Food-Protein-Induced Proctocolitis in Pre-Term Newborns with Bloody Stools in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

The bloody stools of newborns may be a clue for several clinical entities of varying severity, ranging from idiopathic neonatal transient colitis to food-protein-induced allergic proctocolitis (FPIAP) or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Distinguishing among them at an early stage is challenging but crucial, as the treatments and prognoses are different. We conducted a monocentric retrospective study including all pre-term infants with bloody stools admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) of the Vittore Buzzi Children's Hospital (Milan) from December 2022 to May 2024. Patients diagnosed with NEC exhibited significantly lower eosinophil counts and higher procalcitonin levels than both patients with FPIAP and patients with idiopathic neonatal transient colitis, as well as a statistically significant increase in pathological features from abdomen ultrasounds and abdominal X-rays. In contrast, no lab markers or imaging techniques have been demonstrated to be useful in distinguishing between idiopathic neonatal transient colitis and FPIAP. Thus, after excluding a diagnosis of NEC, the only way to confirm FPIAP is through the oral food challenge, which can be performed in premature newborns presenting with bloody stools who are otherwise healthy and under medical supervision, in order to identify infants who may benefit from a cow's-milk-free diet.

Intrauterine transfusion under fetal analgesia: the evaluation of perinatal outcomes.

Introduction: Intrauterine transfusion is the treatment for fetal anemia resulting from maternal alloimmunization, infections (parvovirus B19 and cytomegalovirus), single demise of a monochorionic twin, chorioangioma, and other rare conditions. Fetal analgesia is mandatory to reduce movement and pain perception during the procedure. This study aims to evaluate perinatal outcomes for such procedures, following the routine use of fetal analgesia in our clinical practice. Materials and methods: Retrospective analysis of cases from 2009 to 2022, including all confirmed fetal anemia with fetal blood sampling. After fetal analgesia, Rh-negative concentrated red blood cells were transfused, with ultrasonographic follow-up 24 h and 1 week later. In case of suspected brain lesion, magnetic resonance imaging was performed. Elective delivery was considered in case of persistent anemia after 34 weeks. Post-natal follow-up and comprehensive obstetric and perinatal outcomes data were collected. Results: Altogether 59 anemic fetuses were included, with 34 (57.6%) being hydropic. The causes of anemia were maternal alloimmunization (22, 37.3%), infections (13, 22%), monochorionicity (10, 16.9%), rare conditions (9, 15.3%), and two chorioangiomas (3.4%). The median gestational age at the procedure was 25.2 weeks (18-32 weeks), with no related preterm premature rupture of membranes (<48 h), or side effects from fetal analgesia. Gestational age at delivery was 33 weeks (26-41 weeks), with survival rate of 90%. There were four fetal demises, two termination of pregnancies, and eight neonatal deaths due to persistent severe anemia after preterm delivery. The main contributors to adverse outcome were the type of anemia, and the management with a preterm delivery. Conclusion: Intrauterine transfusion of red blood cells under analgesia is safe, with low incidence of obstetric complication.

Staphylococcus capitis Central-Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Single-Center, Four-Year Experience in Central-Line Management during Sepsis Treatment.

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) are reportedly responsible for 50-60% of bloodstream infections in very preterm (<1500 g) infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Staphylococcus capitis is an increasingly prevalent pathogen in the neonatal setting, frequently causing central-line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) that can be difficult to eradicate. Central venous catheter (CVC) removal versus in situ treatment with CoNS CLABSIs is a controversial treatment strategy with no clear consensus. We reviewed all S. capitis CLABSIs in our NICU between 2019 and 2022, focusing on the role of catheter removal in eradication. Among the 25 patients, 17 CVCs were removed after diagnosis, leading to a 76.5% eradication rate in this group. Three infants had a persistently positive blood culture after CVC substitution. A new catheter was then inserted after a 48 h washout period, resulting in resolution of the infection. Only two of the eight patients (25%) who retained their catheter after diagnosis achieved infection eradication with antibiotic therapy alone. When feasible, catheter removal seems to be the most effective strategy for eradicating S. capitis CLABSIs, sometimes even requiring a 48 h washout period before reinsertion. Further studies on this topic are needed to better standardize the management of this type of infection.

Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation during less invasive surfactant administration in preterm infants: An open-label randomized controlled study.

INTRODUCTION: Approximately half of very preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) fail treatment with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and need mechanical ventilation (MV). OBJECTIVES: Our aim with this study was to evaluate if nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) during less invasive surfactant treatment (LISA) can improve respiratory outcome compared with NCPAP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out an open-label randomized controlled trial at tertiary neonatal intensive care units in which infants with RDS born at 25+0-31+6 weeks of gestation between December 1, 2020 and October 31, 2022 were supported with NCPAP before and after surfactant administration and received NIPPV or NCPAP during LISA. The primary endpoint was the need for a second dose of surfactant or MV in the first 72 h of life. Other endpoints were need and duration of invasive and noninvasive respiratory supports, changes in SpO2/FiO2 ratio after LISA, and adverse effect rate. RESULTS: We enrolled 101 infants in the NIPPV group and 99 in the NCPAP group. The unadjusted odds ratio for the composite primary outcome was 0.873 (95% confidence interval: 0.456-1.671; p = .681). We found that the SpO2/FiO2 ratio was transiently higher in the LISA plus NIPPV than in the LISA plus NCPAP group, while adverse effects of LISA had similar occurrence in the two arms. CONCLUSIONS: The application of NIPPV or NCPAP during LISA in very preterm infants supported with NCPAP before and after surfactant administration had similar effects on the short-term respiratory outcome and are both safe. Our study does not support the use of NIPPV during LISA.

Preterm Infants' Airway Microbiome: A Scoping Review of the Current Evidence.

The aim of this scoping review was to investigate and synthesize existing evidence on the airway microbiome of preterm infants to outline the prognostic and therapeutic significance of these microbiomes within the preterm population and identify gaps in current knowledge, proposing avenues for future research. We performed a scoping review of the literature following the Arskey and O'Malley framework. In accordance with our inclusion criteria and the intended purpose of this scoping review, we identified a total of 21 articles. The investigation of the airway microbiome in preterm infants has revealed new insights into its unique characteristics, highlighting distinct dynamics when compared to term infants. Perinatal factors, such as the mode of delivery, chorioamnionitis, the respiratory support, and antibiotic treatment, could impact the composition of the airway microbiome. The 'gut-lung axis', examining the link between the lung and gut microbiome as well as modifications in respiratory microbiome across different sites and over time, has also been explored. Furthermore, correlations between the airway microbiome and adverse outcomes, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), have been established. Additional research in neonatal care is essential to understand the early colonization of infants' airways and explore methods for its optimization. The critical opportunity to shape long-term health through microbiome-mediated effects likely lies within the neonatal period.

Preterm Birth and Maternal Mood States: What Is the Impact on Bonding?

Preterm birth is a significant global health issue affecting millions of infants each year, with potential implications for their developmental outcomes. This study investigated the impact of preterm birth on maternal mood states during the early postpartum period and its subsequent effects on mother-infant bonding. Mothers of 90 preterm infants were involved in the assessment of maternal mood states, examined with the Profile of Mood States (POMS) questionnaire and the evaluation of mother-infant bonding, carried out through the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ). Contrary to expectations, there was no significant correlation between preterm birth characteristics and maternal mood states. On the other hand, significant correlations emerged between specific maternal mood states and the quality of mother-child bonding. More specifically, regression analyses showed that feelings of tension, anger, and confusion experienced by the mother tend to negatively affect the quality of her bond with her child. These findings emphasize the crucial role of maternal mental well-being in shaping the mother-infant relationship in the early postpartum period. The study highlights the importance of identifying and addressing maternal mood disorders to promote positive mother-infant bonding and child development, further underlining the need for comprehensive support and interventions for mothers of preterm infants.

Decreased incidence of late-onset sepsis during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Italy: a multicentric study on a cohort of infants requiring major surgery.

Changes in the organization of the clinical care wards, requested by the SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) pandemic, have influenced the environmental circulation of other pathogens. The implementation of prevention procedures may have led to a decrease in the incidence of healthcare-associated infections. We aimed to investigate the impact of prevention and control measures for preventing the COVID-19 spread on the incidence of bacterial sepsis and invasive fungal infections in neonates and infants requiring major surgery. We compared the incidence of bacterial and fungal sepsis and their risk factors observed before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic (from 01/10/2018 to 29/02/2020) with those observed during the pandemic (from 01/03/2020 to 07/05/2021) in 13 level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Italy, through a secondary analysis of data, collected during a prospective multicenter study (REF). The patients enrolled were infants within three months of life, hospitalized in the two periods in the participating centers to undergo major surgery. Among 541 enrolled patients, 324 (59.9%) were born in the pre-pandemic period and 217 (40.1%) during the pandemic. The incidence density (ID) of any infection in the pre-pandemic period was 16.0/1000 patient days versus 13.6/1000 patient days in the pandemic period (p < 0.001). One hundred and forty-five (145/324; 44.8%) patients developed at least one episode of bacterial sepsis in the pre-pandemic period, versus 103/217 (31.8%) patients, during the pandemic (p = 0.539). Concerning fungal sepsis, 12 (3.7%) patients had one episode in the pre-pandemic period versus 11 (5.1%) patients during the pandemic (p = 0.516). The most significant differences observed in the use of healthcare procedures were the reduction of CVC days, the reduced use of antibiotics pre-surgery, and that of proton pump inhibitors during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic compared with the previous period. CONCLUSIONS: In our cohort of patients with major surgical needs, the reduction of CVC days, pre-surgery antibiotics administration, and current use of proton pump inhibitors, during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, led to a decrease in the incidence of late-onset sepsis. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Most cases of late-onset sepsis in neonates are referred to as central line-associated bloodstream infections. • In adults, the COVID-19 outbreak negatively influenced healthcare-associated infection rates and infection clusters within hospitals. WHAT IS NEW: • In neonates and infants undergoing major surgery the incidence density of infections was lower in the pandemic period than before. • The most significant differences observed in the use of healthcare procedures were the reduction of CVC days, the reduced use of antibiotics before surgery, and that of proton pump inhibitors during the pandemic compared with previously.

Pressure and tidal volume delivery in extremely preterm infants at birth using different t-piece resuscitation devices.

Infants <28 weeks' gestation in need of inflations at birth were recorded with Respiratory Function Monitor. Two devices were used for resuscitation. Peak Inspiratory Pressure spikes were visible in all inflations with GE Panda and in none with Neo-Puff. There was no significant difference in mean Vte/kg between GE Panda and Neo-Puff.

Clinical features of neonatal COVID-19.

The COVID-19 (SARS-Cov-2) pandemic has put a strain on healthcare systems around the world from December 2019 in China, and then rapidly spreading worldwide. The impact of the virus on the entire population and its differential effect on various age groups was unknown at the outset, specifically its severity in elders, children or those living with other comorbidities, thus defining the syndemic, rather than pandemic, character of the infection. The effort of clinicians was initially to organize differential paths to isolate cases or contacts. This impacted the maternal-neonatal care adding an additional burden to this dyad and raising several questions. Can SARS-Cov-2 infection in the first days of life put the health of the newborn at risk? Could the separation of a healthy newborn from an infected mother create further physical and psychological health problems in the dyad? The rapid and massive research effort in these three years of the pandemic has provided wide answers to these initial questions. In this review, we report epidemiological data, clinical features, complications, and management of the neonates affected by SARS-Cov-2 infection.

Tidal volume optimization and heart rate response during stabilization of very preterm infants.

AIM: To verify the added value of respiratory function monitor (RFM) to assess ventilation and the heart rate (HR) changes during stabilization of preterm infants. METHODS: Preterm infants <32 weeks' gestation, bradycardic at birth and in need for positive pressure ventilation (PPV) were included. The first 15 min of stabilization was monitored with RFM. Three time points were identified according to HR values (T0 the start of mask PPV; T1 the HR rise >100 bpm; T2 the delivery of the last PPV). For each inflation, PIP, PEEP, MAP, expired tidal volume/kg (Vte/kg), and mean dynamic compliance (Cdyn) were analyzed. RESULTS: PIP and MAP values were significantly higher at T1 (27.09 ± 5.37 and 17.47 ± 3.85 cmH2 O) and at T2 (24.7 ± 3.86 and 15.2 ± 3.78 cmH2 O) compared to T0 (24.05 ± 2.27 and 15.85 ± 2.77 cmH2 O). PEEP at T1 was significantly higher (6.27 ± 2.17 cmH2 O) compared to T2 (5.61 ± 1.50 cmH2 O). Vte/kg showed significantly lower T0 values (3.57 ± 2.14 ml/kg) compared to T1 (6.18 ± 2.51 ml/kg) and T2 (6.89 ± 2.40 ml/kg). There was a significant effect of time on Cdyn. CONCLUSIONS: A clear correspondence between HR rise and adequate Vte/kg during stabilization of very preterm infants was highlighted. RFM might be useful to tailor ventilation, following real-time changes of lung compliance.

Resuscitators' opinions on using a respiratory function monitor during neonatal resuscitation.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess the resuscitators' opinions of the usefulness and clinical value of using a respiratory function monitor (RFM) when resuscitating extremely preterm infants with positive pressure ventilation. METHODS: The link to an online survey was sent to 106 resuscitators from six countries who were involved in a multicentre trial that compared the percentage of inflations within a predefined target range with and without the RFM. The resuscitators were asked to assess the usefulness and clinical value of the RFM. The survey was online for 4 months after the trial ended in May 2019. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 74 (70%) resuscitators of which 99% considered the RFM to be helpful during neonatal resuscitation and 92% indicated that it influenced their decision-making. The majority (76%) indicated that using the RFM improved their practice and made resuscitation more effective, even when the RFM was not available. Inadequate training was the key issue that limited the effectiveness of the RFM: 45% felt insufficiently trained, and 78% felt more training in using and interpreting the RFM would have been beneficial. CONCLUSION: Resuscitators considered the RFM to be helpful to guide neonatal resuscitation, but sufficient training was required to achieve the maximum benefit.

Different Settings of Nonsynchronized Bilevel Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Respiratory Function in Preterm Infants: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: With this study, we evaluated the short-term effects of different modes and settings of noninvasive respiratory support on gas exchange, breathing parameters, and thoracoabdominal synchrony in preterm infants in the acute phase of moderate respiratory distress syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: A feasibility crossover trial was conducted in neonates < 32 weeks' gestation on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (n-CPAP) or bilevel n-CPAP. Infants were delivered the following settings in consecutive order for 10 minutes each: • n-CPAP (5 cm H2O) • bilevel n-CPAP 1 (Pres low = 5 cm H2O, Pres high = 7 cm H2O, T-high = 1 second, rate = 30/min) • n-CPAP (5 cm H2O) • bilevel n-CPAP 2 (Pres low = 5 cm H2O, Pres high = 7 cm H2O, T-high = 2 second, rate = 15/min) • n-CPAP (5 cm H2O). During each phase, physiologic parameters were recorded; the thoracoabdominal synchrony expressed by the phase angle (Φ) and other respiratory patterns were monitored by noncalibrated respiratory inductance plethysmography. RESULTS: Fourteen preterm infants were analyzed. The mean CPAP level was significantly lower in the n-CPAP period compared with bilevel n-CPAP 1 and 2 (p = 0.03). Higher values were achieved with bilevel n-CPAP 2 (6.2 ± 0.6 vs. 5.7 ± 0.5 cm H2O, respectively; p < 0.05). No statistical difference in the Φ was detected, nor between the three settings. CONCLUSION: Our study did not show any superiority of bilevel n-CPAP over n-CPAP. However, nonsynchronized bilevel n-CPAP might be helpful when additional pressure is needed. KEY POINTS: · There is currently a high degree of uncertainty about the superiority of one modality and setting of noninvasive respiratory over another.. · Our study confirmed that non-synchronized bilevel n-CPAP might be helpful when additional pressure is needed for recruitment.. · A T-high of 1 second could possibly be better tolerated in this population, but further research is needed..

Non-syndromic bile duct paucity and non-IgE cow's milk allergy: a case report of challenging nutritional management and maltodextrin intolerance.

BACKGROUND: Cholestasis in extremely premature infants (EPI) constitutes a nutritional challenge and maltodextrins have been reported as a possible strategy for hypoglycaemia. We aim to describe the nutritional management of an EPI with non-syndromic bile duct paucity (NSBDP) and feeding intolerance. CASE PRESENTATION: A patient, born at 27 weeks of gestational age, presented cholestatic jaundice at 20 days of life with a clinical picture of NSBDP. Patient's growth was insufficient with formula rich in medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) and branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). Due to frequent fasting hypoglicemic episodes, maltodextrins supplements were provided. He subsequently presented severe abdominal distension and painful crises, which required hospital admission and withdrawal of maltodextrins. Hypercaloric extensively hydrolysed formula provided weight gain, glycemic control, and parallel improvement in cholestasis. CONCLUSIONS: Our case suggests caution with the use of maltodextrins in infants, especially if premature. Commercial preparations for hepatopatic patients contain higher concentrations of MCTs and BCAAs, but personalized strategies must be tailored to each patient.

Neonatal Early Onset Sepsis (EOS) Calculator plus Universal Serial Physical Examination (SPE): A Prospective Two-Step Implementation of a Neonatal EOS Prevention Protocol for Reduction of Sepsis Workup and Antibiotic Treatment.

Current neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) guidelines lack consensus. Recent studies suggest three different options for EOS risk assessment among infants born ≥35 wks gestational age (GA), leading to different behaviors in the sepsis workup and antibiotic administration. A broad disparity in clinical practice is found in Neonatal Units, with a large number of non-infected newborns evaluated and treated for EOS. Broad spectrum antibiotics in early life may induce different short- and long-term adverse effects, longer hospitalization, and early mother-child separation. In this single-center prospective study, a total of 3002 neonates born in three periods between 2016 and 2020 were studied, and three different workup algorithms were compared: the first one was based on the categorical risk assessment; the second one was based on a Serial Physical Examination (SPE) strategy for infants with EOS risk factors; the third one associated an informatic tool (Neonatal EOS calculator) with a universal extension of the SPE strategy. The main objective of this study was to reduce the number of neonatal sepsis workups and the rate of antibiotic administration and favor rooming-in and mother−infant bonding without increasing the risk of sepsis and mortality. The combined strategy of universal SPE with the EOS Calculator showed a significant reduction of laboratory tests (from 33% to 6.6%; p < 0.01) and antibiotic treatments (from 8.5% to 1.4%; p < 0.01) in term and near-term newborns. EOS and mortality did not change significantly during the study period.

Management of asymptomatic hypoglycemia with 40% oral dextrose gel in near term at-risk infants to reduce intensive care need and promote breastfeeding.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common disorder especially in at-risk infants and it can be associated with poor long-term neurological outcomes. Several therapeutic interventions are suggested, from the implementation of breastfeeding to the glucose intravenous administration. Oral dextrose gel massaged into the infant's inner cheek is a recent treatment option of asymptomatic hypoglycemia, after which oral feeding is encouraged. This approach seems to reduce the admission of infants to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) so favouring maternal bonding and breastfeeding success at discharge. METHODS: In our ward, we prospectively compared a group of near-term neonates, (Gr2, n = 308) at risk for hypoglycemia, treated with an innovative protocol based on the addition of 40% oral dextrose gel (Destrogel, Orsana®,Italy) administered by massaging gums and cheek with historical matching newborns (Gr1, n = 389) treated with a formerly used protocol, as control group. The primary outcome was occurrence of NICU admission and the requirement of intravenous glucose administration; while discharge with full breastfeeding was the secondary outcome. RESULTS: In Gr1, 39/389 (10%) infants presented with asymptomatic hypoglycemia, 19/39 were transferred to the NICU, and 14/39 required intravenous glucose treatment. In Gr2, among the 30/308 infants with asymptomatic hypoglycemia managed according to the new protocol, 3/30 were transferred to the NICU and received intravenous glucose infusion. The mean duration of hospitalization respectively was 6.43 (± 6.36) and 3.73 ± 1.53 days (p <  0.001). At discharge, 7.7% of the infants in Gr1 and 30% of the infants in Gr2 were exclusively breastfed (p = 0.02). Considering Gr1 vs Gr2, the number of patients that were transferred to NICU was 19 (48.7%) vs 3 (10%) (p = 0.001) and the number of infants that needed intravenous glucose infusion was 14 (35.9%) vs 3 (10%) (p = 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In our population of near term infants, the introduction of 40% oral dextrose gel to the protocol, helped in the safe management of asymptomatic hypoglycemia and, at the same time, implemented breastfeeding.

Sustained Inflation Versus Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation for Preterm Infants at Birth: Respiratory Function and Vital Sign Measurements.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize respiratory function monitor (RFM) measurements of sustained inflations and intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) delivered noninvasively to infants in the Sustained Aeration of Infant Lungs (SAIL) trial and to compare vital sign measurements between treatment arms. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed RFM data from SAIL participants at 5 trial sites. We assessed tidal volumes, rates of airway obstruction, and mask leak among infants allocated to sustained inflations and IPPV, and we compared pulse rate and oxygen saturation measurements between treatment groups. RESULTS: Among 70 SAIL participants (36 sustained inflations, 34 IPPV) with RFM measurements, 40 (57%) were spontaneously breathing prior to the randomized intervention. The median expiratory tidal volume of sustained inflations administered was 5.3 mL/kg (IQR 1.1-9.2). Significant mask leak occurred in 15% and airway obstruction occurred during 17% of sustained inflations. Among 34 control infants, the median expiratory tidal volume of IPPV inflations was 4.3 mL/kg (IQR 1.3-6.6). Mask leak was present in 3%, and airway obstruction was present in 17% of IPPV inflations. There were no significant differences in pulse rate or oxygen saturation measurements between groups at any point during resuscitation. CONCLUSION: Expiratory tidal volumes of sustained inflations and IPPV inflations administered in the SAIL trial were highly variable in both treatment arms. Vital sign values were similar between groups throughout resuscitation. Sustained inflation as operationalized in the SAIL trial was not superior to IPPV to promote lung aeration after birth in this study subgroup. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02139800.

A multi-centre randomised controlled trial of respiratory function monitoring during stabilisation of very preterm infants at birth.

AIM: To determine whether the use of a respiratory function monitor (RFM) during PPV of extremely preterm infants at birth, compared with no RFM, leads to an increase in percentage of inflations with an expiratory tidal volume (Vte) within a predefined target range. METHODS: Unmasked, randomised clinical trial conducted October 2013 - May 2019 in 7 neonatal intensive care units in 6 countries. Very preterm infants (24-27 weeks of gestation) receiving PPV at birth were randomised to have a RFM screen visible or not. The primary outcome was the median proportion of inflations during manual PPV (face mask or intubated) within the target range (Vte 4-8 mL/kg). There were 42 other prespecified monitor measurements and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Among 288 infants randomised (median (IQR) gestational age 26+2 (25+3-27+1) weeks), a total number of 51,352 inflations were analysed. The median (IQR) percentage of inflations within the target range in the RFM visible group was 30.0 (18.0-42.2)% vs 30.2 (14.8-43.1)% in the RFM non-visible group (p = 0.721). There were no differences in other respiratory function measurements, oxygen saturation, heart rate or FiO2. There were no differences in clinical outcomes, except for the incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage (all grades) and/or cystic periventricular leukomalacia (visible RFM: 26.7% vs non-visible RFM: 39.0%; RR 0.71 (0.68-0.97); p = 0.028). CONCLUSION: In very preterm infants receiving PPV at birth, the use of a RFM, compared to no RFM as guidance for tidal volume delivery, did not increase the percentage of inflations in a predefined target range. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial Register NTR4104, clinicaltrials.gov NCT03256578.

Invasive Candida Infections in Neonates after Major Surgery: Current Evidence and New Directions.

Infections represent a serious health problem in neonates. Invasive Candida infections (ICIs) are still a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Infants hospitalized in NICUs are at high risk of ICIs, because of several risk factors: broad spectrum antibiotic treatments, central catheters and other invasive devices, fungal colonization, and impaired immune responses. In this review we summarize 19 published studies which provide the prevalence of previous surgery in neonates with invasive Candida infections. We also provide an overview of risk factors for ICIs after major surgery, fungal colonization, and innate defense mechanisms against fungi, as well as the roles of different Candida spp., the epidemiology and costs of ICIs, diagnosis of ICIs, and antifungal prophylaxis and treatment.

Heart Rate Variability in the Perinatal Period: A Critical and Conceptual Review.

Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) greatly expand the use of technology. There is a need to accurately diagnose discomfort, pain, and complications, such as sepsis, mainly before they occur. While specific treatments are possible, they are often time-consuming, invasive, or painful, with detrimental effects for the development of the infant. In the last 40 years, heart rate variability (HRV) has emerged as a non-invasive measurement to monitor newborns and infants, but it still is underused. Hence, the present paper aims to review the utility of HRV in neonatology and the instruments available to assess it, showing how HRV could be an innovative tool in the years to come. When continuously monitored, HRV could help assess the baby's overall wellbeing and neurological development to detect stress-/pain-related behaviors or pathological conditions, such as respiratory distress syndrome and hyperbilirubinemia, to address when to perform procedures to reduce the baby's stress/pain and interventions, such as therapeutic hypothermia, and to avoid severe complications, such as sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis, thus reducing mortality. Based on literature and previous experiences, the first step to efficiently introduce HRV in the NICUs could consist in a monitoring system that uses photoplethysmography, which is low-cost and non-invasive, and displays one or a few metrics with good clinical utility. However, to fully harness HRV clinical potential and to greatly improve neonatal care, the monitoring systems will have to rely on modern bioinformatics (machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms), which could easily integrate infant's HRV metrics, vital signs, and especially past history, thus elaborating models capable to efficiently monitor and predict the infant's clinical conditions. For this reason, hospitals and institutions will have to establish tight collaborations between the obstetric, neonatal, and pediatric departments: this way, healthcare would truly improve in every stage of the perinatal period (from conception to the first years of life), since information about patients' health would flow freely among different professionals, and high-quality research could be performed integrating the data recorded in those departments.