Acute kidney injury in preterm neonates with ≤30 weeks of gestational age and its risk factors.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI), an abrupt decline in kidney function, is a challenging diagnosis among preterm infants due to some specific features of this population. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors of developing AKI and the predictive factors for its severity in preterm neonates with less than 31 weeks of gestational age. METHODS: All neonates with less than 31 weeks of gestational age, admitted in our NICU between January 2012 and December 2015, were included. Maternal and neonatal records about demographics, placental abnormalities, perinatal and neonatal period and evolution in NICU, as well as electrolytic analysis and serum creatinine and urea values during their hospitalization were retrospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 106 neonates were included. Of those, 24 were diagnosed with AKI, resulting in a prevalence of 22.6%, and 82 were used as controls. Gestational age (OR=0.39; 95% CI=0.2-0.76; P=0.006), congenital malformations (OR=36.93; 95%CI=2.48-550.59; P=0.009), vasoactive drugs (OR=27.06; 95%CI=3.58-204.45; P=0.001), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (OR=9.61; 95%CI=1.78-51.73; P=0.008) and sepsis (OR=7.78; 95%CI=1.32-46.04; P=0.024) were found to be independent risk factors. Cardiac surgery was a predictive factor for AKI severity (OR=25; 95%CI=2.09-298.29; P=0.011). The mortality rate in the AKI group was 41.7%. CONCLUSIONS: AKI in preterm neonates is an important feature that contributes to increase the mortality in NICUs. Thus, it is crucial to know its risk factors to establish prompt diagnosis and prevention and, in this way, be able to improve the prognosis.

Morbidity and mortality of preterm infants less than 26 weeks of gestational age.

BACKGROUND: Extreme preterm infants have a high risk of morbidity and mortality. Newborns delivered between 23+0 and 25+6 weeks, are considered to be in the "gray zone" and have uncertain prognosis. For these children medical decision-making becomes complex and controversial. The present study intends to evaluate the neonatal morbidity and mortality of preterm infants born between 23 weeks and 25+6 weeks of gestational age. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted including all inborn preterm infants, with a gestational age between 23+0 and 25+6 weeks, admitted to a level IIIC NICU, between January 1st, 1996 and December 31st, 2014. RESULTS: A total of 72 preterm neonates were included, 18.1% had a full cycle of antenatal steroids. The most frequent major morbidities were RDS (95.4%), patent ductus arteriosus (81.3%), sepsis (55.7%, being 19.7% early sepsis, and 36.1% late sepsis), intraventricular hemorrhage (34.4%), retinopathy of prematurity (21.9%) and necrotizing enterocolitis (10.9%). Fifty-four (75%) children died. The only factor adjusted to age associated with high mortality founded was hypotension (OR=4.99, P<0.019). Morbidity at discharge was: severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (77.8%), retinopathy of prematurity (72.2%), intraventricular hemorrhage (16.7%), cystic periventricular leukomalacia (11.1%), and sequalae of necrotizing enterocolitis (5.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The survival rate was 25% and a high morbidity at discharge was observed, which leave us with the huge responsibility to improve this result in a near future. Extreme prematurity is still a very controversial and complex issue and particular challenge for neonatologists. The use of antenatal steroid in the more immature preterm infants should be encouraged.

Radiation exposure in very low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: The survival of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants increased in the past few decades. These neonates often require multiple diagnostic and management image procedures that involve ionizing radiation, which can have long term implications. The aim of our study was to evaluate the level of radiation exposure in VLBW infants during their stay in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). METHODS: We collected demographic and medical data of 149 VLBW who were admitted to our NICU between January 2011 and December 2014. All radiographic procedures were reviewed retrospectively. Absorbed ionizing radiation was calculated according to literature reference values. RESULTS: A total of 1496 images were obtained. Infants underwent 10.0±11.3 examinations, and the maximum of images registered per patient was 65. Four babies (2.7%) received more than 1000 µSv, the recommended maximum of ionizing radiation exposure. Infants of lower birth weight, who needed invasive ventilation, with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis, and surgical pathology required significantly more radiographs (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, lower birth weight, need of invasive ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and sepsis were associated with the need of more X-ray studies. In order to protect the vulnerable population of severely-ill newborns, guidelines for radiation exposure in newborns should be issued and implemented.

Vascular access in neonates.

The aim of this review was to provide updated and recent literature on vascular access in neonates in order to help neonatologists in their clinical practice, using as data sources textbooks, recent published articles from Pubmed, Cochrane reviews and web guidelines.

Pertussis in the newborn: certainties and uncertainties in 2014.

Bordetella pertussis infection remains a serious potential health risk to infants, specially in those too young to be vaccinated. Over the recent years, numerous sources highlighted a widespread resurgence, making it, again, a challenging disease. Globally, pertussis is ranked among the 10 leading causes of childhood mortality. This review summarizes the most recent literature and will address the most important aspects that pediatricians and neonatologists must be familiar with, when treating a newborns pertussis infection.

Lingual Frenotomy in Pediatric Ankyloglossia: A Diode Laser Approach in Two Case Reports.

Ankyloglossia can be related to a number of complications, such as breastfeeding difficulties or alterations in craniofacial development. Treatment can involve surgery to correct the altered lingual frenulum and can be performed by various techniques. The purpose of this paper is to present two case reports of ankyloglossia in pediatric patients of different ages, the diagnostic criteria, and the treatment decision rationale, which led to a lingual frenotomy performed with a diode laser.

Neonatal Renal Failure Following Intrauterine Exposure to an Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitor.

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) plays a crucial role in the normal development of the fetal kidney. Late pregnancy blockage of the RAAS, through in-utero exposure to angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II receptor blockers, is associated with poor fetal outcomes, including oligohydramnios, renal tubular dysplasia, postnatal anuric renal failure, and hypotension. The present case describes a 39-year-old primigravida that was referred to the emergency department, at 37 weeks, for the evaluation of intrauterine growth restriction and suspected coarctation of the aorta (CoA). She was medicated with enalapril since the 35th week of gestation. She delivered a male infant, weighing 2,110 g, with no apparent malformations. CoA was excluded. During his first day of life, the patient developed anuria, acute renal failure, and hypotension, requiring ionotropic support. Renal ultrasound appeared normal. Diuresis was reinitiated at 48 hours of life after continued supportive measures. Kidney function tests progressively normalized. Additional investigations revealed a low concentration of angiotensin-converting enzyme. The patient is currently 12 months old and has had a favorable evolution. This case highlights the fact that even brief exposure to enalapril in the third trimester may cause RAAS blocker fetopathy. As long-term sequelae of ACEI-exposed infants are poorly described, close follow-up of renal complications is essential. Physicians should be aware of the deleterious effects of RAAS blockers in pregnancy.

Gastrointestinal effects of caffeine in preterm infants: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Caffeine is widely used in preterm infants to prevent or treat apnoea of prematurity. Adverse gastrointestinal effects of caffeine have not been thoroughly researched in preterm infants. With this systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim to summarise the results of trials on the gastrointestinal effects of caffeine in preterm infants. DESIGN: We searched MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus and ClinicalTrials.gov up to 21 April 2023. We included randomised controlled trials assessing caffeine versus placebo in preterm neonates and reporting gastrointestinal side effects. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. A Bayesian meta-analysis was performed to estimate the pooled OR of gastrointestinal side effects. RESULTS: Nine trials involving 2746 preterm infants were analysed. Seven trials assessing necrotising enterocolitis and four trials assessing feeding intolerance in our meta-analysis found no differences between caffeine and placebo (OR=1.007 (95% credible interval 0.021, 5.462), I2=97.4%, and OR=1.266 (95% credible interval 0.064, 28.326), I2=84.8%, respectively). Four trials assessed the outcomes spontaneous intestinal perforation, constipation, gastrointestinal disorder (composite outcome: gastro-oesophageal regurgitation or dilated bowel loops), age at oral feeding and cholestasis syndrome and found no differences between groups. One trial assessed the outcomes gastro-oesophageal symptoms and duration of tube feeding and found that caffeine was associated with a reduced burden of gastro-oesophageal reflux symptoms at 2 weeks (p<0.05), but not at term. CONCLUSIONS: According to this systematic review and meta-analysis, the use of caffeine at usual doses in preterm infants does not seem to be associated with significant gastrointestinal adverse effects.

Neonatal Resuscitation Practices in Portuguese Delivery Rooms: A Cross-Sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Data from previous studies have demonstrated inconsistency between current evidence and delivery room resuscitation practices in developed countries. The primary aim of this study was to assess the quality of newborn healthcare and resuscitation practices in Portuguese delivery rooms, comparing current practices with the 2021 European Resuscitation Council guidelines. The secondary aim was to compare the consistency of practices between tertiary and non-tertiary centers across Portugal. METHODS: An 87-question survey concerning neonatal care was sent to all physicians registered with the Portuguese Neonatal Society via email. In order to compare practices between centers, participants were divided into two groups: Group A (level III and level IIb centers) and Group B (level IIa and I centers). A descriptive analysis of variables was performed in order to compare the two groups. RESULTS: In total, 130 physicians responded to the survey. Group A included 91 (70%) and Group B 39 (30%) respondents. More than 80% of participants reported the presence of a healthcare professional with basic newborn resuscitation training in all deliveries, essential equipment in the delivery room, such as a resuscitator with a light and heat source, a pulse oximeter, and an O2 blender, and performing delayed cord clamping for all neonates born without complications. Less than 60% reported performing team briefing before deliveries, the presence of electrocardiogram sensors, end-tidal CO2 detector, and continuous positive airway pressure in the delivery room, and monitoring the neonate's temperature. Major differences between groups were found regarding staff attending deliveries, education, equipment, thermal control, umbilical cord management, vital signs monitoring, prophylactic surfactant administration, and the neonate's transportation out of the delivery room. CONCLUSION: Overall, adherence to neonatal resuscitation international guidelines was high among Portuguese physicians. However, differences between guidelines and current practices, as well as between centers with different levels of care, were identified. Areas for improvement include team briefing, ethics, education, available equipment in delivery rooms, temperature control, and airway management. The authors emphasize the importance of continuous education to ensure compliance with the most recent guidelines and ultimately improve neonatal health outcomes.

Impact of advanced maternal age on neonatal morbidity: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review aimed to understand the impact of advanced maternal age (AMA) on the neonatal morbidity, based on the available scientific evidence. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on 22 November 2021, using the PubMed and Scopus databases to identify studies that compared the morbidity of neonates delivered to AMA mothers with that of neonates delivered to non-AMA mothers. RESULTS: Sixteen studies that evaluated the effect of AMA on the neonatal morbidity were included in this review. Nine of these studies found some association between AMA and increased neonatal morbidity (with two of them only reporting an increase in asymptomatic hypoglycemia, and one only reporting an association in twins), six found no association between AMA and neonatal morbidity and one study found a decrease in morbidity in preterm neonates. The studies that found an increase in overall neonatal morbidity with AMA considered older ages for the definition of AMA, particularly ≥40 and ≥45 years. CONCLUSION: The current evidence seems to support a lack of association between AMA and the neonatal morbidity of the delivered neonates. However, more studies focusing on the neonatal outcomes of AMA pregnancies are needed to better understand this topic.

Non-pharmacological management of neonatal pain: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Shortly after birth, neonates are exposed to several painful medical procedures, such as newborn metabolic screening, vaccination and venipuncture, without proper management of pain. Unpleasant experiences during the neonatal period are proven to be associated with negative long-term consequences. Non-pharmacological interventions have been studied, although rarely administered and seldom documented. The aim of this systematic review was to assess non-pharmacological approaches to neonatal pain during diagnostic and treatment procedures. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Extensive literature research to access randomized controlled trials on non-pharmacological pain management in neonates was performed in MEDLINE (through PubMed), Scopus and Web of Science from October 2011 to September 2021. First analysis included all article titles and abstracts screening to identify relevant studies, and second analysis included a full-text screening of previously selected studies. Eligibility was assessed independently by two authors, and disagreements were resolved by discussion and consensus. In the end, 19 published studies were included, representing a total of 1930 newborns. Main outcome, neonatal pain, was assessed by different neonatal pain evaluation scales. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Non-pharmacological interventions including sucrose/glucose solutions, non-nutritive sucking, breastfeeding, olfactive stimulus, auditory stimulus and sensory stimulus (skin-to-skin care, kangaroo/maternal holding, heat, therapeutic massage, swaddling/facilitated tucking and acupressure) showed decreased behavioral and physiologic pain responses. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence suggests non-pharmacological approaches are safe, effective and can be easily applied in daily practice. There is the need for continued research on non-pharmacological interventions on neonatal pain to help healthcare providers build a tailored pain treatment plan for neonates submitted to procedural pain.

Ankyloglossia, Syndactyly and Polydactyly in the Pediatric Patient.

Ankyloglossia is a congenital alteration in the development of the tongue characterized by the presence of a short or thick lingual frenulum, which leads to a limitation in its movements. There is an associative inconsistency between ankyloglossia and complications with breastfeeding, speech, swallowing, breathing, and the development of orofacial structures, and it is urgent to make more scientific research in this area. In the presence of polydactyly and syndactyly may be also present ankyloglossia. The purpose of this paper is to present two ankyloglossia cases with finger alterations, without a syndromic disease, and lead the medical team to research this topic and make an improved treatment plan for these cases.

Prevalence, risk factors and predictors of severity of neonatal thrombocytopenia in neonatal Intensive Care Units: a single center study.

BACKGROUND: Thrombocytopenia is a common hematological disorder seen in the neonatal period, especially in newborns admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The clinical and laboratorial presentation is heterogeneous, with different underlying causes and risk factors. There are still few studies about some possible risk factors and their influence on the newborn's clinical outcome. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors and predictors of severity of thrombocytopenia in a level III NICU. METHODS: The present analysis was the retrospective study of newborns with thrombocytopenia (platelet count less than 150×109/L) admitted from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2017. Patients included newborns admitted after the first 72 hours of life and those with thrombocytopenia related to surgical intervention were excluded. RESULTS: Out of 187 neonates with thrombocytopenia, a total of 134 neonates were included in the study, corresponding to a prevalence of 3.3%. One hundred fourteen (85%) neonates had an early onset presentation (EOT), and 20 (15%) neonates had a late onset presentation (LOT); 68 (50.7%) neonates had severe and 66 (49.3%) had non-severe thrombocytopenia. Sepsis was identified as an independent predictor of LOT. Sepsis by gram-negative bacteria was identified as an independent predictor for severe thrombocytopenia. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of risk factors, early diagnosis and treatment of the underlying causes are crucial for a better approach of neonatal thrombocytopenia. A strong association between sepsis and sepsis by gram-negative bacteria with LOT and severe thrombocytopenia, respectively, enhances the importance of nosocomial sepsis control in NICU.

Survey of transfusion practices in preterm infants in Europe.

BACKGROUND: Preterm infants commonly receive red blood cell (RBC), platelet and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions. The aim of this Neonatal Transfusion Network survey was to describe current transfusion practices in Europe and to compare our findings to three recent randomised controlled trials to understand how clinical practice relates to the trial data. METHODS: From October to December 2020, we performed an online survey among 597 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) caring for infants with a gestational age (GA) of <32 weeks in 18 European countries. RESULTS: Responses from 343 NICUs (response rate: 57%) are presented and showed substantial variation in clinical practice. For RBC transfusions, 70% of NICUs transfused at thresholds above the restrictive thresholds tested in the recent trials and 22% below the restrictive thresholds. For platelet transfusions, 57% of NICUs transfused at platelet count thresholds above 25×109/L in non-bleeding infants of GA of <28 weeks, while the 25×109/L threshold was associated with a lower risk of harm in a recent trial. FFP transfusions were administered for coagulopathy without active bleeding in 39% and for hypotension in 25% of NICUs. Transfusion volume, duration and rate varied by factors up to several folds between NICUs. CONCLUSIONS: Transfusion thresholds and aspects of administration vary widely across European NICUs. In general, transfusion thresholds used tend to be more liberal compared with data from recent trials supporting the use of more restrictive thresholds. Further research is needed to identify the barriers and enablers to incorporation of recent trial findings into neonatal transfusion practice.

Developmental hemostasis in the neonatal period.

BACKGROUND: The hemostatic system is complex and evolves continuously since gestation and well into the adult years, in a process known as "developmental hemostasis." DATA SOURCES: A comprehensive review was performed after an extensive literature search on PubMed/MEDLINE concerning developmental hemostasis during the neonatal period. Relevant cross references were also included. RESULTS: Although part of a system, each component of the hemostatic system evolves differently, with many displaying both quantitative and qualitative age-related differences. This leads to drastic disparities between the coagulation system of neonates and both other children's and adults', while still maintaining a generally balanced and physiological hemostasis. The motives behind this process remain to be fully elucidated but may be, at least in part, related to non-hemostatic factors. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge regarding "developmental hemostasis" is essential for everyone caring for newborns or even children in general and in this review, we describe each hemostatic system component's neonatal characteristics and age-related progression as well as explore some of the possible physiological motives behind the process.

Perinatal management of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a level III University Hospital.

Over the past 4 months, SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has spread all over the world. The lack of understanding of this pandemic epidemiological characteristics, clinical implications and long term consequences have raised concern among healthcare workers. Pregnant women and newborns are a particularly worrisome population since data referring to real infection impact in these patients are scarce and management controversial. We report on the perinatal management of the first consecutive ten mother-infant dyads of SARS-CoV-2 infection complicated pregnancy. All mothers were included in newborn management planning prior to delivery and decided on separation from their newborns; nine decided on postponing breastfeeding until SARS-CoV-2 negativity while maintaining lactation stimulation. No evidence of vertical transmission was found (all NP swab and bronchial secretions SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR were negative). No newborn developed clinical evidence of infection. In the face of current scientific uncertainty, decisions of perinatal management, such as mother-infant separation and breastfeeding, must involve parents in a process of shared decision making.

Large congenital pulmonary airway malformation with mucinous cell clusters - a case report.

We report the clinical case of a 38 weeks gestational age neonate, antenatally diagnosed with a left large macrocystic pulmonary malformation conditioning dextrocardia. At birth, he presented with respiratory distress requiring non-invasive ventilation with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC). A left inferior lobectomy was performed via thoracotomy on day 21 of life. Histological features of the lesion were compatible with congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) type I with muci- nous cell clusters. No surgical complications were reported and the neonate was discharged six days after surgery. Follow-up two months after surgery was unremarkable.

Congenital Dislocation of the Knee: Idiopathic or Arthrogryposis?

Fetal akinesia associated with fixed joints is a common cause for suspicion of arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, a severe condition with heterogeneous etiology. We present the case of a rarer but more benign condition, congenital knee dislocation. The authors report the case of a 27-year-old woman medicated with levetiracetam for epilepsy whose prenatal ultrasound at 22 weeks of gestational age revealed bilateral clubfoot, permanent extension of the inferior limbs with internal knee rotation, normal amniotic fluid quantity, and fetal echocardiography. The remaining ultrasounds revealed similar results. Prenatal genetic testing revealed no pathological findings. The pregnancy was otherwise uneventful. A female newborn was delivered at 39 weeks by cesarean section, with no need for resuscitation. She presented with bilateral knee hyperextension and clubfoot, spontaneous movements, and normal mobility in all other joints. The remaining physical examination and brain and hip ultrasound on the second day of life were normal. These findings were compatible with idiopathic congenital dislocation of the knee (CDK). The patient was undergoing treatment with favorable evolution and adequate neurodevelopment, at the time of this report.  This case describes a diagnostic workup with the exclusion of severe syndromic pathologies, namely arthrogryposis. Despite the initial suspicion of arthrogryposis, a condition with a poor prognosis, this infant presented a more benign disease with favorable evolution.

Upper Airway Obstruction in a Newborn: A Rare Cause of Respiratory Distress.

Newborns are considered obligate nasal breathers until the eighth week of life. Therefore, upper nasal obstruction in a newborn can present as a potentially life-threatening complication. Congenital nasal pyriform aperture stenosis (CNPAS) is a rare form of upper airway obstruction caused by a narrowing without occlusion in the most anterior opening of the bony nasal airways. According to the severity of this stenosis, early onset of respiratory symptoms can arise in the newborn. In this article, we present the case of a male term newborn with no prior relevant family history and uneventful gestation delivered in a eutocic manner with an adequate transition to the extra-uterine environment. On his first day of life, progressive respiratory distress, inability to breastfeed, and impossibility to make nasogastric probe progress through both sides of the nose were observed, leading the newborn to be admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. During imagiological assessment with perinasal computerized tomography (CT) scan, an almost total occlusion of the pyriform aperture and a solitary median maxillary central incisor (SMMCI) were identified. Additional evaluation with brain magnetic nuclear resonance imaging (MRI) was unremarkable with no midline defects identified. Endocrine laboratory assessment was also normal. The newborn underwent pyriform aperture permeabilization surgery via a sublabial approach with bilateral nasal stent introduction, enabling total resolution of the initial respiratory symptoms. No incurrences were reported during the post-operatory follow-up period. With the present case report, the authors are trying to raise awareness for CNPAS not only as a rare cause of respiratory distress in the newborn but also as a clinical entity that can be associated with midline defects, which require further additional investigation and intervention.