Postnatal Steroids Use for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in a Quaternary Care NICU.

OBJECTIVE: Intercenter variation and trends in postnatal steroids (PNS) use among preterm infants for prevention or treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is known. Understanding intracenter PNS use patterns facilitate implementation of center-specific change interventions to optimize outcomes.This study aimed to (i) quantify the proportion of infants who received PNS, and describe the timing, type, trends over time, regimen used, and deviations, and (2) describe the clinical characteristics and unadjusted outcomes of infants who received PNS. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cohort study in a quaternary neonatal intensive care unit including infants born at less than 33 weeks, and who received PNS for prevention or treatment of BPD between 2011 and 2021. Following data were included: proportion of babies who received PNS; type of PNS; age at initiation and duration; trends over time; deviation from published regimen; morbidity, mortality, and cointerventions. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty four infants (8% of <33 week' infants) received PNS. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) gestational age and birth weight were 25 (24-26) weeks and 720 (625-841) grams, respectively. The median (IQR) day of initiation and duration of PNS use were 29 (19-38) and 10 (10-22) days, respectively. One hundred and fifty-seven (85%) infants received dexamethasone (DX) and 22 (12%) received hydrocortisone as the first PNS course, and 71 (39%) infants received multiple courses. The proportion of infants receiving PNS remained unchanged, but the cumulative median dose received for BPD per patient increased by 56%. Nearly one-third of cumulative PNS dose came from PNS used for non-BPD indications. Forty-six percent infants had a deviation from published regimen (±20% deviation in duration or ±10% deviation in dose). Survival, survival without major morbidity, moderate-to-severe BPD, and technology dependence at discharge were 87, 2, 91, and 67%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Increased variation in PNS use, deviation from published regimen, and concurrent PNS exposure from non-BPD indication offer insights into implementing interventions to improve processes. KEY POINTS: · In this quaternary NICU, 8% of infants born before 33 weeks were administered postnatal steroids (PNS).. · The percentage of infants given PNS remained stable; however, the cumulative dose per patient for BPD rose.. · The study identified targeted interventions to minimize clinical practice variations at the center..

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Infants Born <29 Weeks with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia-Associated Pulmonary Hypertension: A Multicenter Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestational age (GA) with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension (BPD-PH) at 18 to 24 months' corrected age (CA). STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective cohort study, preterm infants born at <29 weeks' GA between January 2016 and December 2019, admitted to level 3 neonatal intensive care units, who developed BPD and were evaluated at 18 to 24 months' CA in the neonatal follow-up clinics were included. We compared demographic characteristics and neurodevelopmental outcomes between the two groups: Group I: BPD with PH and Group II: BPD with no PH, using univariate and multivariate regression models. The primary outcome was a composite of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). NDI was defined as any Bayley-III score < 85 on one or more of the cognitive, motor, or language composite scores. RESULTS: Of 366 eligible infants, 116 (Group I [BPD-PH] =7, Group II [BPD with no PH] = 109) were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 250 infants, 51 in Group I and 199 in Group II were followed at 18 to 24 months' CA. Group I and Group II had median (interquartile range [IQR]) birthweights of 705 (325) and 815 g (317; p = 0.003) and median GAs (IQR) were 25 (2) and 26 weeks (2; p = 0.015) respectively. Infants in the BPD-PH group (Group I) were more likely to have mortality or NDI (adjusted odds ratio: 3.82; bootstrap 95% confidence interval; 1.44-40.87). CONCLUSION: BPD-PH in infants born at <29 weeks' GA is associated with increased odds of the composite outcome of death or NDI at 18 to 24 months' CA. KEY POINTS: · Long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up of preterm infants born <29 weeks' GA.. · Association of neurodevelopmental outcomes with BPD-associated PH.. · Need for longitudinal follow-up of children with BPD-associated PH..

Lower Maternal Chronic Physiological Stress and Better Child Behavior at 18 Months: Follow-Up of a Cluster Randomized Trial of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Family Integrated Care.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether Family Integrated Care (FICare) in the neonatal intensive care unit improves maternal chronic physiological stress and child behavior at 18 months of corrected age for infants born preterm. STUDY DESIGN: Follow-up of a multicenter, prospective cluster-randomized controlled trial comparing FICare and standard care of children born at <33 weeks of gestation and parents, stratified by tertiary neonatal intensive care units, across Canada. Primary outcomes at 18 months of corrected age were maternal stress hormones (cortisol, ie, hair cumulative cortisol [HCC], dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]) assayed from hair samples. Secondary outcomes included maternal reports of parenting stress, child behaviors (Internalizing, Externalizing, Dysregulation), and observer-rated caregiving behaviors. Outcomes were analyzed using multilevel modeling. RESULTS: We included 126 mother-child dyads from 12 sites (6 FICare sites, n = 83; 6 standard care sites, n = 43). FICare intervention significantly lowered maternal physiological stress as indicated by HCC (B = -0.22 [-0.41, -0.04]) and cortisol/DHEA ratio (B = -0.25 [-0.48, -0.02]), but not DHEA (B = 0.01 [-0.11, 0.14]). Enrollment in FICare led to lower child Internalizing (B = -0.93 [-2.33, 0.02]) and Externalizing behavior T scores (B = -0.91 [-2.25, -0.01]) via improvements to maternal HCC (mediation). FICare buffered the negative effects of high maternal HCC on child Dysregulation T scores (B = -11.40 [-23.01, 0.21]; moderation). For mothers reporting high parenting stress at 18 months, FICare was related to lower Dysregulation T scores via maternal HCC; moderated mediation = -0.17 (-0.41, -0.01). CONCLUSIONS: FICare has long-term beneficial effects for mother and child, attenuating maternal chronic physiological stress, and improving child behavior in toddlerhood. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01852695.

Multi-strain probiotics for extremely preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Effects of probiotics on intestinal microbiota and feeding tolerance remain unclear in extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants. METHODS: ELBW infants were randomly assigned to receive probiotics or no intervention. Stool samples were collected prior to, 2 and 4 weeks after initiation, and 2 weeks after probiotics cessation for infants in the probiotics group, and at matched postnatal age time points for infants in the control group. RESULTS: Of the 102 infants assessed for eligibility, sixty-two were included. Infants who received probiotics reached full enteral feeds sooner (Mean difference (MD) -1.8; 95% CI:-3.7 to -0.01 day), had a tendency toward lower incidence of hematochezia before hospital discharge (22.6% vs 3.2%; P = 0.053), and were less likely to require extensively hydrolyzed- or amino acids-based formulas to alleviate signs of cow's milk protein intolerance in the first 6 months of life (19.4% vs 51.6%; P = 0.008). Infants on probiotics were more likely to receive wide-spectrum antibiotics (64.5% vs 32.2%; P = 0.01). Multi-strain probiotics resulted in significant increase in fecal Bifidobacterium (P < 0.001) and Lactobacillus (P = 0.005), and marked reduction in fecal candida abundance (P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Probiotics sustained intestinal Bifidobacterium and reduced time to achieve full enteral feeds in extremely preterm infants. Probiotics might improve tolerance for cow's milk protein supplements. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial has been registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (identifier NCT03422562). IMPACT: Probiotics may help extremely preterm infants achieve full enteral feeds sooner. Probiotics may improve tolerance for cow's milk protein supplements. Multi-strain probiotics can sustain intestinal Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus until hospital discharge.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants conceived by assisted reproductive technology.

BACKGROUND: There have been concerns about the development of children conceived through assisted reproductive technology. Despite multiple studies investigating the outcomes of assisted conception, data focusing specifically on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology and born preterm are limited. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestation at 18 to 24 months' corrected age who were conceived through assisted reproductive technology and those who were conceived naturally. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included inborn, nonanomalous infants, born at <29 weeks' gestation between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, who had a neurodevelopmental assessment at 18 to 24 months' corrected age at any of the 10 Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network clinics. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 24 months, defined as the presence of any of the following: cerebral palsy; Bayley-III cognitive, motor, or language composite score of <85; sensorineural or mixed hearing loss; and unilateral or bilateral visual impairment. Secondary outcomes included mortality, composite of mortality or neurodevelopmental impairment, significant neurodevelopmental impairment, and each component of the primary outcome. We compared outcomes between infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology and those conceived naturally, using bivariate and multivariable analyses after adjustment. RESULTS: Of the 4863 eligible neonates, 651 (13.4%) were conceived using assisted reproductive technology. Maternal age; education level; and rates of diabetes mellitus, receipt of antenatal corticosteroids, and cesarean delivery were higher in the assisted reproduction group than the natural conception group. Neonatal morbidity and death rates were similar except for intraventricular hemorrhage, which was lower in the assisted reproduction group (33% [181 of 546] vs 39% [1284 of 3318]; P=.01). Of the 4176 surviving infants, 3386 (81%) had a follow-up outcome at 18 to 24 months' corrected age. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for gestational age, antenatal steroids, sex, small for gestational age, multiple gestations, mode of delivery, maternal age, maternal education, pregnancy-induced hypertension, maternal diabetes mellitus, and smoking showed that infants conceived through assisted reproduction was associated with lower odds of neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.86) and the composite of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.84). Conception through assisted reproductive technology was associated with decreased odds of a Bayley-III composite cognitive score of <85 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.99) and composite language score of <85 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.88). CONCLUSION: Compared with natural conception, assisted conception was associated with lower odds of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially cognitive and language outcomes, at 18 to 24 months' corrected age among preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestation. Long-term follow-up studies are required to assess the risks of learning disabilities and development of complex visual-spatial and processing skills in these children as they reach school age.

Effectiveness of Alberta Family Integrated Care on infant length of stay in level II neonatal intensive care units: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Parents of infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are often unintentionally marginalized in pursuit of optimal clinical care. Family Integrated Care (FICare) was developed to support families as part of their infants' care team in level III NICUs. We adapted the model for level II NICUs in Alberta, Canada, and evaluated whether the new Alberta FICare™ model decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) in preterm infants without concomitant increases in readmissions and emergency department visits. METHODS: In this pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial conducted between December 15, 2015 and July 28, 2018, 10 level II NICUs were randomized to provide Alberta FICare™ (n = 5) or standard care (n = 5). Alberta FICare™ is a psychoeducational intervention with 3 components: Relational Communication, Parent Education, and Parent Support. We enrolled mothers and their singleton or twin infants born between 32 0/7 and 34 6/7 weeks gestation. The primary outcome was infant hospital LOS. We used a linear regression model to conduct weighted site-level analysis comparing adjusted mean LOS between groups, accounting for site geographic area (urban/regional) and infant risk factors. Secondary outcomes included proportions of infants with readmissions and emergency department visits to 2 months corrected age, type of feeding at discharge, and maternal psychosocial distress and parenting self-efficacy at discharge. RESULTS: We enrolled 654 mothers and 765 infants (543 singletons/111 twin cases). Intention to treat analysis included 353 infants/308 mothers in the Alberta FICare™ group and 365 infants/306 mothers in the standard care group. The unadjusted difference between groups in infant hospital LOS (1.96 days) was not statistically significant. Accounting for site geographic area and infant risk factors, infant hospital LOS was 2.55 days shorter (95% CI, - 4.44 to - 0.66) in the Alberta FICare™ group than standard care group, P = .02. Secondary outcomes were not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Alberta FICare™ is effective in reducing preterm infant LOS in level II NICUs, without concomitant increases in readmissions or emergency department visits. A small number of sites in a single jurisdiction and select group infants limit generalizability of findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02879799 , retrospectively registered August 26, 2016.

Simulation-Based Structured Education Supports Focused Neonatal Cranial Ultrasound Training.

OBJECTIVES: Brain injury in preterm neonates may cause clinical deterioration and requires timeous bedside diagnosis. Teaching cranial ultrasound (US) skills using fragile preterm neonates is challenging. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness and feasibility of using task-trainer computer-based simulators and US-suitable cranial phantoms in combination with teaching sessions in teaching novices to perform focused cranial US evaluations for identifying substantial intraventricular hemorrhage. METHODS: This was a prospective interventional educational study targeting participants with no prior skills in neonatal cranial US. Participants attended a 2-day training workshop, with didactic and hands-on interactive sessions using computer-based and 3-dimensional printed phantom simulators. Participants then performed a cranial US scan on a healthy neonate to assess the diagnostic quality of the images acquired. Individual precourse and postcourse knowledge tests were compared. To test recall, participants also submitted US images acquired on neonates within 3 and 6 months of attending the course. RESULTS: Forty-five participants completed the training modules. Mean knowledge scores increased significantly (in brain anatomy, brain physiology, intracranial disorders, and US physics domains). Thirty-eight cranial US scans were acquired during the course, 22 within 3 months after completion, and 34 within 6 months after completion. Thirty-two (84%) of the initial 38 case images, 17 (77%) of 22 images submitted within 3 months, and 32 (94%) of 34 images submitted within 6 months after course completion were of diagnostic quality. CONCLUSIONS: A structured training module with didactic and hand-on training sessions using simulators and phantoms is feasible and supports training of clinicians to perform focused cranial US examinations.

Does Postmenstrual Age Affect Medical Patent Ductus Arteriosus Treatment Success in Preterm Infants?

OBJECTIVE: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common cardiovascular problem of prematurity. Our objective was to examine the effect of postmenstrual age (PMA) on response to medical PDA treatment. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study included infants ≤ 32 weeks' gestational age (GA) who received nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for PDA treatment. Response was positive if echocardiogram showed closed or small PDA or no further treatment was required. Baseline characteristics between responders and nonresponders were compared. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations was used to analyze the association between PMA and response. RESULTS: A total of 183 infants with a mean GA of 26.4 ± 2.2 weeks and birth weight of 870 ± 313 g received 257 courses of NSAIDs. Positive response rate to the first course was 65.6%. Two and three courses were given in 62 and 12 infants, with response rates of 48.4 and 50%, respectively. Surgical ligation of PDA occurred in 30 (16.4%) infants. Multivariable logistic regression analysis with generalized estimating equations revealed that PMA was not associated with a positive response (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.88; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71-1.10). GA at birth remained the most influential factor (aOR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.02-1.73). CONCLUSION: GA rather than PMA is the strongest predictor for a positive response in medical PDA treatment.

Neonatal Transport Clinician Performed Ultrasound Evaluation of Cardiac Function.

BACKGROUND: Limited point-of-care ultrasound skills for ultrasound-naïve neonatal transport clinicians could enhance clinical evaluation and decision making. Teaching Respiratory Therapists and Nurses to assess cardiac filling and contractility may be feasible. METHODS: Prospective educational study using educational materials, didactic theoretical, and hands-on practical sessions, followed by assessment of practical and theoretical skills. RESULTS: A total of 18 participants completed the study meeting the predefined standard, proving feasibility. Nine (50%) participants had ≤ 10 years of NICU experience. The mean time required for complete training was 8.6 ±â€¯2.1 hours. Time was spent on average on 269 ±â€¯104 minutes for hands-on practice, 171 ±â€¯96 minutes on didactic training, and 76 ±â€¯16 minutes on testing sessions. The median number of hands-on sessions per participant was 5 [Interquartile range (IQR) 5, 7]. The median number of infants required to complete training was 9 infants (IQR 7, 11). RRTs required less time than RNs. Evaluations and feedback from participants on the training program was positive. CONCLUSION: Neonatal RNs and RTs can be trained to perform focused cardiac ultrasound examinations with average time of 8.6 hours. This skill could enhance clinical care on neonatal transport with appropriate interventions to manage suspected hypotension or shock.

Chorioamnionitis at birth does not increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disability in premature infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

AIM: To compare preterm infants with no bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), BPD with chorioamnionitis (BPDC) and BPD with no chorioamnionitis (BPDNC) for the association with neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) at three years corrected age. METHODS: Demographic and outcome data of infants with birthweight (BW) ≤1250 g born during two epochs (1995-2000 and 2002-2007 with an interim washout period of one year) were compared on the basis of whether they had BPD, chorioamnionitis or both. Any NDD was considered present if there was either mild-severe cerebral palsy (CP), cognitive delay, visual or hearing impairment. Logistic regression modelling was performed. RESULTS: Infants (n = 1009) were included into three groups - no BPD (n = 442), BPDNC (n = 437) and BPDC (n = 130). The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of any NDD at three years in infants with BPDC versus BPDNC was 1.37; 95% CI 0.85-2.20, and for CP the aOR was 1.66; 95% CI 0.76-3.62. Infants in the BPDC group were of lower BW, gestational age and had longer length of hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, more blood transfusions and sepsis compared to BPDNC and no BPD groups (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Chorioamnionitis was not associated with any increase in the odds of NDD in infants with BPD at three years corrected age.

Association between Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter Insertion Site and Complication Rates in Preterm Infants.

Objective To examine whether there is an association between peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) insertion site and complication rates among preterm infants. Design We performed a retrospective analysis of the first PICCs placed in preterm infants in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit between January 2006 and December 2010. The PICC-related complications resulting in catheter removal were compared based on site of insertion. Results Of the 827 PICCs, 593 (72%) were inserted in upper extremity. Lower extremity PICC group infants had higher illness severity (SNAP-II) score and more likely to be inserted later as compared with the upper extremity group. There was no significant difference in the total PICC-related complications between upper and lower extremity PICCs (31.3 vs. 26%; p > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis after adjusting for gestational age, day of line insertion, and SNAP-II score revealed that upper extremity PICCs were associated with increased risk of line infiltration (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.36-4.29) but not the total PICC complication (aOR, 1.29; 95% CI, 0.91-1.83). Conclusion There is no difference in total PICC-related complication between upper and lower extremity PICCs; however, the PICC-related mechanical complications vary depending on the site of insertion in preterm infants.

Trends and Variations in the Use of Inhaled Nitric Oxide in Preterm Infants in Canadian Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

Objective To determine the proportion of infants who receive inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), and to characterize the variations in its use by gestational age (GA) and center in infants <34 weeks' gestation. Design Retrospective analysis was performed in infants born at <34 weeks' gestation and admitted to neonatal intensive care units participating in the Canadian Neonatal Network between January 2010 and December 2013. Results Of 19,525 infants, 831 (4.2%) received iNO. A total of 369 infants (44%) received iNO during the first 2 days after birth. The proportion of neonates who received iNO in the 22 to 25, 26 to 29, and 30 to 33 weeks' GA groups was 16.1, 6.0, and 1.3%, respectively. Infants in whom iNO was initiated in the first 2 days of age received it for a shorter duration (median, 3 days; interquartile range [IQR], 2-5) as compared with those who started after 2 days (median, 5 days; IQR, 2-11). The use of iNO varied by center, ranging from 0 to 15.5% (p < 0.001). Conclusion Out of every 25 infants born at <34 weeks' gestation in Canada received iNO, with the highest rate of use in infants born at lower gestation. Further research to identify reasoning, efficacy, and safety of iNO in preterm infants is warranted.

A Patent Ductus Arteriosus Severity Score Predicts Chronic Lung Disease or Death before Discharge.

OBJECTIVES: To test the hypothesis that a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) severity score (PDAsc) incorporating markers of pulmonary overcirculation and left ventricular (LV) diastolic function can predict chronic lung disease or death before discharge (CLD/death). STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter prospective observational study was conducted for infants <29 weeks gestation. An echocardiogram was carried out on day 2 to measure PDA diameter and maximum flow velocity, LV output, diastolic flow in the descending aorta and celiac trunk, and variables of LV function using tissue Doppler imaging. Predictors of CLD/death were identified using logistic regression methods. A PDAsc was created and a receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to assess its ability to predict CLD/death. RESULTS: We studied 141 infants at a mean (SD) gestation and birthweight of 26 (1.4) weeks and 952 (235) g, respectively. Five variables were identified that were independently associated with CLD/death (gestation at birth, PDA diameter, maximum flow velocity, LV output, and LV a' wave). The PDAsc had a range from 0 (low risk) to 13 (high risk). Infants who developed CLD/death had a higher score than those who did not (7.3 [1.8] vs 3.8 [2.0], P < .001). PDAsc had an area under the curve of 0.92 (95% CI 0.86-0.97, P < .001) for the ability to predict CLD/death. A PDAsc cut-off of 5 has sensitivity and specificity of 92% and 87%, and positive and negative predictive values of 92% and 82%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: A PDAsc on day 2 can predict the later occurrence of CLD/death further highlighting the association between PDA significance and morbidity.

Evaluation of the Family Integrated Care model of neonatal intensive care: a cluster randomized controlled trial in Canada and Australia.

BACKGROUND: Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) may disrupt parent-infant interaction with adverse consequences for infants and their families. Several family-centered care programs promote parent-infant interaction in the NICU; however, all of these retain the premise that health-care professionals should provide most of the infant's care. Parents play a mainly supportive role in the NICU and continue to feel anxious and unprepared to care for their infant after discharge. In the Family Integrated Care (FICare) model, parents provide all except the most advanced medical care for their infants with support from the medical team. Our hypothesis is that infants whose families complete the FICare program will have greater weight gain and better clinical and parental outcomes compared with infants provided with standard NICU care. METHODS/DESIGN: FICare is being evaluated in a cluster randomized controlled trial among infants born at ≤ 33 weeks' gestation admitted to 19 Canadian, 6 Australian, and 1 New Zealand tertiary-level NICU. Trial enrollment began in April, 2013, with a target sample size of 675 infants in each arm, to be completed by August, 2015. Participating sites were stratified by country, and by NICU size within Canada, for randomization to either the FICare intervention or control arm. In intervention sites, parents are taught how to provide most of their infant's care and supported by nursing staff, veteran parents, a program coordinator, and education sessions. In control sites standard NICU care is provided. The primary outcome is infants' weight gain at 21 days after enrollment, which will be compared between the FICare and control groups using Student's t-test adjusted for site-level clustering, and multi-level hierarchical models accounting for both clustering and potential confounders. Similar analyses will examine secondary outcomes including breastfeeding, clinical outcomes, safety, parental stress and anxiety, and resource use. The trial was designed, is being conducted, and will be reported according to the CONSORT 2010 guidelines for cluster randomized controlled trials. DISCUSSION: By evaluating the impact of integrating parents into the care of their infant in the NICU, this trial may transform the delivery of neonatal care. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01852695 , registered December 19, 2012.

Utility of Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography in the Management of Neonatal Illness.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the impact of targeted neonatal echocardiography on management of neonatal illness in a tertiary perinatal center neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of consecutive targeted neonatal echocardiographic studies that were performed over an 18-month period in a regional perinatal center NICU in Canada. All studies were performed with a cardiovascular ultrasound machine and transducer and read on a workstation with storage and analysis software. Reporting was done on a standardized document, and any management change resulting from targeted neonatal echocardiography was documented. RESULTS: A total of 303 consecutive targeted neonatal echocardiographic studies were performed on 129 neonates. The mean gestational age ± SD was 27.8 ± 4.3 weeks (range, 23-41 weeks), and the mean birth weight ± SD was 1196 ± 197 g (range, 490- 4500 g). The median number of studies per neonate was 2 (range, 1-8), with most repeated studies for a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The most common indication for echocardiography was assessment of a PDA (52.1%), followed by early global hemodynamic assessment of very low birth weight (16.2%) and pulmonary hypertension (12.2%). Of the 303 studies, 126 (41.5%) resulted in management changes. The contribution to management was significantly related to the timing of echocardiography. Around half of the echocardiographic examinations during first the week of life resulted in management changes, compared to 22% of studies after 1 week of age (P = .002). Patent ductus arteriosus management accounted for almost half of the interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Targeted neonatal echocardiography is a valuable tool in the NICU and can contribute substantially to hemodynamic management in the first week of life, PDA management in the first 2 weeks of life, and cases of hypotension or shock at any time during the hospital stay.

Rates of intracardiac umbilical venous catheter placement in neonates.

OBJECTIVES: To review umbilical venous catheter (UVC) placement in neonates who underwent targeted neonatal echocardiography (TNE) and to correlate catheter tip placement on TNE and anteroposterior thoracoabdominal radiography. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 51 neonates who had UVC positions assessed by TNE and radiography in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A single operator performed all TNE examinations. The final radiographic catheter placement was taken from the image closest to the time of echocardiography. Fisher exact, χ(2), and t tests were used as appropriate. RESULTS: Among the 51 neonates who had catheters placed for 24 hours or more, TNE was performed on 48 in the first 48 hours, 2 at day 6, and 1 at day 9. Thirty-six neonates were extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g). Twenty-nine had good catheter tip positions, and 22 had catheters inside the heart (10 in the right atrium [RA], 3 at the foramen ovale, and 9 in the left atrium [LA]). Twenty neonates with catheter tips in the heart were ELBW, including 8 with catheters in the LA. The ELBW neonates were more likely to have catheters in the heart than non-ELBW neonates (20 of 36 versus 2 of 15; P= .01; odds ratio [OR], 8.1; confidence interval [CI], 1.59-41.3). Good placement on TNE varied widely in relation to thoracic vertebral landmarks on radiography: from the T7-8 interspace to T11. When radiography showed a catheter tip at T9-T10, there was no difference in the proportion of neonates with a good catheter position versus malposition (8 of 22 versus 8 of 29; P = .55; OR, 0.67; CI, 0.20-2.19). CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of ELBW neonates in a busy NICU had UVCs placed with the tips in the RA or LA despite common placement practices. We recommend adding TNE to radiography to position UVCs, especially in ELBW neonates.

Potential Neurologic Manifestations of COVID-19 Infection in Neonates.

In contrast to adults, neonates and infants with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection have milder symptoms and are less likely to require hospitalization. However, some neonates with COVID-19 can present with significant symptoms. Recent evidence suggests that neurologic manifestations of neonatal COVID-19 infection may be higher than initially thought. In this comprehensive review of the current literature, we summarize the clinical, laboratory, and radiologic findings, as well as potential management strategies for COVID-19-related neurologic illness in neonates. Although the growing brain may be affected by neurologic disease associated with COVID-19 infection, the few published studies on the long-term outcomes after COVID-19 infection in neonates and infants provide conflicting results. Larger collaborative clinical studies are needed to determine whether COVID-19 infection in neonates has long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.