Recommendation for hygiene and topical in neonatology from the French Neonatal Society.

We sought to establish guidelines for hygiene care in newborns based on a systematic review of the literature and grading of evidence using the Groupe de Réflexion et d'Evaluation de l'Environement des Nouveau-nés (GREEN) methodology. We examined 45 articles and 4 reports from safety agencies. These studies recommend a tub bath (rather than a sponge bath) for full-term infants and a swaddle bath for preterm newborns. They also recommend against daily cleansing of preterm infants. The literature emphasized that hygiene care must consider the clinical state of the newborn, including the level of awareness and behavioral responses. Hospitalized newborns treated with topical agents may also experience high exposure to potentially harmful excipients of interest. Caregivers should therefore be aware of the excipients present in the different products they use. In high-resource countries, the available data do not support the use of protective topical agents for preterm infants.Conclusions: We recommend individualization of hygiene care for newborns. There is increasing concern regarding the safety of excipients in topical agents that are used in neonatology. A multidisciplinary approach should be used to identify an approach that requires lower levels of excipients and alternative excipients. What is known: • Hygiene care is one of the most basic and widespread types of care received by healthy and sick newborns worldwide. • There is no current guideline on hygiene for preterm or hospitalized term newborn. What is new: • The French Group of Reflection and Evaluation of the environment of Newborns (GREEN) provided here guidelines based on the current body of evidence. • Caregivers should be aware of the many issues related to hygiene care of newborns including newborns' behavioral responses to hygiene care, exposition to excipients of interest, and the potential risk of protective topical agents in a preterm infant. provided here guidelines based on the current body of evidence. • Caregivers should be aware of the many issues related to hygiene care of newborns including newborns' possible behavioral responses to hygiene care, exposition to excipients of interest and the potential risk of protective topical agents in a preterm infant.

Palivizumab administration in preterm infants in France: EPIPAGE-2 cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Several countries, including France, have restricted the indications for monoclonal antibodies directed against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) compared to the marketing authorization (MA). No new data concerning use of palivizumab on a national scale have been published since the 2007 update of the national guidelines. OBJECTIVES: To describe palivizumab administration for RSV prophylaxis during the first RSV season in infants born prematurely in France in 2011. METHODS: Infants from the national population-based cohort EPIPAGE-2 born at≤34 weeks' gestation, discharged home before 31 March 2012 and followed-up at 1year were included. The RSV season ran from 1 October 2011 to 31 March 2012. Prophylaxis was deemed "initiated" if the infant had received at least one dose of palivizumab during this period and "complete" if it had received at least five doses or as many doses as the number of exposed months. The reference documents were the MA and French Transparency Committee guidelines (TC). RESULTS: Prophylaxis was indicated in 3586 of 3608 infants (99.7%) according to the MA and 1315 of 3608 (16.7%) according to the TC. A total of 1906 infants (26.6%) received at least one dose of palivizumab. The overall rate of conformity with TC indications was 85%, but was lower for infants born at 27-32 weeks' gestation. The rate of complete prophylaxis was 77.2%. The factors associated with prophylaxis initiation were low gestational age, low birthweight, high maternal educational level, type of neonatal unit, and date at discharge. Factors associated with complete prophylaxis were respiratory impairment, high educational level, and characteristics related to living conditions (absence of siblings at home, type of childcare). CONCLUSIONS: Palivizumab administration in France generally conformed with TC guidelines, but could be further improved for infants born at 27-32 weeks' gestation without bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Efficacy of antenatal corticosteroids in preterm twins: the EPIPAGE-2 cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the efficacy of antenatal corticosteroid (ACS) therapy on short-term neonatal outcomes in preterm twins, and further document the influence of the ACS-to-delivery interval. DESIGN: EPIPAGE-2 is a nationwide observational multicentre prospective cohort study of neonates born between 22 and 34 completed weeks of gestation. SETTING: All French maternity units, except in a single administrative region, between March and December 2011. POPULATION: A total of 750 twin neonates born between 24 and 31 weeks of gestation. METHODS: Exposure to ACSs was examined in four groups: single complete course, with an ACS administration-to-delivery interval of ≤7 days; single complete course, with an ACS-to-delivery interval of >7 days; repeated courses; or no ACS treatment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Neonatal outcomes analysed were severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia or intraventricular haemorrhage grade III/IV, in-hospital mortality, and a composite indicator of severe outcomes. RESULTS: Compared with no ACSs, in multivariable analysis, a single course of ACSs with an administration-to-delivery interval of ≤7 days was significantly associated with a reduced rate of periventricular leukomalacia or intraventricular haemorrhage grade III/IV (aOR 0.2; CI 95% 0.1-0.5), in-hospital mortality (0.3; 0.1-0.6), and the composite indicator (0.1; 0.1-0.3), whereas a single course of ACDs with an administration-to-delivery interval of >7 days did not significantly reduce the frequency of in-hospital mortality (0.7; 0.3-1.8). No significant differences in terms of benefit or risk were found when comparing repeated courses with a single complete course. CONCLUSION: In preterm twins, a single complete course of antenatal corticosteroids was associated with an improvement of severe neurological outcome, whereas reduced in-hospital mortality was seen only when the ACS-to-delivery interval was ≤7 days. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: A single complete course of antenatal steroids reduced severe neurological morbidity in preterm twins (24-31 weeks).

[Management of jaundice in the newborn≥35 GW: From screening to follow-up after discharge. Guidelines for clinical practice]. / Ictère à bilirubine non conjuguée du nouveau-né de 35 semaines et plus : du dépistage au suivi après sortie de la maternité. Recommandations pour la pratique clinique.

Jaundice due to unconjugated bilirubin is an everyday condition in the neonatal period because it results from the adaptation of bilirubin metabolism at this time of life. Hyperbilirubinemia has a potential neurotoxicity and although it most often resolves spontaneously, it can lead to acute and sometimes chronic encephalopathy. The latter condition is called kernicterus and induces severe and irreversible neurological sequelae. This rare complication is still reported in all countries throughout the world even if severe hyperbilirubinemia can be prevented and critical points points of failure in jaundice management are identified. Jaundice management are identified, jaundice is the most frequent symptom during the first days of life and after discharge from the maternity ward but also the major cause of readmission in the 15 first days of life. Therefore in the past 20 years, numerous countries have written national practical guidelines for the management of neonatal jaundice using various methodologies. Most of the time, the guidelines resulted from expert consensus more than from an evidence-based argument. The Société française de néonatologie created a working group to provide the first French clinical guidelines for the management of jaundice in the near-term newborn (35 weeks and more). They were written following a physiopathological argument and taking into account both clinical risk factors for severe hyperbilirubinemia and interindividual variability in vulnerability to bilirubin neurotoxicity. Practical tools were also developed to facilitate implementation of the guidelines and are also included.

[How to assess clinical practice guidelines with AGREE II: The example of neonatal jaundice]. / Évaluation de la qualité d'élaboration d'une recommandation pour la pratique clinique avec la grille AGREE II : exemple de l'ictère néonatal.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal jaundice is a very frequent condition that occurs in approximately 50-70% of term or near-term (>35 GA) babies in the 1st week of life. In some cases, a high bilirubin blood level can lead to kernicterus. There is no consensus for the management of neonatal jaundice and few countries have published national clinical practice guidelines for the management of neonatal jaundice. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of these guidelines. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of the literature for national clinical practice guidelines for the management of neonatal jaundice in term or near-term babies. Four independent reviewers assessed the quality of each guideline using the AGREE II evaluation. For each of the clinical practice guidelines, the management modalities were analyzed (screening, treatment, follow-up, etc.). RESULTS: Seven national clinical practice guidelines were found (South Africa, USA AAP, UK NICE, Canada, Norway, Switzerland, and Israel). The AGREE II score showed widespread variation regarding the quality of these national guidelines. There was no major difference between the guidelines concerning the clinical management of these babies. DISCUSSION: The NICE guideline is the most valuable guideline regarding the AGREE II score. NICE showed that, despite a strong and rigorous methodology, there is no evidenced-based recommended code of practice (RCP). Comparing RCPs, we found no major differences. CONCLUSION: The NICE guideline showed the best quality. The AGREE II instrument should be used as a framework when developing clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of the future guideline. In France, a national guideline is needed for a more standardized management of neonatal jaundice.

[Recombinant human erythropoietin in neonates: guidelines for clinical practice from the French Society of Neonatology]. / L'érythropoïétine humaine recombinante chez le nouveau-né : recommandations pour la pratique clinique de la Société française de néonatologie.

OBJECTIVE: 1/To assess the effectiveness and safety of EPO in reducing red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in preterm infants. 2/To provide guidelines for clinical practice in France. METHODS: 1/This systematic evidence review is based on PubMed search, Cochrane library. 2/Using French National Authority for Health methods concerning guidelines for clinical practice. RESULTS: Early EPO reduced the risk of RBC transfusions, donor exposure, and the number of transfusions in very preterm infants (LE2). Late EPO reduced the risk of RBC transfusions and the number of transfusions in very preterm infants (LE2). There is no difference between the effectiveness of early and late EPO (LE2). There is no difference between high-dose and low-dose EPO (LE2). The level of evidence is too low to recommend the intravenous route. EPO has no impact on the rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis (LE3), and retinopathy of prematurity (LE2). The level of evidence is too low to recommend EPO for neuroprotection in very preterm or term infants. CONCLUSIONS: EPO to reduce RBC transfusion in very preterm infants is recommended (Level A). The optimal time to start therapy is unknown (Level B). The recommended dose is 750IU/kg/week via three subcutaneous injections for 6weeks (Level B).

Fetal growth restriction and intra-uterine growth restriction: guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians.

Small for gestational age (SGA) is defined by weight (in utero estimated fetal weight or birth weight) below the 10th percentile (professional consensus). Severe SGA is SGA below the third percentile (professional consensus). Fetal growth restriction (FGR) or intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) usually correspond with SGA associated with evidence indicating abnormal growth (with or without abnormal uterine and/or umbilical Doppler): arrest of growth or a shift in its rate measured longitudinally (at least two measurements, 3 weeks apart) (professional consensus). More rarely, they may correspond with inadequate growth, with weight near the 10th percentile without being SGA (LE2). Birthweight curves are not appropriate for the identification of SGA at early gestational ages because of the disorders associated with preterm delivery. In utero curves represent physiological growth more reliably (LE2). In diagnostic (or reference) ultrasound, the use of growth curves adjusted for maternal height and weight, parity and fetal sex is recommended (professional consensus). In screening, the use of adjusted curves must be assessed in pilot regions to determine the schedule for their subsequent introduction at national level. This choice is based on evidence of feasibility and the absence of any proven benefits for individualized curves for perinatal health in the general population (professional consensus). Children born with FGR or SGA have a higher risk of minor cognitive deficits, school problems and metabolic syndrome in adulthood. The role of preterm delivery in these complications is linked. The measurement of fundal height remains relevant to screening after 22 weeks of gestation (Grade C). The biometric ultrasound indicators recommended are: head circumference (HC), abdominal circumference (AC) and femur length (FL) (professional consensus). They allow calculation of estimated fetal weight (EFW), which, with AC, is the most relevant indicator for screening. Hadlock's EFW formula with three indicators (HC, AC and FL) should ideally be used (Grade B). The ultrasound report must specify the percentile of the EFW (Grade C). Verification of the date of conception is essential. It is based on the crown-rump length between 11 and 14 weeks of gestation (Grade A). The HC, AC and FL measurements must be related to the appropriate reference curves (professional consensus); those modelled from College Francais d'Echographie Fetale data are recommended because they are multicentere French curves (professional consensus). Whether or not a work-up should be performed and its content depend on the context (gestational age, severity of biometric abnormalities, other ultrasound data, parents' wishes, etc.) (professional consensus). Such a work-up only makes sense if it might modify pregnancy management and, in particular, if it has the potential to reduce perinatal and long-term morbidity and mortality (professional consensus). The use of umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry is associated with better newborn health status in populations at risk, especially in those with FGR (Grade A). This Doppler examination must be the first-line tool for surveillance of fetuses with SGA and FGR (professional consensus). A course of corticosteroids is recommended for women with an FGR fetus, and for whom delivery before 34 weeks of gestation is envisaged (Grade C). Magnesium sulphate should be prescribed for preterm deliveries before 32-33 weeks of gestation (Grade A). The same management should apply for preterm FGR deliveries (Grade C). In cases of FGR, fetal growth must be monitored at intervals of no less than 2 weeks, and ideally 3 weeks (professional consensus). Referral to a Level IIb or III maternity ward must be proposed in cases of EFW <1500g, potential birth before 32-34 weeks of gestation (absent or reversed umbilical end-diastolic flow, abnormal venous Doppler) or a fetal disease associated with any of these (professional consensus). Systematic caesarean deliveries for FGR are not recommended (Grade C). In cases of vaginal delivery, fetal heart rate must be monitored continuously during labour, and any delay before intervention must be faster than in low-risk situations (professional consensus). Regional anaesthesia is preferred in trials of vaginal delivery, as in planned caesareans. Morbidity and mortality are higher in SGA newborns than in normal-weight newborns of the same gestational age (LE3). The risk of neonatal mortality is two to four times higher in SGA newborns than in non-SGA preterm and full-term infants (LE2). Initial management of an SGA newborn includes combatting hypothermia by maintaining the heat chain (survival blanket), ventilation with a pressure-controlled insufflator, if necessary, and close monitoring of capillary blood glucose (professional consensus). Testing for antiphospholipids (anticardiolipin, circulating anticoagulant, anti-beta2-GP1) is recommended in women with previous severe FGR (below third percentile) that led to birth before 34 weeks of gestation (professional consensus). It is recommended that aspirin should be prescribed to women with a history of pre-eclampsia before 34 weeks of gestation, and/or FGR below the fifth percentile with a probable vascular origin (professional consensus). Aspirin must be taken in the evening or at least 8h after awakening (Grade B), before 16 weeks of gestation, at a dose of 100-160mg/day (Grade A).

[Placental mesenchymal dysplasia: consequences for the newborn]. / Dysplasie mésenchymateuse du placenta et complications néonatales, à propos d'un cas.

CASE REPORT: We report the case of a newborn presenting with anemia, thrombopenia, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), and hepatic hemangioma revealing placental mesenchymal dysplasia. CONCLUSION: This rare disease is not always diagnosed during pregnancy. Placental chorioangioma is responsible (in the absence of lethal complications in utero) for IUGR, anemia, neonatal thrombopenia, and hepatic or cutaneous hemangiomas. The early search for hemangiomas with ultrasound scanning could be useful to predict cardiac failure by left-to-right shunt.

Very preterm children free of disability or delay at age 2: predictors of schooling at age 8: a population-based longitudinal study.

AIM: To study the predictive value of a developmental assessment at 2 years corrected age (CA) for schooling at age 8 in children born very preterm and free of disability or delay; to identify other factors associated with schooling in this population. METHODS: 244 children born before 33 weeks in 1997, part of the population-based EPIPAGE cohort study, free of disability or delay, had their developmental quotient (DQ) evaluated with the Brunet-Lezine scale at 2 years CA. The mental processing composite (MPC) score was evaluated at age 5 with the K-ABC battery. Data on schooling were obtained at age 8 by postal questionnaire. Schooling was considered appropriate if the child was attending age-appropriate grade level in a regular classroom environment without support at school. RESULTS: Schooling was appropriate for 172 (70%) children. The predictive value of a DQ≥100 for appropriate schooling was 0.80 [0.75;0.85]. In children with a DQ at age 2<100, schooling varied significantly according to their MPC score at age 5 whereas it didn't in children with a DQ≥100. In multivariate analysis, the rate of appropriate schooling was significantly related to global DQ at age 2 (p<0.01), gestational age≥29 weeks (p<0.05), head circumference at age 2 (p<0.05) and mother's educational level (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: A DQ≥100 cannot be solely used for the prediction of appropriate schooling at age 8. Mother's educational level, gestational age and head circumference at age 2 could be taken account. These factors could be used to individualise follow-up.

Neurodevelopment of children born very preterm and free of severe disabilities: the Nord-Pas de Calais Epipage cohort study.

AIM: To describe the development of very preterm children free of cerebral palsy or severe sensory impairment in the domains of gross and fine motor functions, language and sociability at a corrected age of 2 years; to identify factors associated with performances in each domain. METHODS: A total of 347 children born in 1997 before 33 weeks of gestation, part of the EPIPAGE population-based cohort study, had their psychomotor development assessed with the Brunet-Lezine scale. RESULTS: The study population had a mean gestational age of 30.1 +/- 2.0 weeks. Lower developmental quotients (DQ) were observed in the study group compared to the reference sample (96 +/- 13 vs 104 +/- 8, p < 0.01). Fine motor function, language and sociability were all affected with a p value <0.01. Multivariate analysis showed that duration of intubation and parents' educational and occupational levels were the only variables significantly related to each developmental domain (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Children very preterm and free of severe disabilities had mild delays in multiple areas of development. The mechanisms by which neonatal factors played a role need further investigation. However socioeconomic status had a great impact on development and our results underline the need for improved support of socioeconomically disadvantaged parents after a preterm birth.

[Early neonatal bacterial infections: could superficial bacteriologic samples at birth be limited?]. / Infections bactériennes néonatales précoces en maternité: peut-on limiter les prélèvements bactériologiques périphériques en salle de naissance ?

INTRODUCTION: Without promptly started antibiotic therapy, early neonatal bacterial infections incur a significant mortality. Superficial bacteriologic samples at birth have in France a real place for the diagnosis and the decision to treat a neonate. OBJECTIVES: In order to limit their indication and their choice, the aim of this article was to describe the proportion of neonates with samples and to determine the diagnostic value of the gastric aspirate, the ear swab and the placental sample. METHODS: Neonates born in the CHRU of Lille in 2005 and staying in the maternity ward were prospectively included. Criteria for samples, type of samples and diagnosis taken were noted. Sensibility, specificity, positive and negative predictive values and likelihood ratios for a positive test and a negative test were calculated. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This study included 3918 neonates; 1.7% (65 children) were infected according to our criteria; 42.3% received bacteriologic samples. In accordance with the Anaes guidelines (2002), if mothers were Group B Streptococci positive and received intrapartum antibiotics (up to 2 injections) or did not have any screening test without any other indication of samples, the neonate did not have to receive bacteriologic samples. The gastric aspirate was the best exam thanks to the excellent negative predictive value of its direct examination: 99.4% (IC 95%: 98.8-99.7), its high likelihood ratio for a positive test: 10.04 (IC 95%: 8.29-12.15) and its low likelihood ratio for a negative test: 0.16 (IC 95%: 0.09-0.29); this sample could restrict the antibiotics' ratio given to the neonate. Placental sample could be taken only in certain indications.

[Prevention of early-onset group B streptococcus neonatal diseases. The 2005 experience of the Lille University Health Center]. / Prévention des infections bactériennes néonatales précoces à streptocoque B. L'expérience du CHRU de Lille en 2005.

OBJECTIVES: To study the efficiency of the official recommendations on the prevention of group B streptococcus and the impact of this strategy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was realized in 2005. All infants who were live-born at the Jeanne-de-Flandre hospital (Lille, France) and their mothers were included in the study. Data concerned both pregnancy (vaginal screening, intrapartum antibiotic) and newborn (safe, colonization and early-onset neonatal bacterial disease). RESULTS: Our study included 4353 mother-newborn couples. Vaginal screening was performed on 92% of the women included in the study. Prevalence of vaginal group B streptococcus in screened women was 7%. Perpartum antibioprophylaxia of group B streptococcus was achieved in 12% of the women included in the study. Group B streptococcus was associated to 60% of probable and certain early-onset bacterial neonatal diseases, with an incidence of 9/1000 births. Exposition to antenatal antibiotherapy multiplied by two the risk of ampicillin resistant Gram-negative bacilli (RR=2 [1.1-3.8]). CONCLUSION: Recommendations were well followed, but in our health center group, B streptococcus was the main bacteria responsible for early-onset bacterial neonatal diseases. Because of the risk of germ selection, a more targeted antibioprophylaxia has to be preferred.

[Lactation counselling support provided to mothers of preterm babies who intend to breastfeed. Evaluation of an educational intervention in a level III perinatal unit]. / Accompagnement des mères de nouveau-nés prématurés dans leur projet d'allaitement maternel. Evaluation d'un programme de formation dans une unité périnatale de niveau III.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the educational intervention provided in a perinatal unit to support mothers of preterm babies who intend to breastfeed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study was prospective and included all the infants born between 30 and 34 weeks of gestation at the Jeanne-de-Flandre university hospital in Lille and whose mothers intended to breastfeed. The studied period extended from January to December 2005, comparing the first and the last semester. The different actions were guided by the formation of the staff and lactation counselling to mothers, especially in the initiation of lactation. They were provided by one full-time nurse who was lactation consultant. The main outcome measure was the time to the first breast milk expression. Secondary outcome was the rate of infants breastfed at discharge. RESULTS: Twenty-one educational interventions were organised for all the people working in the unit. One hundred thirty-two nurses and 17 doctors attended to these sessions. During the study period, 175 babies were born preterm at a gestational age between 30 and 34 weeks: 81 during the first semester and 94 during the second. The two populations were comparable for gestational age and the social class of the mothers, but the birth weight was higher during the second semester (1681+/-140 vs 1774+/-216 g, P=0, 01). Mothers of 65.1% of the neonates intended to breastfeed. The time of the first breast milk expression decreased significatively during the second semester (37,5 vs 30,7 h, P<0, 01). The rate of exclusively or partially breastfed neonates at discharge was stable (88,5 vs 91,9%, ns). CONCLUSION: The program improved the initiation of lactation. This work emphasises the difficulties and the different steps necessary to promote breastfeeding in preterm babies with respect to developmental care.

[Neonatal maculopapular exanthema revealing septicemia due to Klebsiella pneumoniae via maternofetal infection]. / Exanthème maculo-papuleux néonatal révélateur d'une septicémie à Klebsiella pneumoniaee par infection maternofoetale.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal exanthema of bacterial origin is caused very rarely by Gram-negative bacilli. We report a case of neonatal maculopapular exanthema evocative of Klebsiella pneumoniae septicemia resulting from maternofetal infection. OBSERVATION: On the fourth day of life, a newborn infant presented incipient morbilliform maculopapular exanthema on the face. During delivery, the mother had presented hyperthermia and meconium was found in the amniotic fluid. Clinical examination of the newborn was normal. No clinically obvious site of entry of infection was seen. Laboratory tests revealed major inflammatory syndrome. Blood cultures were positive for K. pneumoniae, which was also found in blood cultures from the mother. Screening for other causes of infection was negative. Parenteral antibiotics for 10 days yielded favorable results with simultaneous resolution of the exanthema, normalization of laboratory values and negative blood cultures. DISCUSSION: Exanthemas of infectious origin are not associated with any specific organism. The most common causative micro-organisms are Listeria monocytogenes, B streptococci, colibacilli, and more rarely, staphylococci. There have been reports of a number of cases of neonatal septicemia due to Gram-negative bacilli responsible for maculopapular exanthemas but the causative organism was not identified. To our knowledge, Klebsiella pneumoniae has never been incriminated in the appearance of this type of rash via maternofetal transmission. Consequently, the presence of neonatal exanthema should prompt screening for sepsis, even in the absence of other evocative signs, and in particular in settings of apyrexia.

[Pediatric management of early-onset neonatal sepsis: guidelines adherence in Lille's perinatal care network]. / Suivi des recommandations de prise en charge pédiatrique de l'infection maternofoetale: enquête au sein du réseau de soins périnatals de la métropole lilloise.

UNLABELLED: Neonatal early-onset infection has been recognized as a significant cause of perinatal mortality and morbidity, in spite of recent improvement in perinatal care. In France, Anaes guidelines were published in 2002. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate paediatricians' knowledge about these official guidelines in Lille's perinatal network. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Every network's paediatrician, working in a hospital maternity or in a neonatology unit received a questionnaire, to evaluate his knowledge about early onset sepsis diagnosis, indication and type of per partum antibiotherapy, and immediate neonatal care, according to perinatal factors. RESULTS: Response rate was 55%. Thirty-five per cent of paediatricians underestimated gastric sample's diagnostic role and 41% prescribed a triple antibiotherapy. Duration of antibiotic treatment was too long in 56% of cases. Biologic tests were prescribed in excess in 71% of cases when a streptoccocal B mother's colonization was present. Per partum antibiotherapy was appropriated in only 29% of responses. CONCLUSION: This study underlines imperfect official guidelines' knowledge, leading to ecological, bacterial, and economical consequences.

Prevalence, causes, and outcome at 2 years of age of newborn encephalopathy: population based study.

OBJECTIVES: To ascertain the prevalence of newborn encephalopathy in term live births, and also the underlying diagnoses, timing, and outcome at 2 years of surviving infants. DESIGN: Population based observational study. SETTING: North Pas-de-Calais area of France, January to December 2000. PATIENTS: All 90 neonates with moderate or severe newborn encephalopathy. RESULTS: The prevalence of moderate or severe newborn encephalopathy was 1.64 per 1000 term live births (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.30 to 1.98). The prevalence of birth asphyxia was 0.86 per 1000 term live births (95% CI 0.61 to 1.10). The main cause of newborn encephalopathy was birth asphyxia, diagnosed in 47 (52%) infants. It was associated with another diagnosis in 11/47 cases (23%). The timing was intrapartum in 56% of cases, antepartum in 13%, ante-intrapartum in 10%, and postpartum in 2%. In 19% of cases, no underlying cause was identified during the neonatal course. Twenty four infants died in the neonatal period, giving a fatality rate of 27% (95% CI 17% to 36%). Three infants died after the neonatal period. At 2 years of age, 38 infants had a poor outcome, defined by death or severe disability, a prevalence of 0.69 per 1000 term live births (95% CI 0.47 to 0.91). In infants with isolated birth asphyxia, this prevalence was 0.36 per 1000 term live births (95% CI 0.20 to 0.52). CONCLUSIONS: The causes of newborn encephalopathy were heterogeneous but the main one was birth asphyxia. The prevalence was low, but the outcome was poor, emphasising the need for prevention programmes and new therapeutic approaches.