Vasopressin as adjunctive therapy in pulmonary hypertension associated with refractory systemic hypotension in term newborns.

OBJECTIVE: The use of vasopressin as an adjunctive therapy in pulmonary hypertension associated with refractory systemic hypotension has increased. The objective of our study is to describe its effects on term infants. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. Setting in a referral level IV neonatal intensive care unit from a middle-income region. The patients are term neonates admitted to our NICU who required vasopressin due to severe Pulmonary Hypertension and refractory hypotension during a 49-month period (December 2019 and December 2023). RESULTS: We identified 68 term infants, all in mechanical ventilation, receiving inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), and a phased protocol management for hypotension. Vasopressin was a started at a mean of 2 days with a mean duration of 80 h. Regarding hemodynamic outcome: diastolic, systolic, and median systemic pressure significantly increased during the first 4 h of treatment, as well as arterial pH and urine output. Accordingly, lactate and Vasoactive Inotropic Score (VIS) score decreased after 4 and 8 h, respectively, after vasopressin was started. Regarding oxygenation markers: oxygen requirements and mean airway pressure decreased significantly (and therefore the oxygenation index decreased in concordance) after 4 h of vasopressin. Echocardiographic indices of pulmonary hypertension progressively improved after vasopressin infusion with a significant decrease of tricuspid ingurgitation velocities and the rate of right-to- left ductal shunt through the ductus arteriosus. In the same way, left and right ventricular output increased after the initiation of vasopressin. CONCLUSION: This study showed that the use of vasopressin in neonates with persistent pulmonary hypertension was associated with a rapid and significant improvement in oxygenation and hemodynamic markers of perfusion, including blood pressure. Its effects begin early during the first hours of treatment.

Risk-stratified Results among Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Patients in Two Large Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Centers in South America.

INTRODUCTION: Mortality related to CDH is high, but with great variability among centers. There are few studies on patients with this condition born in South America which show poor outcomes. The goal of this study is to present the outcome of CDH in several high-volume quaternary centers in South America, ascertain the factors associated with lower mortality in our population, and compare our outcomes to those of the CDH Study Group (CDHSG). METHODS: The data from two South American centers were retrospectively analyzed and compared with contemporary data from other CDHSG participating centers. Patient demographic and clinical characteristics were also evaluated and compared. RESULTS: Between 2013 and 2018, the two South American centers saw 335 patients with CDH with an overall survival rate of 73.1%. Survival for the high, intermediate, and low-risk groups as determined by the Brindle score was 50%, 70%, and 87%, respectively. In our cohort the strongest predictors of mortality were ECMO use and early PaCO2. There were no significant differences in mortality between the two South American centers and the other CDHSG centers when adjusted by risk score, however, the South American centers had higher use of ECMO in the intermediate-risk group. DISCUSSION: Quaternary South American centers had similar outcomes to CDHSG centers worldwide. The availability and coordination of centralized dedicated care allow more efficient use of scarce technical and professional resources in patients with CDH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia: phosphodiesterase-5 and Arginase inhibitors prevent pulmonary vascular hypoplasia in rat lungs.

BACKGROUND: Severe pulmonary hypoplasia related to congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) continues to be a potentially fatal condition despite advanced postnatal management strategies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the antenatal sildenafil and 2(S)-amino-6-boronohexanoic acid (ABH-Arginase inhibitor) on lung volume, pulmonary vascular development, and nitric oxide (NO) synthesis in a Nitrofen-induced CDH rat model. METHODS: Nitrofen-induced CDH rat model was used. Nitrofen was administrated on embryonic day(E) 9,5. At E14, five intervention groups were treated separately: Nitrofen, Nitrofen+Sildenafil, Nitrofen+ABH, Nitrofen+Sildenafil+ABH and Control. At term, offspring's lungs were weighed, some paraffin-embedded for histology, others snap-frozen to analyze eNOS, Arginase I-II expression, and activity. RESULTS: In CDH-bearing offsprings, ABH or Sildenafil+ABH preserved the total lung/body-weight index (p < 0.001), preventing pulmonary vascular smooth muscle cell hyperproliferation and improving lung morphometry. Sildenafil+ABH increased 1.7-fold the lung nitrite levels (p < 0.01) without changes in eNOS expression. Sildenafil and ABH improved the number of pulmonary vessels. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that in this CDH rat model, the basal activity of Arginase participates in the lung volume and, together with phosphodiesterase-5, regulates NOS activity in the term fetal lung. The combined treatment (Sildenafil+ABH) could revert some of the pulmonary features in CDH by improving the local NO synthesis and preventing smooth muscle cell hyperproliferation. IMPACT: This study presents Arginase inhibition as a new therapeutic target and the importance of the combined antenatal treatment to improve pulmonary vascular development in a congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) rat model. This study shows that the action of an Arginase inhibitor (ABH) enhances the effects already described for sildenafil in this model. These results reinforce the importance of prenatal treatments' synergy in recovering the hypoplastic lung in the Nitrofen-induced CDH rat model.

Early, Postnatal Pulmonary Hypertension Severity Predicts Inpatient Outcomes in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

INTRODUCTION: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is the major pathophysiologic consequence of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). We aimed to evaluate the association between early CDH-associated PH (CDH-PH) and inpatient outcomes. METHODS: The CDH Study Group registry was queried for infants born 2015-2019 with echocardiograms before 48h of life. PH was categorized using echocardiographic findings: none, mild (right ventricular systolic pressure <2/3 systemic), moderate (between 2/3 systemic and systemic), or severe (supra-systemic). Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Adjusted Poisson regression was used to assess the primary composite outcome of mortality or oxygen support at 30 days. RESULTS: Of 1,472 patients, 86.5% had CDH-PH: 13.9% mild (n = 193), 44.4% moderate (n = 631), and 33.2% severe (n = 468). On adjusted analysis, the primary outcome of mortality or oxygen support at 30 days occurred more frequently in infants with moderate (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.8, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.2-2.6) and severe CDH-PH (IRR 2.0, 95% CI, 1.3-2.9). Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) utilization was associated only with severe CDH-PH after adjustment (IRR 1.8, 95% CI, 1.0-3.3). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: Early, postnatal CDH-PH is independently associated with increased risk for mortality or oxygen support at 30 days and utilization of ECLS. Early echocardiogram is a valuable prognostic tool for early, inpatient outcomes in neonates with CDH.

Early use of combined exogenous surfactant and inhaled nitric oxide reduces treatment failure in persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether combined surfactant with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) use will prevent newborns with hypoxemic respiratory failure (HRF) from developing an Oxygenation Index (OI) > 40. METHODS: 100 term newborns with acute HRF (OI ≥ 20) were randomized to: Surfactant+iNO: received iNO plus up to two doses of surfactant or iNO-Controls: received iNO+placebo. Main outcome was the development of severe HRF (OI > 40) despite iNO use. RESULTS: Baseline mean ± SD OI was 37.4 ± 14 for the Surfactant+iNO group and 38.2 ± 16 for the controls. Infants receiving surfactant+iNO improved their oxygenation faster, resulting in lower OI at 24 h: 12.9 ± 9 vs 18.7 ± 11 of controls, p < 0.05; and a lower proportion developing OI > 40: 24%(12/50) vs 50%(25/50) of controls, p < 0.02. Fewer infants receiving surfactant+iNO presented the combined outcome of death or ECMO: 16%(8/50) compared to 36%(18/50) of controls, p < 0.05. CONCLUSIONS: Early use of combined surfactant+iNO improves oxygenation preventing the progression to severe HRF. This may reduce mortality and ECMO need. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN13727958.

Ventricular Dysfunction Is a Critical Determinant of Mortality in Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia.

Rationale: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is an anomaly with a high morbidity and mortality. Cardiac dysfunction may be an important and underrecognized contributor to CDH pathophysiology and determinant of disease severity.Objectives: Our aim was to investigate the association between early, postnatal ventricular dysfunction and outcome among infants with CDH.Methods: Multicenter, prospectively collected data in the CDH Study Group (CDHSG) registry, abstracted between 2015 and 2018, were evaluated. Ventricular function on early echocardiograms, defined as obtained within the first 48 hours of life, was categorized into four hierarchical groups: normal function, right ventricular dysfunction only (RVdys), left ventricular dysfunction only (LVdys), and combined RV and LV dysfunction (RV&LVdys). Univariate, multivariate, and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed.Measurements and Main Results: Cardiac function data from early echocardiograms were available for 1,173 (71%) cases and categorized as normal in 711 (61%), RVdys in 182 (15%), LVdys in 61 (5%), and combined RV&LVdys in 219 (19%) cases. Ventricular dysfunction was significantly associated with prenatal diagnosis, CDHSG stage, intrathoracic liver, and patch repair (all P < 0.001). Survival varied by category: normal function, 80%; RVdys, 74%; LVdys, 57%; and RV&LVdys, 51% (P < 0.001). The adjusted risk of death (hazard ratio) for cases with LVdys was 1.96 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-2.98; P = 0.020) and for cases with RV&LVdys was 2.27 (95% CI, 1.77-2.92; P = 0.011). All cardiac dysfunction categories were associated with use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (P < 0.005).Conclusions: Early ventricular dysfunction occurs frequently in CDH and is an independent determinant of severity and clinical outcome.

Hypopharyngeal oxygen concentration and pressures delivered by low flow nasal cannula in preterm infants: Relationship with flow, gas mixture, and infant's weight.

BACKGROUND: Low flow nasal cannula (LFNC) are frequently used in preterm infants. However, the delivered inspired oxygen concentration and airway pressures are not well established. OBJECTIVE: To determine the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2 ) and hypopharyngeal pressures generated by LFNC at different gas flows, gas mixture concentrations and infant's weight. DESIGN/METHODS: Serial samples of hypopharyngeal gas were obtained in 33 very low birth weight infants who were receiving oxygen with LFNC. Measurements were obtained with different gas flows and oxygen concentrations. FiO2 was measured using an electrochemical cell analyzer and hypopharyngeal pressures with a pressure transducer. RESULTS: 33 infants with a mean BW of 910 ± 284 g and 27 ± 1.7 weeks gestational age were studied at 36 ± 22 days after birth. FiO2 increased proportionally to gas flow, but with large variability: median (range) FiO 2 were 0.33 (0.23-0.54), 0.44 (0.29-0.67), 0.57 (0.33-0.81), and 0.69 (0.51-0.92) at 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1 L/minute, respectively. Significantly higher mean FiO 2 were observed despite low flows in infants ≤ 1000 g compared to those > 1000 g (0.5 ± 0.1 vs 0.4 ± 0.07 at 0.3 L/minute; 0.66 ± 0.09 vs 0.5 ± 0.08 with 0.5 L/minute, respectively, P < .05). Hypopharyngeal pressures increased proportionally to gas flow with high variability: mean ± standard deviation pressures were 1.5 ± 0.8; 2.8 ± 1.2; 4.6 ± 1.3; 6.1 ± 1.6 cm H 2 O at 0.5, 1, 2, and 3 L/minute of gas flow. Peak pressures > 15 cm H 2 O were frequently observed with gas flows ≥ 2 L/min. CONCLUSIONS: Large variability in FiO2 and hypopharyngeal pressures were observed with oxygen administration through LFNC. Very high FiO 2 were observed despite low flows in infants < 1000 g. Excessive peak pressures can be generated with flows ≥ 2 L/minute especially among infants < 1000 g.

Prenatally versus postnatally diagnosed congenital diaphragmatic hernia - Side, stage, and outcome.

AIM: To compare outcomes between prenatally and postnatally diagnosed CDH in a large multicenter database of prospectively collected data and evaluate factors associated with poorer outcome for prenatally diagnosed CDH. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used information from the multicenter, multinational CDH Study Group database on patients born between 2007 and 2015. We compared differences between prenatally and postnatally diagnosed CDH with respect to survival, side, size, ECMO needs, associated major cardiac malformations and liver position. RESULTS: 3746 cases of CDH were entered in the registry between 2007 and 2015, with an overall survival of 71%. Of those, 68% had a prenatal diagnosis. Survival rates were significantly better in the postnatally diagnosed group, 83 vs 65%. There was a higher proportion of bigger defect sizes, C and D, in the prenatally diagnosed group, but the survival rates were similar when patients were stratified by defect size. The rate of ECMO utilization was higher overall in the prenatally diagnosed group, 33 vs 22%, but it was similar within similar defect sizes. Right-sided defects are more commonly missed at prenatal screening than left-sided CDH, 53 vs 35% (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Prenatally diagnosed CDH is associated with larger defect sizes compared to those with a postnatal diagnosis, and consequently have higher morbidity and mortality. Right-sided CDH are more often missed at prenatal ultrasound. The increasing rate of prenatal detection requires a clear understanding of accurate risk stratification, in order to counsel families and to provide appropriate perinatal management. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I for a Prognosis Study - This is a high-quality, prospective cohort study with 99% of patients followed to the study end point (death or discharge).

Utilidad de factores pronósticos antenatales en pacientes con hernia diafragmática congénita aislada / Usefulness of antenatal prognostic factors in patients with hernia congenital diaphragmatic isolated

La Hernia Diafragmática Congénita (HDC) corresponde a una malformación del diafragma por la cual los órganos abdominales protruyen hacia la cavidad torácica durante el desarrollo intrauterino. Los recién nacidos afectados presentan grados variables de insuficiencia respiratoria e hipertensión pulmonar, asociándose a una alta morbilidad y mortalidad. Materiales y métodos: Se revisaron los casos de HDC controlados en los períodos pre y post-natal en el Hospital Clínico UC durante el período 2012-2016. Se analizaron los resultados perinatales según distintos factores pronósticos. Resultados: Fueron analizadas 26 embarazadas con diagnóstico de HDC. La sobrevida global fue de un 77% (20/26). La mortalidad global de las pacientes con herniación hepática fue de un 45% (5/11) versus 7% (1/15) en los fetos con hígado no herniado. La mortalidad neonatal fue de un 14% (3/21) en las pacientes con la relación pulmón cabeza (LHR), (observado/ esperado) o/e ≥ a 45% y 60% (3/5) cuando el LHR o/e es < 45%. De las pacientes con LHR o/e ≥ 45%, la necesidad de ECMO fue de un 33% (8/21) mientras que un LHR o/e < 45% fue de un 20% (1/5). Conclusión: La obtención antenatal de un LHR o/e ≥ 45% y ausencia de herniación hepática, son buenos predictores de sobrevida neonatal. La medición de LHR o/e no es capaz de discriminar que pacientes desarrollarán morbilidad respiratoria grave, por lo que debemos buscar nuevos y mejores modelos que permitan seleccionar que pacientes requerirán nacer en un centro con disponibilidad de terapias de soporte vital avanzado como el ECMO neonatal. (AU)

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia (CDH) is a malformation of the diaphragm muscle in which the abdominal organs protrude into the thoracic cavity during intrauterine development. Affected newborns have varying degrees of respiratory failure and pulmonary hypertension, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Materials and methods: Controlled HDC cases were reviewed in the pre and post-natal periods at the Clinical Hospital UC during the period 2012-2016. Perinatal results were analyzed according to different prognostic factors. Results: During the 2012-2016 period, 26 pregnant women with a diagnosis of CDH were monitored. The overall mortality of patients with hepatic herniation was 45% (5/11) versus 7% (1/15) in fetuses with a non-herniated liver. Neonatal mortality was 14% (3/21) in patients with o/e (observed/expected) LHR ≥ 45% and 60% (3/5) when the o/e LHR <45%. Of the patients with o/e LHR ≥ 45%, the need for ECMO was 33% (8/21), while a LHR o/e <45% was 20% (1/5). Conclusion: An o/e LHR ≥ 45% and absence of hepatic herniation are good predictors of neonatal survival. The o/e LHR measurement is not capable of identifying which patients will develop severe respiratory morbidity, so we must explore new and better models that allow us to select patients who need to give birth in centers with available advanced life support therapies, such as neonatal ECMO. (AU)

Right versus left congenital diaphragmatic hernia - What's the difference?

BACKGROUND: Right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernias (CDH) and bigger defect sizes have been associated with poorer outcomes. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate right- and left-sided CDH in terms of size, survival, associated anomalies, and morbidity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We used information from a multicenter, multinational database including patients with CDH born between 2007 and 2015. All infants with data on defect side were included for this analysis. We compared differences in outcomes between right- and left-sided CDH. Further analysis on the association between side, size of the defect, and outcome was performed. RESULTS: A total of 3754 cases of CDH were entered in the registry between January 2007 and September 2015, with an overall survival of 71%. Of those, 598 (16%) were right-sided and 3156 left-sided, with a survival rate of 67% and 72%, respectively. Right-sided CDH had a larger proportion of C and D defects (p<0.001 and 0.04, respectively). Survival rates for the same size defect were similar, independent of the side of the defect. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with survival as dependent variable identified a significant correlation with defect size, but not side. CONCLUSIONS: The higher proportion of large defects (C & D) in right-sided CDH, not the side itself, accounts for the reported poorer survival in right-sided CDH. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I for a prognosis study - This is a high-quality, prospective cohort study with 99% of patients followed to the study end point (death or discharge).

Early versus late surgical correction in congenital diaphragmatic hernia. / Corrección temprana versus tardía en hernia diafragmática congénita.

INTRODUCTION: The timing of surgical repair in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia has been a controversial topic over the years, and there is still no agreement as to whether immediate repair or late surgery with preoperative stabilization is preferable. METHODS: To answer this question we used Epistemonikos, the largest database of systematic reviews in health, which is maintained by screening multiple information sources, including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, among others. We extracted data from the systematic reviews, reanalyzed data of primary studies, conducted a meta-analysis and generated a summary of findings table using the GRADE approach. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We identified four systematic reviews including 38 studies overall, of which two were randomized trials. We concluded it is not clear whether immediate surgical repair in congenital diaphragmatic hernia increases mortality or decreases hospitalization days compared to late repair because the certainty of evidence is very low.

INTRODUCCIÓN: El momento de la reparación quirúrgica en pacientes con hernia diafragmática congénita ha sido un tema controvertido a lo largo de los años, y aún no existe un acuerdo sobre si es preferible una reparación inmediata o una cirugía tardía con estabilización preoperatoria. MÉTODOS: Para responder esta pregunta utilizamos Epistemonikos, la mayor base de datos de revisiones sistemáticas en salud, la cual es mantenida mediante búsquedas en múltiples fuentes de información, incluyendo MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, entre otras. Extrajimos los datos desde las revisiones identificadas, reanalizamos los datos de los estudios primarios, realizamos un metanálisis, preparamos tablas de resumen de los resultados utilizando el método GRADE. RESULTADOS Y CONCLUSIONES: Identificamos cuatro revisiones sistemáticas que en conjunto incluyen 38 estudios primarios, de los cuales, dos son ensayos aleatorizados. Concluimos que no está claro si la reparación quirúrgica inmediata en hernia diafragmática congénita aumenta la mortalidad o disminuye los días de hospitalización en comparación a una reparación tardía porque la certeza de la evidencia es muy baja.

[Strategies to reduce infections and antibiotic use and its effects in a neonatal care unit]. / Estrategias para reducir infecciones, uso de antimicrobianos y sus efectos en una unidad de neonatología.

INTRODUCTION: Late onset sepsis (LOS) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The empirical use of vancomycin and other broad spectrum antibiotics is very frequent and is associated with the emergence of resistant agents, infection by gram-negative bacilli (GNB), fungal infections and increased morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of 5 intervention protocols designed to reduce infections and promote the rational use of antibiotics (AB) in a single NICU. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Retrospective analysis included all hospitalized patients before (year 2012) and after interventions (August 2013 through July 2014). All episodes of positive cultures (blood, urine, tracheal and spinal fluid) were considered as late onset infections. RESULTS: After intervention, a significant decrease of late onset infections was observed from 14.3 to 8.5 per 1,000 live births (p < 0.01); with a decrease in LOS from 5.7 to 2.9 per 1,000 live births, although no significant. There was a decrease in vancomycin and 3rd generation cephalosporin use without Candida spp infections in the intervention period. Mortality rates and length of hospital stay were similar in both study periods. CONCLUSION: After interventions, there was an important reduction in overall late onset infections and AB related costs.

Estrategias para reducir infecciones, uso de antimicrobianos y sus efectos en una unidad de neonatología / Strategies to reduce infections and antibiotic use and its effects in a neonatal care unit

Introduction: Late onset sepsis (LOS) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The empirical use of vancomycin and other broad spectrum antibiotics is very frequent and is associated with the emergence of resistant agents, infection by gram-negative bacilli (GNB), fungal infections and increased morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate the impact of 5 intervention protocols designed to reduce infections and promote the rational use of antibiotics (AB) in a single NICU. Patients and Method: Retrospective analysis included all hospitalized patients before (year 2012) and after interventions (August 2013 through July 2014). All episodes of positive cultures (blood, urine, tracheal and spinal fluid) were considered as late onset infections. Results: After intervention, a significant decrease of late onset infections was observed from 14.3 to 8.5 per 1,000 live births (p < 0.01); with a decrease in LOS from 5.7 to 2.9 per 1,000 live births, although no significant. There was a decrease in vancomycin and 3rd generation cephalosporin use without Candida spp infections in the intervention period. Mortality rates and length of hospital stay were similar in both study periods. Conclusion: After interventions, there was an important reduction in overall late onset infections and AB related costs.

Introducción: La sepsis tardía sigue siendo una causa importante de morbilidad y mortalidad en las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales. El uso de vancomicina y otros antimicrobianos de amplio espectro es frecuente y se asocia a la aparición de agentes resistentes, infecciones por bacilos gramnegativos, infecciones por hongos y una mayor morbimortalidad. Objetivo: Evaluar el impacto de cinco protocolos de intervención para reducir la incidencia de infecciones y promover el uso racional de antimicrobianos. Pacientes y Método: Análisis retrospectivo pre (control) y post intervenciones. Se revisaron todos los episodios de infecciones con cultivos positivos (sangre, orina, tráquea y líquido cefalorraquídeo) en pacientes hospitalizados entre enero de 2012 y junio de 2014. Resultados: Después de la intervención, hubo una disminución significativa en las infecciones tardías de 14,3 a 8,5 por 1.000 RNV (p < 0,01); con disminución de la sepsis tardía de 5,7 a 2,8 por 1.000 RNV, sin alcanzar significancia estadística. Hubo una disminución significativa del uso de vancomicina y de cefalosporinas de tercera generación, así como la desaparición de infecciones por Candida spp. La mortalidad y la estadía hospitalaria fueron similares en ambos períodos. Conclusión: Al incorporar estas intervenciones, se logró una disminución significativa de las infecciones tardías y de los costos asociados al uso de antimicrobianos.

Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Defect Size and Infant Morbidity at Discharge.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Survival for infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) has gradually improved, yet substantial burden of disease remains. Although larger CDH defect sizes increase mortality, the association between defect size and morbidity has not been reported. Our objective was to evaluate the association of defect size with pulmonary, neurologic, and gastrointestinal morbidity at the time of hospital discharge. METHODS: An international, prospective cohort study was performed. Patient demographics, intraoperative defect size, and clinical outcomes were reviewed. The primary outcome was morbidity at the time of discharge, which entailed supplemental oxygen requirement, abnormal neurologic clinical and radiographic findings, gastroesophageal reflux, supplemental nutrition, or pulmonary-, neurologic-, or gastrointestinal-related medications. RESULTS: A total of 3665 patients were included in the study cohort. Overall survival was 70.9%, and 84.0% of survivors were discharged from the hospital (16.0% transferred). Median age at discharge was 38 days (interquartile range [IQR] 23-69) and ranged from 22 (IQR 16-32) days for "A" (smallest) defects to 89 (IQR 64-132) days for "D" (largest) defects (P < .001). Of those discharged from the hospital, 1522 (74.2%) had pulmonary (n = 660, 30.2%), neurologic (n = 446, 20.4%), or gastrointestinal (n = 1348, 61.7%) morbidities, and multiple morbidities were diagnosed in 701 (34.7%) patients. On multivariable regression analyses incorporating key patient characteristics, defect size was consistently the greatest predictor of overall morbidity, hospital length of stay, and duration of ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with CDH are commonly discharged with ≥1 major morbidities. The size of the diaphragmatic defect appears to be the most reliable indicator of a patient's hospital course and discharge burden of disease.

Single vs. double phototherapy in the treatment of full-term newborns with nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of single (1 panel) vs. double (2 panels) phototherapy in reducing nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns. METHODS: Term newborns with hyperbilirubinemia were prospectively randomized to receive double or single phototherapy. Bilirubin levels were measured at admission and at 12-hour intervals, as well as at a follow-up 48 hours after discharge. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients received single and 40 double phototherapy. The mean decrease in bilirubin level in the first 24 hours of treatment was greater in the double phototherapy group (5.1+/-2.2 mg/dL vs. 4.3+/-2.1 mg/dL), but without statistical significance (p = 0.18). Readmission rates were similar and no adverse effects were found in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Double-surface was not more effective than single-surface phototherapy in the treatment of nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns. However, our results suggest that double phototherapy may be more effective in those term newborns with higher bilirubin levels at admission.

Fototerapia simples versus dupla no tratamento de recém-nascidos a termo com hiperbilirrubinemia não-hemolítica / Single vs. double phototherapy in the treatment of full-term newborns with nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia

OBJETIVO: Comparar a eficácia da fototerapia simples (1 painel) versus dupla (2 painéis) na redução da hiperbilirrubinemia não-hemolítica em recém-nascidos a termo. MÉTODOS: Os recém-nascidos a termo foram randomizados prospectivamente para receber fototerapia simples ou dupla. Os níveis de bilirrubina foram medidos no momento da internação e em intervalos de 12 horas, assim como em seguimento 48 horas após a alta. RESULTADOS: Trinta e sete pacientes receberam fototerapia simples, e 40, dupla. A redução média dos níveis de bilirrubina nas primeiras 24 horas de tratamento foi maior no grupo que recebeu fototerapia dupla (5,1±2,2 mg/dL versus 4,3±2,1 mg/dL), porém sem significância estatística (p = 0,18). As taxas de readmissão foram similares e nenhum dos grupos apresentou efeitos adversos. CONCLUSÃO: A fototerapia dupla não foi mais eficaz do que a fototerapia simples no tratamento da hiperbilirrubinemia não-hemolítica em recém-nascidos a termo. Entretanto, nossos resultados sugerem que a fototerapia dupla possa ser mais eficaz em recém-nascidos a termo com níveis de bilirrubina mais altos no momento da internação.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness of single (1 panel) vs. double (2 panels) phototherapy in reducing nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns. METHODS: Term newborns with hyperbilirubinemia were prospectively randomized to receive double or single phototherapy. Bilirubin levels were measured at admission and at 12-hour intervals, as well as at a follow-up 48 hours after discharge. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients received single and 40 double phototherapy. The mean decrease in bilirubin level in the first 24 hours of treatment was greater in the double phototherapy group (5.1±2.2 mg/dL vs. 4.3±2.1 mg/dL), but without statistical significance (p = 0.18). Readmission rates were similar and no adverse effects were found in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Double-surface was not more effective than single-surface phototherapy in the treatment of nonhemolytic hyperbilirubinemia in term newborns. However, our results suggest that double phototherapy may be more effective in those term newborns with higher bilirubin levels at admission.

Urine microscopy as screen for urinary tract infections in a pediatric emergency unit in Chile.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the accuracy of urine microscopy as a predictor of urinary tract infections (UTIs), taking the urine culture as a criterion standard in a pediatric emergency unit. METHODS: Retrospective study in which all medical charts were analyzed for children younger than 15 years who underwent urine culture and sediment tests. Urine microscopy test was considered positive for leukocyturia when there were more than 10 leukocytes per microliter, and bacteriuria test was considered positive when any presence of bacteria was detected at x40 magnification. The method of sample taking was also recorded. RESULTS: Of 18,302 consultations of children younger than 15 years, 1173 (6.4%) needed both a urine culture and a urine microscopy. Urine cultures demonstrated that 20.9% of the samples were consistent with the diagnosis of UTI. Bacteriuria and leukocyturia tests had a sensitivity of 87.4% (95% CI, 82.7%-91.0%), a specificity of 94.8% (95% CI, 93.2%-96.1%), a likelihood ratio for a positive test of 16.7 (95% CI, 16.18-17.61), and a likelihood ratio for a negative test of 0.13 (95% CI, 0.12-0.14). Samples taken by sterile methods (suprapubic aspiration and bladder catheterization) had a better positive predictive value than those taken by nonsterile methods (urine bag and midstream clean-catch) without having an adverse impact on the negative predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: Urine microscopy without Gram stain is a good test for predicting the presence of UTIs in children, which supports the use of this screening method in pediatric emergency units.

Termometría: aplicación en la práctica diaria / Thermometry: use in day practice

El termómetro ha sido un instrumento útil en la monitorización de temperatura, que en contexto con otros signos vitales, ayuda a la distinción de salud y enfermedad, siendo una excelente guía en el curso de ella