Heart-rate agreement between ECG and a new, wireless device during early skin-to-skin contact.

AIM: To assess the agreement of heart rate (HR) between the new device - a fabric jacket for neonates, with integrated sensors detecting ECG signals and a Bluetooth connection to a computer (ComfTech, HOWDY) - and the clinical reference, ECG, during the skin-to-skin contact (SSC) in the first 2 h after birth, for the potential use of early detection of Sudden and Unexpected Postnatal Collapse (SUPC). METHODS: We enrolled newborns ≥35+0  weeks of gestation, with Apgar score >8 at 5 min in a prospective, observational study in the delivery room, excluding infants with need for resuscitation, clinical instability or major malformations. We assessed HR within 20 min after birth by both devices simultaneously: the index test ComfTech HOWDY and the standard ECG (Vita Guard VG 3100, Getemed). We compared HR between the two methods at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 90 and 120 min by the Bland-Altman plot. RESULTS: We included 60 infants. The mean difference between the methods was -1.3 bpm, 95%LoA -12.4 to 9.7 bpm. Spearman rank correlation coefficient ρ = -0.06. CONCLUSION: ComfTech HOWDY presents reliable agreement with the ECG and might assist in identifying infants at risk for SUPC.

Isolated retroaortic innominate vein and right aortic arch: a case report and review of literature.

Retroaortic course of left innominate vein is a rare venous anomaly which is usually associated with CHD. Isolated retroaortic innominate vein is exceedingly rare with only a handful of reported cases. We report an otherwise healthy newborn with isolated retroaortic innominate vein and right aortic arch, a combination which has previously not been reported.

Spanish population-study shows that healthy late preterm infants had worse outcomes one year after discharge than term-born infants.

AIM: This study assessed the risks associated with healthy late preterm infants and healthy term-born infants using national hospital discharge records. METHOD: We used the minimum basic data set of the Spanish hospital discharge records database for 2012-2013 to analyse the hospitalisation of newborn infants. The outcomes were in-hospital mortality and hospital re-admissions at 30 days and one year after their first discharge. RESULTS: Of the 95 011 newborn infants who were discharged, 2940 were healthy late preterm infants, born at 34 + 0-36 + 6 weeks, and 18 197 were healthy term-born infants. The mean and standard deviation (SD) length of hospital stay were 6.0 (4.5) days in late preterm infants versus 2.8 (1.3) days in term-born infants (p < 0.001). Re-admissions were also higher in the late preterm group at 30 days (9.0% versus 4.4%) and one year (22.0% versus 12.4) (p < 0.001). The relative risk for death at one year was 4.9 in the late preterm group, when compared to the term-born infants (p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: The hospital discharge codes for otherwise healthy newborn preterm infants were associated with significantly worse 30-day and one-year outcomes when their re-admission and mortality rates were compared with healthy term-born newborn infants.

Anxiety levels of mothers with newborns in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Turkey.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the anxiety levels of mothers with newborns in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and mothers with healthy newborns in a postpartum care service (PCS). METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted in state and medical school hospitals located in Eskisehir and Afyon, Turkey. The first 200 mothers, including mothers with newborns in a PCS (n=100) and mothers with newborns in a NICU (n=100); participants were followed starting March 1, 2014. Questionnaires to determine the characteristics of mothers and newborns were used as data collection tools, including the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale (STAI TX-1 - STAI TX-2). RESULTS: Trait anxiety levels were not significantly different between mothers with newborns in the NICU and mothers with newborns in PCS (t=0.588, p=0.557), whereas state anxiety levels were significantly different between the two groups (t=-5.109, p=<0.001). The state anxiety levels of mothers whose infants were in the NICU were determined to be higher compared to those of mothers whose infants were in PCS. CONCLUSION: Being a mother of a sick newborn can elevate anxiety and lead to in mothers. During this challenging time, the support of nurses can increase mothers' abilities to cope with the stress of a sick newborn.

An Approach to Re-evaluate the Reference Cutoff of the Parameters of Newborn Screening: An Observational Study.

Background Unless a cutoff level of the parameters of newborn screening (NBS) is defined, a screening test's results would end in high recall rates and apprehensive parents. The study aimed to establish a cutoff level of the healthy term newborns. Materials and methods The study was a retrospective observational data analysis on a cohort of 1158 term newborns who underwent NBS in our institute. The percentile distribution of the NBS parameters was computed and the 99th percentile value was considered the new cutoff. For lower values, such as neonatal glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (nG6PD) and neonatal biotinidase (nBIOT), low percentile values were regarded as new cutoff value. Results Neonatal thyroid stimulating hormone (nTSH), nG6PD, neonatal immunoreactive trypsinogen (nIRT), and nBIOT showed a wide variation in the distribution. Most newborns had neonatal galactose (nGAL), nIRT, and nBIOT values above the median. The 99th percentile value of nTSH was 14.5 mIU/L, and that of neonatal 17-hydroxyprogesterone (n17-OHP) was 43.7 nmol/L. The 1.0th percentile value for nG6PD was decreased to 2.18 IU/gHb. The new cutoff values for nBIOT, nIRT, neonatal phenylketonuria (nPKU) and nGAL were 48.59 U, 95.3 µg/L, 2.3 mg/dL and 15.9 mg/dL. The mean and median nTSH values did not significantly differ (p=0.99) in the first five days of birth. On the contrary, the study population depicted considerably raised levels of n17-OHP on day 3, followed by a sharp decrease (p=0.029). Similarly, nIRT displayed significant differences in the first five days (p=0.017). Conclusion Using the 99th percentile values of the NBS parameters as the new cutoff levels might be beneficial in terms of the recall rates and cost burden.

Retinal abnormalities in universal eye screening of healthy, full-term newborn infants in Jakarta. The incidence and its risk factors: a pilot study.

AIM: To screen for ocular abnormalities in healthy full-term newborn infants using wide-field digital imaging and to analyze factors associated with the findings. METHODS: A total of 1208 full-term newborn infants at a tertiary eye hospital (Cipto Mangunkusumo National Referral Hospital) and a district hospital in Jakarta (Koja Hospital) were enrolled to the study. All eligible newborns underwent fundus examination within 48 h after birth using the RetCam shuttle (Natus Medical Incorporated, USA). Retinal findings were documented and analyzed according to obstetric and neonatal risk factors. RESULTS: Of the 1208 newborn infants enrolled, ocular abnormalities were found in 150 infants (12.4%). Retinal hemorrhage (RH) was the most common finding (88%) in which 2.67% involved the macula, followed by chorioretinitis (4.67%). Univariate analysis showed caesarean section (C-section) (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.18-0.41, p < 0.001) was a protective factor against RH, while prolonged labor increased the risk of developing RH (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.24-2.72, p = 0.002). Further multivariate analysis showed similar protective association between C-section and risk of RH (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.19-0.44, p < 0.001), while other risk factors were not. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that universal eye screening in healthy neonates is beneficial in the early diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of ocular abnormalities such as retinal hemorrhage, chorioretinitis and retinoblastoma. Retinal hemorrhage is the most common ocular abnormality and is associated with the delivery method and the duration of labor. Universal eye screening is visual-saving and life-saving for neonates with chorioretinitis, retinoblastoma as well as other abnormalities and should be mandatory in newborn screening.

[Normal childbirth: physiologic labor support and medical procedures. Guidelines of the French National Authority for Health (HAS) with the collaboration of the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF) and the French College of Midwives (CNSF) - Newborn care in the delivery room]. / Accouchement normal : accompagnement de la physiologie et interventions médicales. Recommandations de la Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) avec la collaboration du Collège national des gynécologues obstétriciens français (CNGOF) et du Collège national des sages-femmes de France (CNSF) ­ accueil du nouveau-né en salle de naissances.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this literature review is to make recommendations regarding the first steps and care provided to the healthy newborn. METHODS: Consultation of the Medline database, and of national and international guidelines. RESULTS: The initial assessment of the newborn should quickly determine whether resuscitation is necessary or not. Any anomaly requires the help of the pediatrician (Consensus agreement). For a newborn with no cardiorespiratory adaptation, delayed cord clamping may be considered more as a physiological modality of delivery, which may help prevent iron deficiency in the first months of life, without deleterious effects for the child or his/her mother, apart from a slightly increased risk of neonatal jaundice (gradeC). In order to avoid separating a woman and her child, it is recommended to postpone routine postnatal procedures, to allow for skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the newborn, if she wishes, according to a defined/specified surveillance protocol (grade B). Breastfeeding should be encouraged, and supported, especially the first time (Consensus agreement). In the absence of suggestive clinical signs, aspiration of the upper airways and systematic verification of the permeability of posterior nasal apertures and of the esophagus are not recommended (Consensus agreement). The prevention of hemorrhagic disease of the newborn by the oral administration of vitamin K1 to all healthy term babies begins in the delivery room, preferably in the presence of the parents and after having obtained their consent (Consensus agreement). CONCLUSION: Regarding the birth of a healthy newborn, it is strongly advised to avoid unnecessary technical actions and to favor the mother-child relationship in a safe environment.

Initiative to Improve Exclusive Breastfeeding by Delaying the Newborn Bath.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether delayed newborn bathing would increase rates of in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding and plans to use human milk at discharge. DESIGN: A retrospective, two-group, pre- and postintervention design. SETTING/LOCAL PROBLEM: At our facility, the initial bath was completed within 2 hours of birth, and the rate of in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding was low. PARTICIPANTS: Couplets of mothers and healthy newborns (N = 996). INTERVENTION/MEASUREMENTS: Newborn baths were delayed at least 12 hours after birth. Pre- and postintervention data were retrieved from the hospital's electronic medical record and administrative database. Univariate and multivariate analyses were completed. RESULTS: Of 996 mother-newborn couplets, 448 were preintervention couplets and 548 were postintervention couplets. Of all mothers, 63.3% were White, 67.8% were married, and 67.1% gave birth vaginally. Of all newborns, 49.6% were female, and the mean (standard deviation) birth weight was 3.3 kg (0.50). We found no differences in maternal or newborn characteristics by group. Median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) times from birth to first bath before and after the intervention were 1.9 (1.6, 2.3) and 17.9 (11.9, 25.0) hours, respectively (p < .001). In-hospital exclusive breastfeeding increased from 59.8% before the intervention to 68.2% after the intervention (p = .006). In multivariate modeling, in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding increased for all couplets after the intervention (odds ratio = 1.49, 95% confidence interval [1.14, 1.96]; p = .004) and with vaginal versus cesarean birth (odds ratio = 1.60, 95% confidence interval [1.14, 2.25]; p = .006). In addition, the postintervention discharge feeding plan reflected an increase in use of human milk. CONCLUSION: Delaying the newborn bath was associated with increased in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding rates and use of human milk as a part of the discharge feeding plan.

Valoración de las madres acerca de las recomendaciones para el cuidado del recién nacido al momento del alta hospitalaria / Maternal assessment of recommendations on the newborn infant care upon hospital discharge

Introducción. Es habitual que el pediatra ofrezca a los padres información sobre cuidados del neonato al momento del alta hospitalaria. Los objetivos del estudio son conocer la satisfacción respecto a dicha información, qué otras informaciones les hubiese gustado recibir y determinar qué factores pueden influir en esa demanda. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo que evalúa la opinión de las puérperas a los 5-15 días del parto, en cuanto a dicha información. Resultados. Se recogieron 176 encuestas. El 68,8% asistió a clases de preparación para el parto. El 61,4% refirió haber buscado consejos sobre cuidados del recién nacido, mayoritariamente en internet y libros. El 74,4% consideró suficiente la información recibida. Los aspectos de información más demandados fueron lactancia materna (33,3%), artificial (20,0%) y cuidados del cordón umbilical (11,1%). Las madres que demandaron más información acudieron con más frecuencia a clases de preparación para el parto (significativo) y buscaron información durante la gestación (no significativo). Asimismo, este grupo otorgó significativamente peores puntuaciones a la facilidad para plantear dudas y el grado de confianza en el pediatra. Conclusiones. La satisfacción de las madres respecto a la información ofrecida es buena; la mayoría no demanda más información. El aspecto sobre el que con más frecuencia demandan más información es la lactancia. La demanda de información es independiente de la edad materna, los estudios maternos, la situación laboral o la existencia de hijos previos. Asimismo, las dudas que les surgen a las madres no se ven satisfechas únicamente por la asistencia a clases de preparación para el parto.

Introduction.It is common for pediatricians to provide parents with information on how to look after their newborn baby at the time of discharge from the hospital. The objectives of this study are to determine the level of satisfaction regarding such information, to be aware of what additional information parents would have liked to receive, and to establish which factors may impact any additional information request. Population and Methods.Descriptive study evaluating the opinion of women at 5-15 days post- partum regarding such information. Results.A hundred and seventy-six surveys were collected. Of these, 68.8% respondents had attended childbirth classes. Sixty-one point four percent referred to have looked for advice on the newborn infant care, mostly on the Internet and in books. Seventy-four point four percent considered that the information provided sufficed. Most commonly, information was requested on breastfeeding (33.3%), bottle feeding (20.0%), and umbilical cord care (11.1%). Mothers who requested more information attended childbirth classes more frequently (significant) and searched for information during pregnancy (not significant). In addition, this group significantly assigned a lower score to the opportunity to ask questions and the level of trust on the pediatrician. Conclusions.Maternal satisfaction regarding the information provided is adequate; and most mothers do not request additional information. The topic on which they most frequently request additional information is breastfeeding. The decision to request information does not depend on maternal age, maternal education, employment condition, or having other children. Likewise, mothers have questions that are not satisfactorily answered during childbirth classes.

Saturación periférica de oxígeno por oximetría de pulso en recién nacidos clínicamente sanos a la altitud de la Ciudad de México (2240 m) / Oxygen peripheral saturation using pulse oxymetry among healthy term newborns at Mexico's altitude (2240 m)

Antecedentes: La saturación periférica de oxígeno (SpO2) es importante para monitorizar al recién nacido (RN) críticamente enfermo. Se llevó a cabo un estudio prolectivo, observacional, transversal y comparativo para determinar la SpO2 por oximetría de pulso en RN de término y pretérmino clínicamente sanos a una altitud sobre el nivel del mar de 2240 m. Métodos: Se estudiaron de enero a abril de 2004, 218 RN, 89 de término y 128 pretérmino. Se consideró zona de significancia a una p<0.05. Resultados: La SpO2 más baja registrada fue de 88% y la máxima de 99%. Hubo diferencia de la SpO2 entre los RN de término (93.5±2%) y los pretérmino (92.9±2%), con p=0.01. Conclusiones: La SpO2 a la altitud de la Ciudad de México se encuentra en promedio menor respecto a la hallada a nivel del mar, pero en general con un mínimo y máximo similar a esa altitud. La SpO2 para mantener a un RN críticamente enfermo con O2 suplementario se sugiere debe de ser igual a lo ya conocido, entre 88 y 94 %, para evitar hipoxemia e hiperoxemia a la altitud estudiada.

BACKGROUND: Oxygen peripheral saturation (SpO2) is crucial for an adequate management of critically-ill newborns infants (NB). The objective of the present study was to determine SpO2 by pulse oxymetry among healthy term and preterm NBs at an altitude of 2240 m above sea level. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional and comparative. 218 NBs were prospectively studied between January to April 2004. Eighty nine were term and 128 were preterm. Alpha levels were set at p<0.05. RESULTS: The recorded lower value for SpO2 was 88%, and the maximum was 99%. We observed a significant SpO2 difference among the term NB (93.5+/-2%) and preterm NBs (92.9+/-2%), p=0.01. CONCLUSIONS: SpO2 in Mexico City's altitude is on average lower when compared to that observed at sea level. In general with a minimum and maximum values found in our study the SpO2 needed to maintain a critically sick NB with supplementary O2, is suggested. Values should be kept at between 88% and 94% to avoid hypoxemia and hyperoxemia.