The occurrence of adverse events is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in children admitted to a single pediatric intensive care unit.

Healthcare can cause harm. The goal of this study is to evaluate the association between the occurrence of adverse events (AEs) and morbidity-mortality in critically ill children. A prospective cohort study was designed. All children admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) between August 2016 and July 2017 were followed. An AE was considered any harm associated with a healthcare-related incident. AEs were identified in two steps: first, adverse clinical incidents (ACI) were recognized through direct observation and active surveillance by PICU physicians, and then the patient safety committee evaluated every ACI to define which would be considered an AE. The outcome was hospital morbidity-mortality. There were 467 ACI registered, 249 (53.31%) were considered AEs and the rate was 4.27/100 patient days. From the 842 children included, 142 (16.86%) suffered AEs, 39 (4.63%) experienced morbidity-mortality: 33 (3.92%) died, and 6 (0.71%) had morbidity. Multivariate analysis revealed that the occurrence of AEs was significantly associated with morbidity-mortality, OR 5.70 (CI95% 2.58-12.58, p = 0.001). This association was independent of age and severity of illness score.Conclusion: Experiencing AEs significantly increased the risk of morbidity-mortality in this cohort of PICU children.What is Known:• Many children suffer healthcare-associated harm during pediatric intensive care hospitalization.What is New:• This prospective cohort study shows that experiencing adverse events during pediatric intensive care hospitalization significantly increases the risk of morbidity and mortality independent of age and severity of illness at admission.

Umbilical cord clamping in preterm infants. / Ligadura del cordón umbilical en recién nacidos prematuros.

For several years now, the survival of preterm infants has been increasing, which has shifted our concern to preterm infants born before 28 weeks of gestation in particular. The timing of umbilical cord clamping may lead to several disorders, especially when done early (10-15 seconds). In the last two decades, several investigations have shown the considerable benefits of delayed cord clamping (2-3 minutes). Delayed cord clamping has been practiced in obstetrics and neonatal care based on the recommendations made by scientific societies and in systematic reviews, which have provided solid evidence to support this practice in preterm infants. This review describes the most relevant articles from the last years, which strongly support the use of delayed cord clamping versus early cord clamping. In addition, this practice reduces the rate of severe disorders in preterm infants.

La prematuridad fue aumentando la supervivencia desde hace varios años, y eso produce, sobre todo, una preocupación en los prematuros nacidos antes de las 28 semanas de gestación. El tiempo del clampeo del cordón umbilical puede generar diversos trastornos, principalmente, cuando se realiza temprano (10-15 segundos). Ya desde hace 20 años, a través de varias investigaciones, se pudieron demostrar los notorios beneficios del clampeo demorado del cordón (de 2 a 3 minutos). Esta práctica fue instalada en la asistencia obstétrica y neonatal por las recomendaciones de sociedades científicas y de las revisiones sistemáticas, que señalaron las sólidas evidencias que apoyaban esta conducta para prematuros. En esta revisión, se describen los artículos más relevantes en los últimos años, que sustentan notoriamente la aplicación del clampeo demorado del cordón versus el clampeo temprano. Asimismo, esta práctica genera una disminución de los trastornos graves en prematuros.

Chronic post-traumatic stress in mothers of very low birth weight preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation. / Estrés postraumático crónico en madres de prematuros de muy bajo peso nacidos antes de las 32 semanas de gestación.

Background: The birth of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants causes stress in mothers, which may continue for over 6 months. This is called chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Objective: To detect CPTSD frequency and symptoms among mothers of VLBW preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation. Methods: Cross-sectional cohort study in mothers using a survey based on the Davidson Trauma Scale. Results: A total of 172 surveys were administered but 146 were included; 82 (56 %) did not have stress symptoms, while 64 (44 %) had CPTSD. Mothers with CPTSD accounted for 46.8 % of preterm infants born at ≤ 28 weeks versus 31.7 % in those without CPTSD (p = 0.032). Preterm infants with a birth weight < 1000 g were significantly more frequent among mothers with CPTSD, 53 % versus 34 % among those without stress (p = 0.011). No differences were observed in neonatal morbidity (p = 0.072). Severe morbidity in preterm infants was significantly more common among those with CPTSD, 43.8 % versus 28 % (p ≤ 0.004).Mothers who had a lower education accounted significantly for more cases of CPTSD (p = 0.013). No significant differences were seen in maternal age (p = 0.313), children's age (p = 0.405), and length of stay (p = 0.316). Conclusion: Among the mothers of VLBW preterm infants, 44 % had CPTSD, and this was significantly more common among those who had preterm infants born at ≤28 weeks, a birth weight <1000 g, severe morbidity, and a lower level of education.

Antecedentes. Los prematuros de muy bajo peso al nacer suelen generar estrés en sus madres, que puede persistir más de seis meses luego del nacimiento. Este trastorno se denomina estrés postraumático crónico (EPTC). Objetivo. Detectar frecuencia y síntomas del EPTC en madres de prematuros de muy bajo peso al nacer menores de 32 semanas de gestación. Métodos. Estudio transversal, mediante una encuesta voluntaria autoadministrada a madres con embarazo único. Se empleó la Escala de trauma de Davidson. Resultados. Se realizaron 172 encuestas; se eliminaron 26 incompletas. De 146 madres incorporadas, 64 (el 44 %) presentaron estrés. Las madres con EPTC tuvieron un 46,8 % de prematuros nacidos < 28 semanas vs. un 31,7 % en madres sin EPTC (p: 0,032). Los prematuros con peso < 1000 g fueron más frecuentes en madres con EPTC, el 53 % vs. el 34 % en madres sin estrés (p: 0,011). No hubo diferencias entre grupos de madres en morbilidad neonatal (p: 0,072). La morbilidad grave fue más frecuente en madres con EPTC, el 44 %. vs. el 28 % (p: < 0,004). Las madres con menor escolaridad tuvieron EPTC significativamente mayor (p: 0,013). No hubo diferencias en la edad materna (p: 0,313), edad de los niños (p: 0,405) y días de hospitalización en la Unidad (p: 0,316). Conclusión. El 44 % de las madres de prematuros de muy bajo peso al nacer tuvieron EPTC, significativamente más frecuente en prematuros ≤ 28 semanas, con peso < 1000 g, morbilidad grave y menor escolaridad materna.

Voluntary and anonymous reporting of medication errors in patients admitted to the Department of Pediatrics. / Reporte voluntario y anónimo de errores de medicación en pacientes hospitalizados en un Departamento de Pediatría.

OBJECTIVE: To assess reports of medication errors in hospitalized children to establish their frequency, causes, and adverse events(AEs). METHODS: Prospective study of medication errors reported at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Clinic (PC), and Pediatric intensive Care Unit (PICU). Ambulatory Pediatrics reports and incomplete data were excluded. Related variables were evaluated. RESULTS: Out of 989 errors reported in Department of Pediatrics, 401 (41 %) corresponded to medication errors. Of these, 353 (88 %) reached patients and 48 (12 %) were quasi-errors; 42 % occurred in the morning; 24 %, in the afternoon; 17 %, in the morning and afternoon, and 17 %, in the night; differences were not significant (p = 0.18). Dosing errors were the most common ones, 118 (33.4 %). In total, 160 reports (45 %) corresponded to prescription errors; 149 (42 %), to administration errors; and 44 (2.5 %), to dispensing errors. Dosing errors were more common in prescriptions (p < 0.05). The highest number of errors was reported at the NICU, 179 (50 %); compared to 91 (25.5 %) at the PC and 83 (24.5 %) at the PICU. A total of 91 AEs were reported (22.5 %); most were mild, 53 (58 %), or moderate, 31 (34 %). The NICU reported 53 AEs (58 %); the PICU, 25 (27 %); and the DCP, 18 (19.7 %). No deaths occurred. CONCLUSION: The rate of medication errors reported in hospitalized children was 41 %. Dosing errors were the most common ones. A total of 91 AEs were reported; most were mild (58 %); the highest number was reported at the NICU (58 %).

Objetivo. Evaluar reportes de errores de medicación en niños hospitalizados para determinar las frecuencias, causas y eventos adversos (EA). Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de reportes de errores de medicación de Terapia Neonatal (UCIN), Clínica Pediátrica (CP) y Terapia Pediátrica (UCIP). Se excluyeron reportes de pediatría ambulatoria y datos incompletos. Se evaluaron las variables relacionadas. Resultados. De 989 errores reportados en pediatría, los de medicación fueron 401 (41 %). De ellos, 353 (88 %) llegaron a los pacientes y 48 (12 %) fueron cuasierrores. El 42 % ocurrieron a la mañana; 24 %, tarde; 17 %, mañana y tarde, y 17 %, noche; diferencias no significativas (p = 0,18). El error más frecuente fue dosis equivocada, 118 (33,4 %). Los reportes de errores de prescripción fueron 160 (45 %); administración, 149 (42 %), y dispensación, 44 (2,5 %). Los errores de dosis fueron más frecuentes en la prescripción (p < 0,05). La UCIN reportó la mayor cantidad de errores, 179 (50 %); CP, 91 (25,5 %), y UCIP, 83 (24,5 %). Hubo un total de 91 EA reportados (22,5 %); la mayoría leves, 53 (58 %), y moderados, 31 (34 %). La UCIN reportó 53 EA (58 %); UCIP, 25 (27 %), y CP, 18 (19,7 %). No ocurrieron fallecimientos. Conclusión. La tasa de errores de medicación reportados en niños hospitalizados fue de 41 %. Los errores en las dosis de medicamentos fueron los más frecuentes. Hubo 91 EA; prevalecieron los leves (58 %); la UCIN reportó el mayor número (58 %).

Neonatal outcomes of antenatal corticosteroids in preterm multiple pregnancies compared to singletons.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) during preterm labour reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. Evidence on preterm multiple pregnancies is limited and contradictory. OBJECTIVE: Compare the effect of ACS on very low birth weight infant's (VLBW) mortality and morbidity among singleton and multiple pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study, employing prospectively collected data, of infants 23 to 34 weeks' gestation and 500 to 1500 g born at the Neocosur Neonatal Network centers during 2007-2016. Neonatal outcomes were compared among singleton and multiple pregnancies exposed to at least one dose of ACS to those not exposed using logistic regression analyses controlled for birthweight, gestational age, sex, small for gestational age (SGA) and mode of delivery. RESULTS: A total of 13,864 infants were studied; 2948 multiple (21.3%) and 10,904 singleton pregnancies (78.7%). Overall, 11,218 (81.4%) received at least one dose of ACS with a significant reduction in the risk of death, RDS and grade III or IV IVH compared to those not exposed. Both singleton and multiple pregnancies exposed to ACS showed similar reduced risk of death (aRR 0.41 [95% CI, 0.36-0.47] vs. aRR 0.46 [95% CI, 0.34-0.64]). However, ACS were not associated with reduced odds of RDS (aRR 0.89 [95% CI, 0.66-1.23]) or grade III or IV IVH (aRR 0.99 [95% CI, 0.67-1.48]) in multiple pregnancies. CONCLUSION: The benefit of administration of at least one dose of ACS in VLBW multiple and singleton pregnancies is comparable in terms of death. However, ACS showed no relevant impact in short-term morbidity in multiple pregnancies.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes. / Ruptura prematura de membranas en nacimientos de pretérmino.

Preterm premature rupture of membranes occurs in around 3% of pregnancies, and several aspects related to its management are still controversial. The objective of this update is to provide a detailed review of strategies aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality associated with this maternal condition. We will discuss the available evidence regarding the maternal use of antibiotics, the use of corticosteroids according to gestational age, the use of magnesium sulphate for fetal neuroprotection, the use of tocolytic agents, and the best moment for and route of delivery. This review also covers the effects of prolonged preterm premature rupture of membranes, infant morbidity and mortality in the short and long term, the harmful effects of antibiotics after delivery, including the effects on neurodevelopment and the presence of longterm chronic diseases.

La ruptura prematura de membranas de pretérmino ocurre en, aproximadamente, el 3% de los embarazos y numerosos aspectos vinculados a su manejo continúan siendo controversiales. El objetivo de esta actualización es revisar en forma detallada las estrategias destinadas a disminuir la morbilidad y mortalidad asociadas a esta situación clínica en las madres. Se discutirá la evidencia disponible acerca del uso en las madres de antibióticos, corticoides a distintas edades gestacionales, sulfato de magnesio como neuroprotector fetal, tocolíticos y el momento óptimo y la vía de finalización del embarazo. Asimismo, se incluyen los efectos de la ruptura prolongada de membranas en prematuros, la mortalidad y morbilidad de los recién nacidos en el corto y largo plazo, los perjuicios de la administración de antibióticos luego del nacimiento con las secuelas en el neurodesarrollo y la presencia de enfermedades crónicas a largo plazo.

Ligadura del cordón umbilical en recién nacidos prematuros / Umbilical cord clamping in preterm infants

La prematiridad fue aumentando la supervivencia desde hace varios años, y eso produce, sobre todo, una preocupación en los prematuros nacidos antes de las 28 semanas de gestación. El tiempo del clampeo del cordón umbilical puede generar diversos trastornos, principalmente, cuando se realiza temprano (10-15 segundos). Ya desde hace 20 años, a través de varias investigaciones, se pudieron demostrar los notorios beneficios del clampeo demorado del cordón (de 2 a 3 minutos). Esta práctica fue instalada en la asistencia obstétrica y neonatal por las recomendaciones de sociedades científicas y de las revisiones sistemáticas, que señalaron las sólidas evidencias que apoyaban esta conducta para prematuros. En esta revisión, se describen los artículos más relevantes en los últimos años, que sustentan notoriamente la aplicación del clampeo demorado del cordón versus el clampeo temprano. Asimismo, esta práctica genera una disminución de los trastornos graves en prematuros.

For several years now, the survival of preterm infants has been increasing, which has shifted our concern to preterm infants born before 28 weeks of gestation in particular. The timing of umbilical cord clamping may lead to several disorders, especially when done early (10-15 seconds). In the last two decades, several investigations have shown the considerable benefits of delayed cord clamping (2-3 minutes). Delayed cord clamping has been practiced in obstetrics and neonatal care based on the recommendations made by scientific societies and in systematic reviews, which have provided solid evidence to support this practice in preterm infants. This review describes the most relevant articles from the last years, which strongly support the use of delayed cord clamping versus early cord clamping. In addition, this practice reduces the rate of severe disorders in preterm infants.

Estrés postraumático crónico en madres de prematuros de muy bajo peso nacidos antes de las 32 semanas de gestación / Chronic post-traumatic stress in mothers of very low birth weight preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation

Antecedentes. Los prematuros de muy bajo peso al nacer suelen generar estrés en sus madres, que puede persistir más de seis meses luego del nacimiento. Este trastorno se denomina estrés postraumático crónico (EPTC).Objetivo. Detectar frecuencia y síntomas del EPTC en madres de prematuros de muy bajo peso al nacer menores de 32 semanas de gestación.Métodos. Estudio transversal, mediante una encuesta voluntaria autoadministrada a madres con embarazo único. Se empleó la Escala de trauma de Davidson.Resultados. Se realizaron 172 encuestas; se eliminaron 26 incompletas. De 146 madres incorporadas, 64 (el 44 %) presentaron estrés. Las madres con EPTC tuvieron un 46,8 % de prematuros nacidos < 28 semanas vs. un 31,7 % en madres sin EPTC (p: 0,032). Los prematuros con peso < 1000 g fueron más frecuentes en madres con EPTC, el 53 % vs. el 34 %en madres sin estrés(p: 0,011). No hubo diferencias entre grupos de madres en morbilidad neonatal (p: 0,072). La morbilidad grave fue más frecuente en madres con EPTC, el 44 %. vs. el 28 % (p: < 0,004). Las madres con menor escolaridad tuvieron EPTC significativamente mayor (p: 0,013). No hubo diferencias en la edad materna (p: 0,313), edad de los niños (p: 0,405) y días de hospitalización en la Unidad (p: 0,316).Conclusión. El 44 % de las madres de prematuros de muy bajo peso al nacer tuvieron EPTC, significativamente más frecuente en prematuros ≤ 28 semanas, con peso < 1000 g, morbilidad grave y menor escolaridad materna

Background. The birth of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants causes stress in mothers, which may continue for over 6 months. This is called chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD).Objective. To detect CPTSD frequency and symptoms among mothers of VLBW preterm infants born before 32 weeks of gestation.Methods. Cross-sectional cohort study in mothers using a survey based on the Davidson Trauma Scale.Results. A total of 172 surveys were administered but 146 were included; 82 (56 %) did not have stress symptoms, while 64 (44 %) had CPTSD. Mothers with CPTSD accounted for 46.8 % of preterm infants born at ≤ 28 weeks versus 31.7 % in those without CPTSD (p = 0.032). Preterm infants with a birth weight < 1000 g were significantly more frequent among mothers with CPTSD, 53 % versus 34 % among those without stress (p = 0.011). No differences were observed in neonatal morbidity (p = 0.072). Severe morbidity in preterm infants was significantly more common among those with CPTSD, 43.8 % versus 28 % (p ≤ 0.004).Mothers who had a lower education accounted significantly for more cases of CPTSD (p = 0.013). No significant differences were seen in maternal age (p = 0.313), children's age (p = 0.405), and length of stay (p = 0.316).Conclusion. Among the mothers of VLBW preterm infants, 44 % had CPTSD, and this was significantly more common among those who had preterm infants born at ≤28 weeks, a birth weight <1000 g, severe morbidity, and a lower level of education.

[Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in a group of pre-school and school children, living in conditions of poverty]. / Prevalencia de anemia ferropénica en niños pre-escolares y escolares con necesidades básicas insatisfechas.

Iron deficiency is common during the first years of life. Yet, there is a paucity of data on scholar children. Our main objective was to estimate the prevalence of ferropenic anemia in children 3 to 12 years of age living under conditions of poverty. A total of 323 children were included, 171 attended to a day care institution (group A) and 152 were from the same community but not attended in the day care institution (group B). Hemoglobin (Hb), medium corpuscular volume (MCV) and serum ferritin (SF) were measured in all children. In those with Hb < or = 11 g/dl and/or MCV < or = 73 fl and/or SF < or = 15 microg/l, transferrin saturation (TS) and soluble transferrin receptors (sTR) were also measured. Iron deficiency was defined as SF < or = 15 mg/l and ferropenic anemia was defined as Hb < or = 11 g/dl or MCV < or = 73 fl with sTR > or = 38 mmol/l and SF < or = 10 microg/l or TS < or = 10%. There were no differences between the groups regarding age, weight, height, education, gender and housing conditions. Mean hemoglobin level was 12.6 g/dl (group A: 12.4 g/dl vs. group B: 12.7 g/dl; p=0.012), and mean SF was 45 mg/l, without significant differences between groups. Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia was 2.5% (8/323) and iron deficiency was 4.4% (14/317), without significant differences between groups. These results persisted after controlling for confounding variables. In this group of children living under conditions of poverty in Argentina, iron deficiency anemia was uncommon. We attribute this phenomenon to local affordability of some inexpensive cuts of red meat.

Clinical outcome of neonates with nosocomial suspected sepsis treated with cefazolin or vancomycin: a non-inferiority, randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections are a major problem in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS) is the most common causative agent. We evaluated the efficacy of cefazolin versus vancomycin as initial therapy for neonates with presumptive clinical signs of nosocomial sepsis probably caused by CONS. METHODS: Hospitalized newborns infants with clinical signs of very probable bacterial sepsis were included. Two groups were randomly assigned according the initial antibiotic therapy: cefazolin group (CG) or vancomycin group (VG). The primary analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. The main outcome measure was the clinical outcome of infants in both groups at the end of antibiotic treatment. RESULTS: We analyzed 109 newborns, 52 in CG and 57 in VG. Baseline characteristics were similar among groups. The percentage of neonates with adequate outcome was 92% in the CG and 86% in the VG: difference: 6% (95% CI: -7% to 19%, p-value non-inferiority, p = 0.007). Seven infants died in the CG (13.5%) and and 11 (19.2%) in the VG; no significant difference (p=0.45). CONCLUSION: Cefazolin was not inferior to vancomycin in achieving an adequate clinical outcome in newborn infants with confirmed or highly probable nosocomial sepsis.

Reporte voluntario y anónimo de errores de medicación en pacientes hospitalizados en un Departamento de Pediatría / Voluntary and anonymous reporting of medication errors in patients admitted to the Department of Pediatrics

Objetivo. Evaluar reportes de errores de medicación en niños hospitalizados para determinar las frecuencias, causas y eventos adversos (EA). Métodos. Estudio prospectivo de reportes de errores de medicación de Terapia Neonatal (UCIN), Clínica Pediátrica (CP) y Terapia Pediátrica (UCIP). Se excluyeron reportes de pediatría ambulatoria y datos incompletos. Se evaluaron las variables relacionadas. Resultados. De 989 errores reportados en pediatría, los de medicación fueron 401 (41 %). De ellos, 353 (88 %) llegaron a los pacientes y 48 (12 %) fueron cuasierrores. El 42 % ocurrieron a la mañana; 24 %, tarde; 17 %, mañana y tarde, y 17 %, noche; diferencias no significativas (p = 0,18). El error más frecuente fue dosis equivocada, 118 (33,4 %). Los reportes de errores de prescripción fueron 160 (45 %); administración, 149 (42 %), y dispensación, 44 (2,5 %). Los errores de dosis fueron más frecuentes en la prescripción (p < 0,05). La UCIN reportó la mayor cantidad de errores, 179 (50 %); CP, 91 (25,5 %), y UCIP, 83 (24,5 %). Hubo un total de 91 EA reportados (22,5 %); la mayoría leves, 53 (58 %), y moderados, 31 (34 %). La UCIN reportó 53 EA (58 %); UCIP, 25 (27 %), y CP, 18 (19,7 %). No ocurrieron fallecimientos.Conclusión. La tasa de errores de medicación reportados en niños hospitalizados fue de 41 %. Los errores en las dosis de medicamentos fueron los más frecuentes. Hubo 91 EA; prevalecieron los leves (58 %); la UCIN reportó el mayor número (58 %).

Objective. To assess reports of medication errors in hospitalized children to establish their frequency, causes, and adverse events (AEs). Methods. Prospective study of medication errors reported at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatric Clinic (PC), and Pediatric intensive Care Unit (PICU). Ambulatory Pediatrics reports and incomplete data were excluded. Related variables were evaluated. Results. Out of 989 errors reported in Department of Pediatrics, 401 (41 %) corresponded to medication errors. Of these, 353 (88 %) reached patients and 48 (12 %) were quasi-errors; 42 % occurred in the morning; 24 %, in the afternoon; 17 %, in the morning and afternoon, and 17 %, in the night; differences were not significant (p = 0.18). Dosing errors were the most common ones, 118 (33.4 %). In total, 160 reports (45 %) corresponded to prescription errors; 149 (42 %), to administration errors; and 44 (2.5 %), to dispensing errors. Dosing errors were more common in prescriptions (p < 0.05). The highest number of errors was reported at the NICU, 179 (50 %); compared to 91 (25.5 %) at the PC and 83 (24.5 %) at the PICU. A total of 91 AEs were reported (22.5 %); most were mild, 53 (58 %), or moderate, 31 (34 %). The NICU reported 53 AEs (58 %); the PICU, 25 (27 %); and the DCP, 18 (19.7 %). No deaths occurred.Conclusion. The rate of medication errors reported in hospitalized children was 41 %. Dosing errors were the most common ones. A total of 91 AEs were reported; most were mild (58 %); the highest number was reported at the NICU (58 %).

Medication error in an extremely low birth weight infant: paracetamol overdose.

Errors are part of human nature and are usually present in our actions. Medical errors occur quite often and can be serious. Medication errors are among the most frequent, especially in newborn infants because of the multiple steps that occur during the process of prescribing and administering drugs and because most drugs are not licensed for being used in newborn infants (off-label). The aim of this report is to describe a medication error in prescribing paracetamol for closing a patent ductus arteriosus in a preterm infant and to analyze its causes. A preterm female infant born at 27 weeks of gestational age with a birth weight of 750 g received paracetamol at 9 days old at a dose 20 times greater than required. The initial plasma level was 480 µg/mL. N-acetylcysteine was administered and her clinical outcome was satisfactory. Parents were notified of the event, which was recorded in the medical record and in the electronic error reporting system of the Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires. We consider this report as an example that we are exposed to making mistakes and should maximize precautions to improve patient safety in neonatal units.