Exclusively breastmilk-fed preterm infants are at high risk of developing subclinical vitamin K deficiency despite intramuscular prophylaxis at birth.

BACKGROUND: There is near-global consensus that all newborns be given parenteral vitamin K1 (VK1 ) at birth as prophylaxis against VK deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Breastmilk has a low VK content and cases of late VKDB are reported in exclusively breastmilk-fed preterm infants despite VK prophylaxis at birth. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of functional VK insufficiency in preterm infants based on elevated under-γ-carboxylated (Glu) species of Gla proteins, factor II (PIVKA-II), and osteocalcin (GluOC), synthesized by liver and bone, respectively. PATIENTS/METHODS: Prospective, multicenter, observational study in preterm infants born <33 weeks' gestation. Blood samples and dietary history were collected before hospital discharge, and after discharge at 2-3 months' corrected age. Outcome measures were serum VK1 , PIVKA-II, and %GluOC (GluOC as a percentage of the sum of GluOC plus GlaOC) compared between exclusively breastmilk-fed and formula/mixed-fed infants after discharge. RESULTS: After discharge, breastmilk-fed babies had significantly lower serum VK1 (0.15 vs. 1.81 µg/L), higher PIVKA-II (0.10 vs. 0.02 AU/ml) and higher %GluOC (63.6% vs. 8.1%) than those receiving a formula/mixed-feed diet. Pre-discharge (based on elevated PIVKA-II), only one (2%) of 45 breastmilk-fed infants was VK insufficient. After discharge, eight (67%) of 12 exclusively breastmilk-fed babies were VK insufficient versus only one (4%) of 25 formula/mixed-fed babies. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm infants who remain exclusively or predominantly human breastmilk-fed after neonatal unit discharge are at high risk of developing subclinical VK deficiency in early infancy. Routine postdischarge VK1 supplementation of breastfed infants to provide intakes comparable to those from formula milks should prevent this deficiency.

Randomised cross-over study of automated oxygen control for preterm infants receiving nasal high flow.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a prototype automated controller (IntellO2) of the inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) in maintaining a target range of oxygen saturation (SpO2) in preterm babies receiving nasal high flow (HF) via the Vapotherm Precision Flow. DESIGN: Prospective two-centre order-randomised cross-over study. SETTING: Neonatal intensive care units. PATIENTS: Preterm infants receiving HF with FiO2 ≥25%. INTERVENTION: Automated versus manual control of FiO2 to maintain a target SpO2 range of 90%-95% (or 90%-100% if FiO2=21%). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measure was per cent of time spent within target SpO2 range. Secondary outcomes included the overall proportion and durations of SpO2 within specified hyperoxic and hypoxic ranges and the number of in-range episodes per hour. RESULTS: Data were analysed from 30 preterm infants with median (IQR) gestation at birth of 26 (24-27) weeks, study age of 29 (18-53) days and study weight 1080 (959-1443) g. The target SpO2 range was achieved 80% of the time on automated (IntellO2) control (IQR 70%-87%) compared with 49% under manual control (IQR 40%-57%; p<0.0001). There were fewer episodes of SpO2 below 80% lasting at least 60 s under automated control (0 (IQR 0-1.25)) compared with manual control (5 (IQR 2.75-14)). There were no differences in the number of episodes per hour of SpO2 above 98% (4.5 (IQR 1.8-8.5) vs 5.5 (IQR 1.9-14); p=0.572) between the study arms. CONCLUSIONS: The IntellO2 automated oxygen controller maintained patients in the target SpO2 range significantly better than manual adjustments in preterm babies receiving HF. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02074774.