Nasogastric enteral feeding tubes modulate preterm colonization in early life.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants are generally fed through nasogastric enteral feeding tubes (NEFTs). The aim of this work was to evaluate the role of NEFTs in the initial colonization of the preterm gut and its evolution within the first 2 weeks after birth. METHODS: For this purpose, fecal and NEFT-derived samples from 30 preterm infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were collected from birth to the second week of life. Samples were cultivated in ten culture media, including three for the isolation of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. RESULTS: Isolates (561) were identified by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Although the first NEFTs inserted into the neonates after birth were rarely colonized, analysis of NEFTs and fecal samples over time revealed a significant increase in bacterial abundance, diversity, and detection frequency. Results showed a parallel colonization between time-matched NEFTs and fecal samples, suggesting an ongoing bidirectional transfer of bacteria from the neonatal gut to the NEFTs and vice versa. CONCLUSIONS: In short-term hospitalization, length is by far the determinant factor for the early colonization of preterm infants. As NEFT populations reflect the bacterial populations that are colonizing the preterm in a precise moment, their knowledge could be useful to prevent the dissemination of antibiotic-resistant strains. IMPACT: The hospital environment modulates preterm colonization immediately after birth. The colonization of preterm feces and NEFTs occurs in parallel. There is an ongoing bidirectional transfer of microorganisms from the neonatal gut to the NEFTs and vice versa. Bacterial communities inside NEFTs could act as reservoirs of antibiotic resistance genes. NEFT populations reflect the bacteria that are colonizing the preterm at a precise moment.

RISEinFAMILY project: the integration of families at neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) to empower them as primary caregivers: study protocol for a stepped wedge cluster controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Family Integrated Care (FICare) has demonstrated positive outcomes for sick neonates and has alleviated the psychological burden faced by families. FICare involves structured training for professionals and caregivers along with the provision of resources to offer physical and psychological support to parents. However, FICare implementation has been primarily limited to developed countries. It remains crucial to assess the scalability of this model in overcoming social-cultural barriers and conduct a cost-effectiveness analysis. The RISEinFAMILY project aims to develop an adapted FICare model that can serve as the international standard for neonatal care, accommodating various cultural, architectural, and socio-economic contexts. METHODS: RISEinFAMILY is a pluri-cultural, stepped wedge cluster controlled trial conducted in Spain, Netherlands, the UK, Romania, Turkey, and Zambia. Eligible participants include infant-family dyads admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) requiring specialised neonatal care for a minimum expected duration of 7 days, provided there are no comprehension barriers. Notably, this study will incorporate a value of implementation analysis on FICare, which can inform policy decisions regarding investment in implementation activities, even in situations with diverse data. DISCUSSION: This study aims to evaluate the scalability and adaptation of FICare across a broader range of geographical and sociocultural contexts and address its sustainability. Furthermore, it seeks to compare the RISEinFAMILY model with standard care, examining differences in short-term newborn outcomes, family mental health, and professional satisfaction. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT06087666. Registered on 17 October 2023. PROTOCOL VERSION: 19 December 2022; version 2.2.