End-of-Life Care for Newborn Infants: A Multicenter Real-Life Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Most neonatal deaths in industrialized countries follow a process of redirection of care. The objectives of this study were to describe how neonates die in a middle-income country, whether there was redirection of care, and the reason for this decision. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study. Neonates who died in the delivery room or in the neonatal intensive care unit in 97 hospitals over a 6-month period were included. After each neonatal death, one investigator interviewed a member of the healthcare team who had been involved in the end-of-life care process. Perinatal data, conditions that led to death, whether there was redirection of care, and details of the end-of-life process were recorded. RESULTS: Data from 697 neonatal deaths were analyzed, which represent 80% of the total deaths occurring in Argentina in that period. The main causes of death were complications of prematurity (47%) and congenital anomalies (27%). Overall, 32% of neonates died after a process of redirection of care, and this was less frequent in the neonatal intensive care unit (28%) than in the delivery room (70%, p < 0.001). The reasons for withholding/withdrawing care were inevitable death (75%) and severe compromise of expected quality of life (25%). Redirection of care consisted in withholding therapies in 66% and withdrawal in 34%. A diagnosis of a major congenital anomaly increased the odds of redirection of care (OR 5.45; 95% CI: 3.59-8.27). CONCLUSION: Most neonates who die in Argentina do so while receiving full support. Redirection of care mainly follows a condition of inevitable death.

Can Intubation Be Improved with Endotracheal Tubes Marked with a Color Scale? Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess if a color scale in the endotracheal tube (ETT) can help operators to correctly select the size and depth of placement of the ETT and decrease the time required to complete the procedure and compared with the usual numeric ETT scale in a mannequin model. STUDY DESIGN: The study was conducted in eight centers. Each size of the ETT was identified with a different color. The experimental ETTs had two different colored areas, one for the mouthpiece and another to identify where the ETT should be taped above the lip (an area of 1 cm. The operators were trained as part of the protocol using an instructional video. Four clinical scenarios requiring endotracheal intubation were designed and randomly assigned. Each operator had to select the size and depth of ETT based on the birth weight (BW), and then had to perform four intubations. RESULTS: A total of 108 operators performed 432 intubations. No differences were found in the correct placement and selection of the ETT. Median time (in seconds) required for intubation using numeric versus experimental tube was: for ETT Ø NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) 2.5, 11.5 versus 8 (p < 0.001), ETT Ø 3, 12 versus 10 (p < 0.001), ETT Ø 3.5, 15.5 versus12 (p = 0.003), ETT Ø 4, 12 versus11 (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: No significant difference was observed in the selection and correct placement of the ETT. However, the intubation time was significantly shorter using the experimental ETT. This device could improve the effectiveness of intubation by reducing the time needed to properly place the ETT at mid trachea. KEY POINTS: · It is an innovative intervention to try to solve a great inconvenience of daily practice.. · The study also raises the difficulty in maintaining the ability of endotracheal intubation.. · It proposes a scale that ensures the correct location with a safe fixation zone..

Estrategias de preparación en unidades de neonatología durante la pandemia de COVID-19: Encuesta en maternidades de la Argentina / Preparedness strategies in neonatology units during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey conducted at maternity centers in Argentina

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar recursos disponibles, guías utilizadas y preparación para la atención de neonatos en maternidades de Argentina durante la pandemia de COVID-19.Método. Estudio transversal mediante una encuesta enviada a equipos médicos y de enfermería. En mayo de 2020, se contactaron instituciones de más de 500 nacimientos anuales en la Argentina, el 58 % del sector público.Resultados. Respondieron 104/147 instituciones (el 71 %). Todas contaban con guías para la atención durante la pandemia, y un 93 % refirió haber recibido capacitación para su uso. No autorizaban la presencia de acompañante en el parto el 26 % de instituciones privadas y el 60 % de las públicas (p < 0,01). El 87 % recomendaba ligadura oportuna del cordón, el 62 % promovía internación conjunta en neonatos asintomáticos, un 70 % recomendaba la puesta al pecho con medidas de protección, y el 23 %, leche materna mediante biberón. El 94 % restringía el ingreso de familiares a Neonatología.Las dificultades incluyeron imposibilidad de contar con habitaciones individuales para neonatos sintomáticos y potencial limitación del personal de salud y equipos de protección personal.Conclusiones. Todas las instituciones conocen las guías nacionales para enfrentar la pandemia. La mayoría cuenta con recursos para respetar las medidas de protección recomendadas. Existe incertidumbre sobre si, ante un aumento significativo en el número de casos, serán suficientes los elementos de protección personal, el personal y el espacio físico disponible en los distintos centros

Introduction. The objective of this study was to analyze available resources, guidelines in use, and preparedness to care for newborn infants at maternity centers in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic.Method. Cross-sectional study based on a survey administered to medical and nursing staff. In May 2020, Argentine facilities with more than 500 annual births were contacted; 58 % of these were from the public sector.Results. In total, 104/147 facilities answered (71 %). All had guidelines for care during the pandemic, and 93 % indicated they had been trained on how to use them. A companion was not allowed during childbirth in 26 % of private facilities and in 60 % of public ones (p < 0.01). Deferred cord clamping was recommended in 87 %; rooming-in with asymptomatic newborns was promoted in 62 %; breastfeeding using protective measures was recommended in 70 %; and breast milk using a bottle, in 23 %. In 94 %, family visiting in the Neonatology Unit was restricted.Difficulties included the unavailability of individual rooms for symptomatic newborn infants and a potential shortage of health care staff and personal protective equipment.Conclusions. All facilities are aware of the national guidelines to fight the pandemic. Most have the resources to comply with the recommended protective measures. There is uncertainty as to whether personal protective equipment, staff, and physical space available at the different facilities would be enough if cases increased significantly

Preparedness strategies in neonatology units during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey conducted at maternity centers in Argentina. / Estrategias de preparación en unidades de neonatología durante la pandemia de COVID-19: Encuesta en maternidades de la Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to analyze available resources, guidelines in use, and preparedness to care for newborn infants at maternity centers in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Cross-sectional study based on a survey administered to medical and nursing staff. In May 2020, Argentine facilities with more than 500 annual births were contacted; 58 % of these were from the public sector. RESULTS: In total, 104/147 facilities answered (71 %). All had guidelines for care during the pandemic, and 93 % indicated they had been trained on how to use them. A companion was not allowed during childbirth in 26 % of private facilities and in 60 % of public ones (p < 0.01). Deferred cord clamping was recommended in 87 %; rooming-in with asymptomatic newborns was promoted in 62 %; breastfeeding using protective measures was recommended in 70 %; and breast milk using a bottle, in 23 %. In 94 %, family visiting in the Neonatology Unit was restricted. Difficulties included the unavailability of individual rooms for symptomatic newborn infants and a potential shortage of health care staff and personal protective equipment. CONCLUSIONS: All facilities are aware of the national guidelines to fight the pandemic. Most have the resources to comply with the recommended protective measures. There is uncertainty as to whether personal protective equipment, staff, and physical space available at the different facilities would be enough if cases increased significantly.

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar recursos disponibles, guías utilizadas y preparación para la atención de neonatos en maternidades de Argentina durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Método. Estudio transversal mediante una encuesta enviada a equipos médicos y de enfermería. En mayo de 2020, se contactaron instituciones de más de 500 nacimientos anuales en la Argentina, el 58 % del sector público. Resultados. Respondieron 104/147 instituciones (el 71 %). Todas contaban con guías para la atención durante la pandemia, y un 93 % refirió haber recibido capacitación para su uso. No autorizaban la presencia de acompañante en el parto el 26 % de instituciones privadas y el 60 % de las públicas (p < 0,01). El 87 % recomendaba ligadura oportuna del cordón, el 62 % promovía internación conjunta en neonatos asintomáticos, un 70 % recomendaba la puesta al pecho con medidas de protección, y el 23 %, leche materna mediante biberón. El 94 % restringía el ingreso de familiares a Neonatología. Las dificultades incluyeron imposibilidad de contar con habitaciones individuales para neonatos sintomáticos y potencial limitación del personal de salud y equipos de protección personal. Conclusiones. Todas las instituciones conocen las guías nacionales para enfrentar la pandemia. La mayoría cuenta con recursos para respetar las medidas de protección recomendadas. Existe incertidumbre sobre si, ante un aumento significativo en el número de casos, serán suficientes los elementos de protección personal, el personal y el espacio físico disponible en los distintos centros.

CCHD Screening Implementation Efforts in Latin American Countries by the Ibero American Society of Neonatology (SIBEN).

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is among the four most common causes of infant mortality in Latin America. Pulse oximetry screening (POS) is useful for early diagnosis and improved outcomes of critical CHD. Here, we describe POS implementation efforts in Latin American countries guided and/or coordinated by the Ibero American Society of Neonatology (SIBEN), as well as the unique challenges that are faced for universal implementation. SIBEN collaborates to improve the neonatal quality of care and outcomes. A few years ago, a Clinical Consensus on POS was finalized. Since then, we have participated in 12 Latin American countries to educate neonatal nurses and neonatologists on POS and to help with its implementation. The findings reveal that despite wide disparities in care that exist between and within countries, and the difficulties and challenges in implementing POS, significant progress has been made. We conclude that universal POS is not easy to implement in Latin America but, when executed, has not only been of significant value for babies with CHD, but also for many with other hypoxemic conditions. The successful and universal implementation of POS in the future is essential for reducing the mortality associated with CHD and other hypoxemic conditions and will ultimately lead to the survival of many more Latin American babies. POS saves newborns' lives in Latin America.

Recomendaciones para la evaluación del tamaño al nacer y del crecimiento posnatal de los recién nacidos prematuros / Recommendations for the assessment of birth size and postnatal growth of preterm newborns

Es innegable la necesidad de contar con curvas estándar de tamaño al nacer y crecimiento para evaluar y contribuir a orientar las acciones en la atención del neonato. Durante muchos años, se utilizaron las referencias de Lejarraga y Fustiñana, que fueron progresivamente reemplazadas por las de Fenton y Kim.Recientemente, el proyecto INTERGROWTH-21st construyó estándares de crecimiento prescriptivo para evaluar el tamaño al nacer desde las 33 semanas de edad gestacional, referencias para evaluar el tamaño al nacer desde las 24 a las 32,6 semanas de edad gestacional y curvas para el seguimiento longitudinal del crecimiento de recién nacidos pretérmino desde las 27 semanas de edad gestacional. Los Comités de Crecimiento y Desarrollo y de Estudios Feto-neonatales de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría, en conjunto con la Secretaría de Gobierno de Salud de la Nación, acordaron recomendar el reemplazo de las curvas de Fenton y Kim por las de INTERGROWTH-21st

It is unquestionable the need to have standards of size at birth and growth to evaluate and contribute to guide the actions in the care of the newborn. For many years the references of Lejarraga and Fustiñana were used, progressively replaced by those of Fenton and Kim. However, recently, the INTERGROWTH-21st project has developed prescriptive growth standards to evaluate the size at birth from 33 weeks of gestational age, references from 24 to 32.6 weeks of gestational age, and curves for postnatal growth from 27 weeks of gestational age onward. The Growth and Development and Neonatal Fetal Studies Committees of the Argentine Society of Pediatrics in conjunction with the Secretary of National Government of Health agreed to recommend the replacement of the Fenton and Kim curves with those of INTERGROWTH-21st.

[Recommendations for the assessment of birth size and postnatal growth of preterm newborns]. / Recomendaciones para la evaluación del tamaño al nacer y del crecimiento posnatal de los recién nacidos prematuros.

It is unquestionable the need to have standards of size at birth and growth to evaluate and contribute to guide the actions in the care of the newborn. For many years the references of Lejarraga and Fustiñana were used, progressively replaced by those of Fenton and Kim. However, recently, the INTERGROWTH-21st project has developed prescriptive growth standards to evaluate the size at birth from 33 weeks of gestational age, references from 24 to 32.6 weeks of gestational age, and curves for postnatal growth from 27 weeks of gestational age onward. The Growth and Development and Neonatal Fetal Studies Committees of the Argentine Society of Pediatrics in conjunction with the Secretary of National Government of Health agreed to recommend the replacement of the Fenton and Kim curves with those of INTERGROWTH-21st.

Es innegable la necesidad de contar con curvas estándar de tamaño al nacer y crecimiento para evaluar y contribuir a orientar las acciones en la atención del neonato. Durante muchos años, se utilizaron las referencias de Lejarraga y Fustiñana, que fueron progresivamente reemplazadas por las de Fenton y Kim. Recientemente, el proyecto INTERGROWTH-21st construyó estándares de crecimiento prescriptivo para evaluar el tamaño al nacer desde las 33 semanas de edad gestacional, referencias para evaluar el tamaño al nacer desde las 24 a las 32,6 semanas de edad gestacional y curvas para el seguimiento longitudinal del crecimiento de recién nacidos pretérmino desde las 27 semanas de edad gestacional. Los Comités de Crecimiento y Desarrollo y de Estudios Feto-neonatales de la Sociedad Argentina de Pediatría, en conjunto con la Secretaría de Gobierno de Salud de la Nación, acordaron recomendar el reemplazo de las curvas de Fenton y Kim por las de INTERGROWTH-21st.

Melhoria da Prevenção do Câncer de Colo de Útero e Controle do Câncer de Mama na ESF de Conceição, Nova Cruz/RN

ALDANA, Niuvis Avila.Melhoria da prevenção e controle do câncer de colo de útero e do câncer de mama na ESF de Conceição, Nova Cruz/RN.2015. 85f. Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso (Curso de Especialização em Saúde da Família) - Departamento de Medicina Social, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, 2015. Ao considerar a alta incidência e mortalidade no mundo e no Brasil relacionado ao Câncer de Mama e Colo de Útero, sendo o câncer de mama a segunda causa de morte nas mulheres brasileiras e o câncer de colo de útero o terceiro, destacamos a importância de ações para prevenção e controle dessas patologias na atenção básica. Nossa equipe de saúde escolheu como ação programática para desenvolver o projeto de intervenção a prevenção destes cânceres já que perceberam a deficiência da atenção, falta de organização e falta de cobertura para detecção precoce destes canceres. Este Projeto foi considerado um desafio pela equipe para alcançar integralidade na saúde das mulheres da área de abrangência e desta forma realizar a prevenção destas doenças e diminuir o índice de incidência. O projeto foi estruturado para ser desenvolvido no período de quatro meses na Unidade de Saúde Conceição, no Município de Nova Cruz/RN. Participaram da intervenção 131 mulheres na faixa etária de 50 a 69 anos para prevenção do Câncer de Colo de Mama e 458 mulheres cadastradas na a faixa etária de 25 a 64 anos para a prevenção do Câncer de Colo de Útero. Com a intervenção aumentamos a cobertura para a prevenção do câncer de mama de 25% (27 usuárias) existente para 85,5%(112) e a cobertura do câncer de colo de 13% (63 mulheres) para 67,7% (310) e apesar de termos aumentado cobertura, não foi possível alcançar a meta traçada de 80%, para o rastreamento do câncer de colo de útero, mas com a implementação das ações nas atividades diárias na unidade básica, conseguiremos atender a toda população. Com a intervenção foi possível ainda a melhoria da qualidade da assistência prestada através dos indicadores de qualidade, maior adesão das mulheres na realização dos exames, orientações sobre como prevenir essas patologias, melhoria nos registros e reorganização do serviço para atender as demandas espontâneas e programadas, além da qualificação do acolhimento. A intervenção exigiu a capacitação da equipe para seguir as recomendações do Ministério da Saúde relativas ao rastreamento, diagnóstico, tratamento e monitoramento dos Cânceres de Colo de Útero e Mama, permitiu a revisão das atribuições da equipe viabilizando a atenção a um maior número de pessoas e promoveu o trabalho integrado da equipe. Houve um apoio significativo da comunidade no desenvolvimento e divulgação das ações o que auxiliou na adesão das mulheres. O impacto da intervenção foi percebido pela comunidade através divulgação feita nas atividades coletivas e o apoio do padre da igreja, das professoras da escola e da liderança da comunidade e principalmente pela melhoria do acompanhamento realizado e pelo fortalecimento do vínculo entre a equipe e população.