Effect of oropharyngeal colostrum therapy on neonatal sepsis in preterm neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Various studies have shown that oropharyngeal colostrum application (OPCA) is beneficial to preterm neonates. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether OPCA reduces the incidence of culture-proven neonatal sepsis in preterm neonates. Randomized controlled trials comparing OPCA with placebo or standard care in preterm neonates were included. Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, and CENTRAL were searched for studies published up to June 15, 2023. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, version 2, for risk of bias assessment, the random-effects model (RevMan 5.4) for meta-analysis, and Gradepro software for assessing the certainty of evidence. Twenty-one studies involving 2393 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Four studies had a low risk of bias, whereas seven had a high risk. Oropharyngeal colostrum significantly reduced the incidence of culture-proven sepsis (18 studies, 1990 neonates, risk ratio [RR]: 0.78, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.65, 0.94), mortality (18 studies, 2117 neonates, RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.90), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (17 studies, 1692 neonates, RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.82), feeding intolerance episodes (four studies, 445 neonates, RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.92), and the time to full enteral feeding (19 studies, 2142 neonates, mean difference: -2 to 21 days, 95% CI: -3.44, -0.99 days). There was no reduction in intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, neurodevelopmental abnormalities, hospital stay duration, time to full oral feeding, weight at discharge, pneumonia, and duration of antibiotic therapy. The certainty of the evidence was high for the outcomes of culture-positive sepsis and mortality, moderate for NEC, low for time to full enteral feeding, and very low for feeding intolerance. OPCA reduces culture-positive sepsis and mortality (high certainty), NEC (moderate certainty), and time to full enteral feeding (low certainty) in preterm neonates. However, scarcity of data from extremely premature infants limits the generalizability of these results to this population.

Adherencia a las recomendaciones de prevención de la sepsis neonatal temprana asociada a la colonización por Streptococcus agalactiae en una institución de referencia en Bogotá, Colombia, 2019 / Adherence to recommendations for preventing early neonatal sepsis associated with Streptococcus agalactiae colonization in a referral center in Bogotá, Colombia, 2019

RESUMEN Objetivos: Evaluar la adherencia a las recomendaciones de tamización para la prevención de la sepsis neonatal, describir la prevalencia de colonización por estreptococo del grupo B y los desenlaces perinatales asociados a la colonización por esta bacteria. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de cohorte retrospectiva que incluyó gestantes a término y sus recién nacidos, en una clínica universitaria privada de alta complejidad en Bogotá, entre el 1 de julio y el 31 de diciembre de 2019. Se evaluó la adherencia a la tamización y a la profilaxis antibiótica intraparto para las gestantes colonizadas con EGB, la prevalencia de colonización y los desenlaces perinatales adversos tempranos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 1.928 mujeres. La adherencia a la tamización fue de 68,0 % (IC 95 %: 66-70,1), a la administración de antibióticos intraparto de 87,9 % (IC 95 %: 87,8 -88), pero hubo uso no indicado de antibióticos en 14,7 % de mujeres para una adherencia final a profilaxis antibiótica de 86,3 %. La prevalencia de colonización por EGB fue 12,5 % (IC 95 %: 10,7-14,3), la incidencia de hospitalización neonatal fue de 27,5 % (IC 95 %: 16,3-33,7); no hubo casos de mortalidad ni sepsis neonatal temprana atribuibles al estado de tamización, colonización o profilaxis antibiótica para EGB. Conclusiones: Se requieren nuevos estudios en otras instituciones para determinar la adherencia a esta guía, en especial en aquellas regiones que atienden usuarias adscritas al régimen subsidiado, con cobertura a la población más vulnerable, así como nuevos estudios poblacionales de prevalencia de EGB y costo-efectividad de la estrategia de tamización universal en comparación con la profilaxis antibiótica basada en factores de riesgo.

ABSTRACT Objectives: To assess adherence to screening recommendations for the prevention of neonatal sepsis, and describe the prevalence of colonization by Group B streptococcus (GBS) as well as the perinatal outcomes associated with colonization by this bacterium. Material and methods: Retrospective cohort study that included pregnant women at term and their newborns, seen at a private high-complexity clinic in Bogota, between July 1 and December 31, 2019. Adherence to screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis in pregnant women colonized with group B streptococcus, as well as the prevalence of colonization and early adverse perinatal outcomes were assessed. Results: Overall, 1928 women were included. Adherence to screening was 68.0 % (95 % CI: 66-70.1) and 87.9 % to intrapartum antibiotic administration (95 % CI: 87.8-88); non-indicated use of antibiotics occurred in 14.7 % of the women, for 86.3 % final adherence to antibiotic prophylaxis. The prevalence of GBS colonization was 12.5 % (95 % CI: 10.7-14.3); the incidence of neonatal hospitalization was 27.5 % (95 % CI: 16.3-33.7). There were no cases of mortality or early neonatal sepsis attributable to screening status, colonization or prophylactic antibiotics for GBS. Conclusions: Additional studies in other centers are required in order to determine adherence to this guideline, particularly in those that receive users affiliated to the subsidized regime which covers the most vulnerable population. Also, new population studies of GBS prevalence and cost-effectiveness of universal screening compared to risk factor-based antibiotic prophylaxis are needed.

Early-onset sepsis risk calculator: a review of its effectiveness and comparative study with our evidence-based local guidelines.

BACKGROUND: According to most early-onset sepsis (EOS) management guidelines, approximately 10% of the total neonatal population are exposed to antibiotics in the first postnatal days with subsequent increase of neonatal and pediatric comorbidities. A review of literature demonstrates the effectiveness of EOS calculator in reducing antibiotic overtreatment and NICU admission among neonates ≥34 weeks' gestational age (GA); however, some missed cases of culture-positive EOS have also been described. METHODS: Single-center retrospective study from 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2018 conducted in the Division of Neonatology at Santa Chiara Hospital (Pisa, Italy). Neonates ≥34 weeks' GA with birth weight ≤ 1500 g, 34-36 weeks' GA neonates with suspected intraamniotic infection and neonates ≥34 weeks' GA with three clinical signs of EOS or two signs and one risk factor for EOS receive empirical antibiotics. Neonates ≥34 weeks' GA with risk factors for EOS or with one clinical indicator of EOS undergo serial measurements of C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in the first 48-72 h of life; they receive empirical antibiotics in case of abnormalities at blood exams with one or more clinical signs of EOS. Two hundred sixty-five patients at risk for EOS met inclusion criteria; they were divided into 3 study groups: 34-36 weeks' GA newborns (n = 95, group A), ≥ 37 weeks' GA newborns (n = 170, group B), and ≥ 34 weeks' GA newborns (n = 265, group A + B). For each group, we compared the number of patients for which antibiotics would have been needed, based on EOS calculator, and the number of the same patients we treated with antibiotics during the study period. Comparisons between the groups were performed using McNemar's test and statistical significance was set at p < 0.05; post-hoc power analysis was carried out to evaluate the sample sizes. RESULTS: 32/265 (12.1%) neonates ≥34 weeks' GA received antibiotics within the first 12 h of life. According to EOS calculator 55/265 (20.7%) patients would have received antibiotics with EOS incidence 2/1000 live births (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our evidence-based protocol entails a further decrease of antibiotic overtreatment compared to EOS calculator. No negative consequences for patients were observed.

Clinical chorioamnionitis at term X: microbiology, clinical signs, placental pathology, and neonatal bacteremia - implications for clinical care.

OBJECTIVES: Clinical chorioamnionitis at term is considered the most common infection-related diagnosis in labor and delivery units worldwide. The syndrome affects 5-12% of all term pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality as well as neonatal death and sepsis. The objectives of this study were to determine the (1) amniotic fluid microbiology using cultivation and molecular microbiologic techniques; (2) diagnostic accuracy of the clinical criteria used to identify patients with intra-amniotic infection; (3) relationship between acute inflammatory lesions of the placenta (maternal and fetal inflammatory responses) and amniotic fluid microbiology and inflammatory markers; and (4) frequency of neonatal bacteremia. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study included 43 women with the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis at term. The presence of microorganisms in the amniotic cavity was determined through the analysis of amniotic fluid samples by cultivation for aerobes, anaerobes, and genital mycoplasmas. A broad-range polymerase chain reaction coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was also used to detect bacteria, select viruses, and fungi. Intra-amniotic inflammation was defined as an elevated amniotic fluid interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration ≥2.6 ng/mL. RESULTS: (1) Intra-amniotic infection (defined as the combination of microorganisms detected in amniotic fluid and an elevated IL-6 concentration) was present in 63% (27/43) of cases; (2) the most common microorganisms found in the amniotic fluid samples were Ureaplasma species, followed by Gardnerella vaginalis; (3) sterile intra-amniotic inflammation (elevated IL-6 in amniotic fluid but without detectable microorganisms) was present in 5% (2/43) of cases; (4) 26% of patients with the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis had no evidence of intra-amniotic infection or intra-amniotic inflammation; (5) intra-amniotic infection was more common when the membranes were ruptured than when they were intact (78% [21/27] vs. 38% [6/16]; p=0.01); (6) the traditional criteria for the diagnosis of clinical chorioamnionitis had poor diagnostic performance in identifying proven intra-amniotic infection (overall accuracy, 40-58%); (7) neonatal bacteremia was diagnosed in 4.9% (2/41) of cases; and (8) a fetal inflammatory response defined as the presence of severe acute funisitis was observed in 33% (9/27) of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical chorioamnionitis at term, a syndrome that can result from intra-amniotic infection, was diagnosed in approximately 63% of cases and sterile intra-amniotic inflammation in 5% of cases. However, a substantial number of patients had no evidence of intra-amniotic infection or intra-amniotic inflammation. Evidence of the fetal inflammatory response syndrome was frequently present, but microorganisms were detected in only 4.9% of cases based on cultures of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in neonatal blood.

Asociación entre la concentración de vitamina D y la sepsis neonatal extrahospitalaria de aparición tardía / Association between vitamin D level and community-acquired late-onset neonatal sepsis

Introducción. El objetivo fue determinar la relación entre la concentración materna e infantil de vitamina D y la sepsis de aparición tardía. Población y métodos. En este estudio se incluyó a los bebés nacidos con ≥ 37 semanas de gestación hospitalizados con diagnóstico de sepsis de aparición tardía. Se comparó la concentración de vitamina D de los niños y sus madres del grupo del estudio y del de referencia. Resultados. El grupo del estudio incluyó a 46 pacientes con sepsis de aparición tardía nacidos a término y el grupo de referencia, 46 pacientes con hiperbilirrubinemia. La suplementación con vitamina D durante el embarazo fue menor en las madres del grupo del estudio que en el de referencia (p = 0,001). La concentración sérica de 25-hidroxivitamina D [25(OH)D] de los niños y las madres del grupo del estudio fue significativamente menor que la del grupo de referencia (p < 0,001). Se observó una correlación positiva entre la 25(OH)D en las madres y los niños de ambos grupos (r: 0,38; p < 0,001). El valor de corte para la 25(OH)D, que determina el riesgo de sepsis neonatal de aparición tardía, se estableció en 15,45 ng/ml (sensibilidad: 91,3 %; especificidad: 71,7 %; área bajo la curva: 0,824; p < 0,001). Conclusiones. La concentración de 25(OH)D fue inferior en los bebés nacidos a término con sepsis de aparición tardía y sus madres en comparación con el grupo de referencia. La correlación entre la concentración sérica de 25(OH)D de los niños y sus madres fue positiva.

Introduction. The objective was to determine the relationship between mother and infant vitamin D levels and late onset sepsis. Population and methods.Infants born ≥37 weeks of gestational age who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of late-onset sepsis were enrolled to this prospective case control study. VitaminD levels of the infants and their mothers in the study and a control group were compared. Results. Fourty six term patients with lateonset sepsis composed the study group, 46 patients with hyperbilirubinemia as the control group. Vitamin D supplementation during pregnancy was lower in mothers of study group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels of infants and mothers in the study group were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.001). There was a positive correlation between 25-hydroxyvitaminD levels of mothers and infants in both groups (r: 0.38, p < 0.001). The best cut off value of 25-hydroxyvitamin D, which determines the risk of late-onset sepsis in neonates, was detected as 15.45 ng/ml (sensitivity: 91.3 %, specificity: 71.7 %, area under the curve: 0.824, p < 0.001). Conclusions.In this study, 25-hydroxyvitaminD levels were found to be lower in term infants with late-onset sepsis and among their mothers compared to the control group. Positive correlation was found between serum 25(OH)D levels of infants and their mothers. Key words: newborn infant, sepsis,

Screening-based and Risk-based Strategy for the Prevention of Early-onset Group B Streptococcus/Non-group B Streptococcus Sepsis in the Neonate: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Screening-based and risk-based strategies are the 2 strategies for preventing group B streptococcus (GBS) diseases in neonates. We aimed to compare the effects of these 2 strategies in reducing the incidence of early-onset GBS sepsis (GBS-EOS) and their effects on the incidence of non-GBS sepsis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for the period from January 1, 1996, to December 31, 2018. Randomized controlled trials and cohort studies that compared the effects of risk-based and screening-based strategies were eligible for the meta-analysis. The I statistic was used for assessing the statistical heterogeneity across studies. Pooled relative risks (RRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random effects model. RESULTS: There were 18 cohort studies comparing the incidence of GBS-EOS between the 2 strategies, involving a total of 604,869 newborns and 791 GBS-EOS cases. The heterogeneity across studies was moderate (I = 45%), and the pooled analysis yielded a 55% decreased risk of GBS-EOS for screening-based versus risk-based strategy (RR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.34-0.59). For total early onset non-GBS sepsis (non-GBS-EOS), 7 studies with low heterogeneity (I = 18%) had a pooled RR of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.74-1.11), whereas for ampicillin resistant Escherichia coli-EOS, a subgroup of non-GBS-EOS, 3 studies with very low heterogeneity (I = 0%) had a pooled RR of 1.28 (95% CI: 0.74-2.21) for screening-based strategy compared with risk-based strategy. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with risk-based strategy, screening-based prophylaxis was associated with a reduced risk of GBS-EOS.

Group B streptococcal transmission rates as determined by PCR.

Background Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a common cause of neonatal sepsis. GBS colonization of the newborn gastrointestinal tract (GIT) may be a critical precursor for late-onset infection. Assessment of the rate of neonatal GBS intestinal colonization has generally relied upon culture-based methods. We used polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and culture to determine the rate of GBS transmission to neonates. We hypothesized that PCR may enhance the detection of neonatal GBS colonization of the GIT, and that the rate will be higher when evaluated with PCR as compared to culture. Methods This was a cross-sectional study, in which mothers who were positive for GBS on routine screening and their healthy infants were eligible for recruitment. Newborn stool was collected after 24 h of life and before hospital discharge, and stored at -80°C for culture and PCR targeting the GBS-specific surface immunogenic protein (sip) gene. Results A total of 94 mother-infant pairs were enrolled; of these pairs, stool was collected from 83 infants. Based on PCR, the overall GBS transmission rate was 3.6% (3/83). The transmission rate was 2.4% (1/41) among vaginal deliveries and 4.8% (2/42) among cesarean deliveries. The results of culture-based transmission detection were identical. Conclusion These results indicate that the rate of GBS transmission is low and that detection may not be enhanced by PCR methods.

Team-Based Implementation of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet.

BACKGROUND: The University of Virginia neonatal intensive care unit is a 51-bed unit with approximately 600 to 700 admissions per year. Despite evidenced-based clinical care, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and feeding intolerance remained problematic. PURPOSE: In September 2016, the neonatal intensive care unit implemented an exclusive human milk diet (EHMD) for infants born 1250 g or less with the goal of reducing NEC, feeding intolerance, parenteral nutrition use, and late-onset sepsis. Length of stay, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and retinopathy of prematurity were also evaluated. METHODS: A work group developed systems for charging and documenting products used in an EHMD. Outcomes were compared with a control group of similar infants born prior to the availability of the EHMD. RESULTS: Infants who received an EHMD had significantly fewer late-onset sepsis evaluations (P = .0027) and less BPD (P = .018). While not statistically significant, less surgical NEC was also demonstrated (4 cases vs 1 case, which was 57% of total NEC cases vs 14.3%) while maintaining desirable weight gain and meeting financial goals. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A multidisciplinary team that implements financial and documentation systems can provide a sustainable clinical practice that improves patient outcomes. Ongoing evaluations of clinical and financial data provide valuable information to guide future clinical practices related to the EHMD. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future research on the anti-inflammatory effect of an EHMD is needed to provide direction regarding a potential dose-dependent response for reduced BPD rates and severity. The role of human milk and prevention or mitigation of sepsis is not fully understood, but the reduction of the number of late-onset sepsis evaluations may support the relationship between an EHMD and infection protection. Exploring clinical and financial outcomes for implementing the EHMD in infants born more than 1250 g remains a key area for research.

Topical application of coconut oil to the skin of preterm infants: a systematic review.

Preterm infants are at risk of increased trans-epidermal water loss and infections due to epidermal immaturity. The emollient and anti-infective properties of coconut oil make it a potentially beneficial topical agent for this population. We aimed to systematically review randomised trials assessing the effects of topical coconut oil in preterm infants. Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and CINAHL were searched. Seven trials (n = 727 infants) were included. The majority of trials included relatively mature infants (gestation > 32 weeks, birth weight > 1200 g). The duration of intervention (5-31 days) and outcomes of interest varied among included studies. Meta-analysis using random effects model found significantly lower incidence of hospital-acquired blood stream infections (HABSI) in the coconut oil group (11/164 vs 32/166; relative risk 0.35, 95% confidence interval 0.18, 0.67, p = 0.001; I2 = 0%, two RCTs). Overall, infants in the coconut oil group had decreased water loss, decreased infection rates, better growth and skin condition. There were no significant adverse effects associated with coconut oil application. The overall quality of evidence was considered moderate for the outcome of HABSI and low for the outcome of physical growth based on GRADE guidelines.Conclusion: Topical coconut oil application to the skin may be beneficial in preterm infants, but the quality of evidence is low to moderate. Adequately powered randomised controlled trials, especially in very preterm (< 32 weeks) and extremely preterm (< 28 weeks) infants, are needed. What is Known: • Coconut oil has been used traditionally for topical application in terms of infants in Asian countries What is New: • This systematic review found that topical application of coconut oil may reduce the risk of infection and improve weight gain and skin condition in preterm infants. However, the quality of evidence was considered to be moderate to low based on GRADE guidelines.

Strategies for preventing early-onset sepsis and for managing neonates at-risk: wide variability across six Western countries.

Objective: Group B streptococcus (GBS) early-onset sepsis (EOS) has declined after widespread intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. However, strategies for preventing EOS may differ across countries. The analysis of their strategies allows to compare the effectiveness of prevention in different countries and suggests opportunities for improvement. Methods: We compared six western countries. Prevention strategies, incidence rates of EOS and approaches for managing neonates at-risk were analysed. Countries were selected because of availability of recommendations for prevention and sufficient epidemiological data for comparison. Results: Five of six countries recommend antenatal vagino-rectal screening. The decline of GBS cases is relevant in most countries, particularly in those with a screening-based strategy, which have reached incidence rates from 0.1 to 0.3/1000 live births and zero or close to zero mortality in full-term newborns. The recommendation for managing asymptomatic neonates at risk for EOS varies according to gestational age and ranges from observation only to laboratory testing plus empirical antibiotics. Chorioamnionitis (suspected or confirmed) is the main indication for carry out laboratory testing and for administering empirical antibiotics. Conclusions: Wide variations exists in preventing EOS. They depend on national epidemiology of GBS infections, compliance, cost, and feasibility of the strategy. The extreme variability of approaches for managing neonates at risk for EOS reflects the even greater uncertainty regarding this issue, and may explain the persisting, great use of resources to prevent a disease that has become very rare nowadays.

"Golden Hour" quality improvement intervention and short-term outcome among preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a quality improvement intervention during the first hour of life ("Golden Hour") on short-term preterm neonatal outcome. STUDY DESIGN: A comprehensive protocol designed for initial stabilization and treatment of preterm infants that included cord blood sampling, use of a dedicated resuscitation room and improved team communication using Crew Resource Management tools. The infants admitted before and after implementation of the protocol were retrospectively compared in a matched case-control design. RESULTS: There were 194 infants in the intervention group and 194 controls. Admission temperatures improved significantly from a mean of 35.26 °C to 36.26 °C (P < 0.001), and late-onset sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia rates lowered significantly (P = 0.035 and P = 0.028, respectively) in the intervention group. There was trend towards reduction in early blood transfusion and ventilation duration. CONCLUSIONS: A "Golden Hour" quality improvement intervention was of significant benefit for preterm neonates. Further follow-up to assess long-term effects is warranted.

Preventing neonatal sepsis in rural Uganda: a cross-over study comparing the tolerance and acceptability of three alcohol-based hand rub formulations.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal sepsis causes 0.5 million deaths annually, mostly in low resource settings. Babies born in African rural homes without running water or toilet facilities are especially vulnerable. Alcohol-based hand rub (ABHR) may be used by mothers and carers as an alternative to hand washing with soap to prevent neonatal infection. However, no definite study has established the preferred formulation of hand rub for the mothers. This study aimed to assess the effects of addition of bitterants and perfume towards the acceptability of the alcohol-based hand rubs by the mothers in their homes after childbirth. METHODS: This was a 3-way blinded cross-over study design. Mothers with children aged ≤3 months were recruited from immunisation clinics at 3 local health facilities in rural eastern Uganda and received 3-different ABHR formulations (in the order plain, bitterant and perfumed) packed in 100 ml bottles. Each ABHR was used for 5 consecutive days followed by a 2-day 'washout' period (evaluation period). Overall satisfaction with each hand rub was evaluated at the end of each week using a 7-point Likert scale. RESULTS: A total of 43 women were recruited, whose ages ranged from 16 to 45 years (mean 26.2 years old). None of the participants normally used a hand protective lotion/cream. The three formulations were used for a mean of 5 (range 3-7) days. A significantly greater volume of the "bitterant" and "perfumed" formulations (mean 91 and 83 ml respectively) were used in comparison to the "plain" formulation (mean 64 ml). Overall satisfaction was high with all the hand rubs, but the perfumed formulation had a significantly higher overall satisfaction score [mean 6.7, range 4-7] compared with the plain [6.4, 3-7] and bitterant [6.2, 2-7] formulations. CONCLUSIONS: All the 3 ABHR formulations were well accepted with little to choose between them. The ABHR with added perfume scored highest on overall satisfaction and was used significantly more often than plain ABHR. ABHR with bitterant additive did, however, score highly and may be a preferable choice to those with concern over alcohol misuse. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN67852437 , prospectively registered on 18/03/2018.

Selective or universal screening for GBS in pregnancy (review).

Group B streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of early-onset neonatal sepsis in many countries and responsible for significant perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis has been the mainstay of efforts to prevent early-onset GBS disease in recent decades, however it is unclear if women should be targeted based on the presence of clinical risk factors or by screening for GBS colonisation during pregnancy. Universal bacteriological screening of women in late pregnancy has been widely adopted but questions remain regarding its benefits and potential harms. Newer approaches to screening based on rapid point-of-care testing require further evaluation in randomised controlled trials to inform evidence-based practice. Given current preventive strategies do not protect against late onset disease and other sequelae of infection, maternal vaccination against GBS may present the best opportunity to reduce the global burden of invasive GBS disease in the future.

A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Human Milk Feeding and Morbidity in Very Low Birth Weight Infants.

This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesised the post-1990 literature examining the effect of human milk on morbidity, specifically necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), late onset sepsis (LOS), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and neurodevelopment in infants born ≤28 weeks' gestation and/or publications with reported infant mean birth weight of ≤1500 g. Online databases including Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched, and comparisons were grouped as follows: exclusive human milk (EHM) versus exclusive preterm formula (EPTF), any human milk (HM) versus EPTF, higher versus lower dose HM, and unpasteurised versus pasteurised HM. Experimental and observational studies were pooled separately in meta-analyses. Risk of bias was assessed for each individual study and the GRADE system used to judge the certainty of the findings. Forty-nine studies (with 56 reports) were included, of which 44 could be included in meta-analyses. HM provided a clear protective effect against NEC, with an approximate 4% reduction in incidence. HM also provided a possible reduction in LOS, severe ROP and severe NEC. Particularly for NEC, any volume of HM is better than EPTF, and the higher the dose the greater the protection. Evidence regarding pasteurisation is inconclusive, but it appears to have no effect on some outcomes. Improving the intake of mother's own milk (MOM) and/or donor HM results in small improvements in morbidity in this population.

En mujeres embarazadas con rotura prematura de membranas y edad gestacional entre 34 y 37 semanas: ¿Es la interrupción del embarazo (manejo activo) mejor que el manejo expectante para reducir la sepsis neonatal? / In pregnant women with premature rupture of membranes and gestational age between 34 and 37 weeks: Is termination of pregnancy (active management) better than expectant management to reduce neonatal sepsis?

INTRODUCCIÓN: La rotura prematura de membranas (RPM) ocurre en un 8 a 10% de las embarazadas, y de ellas, un 20% corresponde a embarazos de pretérmino. El mayor riesgo para el feto luego de una RPM pretérmino son las complicaciones propias de la prematurez. Por debajo de las 34 semanas se favorece el manejo expectante, y el uso de antibióticos y corticoides. Entre las 34 y 37 semanas, sin embargo, las prácticas varían, no habiendo un consenso claro sobre la conducta óptima. OBJETIVO: El objetivo de esta revisión es explorar la evidencia actualmente disponible respecto de la conducta activa versus la expectante en embarazos con RPM entre las 34 y 37 semanas (36 semanas más 6 días). METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una búsqueda de literatura médica en distintas bases de datos, dentro de las cuales se incluye "PubMed" y "Cochrane", usando los siguientes términos: "Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture", "Premature Birth", "34 and 37 weeks" y "Clinical Trial". Se limitó la búsqueda a artículos que fueran ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. De un total de 31 trabajos, se seleccionaron 3, a los cuales se les aplicó la pauta de análisis crítico para evaluación de estudios de terapia. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 3 estudios que respondían a la pregunta planteada. En el primer estudio se concluyó que en pacientes en que hay interrupción inmediata la incidencia de sepsis neonatal es baja y no es posible demostrar que esta conducta mejore los resultados en comparación con el manejo expectante (2.6% vs. 4.1%). El manejo activo en este estudio se asoció a mayor incidencia de hiperbilirrubinemia, hipoglicemia, y mayor estadía hospitalaria neonatal. En el segundo artículo se planteó que la incidencia de sepsis neonatal sigue siendo baja, lo cual no disminuyó con la inducción del trabajo de parto. Esta tampoco disminuyó el riesgo de otros resultados neonatales o maternos. Finalmente, el tercer estudio concluyó que la interrupción inmediata aumenta las complicaciones neonatales sin disminución de la sepsis neonatal, pero a expensas de mayor frecuencia de fiebre materna y de hemorragia intraparto. CONCLUSIONES: El manejo expectante no es inferior al manejo activo en el contexto de RPM entre las semanas 34 a 37 de edad gestacional.

INTRODUCTION: Premature rupture of membranes (PROM) occur in eight to ten percent of pregnancies, and 20 percent of them occur in preterm pregnancies. Biggest fetal risks after preterm PROM are complications due to prematurity. Before 34 weeks of gestation it is preferred an expectant management, and the use of antibiotics and steroids. Between 34 and 37 weeks, however, practices are variable without a clear consensus about the best management. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to explore the available evidence about active versus expectant management in pregnancies with PROM between 34 and 37 weeks (36 weeks plus 6 days). METHODS: Different databases were searched for medical literature, including 'PubMed' and 'Cochrane', using the following terms: 'Fetal Membranes, Premature Rupture', 'Premature Birth', '34 and 37 weeks' and 'Clinical Trial'. The search was limited to clinical randomized trials. From a total of 31 studies, three were selected, in which critical analysis guidelines for evaluation of therapy studies were applied. RESULTS: Three clinical trials which answered our question were included in this review. The first study concluded that in patients whose pregnancies were interrupted immediately, the incidence of neonatal sepsis was low but is was not able to demonstrate that this action improved outcomes compared to expectant management (2.6% vs 4.1%). Active management in this study was associated to greater incidences of hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia and longer neonatal hospital stay. In the second article the incidence of neonatal sepsis was low and didn't decrease with induction of labor. It also didn't reduce the risk of other maternal nor neonatal outcomes. Finally, the third study concluded that induction of labor increased neonatal complications without reducing neonatal sepsis, but at the expense of increased frequency of intrapartum hemorrhage and maternal fever. CONCLUSION: After analyzing the selected articles, it is possible to conclude that there is enough evidence to say that expectant management is not inferior to active management in relation to PROM between 34 and 37 weeks of gestational age.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supernatant enhance neonatal resistance to systemic Escherichia coli K1 infection by accelerating development of intestinal defense.

The objective of this study was to determine whether Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG culture supernatant (LCS) has a preventive effect against gut-derived systemic neonatal Escherichia coli (E. coli) K1 infection. The preventive effects were evaluated in human colonic carcinoma cell line Caco-2 and neonatal rat models. Our in vitro results showed that LCS could block adhesion, invasion and translocation of E. coli K1 to Caco-2 monolayer via up-regulating mucin production and maintaining intestinal integrity. In vivo experiments revealed that pre-treatment with LCS significantly decrease susceptibility of neonatal rats to oral E. coli K1 infection as reflected by reduced bacterial intestinal colonization, translocation, dissemination and systemic infections. Further, we found that LCS treated neonatal rats have higher intestinal expressions of Ki67, MUC2, ZO-1, IgA, mucin and lower barrier permeability than those in untreated rats. These results indicated that LCS could enhance neonatal resistance to systemic E. coli K1 infection via promoting maturation of neonatal intestinal defense. In conclusions, our findings suggested that LCS has a prophylactic effect against systemic E. coli K1 infection in neonates. Future studies aimed at identifying the specific active ingredients in LCS will be helpful in developing effective pharmacological strategies for preventing neonatal E. coli K1 infection.