Antimicrobial resistance heterogeneity among multidrug-resistant Gram-negative pathogens: Phenotypic, genotypic, and proteomic analysis.

Microbes evolve rapidly by modifying their genomes through mutations or through the horizontal acquisition of mobile genetic elements (MGEs) linked with fitness traits such as antimicrobial resistance (AMR), virulence, and metabolic functions. We conducted a multicentric study in India and collected different clinical samples for decoding the genome sequences of bacterial pathogens associated with sepsis, urinary tract infections, and respiratory infections to understand the functional potency associated with AMR and its dynamics. Genomic analysis identified several acquired AMR genes (ARGs) that have a pathogen-specific signature. We observed that blaCTX-M-15, blaCMY-42, blaNDM-5, and aadA(2) were prevalent in Escherichia coli, and blaTEM-1B, blaOXA-232, blaNDM-1, rmtB, and rmtC were dominant in Klebsiella pneumoniae. In contrast, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii harbored blaVEB, blaVIM-2, aph(3'), strA/B, blaOXA-23, aph(3') variants, and amrA, respectively. Regardless of the type of ARG, the MGEs linked with ARGs were also pathogen-specific. The sequence type of these pathogens was identified as high-risk international clones, with only a few lineages being predominant and region-specific. Whole-cell proteome analysis of extensively drug-resistant K. pneumoniae, A. baumannii, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa strains revealed differential abundances of resistance-associated proteins in the presence and absence of different classes of antibiotics. The pathogen-specific resistance signatures and differential abundance of AMR-associated proteins identified in this study should add value to AMR diagnostics and the choice of appropriate drug combinations for successful antimicrobial therapy.

Immediate "Kangaroo Mother Care" and Survival of Infants with Low Birth Weight.

BACKGROUND: "Kangaroo mother care," a type of newborn care involving skin-to-skin contact with the mother or other caregiver, reduces mortality in infants with low birth weight (<2.0 kg) when initiated after stabilization, but the majority of deaths occur before stabilization. The safety and efficacy of kangaroo mother care initiated soon after birth among infants with low birth weight are uncertain. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, controlled trial in five hospitals in Ghana, India, Malawi, Nigeria, and Tanzania involving infants with a birth weight between 1.0 and 1.799 kg who were assigned to receive immediate kangaroo mother care (intervention) or conventional care in an incubator or a radiant warmer until their condition stabilized and kangaroo mother care thereafter (control). The primary outcomes were death in the neonatal period (the first 28 days of life) and in the first 72 hours of life. RESULTS: A total of 3211 infants and their mothers were randomly assigned to the intervention group (1609 infants with their mothers) or the control group (1602 infants with their mothers). The median daily duration of skin-to-skin contact in the neonatal intensive care unit was 16.9 hours (interquartile range, 13.0 to 19.7) in the intervention group and 1.5 hours (interquartile range, 0.3 to 3.3) in the control group. Neonatal death occurred in the first 28 days in 191 infants in the intervention group (12.0%) and in 249 infants in the control group (15.7%) (relative risk of death, 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.64 to 0.89; P = 0.001); neonatal death in the first 72 hours of life occurred in 74 infants in the intervention group (4.6%) and in 92 infants in the control group (5.8%) (relative risk of death, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.58 to 1.04; P = 0.09). The trial was stopped early on the recommendation of the data and safety monitoring board owing to the finding of reduced mortality among infants receiving immediate kangaroo mother care. CONCLUSIONS: Among infants with a birth weight between 1.0 and 1.799 kg, those who received immediate kangaroo mother care had lower mortality at 28 days than those who received conventional care with kangaroo mother care initiated after stabilization; the between-group difference favoring immediate kangaroo mother care at 72 hours was not significant. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12618001880235; Clinical Trials Registry-India number, CTRI/2018/08/015369.).

Delayed Administration of Antibiotics Beyond the First Hour of Recognition Is Associated with Increased Mortality Rates in Children with Sepsis/Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of mortality and other clinical outcomes in children with sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock who received antibiotics within the first hour of recognition (early antibiotics group) with those who received antibiotics after the first hour (delayed antibiotics group). STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled children <17 years of age presenting to the pediatric emergency and diagnosed with sepsis or septic shock without prior antibiotic therapy. Primary outcome was mortality and the secondary outcomes were day 1 Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction score, ventilator-free days, and hospital-free days. These outcomes were compared between the early and the delayed antibiotic groups. The reference point for defining early and delayed antibiotic groups was time 0, which was measured from the time the patient was diagnosed to have sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock to the time of administration of the first dose of antibiotics. RESULTS: About three-fourths (77%) of the 441 children enrolled had septic shock. A total of 241 (55%) and 200 (45%) children were in the delayed and early antibiotic groups, respectively. Children in the delayed group had significantly higher odds of mortality than those in the early group (29% vs 20%; aOR 1.83; 95% CI, 1.14-2.92; P = .01). The time to shock reversal was significantly shorter, and the ventilator-free days and hospital-free days were significantly greater, in the early antibiotic group. There was no difference between the groups with regard to any of the other clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed administration of antibiotics beyond 1 hour of recognition was associated with higher mortality rates in children with sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. Antibiotics should be administered within the first hour, along with other resuscitative measures, in these children.

Functional Outcomes at 1 Year After PICU Discharge in Critically Ill Children With Severe Sepsis.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the functional outcomes in critically ill children with severe sepsis using the Pediatric Overall Performance Category scale and Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category scale and to evaluate the risk factors for "worse outcomes." DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care PICU from September 2017 to October 2019. PATIENTS: One hundred twenty-one children with severe sepsis, 2 months to 17 years old, admitted to PICU. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Pediatric Overall Performance Category and Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category scores were recorded at admission, PICU discharge, at 3 months and 1 year after discharge. "New disability" was defined as Pediatric Overall Performance Category and Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score change "from baseline score" by greater than or equal to 1 category. Risk factors for "worse outcomes" (defined as "death" or "new disability") were evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. At admission, 33% (n = 39) had mild to moderate "overall disability" (Pediatric Overall Performance Category) and 26% (n = 32) had mild to moderate "cognitive disability" (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category). At PICU discharge (n = 89 children), 50.5% (n = 45) had "new disability" in overall function (Pediatric Overall Performance Category scores) and 28% (n = 25) had "new disability" in cognitive function (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category scores). At 3 months follow-up (n = 85 children), "new disability" at PICU discharge improved in 65% (n = 28/43) and 50% (n = 12/24) of those with "overall disability" (Pediatric Overall Performance Category) and "cognitive disability" (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category), respectively. At 1-year follow-up (n = 84 children), only 5% (n = 2/43) had residual "new disability" in overall function (Pediatric Overall Performance Category) and 14% (n = 3/21) had residual "new disability" in cognitive function. PICU mortality was 26% (n = 32). The proportion with "worse outcomes" was 64% (n = 77). Risk factors for worse outcomes on univariate analysis included higher Pediatric Index of Mortality-3 scores, day 1 pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the ICU stay, and treatments received such as ventilation and Vasoactive-Inotrope Score. On multivariate analysis, only day 1 pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the ICU stay were found to be statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Children with severe sepsis had significant "new onset" mild to moderate functional disability at PICU discharge, and most of these children recovered within 1 year after PICU discharge. Day 1 pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score and patient receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the ICU stay were found to be the significant risk factors of "worse outcomes."

Low dose fentanyl infusion versus 24% oral sucrose for pain management during laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity-an open label randomized clinical trial.

To compare the efficacy of low dose fentanyl infusion and 24% oral sucrose in providing optimal pain relief during laser for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), we enrolled fifty-eight spontaneously breathing preterm infants undergoing laser. The preterm infants were randomized to either fentanyl infusion (1 mcg/kg/hr) or 24% oral sucrose (2 ml). We evaluated and compared the proportion of time spent crying during the procedure, salivary cortisol before and after the procedure, premature infant pain profile- revised (PIPP-R) scores during the procedure, apnoea during and after the procedure, need for mechanical ventilation, and feed intolerance and urinary retention 24 h after the procedure between the two groups. We found that the proportion of time spent crying during the procedure was significantly less in the fentanyl group [62.5% (50.7-74.2) vs 73.8% (55.6-83.4); P = 0.02]. Average PIPP-R score during the procedure was significantly less in the fentanyl group [7.2 vs 9.0; (mean difference of - 1.8; P = 0.01)]. There was no difference in other outcomes between the two groups.Conclusion: During laser for ROP, low dose fentanyl infusion was found to be efficacious in reducing pain as compared with 24% sucrose.What is Known:• Preterm infants undergoing laser photocoagulation for ROP suffer significant amount of pain.• Standard of care for pain relief in infants undergoing laser therapy in developed countries is general anesthesia (GA) or combination of sedation, analgesia, and paralysis (SAP).What is New:• During laser photocoagulation for ROP, fentanyl infusion at low dose (1 mcg/kg/hr) is efficacious in reducing pain as compared to 24% oral sucrose.

Delayed cord clamping in Rh-alloimmunised infants: a randomised controlled trial.

Despite advancement in medical care, Rh alloimmunisation remains a major cause of neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia, neuro-morbidity, and late-onset anaemia. Delayed cord clamping (DCC), a standard care now-a-days, is yet not performed in Rh-alloimmunised infants due to paucity of evidence. Hence, we randomised these infants of 28- to 41-week gestation to delayed cord clamping (N = 36) or early cord clamping (N = 34) groups. The primary outcome variable was venous packed cell volume (PCV) at 2 h of birth. The secondary outcomes were incidence of double volume exchange transfusion (DVET) and partial exchange transfusion (PET), duration of phototherapy (PT), functional echocardiography (parameters measured: superior vena cava flow, M-mode fractional shortening, left ventricular output, myocardial perfusion index, and inferior vena cava collapsibility) during hospital stay, and blood transfusion (BT) until 14 weeks of life. Neonates were managed as per unit protocol. The baseline characteristics of enrolled infants were comparable between the groups. The median (IQR) gestation and mean (SD) birth weight of enrolled infants were 35 (33-37) weeks and 2440 (542) g, respectively. The DCC group had a higher mean PCV at 2 h of life (48.4 ± 9.2 vs. 43.5 ± 8.7, mean difference 4.9% (95% CI 0.6-9.1), p = 0.03). However, incidence of DVET and PET, duration of PT, echocardiography parameters, and BT until 14 weeks of postnatal age were similar between the groups.Conclusion: DCC in Rh-alloimmunised infants improved PCV at 2 h of age without significant adverse effects.Trial registration: Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI), Ref/2016/11/012572 http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials, date of trial registration 19.12.2016, date of first patient enrolment 1 January 2017.What is Known:•Delayed cord clamping improves haematocrit, results in better haemodynamic stability, and decreases the need of transfusion in early infancy.•However, due to lack of evidence, potential risk of hyperbilirubinaemia, and exacerbation of anaemia (following delayed cord clamping), early cord clamping is the usual norm in Rh-alloimmunised infantsinfants.What is New:•Delayed cord clamping in Rh-alloimmunised infants improves haematocrit at 2 h of life without any increase in incidence of serious adverse effects.

Concordance of glycaemic and cardiometabolic traits between Indian women with history of gestational diabetes mellitus and their spouses: an opportunity to target the household.

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to investigate the concordance of dysglycaemia (prediabetes or diabetes) and cardiometabolic traits between women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and their spouses. METHODS: Using hospital medical records, women with GDM (diagnosed between 2012 and 2016) and their spouses were invited to participate in the study and to attend a scheduled hospital visit in a fasting state. Sociodemographic, anthropometric and medical data were collected, and a 75 g OGTT with serum insulin estimation, HbA1c measurement and fasting lipid profile were performed at the visit. Prediabetes and diabetes were defined using ADA criteria and the metabolic syndrome was defined using IDF criteria. RESULTS: A total of 214 couples participated in the study. Women were tested at a mean ± SD age of 32.4 ± 4.6 years and median (quartile [q]25-q75) of 19.5 (11-44) months following the index delivery, while men were tested at a mean ± SD age of 36.4 ± 5.4 years. A total of 72 (33.6%) couples showed concordance for dysglycaemia, while 99 (46.3%) and 51 (23.8%) couples were concordant for overweight/obesity and the metabolic syndrome, respectively. A total of 146 (68.2%) couples showed concordance for any of the above three factors. The presence of dysglycaemia in one partner was associated with an increased risk of dysglycaemia in the other partner (OR 1.80 [95% CI 1.04, 3.11]). Similarly, being overweight/obese (OR 2.19 [95% CI 1.22, 3.93]) and presence of the metabolic syndrome (OR 2.01 [95% CI 1.16, 3.50]) in one partner was associated with an increased risk of these conditions in the other partner. Both women and men were more likely to have dysglycaemia if they had a partner with dysglycaemia. Women with a partner with dysglycaemia had a significantly higher BMI, waist circumference and diastolic BP, and a significantly higher probability of low HDL-cholesterol (<1.29 mmol/l) and the metabolic syndrome compared with women with a normoglycaemic partner. No such differences were observed for men with or without a partner with dysglycaemia. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The high degree of spousal concordance found in this study suggests social clustering of glycaemic and cardiometabolic traits among biologically unrelated individuals. This provides us with an opportunity to target the behavioural interventions at the level of the 'married couple', which may be a novel and cost-effective method of combating the current diabetes epidemic.

Effect of Severe Vitamin D Deficiency at Admission on Shock Reversal in Children With Septic Shock: A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVES:: To evaluate the association of severe vitamin D deficiency with clinically important outcomes in children with septic shock. METHODS:: We enrolled children ≤17 years with septic shock prospectively over a period of 6 months. We estimated 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] levels at admission and 72 hours. Severe deficiency was defined as serum 25 (OH) <10 ng/mL. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis to evaluate association with clinically important outcomes. RESULTS:: Forty-three children were enrolled in the study. The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency was 72% and 69% at admission and 72 hours, respectively. On univariate analysis, severe vitamin D deficiency at admission was associated with lower rates of shock reversal, 74% (23) versus 25% (3); relative risk (95% confidence interval [CI]): 2.9 (1.09-8.08), at 24 hours and greater need for fluid boluses (75 vs 59 mL/kg). On multivariate analysis, nonresolution of shock at 24 hours was significantly associated with severe vitamin D deficiency after adjusting for other key baseline and clinical variables, adjusted odds ratio (95% CI): 12 (2.01-87.01); 0.01. CONCLUSION:: The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency is high in children with septic shock admitted to pediatric intensive care unit. Severe vitamin D deficiency at admission seems to be associated with lower rates of shock reversal at 24 hours of ICU stay. Our study provides preliminary data for planning interventional studies in children with septic shock and severe vitamin D deficiency.

Comparison of International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference Versus Sepsis-3 Definitions for Children Presenting With Septic Shock to a Tertiary Care Center in India: A Retrospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the proportion of children fulfilling "Sepsis-3" definition and International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference definition among children diagnosed to have septic shock and compare the mortality risk between the two groups. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: PICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital from 2014 to 2017. PATIENTS: Children (≤ 17 yr old) with a diagnosis of septic shock at admission or during PICU stay. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We applied both International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference and the new "Sepsis-3" definition (sepsis with hypotension requiring vasopressors and a lactate value of ≥ 2 mmol/L) to identify cases of septic shock by these definitions. Key outcomes such as mortality, proportion attaining shock reversal at 24 hours and organ dysfunction were compared between those fulfilling "Sepsis-3" definitions ("Sepsis-3" group) and those fulfilling "International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference" definition ("International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference" group). A total of 216 patients fulfilled International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference definitions of septic shock. Of these, only 104 (48%; 95% CI, 42-55) fulfilled "Sepsis-3" definition. Children fulfilling "Sepsis-3 plus International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference definitions" ("Sepsis-3 and International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference" group) had lower proportion with shock resolution (61% vs 82%; relative risk, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.62-0.88) and higher risk of multiple organ dysfunction (85% vs 68%; 1.24; 1.07-1.45) at 24 hours. The mortality was 48.5% in "Sepsis-3 and International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference" group as compared with 37.5% in the "International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference only" group (relative risk, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.94-1.75). CONCLUSIONS: Less than half of children with septic shock identified by International Pediatric Sepsis Consensus Conference definitions were observed to fulfill the criteria for shock as per "Sepsis-3" definitions. Lack of difference in the risk of mortality between children who fulfilled "Sepsis-3" definition and those who did not fulfill the definition raises questions on the appropriateness of using this definition for diagnosis of septic shock in children.

Effect of a Training Strategy in Improving Medication Fallacies During Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Before-and-After Study From a Developing Country.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the effect of structured training on resident performance in improving medication fallacies during pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS: This before-and-after study was conducted in the pediatric acute care areas of tertiary care teaching hospitals of a developing country from August to December 2015. Case records of children younger than 18 years who underwent CPR were reviewed. Senior residents rotating through pediatric emergency department and pediatric intensive care unit were evaluated for their knowledge. Incidence of medication fallacies in pediatric CPR and change in the knowledge scores of residents posted in these areas were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: One-hundred records were evaluated (pre-intervention, 54; post-intervention, 46). In the pre-intervention period, 25 had medication fallacies (documentation, 16; dosing, 9). In the post-intervention period, 7 fallacies pertaining to documentation (not dosing) were found. The incidence of severe fallacies decreased from 20% pretraining to 0% posttraining. The mean (SD) knowledge scores of residents increased from 7.9 (2.9) pretraining to 13 (1.4) posttraining. On univariate analysis, fallacies were found to be less if the resident was formally trained (pediatric advanced life support certified), if the patient was older, and during morning and night shifts as compared with evening shift. On multivariate analysis, however, only status of training (posttraining) (adjusted odds ratio, 0.12; 95% confidence interval, 0.02-0.68) and the morning shift (adjusted odds ratio, 0.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.001-0.72) remained significant with lower incidence of fallacies associated with these variables. CONCLUSIONS: Rates of medication fallacies in pediatric CPR declined with structured training. Documentation fallacies may not be eliminated completely with only 1-time training.

Prevalence and Outcome of Sepsis-induced Myocardial Dysfunction in Children with 'Sepsis' 'With' and 'Without Shock'-A Prospective Observational Study.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and effects of sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) in children with septic shock. METHODOLOGY: Enrolled children with septic shock (n = 31) and sepsis (n = 30) underwent echocardiography and cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) estimation within first 3 h. SIMD was defined as presence of systolic/diastolic dysfunction by echocardiography. RESULTS: The prevalence of SIMD was 71% in 'septic shock' and 23% in 'sepsis'. Diastolic dysfunction (45.2%) was more prevalent than systolic dysfunction (32.3%). Children with SIMD had higher requirement of inotropes [81 vs. 44%; adjusted odds ratio: 1.41 (1.04-1.92)] in first 48 h. cTnI had low sensitivity (62.5%) and specificity (55.1%) for detecting SIMD. On follow-up at 3 months, there was no residual dysfunction in the majority (71.3%). CONCLUSION: SIMD, especially diastolic dysfunction, is common in septic shock and may increase inotrope requirement. It is reversible in majority. Sepsis patients may have asymptomatic underlying SIMD. cTnI does not correlate with the degree of SIMD.

Fluid Bolus Over 15-20 Versus 5-10 Minutes Each in the First Hour of Resuscitation in Children With Septic Shock: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effect of administration of 40-60 mL/kg of fluids as fluid boluses in aliquots of 20 mL/kg each over 15-20 minutes with that over 5-10 minutes each on the composite outcome of need for mechanical ventilation and/or impaired oxygenation-increase in oxygenation index by 5 from baseline in the initial 6 and 24 hours in children with septic shock. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Pediatric emergency and ICU of a tertiary care institute. PATIENTS: Children (< 18 yr old) with septic shock. INTERVENTIONS: We randomly assigned participants to 15-20 minutes bolus (study group) or 5-10 minutes bolus groups (control group). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: We assessed the composite outcomes in the initial 6 and 24 hours after fluid resuscitation in both groups. We performed logistic regression to evaluate factors associated with need for ventilation in the first hour. Data were analyzed using Stata 11.5. Of the 96 children, 45 were randomly assigned to "15-20 minutes group" and 51 to "5-10 minutes group." Key baseline characteristics were not different between the groups. When compared with 5-10 minutes group, fewer children in 15-20 minutes group needed mechanical ventilation or had an increase in oxygenation index in the first 6 hours (36% vs 57%; relative risk, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39-0.99) and 24 hours (43% vs 68%; relative risk, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.42-0.93) after fluid resuscitation. We did not find any difference in secondary outcomes such as death (1.2; 0.70-2.03), length of stay (mean difference: 0.52; -1.72 to 2.7), or resolution of shock (0.98; 0.63-1.53). CONCLUSION: Children receiving fluid boluses over 5-10 minutes each had a higher risk of intubation than those receiving boluses over 15-20 minutes each. Notwithstanding the lack of difference in risk of mortality and the possibility that a lower threshold of intubation and mechanical ventilation was used in the presence of fluid overload, our results raise concerns on the current recommendation of administering boluses over 5-10 minutes each in children with septic shock.

Efficacy and acceptability of an "App on sick newborn care" in physicians from newborn units.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increased emphasis on institutional births, and thus an increasing clinical work load for health care professionals in the recent past. Hence, continuing education, training, ongoing supervision, and mentorship of health care professionals working in these health facilities with easy access to guidelines in a cost effective manner has become a challenging task. With the increased emphasis on institutional births, and an increasing clinical work load, continuing education and training of health care professional managing these health facilities, their ongoing supervision, mentorship, with ready availability of guidelines in a cost effective manner becomes imperative and is a challenging task. Training opportunities can be linked to mobile electronic devices and 'Apps' to improve the care of seriously ill newborn. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an innovative point of care tool- Android based App- 'AIIMS-WHO CC STPs' on the knowledge, skill scores, and satisfaction among Special Newborn Care Unit (SNCU) physicians managing sick neonates. METHODS: The baseline knowledge and skill scores of pediatricians working in SNCUs in the state of Tamil Nadu, India (n = 32) were assessed by 25 multiple choice questions (MCQs) and by five Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) skill stations. The training was conducted in a single-day workshop using the app on four modules followed by post-training assessment of knowledge and skill scores after 3 weeks using the same. The satisfaction was assessed by mixed method approach using Likert's scale and focus group discussion (FGD) after 3 weeks. RESULTS: The mean knowledge scores [19.4 (2.6) vs. 10.7 (3.2); maximum marks (MM) 25, mean difference 8.7 (95 % CI 7.6 to 9.9)], and the composite mean skill scores [55.2 (5.8) and 42 (6.2), MM 75, mean difference 13.2 (95 % CI 10.4 to 15.9)] improved after training. The median (IQR) satisfaction score with the course was 4 (4 to 5) (Likert's scale). Focus group discussion revealed that the physicians were overall satisfied using the device. They expressed overall satisfaction on the teaching methodology using wall charts, simulators, and device. CONCLUSION: Training SNCU physicians on Android based App- 'AIIMS-WHO CC STPs' improved their knowledge and skills. This app may have a potential role as a supplement to other modalities in training doctors for improving newborn care.

Description and Validation of a Novel Method of Measuring Pharyngeal Pressure in New-born.

Study background: Measurement of delivered pharyngeal pressure during continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy is not in routine practice due to lack of a simple and affordable technique of intrapharyngeal pressure measurement. To overcome the lack of the gold standard solid-state catheter-tip pressure measurement technology in our set up, we improvised a novel method of pressure measurement and tested its validity in a simulated pharynx. METHODS: A low-cost pressure transducer was improvised by attaching an orogastric tube to its one end. The other end of the orogastric tube was sealed into an artificial pharynx - a 20 ml syringe. The pressure transducer readings were compared with that obtained by a digital manometer attached to the tip of the syringe. Bland-Altman statistic was used to quantify the measurement reliability of the novel method against the digital manometer. Effect of tube length on the measurement agreement was also studied. The developed technique was applied in new-borns. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: Pressures measured by this technique were in good agreement with that obtained using a digital manometer. This technique has the potential to be used as an alternative to catheter-tip pressure transducers for bedside pharyngeal pressure measurement in new-born babies, especially in under-resourced setups.

Can available interventions end preventable deaths in mothers, newborn babies, and stillbirths, and at what cost?

Progress in newborn survival has been slow, and even more so for reductions in stillbirths. To meet Every Newborn targets of ten or fewer neonatal deaths and ten or fewer stillbirths per 1000 births in every country by 2035 will necessitate accelerated scale-up of the most effective care targeting major causes of newborn deaths. We have systematically reviewed interventions across the continuum of care and various delivery platforms, and then modelled the effect and cost of scale-up in the 75 high-burden Countdown countries. Closure of the quality gap through the provision of effective care for all women and newborn babies delivering in facilities could prevent an estimated 113,000 maternal deaths, 531,000 stillbirths, and 1·325 million neonatal deaths annually by 2020 at an estimated running cost of US$4·5 billion per year (US$0·9 per person). Increased coverage and quality of preconception, antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal interventions by 2025 could avert 71% of neonatal deaths (1·9 million [range 1·6-2·1 million]), 33% of stillbirths (0·82 million [0·60-0·93 million]), and 54% of maternal deaths (0·16 million [0·14-0·17 million]) per year. These reductions can be achieved at an annual incremental running cost of US$5·65 billion (US$1·15 per person), which amounts to US$1928 for each life saved, including stillbirths, neonatal, and maternal deaths. Most (82%) of this effect is attributable to facility-based care which, although more expensive than community-based strategies, improves the likelihood of survival. Most of the running costs are also for facility-based care (US$3·66 billion or 64%), even without the cost of new hospitals and country-specific capital inputs being factored in. The maximum effect on neonatal deaths is through interventions delivered during labour and birth, including for obstetric complications (41%), followed by care of small and ill newborn babies (30%). To meet the unmet need for family planning with modern contraceptives would be synergistic, and would contribute to around a halving of births and therefore deaths. Our analysis also indicates that available interventions can reduce the three most common cause of neonatal mortality--preterm, intrapartum, and infection-related deaths--by 58%, 79%, and 84%, respectively.

Interventions to improve breastfeeding outcomes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To provide comprehensive evidence of the effect of interventions on early initiation, exclusive, continued and any breastfeeding rates when delivered in five settings: (i) Health systems and services (ii) Home and family environment (iii) Community environment (iv) Work environment (v) Policy environment or a combination of any of above. METHODS: Of 23977 titles identified through a systematic literature search in PUBMED, Cochrane and CABI, 195 articles relevant to our objective, were included. We reported the pooled relative risk and corresponding 95% confidence intervals as our outcome estimate. In cases of high heterogeneity, we explored its causes by subgroup analysis and meta-regression and applied random effects model. RESULTS: Intervention delivery in combination of settings seemed to have higher improvements in breastfeeding rates. Greatest improvements in early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding rates, were seen when counselling or education were provided concurrently in home and community, health systems and community, health systems and home settings, respectively. Baby friendly hospital support at health system was the most effective intervention to improve rates of any breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: To promote breastfeeding, interventions should be delivered in a combination of settings by involving health systems, home and family and the community environment concurrently.

Early goal-directed therapy in pediatric septic shock: comparison of outcomes "with" and "without" intermittent superior venacaval oxygen saturation monitoring: a prospective cohort study*.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of intermittent central venous oxygen saturation monitoring (ScvO(2)) on critical outcomes in children with septic shock, as continuous monitoring may not be feasible in most resource-restricted settings. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: PICU of a tertiary care teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Consecutive children younger than 17 years with fluid refractory septic shock admitted to our ICU from November 2010 to October 2012 were included. INTERVENTIONS: Enrolled children were subjected to subclavian/internal jugular catheter insertion. Those in whom it was successful formed the "exposed" group (ScvO(2) group), whereas the rest constituted the control group (no ScvO(2) group). In the former group, intermittent ScvO(2) monitoring at 1, 3, and 6 hours was used to guide resuscitation, whereas in the latter, only clinical variables were used. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The major outcomes were in-hospital mortality and achievement of therapeutic goals within first 6 hours. One hundred twenty children were enrolled in the study-63 in the ScvO(2) group and 57 in the no ScvO(2) group. Baseline characteristics including the organ dysfunction and mortality risk scores were comparable between the groups. Children in the ScvO(2) group had significantly lower in-hospital mortality (33.3% vs 54%; relative risk, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.4, 0.93; number needed to treat, 5; 95% CI, 3, 27). A greater proportion of children in exposed group achieved therapeutic endpoints in first 6 hours (43% vs 23%, p = 0.02) and during entire ICU stay (71% vs 51%, p = 0.02). The mean number of dysfunctional organs was also significantly lesser in ScvO(2) group in comparison with no ScvO(2) group (2 vs 3, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Early goal-directed therapy using intermittent ScvO(2) monitoring seemed to reduce the mortality rates and improved organ dysfunction in children with septic shock as compared with those without such monitoring.

Need for Repeat-Hospitalization in Very Low Birth Weight or Very Preterm Infants: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of repeat-hospitalization amongst neonates with gestation <32 wk or birth weight <1500 g within 6 mo of birth. METHODS: All live births with gestation <32 wk or birth weight <1500 g born at a level-III NICU were prospectively enrolled and followed up through routine visits, multimedia and telephonically, fortnightly for re-hospitalization details till 6 mo of postnatal age. Main outcome measures were incidence, causes and risk factors for repeat-hospitalization. RESULTS: Of the 131 neonates enrolled, incidence and incidence density of repeat-hospitalization were 16% (95% CI 10.2-23.4) and 3.6 per 100 person-months, respectively. The most common causes for repeat-hospitalizations were pneumonia (n = 8; 29.6%), sepsis (n = 5, 18.5%), gastroenteritis (n = 3, 11.1%) and severe anemia (n = 2, 7.4%). Majority of repeat-hospitalizations (92.6%; 95% CI 74.1-98.5) occurred within 2 mo of discharge. The median hospital stay during repeat-hospitalizations was 4 d (IQR 1-21). On multivariate analysis, lower socioeconomic status was significantly associated with repeat-hospitalization (aOR 5.9, 1.3-23). Death after discharge occurred in 3 (2.3%) infants and were due to sudden infant death syndrome, complex cyanotic heart disease and pneumonia with multiple co-morbidities (one each). All deaths occurred at home. CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one-sixth of very low birth weight (VLBW) or very preterm infants required repeat-hospitalization after discharge, primarily within 2 mo of discharge. Infections, especially pneumonia, being the most common reason. A comprehensive follow-up package of post-discharge care for prevention of morbidities and timely hospital care for ongoing morbidities is required for optimal long-term survival of these infants.