Changes in regional tissue oxygen saturation values during the first week of life in stable preterm infants.

OBJECTIVES: Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a non-invasive method for monitoring regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2). The purpose of this study is to investigate the changes that occur in cerebral, splanchnic, and renal rSO2 and fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) in stable preterm infants in the first week of life. METHODS: Prospective observational study of infants born 30-34 weeks gestation at NYU Langone Health between November 2017 and November 2018. Cerebral, renal, and splanchnic rSO2 were monitored from 12 to 72 h of life, and at seven days. Subjects were divided into gestational age (GA) cohorts. Average rSO2, splanchnic cerebral oxygen ratio (SCOR), FTOE, and regional intra-subject variability was calculated at each location at five different time intervals: 0-12 h, 12-24 h, 24-48 h, 48-72 h, and one week of life. RESULTS: Twenty subjects were enrolled. The average cerebral rSO2 ranged from 76.8 to 92.8 %, renal rSO2 from 65.1 to 91.1 %, and splanchnic rSO2 from 36.1 to 76.3 %. The SCOR ranged from 0.45 to 0.94. The strongest correlation between the GA cohorts was in the cerebral region (R2=0.94) and weakest correlation was in the splanchnic region (R2=0.81). The FTOE increased in all three locations over time. Intra-subject variability was lowest in the cerebral region (1.3 % (±1.9)). CONCLUSIONS: The cerebral region showed the strongest correlation between GA cohorts and lowest intra-subject variability, making it the most suitable for clinical use when monitoring for tissue hypoxia. Further studies are needed to further examine rSO2 in preterm infants.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy to Guide and Understand Effects of Red Blood Cell Transfusion.

This review is a summary of available evidence regarding the use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to help better guide and understand the effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in neonatal patients. We review recent literature demonstrating the changes that take place in regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) resulting from RBC transfusion. We also discuss in detail if any correlation exists between rSO2 and hemoglobin values in neonates. Finally, we review studies that have evaluated the use of NIRS as a transfusion guide during neonatal intensive care.

Impact on neonatal morbidities after a change in policy to administer antenatal corticosteroids to mothers at risk for late preterm delivery.

OBJECTIVES: Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) administered to mothers at risk for preterm delivery before 34 weeks has been standard care to improve neonatal outcomes. After introducing a new obstetric policy based on updated recommendations advising the administration of ACS to pregnant women at risk for late preterm (LPT) delivery (34-36 6/7 weeks), we set out to determine the short-term clinical impact on those LPT neonates. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of LPT neonates delivered at NYU Langone Medical Center both one year before and after the policy went into place. We excluded subjects born to mothers with pre-gestational diabetes, multiple gestations, and those with congenital/genetic abnormalities. We also excluded subjects whose mothers already received ACS previously in pregnancy. Subjects were divided into pre-policy and post-policy groups. Neonatal and maternal data were compared for both groups. RESULTS: 388 subjects; 180 in the pre-policy and 208 in the post-policy group. This policy change resulted in a significant increase in ACS administration to mothers who delivered LPT neonates (67.3 vs. 20.6%, p<0.001). In turn, there was a significant reduction in LPT neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions (44.2 vs. 54.4%, p=0.04) and need for respiratory support (27.9 vs. 42.8%, p<0.01). However, we also found an increased incidence of hypoglycemia (49.5 vs. 28.3%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This LPT ACS policy appears effective in reducing the need for LPT NICU level care overall. However, clinicians must be attentive to monitor for adverse effects like hypoglycemia, and there remains a need for better understanding of potential long-term impacts.

Near-infrared spectroscopy in the medical management of infants.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a technology that is easy to use and can provide helpful information about organ oxygenation and perfusion by measuring regional tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) with near-infrared light. The sensors can be placed in different anatomical locations to monitor rSO2 levels in several organs. While NIRS is not without limitations, this equipment is now becoming increasingly integrated into modern healthcare practice with the goal of achieving better outcomes for patients. It can be particularly applicable in the monitoring of pediatric patients because of their size, and especially so in infant patients. Infants are ideal for NIRS monitoring as nearly all of their vital organs lie near the skin surface which near-infrared light penetrates through. In addition, infants are a difficult population to evaluate with traditional invasive monitoring techniques that normally rely on the use of larger catheters and maintaining vascular access. Pediatric clinicians can observe rSO2 values in order to gain insight about tissue perfusion, oxygenation, and the metabolic status of their patients. In this way, NIRS can be used in a non-invasive manner to either continuously or periodically check rSO2. Because of these attributes and capabilities, NIRS can be used in various pediatric inpatient settings and on a variety of patients who require monitoring. The primary objective of this review is to provide pediatric clinicians with a general understanding of how NIRS works, to discuss how it currently is being studied and employed, and how NIRS could be increasingly used in the near future, all with a focus on infant management.

Mother to Newborn Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Evolution of Evidence in 1.5 Years of COVID-19 Pandemic.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused significant mortality and morbidity in people of all age groups worldwide. Given the uncertainty regarding the mode of transmission and potential effects of COVID-19 on pregnant mothers and their newborns, guidelines for taking care of maternal-newborn dyads have evolved tremendously since the pandemic began. There has been an enormous influx of published materials regarding the outcomes of mothers and newborns. Still, multiple knowledge gaps regarding comprehensive information about risk to the mothers and newborns exist, which need to be addressed. Current evidence suggests that mothers with symptomatic COVID-19 infection are at increased risk of severe illness during pregnancy, with a higher need for respiratory support and premature deliveries. Neonates born to mothers with COVID-19 are at increased risk of needing intensive care; however, most newborns do well after birth. As new mutant variants arise, we need to be cautious while proactively understanding any new evolving patterns. All leading health authorities strongly recommend COVID-19 vaccination before or during pregnancy to reduce the risk of maternal morbidities and benefit from passing antibodies to newborns prenatally and via breastmilk. Additionally, there are racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in outcomes and vaccination coverage for pregnant women. This article summarizes the rapidly evolving evidence for the last 1.5 years and aims to help health care professionals care for mothers with COVID-19 and their newborns. KEY POINTS: · COVID-19 in pregnancy can cause perinatal morbidities.. · Breastfeeding and breast milk are safe for newborns.. · COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk for morbidities..

Pilot Study Investigating Brain Natriuretic Peptide, Troponin, Galectin-3, and miRNA-126a-5p as Biomarkers of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension in Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Injury Receiving Therapeutic Hypothermia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the utility of brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), troponin, galectin-3 (Gal-3), and microRNA (miRNA)-126a-5p as screening biomarkers for persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) by comparing expression in serum of infants with hypoxic-ischemic injury that develop PPHN to those that do not. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, observational pilot study including neonates with hypoxic-ischemic injury undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH) at two regional perinatal medical centers. PPHN in this population was diagnosed clinically and confirmed by echocardiogram. Serial measurements of biomarkers were performed from 6 to 96 hours post-TH initiation in 40 patients. RESULTS: Of 40 infants in the study, 10 (25%) developed PPHN and 30 (75%) did not. Baseline demographics and hemodynamics were similar between the groups. Patients with PPHN had a significantly higher need for vasopressors compared with patients without PPHN (70 vs. 27%, p = 0.007). Mean serum BNP and troponin levels were significantly higher in the PPHN group peaking at 12 to 24 hours and decreasing following PPHN treatment initiation. miRNA-126a-5p expression was increased in patients with PPHN compared with patients without, with statistical significance detected at 12 hours (p = 0.005) and 96 hours (p = 0.01). Mean circulating Gal-3 levels were not statistically different between the two groups; however, Gal-3 was elevated in all patients with hypoxic-ischemic injury on TH compared with healthy infants from prior studies. CONCLUSION: BNP and troponin are readily available, low-cost biomarkers that showed significant serial elevations in the PPHN group of the study and, thus, may have value in screening for PPHN in the setting of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Gal-3 was elevated in all patients with HIE and may be a useful biomarker of hypoxic injury in infants being evaluated for TH. Elevations in miRNA-126a-5p were not consistently seen in this study. Larger studies are required to establish an association between PPHN and these biomarkers in patients with and without HIE. KEY POINTS: · Serum biomarkers of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. · Serum biomarkers of hypoxic-ischemic injury.

Effects of Inhaled Iloprost for the Management of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of inhaled iloprost on oxygenation indices in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective chart review of 30 patients with PPHN from January 2014 to November 2018, who did not respond to inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) alone and received inhaled iloprost. Twenty-two patients met the inclusion criteria and eight patients were excluded from the study (complex cardiac disease and extreme prematurity). Patients were categorized as responders or nonresponders (patients who required extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or died). Oxygenation index, mean airway pressure (MAP), and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) were recorded. RESULTS: Among a total of 22 patients who were included in the study, 10 were classified as nonresponders as they required either extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or died. Gestational age and gender did not differ between responders and nonresponders. The median PaO2 was lower (37 vs. 42 mm Hg; p < 0.05) and median MAP was higher (20 vs. 17 cm H2O; p < 0.02) in nonresponders compared with responders just prior to initiating iloprost. Iloprost responders had a significant increase in median PaO2 and decrease in median oxygenation index in the 24 hours after initiating treatment (p < 0.05), with no significant change in required mean airway pressure over that same period. There was no change in vasopressor use or clinically significant worsening of platelets count, liver, and kidney functions after initiating iloprost. CONCLUSION: Inhaled iloprost is well tolerated and seems to have beneficial effects in improving oxygenation indices in neonates with PPHN who do not respond to iNO. There is a need of well-designed prospective trials to further ascertain the benefits of using inhaled iloprost as an adjunct treatment in neonates with PPHN who do not respond to iNO alone. KEY POINTS: · Inhaled iloprost seems to have beneficial effects in improving oxygenation indices in PPHN.. · Inhaled iloprost is generally well tolerated in newborns with PPHN.. · There is a need for prospective randomized controlled trials to further ascertain the benefits of using inhaled iloprost..

Horizontal Transmission of COVID-19 in a 24-Week Premature Infant and Post-discharge Follow-Up.

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has rapidly spread across the globe. The clinical spectrum of infection with SARS-CoV-2 among the most vulnerable extremely premature patient population in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), particularly those with chronic lung disease (CLD), remains unclear. Additionally, post-COVID conditions have been described in children with limited published data among infants. Symptoms in children appear similar to those described in the adults. We report a case of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a 24-week preterm infant with CLD acquired via horizontal transmission while still in the NICU. We also provide follow-up data on patient until one year post-discharge. Our patient developed fever prompting testing for SARS-CoV-2. Although extremely premature infants with CLD are known to be at high risk for morbidities if they acquire respiratory viral infections, infection with SARS-CoV-2 in this case report presented with relatively mild clinical symptoms. He remained clinically stable on respiratory support (nasal cannula) with eventual weaning to room air. Our patient was followed until one year post-discharge (chronological age: 20 months) and had follow-up by various subspecialties for chronic lung disease, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease, and poor growth. We did not observe any specific post-COVID symptoms. This case illustrates that horizontal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 infection among extremely premature infants with CLD is possible in the NICU but likely presents with mild clinical symptoms during acute infection and less chances of post-COVID conditions. Additionally, this case highlights the need for adherence to infection prevention guidelines to prevent nosocomial transmission amid the ongoing pandemic.

Breast Milk and Breastfeeding of Infants Born to SARS-CoV-2 Positive Mothers: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: There are limited published data on the transmission of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus from mothers to newborns through breastfeeding or from breast milk. The World Health Organization released guidelines encouraging mothers with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to breastfeed as the benefits of breastfeeding outweighs the possible risk of transmission. The objective of this study was to determine if SARS-CoV-2 was present in the breast milk of lactating mothers who had a positive SARS-CoV-2 nasopharyngeal swab test prior to delivery, and the clinical outcomes for their newborns. STUDY DESIGN: This was a single-center, observational, prospective cohort study. Maternal-newborn dyads that delivered at New York University Langone Hospital Brooklyn with confirmed maternal SARS-CoV-2 positive screen test at the time of admission were recruited for the study. Breast milk samples were collected during postpartum hospitalization and tested for the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genes N1 and N2 by two-step reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Additionally, the clinical characteristics of the maternal newborn dyad, results of nasopharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 testing, and neonatal follow-up data were collected. RESULTS: A total of 19 mothers were included in the study and their infants who were all fed breast milk. Breast milk samples from 18 mothers tested negative for SARS-CoV-2, and 1 was positive for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. The infant who ingested the breast milk that tested positive had a negative nasopharyngeal test for SARS-CoV-2, and had a benign clinical course. There was no evidence of significant clinical infection during the hospital stay or from outpatient neonatal follow-up data for all the infants included in this study. CONCLUSION: In a small cohort of SARS-CoV-2 positive lactating mothers giving birth at our institution, most of their breast milk samples (95%) contained no detectable virus, and there was no evidence of COVID-19 infection in their breast milk-fed neonates. KEY POINTS: · Breast milk may rarely contain detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA and was not detected in asymptomatic mothers.. · Breast milk with detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA from a symptomatic mother had no clinical significance for her infant.. · Breast feeding with appropriate infection control instructions appears to be safe in mother with COVID infection..

Characteristics of Hospitalized Children With SARS-CoV-2 in the New York City Metropolitan Area.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the characteristics of hospitalized children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in New York City metropolitan area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study at 4 hospitals comprising 82 hospitalized children (0-21 years) who tested positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 after symptoms and risk screening between March 1 and May 10, 2020. We subdivided patients on the basis of their admission to acute or critical care units and by age groups. Further subanalyses were performed between patients requiring respiratory support or no respiratory support. RESULTS: Twenty-three (28%) patients required critical care. Twenty-nine (35%) patients requiring respiratory support, with 9% needing mechanical ventilation, and 1 required extracorporeal support. All patients survived to discharge. Children with any comorbidity were more likely to require critical care (70% vs 37%, P = .008), with obesity as the most common risk factor for critical care (63% vs 28%, P = .02). Children with asthma were more likely to receive respiratory support (28% vs 8%, P = .02), with no difference in need for critical care (P = .26). Children admitted to critical care had higher rates of renal dysfunction at presentation (43% vs 10%, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Children with comorbidities (obesity and asthma in particular) were at increased risk for critical care admission and/or need for respiratory support. Children with renal dysfunction at presentation were more likely to require critical care.

Outcomes of Maternal-Newborn Dyads After Maternal SARS-CoV-2.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Infection with a novel coronavirus named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global pandemic. There are limited data describing the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pregnant mothers and their newborns. The objective of this study is to describe characteristics and outcomes of maternal-newborn dyads with confirmed maternal SARS-CoV-2. METHODS: This was a multicenter, observational, descriptive cohort study with data collection from charts of maternal-newborn dyads who delivered at 4 major New York City metropolitan area hospitals between March 1 and May 10, 2020, with maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. RESULTS: There were a total of 149 mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection and 149 newborns analyzed (3 sets of twins; 3 stillbirths). Forty percent of these mothers were asymptomatic. Approximately 15% of symptomatic mothers required some form of respiratory support, and 8% required intubation. Eighteen newborns (12%) were admitted to the ICU. Fifteen (10%) were born preterm, and 5 (3%) required mechanical ventilation. Symptomatic mothers had more premature deliveries (16% vs 3%, P = .02), and their newborns were more likely to require intensive care (19% vs 2%, P = .001) than asymptomatic mothers. One newborn tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, which was considered a case of horizontal postnatal transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Although there was no distinct evidence of vertical transmission from mothers with SARS-CoV-2 to their newborns, we did observe perinatal morbidities among both mothers and newborns. Symptomatic mothers were more likely to experience premature delivery and their newborns to require intensive care.

Neonatal intensive care unit preparedness for the Novel Coronavirus Disease-2019 pandemic: A New York City hospital perspective.

In January 2020, China reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia associated with a novel pathogenic coronavirus provisionally named Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2). Since then, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reported in more than 180 countries with approximately 6.5 million known infections and more than 380,000 deaths attributed to this disease as of June 3rd , 2020 (Johns Hopkins University COVID map; https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/map.html) The majority of confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in adults, especially older individuals with co-morbidities. Children have had a relatively lower rate and a less serious course of infection as reported in the literature to date. One of the most vulnerable pediatric patient populations is cared for in the neonatal intensive care unit. There is limited data on the effect of COVID-19 in fetal life, and among neonates after birth. Therefore there is an urgent need for proactive preparation, and planning to combat COVID-19, as well as to safeguard patients, their families, and healthcare personnel. This review article is based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) current recommendations for COVID-19 and its adaptation to our local resources. The aim of this article is to provide basic consolidated guidance and checklists to clinicians in the neonatal intensive care units in key aspects of preparation needed to counter exposure or infection with COVID-19. We anticipate that CDC will continue to update their guidelines regarding COVID-19 as the situation evolves, and we recommend monitoring CDC's updates for the most current information.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of children with congenital heart disease: A review.

Congenital heart defects are the most common birth anomaly affecting approximately 1% of births. With improved survival in this population, there is enhanced ability to assess long-term morbidities including neurodevelopment. There is a wide range of congenital heart defects, from those with minimal physiologic consequence that do not require medical or surgical intervention, to complex structural anomalies requiring highly specialized medical management and intricate surgical repair or palliation. The impact of congenital heart disease on neurodevelopment is multifactorial. Susceptibility for adverse neurodevelopment increases with advancing severity of the defect with initial risk factors originating during gestation. Complex structural heart anomalies may pre-dispose the fetus to abnormal circulatory patterns in utero that ultimately impact delivery of oxygen rich blood to the fetal brain. Thus, the brain of a neonate born with complex congenital heart disease may be particularly vulnerable from the outset. That vulnerability is compounded during the newborn period and through childhood, as this population endures a myriad of medical and surgical interventions. For each individual patient, these factors are likely cumulative and synergistic with progression from fetal life through childhood. This review discusses the spectrum of risk factors that may impact neurodevelopment in children with congenital heart disease, describes current recommendations and practices for neurodevelopmental follow-up of children with congenital heart disease and reviews important neurodevelopmental trends in this high risk population.

Update on the current management of newborns with neonatal encephalopathy.

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is a subtype of neonatal encephalopathy and a major contributor to global neonatal morbidity and mortality. Despite advances in obstetric and neonatal care there are still challenges in accurate determination of etiology of neonatal encephalopathy. Thus, identification of intrapartum risk factors and comprehensive evaluation of the neonate is important to determine the etiology and severity of neonatal encephalopathy. In developed countries, therapeutic hypothermia as a standard of care therapy for neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy has proven to decrease incidence of death and neurodevelopmental disabilities, including cerebral palsy in surviving children. Advances in neuroimaging, brain monitoring modalities, and biomarkers of brain injury have improved the ability to diagnose, monitor, and treat newborns with encephalopathy. However, challenges remain in early identification of neonates at risk for hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, and determination of the timing and extent of brain injury. Using imaging studies such as Neonatal MRI and MR spectroscopy have proven to be most useful in predicting outcomes in infants with encephalopathy within the first week of life, although comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments still remains the gold standard for determining long term outcomes. Future studies are needed to identify other newborns with encephalopathy that might benefit from therapeutic hypothermia and to determine the efficacy of other adjunctive neuroprotective strategies. This review focuses on newer evidence and advances in diagnoses and management of infants with neonatal encephalopathy, including novel therapies, as well as prognostication of outcomes to childhood.

Hyponatremic Seizures and Adrenal Hypoplasia Congenita in a Neonate with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in neonates may occur as an isolated finding, in association with other anomalies, or as part of a genetic syndrome. We report the first case of an infant with CDH who presented with hyponatremic seizures due to adrenal hypoplasia congenita (AHC). The patient underwent repair of CDH defect. After an uncomplicated postoperative course while on discharge planning, he developed a seizure episode associated with severe hyponatremia and hyperkalemia. Extensive diagnostic workup revealed an NR0B1 gene variant confirming the diagnosis of X-linked AHC. The patient was eventually discharged home on hydrocortisone, fludrocortisone, and salt supplements. There are a few case reports of adrenal insufficiency in neonates with CDH, manifesting with symptoms before and immediately after reparative surgery. Clinical presentation of our patient was unique in manifesting as neonatal seizure secondary to severe hyponatremia after a stable postoperative phase. The patient's electrolytes and hemodynamic status remained stable before, during, and after surgery for CDH. This case underlines the importance of taking detailed family history and continued vigilance for signs and symptoms of adrenal insufficiency in infants with repaired CDH by pediatricians and intensivists.

Electrical Activity of the Diaphragm in a Small Cohort of Preterm Infants on Noninvasive Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: A Prospective Comparative Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) of premature infants placed on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with the Edi of premature infants placed on noninvasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV NAVA). The secondary aim was to evaluate the feasibility of the use of NIV NAVA mode in the busy tertiary neonatal unit. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective crossover pilot study of premature infants requiring noninvasive respiratory support. Infants were randomized to initially receive either CPAP/biphasic (group 1) or NIV NAVA (group 2) and were then crossed over to the alternate group. Continuous Edi signals were recorded for 24 h, with 12 h each on CPAP/biphasic, and NIV NAVA along with other clinical and respiratory parameters.  Results: Ten infants with a mean gestation age of 29 weeks (range 25-34 weeks) were enrolled, with a total cumulative Edi monitoring of 240 h. The average Edi peak on the biphasic/CPAP group (15.6 ± 7 mcV) was significantly higher (P < 0.005), compared to the Edi Peak on the NIV NAVA group (10.8 ± 3.3 mcV). The Edi min values were 3.23 ± 1.1 mcV, and 3.07 ± 0.5 mcV on CPAP/biphasic and NIV NAVA (P = 0.69) respectively. There were no significant differences in other clinical parameters between the two groups. No major adverse events were recorded during Edi catheter monitoring. CONCLUSION: The Edi peak values were significantly lower in NIV NAVA mode compared to CPAP/biphasic mode. The Edi catheter and NIV NAVA may also be used safely in premature infants.

Therapeutic hypothermia during neonatal transport at Regional Perinatal Centers: active vs. passive cooling.

Background Earlier initiation of therapeutic hypothermia in term infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy has been shown to improve neurological outcomes. The objective of the study was to compare safety and effectiveness of servo-controlled active vs. passive cooling used during neonatal transport in achieving target core temperature. Methods We undertook a prospective cohort quality improvement study with historic controls of therapeutic hypothermia during transport. Primary outcome measures were analyzed: time to cool after initiation of transport, time to achieve target temperature from birth and temperature on arrival to cooling centers. Safety was assessed by group comparison of vital signs, diagnosis of persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) and coagulation profiles on arrival. Results A total of 65 infants were included in the study. Time to cool after initiation of transport and time to achieve target temperature from birth were statistically significantly shorter in the actively cooled group with time reduction of 24% with P<0.01 and 15.6% with P<0.01, respectively. On arrival to our cooling center, we noted a significance difference in the mean core temperature (active 33.8°C vs. passive 35.4°C, P<0.01). Seven percent (2/30) of infants in the passively cooled group were overcooled (temperature <33°C). Patients in the actively cooled group had significantly lower mean heart rate compared to the passively cooled group. There was no statistically significant difference in diagnosis of PPHN or coagulation profiles on admission. Conclusion Our study indicates that active cooling with a servo-controlled device on neonatal transport is safe and more effective in achieving target temperature compared to passive cooling.

Standardized Nutrition Protocol for Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants Resulted in Less Use of Parenteral Nutrition and Associated Complications, Better Growth, and Lower Rates of Necrotizing Enterocolitis.

BACKGROUND: We assessed the impact of a standardized nutrition initiative for very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants on their nutrition and clinical outcomes. METHODS: This was a prospective analysis of VLBW infants born before and after the initiation of a nutrition protocol. This protocol included trophic feeds, feeding advancement, fortification guidelines, parameters on the concentration of parenteral nutrition (PN), and the discontinuation of PN and central lines. Gastric residual monitoring was discontinued. Statistical analyses were performed with Fisher's exact and Student's t-tests. Primary outcome measures were days receiving PN, days made nil per os (NPO) after feeding initiation, necrotizing enterocolitis, and growth parameters. Secondary outcome measures were central-line days, sepsis, blood transfusions, cholestasis, osteopenia, chronic lung disease, and retinopathy of prematurity. RESULTS: 136 VLBW infants were analyzed, including 77 in the preprotocol group and 59 in the postprotocol group. Infants postprotocol were found to have reduced PN days (26.1 versus [vs] 18.4, P < .01), fewer days made NPO after feeding initiation (7.2 vs 4.0, P = .02), NEC (7.8% vs 0%, P = 0.038), central-line days (26.5 vs 18.6, P < .01), cholestasis (16% vs 3%, P = .02), and blood transfusions (5.3 vs 3.1, P = .028). Growth, defined by change in z-score from birth to discharge, improved for weight (-1.3 vs -0.8, P < .01), length (-1.5 vs -1.0, P = .033), and head (-1.1 vs -0.6, P = .024). CONCLUSION: Initiation of a standardized nutrition initiative for VLBW infants significantly improved growth, reduced PN use, and improved patient outcomes.