Record, reflect and refine: using video review as an initiative to improve neonatal care.

BACKGROUND: The goal of every medical team is to provide optimal care for their patients. We aimed to use video review (VR) sessions to identify and address areas for improvement in neonatal care. METHODS: For nine months, neonatal procedures (stabilization at birth, intubations and sterile line insertions) were video recorded and reviewed with the neonatal care providers. Action research was used to identify and address areas for improvement which were categorized as (1) protocol/equipment adjustments, (2) input for research, (3) aspects of variety, or (4) development of educational material or training programs. RESULTS: Eighteen VR sessions were organized with a mean(SD) of 17(5) staff members participating. In total, 120 areas for improvement were identified and addressed, of which 84/120 (70%) were categorized as aspects of variety, 20/120 (17%) as development of educational material or training programs, 10/120 (8%) as protocol/equipment adjustments, and 6/120 (5%) as input for research. The areas for improvement were grouped in themes per category, including sterility, technique, equipment, communication, teamwork, parents' perspective and ventilation. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that regularly organized VR empowered healthcare providers to identify and address a large variety of areas for improvement, contributing to continuous learning and improvement processes. IMPACT: Video review empowered healthcare providers to identify areas for improvement in neonatal care Video review gave providers the opportunity to address identified areas for improvement, either by enhancing the application of external evidence (i.e. guidelines), learning from individual clinical expertise or strengthening resilience and teamwork Embedding regularly organized video review sessions allowed for continuous monitoring of care by providers, which can be beneficial for creating ongoing learning and improvement processes The structured pathways, supporting implementation of changes that were proposed based on the video review sessions, could help other centers make use of the potential video review has to offer.

De novo heterozygous missense variants in CELSR1 as cause of fetal pleural effusions and progressive fetal hydrops.

Fetal hydrops as detected by prenatal ultrasound usually carries a poor prognosis depending on the underlying aetiology. We describe the prenatal and postnatal clinical course of two unrelated female probands in whom de novo heterozygous missense variants in the planar cell polarity gene CELSR1 were detected using exome sequencing. Using several in vitro assays, we show that the CELSR1 p.(Cys1318Tyr) variant disrupted the subcellular localisation, affected cell-cell junction, impaired planar cell polarity signalling and lowered proliferation rate. These observations suggest that deleterious rare CELSR1 variants could be a possible cause of fetal hydrops.

Minimising alarm pressure on a single room NICU through automated withdrawal of resolved alarms.

AIM: In 2017, the Leiden University Medical Centre implemented a secondary alarm system using handheld devices to ensure accurate patient monitoring on the single room NICU. Initially, alarms remained active on the handheld devices until one of the caregivers in the alarm chain accepted the alarm. In 2020, a bidirectional communication protocol (BCP) was implemented, enabling automated withdrawal of resolved alarms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of this implementation on the alarm duration and pressure. METHODS: Data of all alarms of the secondary alarm chain in the 90 days before and after the implementation were analysed and compared between both periods. RESULTS: Following the implementation of the BCP, 60% of the alarms were withdrawn before the designated nurse responded. Despite a significant higher total number of alarms, the median alarm duration decreased from 9 (7-14) to 6 (4-10) s, the acceptance rate of the designated nurse increased from 93% to 95% and the median time of alarm sounding per phone per hour significantly decreased from 71 (51-101) to 51 (35-69) s following implementation of the BCP. CONCLUSION: This study showed that automated withdrawal of resolved alarms significantly reduces alarm duration and pressure on a NICU.

Comparing Descriptive Statistics for Retrospective Studies From One-per-Minute and One-per-Second Data.

Background: Large amounts of data are collected in neonatal intensive care units, which could be used for research. It is unclear whether these data, usually sampled at a lower frequency, are sufficient for retrospective studies. We investigated what to expect when using one-per-minute data for descriptive statistics. Methods: One-per-second inspiratory oxygen and saturation were processed to one-per-minute data and compared, on average, standard deviation, target range time, hypoxia, days of supplemental oxygen, and missing signal. Results: Outcomes calculated from data recordings (one-per-minute = 92, one-per-second = 92) showed very little to no difference. Sub analyses of recordings under 100 and 200 h showed no difference. Conclusion: In our study, descriptive statistics of one-per-minute data were comparable to one-per-second and could be used for retrospective analyses. Comparable routinely collected one-per-minute data could be used to develop algorithms or find associations, retrospectively.

Consent for Delivery Room Studies: What Can Be Learned from Perceptions of Parents.

BACKGROUND: Obtaining ethically valid consent to participate in delivery room (DR) studies from parents facing an imminent premature birth can be challenging. This study aims to provide insight into parental experiences with and perceptions of consent for DR studies. METHODS: Semistructured interviews were conducted with parents of very and extreme preterm infants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using the qualitative data analysis software Atlas. ti V.8.4. RESULTS: Twenty-five parents were interviewed. Despite being in an emotional and stressful situation, most parents considered being approached for DR studies as valuable. According to parents, this was mostly due to appropriate timing and communication, compassion, and investigators not being obtrusive. Interviewed parents generally decided to accept or decline study participation based on perceived risk. Parents differed widely in how risk of specific study interventions was perceived, but agreed on the fact that parental consent is needed for DR studies that involve risk. There was no consensus among parents on deferred consent for DR studies running at our NICU. However, parents considered deferred consent appropriate for observational studies. Furthermore, it became clear that parental misunderstanding of various aspects of DR studies, including aims, the concept of randomization, and risk associated with specific interventions, was common. CONCLUSIONS: Insight into parental perceptions of consent for DR studies allowed us to determine areas where the validity of parental consent can be improved. Further research on parental perspectives for consent for DR studies will allow us to establish consent procedures that are considered both valid and valuable.

Video-based reflection on neonatal interventions during COVID-19 using eye-tracking glasses: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the experience with, and the feasibility of, point-of-view video recordings using eye-tracking glasses for training and reviewing neonatal interventions during the COVID-19 pandemic. DESIGN: Observational prospective single-centre study. SETTING: Neonatal intensive care unit at the Leiden University Medical Center. PARTICIPANTS: All local neonatal healthcare providers. INTERVENTION: There were two groups of participants: proceduralists, who wore eye-tracking glasses during procedures, and observers who later watched the procedures as part of a video-based reflection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the feasibility of, and the proceduralists and observers' experience with, the point-of-view eye-tracking videos as an additional tool for bedside teaching and video-based reflection. RESULTS: We conducted 12 point-of-view recordings on 10 different patients (median gestational age of 30.9±3.5 weeks and weight of 1764 g) undergoing neonatal intubation (n=5), minimally invasive surfactant therapy (n=5) and umbilical line insertion (n=2). We conducted nine video-based observations with a total of 88 observers. The use of point-of-view recordings was perceived as feasible. Observers further reported the point-of-view recordings to be an educational benefit for them and a potentially instructional tool during COVID-19. CONCLUSION: We proved the practicability of eye-tracking glasses for point-of-view recordings of neonatal procedures and videos for observation, educational sessions and logistics considerations, especially with the COVID-19 pandemic distancing measures reducing bedside teaching opportunities.

Comparison of two devices for automated oxygen control in preterm infants: a randomised crossover trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of two different automated oxygen control devices on target range (TR) time and occurrence of hypoxaemic and hyperoxaemic episodes. DESIGN: Randomised cross-over study. SETTING: Tertiary level neonatal unit in the Netherlands. PATIENTS: Preterm infants (n=15) born between 24+0 and 29+6 days of gestation, receiving invasive or non-invasive respiratory support with oxygen saturation (SpO2) TR of 91%-95%. Median gestational age 26 weeks and 4 days (IQR 25 weeks 3 days-27 weeks 6 days) and postnatal age 19 (IQR 17-24) days. INTERVENTIONS: Inspired oxygen concentration was titrated by the OxyGenie controller (SLE6000 ventilator) and the CLiO2 controller (AVEA ventilator) for 24 hours each, in a random sequence, with the respiratory support mode kept constant. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Time spent within set SpO2 TR (91%-95% with supplemental oxygen and 91%-100% without supplemental oxygen). RESULTS: Time spent within the SpO2 TR was higher during OxyGenie control (80.2 (72.6-82.4)% vs 68.5 (56.7-79.3)%, p<0.005). Less time was spent above TR while in supplemental oxygen (6.3 (5.1-9.9)% vs 15.9 (11.5-30.7)%, p<0.005) but more time spent below TR during OxyGenie control (14.7 (11.8%-17.2%) vs 9.3 (8.2-12.6)%, p<0.05). There was no significant difference in time with SpO2 <80% (0.5 (0.1-1.0)% vs 0.2 (0.1-0.4)%, p=0.061). Long-lasting SpO2 deviations occurred less frequently during OxyGenie control. CONCLUSIONS: The OxyGenie control algorithm was more effective in keeping the oxygen saturation within TR and preventing hyperoxaemia and equally effective in preventing hypoxaemia (SpO2 <80%), although at the cost of a small increase in mild hypoxaemia. TRIAL REGISTRY NUMBER: NCT03877198.

Feasibility and Effect of Physiological-Based CPAP in Preterm Infants at Birth.

Background: Preterm infants are commonly supported with 5-8 cmH2O CPAP. However, animal studies demonstrate that high initial CPAP levels (12-15 cmH2O) which are then reduced (termed physiological based (PB)-CPAP), improve lung aeration without adversely affecting cardiovascular function. We investigated the feasibility of PB-CPAP and the effect in preterm infants at birth. Methods: Preterm infants (24-30 weeks gestation) were randomized to PB-CPAP or 5-8 cmH2O CPAP for the first 10 min after birth. PB-CPAP consisted of 15 cmH2O CPAP that was decreased when infants were stabilized (heart rate ≥100 bpm, SpO2 ≥85%, FiO2 ≤ 0.4, spontaneous breathing) to 8 cmH2O with steps of ~2/3 cmH2O/min. Primary outcomes were feasibility and SpO2 in the first 5 min after birth. Secondary outcomes included physiological and breathing parameters and short-term neonatal outcomes. Planned enrollment was 42 infants. Results: The trial was stopped after enrolling 31 infants due to a low inclusion rate and recent changes in the local resuscitation guideline that conflict with the study protocol. Measurements were available for analysis in 28 infants (PB-CPAP n = 8, 5-8 cmH2O n = 20). Protocol deviations in the PB-CPAP group included one infant receiving 3 inflations with 15 cmH2O PEEP and two infants in which CPAP levels were decreased faster than described in the study protocol. In the 5-8 cmH2O CPAP group, three infants received 4, 10, and 12 cmH2O CPAP. During evaluations, caregivers indicated that the current PB-CPAP protocol was difficult to execute. The SpO2 in the first 5 min after birth was not different [61 (49-70) vs. 64 (47-74), p = 0.973]. However, infants receiving PB-CPAP achieved higher heart rates [121 (111-130) vs. 97 (82-119) bpm, p = 0.016] and duration of mask ventilation was shorter [0:42 (0:34-2:22) vs. 2:58 (1:36-6:03) min, p = 0.020]. Infants in the PB-CPAP group required 6:36 (5:49-11:03) min to stabilize, compared to 9:57 (6:58-15:06) min in the 5-8 cmH2O CPAP group (p = 0.256). There were no differences in short-term outcomes. Conclusion: Stabilization of preterm infants with PB-CPAP is feasible but tailoring CPAP appeared challenging. PB-CPAP did not lead to higher SpO2 but increased heart rate and shortened the duration of mask ventilation, which may reflect faster lung aeration.

Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity in the Netherlands: A Comparison of Two Cohorts.

INTRODUCTION: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) remains an important cause for preventable blindness. Aside from gestational age (GA) and birth weight, risk factor assessment can be important for determination of infants at risk of (severe) ROP. METHODS: Prospective, multivariable risk-analysis study (NEDROP-2) was conducted, including all infants born in 2017 in the Netherlands considered eligible for ROP screening by pediatricians. Ophthalmologists provided data of screened infants, which were combined with risk factors from the national perinatal database (Perined). Clinical data and potential risk factors were compared to the first national ROP inventory (NEDROP-1, 2009). During the second period, more strict risk factor-based screening inclusion criteria were applied. RESULTS: Of 1,287 eligible infants, 933 (72.5%) were screened for ROP and matched with the Perined data. Any ROP was found in 264 infants (28.3% of screened population, 2009: 21.9%) and severe ROP (sROP) (stage ≥3) in 41 infants (4.4%, 2009: 2.1%). The risk for any ROP is decreased with a higher GA (odds ratio [OR] 0.59 and 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54-0.66) and increased for small for GA (SGA) (1.73, 1.11-2.62), mechanical ventilation >7 days (2.13, 1.35-3.37) and postnatal corticosteroids (2.57, 1.44-4.66). For sROP, significant factors were GA (OR 0.37 and CI 0.27-0.50), SGA (OR 5.65 and CI 2.17-14.92), postnatal corticosteroids (OR 3.81 and CI 1.72-8.40), and perforated necrotizing enterocolitis (OR 7.55 and CI 2.29-24.48). CONCLUSION: In the Netherlands, sROP was diagnosed more frequently since 2009. No new risk factors for ROP were determined in the present study, apart from those already included in the current screening guideline.

Reviewing recordings of neonatal resuscitation with parents.

BACKGROUND: Recording of neonatal resuscitation, including video and respiratory parameters, was implemented for research and quality purposes at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Leiden University Medical Center, and parents were offered to review the recording of their infant together with a neonatal care provider. We aimed to provide insight in parental experiences with reviewing the recording of the neonatal resuscitation of their premature infant. METHODS: This study combined participant observations during parental review of recordings with retrospective qualitative interviews with parents. RESULTS: Parental review of recordings of neonatal resuscitation was observed on 20 occasions, reviewing recordings of 31 children (12 singletons, 8 twins and 1 triplet), of whom 4 died during admission. Median (range) gestational age at birth was 27+5 (24+5-30+3) weeks. Subsequently, 25 parents (13 mothers and 12 fathers) were interviewed.Parents reported many positive experiences, with special emphasis on the value for getting hold of the start of their infant's life and coping with the trauma of neonatal resuscitation. Reviewing recordings of neonatal resuscitation frequently resulted in appreciation for the child, the father and the medical team. Timing and set-up of the review contributed to positive experiences. Parents considered screenshots/copies of the recording of the resuscitation of their infant as valuable keepsakes of their NICU story and reported that having the screenshots/video comforted them, especially when their child died during admission. CONCLUSION: Parents consider reviewing recordings of neonatal resuscitation as valuable. These positive parental experiences could allay concerns about sharing recordings of neonatal resuscitation with parents.

Increase in treatment of retinopathy of prematurity in the Netherlands from 2010 to 2017.

PURPOSE: Compare patients treated for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in two consecutive periods. METHODS: Retrospective inventory of anonymized neonatal and ophthalmological data of all patients treated for ROP from 2010 to 2017 in the Netherlands, subdivided in period (P)1: 1-1-2010 to 31-3-2013 and P2: 1-4-2013 to 31-12-2016. Treatment characteristics, adherence to early treatment for ROP (ETROP) criteria, outcome of treatment and changes in neonatal parameters and policy of care were compared. RESULTS: Overall 196 infants were included, 57 infants (113 eyes) in P1 and 139 (275 eyes) in P2, indicating a 2.1-fold increase in ROP treatment. No differences were found in mean gestational age (GA) (25.9 ± 1.7 versus 26.0 ± 1.7 weeks, p = 0.711), mean birth weight (791 ± 311 versus 764 ± 204 grams, p = 0.967) and other neonatal risk factors for ROP. In P2, the number of premature infants born <25 weeks increased by factor 1.23 and higher oxygen saturation levels were aimed at in most centres. At treatment decision, 59.6% (P1) versus 83.5% (P2) (p = 0.263) infants were classified as Type 1 ROP (ETROP classification). Infants were treated with laser photocoagulation (98 versus 96%) and intravitreal bevacizumab (2 versus 4%). Retreatment was necessary in 10 versus 21 (p = 0.160). Retinal detachment developed in 6 versus 13 infants (p = 0.791) of which 2 versus 6 bilateral (p = 0.599). CONCLUSION: In period 2, the number of infants treated according to the ETROP criteria (Type 1) increased, the number of ROP treatments, retinal detachments and retreatments doubled and the absolute number of retinal detachments increased. Neonatal data did not provide a decisive explanation, although changes in neonatal policy were reported.

Automated oxygen control in preterm infants, how does it work and what to expect: a narrative review.

BACKGROUND: Automated oxygen control systems are finding their way into contemporary ventilators for preterm infants, each with its own algorithm, strategy and effect. OBJECTIVE: To provide guidance to clinicians seeking to comprehend automated oxygen control and possibly introduce this technology in their practice. METHOD: A narrative review of the commercially available devices using different algorithms incorporating rule-based, proportional-integral-derivative and adaptive concepts are described and explained. An overview of how they work and, if available, the clinical effect is given. RESULTS: All algorithms have shown a beneficial effect on the proportion of time that oxygen saturation is within target range, and a decrease in hyperoxia and severe hypoxia. Automated oxygen control may also reduce the workload for bedside staff. There is concern that such devices could mask clinical deterioration, however this has not been reported to date. CONCLUSIONS: So far, trials involving different algorithms are heterogenous in design and no head-to-head comparisons have been made, making it difficult to differentiate which algorithm is most effective and what clinicians can expect from algorithms under certain conditions.

Survival and causes of death in extremely preterm infants in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: In the Netherlands, the threshold for offering active treatment for spontaneous birth was lowered from 25+0 to 24+0 weeks' gestation in 2010. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of guideline implementation on survival and causes and timing of death in the years following implementation. DESIGN: National cohort study, using data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry. PATIENTS: The study population included all 3312 stillborn and live born infants with a gestational age (GA) between 240/7 and 266/7 weeks born between January 2011 and December 2017. Infants with the same GA born between January 2007 and December 2009 (N=1400) were used as the reference group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survival to discharge, as well as cause and timing of death. RESULTS: After guideline implementation, there was a significant increase in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission rate for live born infants born at 24 weeks' GA (27%-69%, p<0.001), resulting in increased survival to discharge in 24-week live born infants (13%-34%, p<0.001). Top three causes of in-hospital mortality were necrotising enterocolitis (28%), respiratory distress syndrome (19%) and intraventricular haemorrhage (17%). A significant decrease in cause of death either complicated or caused by respiratory insufficiency was seen over time (34% in 2011-2014 to 23% in 2015-2017, p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the 2010 guideline resulted as expected in increased NICU admissions rate and postnatal survival of infants born at 24 weeks' GA. In the years after implementation, a shift in cause of death was seen from respiratory insufficiency towards necrotising enterocolitis and sepsis.

Improving the Quality of Provided Care: Lessons Learned From Auditing Neonatal Stabilization.

Video and physiological parameter recording of neonatal stabilization was implemented at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Leiden University Medical Center. In order to improve documentation and the quality of care provided during neonatal transition, we implemented weekly plenary audits reviewing recordings of neonatal stabilization in 2014. In audits, provided care is reviewed, discussing, among others, mask technique, compliance to the prevailing local guideline, and clinical decision making and alternative treatment options. In this perspective, we argue that auditing neonatal stabilization is a valuable tool to improve patient safety and the quality of care provided during neonatal stabilization. We, therefore, report lessons learned and areas for improvement that could be identified and addressed during audits conducted at our NICU. Important areas for improvement were guideline compliance, documentation, the usage of medical devices, the conduct of delivery room studies, and clinical decision making. By reporting our experiences, we hope to encourage other NICUs to also implement regular audit meetings, fitting to their improvement needs.

Improving Guideline Compliance and Documentation Through Auditing Neonatal Resuscitation.

Objective: Evaluate whether weekly audits of neonatal resuscitation using video and physiological parameter recordings improved guideline compliance and documentation in medical records. Study design: Neonatal care providers of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of Leiden University Medical Center reviewed recordings of neonatal resuscitation during weekly plenary audits since 2014. In an observational pre-post cohort study, we studied a cohort of infants born before and after implementation of weekly audits. Video and physiological parameter recordings of infants needing resuscitation were analyzed. These recordings were compared with the prevailing resuscitation guideline and corresponding documentation in the medical record using a pre-set checklist. Results: A total of 212 infants were included, 42 before and 170 after implementation of weekly audits, with a median (IQR) gestational age of 30 (27-35) weeks vs. 30 (29-33) weeks (p = 0.64) and birth weight of 1368 (998-1780) grams vs. 1420 (1097-1871) grams (p = 0.67). After weekly audits were implemented, providers complied more often to the guideline (63 vs. 77%; p < 0.001). Applying the correct respiratory support based on heart rate and respiration, air conditions (dry vs. humidified air), fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), timely start of interventions and evaluation of delivered care improved. Total number of correctly documented items in medical records increased from 39 to 65% (p < 0.001). Greatest improvements were achieved in documentation of present providers, mode of respiratory support and details about transport to the NICU. Conclusion: Regular auditing using video and physiological parameter recordings of infants needing resuscitation at birth improved providers' compliance with resuscitation guideline and documentation in medical records.

Long-Term Neurodevelopmental and Respiratory Outcome after Intrauterine Therapy for Fetal Thoracic Abnormalities.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate long-term neurodevelopmental and respiratory outcome after fetal therapy for fetal pleural effusion, congenital cystic adenomatoid malformation, and bronchopulmonary sequestration. METHODS: Children ≥18 months of age underwent an assessment of neurologic, motor, and cognitive development. Medical records were reviewed to determine respiratory outcome. Behavioral outcome was assessed using the Child Behavioral Checklist. RESULTS: Between 2001 and 2016, 63 fetuses with fetal hydrops secondary to thoracic abnormalities were treated at our center. Overall perinatal survival was 64% (40/63). Twenty-six children were included for follow-up (median age 55 months). Severe neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was detected in 15% (4/26). Three out of 4 children with severe NDI had associated causes contributing to the impairment. Overall adverse outcome, including perinatal mortality or NDI, was 55% (27/49). Fifteen percent (4/26) had severe respiratory sequelae. Parents did not report more behavioral problems than Dutch norms. DISCUSSION: Our results suggest that severe NDI in this specific high-risk cohort occurs in 15%, which is above the range of the incidence of NDI reported in case series treated with other fetal therapies (5-10%). Large multicenter studies and an international web-based registry are warranted to prospectively gather outcome data at fixed time points.

Neonatal management and outcome after thoracoamniotic shunt placement for fetal hydrothorax.

AIM: To evaluate the short-term neonatal outcome after fetal thoracoamniotic shunt placement for isolated hydrothorax. METHODS: Retrospective evaluation of infants with isolated hydrothorax treated with thoracoamniotic shunt placement at our fetal therapy centre between 2001 and 2016. RESULTS: In total 48 fetuses were treated with a thoracoamniotic shunt. All fetuses had signs of hydrops at the time of intervention. Median (IQR) gestational age at shunting was 28.7 (24.4-31.3) weeks. Forty-one of 48 (85%) fetuses were born alive at a median (IQR) gestational age of 34.4 (31.1-36.7) weeks. In one child the course of disease after birth was unknown (this child was excluded from further analyses). After birth, 24/40 (60%) children had signs of pleural effusion and 12/40 (30%) needed a thoracic shunt for continuous pleural drainage. Twenty-one (53%) children required mechanical ventilation, of whom 13 (33%) needed high-frequency ventilation as rescue therapy. Overall 30/40 (75%) infants survived the neonatal period. Neonatal survival rate was significantly higher when infants were born ≥32 weeks' gestation as compared with <32 weeks: 93% (26/28) versus 33% (4/12), p<0.01. CONCLUSION: Postnatal course of hydropic fetuses treated with thoracoamniotic shunt for isolated hydrothorax is often complicated by respiratory failure and persistent pleural effusions. Neonatal survival is good provided delivery occurs at or after 32 weeks' gestation.

Caffeine to improve breathing effort of preterm infants at birth: a randomized controlled trial.

BackgroundCaffeine promotes spontaneous breathing by antagonizing adenosine. We assessed the direct effect of caffeine on respiratory effort in preterm infants at birth.MethodsThirty infants of 24-30 weeks of gestation were randomized for receiving caffeine directly after birth in the delivery room (caffeine DR group) or later in the neonatal intensive care unit (control group). Primary outcome was respiratory effort, expressed as minute volume, tidal volumes, respiratory rate, rate of rise to maximum tidal volume, and recruitment breaths at 7-9 min after birth.ResultsAfter correction for gestational age, minute volumes ((mean±SD; 189±74 vs. 162±70 ml/kg/min; P<0.05) and tidal volumes ((median (interquartile range (IQR)) 5.2 (3.9-6.4) vs. 4.4 (3.0-5.6) ml/kg) were significantly greater in the caffeine DR group. Although respiratory rates were similar ((mean±SD) 35±10 vs. 33±10), RoR increased significantly ((median (IQR) 14.3 (11.2-19.8) vs. 11.2 (7.9-15.2) ml/kg/s), and more recruitment breaths were observed (13 vs. 9%).ConclusionCaffeine increases respiratory effort in preterm infants at birth, but the effect on clinical outcomes needs further investigation.

Cardiorespiratory Monitoring during Neonatal Resuscitation for Direct Feedback and Audit.

Neonatal resuscitation is one of the most frequently performed procedures, and it is often successful if the ventilation applied is adequate. Over the last decade, interest in seeking objectivity in evaluating the infant's condition at birth or the adequacy and effect of the interventions applied has markedly increased. Clinical parameters such as heart rate, color, and chest excursions are difficult to interpret and can be very subjective and subtle. The use of ECG, pulse oximetry, capnography, and respiratory function monitoring can add objectivity to the clinical assessment. These physiological parameters, with or without the combination of video recordings, can not only be used directly to guide care but also be used later for audit and teaching purposes. Further studies are needed to investigate whether this will improve the quality of delivery room management. In this narrative review, we will give an update of the current developments in monitoring neonatal resuscitation.

Clinical and molecular characterization of an infant with a tandem duplication and deletion of 19p13.

Copy number variations (CNVs) on the short arm of chromosome 19 are relatively rare. We present a patient with a tandem de novo 3.9 Mb duplication of 19p13.12p13.2 and an adjacent 288 kb deletion of 19p13.12. The CNVs were detected by genome wide SNP-array and confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Mate-pair sequencing revealed two breakpoint junctions leading to a germline tandem inverted duplication and an adjacent deletion. The patient had a major congenital heart defect and refractory edema leading to metabolic and endocrinological disturbances. Further complications occurred due to refractory chylothorax, severe inflammatory response syndrome, and repeating sepsis. After 2 months, the child died due to intractable respiratory failure. The phenotype of this patient was compared with reported patients with overlapping deletions or duplications. We conclude that the congenital heart defect, respiratory insufficiency, and abnormal neurologic examination are most likely due the contiguous gene deletion/duplication.