Randomized Controlled Trial of High-Flow Nasal Cannula in Preterm Infants After Extubation.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim is to compare the efficacy and safety of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) against those of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) or nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) after extubation in preterm infants. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, noninferiority trial was conducted in 6 tertiary NICUs. Infants born at <34 weeks who needed noninvasive ventilation after extubation were enrolled. We randomly assigned infants to an HFNC group when HFNC was used or to an NCPAP/NIPPV group when NCPAP or NIPPV was used. The primary outcome was treatment failure within 7 days after extubation. We then examined clinical aspects of treatment failure with HFNC use. RESULTS: In total, 176 and 196 infants were assigned to the HFNC and NCPAP/NIPPV groups, respectively. The HFNC group showed a significantly higher rate of treatment failure than that of the NCPAP/NIPPV group, with treatment failure occurring in 54 infants (31%) compared with 31 infants (16%) in the NCPAP/NIPPV group (risk difference, 14.9 percentage points; 95% confidence interval, 6.2-23.2). Histologic chorioamnionitis (P = .02), treated patent ductus arteriosus (P = .001), and corrected gestational age at the start of treatment (P = .007) were factors independently related to treatment failure with HFNC use. CONCLUSIONS: We found HFNC revealed a significantly higher rate of treatment failure than NCPAP or NIPPV after extubation in preterm infants. The independent factors associated with treatment failure with HFNC use were histologic chorioamnionitis, treated patent ductus arteriosus, and a younger corrected gestational age at the start of treatment.

Effect and Complications of Everolimus Use for Giant Cardiac Rhabdomyomas with Neonatal Tuberous Sclerosis.

Most cardiac rhabdomyomas with tuberous sclerosis (TS) are asymptomatic and spontaneously regress. However, some cases require surgical intervention due to arrhythmia and severe obstruction of cardiac inflow or outflow. We report herein a neonatal case of giant cardiac rhabdomyomas with TS and insufficient pulmonary blood flow from the right ventricle. Lipoprostaglandin E1 was necessary to maintain patency of the ductus arteriosus. We used everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, to diminish the cardiac rhabdomyomas. After treatment, the rhabdomyomas shrank rapidly, but the serum concentration of everolimus increased sharply (maximum serum trough level: 76.1 ng/mL) and induced complications including pulmonary hemorrhage, liver dysfunction, and acne. After the everolimus level decreased, the complications resolved. Everolimus may be a viable treatment option for rhabdomyomas, but its concentration requires close monitoring to circumvent complications associated with its use.

Slow Elevation in Protein C Activity without a PROC Mutation in a Neonate with Intracranial Hemorrhage.

Severe protein C (PC) deficiency leads to purpura fulminans and stroke in newborns. However, the clinical impact of plasma PC activity on the development of neonatal cerebral disease remains elusive. We report a case of hemorrhagic stroke associated with neonatal asphyxia and severe PC deficiency. Plasma PC and protein S activity 7 days after birth was 12% and 43%, respectively. No PROC mutation was found. PC levels did not exceed 20% until 2 months of age, even in the absence of consumption coagulopathy or vitamin K deficiency. Neither thromboembolic nor hemorrhagic events occurred during the infusion of activated PC concentrate (twice weekly, up to 68 days after birth). The PC activity levels gradually increased to the standard value for age by 9 months of age. The present case showed that neonatal PC deficiency without a PROC mutation caused an intracranial hemorrhage before a slow increase in PC activity.

Timing and outcome of stoma closure in very low birth weight infants with surgical intestinal disorders.

PURPOSE: Very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) are at risk of surgical intestinal disorders including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), focal intestinal perforation (FIP), and meconium-related ileus (MRI). We conducted this study to verify whether the timing of stoma closure and that of enteral nutrition establishment after stoma closure in VLBWIs differ among the most common disorders. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study was conducted at 11 institutes. We reviewed the timing of stoma closure and enteral nutrition establishment in VLBWIs who underwent stoma creation for intestinal disorders. RESULTS: We reviewed the medical records of 73 infants: 21 with NEC, 24 with FIP, and 25 with MRI. The postnatal age at stoma closure was 107 (28-359) days for NEC, 97 (25-302) days for FIP, and 101 (15-264) days for MRI (p = 0.793), and the postnatal age at establishment of enteral nutrition was 129 (42-381) days for NEC, 117 (41-325) days for FIP, and 128 (25-308) days for MRI (p = 0.855). The body weights at stoma closure were 1768 (620-3869) g for NEC, 1669 (1100-3040) g for FIP, and 1632 (940-3776) g (p = 0.614) for MRI. There were no significant differences among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that the time and body weights at stoma closure and the postoperative restoration of bowel function in VLBWIs did not differ among the three diseases.

Bone fracture in severe small-for-gestational-age, extremely low birth weight infants: A single-center analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Bone fracture is a complication of extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWIs). This study aimed to analyze risk factors for bone fracture in a population of severe small-for-gestational-age (SGA) ELBWIs. METHODS: We retrospectively studied data from ELBWIs with a birth weight <1000g and <-2 standard deviations (SDs) born at the National Center for Child Health and Development, Japan, from 2013 to 2015. Infants were divided into fracture and control groups. Serum calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) levels, perinatal factors, and previously reported risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: Of 25 cases of severe SGA ELBWIs, 5 cases of bone fracture were identified. Gestational age was 27.7±2.2, 29.1±2.6weeks (mean difference [MD] -1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -4.0, -1.2, p=0.280), birth weight (BW) 448±105, 673±216g (MD -225, 95% CI: -433, -17, p=0.036) and BW-SD -4.1±0.1, -3.4±0.8 (MD -0.8, 95% CI: -1.5, -0.02, p=0.045) in the fracture and control groups, respectively. Minimums of serum Ca and P were 6.6±1.4, 8.1±0.8mg/dl (MD -1.5, 95% CI: -2.5, -0.6), p=0.003) and 2.3±0.6, 3.5±1.1mg/dl (MD -1.2, 95% CI: -2.2, -0.1, p=0.027) in the fracture and control groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: Lower BW and BW-SD were possible risk factors for bone fracture. Hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia may also contribute to the condition.

A Case of Fatal Pulmonary Hypoplasia with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Thoracic Myelomeningocele, and Thoracic Dysplasia.

Background Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is fatal in severe cases of pulmonary hypoplasia. We experienced a fatal case of pulmonary hypoplasia due to CDH, thoracic myelomeningocele (MMC), and thoracic dysplasia. This constellation of anomalies has not been previously reported. Case Report A male infant with a prenatal diagnosis of thoracic MMC with severe hydrocephalus and scoliosis was born at 36 weeks of gestation. CDH was found after birth and the patient died of respiratory failure due to pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn at 30 hours of age despite neonatal intensive care. An autopsy revealed a left CDH without herniation of the liver or stomach into the thoracic cavity, severe hydrocephalus, Chiari malformation type II, MMC with spina bifida from Th4 to Th12, hemivertebrae, fused ribs, deformities of the thoracic cage and legs, short trunk, and agenesis of the left kidney. Conclusion We speculate that two factors may be associated with the severe pulmonary hypoplasia: decreased thoracic space due to the herniation of visceral organs caused by CDH and thoracic dysplasia due to skeletal deformity and severe scoliosis.

Increased dead space in face mask continuous positive airway pressure in neonates.

THE OBJECTIVES: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) by face mask is commonly performed in newborn resuscitation. We evaluated the effect of face mask CPAP on system dead space. WORKING HYPOTHESIS: Face mask CPAP increases dead space. STUDY DESIGN: A CPAP model study. METHODOLOGY: We estimated the volume of the inner space of the mask. We devised a face mask CPAP model, in which the outlet of the mask was covered with plastic; and three modified face mask CPAP models, in which holes were drilled near to the cushion of the covered face mask to alter the air exit. We passed a continuous flow of 21% oxygen through each model and we controlled the inner pressure to 5 cmH2 O by adjusting the flow-relief valve. To evaluate the ventilation in the inner space of each model, we measured the oxygen concentration rise time, that is, the time needed for the oxygen concentration of each model to reach 35% after the oxygen concentration of the continuous flow was raised from 21% to 40%. RESULTS: The volume of inner space of the face mask was 38.3 ml. Oxygen concentration rise time in the face mask CPAP model was significantly longer at various continuous flow rates and points of the inner space of the face mask compared with that of the modified face mask CPAP model. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that face mask CPAP leads to an increase in dead space and a decrease in ventilation efficiency under certain circumstances. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:107-111. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Cord blood-derived endothelial colony-forming cell function is disrupted in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Vascular growth is necessary for normal lung development. Although endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) play an important role in vascularization, little is known about EPC function in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), a severe neonatal condition that is associated with pulmonary hypoplasia. We hypothesized that the function of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), a type of EPC, is impaired in CDH. Cord blood (CB) was collected from full-term CDH patients and healthy controls. We assessed CB progenitor cell populations as well as plasma vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF1α) levels. CB ECFC clonogenicity; growth kinetics; migration; production of VEGF, SDF1α, and nitric oxide (NO); vasculogenic capacity; and mRNA expression of VEGF-A, fms-related tyrosine kinase 1 (FLT1), kinase insert domain receptor (KDR), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) 1-3, SDF1, and chemokine (C-X-C motif) receptor 4 (CXCR4) were also assessed. Compared with controls, CB ECFCs were decreased in CDH. CDH ECFCs had reduced potential for self-renewal, clonogenicity, proliferation, and migration. Their capacity for NO production was enhanced but their response to VEGF was blunted in CDH ECFCs. In vivo potential for de novo vasculogenesis was reduced in CDH ECFCs. There was no difference in CB plasma VEGF and SDF1α concentrations, VEGF and SDF1α production by ECFCs, and ECFC mRNA expression of VEGF-A, FLT1, KDR, NOS1-3, SDF1, and CXCR4 between CDH and control subjects. In conclusion, CB ECFC function is disrupted in CDH, but these changes may be caused by mechanisms other than alteration of VEGF-NO and SDF1-CXCR4 signaling.

Respiratory Stabilization after Delivery in Term Infants after the Update of the Japan Resuscitation Council Guidelines in 2010.

BACKGROUND: The Japan Resuscitation Council (JRC) updated the guidelines for neonatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 2010, which recommended appropriate oxygen supplementation under the assessment of oximetry, with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as a consideration in the delivery room. Whether this update has resulted in an improvement of respiratory stabilization in term neonates has not been well investigated to date. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of the update of the JRC Guidelines in 2010 on the frequency of respiratory support for term neonates within 24 h of life in the nursery or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, single-center study using data of term neonates born between 2008 and 2009 (defined as 'group 1', before the update of the guidelines), and between 2011 and 2012 (defined as 'group 2', after the update of the guidelines). We compared resuscitation procedures in the delivery room and respiratory support in the nursery or NICU within 24 h of life between the two groups. Respiratory support included oxygen therapy, nasal CPAP and mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: A total of 5,036 infants were analyzed. In group 2, oxygen administration in the delivery room was significantly decreased (38.9 vs. 22.1%, p < 0.001) and face mask CPAP in the delivery room increased (1.7 vs. 11.1%, p < 0.001). The prevalence of respiratory support within 24 h of life in the nursery or NICU increased significantly in group 2 (group 1, 6.8% vs. group 2, 16.6%, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The update of the JRC Guidelines in 2010 resulted in an increase of respiratory support for term infants within 24 h of life.

Risk factors for surgical intestinal disorders in VLBW infants: Case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Very low-birthweight (VLBW) infants (VLBWI) are at increased risk for surgical intestinal disorders including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), focal intestinal perforation (FIP) and meconium-related ileus (MRI). The aim of this study was to identify disease-specific risk factors for surgical intestinal disorders in VLBWI. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter case-control study was conducted at 11 institutes. We reviewed VLBWI who underwent laparotomy for intestinal disorders including perforation and intractable bowel obstruction. The surgical disorders were classified into four categories (NEC, FIP, MRI, others) based on the macroscopic findings at operation. In order to identify risk factors, two matched controls for each subject were chosen based on gestational age and birthweight. OR and 95%CI were calculated using a conditional logistic regression model and a multivariate model. RESULTS: A total of 150 cases (NEC, n = 44; FIP, n = 47; MRI, n = 42; others, n = 17) and 293 controls were identified. The cases and controls were similar in terms of gestational age and birthweight (cases/controls, 26.7 ± 2.5/26.5 ± 2.6 weeks; 790 ± 256/795 ± 257 g). On multivariate modeling, disease-specific risk factors were as follows: female (OR, 0.23; 95%CI: 0.06-0.89), respiratory distress syndrome (OR, 35.7; 95%CI: 2.48-514) and patent ductus arteriosus (OR, 10.9; 95%CI: 1.51-79.3) for NEC; outborn delivery (OR, 5.47; 95%CI: 1.48-20.2) for FIP; and twin pregnancy (OR, 4.25; 95%CI: 1.06-17.1), PROM (OR, 6.85; 95%CI: 1.33-35.4) and maternal steroid (OR, 0.23; 95%CI: 0.07-0.79) for MRI. CONCLUSIONS: Different risk factors were identified for NEC, FIP and MRI, suggesting that each disease has a different etiology, and that different strategies are required to prevent these diseases.

Semilobar Holoprosencephaly with Congenital Oropharyngeal Stenosis in a Term Neonate.

Background Holoprosencephaly (HPE) is often accompanied by a deficit in midline facial development; however, congenital oropharyngeal stenosis in neonates with HPE has not been reported before. We describe a case of a neonate with prenatally diagnosed semilobar HPE accompanied by congenital oropharyngeal stenosis. Case Report The patient was born at 39 weeks of gestation and developed dyspnea shortly after. Laryngoscopic test revealed oropharyngeal stenosis. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure, high-flow nasal cannula, and nasopharyngeal airway did not resolve her dyspnea; tracheostomy was required. Conclusion Neonates with HPE might be at higher risk of pharyngeal stenosis because of the functional and/or anatomical abnormalities. In the case of dyspnea in neonates with HPE, laryngoscopic evaluation should be considered.

Outcome in VLBW infants with surgical intestinal disorder at 18 months of corrected age.

BACKGROUND: Surgical intestinal disorders, such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), focal intestinal perforation (FIP), and meconium-related ileus (MRI), are serious morbidities in very low-birthweight infants (VLBWI). The aim of this study was to compare the composite outcomes of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in VLBWI with surgical intestinal disorders and assess independent risk factors for death and NDI at 18 months of corrected age. METHODS: A retrospective matched-cohort study was conducted at 11 institutes. We included VLBWI who had undergone laparotomy for NEC, FIP, and MRI. Two control subjects were chosen for every surgical patient and matched for gestational age and birthweight to form the comparison group. Death and neurodevelopmental outcome at 18 months of corrected age were evaluated. RESULTS: The number of infants in the NEC, FIP, MRI, and control groups was 44, 47, 42, and 261, respectively. In-hospital mortality was higher in infants with NEC and MRI relative to those in the control group (P < 0.001). The incidence rate for NDI at 18 months of corrected age was higher in infants with MRI relative to those in the control group (P = 0.021). On logistic regression analysis, low gestational age, male sex, small for gestational age, intraventricular hemorrhage, and MRI were associated with increased risk of death or NDI at 18 months of corrected age. CONCLUSIONS: NEC and MRI were associated with in-hospital mortality, and MRI was associated with NDI or death at 18 months of corrected age.

Evaluation of two glucose meters and interference corrections for screening neonatal hypoglycemia.

BACKGROUND: Many neonatal intensive care and maternal units still use self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) devices as a tool to aid diagnosis despite the introduction of point-of-care testing (POCT) devices, which are known to have higher accuracy. We evaluated the performance of two glucose meters, the StatStrip (Nova Biomedical), a POCT device, and the Medisafe Mini (Terumo), an SMBG device, to detect hypoglycemia in neonates. In addition, we evaluated the interference of hematocrit, acetaminophen and ascorbic acid. METHODS: Whole blood samples were drawn from neonates who were at risk of hypoglycemia and analyzed with the StatStrip and Medisafe Mini. The results were further confirmed with blood gas analyzers ABL825 and BM6050. To evaluate the interference of hematocrit, acetaminophen and ascorbic acid, concentrated solutions of glucose and interfering substances were gravimetrically prepared and analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 222 blood samples analyzed, results from the StatStrip were more closely aligned to those of the ABL825 at all levels of glucose than the Medisafe Mini. CONCLUSION: StatStrip appears to be unaffected by hematocrit, ascorbic acid or acetaminophen. We recommend its use in neonates in hospital. Further studies are required to identify other interference effects.

Hyperoxia disrupts vascular endothelial growth factor-nitric oxide signaling and decreases growth of endothelial colony-forming cells from preterm infants.

Exposure of preterm infants to hyperoxia impairs vascular growth, contributing to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity. Disruption of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-nitric oxide (NO) signaling impairs vascular growth. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) may play an important role in vascular growth. Endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs), a type of EPC, from human preterm cord blood are more susceptible to hyperoxia-induced growth impairment than term ECFCs. Therefore, we hypothesized that hyperoxia disrupts VEGF-NO signaling and impairs growth in preterm ECFCs and that exogenous VEGF or NO preserves growth in hyperoxia. Growth kinetics of preterm cord blood-derived ECFCs (gestational ages, 27-34 wk) were assessed in room air (RA) and hyperoxia (40-50% oxygen) with or without VEGF, NO, or N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine. VEGF, VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2), and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) protein expression and NO production were compared. Compared with RA controls, hyperoxia significantly decreased growth, VEGFR-2 and eNOS expression, and NO production. VEGF treatment restored growth in hyperoxia to values measured in RA controls and significantly increased eNOS expression in hyperoxia. NO treatment also increased growth in hyperoxia. N(omega)-nitro-l-arginine treatment inhibited VEGF-augmented growth in RA and hyperoxia. We conclude that hyperoxia decreases growth and disrupts VEGF-NO signaling in human preterm ECFCs. VEGF treatment restores growth in hyperoxia by increasing NO production. NO treatment also increases growth during hyperoxia. Exogenous VEGF or NO may protect preterm ECFCs from the adverse effects of hyperoxia and preservation of ECFC function may improve outcomes of preterm infants.

Genotypes of the pancreatic beta-cell K-ATP channel and clinical phenotypes of Japanese patients with persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia of infancy.

OBJECTIVE: Persistent hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia of infancy (PHHI) is a disorder of glucose metabolism that is characterized by dysregulated secretion of insulin from pancreatic beta-cells. This disease has been reported to be associated with mutations of the sulfonylurea receptor SUR1 (ABCC8) or the inward-rectifying potassium channel Kir6.2 (KCNJ11), which are two subunits of the pancreatic beta-cell ATP-sensitive potassium channel. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 14 Japanese PHHI patients, all exons of SUR1 and Kir6.2 genes were analysed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. Four patients responded to diazoxide, and nine patients underwent a subtotal pancreatectomy. Histologically, seven patients were diagnosed to have a focal form and two a diffuse form of the disease. RESULTS: We found nine novel mutations in the SUR1 gene and two in the Kir6.2 gene. In the SUR1 gene mutations, three were nonsense mutations (Y512X, Y1354X and G1469X), one was a one-base deletion in exon 7, and two were missense mutations in the nucleotide-binding domain 2 (K1385Q, R1487K). The other three mutations occurred in introns 14, 29 and 36, which might cause aberrant splicing of RNA. Two siblings in one family were heterozygotes for a missense mutation, K1385Q, which was maternally inherited. In Kir6.2 gene screening, one patient was found to be a compound heterozygote of a missense mutation (R34H) and a one-base deletion (C344fs/ter). CONCLUSION: The novel mutations reported here could be pathological candidates for PHHI in Japan. They also reveal that SUR1 and Kir6.2 mutations in the Japanese population exhibit heterogeneity and that they occurred at a frequency similar to other genetic populations.

Randomized controlled trial of magnesium sulfate infusion for severe birth asphyxia.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether postnatal MgSO(4) infusion (250 mg/kg per day) for 3 days is both safe and able to improve outcome in infants with severe birth asphyxia, as had been suggested by a small pilot study. METHODS: A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted. Entry criteria included 5-min Apgar score of seven or less and either failure to initiate spontaneous respiration at 10 min after birth because of asphyxia, or occurrence of clinically apparent seizures within 24 h after birth. Number of subjects was calculated to detect a 50% reduction in incidence of adverse outcomes. RESULTS: Distributions of perinatal factors, neonatal baseline characteristics and severity of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy were similar in treated and control groups. No significant differences were observed in duration of clinical seizures, or need for assisted ventilation. Survival with normal results of cranial computed tomography, electroencephalography and establishment of oral feeding by 14 days of age, was significantly more frequent in the treated group than in the control group (12/17 vs 5/16, P = 0.04). No significant differences in blood pressure, heart rate or respiratory rate were observed between groups. CONCLUSION: Postnatal MgSO(4) infusion as above is safe and can improve short-term outcome in infants with severe birth asphyxia.