Association between affective disorders presenting before and during pregnancy and pre-term birth, considering socio-demographic factors, obstetric factors, health conditions, and use of medication.

OBJECTIVE: To study the relationship between maternal affective disorders (AD) before and during pregnancy, and pre-term birth. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. LOCATION: Sexual and reproductive health units at the Institut Català de la Salut (ICS) in Catalonia, Spain. PARTICIPANTS: Pregnant women with a result of live-born child from 1/1/2012 to 30/10/2015. INTERVENTIONS: Data were obtained from the ICS Primary Care electronic medical record. MAIN MEASUREMENTS: Diagnosis of AD before and during pregnancy, months of pregnancy, and possible confusion factors were collected. Descriptive statistical analysis (median, interquartile range, and absolute and relative frequency), bivariate analysis (Wilcoxon test and Chi-square test), and multivariate analysis (logistic regression) were performed. RESULTS: 102,086 women presented valid information for the study. Prevalence of AD during pregnancy was 3.5% (4.29% in pre-term and 3.46% in term births; p<0.004). Pregnant women with pre-term births presented a higher age, smoking habit, lower inter-pregnancy interval, and a lower socio-economic status. Pre-term birth was significantly associated to previous history of stress and dissociative disorder (SDD), anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders (ED), and use of antidepressants. It was also associated to abuse of alcohol, smoking, and use of psychoactive substances, as well as SDD, ED, use of antipsychotics, and divorce during pregnancy. Multivariate analysis confirmed the relationship between pre-term birth and history of AD, SDD, ED, and smoking, but not with AD during pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Examining the previous history of SDD and ED in pregnant women, and SDD, and ED during pregnancy is highly relevant to avoid pre-term birth.

[Frecuencia y gravedad de la retinopatía del prematuro en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales].

INTRODUCTION: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease where retinal blood vessels do not develop normally and may cause visual damage and blindness. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency and severity of ROP in preterm newborns. METHOD: A descriptive, comparative study was carried out within the 2009-2013 period. Patients' general characteristics were recorded, including gestational age and postmenstrual age at the moment of ophthalmologic examination, as well as ROP severity and type of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 326 preterm newborns were included: 47.8 % (n = 156) had ROP; in 21.1 % it was severe (stage ≥ 3). Median gestational age was 28 weeks in preterm newborns with ROP, median birth weight was 1000 g, and median postmenstrual age at ophthalmological examination was 36 weeks. Of the infants with ROP, 71.1 % received treatment: 63.4 % of those who had mild ROP and 100 % of those with severe ROP. CONCLUSIONS: ROP frequency was high, higher than that reported in developed countries and similar to that in developing countries. The frequency of severe ROP was also higher. It is necessary for effective programs for the detection and opportune treatment of ROP to be established.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La retinopatía del prematuro (ROP) es una enfermedad en la que los vasos sanguíneos de la retina no se desarrollan normalmente, lo que puede ocasionar daño visual y ceguera. OBJETIVO: Identificar la frecuencia y gravedad de la ROP en recién nacidos prematuros. MÉTODO: Estudio descriptivo comparativo realizado en el periodo 2009-2013. Se registraron características generales de los pacientes, edad posnatal y edad posconcepcional al momento de la exploración oftalmológica, así como gravedad y tratamiento de la ROP. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 326 recién nacidos prematuros: 47.8 % (n = 156) tuvo ROP, en 21.1 % fue grave (estadio ≥ 3). La mediana de la edad gestacional fue de 28 semanas en los recién nacidos prematuros con ROP, el peso al nacer fue de 1000 g y la edad posconcepcional a la exploración oftalmológica fue de 36 semanas. De los niños con ROP, 71.1 % recibió tratamiento, 63.4 % de aquellos que tuvieron ROP leve y 100 % de aquellos con ROP grave. CONCLUSIONES: La frecuencia de ROP fue alta, mayor a la reportada en los países desarrollados y similar a la de otros países en desarrollo. La frecuencia de ROP grave también fue mayor. Es necesario establecer programas efectivos de detección y tratamiento oportuno de ROP.

[Successful endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysm secondary to infection of the umbilical artery catheter in preterm infants]. / Tratamiento endovascular exitoso de aneurisma de aorta torácica secundario a infección de catéter de arteria umbilical en un recién nacido pretérmino.

UNLABELLED: Aortic aneurysms (AA) in the paediatric population are uncommon. The use of umbilical catheters in neonates has been associated with infections and, on some occasions, the formation of aortic aneurysms. The surgical repair of these aneurysms is one type of treatment; however, percutaneous intervention with stents could provide an alternative treatment route, with fewer complications. The aim of this report is to present the therapeutic scope of a hybrid procedure, in which the combined surgical and percutaneous technique offers a less invasive alternative to open surgery for the repair of aortic aneurysms or their main branches. CLINICAL CASE: The case concerns a pre-term newborn of 30 weeks weighing 1,335 g. An umbilical catheter was introduced, which was withdrawn at 14 days due to an infection. It developed as Staphylococcus aureus with sepsis. The echocardiogram and Angio-CT confirmed AA, which were managed using a hybrid procedure of surgery and the endovascular implantation of 2 coated stents (Atrium V12 XR Medical Corp, Hudson, NH). The post-procedure clinical follow-ups, including abdominal echo-tomography, confirmed the success of the treatment. CONCLUSION: The endovascular aortic aneurysm repair procedure in premature newborns may be considered when deciding treatment of this disease, and could avoid the risks associated with open surgery. However, follow-up and monitoring is required while the patient grows up, due to the possibility that the implanted stents require re-dilating. The outcomes of neonatal endovascular procedures in the future are unknown.

[Feeding and growth patterns in preterm children at 3-4 years of age]. / Patrones de alimentación y crecimiento de los niños prematuros a los 3-4 años de vida.

Introduction: Aim: to describe the feeding and growth patterns of preterm-born children at preschool age, considering feeding problems based on behaviours and skills, diet quality and parental feeding practices. Methods: a cross-sectional study was performed on preterm children born in Asturias (Spain) in 2016 (n = 94). When preterm-born children reached 3-4 years of age their families were asked to complete the Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale and a food frequency questionnaire to identify possible feeding problems and assess diet quality (KIDMED index), respectively. Self-reported anthropometric data were also collected to assess weight growth. Electronic health records were reviewed to gather gestational and neonatal clinical data. Results: feeding problems were found in 7.4 % of children and 20.2 % of parents. According to the KIDMED index, 25.5 % of children had a high-quality diet. Feeding problems were higher in children born before 32 weeks of gestation, and decreased in frequency as the gestational age increased (p = 0.030). No differences were found in parental feeding practices (p = 0.455) or diet quality according to gestational age (p = 0.399), but body weight at 3-4 years was lower in preterm-born children (p = 0.015). Conclusions: feeding patterns of preterm-born children were suitable at the age of 3-4 years, but diet quality was moderate to poor in the majority of children. Follow-up of very preterm children beyond 3-4 years of age becomes necessary as they displayed more feeding problems and lower body weight.

Introducción: Objetivo: describir el patrón de alimentación y crecimiento de los niños prematuros en edad preescolar, incluyendo los problemas de alimentación basados en sus conductas y habilidades, la calidad de la dieta y el afrontamiento de sus padres. Métodos: estudio transversal de niños prematuros nacidos en Asturias en 2016 (n = 94). A los 3-4 años se contactó con las familias y se utilizó el cuestionario Behavioral Pediatrics Feeding Assessment Scale para identificar problemas en la alimentación, y el índice KIDMED para resumir la calidad de la dieta. También se recopilaron datos antropométricos autoinformados para evaluar el crecimiento ponderal. Se revisaron las historias clínicas electrónicas para recopilar información gestacional y neonatal. Resultados: el 7,4 % de los niños y el 20,2 % de los padres presentaron problemas relacionados con la alimentación infantil. El 25,5 % tenían un patrón dietético de alta calidad. En los prematuros < 32 semanas se identificaron más conductas alimentarias alteradas, disminuyendo su frecuencia al incrementarse su edad gestacional (p = 0,030). No se observaron diferencias en las conductas de los padres (p = 0,455), ni en la calidad de la dieta según la edad gestacional (p = 0,399), pero sí en el peso, que fue menor en los muy prematuros (p = 0,015). Conclusiones: el patrón de alimentación de los prematuros a los 3-4 años y las estrategias de sus padres fueron adecuados, y la calidad de la dieta moderada. Es importante un adecuado seguimiento de los prematuros con menor edad gestacional, ya que presentaron más dificultades en la alimentación y menor peso.

[Comparison of unfavorable perinatal outcomes in primiparous adolescents and adults]. / Comparación de resultados perinatales desfavorables en primigestas adolescentes y adultas.

Background: Adolescent pregnancy may be associated with medical complications related to the biological immaturity of the mother, and adult primiparous mothers may present perinatal outcomes associated with pre-existing age-related chronic changes. Objective: To compare unfavorable perinatal outcomes in adolescent and adult primiparous women. Material and methods: Observational, cross-sectional, retrospective and analytical study. Records of adolescent women from 12-19 years and adult women from 20-40 years in their first pregnancy, with a gestation of more than 20 weeks, who entered the Obstetrics Area of a third level hospital for pregnancy resolution were included. Perinatal outcomes were compared using chi-squared, Fisher's exact test, or Mann-Whitney U test. Results: 220 records of primiparous women, 110 adolescents aged 18 (16-19) and 110 adults aged 24 (21-25) were included. Adolescent mothers presented as unfavorable perinatal outcomes newborns (NB) small-for-gestational-age (SGA): odds ratio (OR) 2.95 (95%CI 1.10-7.85), p = 0.04. Adult pregnant women presented more comorbidities (gestational hypertension [11.82 vs. 3.64%] and preeclampsia [10.91 vs. 4.55%], gestational diabetes [6.36 vs. 0.91%], [p = 0.006]) that were associated with prematurity (p = 0.018) and with hospitalization in the NB (p = 0.008). Conclusions: Adolescent mothers presented twice more SGA NB. Prematurity and hospitalization of the NB was associated with the presence of comorbidities in adult mothers.

Introducción: el embarazo en la adolescencia puede estar asociado a complicaciones médicas relacionadas con la inmadurez biológica de la madre y las madres primigestas adultas pueden presentar resultados perinatales asociados a alteraciones crónicas preexistentes relacionadas con la edad. Objetivo: comparar los resultados perinatales desfavorables en primigestas adolescentes y adultas. Material y métodos: estudio observacional, transversal, retrospectivo y analítico. Se incluyeron expedientes de mujeres adolescentes de 12-19 años de edad y mujeres adultas de 20-40 años primigestas, con gestación mayor de 20 semanas, que ingresaron al área de Obstetricia de un hospital de tercer nivel para resolución del embarazo. Los resultados perinatales se compararon con chi cuadrada, prueba exacta de Fisher o U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: se incluyeron 220 expedientes de mujeres primigestas, 110 adolescentes de 18 (16-19) años y 110 adultas de 24 (21-25) años. Las madres adolescentes presentaron como resultados perinatales desfavorables a recién nacidos (RN) con peso bajo para edad gestacional (PBEG): razón de momios (RM) 2.95 (IC 95% 1.10-7.85), p = 0.04. Las embarazadas adultas presentaron más comorbilidades (hipertensión gestacional [11.82 frente a 3.64%] y preeclampsia [10.91 frente a 4.55%], diabetes gestacional [6.36 frente a 0.91%], [p = 0.006]) que se asociaron con prematurez (p = 0.018) y con la hospitalización en el RN (p = 0.008). Conclusiones: las madres adolescentes presentaron dos veces más RN con PBEG. La prematurez y la hospitalizacion del RN se asoció a la presencia de comorbilidades de las madres adultas.

Weight gain speed and z-score behavior in large prematures for gestational age.

Introduction: Objective: to investigate the speed of weight gain (WG) and the z-score (E-z) of weight in premature neonates large for gestational age (LGA) during four weeks of hospitalization. Methods: a retrospective longitudinal study with premature neonates in a neonatal intensive care unit at a university hospital. Data were obtained from January 2017 to December 2018; 115 babies with gestational age (GA) ≥ 27 and < 37 weeks, non-twin, AGA or LGA were included. The WG (g/kg/day) was obtained from the nadir weight and the E-z was calculated online based on the Intergrowth-21st curves. Repeated-measures ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used to assess the association between WP and E-z and explanatory variables; p < 5 %. Results: mean GA was 32.5 weeks, birth weight was 1910 g and weight loss was 5 % at 7 days. WG was lower in LGA babies, with GI between 32 and 37 weeks (LGA, 9.2 ± 5.6 g/kg/day vs AGA, 13.9 ± 6.0 g/kg/day). The change in WG was explained by protein supply in AGA (B = 2.5 g/kg/day; 95 % CI, 0.7 to 4.3; and ß = 0.543) and by GA in LGA (B = -0.05 g/kg/day; 95 % CI, -0.09 to -0.02; and ß = -0.574). In the 4th week of hospitalization, weight E-z decreased similarly for LGAs and AGAs, and this variation was explained by growth. Conclusions: premature LGAs had lower WG compared to AGAs during the neonatal period. The linear and brain growth explained the variation in weight E-z among these preterms.

Introducción: Objetivo: Investigar la velocidad de la ganancia de peso (GP) y la puntuación z (E-z) de peso en neonatos prematuros grandes para la edad gestacional (GEG) durante cuatro semanas de hospitalización. Métodos: estudio longitudinal retrospectivo con neonatos prematuros de una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales de un hospital universitario. Los datos se obtuvieron desde enero de 2017 hasta diciembre de 2018. Se incluyeron 115 bebés con edad gestacional (EG) ≥ 27 y < 37 semanas, no gemelos, AEG o GEG. El GP (g/kg/día) se obtuvo a partir del peso nadir y el E-z se calculó en línea basado en las curvas Intergrowth-21st. Se utilizaron el ANOVA de medidas repetidas y la regresión lineal múltiple para evaluar la asociación entre GP y E-z y las variables explicativas; p < 5 %. Resultados: la EG media fue de 32,5 semanas, el peso al nacer de 1910 g y la pérdida de peso del 5 % a los 7 días. El GP fue menor en los bebés GEG, con EG entre 32 y 37 semanas (GEG: 9,2 ± 5,6 g/kg/día vs. AEG: 13,9 ± 6,0 g/kg/día). El cambio en el GP se explicó por el suministro de proteínas en los AEG (B = 2,5 g/kg/día; IC 95 %: 0,7 a 4,3; y ß = 0,543) y por EG en los GEG (B = -0,05 g/kg/día; IC 95 %: -0,09 a -0,02; y ß = -0,574). En la 4ª semana de hospitalización, el peso E-z se redujo de manera similar en los GEG y los AEG, y esta variación se explicó por el crecimiento. Conclusiones: los prematuros GEG tuvieron un menor GP en comparación con los AEG durante el periodo neonatal. El crecimiento lineal y cerebral explicó la variación del peso E-z de estos prematuros.

CUIDAR-MaPre scale validation: A tool to measure the caregiving competence of mothers of premature infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the validity and reliability of the CUIDAR instrument in mothers of premature infants. METHOD: Cross-sectional validation study. The study was conducted in two stages. First stage: literature review, semantic adequacy, and judgement with 7 experts to establish content validity. In the second stage, the psychometric properties of the instrument were evaluated by exploratory factor analysis after its application to 207 mothers of premature infants. RESULTS: In the expert's judgment, the content validity index was higher than 0.8, which indicated adequate representativeness of the items. Agreement between judges was moderate with a Fleiss Kappa of 0.51. The exploratory factor analysis established the adequacy of the sample with a Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin statistic of 0.859 and Bartlett's test of sphericity 2953.9 (p = 0.000). After considering various scenarios, a 7-dimensional, 33-item model explained 57.9% of the variance, with an overall Cronbach's alpha of 0.852 and adequate goodness-of-fit indices. The goodness-of-fit tests allowed us to establish through statistical significance χ2 = 0.01, CFI = 0.92, BIC ≥ 10 and RMSEA = 0.05 indicating that the model has a good fit. CONCLUSIONS: A new model was identified based on the items and dimensions of the CUIDAR instrument, which allows us to assess the competence of mothers to care for their premature children in a valid and reliable way.

Prenatal therapy with magnesium sulphate and intestinal obstruction due to meconium in preterm newborns.

INTRODUCTION: Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) therapy has shown to be useful as a neurological protector in the preterm newborn below 32 weeks of gestation. The most documented adverse effect is cardiorespiratory failure, whereas its relationship with meconium obstruction is controversial. The main objective of this study was to analyse the possible association between prenatal MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An analytical retrospective study was conducted on <32 weeks preterm babies admitted to a tertiary-level hospital (January 2016-December 2017). Epidemiological, prenatal and postnatal data on the outcomes were obtained, analysed and compared in both groups (exposed to MgSO4 and not exposed). RESULTS: The study included 201 patients (146 exposed and 55 non-exposed). There were no significant differences in the mean gestational age (28.4 ±â€¯2.2 vs. 28.7 ±â€¯2.8 weeks, respectively), or in the rest of epidemiological and perinatal variables. Prenatal corticosteroid therapy was more frequent in the MgSO4 group (75.9 vs. 53.7%; p = .002), and in the non-exposed group there were more multiple pregnancies (52.7 vs. 36.6%; p = .027), and female gender (56.4 vs. 37%; p = .013). There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of meconium obstruction (75.9% in exposed vs. 67.3% in non-exposed; p = .23), although repeated rectal stimulation was more frequent in the exposed group (43.2 vs. 27.9%; p = .08). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the main cardiorespiratory variables: 1-min Apgar score (6.2 in MgSO4- exposed vs. 5.6 in non-exposed; p = .75), 5-min Apgar score (7.9 vs. 7.6; p = .31), advanced newborn resuscitation (26 vs. 31.5%; p = .44), maximum FiO2 (45.5 vs. 48; p = .58), and initial inotropic requirements (10.3 vs. 20.8%; p = .55). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no correlations between MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction or cardiorespiratory failure.

Usefulness of lung ultrasound in the diagnosis and follow-up of respiratory diseases in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: Lung ultrasound is a useful tool for diagnosis and follow-up of diseases in critically ill neonates. Its use is increasingly widespread thanks to its advantages over other imaging tests and the rapidly growing body of evidence to support it, and "point-of-care ultrasound" (POCUS) has become a key component in neonatal guidelines. The objective of this special article is to present the foundations and the established diagnostic and therapeutic applications of lung ultrasonography as well as introducing new applications. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Lung Ultrasound Section of the Neonatal Ultrasonography Working Group of the Spanish Neonatology Society has summarised the current scientific evidence. The article describes the sonographic features of the most common respiratory diseases, discusses some of the applications of ultrasound in neonatal care (such as prediction of admission and need of surfactant, ultrasound-guided procedures or monitoring of lung development in premature infants) and proposes its introduction in other scenarios in which its use is not quite established at present, such as resuscitation or respiratory management. This article reaffirms the usefulness of lung ultrasound in guiding diagnosis, clinical decision-making and prognosis and facilitating procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Lung ultrasound should be established as the gold standard for diagnosis of respiratory diseases in neonates. Therefore, training in lung ultrasound should be included in the educational curriculum of neonatologists and in diagnostic and therapeutic care protocols. Research on the subject should continue to be pursued with performance of rigorous multicentre studies to increase the quality of the evidence.

Effectiveness of 2 interventions for independent oral feeding in preterms.

INTRODUCTION: Oral feeding of preterm newborns (PTNB) is hampered by their immaturity and intercurrent diseases, which can prolong their hospital stay. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a program that combines tactile, kinesthetic and oral stimulation (T + K + OS) compared to another intervention based on exclusively oral stimulation (OS), in the time necessary to achieve independent feeding and hospital discharge. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A clinical study of 2 randomized groups (OS vs. T + K + OS) was carried out on 42 PTNB with gestational age between 27-32 weeks and birth weight > 900 g. The stimulation programs were carried out in sessions of 15 min, for 10 days. RESULTS: The PTNBs in the T + K + OS group achieved independent oral feeding earlier, compared to the OS group (24.9 ± 10.1 vs. 34.1 ± 15.6 days, P = .02). An analysis of covariance was performed, which confirmed that the birth weight and gestational age covariates had significant effects on time to reach suction feeding (birth weight: F[1, 38] = 5.79; P = .021; gestational age: F[1, 38] = 14.12; P = .001) and that once its effect was controlled, the intervention continued to have a significant effect (F[1, 38] = 6.07; P = .018). The T + K + OS group, compared to the OS group, achieved an earlier hospital discharge (39 ± 15 vs. 45 ± 18 days), although the differences were not significant (P = .21). CONCLUSIONS: Combined therapies that include T + K + OS are more effective than OS alone, in order to achieve independent oral feeding in PTNBs.

Differences in thyroid function between small for gestational age and those with appropriate weight for gestational age. Is thyroid function normal in small for gestational age newborns?

INTRODUCTION: Several studies conclude that small for gestational age (SGA) children have a higher number of comorbidities, as well as a different hormonal profile compared to those with appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA). Thyroid hormones play an important role in growth and neurocognitive development. Thyroid function in SGA children is still not completely known. OBJECTIVES: To compare the thyroid function of SGA children during the first 2 years of life with that in publications on thyroid function in other groups of infants, such as AGA and premature children, using the same methodology. METHODS: A cohort of 38 SGA children was obtained, in which the thyrotropin (TSH) values in blood were measured at different points in the development of the SGA child. The results were compared with a population of AGA children from Zaragoza and a population of premature children from Barcelona by comparing the means using a 2-tailed test. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the SGA children in our study and the AGA children older than 6 months, but not between the SGA children of the study and the population of premature infants. CONCLUSIONS: SGA children have higher TSH values compared to AGA children older than 6 months. Therefore, it seems reasonable to establish a screening and a follow-up protocol in those SGA with high risk to develop thyroid dysfunction.

[Effectiveness and safety of the surgical closure of permeable arteriosus conduct by the general pediatric surgeon: clinical trial]. / Eficacia y seguridad del cierre quirúrgico del conducto arterioso permeable por el cirujano pediatra general: ensayo clínico.

Antecedentes: El conducto arterioso permeable (CAP) es un defecto cardiaco congénito y se considera un problema de salud pública. Se presenta en un alto porcentaje de recién nacidos y en algunos mayores de 1 mes. El cierre farmacológico es el tratamiento inicial preferido, ya que ha tenido excelentes resultados; sin embargo, en aquellos casos en los que no es posible, está indicado el cierre quirúrgico. Objetivo: Evaluar la eficacia y la seguridad del cierre quirúrgico del CAP por cirujanos pediatras sin especialidad en cirugía cardiovascular. Método: Ensayo clínico realizado en pacientes del Hospital General de Occidente, centro hospitalario público de segundo nivel, con diagnóstico de CAP, que requirieron corrección quirúrgica. Se revisaron en forma retrospectiva los expedientes de enero de 2001 a diciembre de 2018. Resultados: Se incluyeron 224 pacientes divididos en dos grupos: grupo I, con 184 (82%) recién nacidos, y grupo II, con 40 (18%) niños grandes de 2 meses a 8 años de edad. A todos se les realizó cierre quirúrgico: 3 por toracoscopía y 221 por toracotomía posterolateral izquierda. Presentaron complicaciones 36 pacientes, lo que representa el 16% del total; solo el 5.3% fueron complicaciones mayores. Fallecieron 24 pacientes en el posoperatorio, lo que representa una mortalidad del 10.7%; ninguno falleció por complicaciones transquirúrgicas. El CAP es un defecto cardíaco congénito que se presenta en alto porcentaje en pacientes prematuros. El cierre farmacológico es el principal tratamiento por tener excelentes resultados en recién nacidos; sin embargo, en aquellos casos en los que no sea posible está indicado el cierre quirúrgico. Todos los pacientes fueron operados por cirujanos pediatras generales, con una sobrevida global del 92%. Conclusiones: En los hospitales donde no hay cirujano cardiovascular pediátrico ni cardiólogo intervencionista, la corrección quirúrgica del CAP puede ser llevada a cabo por un cirujano pediatra. La técnica es reproducible, fácil de realizar y con mínimas complicaciones. Background: The Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is congenital heart defect and is considered a public health problem. It occurs in a high percentage of newborns and in some older than 1 month. Pharmacological closure is the preferred initial treatment, as it has had excellent results; however, in those cases where it is not possible, surgical closure is indicated. Objective: The objective is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the surgical closure of the patent PDA when it is carried out by pediatric surgeons without specialization in cardiovascular surgery. Methods: This study was conducted at the West General Hospital, a 2nd level public hospital, with the diagnosis of patent ductus arteriosus that required surgical correction. For the collection of the information, the files from January 2001 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: 224 patients were included; divided into two groups: Group I: 184 (82%) "newborns" and Group II: 40 (18%) "big children" with ages from 2 months to 8 years. All had a surgical closure; 3 by thoracoscopy and 221 by left posterolateral thoracotomy. 36 patients presented complications representing 16% of the total of patients, only 5.3% were major complications. 24 patients died in the postoperative period, representing a mortality of 10.7%, none died due to trans-surgical complications. PDA is a congenital heart defect that occurs in a high percentage of premature patients. The pharmacological closure is the principal treatment because it has had excellent results in newborns; however, in those cases where it is not possible, surgical closure it´s indicated. All patients were operated by general pediatric surgeons, with a global survival of 92%. Conclusions: We conclude that in hospitals where there is no pediatric cardiovascular surgeon or interventional cardiologist, the surgical correction of the PDA can be carried out by a general pediatric surgeon. The technique is reproducible, easy to perform and with minimal complications.

New evidence on the protector effect of weight gain in retinopathy of prematurity.

INTRODUCTION: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is characterised by insufficient vascular development in the retina, and requires early treatment to avoid visual disability in severe cases. ROP is currently the second leading cause of preventable child blindness in the world. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was an observational, retrospective, case-control study including 233 preterm infants examined between 1999 and 2019. RESULTS: Postnatal weight gain in the first 4 weeks of life, birth weight, gestational age, mechanical ventilation, transfusion, presence of sepsis, persistence of arterial ductus, necrotising enterocolitis, intraventricular haemorrhage, or periventricular leukomalacia were found to be significantly different between the ROP groups requiring and not requiring treatment. The mean postnatal weight gain in the ROP group not requiring treatment was 12.75 ±â€¯5.99 g/day, whereas it was 9.50 ±â€¯5.45 g/day in the ROP group requiring treatment. The risk of developing ROP that required treatment decreased with an increase in weight gain. The risk reduction was 2.76%-8.35% in preterm infants gaining 10 g/day, and 7.17%-12.76% in infants gaining 20 g/day. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of developing ROP requiring treatment decreased with increasing weight gain in the first 4 weeks of life. This was applicable in infants with postnatal weight gain ≥14 g/day. However, gestational age, birth weight, time of mechanical ventilation, and comorbidity should be taken into account when evaluating the risk of ROP requiring treatment.

[Effectiveness of 2 interventions for independent oral feeding in pre-terms]. / Eficacia de 2 intervenciones para la alimentación oral independiente en pretérminos.

INTRODUCTION: Oral feeding of pre-term newborns (PTNB) is hampered by their immaturity and intercurrent diseases, which can prolong their hospital stay. The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a program that combines tactile, kinesthetic and oral stimulation (T+K+OS) compared to another intervention based on exclusively oral stimulation (OS), in the time necessary to achieve independent feeding and hospital discharge. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A clinical study of 2 randomized groups (OS vs. T+K+OS) was carried out on 42 PTNB with gestational age between 27-32 weeks and birth weight>900g. The stimulation programs were carried out in sessions of 15min, for 10 days. RESULTS: The PTNBs in the T+K+OS group achieved independent oral feeding earlier, compared to the OS group (24.9±10.1 vs. 34.1±15.6 days, P=.02). An analysis of covariance was performed, which confirmed that the birth weight and gestational age covariates had significant effects on time to reach suction feeding (birth weight: F[1, 38]=5.79; P=.021; gestational age: F[1, 38]=14.12; P=.001) and that once its effect was controlled, the intervention continued to have a significant effect (F[1, 38]=6.07; P=.018). The T+K+OS group, compared to the OS group, achieved an earlier hospital discharge (39±15 vs. 45±18 days), although the differences were not significant (P=.21). CONCLUSIONS: Combined therapies that include T+K+OS are more effective than OS alone, in order to achieve independent oral feeding in PTNBs.

[Characteristics of motor behaviour in premature infants during the first months of postnatal life. A literature review]. / Rasgos característicos del comportamiento motor del niño con prematurez durante los primeros meses de vida posnatal: una revisión de la literatura.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of motor behaviour in premature infants during the first months of postnatal life, according to the available evidence. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic literature review was carried out; this method forms part of secondary studies under investigation and describes a phenomenon in detail based on primary sources of information. RESULTS: The literature search in the databases consulted yielded 7,228 articles; of these, 15 more were identified through "snowball" search strategies. At the start of the screening process, 63 eligible records were chosen based on their title and summary, and 14 were excluded because they were duplicates. A total of 49 articles were selected for a full text revision and, of these, 37 were excluded because they did not meet all the inclusion criteria. Finally, 12 articles were selected to prepare the qualitative synthesis of the present research work. CONCLUSIONS: In comparison with neonates born at term, premature infants demonstrate a particular motor repertoire, due to the immaturity of their systems; their motor behaviour follows a line of development mainly characterised by deficits in muscle tone, postural control, muscle balance, and antigravity muscle activation.

Clinical trial on stimulation of suction in preterm cases using neuromotor reactions.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La succión nutritiva es un hito importante para la correcta alimentación del neonato. Los prematuros no tienen desarrollada esta habilidad, por lo que se han diseñado diferentes maneras de estimular su aparición. OBJETIVO: Comprobar si la estimulación de los reflejos orales innatos, a través de reacciones neuromotrices, disminuye el tiempo para adquirir la destreza de succión nutritiva. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron neonatos nacidos antes de la semana 34 de gestación y alimentados mediante sonda por succión ineficaz. El grupo control estuvo constituido por los recién nacidos con las mismas características nacidos durante el año 2016. El grupo experimental fue estimulado mediante reacciones neuromotrices hasta el retiro de la sonda. Las variables observadas fueron el tiempo de transición a la alimentación oral completa, el peso, la talla y el perímetro craneal al alta, la saturación periférica de oxígeno y la frecuencia cardiaca antes y después de la intervención, así como la calidad de la succión mediante la escala ECLES. RESULTADOS: Completaron el estudio 23 niños en el grupo de intervención y 25 en el grupo de control histórico. Los niños del grupo intervenido mostraron transición acelerada a la alimentación oral independiente y valores más elevados de altura (p = 0.01), peso (p < 0.001) y perímetro craneal (p = 0.04) en el momento del alta hospitalaria. La edad gestacional al alta y la duración total de la hospitalización no mostraron diferencias entre grupos (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: La estimulación mediante reacciones neuromotrices disminuye el tiempo necesario para alcanzar la succión nutritiva en los neonatos pretérmino. BACKGROUND: Nutritive suction is an important milestone for correct newborn feeding. Premature infants do not develop this ability therefore, several proposals for their appearance have being designed. OBJECTIVE: Assess whether the stimulation of the innate oral reflexes using neuromotor reactions reduces the time to acquire sucking behavior. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Newborns before 34 weeks of gestation, fed by tube feeding due to an ineffective suction, were studied. Control group consisted of newborns with the same characteristics born during 2016. Experimental group was stimulated by neuromotor reactions until the tube feeding was retired. Observed variables included transition time to complete oral feeding, weight, height and cranial perimeter at discharge, peripheral oxygen saturation and heart rate before and after intervention, as well as quality of suction behavior using ECLES scale. RESULTS: A total of 23 babies from intervention group completed the study, and 25 from historical control group. Children of intervention group showed an accelerated transition to independent oral feeding and higher values of height (p = 0.01), weight (p < 0.001) and cranial perimeter (p = 0.04), at the time of hospital discharge. Gestational age at discharge and total duration of hospitalization did not show differences between groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Oral stimuli intervention by means of neuromotor reactions reduced the time necessary to reach suction behavior in preterm babies.

[Differences in thyroid function between small for gestational age and those with appropriate weight for gestational age. Is thyroid function normal in small for gestational age newborns?] / Diferencias en la función tiroidea de los pequeños para la edad gestacional y los de peso adecuado. ¿Es normal la función tiroidea de los recién nacidos pequeños para la edad gestacional?

INTRODUCTION: Several studies conclude that small for gestational age (SGA) children have a higher number of comorbidities, as well as a different hormonal profile compared to those with appropriate weight for gestational age (AGA). Thyroid hormones play an important role in growth and neurocognitive development. Thyroid function in SGA children is still not completely known. OBJECTIVES: To compare the thyroid function of SGA children during the first 2 years of life with that in publications on thyroid function in other groups of infants, such as AGA and premature children, using the same methodology. METHODS: A cohort of 38 SGA children was obtained, in which the TSH values in blood were measured at different points in the development of the SGA child. The results were compared with a population of AGA children from Zaragoza and a population of premature children from Barcelona by comparing the means using a 2-tailed test. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (P<.05) was observed between the SGA children in our study and the AGA children older than 6 months, but not between the SGA children of the study and the population of premature infants. CONCLUSIONS: SGA children have higher TSH values compared to AGA children older than 6 months. Therefore, it seems reasonable to establish a screening and a follow-up protocol in those SGA with high risk to develop thyroid dysfunction.

[Catch-up growth and associated factors in very low birth weight infants]. / Crecimiento recuperador y factores asociados en niños de muy bajo peso al nacer.

INTRODUCTION: The characteristics of catch-up growth in very low birth weight infants (VLBW) have not been clearly established. The aim of this study was to analyse the height catch-up and some associated factors in a cohort of VLBW (birth weight<1,500g) from birth to age 14 years. METHODS: We obtained retrospective data on weight and height at birth and ages one, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 and 14 years in a cohort of 170 VLBW. We compared these anthropometric values with those documented in a control group. RESULTS: Thirty-seven children (21.8%) were born with an extremely low birth weight and 32 (18.8%) extremely preterm. At 10 years of age, 7% of VLBW (1,000-1,500g) and 35% of extremely low birth weight (<1,500g) children had short stature (P=.001). Almost all VLBW children who had a normal height at ages 2, 4 and 10 years had exhibited adequate weight catch-up in previous evaluations. We found that extremely low birth weight and extremely preterm were independent predictors for inadequate height catch-up. CONCLUSION: The growth pattern of VLBW children has specific characteristics. The catch-up in weight seems to be an important factor for catch-up in height, and therefore a thorough nutritional follow-up is recommended in these children.

[Prenatal therapy with magnesium sulphate and intestinal obstruction due to meconium in preterm newborns]. / Terapia prenatal con sulfato de magnesio y obstrucción intestinal por meconio en recién nacidos pretérmino.

INTRODUCTION: Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) therapy has shown to be useful as a neurological protector in the preterm newborn below 32 weeks of gestation. The most documented adverse effect is cardiorespiratory failure, whereas its relationship with meconium obstruction is controversial. The main objective of this study was to analyse the possible association between prenatal MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An analytical retrospective study was conducted on < 32 weeks preterm babies admitted to a tertiary-level hospital (January 2016-December 2017). Epidemiological, prenatal and postnatal data on the outcomes were obtained, analysed and compared in both groups (exposed to MgSO4 and not exposed). RESULTS: The study included 201 patients (146 exposed and 55 non-exposed). There were no significant differences in the mean gestational age (28.4 ± 2.2 vs. 28.7 ± 2.8 weeks, respectively), or in the rest of epidemiological and perinatal variables. Prenatal corticosteroid therapy was more frequent in the MgSO4 group (75.9 vs. 53.7%; p = .002), and in the non-exposed group there were more multiple pregnancies (52.7 vs. 36.6%; p = .027), and female gender (56.4 vs. 37%; p = .013). There were no statistically significant differences in the presence of meconium obstruction (75.9% in exposed vs. 67.3% in non-exposed; p = .23), although repeated rectal stimulation was more frequent in the exposed group (43.2 vs. 27.9%; p = .08). Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the main cardiorespiratory variables: 1-minute Apgar score (6.2 in MgSO4- exposed vs. 5.6 in non-exposed; p = .75), 5-minutes Apgar score (7.9 vs. 7.6; p = .31), advanced newborn resuscitation (26 vs. 31.5%; p = .44), maximum FiO2 (45.5 vs. 48; p = .58), and initial inotropic requirements (10.3 vs. 20.8%; p = .55). CONCLUSIONS: This study found no correlations between MgSO4 therapy and meconium obstruction or cardiorespiratory failure.

Correlación del índice de perfusión con la repercusión del conducto arterioso en prematuros.

Background: The ductus arteriosus is a necessary structure in fetal circulation, and its patency can produce hemodynamic alterations. The diagnostic gold standard is echocardiography, not always available. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) they have pulse oximetry that measures perfusion index (PI), which could be used as a diagnostic tool in hemodynamic significant patent ductus arteriosus (HSPDA). Objective: To correlate the perfusion index increment (ΔPI) in 24 and 72 h after birth with HSPDA in premature newborns of NICU in a second level hospital. Materials and methods: This is an analytic prospective study which included neonates of 26-34 weeks of gestational age, without comorbidities, who underwent echocardiography and measurement of PI in arm and leg, 24 and 72 h after birth. We did bivariate analysis with Y2/exact Fisher test and Student t-test/Mann-Whitney U test, besides Spearman correlation and linear regression for value prediction. Results: We included 39 premature newborns. We did not find significant differences between patients without and with HSPDA (Median: 0.22 [0.06-0.58] vs. 0.03 [-0.27-0.2]; p = 0.09) at 24 h neither 72 h after birth (Median: 0.2 [0-0.47] vs. 0.45 [-0.37-0.76]; p = 0.47). We found a positive correlation between ductus arteriosus diameter (DAD) and ΔPI (r: 0.78; CI 95%: 0.6-0.88; p = 0.01). The prediction formula with linear regression is expressed this way: DAD = 1.31 + (2.05 x ΔIP). Conclusions: The PI doesn´t allow us to discriminate between patient without and with HSPDA. The ΔPI could be a tool for the monitorization of DAD in neonates 72 h after birth.

Antecedentes: El conducto arterioso es una estructura necesaria en la circulación fetal, su persistencia puede provocar alteraciones hemodinámicas. El estándar de oro diagnóstico es la ecocardiografía, no siempre disponible. Las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN) cuentan con oximetría de pulso, que mide el índice de perfusión (IP), el cual podría funcionar como auxiliar en el diagnóstico de persistencia del conducto arterioso hemodinámicamente significativo (PCAHs). Objetivo: Correlacionar el incremento del índice de perfusión (ΔIP) a las 24 y 72 h de vida extrauterina con PCAHs en recién nacidos prematuros de la UCIN de un hospital de segundo nivel. Material y métodos: Estudio de cohorte analítico prospectivo donde se incluyeron neonatos de 26 a 34 semanas de gestación, sin comorbilidades, a quienes se les realizó ecocardiograma y medición de IP en brazo y pierna a las 24 y 72 h. Se efectuó análisis bivariante con Y2/prueba exacta de Fisher y t de Student/U de Mann-Whitney, además correlación de Spearman y regresión lineal para predicción de valores. Resultados: Se incluyeron 39 prematuros. No se encontró diferencia significativa entre los pacientes sin y con PCAHs (mediana: 0.22 [0.06, 0.58] vs. 0.03 [­0.27, 0.2]; p = 0.09) a las 24 h de vida y tampoco a las 72 h de vida (mediana: 0.2 [0, 0.47] vs. 0.45 [­0.37, 0.76], p = 0.47). Se encontró una correlación positiva entre el diámetro del conducto arterioso (DCA) y el ΔIP (r: 0.78; IC 95%: 0.60-0.88; p = 0.01). La fórmula de predicción por regresión lineal se expresa así: DCA = 1.31 + (2.05 x ΔIP). Conclusiones: El IP no permite discriminar entre pacientes sin y con PCAHs. El ΔIP podría ser una herramienta para la monitorización del diámetro del conducto en neonatos después de las 72 h de vida.