Implementation of an ultrasound-guided approach for arterial line placements in neonates-quality improvement project.

OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to improve placement success rates for peripheral arterial line (PAL) placements by introducing an ultrasound-guided (USg) approach. Our aim was to maintain success rates over 70% within 18 months. STUDY DESIGN: Interventions included development of a training curriculum, and procedure standardization. Among 302 patients, 115 underwent USg catheter placement; the traditional method was used in 187 patients. Outcome measures were first-attempt and overall success rates. Process measures were proportion of PALs placed under US guidance, trainer availability, and trainee sign-off. Line complications were balancing measures. Statistical process control charts were used to monitor metrics. RESULTS: Sustained improvement was seen with the USg approach. The USg approach had first and overall attempt success by the trainers (i.e., independent users) of 83.7% (77/92) and 96.5% (111/115), compared to 50.3% (82/163) and 73.8% (138/187) with the traditional approach. CONCLUSION: Introducing the USg approach had a significant impact on PAL placement success in neonatal patients.

Introduction of Amplitude-Integrated Electroencephalography (aEEG) Monitoring in a Level 2 NICU: Improving the Quality of Care for Neurologically At-Risk Newborns.

Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) is a bedside tool for continuous monitoring of brain activity with the possibility of real-time interpretation. Amplitude-integrated electroencephalography is routinely used in Canadian tertiary NICUs; however, its use in Level 2 NICUs has been limited. A bedside aEEG program was introduced in a Level 2 NICU in order to help facilitate the timely transfer of neurologically compromised infants and keep mother-infant dyads together where reassurance of appropriate neurological status could be attained. A monitoring guideline and educational program were developed. The introduction of aEEG monitoring enhanced the care provided to neurologically at-risk newborns. This experience can be used as a framework for other Level 2 NICUs who may wish to embark upon a similar initiative.

Evaluating the feasibility of a multicenter teleneonatology clinical effectiveness trial.

BACKGROUND: Our research consortium is preparing for a prospective multicenter trial evaluating the impact of teleneonatology on the health outcomes of at-risk neonates born in community hospitals. We completed a 6-month pilot study to determine the feasibility of the trial protocol. METHODS: Four neonatal intensive care units ("hubs") and four community hospitals ("spokes") participated in the pilot-forming four hub-spoke dyads. Two hub-spoke dyads implemented synchronous, audio-video telemedicine consultations with a neonatologist ("teleneonatology"). The primary outcome was a composite feasibility score that included one point for each of the following: site retention, on-time screening log completion, no eligibility errors, on-time data submission, and sponsor site-dyad meeting attendance (score range 0-5). RESULTS: For the 20 hub-spoke dyad months, the mean (range) composite feasibility score was 4.6 (4, 5). All sites were retained during the pilot. Ninety percent (18/20) of screening logs were completed on time. The eligibility error rate was 0.2% (3/1809). On-time data submission rate was 88.4% (84/95 case report forms). Eighty-five percent (17/20) of sponsor site-dyad meetings were attended by both hub and spoke site staff. CONCLUSIONS: A multicenter teleneonatology clinical effectiveness trial is feasible. Learnings from the pilot study may improve the likelihood of success of the main trial. IMPACT: A prospective, multicenter clinical trial evaluating the impact of teleneonatology on the early health outcomes of at-risk neonates born in community hospitals is feasible. A multidimensional composite feasibility score, which includes processes and procedures fundamental to completing a clinical trial, is useful for quantitatively measuring pilot study success. A pilot study allows the investigative team to test trial methods and materials to identify what works well or requires modification. Learnings from a pilot study may improve the quality and efficiency of the main effectiveness trial.

Provider Perspectives on the Acceptability, Appropriateness, and Feasibility of Teleneonatology.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to measure provider perspectives on the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of teleneonatology in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and community hospitals. STUDY DESIGN: Providers from five academic tertiary NICUs and 27 community hospitals were surveyed using validated implementation measures to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of teleneonatology. For each of the 12 statements, scale values ranged from 1 to 5 (1 = strongly disagree; 5 = strongly agree), with higher scores indicating greater positive perceptions. Survey results were summarized, and differences across respondents assessed using generalized linear models. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 56% (203/365). Respondents found teleneonatology to be acceptable, appropriate, and feasible. The percent of respondents who agreed with each of the twelve statements ranged from 88.6 to 99.0%, with mean scores of 4.4 to 4.7 and median scores of 4.0 to 5.0. There was no difference in the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of teleneonatology when analyzed by professional role, years of experience in neonatal care, or years of teleneonatology experience. Respondents from Level I well newborn nurseries had greater positive perceptions of teleneonatology than those from Level II special care nurseries. CONCLUSION: Providers in tertiary NICUs and community hospitals perceive teleneonatology to be highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible for their practices. The wide acceptance by providers of all roles and levels of experience likely demonstrates a broad receptiveness to telemedicine as a tool to deliver neonatal care, particularly in rural communities where specialists are unavailable. KEY POINTS: · Neonatal care providers perceive teleneonatology to be highly acceptable, appropriate, and feasible.. · Perceptions of teleneonatology do not differ based on professional role or years of experience.. · Perceptions of teleneonatology are especially high in smaller hospitals with well newborn nurseries..

Accuracy of Simulated Research Tasks by Community Hospitals Participating in a Multicenter Telemedicine Trial.

Background/Aims: Clinical trials evaluating facility-to-facility telemedicine may include sites that have limited research experience. For the trial to be successful, these sites must correctly perform research-related tasks. This study aimed to determine whether health care professionals at community hospitals could accurately identify simulated study eligible patients and submit data to a research coordinating center. Methods: Twenty-seven community hospitals in the United States and Canada participated in this study. An electronic survey was sent to one designated health care professional at each site. The survey included a description of trial eligibility criteria and five written neonatal resuscitation scenarios. For each scenario, the participant determined whether the neonate was study eligible. One scenario required participants to submit 14 data elements to the coordinating center. Accuracy of study eligibility and data submission was summarized using standard descriptive statistics. Results: The survey response rate was 100% (27/27). Overall accuracy in determining study eligibility was 89% (120/135), and accuracy varied across the five scenarios (range 82-93%). Overall accuracy of data submission was 92% (310/336). Data were >95% accurate for 9 of the 14 data elements, with 100% accuracy achieved for 6 data elements. These results were used to clarify eligibility criteria, inform database design, and improve training materials for the subsequent clinical trial. Conclusions: Health care professionals at community hospitals accurately determined trial eligibility and submitted study data based on written clinical scenarios. Research teams conducting telemedicine trials with community hospitals should consider completing pre-trial simulation activities to identify opportunities for improving trial processes and materials.

Neurodevelopmental outcome following hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy and therapeutic hypothermia is related to right ventricular performance at 24-hour postnatal age.

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine whether right ventricular (RV) dysfunction at 24-hour postnatal age predicts adverse developmental outcome among patients with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH). DESIGN: Neonates≥35 weeks with HIE/TH were enrolled in a physiological study in the neonatal period (n=46) and either died or underwent neurodevelopmental follow-up at 18 months (n=43). The primary outcome was a composite of death, diagnosis of cerebral palsy or any component of the Bayley Scores of Infant Development III<70. We hypothesised that tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) <6 mm and/or RV fractional area change (RV-FAC) <0.29 would predict adverse outcome. RESULTS: Nine patients died and 34 patients were followed up at a mean age of 18.9±1.4 months. Both indices of RV systolic performance were abnormal in 15 (35%) patients, TAPSE <6 mm only was abnormal in 4 (9%) patients and RV-FAC <0.29 only was abnormal in 5 (12%) patients (19 had with normal RV function). Although similar at admission, neonates with RV dysfunction had higher cardiovascular and neurological illness severity by 24 hours than those without and severe MRI abnormalities (70% vs 53%, p=0.01) were more common. On logistic regression, TAPSE <6 mm (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.2 to 10.1; p=0.017) and abnormal brain MRI [OR 21.7, 95% CI 1.4 to 336; p=0.028) were independently associated with adverse outcome. TAPSE <6 mm predicted outcome with a 91% sensitivity and 81% specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The role of postnatal cardiovascular function on neurological outcomes among patients with HIE who receive TH merits further study. Quantitative measurement of RV function at 24 hours may provide an additional neurological prognostic tool.

Evaluation of transport-related outcomes for neonatal transport teams with and without physicians.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate if the presence of a physician in the neonatal transport team (NTT) affects transport-related outcomes and procedural success. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study with propensity score matching. SETTING: Canadian national study. PATIENTS: Neonatal transports from nontertiary centres between January 2014 and December 2017. INTERVENTIONS: Comparison of transports conducted by NTTs with physicians (MD Group) and without physicians (noMD Group). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the change in patient acuity as measured by the transport risk index of physiologic severity (TRIPS) score. Secondary outcomes included mortality within 24 hours of NICU admission, clinical complications during transport, procedural success, and stabilization time. RESULTS: Among 9,703 eligible cases, 899 neonatal transports attended by NTTs with physicians were compared to 899 neonatal transports without physicians using propensity score matching. No differences were seen in the improvement of TRIPS score or mortality ≤24 hours of NICU admission. The MD Group had more clinical complications (7.7% versus 5.0%, P=0.02). No differences were seen in success rates of invasive procedures. The MD Group had shorter stabilization times. In multivariable analysis, the MD Group was not a significant predictor for the improvement in TRIPS score after adjustment for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal transports conducted by teams including physicians compared to teams without physicians, did not have higher improvement in TRIPS scores and had similar success rates for procedures. These results provide insights for the planning of the structure and training of specialized interfacility neonatal transport programs.

The Effect of Music and White Noise on Electroencephalographic (EEG) Functional Connectivity in Neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether listening to music and white noise affects functional connectivity on scalp electroencephalography (EEG) in neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit.Nine neonates of ≥34 weeks' gestational age, who were already undergoing clinical continuous EEG monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit, listened to lullaby-like music and white noise for 1 hour each separated by a 2-hour interval of no intervention. EEG segments during periods of music, white noise, and no intervention were band-pass filtered as delta (0.5-4 Hz), theta (4-8 Hz), lower alpha (8-10 Hz), upper alpha (10-13 Hz), beta (13-30 Hz), and gamma (30-45 Hz). Synchronization likelihood was used as a measure of connectivity between any 2 electrodes.In theta, lower alpha, and upper alpha frequency bands, the synchronization likelihood values yielded statistical significance with sound (music, white noise and no intervention) and with edge (between any 2 electrodes) factors. In theta, lower alpha, and upper alpha frequency bands, statistical significance was obtained between music and white noise (t = 3.12, 3.32, and 3.68, respectively; P < .017), and between white noise and no intervention (t = 4.51, 3.09, and 2.95, respectively, P < .017). However, there was no difference between music and no intervention.Although limited by a small sample size and the 1-time only auditory intervention, these preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of EEG connectivity analyses even at bedside in neonates on continuous EEG monitoring in the neonatal intensive care unit. They also point to the possibility of detecting significant changes in functional connectivity related to the theta and alpha bands using auditory interventions.

Utilizing Simulation to Identify Latent Safety Threats During Neonatal Magnetic Resonance Imaging Procedure.

INTRODUCTION: Transfer of infants for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) requires exposure to unfamiliar environments and involve multiple complex human and system interactions, which can compromise patient safety. In situ simulation (ISS) offers an opportunity to identify latent safety threats (LSTs) that may occur during this high-risk procedure. Our primary aim was to use ISS to identify modifiable LSTs during the MRI procedure: involving neonatal transport to/from NICU to the MRI and the MRI scan. Secondarily, we compared the overall performance and needs of specialized versus nonspecialized transport personnel. METHODS: In situ simulations of the MRI procedure (transport and scan) were performed for 9 months involving specialized and nonspecialized transport personnel. Two simulation scenarios were used, one involving an intubated infant and one nonintubated infant. After each simulation, participants underwent a standardized debriefing and answered questionnaires on safety threats and team function. The results were then used to identify and implement mitigation strategies. RESULTS: Among 10 simulations completed, 7 were by specialized and 3 by nonspecialized teams. In total, 116 LSTs were identified (22 involving medication, 12 equipment, and 82 resources/system issues). Preprocedure deliberation with anticipation/preparedness for patient deterioration, and the need for clinical checklists and protocols were identified as important requirements. After completion of the project, protocols (ie, sedation), checklists (ie, pretransport), and policies (ie, environmental orientation) were adapted to address the gaps. CONCLUSIONS: In situ simulations were able to identify important safety risks during transport of neonatal patients from the NICU to the MRI suite, informing changes in MRI transport policy.

Resilience and Vulnerability: Neurodevelopment of Very Preterm Children at Four Years of Age.

Children born very preterm (VPT) are at high-risk for altered brain development and impaired neurodevelopmental outcomes but are not well-studied before school-age. We investigated 64 four-year-olds: 37 VPT children [<32 weeks gestational age [GA]; 22 males; mean GA: 28.8 weeks ± 1.6], 25 full-term (FT) children (12 males), plus two VPT cases with ventriculomegaly and exceptionally resilient outcomes. All children underwent high-resolution structural magnetic resonance imaging and developmental assessments. Measures of brain volume, cortical thickness, and surface area were obtained. Children born VPT demonstrated reduced cerebral and cerebellar white matter volumes yet increased cerebral gray matter, temporal lobe, occipital lobe and ventricle volumes after adjusting for total brain volume. Cortical thickness was greater in the VPT children compared to FT children across all lobes. On developmental assessments, the VPT children scored lower on average than FT children while the two cases had intact cognitive abilities. In addition to larger ventricle volumes, the two cases had white matter and gray matter volumes within the ranges of the FT children. The VPT children displayed distinct differences in structural brain volumes at 4 years of age, consistent with delayed maturation. The cases with persistent ventriculomegaly and good cognitive outcomes displayed typical gray matter and increased white matter volumes, indicating a potential protective developmental phenomenon contributing to their intact cognitive abilities.

Procedural Interventions and Stabilization Times During Interfacility Neonatal Transport.

OBJECTIVE: Transport teams perform multiple procedural interventions during the stabilization of critically ill neonates. The setting of this study was a national cohort of interfacility neonatal transports from nontertiary centers. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of neonatal transports having interventional procedures using the Canadian Neonatal Transport Network database during 2014 to 2016. Demographics and procedures associated with stabilization times ≤ 120 versus > 120 minutes were analyzed. Predictors of stabilization time were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among 3,350 neonatal transports analyzed, the 3 most frequently performed procedures were peripheral intravenous insertion, arterial blood gas sampling, and endotracheal tube insertion, with success rates of 85.2%, 89.1%, and 95.3%, respectively. The frequency of procedures varied across gestational age subgroups, and success rates were lower for umbilical arterial catheter insertions. After adjustment for confounders, more invasive procedures and a higher number of interventions were associated with longer stabilization times. CONCLUSION: The type and frequency of procedures performed had a significant impact on stabilization time. Any procedures that are nonessential for stabilization at the nontertiary center, such as umbilical arterial catheter insertion, could be minimized to promote timely admission to tertiary centers. The demonstrated variations in procedural success among teams provide useful information for benchmarking and promote the sharing of training practices.

Therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy after perinatal sentinel events: less brain injury on MRI and improved neurodevelopmental outcome at 18-36 months.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between perinatal sentinel events (PSE) and brain MRI/neurodevelopmental outcomes in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) receiving therapeutic hypothermia (TH). DESIGN: This is a retrospective single-center study. Data collection included perinatal history, brain MRI, and neurodevelopmental outcome. RESULTS: Out of the 182 neonates, 53 (29%) neonates had PSE and 129 (71%) neonates did not have PSE. Neonates with PSE had more normal MRIs (76%) compared with neonates without PSE (55%), p = 0.01. PSE was associated with favorable motor (p = 0.02), language outcome (p = 0.03), and trend to better cognitive scores (p = 0.13). In PSE, favorable motor outcome persisted (OR for impairment 0.15 (0.003-0.84), p = 0.03) after adjusting for the degree of encephalopathy and brain MRI injury. Injury on brain MRI despite TH after PSE was associated with unfavorable neurodevelopmental outcome (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Neonates with HIE receiving TH after PSE had less severe injury on brain MRI after rewarming, and improved motor and language outcomes at 18-36 months.

Periventricular Hemorrhagic Infarction in Very Preterm Infants: Characteristic Sonographic Findings and Association with Neurodevelopmental Outcome at Age 2 Years.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the sonographic characteristics of periventricular hemorrhagic infarction (PVHI) and their association with mortality and neurodevelopmental disability in very preterm infants born in 2008-2013. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective multicenter observational cohort study. Diagonal PVHI size was measured and severity score assessed. PVHI characteristics were scored and temporal trends were assessed. Neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of corrected age was assessed using either the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition or the Griffiths Mental Development Scales. Multigroup analyses were applied as appropriate. RESULTS: We enrolled 160 infants with median gestational age of 26.6 weeks. PVHI was mostly unilateral (90%), associated with an ipsilateral grade III intraventricular hemorrhage (84%), and located in the parietal lobe (51%). Sixty-four (40%) infants with PVHI died in the neonatal period. Of the survivors assessed at 2 years of corrected age, 65% had normal cognitive and 69% had normal motor outcomes. The cerebral palsy rate was 42%. The composite outcome of death or severe neurodevelopmental disability was observed in 58%, with no trends over the study period (P = .6). Increasing PVHI severity score was associated with death (P < .001). Increasing PVHI size and severity score were negatively associated with gross motor scores (P = .01 and .03, respectively). Trigone involvement was associated with cerebral palsy (41% vs 14%; P = .004). Associated posthemorrhagic ventricular dilation (36%) was an independent risk factor for poorer cognitive and motor outcomes (P < .001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: Increasing PVHI size and severity score were predictive of less optimal gross motor outcome and death in very preterm infants.

Characteristics and short-term outcomes of neonates with mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics and outcomes of neonates with mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) who received hypothermia versus standard care. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of neonates ≥35 weeks' gestation and ≥1800 g admitted with a diagnosis of Sarnat stage 1 encephalopathy. We evaluated length of hospital stay, duration of ventilation, evidence of brain injury on MRI, and neonatal morbidities. RESULTS: Of 1089 eligible neonates, 393 (36%) received hypothermia and 595 (55%) had neuroimaging. The hypothermia group was more likely to be outborn, born via C-section, had lower Apgar scores, and required extensive resuscitation. They had longer durations of stay (9 vs. 6 days, P < 0.001), respiratory support (3 vs. 2 days, P < 0.001), but lower odds of brain injury on MRI (adjusted odds ratio 0.33, 95% CI: 0.22-0.52) compared with standard care group. CONCLUSION: Despite prolongation of hospital stay, hypothermia may be potentially beneficial in neonates with mild HIE; however, selection bias cannot be ruled out.

Mapping the neuroanatomical impact of very preterm birth across childhood.

Those born very preterm (VPT; <32 weeks gestational age) have an increased risk in developing a wide range of cognitive deficits. In early-to-late childhood, brain structure has been shown to be altered in VPT compared to full-term (FT) children; however, the results are inconsistent. The current study examined subcortical volumes, cortical thickness, and surface area in a large cohort of VPT and FT children aged 4-12 years. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was obtained on 120 VPT and 146 FT children who returned up to three times, resulting in 176 VPT and 173 FT unique data points. For each participant, Corticometric Iterative Vertex-based Estimation of Thickness was used to obtain global measurements of total brain, cortical grey and cortical white matter volumes, along with surface-based measurements of cortical thickness and surface area, and Multiple Automatically Generated Templates (MAGeT) brain segmentation tool was used to segment the subcortical structures. To examine group differences and group-age interactions, mixed-effects models were used (controlling for whole-brain volume). We found few differences between the two groups in subcortical volumes. The VPT children showed increased cortical thickness in frontal, occipital and fusiform gyri and inferior pre-post-central areas, while thinning occurred in the midcingulate. Cortical thickness in occipital regions showed more rapid decreases with age in the VPT compared to the FT children. VPT children also showed both regional increases, particularly in the temporal lobe, and decreases in surface area. Our results indicate a delayed maturational trajectory in those born VPT.

Impaired Right Ventricular Performance Is Associated with Adverse Outcome after Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy.

Rationale: Asphyxiated neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) are at risk of myocardial dysfunction; however, echocardiography studies are limited and little is known about the relationship between hemodynamics and brain injury.Objectives: To analyze the association between severity of myocardial dysfunction and adverse outcome as defined by the composite of death and/or abnormal magnetic resonance imaging.Methods: Neonates with HIE undergoing therapeutic hypothermia were enrolled. Participants underwent echocardiography at 24 hours, 72 hours (before rewarming), and 96 hours (after rewarming). Cerebral hemodynamics were monitored by near-infrared spectroscopy and middle cerebral artery Doppler.Measurements and Main Results: Fifty-three patients with a mean gestation and birthweight of 38.8 ± 2.0 weeks and 3.33 ± 0.6 kg, respectively, were recruited. Thirteen patients (25%) had mild encephalopathy, 27 (50%) had moderate encephalopathy, and 13 (25%) had severe encephalopathy. Eighteen patients (34%) had an adverse outcome. Severity of cardiovascular illness (P < 0.001) and severity of neurologic insult (P = 0.02) were higher in neonates with adverse outcome. Right ventricle (RV) systolic performance at 24 hours was substantially lower than published normative data in all groups. At 24 hours, lower tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (P = 0.004) and RV fractional area change (P < 0.001), but not pulmonary hypertension, were independently associated with adverse outcome on logistic regression. High brain regional oxygen saturation (P = 0.007) and low middle cerebral artery resistive index (P = 0.04) were associated with RV dysfunction on post hoc analysis.Conclusions: RV dysfunction is associated with the risk of adverse outcome in asphyxiated patients with HIE undergoing hypothermia. Echocardiography may be a valuable diagnostic and prognostic tool in this vulnerable population.

White matter injury predicts disrupted functional connectivity and microstructure in very preterm born neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the spatial extent and location of early-identified punctate white matter injury (WMI) is associated with regionally-specific disruptions in thalamocortical-connectivity in very-preterm born neonates. METHODS: 37 very-preterm born neonates (median gestational age: 28.1 weeks; interquartile range [IQR]: 27-30) underwent early MRI (median age 32.9 weeks; IQR: 32-35), and WMI was identified in 13 (35%) neonates. Structural T1-weighted, resting-state functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (rs-fMRI, n = 34) and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI, n = 31) sequences were acquired using 3 T-MRI. A probabilistic map of WMI was developed for the 13 neonates demonstrating brain injury. A neonatal atlas was applied to the WMI maps, rs-fMRI and DTI analyses to extract volumetric, functional and microstructural data from regionally-specific brain areas. Associations of thalamocortical-network strength and alterations in fractional anisotropy (FA, a measure of white-matter microstructure) with WMI volume were assessed in general linear models, adjusting for age at scan and cerebral volumes. RESULTS: WMI volume in the superior (ß = -0.007; p = .02) and posterior corona radiata (ß = -0.01; p = .01), posterior thalamic radiations (ß = -0.01; p = .005) and superior longitudinal fasciculus (ß = -0.02; p = .001) was associated with reduced connectivity strength between thalamus and parietal resting-state networks. WMI volume in the left (ß = -0.02; p = .02) and right superior corona radiata (ß = -0.03; p = .008), left posterior corona radiata (ß = -0.03; p = .01), corpus callosum (ß = -0.11; p < .0001) and right superior longitudinal fasciculus (ß = -0.02; p = .02) was associated with functional connectivity strength between thalamic and sensorimotor networks. Increased WMI volume was also associated with decreased FA values in the corpus callosum (ß = -0.004, p = .015). CONCLUSIONS: Regionally-specific alterations in early functional and structural network complexity resulting from WMI may underlie impaired outcomes.

Non-immune Hydrops Fetalis and Hepatic Dysfunction in a Preterm Infant With Congenital Syphilis.

We report a case of a preterm infant with congenital syphilis who presented with non-immune hydrops fetalis. Hepatic dysfunction was present at birth and acutely worsened following antibiotic administration. Placental pathology demonstrated infiltration with numerous spirochetes. Although critically ill, the infant recovered with intravenous penicillin G and supportive care. This case demonstrates that congenital syphilis remains a contemporary disease demanding enhanced awareness from clinicians. Manifestations evident in utero or in the newborn can be severe and may result in fetal demise or neonatal death. Moreover, we hypothesize that the treatment resulted in a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction as manifested by the hepatic deterioration. The incidence of congenital syphilis and its associated complications can be greatly reduced with strict adherence to universal prenatal testing and comprehensive follow-up.