET-He in females (N = 52, coefficient 0.23, p = .02), but not in males (N = 46, coefficient 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Most premature infants receiving 2 mg/kg/day oral elemental iron are iron replete for erythropoiesis at 35-36 weeks PMA. RET-He increases with an increase in iron stores, suggesting that additional iron supplementation prior to discharge to very premature infants with borderline low RET-He may help prevent iron deficiency during early infancy.

Developmental influence of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and neurobehavioral disorders.

Bilirubin-induced brain injury in the neonatal period has detrimental effects on neurodevelopment that persist into childhood and adulthood, contributing to childhood developmental disorders. Unconjugated bilirubin is a potent antioxidant that may be useful for protecting against oxidative injuries, but it becomes a potent neurotoxin once it crosses the blood brain barrier. Because bilirubin toxicity involves a myriad of pathological mechanisms, can damage most types of brain cells, and affects brain circuits or loops that influence cognition, learning, behavior, sensory, and language, the clinical effects of bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity are likely to be manifold. One possible effect that several experts have identified is bilirubin-induced neurological dysfunction (subtle kernicterus). However, the underlying biological mechanisms or pathways by which subtle kernicterus could lead to developmental disorders has not been elucidated previously. Our aim in this review is to describe a spectrum of developmental disorders that may reflect subtle kernicterus and outline plausible biological mechanisms for this possible association. We review existing evidence that support or refute the association between unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia and developmental disorders, and limitations associated with these studies.

Copper Supplementation in Premature Infants With Parenteral Nutrition-Associated Cholestasis.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of intermittent parenteral copper supplementation (IPC) on serum copper status and biochemical and hematological measures of copper toxicity and deficiency in premature infants with parenteral nutrition (PN)-associated cholestasis (PNAC). We performed a prospective nested observational study in premature infants with PNAC who received IPC after the development of PNAC. Infants with chromosomal disorders, TORCH (toxoplasmosis, parvovirus, syphilis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes, human immunodeficiency virus) infection, metabolic disorder, and/or surgical abnormality of the hepatobiliary system were excluded. Serum copper concentrations were measured once every 2-4 weeks while receiving PN; 24 premature infants were studied. The mean gestational age (GA) of infants was 28.6 ± 4.7 weeks. On regression analysis, there was no significant association between IPC and serum copper concentration (coefficient 2.72, 95% CI: -27 to 32; P = .84) after controlling for GA, gender, and baseline copper intake before PNAC. There was no significant association of IPC with alanine and aspartate transaminases levels (hepatotoxicity) and platelet count, hematocrit, white blood cell count, and neutrophil count (measures of copper deficiency) after controlling for confounders. GA and postmenstrual age were independently and positively associated with serum copper concentration after controlling for confounders on regression analyses. Thus, IPC in premature infants with PNAC does not influence copper status and is not associated with biochemical and hematological measures of copper deficiency and/or toxicity. Serum copper concentration in premature infants with PNAC receiving IPC is determined by the degree of prematurity and postmenstrual age.

Bilirubin Albumin Binding and Unbound Unconjugated Hyperbilirubinemia in Premature Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the associations between unbound bilirubin (UB) and total serum bilirubin (TSB), bilirubin:albumin molar ratio (BAMR), and bilirubin albumin binding affinity (Ka) as a function of gestational age (GA) in infants born at 24-33 weeks GA. STUDY DESIGN: In a prospective observational study, TSB and UB were measured twice daily at least 8 hours apart during the first postnatal week. Serum albumin was measured to calculate BAMR on each day. The highest UB on each day, corresponding TSB, and serum albumin were used to calculate the Ka on each day. RESULTS: For the 166 infants studied, peak UB significantly correlated with concomitant Ka (r = -0.44, P = .001) but not with concomitant TSB or BAMR after adjusting for GA. On multiple regression analyses, there was a significant association of concomitant Ka (-0.06, 95% CI -0.08 to -0.04, P = .0001), but not concomitant TSB or BAMR with peak UB after controlling for GA, birth weight, race, and sex. GA group was a significant effect modifier for the association between Ka and peak UB (0.03, 95% CI 0.02-0.04, P < .001). Interaction analyses showed the association between concomitant Ka and peak UB was significant for the 24-30 weeks GA group infants, but not for the 301/7-33 weeks GA group infants. CONCLUSIONS: Peak UB was primarily associated with a decrease in binding affinity in infants ≤30 weeks GA. Interventions aimed at improving binding affinity may be important in decreasing the risk of bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity.

Chronic Auditory Toxicity in Late Preterm and Term Infants With Significant Hyperbilirubinemia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Significant hyperbilirubinemia (SHB) may cause chronic auditory toxicity (auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder and/or sensorineural hearing loss); however, total serum bilirubin (TSB) does not discriminate neonates at risk for auditory toxicity. Our objective was to compare TSB, bilirubin albumin molar ratio (BAMR), and unbound bilirubin (UB) for their association with chronic auditory toxicity in neonates with SHB (TSB ≥20 mg/dL or TSB that met criteria for exchange transfusion). METHODS: Infants ≥34 weeks' gestational age (GA) with SHB during the first 2 postnatal weeks were eligible for a prospective longitudinal study in India. Comprehensive auditory evaluations were performed at 2 to 3 months of age by using auditory brainstem response, tympanometry, and an otoacoustic emission test and at 9 to 12 months of age by using audiometry. The evaluations were performed by an audiologist unaware of the degree of jaundice. RESULTS: A total of 93 out of 100 infants (mean GA of 37.4 weeks; 55 boys, 38 girls) who were enrolled with SHB were evaluated for auditory toxicity. Of those, 12 infants (13%) had auditory toxicity. On regression analysis controlling for covariates, peak UB (but not peak TSB or peak BAMR), was associated with auditory toxicity (odds ratio 2.41; 95% confidence interval: 1.43-4.07; P = .001). There was significant difference in the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves between UB (0.866), TSB (0.775), and BAMR (0.724) for auditory toxicity (P = .03) after controlling for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia indexed by UB (but not TSB or BAMR) is associated with chronic auditory toxicity in infants ≥34 weeks' GA with SHB.

Editor's Highlight: In Utero Exposure to Gadolinium and Adverse Neonatal Outcomes in Premature Infants.

Gadolinium is a toxic rare earth element that is used as a contrast enhancement agent for diagnostic medical imaging. However, because of safety concerns to the developing fetus derived from preclinical studies, gadolinium can only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefits justify the potential risks to a fetus. Because there are no previous well designed safety studies on the developing fetus, we aimed to evaluate the potential adverse effects of in utero gadolinium exposure in high-risk premature infants. We performed a prospective dose (cord blood gadolinium concentration) - response (outcomes) study involving 104, 24-33 weeks gestational age (GA) infants. The mean (range) cord blood gadolinium concentration of infants measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry was 191 (3.4-3729.6) pg/ml. The association between cord blood gadolinium concentration and each neonatal outcome was evaluated using linear or logistic regression analysis. The GA, race, gender, and antenatal steroid exposure were considered priori confounders. Recent adult human studies have shown that gadolinium exposure may be associated with nephrotoxicity. However, we found no adverse effects on renal function or other common outcomes including degree of prematurity, small for GA, respiratory distress syndrome, hyperbilirubinemia, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus, chronic lung disease, retinopathy of prematurity, and osteopenia of prematurity during the neonatal period with an increase in cord blood gadolinium concentration. None of the infants had clinically evident congenital malformations. In conclusion, gadolinium use during pregnancy is unlikely to be associated with adverse effects in infants during the neonatal period.

A Randomized Controlled Trial of Glycerin Suppositories During Phototherapy in Premature Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if glycerin suppositories were effective in reducing total duration of phototherapy in premature neonates. We hypothesized that glycerin suppositories would have no effect on phototherapy duration or total serum bilirubin levels. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled double-blinded trial. SETTING: Level IV NICU. PARTICIPANTS: Neonates born between 30 weeks, 0 days and 34 weeks, 6 days gestational age who developed physiologic hyperbilirubinemia needing phototherapy. METHODS: Neonates were randomized to the no-suppository group or to the suppository group. Neonates were randomized to receive glycerin suppositories every 8 hours while under phototherapy or to a sham group. The primary outcome was total hours of phototherapy. Secondary outcomes included peak total serum bilirubin levels, time from start to discontinuation of phototherapy, rate of decline in bilirubin levels, repeat episodes of phototherapy, and number of stools while the neonates received phototherapy. RESULTS: A total of 39 neonates were assigned to the no-suppository group and 40 to the suppository group. Withholding suppositories was not inferior to providing suppositories. The total hours of phototherapy were not longer (i.e., noninferior) among neonates not provided suppositories (61 ± 53 hours) than among those given suppositories (72 ± 49 hours). There were no differences in peak bilirubin levels, rate of bilirubin decline, or repeat episodes of phototherapy. CONCLUSION: Routine use of glycerin suppositories among preterm neonates who receive phototherapy does not affect bilirubin levels or phototherapy duration.

Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Chest Shielding on Preventing Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Premature Infants.

Objective This study aims to perform a meta-analysis of randomized studies to evaluate if chest shielding during phototherapy is associated with decreased incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants. Design/Methods We used published guidelines for the meta-analysis of clinical trials. The search strategy included electronic searches of CINAHL, CENTRAL Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, PubMed, and abstracts presented at the Pediatric Academic Societies. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs or cluster RCTs published in English and involving chest shielding during phototherapy in premature infants with PDA as an outcome. Exclusion criteria involved case reports, case series, and multiple publications from the same author. Heterogeneity testing using Q statistics was performed to evaluate the variance between studies. Results Two RCTs met study criteria. There was heterogeneity (I2: 55.4%) between the two trials. Meta-analysis of RCTs using the random effect model demonstrated that chest shielding during phototherapy was associated with decreased incidence of PDA (odds ratio: 0.47, 95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.96). There was no publication bias on Eggers test. Heterogeneity was seen in gestational age, gender, prophylactic use of postnatal indomethacin, duration of phototherapy, and assessment of PDA. Conclusion Chest shielding during phototherapy may be associated with decreased incidence of PDA among premature infants.

Auditory toxicity in late preterm and term neonates with severe jaundice.

AIM: Jaundice may cause auditory toxicity (auditory neuropathy and hearing loss). However, total serum bilirubin (TSB) does not discriminate neonates at risk for auditory toxicity. We compared TSB, bilirubin:albumin molar ratio (BAMR), and unbound bilirubin for their association with auditory toxicity in neonates with severe jaundice (TSB ≥342µmol/L, or that met exchange transfusion). METHOD: Neonates greater or equal to 34 weeks gestational age with severe jaundice during the first 2 postnatal weeks were eligible for prospective cohort study, unless they had craniofacial malformations, chromosomal disorders, toxoplasmosis, other infections, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex infections, surgery, or family history of congenital deafness. RESULTS: Twenty-eight out of 100 neonates (mean gestational age 37.4wks; 59 males, 41 females) had auditory toxicity. Peak unbound bilirubin, but not peak TSB and BAMR, was associated with auditory toxicity (p<0.05) in neonates with severe (TSB <427.5µmol/L) and extreme hyperbilirubinemia (TSB ≥427.5µmol/L). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for unbound bilirubin (0.78) was significantly greater (p=0.03) than TSB (0.54) among neonates with severe but not extreme hyperbilirubinemia. INTERPRETATION: Unbound bilirubin is more strongly associated with auditory toxicity than TSB and/or BAMR in greater or equal to 34 weeks gestational age neonates with severe jaundice. Unbound bilirubin is a better predictor than TSB in neonates with severe hyperbilirubinemia.