Efficacy of Docosahexaenoic Acid for the Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory bowel disease and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. In this study, a randomized double-blind parallel-group (1:1) trial was carried out in two neonatal intensive care units of two tertiary hospitals. Two hundred and twenty-five preterm newborns with an expected functional gastrointestinal tract were recruited and received an enteral dose of 75 mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)/kg body weight or high-oleic sunflower oil daily for 14 days from the first enteral feed after birth. Confirmed NEC was evaluated with Bell's scale from stage ≥ IIa. Two hundred and fourteen randomized infants were analyzed in terms of the intent-to-treat (DHA-group: n = 105; control-group: n = 109); data for two hundred infants were analysed per protocol. Confirmed NEC was lower in infants from the DHA-group compared with the control-group (0/100 vs. 7/100; p = 0.007), with RR = 0.93 (95% CI 0.881 to 0.981), risk difference = -7%, (95% CI -12.00 to -1.99), and number needed-to-treat = 15 (95% CI 8.3 to 50). Intent-to-treat analysis showed a lower level of treatment failure in the DHA-group compared with the control-group (6/105 (6%) vs. 16/109 (15%); p = 0.03, RR = 0.905, (95% CI 0.826 to 0.991)). The results after multivariate-regression analysis remained significant. Adverse events (apart from the incidence of NEC) were not different between groups. A daily dose of DHA for 14 days starting with the first enteral feed may prevent NEC in preterm infants.

Effectiveness and safety of ferric carboxymaltose therapy in peritoneal dialysis patients: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of intravenous (IV) ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) has been demonstrated in haemodialysis and non-dialysis studies, but evidence is lacking in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). METHODS: This multicentre, retrospective study evaluated the effectiveness and safety of FCM in patients on PD over 12 months. We retrospectively reviewed the electronic medical records of PD patients who initiated FCM treatment between 2014 and 2017 across seven Spanish centres. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were included in the safety population (mean ± SD age 57.7 ± 15.0 years) and 70 in the efficacy population (mean age 50.9 ± 14.5 years). No hypersensitivity reaction, FCM discontinuation or dose adjustment due to a serious adverse event (SAE) was registered in the safety population. The most common non-SAEs reported were headache (four events), mild hypotension (three events) and hypertension (two events), among others. In the efficacy population (n = 70), 68.6% of patients achieved ferritin levels of 200-800 ng/mL, 78.4% achieved transferrin saturation (TSAT) >20%, and 62.8% achieved TSAT >20% and ferritin >200 ng/mL after 12 months of FCM initiation (P < 0.01). Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were maintained at >11 g/dL with a lower dose of darbepoetin throughout the follow-up. The sub-analysis of patients naïve to IV iron and with absolute or relative iron deficiency (n = 51) showed that 76.5% reached ferritin >200 ng/mL, 80.4% TSAT >20% and Hb increased (1.2 g/dL) after 4 months of FCM treatment (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In this multicentre, retrospective, real-world study conducted in the PD population, FCM was effective, safe and easy to administer during routine clinical visits.

Is peritoneal dialysis suitable technique CKD patients over 65 years? A prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing in patients older than 65 years and is related to morbidity, frailty, and dependence. Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has classically been associated with young patients with an active life. HYPOTHESIS: PD should be offered to patients over 65 years. We search for any unfavorable results that may advice not to recommend PD therapy for this group. OBJECTIVE: To describe PD treatment and outcomes in patients > 65 years, to compare their results with patients < 65 years and to identify areas with room for improvement in a real-life study. STUDY: Prospective, observational, and multicenter study performed in incident PD patients, from January 2003 until January 2018. RESULTS: We included 2,435 PD patients, 31.9% were older than 65 years; there was a difference of 25 years between both groups. Median follow up was 2.1 years. Older than 65 years group had more comorbidity: Diabetes (29.5% vs 17.2%; p < 0.001), previous CV events 34.5% vs 14.0%; p < 0.001), Charlson index (3.8 vs 3.0; p < 0.001). We did not find differences in efficacy and PD adequacy objectives fulfillment, anaemia management or blood pressure during follow-up. Peritonitis rate was higher in older 65 years group (0.65 vs 0.45 episodes/patient/year; p < 0.001), but there was not differences in germs, admission rate and follow up. Mortality was higher in older 65 years group (28.4% vs 9.4%) as expected. PD permanence probability was similar (2.1 years). The main cause of PD withdrawal was transplant in group < 65 years (48.3%) and transfer to HD in group > 65 years. The main reason was caregiver or patient fatigue (20.2%), and not technique failure (7.3%). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed a relation (HR [95%CI]) between mortality and age > 65 years 2.4 [1.9-3.0]; DM 1.6 [1.3-2.1]; CV events 2.1 [1.7-2.7]. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identify a relation between technique failure and age > 65 years 1.5 [1.3-1.9]; DM 1.6 [1.3-1.9] and previous transplant 1.5 [1.2-2.0]. CONCLUSION: Patients older than 65 years fulfilled PD adequacy criteria during the follow up. We believe PD is a valid option for patients older 65 years. It is necessary to try to prevent infections and patient/caregiver fatigue, to avoid HD transfer for reasons not related to technique failure.

Clinical relevance of marginal factors on ultrafiltration in peritoneal dialysis.

BACKGROUND: Ultrafiltration (UF) in peritoneal dialysis (PD) is mainly driven by the osmotic gradient and peritoneal permeability, but other factors-such as intraperitoneal pressure (IPP)-also have an influence. METHODS: To assess the clinical relevance of these marginal factors, we studied 41 unselected PD patients undergoing two consecutive 2 h, 2.27% glucose exchanges, first with 2.5 L and then with 1.5 L. RESULTS: IPP, higher in the 2.5 L exchange, had a wide interpatient range, was higher in obese and polycystic patients and their increase with infusion volume was higher for women regardless of body size. UF with 2.5 L correlated inversely with IPP and was higher for patients with polycystosis or hernias, while for 1.5 L we found no significant correlations. The effluent had higher glucose and osmolarity in the 2.5 L exchange than in the 1.5 L one, similar for both sexes. In spite of this stronger osmotic gradient, only 21 patients had more UF in the 2.5 L exchange, with differences up to 240 mL. The other 20 patients had more UF in the 1.5 L exchange, with stronger differences (up to 800 mL, and more than 240 mL for 9 patients). The second group, with similar effluent osmolarity and peritoneal equilibration test (PET) parameters than the first, has higher IPP and preponderance of men. The sex influence is so intense that men decreased average UF with 2.5 L with respect to 1.5 L, while women increased it. CONCLUSIONS: With 2.27% glucose, sex and IPP-modulated by obesity, polycystosis, hernias, and intraperitoneal volume-significantly affect UF in clinical settings and might be useful for its management.

A New Method to Increase Ultrafiltration in Peritoneal Dialysis: Steady Concentration Peritoneal Dialysis.

UNLABELLED: ♦ BACKGROUND: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) has limited power for liquid extraction (ultrafiltration), so fluid overload remains a major cause of treatment failure. ♦ METHODS: We present steady concentration peritonal dialysis (SCPD), which increases ultrafiltration of PD exchanges by maintaining a constant peritoneal glucose concentration. This is achieved by infusing 50% glucose solution at a constant rate (typically 40 mL/h) during the 4-hour dwell of a 2-L 1.36% glucose exchange. We treated 21 fluid overload episodes on 6 PD patients with high or average-high peritoneal transport characteristics who refused hemodialysis as an alternative. Each treatment consisted of a single session with 1 to 4 SCPD exchanges (as needed). ♦ RESULTS: Ultrafiltration averaged 653 ± 363 mL/4 h - twice the ultrafiltration of the peritoneal equilibration test (PET) (300 ± 251 mL/4 h, p < 0.001) and 6-fold the daily ultrafiltration (100 ± 123 mL/4 h, p < 0.001). Serum and peritoneal glucose stability and dialysis efficacy were excellent (glycemia 126 ± 25 mg/dL, peritoneal glucose 1,830 ± 365 mg/dL, D/P creatinine 0.77 ± 0.08). The treatment reversed all episodes of fluid overload, avoiding transfer to hemodialysis. Ultrafiltration was proportional to fluid overload (p < 0.01) and inversely proportional to final peritoneal glucose concentration (p < 0.05). ♦ CONCLUSION: This preliminary clinical experience confirms the potential of SCPD to safely and effectively increase ultrafiltration of PD exchanges. It also shows peritoneal transport in a new dynamic context, enhancing the influence of factors unrelated to the osmotic gradient.

[Variations of vital signs and peripheral oxygen saturation in critically ill preterm newborn, after sponge bathing]. / Variaciones de los signos vitales y saturación periférica de oxígeno en el recién nacido de pretérmino críticamente enfermo después del baño de esponja.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the variability of the vital signs (temperature, heart rate and respiratory frequency), skin coloration and peripheral oxygen saturation in critically ill preterm newborns (CI PTNB) before, during and after sponge bathing as well as to determine the possible presence of secondary complications of this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a quasi-experimental study (experimental, prospective, comparative and clinical study with intervention) May to December 2008, in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We included CI PTNB of 0 to 28 days of extrauterine life who have practiced in the routine sponge bathing. Area of significance was considered when p < 0.05. RESULTS: During or after the events in any of the patients presented any complications after 12 h of monitoring, but it was necessary to increase the inspired fraction of oxygen and temperature in the incubator or radiant heat cradle temporarily. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the sponge bath is not safe for a CI PTNB and this should be performed in the shortest time possible, and the medical must be very alert to the possibility that patients require more support than they had prior to sponge bathing, mainly in the temperature of the incubator or radiant heat cradle and inspired fraction of oxygen for the required time according to the evolution of these variables.

Hidropesía fetal no inmune: Informe de un caso / Nonimmune hydrops fetalis: case report

Introducción: La hidropesía fetal es una condición clínica que se caracteriza por la acumulación anormal de líquidos en los tejidos blandos y en alguna de las cavidades serosas del feto. Es importante establecer con antelación esta condición, ya que debe conocerse la causa más probable, para ayudar en la mejor reanimación al nacimiento, la cual en el caso de un neonato con hidropesía fetal es un reto para el neonatólogo. Presentación del caso: Se presenta el caso de una embarazada de grupo sanguíneo O Rh negativo, no isoinmunizada, que cursó con anemia y hipoalbuminemia graves, con eclampsia, de la cual mediante cesárea se obtiene un producto del sexo femenino, de 32 semanas de gestación, con hidropesía fetal no inmune. Conclusiones: Se hace una revisión del tema con una discusión del abordaje diagnóstico y terapéutico actual.

Background: Hydrops fetalis is a clinical condition characterized by an abnormal fluid accumulation in soft tissues and in some serous cavities of the fetus. It is important to know beforehand if this condition is present in order to establish the most probable origin and to be prepared to administer optimal reanimation management of the neonate at birth. The care given to a newborn with hydrops fetalis is always a challenge for the neonatologist. Case report. We present the case of a pregnant, non-isoimmunized patient with RhO negative blood type. The following conditions were associated with her pregnancy: severe anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and preeclampsia/eclampsia. Delivery was accomplished with Cesarean section where a female neonate of 32 weeks gestation was delivered. Non-immune hydrops fetalis was present. Conclusions. We present recommendations for optimal diagnosis and therapy.

[Predictor factors for the production of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the preterm newborn]. / Factores predictores para la producción de displasia broncopulmonar en el recién nacido de pretérmino.

INTRODUCTION: The bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a lung illness chronicle that is developed in preterm newborn (PTNB) mainly, secondary to multiple factors of risk which have not been studied completely. OBJECTIVE: To determine the predictors factors (of risk factors) for the production of BPD in the PTNB of 28 at 36 weeks of gestational age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty medical records from January 2004 to May 2006 of PTNB that there was received mechanical attendance to the ventilation (MAV) at least 24 hrs were reviewed retrospectively. They were divided in two groups: group A, PTNB that had BPD, composed of 40 patients (cases) and group B, PTNB with MAV but that had not developed BPD due to the procedure of 40 patients too (controls). It was used descriptive and inferential statistic. Odds ratio (OR) and multivariate analysis were used to study predictors factors. Statistical significance was considered with P < 0.05. RESULTS: There was significant difference of the supply of the intravenous (i.v.) fluids the days 2, 3, 4 and 7 of extrauterine life (EUL), of the oxygen inspired fraction (FiO2) of in the day 7 of being had initiate the MAV, of the peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) in the day 1 and 3 of being had initiate the MAV everything to favor of the cases, with P < 0.05. In the multivariate analysis was significative in the intake of i.v. fluids > or = 140 mL x kg of weight x day to the fourth day of EUL, the oxygen arterial pressure (PaO2) > 70 mm Hg for > 4 days, reintubations number (two or more times) and the symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), all with P < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that, in critically sick PTNB, they exist one series of well-known risk factors but more specified in this study that they should avoid as much as possible; the handling of the liquids i.v. should be cautious, not to spend of 139 mL x kg x day to the 4th day of EUL, not to be so permissive with the PaO2 maintaining it in values < or = 70 mm of Hg after four days, to avoid as much as possible the reintubations and to treat the but quick the symptomatic PDA still without that it is significant, to diminish this way, the risk of BPD.

[Comparison of oxygen saturation among newborns with bronchopulmonary dysplasia during and after feeding]. / Comparación de la saturación de oxígeno en lactantes con displasia broncopulmonar antes, durante y después de la alimentación.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is associated with frequent events of hypoxemia specially during feeding. OBJECTIVE: Determine peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) among infants with BPD before, during and after feeding. METHODS: Patients with diagnosis of BPD were prospectively studied between July-September, 2005. SpO2 was measured with a manual digital pulsioxymeter 5 times during feeding. Alpha levels were set at p<0.05. RESULTS: 67 events were studied in 18 patients. For each participant, oxygen saturation was measured five times yielding a total of 335 recordings. Frequent desaturation episodes were recorded during feeding, (SpO2<88%) in 16 of the 18 cases. SpO2 reached 80% for some recordings among 67% of participants (n=12), with p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Among BDP patients, SpO2 decreases during feeding, reaching severe desaturations (SpO2<80%) among in two thirds of the cases. Oxygen concentration must be sufficiently increased during feeding in order to rise the level of SpO2 to a minimum of 88%.

Comparación de la saturación de oxígeno en lactantes con displasia broncopulmonar antes, durante y después de la alimentación / Comparison of oxygen saturation among newborns with bronchopulmonary dysplasia during and after feeding

Antecedentes: La displasia broncopulmonar se relaciona con eventos frecuentes de hipoxemia, en especial durante la alimentación. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la saturación periférica de oxígeno (SpO2) en lactantes con displasia broncopulmonar, antes, durante y después de la alimentación. Métodos: Prospectivamente se estudiaron pacientes con displasia broncopulmonar del 1 de julio al 30 de septiembre de 2005, realizando mediciones de SpO2 a través de un pulsioxímetro digital de mano en cinco ocasiones con relación a la alimentación. Se consideró zona de significancia con p<0.05. Resultados: En 18 pacientes se estudiaron 67 eventos, midiendo en cada uno la SpO2 en cinco ocasiones, para un total de 335 mediciones; hubo momentos de desaturación frecuentes (SpO2 menor de 88%) en 16 pacientes de los 18, y SpO2 por debajo de 80% en alguna medición, en 67% de ellos (n=12), con p<0.001. Conclusiones: La SpO2 en pacientes con displasia broncopulmonar disminuye durante la alimentación llegando a niveles severos (menos de 80%) en las dos terceras partes de los casos, por lo que se sugiere que durante la misma se incremente la concentración de oxígeno lo suficiente como para llevarlos a una saturación de 88%, por lo menos.

BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is associated with frequent events of hypoxemia specially during feeding. OBJECTIVE: Determine peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) among infants with BPD before, during and after feeding. METHODS: Patients with diagnosis of BPD were prospectively studied between July-September, 2005. SpO2 was measured with a manual digital pulsioxymeter 5 times during feeding. Alpha levels were set at p<0.05. RESULTS: 67 events were studied in 18 patients. For each participant, oxygen saturation was measured five times yielding a total of 335 recordings. Frequent desaturation episodes were recorded during feeding, (SpO2<88%) in 16 of the 18 cases. SpO2 reached 80% for some recordings among 67% of participants (n=12), with p<0.001. CONCLUSION: Among BDP patients, SpO2 decreases during feeding, reaching severe desaturations (SpO2<80%) among in two thirds of the cases. Oxygen concentration must be sufficiently increased during feeding in order to rise the level of SpO2 to a minimum of 88%.

[Oxygen peripheral saturation using pulse oxymetry among healthy term newborns at Mexico's altitude (2240 m)]. / Saturación periférica de oxígeno por oximetría de pulso en recién nacidos clínicamente sanos a la altitud de la Ciudad de México (2240 m).

BACKGROUND: Oxygen peripheral saturation (SpO2) is crucial for an adequate management of critically-ill newborns infants (NB). The objective of the present study was to determine SpO2 by pulse oxymetry among healthy term and preterm NBs at an altitude of 2240 m above sea level. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional and comparative. 218 NBs were prospectively studied between January to April 2004. Eighty nine were term and 128 were preterm. Alpha levels were set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The recorded lower value for SpO2 was 88%, and the maximum was 99%. We observed a significant SpO2 difference among the term NB (93.5+/-2%) and preterm NBs (92.9+/-2%), p=0.01. CONCLUSIONS: SpO2 in Mexico City's altitude is on average lower when compared to that observed at sea level. In general with a minimum and maximum values found in our study the SpO2 needed to maintain a critically sick NB with supplementary O2, is suggested. Values should be kept at between 88% and 94% to avoid hypoxemia and hyperoxemia.

Saturación periférica de oxígeno por oximetría de pulso en recién nacidos clínicamente sanos a la altitud de la Ciudad de México (2240 m) / Oxygen peripheral saturation using pulse oxymetry among healthy term newborns at Mexico's altitude (2240 m)

Antecedentes: La saturación periférica de oxígeno (SpO2) es importante para monitorizar al recién nacido (RN) críticamente enfermo. Se llevó a cabo un estudio prolectivo, observacional, transversal y comparativo para determinar la SpO2 por oximetría de pulso en RN de término y pretérmino clínicamente sanos a una altitud sobre el nivel del mar de 2240 m. Métodos: Se estudiaron de enero a abril de 2004, 218 RN, 89 de término y 128 pretérmino. Se consideró zona de significancia a una p<0.05. Resultados: La SpO2 más baja registrada fue de 88% y la máxima de 99%. Hubo diferencia de la SpO2 entre los RN de término (93.5±2%) y los pretérmino (92.9±2%), con p=0.01. Conclusiones: La SpO2 a la altitud de la Ciudad de México se encuentra en promedio menor respecto a la hallada a nivel del mar, pero en general con un mínimo y máximo similar a esa altitud. La SpO2 para mantener a un RN críticamente enfermo con O2 suplementario se sugiere debe de ser igual a lo ya conocido, entre 88 y 94 %, para evitar hipoxemia e hiperoxemia a la altitud estudiada.

BACKGROUND: Oxygen peripheral saturation (SpO2) is crucial for an adequate management of critically-ill newborns infants (NB). The objective of the present study was to determine SpO2 by pulse oxymetry among healthy term and preterm NBs at an altitude of 2240 m above sea level. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional and comparative. 218 NBs were prospectively studied between January to April 2004. Eighty nine were term and 128 were preterm. Alpha levels were set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The recorded lower value for SpO2 was 88%, and the maximum was 99%. We observed a significant SpO2 difference among the term NB (93.5+/-2%) and preterm NBs (92.9+/-2%), p=0.01. CONCLUSIONS: SpO2 in Mexico City's altitude is on average lower when compared to that observed at sea level. In general with a minimum and maximum values found in our study the SpO2 needed to maintain a critically sick NB with supplementary O2, is suggested. Values should be kept at between 88% and 94% to avoid hypoxemia and hyperoxemia.

Hemodynamic indexes in newborns using the arteriovenous oxygen content difference

Objetivo. Determinar en sangre periférica del recién nacido (RN) gasto cardiaco (Q), índice cardiaco (CI), índice de resistencia sistémica por metro cuadrado de superficie corporal (SVRI), y el transporte efectivo de oxígeno (EO2T) a través de la diferencia arteriovenosa de oxígeno (DIF AV). Diseño. Encuesta comparativa. Lugar. RN sanos y de cuidados intermedios de unidades de tercer nivel de atención. Material y Método. Cuarenta y siete RN (17 pretérmino) fueron estudiados prospectivamente en Ago-Sep-95. Se les tomó 0.4 mL de sangre de vena umbilical o femoral y de arteria umbilical, radial o femoral. El análisis inferencial se hizo con la prueba t y con correlación de Pearson. Se consideró nivel de significancia si p < 0.05. Resultados. El Q varió de 0.3 a 1.4 L/min (promedio = 0.6 ñ 0.24) (ñ DE); el CI varió de 1.8 a 6.4 L/min/m2 de superficie corporal (SC) (promedio = 3.3 ñ 1.2); el SVRI de 533 a 2,391 dinas/seg/cm-5/m2 (promedio = 1,317 ñ 494); el EO2T varió de 307 a 1,017 mL/min/m2 SC (promedio = 549 ñ 186) y la Dif AV varió de 3.1 a 10.7 volúmenes por ciento (promedio = 6.8 ñ 2.1). No hubo diferencia entre el Q del RN de término y el de pretérmino, ni hubo correlación entre Q y la edad gestacional. Conclusiones. La DIF AV puede ser una buena alternativa para determinar índices hemodinámicos de manera aproximada en sangre periférica de RN sin cardiopatía, cuando otros métodos menos invasivos y más complejos no estén disponibles. En el paciente críticamente enfermo habrá necesidad de medir el consumo de O2, por la variabilidad del mismo, antes de emplear este método de cálculo de los índices

La fracción excretada de potasio en neonatos pretérmino. ¿Es de utilidad en la práctica clínica? / The excreted fraction of potassium in neonates preterm . She is fof utility in the clinical practice?

Se estudiaron 110 recién nacidos (RN) de pretérmino para: 1 determinar el valor normal de la fracción excretada de potacio (FeK), 2. establecer si había correlación con la fracción excretada de sodio (FeNa) y 3. determinar su probable utilidad en el RN prematuro. Ninguno de ellos tenían datos clínicos de insuficiencia renal y su creatinina sérica era normal. La FeK varió de 0.29 a 81.12 por ciento con un promedio de 11.5 ñ 10.5 y con una moda de 10 por ciento. La edad gestacional osciló de 28 a 36, con un promedio de 34 ñ 1.8 demanas, el peso fue desde 725 a 2,475, con un promedio de 1,834 ñ 370 gramos. El valor de la FeNa varió de 0.01 a 4 (sólo en un caso pasó de 2.98 por ciento) con un promedio de 0.5 ñ 0.62 por ciento. Existió correlación entre Fek y FeNa con una r de 0.51 y p < 0.001. Se concluye que la FeK puede ser de utilidad en el RN prematuro de 28 a 36 semanas para evaluar su función renal. Aunque se registró un valor de 82 por ciento es conveniente hacer estudios en RN prematuros con y sin alteraciones renales para definir los límites de normalidad