Outbreak of echovirus 11 infection in hospitalized neonates.

Between July 18 and August 5, 1986, a cluster of echovirus 11 infections occurred in hospitalized neonates. Ten infants were affected and one died. All cases occurring after the index case were infants who were in the nursery for at least 1 day when the index patient was also present. Risk factors for secondary infection included low birth weight or gestational age and receipt of antibiotics, red blood cell transfusions, nasogastric intubation or gavage feedings. Because viral infection had not been suspected in the index patient, isolation measures were not instituted until after onset of secondary cases. We conclude that more severely ill infants receiving intensive levels of care are at increased risk for nosocomial enteroviral infection. These infants may have a greater likelihood of exposure to the virus and/or increased host susceptibility. Outbreaks caused by cross-infection may be preventable by early recognition of patients colonized or infected with potentially pathogenic agents and prompt institution of appropriate isolation measures.

Management of infants with severe respiratory failure and persistence of the fetal circulation, without hyperventilation.

The successful management of 15 infants suffering from persistence of fetal pulmonary circulation and in severe respiratory failure is presented. The treatment regimen focused on minimizing barotrauma. Infants were intubated nasotracheally and ventilated with intermittent mandatory ventilation. Peak inspiratory pressures were determined by the clinical assessment of chest excursion. Ventilator settings and fractional inspiratory oxygen (FiO2) were selected to maintain a PaO2 between 50 and 70 mm Hg; PaCO2 was not a controlling parameter and was allowed to increase as high as 60 mm Hg. Hyperventilation and muscle relaxants were not used. High ventilator rate was used in ten infants who required high inspiratory pressure to maintain chest excursion, with a favorable response in five. Tolazoline was given to 14 infants of whom ten showed an improvement in oxygenation; dopamine was given to three infants who were oliguric. All infants survived, and only one infant developed chronic lung disease which was defined by the infant's need for supplemental oxygen beyond 30 days of life.