Pediatricians' focus of sight at pain assessment during a neonatal heel puncture / Foco do olhar do pediatra na avaliação da dor neonatal durante uma punção de calcanhar

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the focus of pediatricians' gaze during the heel prick of neonates. Methods: Prospective study in which pediatricians wearing eye tracker glasses evaluated neonatal pain before/after a heel prtick. Pediatricians scored the pain they perceived in the neonate in a verbal analogue numerical scale (0=no pain; 10=maximum pain). The outcomes measured were number and time of visual fixations in upper face, lower face, and hands, in two 10-second periods, before (pre) and after the puncture (post). These outcomes were compared between the periods, and according to pediatricians' pain perception: absent/mild (score: 0-5) and moderate/intense (score: 6-10). Results: 24 pediatricians (31 years old, 92% female) evaluated 24 neonates. The median score attributed to neonatal pain during the heel prick was 7.0 (Interquartile range: 5-8). Compared to pre-, in the post-periods, more pediatricians fixed their gaze on the lower face (63 vs. 92%; p=0.036) and the number of visual fixations was greater on the lower face (2.0 vs. 5.0; p=0.018). There was no difference in the number and time of visual fixations according to the intensity of pain. Conclusions: At bedside, pediatricians change their focus of attention on the neonatal face after a painful procedure, focusing mainly on the lower part of the face.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o foco do olhar do pediatra durante a punção do calcanhar de neonatos. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo no qual pediatras, utilizando óculos de rastreamento visual, avaliaram a dor neonatal antes/depois de uma punção de calcanhar. Os pediatras pontuaram a dor de acordo com a sua percepção por meio de uma escala analógica verbal (0=sem dor; 10=dor máxima). Os desfechos analisados foram o número e o tempo das fixações visuais na face superior, face inferior e mãos, em dois períodos de 10 segundos, antes (PRÉ) e depois da punção (PÓS). Os resultados foram comparados entre os períodos e segundo a percepção da dor do pediatra: ausente/leve (escore: 0-5) e moderada/grave (escore: 6-10). Resultados: Vinte e quatro pediatras (31 anos, 92% sexo feminino) avaliaram 24 neonatos. A mediana do escore atribuído à dor do recém-nascido durante a punção do calcanhar foi 7,0 (intervalo interquartil: 5-8). Comparado ao período PRÉ, no período PÓS, o maior número de pediatras fixou o olhar na face inferior (63 vs. 92%; p=0,036) e o número de fixações visuais foi maior na face inferior (2,0 vs. 5,0; p=0,018). Não houve diferença no número e no tempo das fixações visuais de acordo com a intensidade da dor. Conclusões: À beira do leito, os pediatras mudam seu foco de atenção visual na face do recém-nascido após um procedimento doloroso, focando o olhar principalmente na parte inferior da face.

Comparison of mortality and survival without major morbidities of very preterm infants with very low birth weight from Japan and Brazil / Comparação entre mortalidade e sobrevida sem morbidades importantes dos recém-nascidos prematuros de muito baixo peso entre o Japão e o Brasil

Abstract Objective: This study was carried out to understand the disparities in mortality and survival without major morbidities among very premature and very low birth weight infants between participating Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) from the Brazilian Network on Neonatal Research (RBPN) and the Neonatal Research Network of Japan (NRNJ). Methods: Secondary data analysis of surveys by the RBPN and NRNJ was performed. The surveys were conducted in 2014 and 2015 and included 187 NICUs. Primary outcome was mortality or survival without any major morbidity. Logistic regression analysis adjustment for confounding factors was used. Results: The study population consisted of 6,406 infants from the NRNJ and 2,319 from the RBPN. Controlling for various confounders, infants from RBPN had 9.06 times higher adjusted odds of mortality (95%CI 7.30-11.29), and lower odds of survival without major morbidities (AOR 0.36; 95%CI 0.32-0.41) compared with those from the NRNJ. Factors associated with higher odds of mortality among Brazilian NICUs included: Air Leak Syndrome (AOR 4.73; 95%CI 1.26-15.27), Necrotizing Enterocolitis (AOR 3.25; 95%CI 1.38-7.26), and Late Onset Sepsis (LOS) (AOR 4.86; 95%CI 2.25-10.97). Conclusions: Very premature and very low birth weight infants from Brazil had significantly higher odds for mortality and lower odds for survival without major morbidities in comparison to those from Japan. Additionally, we identified the factors that increased the odds of in-hospital neonatal death in Brazil, most of which was related to LOS.

RESUMO Objetivo: Este estudo foi realizado para compreender as disparidades na mortalidade e sobrevivência sem as principais morbidades entre recém-nascidos muito prematuros e de muito baixo peso entre Unidades de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTINs) participantes da Rede Brasileira de Pesquisas Neonatais (RBPN) e Rede de Pesquisa Neonatal do Japão (NRNJ). Métodos: Foi realizada uma análise dos dados secundários dos bancos de dados da RBPN e da NRNJ. As pesquisas foram realizadas em 2014 e 2015 e incluíram 187 UTINs. O desfecho primário foi mortalidade ou sobrevida sem qualquer morbidade importante. Utilizou-se a análise de regressão logística com ajuste para os fatores de confusão. Resultados: A população do estudo foi composta por 6.406 recém-nascidos do NRNJ e 2.319 do RBPN. Ajustando para diversos fatores de confusão, os prematuros da RBPN tiveram 9,06 vezes maiores chances de mortalidade (IC95% 7,30-11,29) e menores chances de sobrevivência sem morbidades importantes (AOR 0,36; IC95% 0,32-0,41) em comparação com os da NRNJ. Fatores associados a maiores chances de mortalidade entre as UTINs brasileiras incluíram: síndrome de escape de ar (AOR 4,73; IC95% 1,26-15,27), enterocolite necrosante (AOR 3,25; IC95% 1,38-7,26) e sepse de início tardio (AOR 4,86; IC95% 2,25-10,97). Conclusões: Os recém-nascidos muito prematuros e de muito baixo peso do Brasil apresentaram chances significativamente maiores de mortalidade e menores chances de sobrevivência sem as principais morbidades em comparação aos do Japão. Além disso, identificamos os fatores que aumentam as chances da morte neonatal no Brasil, sendo a maioria relacionada à sepse tardia.

The financial impact of neonatal sepsis on the Brazilian Unified Health System

Abstract Objective To evaluate the hospital cost of newborn infants diagnosed with sepsis from the perspective of the Brazilian Public Health System over 11 years. Method Cross-sectional study that analyzed secondary data from the databases of the Hospital Information System of the Brazilian Public Health System. Infants hospitalized between 0‒29 days after birth with a diagnosis of sepsis from 2008 to 2018 were included. The diagnosis used in the study was the one that the hospital considered the main diagnosis at admission. Costs were analyzed in US dollars and reflected the amount paid by the Brazilian Public Health System to the hospitals for the informed diagnosis upon admission. The costs were evaluated as the total per admission, and they were compared among Brazilian geographic regions, among etiologic agents, and between neonates with the diagnosis of sepsis that survived or died. Results From 2008 to 2018, 47,554 newborns were hospitalized with sepsis (148.04 cases per 100,000 live births), with an average cost of US$ 3345.59 per hospitalization, ranging from US$ 2970.60 in the North region to US$ 4305.03 in the Midwest. Among sepsis with identified agents, the highest mean cost was related to Gram-negative agents, and the lowest to Streptococcus agalactiae sepsis. Patients with sepsis who died had a higher cost than the survivors (t-test; p= 0.046). Conclusions The evaluation of costs related to neonatal sepsis in the country during an 11-year period shows the economic impact of morbidity that may be avoided by improving the quality of neonatal care.

Face-based automatic pain assessment: challenges and perspectives in neonatal intensive care units

Abstract Objective: To describe the challenges and perspectives of the automation of pain assessment in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Data sources: A search for scientific articles published in the last 10 years on automated neonatal pain assessment was conducted in the main Databases of the Health Area and Engineering Journal Portals, using the descriptors: Pain Measurement, Newborn, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Systems, Software, Automated Facial Recognition. Summary of findings: Fifteen articles were selected and allowed a broad reflection on first, the literature search did not return the various automatic methods that exist to date, and those that exist are not effective enough to replace the human eye; second, computational methods are not yet able to automatically detect pain on partially covered faces and need to be tested during the natural movement of the neonate and with different light intensities; third, for research to advance in this area, databases are needed with more neonatal facial images available for the study of computational methods. Conclusion: There is still a gap between computational methods developed for automated neonatal pain assessment and a practical application that can be used at the bedside in real-time, that is sensitive, specific, and with good accuracy. The studies reviewed described limitations that could be minimized with the development of a tool that identifies pain by analyzing only free facial regions, and the creation and feasibility of a synthetic database of neonatal facial images that is freely available to researchers.

Impact of resuscitation training program on neonatal outcomes in a region of high socioeconomic vulnerability in Brazil: an interventional study

Abstract Objectives: This pre/post-intervention study aimed to evaluate neonatal outcomes after the implementation of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. Method: This interventional study was conducted across five secondary healthcare regions that supported 62 cities in the southwestern mesoregion of Piauí. It included 431 healthcare professionals responsible for neonatal care in the study region. The participants were trained in neonatal resuscitation through the Neonatal Resuscitation Program of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. Delivery room structuring, healthcare professionals' knowledge, and neonatal care outcomes were analyzed immediately before and after intervention and after 12 months between February 2018 and March 2019, and healthcare professionals were evaluated. Results: Training was conducted for over 106 courses. As a participant could take multiple courses, 700 training sessions were conducted. Regarding delivery room structuring, the acquisition of materials required for resuscitation increased from 28.4 to 80.6% immediately after the intervention and to 83.3% after 12 months. Knowledge retention was significant in the post-training period, with a 95.5% approval rate, and knowledge acquisition was satisfactory after 12 months. The number of newborns transferred during the study period increased significantly. A 72.6% reduction in mortality at birth was recorded, and 479 newborns were resuscitated. Conclusion: Following the implementation of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, structural improvements in delivery rooms, adequate knowledge retention regarding neonatal resuscitation, and a consequent reduction in neonatal mortality were observed.

Looking at neonatal facial features of pain: do health and non-health professionals differ?

Abstract Objective: To analyze the regions that trigger the attention of adults' gaze when assessing pain in newborn infants' pictures and to verify if there are differences between health and non-health professionals. Method: Experimental study with 84 health professionals and 59 non-health professionals, who evaluated two images of 10 neonates, one at rest and the other during a painful procedure. Each image was shown for 7 seconds on a computer screen, while eye movements were tracked by the Tobii TX300 EyeTracker. After evaluating each image, participants gave a score from 0 (absent pain) to 10 (maximum pain), according to their perception of neonatal pain. For each image, the number and total time of gaze fixations in the forehead, eyes, nasolabial furrow, and mouth were studied. Comparisons between both groups of adults were made by an intraclass correlation coefficient, Student's t-test, and Bland Altman graphic. Results: Health professionals (93% female; 34 ± 9 years old), compared to non-health professionals (64% female; 35 ± 11 years old), gave lower scores for images at rest (0.81 ± 0.50 vs. 1.59 ± 0.76; p = 0.010), with no difference for those obtained during the painful procedure (6.98 ± 1.08 vs. 6.73 ± 0.82). There was a strong or almost perfect correlation for the number of fixations in the mouth, eyes, forehead, and for the total fixation time in the eyes and forehead. Conclusions: Adults, irrespective of their profession, showed a homogeneous gaze pattern when evaluating pictures of neonates at rest or during a painful procedures.

Inter-observer agreement in the identification of pain faces in full-term and late preterm newborns: cross-sectional study / Concordância interavaliadores na identificação de faces de dor de recém-nascidos a termo e pré-termo tardio: estudo transversal

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Difficulty in neonatal assessment is a challenge for the development of pain prevention and treatment strategies. The objective of this study was to analyze the agreement among health professionals in the identification of facial pain movements in images of neonates submitted or not to a painful procedure and to evaluate the discriminatory capacity of these facial movements regarding the presence of pain. METHODS: Cross-sectional study. Six health professionals trained in neonatal pain assessment evaluated 30 images of newborns undergoing a painful procedure and 30 images of the same newborns at rest, without pain. Each professional evaluated five facial movements that are part of the Neonatal Facial Coding System. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were determined. Agreement among professionals was assessed using the kappa coefficient. RESULTS: The six observers correctly assessed 94±9% of the images obtained at rest as absence of pain and 88±28% of the images obtained during the painful procedure as presence of pain. Protruding forehead, narrowed eyelid cleft, deepened nasolabial furrow, and open mouth showed high sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values in the diagnosis of pain, with values between 78-90%. The inter-observer agreement for all 60 images showed a kappa coefficient of 0.60 (95%CI 0.55-0.66). CONCLUSION: The evaluation of the forehead, eyelid, nasolabial furrow and mouth of newborns showed high sensitivity and specificity to discriminate the presence and absence of pain in static images. The agreement between the evaluators in identifying facial movements related to the expression of pain in newborns was moderate.

RESUMO JUSTIFICATIVA E OBJETIVOS: A dificuldade na avaliação da dor do recém-nascido é um desafio para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de prevenção e tratamento da dor. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a concordância entre profissionais de saúde na identificação de movimentos faciais de dor em imagens de recém-nascidos submetidos ou não a um procedimento doloroso e a capacidade discriminatória quanto à presença de dor desses movimentos faciais. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal. Seis profissionais de saúde treinados na avaliação da dor neonatal avaliaram 30 imagens de recém-nascidos submetidos a um procedimento doloroso e 30 imagens em repouso dos mesmos recém-nascidos, sem dor. Cada profissional avaliou cinco movimentos faciais que fazem parte do Sistema de Codificação Facial Neonatal. Sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos positivos e negativos foram determinados. A concordância interavaliadores foi avaliada pelo coeficiente kappa. RESULTADOS: Os seis observadores avaliaram corretamente 94±9% das imagens obtidas em repouso como ausência de dor e 88±28% das imagens obtidas durante o procedimento doloroso como presença de dor. Fronte saliente, fenda palpebral estreitada, sulco nasolabial aprofundado e boca aberta mostraram alta sensibilidade, especificidade e valores preditivos positivo e negativo no diagnóstico de dor, com valores entre 78 e 90%. A concordância interavaliadores para todas as 60 imagens mostrou um kappa 0,60 (IC95%0,55-0,66). CONCLUSÃO: A avaliação da fronte, pálpebra, sulco nasolabial e boca de recém-nascidos mostrou alta sensibilidade e especificidade para discriminar a presença e ausência de dor em imagens estáticas. A concordância interavaliadores na identificação de movimentos faciais relacionados à expressão da dor em recém- -nascidos foi moderada.

Monitoramento eletrofisiológico do sistema auditivo central em crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional / Electrophysiological follow-up of the central auditory system in children born small for gestational age

RESUMO Objetivo Monitorar o sistema auditivo central de crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional, por meio da avaliação eletrofisiológica da audição, para verificar a ocorrência de eventuais disfunções neurais nesse sistema. Métodos Estudo longitudinal, cuja casuística foi composta por 23 crianças distribuídas em quatro grupos: 1) grupo de quatro crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional e a termo; 2) grupo de sete crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional e pré-termo; 3) grupo de quatro crianças nascidas com peso adequado para a idade gestacional e a termo; 4) grupo de oito crianças nascidas adequadas para a idade gestacional e pré-termo, cuja idade ao final da pesquisa foi de 3 anos (variação entre 34 e 39 meses). O critério de inclusão foi presença bilateral de emissões otoacústicas transientes. Todas as crianças foram submetidas ao potencial evocado auditivo de tronco encefálico ao nascimento, aos 6 meses e aos 3 anos de idade e à pesquisa do potencial evocado auditivo de longa latência aos 3 anos. Resultados crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional e a termo tiveram maior ocorrência de alterações, em relação aos demais grupos, com aumento da latência das ondas III e V e interpicos I-III e I-V. Todas apresentaram resultados normais no potencial evocado auditivo de longa latência. Conclusão Crianças nascidas pequenas para a idade gestacional e a termo apresentam disfunções na condução neural no tronco encefálico e devem ser consideradas de risco para alterações do desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas necessárias para garantir qualidade de processamento da informação acústica.

ABSTRACT Purpose To follow up the central auditory system of children born small for gestational age, through electrophysiological evaluation of hearing, in order to verify the occurrence of possible neural dysfunctions in this system. Methods A longitudinal study was carried out with 23 children divided into four groups: Term-born group, subdivided into small for gestational age (four children) and four children born with appropriate weight for gestational age, whose age at the end of the research was three years old. Preterm group subdivided into small for gestational age (seven children), and appropriate for gestational age (eight children), whose corrected age, at the end of the research was three years old. All children were subjected to assessment of auditory brainstem auditory evoked potentials at birth, at six months and at three years of age, and Long-Latency Auditory Evoked Potential at three years. Results children born at term and small for gestational age had a higher occurrence of hearing alterations in relation to the other groups, with increased latency of waves III and V and interpeaks I-III and I-V. All children presented normal evaluation in the Long-Latency Auditory Evoked Potential. Conclusion Children born term and small for gestational age present dysfunctions in neural conduction in the brainstem and should be considered at risk for alterations in the development of the auditory skills that are necessary to guarantee quality of acoustic information processing.

Preterm infants with peri/intraventricular hemorrhage have poorer habituation responses to external stimuli / Neonatos prematuros com hemorragia peri-intraventricular apresentam respostas de habituação piores a estímulos externos

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the association between intra-ventricular hemorrhage and habituation responses to external stimuli in preterm infants at 36-38 weeks post-conceptual age. Methods: Cross-sectional study of infants with gestational age <32 weeks. Intra-ventricular hemorrhage was identified by cranial ultrasonography and classified according to Papile et al. (1978). The luminous (flashlight), sound (rattle, bell), and tactile stimuli were presented, and the responses were scored according to Lester and Tronik (2004). Habituation response scores were compared between groups by Student's t-test. The association between IVH and habituation scores was evaluated by linear regression adjusted for GA, clinical severity score, post-conceptual age at habituation assessment, sepsis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Results: Sixty-five infants were studied, 20 with intra-ventricular hemorrhage (16 grades I/II; four grades III/IV) and 45 without intra-ventricular hemorrhage. Infants with intra-ventricular hemorrhage had lower gestational age (28.2 ± 2.2 vs. 29.7 ± 1.7 weeks) and birth weight (990 ± 305 vs. 1275 ± 360 g). Infants with intra-ventricular hemorrhage at 36-38 weeks post-conceptual age had lower habituation scores to light (4.21 ± 2.23 vs. 6.09 ± 2.44), rattle (3.84 ± 2.12 vs. 6.18 ± 2.27), and bell (3.58 ± 1.74 vs. 5.20 ± 2.47) after controlling for confounders. No differences were found for tactile stimulus. Conclusion: Infants with gestational age <32 weeks and intra-ventricular hemorrhage had poorer habituation responses to external stimuli than those without intra-ventricular hemorrhage at 36-38 weeks post-conceptual age.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a associação entre hemorragia intraventricular e as respostas de habituação a estímulos externos em neonatos prematuros com idade pós-conceptual de 36-38 semanas. Métodos: Estudo transversal com neonatos com idade gestacional < 32 semanas. A hemorragia intraventricular foi identificada por ultrassonografia craniana e classificada de acordo com Papile et al. (1978). Os estímulos luminosos (lanterna), sonoros (chocalho, sino) e táteis foram apresentados e as respostas foram pontuadas de acordo com Lester & Tronik (2004). Os escores das respostas de habituação foram comparadas entre os grupos pelo teste t de Student. A associação entre a hemorragia intraventricular e os escores de habituação foi avaliada por regressão linear ajustada para a idade gestacional, escore de gravidade clínica, idade pós-conceptual na avaliação da habituação, sepse e displasia broncopulmonar. Resultados: 65 neonatos foram estudados, 20 com hemorragia intraventricular (16 graus I/II;4 graus III/IV) e 45 sem hemorragia intraventricular. Os neonatos com hemorragia intraventricular apresentaram menor idade gestacional (28,2 ± 2,2 vs. 29,7 ± 1,7 semanas) e peso ao nascer (990 ± 305 vs. 1275 ± 360 g). Os neonatos com hemorragia intraventricular na idade pós-conceptual de 36-38 semanas apresentaram escores de habituação menores a luz (4,21 ± 2,23 vs. 6,09 ± 2,44), chocalho (3,84 ± 2,12 vs. 6,18 ± 2,27) e campainha (3,58 ± 1,74 vs. 5,20 ± 2,47) após controle para variáveis de confusão. Nenhuma diferença foi encontrada para os estímulos táteis. Conclusão: Neonatos com idade gestacional < 32 semanas e hemorragia intraventricular apresentaram respostas de habituação piores a estímulos externos que os sem hemorragia intraventricular, na idade pós-conceptual de 36-38 semanas.

Evaluation of usability of a neonatal health information system according to the user's perception / Avaliação da usabilidade de um sistema de informação em saúde neonatal segundo a percepção do usuário

ABSTRACT Objective: To measure the level of satisfaction regarding the usability of a neonatal health information system and identify if demographic factors can influence the usability of a health information system. Methods: A cross-sectional, exploratory study was carried out with a convenience sample of 50 users of the Brazilian Neonatal Research Network. The instrument chosen for the usability evaluation was the System Usability Scale between February and March 2017. The statistical analysis of the collected variables was carried out in order to describe the sample, to quantify the level of satisfaction of the users and to identify the variables associated with the level of satisfaction. Results: The female gender represented 75% of the sample. The mean age was 52.8 years; 58% had a doctoral degree, average time of graduation was 17 years, with area of practice in medicine (neonatology), with intermediate knowledge in computer science (74%) and mean system use time of 52 months. Regarding usability, 94% rated the system as "good", "excellent" or "better than imaginable". The usability of the system was not associated with age, gender, education, profession, area of practice, knowledge in computer science and time of system use. Conclusion: The level of satisfaction of the computerized health system user was considered good. No demographic factors were associated with the satisfaction of the users.

RESUMO Objetivo: Mensurar o grau de satisfação de profissionais de saúde quanto à usabilidade de um sistema de informação em saúde neonatal e identificar os fatores que podem influenciar na satisfação do usuário frente à usabilidade. Métodos: Estudo transversal e exploratório realizado com 50 profissionais de saúde integrantes dos centros da Rede Brasileira de Pesquisas Neonatais. Para avaliação da usabilidade foi utilizado o instrumento System Usability Scale entre fevereiro e março de 2017. Realizou-se a análise estatística descritiva e inferencial das variáveis coletadas, com a finalidade de descrever a amostra, quantificar o grau de satisfação dos usuários e identificar as variáveis associadas ao grau de satisfação do usuário em relação à usabilidade. Resultados: Da população avaliada, 75% era do sexo feminino, com idade média 52,8 anos, 58% com pós-graduação (doutorado); tempo médio da última formação de 17 anos; área de atuação em medicina (neonatologia), grau intermediário de conhecimento em informática e tempo de utilização média do sistema de 52 meses. Quanto à usabilidade, 94% avaliaram o sistema como "bom", "excelente" ou "melhor impossível". A usabilidade do sistema não foi associada a idade, sexo, escolaridade, profissão, área de atuação, nível de conhecimento em informática e tempo de uso do sistema. Conclusões: O grau de satisfação do usuário do sistema informatizado de saúde foi considerado bom. Não foram identificados fatores demográficos que influenciassem sua avaliação.

Risk factors for mortality in children with congenital heart disease delivered at a brazilian tertiary center

Abstract Objective: This study aims to investigate the incidence of postnatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease (CHD) and the predictive factors for hospital mortality. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a Brazilian tertiary center, and data were collected from medical records with inclusion criteria defined as any newborn with CHD diagnosed in the postnatal period delivered between 2015 and 2017. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the potential risk factors for mortality. Results: During the 3-year period, 119 (5.3%) children of the 2215 children delivered at our institution were diagnosed with CHD. We considered birth weight (P=0.005), 1st min Apgar score (P=0.001), and CHD complexity (P=0.013) as independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality. The most common CHD was ventricular septal defect. Indeed, 60.5% cases were considered as "complex" or "significant" CHDs. Heart surgeries were performed on 38.9% children, 15 of whom had "complex" or "significant" CHD. A mortality rate of 42% was observed in this cohort, with 28% occurring within the initial 24 h after delivery and 38% occurring in patients admitted for heart surgery. Conclusion: The postnatal incidence of CHD at our service was 5.3%. Low 1st min Apgar score, low birth weight, and CHD complexity were the independent factors that affected the hospital outcome.

Early neonatal deaths associated with perinatal asphyxia in infants ≥2500g in Brazil / Óbitos neonatais precoces associados à asfixia perinatal em neonatos ≥2500g no Brasil

Abstract Objective: To assess the annual burden of early neonatal deaths associated with perinatal asphyxia in infants weighing ≥2500 g in Brazil from 2005 to 2010. Methods: The population study enrolled all live births of infants with birth weight ≥2500 g and without malformations who died up to six days after birth with perinatal asphyxia, defined as intrauterine hypoxia, asphyxia at birth, or meconium aspiration syndrome. The cause of death was written in any field of the death certificate, according to International Classification of Diseases,10th Revision (P20.0, P21.0, and P24.0). An active search was performed in 27 Brazilian federative units. The chi-squared test for trend was applied to analyze early neonatal mortality ratios associated with perinatal asphyxia by study year. Results: A total of 10,675 infants weighing ≥2500 g without malformations died within six days after birth with perinatal asphyxia. Deaths occurred in the first 24 h after birth in 71% of the infants. Meconium aspiration syndrome was reported in 4076 (38%) of these deaths. The asphyxia-specific early neonatal mortality ratio decreased from 0.81 in 2005 to 0.65 per 1000 live births in 2010 in Brazil (p < 0.001); the meconium aspiration syndrome-specific early neonatal mortality ratio remained between 0.20 and 0.29 per 1000 live births during the study period. Conclusions: Despite the decreasing rates in Brazil from 2005 to 2010, early neonatal mortality rates associated with perinatal asphyxia in infants in the better spectrum of birth weight and without congenital malformations are still high, and meconium aspiration syndrome plays a major role.

Resumo Objetivo: Avaliar a taxa anual de óbitos neonatais precoces associados à asfixia perinatal em neonatos de peso ≥ 2.500 g no Brasil de 2005 a 2010. Métodos: A população do estudo envolveu todos os nascidos vivos de neonatos com peso ao nascer ≥ 2.500 g e sem malformações que morreram até seis dias após o nascimento por asfixia perinatal, definida como hipóxia intrauterina, asfixia no nascimento ou síndrome de aspiração de mecônio. A causa do óbito foi escrita em qualquer linha do atestado de óbito, de acordo com a Classificação Internacional de Doenças, 10a Revisão (P20.0, P21.0 e P24.0). Foi feita uma pesquisa ativa em 27 unidades federativas brasileiras. O teste qui-quadrado de tendência foi aplicado para analisar os índices de mortalidade neonatal associados a asfixia perinatal até o ano do estudo. Resultados: Morreram 10.675 neonatos com peso ≥ 2.500 g sem malformações até 0-6 dias após o nascimento por asfixia perinatal. Os óbitos ocorreram nas primeiras 24 horas após o nascimento em 71% dos neonatos. A síndrome de aspiração de mecônio foi relatada em 4.076 (38%) dos óbitos. O índice de mortalidade neonatal precoce relacionada à asfixia caiu de 0,81 em 2005 para 0,65 por 1.000 nascidos vivos em 2010 no Brasil (p < 0,001); o índice de mortalidade neonatal precoce relacionada a síndrome de aspiração de mecônio permaneceu entre 0,20-0,29 por 1.000 nascidos vivos durante o período do estudo. Conclusões: Apesar da redução nas taxas no Brasil de 2005 a 2010, as taxas de mortalidade neonatal precoce associadas à asfixia perinatal em neonatos no melhor espectro de peso ao nascer e sem malformações congênitas ainda são altas e a síndrome de aspiração de mecônio desempenha um importante papel.

Opinions of Brazilian resuscitation instructors regarding resuscitation in the delivery room of extremely preterm newborns / Opiniões dos instrutores de reanimação brasileiros quanto à reanimação em sala de parto de em recém-nascidos pré-termo extremos

Abstract Objective: To describe the opinions of pediatricians who teach resuscitation in Brazil on initiating and limiting the delivery room resuscitation of extremely preterm infants. Method: Cross-sectional study with electronic questionnaire (Dec/2011-Sep/2013) sent to pediatricians who are instructors of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, containing three hypothetical clinical cases: (1) decision to start the delivery room resuscitation; (2) limitation of neonatal intensive care after delivery room resuscitation; (3) limitation of advanced resuscitation in the delivery room. For each case, it was requested that the instructor indicate the best management for each gestational age between 23 and 26 weeks. A descriptive analysis was performed. Results: 560 (82%) instructors agreed to participate. Only 9% of the instructors reported the existence of written guidelines at their hospital regarding limitations of delivery room resuscitation. At 23 weeks, 50% of the instructors would initiate delivery room resuscitation procedures. At 26 weeks, 2% would decide based on birth weight and/or presence of fused eyelids. Among the participants, 38% would re-evaluate their delivery room decision and limit the care for 23-week neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit. As for advanced resuscitation, 45% and 4% of the respondents, at 23 and 26 weeks, respectively, would not apply chest compressions and/or medications. Conclusion: Difficulty can be observed regarding the decision to not resuscitate a preterm infant with 23 weeks of gestational age. At the same time, a small percentage of pediatricians would not resuscitate neonates of unquestionable viability at 26 weeks of gestational age in the delivery room.

Resumo Objetivo: Descrever opiniões dos pediatras que ensinam reanimação no Brasil a respeito de iniciar e limitar a reanimação em sala de parto de neonatos pré-termo extremos. Método: Estudo transversal com questionário eletrônico (dez/11-set/13) enviado aos instrutores do Programa de Reanimação Neonatal da Sociedade Brasileira de Pediatria com três casos clínicos hipotéticos: 1) decisão de iniciar ou não a reanimação; 2) limitação ou não dos cuidados intensivos após a reanimação em sala de parto; 3) limitação ou não da reanimação avançada em sala de parto. Para cada caso foi solicitada a indicação da conduta para cada idade gestacional entre 23-26 semanas. A análise foi descritiva por meio da frequência das respostas. Resultados: Consentiram em participar 560 (82%) instrutores. Apenas 9% afirmaram existir em seu hospital norma escrita sobre quando não iniciar a reanimação em sala de parto. Com 23 semanas, 50% dos instrutores fariam a reanimação em sala de parto e com 26 semanas 2% baseariam sua decisão no peso ao nascer e/ou na abertura da fenda palpebral. Dos entrevistados, 38% reavaliariam sua decisão e limitariam o cuidado na UTI a medidas de conforto para nascidos de 23 semanas reanimados na sala de parto. Quanto aos procedimentos de reanimação avançada, 45% e 4% com 23 e 26 semanas, respectivamente, não indicariam tais manobras. Conclusão: Observa-se dificuldade na opção de não reanimar neonatos com 23 semanas de gestação e, ao mesmo tempo, um pequeno percentual de pediatras não reanima, na sala de parto, neonatos cuja viabilidade não é questionada (26 semanas).

Factors associated with the need for ventilation at birth of neonates weighing >/=; 2, 500 g

OBJECTIVES: Approximately 20-40% of annual global neonatal deaths occur among infants with birthweights ≥2,500 g, and most of these deaths are associated with intrapartum asphyxia in low- and middle-income countries. This study aims to evaluate the peripartum variables associated with the need for resuscitation at birth of neonates weighing ≥2,500 g. METHOD: This case-control retrospective study was performed on data from all public reference maternity units in the state of Ceará, Northeast Brazil, between March 2009 and March 2010. The subjects were singleton neonates without malformations weighing ≥2,500 g, who required positive-pressure ventilation in the delivery room. The controls had a 1-minute Apgar score of ≥8 and did not undergo resuscitation. Variables associated with positive-pressure ventilation in the delivery room were evaluated via conditional multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 2,233 live births with birth weights ≥2,500 g, 1-minute Apgar scores ≤7, and no malformations, 402 patients met the inclusion criteria, and they were paired with 402 controls. Risk variables for positive-pressure ventilation at birth were a gestational age <37 weeks (OR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.14-10.92) and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (8.53; 4.17-17.47). Cervical examination at maternal admission (0.57; 0.38-0.84) and a written follow-up of the labor (0.68; 0.46-0.98) were identified as protective variables. CONCLUSIONS: Significant flaws in obstetric care are associated with the need for positive-pressure ventilation at birth for neonates weighing ≥2,500 g.

Initiation of resuscitation in the delivery room for extremely preterm infants: a profile of neonatal resuscitation instructors

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to examine the decisions of pediatricians who teach neonatal resuscitation in Brazil, particularly those who start resuscitation in the delivery room for newborns born at 23-26 gestational weeks. METHODS: The present study was a cross-sectional study that used electronic questionnaires (Dec/11-Sep/13) sent to instructors of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. The primary outcome was the gestational age at which the respondent said that he/she would initiate positive pressure ventilation in the delivery room. Latent class analysis was used to identify the major profiles of these instructors, and logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with belonging to one of the derived classes. RESULTS: Of 685 instructors, 82% agreed to participate. Two latent classes were identified: ‘pro-resuscitation’ (instructors with a high probability of performing ventilation on infants born at 23-26 weeks) and ‘pro-limitation’ (instructors with a high probability of starting ventilation only for infants born at 25-26 weeks). In the multivariate model, compared with the ‘pro-limitation’ class, ‘pro-resuscitation’ pediatricians were more likely to be board-certified neonatologists and less likely to base their decision on the probability of the infant’s death or on moral/religious considerations. CONCLUSION: The pediatricians in the most aggressive group were more likely to be specialists in neonatology and to use less subjective criteria to make delivery room decisions.

Mortality in the first 24h of very low birth weight preterm infants in the northeast of Brazil / Mortalidade com 24 horas de vida de recém-nascidos pré-termo de muito baixo peso da região nordeste do Brasil

To evaluate factors associated with neonatal death within 24 hours after birth in very low birth weight preterm newborns. Methods: Prospective cohort of live births with gestational age of 230/7–316/7 weeks, birth weight of 500–1499g without malformations, in 19 public maternity hospitals in nine capitals in northeastern Brazil from July to December 2007. The 19 hospitals were assessed in relation to physical resources, equipment, human resources and aiming at quality in care initiatives. Hospital, maternal and neonatal characteristics, neonatal morbidity, neonatal procedures and interventions were compared between preterm newborns that died or survived up to 24 hours of life. The variables associated with death within 24 hours after birth were determined by logistic regression. Results: Of the 627 newborns enrolled in the study, 179 (29%) died within 168 hours after birth, of which 59 (33%) up to 24 hours and 97 (54%) up to 48 hours after birth. The variables associated with death <24h were: weight <1000g (2.94; 1.32–6.53), 5th minute Apgar <7 (7.17; 3.46–14.88), male gender (2.99; 1.39–6.47). A better hospital structure was a protective factor for early neonatal death (odds ratio: 0.34; 95% confidence interval: 0.17–0.71). Conclusions: The high neonatal mortality on the first day of life in capital cities of Northeast Brazil is associated with biological variables such as weight and gender of the newborn, as well as low vitality at birth and a worse infrastructure of the hospital where the birth occurred.

Avaliar os fatores associados ao óbito neonatal até 24 horas após o nascimento de recém-nascidos pré-termo de muito baixo peso. Métodos: Coorte prospectiva dos nascidos vivos com idade gestacional de 230/7-316/7 semanas, peso ao nascer de 500-1.499g sem malformações em 19 maternidades públicas de nove capitais na Região Nordeste do Brasil de julho a dezembro de 2007. Os 19 hospitais foram avaliados com relação aos recursos físicos, equipamentos, recursos humanos e iniciativas de busca de qualidade no atendimento. As características hospitalares, maternas e neonatais, a morbidade neonatal, os procedimentos e as intervenções neonatais foram comparados entre os recém-nascidos pré-termo que morreram ou sobreviveram até 24 horas. As variáveis associadas ao óbito até 24 horas após o nascimento foram determinadas por regressão logística. Resultados: Dos 627 recém-nascidos incluídos no estudo, 179 (29%) morreram até 168 horas de vida, dos quais 59 (33%) até 24 horas e 97 (54%) até 48 horas. As variáveis associadas ao óbito <24h foram: peso <1.000g (2,94; 1,32-6,53), Apgar 5° minuto <7 (7,17; 3,46-14,88), sexo masculino (2,99; 1,39-6,47). A melhor estrutura hospitalar foi fator de proteção para o óbito neonatal precoce (Odds Ratio 0,34; Intervalo de Confiança 95% 0,17-0,71). Conclusões: A elevada mortalidade neonatal no primeiro dia de vida nas capitais do Nordeste brasileiro associa-se a variáveis biológicas, como o peso e o sexo do recém-nascido, assim como à baixa vitalidade ao nascer e à pior infraestrutura do hospital no qual o parto ocorreu.

Costs of hospitalization in preterm infants: impact of antenatal steroid therapy / Custos da hospitalização de recém-nascidos pré-termo: impacto da corticoterapia antenatal

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To estimate the costs of hospitalization in premature infants exposed or not to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS). METHOD: Retrospective cohort analysis of premature infants with gestational age of 26-32 weeks without congenital malformations, born between January of 2006 and December of 2009 in a tertiary, public university hospital. Maternal and neonatal demographic data, neonatal morbidities, and hospital inpatient services during the hospitalization were collected. The costs were analyzed using the microcosting technique. RESULTS: Of 220 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 211 (96%) charts were reviewed: 170 newborns received at least one dose of antenatal corticosteroid and 41 did not receive the antenatal medication. There was a 14-37% reduction of the different cost components in infants exposed to ACS when the entire population was analyzed, without statistical significance. Regarding premature infants who were discharged alive, there was a 24-47% reduction of the components of the hospital services costs for the ACS group, with a significant decrease in the length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In very-low birth weight infants, considering only the survivors, ACS promoted a 30-50% reduction of all elements of the costs, with a 36% decrease in the total cost (p = 0.008). The survivors with gestational age <30 weeks showed a decrease in the total cost of 38% (p = 0.008) and a 49% reduction of NICU length of stay (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: ACS reduces the costs of hospitalization of premature infants who are discharged alive, especially those with very low birth weight and <30 weeks of gestational age.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Estimar os custos da internação hospitalar de prematuros cujas mães receberam ou não corticoide antenatal (CEA). MÉTODO: Coorte retrospectiva de prematuros sem malformações congênitas com idade gestacional de 26 a 32 semanas, nascidos entre janeiro/2006 e dezembro/2009, em hospital público, terciário e universitário brasileiro. Coletaram-se dados demográficos maternos e dos recém-nascidos (RN), a morbidade neonatal e o uso de recursos de saúde durante a internação hospitalar. Os custos foram analisados pela técnica de microcosting. RESULTADOS: Dos 220 nascidos que obedeciam a critérios de inclusão, 211 (96%) prontuários foram revisados: 170 receberam CEA e 41 não receberam a medicação. Analisando-se toda a população, houve redução de 14-37% entre os diferentes componentes do custo nos pacientes expostos ao CEA, sem significância estatística. Na análise de prematuros que receberam alta hospitalar vivos, o grupo com CEA teve redução de 24-47% nos vários componentes dos custos hospitalares, com diminuição significativa dos dias de internação em terapia intensiva. Os nascidos com peso < 1.500 g, considerando-se somente os sobreviventes, são aqueles que mais se beneficiaram da administração do CEA, com redução significativa de todos os componentes dos custos em 30-50%, diminuição de 36% no custo total (p = 0,008). Para o grupo com idade gestacional < 30 semanas, também sobreviventes, houve diminuição do custo total de 38% (p = 0,008) e redução de 49% dos dias de internação em UTI neonatal (p = 0,011). CONCLUSÕES: O CEA reduz o custo hospitalar de prematuros que sobrevivem à internação após o parto, principalmente naqueles abaixo de 1.500 g e 30 semanas de idade gestacional.

Painful procedures and analgesia in the NICU: what has changed in the medical perception and practice in a ten-year period? / Procedimentos dolorosos e analgesia em UTI Neonatal: o que mudou na opinião e na prática profissional em dez anos?

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To compare the use of analgesia versus neonatologists' perception regarding analgesic use in painful procedures in the years 2001, 2006, and 2011. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study of all newborns admitted to four university neonatal intensive care units during one month in 2001, 2006, and 2011. The frequency of analgesic prescription for painful procedures was evaluated. Of the 202 neonatologists, 188 answered a questionnaire giving their opinion on the intensity of pain during lumbar puncture, tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and postoperative period using a 10-cm visual analogic scale (VAS; pain >3 cm). RESULTS: For lumbar puncture, 12% (2001), 43% (2006), and 36% (2011) were performed using analgesia. Among the neonatologists, 40-50% reported VAS >3 for lumbar puncture in all study periods. For intubation, 30% received analgesia in the study periods, and 35% (2001), 55% (2006), and 73% (2011) of the neonatologists reported VAS >3 and would prescribe analgesia for this procedure. As for mechanical ventilation, 45% (2001), 64% (2006), and 48% (2011) of patient-days were under analgesia; 56% (2001), 57% (2006), and 26% (2011) of neonatologists reported VAS >3 and said they would use analgesia during mechanical ventilation. For the first three post-operative days, 37% (2001), 78% (2006), and 89% (2011) of the patients received analgesia and more than 90% of neonatologists reported VAS >3 for major surgeries. CONCLUSIONS: Despite an increase in the medical perception of neonatal pain and in analgesic use during painful procedures, the gap between clinical practice and neonatologist perception of analgesia need did not change during the ten-year period.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Confrontar o uso de analgesia versus a percepção de neonatologistas quanto ao emprego de analgésicos para procedimentos dolorosos em 2001, 2006 e 2011. MÉTODOS: Coorte prospectiva de todos recém-nascidos internados em quatro unidades universitárias. Avaliou-se a frequência do emprego de analgésicos para procedimentos dolorosos por um mês dos anos de estudo. Dos 202 neonatologistas atuantes nas unidades nos três períodos, 188 assinalaram em escala analógica visual de 10 cm (dor >3 cm) a intensidade da dor sentida pelo recém-nascido na punção lombar, intubação traqueal, ventilação mecânica e no pós-operatório. RESULTADOS: Para punção lombar, 12%, 43% e 36% foram feitas com analgesia em 2001, 2006 e 2011 e 40-50% dos neonatologistas referiam indicar analgésicos na punção lombar nos três períodos. Na intubação, 30% foram feitas sob analgesia nos três períodos e 35% (2001), 55% (2006) e 73% (2011) dos médicos diziam indicar analgésicos. Quanto à ventilação mecânica, 45-64% dos ventilados-dia estavam sob analgesia nos três períodos e 56% (2001), 57% (2006) e 26% (2011) dos neonatologistas diziam usar analgésicos. Dos pacientes-dia nos três primeiros dias de pós-operatório, 37% (2001), 78% (2006) e 89% (2011) receberam alguma dose de analgésico. Mais de 90% dos médicos referiam usar analgesia para essa situação. CONCLUSÕES: Entre 2001 e 2011, ocorreu aumento no uso de analgésicos para procedimentos dolorosos nas unidades neonatais e uma percepção mais acentuada por parte dos médicos de que o recém-nascido sente dor, mas o lapso entre a prática clínica e a percepção médica quanto à presença de dor persistiu.