2019 American Heart Association Focused Update on Neonatal Resuscitation: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

This 2019 focused update to the American Heart Association neonatal resuscitation guidelines is based on 2 evidence reviews recently completed under the direction of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Expert Systematic Reviewer and content experts performed comprehensive reviews of the scientific literature on the appropriate initial oxygen concentration for use during neonatal resuscitation in 2 groups: term and late-preterm newborns (≥35 weeks of gestation) and preterm newborns (<35 weeks of gestation). This article summarizes those evidence reviews and presents recommendations. The recommendations for neonatal resuscitation are as follows: In term and late-preterm newborns (≥35 weeks of gestation) receiving respiratory support at birth, the initial use of 21% oxygen is reasonable. One hundred percent oxygen should not be used to initiate resuscitation because it is associated with excess mortality. In preterm newborns (<35 weeks of gestation) receiving respiratory support at birth, it may be reasonable to begin with 21% to 30% oxygen and to base subsequent oxygen titration on oxygen saturation targets. These guidelines require no change in the Neonatal Resuscitation Algorithm-2015 Update.

Report of an international conference on the medical and ethical management of the neonate at the edge of viability: a review of approaches from five countries.

Current United States guidelines for neonatal resuscitation note that there is no mandate to resuscitate infants in all situations. For example, the fetus that at the time of delivery is determined to be so premature as to be non-viable need not be aggressively resuscitated. The hypothetical case of an extremely premature infant was presented to neonatologists from the United States and four other European countries at a September 2006 international meeting sponsored by the World Health Organization Collaborating Center in Reproductive Health of Atlanta (currently, the Global Collaborating Center in Reproductive Health). Responses to the case varied by country, due to differences in legal, ethical and related practice parameters, rather than differences in medical technology, as similar medical technology was available within each country. Variations in approach seemed to stem from physicians' perceptions of their ability to remove the neonate from life support if this appeared non-beneficial. There appears to be a desire for greater convergence in practice options and more open discussion regarding the practical problems underlying the variability. Specifically, the conference attendees identified four areas that need to be addressed: (1) lack of international consensus guidelines in viability and therapeutic options, (2) lack of bodies capable of generating these guidelines, (3) variation in laws between countries, and (4) the frequent failure of physicians and families to confront death at the beginning of life.

2019 American Heart Association Focused Update on Neonatal Resuscitation: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

This 2019 focused update to the American Heart Association neonatal resuscitation guidelines is based on 2 evidence reviews recently completed under the direction of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force. The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Expert Systematic Reviewer and content experts performed comprehensive reviews of the scientific literature on the appropriate initial oxygen concentration for use during neonatal resuscitation in 2 groups: term and late-preterm newborns (≥35 weeks of gestation) and preterm newborns (<35 weeks of gestation). This article summarizes those evidence reviews and presents recommendations. The recommendations for neonatal resuscitation are as follows: In term and late-preterm newborns (≥35 weeks of gestation) receiving respiratory support at birth, the initial use of 21% oxygen is reasonable. One hundred percent oxygen should not be used to initiate resuscitation because it is associated with excess mortality. In preterm newborns (<35 weeks of gestation) receiving respiratory support at birth, it may be reasonable to begin with 21% to 30% oxygen and to base subsequent oxygen titration on oxygen saturation targets. These guidelines require no change in the Neonatal Resuscitation Algorithm-2015 Update.

Recent Recommendations and Emerging Science in Neonatal Resuscitation.

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program, initially an expertise- and consensus-based approach, has evolved into an evidence-based algorithm. Ventilation remains the key component of successful resuscitation of neonates. Recent changes in recommendations include management of cord clamping, multiple methods to prevent hypothermia, rescinding of mandatory intubation and suction of the nonvigorous meconium-stained infant, electrocardiographic monitoring, and establishing an airway for ventilation before initiation of chest compressions. Emerging science, including issues such as cord milking, oxygen targeting, and laryngeal mask use, may lead to future program modifications. Technology such as video laryngoscopy and telemedicine will affect the way training and care is delivered.

Impact of electronic cardiac (ECG) monitoring on delivery room resuscitation and neonatal outcomes.

AIM: In 2016, the neonatal resuscitation guidelines suggested electronic cardiac (ECG) monitoring to assess heart rate for an infant receiving positive pressure ventilation immediately after birth. Our aim was to study the impact of ECG monitoring on delivery room resuscitation interventions and neonatal outcomes. METHODS: Observational cohort study compared maternal, perinatal and infant characteristics, before (retrospective cohort, calendar year 2015) and after (prospective cohort, calendar year 2017) implementation of ECG monitoring in the delivery room. Association of ECG monitoring with delivery room resuscitation practice interventions and neonatal outcomes was assessed using unadjusted and adjusted multivariable regression analyses. RESULTS: Of 632 newly born infants who received positive pressure ventilation in the delivery room, ECG monitoring was performed in 369 (the prospective cohort) compared with no ECG monitoring in 263 (the retrospective cohort). Compared to neonates in the retrospective cohort, neonates with ECG monitoring had a significantly lower endotracheal intubation rate (36% vs 48%, P < .005) in the delivery room and higher 5-min Apgar scores (7 [5-8] vs 6 [5-8], P < .05). There was no difference in mortality (31 [8%] vs 23 [9%]), but infants who received ECG monitoring had increased odds of receiving chest compressions with an adjusted odds ratio of 3.6 (95% confidence interval: 1.4-9.5). CONCLUSION: Introduction of ECG monitoring in the delivery room was associated with fewer endotracheal intubations, and an increase use of chest compressions with no difference in mortality.

A directory for neonatal intensive care: potential for facilitating network-based research in neonatology.

Directories of contact information have evolved over time from thick paperback times such as the "Yellow Pages" to electronic forms that are searchable and have other functionalities. In our clinical specialty, the development of a professional directory helped to promote collaboration in clinical care, education, and quality improvement. However, there are opportunities for increasing the utility of the directory by taking advantage of modern web-based tools, and expanding the use of the directory to fill a gap in the area of collaborative research.

A randomized controlled trial of intramuscular versus vaginal progesterone for the prevention of recurrent preterm birth.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy of intramuscular hydroxyprogesterone caproate with that of vaginal progesterone for prevention of recurrent preterm birth. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted at a US tertiary care center between June 1, 2007, and April 30, 2010. Women with singleton pregnancies (16-20 weeks) and a history of spontaneous preterm birth were randomly allocated using a computer-generated randomization sequence to receive either a weekly intramuscular injection of hydroxyprogesterone caproate (250 mg) or a daily vaginal progesterone suppository (100 mg). Participants, investigators, and assessors were not masked to group assignment. The primary outcome was birth before 37 weeks of pregnancy. Per-protocol analyses were performed: participants who completed follow-up were included. RESULTS: Analyses included 66 women given intramuscular progesterone and 79 given vaginal progesterone. Delivery before 37 weeks was recorded among 29 (43.9%) women in the intramuscular progesterone group and 30 (37.9%) in the vaginal progesterone group (P=0.50). CONCLUSION: Weekly intramuscular administration of hydroxyprogesterone caproate and daily vaginal administration of a progesterone suppository exhibited similar efficacy in reducing the rate of recurrent preterm birth. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00579553.

Relationship of caffeine dosing with serum alkaline phosphatase levels in extremely low-birth-weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether patients receiving higher doses of caffeine have increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels, as a biomarker for osteopenia. METHODS: This descriptive, retrospective study included 152 extremely low-birth-weight infants (ie, <1 kg) admitted from January 1, 2007, to September 30, 2009, who received caffeine for >2 weeks. Patients were divided into a low-dose (<7.5 mg/kg/day) and high-dose (≥7.5 mg/kg/day) group based on maximum caffeine dose received. The primary objective was to compare peak ALP levels between groups. Secondary objectives included a comparison of caffeine regimens and risk factors for osteopenia between groups and identification of factors significantly related to increase in ALP. Between-group analysis was performed using the chi-squared or Fisher exact test and Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney median test or t-tests where appropriate. A linear regression model was used, with peak ALP as the dependent variable. RESULTS: A majority of the patients (n=122) were included in the high-dose caffeine group. No significant difference in maximum ALP level between groups (median, 599.5, versus 602.5 units/L, p=0.72). Gestational age and birth weight were inversely related to ALP, whereas parenteral nutrition duration was directly related. No significant relationship between caffeine dose and ALP was identified. CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, using ALP as a biochemical marker for bone turnover, there does not appear to be a dose-related effect between ALP and caffeine dose.

Proficiency of pediatric residents in performing neonatal endotracheal intubation.

OBJECTIVE: Current guidelines of the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education have restricted the amount of intensive care experience obtained during pediatric residency. The impact on performing procedures has not been evaluated. To determine the current level of competency in 1 common procedure, we investigated the proficiency of pediatric residents in performing neonatal endotracheal intubation during the academic years 1998-1999 and 2000-2001. METHODS: Indication for intubation, number of attempts, and achievement of success were recorded by the respiratory therapist present for the procedure. Each intubation was scored according to the attempt on which intubation was successful. Indications for intubation were categorized as respiratory failure, delivery room resuscitation, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Competency was defined as a successful intubation occurring on the first or second attempt >or=80% of the time. Intubation scores were compared between residents at various stages of training and analyzed by multivariate logistic regression analysis for significance. Comparisons were then performed to determine percentage success with confidence intervals. We also surveyed previous graduates of the training program not included in the observations for this study and asked them to indicate how frequently they perform intubation in current practice and to assess their own competence in the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 449 resident procedures were observed during the study periods: 192 by postgraduate year 1 (PGY-1) residents, 126 by PGY-2 residents, and 131 by PGY-3 residents. A total of 35% (160 of 449) of intubation procedures were never successful by pediatric house officers. Intubation was successful on the first or second attempt for 50% of PGY-1 residents (95% confidence interval [CI]: 42.6-56.8), 55% of PGY-2 residents (95% CI: 46-63.5), and 62% of PGY-3 residents (95% CI: 53.9-70.7). The third-year residents exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of performing a successful intubation compared with first-year residents. The first-year residents in 1998-1999 showed no improvement by their third year in 2000-2001. Surveys were sent to 56 graduates of our residency program (1998-2000). Completed surveys were received from 31 (66%) of 47. A total of 71% of the respondents are practicing general pediatrics, and 36% attend deliveries or perform intubations. A total of 87% reported that their level of confidence with endotracheal intubation was good or excellent after completion of residency training. CONCLUSIONS: We provide objective and subjective data concerning the proficiency of pediatric residents in performing neonatal endotracheal intubation. None of our resident groups met the specified definition of technical competence, although there was improvement with advancing training level in bivariate analyses. However, graduates of our training program felt confident with their intubation skills in contrast to our objective findings. As exposure to these important skills becomes limited, methods to ensure attainment of technical competency during training may need to be redefined.

Early surfactant for neonates with mild to moderate respiratory distress syndrome: a multicenter, randomized trial.

OBJECTIVE: We studied the efficacy and safety of electively providing surfactant to preterm infants with mild to moderate respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) not requiring mechanical ventilation. STUDY DESIGN: A 5-center, randomized clinical trial was performed on 132 infants with RDS, birth weight >or=1250 grams, gestational age or=40% for >or=1 hour, and no immediate need for intubation. Infants were randomly assigned to intubation, surfactant (Survanta, Ross Laboratories, Columbus, Ohio) administration, and expedited extubation (n=65) or expectant management (n=67) with subsequent intubation and surfactant treatment as clinically indicated. The primary outcome was duration of mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: Infants in the surfactant group had a median duration of mechanical ventilation of 2.2 hours compared with 0.0 hours for control infants, since only 29 of 67 control infants required mechanical ventilation (P=.001). Surfactant-treated infants were less likely to require subsequent mechanical ventilation for worsening respiratory disease (26% vs 43%, relative risk=0.60; 95% CI, 0.37, 0.99). There were no differences in secondary outcomes (duration of nasal continuous positive airway pressure, oxygen therapy, hospital stay, or adverse outcomes). CONCLUSIONS: Routine elective intubation for administration of surfactant to preterm infants >or=1250 grams with mild to moderate RDS is not recommended.