ABSTRACT
Objectives: To compare the entrance skin doses (ESD) before and after implementation of a radiation safety policy in neonates (RSN), which focused on clinician-directed technical specifications on the digital X-ray machine. Methods: Prospective observations included two sets of X-rays: Before (BRSN) and after (ARSN) implementation of RSN (documented indication for Xray/expected posttest findings, settings of 40 kVp, 0.5 mAs, film-focus distance 100 cm, gonadal-shield, optimal collimation, and post-shoot image-enhancement). Results: 33 and 32 X-rays were analyzed in respective groups. Mean (SD) of calculated and machine-quantified ESD (µGy/m2) was higher in BRSN group as compared to ARSN group (P <0.001). All ARSN X-rays were interpretable for expected post-test findings. Conclusion: Clinicians’ cognizance of ability to make consequential bedside technical specifications, can reduce ESD without affecting interpretability. These single observations could have a larger impact in sick neonates, where multiple X-rays are done.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: To document the adverse cardiorespiratory events following first routine immunization in preterm neonates. Methods: We retrieved records of neonates with gestational age ?30 weeks, and included those who developed cardiorespiratory events after first vaccines before discharge. Our Unit’s protocol is to administer Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), hepatitis B vaccine to those discharged at <8 weeks postnatal age. Hexavalent, BCG, pneumococcal vaccine and rotavirus vaccines are given at 8 weeks of age, if hospital stay is predicted to be longer. Unit compliance to vaccination administration at appropriate ages were also measured. Results: Data of 161 neonates ?30 weeks (17.4% <27 week) who completed care in the unit was studied. Cardio-respiratory adverse events were reported in 21(13.7%). None of these required initiation of invasive ventilation. High flow nasal cannula therapy and caffeine restart were required for these events in 14 (9.3%) and 6 (3.9%) neonates, respectively. Lower gestational age, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and sepsis were significant risk factors on univariate analysis. On multivariate analysis, continued need for respiratory support at 4 weeks of age (P=aOR 14.5 (95% CI 5-59.1) was the only independent risk factor for post-vaccination cardiorespiratory adverse events. Of 38 who were not vaccinated at recommended ages by unit policy, 25 were missed opportunities, the rest were deemed unstable for vaccinations at that age by the clinical team. Conclusion: Adverse cardiorespiratory events were uncommon after first vaccinations in very preterm neonates. Administering vaccines in this group before discharge would allow monitoring for these events, especially for those who require long-term respiratory support.
ABSTRACT
Background: Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a morbidity of multifactorial etiology with a high incidence in very preterm infants. We planned to study the incidence of MBD after implementation of bone health focussed nutritional strategy (BNS) in those <30 weeks gestation at birth. Methods: This prospective cohort study including preterm newborns (<30 weeks) who received nutrition that incorporated (a) Early initiation of intravenous potassium phosphate; (b) Early enteral supplementation with multicomponent human milk fortifier at enteral feed tolerance of 40 mL/kg/day feeds itself; and (c) Weekly phosphorus measurements with optimization of enteral intakes. Incidence of MBD at 4 weeks of postnatal age and beyond were analyzed. Other relevant safety and clinical outcomes were measured. Results: Of the 67 included neonates receiving BNS, 20.9% were classified as MBD. There was a low rate of hyperphosphatemia (4.5%) and hyperkalemia (2.9%). Full enteral feeds were achieved by median (IQR) of 6 (5,7) postnatal days. Conclusion: In preterm newborns (24-30 weeks) MBD incidence was 20.9% after BNS was implemented. Intravenous potassium salt of phosphorus and early use of HMF were safe and feasible.