Normal range and risk factors for deviating body temperatures during the first 24 hours in term-born infants under standardised care: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Body temperature for a known ambient temperature is not known for infants born at term. We aimed to determine the normal range and the incidences of hypothermia and hyperthermia during the first 24 hours of life in healthy term-born infants nursed according to WHO recommendations. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Norwegian single centre district hospital. Infants were observed during skin-to-skin care or when dressed in cots. PARTICIPANTS: Convenience sample of 951 healthy infants born at term. METHODS: Delivery room temperature was aimed at 26-30°C and rooming-in temperature at 24°C. We measured rectal and room temperatures at 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours of age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentile curves for rectal temperature. Proportions and risk factors for hypothermia and hyperthermia. RESULTS: The mean (SD) room temperature was 24.0°C (1.1), 23.8°C (1.0), 23.8°C (1.0)., 23.7°C (0.9) and 23.8°C (0.9). The median (2.5, 97.5 percentile) rectal temperature was 36.9°C (35.7-37.9), 36.8°C (35.9-37.5), 36.9°C (36.1-37.5), 37.0°C (36.4-37.7) and 37.1°C (36.5-37.7). Hypothermia (<36.5°C) occurred in 28% of the infants, 82% of incidents during the first 8 hours. Risk factors for hypothermia were low birth weight (OR 3.1 (95% CI, 2.0 to 4.6), per kg), male sex, being born at night and nursed in a cot versus skin to skin. Hyperthermia (>37.5°C) occurred in 12% and most commonly in large infants after 8 hours of life. Risk factors for hyperthermia were high birth weight (OR 2.2 (95% CI, 1.4 to 3.5), per kg), being awake, nursed skin to skin and being born through heavily stained amniotic fluid. CONCLUSIONS: Term-born infants were at risk of hypothermia during the first hours after birth even when nursed in an assumed adequate thermal environment and at risk of hyperthermia after 8 hours of age.

Dynamic changes in place-based measures of structural racism and preterm birth in the USA.

BACKGROUND: Structurally racist systems, ideologies and processes generate and reinforce inequities among minoritised racial/ethnic groups. Prior cross-sectional literature finds that place-based structural racism, such as the Index of Concentration at the Extremes (ICE), correlates with higher infant morbidity and mortality. We move beyond cross-sectional approaches and examine whether a decline in place-based structural racism over time coincides with a reduced risk of preterm birth across the USA. METHODS: We used as the outcome count of preterm births overall and among non-Hispanic (NH) black and NH white populations across three epochs (1998-2002, 2006-2010, 2014-2018) in 1160 US counties. For our measure of structural racism, we used ICE race/income county measures from the US Census Bureau. County-level fixed effects Poisson models include a population offset (number of live births) and adjust for epoch indicators, per cent poverty and mean maternal age within counties. RESULTS: An SD increase in ICE (0.11) over time corresponds with a 0.6% reduced risk of preterm birth overall (incidence rate ratio (IRR): 0.994, 95% CI 0.990, 0.998), a 0.6% decrease in preterm risk among NH black births (IRR: 0.994, 95% CI 0.989, 0.999) and a 0.4% decrease among NH white births (IRR: 0.996, 95% CI 0.992, 0.999). CONCLUSIONS: Movement away from county-level concentrated NH black poverty preceded reductions in preterm risk, especially among NH black populations. Our longitudinal design strengthens inference that place-based reductions in structural racism may improve perinatal health. These improvements, however, do not appear sufficient to redress large disparities.

Factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding

Introduction: Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is still little stimulated in several hospitals in Brazil. Objective: To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF). Methods: Cross-sectional, quantitative study with retrospective secondary data collection in hospital records of 250 full-term newborns, regardless of the type of delivery, with no history of maternal gestational risk, seen in the last six months. Data collection period in a public maternity hospital in Greater São Paulo. Data collection was performed between November 2018 and January 2019, with approval from the hospital and the FMABC Research Ethics Committee under register n. 2,924,393. Results: The prevalence of EIBF was 66%. BFH is associated with anesthesia at childbirth (p<0,001), APGAR less than or equal to 8 in the 1st and 5th minutes (p<0,001), and with c-section (p<0,001), which represented 29.2% of deliveries in the sample. Respiratory distress (38.82%), hypotonia (24.70%), followed by unfavorable maternal conditions (18.82%), were shown to be impeding factors for EIBF, although 90% of newborns received Apgar 9 /10 in the 5th minute. Conclusion: The prevalence of early breastfeeding is lower than recommended, but compatible with the most recent national frequency proportions.

Relationship between EEG spectral power and dysglycemia with neurodevelopmental outcomes after neonatal encephalopathy.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated how electroencephalography (EEG) quantitative measures and dysglycemia relate to neurodevelopmental outcomes following neonatal encephalopathy (NE). METHODS: This retrospective study included 90 neonates with encephalopathy who received therapeutic hypothermia. EEG absolute spectral power was calculated during post-rewarming and 2-month follow-up. Measures of dysglycemia (hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and glycemic lability) and glucose variability were computed for the first 48 h of life. We evaluated the ability of EEG and glucose measures to predict neurodevelopmental outcomes at ≥ 18 months, using logistic regressions (with area under the receiver operating characteristic [AUROC] curves). RESULTS: The post-rewarming global delta power (average all electrodes), hyperglycemia and glycemic lability predicted moderate/severe neurodevelopmental outcome separately (AUROC = 0.8, 95%CI [0.7,0.9], p < .001) and even more so when combined (AUROC = 0.9, 95%CI [0.8,0.9], p < .001). After adjusting for NE severity and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain injury, only global delta power remained significantly associated with moderate/severe neurodevelopmental outcome (odds ratio [OR] = 0.9, 95%CI [0.8,1.0], p = .04), gross motor delay (OR = 0.9, 95%CI [0.8,1.0], p = .04), global developmental delay (OR = 0.9, 95%CI [0.8,1.0], p = .04), and auditory deficits (OR = 0.9, 95%CI [0.8,1.0], p = .03). CONCLUSIONS: In NE, global delta power post-rewarming was predictive of outcomes at ≥ 18 months. SIGNIFICANCE: EEG markers post-rewarming can aid prediction of neurodevelopmental outcomes following NE.

Neonatal Hypoglycemia and Neurocognitive Function at School Age: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship between transient neonatal hypoglycemia in at-risk infants and neurocognitive function at 6-7 years of corrected age. STUDY DESIGN: The pre-hPOD Study involved children born with at least 1 risk factor for neonatal hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia was defined as ≥1 consecutive blood glucose concentrations <47 mg/dl (2.6 mmol/L), severe as <36 mg/dl (2.0 mmol/L), mild as 36 to <47 mg/dL (2.0 to <2.6 mmol/L), brief as 1-2 episodes, and recurrent as ≥3 episodes. At 6-7 years children were assessed for cognitive and motor function (NIH-Toolbox), learning, visual perception and behavior. The primary outcome was neurocognitive impairment, defined as >1 SD below the normative mean in ≥1 Toolbox tests. The 8 secondary outcomes covered children's cognitive, motor, language, emotional-behavioral, and visual perceptual development. Primary and secondary outcomes were compared between children who did and did not experience neonatal hypoglycemia, adjusting for potential confounding by gestation, birthweight, sex and receipt of prophylactic dextrose gel (pre-hPOD intervention). Secondary analysis included assessment by severity and frequency of hypoglycemia. RESULTS: Of 392 eligible children, 315 (80%) were assessed at school age (primary outcome, n = 308); 47% experienced hypoglycemia. Neurocognitive impairment was similar between exposure groups (hypoglycemia 51% vs 50% no hypoglycemia; aRD -4%, 95% CI -15%, 7%). Children with severe or recurrent hypoglycemia had worse visual motion perception and increased risk of emotional-behavioral difficulty. CONCLUSION: Exposure to neonatal hypoglycemia was not associated with risk of neurocognitive impairment at school-age in at-risk infants, but severe and recurrent episodes may have adverse impacts. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Hypoglycemia Prevention in Newborns with Oral Dextrose: the Dosage Trial (pre-hPOD Study): ACTRN12613000322730.

An Evidence-Based Discussion of Fetal Pain and Stress.

BACKGROUND: The concept of fetal pain results from procedures conducted without anesthesia in preterm newborns and fetuses, which indicate that it is possible to examine fetal pain based on stress hormone, metabolic, and behavioral changes. Anatomical and physiological data suggest that fetuses become capable of processing nociceptive stimuli around midgestation, although the associated changes in fetal brain development remain unclear. What constitutes fetal pain remains controversial in the light of the definition of pain adopted by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), which posits pain as an "unpleasant sensory and emotional experience." SUMMARY: Here, we examine the notion that human fetuses cannot "experience" pain and potential implications of this claim. We highlight the key scientific evidence related to fetal pain, including clinical studies on pain in fetuses and preterm newborns. We argue that consistent patterns of stress hormones, metabolic changes, body movements, hemodynamic changes, and pain-related facial expressions in fetuses exposed to invasive procedures overcome the need for subjective proof of pain as articulated in the IASP definition. No study to date has conclusively proven the absence of fetal pain beyond the age of viability. KEY MESSAGES: Based on the current evidence, we propose that all fetuses receive anesthesia regardless of the invasive procedures being performed to guarantee the least possible pain and physiological, behavioral, or hormonal responses without exposing the mother or her baby to unnecessary complications.

Global longitudinal strain is an informative index of left ventricular performance in neonates receiving intensive care.

Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function is crucial in NICU. The study aimed to compare the accuracy and agreement of global longitudinal strain (GLS) with conventional measurements. Real-life echocardiograms of neonates receiving intensive care were retrospectively reviewed. Shortening fraction (SF), ejection fraction (EF) and S' measurements were retrieved from health records. GLS was calculated offline from stored images. The association with stroke volume indexed for body weight (iSV) was evaluated by regression analysis. The diagnostic ability to identify uncompensated shock was assessed by ROC curve analysis. Cohen's κ was run to assess agreement. 334 echocardiograms of 155 neonates were evaluated. Mean ± SD gestational age and birth weight were 34.5 ± 4.1 weeks and 2264 ± 914 g, respectively. SF, EF, S' and GLS were associated with iSV with R2 of 0.133, 0.332, 0.252 and 0.633, (all p < .001). Including all variables in a regression model, iSV prediction showed an adjusted R2 of 0.667, (p < .001). GLS explained 73% of the model variance. GLS showed a better ability to diagnose uncompensated shock (AUC 0.956) compared to EF, S' and SF (AUC 0.757, 0.737 and 0.606, respectively). GLS showed a moderate agreement with EF (κ = .500, p < .001) and a limited agreement with S' and SF (κ = .260, p < .001, κ = .242, p < .001). GLS was a more informative index of left ventricular performance, providing the rationale for a more extensive use of GLS at the cotside.

Non-invasive versus invasive respiratory support in preterm infants.

Respiratory insufficiency is almost ubiquitous in infants born preterm, with its incidence increasing with lower gestational age. A wide range of respiratory support management strategies are available for these infants, separable into non-invasive and invasive forms of respiratory support. Here we review the history and evolution of respiratory care for the preterm infant and then examine evidence that has emerged to support a non-invasive approach to respiratory management where able. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the non-invasive respiratory support mode currently with the most evidence for benefit. CPAP can be delivered safely and effectively and can commence in the delivery room. Particularly in early life, time spent on non-invasive respiratory support, avoiding intubation and mechanical ventilation, affords benefit for the preterm infant by virtue of a lessening of lung injury and hence a reduction in incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In recent years, enthusiasm for application of non-invasive support has been further bolstered by new techniques for administration of exogenous surfactant. Methods of less invasive surfactant delivery, in particular with a thin catheter, have allowed neonatologists to administer surfactant without resort to endotracheal intubation. The benefits of this approach appear to be sustained, even in those infants subsequently requiring mechanical ventilation. This cements the notion that any reduction in exposure to mechanical ventilation leads to alleviation of injury to the vulnerable preterm lung, with a long-lasting effect. Despite the clear advantages of non-invasive respiratory support, there will continue to be a role for intubation and mechanical ventilation in some preterm infants, particularly for those born <25 weeks' gestation. It is currently unclear what role early non-invasive support has in this special population, with more studies required.

The role of chest X-ray in the diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review concerning low-resource birth scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Access to diagnostic tools like chest radiography (CXR) is challenging in resource-limited areas. Despite reduced reliance on CXR due to the need for quick clinical decisions, its usage remains prevalent in the approach to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). OBJECTIVES: To assess CXR's role in diagnosing and grading NRDS severity compared to current clinical features and laboratory standards. METHODS: A review of studies with NRDS diagnostic criteria was conducted across six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, BVS, Scopus-Elsevier, Web of Science, Cochrane) up to 3 March 2023. Independent reviewers selected studies, with discrepancies resolved by a senior reviewer. Data were organised into descriptive tables to highlight the use of CXR and clinical indicators of NRDS. RESULTS: Out of 1,686 studies screened, 23 were selected, involving a total of 2,245 newborns. All selected studies used CXR to diagnose NRDS, and 21 (91%) applied it to assess disease severity. While seven reports (30%) indicated that CXR is irreplaceable by other diagnostic tools for NRDS diagnosis, 10 studies (43%) found that alternative methods surpassed CXR in several respects, such as severity assessment, monitoring progress, predicting the need for surfactant therapy, foreseeing Continuous Positive Airway Pressure failure, anticipating intubation requirements, and aiding in differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION: CXR remains an important diagnostic tool for NRDS. Despite its continued use in scientific reports, the findings suggest that the study's outcomes may not fully reflect the current global clinical practices, especially in low-resource settings where the early NRDS approach remains a challenge for neonatal survival.Trial registration: PROSPERO number CRD42022336480.

Main findings: Access to diagnostic tools like chest radiography is challenging in resource-limited areas, yet its usage persists in the management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome despite a decreased dependency due to the imperative for swift clinical decisions.Added knowledge: Despite its continued significance in scientific literature, the usage of chest radiography as a diagnostic tool for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome may not entirely reflect current global clinical practices, particularly in low-resource settings where early management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome poses a challenge for neonatal survival.Global health impact for policy and action: The results underscore the necessity of guidelines for the utilisation of chest radiography to minimise unnecessary ionising radiation exposure while ensuring timely access to critical clinical information for appropriate newborn care.

External anatomical landmarks for urethral catheter positioning in male newborns: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Improper urethral catheterization may lead to complications such as urethral injury, catheter entanglement and urinary tract infection. Most of the related literature has focused on aseptic surgical technique, but there are no guidelines on the optimal insertion length for neonatal urinary catheterization. OBJECTIVE: To explore the external anatomical landmarks for urethral catheter positioning in male newborns. METHODS: This research is based on an observational study in Beijing Children's Hospital, China. Hospitalized male neonates who required Foley balloon catheters were prospectively enrolled in this study. The actual insertion length of the urethral catheter for male neonates and the anticipated insertion length based on anatomical landmarks were measured and compared. RESULTS: A total of 67 male neonates were enrolled. The mean body length was 50.66 ±â€¯2.93 cm, and the mean body weight was 3.33 ±â€¯0.70 kg. The mean actual insertion length of catheter was 8.77 ±â€¯0.94 cm, while the anticipated length was 10.89 ±â€¯0.95 cm. All the anticipated lengths exceeded the actual insertion length by 0.5-4.6 cm, which was deemed suitable for the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Estimating the insertion length of urethral catheters based on external anatomical landmarks is clinically feasible. Selecting an anatomical landmark is a safe method for nurses or doctors to ensure the correct positioning of a urethral catheter. TWEETABLE ABSTRACT: The data of 67 male neonates shows that external anatomical landmarks for urethral catheter positioning in male newborns are possible.

Are multiple projections necessary when assessing umbilical venous catheter placement in neonates? A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: There is variability in clinical practice regarding the number of radiographic views required to accurately determine umbilical venous catheter (UVC) tip position. Some units prefer performing a single anteroposterior (AP) view and others do both AP and lateral views. The aim of this study was to compare the need for one versus two radiographical views to accurately determine UVC tip position. METHODS: Radiographs of 382 infants (all gestations) from two level six neonatal units were included in the study. Patients with congenital anomalies and those who had adjustment of UVC position between AP and lateral films being performed were excluded. Six clinicians reviewed anonymized AP only images and documented UVC tip position. Subsequently, they reviewed both AP and lateral views and again documented the UVC tip position. Results were compared to the expert consensus which was taken from the consensus of two paediatric radiologists. RESULTS: The study population had a mean gestational age of 32.8 weeks and birth weight of 2190 g, with 58% males. The UVC tip positions were accurately determined 76% times by the AP view alone and 82% times by using both the AP and lateral views (P < 0.001). The low placed UVC tip position which is the most inappropriate for use was more accurately determined by two images (78% times) rather than single image (70% times) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Utilising both AP and lateral views was superior in accurately determining UVC tip position to AP view alone.

A review of the current policies and guidance regarding Apgar scoring and the detection of jaundice and cyanosis concerning Black, Asian and ethnic minority neonates.

BACKGROUND: Ethnic inequalities in maternal and neonatal health in the UK are well documented. Concerns exist regarding the use of skin colour in neonatal assessments. Healthcare professionals should be trained to recognise symptoms of diverse skin tones, and comprehensive, and inclusive guidance is necessary for the safe assessment of all infants. Disparities in healthcare provision have been emphasised during the COVID-19 pandemic, and additional research is needed to determine whether such policies adequately address ethnic minority neonates. METHODS: A desktop search included searches of guidance produced for the United Kingdom (UK). Further searches of the Cochrane and World Health Organization (WHO) were used to identify any international guidance applicable in the UK context. RESULTS: Several policies and one training resource used descriptors 'pink,' 'pale,' 'pallor,' and 'blue' about neonatal skin and mucous membrane colour. No policies provided specific guidance on how these colour descriptors may appear in neonates with different skin pigmentation. Only the NICE guidance and HEE e-learning resource acknowledged the challenges of assessing jaundice in infants with diverse skin tones, while another guideline noted differences in the accuracy of bilirubin measurements for the assessment of jaundice. Three policies and one training resource advised against relying on visual observation of skin colour when diagnosing neonatal conditions. The training resource included images of ethnic minority neonates, although most images included white infants. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate consideration of ethnicity in UK policy and training perpetuates disparities, leading to inaccurate assessments. A review is needed for inclusivity in neonatal care, regardless of skin pigmentation.

Maternal and neonatal health outcomes for First Nations Australian women and children: A retrospective cohort study in a Western Sydney metropolitan tertiary referral centre.

AIM: To analyse key pregnancy and birth outcomes for First Nations women and children at a Western Sydney metropolitan tertiary referral centre. METHODS: The birth and health-determining characteristics of 470 First Nations infants born at Nepean Hospital in 2018 and their mothers were included in a retrospective audit and compared with a contemporaneous control group of 470 infants and their mothers. RESULTS: Mothers of First Nations infants had significantly higher rates of socioeconomic disadvantage (P < 0.001), psychosocial vulnerability (P < 0.007), mental illness (P < 0.001), teenage pregnancy (P < 0.001), smoking (45.6% vs. 19.4%, P < 0.001) and drug and alcohol use than control mothers (P < 0.001, P < 0.048). First Nations peoples did not have increased rates of maternal morbidity, nor any difference in rates of Caesarean section, resuscitation at birth, NICU admission, preterm birth or low birth weight in multivariable analysis. However, multivariable analysis demonstrated significant associations between low birth weight and maternal smoking (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.01) and drug use (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite challenges facing First Nations mothers and infants, our study found no significant difference in maternal morbidity nor adverse birth outcomes for First Nations infants. The study occurred in the context of culturally specific, First Nations-led antenatal and infant services. Future studies should further investigate relationships between participation in these services and health outcomes. This could identify strengths and areas for improvement in current services, with the goal of further improving outcomes for First Nations peoples through targeted health services that address their psychosocial vulnerabilities and support women to make healthy choices during pregnancy.

Coagulation assessment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infected pregnant women and their offspring by using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM).

OBJECTIVES: During pregnancy, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection may intensify the gestational procoagulant state. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated coagulopathy (CAC) constitutes an exacerbated immunothrombosis response. There is limited data regarding the coagulation profile of SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women, especially those with CAC, and the effect on their offspring. This prospective study aimed to compare the hemostatic profile of those women and their neonates with healthy mother-neonate pairs. METHODS: Conventional coagulation tests (CCTs) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) were employed to evaluate the hemostatic profiles. Neonates were assessed at birth and on the fourth day of life. RESULTS: We enrolled 46 SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women and 22 healthy controls who gave birth to 47 and 22 neonates, respectively. CAC was present in 10 participants. SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women manifested slightly prolonged APTT and higher fibrinogen levels. Regarding ROTEM, we noted decreased FIBTEM CFT, with higher A10, A-angle, and MCF. The CAC group presented lower platelet count, increased fibrinogen levels, and higher FIBTEM A10 and MCF. PT was slightly prolonged at birth in neonates born to SARS-CoV2-infected mothers. During the fourth day of life, D-dimers were significantly increased. Concerning ROTEM, neonates born to SARS-CoV2-infected mothers showed lower FIBTEM CT at birth. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women present a hypercoagulable profile. Hypercoagulability with elevated fibrinolysis and lower platelet count is observed in participants with CAC. The coagulation profile of neonates born to SARS-CoV2 mothers seems unaffected. Elevated D-dimers on the fourth day may reflect a neonatal inflammatory response to maternal SARS-CoV2.

Pharmacological Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias in the Fetal and Neonatal Periods: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association: Endorsed by the Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES).

Disorders of the cardiac rhythm may occur in both the fetus and neonate. Because of the immature myocardium, the hemodynamic consequences of either bradyarrhythmias or tachyarrhythmias may be far more significant than in mature physiological states. Treatment options are limited in the fetus and neonate because of limited vascular access, patient size, and the significant risk/benefit ratio of any intervention. In addition, exposure of the fetus or neonate to either persistent arrhythmias or antiarrhythmic medications may have yet-to-be-determined long-term developmental consequences. This scientific statement discusses the mechanism of arrhythmias, pharmacological treatment options, and distinct aspects of pharmacokinetics for the fetus and neonate. From the available current data, subjects of apparent consistency/consensus are presented, as well as future directions for research in terms of aspects of care for which evidence has not been established.

Retrospective analysis of referrals for hypoxic challenge testing in children born preterm.

INTRODUCTION: Children with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may be at risk of hypoxaemia at altitude, such as during air travel. We have performed preflight hypoxic challenge testing (HCT) since 2006, incorporating British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidance since 2011, to determine which children may require oxygen during air travel. AIMS: We aimed to compare the outcome of HCTs in children with a history of BPD who met the 2011 BTS criteria and those who did not and, in addition to this, to interrogate the data for factors that may predict the outcome of HCT in this population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of data from HCTs of children with a history of BPD referred 2006-2020. Cases were excluded if the patient had a respiratory comorbidity, was still on oxygen therapy, if the test was a repeat or if the clinical record was incomplete. Descriptive and univariate analysis of the data was performed, and a binary logistic regression model was fitted. RESULTS: There were 79 HCTs, of which 24/79 (30%) did not meet BTS 2011 guidelines referral criteria. The analysis showed a greater proportion of desaturation in the group that did not meet criteria: 46% vs 27% (no statistical significance). Baseline oxygen saturations were higher in those who did not require oxygen during HCT and this variable was significant when adjusted for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the current criteria for referral for preflight testing may incorrectly identify those most at risk and highlights the need for further investigation to ensure those most at risk are being assessed prior to air travel.

Curds in the way: A milk curd obstruction review and normal sonographic bowel appearances using a novel scoring system in neonates on fortified breast milk feeds.

INTRODUCTION: Fortified expressed breast milk (FEBM) is a standard of care for premature and low birth weight neonates, but comes with an elevated risk of a rare but re-emergent pathology called milk curd obstruction (MCO). Little is known about normal sonographic appearances of bowel contents in this feeding setting, making the recognition of abnormalities difficult. Thus, we aimed to describe appearances that may be considered typical pre- and post-fortifier inclusion. METHODS: Ten neonates of <32 weeks' gestation or a birth weight of <1,800 g recruited from Auckland City Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care between 1/5/2019 and 10/9/2019 received bowel ultrasounds within 24 h before and 10-14 days after starting FEBM. Bowel contents in six abdominal regions were assigned scores of 1-6 based on increasing solidification. RESULTS: Lower gestational age was correlated with more solid contents on the pre-fortifier ultrasound (P = 0.02). Fortifier was significantly associated with increasing solidity, particularly in the left abdomen (P < 0.001). The left lower quadrant and rectum accounted for much of this change (P = 0.012 and P = 0.002). One subject who subsequently developed a clinical picture consistent with early MCO had uniquely demonstrated non-rectal solid contents (score 6). The interobserver kappa score for two assessors was 0.91 (95% CI 0.94-0.99) on still images. CONCLUSION: This small cohort demonstrated increasing bowel content solidification after breast milk fortification using a novel ultrasound scoring system with good interobserver agreement. Non-rectal solid contents (score 6) appeared atypical. Ultrasound shows promise for its non-irradiating diagnostic utility in the setting of early milk curd disease evaluation of the premature neonate.