Resuscitation of Term Compromised and Asphyctic Newborns: Better with Intact Umbilical Cord?

The authors hypothesize that particularly severely compromised and asphyctic term infants in need of resuscitation may benefit from delayed umbilical cord clamping (after several minutes). Although evidence is sparse, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms support this assumption. For this review the authors have analyzed the available research. Based on these data they conclude that it may be unfavorable to immediately clamp the cord of asphyctic newborns (e.g., after shoulder dystocia) although recommended in current guidelines to provide quick neonatological support. Compression of the umbilical cord or thorax obstructs venous flow to the fetus more than arterial flow to the placenta. The fetus is consequently cut off from a supply of oxygenated, venous blood. This may cause not only hypoxemia and consecutive hypoxia during delivery but possibly also hypovolemia. Immediate cord clamping may aggravate the situation of the already compromised newborn, particularly if the cord is cut before the lungs are ventilated. By contrast, delayed cord clamping leads to fetoplacental transfusion of oxygenated venous blood, which may buffer an existing acidosis. Furthermore, it may enhance blood volume by up to 20%, leading to higher levels of various blood components, such as red and white blood cells, thrombocytes, mesenchymal stem cells, immunoglobulins, and iron. In addition, the resulting increase in pulmonary perfusion may compensate for an existing hypoxemia or hypoxia. Early cord clamping before lung perfusion reduces the preload of the left ventricle and hinders the establishment of sufficient circulation. Animal models and clinical trials support this opinion. The authors raise the question whether it would be better to resuscitate compromised newborns with intact umbilical cords. Obstetric and neonatal teams need to work even closer together to improve neonatal outcomes.

Esophageal atresia and severe respiratory failure--cuffed pediatric tracheal tubes as an additional therapeutic option?

This article describes the use of a cuffed pediatric endotracheal tube occluding selectively the air leakage resulting from tracheoesophageal fistula in a preterm neonate with esophageal atresia and severe respiratory failure due to respiratory distress syndrome. The gastric distension resolved completely within 4 hours. Surgical correction was performed on the third day of life after respiratory stabilization.

Iloprost in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn.

Aerosolized iloprost is now used as a therapeutic option in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension. We report on the administration of this derivative of prostacycline in treating severe pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. The combination of iloprost instilled endotracheally and inhaled was chosen as a last attempt at treatment in a critically ill patient who did not respond to advanced conventional treatments, including high frequency oscillation and inhalation of nitric oxide. The use of iloprost converted permanently the right-to-left shunting, leading to a substantial improvement in oxygenation.