RAM cannula versus short binasal prongs for nasal continuous positive airway pressure delivery in preterm infants: a randomized, noninferiority trial from low-middle-income country.

To determine if RAM cannula is non-inferior to short binasal prongs (SBP) in providing nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In this randomized, open-label, noninferiority trial from a low-middle-income country, we enrolled 254 preterm infants (28-34 weeks gestational age) with RDS who needed CPAP as primary respiratory support. The eligible infants were randomized to either RAM cannula or SBP interface groups. The primary outcome was CPAP failure (defined as the need for intubation or non-invasive positive pressure ventilation) within 72 h of randomization. The noninferiority margin was defined as a 10% or less absolute difference in CPAP failure rates. The secondary outcomes included nasal trauma and adverse events. We analyzed by per-protocol (primary) and intention to treat. CPAP failure has been seen in 25 infants (19.7%) in the RAM cannula group versus 22 (17.3%) in the SBP group (RD -2.36%; 95% CI -11.9 to 7.2 [beyond inferiority margin]; p = 0.6). Moderate and severe nasal trauma was less in RAM cannula (2.4 vs. 8.7%; RR 0.27; 95% CI 0.08-0.95; p 0.028). Duration of CPAP was also significantly shorter in the RAM cannula group (MD -12.4 h; 95% CI -20.34 to -4.46, p 0.017). There were no differences in other adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: RAM cannula was not non-inferior to SBP in providing CPAP to preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI/2020/03/024097). WHAT IS KNOWN: • RAM cannula is used for providing supplemental oxygen therapy. There is conflicting evidence on its efficacy in delivering CPAP support in preterm infants. WHAT IS NEW: • RAM cannula was not non-inferior to SBP in providing CPAP to preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. • RAM cannula causes less nasal trauma than short binasal prongs.

Two-hourly vs Three-hourly Feeding in Very Low Birthweight Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: There is no consensus regarding the feeding interval in very low birth weight (VLBW) babies. If 2-hourly feeding schedule is feasible without increasing harm to the neonate, the nursing time consumed in the feeding of VLBW babies can be reduced. OBJECTIVE: To study whether 3-hourly feeding is non-inferior to 2-hourly feeding with respect to time to reach full feeds in VLBW neonates. DESIGN: Open-label, randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS: 350 Neonates weighing between 1000 to 1500 grams, in whom feed could be started within 96 hours of life randomized to either 2-hourly or 3-hourly feeding schedule. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Time to achieve full enteral feed. RESULTS: The primary outcome of time to achieve full enteral feed was comparable in the two feeding schedule groups (median 5 days IQR 4-6 days in both groups; P=0.665). Among the secondary outcomes, there were no significant differences in incidence of hypoglycemia (RR 0.86; 95% CI: 0.29-2.5) feed intolerance (RR 1.08: 95% CI: 0.5-2.3), and necrotizing enterocolitis (RR 0.8; 95% CI: 0.22-2.3) in both the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Three hourly feeding does not increase the risk of hypoglycemia, necrotizing enterocolitis or feed intolerance.

Perceptions of the parents of deceased children and of healthcare providers about end-of-life communication and breaking bad news at a tertiary care public hospital in India: A qualitative exploratory study.

BACKGROUND: Parents of dying children face unique challenge and expect compassionate support from health care providers (HCPs). This study explored the experiences of the parents and HCPs about the end-of-life care and breaking bad news and related positive and negative factors in Indian context. METHODS: This qualitative exploratory study was conducted at paediatrics department of a tertiary care hospital in Delhi. In-depth interviews with the parents (n = 49) and family members (n = 21) of the children died at the hospital and HCPs (6 doctors, 6 nurses and 4 support staffs) were conducted. Also events and communication around death of eight children were observed. Data were inductively analysed using thematic content analysis method to identify emerging themes and codes. RESULTS: Doctors were the lead communicators. Majority of parents perceived the attitude, communication and language used as by resident doctors as brief, insensitive and sometimes inappropriate or negative. They perceived that the attitude and communication by senior doctor's as empathetic, positive and complete. Parents recalled the death declaration by resident doctors as non-empathetic, blunt and cold. Most parents received no emotional support from HCPs during and after death of their child. All doctors expressed that death of their patients affected them and their emotions, which they coped through different activities. The overcrowded wards, high workload, infrastructural limitation and no formal communication training added to the emotional stress of the HCPs. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of the communication by the HCPs during the hospitalisation and end-of-life period were perceived as suboptimal by the parents. The HCPs were emotionally affected and faced end-of-life communication challenges. The study highlights the communication by HCPs and support for parents during the end-of-life communication and breaking bad news. It suggests adoption of context specific communication protocol and materials and training of HCPs in communication to improve the quality of care.

Change in Bone Mineral Density and Role of Vitamin D and Calcium Supplementation During Treatment of First Episode Nephrotic Syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) is one of the common illnesses in childhood. Oral glucocorticoids are mainstay of treatment, which are known to cause various short term and long term adverse effects including osteoporosis. Children with first episode and infrequent relapsing NS are not prescribed Calcium (Ca) and Vitamin D (VitD) supplements routinely. AIM: To observe change in Bone Mineral Density (BMD) in children during first episode of NS and role of VitD and Ca supplementation during the treatment of first episode of NS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A double blind randomized control trial was conducted in Department of Paediatrics at a tertiary care center in New Delhi, India, from October 2011 to March 2013. Three groups were made, each having sample size of 20. Group A (intervention group) consisted of first episode NS patients who received steroids along with VitD and Ca supplements. Group B (placebo group) had children with first episode of NS treated with steroids and placebo. Biochemical tests and BMD assessment were done at start and after three months of steroid treatment. Groupwise differences in BMD, VitD, Ca, Phosphate (PO4) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) were assessed at baseline and after three months through Analysis Of Variance (ANOVA). Linear regression models for repeated measures were used to test the association between different variables and BMD and also between various study groups. RESULTS: Among study population, Group B had significant decrease in VitD levels (28.85±5.52 ng/dl to 14.22±1.36 ng/dl) than to Group A (23.59±6.08 ng/dl to 13.27±1.35 ng/dl) after three months of steroid treatment. Similarly BMD decreased significantly in Group B (-0.033g/cm2) as compared to Group A (0.001g/cm2) showing significant decrease in VitD and BMD in children with first episode of NS after three months of steroid treatment whereas use of VitD and Ca supplements improves the deficit. CONCLUSION: Ca and VitD supplement should be used during treatment of first episode of NS, but further studies are required to ascertain the adequate dose for the same.

The role and reliability of rapid bedside diagnostic test in early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the role and reliability of rapid bedside diagnostic test in early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis in children using reagent strips. METHODS: This prospective, single blinded study was conducted in the Department of Pediatrics of VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology of VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, over a period of 15 mo (August 2009 to Nov 2010). Seventy-five children aged 3 mo to 12 y admitted in the pediatric ward with suspected diagnosis of acute meningitis were included. All enroled patients underwent lumbar puncture. CSF samples were taken and divided in 2 parts for laboratory evaluation and rapid strip analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and the negative predictive values of the reagent strips for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis were calculated. Accuracy of the reagent strips was established using kappa statistics. Latex agglutination for antigen detection and microbiological culture were also done. RESULTS: Highly significant association was observed between CSF examination in routine laboratory method and dipstick method. The number of laboratory values that correlated were- for cells 71(94.63%), for protein 68 (90.67%), for glucose 68(90.67%) out of total 75 cases. The sensitivity and specificity of reagent strip in diagnosing acute bacterial meningitis were 96.7% and 97.8% respectively. The positive predictive and negative predictive values of reagent strip in diagnosing acute bacterial meningitis were 96.7% and 97.8% respectively. Staphylococcus aureus was found to be the most common organism isolated (50%). CONCLUSIONS: Thus reagent strip analysis is a very rapid, reliable and effective method for diagnosis of acute bacterial meningitis in children. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common organism isolated.