Predictive factors for extubation success in very low and extremely low birth weight preterm infants.

Background: Although invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) has contributed to the survival of preterm infants with extremely low birth weight (ELBW), it is also associated with unsatisfactory clinical outcomes when used for prolonged periods. This study aimed to identify factors that may be decisive for extubation success in very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) preterm infants. Methods: The cohort study included preterm infants with gestational age (GA) <36 weeks, birth weight (BW) <1500 grams who underwent IMV, born between 2015 and 2018. The infants were allocated into two groups: extubation success (SG) or failure (FG). A stepwise logistic regression model was created to determine variables associated with successful extubation. Results: Eighty-three preterm infants were included. GA and post-extubation arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2) were predictive of extubation success. Infants from FG had lower GA and BW, while those from SG had higher weight at extubation and lower post-extubation PaCO2. Discussion: Although we found post-extubation PaCO2 as an extubation success predictor, which is a variable representative of the moment after the primary outcome, this does not diminish its clinical relevance since extubation does not implicate in ET removal only; it also involves all the aspects that take place within a specified period (72 hours) after the planned event. Conclusion: GA and post-extubation PaCO2 were predictors for extubation success in VLBW and ELBW preterm infants. Infants who experienced extubation failure had lower birth weight and higher FiO2 prior to extubation.

Hypothermia and early neonatal mortality in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate intervention practices associated with hypothermia at both 5 minutes after birth and at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission and to determine whether hypothermia at NICU admission is associated with early neonatal death in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort included 1764 inborn neonates of 22-33 weeks without malformations admitted to 9 university NICUs from August 2010 through April 2012. All centers followed neonatal International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation recommendations for the stabilization and resuscitation in the delivery room (DR). Variables associated with hypothermia (axillary temperature <36.0 °C) 5 minutes after birth and at NICU admission, as well as those associated with early death, were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Hypothermia 5 minutes after birth and at NICU admission was noted in 44% and 51%, respectively, with 6% of early neonatal deaths. Adjusted for confounding variables, practices associated with hypothermia at 5 minutes after birth were DR temperature <25 °C (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.67-2.28), maternal temperature at delivery <36.0 °C (OR 1.93, 95% CI 1.49-2.51), and use of plastic bag/wrap (OR 0.53, 95% CI 0.40-0.70). The variables associated with hypothermia at NICU admission were DR temperature <25 °C (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.10-1.88), respiratory support with cold air in the DR (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.03-1.88) and during transport to NICU (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.08-2.13), and cap use (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.39-0.78). Hypothermia at NICU admission increased the chance of early neonatal death by 1.64-fold (95% CI 1.03-2.61). CONCLUSION: Simple interventions, such as maintaining DR temperature >25 °C, reducing maternal hypothermia prior to delivery, providing plastic bags/wraps and caps for the newly born infants, and using warm resuscitation gases, may decrease hypothermia at NICU admission and improve early neonatal survival.

[Neonatal mortality in Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil, in 1994, 1999, and 2002]. / Mortalidade neonatal no Município de Londrina, Paraná, Brasil, nos anos 1994, 1999 e 2002.

Despite technological progress in recent decades, neonatal mortality accounts for some two-thirds of infant deaths where the infant mortality rates are low. This study analyzes neonatal deaths in Londrina, Paraná, Brazil, during three periods, beginning with 1994, the year when pediatric and neonatal intensive care beds were created in the city. The data were collected from live birth certificates in the National Information System on Live Births (SINASC) and individual analysis of neonatal death certificates. Births declined in the city, but the low birthweight rate increased from 7.7 to 8.8% and the preterm birth rate from 6.3 to 8.4%. Multiple births also increased. Caesarian sections varied from 48 to 52%. The percentage of deaths from congenital malformations increased. The vast majority of neonatal deaths are preventable, mainly by providing specialized care during pregnancy. The neonatal mortality rate has declined recently, from 10.1 to 6.4 per 1,000 live births. The authors conclude that neonatal care is improving in Londrina.

Mortalidade neonatal no Município de Londrina, Paraná, Brasil, nos anos 1994, 1999 e 2002 / Neonatal mortality in Londrina, Paraná State, Brazil, in 1994, 1999, and 2002

Apesar dos avancos tecnológicos nas últimas décadas, a mortalidade neonatal é responsável por mais de 2/3 dos óbitos infantis, principalmente em regiões onde o coeficiente de mortalidade infantil é baixo. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar os óbitos neonatais do Município de Londrina, Paraná, Brasil, em três períodos, iniciando por 1994 ¡ ano de implantacão das UTIs pediátrica e neonatal no município. Foram utilizados dados do SINASC e análise individualizada de cada declaracão de óbito neonatal dos anos de 1994, 1999 e 2002. Verificou-se reducão do número de nascimentos no município, o índice de baixo peso aumentou de 7,7 para 8,8 por cento, e o de prematuridade aumentou de 6,3 para 8,4 por cento. Houve aumento de gestacões múltiplas. A taxa de cesariana variou de 48 a 52 por cento. O coeficiente de mortalidade neonatal declinou de 10,1 para 6,4 por mil nascidos vivos. A maioria dos óbitos são evitáveis, principalmente, por adequada atencão na gravidez. Conclui-se que está ocorrendo uma melhora progressiva na assistência ao recém-nascido, e isso é um bom indicador das acões de saúde do município.

Rotinas de Neonatologia / Routines of Neonatologia

Trata-se de um manual técnico, contendo normas e rotinas das principais doenças que ocorrem no período neonatal, tendo como objetivo a organização do serviço, colaborando para a formação e aprendizado dos acadêmicos de medicina, residentes de pediatria e de neonatologia pediatras gerais e neonatologistas.