Evaluation of the effectiveness of antenatal corticoid in preterm twin and single pregnancies: a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The effects of antenatal corticosteroids (ANSs) on twins are not well established. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of ANS use according to the number of fetuses. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of newborns between 23 and 33 weeks of gestational age, birth weight from 400 to 1499 g, without malformations, delivered at 20 public university hospitals from 2010 to 2014.Exposed group: Received ANS (any time, any dose) and no exposed group: no received ANS. Analysis of birth conditions and clinical outcomes. Association of variables, relative risks, and 95% confidence intervals estimated from the adjustment of log-binomial regression models. RESULTS: About 7165 premature infants were analyzed: 5167 singleton, 937 twins, and 104 triplets. Characteristics of gestations with one, two, or three fetuses not receiving ANS were similar. Reduced hemodynamic instability in single and twins gestations in the first 72 h were observed (Adj R2 Twins = 0.78; 95% CI = 0.69-0.86) (Adj R2 Singles = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.62-0.99). Reduced peri-intraventricular hemorrhage (Adj R2 Twins = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.36-0.78) (Adj R2 singles = 0.54; 95% CI = 0.36-0.78); and early sepsis reduction on single and triplex gestations (Adj R2 triplex = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.27-0.94) (Adj single R2 = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.27-0.94) were observed. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates ANS produces an important protective factor for severe intraventricular hemorrhage and hemodynamic instability in single and multiple pregnancies. ANS had a protective effect on death and birth conditions improvement just in single gestations. Regarding respiratory aspects was not observed the protective effect in the single or multiple gestations.

Neurocomportamento de bebês nascidos pré-termo, pequenos e adequados para a idade gestacional / Neurobehavior of preterm, small and appropriate for gestational age newborn infants

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar o desenvolvimento neurocomportamental de bebês pré-termo com idade pós-concepcional entre 32 e 36 semanas e 6 dias, de acordo com a adequação do peso para a idade gestacional ao nascer. Métodos: Realizou-se um estudo transversal de comparação entre dois grupos independentes. Os 55 bebês prematuros que compuseram a amostra estavam internados em uma unidade de cuidados intermediários neonatais e foram avaliados por meio de Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant (NAPI) com idade pós-concepcional entre 32 e 36 semanas e 6 dias e comparados de acordo com a adequação do peso para a idade gestacional. Além da comparação entre os grupos, bebês nascidos pequenos para a idade gestacional (PIG) e os adequados para a idade gestacional (AIG) também foram comparados, considerando o tipo de crescimento intrauterino. Os seguintes instrumentos foram utilizados: NAPI, roteiro de anamnese, Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil, da Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa (ABEP), e prontuário médico. Resultados: Na população de estudo, a idade gestacional média foi de 32,0 semanas, enquanto a idade pós-conceptual e cronológica à avaliação foi de 34,8 semanas e 19,5 dias, respectivamente, sendo 55% dos bebês do sexo feminino. Não houve nenhuma diferença nos domínios do NAPI entre os grupos PIG e AIG, nem nos subgrupos de bebês PIG classificados segundo o crescimento em simétrico ou assimétrico. Conclusões: Não houve diferença entre os bebês PIG e AIG em relação ao desenvolvimento neurocomportamental avaliado antes de chegar ao termo.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the neurobehavioral development of preterm infants with postconceptional age between 32 and 36 weeks and 6 days, according to the adequacy of the weight for the gestational age at birth. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed comparing two independent groups. The 55 preterm infants who were included in the sample were hospitalized in a neonatal intermediate care unit and were evaluated using the Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant (NAPI) at the postconceptional age between 32 and 36 weeks and 6 days and compared according to the adequacy of the weight for the gestational age. In addition to the comparison between the groups, infants who were born small for gestational age (SGA) and those ones adequate for gestational age (AGA) were also compared, considering the type of intrauterine growth. The following instruments were used: NAPI, anamnesis script, Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria, and medical records. Results: Infants were born with mean gestational age of 32.0 weeks, with the postconceptional age and postnatal age of 34.8 weeks and 19.5 days, respectively. The sample consisted of 55% of female infants. The results did not show any differences in NAPI domains between SGA and AGA groups, neither in the subgroups of SGA babies with symmetric or asymmetric growth. Conclusions: There was no difference between SGA and AGA babies in relation to neurobehavioral development evaluated before reaching term.

NEUROBEHAVIOR OF PRETERM, SMALL AND APPROPRIATE FOR GESTATIONAL AGE NEWBORN INFANTS. / NEUROCOMPORTAMENTO DE BEBÊS NASCIDOS PRÉ-TERMO, PEQUENOS E ADEQUADOS PARA A IDADE GESTACIONAL.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the neurobehavioral development of preterm infants with postconceptional age between 32 and 36 weeks and 6 days, according to the adequacy of the weight for the gestational age at birth. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed comparing two independent groups. The 55 preterm infants who were included in the sample were hospitalized in a neonatal intermediate care unit and were evaluated using the Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant (NAPI) at the postconceptional age between 32 and 36 weeks and 6 days and compared according to the adequacy of the weight for the gestational age. In addition to the comparison between the groups, infants who were born small for gestational age (SGA) and those ones adequate for gestational age (AGA) were also compared, considering the type of intrauterine growth. The following instruments were used: NAPI, anamnesis script, Brazilian Economic Classification Criteria, and medical records. RESULTS: Infants were born with mean gestational age of 32.0 weeks, with the postconceptional age and postnatal age of 34.8 weeks and 19.5 days, respectively. The sample consisted of 55% of female infants. The results did not show any differences in NAPI domains between SGA and AGA groups, neither in the subgroups of SGA babies with symmetric or asymmetric growth. CONCLUSIONS: There was no difference between SGA and AGA babies in relation to neurobehavioral development evaluated before reaching term.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o desenvolvimento neurocomportamental de bebês pré-termo com idade pós-concepcional entre 32 e 36 semanas e 6 dias, de acordo com a adequação do peso para a idade gestacional ao nascer. MÉTODOS: Realizou-se um estudo transversal de comparação entre dois grupos independentes. Os 55 bebês prematuros que compuseram a amostra estavam internados em uma unidade de cuidados intermediários neonatais e foram avaliados por meio de Neurobehavioral Assessment of the Preterm Infant (NAPI) com idade pós-concepcional entre 32 e 36 semanas e 6 dias e comparados de acordo com a adequação do peso para a idade gestacional. Além da comparação entre os grupos, bebês nascidos pequenos para a idade gestacional (PIG) e os adequados para a idade gestacional (AIG) também foram comparados, considerando o tipo de crescimento intrauterino. Os seguintes instrumentos foram utilizados: NAPI, roteiro de anamnese, Critério de Classificação Econômica Brasil, da Associação Brasileira de Empresas de Pesquisa (ABEP), e prontuário médico. RESULTADOS: Na população de estudo, a idade gestacional média foi de 32,0 semanas, enquanto a idade pós-conceptual e cronológica à avaliação foi de 34,8 semanas e 19,5 dias, respectivamente, sendo 55% dos bebês do sexo feminino. Não houve nenhuma diferença nos domínios do NAPI entre os grupos PIG e AIG, nem nos subgrupos de bebês PIG classificados segundo o crescimento em simétrico ou assimétrico. CONCLUSÕES: Não houve diferença entre os bebês PIG e AIG em relação ao desenvolvimento neurocomportamental avaliado antes de chegar ao termo.

T-piece versus self-inflating bag ventilation in preterm neonates at birth.

OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the use of the T-piece resuscitator compared with the self-inflating bag in preterm infants ventilated at birth modifies survival to hospital discharge without major morbidities. DESIGN: Pragmatic prospective cohort study. SETTING: 20 Brazilian university hospitals of Brazilian Network on Neonatal Research. Patients were 1962 inborn infants in 2014-2015 ventilated at birth with 23-33' weeks gestation and birth weight 400-1499 g without malformations. Patients transferred until the 27th day after birth were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: Positive pressure ventilation at birth with T-piece resuscitator or self-inflating bag without positive end expiratory pressure valve. Intervention with ventilation followed the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics guidelines. The choice of the equipment was at the neonatologist's discretion in each delivery. The main outcome measures were survival to hospital discharge without bronchopulmonary dysplasia, severe peri-intraventricular haemorrhage and periventricular leucomalacia. Logistic regression adjusted for confounding variables was applied for main outcome. RESULTS: 1456 (74%) were only ventilated with T-piece resuscitator and 506 (26%) with the self-inflating bag. The characteristics of those ventilated with T-Piece resuscitator versus self-inflating bag were birth weight 969 ± 277 vs 941 ± 279 g, gestational age 28.2±2.5 vs 27.8±2.7 weeks and survival to hospital discharge without major morbidities 47% vs 35%. Logistic regression adjusted for maternal characteristics, obstetric and neonatal morbidities showed that the T-piece resuscitator increased the chance of survival to hospital discharge without major morbidities (OR=1.38; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.80; Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit: 0.695). CONCLUSION: This study is the first that highlights the effectiveness of T-piece resuscitator ventilation in improving relevant outcomes in preterm neonates.

Temperament and behavior in toddlers born preterm with related clinical problems.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare temperament and behavior profiles among groups of preterm toddlers differentiated by level of prematurity and the presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), controlling for neonatal clinical conditions and chronological age. METHOD: The sample comprised 100 preterm toddlers segregated according to level of prematurity (75 very preterm and 25 moderate/late preterm) and presence of BPD (n=36) and ROP (n=63). Temperament was assessed by the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire and behavior by the Child Behavior Checklist. The MANOVA was performed with a post-hoc univariate test. RESULTS: The level of prematurity and the presence of BPD and ROP did not affect temperament and behavioral problems in toddlers born preterm. However, the covariates age and length of stay in NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) affected temperament and behavioral problems, respectively. The older toddlers showed higher inhibitory control and lower activity levels than younger toddlers (range of 18-36months-old). Additionally, toddlers who stayed in the NICU longer showed more pervasive development and emotionally reactive problems than toddlers who stayed in NICU for less time. CONCLUSION: The level of prematurity and the presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity did not affect temperament and behavioral problems in toddlers born preterm. However, a longer stay in the NICU increased the risk for behavioral problems, and age enhanced the regulation of temperament at toddlerhood.

Impact of neonatal risk and temperament on behavioral problems in toddlers born preterm.

Children born preterm are at risk for later developmental disorders. The present study examined the predictive effects of neonatal, sociodemographic, and temperament characteristics on behavioral outcomes at toddlerhood, in children born preterm. The sample included 100 toddlers born preterm and with very-low-birth-weight, and their mothers. Neonatal characteristics were evaluated using medical records. The mothers were interviewed using the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire for temperament assessment, and the Child Behavior Checklist for behavioral assessment. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed. Predictors of 39% of the variability of the total behavioral problems in toddlers born prematurely were: temperament with more Negative Affectivity and less Effortful Control, lower family socioeconomic status, and younger mothers at childbirth. Temperament with more Negative Affectivity and less Effortful Control and lower family socioeconomic status were predictors of 23% of the variability of internalizing behavioral problems. Additionally, 37% of the variability of externalizing behavioral problems was explained by temperament with more Negative Affectivity and less Effortful Control, and younger mothers at childbirth. The neonatal characteristics and stressful events in the neonatal intensive care unit did not predict behavioral problems at toddlerhood. However, temperament was a consistent predictor of behavioral problems in toddlers born preterm. Preventive follow-up programs could assess dispositional traits of temperament to provide early identification of preterm infants at high-risk for behavioral problems.

Neurobehavioral development prior to term-age of preterm infants and acute stressful events during neonatal hospitalization.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) protect preterm infants; otherwise, this is a stressful environment including painful stimuli. AIMS: To compare early neurobehavioral development prior to term-age in preterm infants at 34-36weeks of post-conceptional age in different gestational ages, and to examine the effects of prematurity level and acute stressful events during NICU hospitalization on neurobehavioral development. STUDY DESIGN: Cross-sectional design. SUBJECTS: Forth-five preterm infants, 34-36weeks of post-conceptional age, were distributed into groups: extreme preterm (EPT; 23-28weeks of gestational age; n=10), moderate preterm (MPT; 29-32weeks of gestational age; n=10), late preterm (LPT; 34-36weeks of gestational age; n=25). OUTCOME MEASURES: All of the neonates were evaluated using the Neurobehavioral Assessment of Preterm Infant (NAPI) prior to 37weeks of post-conceptional age. The Neonatal Infant Stressor Scale (NISS) was applied for EPT and MPT infants during NICU hospitalization, and medical charts were analyzed. RESULTS: The EPT group experienced significantly more acute stressful events during NICU hospitalization than the MPT group. The MPT group had lower scores in motor development and vigor than the EPT and LPT group, and they exhibited poorer quality crying than the LPT group. Motor development and vigor and alertness and orientation in preterm infants were predicted by prematurity level and acute stressful events. CONCLUSION: The extreme preterm was exposed to higher stressful experiences than moderate and late preterm infants. However, the moderate preterm infants presented more vulnerable than the other counterparts in motor and vigor outcomes.

Influência da posição corporal no deslocamento da pronga nasal em recém-nascido pré-termo em pressão positiva contínua em vias aéreas / Influence of body position on the displacement of nasal prongs in preterm newborns receiving continuous positive airway pressure

Objetivo:Analisar a influência da posição corporal no deslocamento da pronga nasal em recém-nascidos pré-termos.Métodos:Estudo prospectivo, randomizado e tipo crossover. Foram estudados recém-nascidos com média de idade gestacional de 29,7±2 semanas, peso de nascimento de 1.353±280 g, 2,9±2,2 dias de vida e em uso da pressão positiva contínua de vias aéreas. Avaliou-se o número de vezes em que o dispositivo nasal sofreu deslocamento, além de variáveis cardiorrespiratórias, como frequência respiratória, cardíaca e saturação de oxigênio, conforme a criança foi alocada nas posições corporais prona, lateral direita, lateral esquerda e supina, segundo ordem aleatória previamente estabelecida. As informações em cada posição foram coletadas a cada 10 minutos, por 60 minutos. Foi considerada ocorrência quando o dispositivo nasal se deslocou do orifício das narinas, após o período de três minutos na posição desejada, e houve necessidade de intervenção do examinador.Resultados:Nas 16 crianças estudadas, o deslocamento do dispositivo nasal ocorreu nas posições prona (nove crianças - 56,2%) e lateral esquerda (duas crianças - 12,5%). A pronga se deslocou 11 vezes na posição prona, sete delas nos primeiros dez minutos, e duas vezes na posição lateral esquerda, uma nos primeiros dez minutos. Não se detectaram alterações clinicamente significativas nas variáveis cardiorrespiratórias.Conclusões:A posição prona mostrou maior dificuldade para se manter o dispositivo nasal de suporte pressórico não invasivo na forma adequada.

Objective:To evaluate the influence of body position on the displacement of nasal prongs in preterm infants.Methods:This prospective, randomized, crossover study enrolled infants born at a mean gestational age of 29.7±2 weeks, birth weight of 1353±280g and 2.9±2.2 days of life, submitted to continuous positive airway pressure by nasal prongs. The main outcome was the number of times that the nasal prongs were displaced following infant positioning in the following body positions: prone, right lateral, left lateral, and supine, according to a pre-established random order. Moreover, cardiorespiratory variables (respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation) were evaluated for each body position. Data for each position were collected every 10 min, over a period of 60 min. An occurrence was defined when the nasal prongs were displaced from the nostrils after 3 min in the desired position, requiring intervention of the examiner.Results:Among the 16 studied infants, the occurrence of nasal prong displacement was only observed in the prone position (9 infants - 56.2%) and in the left lateral position (2 infants - 12.5%). The number of times that the prongs were displaced was 11 in the prone position (7 within the first 10min) and 2 in the left lateral position (1 within the first 10min). No clinically significant changes were observed in the cardiorespiratory variables.Conclusions:Maintenance of the nasal prongs to provide adequate noninvasive respiratory support was harder in the prone position.

[Influence of body position on the displacement of nasal prongs in preterm newborns receiving continuous positive airway pressure]. / Influência da posição corporal no deslocamento da pronga nasal em recém-nascido pré-termo em pressão positiva contínua em vias aéreas.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of body position on the displacement of nasal prongs in preterm infants. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, crossover study enrolled infants born at a mean gestational age of 29.7±2 weeks, birth weight of 1.353±280g and 2.9±2.2 days of life, submitted to continuous positive airway pressure by nasal prongs. The main outcome was the number of times that the nasal prongs were displaced following infant positioning in the following body positions: prone, right lateral, left lateral, and supine, according to a pre-established random order. Moreover, cardiorespiratory variables (respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation) were evaluated for each body position. Data for each position were collected every 10 minutes, over a period of 60minutes. An occurrence was defined when the nasal prongs were displaced from the nostrils after 3 minutes in the desired position, requiring intervention of the examiner. RESULTS: Among the 16 studied infants, the occurrence of nasal prong displacement was only observed in the prone position (9 infants-56.2%) and in the left lateral position (2 infants-12.5%). The number of times that the prongs were displaced was 11 in the prone position (seven within the first 10minutes) and two in the left lateral position (one within the first 10minutes). No clinically significant changes were observed in the cardiorespiratory variables. CONCLUSIONS: Maintenance of the nasal prongs to provide adequate noninvasive respiratory support was harder in the prone position.

Neonatal characteristics and temperament predict behavior problems in children born preterm

The preterm birth is a risk factor for child developmental and behavioral problems OBJECTIVE: to examine whether neonatal clinical characteristics of infants born preterm, as well as temperament assessed in toddlerhood, predict behavior problems during the preschool years METHODS: twenty-one children born preterm with very low birth weight were assessed longitudinally at three different ages: in the neonatal period, during toddlerhood, and in preschool. Medical charts were reviewed to assess infants' clinical illness characteristics at the neonatal phase. Mothers fulfilled the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire for assessing temperament at the toddlerhood and the Child Behavior Checklist-1.5-5 for assessing children's behavior problems at the preschool age RESULTS: very low birth weight associated with child temperament at the toddlerhood predicted behavior problems at the preschool age. High levels of excitement about expected pleasurable activities as well as low levels of inhibitory control increased the chance of exhibiting externalizing behavior problems. Otherwise, high levels of both gross and fine motor activation increased the chance of exhibiting internalizing behavior problems CONCLUSION: prematurity associated with temperament of poor self-regulation in developmental processes comprises a multiple-risk condition for clinical behavior problems in the preschool age...

O nascimento prematuro constitui-se em fator de risco para problemas de desenvolvimento e comportamento da criança OBJETIVO: verificar se características clínicas neonatais de recém-nascidos pré-termo, bem como o temperamento avaliado na primeira infância são preditores de problemas de comportamento durante a fase pré-escolar MÉTODO: vinte e uma crianças nascidas pré-termo com muito baixo peso foram avaliadas longitudinalmente em três idades diferentes: no período neonatal, durante a primeira infância, e na fase pré-escolar. Os prontuários médicos foram revisados para avaliar as características clínicas das crianças durante a fase neonatal. As mães responderam o Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire para avaliação do temperamento na primeira infância e o Child Behavior Checklist-1.5-5 para avaliação dos problemas de comportamento das crianças na fase pré-escolar RESULTADOS: muito baixo peso ao nascimento, associado às características do temperamento da criança, na primeira infância, foram preditores de problemas de comportamento na fase pré-escolar, em crianças nascidas pré-termo. Altos níveis de antecipação positiva, bem como baixos níveis de controle inibitório, aumentaram o risco de as crianças apresentarem problemas de comportamento do tipo externalizantes. Por outro lado, altos níveis de ativação motora ampla e fina aumentaram o risco de as crianças apresentarem problemas de comportamento do tipo internalizantes CONCLUSÃO: a prematuridade, associada a indicadores do temperamento com baixa autorregulação, caracterizam-se como condições de múltiplo risco para problemas de comportamento em crianças na fase pré-escolar...

Maternal and perinatal health research priorities beyond 2015: an international survey and prioritization exercise.

BACKGROUND: Maternal mortality has declined by nearly half since 1990, but over a quarter million women still die every year of causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Maternal-health related targets are falling short of the 2015 Millennium Development Goals and a post-2015 Development Agenda is emerging. In connection with this, setting global research priorities for the next decade is now required. METHODS: We adapted the methods of the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) to identify and set global research priorities for maternal and perinatal health for the period 2015 to 2025. Priority research questions were received from various international stakeholders constituting a large reference group, and consolidated into a final list of research questions by a technical working group. Questions on this list were then scored by the reference working group according to five independent and equally weighted criteria. Normalized research priority scores (NRPS) were calculated, and research priority questions were ranked accordingly. RESULTS: A list of 190 priority research questions for improving maternal and perinatal health was scored by 140 stakeholders. Most priority research questions (89%) were concerned with the evaluation of implementation and delivery of existing interventions, with research subthemes frequently concerned with training and/or awareness interventions (11%), and access to interventions and/or services (14%). Twenty-one questions (11%) involved the discovery of new interventions or technologies. CONCLUSIONS: Key research priorities in maternal and perinatal health were identified. The resulting ranked list of research questions provides a valuable resource for health research investors, researchers and other stakeholders. We are hopeful that this exercise will inform the post-2015 Development Agenda and assist donors, research-policy decision makers and researchers to invest in research that will ultimately make the most significant difference in the lives of mothers and babies.

Prevalence, risk factors and outcomes associated with pulmonary hemorrhage in newborns / Prevalência, fatores de risco e prognóstico associados à hemorragia pulmonar em recém-nascidos

OBJECTIVES: to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hemorrhage in newborns and evaluate the associated risk factors and outcomes. METHODS: this was a retrospective case-control study involving 67 newborns who met the criteria for pulmonary hemorrhage. A control was selected for each case: the next-born child of the same gender, similar weight (± 200 g) and gestational age (± 1 week), with no previous pulmona ry hemorrhage and no malformation diagnosis. Factors previous to pulmonary hemorrhage onset, as well as aspects associated to the condition, were assessed. RESULTS: the prevalence was 6.7 for 1,000 live births, and the rates observed were: 8% among newborns < 1,500 g, and 11% among newborns < 1,000 g. Intubation in the delivery room (OR = 7.16), SNAPPE II (OR = 2.97), surfactant use (OR = 3.7), and blood components used previously to pulmonary hemorrhage onset (OR = 5.91) were associated with pulmonary hemorrhage. In the multivariate logistic regression model, only intubation in delivery room and previous use of blood components maintained the association. Children with pulmonary hemorrhage had higher mortality (OR = 7.24). Among the survivors, the length of stay (p < 0.01) and mechanical ventilation time were longer (OR = 25.6), and oxygen use at 36 weeks of corrected age was higher (OR = 7.67). CONCLUSIONS: pulmonary hemorrhage is more prevalent in premature newborns, and is associated with intubation in the delivery room and previous use of blood components, leading to high mortality and worse clinical evolution. .

OBJETIVOS : determinar a prevalência de hemorragia pulmonar entre os recém-nascidos internados no serviço e avaliar os fatores de risco e prognóstico associados. MÉTODOS: estudo retrospectivo caso-controle com 67 recém-nascidos que preencheram os critérios pré-estabelecidos de hemorragia pulmonar. Para cada caso, foi selecionado um controle: a próxima criança nascida do mesmo sexo, com semelhantes peso (± 200 g), idade gestacional (± 1 semana) e sem hemorragia pulmonar ou malformações. Foram estudados fatores prévios à ocorrência da hemorragia pulmonar e aspectos decorrentes do evento. RESULTADOS: a prevalência foi de 6,7 a cada 1.000 nascidos vivos, sendo de 8% entre os recém-nascidos menores que 1.500 g e de 11% entre os recém-nascidos menores que 1.000 g. A necessidade de intubação (IOT) em sala de parto (OR = 7,16), uso de hemoderivados previamente à ocorrência de hemorragia pulmonar (OR = 5,91), uso de surfactante (OR = 3,7) e SNAPPEII > 30 (OR = 2,97) foram associados à hemorragia pulmonar. No modelo de regressão logística multivariado, a necessidade de IOT (OR = 5,12) e uso de hemoderivados (OR = 4,2) mantiveram essa associação. As crianças com hemorragia pulmonar apresentaram maior mortalidade (OR = 7,24), entre as sobreviventes, maior tempo de internação (p < 0,01), mais uso de oxigênio com 36 semanas (OR = 7,67) e maior duração da ventilação mecânica (OR = 35,6). CONCLUSÃO: a hemorragia pulmonar é uma doença de maior prevalência em recém-nascidos pré-termos, e está associada à intubação em sala de parto e ao uso prévio de hemoderivados, acarretando maior mortalidade e pior evolução clínica das crianças. .

Prevalence, risk factors and outcomes associated with pulmonary hemorrhage in newborns.

OBJECTIVES: to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hemorrhage in newborns and evaluate the associated risk factors and outcomes. METHODS: this was a retrospective case-control study involving 67 newborns who met the criteria for pulmonary hemorrhage. A control was selected for each case: the next-born child of the same gender, similar weight (± 200g) and gestational age (± 1 week), with no previous pulmonary hemorrhage and no malformation diagnosis. Factors previous to pulmonary hemorrhage onset, as well as aspects associated to the condition, were assessed. RESULTS: the prevalence was 6.7 for 1,000 live births, and the rates observed were: 8% among newborns <1,500g, and 11% among newborns <1,000g. Intubation in the delivery room (OR=7.16), SNAPPE II (OR=2.97), surfactant use (OR=3.7), and blood components used previously to pulmonary hemorrhage onset (OR=5.91) were associated with pulmonary hemorrhage. In the multivariate logistic regression model, only intubation in delivery room and previous use of blood components maintained the association. Children with pulmonary hemorrhage had higher mortality (OR=7.24). Among the survivors, the length of stay (p ≤ 0.01) and mechanical ventilation time were longer (OR=25.6), and oxygen use at 36 weeks of corrected age was higher (OR=7.67). CONCLUSIONS: pulmonary hemorrhage is more prevalent in premature newborns, and is associated with intubation in the delivery room and previous use of blood components, leading to high mortality and worse clinical evolution.

Hypothermia and early neonatal mortality in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intervention practices associated with hypothermia at both 5 minutes after birth and at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and to determine whether hypothermia at NICU admission is associated with early neonatal death in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort included 1764 inborn neonates of 22-33 weeks without malformations admitted to 9 university NICUs from August 2010 through April 2012. All centers followed neonatal International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation recommendations for the stabilization and resuscitation in the delivery room (DR). Variables associated with hypothermia (axillary temperature <36.0 °C) 5 minutes after birth and at NICU admission, as well as those associated with early death, were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Hypothermia 5 minutes after birth and at NICU admission was noted in 44% and 51%, respectively, with 6% of early neonatal deaths. Adjusted for confounding variables, practices associated with hypothermia at 5 minutes after birth were DR temperature <25 °C (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.67-2.28), maternal temperature at delivery <36.0 °C (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.49-2.51), and use of plastic bag/wrap (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.40-0.70). The variables associated with hypothermia at NICU admission were DR temperature <25 °C (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.10-1.88), respiratory support with cold air in the DR (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.03-1.88) and during transport to NICU (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.08-2.13), and cap use (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.39-0.78). Hypothermia at NICU admission increased the chance of early neonatal death by 1.64-fold (95% CI 1.03-2.61). CONCLUSION: Simple interventions, such as maintaining DR temperature >25 °C, reducing maternal hypothermia prior to delivery, providing plastic bags/wraps and caps for the newly born infants, and using warm resuscitation gases, may decrease hypothermia at NICU admission and improve early neonatal survival.

Temperament and behavior problems in toddlers born preterm and very low birth weight.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the temperament and behavior problems of 32 toddlers born preterm and very low birth weight and 25 toddlers born full-term without medical problems. Mothers completed the Early Childhood Behavior Questionnaire and the Child Behavior Checklist-1.5-5 for assessing toddler`s temperament and behavior problems, respectively. The results showed that, regarding temperament, toddlers born preterm exhibited higher scores on the temperament dimensions Motor Activation, Perceptual Sensitivity, and High Intensity Pleasure, and lower scores on the temperament dimension Cuddliness than toddlers born full-term. In regard to behavior problems, toddlers born preterm showed higher attention problems scores than the comparison group. These findings indicated that children born preterm presented developmental vulnerabilities in temperament dimensions related to behavior problems at toddlerhood. Early intervention programs for preventing psychological problems in at-risk children, especially those born preterm, could focus on children's temperament dispositions.

Perceptions of breastfeeding in mothers of babies born preterm in comparison to mothers of full-term babies.

The purpose of the present study was: a) to describe the theme of verbalizations about breastfeeding in mothers' pre-term (M-PT) and full-term (M-FT) infants; b) to examine the association between these themes and mother's anxiety and depression indicators and socio-demographic characteristics and, neonatal characteristics of the infants. The sample consisted of 50 M-PT and 25 M-FT. The mothers were assessed through State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory and were interviewed using a Guide focusing breastfeeding issues. The M-PT group had significantly more mothers with clinical symptom of anxiety than the M-FT group. The M-PT reported more uncertainties and worries about breastfeeding and figured out more obstacles for the successful breastfeeding than the M-FT. These reports were associated positively with the infants' risk neonatal status; lower birth-weight, higher neonatal clinical risk, and more length time stay in NICU were associated with more mothers' worries and seeing obstacles for breastfeeding. In conclusion, the strategies to enhance the breastfeeding rate in the preterm population have to take into account the mothers' psychological status and their ideas in addition to offering information about the advantages of breastfeeding for child development.

Red blood cell transfusions are independently associated with intra-hospital mortality in very low birth weight preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in preterm infants are associated with increased intra-hospital mortality. STUDY DESIGN: Variables associated with death were studied with Cox regression analysis in a prospective cohort of preterm infants with birth weight <1500 g in the Brazilian Network on Neonatal Research. Intra-hospital death and death after 28 days of life were analyzed as dependent variables. Independent variables were infant demographic and clinical characteristics and RBC transfusions. RESULTS: Of 1077 infants, 574 (53.3%) received at least one RBC transfusion during the hospital stay. The mean number of transfusions per infant was 3.3 ± 3.4, with 2.1 ± 2.1 in the first 28 days of life. Intra-hospital death occurred in 299 neonates (27.8%), and 60 infants (5.6%) died after 28 days of life. After adjusting for confounders, the relative risk of death during hospital stay was 1.49 in infants who received at least one RBC transfusion in the first 28 days of life, compared with infants who did not receive a transfusion. The risk of death after 28 days of life was 1.89 times higher in infants who received more than two RBC transfusions during their hospital stay, compared with infants who received one or two transfusions. CONCLUSION: Transfusion was associated with increased death, and transfusion guidelines should consider risks and benefits of transfusion.

Diagnostic value of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein on early onset bacterial infection in preterm neonates with respiratory distress.

AIMS: To evaluate the C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) as diagnostic tools for early onset infection in preterm infants with early respiratory distress (RD). METHODS: CRP and IL-6 were quantified at identification of RD and 24 h after in 186 newborns. Effects of maternal hypertension, mode of delivery, Apgar score, birth weight, gestational age, mechanical ventilation, being small for gestational age (SGA), and the presence of infection were analyzed. RESULTS: Forty-four infants were classified as infected, 42 as possibly infected, and 100 as uninfected. Serum levels of IL-6 (0 h), CRP (0 h), and CRP (24 h), but not IL-6 (24 h) were significantly higher in infected infants compared to the remaining groups. The best test for identification of infection was the combination of IL-6 (0 h) 36 pg/dL and/or CRP (24 h) 0.6 mg/dL, which yielded 93% sensitivity and 37% specificity. The presence of infection and vaginal delivery independently increased IL-6 (0 h), CRP (0 h) and CRP (24 h) levels. Being SGA also increased the CRP (24 h) levels. IL-6 (24 h) was independently increased by mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of IL-6 (0 h) and/or CRP (24 h) is helpful for excluding early onset infection in preterm infants with RD but the poor specificity limits its potential benefit as a diagnostic tool.