Buprenorphine versus Methadone for Opioid Use Disorder in Pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Opioid agonist therapy is strongly recommended for pregnant persons with opioid use disorder. Buprenorphine may be associated with more favorable neonatal and maternal outcomes than methadone, but existing data are limited. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study involving pregnant persons who were enrolled in public insurance programs in the United States during the period from 2000 through 2018 in which we examined outcomes among those who received buprenorphine as compared with those who received methadone. Exposure to the two medications was assessed in early pregnancy (through gestational week 19), late pregnancy (gestational week 20 through the day before delivery), and the 30 days before delivery. Risk ratios for neonatal and maternal outcomes were adjusted for confounders with the use of propensity-score overlap weights. RESULTS: The data source for the study consisted of 2,548,372 pregnancies that ended in live births. In early pregnancy, 10,704 pregnant persons were exposed to buprenorphine and 4387 to methadone. In late pregnancy, 11,272 were exposed to buprenorphine and 5056 to methadone (9976 and 4597, respectively, in the 30 days before delivery). Neonatal abstinence syndrome occurred in 52.0% of the infants who were exposed to buprenorphine in the 30 days before delivery as compared with 69.2% of those exposed to methadone (adjusted relative risk, 0.73; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71 to 0.75). Preterm birth occurred in 14.4% of infants exposed to buprenorphine in early pregnancy and in 24.9% of those exposed to methadone (adjusted relative risk, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.62); small size for gestational age in 12.1% and 15.3%, respectively (adjusted relative risk, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.80); and low birth weight in 8.3% and 14.9% (adjusted relative risk, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.50 to 0.63). Delivery by cesarean section occurred in 33.6% of pregnant persons exposed to buprenorphine in early pregnancy and 33.1% of those exposed to methadone (adjusted relative risk, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.97 to 1.08), and severe maternal complications developed in 3.3% and 3.5%, respectively (adjusted relative risk, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.74 to 1.13). Results of exposure in late pregnancy were consistent with results of exposure in early pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of buprenorphine in pregnancy was associated with a lower risk of adverse neonatal outcomes than methadone use; however, the risk of adverse maternal outcomes was similar among persons who received buprenorphine and those who received methadone. (Funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse.).

A Dyadic Framework of Care for Opioid-exposed Birthing Persons and Their Infants and Children.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a dyadic-centered framework focused on clinical care, surveillance, and research for birthing persons with opioid use disorder (OUD) and their infants and children. STUDY DESIGN: Between February and March 2023, an analysis was conducted within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) of activities directed at opioid-exposed birthing persons and their infants and children (the dyad) to identify: 1) number of activities, stratified by type and 2) characteristics across health and supportive activities that serve the dyad vs birthing persons or infants and children individually. Descriptive and thematic analyses were used to assess quantity and characteristics of fiscal year 2023-2024 activities aggregated across eleven HHS agencies. RESULTS: Of 181 activities examined, 75 met inclusion criteria specific to serving birthing persons with OUD and opioid-exposed infants and children. Sixty-two percent of activities were dyad focused. Five categories of dyadic activities were identified: research (45%), education and training (28%), health and supportive services (21%), surveillance (4%), and quality improvement (2%). Eight specific characteristics were key to dyadic activities: a life course and generational approach, emphasis on relationship, dyadic outcomes, service wraparound, payment structures supporting dyadic care, data linkage, and social determinants of health. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of HHS activities directed at birthing persons with OUD and opioid-exposed infants and children showed that most programs had a dyadic focus. Synthesizing elements identified from activities serving the dyad facilitated the development of a dyadic framework integrating clinical care, public health surveillance, and research.

Psychological distress among postpartum women who took opioids during pregnancy: the role of perceived stigma in healthcare settings.

This study examined the relationship between perceived stigma in healthcare settings during pregnancy and psychological distress and well-being in the postpartum period among individuals who took opioids while pregnant. Analyses included 134 birth mothers of opioid-exposed infants. At 0-1 months postpartum, perceived stigma and psychological distress were measured using the Prenatal Opioid use Perceived Stigma scale and measures from the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS). Food insecurity, housing instability, and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) were also assessed. Linear and generalized linear mixed-effect models were conducted to compare PROMIS scale scores and unmet needs by stigma, adjusting for site/location, age, race/ethnicity, marital status, education, public insurance, and parity. More than half of participants (54%) perceived stigma in healthcare settings. Individuals reporting stigma had higher depression, anxiety, and anger scores (p < 0.001) indicating greater psychological distress in the postpartum period compared to those reporting no stigma, after controlling for demographic characteristics. In addition, they scored significantly lower on the PROMIS meaning and purpose scale, an indicator of well-being (p = 0.002). Those reporting stigma were more likely to have food insecurity (p = 0.003), three or more ACEs (p = 0.040), verbal or physical abuse during pregnancy (p < 0.001), and less emotional support (p = 0.006) than those who did not. An association was observed between perceived stigma in the prenatal period and psychological distress in the postpartum period, providing support for stigma reduction interventions and education for healthcare providers on trauma-informed care.

Effect of Early vs Late Inguinal Hernia Repair on Serious Adverse Event Rates in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Inguinal hernia repair in preterm infants is common and is associated with considerable morbidity. Whether the inguinal hernia should be repaired prior to or after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit is controversial. Objective: To evaluate the safety of early vs late surgical repair for preterm infants with an inguinal hernia. Design, Setting, and Participants: A multicenter randomized clinical trial including preterm infants with inguinal hernia diagnosed during initial hospitalization was conducted between September 2013 and April 2021 at 39 US hospitals. Follow-up was completed on January 3, 2023. Interventions: In the early repair strategy, infants underwent inguinal hernia repair before neonatal intensive care unit discharge. In the late repair strategy, hernia repair was planned after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit and when the infants were older than 55 weeks' postmenstrual age. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was occurrence of any prespecified serious adverse event during the 10-month observation period (determined by a blinded adjudication committee). The secondary outcomes included the total number of days in the hospital during the 10-month observation period. Results: Among the 338 randomized infants (172 in the early repair group and 166 in the late repair group), 320 underwent operative repair (86% were male; 2% were Asian, 30% were Black, 16% were Hispanic, 59% were White, and race and ethnicity were unknown in 9% and 4%, respectively; the mean gestational age at birth was 26.6 weeks [SD, 2.8 weeks]; the mean postnatal age at enrollment was 12 weeks [SD, 5 weeks]). Among 308 infants (91%) with complete data (159 in the early repair group and 149 in the late repair group), 44 (28%) in the early repair group vs 27 (18%) in the late repair group had at least 1 serious adverse event (risk difference, -7.9% [95% credible interval, -16.9% to 0%]; 97% bayesian posterior probability of benefit with late repair). The median number of days in the hospital during the 10-month observation period was 19.0 days (IQR, 9.8 to 35.0 days) in the early repair group vs 16.0 days (IQR, 7.0 to 38.0 days) in the late repair group (82% posterior probability of benefit with late repair). In the prespecified subgroup analyses, the probability that late repair reduced the number of infants with at least 1 serious adverse event was higher in infants with a gestational age younger than 28 weeks and in those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (99% probability of benefit in each subgroup). Conclusions and Relevance: Among preterm infants with inguinal hernia, the late repair strategy resulted in fewer infants having at least 1 serious adverse event. These findings support delaying inguinal hernia repair until after initial discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01678638.

Protection of Two and Three mRNA Vaccine Doses Against Severe Outcomes Among Adults Hospitalized With COVID-19-VISION Network, August 2021 to March 2022.

BACKGROUND: We assessed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination impact on illness severity among adults hospitalized with COVID-19, August 2021-March 2022. METHODS: We evaluated differences in intensive care unit (ICU) admission, in-hospital death, and length of stay among vaccinated (2 or 3 mRNA vaccine doses) versus unvaccinated patients aged ≥18 years hospitalized for ≥24 hours with COVID-19-like illness and positive severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) molecular testing. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for ICU admission and death and subdistribution hazard ratios (SHR) for time to hospital discharge adjusted for age, geographic region, calendar time, and local virus circulation. RESULTS: We included 27 149 SARS-CoV-2-positive hospitalizations. During both Delta- and Omicron-predominant periods, protection against ICU admission was strongest among 3-dose vaccinees compared with unvaccinated patients (Delta OR, 0.52 [95% CI, .28-.96]; Omicron OR, 0.69 [95% CI, .54-.87]). During both periods, risk of in-hospital death was lower among vaccinated compared with unvaccinated patients but ORs overlapped across vaccination strata. We observed SHR >1 across all vaccination strata in both periods indicating faster discharge for vaccinated patients. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 vaccination was associated with lower rates of ICU admission and in-hospital death in both Delta and Omicron periods compared with being unvaccinated.

Sex-specific inflammatory and white matter effects of prenatal opioid exposure: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Preclinical data demonstrate that opioids modulate brain reward signaling through an inflammatory cascade, but this relationship has yet to be studied in opioid-exposed neonates. METHODS: Saliva samples of 54 opioid-exposed and sex- and age-matched non-exposed neonates underwent transcriptomic analysis of inflammatory and reward genes. A subset of 22 neonates underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate white matter injury commonly associated with inflammatory response. Gene expression and brain MRI were compared between opioid- and non-exposed neonates and further stratified by sex and pharmacotherapy need. RESULTS: Opioid-exposed females regardless of pharmacotherapy need had higher expression of inflammatory genes than their male counterparts, with notable differences in the expression of CCL2 and CXCL1 in females requiring pharmacotherapy (p = 0.01 and 0.06, respectively). Opioid-exposed males requiring pharmacotherapy had higher expression of DRD2 than exposed females (p = 0.07), validating our prior research. Higher expression of IL1ß, IL6, TNFα, and IL10 was seen in opioid-exposed neonates with T1 white matter hyperintensity (WMH) compared to exposed neonates without WMH (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Prenatal opioid exposure may promote inflammation resulting in changes in reward signaling and white matter injury in the developing brain, with unique sex-specific effects. The actions of opioids through non-neuronal pathways need further investigation. IMPACT: Opioid-exposed neonates are at risk for punctate T1 white matter hyperintensity (WMH). Females carry a greater propensity for WMH. Salivary transcriptomic data showed significantly higher expression of inflammatory genes in opioid-exposed neonates with WMH than those without WMH, irrespective of pharmacotherapy need. Adding to prior studies, our findings suggest that prenatal opioid exposure may modulate white matter injury and reward signaling through a pro-inflammatory process that is sex specific. This novel study highlights the short-term molecular and structural effects of prenatal opioids and the need to elucidate the long-term impact of prenatal opioid exposure.

Polygenic risk scores and the need for pharmacotherapy in neonatal abstinence syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify genetic variants associated with NAS through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and estimate a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) model for NAS. METHODS: A prospective case-control study included 476 in utero opioid-exposed term neonates. A GWAS of 1000 genomes-imputed genotypes was performed to identify variants associated with need for pharmacotherapy for NAS. PRS models for estimating genetic predisposition were generated via a nested cross-validation approach using 382 neonates of European ancestry. PRS predictive ability, discrimination, and calibration were assessed. RESULTS: Cross-ancestry GWAS identified one intergenic locus on chromosome 7 downstream of SNX13 exhibiting genome-wide association with need for pharmacotherapy. PRS models derived from the GWAS for a subset of the European ancestry neonates reliably discriminated between need for pharmacotherapy using cis variant effect sizes within validation sets of European and African American ancestry neonates. PRS were less effective when applying variant effect sizes across datasets and in calibration analyses. CONCLUSIONS: GWAS has the potential to identify genetic loci associated with need for pharmacotherapy for NAS and enable development of clinically predictive PRS models. Larger GWAS with additional ancestries are needed to confirm the observed SNX13 association and the accuracy of PRS in NAS risk prediction models. IMPACT: Genetic associations appear to be important in neonatal abstinence syndrome. This is the first genome-wide association in neonates with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Polygenic risk scores can be developed examining single-nucleotide polymorphisms across the entire genome. Polygenic risk scores were higher in neonates receiving pharmacotherapy for treatment of their neonatal abstinence syndrome. Future studies with larger cohorts are needed to better delineate these genetic associations.

The state and future of pediatric research-an introductory overview : The state and future of pediatric research series.

IMPACT: This is an introduction to an article series devoted to the current state and future of pediatric research. The role of public-private partnerships, influencing factors, challenges, and recent trends in pediatric research are described, with emphasis on funding, drug and device development, physician-scientist training, and diversity. Potential solutions and advocacy opportunities are discussed.

Establishing a global regulatory floor for children's decisions about participation in clinical research.

BACKGROUND: Enrolling children in clinical trials typically requires parental or guardian permission and, when appropriate, child assent. Aligning requirements across jurisdictions would facilitate multisite pediatric trials. Guidance from the International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) is the best candidate for a global standard but would benefit from additional specification. METHODS: Ethical analysis of ICH guidance for permission and assent for pediatric trials, with recommendations for clarification. RESULTS: ICH guidance regarding permission and assent would be enhanced by additional detail in the following areas: (1) what information should be provided to parents, guardians, and children considering a trial, and how that information should be provided; (2) the definition of "assent," the criteria for when assent should be required, and the need to include children in discussions even when assent is not mandated; (3) criteria for requiring children's signatures indicating agreement; (4) greater specificity regarding children's right to decline or withdraw; and (5) clarification of when children's wish to decline or withdraw from participation may be overridden and of what the overriding process should entail. CONCLUSION: ICH guidance provides a global standard for decision making regarding children's participation in trials. Several clarifications would facilitate the conduct of multinational pediatric research. IMPACT: Enrolling children in clinical trials requires the permission of a parent/guardian ± the assent of the minor. Differing global regulatory requirements for enrolling children complicate the conduct of multicenter and multinational trials. The authors identify points of ambiguity and/or contradiction in the International Council for Harmonization guidelines and offer recommendations for a common ethical platform for conducting global pediatric research.

Outcomes of Babies with Opioid Exposure (OBOE): protocol of a prospective longitudinal cohort study.

BACKGROUND: While the health, social, and economic impacts of opioid addiction on adults and their communities are well known, the impact of maternal opioid use on the fetus exposed in utero is less well understood. METHODS: This paper presents the protocol of the ACT NOW Outcomes of Babies with Opioid Exposure (OBOE) Study, a multi-site prospective longitudinal cohort study of infants with antenatal opioid exposure and unexposed controls. Study objectives are to determine the impact of antenatal opioid exposure on brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes over the first 2 years of life and explore whether family, home, and community factors modify developmental trajectories during this critical time period. RESULTS: Primary outcomes related to brain development include cortical volumes, deep cerebral gray matter volumes, resting-state functional connectivity measures, and structural connectivity measures using diffusion tensor imaging. Primary neurodevelopmental outcomes include visual abnormalities, cognitive, language, and motor skills measured using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development and social-emotional and behavioral problems and competence measured by the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment. CONCLUSIONS: The OBOE study has been designed to overcome challenges of previous studies and will help further understanding of the effects of antenatal opioid exposure on early infant development. IMPACT: This study will integrate MRI findings and comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessments to provide early insights into the functional topography of the brain in this high-risk population and assess MRI as a potential biomarker. Rather than conducting neuroimaging at a single time point, the study will include serial MRI assessments from birth to 2 years, allowing for the examination of trajectories throughout this period of rapid brain development. While previous studies often have had limited information on exposures, this study will use umbilical cord assays to accurately measure amounts of opioids and other substances from 20 weeks of gestation to birth.

Rapid Whole-Genomic Sequencing and a Targeted Neonatal Gene Panel in Infants With a Suspected Genetic Disorder.

Importance: Genomic testing in infancy guides medical decisions and can improve health outcomes. However, it is unclear whether genomic sequencing or a targeted neonatal gene-sequencing test provides comparable molecular diagnostic yields and times to return of results. Objective: To compare outcomes of genomic sequencing with those of a targeted neonatal gene-sequencing test. Design, Setting, and Participants: The Genomic Medicine for Ill Neonates and Infants (GEMINI) study was a prospective, comparative, multicenter study of 400 hospitalized infants younger than 1 year of age (proband) and their parents, when available, suspected of having a genetic disorder. The study was conducted at 6 US hospitals from June 2019 to November 2021. Exposure: Enrolled participants underwent simultaneous testing with genomic sequencing and a targeted neonatal gene-sequencing test. Each laboratory performed an independent interpretation of variants guided by knowledge of the patient's phenotype and returned results to the clinical care team. Change in clinical management, therapies offered, and redirection of care was provided to families based on genetic findings from either platform. Main Outcomes and Measures: Primary end points were molecular diagnostic yield (participants with ≥1 pathogenic variant or variant of unknown significance), time to return of results, and clinical utility (changes in patient care). Results: A molecular diagnostic variant was identified in 51% of participants (n = 204; 297 variants identified with 134 being novel). Molecular diagnostic yield of genomic sequencing was 49% (95% CI, 44%-54%) vs 27% (95% CI, 23%-32%) with the targeted gene-sequencing test. Genomic sequencing did not report 19 variants found by the targeted neonatal gene-sequencing test; the targeted gene-sequencing test did not report 164 variants identified by genomic sequencing as diagnostic. Variants unidentified by the targeted genomic-sequencing test included structural variants longer than 1 kilobase (25.1%) and genes excluded from the test (24.6%) (McNemar odds ratio, 8.6 [95% CI, 5.4-14.7]). Variant interpretation by laboratories differed by 43%. Median time to return of results was 6.1 days for genomic sequencing and 4.2 days for the targeted genomic-sequencing test; for urgent cases (n = 107) the time was 3.3 days for genomic sequencing and 4.0 days for the targeted gene-sequencing test. Changes in clinical care affected 19% of participants, and 76% of clinicians viewed genomic testing as useful or very useful in clinical decision-making, irrespective of a diagnosis. Conclusions and Relevance: The molecular diagnostic yield for genomic sequencing was higher than a targeted neonatal gene-sequencing test, but the time to return of routine results was slower. Interlaboratory variant interpretation contributes to differences in molecular diagnostic yield and may have important consequences for clinical management.

Neonatal Survival After Serial Amnioinfusions for Bilateral Renal Agenesis: The Renal Anhydramnios Fetal Therapy Trial.

Importance: Early anhydramnios during pregnancy, resulting from fetal bilateral renal agenesis, causes lethal pulmonary hypoplasia in neonates. Restoring amniotic fluid via serial amnioinfusions may promote lung development, enabling survival. Objective: To assess neonatal outcomes of serial amnioinfusions initiated before 26 weeks' gestation to mitigate lethal pulmonary hypoplasia. Design, Setting, and Participants: Prospective, nonrandomized clinical trial conducted at 9 US fetal therapy centers between December 2018 and July 2022. Outcomes are reported for 21 maternal-fetal pairs with confirmed anhydramnios due to isolated fetal bilateral renal agenesis without other identified congenital anomalies. Exposure: Enrolled participants initiated ultrasound-guided percutaneous amnioinfusions of isotonic fluid before 26 weeks' gestation, with frequency of infusions individualized to maintain normal amniotic fluid levels for gestational age. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary end point was postnatal infant survival to 14 days of life or longer with dialysis access placement. Results: The trial was stopped early based on an interim analysis of 18 maternal-fetal pairs given concern about neonatal morbidity and mortality beyond the primary end point despite demonstration of the efficacy of the intervention. There were 17 live births (94%), with a median gestational age at delivery of 32 weeks, 4 days (IQR, 32-34 weeks). All participants delivered prior to 37 weeks' gestation. The primary outcome was achieved in 14 (82%) of 17 live-born infants (95% CI, 44%-99%). Factors associated with survival to the primary outcome included a higher number of amnioinfusions (P = .01), gestational age greater than 32 weeks (P = .005), and higher birth weight (P = .03). Only 6 (35%) of the 17 neonates born alive survived to hospital discharge while receiving peritoneal dialysis at a median age of 24 weeks of life (range, 12-32 weeks). Conclusions and Relevance: Serial amnioinfusions mitigated lethal pulmonary hypoplasia but were associated with preterm delivery. The lower rate of survival to discharge highlights the additional mortality burden independent of lung function. Additional long-term data are needed to fully characterize the outcomes in surviving neonates and assess the morbidity and mortality burden. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03101891.

Effects of Pharmacologic Treatment for Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome on DNA Methylation and Neurobehavior: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether pharmacologic treatment for neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is associated with changes in DNA methylation (DNAm) of the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1) and improvements in neonatal neurobehavior. STUDY DESIGN: Buccal swabs were collected from 37 neonates before and after morphine treatment for NAS. Genomic DNA was extracted, and DNAm was examined at 4 cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) sites within the OPRM1 gene. Assessment with the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales (NNNS) was also performed before and after NAS treatment. Changes in DNAm (DNAmpost-tx - DNAmpre-tx) and NNNS summary scores (NNNSpost-tx - NNNSpre-tx) were then calculated. Path analysis was used to examine associations among pharmacologic treatment (length of treatment [LOT] and total dose of morphine), changes in DNAm, and changes in NNNS summary scores. RESULTS: DNAm was significantly decreased from pretreatment to post-treatment at 1 of 4 CpG sites within the OPRM1 gene. Neonates also demonstrated decreased excitability, hypertonia, lethargy, signs of stress and abstinence, and increased quality of movement and regulation from pretreatment to post-treatment. Longer LOT and higher morphine dose were associated with greater decreases in DNAm; greater decreases in DNAm were associated with greater decreases in excitability and hypertonia on the NNNS. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacologic treatment of NAS is associated with decreased DNAm of the OPRM1 gene and improved neonatal neurobehavior. Epigenetic changes may play a role in these changes in neonatal neurobehavior.

Standardizing the Clinical Definition of Opioid Withdrawal in the Neonate.

OBJECTIVE: To standardize the clinical definition of opioid withdrawal in neonates to address challenges in clinical care, quality improvement, research, and public policy for this patient population. STUDY DESIGN: Between October and December 2020, we conducted 2 modified-Delphi panels using ExpertLens, a virtual platform for performing iterative expert engagement panels. Twenty clinical experts specializing in care for the substance-exposed mother-neonate dyad explored the necessity of key evidence-based clinical elements in defining opioid withdrawal in the neonate leading to a diagnosis of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)/neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). Expert consensus was assessed using descriptive statistics, the RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, and thematic analysis of participants' comments. RESULTS: Expert panels concluded the following were required for diagnosis: in utero exposure (known by history, not necessarily by toxicology testing) to opioids with or without the presence of other psychotropic substances, and the presence of at least two of the most common clinical signs characteristic of withdrawal (excessive crying, fragmented sleep, tremors, increased muscle tone, gastrointestinal dysfunction). CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that both a known history of in utero opioid exposure and a distinct set of withdrawal signs are necessary to standardize a definition of neonatal withdrawal. Implementation of a standardized definition requires both patient engagement and a mother-neonate dyadic approach mindful of program and policy implications.

Effectiveness of Homologous and Heterologous COVID-19 Booster Doses Following 1 Ad.26.COV2.S (Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) Vaccine Dose Against COVID-19-Associated Emergency Department and Urgent Care Encounters and Hospitalizations Among Adults - VISION Network, 10 States, December 2021-March 2022.

CDC recommends that all persons aged ≥18 years receive a single COVID-19 vaccine booster dose ≥2 months after receipt of an Ad.26.COV2.S (Janssen [Johnson & Johnson]) adenovirus vector-based primary series vaccine; a heterologous COVID-19 mRNA vaccine is preferred over a homologous (matching) Janssen vaccine for booster vaccination. This recommendation was made in light of the risks for rare but serious adverse events following receipt of a Janssen vaccine, including thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome and Guillain-Barré syndrome† (1), and clinical trial data indicating similar or higher neutralizing antibody response following heterologous boosting compared with homologous boosting (2). Data on real-world vaccine effectiveness (VE) of different booster strategies following a primary Janssen vaccine dose are limited, particularly during the period of Omicron variant predominance. The VISION Network§ determined real-world VE of 1 Janssen vaccine dose and 2 alternative booster dose strategies: 1) a homologous booster (i.e., 2 Janssen doses) and 2) a heterologous mRNA booster (i.e., 1 Janssen dose/1 mRNA dose). In addition, VE of these booster strategies was compared with VE of a homologous booster following mRNA primary series vaccination (i.e., 3 mRNA doses). The study examined 80,287 emergency department/urgent care (ED/UC) visits¶ and 25,244 hospitalizations across 10 states during December 16, 2021-March 7, 2022, when Omicron was the predominant circulating variant.** VE against laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated ED/UC encounters was 24% after 1 Janssen dose, 54% after 2 Janssen doses, 79% after 1 Janssen/1 mRNA dose, and 83% after 3 mRNA doses. VE for the same vaccination strategies against laboratory-confirmed COVID-19-associated hospitalizations were 31%, 67%, 78%, and 90%, respectively. All booster strategies provided higher protection than a single Janssen dose against ED/UC visits and hospitalizations during Omicron variant predominance. Vaccination with 1 Janssen/1 mRNA dose provided higher protection than did 2 Janssen doses against COVID-19-associated ED/UC visits and was comparable to protection provided by 3 mRNA doses during the first 120 days after a booster dose. However, 3 mRNA doses provided higher protection against COVID-19-associated hospitalizations than did other booster strategies during the same time interval since booster dose. All adults who have received mRNA vaccines for their COVID-19 primary series vaccination should receive an mRNA booster dose when eligible. Adults who received a primary Janssen vaccine dose should preferentially receive a heterologous mRNA vaccine booster dose ≥2 months later, or a homologous Janssen vaccine booster dose if mRNA vaccine is contraindicated or unavailable. Further investigation of the durability of protection afforded by different booster strategies is warranted.

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Severity Index Predicts 18-Month Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Neonates Randomized to Morphine or Methadone.

OBJECTIVE: To develop an index to determine which opioid-exposed neonates have the most severe neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). STUDY DESIGN: Full-term neonates with NAS (n = 116) from mothers maintained on methadone or buprenorphine were enrolled from 8 sites into a randomized clinical trial of morphine vs methadone. Ninety-nine (85%) were evaluated at hospital discharge using the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS). At 18 months, 83 of 99 (83.8%) were evaluated with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III), and 77 of 99 (77.7%) were evaluated with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS: Cluster analysis was used to define high (n = 21) and low (n = 77) NAS severity. Compared with infants in the low NAS severity cluster, infants in the high NAS severity cluster had a longer length of stay (P < .001), longer length of stay due to NAS (P < .001), longer duration of treatment due to NAS (P < .001), and higher total dose of the study drug (P < .001) and were more likely to have received phenobarbital (P < .001), to have been treated with morphine (P = .020), and to have an atypical NNNS profile (P = .005). The 2 groups did not differ in terms of maximum Finnegan score. At 18 months, in unadjusted analyses, compared with the high-severity cluster, the low-severity cluster had higher scores on the Bayley-III Cognitive (P = .013), Language (P < .001), and Motor (P = .041) composites and less total behavior problems on the CBCL (P = .028). In adjusted analyses, the difference in the Bayley-III Language composite remained (P = .013). CONCLUSIONS: Presumptive measures of NAS severity can be aggregated to develop an index that predicts developmental outcomes at age 18 months.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Neonates Randomized to Morphine or Methadone for Treatment of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of pharmacologic treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome on neurodevelopmental outcome from a randomized, controlled trial. STUDY DESIGN: Eight sites enrolled 116 full-term newborn infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome born to mothers maintained on methadone or buprenorphine into a randomized trial of morphine vs methadone. Ninety-nine infants (85%) were evaluated at hospital discharge using the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale. At 18 months, 83 of 99 infants (83.8%) were evaluated with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition and 77 of 99 (77.7%) with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). RESULTS: Primary analyses showed no significant differences between treatment groups on the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale, Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition, or CBCL. However in post hoc analyses, we found differences by atypical NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale profile on the CBCL. Infants receiving adjunctive phenobarbital had lower Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-Third Edition scores and more behavior problems on the CBCL. In adjusted analyses, internalizing and total behavior problems were associated with use of phenobarbital (P = .03; P = .04), maternal psychological distress (measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory) (both P < .01), and infant medical problems (both P = .02). Externalizing problems were associated with maternal psychological distress (P < .01) and continued maternal substance use (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Infants treated with either morphine or methadone had similar short-term and longer term neurobehavioral outcomes. Neurodevelopmental outcome may be related to the need for phenobarbital, overall health of the infant, and postnatal caregiving environment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01958476.

How to introduce MSC-based therapy for the developing lung safely into clinical care?

Extreme prematurity is associated with an increased risk to develop bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Severe BPD is associated with a significant long-term burden for the affected infant, families and society. Currently there are limited prevention and treatment options. Regenerative approaches using mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are associated with promising benefits in animal experiments. First clinical studies, using MSC in humans, suggest safety. To accelerate the process of bench to bed-side development of MSC-based therapies, a global and collaborative approach is needed that includes all key stakeholders. Results of a workshop that was held during the Pediatric Academic Societies meeting in 2019 are summarized. A roadmap is provided discussing next steps of bringing MSC-based interventions into clinical practice.

Effect of Pacifier Design on Nonnutritive Suck Maturation and Weight Gain in Preterm Infants: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND: Pacifiers are effective in promoting oral feeding by increasing the maturation of nonnutritive sucking to nutritive suck in preterm neonates. It is unclear whether pacifier design can influence suck dynamics and weight loss during the first week of life. OBJECTIVES: This pilot study examined the feasibility of studying the effect of pacifier design on suck maturation and weight loss in preterm neonates. METHODS: Twenty-five preterm neonates (mean [SD] birth weight 1791 [344.9] grams, mean [SD] gestational age 33.1 [1.2] weeks) were studied in a single newborn intensive care unit. Neonates were assigned to either an orthodontic pacifier (n = 13) or a bulb-shaped pacifier (n = 12) immediately after birth. Suck dynamics (cycles per minute, total compressions per minute, cycle bursts, and amplitude) were assessed with an NTrainer (Innara Health, Olathe, Kansas). Weight was recorded during the first week of life on day 1.2 (±2.5 days) and day 6.0 (±2.1 days). Descriptive statistics were applied to analyze data. RESULTS: No significant differences were seen between groups with respect to birth weight and gestational age. Reproducible nonnutritive sucking measurements could be obtained with the NTrainer, with both types of pacifiers. No differences were detected in nonnutritive sucking dynamics or weight loss over time within each group or between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Data indicate that it is feasible to measure nonnutritive sucking dynamics and associated weight loss in relation to pacifier design in preterm neonates. Larger trials over longer time periods are needed to determine whether pacifier design influences suck dynamics and maturation, oromotor function, feeding/weight loss, and dental formation in preterm neonates. (Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2020; 81:XXX-XXX).

Paired involvement of human-specific Olduvai domains and NOTCH2NL genes in human brain evolution.

Sequences encoding Olduvai (DUF1220) protein domains show the largest human-specific increase in copy number of any coding region in the genome and have been linked to human brain evolution. Most human-specific copies of Olduvai (119/165) are encoded by three NBPF genes that are adjacent to three human-specific NOTCH2NL genes that have been shown to promote cortical neurogenesis. Here, employing genomic, phylogenetic, and transcriptomic evidence, we show that these NOTCH2NL/NBPF gene pairs evolved jointly, as two-gene units, very recently in human evolution, and are likely co-regulated. Remarkably, while three NOTCH2NL paralogs were added, adjacent Olduvai sequences hyper-amplified, adding 119 human-specific copies. The data suggest that human-specific Olduvai domains and adjacent NOTCH2NL genes may function in a coordinated, complementary fashion to promote neurogenesis and human brain expansion in a dosage-related manner.