Efficacy of recombinant erythropoietin for the late treatment of anemia of prematurity in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit: a retrospective single-center cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the population to which we administered recombinant erythropoietin and to determine the effectiveness of this treatment as quantified by the change in hematocrit. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective chart review study included infants who received erythropoietin for the treatment of anemia of prematurity. RESULTS: There were 132 infants representing 162 unique treatment courses included in the study. The average duration of therapy was 9 days (±7) and 6 doses (±2). The average change in hematocrit (Hct) was 6.2% (SD 3.9%, p < 0.001). Rise in Hct was associated with a higher number of rEPO doses (p < 0.001) and higher postmenstrual age (p < 0.001). In our small cohort we did not find an association between the number of rEPO doses and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment. CONCLUSION: Erythropoietin is safe and effective at treating anemia of prematurity as evidenced by a clinically and statistically significant increase in Hct from baseline.

Postnatal steroid management in preterm infants with evolving bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease commonly affecting extremely preterm infants. Although mechanical ventilation and oxygen requirements in premature infants are identified as inciting mechanisms for inflammation and the development of BPD over time, data now support an array of perinatal events that may stimulate the inflammatory cascade prior to delivery. Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone and hydrocortisone, have proven beneficial for the prevention and management of BPD postnatally due to their anti-inflammatory characteristics. This review aims to examine the pharmacologic properties of several corticosteroids, appraise the existing evidence for postnatal corticosteroid use in preterm infants, and assess steroid management strategies to ameliorate BPD. Finally, we aim to provide guidance based on clinical experience for managing adrenal suppression resulting from prolonged steroid exposure since this is an area less well-studied.

Reducing Antacid Use in a Level IV NICU: A QI Project to Reduce Morbidity.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroesophageal reflux is a physiologic occurrence in infants. Clinicians caring for neonates use histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2As) or proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for symptomatic reflux, apnea/bradycardia/desaturations, or irritability. Recent studies have shown that there is an increased incidence of infection, fracture, and mortality in neonates who receive antacids. METHODS: A multidisciplinary team aimed to decrease nonindicated antacid use in the NICU by 50% by April 2019. Outcome measures include the median number of inappropriate antacid prescriptions and patient-days on acid-suppressants. Interventions include education regarding use and risks of antacids, development of a list of indications deemed "appropriate" for starting an H2A or PPI, mandatory discussion on rounds when considering antacids, documentation of treatment goal, and indication, and an automatic drop-off in the electronic medical record. RESULTS: Baseline data (June-December 2017) showed 19 prescriptions of H2As or PPIs. Of those, 10 orders were deemed "inappropriate," according to our indicated uses. There were 407 total patient-days of medication-use (median: 51 patient-days). After the implementation of the interventions (October 2018-May 2019), there were 11 prescriptions of antacid medications, 3 of which were deemed "inappropriate." There were 206 total days of medication-use (median: 18.5 patient-days). CONCLUSIONS: A multidisciplinary agreement on indications for antacid use in neonates stimulates discussion and creates more purposeful use. Overall, we successfully decreased nonindicated antacid prescriptions in the NICU. For the next steps, we hope to educate physicians on the risks of antacid use and reduce prescriptions in other areas of the hospital and the outpatient setting.