Active approach in delivery room and survival of infants born between 22 and 26 gestational weeks are increasing in Spain.

AIM: To describe the trends in the delivery room approach and survival of extremely premature infants over the past two decades. METHODS: Time-series analysis of infants included in the Spanish SEN1500 network from 2004 to 2019. Patients born from 22 + 0 to 26 + 6 weeks were included. The primary outcome was an active approach in the delivery room. Survival and temporal trends were also studied. RESULTS: The study population included 8284 patients. At 22 and 23 weeks, an active approach was followed in 41.4% and 80.8%. A temporal trend toward a more active approach was observed at 23 weeks. Antenatal steroids were administered in 19.6% and 58.1% at 22 and 23 weeks. From 24 weeks, an active approach was applied in nearly all cases throughout the period, and more than 80% of patients received antenatal steroids. The rates of survival after an active approach were 8.7%, 21.6%, 40.6%, 59.9%, and 74.7% at 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 weeks and significantly increased over the period, except for infants born at 22 weeks. CONCLUSION: Active management and survival of infants born from 23 weeks increased over the period, but the frequency of antenatal steroid administration was lower than the intention to resuscitate.

Proactive neonatal treatment at 22 weeks of gestation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to provide a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify prognosis and identify factors associated with variations in reported mortality estimates among infants who were born at 22 weeks of gestation and provided proactive treatment (resuscitation and intensive care). DATA SOURCES: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, with no language restrictions, were searched for articles published from January 2000 to February 2020. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Reports on live-born infants who were delivered at 22 weeks of gestation and provided proactive care were included. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge; secondary outcomes included survival without major morbidity and survival without neurodevelopmental impairment. Because we expected differences across studies in the definitions for various morbidities, multiple definitions for composite outcomes of major morbidities were prespecified. Neurodevelopmental impairment was based on Bayley Scales of Infant Development II or III. Data extractions were performed independently, and outcomes agreed on a priori. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Methodological quality was assessed using the Quality in Prognostic Studies tool. An adapted version of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach for prognostic studies was used to evaluate confidence in overall estimates. Outcomes were assessed as prevalence and 95% confidence intervals. Variabilities across studies attributable to heterogeneity were estimated with the I2 statistic; publication bias was assessed with the Luis Furuya-Kanamori index. Data were pooled using the inverse variance heterogeneity model. RESULTS: Literature searches returned 21,952 articles, with 2034 considered in full; 31 studies of 2226 infants who were delivered at 22 weeks of gestation and provided proactive neonatal treatment were included. No articles were excluded for study design or risk of bias. The pooled prevalence of survival was 29.0% (95% confidence interval, 17.2-41.6; 31 studies, 2226 infants; I2=79.4%; Luis Furuya-Kanamori index=0.04). Survival among infants born to mothers receiving antenatal corticosteroids was twice the survival of infants born to mothers not receiving antenatal corticosteroids (39.0% vs 19.5%; P<.01). The overall prevalence of survival without major morbidity, using a definition that includes any bronchopulmonary dysplasia, was 11.0% (95% confidence interval, 8.0-14.3; 10 studies, 374 infants; I2=0%; Luis Furuya-Kanamori index=3.02). The overall rate of survival without moderate or severe impairment was 37.0% (95% confidence interval, 14.6-61.5; 5 studies, 39 infants; I2=45%; Luis Furuya-Kanamori index=-0.15). Based on the year of publication, survival rates increased between 2000 and 2020 (slope of the regression line=0.09; standard error=0.03; P<.01). Studies were highly diverse with regard to interventions and outcomes reported. CONCLUSION: The reported survival rates varied greatly among studies and were likely influenced by combining observational data from disparate sources, lack of individual patient-level data, and bias in the component studies from which the data were drawn. Therefore, pooled results should be interpreted with caution. To answer fundamental questions beyond the breadth of available data, multicenter, multidisciplinary collaborations, including alignment of important outcomes by stakeholders, are needed.

End-of-Life Decisions 20 Years after EURONIC: Neonatologists' Self-Reported Practices, Attitudes, and Treatment Choices in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria.

OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in attitudes of neonatologists regarding the care of extremely preterm infants and parental involvement over the last 20 years. STUDY DESIGN: Internet-based survey (2016) involving 170 tertiary neonatal intensive care units in Austria, Switzerland, and Germany using the European Project on Parents' Information and Ethical Decision Making in Neonatal Intensive Care Units questionnaire (German edition) with minor modifications to the original survey from 1996 to 1997. RESULTS: The 2016 survey included 104 respondents (52.5% response rate). In 2016, significantly more neonatologists reported having ever withheld intensive care treatment (99% vs 69%) and withdrawn mechanical ventilation (96% vs 61%) or life-saving drugs (99% vs 79%), compared with neonatologists surveyed in 1996-1997. Fewer considered limiting intensive care as a slippery slope possibly leading to abuse (18% vs 48%). In the situation of a deteriorating clinical condition despite all treatment, significantly more neonatologists would ask parental opinion about continuation of intensive care (49% vs 18%). In 2016, 21% of German neonatologists would resuscitate a hypothetical infant at the limits of viability, even against parental wishes. CONCLUSIONS: Withholding or withdrawing intensive care for extremely preterm infants at the limits of viability with parental involvement has become more acceptable than it was 20 years ago. However, resuscitating extremely preterm infants against parental wishes remains an option for up to one-fifth of the responding neonatologists in this survey.

Preferred prenatal counselling at the limits of viability: a survey among Dutch perinatal professionals.

BACKGROUND: Since 2010, intensive care can be offered in the Netherlands at 24+0 weeks gestation (with parental consent) but the Dutch guideline lacks recommendations on organization, content and preferred decision-making of the counselling. Our aim is to explore preferred prenatal counselling at the limits of viability by Dutch perinatal professionals and compare this to current care. METHODS: Online nationwide survey as part of the PreCo study (2013) amongst obstetricians and neonatologists in all Dutch level III perinatal care centers (n = 205).The survey regarded prenatal counselling at the limits of viability and focused on the domains of organization, content and decision-making in both current and preferred practice. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-two surveys were returned out of 205 eligible professionals (response rate 60%). Organization-wise: more than 80% of all professionals preferred (but currently missed) having protocols for several aspects of counselling, joint counselling by both neonatologist and obstetrician, and the use of supportive materials. Most professionals preferred using national or local data (70%) on outcome statistics for the counselling content, in contrast to the international statistics currently used (74%). Current decisions on initiation care were mostly made together (in 99% parents and doctor). This shared decision model was preferred by 95% of the professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Dutch perinatal professionals would prefer more protocolized counselling, joint counselling, supportive material and local outcome statistics. Further studies on both barriers to perform adequate counselling, as well as on Dutch outcome statistics and parents' opinions are needed in order to develop a national framework. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02782650 , retrospectively registered May 2016.

Proactive approach at the limits of viability improves the short-term outcome of neonates born after 23 weeks' gestation.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this single-center study was to identify factors that affect the short-term outcome of newborns delivered around the limits of viability. METHODS: A group of 137 pregnant women who gave birth between 22+0/7 and 25+6/7 weeks of gestation was retrospectively studied. The center supports a proactive approach to infants around the limits of viability. Perinatal and neonatal characteristics were obtained and statistically evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 166 live-born infants were enrolled during a 6-year period; 162 (97.6%) of them were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) and 119 (73.5%) survived until discharge. The decrease in neonatal mortality was associated with an advanced gestational age (P<0.001) and a completed course of corticosteroids (P=0.002). Neonatal morbidities were common among infants of all gestational ages. The incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage significantly depended on gestational age (P<0.001) and a completed course of corticosteroids (P=0.002). Survival without severe neonatal morbidities was 39.5% and occurred mostly after 24+0/7 weeks of gestation. CONCLUSION: The short-term outcome of newborns delivered around the limits of viability is mostly affected by gestational age and antenatal corticosteroid treatment. A consistently proactive approach improves the survival of infants at the limits of viability. This is most pronounced in cases where the delivery is delayed beyond 24 completed gestational weeks.

Professionals' preferences in prenatal counseling at the limits of viability: a nationwide qualitative Dutch study.

Prenatal counseling practices at the limits of viability do vary, and constructing a counseling framework based on guidelines, professional and parental preferences, might achieve more homogeneity. We aimed to gain insight into professionals' preferences on three domains of counseling, particularly content, organization, and decision making and their influencing factors. A qualitative, nationwide in-depth exploration among Dutch perinatal professionals by semi-structured interviews in focus groups was performed. Regarding content of prenatal counseling, preparing parents on the short-term situation (delivery room care) and revealing their perspectives on "quality of life" were considered important. Parents should be informed on the kind of decision, on the difficulty of individual outcome predictions, on survival and mortality figures, short- and long-term morbidity, and the burden of hospitalization. For organization, the making of and compliance with agreements between professionals may promote joint counseling by neonatologists and obstetricians. Supportive materials were considered useful but only when up-to-date, in addition to the discussion and with opportunity for personalization. Regarding decision making, it is not always clear to parents that a prenatal decision needs to be made and they can participate, influencing factors could be, e.g., unclear language, directive counseling, overload of information, and an immediate delivery. There is limited familiarity with shared decision making although it is the preferred model. CONCLUSION: This study gained insight into preferred content, organization, and decision making of prenatal counseling at the limits of viability and their influencing factors from a professionals' perspective. What is Known: • Heterogeneity in prenatal counseling at the limits of viability exists • Differences between preferred counseling and actual practice also exists What is New: • Insight into preferred content, organization, and decision making of prenatal periviability counseling and its influencing factors from a professionals' perspective. Results should be taken into account when performing counseling. • Particularly the understanding of true shared decision making needs to be improved. Furthermore, implementation of shared decision making in daily practice needs more attention.

Perinatal practice in extreme premature delivery: variation in Dutch physicians' preferences despite guideline.

UNLABELLED: Decisions at the limits of viability about initiating care are challenging. We aimed to investigate physicians' preferences on treatment decisions, against the background of the 2010 Dutch guideline offering active care from 24(+0/7) weeks of gestational age (GA). Obstetricians' and neonatologists' opinions were compared. An online survey was conducted amongst all perinatal professionals (n = 205) of the 10 Dutch level III perinatal care centers. Response rate was 60 % (n = 122). Comfort care was mostly recommended below 24(+0/7) weeks and intensive care over 26(+0/7) weeks. The professional views varied most at 24 and 25 weeks, with intensive care recommended but comfort care at parental request optional being the median. There was a wide range in perceived lowest limits of GA for interventions as a caesarian section and a neonatologist present at birth. Obstetricians and neonatologists disagreed on the lowest limit providing chest compressions and administering epinephrine for resuscitation. The main factors restricting active treatment were presence of congenital disorders, "small for gestational age" fetus, and incomplete course of corticosteroids. CONCLUSION: There was a wide variety in individually preferred treatment decisions, especially when aspects were not covered in the Dutch guideline on perinatal practice in extreme prematurity. Furthermore, obstetricians and neonatologists did not always agree. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Cross-cultural differences exists in the preferred treatment at the limits of viability • In the Netherlands since 2010, intensive care can be offered starting at 24 (+0/7) weeks gestation What is new: • There was a wide variety in preferred treatment decisions at the limits of viability especially when aspects were not covered in the Dutch national guideline on perinatal practice in extreme prematurity.

The limits of viability of extremely preterm infants.

Shaeffer and Avery's textbook, Diseases of the Newborn (1971), estimated the limit of viability to be around 28 weeks' gestation and/or 1000 g. Contemporarily, however, attempts are being made to resuscitate infants as early as 22 weeks' gestation. Clearly the "limit of viability" is a moving target, and the acceptable risk of intervening to attempt to "save" these small infants/fetuses is a value judgment and not one that can be answered by science. Even though the dilemma is not one that can be resolved empirically, the emphasis on resolution continues to be one of demands for "further research" by critics as well as advocates for the care of these small infants. Patrick Romanell (1912-2002) was a major philosopher in the critical naturalist movement in the United States and internationally. His observations on the tragic quality of human life and the dilemmas associated between the conflicts of good vs good rather than the epic quality of good vs evil lend themselves well to understanding the conflicts involved in determining the limits of viability of extremely preterm infants.

Perspectives on developing and sustaining a small baby program.

The Small Baby Program at Nationwide Children's Hospital was launched in 2004 in response to a need for better care for infants born extremely preterm. Standardization of care, decreased variability, multidisciplinary support, and robust research and quality improvement have allowed us to greatly improve our outcomes. In addition to the numerous medical and technological advances during this time, a strong commitment to kangaroo care and family-centered care have been integral to the growth and success of our program. The following review of the program aims to highlight the above areas while detailing the specific processes that have contributed to its ongoing success. Key areas of focus have been on respiratory management, neurodevelopmental care, and nutritional optimization. The implementation and continued refinement of the Small Baby Program has allowed us to improve the survival of extremely preterm infants, decrease certain morbidities, and improve long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Prenatal counseling in extreme prematurity - Insight into preferences from experienced parents.

OBJECTIVE: In-depth analysis of parental preferences in prenatal counseling in extreme prematurity. METHODS: A nationwide qualitative interview study among experienced parents of extremely premature babies born at 24+0/7 - 24+6/7 weeks of gestation. Semi-structured interviews were held until saturation, transcribed and qualitatively analyzed to search for parental counseling preferences. RESULTS: Thirteen parents were included, most parents decided on active care. Organisation: Parents wanted counseling as soon as possible, and for various reasons they wanted more than one conversation. Supportive material to help visualize complex information was suggested to be helpful, preferably with adjustable levels of detail. An empathetic, honest style with commitment of the counselor was regarded important. CONTENT: Understandable statistics should be used for those who want it. Parents needed different information with respect to the decision-making as opposed to being prepared for future situations. Decision-making: The preferred share of parents' and doctors' input in decision-making varied among parents and among situations. Parents expressed that their roles were to take responsibility for and protect their infant. CONCLUSIONS: Various parental preferences for prenatal counseling were found. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Common parental preferences for the organisation, content and decision-making elements can provide a starting point for personalized prenatal counseling.

Epidemiology of Periviable Births: The Impact and Neonatal Outcomes of Twin Pregnancy.

This article discusses a study that estimated the prevalence of twin live births in the United States that were delivered in the periviable (20-25 weeks) gestational age, and compared changes in twin neonatal mortality and morbidity rates between 2005 and 2013 overall, and at periviable gestations. Although the decline in twin neonatal mortality rates at 23 and 24 weeks is encouraging, and suggests advancement in the neonatal care of these extremely small twins, the concomitant increase in neonatal morbidity at 23 weeks is concerning. Efforts to understand if twins delivered at periviable gestations suffer from long-term consequences of neurodevelopmental and cognitive deficits remain important.

Characterization of mothers at risk of delivery at the limit of viability and factors related to infant survival.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of mothers of infants at the limit of viability and to know the perinatal factors associated to infants' survival. METHOD: Single-center cohort study of mothers and newborns assisted in our tertiary care center (2004-2010). Demographic and perinatal variables were compared between mothers who gave birth ≤26 weeks GA and the general population. The association between perinatal factors and neonatal survival was studied by Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Mothers of newborns ≤26 weeks (n = 136) had less education and pregnancy control. They had more frequently assisted reproductive technologies (ART) (5.2% versus 2.3%; p< 0.05), multiple gestations (16.6% versus 2.1%; p < 0.05), pregnancy complications and C-section (39.7% versus 13.4%; p < 0.001). After correcting for confounders, the perinatal factors independently associated with a variation in the risk of mortality were the administration of antenatal steroid [aHR (95%CI): 0.465 (0.254-0.853), p = 0.013], singleton pregnancy [aHR (95%CI): 0.482 (0.279-0.834), p = 0.009], infant's temperature on admission [aHR (95%CI): 0.642 (0.426-0.968), p = 0.035] and CRIB score [aHR (95%CI): 1.151 (1.058-1.251), p = 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS: Mothers of preterm infants at the limit of viability had more ART, multiple pregnancies, obstetrical complications and C-section. Infants' survival was independently associated to antenatal steroids, singleton pregnancy, temperature on admission and CRIB score.

Practices in antenatal counseling for extremely premature infants amongst European trainees.

UNLABELLED: There is no international consensus on content and process regarding antenatal counseling in extreme prematurity. The need for adequate training is increasingly recognized. This descriptive study evaluates current practice in antenatal counseling amongst European trainees using an online survey. Focusing on the process, the majority of respondents did not have a medical consensus guideline. Seven percent of the trainees received some formal training. Focusing on the content, about half of the subjects did not mention any statistics about mortality. CONCLUSION: We observed wide variation in actual content and organization in antenatal counseling in Europe amongst European trainees in neonatology.

[Morbidity and mortality in newborns at the limit of viability in Spain: a population-based study]. / Morbimortalidad en recién nacidos al límite de la viabilidad en España: estudio de base poblacional.

INTRODUCTION: Perinatal care in extremely immature newborns is a clinical and ethical problem of great importance for professionals and families, and requires that the available information on the chances of child survival is of the highest quality. The aim of this study was to determine the specific rates of survival at hospital discharge, and survival without major morbidity in newborns with a gestation age (GA) ≤ 26 weeks in Spain. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included live newborns ≤ 26 weeks admitted to the collaborating centers of the SEN1500 network (2004-2010). Out born patients, infants who died in delivery room, and those with congenital anomalies incompatible with life were excluded. RESULTS: A total of 3,236 patients were included. GA specific survival was 12.5, 13.1, 36.9, 55.7, and 71.9% at 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 weeks of GA, respectively. Survival without severe intracranial hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and/or retinopathy of prematurity was 1.5, 9.5, 19.0, and 29.9% at 23, 24, 25 and 26 weeks GA, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Survival without major morbidity in infants less than 23 weeks GA is exceptional, and scarce in newborns with 23 and 24 weeks GA. Infants ≥ 25 weeks GA have reasonable chances of survival and, in the absence of major malformations or other relevant complications, should be offered active resuscitation and intensive care. The continuous updating of the results of individual centers is of utmost importance, as well as their comparison with the reference population-based results.

Fetal assessment near the limits of viability.

Assessments of gestational age are critical in dealing with the pregnancy at the limits of viability, 22-25-weeks gestation, where neonatal outcomes reveal very significant differences from week to week. The obstetrical team can estimate gestational age within a window of 7-10 days during this critical threshold at the window of viability via determination of last menstrual period, bimanual exam, early pregnancy test, and/or ultrasound. One must also take into account the impact of maternal disease processes, congenital abnormalities, number of fetus(es), and/or fetal growth restriction, along with ongoing evaluation and parental involvement in this decision-making process during the peri-viability period.