Randomized Trial of Surfactant Therapy via Laryngeal Mask Airway Versus Brief Tracheal Intubation in Neonates Born Preterm.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible noninferiority of surfactant administration via laryngeal mask airway (LMA) vs endotracheal tube (ETT) in avoiding the requirement for mechanical ventilation in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). STUDY DESIGN: This was a randomized controlled trial including infants born at 27 to 36 weeks of gestation, >800 g, diagnosed with RDS and receiving fraction of inspired oxygen 0.30-0.60 via noninvasive respiratory support. Infants were randomized to surfactant via LMA (with atropine premedication) or ETT (InSuRE approach with atropine and remifentanil premedication). Primary outcome was failure of surfactant treatment to prevent the need for mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Patients were randomized, 51 to LMA and 42 to the ETT group. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics, with birth weights ranging from 810 to 3560 g. Failure rate was 29% in the ETT group and 20% in the LMA group (P = .311). This difference was due to early failures (within 1 hour), with 12.5% in the ETT group and 2% in the LMA group (P = .044). Surfactant therapy via LMA was non-inferior to administration via ETT; failure risk difference -9.0% (CI -∞ to 5.7%). Efficacy in decreasing fraction of inspired oxygen, number of surfactant doses administered, time to wean off all respiratory support, rates of adverse events, and outcomes including pneumothorax and BPD diagnosis did not differ between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Surfactant therapy via LMA was noninferior to administration via ETT and it decreased early failures, possibly by avoiding adverse effects of premedication, laryngoscopy, and intubation. These characteristics make LMA a desirable conduit for surfactant administration. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02164734.

Implementing an exclusive human milk diet for preterm infants: real-world experience in diverse NICUs.

BACKGROUND: Human milk-based human milk fortifier (HMB-HMF) makes it possible to provide an exclusive human milk diet (EHMD) to very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Before the introduction of HMB-HMF in 2006, NICUs relied on bovine milk-based human milk fortifiers (BMB-HMFs) when mother's own milk (MOM) or pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) could not provide adequate nutrition. Despite evidence supporting the clinical benefits of an EHMD (such as reducing the frequency of morbidities), barriers prevent its widespread adoption, including limited health economics and outcomes data, cost concerns, and lack of standardized feeding guidelines. METHODS: Nine experts from seven institutions gathered for a virtual roundtable discussion in October 2020 to discuss the benefits and challenges to implementing an EHMD program in the NICU environment. Each center provided a review of the process of starting their program and also presented data on various neonatal and financial metrics associated with the program. Data gathered were either from their own Vermont Oxford Network outcomes or an institutional clinical database. As each center utilizes their EHMD program in slightly different populations and over different time periods, data presented was center-specific. After all presentations, the experts discussed issues within the field of neonatology that need to be addressed with regards to the utilization of an EHMD in the NICU population. RESULTS: Implementation of an EHMD program faces many barriers, no matter the NICU size, patient population or geographic location. Successful implementation requires a team approach (including finance and IT support) with a NICU champion. Having pre-specified target populations as well as data tracking is also helpful. Real-world experiences of NICUs with established EHMD programs show reductions in comorbidities, regardless of the institution's size or level of care. EHMD programs also proved to be cost effective. For the NICUs that had necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) data available, EHMD programs resulted in either a decrease or change in total (medical + surgical) NEC rate and reductions in surgical NEC. Institutions that provided cost and complications data all reported a substantial cost avoidance after EHMD implementation, ranging between $515,113 and $3,369,515 annually per institution. CONCLUSIONS: The data provided support the initiation of EHMD programs in NICUs for very preterm infants, but there are still methodologic issues to be addressed so that guidelines can be created and all NICUs, regardless of size, can provide standardized care that benefits VLBW infants.

Cognitive dysfunction and mortality in multiple sclerosis: Long-term retrospective review.

BACKGROUND: Cognitive dysfunction as a predictor of clinical progression and mortality in multiple sclerosis (MS) is still a matter of debate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the long-term outcome associated with neuropsychological performance in a cohort of patients with MS. METHODS: A series of 408 MS patients had previously undergone a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment and a contemporaneous neurological evaluation (T1). A retrospective review of the clinical records was conducted 102-192 months after T1. Demographic and clinical data regarding the last clinical appointment with EDSS measurement (T2) were collected and the date of the last clinical contact or death (TS) was recorded. RESULTS: This review revealed that cognitive dysfunction (T1) was associated with higher odds of transitioning from relapsing-remitting course to a progressive disease course (adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 2.29, p = 0.043) and higher hazard of death in the total sample (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 3.07, p = 0.006) and the progressive disease course subgroup (adjusted HR = 3.68, p = 0.007), even when adjusting for other covariates. DISCUSSION: The study results demonstrate that cognitive dysfunction in MS is predictive of poorer prognosis and mortality.

The epidemiology of multiple sclerosis in the entre Douro e Vouga region of northern Portugal: a multisource population-based study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) has been increasing worldwide and the north-south gradient of prevalence may be disappearing in the Northern hemisphere. The few previous prevalence studies performed in Portugal have reported a lower prevalence than the average for Western Europe. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of MS in the Entre Douro e Vouga region, in Northern Portugal. METHODS: Multiple overlapping sources were used to ascertain all cases from the reference population: records from hospitals in the region and neighbouring regions; diagnostic databases of primary care physicians; and applications for disability benefits. The prevalence date was set at 1 January 2014. The reference population was 274,859 inhabitants. Patients' neurologists were contacted to retrieve clinical information and confirm the diagnosis based. RESULTS: A total of 177 patients were identified after eliminating duplicates from different sources. The female to male ratio was 1.9 and the mean age at disease onset was 33.5 (standard deviation: 10.3). Clinically isolated syndrome accounted for 9.0% of patients, relapsing remitting for 58.8%, secondary progressive for 20.3% and primary progressive for 11.8%. The prevalence was estimated in 64.4 patients per 100,000 (95% confidence interval: 54.9;73.9). CONCLUSIONS: In this study we report a higher point prevalence of MS than had been previously described in Portugal, but still far from the higher values recently reported in other Southern European countries.

The Role of Doppler Ultrassonography in Significant and Borderline Stenosis Definition.

BACKGROUND: The definition of significant stenosis (SS) remains controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 1,040 consultations. SS was defined in the presence of clinical and echo-Doppler (DDU) criteria: Qa <500 mL/min or Qa decrease >25%; RI >0.7 in the feeding artery or absolute minimal luminal stenosis diameter <2.0 mm. Stenosis without any additional criteria were considered borderline stenosis (BS). RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-one arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) were included: 58.8% had SS, 18.6% had BS, and 22.6% had no dysfunctional access (ND). SS had a significantly higher thrombotic events than BS and ND (13.1 vs. 4.4%, p = 0.018). The annual thrombosis rate was 0.007, 0.037, and 0.004 in the ND, SS, and BS, respectively. AVF cumulative survival at 5 years was significantly lower in SS (89.5%) compared to BS (100%) and ND (97.4%; p = 0.03). BS had an HR for AVF failure of 1.1, p = 0.955, while the SS presented an HR of 5.9, p = 0.09. CONCLUSION: AVF clinical monitoring with additional DDU criteria appear to be appropriate for therapeutic referral.

Unrecognized Fibrinogen A α-Chain Amyloidosis: Results From Targeted Genetic Testing.

BACKGROUND: Fibrinogen A α-chain (AFib) amyloidosis results from autosomal-dominant mutations in the gene encoding AFib (FGA). Patients with this disorder typically present with proteinuria. Isolated cases of AFib amyloidosis, carrying the FGA p.Glu545Val variant, were identified in the district of Braga, in northwest Portugal. This observation led us to hypothesize that this disorder might be an unrecognized cause of kidney disease in that region and prompted us to carry out targeted genetic testing for the p.Glu545Val variant in the local hemodialysis population and family members of identified cases. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: 3 groups of participants: (1) kidney biopsy registry, n=4; (2) hemodialysis facility, n=122 of 267 patients; and (3) genetically at-risk individuals; n=69 of 167 family members. OUTCOMES: Kidney disease, kidney disease progression, and survival. RESULTS: The p.Glu545Val variant was identified in all 4 patients of the biopsy registry, 12 of 122 (9.8%) hemodialysis patients tested, and 34 of 69 (49%) relatives tested. These 50 cases belonged to 13 unrelated families with kidney disease or amyloidosis identified in 61% of probands. 35 individuals presented with hypertension at a mean of 51.0±10.4 years. Of these, 30 developed kidney disease at a mean of 56.7±12.0 years, and 21 initiated dialysis therapy at a mean of 61.4±11.3 years. Heart, liver, spleen, colon, and ileum were involved along the progression of the disease. Kidney disease was formerly attributed to hypertension in 25% of patients with AFib amyloidosis undergoing hemodialysis. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective data collection for patients with amyloidosis previously diagnosed. CONCLUSIONS: AFib amyloidosis appears to be an under-recognized disorder in Braga, Portugal, where we found a high frequency of the FGA p.Glu545Val variant. Due to the nonspecific nature of its major clinical features, the diagnosis of AFib amyloidosis should have a high index of suspicion, particularly in populations in which hypertension is prevalent.

Mechanical Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: Initial Single-Center Experience and Comparison with Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND: Until recently, intravenous thrombolysis was the only reperfusion therapy with proven efficacy in patients with acute ischemic stroke. However, this treatment option has low recanalization rates in large-vessel occlusions. The search for additional treatments continued until 5 randomized trials (MR CLEAN, ESCAPE, EXTEND-IA, SWIFT PRIME, and REVASCAT) revealed the superiority of mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large-vessel occlusion. After 1 year of performing thrombectomy with stent retrievers in our tertiary hospital, we intended to answer the question: is it possible to achieve similar results in a "real-world" setting? METHODS: We analyzed data from our prospective observational registry, compared it with the trials aforementioned, and concluded that the answer is affirmative. RESULTS: Our study population of 77 patients, with a mean age of 68,2 years and 48,1% men, is comparable with these trials in much of selection criteria, baseline characteristics, and rate of previous intravenous thrombolysis (72,7%). Recovery of functional independence at 90 days was achieved in almost two thirds of patients, similarly to the referred trials. We devoted special emphasis on fast recanalization, keeping a simple image selection protocol (based on non-enhanced and computed tomography angiography) and not waiting for clinical response to thrombolysis in patients eligible for mechanical thrombectomy. We emphasize a successful recanalization rate of 87% and only 2,6% symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: In summary, mechanical thrombectomy seems to be a safe and effective treatment option in a "real-world" scenario, with results similar to those of the recent randomized controlled trials.

Factors contributing to endobronchial intubation in neonates.

OBJECTIVES: To assess neonatologists' practices, knowledge, and opinions regarding the prevention of endobronchial intubation. DESIGN: Anonymous survey. SUBJECTS AND SETTING: Program Directors of Neonatology Fellowship Programs in the United States, surveyed by mail, and neonatologists who volunteered to respond while attending the Vermont-Oxford Network Annual Meeting. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Program directors (response rate 66%) and other practitioners contributed equally to the 132 survey responses, which were statistically indistinguishable between groups. Deep intubation frequency was estimated at greater than 5% by 39% of respondents, and 38% believed that it contributes to neonatal morbidity equally or more than medication errors. Quality assurance surveillance of intubations was uncommon. Neonatologists had remarkably varied responses when identifying the recommended vocal cord-level marking from a triple set of distal safety markings on a commonly used endotracheal tube; most had never seen recommendations or package insert directions for the use of such markings, and 86% desired improvements in endotracheal tube features to promote safer intubations. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatologists perceive endobronchial intubation as a consequential but underreported complication. Most are uncertain about the use of common vocal cord markings on endotracheal tubes, and few have seen specific instructions on this feature. We suggest that standardizing endotracheal tube safety features and making clear directions available to users may decrease the risk of endobronchial intubation in neonates.

Neonatal Airway Management.

The neonatal airway is often difficult to secure, whether the practitioner responsible for managing the airway is a neonatologist, pediatrician, anesthesiologist, another specialist or an advanced practice provider [...].

A Multifunctional, Low Cost and Sustainable Neonatal Database System.

Continuous improvement in the clinical performance of neonatal intensive care units (NICU) depends on the use of locally relevant, reliable data. However, neonatal databases with these characteristics are typically unavailable in NICUs using paper-based records, while in those using electronic records, the inaccuracy of data and the inability to customize commercial data systems limit their usability for quality improvement or research purposes. We describe the characteristics and uses of a simple, neonatologist-centered data system that has been successfully maintained for 30 years, with minimal resources and serving multiple purposes, including quality improvement, administrative, research support and educational functions. Structurally, our system comprises customized paper and electronic components, while key functional aspects include the attending-based recording of diagnoses, integration into clinical workflows, multilevel data accuracy and validation checks, and periodic reporting on both data quality and NICU performance results. We provide examples of data validation methods and trends observed over three decades, and discuss essential elements for the successful implementation of this system. This database is reliable and easily maintained; it can be developed from simple paper-based forms or used to supplement the functionality and end-user customizability of existing electronic medical records. This system should be readily adaptable to NICUs in either high- or limited-resource environments.

Strategies to Improve Neonatal Intubation Safety by Preventing Endobronchial Placement of the Tracheal Tube-Literature Review and Experience at a Tertiary Center.

Unintended endobronchial placement is a common complication of neonatal tracheal intubation and a threat to patient safety, but it has received little attention towards decreasing its incidence and mitigating associated harms. We report on the key aspects of a long-term project in which we applied principles of patient safety to design and implement safeguards and establish a safety culture, aiming to decrease the rate of deep intubation (beyond T3) in neonates to <10%. Results from 5745 consecutive intubations revealed a 47% incidence of deep tube placement at baseline, which decreased to 10-15% after initial interventions and remained in the 9-20% range for the past 15 years; concurrently, rates of deep intubation at referring institutions have remained high. Root cause analyses revealed multiple contributing factors, so countermeasures specifically aimed at improving intubation safety should be applied before, during, and immediately after tube insertion. Extensive literature review, concordant with our experience, suggests that pre-specifying the expected tube depth before intubation is the most effective and simple intervention, although further research is needed to establish accurate and accepted standards for estimating the expected depth. Presently, team training on intubation safety, plus possible technological advances, offer additional options for safer neonatal intubations.

Leveraging Telemedicine to Spread Expertise in Neonatal Resuscitation.

The development and potential applications of telemedicine in neonatal resuscitation were reviewed by Donohue and colleagues in 2019, in a manuscript that compiled seminal references in the field [...].

Laryngeal Masks in Neonatal Resuscitation-A Narrative Review of Updates 2022.

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) is crucial to neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation because respiratory failure precedes cardiac failure in newborns affected by perinatal asphyxia. Prolonged ineffective PPV could lead to a need for advanced resuscitation such as intubation, chest compression, and epinephrine. Every 30 s delay in initiation of PPV increased the risk of death or morbidity by 16%. The most effective interface for providing PPV in the early phases of resuscitation is still unclear. Laryngeal masks (LMs) are supraglottic airway devices that provide less invasive and relatively stable airway access without the need for laryngoscopy which have been studied as an alternative to face masks and endotracheal tubes in the initial stages of neonatal resuscitation. A meta-analysis found that LM is a safe and more effective alternative to face mask ventilation in neonatal resuscitation. LM is recommended as an alternative secondary airway device for the resuscitation of infants > 34 weeks by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation. It is adopted by various national neonatal resuscitation guidelines across the globe. Recent good-quality randomized trials have enhanced our understanding of the utility of laryngeal masks in low-resource settings. Nevertheless, LM is underutilized due to its variable availability in delivery rooms, providers' limited experience, insufficient training, preference for endotracheal tube, and lack of awareness.

Tracheal Length Measurement in Intubated Neonates to Guide the Design and Use of Endotracheal Tube Glottic Depth Markings.

BACKGROUND: Data on neonatal tracheal length are needed to inform the standardization of safety features for endotracheal tubes (ETTs) such as glottic depth markings. Laryngotracheal airway measurements are available from digital imaging in infants and children but not in neonates. We aimed to determine the tracheal length (TL) of intubated preterm and term neonates. METHODS: An observational study was performed on 57 neonates of 22-42 weeks' gestation and <1 week of age. Two clinicians independently reviewed 153 digital chest radiographs to determine the carina position and TL. TL was measured from carina to mid-C4 (cricoid level). We analyzed interrater agreement (within 0.5 vertebral levels) on the position of the carina and TL. TL was plotted as a function of gestational age and weight, using graphical and regression analyses. RESULTS: Carina position ranged from T3 to T5.5, with an interrater agreement of 95%. On image pairs concordant for carina position, TL determinations were virtually identical between readers (mean difference 0.1 mm, 95% CI -0.5-0.6 mm). Average mid-tracheal length overlies the body of T1. In infants aged less than 32 weeks' gestation, the mid-trachea lies <20 mm from the carina or the larynx. TL linearly correlates with gestational age, but correlation with birthweight best fits a segmented regression with a node at 1 kg. CONCLUSIONS: The functional length of the laryngotracheal airway can be reliably measured in sick neonates. It correlates well with gestational age and birthweight, and this information can inform the redesign of ETT markings to promote the safer use of these devices.

The Impact of Maternal Obesity on NICU and Newborn Nursery Costs.

Background: Research on the effects of maternal obesity on neonates has focused on clinical outcomes. Despite growing interest in obesity as a driver of healthcare expenditure, the financial impact of maternal obesity in the neonatal setting is little understood. Objective: To determine if maternal obesity is associated with higher incurred costs in NICU and full-term nursery. Methods: Data for all live births (1/1/14-12/31/19) at our academic medical center was obtained from the New York State Perinatal Data System for infants >23 weeks gestational age. Financial data was obtained from the hospital's cost-processing application. Infants with missing clinical and/or financial data were excluded. The NIH definition of obesity was used (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) to separate infants born to obese and non-obese mothers. Student's t-tests and chi square tests were used to compare maternal data, delivery, and infant outcomes between both groups. A logistic regression model was used to compare infant outcomes using odds ratios while controlling for maternal risk factors (smoking status, pre-pregnancy and gestational diabetes, pre-pregnancy and gestational hypertension). Multivariate regression analysis adjusting for maternal risk factors was also used to compare length-of-stay, total and direct costs in the NICU and full-term nursery between infant groups. Results: Of the 11,610 pregnancies in this retrospective study, obese mothers more frequently had other risk factors (smoke, pre-pregnancy and gestational diabetes, and pre-pregnancy and gestational hypertension). Infants born to obese mothers were more often preterm, had Cesarean delivery, lower APGAR scores, required assisted ventilation in the delivery room, and required NICU admission. Adjusting for maternal risk factors, infants born to obese mothers were less frequently preterm (OR 0.82 [0.74-0.91], p < 0.01) and had NICU stays (OR 0.98 [0.81-0.98], p = 0.02), but more frequently had Cesarean births (OR 1.54 [1.42-1.67], p < 0.01). They also had longer adjusted LOS (2.03 ± 1.51 vs. 1.92 ± 1.45 days, p < 0.01) and higher mean costs per infant in the full-term nursery ($3,638.34 ± $6,316.69 vs. $3,375.04 ± $4,994.18, p = 0.03) but not in NICU. Conclusions: Maternal obesity correlates with other risk factors. Prolonged maternal stay may explain increased LOS and costs in the full-term nursery for infants born to obese mothers, as infants wait to be discharged with mothers.

Experiences of a Regional Quality Improvement Collaborative to Reduce Unplanned Extubations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Unplanned extubations (UEs) occur frequently in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). These events can be associated with serious short-term and long-term morbidities and increased healthcare costs. Most quality improvement (QI) initiatives focused on UE prevention have concentrated efforts within individual NICUs. METHODS: We formed a regional QI collaborative involving the four regional perinatal center (RPC) NICUs in upstate New York to reduce UEs. The collaborative promoted shared learning and targeted interventions specific to UE classification at each center. RESULTS: There were 1167 UEs overall during the four-year project. Following implementation of one or more PDSA cycles, the combined UE rate decreased by 32% from 3.7 to 2.5 per 100 ventilator days across the collaborative. A special cause variation was observed for the subtype of UEs involving removed endotracheal tubes (rETTs), but not for dislodged endotracheal tubes (dETTs). The center-specific UE rates varied; only two centers observed significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: A collaborative approach promoted knowledge sharing and fostered an overall improvement, although the individual centers' successes varied. Frequent communication and shared learning experiences benefited all the participants, but local care practices and varying degrees of QI experience affected each center's ability to successfully implement potentially better practices to prevent UEs.

Wide Variation in Unplanned Extubation Rates Related to Differences in Operational Definitions.

OBJECTIVES: Unplanned extubation (UE) rate is a patient safety metric for which there are varied and inconsistently interpreted definitions. We aimed to test the sensitivity of UE rates to the application of different operational definitions. METHODS: We analyzed neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) quality improvement data on UE events defined inclusively as "any extubation that was not performed electively, or not previously intended for that time." Unplanned extubations were classified as involving an endotracheal tube (ETT) that was either objectively "dislodged" or "removed" without proof of prior dislodgement. We used descriptive statistics to explore how UE rates vary when applying alternate UE definitions. RESULTS: For 33 months, 241 UEs were documented, 70% involving dislodged tubes and 30% ETTs removed by staff. Among dislodged ETTs, only 9% were found completely externalized, whereas 77% were at an adequate depth but in the esophagus. Thirteen percent of events occurred outside the NICU and 13% were initially unreported. The overall UE rate was 4.9/100 ventilator days. If the least inclusive definition was used (i.e., counting only "self-extubations" by patients, requiring reintubation, and occurring within the NICU), 83% of UEs would have been excluded. CONCLUSIONS: Most UEs in our NICU population involved staff either removing ETTs from the trachea or partly removing them after internal dislodgement. In settings where ETTs removed by staff are not counted, UE rates may be substantially lower and associated risks underestimated. An inclusive, patient-centric operational definition along with a standardized classification would allow benchmarking, while enabling targeted approaches to minimize locally predominant causes of UEs.

The mitochondrial connection in auditory neuropathy.

'Auditory neuropathy' (AN), the term used to codify a primary degeneration of the auditory nerve, can be linked directly or indirectly to mitochondrial dysfunction. These observations are based on the expression of AN in known mitochondrial-based neurological diseases (Friedreich's ataxia, Mohr-Tranebjærg syndrome), in conditions where defects in axonal transport, protein trafficking, and fusion processes perturb and/or disrupt mitochondrial dynamics (Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, autosomal dominant optic atrophy), in a common neonatal condition known to be toxic to mitochondria (hyperbilirubinemia), and where respiratory chain deficiencies produce reductions in oxidative phosphorylation that adversely affect peripheral auditory mechanisms. This body of evidence is solidified by data derived from temporal bone and genetic studies, biochemical, molecular biologic, behavioral, electroacoustic, and electrophysiological investigations.

Comparison of renal effects of ibuprofen versus indomethacin during treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in contiguous historical cohorts.

BACKGROUND: Ibuprofen treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) has been shown to be as effective as indomethacin in small randomized controlled trials, with possibly fewer adverse effects. However, adverse renal effects of ibuprofen have been noted in some trials and suspected in our practice.The purpose of this study was to examine whether ibuprofen and indomethacin treatment of PDA have comparable effects on renal function as evidenced by urine output and serum creatinine. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 350 patients. Serum creatinine and urine output were recorded prior to start of treatment, during each course and after the last course of treatment. Pre-treatment mean creatinine and urine output values were compared to treatment and post treatment means using 2-factor repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: 165 patients were treated with indomethacin (2005-2006) and 185 received ibuprofen (2007-2008). There was no difference between treatment groups in demographics or baseline renal function. For both groups, the number of treatment courses was inversely correlated with birth weight and gestational age. Analysis of the first course including all patients, revealed significant increase in creatinine and decrease in urine output with both drugs, with a more pronounced effect of indomethacin on creatinine. In the subgroup of 219 patients who received only one treatment course, there was a significant increase in creatinine after indomethacin, but not after ibuprofen. In the 131 who received 2 or more courses, the decrease in urine output and increase in creatinine were not different between drugs. There were significant decreases in urine output observed in the second and third courses of ibuprofen treatment (both by 0.9 mL/kg/hr). CONCLUSION: Both drugs have a similar short-term effect on renal function. Indomethacin had a more prominent initial effect, while ibuprofen decreased renal function during the second and third courses similarly to indomethacin. The changes in renal function seen with ibuprofen treatment should be considered in fluid and electrolyte management, especially if treatment beyond one course is required.

Use of chemical warming packs during delivery room resuscitation is associated with decreased rates of hypothermia in very low-birth-weight neonates.

BACKGROUND: : Hypothermia is an independent contributor to neonatal mortality. All very low-birth-weight (VLBW) newborns have the potential to undergo cold stress or frank hypothermia during delivery room stabilization. Thus, clinicians aiming to maintain normothermia in VLBW neonates are compelled to use multiple adjuncts of unknown efficacy or safety. OBJECTIVE: : To evaluate the effectiveness of thermoregulation procedures in maintaining normothermia during delivery room resuscitation and to assess the impact of an unanticipated change in equipment at our institution on the admission temperatures of VLBW newborns. DESIGN/METHODS: : Institutional review board-approved, retrospective analysis of quality assurance data submitted to the Vermont-Oxford Network (VON) for 24 consecutive months starting January 2006. We compared the rate of hypothermia (admission temperature < 36.5°C) in our NICU during 2006 with the aggregate rates reported by VON. We then compared the rates of hypothermia and mean admission temperatures in our NICU during period 1 (when chemical warming packs were used routinely, in addition to plastic wrapping and warm blankets) and period 2 (after packs were discontinued owing to an incident of focal skin injury). RESULTS: : In 2006, 42% of VLBW babies in our NICU had an admission temperature of less than 36.5°C compared with the VON rate of 61% (interquartile range 48%, 76%). During period 1, 39% of 183 VLBW neonates were hypothermic compared with 68% of 103 during period 2 (P < .001). Mean admission temperatures during periods 1 and 2 were 36.5°C and 36.1°C, respectively (P < .001). A control chart showed the shift in temperatures occurring as period 2 began. No change in practice other than discontinuation of the warming packs was instituted during period 2. The incidence of temperatures greater than 38°C (hyperthermia) was 1.6% during period 1 and 1.0% during period 2. CONCLUSIONS: : The results associated with this isolated change in practice at our institution suggest that chemical warming packs were a useful adjunct in achieving above-average rates of normothermia during delivery room resuscitation of VLBW newborns. Their potential adverse effects should be weighed against the increased risk of mortality associated with hypothermia in this population.