Hemodynamic assessment by neonatologist using echocardiography: Primary provider versus consultation model.

Hemodynamic instability is very common in sick neonates and the currently used traditional hemodynamic monitoring tools lack sensitivity and specificity. Hemodynamic evaluation on echocardiography can provide direct information regarding the pathophysiology causing the hemodynamic instability and help the bedside clinician in making a personalized treatment approach based upon the deranged pathophysiology. Assessment of cardiac function and hemodynamics is essential in the management of neonates with cardiorespiratory failure, and hence neonatologist-performed echocardiography is becoming an essential tool in modern neonatal care. Depending on the level and size of the NICU, there is a daily need for echocardiography, and for a subset of sick infants, serial echocardiographic assessments are warranted. Comprehensive guidelines for neonatologists performing echocardiography and targeted neonatal echocardiography have been published providing a framework for training and quality assurance. There has been a significant interest among the providers to learn echocardiography skills. This manuscript explores the various needs of neonatal care providers around echocardiography, the current challenges neonatologists face in learning echocardiography, and how they, especially neonatal fellows, can learn these important skills during their training.

Current Trends in Invasive Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very Low Birth Weight Infants in United States Children's Hospitals, 2016-2021.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the current practices in invasive patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure (surgical ligation or transcatheter occlusion) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and changes in patient characteristics and outcomes from 2016 to 2021 among US children's hospitals. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated a retrospective cohort of VLBW infants (birth weight 400-1499 g and gestational age 22-31 weeks) who had invasive PDA closure within 6 months of age from 2016 to 2021 in children's hospitals in the Pediatric Health Information System. Changes in patient characteristics and outcomes over time were evaluated using generalized linear models and generalized linear mixed models. RESULTS: 2418 VLBW infants (1182 surgical ligation; 1236 transcatheter occlusion) from 42 hospitals were included. The proportion of infants receiving transcatheter occlusion increased from 17.2% in 2016 to 84.4% in 2021 (P < .001). In 2021, 28/42 (67%) hospitals had performed transcatheter occlusion in > 80% of their VLBW infants needing invasive PDA closure, compared with only 2/42 (5%) in 2016. Although median postmenstrual age (PMA) at PDA closure did not change for the overall cohort, PMA at transcatheter occlusion decreased from 38 weeks in 2016 to 31 weeks by 2020, P < .001. Among those infants not intubated prior to PDA closure, extubation within 3 days postprocedure increased over time (yearly adjusted odds ratios of 1.26 [1.08-1.48]). Length of stay and mortality did not change over time. CONCLUSION: We report rapid adoption of transcatheter occlusion for PDA among VLBW infants in US children's hospitals over time. Transcatheter occlusions were performed at younger PMA over time.

Effect of assessing velocity time integral at different locations across ventricular outflow tracts when calculating cardiac output in neonates.

This study aims to evaluate the effect of assessing velocity time integral at different locations across ventricular outflow tracts for calculating cardiac output (CO) in neonates. Velocity time integral (VTI) and CO were measured at 3 different locations across right and left ventricular outflow tracts using transthoracic echocardiography in healthy term neonates without any major congenital heart disease. ANOVA with Bonferroni correction was used to determine the differences between the VTI and CO sampled at these three locations. Forty-one neonates met inclusion criteria with mean gestational age of 38.6 ± 1 weeks and mean birth weight of 3155 ± 463 g. The median hours after birth when echocardiography was obtained was 23 h (range 11-68 h after birth). Left CO were 121 ± 30 mL/kg/min, 155 ± 38 mL/kg/min, and 176 ± 36 mL/kg/min measured below the valve, hinges of the valve, and tip of the valve, respectively. Right CO were 197 ± 73 mL/kg/min, 270 ± 83 mL/kg/min, and 329 ± 104 mL/kg/min measured below the valve, hinges of the valve, and tip of the valve, respectively. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.001) was found in the VTI and CO measured at the 3 different locations across both left and right ventricular outflow tracts.     Conclusions: There is a significant difference in measurements of VTI and CO depending on the location of Doppler gate sampling across the ventricular outflow tracts. Consistency and precision in Doppler gate location are essential for measuring VTI and calculating CO while assessing changes in hemodynamic status in critically ill infants. What is Known: • Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography is increasingly applied to measure cardiac output in critically ill neonates and serial assessments are performed to assess the trend in changes in cardiac output. • Noninvasive measurement using velocity time integral to calculate cardiac output is commonly performed. However, location of Doppler sample gate to measure ventricular outflow tract velocity time integral is not consistent. What is New: • Statistically significant changes in measured velocity time integral and cardiac output are noted based on the location of Doppler gate sampling. • To monitor the cardiac output for trending, it is important to be consistent with regards to the location of the Doppler sample gate to assess changes in cardiac output in critically ill newborns.

Effectiveness of Simulation Training in Acquiring Echocardiography Skills among Neonatology Care Providers.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that simulation training improves echocardiography skills. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective study, 43 participants (16 neonatologists, 26 neonatology fellows, and 1 nurse practitioner) were tested on the simulator after 4 hours of didactic sessions on topographical cardiac anatomy and standard echocardiographic views. Participants were given 20 minutes to obtain and save the standard views. After the simulation hands-on training for 8 hours over 3 days, they were tested again. Each image was scored from 0 to 3 based on the image quality. Pre- and postsimulator training data were compared using both automated and visual scoring methods. RESULTS: After the hands-on simulator training, the automated median (interquartile) score for the quality of acquired images increased from 36 (22, 43) to 55 (48, 58), p < 0.0001. The increase was similar using visual scoring. The number of views with acceptable or good image quality (scores of 2 or 3) increased from 11 (6, 16) to 20 (17, 21), p < 0.0001. The neonatology fellows and faculty, as well as those with or without prior echocardiography experience, demonstrated significant improvement. CONCLUSIONS: Echocardiography simulation is an effective tool in improving echocardiography skills among neonatology care providers. KEY POINTS: · Simulation is effective in acquiring echocardiography skills among neonatology care providers.. · Simulation improves image acquisition in those with and without prior echocardiography experience.. · Effectiveness of simulation in retaining the acquired echocardiography skill should be investigated..

Development and validation of an automated assessment tool of echocardiography skills acquired on a neonatal simulator.

INTRODUCTION: Simulators are increasingly used for training in echocardiography. However, there is no objective method to assess the skills acquired. Our objective was to develop and test an automated method to assess echocardiography skills. METHODS: To automate the image quality evaluation, we expanded our previously developed neonatal echocardiography simulator to enable recording of images of the 26 standard cuts and process the image quality. We then compared the automated and visual methods in scoring image quality of the echocardiograms obtained by 22 trainees. RESULTS: Each echocardiographic image representing a slice of a three-dimensional volume possesses 3 axes (X, Y, and Z) that correspond to the roll, pitch, and yaw angles of the transducer, respectively. Therefore, if the placement and orientation of the transducer are correct, the acquired image represents the appropriate cardiac window with the desired orientation in all 3 axes. The automated system gives a score of 0 if the transducer is not in the appropriate cardiac window. A score of 1, 2, or 3 is given if the image falls within the range of one, two, or three angles, respectively. There was no difference in the image quality score between automated and visual assessment methods (46.0 ± 13.0 vs 45.1 ± 14.4, P = .19). The two methods had excellent correlation (r = .95). The bias and precision were 0.9 and 8.8, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The automated method is comparable to visual method for assessment of image quality. The automated process allows for instantaneous feedback and has the potential to standardize assessment of echocardiography skills of trainees.

Effects of Patent Ductus Arteriosus on Organ Blood Flow in Infants Born Very Preterm: A Prospective Study with Serial Echocardiography.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the effects of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on different organ blood flows in infants born preterm. STUDY DESIGN: Infants born preterm at ≤30 weeks of gestational age had daily echocardiography and Doppler assessments of middle cerebral artery, celiac artery, superior mesenteric (SMA), and renal arteries (RA) during the first postnatal week. Abnormal organ blood flow was defined as either reverse or absent diastolic flow, abnormally low mean or systolic velocities, or abnormally high pulsatility or resistance index. RESULTS: Twenty-five infants born very preterm (gestational age 27.0 ± 2.1 weeks) were enrolled. PDA presence at time of measurement increased the risk of abnormal organ blood flows (39% vs 8%, P < .001). Ductal diameter and left atrium-to-aortic root (LA/Ao) ratio correlated positively with resistance index (celiac artery, SMA, RA), and negatively with mean velocity (ductal diameter: SMA, RA; LA/Ao ratio: RA). A PDA >2.0 mm, LA/Ao ratio >1.4, and their combination were associated with 8.0 (95% CI 1.6-39.4)-, 6.7 (1.3-34.7)-, and 38.2 (3.2-455.5)-fold increase in risk of abnormal organ blood flow index, respectively. Abnormal descending aorta flow was detected in only 2% of measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Ductal size >2.0 mm and LA/Ao >1.4, especially in combination, are associated with a greater risk of abnormal organ blood flows. We suggest that Doppler assessment of the renal and superior mesenteric arteries are more likely to detect systemic hypoperfusion than the descending aorta.

Inhaled nitric oxide as an adjunct to neonatal resuscitation in premature infants: a pilot, double blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in normal postnatal transition. Our aims were to determine whether adding inhaled NO (iNO) decreases supplemental oxygen exposure in preterm infants requiring positive pressure ventilation (PPV) during resuscitation and to study iNO effects on heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO2), and need for intubation during the first 20 min of life. METHODS: This was a pilot, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Infants 25 0/7-31 6/7 weeks' gestational age requiring PPV with supplemental oxygen during resuscitation were enrolled. PPV was initiated with either oxygen (FiO2-0.30) + iNO at 20 ppm (iNO group) or oxygen (FiO2-0.30) + nitrogen (placebo group). Oxygen was titrated targeting defined SpO2 per current guidelines. After 10 min, iNO/nitrogen was weaned stepwise per protocol and terminated at 17 min. RESULTS: Twenty-eight infants were studied (14 per group). The mean gestational age in both groups was similar. Cumulative FiO2 and rate of exposure to high FiO2 (>0.60) were significantly lower in the iNO group. There were no differences in HR, SpO2, and need for intubation. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of iNO as an adjunct during neonatal resuscitation is feasible without side effects. It diminishes exposure to high levels of supplemental oxygen.

Predictors of Respiratory Improvement 1 Week after Ligation of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize preterm infants that demonstrates respiratory improvement 7 days after ligation of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). STUDY DESIGN: We performed a 2-phase study of preterm infants (birthweight <1500 g between 2010 and 2016). We first did a retrospective analysis using regression modeling of ligation population. We then performed a case-control study comparing a ligation group with infants matched by gestational age, postnatal age, and preligation respiratory condition (ventilator mode, mean airway pressure [MAP], and fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2]). Respiratory improvement was defined as either extubation, downgrading of ventilatory mode, reduction in MAP >25%, or decrease in FiO2 >25%. RESULTS: Forty-five (42%) of 107 preterm infants (gestational age 25.5 ± 1.7 weeks) with ligation showed respiratory improvement at 7 days. Infants on high frequency ventilation (HFV) were more likely to have respiratory improvement (aOR 5.03, 95% CI [1.14-22.18]). In matched-control analysis of 89 pairs, there was no difference in respiratory improvement. Among infants on HFV, the ligation group had an increase in MAP during 3 days prior to ligation. For infants on conventional ventilation, the ligation group had higher MAP and FiO2 than the control group during the first 2-3 postoperative days. CONCLUSIONS: Among infants undergoing PDA ligation, those on HFV were more likely to have respiratory improvement in the first week, possibly because of the prevention of further respiratory deterioration. For infants on conventional ventilation, ligation was associated with higher respiratory support in the immediate postligation period without respiratory benefits at 7 days. As HFV was used as a rescue mode, our findings suggest that those with worse lung disease may achieve greater short term benefit from PDA ligation.

Hemodynamic Changes During Rewarming Phase of Whole-Body Hypothermia Therapy in Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To delineate the systemic and cerebral hemodynamic response to incremental increases in core temperature during the rewarming phase of therapeutic hypothermia in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). STUDY DESIGN: Continuous hemodynamic data, including heart rate (HR), mean arterial blood pressure (MBP), cardiac output by electrical velocimetry (COEV), arterial oxygen saturation, and renal (RrSO2) and cerebral (CrSO2) regional tissue oxygen saturation, were collected from 4 hours before the start of rewarming to 1 hour after the completion of rewarming. Serial echocardiography and transcranial Doppler were performed at 3 hours and 1 hour before the start of rewarming (T-3 and T-1; "baseline") and at 2, 4, and 7 hours after the start of rewarming (T+2, T+4, and T+7; "rewarming") to determine Cardiac output by echocardiography (COecho), stroke volume, fractional shortening, and middle cerebral artery (MCA) flow velocity indices. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Twenty infants with HIE were enrolled (mean gestational age, 38.8 ± 2 weeks; mean birth weight, 3346 ± 695 g). During rewarming, HR, COecho, and COEV increased from baseline to T+7, and MBP decreased. Despite an increase in fractional shortening, stroke volume remained unchanged. RrSO2 increased, and renal fractional oxygen extraction (FOE) decreased. MCA peak systolic flow velocity increased. There were no changes in CrSO2 or cerebral FOE. CONCLUSIONS: In neonates with HIE, CO significantly increases throughout rewarming. This is due to an increase in HR rather than stroke volume and is associated with an increase in renal blood flow. The lack of change in cerebral tissue oxygen saturation and extraction, in conjunction with an increase in MCA peak systolic velocity, suggests that cerebral flow metabolism coupling remained intact during rewarming.

Changes in cardiac function and cerebral blood flow in relation to peri/intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether changes in cardiac function and cerebral blood flow (CBF) precede the occurrence of peri/intraventricular hemorrhage (P/IVH) in extremely preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective observational study, 22 preterm infants (gestational age 25.9 ± 1.2 weeks; range 23-27 weeks) were monitored between 4 and 76 hours after birth. Cardiac function and changes in CBF and P/IVH were assessed by ultrasound every 12 hours. Changes in CBF were also followed by continuous monitoring of cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) and by calculating cerebral fractional oxygen extraction. RESULTS: Five patients developed P/IVH (1 patient grade II and 4 patients grade IV). Whereas measures of cardiac function and CBF remained unchanged in neonates without P/IVH, patients with P/IVH tended to have lower left ventricular output and had lower left ventricle stroke volume and cerebral rSO2 and higher cerebral fractional oxygen extraction during the first 12 hours of the study. By 28 hours, these variables were similar in the 2 groups and myocardial performance index was lower and middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity higher in the P/IVH group. P/IVH was detected after these changes occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac function and CBF remain stable in very preterm neonates who do not develop P/IVH during the first 3 postnatal days. In very preterm neonates developing P/IVH during this period, lower systemic perfusion and CBF followed by an increase in these variables precede the development of P/IVH. Monitoring cardiac function and cerebral rSO2 may identify infants at higher risk for developing P/IVH before the bleeding occurs.

Hypotension following patent ductus arteriosus ligation: the role of adrenal hormones.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that an impaired adrenal response to stress might play a role in the hypotension that follows patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) ligation. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a multicenter study of infants born at <32 weeks' gestation who were about to undergo PDA ligation. Serum adrenal steroids were measured 3 times: before and after a cosyntropin (1.0 µg/kg) stimulation test (performed before the ligation), and at 10-12 hours after the ligation. A standardized approach for diagnosis and treatment of postoperative hypotension was followed at each site. A modified inotrope score (1 × dopamine [µg/kg/min] + 1 × dobutamine) was used to monitor the catecholamine support an infant received. Infants were considered to have catecholamine-resistant hypotension if their greatest inotrope score was >15. RESULTS: Of 95 infants enrolled, 43 (45%) developed hypotension and 14 (15%) developed catecholamine-resistant hypotension. Low postoperative cortisol levels were not associated with the overall incidence of hypotension after ligation. However, low cortisol levels were associated with the refractoriness of the hypotension to catecholamine treatment. In a multivariate analysis: the OR for developing catecholamine-resistant hypotension was OR 36.6, 95% CI 2.8-476, P = .006. Low cortisol levels (in infants with catecholamine-resistant hypotension) were not attributable to adrenal immaturity or impairment; their cortisol precursor concentrations were either low or unchanged, and their response to cosyntropin was similar to infants without catecholamine-resistant hypotension. CONCLUSION: Infants with low cortisol concentrations after PDA ligation are likely to develop postoperative catecholamine-resistant hypotension. We speculate that decreased adrenal stimulation, rather than an impaired adrenal response to stimulation, may account for the decreased production.

Effect of carbon dioxide on cerebral blood flow velocity in preterm infants during postnatal transition.

AIM: High arterial carbon dioxide (PaCO2 ) and cerebral reperfusion are associated with peri/intraventricular haemorrhage. Our aim was to study the relationship between PaCO2 and cerebral blood flow (CBF) in preterm infants during postnatal transition. METHODS: We prospectively studied ≤30 weeks' gestation haemodynamically stable preterm infants during the first three postnatal days (n = 21; gestational age 25.8 ± 1.4 weeks). We measured middle cerebral artery mean flow velocity (MCA-MV) as a surrogate for CBF at the time of blood gas analysis. RESULTS: We obtained 78 PaCO2 -MCA-MV data pairs. The expected positive linear relationship between PaCO2 and MCA-MV was absent on the first postnatal day, equivocal on the second and present on the third. Using piecewise bilinear regression models, we identified PaCO2 breakpoints at 52.7 and 51.0 mmHg for postnatal days two and three, respectively. CONCLUSION: In haemodynamically stable preterm neonates, the expected positive linear relationship between PaCO2 and CBF may be absent on postnatal day one. On postnatal day three, and possibly day two, a PaCO2 threshold exists for this relationship, above which CBF becomes reactive to PaCO2 . We speculate that the enhanced CBF response to PaCO2 above the threshold contributes to the reperfusion injury and partly explains the association between hypercapnia and peri/intraventricular haemorrhage.

Guidelines and Recommendations for Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography and Cardiac Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: An Update from the American Society of Echocardiography.

Targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) involves the use of comprehensive echocardiography to appraise cardiovascular physiology and neonatal hemodynamics to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic precision in the neonatal intensive care unit. Since the last publication of guidelines for TNE in 2011, the field has matured through the development of formalized neonatal hemodynamics fellowships, clinical programs, and the expansion of scientific knowledge to further enhance clinical care. The most common indications for TNE include adjudication of hemodynamic significance of a patent ductus arteriosus, evaluation of acute and chronic pulmonary hypertension, evaluation of right and left ventricular systolic and/or diastolic function, and screening for pericardial effusions and/or malpositioned central catheters. Neonatal cardiac point-of-care ultrasound (cPOCUS) is a limited cardiovascular evaluation which may include line tip evaluation, identification of pericardial effusion and differentiation of hypovolemia from severe impairment in myocardial contractility in the hemodynamically unstable neonate. This document is the product of an American Society of Echocardiography task force composed of representatives from neonatology-hemodynamics, pediatric cardiology, pediatric cardiac sonography, and neonatology-cPOCUS. This document provides (1) guidance on the purpose and rationale for both TNE and cPOCUS, (2) an overview of the components of a standard TNE and cPOCUS evaluation, (3) disease and/or clinical scenario-based indications for TNE, (4) training and competency-based evaluative requirements for both TNE and cPOCUS, and (5) components of quality assurance. The writing group would like to acknowledge the contributions of Dr. Regan Giesinger who sadly passed during the final revisions phase of these guidelines. Her contributions to the field of neonatal hemodynamics were immense.

pH effects on cardiac function and systemic vascular resistance in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of pH on cardiac function and systemic vascular resistance (SVR) in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective observational study, we evaluated hemodynamically stable, ≤ 30 weeks' gestation preterm infants during the first 2 postnatal weeks. Cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography at the time of arterial blood draw for clinically indicated blood gas analysis. Data were separately analyzed for the transitional (days 1-3) and post-transitional (days 4-14) periods. RESULTS: We evaluated 147 pairs of arterial blood gases and echocardiograms in 29 preterm neonates (gestational age = 26.2 ± 1.5 weeks). Arterial pH ranged from 7.02-7.46. There was no linear relationship between pH and shortening fraction or stress-velocity index in transitional or post-transitional periods. We found a weak negative linear relationship between pH and left ventricular output and a positive linear relationship between pH and SVR only during the post-transitional period. These relationships were maintained after adjustment for the degree of base deficit. Arterial CO2 had effects similar to pH on myocardial function. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike adults, myocardial contractility remains relatively unaffected by acidosis even at pH values close to 7.00 in hemodynamically stable preterm neonates during the first 2 postnatal weeks. However, as in adults, worsening acidosis in preterm neonates after the immediate transitional period is associated with a decrease in SVR along with an increase in left ventricular output. Thus, although myocardial contractility remains unaffected in preterm neonates during the first 2 postnatal weeks, the vascular response to acidosis undergoes a relatively rapid postnatal maturational process.

Transitional changes in cardiac and cerebral hemodynamics in term neonates at birth.

OBJECTIVE: To describe cardiac function, cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO(2)), and cerebral blood flow (CBF) that correspond to changes in arterial oxygen saturation (SaO(2)) in normal term neonates immediately after birth and after the transition. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective observational study, cardiac function and cerebral hemodynamics were assessed by echocardiography and Doppler ultrasonography 3 times during the first 20 minutes after vaginal delivery, then again at 24-48 hours after delivery. Cerebral rSO(2) (by near-infrared spectroscopy) and preductal SaO(2) (by pulse oximetry) were assessed continuously. RESULTS: In 20 neonates, SaO(2) increased progressively from 65% at 1 minute after birth to 97% at 17 minutes after birth. Cerebral rSO(2) increased from 47% at 1 minute to 83% at 8 minutes, then decreased progressively to 73% at 20 minutes. Middle cerebral artery mean velocity decreased from 34 cm/s at 7 minutes to 25 cm/s at 14 minutes. The patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) shunt was balanced at 5 minutes but became increasingly left to right. Left ventricular stroke volume was increased. Middle cerebral artery mean velocity demonstrated an inverse relationship with the PDA shunt. Further hemodynamic changes were noted on the posttransitional assessment. CONCLUSION: After birth, ductal shunting rapidly changes from balanced to left to right, with a responsive increase in left ventricular stroke volume. Cerebral rSO(2) increases as SaO(2) rises during the first 8 minutes, subsequently, it decreases due to a drop in CBF and despite a further increase in SaO(2). The reduction in CBF is likely due to an increase in arterial O(2) content, PDA shunting, or both.

Exchange of peripherally inserted central catheters is associated with an increased risk for bloodstream infection.

It is not uncommon that the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) needs to be replaced either due to blockage or migration to a peripheral position. In such circumstances, there are two methods of PICC placement: new-site insertion and exchange by using the old PICC as a guide wire. Our objective was to investigate risk of infection associated with the exchange method. In this retrospective study, data on all PICC insertions in the neonatal intensive care unit in 2004 to 2008 were obtained. In the population who needed removal of existing PICC and insertion of a new one, we compared central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) within 1 week of insertion between the two insertion methods. Of 1148 PICC insertions reviewed, 164 (103 new-site and 61 exchange insertions) were performed after removal of a blocked/malpositioned PICC and therefore comprised the study population. The rate of CLABSI was higher in the exchange method (9.8% versus 1%, P < 0.007). After adjusting for the confounders, the odds for CLABSI within 7 days of PICC insertion was higher with the exchange method (odds ratio 25.2, 95% confidence interval: 2.17 to 292.98; P = 0.01). In infants, insertion of PICCs using the exchange method carries an increased risk of bloodstream infection.

Recognition and management of neonatal hemodynamic compromise.

Hemodynamic compromise of the neonate can occur in various clinical situations, including but not limited to maladaptation during the early transitional period, sepsis, congenital heart anomalies, hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, systemic inflammatory diseases such as necrotizing enterocolitis, and dehydration. Despite the handful of advances in neonatal care through ground-breaking clinical trials, the management of neonatal shock is often dependent on the bedside clinician's experience and training without the aid of high-level evidence. However, the recognition for the importance of comprehensive and serial hemodynamic assessment is growing. There is now a wealth of literature investigating the use of functional echocardiography, near-infrared spectroscopy, and noninvasive impedance-based cardiometry to complement common bedside hemodynamic measures such as blood pressure and heart rate measurement. In this review article, the pathophysiology of neonatal hemodynamic compromise is outlined, and concomitant best-evidence management for hemodynamic compromise in the neonate is proposed.

Corticosteroids for Neonatal Hypotension.

Several limitations and controversies surround the definition of hypotension; however, it remains one of the most common problems faced by neonates. Approximately 15% to 30% of neonates with hypotension fail to respond to volume and/or vasopressor or inotropes. They are considered to have refractory hypotension. Although it is thought to have multiple causes, absolute and relative adrenal insufficiency is considered as the main reason for refractory hypotension. This article focuses on the role of adrenal insufficiency in causing refractory hypotension in preterm and term infants, the different options of corticosteroids available, and their risk/benefit profiles.

Hemodynamic management in chronically ventilated infants.

Positive pressure ventilation can significantly alter hemodynamics. The reduction in systemic venous return and increase in right ventricular afterload in response to an inappropriately high mean airway pressure can decrease pulmonary blood flow and compromise systemic perfusion as a result. In addition to ventilator parameters, the degree of hemodynamic effects depends on the baseline cardiac function and lung compliance. Furthermore, the chronically ventilated infants often have a multitude of comorbidities which may also impact hemodynamics. These include pulmonary and systemic hypertension which can lead to myocardial dysfunction as a result of the increase in the right and left ventricular afterload, respectively. In this section, we aim to outline the hemodynamic changes associated with chronic lung disease and mechanical ventilation and discuss management options.