Early prediction of pulmonary outcomes in preterm infants using electrical impedance tomography.

Introduction: Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) allows assessment of ventilation and aeration homogeneity which may be associated with respiratory outcomes in preterm infants. Methods: This was a secondary analysis to a recent randomized controlled trial in very preterm infants in the delivery room (DR). The predictive value of various EIT parameters assessed 30 min after birth on important respiratory outcomes (early intubation <24 h after birth, oxygen dependency at 28 days after birth, and moderate/severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia; BPD) was assessed. Results: Thirty-two infants were analyzed. A lower percentage of aerated lung volume [OR (95% CI) = 0.8 (0.66-0.98), p = 0.027] as well as a higher aeration homogeneity ratio (i.e., more aeration in the non-gravity-dependent lung) predicted the need for supplemental oxygen at 28 days after birth [9.58 (5.16-17.78), p = 0.0028]. Both variables together had a similar predictive value to a model using known clinical contributors. There was no association with intubation or BPD, where numbers were small. Discussion: In very preterm infants, EIT markers of aeration at 30 min after birth accurately predicted the need for supplemental oxygen at 28 days after birth but not BPD. EIT-guided individualized optimization of respiratory support in the DR may be possible.

Prophylactic surfactant nebulisation for the early aeration of the preterm lung: a randomised clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The effect of prophylactic surfactant nebulisation (SN) is unclear. We aimed to determine whether prophylactic SN improves early lung aeration. DESIGN: Parallel, randomised clinical trial, conducted between March 2021 and January 2022. SETTING: Delivery room (DR) of a tertiary neonatal centre in Zurich, Switzerland. PATIENTS: Preterm infants between 26 0/7 and 31 6/7 weeks gestation INTERVENTIONS: Infants were randomised to receive positive distending pressure alone or positive distending pressure and additional SN (200 mg/kg; poractant alfa) using a customised vibrating membrane nebuliser. SN commenced with the first application of a face mask immediately after birth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Primary outcome was the difference in end-expiratory lung impedance from birth to 30 min after birth (∆EELI30min). EELI correlates well with functional residual capacity. Secondary outcomes included physiological and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Data from 35 infants were collected, and primary outcome data were analysed from 32 infants (n=16/group). Primary outcome was not different between intervention and control group (median (IQR): 25 (7-62) vs 10 (0-26) AU/kg, p=0.21). ∆EELI was slightly higher in the intervention group at 6 and 12 hours after birth, particularly in the central areas of the lung. There were no differences in cardiorespiratory and clinical parameters. Two adverse events were noted in the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic SN in the DR did not significantly affect ∆EELI30min and showed only minimal effects on lung physiology. Prophylactic SN in the DR was feasible. There were no differences in clinical outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04315636.

Cerebellar Infarction: Unusual Manifestation with Facial Palsy, Focal Seizures, and Secondary Generalization.

BACKGROUND: Cerebellar infarction is exceedingly rare in neonates, usually occurring after traumatic birth. Lifelong sequelae can result from cerebellar damage with disorders of motor function, ataxia, and also cognitive dysfunction. OBJECTIVES/METHODS: We report the clinical presentation of a preterm triplet infant delivered by elective cesarean who showed peripheral facial palsy immediately after birth. RESULTS: Tonic seizures with high-voltage discharges over the contralateral cerebral hemisphere and secondary generalization were successfully treated with phenobarbital. Transnuchal ultrasound through the foramen magnum and subsequent MRI examinations revealed infarction of the left cerebellar hemisphere. CONCLUSIONS: In newborn infants, acute cerebellar stroke may have direct epileptogenic potential.