Association of Co-Exposure of Antenatal Steroid and Prophylactic Indomethacin with Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of a combined exposure to antenatal steroids and prophylactic indomethacin with the outcome of spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) among neonates born at <26 weeks of gestation or <750 g birth weight. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective study of preterm infants admitted to Canadian Neonatal Network units between 2010 and 2018. Infants were classified into 2 groups based on receipt of antenatal steroids; the latter subgrouped as recent (≤7 days before birth) or latent (>7 days before birth) exposures. The co-exposure was prophylactic indomethacin. The primary outcome was SIP. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate aORs. RESULTS: Among 4720 eligible infants, 4121 (87%) received antenatal steroids and 1045 (22.1%) received prophylactic indomethacin. Among infants exposed to antenatal steroids, those who received prophylactic indomethacin had higher odds of SIP (aOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.14-2.28) compared with no prophylactic indomethacin. Subgroup analyses revealed recent antenatal steroids exposure with prophylactic indomethacin had higher odds of SIP (aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.15-2.43), but latent antenatal steroids exposure with prophylactic indomethacin did not (aOR 1.24, 95% CI 0.48-3.21), compared with the respective groups with no prophylactic indomethacin. Among those not exposed to antenatal steroids, mortality was lower among those who received prophylactic indomethacin (aOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28-0.73) compared with no prophylactic indomethacin. CONCLUSIONS: In preterm neonates of <26 weeks of gestation or birth weight <750 g, co-exposure of antenatal steroids and prophylactic indomethacin was associated with SIP, especially if antenatal steroids was received within 7 days before birth. Among those unexposed to antenatal steroids, prophylactic indomethacin was associated with lower odds of mortality.

Outcomes of singleton small for gestational age preterm infants exposed to maternal hypertension: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are a major cause of small for gestational age (SGA). Preterm SGA infants have higher rates of adverse outcomes than appropriate for gestational age infants. However, the outcomes are not well established in the setting of HDP. METHODS: Retrospective population-based study using the Canadian Neonatal Network database from January 1, 2010 to December 31, 2016 of SGA infants <33 weeks gestation. Using multivariable models, we determined the adjusted odds ratios (AORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), severe retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis, and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in infants of HDP mothers and compared them to infants of non-HDP mothers. RESULTS: Of the 2081 eligible SGA infants, 1317 (63%) were born to HDP mothers and had lower odds of mortality (AOR 0.57, 95% CI 0.39-0.83) and BPD (AOR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.90). Sub-group analysis demonstrated decreased mortality in 26-28 and 29-32 weeks gestation groups, decreased BPD in 29-32 weeks gestation group, and decreased PDA in <26 weeks gestation group. CONCLUSION: Preterm SGA infants of HDP mothers have lower odds of mortality and BPD compared to infants of non-HDP mothers.

Rainbow of colors: Inspissated bile syndrome secondary to hemolytic disease of the newborn and concomitant serum dynamics.

The recent clinical experience with hemolytic disease of the newborn and its post-icteric sequelae is limited among high-income countries because of nearly over four decades of effective prevention care. In this case, we will discuss the sequelae of a baby born with hemolytic disease of the newborn to an Rh negative mother with no prenatal care from remote northern Saskatchewan. Inspissated bile syndrome is a rare but serious complication of hemolytic disease of the newborn. The concentration of hemolytic products parallels with serum color changes.

Screening for Retinopathy of Prematurity Through Utilization a Pediatric Retinal Camera at Jim Pattison Children's Hospital: A Vision for Improved Care.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is a vascular proliferative disorder of preterm infants, with increased disease severity and incidence occurring with lower gestational age and birth weight. An alternate approach to ROP screening with wide-field digital retinal imaging helps with the early detection of ROP, especially during the pandemic.

Neonatal Escherichia coli infection in twins: clinical spectrum and management dilemma.

The clinical manifestation of Escherichia coli could vary from asymptomatic bacteraemia to systemic bloodstream infection and meningitis. We describe an unusual course of E. coli infection in twins, emphasising commencement of appropriate antimicrobial therapy. A set of male dichorionic diamniotic twins were delivered at 34 weeks of gestation by caesarian section. Pregnancy was complicated by diabetes, pre-eclampsia and cholestasis. Antenatal ultrasounds noted a congenital pulmonary airway malformation in twin A. Following delivery, twin A developed respiratory distress, but twin B was asymptomatic. Partial septic work-up at admission in the neonatal intensve care unit was done. Twin A's blood culture grew E. coli, while twin B's blood culture was negative. Twin A was treated with 7 days of intravenous antibiotics. At 11 days of age, twin B acutely developed a scrotal swelling. On suspicion of testicular torsion, he was taken for urgent surgery, which revealed a scrotal abscess positive for E. coli The scrotum was irrigated and successfully treated with 4 weeks of antibiotics. Both twins were doing well at 3 months of follow-up.

Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter in Preterm Infants: Suggested Values.

OBJECTIVE: Timely detection of elevated intracranial pressure (ICP) in highrisk preterm infants may be critical to avoid permanent neurologic sequelae. Size of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is highly correlated with changes in ICP. Normal ultrasonographic ONSD values for preterm infants have been published. This study sought to compare these data with MRI measured OSND and to propose suggested ultrasonographic ONSD values. METHODS: The ONSD in preterm MRIs were retrospectively measured and related to pre-existing ultrasonographic ONSD. Data were stratified for corrected gestational age. Simple linear regression between ONSD mean values and age was modeled for both eyes, and R2 was calculated. Suggested values for ultrasonographic ONSD were ascertained through linear regression and calculated prediction intervals. RESULTS: ONSD measurements demonstrated R2 values of 0.95 (right ONSD MRI), 0.95 (left ONSD MRI), 0.96 (right ONSD ultrasound), and 0.93 (left ONSD ultrasound). Suggested ONSD values were incremental with corrected gestational age. CONCLUSION: ONSD measurements with MRI and ultrasound are similar. The proposed suggested ONSD values may be helpful in clinical situations where ICPs are suspected or known.

Maternal age and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants < 29 weeks gestational age.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to assess the impact of maternal age on neurodevelopmental (ND) outcomes of infants < 29 weeks gestational age (GA) at 18-24 months. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cohort study of preterm infants < 29 weeks GA admitted to Canadian tertiary NICUs was performed. The primary outcome was a composite of death or ND impairment (NDI)/significant NDI (sNDI) at 18-24 months. Association between maternal age and outcome was assessed across maternal age groups (15-19, 20-34, 35-39 and ≥40 years) using logistic regression after adjusting for confounders. RESULTS: Of 3691 eligible infants, 2652 with complete data were included in the analysis. Significant differences in maternal characteristics existed across age groups. The only difference in neonatal characteristics was the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p < 0.01). There was no association between maternal age and death or NDI/sNDI after controlling for confounders. CONCLUSION: Maternal age is not associated with differences in NDI/sNDI rates among Canadian preterm infants < 29 weeks GA.

Is Video Laryngoscopy the Optimal Tool for Successful Intubation in a Neonatal Simulation Setting? A Single-Center Experience.

Background Endotracheal intubation is a skill required for resuscitation. Due to various reasons, intubation opportunities are decreasing for health care providers. Objective To compare the success rate of video laryngoscopy (VL) and direct laryngoscopy (DL) for interprofessional neonatal intubation skills in a simulated setting. Methods This was a prospective nonrandomized simulation crossover trial. Twenty-six participants were divided into three groups based on their frequency of intubation. Group 1 included pediatric residents; group 2 respiratory therapists and transport nurses; and group 3 neonatal nurse practitioners and physicians working in neonatology. We compared intubation success rate, intubation time, and laryngoscope preference. Results Success rates were 100% for both DL and VL in groups 1 and 2, and 88.9% for DL and 100% for VL in group 3. Median intubation times for DL and VL were 22 seconds (interquartile range [IQR] 14.3-22.8 seconds) and 12.5 seconds (IQR 10.3-38.8 seconds) in group 1 ( p = 0.779); 17 seconds (IQR 8-21 seconds) and 12 seconds (IQR 9-16.5 seconds) in group 2 ( p = 0.476); and 11 seconds (IQR 7.5-15.5 seconds) and 15 seconds (IQR 11.5-36 seconds) in group 3 ( p = 0.024). Conclusion We conclude that novice providers tend to perform better with VL, while more experienced providers perform better with DL. In this era of decreased clinical training opportunities, VL may serve as a useful tool to teach residents and other novice health care providers.

Rare cause of emergency in the first week of life: congenital hepatoblastoma (case report).

During the first week of life, a sudden deterioration in a newborn commonly includes investigations to rule out infections, lung pathologies, cardiac lesions, neurological insults, metabolic disorders or gastrointestinal emergencies. It is unusual, however, to consider malignancy as the primary causative factor. In this case report, we describe a rare and unusual presentation of congenital hepatoblastoma, its complications and management in a neonate with multi-organ dysfunction. A term infant presented with sudden deterioration, hemodynamic instability and an acute abdomen on his 4th day of life. Surgical exploration revealed a ruptured neoplasm that pathology diagnosed as a congenital hepatoblastoma. After the patient was stabilized, chemotherapy was initiated. At present, the patient is 8 months old and under continuous follow-up of oncology service. This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses including congenital malignancy when investigating and managing a sick newborn with multi-organ dysfunction.

Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter for Preterm Infants: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: In preterm infants, early diagnosis and management of a raised intracranial pressure (ICP) may be important to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes. While invasive ICP monitoring is not recommended, ultrasonography of the optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) could provide a noninvasive alternative to evaluate ICP. The objective of this pilot study was to document ranges of ONSD in preterm infants. METHODS: This prospective cohort pilot evaluated preterm infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit without suspected raised ICP. Three images per eye were obtained from a 20-5 MHz linear array ultrasound transducer placed on the patient's superior eyelid. The OSND was measured 3 mm behind the globe. A second ultrasonographer duplicated half of the scans. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted for both right and left ONSD with corrected gestational age, weight, and head circumference as predictors. Lin's concordance assessed interrater reliability. RESULTS: In 12 preterm infants 114 scans were performed on both eyes. The median age was 33 weeks (corrected gestational age) with a range of 29-36 weeks. Corrected gestational age was the strongest predictor for ONSD, and preliminary measurements at each gestational age were established. Interrater reliability demonstrated substantial agreement (Qc = 0.97). CONCLUSION: In preterm infants, ONSD strongly correlates with corrected gestational age. These data should be validated with other imaging modalities before abnormal ranges can be considered.

The Value of Different Radiological Modalities in Assessment of Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum: Case Review and Diagnostic Perspective.

Pneumomediastinum (PM), or a mediastinal air leak, is a known morbidity in neonates. Among predisposing factors, the most significant are mixed lung diseases, such as pneumonia or meconium aspiration syndrome, with coexisting atelectasis and airway obstruction. We report an unusual presentation of significant spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a term newborn delivered by elective cesarean section with no history of active resuscitation at birth. Timely diagnosis of SPM is important for both management and prognosis. We believe that lung ultrasound (LUS) is a promising screening tool for early detection of PM in neonates, and could help avoid unnecessary exposure to radiation in delicate neonates. More simultaneous studies comparing chest X-ray (CXR), LUS, and computed tomography (CT) scans may help to prove the utility value of point-of-care ultrasounds as a primary diagnostic tool in identifying this morbidity.

Revisiting the Definition of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Effect of Changing Panoply of Respiratory Support for Preterm Neonates.

Importance: Several definitions of bronchopulmonary dysplasia are clinically used; however, their validity remains uncertain considering ongoing changes in the panoply of respiratory support treatment strategies used within neonatal units. Objective: To identify the optimal definition of bronchopulmonary dysplasia that best predicts respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. Design, Setting, and Participants: Retrospective cohort study at tertiary neonatal intensive care units. Preterm infants born at less than 29 weeks' gestation between 2010 and 2011 who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units participating in the Canadian Neonatal Network and completed follow-up assessments in a Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network clinic at 18 to 21 months. Exposures: Various traditional bronchopulmonary dysplasia criteria based on respiratory status at different postmenstrual ages. Main Outcomes and Measures: Serious respiratory morbidity, neurosensory impairment at 18 to 21 months of age, and a composite outcome of respiratory or neurosensory morbidity or death after discharge. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% CIs were calculated. Results: Of 1914 eligible survivors, 1503 were assessed (mean gestational age was 26.3 weeks; 68% were white, 9% were black, and 23% were other race/ethnicity), 88 had serious respiratory morbidity, 257 infants had neurosensory impairment, and 12 infants died after discharge. Definitions using oxygen requirement alone as the criterion at various postmenstrual ages were less predictive compared with those using the criterion of oxygen/respiratory support (RS) (receiving supplemental oxygen and/or positive-pressure RS); among those, oxygen/RS at 36 weeks had the highest AOR and area under the curve (AUC) for all outcomes. Further analyses of oxygen/RS at each week between 34 and 44 weeks' postmenstrual age indicated that the predictive ability for serious respiratory morbidity increased from 34 weeks (AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 0.9-3.4, AUC, 0.721) to 40 weeks (AOR, 6.1; 95% CI, 3.4-11.0; AUC, 0.799). For serious neurosensory impairment, the AOR and AUC at 40 weeks' PMA (AOR, 1.5, 95% CI, 1.0-2.1; AUC, 0.740) were only marginally below their peak values at 37 weeks' PMA (AOR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.6; AUC, 0.743). Conclusions and Relevance: Defining bronchopulmonary dysplasia by the use of oxygen alone is inadequate because oxygen/RS is a better indicator of chronic respiratory insufficiency. In particular, oxygen/RS at 40 weeks' PMA was identified as the best predictor for serious respiratory morbidity, while it also displayed a good ability to predict neurosensory morbidity at 18 to 21 months.