Practice Variations for Therapeutic Hypothermia in Neonates with Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy: An International Survey.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate variations in management of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) among international clinical sites and to identify areas for harmonization. STUDY DESIGN: An electronic survey was sent to Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium site sponsors, Canadian Neonatal Network site investigators, members of the Newborn Brain Society, and American Academy of Pediatrics Neonatology chiefs. RESULTS: One hundred five sites responded, with most from high-income regions (n = 95). Groupings were adapted from the United Nations regional groups: US (n = 52 sites); Canada (n = 20); Western Europe and other states excluding Canada and US Group (WEOG, n = 18); and non-WEOG (central and eastern Europe, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Caribbean, n = 15). Regional variations were seen in the eligibility criteria for TH, such as the minimum gestational age, grading of HIE severity, use of electroencephalography, and the frequency of providing TH for mild HIE. Active TH during transport varied among regions and was less likely in smaller volume sites. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalogram and/or continuous electroencephalogram to determine eligibility for TH was used by most sites in WEOG and non-WEOG but infrequently by the US and Canada Groups. For sedation during TH, morphine was most frequently used as first choice but there was relatively high (33%) use of dexmedetomidine in the US Group. Timing of brain magnetic resonance imaging and neurodevelopmental follow-up were variable. Neurodevelopmental follow occurred earlier and more frequently, although for a shorter duration, in the non-WEOG. CONCLUSIONS: We found significant variations in practices for TH for HIE across regions internationally. Future guidelines should incorporate resource availability in a global perspective.

Changes in Inhaled Nitric Oxide Use Across ICUs After Implementation of a Standard Pathway.

OBJECTIVES: Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) is a selective pulmonary vasodilator. It is expensive, frequently used, and not without risk. There is limited evidence supporting a standard approach to initiation and weaning. Our objective was to optimize the use of iNO in the cardiac ICU (CICU), PICU, and neonatal ICU (NICU) by establishing a standard approach to iNO utilization. DESIGN: A quality improvement study using a prospective cohort design with historical controls. SETTING: Four hundred seven-bed free standing quaternary care academic children's hospital. PATIENTS: All patients on iNO in the CICU, PICU, and NICU from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2022. INTERVENTIONS: Unit-specific standard approaches to iNO initiation and weaning. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Sixteen thousand eighty-seven patients were admitted to the CICU, PICU, and NICU with 9343 in the pre-iNO pathway era (January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020) and 6744 in the postpathway era (July 1, 2020 to December 31, 2022). We found a decrease in the percentage of CICU patients initiated on iNO from 17.8% to 11.8% after implementation of the iNO utilization pathway. We did not observe a change in iNO utilization between the pre- and post-iNO pathway eras in either the PICU or NICU. Based on these data, we estimate 564 total days of iNO (-24%) were saved over 24 months in association with the standard pathway in the CICU, with associated cost savings. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of a standard pathway for iNO use was associated with a statistically discernible reduction in total iNO usage in the CICU, but no change in iNO use in the NICU and PICU. These differential results likely occurred because of multiple contextual factors in each care setting.

Prophylactic Transfusion Strategies in Children Supported by Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference.

OBJECTIVES: To derive systematic-review informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding prophylactic transfusions in neonates and children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) from the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE. DATA SOURCES: A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2020, with an update in May 2021. STUDY SELECTION: Included studies assessed use of prophylactic blood product transfusion in pediatric ECMO. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving conflicts. Thirty-three references were used for data extraction and informed recommendations. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Forty-eight experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-informed recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements or good practice statements for prophylactic transfusion strategies for children supported with ECMO. A web-based modified Delphi process was used to build consensus via the Research And Development/University of California Appropriateness Method. Consensus was based on a modified Delphi process with agreement defined as greater than 80%. We developed two good practice statements, 4 weak recommendations, and three expert consensus statements. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the frequency with which pediatric ECMO patients are transfused, there is insufficient evidence to formulate evidence-based prophylactic transfusion strategies.

Management of Bleeding and Thrombotic Complications During Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference.

OBJECTIVES: To derive systematic-review informed, modified Delphi consensus regarding the management of bleeding and thrombotic complications during pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE Consensus Conference. DATA SOURCES: A structured literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021. STUDY SELECTION: The management of bleeding and thrombotic complications of ECMO. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving conflicts. Twelve references were used for data extraction and informed recommendations. Evidence tables were constructed using a standardized data extraction form. DATA SYNTHESIS: Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool. The evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system. Forty-eight experts met over 2 years to develop evidence-based recommendations and, when evidence was lacking, expert-based consensus statements for the management of bleeding and thrombotic complications in pediatric ECMO patients. A web-based modified Delphi process was used to build consensus via the Research And Development/University of California Appropriateness Method. Consensus was defined as greater than 80% agreement. Two good practice statements, 5 weak recommendations, and 18 consensus statements are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Although bleeding and thrombotic complications during pediatric ECMO remain common, limited definitive data exist to support an evidence-based approach to treating these complications. Research is needed to improve hemostatic management of children supported with ECMO.

Executive Summary: The Pediatric Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Anticoagulation CollaborativE (PEACE) Consensus Conference.

OBJECTIVES: To present recommendations and consensus statements with supporting literature for the clinical management of neonates and children supported with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) from the Pediatric ECMO Anticoagulation CollaborativE (PEACE) consensus conference. DATA SOURCES: Systematic review was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) databases from January 1988 to May 2021, followed by serial meetings of international, interprofessional experts in the management ECMO for critically ill children. STUDY SELECTION: The management of ECMO anticoagulation for critically ill children. DATA EXTRACTION: Within each of eight subgroup, two authors reviewed all citations independently, with a third independent reviewer resolving any conflicts. DATA SYNTHESIS: A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, from January 1988 to May 2021. Each panel developed evidence-based and, when evidence was insufficient, expert-based statements for the clinical management of anticoagulation for children supported with ECMO. These statements were reviewed and ratified by 48 PEACE experts. Consensus was obtained using the Research and Development/UCLA Appropriateness Method. Results were summarized using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation method. We developed 23 recommendations, 52 expert consensus statements, and 16 good practice statements covering the management of ECMO anticoagulation in three broad categories: general care and monitoring; perioperative care; and nonprocedural bleeding or thrombosis. Gaps in knowledge and research priorities were identified, along with three research focused good practice statements. CONCLUSIONS: The 91 statements focused on clinical care will form the basis for standardization and future clinical trials.

Maternal COVID-19 Infection Associated with Fetal Systemic Inflammatory Complications in COVID-19-Negative Neonates: A Case-Series.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine fetal and neonatal inflammatory and neurologic complications associated with maternal coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. STUDY DESIGN: Case-series using a convenience sample of neonates cared for in a large referral-based children's hospital neonatal intensive care unit between September 2021 and May 2022. RESULTS: We identified seven neonates with exposure to maternal severe acute respiratory syndrome related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and a presentation consistent with inflammatory complications. All had some degree of neurologic injury with neuroimaging findings including restricted diffusion indicating injury in the white matter, cortex, deep gray structures, and splenium of the corpus callosum as well as intracranial hemorrhage. In addition, many infants had cytopenia and abnormal coagulation studies. Placental pathology, when available, revealed inflammation, clot with calcifications, and hematomas with associated infarcts. CONCLUSION: Neonates born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2, even when negative for the virus themselves, may have complications consistent with a systemic inflammatory syndrome. Placental pathology as well as neurologic imaging in infants with neurologic findings may help to support this diagnosis. KEY POINTS: · A systemic inflammatory response may cause illness in babies born to mothers with a history of COVID-19.. · Inflammatory markers and placental pathology are helpful in supporting this diagnosis.. · Consider neuroimaging in infants of mothers with a history of COVID-19 with neurologic findings..

The Current State of Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Follow-up Programs in North America: A Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium Report.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine neonatal neurodevelopmental follow-up (NDFU) practices across academic centers. STUDY DESIGN: This study was a cross-sectional survey that addressed center-specific neonatal NDFU practices within the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC). RESULTS: Survey response rate was 76%, and 97% of respondents had a formal NDFU program. Programs were commonly staffed by neonatologists (80%), physical therapists (77%), and nurse practitioners (74%). Median gestational age at birth identified for follow-up was ≤32 weeks (range 26-36). Median duration was 3 years (range 2-18). Ninety-seven percent of sites used Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, but instruments used varied across ages. Scores were recorded in discrete electronic data fields at 43% of sites. Social determinants of health data were collected by 63%. Care coordination and telehealth services were not universally available. CONCLUSION: NDFU clinics are almost universal within CHNC centers. Commonalities and variances in practice highlight opportunities for data sharing and development of best practices. KEY POINTS: · Neonatal NDFU clinics help transition high-risk infants home.. · Interdisciplinary neonatal intensive care unit follow-up brings together previously separated outpatient service lines.. · This study reviews the current state of neonatal NDFU in North America..

Variability for Age at Successful Extubation in Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to characterize clinical factors associated with successful extubation in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. STUDY DESIGN: Using the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database, we identified infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia from 2017 to 2020 at 32 centers. The main outcome was age in days at the time of successful extubation, defined as the patient remaining extubated for 7 consecutive days. Unadjusted Kaplan-Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards ratio equations were used to estimate associations between clinical factors and the main outcome. Observations occurred through 180 days after birth. RESULTS: There were 840 eligible neonates with a median gestational age of 38 weeks and birth weight of 3.0 kg. Among survivors (n = 693), the median age at successful extubation was 15 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 8-29 days, 95th percentile: 71 days). For nonsurvivors (n = 147), the median age at death was 21 days (IQR: 11-39 days, 95th percentile: 110 days). Center (adjusted hazards ratio: 0.22-15, P < .01), low birth weight, intrathoracic liver position, congenital heart disease, lower 5-minute Apgar score, lower pH upon admission to Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database center, and use of extracorporeal support were independently associated with older age at successful extubation. Tracheostomy was associated with multiple failed extubations. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that infants who have not successfully extubated by about 3 months of age may be candidates for tracheostomy with chronic mechanical ventilation or palliation. The variability of timing of successful extubation among our centers supports the development of practice guidelines after validating clinical criteria.

Analgesia, Sedation, and Neuromuscular Blockade in Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the use, duration, and intercenter variation of analgesia and sedation in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective analysis of analgesia, sedation, and neuromuscular blockade use in neonates with CDH. Patient data from 2010 to 2016 were abstracted from the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Database and linked to the Pediatric Health Information System. Patients were excluded if they also had non-CDH conditions likely to affect the use of the study medications. RESULTS: A total of 1,063 patients were identified, 81% survived, and 30% were treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Opioid (99.8%), sedative (93.4%), and neuromuscular blockade (87.9%) use was common. Frequency of use was higher and duration was longer among CDH patients treated with ECMO. Unadjusted duration of use varied 5.6-fold for benzodiazepines (median: 14 days) and 7.4-fold for opioids (median: 16 days). Risk-adjusted duration of use varied among centers, and prolonged use of both opioids and benzodiazepines ≥5 days was associated with increased mortality (p < 0.001) and longer length of stay (p < 0.001). Use of sedation or neuromuscular blockade prior to or after surgery was each associated with increased mortality (p ≤ 0.01). CONCLUSION: Opioids, sedatives, and neuromuscular blockade were used commonly in infants with CDH with variable duration across centers. Prolonged combined use ≥5 days is associated with mortality. KEY POINTS: · Use of analgesia and sedation varies across children's hospital NICUs.. · Prolonged opioid and benzodiazepine use is associated with increased mortality.. · Postsurgery sedation and neuromuscular blockade are associated with mortality..

Current Patterns of Probiotic Use in U.S. Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Multi-Institution Survey.

OBJECTIVE: Probiotic supplementation is associated with health benefits in preterm infants. The 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) statement on probiotic use advised caution, citing heterogeneity and absence of federal regulation. We assessed the impact of the AAP statement and current institution-wide patterns of probiotic use across neonatal intensive care units (NICU) across the United States. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional web-based institutional survey using REDCap was emailed to 430 Children's Hospital Neonatal Consortium (CHNC) and Pediatrix Medical Group institutions. The survey captured data on probiotic formulations, supplementation, initiation and cessation criteria, reasons for discontinuation, interest in initiating, and AAP statement's impact. RESULTS: Ninety-five (22.1%) hospitals, including 42/46 (91%) CHNC and 53/384 (14%) Pediatrix institutions, completed the survey. Thirty-seven (39%) currently use probiotics. Fourteen different probiotic formulations were reported. The common criteria for initiation were birth weight <1,500 g and gestational age <32 weeks. Parental consent or assent was obtained at only 30% of institutions. Five hospitals (11%) with prior probiotic use discontinued solely due to the AAP statement. Overall, 23 (24%) of hospitals indicated that the AAP statement significantly influenced their decision regarding probiotic use. Nineteen of 51 nonusers (37%) are considering initiation. CONCLUSION: Probiotic use in preterm infants is likely increasing in NICUs across the United States, but significant variability exists. The 2021 AAP statement had variable impact on NICUs' decision regarding probiotic use. The growing interest in adopting probiotics and the significant interhospital variability highlight the need for better regulation and consensus guidelines to ensure standardized use. KEY POINTS: · Probiotic use in preterm infants is likely increasing in U.S. NICUs, but clinical variability exists.. · The AAP statement on probiotic use in preterm infants had a modest impact on current practices.. · There's a need for better product regulation and consensus guidelines to ensure standardized use..

Utilization of Therapeutic Hypothermia and Neurological Injury in Neonates with Mild Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy: A Report from Children's Hospital Neonatal Consortium.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed to describe utilization of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in neonates presenting with mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and associated neurological injury on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in these infants. STUDY DESIGN: Neonates ≥ 36 weeks' gestation with mild HIE and available MRI scans were identified. Mild HIE status was assigned to hyper alert infants with an exaggerated response to arousal and mild HIE as the highest grade of encephalopathy recorded. MRI scans were dichotomized as "injury" versus "no injury." RESULTS: A total of 94.5% (257/272) neonates with mild HIE, referred for evaluation, received TH. MRI injury occurred in 38.2% (104/272) neonates and affected predominantly the white matter (49.0%, n = 51). Injury to the deep nuclear gray matter was identified in (10.1%) 20 infants, and to the cortex in 13.4% (n = 14 infants). In regression analyses (odds ratio [OR]; 95% confidence interval [CI]), history of fetal distress (OR = 0.52; 95% CI: 0.28-0.99) and delivery by caesarian section (OR = 0.54; 95% CI: 0.31-0.92) were associated with lower odds, whereas medical comorbidities during and after cooling were associated with higher odds of brain injury (OR = 2.31; 95% CI: 1.37-3.89). CONCLUSION: Majority of neonates with mild HIE referred for evaluation are being treated with TH. Odds of neurological injury are over two-fold higher in those with comorbidities during and after cooling. Brain injury predominantly involved the white matter. KEY POINTS: · Increasingly, neonates with mild HIE are being referred for consideration for hypothermia therapy.. · Drift in clinical practice shows growing number of neonates treated with hypothermia as having mild HIE.. · MRI data show that 38% of neonates with mild HIE have brain injury, predominantly in the white matter..

Approaches to Interdisciplinary Care for Infants with Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Survey of the Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Collaborative.

OBJECTIVE: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains the most common late morbidity for extremely premature infants. Care of infants with BPD requires a longitudinal approach from the neonatal intensive care unit to ambulatory care though interdisciplinary programs. Current approaches for the development of optimal programs vary among centers. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a survey of 18 academic centers that are members of the BPD Collaborative, a consortium of institutions with an established interdisciplinary BPD program. We aimed to characterize the approach, composition, and current practices of the interdisciplinary teams in inpatient and outpatient domains. RESULTS: Variations exist among centers, including composition of the interdisciplinary team, whether the team is the primary or consult service, timing of the first team assessment of the patient, frequency and nature of rounds during the hospitalization, and the timing of ambulatory visits postdischarge. CONCLUSION: Further studies to assess long-term outcomes are needed to optimize interdisciplinary care of infants with severe BPD. KEY POINTS: · Care of infants with BPD requires a longitudinal approach from the NICU to ambulatory care.. · Benefits of interdisciplinary care for children have been observed in other chronic conditions.. · Current approaches for the development of optimal interdisciplinary BPD programs vary among centers..

Similar frequency of atrial perforation between atrial and bicaval dual lumen veno-venous ECMO cannulas in a pediatric population.

PURPOSE: Complications associated with use of dual-lumen venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) cannulas are of concern in pediatric patients. While the risk of atrial perforation is believed to be higher with bicaval cannulas, direct comparison of complication rate between atrial and bicaval cannulas has not been conducted in this population. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted at a free-standing children's hospital of all patients 0-18 years old, placed on VV-ECMO with a dual-lumen cannula from January 2009 to December 2018. Patients were grouped based on cannula type. Complications were assessed over the entire duration of the ECMO run. Logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate for an association between cannula type and risk of pericardial effusion or cannula-related complication requiring median sternotomy or pericardial drain placement. RESULTS: During the study period 119 patients were placed on VVECMO using a dual-lumen cannula. Eighty-two patients (69%) were <2 years old, 19 (16%) were 2-10 years old, and 18 (15%) were 11-18 years old. Seventy-three were cannulated with an atrial cannula and 46 patients received a bicaval cannula. Pericardial effusions were seen in 30% and 24% of these patients respectively while severe complications were seen in 9.6% and 8.7% of patients respectively. Compared to patients treated with a bicaval cannula, those who received an atrial cannula had similar odds of effusions (OR: 1.41, 95% CI: 0.62-3.36) and severe complications (OR 0.89, 95% CI: 0.27-3.18). After adjusting for age, weight, cannula and circuit manipulations, and use of echocardiography, the OR of effusion was 1.91 (95% CI: 0.65-6.42), and the adjusted OR of severe complication was 0.69 (95% CI: 0.16-3.33). CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in frequency of pericardial effusions or severe cannula-related complications between the treatment groups across all pediatric patients and within the subgroup of patients under 2 years of age.

Current Practices for Genetic Testing in Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: Findings from a National survey.

Introduction: Comprehensive genetic testing with whole-exome (WES) or whole-genome (WGS) sequencing facilitates diagnosis, can optimize treatment, and may improve outcomes in critically ill neonates, including those requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for respiratory failure. Our objective was to describe practice variation and barriers to the utilization of comprehensive genetic testing for neonates on ECMO.Methods: We performed a cross-sectional survey of Level IV neonatal intensive care units in the United States across the Children's Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC).Results: Common indications for WES and WGS included concerning phenotype, severity of disease, unexpected postnatal clinical course, and inability to wean from ECMO support. Unexpected severity of disease on ECMO was the most common indication for rapid genetic testing. Cost of utilization was the primary barrier to testing. If rapid WES or WGS were readily available, 63% of centers would consider incorporating universal screening for neonates upon ECMO cannulation.Conclusion: Despite variation in the use of WES and WGS, universal testing may offer earlier diagnosis and influence the treatment course among neonates on ECMO. Cost is the primary barrier to utilization and most centers would consider incorporating universal screening on ECMO if readily available.

Center, Gestational Age, and Race Impact End-of-Life Care Practices at Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of intercenter variation and patient factors on end-of-life care practices for infants who die in regional neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis using the Children's Hospital Neonatal Database during 2010-2016. A total of 6299 nonsurviving infants cared for in 32 participating regional NICUs were included to examine intercenter variation and the effects of gestational age, race, and cause of death on 3 end-of-life care practices: do not attempt resuscitation orders (DNR), cardiopulmonary resuscitation within 6 hours of death (CPR), and withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies (WLST). Factors associated with these practices were used to develop a multivariable equation. RESULTS: Dying infants in the cohort underwent DNR (55%), CPR (21%), and WLST (73%). Gestational age, cause of death, and race were significantly and differently associated with each practice: younger gestational age (<28 weeks) was associated with CPR (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.5-2.1) but not with DNR or WLST, and central nervous system injury was associated with DNR (1.6, 1.3-1.9) and WLST (4.8, 3.7-6.2). Black race was associated with decreased odds of WLST (0.7, 0.6-0.8). Between centers, practices varied widely at different gestational ages, race, and causes of death. CONCLUSIONS: From the available data on end-of-life care practices for regional NICU patients, variability appears to be either individualized or without consistency.

The Impact of Rapid Exome Sequencing on Medical Management of Critically Ill Children.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical usefulness of rapid exome sequencing (rES) in critically ill children with likely genetic disease using a standardized process at a single institution. To provide evidence that rES with should become standard of care for this patient population. STUDY DESIGN: We implemented a process to provide clinical-grade rES to eligible children at a single institution. Eligibility included (a) recommendation of rES by a consulting geneticist, (b) monogenic disorder suspected, (c) rapid diagnosis predicted to affect inpatient management, (d) pretest counseling provided by an appropriate provider, and (e) unanimous approval by a committee of 4 geneticists. Trio exome sequencing was sent to a reference laboratory that provided verbal report within 7-10 days. Clinical outcomes related to rES were prospectively collected. Input from geneticists, genetic counselors, pathologists, neonatologists, and critical care pediatricians was collected to identify changes in management related to rES. RESULTS: There were 54 patients who were eligible for rES over a 34-month study period. Of these patients, 46 underwent rES, 24 of whom (52%) had at least 1 change in management related to rES. In 20 patients (43%), a molecular diagnosis was achieved, demonstrating that nondiagnostic exomes could change medical management in some cases. Overall, 84% of patients were under 1 month old at rES request and the mean turnaround time was 9 days. CONCLUSIONS: rES testing has a significant impact on the management of critically ill children with suspected monogenic disease and should be considered standard of care for tertiary institutions who can provide coordinated genetics expertise.

Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Neonatal Septic Shock: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the use of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) as adjunctive therapy in neonatal septic shock. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study was performed on a convenience sample of neonates in a quaternary children's hospital between January 2018 and February 2019. RESULTS: We identified three neonates with septic shock who received TPE. Two neonates had adenovirus sepsis, and one had group B streptococcal sepsis. All neonates were on extracorporeal life support (ECLS) when TPE was started. The median duration of TPE was 6 days (interquartile range [IQR]: 3-15), with a median of four cycles (IQR: 3-5). Lactate levels decreased significantly after TPE (median before TPE: 5.4 mmol/L [IQR: 2.4-6.1] vs. median after TPE: 1.2 mmol/L [IQR: 1.0-5.8]; p < 0.001). Platelet levels did not change (median before TPE: 73,000/mm3 [IQR: 49,000-100,000] vs. median after TPE: 80,000/mm3 (IQR: 62,000-108,000); p = 0.2). Organ failure indices improved after TPE in two of the three neonates. Hypocalcemia was seen in all cases despite prophylactic calcium infusions. One neonate died, and two survived to ICU discharge. CONCLUSION: TPE can be safely performed in neonates with septic shock. TPE may have a role as an adjunctive therapy in neonates with septic shock requiring ECLS.

Practice variation in anti-epileptic drug use for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy among regional NICUs.

BACKGROUND: While intercenter variation (ICV) in anti-epileptic drug (AED) use in neonates with seizures has been previously reported, variation in AED practices across regional NICUs has not been specifically and systematically evaluated. This is important as these centers typically have multidisciplinary neonatal neurocritical care teams and protocolized approaches to treating conditions such as hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a population at high risk for neonatal seizures. To identify opportunities for quality improvement (QI), we evaluated ICV in AED utilization for neonates with HIE treated with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) across regional NICUs in the US. METHODS: Children's Hospital Neonatal Database and Pediatric Health Information Systems data were linked for 1658 neonates ≥36 weeks' gestation, > 1800 g birthweight, with HIE treated with TH, from 20 NICUs, between 2010 and 2016. ICV in AED use was evaluated using a mixed-effect regression model. Rates of AED exposure, duration, prescription at discharge and standardized AED costs per patient were calculated as different measures of utilization. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent (range: 83-100%) of patients with electrographic seizures, and 26% (0-81%) without electrographic seizures, received AEDs. Phenobarbital was most frequently used (97.6%), followed by levetiracetam (16.9%), phenytoin/fosphenytoin (15.6%) and others (2.4%; oxcarbazepine, topiramate and valproate). There was significant ICV in all measures of AED utilization. Median cost of AEDs per patient was $89.90 (IQR $24.52,$258.58). CONCLUSIONS: Amongst Children's Hospitals, there is marked ICV in AED utilization for neonatal HIE. Variation was particularly notable for HIE patients without electrographic seizures, indicating that this population may be an appropriate target for QI processes to harmonize neuromonitoring and AED practices across centers.

Predicting Risk of Infection in Infants with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

OBJECTIVE: To predict incident bloodstream infection and urinary tract infection (UTI) in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective analysis using the Children's Hospital Neonatal Database during 2010-2016. Infants with CDH admitted at 22 participating regional neonatal intensive care units were included; patients repaired or discharged to home prior to admission/referral were excluded. The primary outcome was death or the occurrence of bloodstream infection or UTI prior to discharge. Factors associated with this outcome were used to develop a multivariable equation using 80% of the cohort. Validation was performed in the remaining 20% of infants. RESULTS: Median gestation and postnatal age at referral in this cohort (n = 1085) were 38 weeks and 3.1 hours, respectively. The primary outcome occurred in 395 patients (36%); and was associated with low birth weight, low Apgar, low admission pH, renal and associated anomalies, patch repair, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (P < .001 for all; area under receiver operating curve = 0.824; goodness of fit χ2 = 0.52). After omitting death from the outcome measure, admission pH, patch repair of CDH, and duration of central line placement were significantly associated with incident bloodstream infection or UTI. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with CDH are at high risk of infection which was predicted by clinical factors. Early identification and low threshold for sepsis evaluations in high-risk infants may attenuate acquisition and the consequences of these infections.

The Impact of Pulmonary Hypertension in Preterm Infants with Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia through 1 Year.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of pulmonary hypertension on neonatal intensive care unit mortality and hospital readmission through 1 year of corrected age in a large multicenter cohort of infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia. STUDY DESIGN: This was a multicenter, retrospective cohort study of 1677 infants born <32 weeks of gestation with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia enrolled in the Children's Hospital Neonatal Consortium with records linked to the Pediatric Health Information System. RESULTS: Pulmonary hypertension occurred in 370 out of 1677 (22%) infants. During the neonatal admission, pulmonary hypertension was associated with mortality (OR 3.15, 95% CI 2.10-4.73, P < .001), ventilator support at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (60% vs 40%, P < .001), duration of ventilation (72 IQR 30-124 vs 41 IQR 17-74 days, P < .001), and higher respiratory severity score (3.6 IQR 0.4-7.0 vs 0.8 IQR 0.3-3.3, P < .001). At discharge, pulmonary hypertension was associated with tracheostomy (27% vs 9%, P < .001), supplemental oxygen use (84% vs 61%, P < .001), and tube feeds (80% vs 46%, P < .001). Through 1 year of corrected age, pulmonary hypertension was associated with increased frequency of readmission (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 1.38, 95% CI 1.18-1.63, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia-associated pulmonary hypertension have increased morbidity and mortality through 1 year of corrected age. This highlights the need for improved diagnostic practices and prospective studies evaluating treatments for this high-risk population.