Prevalence and Outcomes of Gastrointestinal Anomalies in Down Syndrome.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to investigate the prevalence of small intestinal atresia and Hirschsprung's disease (HD) in infants with Down syndrome (DS) and its impact on outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: We analyzed the National Inpatient Sample dataset. We included infants with DS, small intestinal atresia, HD, and the concomitant occurrence of both conditions. Regression analysis was used to control clinical and demographic variables. RESULTS: A total of 66,213,034 infants were included, of whom, 99,861 (0.15%) had DS. The concomitant occurrence of small intestinal atresia and HD was more frequent in infants with DS compared with the general population, adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 122, 95% confidence interval (CI): 96-154, (p < 0.001). Infants with DS and concomitant small intestinal atresia and HD had higher mortality compared with those without these conditions, aOR: 8.59, 95% CI: 1.95-37.8. CONCLUSION: Infants with DS are at increased risk of concomitant small intestinal atresia and HD, and this condition is associated with increased mortality. KEY POINTS: · Infants with Down syndrome are at increased risk of congenital GI anomalies.. · Infants with Down syndrome are at increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.. · Increased mortality in Down syndrome infants with concomitant small intestinal atresia and Hirschsprung's disease..

Prophylactic early low-dose hydrocortisone and survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia among extremely preterm infants born at 22-27 weeks' gestation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare survival without BPD among extremely preterm infants (EPI) who received prophylactic early low-dose hydrocortisone (PEH) with those who did not (non-PEH). STUDY DESIGN: This single-center retrospective study compared risk-adjusted rates of survival without BPD, BPD, bowel perforation, and late-onset sepsis among infants (22-27 weeks' gestation at birth) who received PEH (n = 82) and who did not (n = 205). RESULTS: Infants in the PEH group were of lower gestational age, lower birthweight, and higher day-1 risk of death/BPD. After adjusting for risk of death/BPD, PEH-treated infants demonstrated increased survival without BPD (aOR 2.04, 95%CI 1.1-3.7), and lower BPD rates (aOR 0.46, 95%CI 0.25-0.87). Importantly, bowel perforation or sepsis rate were similar among both groups. CONCLUSION: After risk adjustment, PEH-treated infants demonstrated improved survival without BPD and did not increase rates of bowel perforation or sepsis. In our cohort of infants, PEH was safe and effective among the sickest preterm neonates.

Acute kidney injury in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in infants with varying degrees of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) and its associated outcomes, including mortality and length of stay (LOS). METHODS: The study used the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) dataset from 2010 to 2018. Regression analysis was used to control confounding variables. RESULTS: Of 31,220,784 infants included in the study, 30,130 (0.1%) had HIE. The prevalence of AKI was significantly higher in infants with HIE (9.0%) compared to those without (0.04%), with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 77.6 (CI:70.1-85.7, p < 0.001), with the highest prevalence of AKI in infants with severe HIE (19.7%), aOR:130 (CI: 107-159), p < 0.001). Infants with AKI had a higher mortality rate compared to those without AKI in those diagnosed with any degree of HIE (28.9% vs. 8.8%), aOR 3.5 (CI: 3.2-3.9, p < 0.001), particularly among those with severe HIE, aOR:1.4 (1.2-1.6, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: HIE is associated with an increased prevalence of AKI. Infants with severe HIE had the highest prevalence of AKI and associated mortality. The study highlights the need for close monitoring and early detection of AKI in infants with HIE, particularly those with severe HIE, to ameliorate the associated adverse outcomes.

A quality improvement initiative to reduce the time to initial maternal visit in the neonatal intensive care unit.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to reduce the time interval between an infant's admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and first maternal interaction. METHODS: We identified three key drivers: 1. Collaboration with Labor and Delivery, 2. Education of staff and parents, and 3. Improved documentation of maternal presence. We measured the time interval from NICU admission to the initial maternal presence. We followed length of stay as a balancing measure to assay whether use of remote televisitation impeded efficient parental teaching and delayed discharge. RESULTS: We reduced the time interval from an average of 19.7 h in February 2020 to 12.3 h in June 2021. We expanded an already existing televisitation program as a surrogate to in-person interaction during COVID-19 pandemic. Televisitation did not affect in-person parental presence or LOS. CONCLUSION: Our multidisciplinary efforts resulted in a significantly accelerated time to initial maternal presence and did not prolong LOS.

Contralateral Massive Neonatal Arterial Ischemic Stroke Secondary to Carotid Artery Dissection: A Case Report.

Carotid artery dissection is an infrequent cause of neonatal-perinatal stroke. Its rarity may be due to underdiagnosis or lack of awareness. We report a case of a full-term, large-for-gestational-age (LGA) male infant delivered at 39 weeks gestation. Pertinent prenatal and perinatal history include gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and the use of forceps to assist in delivery due to shoulder dystocia. The infant presented with apnea and cyanosis while rooming which prompted admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Initial sonographic investigation revealed an infarct, subsequently confirmed as a massive left-sided infarct by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain. Further, computerized tomography (CT) angiography confirmed a dissection in the right common and internal carotid arteries. The child was treated with antiepileptic and antithrombotic medications. He is now undergoing regular neurodevelopmental monitoring and rehabilitation. As per our sources, this case is the first to report a contralateral significant perinatal stroke due to carotid artery dissection. It underscores the importance of recognizing subtle signs of neonatal encephalopathy that may be due to perinatal stroke, of which carotid artery dissection is an uncommon etiology. Assisted delivery techniques such as the use of forceps may be risk factors.

Charge Nurses Taking Charge, Challenging the Culture of Culture-Negative Sepsis, and Preventing Central-Line Infections to Reduce NICU Antibiotic Usage.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to reduce our monthly antibiotic usage rate (AUR, days of treatment per 1,000 patient-days) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from a baseline of 330 (July 2015-April 2016) to 200 by December 2018. STUDY DESIGN: We identified three key drivers as follows: (1) engaging NICU charge nurses, (2) challenging the culture of culture-negative sepsis, and (3) reducing central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). Our main outcome was AUR. The percentage of culture-negative sepsis that was treated with antibiotics for >48 hours and CLABSI was our process measure. We used hospital cost/duration of hospitalization and mortality as our balancing measures. RESULTS: After testing several plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles, we saw a modest reduction in AUR from 330 in the year 2016 to 297 in the year 2017. However, we did not find a special-cause variation in AUR via statistical process control (SPC) analysis (u'-chart). Thereafter, we focused our efforts to reduce CLABSI in January 2018. As a result, our mean AUR fell to 217 by December 2018. Our continued efforts resulted in a sustained reduction in AUR beyond the goal period. Importantly, cost of hospitalization and mortality did not increase during the improvement period. CONCLUSION: Our sequential quality improvement (QI) efforts led to a reduction in AUR. We implemented processes to establish a robust antibiotic stewardship program that included antibiotic time-outs led by NICU charge nurses and a focus on preventing CLABSI that were sustained beyond the QI period. KEY POINTS: · This is a quality improvement project to reduce antibiotic usage in NICU.. · Charge nurses should take charge to reduce infections in NICU.. · Central line infections should be reduced to decrease antibiotic usage..

Increasing usage of mother's own milk in neonates at risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome: MOM-NAS quality improvement initiative.

OBJECTIVE: To increase the usage rate of mothers' own milk (MOM) among neonates with prenatal opioid exposure from a baseline average of 47% to an average of 75% over two years. STUDY DESIGN: Between October 2018 and December 2020, we implemented various Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles that involved engaging providers in postpartum counseling for mothers with opioid dependence, using electronic medical records to track the rate of counseling, providing NAS educational materials to parents, and establishing a rooming-in unit. Our outcome measure was the provision of MOM to eligible neonates, while our process measure was the rate of postpartum counseling. RESULTS: During this initiative, we witnessed a special cause variation with an increase in the usage rate of MOM from a baseline of 47% to a 27-month average of 85% by December 2020. CONCLUSION: A series of quality improvement efforts resulted in increased usage of MOM among infants at risk of NAS.

Effects of standardized feeding protocol on growth velocity and necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of a standardized feeding protocol (SFP) on growth velocity (GV) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in extremely low birth weight infants. METHODS: This single-study center retrospectively compared growth, nutritional, and gastrointestinal outcomes in two infant cohorts before (cohort 1; n = 145) and after (cohort 2; n = 69) SFP implementation. RESULTS: Although weekly GV in the first 4 weeks of life did not differ between the two cohorts, median GV at 36 weeks' post-menstrual age (PMA) was higher in cohort 2 compared with cohort 1 (26.8 g/day [24.7, 28.9] vs 24.9 g/day [22.9, 28.3], p = 0.02). The odds of NEC were lower in cohort 2 by 63% after adjusting for birth weight, small-for-gestational-age, and gender (OR = 0.38, 95% CI 0.142-0.993, p = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Our SFP was associated with improved GV at 36 weeks' PMA and a lower adjusted rate of NEC.

Comparison of extubation success using noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) versus noninvasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NI-NAVA).

OBJECTIVE: Compare rates of initial extubation success in preterm infants extubated to NIPPV or NI-NAVA. STUDY DESIGN: In this pilot study, we randomized 30 mechanically ventilated preterm infants at the time of initial elective extubation to NI-NAVA or NIPPV in a 1:1 assignment. Primary study outcome was initial extubation success. RESULTS: Rates of continuous extubation for 120 h were 92% in the NI-NAVA group and 69% in the NIPPV group (12/13 vs. 9/13, respectively, p = 0.14). Infants extubated to NI-NAVA remained extubated longer (median 18 vs. 4 days, p = 0.02) and experienced lower peak inspiratory pressures (PIP) than infants managed with NIPPV throughout the first 3 days after extubation. Survival analysis through 14 days post extubation showed a sustained difference in the primary study outcome until 12 days post extubation. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first to suggest that a strategy of extubating preterm infants to NI-NAVA may be more successful.

Aerosolized surfactant in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: Phase I study.

BACKGROUND: Treating respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) with intratracheal surfactant requires endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation, (MV) with their attendant risks. Use of non-invasive respiratory support in the delivery room averts the need for MV but delays surfactant administration. OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that aerosolized surfactant is feasible and safe in infants 240/7-366/7 weeks gestational age (GA) with RDS, receiving non-invasive respiratory support. DESIGN/METHODS: In an unblinded Phase I study, sequentially enrolled infants with RDS stratified by GA received increasing doses (100 or 200 mg/kg of phospholipid) and dilutions (12.5 or 8.3 mg/ml) of surfactant using a jet nebulizer. Infants were monitored clinically and with cerebral oximetry. RESULTS: Seventeen infants were enrolled. Age at start of first dose and dose duration were 4.9 (3.4-10.1) and 2.1 (1.0-2.8) hours respectively. Two infants in the lowest GA stratum (240/7-286/7) required intubation within 2 h after the first dose. Fifteen infants completed the study; 13 received two doses. Infants tolerated the aerosol treatment well. No other significant adverse events were identified. Parental permission for cerebral oximetry was obtained in 16 infants. In the two infants who later exited the study, values prior to start of aerosolized surfactant were lower compared to 14 infants who completed the study (p = 0.0835), increased after start of study intervention (p = 0.0105) and decreased after intubation (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS: We have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of aerosolized surfactant in preterm infants receiving non-invasive respiratory support. The treatment was well tolerated by infants and clinical caregivers.

Successful implementation of an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) bundle in reducing severe ICH: a quality improvement project.

OBJECTIVE: Our specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-limited (SMART) aim was to reduce the incidence of severe intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) among preterm infants born <30 weeks' gestation from a baseline of 24% (January 2012-December 2013) to a long-term average of 11% by December 2015. STUDY DESIGN: We instituted an ICH bundle consisting of elements of the "golden hour" (delayed cord clamping, optimized cardiopulmonary resuscitation, improved thermoregulation) and provision of cluster care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We identified key drivers to achieve our SMART aims, and implemented quality improvement (QI) cycles: initiation of the ICH bundle, education of NICU staff, and emphasis on sustained adherence. We excluded infants born outside our facility and those with congenital anomalies. RESULTS: Using statistical process control analysis (p-chart), the ICH bundle was associated with successful reduction in severe ICH (grade 3-4) in our NICU from a prebundle rate of 24% (January 2012-December 2013) to a sustained reduction over the next 4 years to an average rate of 9.7% by December 2017. Results during 2016-2017 showed a sustained improvement beyond the goal for 2014-2015. Over the same interval, there was improvement in admission temperatures [median 36.1 °C (interquartile range: 35.3-36.7 °C) vs. 37.1 °C (36.8-37.5 °C), p < 0.01] and a decrease in mortality rate [pre: 16/117 (14%) vs. post: 16/281 (6%), P < 0.01]. CONCLUSION: Our multidisciplinary QI initiative decreased severe ICH in our institution from a baseline rate of 24% to a lower rate of 9.7% over the ensuing 4 years. Intensive focus on sustained implementation of an ICH bundle protocol consisting of improved delivery room management, thermoregulation, and clustered care in the NICU was temporally associated with a clinically significant reduction in severe ICH.

Near-infrared spectroscopy: applications in neonates.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) offers non-invasive, in-vivo, real-time monitoring of tissue oxygenation. Changes in regional tissue oxygenation as detected by NIRS may reflect the delicate balance between oxygen delivery and consumption. Originally used predominantly to assess cerebral oxygenation and perfusion perioperatively during cardiac and neurosurgery, and following head trauma, NIRS has gained widespread popularity in many clinical settings in all age groups including neonates. However, more studies are required to establish the ability of NIRS monitoring to improve patient outcomes, especially in neonates. This review provides a comprehensive description of the use of NIRS in neonates.

Transcriptomics of maternal and fetal membranes can discriminate between gestational-age matched preterm neonates with and without cognitive impairment diagnosed at 18-24 months.

BACKGROUND: Neurocognitive impairment among children born preterm may arise from complex interactions between genes and the intra-uterine environment. OBJECTIVES: (1) To characterize the transcriptomic profiles of chorioamniotic membranes in preterm neonates with and without neurocognitive impairment via microarrays and (2) to determine if neonates with neurocognitive impairment can be identified at birth. MATERIALS/METHODS: A retrospective case-control study was conducted to examine the chorioamniotic transcriptome of gestational-age matched very preterm neonates with and without neurocognitive impairment at 18-24 months' corrected-age defined by a Bayley-III Cognitive Composite Score <80 (n = 14 each). Pathway analysis with down-weighting of overlapping genes (PADOG) was performed to identify KEGG pathways relevant to the phenotype. Select differentially expressed genes were profiled using qRT-PCR and a multi-gene disease prediction model was developed using linear discriminant analysis. The model's predictive performance was tested on a new set of cases and controls (n = 19 each). RESULTS: 1) 117 genes were differentially expressed among neonates with and without subsequent neurocognitive impairment (p<0.05 and fold change >1.5); 2) Gene ontology analysis indicated enrichment of 19 biological processes and 3 molecular functions; 3)PADOG identified 4 significantly perturbed KEGG pathways: oxidative phosphorylation, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and Huntington's disease (q-value <0.1); 4) 48 of 90 selected differentially expressed genes were confirmed by qRT-PCR, including genes implicated in energy metabolism, neuronal signaling, vascular permeability and response to injury (e.g., up-regulation of SEPP1, APOE, DAB2, CD163, CXCL12, VWF; down-regulation of HAND1, OSR1)(p<0.05); and 5) a multi-gene model predicted 18-24 month neurocognitive impairment (using the ratios of OSR1/VWF and HAND1/VWF at birth) in a larger, independent set (sensitivity = 74%, at specificity = 83%). CONCLUSIONS: Gene expression patterns in the chorioamniotic membranes link neurocognitive impairment in preterm infants to neurodegenerative disease pathways and might be used to predict neurocognitive impairment. Further prospective studies are needed.

Randomized placebo-controlled trial of sucrose analgesia on neonatal skin blood flow and pain response during heel lance.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of oral sucrose on skin blood flow (SBF; perfusion units; PU) measured by Laser Doppler Imager (LDI) in term newborns and pain response (Neonatal Infant Pain Scale score; NIPS score) during heel lance; (2) determine SBF changes during heel lance; and (3) the relationship between SBF and NIPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Term infants ≤7 days old (n=56) undergoing routine heel lance were randomized to pretreatment with 2.0 mL oral 24% sucrose (n=29) or sterile water (n=27) in a double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial. SBF was assessed by LDI scans and NIPS scores at 10 minutes before lance, immediately after lancing, and 5 minutes after blood extraction. Mean SBF and median NIPS scores were compared between groups using General Linear Model or Kruskal-Wallis. Regressions examined the relationship between SBF immediately after heel lance and NIPS score. RESULTS: Mean SBF and median NIPS scores immediately after heel lance were lower in sucrose-treated infants (167.9±15.5 vs. 205.4±16.0 PU, P=0.09; NIPS 1 [interquartile range 0 to 4] vs. NIPS 3 [interquartile range 0 to 6], P=0.02), although no significant difference in mean SBF. During heel lance NIPS score was predictive of SBF. An increase of 1 in NIPS score was associated with 11 PU increase in SBF (R=0.21; P=0.09) for sucrose, and 16 PU increase for placebo-treated infants (R=0.20; P=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Increased SBF assessed by LDI is a pain response among term neonates after routine heel lance, which was not completely attenuated by oral sucrose administration. Increased SBF is associated with NIPS scores. Sucrose analgesic efficacy evidenced by decreased NIPS scores for the sucrose group. Association of SBF with NIPS scores suggests that LDI is potentially useful for assessing newborn procedural pain.

Frequency of otitis media based on otoendoscopic evaluation in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to determine the frequency of otitis media in preterm neonates using otoendoscopy and tympanometry. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Wayne State University, Hutzel Women's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighty-six preterm infants were included (gestational age <36 weeks). Otoendoscopy and tympanometry were performed to detect the presence of otitis media. Kappa statistic and logistic regression were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Otoendoscopy was performed in 85 patients. The frequency of otoendoscopy-diagnosed otitis media was 72.9% (62/85). Tympanometry could be performed on 69.76% of the ears. There was 73.5% agreement between the findings of tympanometry and those of otoendoscopy. The association between the presence of otitis media and gestational age at birth was statistically significant. The lower the gestational age, the higher the frequency of otoendoscopy-diagnosed otitis media (P = .001). CONCLUSION: Otoendoscopically diagnosed otitis media is frequent in preterm neonates. There was agreement between the results of tympanometry and those of otoendoscopy. The frequency of otitis media increased with lower gestational age.

Postnatal respiratory compliance among premature ventilated neonates associated with variable timing and dosing of antenatal steroids.

BACKGROUND: Antenatal steroids (ANSs) improve the respiratory compliance of premature infants. Many premature neonates are born before the administration of a complete course of ANS. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the respiratory system compliance (Crs) of premature (≤ 32 weeks gestation), intubated neonates in relation to the dose, and timing of ANS administration. STUDY DESIGN: Neonates (n = 61) were divided into four groups based on the dose and timing of ANS exposure: Group 1: no ANS; Group 2: partial course (one dose of betamethasone); Group 3: complete course (two doses of betamethasone administered within 2 weeks of delivery); and Group 4: remote course (two doses of betamethasone administered > 2 weeks before delivery). Crs was measured by single-breath occlusion technique. RESULTS: Indexed respiratory compliance ± standard error of the mean (mL/cmH2O/kg) adjusted for gestational ages were 0.359 ± 0.074, 0.366 ± 0.080, 0.625 ± 0.038, and 0.505 ± 0.060 for Groups 1 to 4, respectively. The mean indexed Crs in complete ANS was significantly higher than that of no ANS (0.266 ± 0.085; p = 0.016) as well as partial ANS group (0.259 ± 0.086; p = 0.025). CONCLUSIONS: Crs after birth was significantly higher among premature intubated neonates born to mothers who received a complete course of ANS within 2 weeks, compared with no ANS or a partial course of ANS.

Plasma concentrations of angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors have prognostic value in women presenting with suspected preeclampsia to the obstetrical triage area: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: To prospectively determine the prognostic value of maternal plasma concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble endoglin (sEng) and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptors-1 and -2 (sVEGFR-1 and -2) in identifying patients with suspected preeclampsia (PE), who require preterm delivery (PTD) or develop adverse outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort study included 85 consecutive patients who presented to the obstetrical triage area at 20-36 weeks with a diagnosis of "rule out PE." Patients were classified as: 1) those who remained stable until term (n = 37); and 2) those who developed severe PE and required PTD (n = 48). Plasma concentrations of PlGF, sEng and sVEGFR-1 and -2 were determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Patients with PlGF/sVEGFR-1 ≤0.05 multiples of the median (MoM) or PlGF/sEng ≤0.07 MoM were more likely to deliver preterm due to PE [adjusted odd ratio (aOR) 7.4 and 8.8], and to develop maternal (aOR 3.7 and 2.4) or neonatal complications (aOR 10.0 and 10.1). Among patients who presented <34 weeks of gestation, PlGF/sVEGFR-1 ≤ 0.035 MoM or PlGF/sEng ≤0.05 MoM had a sensitivity of 89% (16/18), specificity of 96% (24/25) and likelihood ratio for a positive test of 22 to identify patients who delivered within 2 weeks. The addition of the PlGF/sVEGFR-1 ratio to standard clinical tests improved the sensitivity at a fixed false-positive rate of 3% (p = 0.004) for the identification of patients who were delivered due to PE within 2 weeks. Among patients who had a plasma concentration of PlGF/sVEGFR-1 ratio ≤0.035 MoM, 0.036-0.34 MoM and ≥0.35 MoM, the rates of PTD <34 weeks were 94%, 27% and 7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The determination of angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors has prognostic value in patients presenting to the obstetrical triage area with suspected PE for the identification of those requiring preterm delivery and at risk for adverse maternal/neonatal outcomes.

Bacteria and endotoxin in meconium-stained amniotic fluid at term: could intra-amniotic infection cause meconium passage?

BACKGROUND: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) is a common occurrence among women in spontaneous labor at term, and has been associated with adverse outcomes in both mother and neonate. MSAF is a risk factor for microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC) and preterm birth among women with preterm labor and intact membranes. We now report the frequency of MIAC and the presence of bacterial endotoxin in the amniotic fluid of patients with MSAF at term. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study including women in presumed preterm labor because of uncertain dates who underwent amniocentesis, and were later determined to be at term (n = 108). Patients were allocated into two groups: (1) MSAF (n = 66) and (2) clear amniotic fluid (n = 42). The presence of bacteria was determined by microbiologic techniques, and endotoxin was detected using the Limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) gel clot assay. Statistical analyses were performed to test for normality and bivariate comparisons. RESULTS: Bacteria were more frequently present in patients with MSAF compared to those with clear amniotic fluid [19.6% (13/66) versus 4.7% (2/42); p < 0.05]. The microorganisms were Gram-negative rods (n = 7), Ureaplasma urealyticum (n = 4), Gram-positive rods (n = 2) and Mycoplasma hominis (n = 1). The LAL gel clot assay was positive in 46.9% (31/66) of patients with MSAF, and in 4.7% (2/42) of those with clear amniotic fluid (p < 0.001). After heat treatment, the frequency of a positive LAL gel clot assay remained higher in the MSAF group [18.1% (12/66) versus 2.3% (1/42), p < 0.05]. Median amniotic fluid IL-6 concentration (ng/mL) was higher [1.3 (0.7-1.9) versus 0.6 (0.3-1.2), p = 0.04], and median amniotic fluid glucose concentration (mg/dL) was lower [6 (0-8.9) versus 9 (7.4-12.6), p < 0.001] in the MSAF group, than in those with clear amniotic fluid. CONCLUSION: MSAF at term was associated with an increased incidence of MIAC. The index of suspicion for an infection-related process in postpartum women and their neonates should be increased in the presence of MSAF.

Secreted phospholipase A2 is increased in meconium-stained amniotic fluid of term gestations: potential implications for the genesis of meconium aspiration syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) represents the passage of fetal colonic content into the amniotic cavity. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a complication that occurs in a subset of infants with MSAF. Secreted phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is detected in meconium and is implicated in the development of MAS. The purpose of this study was to determine if sPLA2 concentrations are increased in the amniotic fluid of women in spontaneous labor at term with MSAF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study of patients in spontaneous term labor who underwent amniocentesis (n = 101). The patients were divided into two study groups: (1) MSAF (n = 61) and (2) clear fluid (n = 40). The presence of bacteria and endotoxin as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and sPLA2 concentrations in the amniotic fluid were determined. Statistical analyses were performed to test for normality and bivariate analysis. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to study the relationship between sPLA2 and IL-6 concentrations in the amniotic fluid. RESULTS: Patients with MSAF have a higher median sPLA2 concentration (ng/mL) in amniotic fluid than those with clear fluid [1.7 (0.98-2.89) versus 0.3 (0-0.6), p < 0.001]. Among patients with MSAF, those with either microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC, defined as presence of bacteria in the amniotic cavity), or bacterial endotoxin had a significantly higher median sPLA2 concentration (ng/mL) in amniotic fluid than those without MIAC or endotoxin [2.4 (1.7-6.0) versus 1.7 (1.3-2.5), p < 0.05]. There was a positive correlation between sPLA2 and IL-6 concentrations in the amniotic fluid (Spearman Rho = 0.3, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: MSAF that contains bacteria or endotoxin has a higher concentration of sPLA2, and this may contribute to induce lung inflammation when meconium is aspirated before birth.

Noninvasive evaluation of splanchnic tissue oxygenation using near-infrared spectroscopy in preterm neonates.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm neonates is challenging. We hypothesized that regional splanchnic oxygen saturation (rsSO2) measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a biomarker for mesenteric perfusion. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate feasibility and safety of continuous rsSO2 monitoring in preterm infants in the first 14 days of life. METHODS: Preterm neonates ≤30 weeks' gestation had a NIRS sensor placed in the left paraumbilical region within 48 h of birth. rsSO2 was recorded every 30 s. Clinical data including pulse oximetry (SaO2) were recorded. Fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) was computed as follows: (SaO2 - rsSO2) × 100/SaO2. RESULTS: Of 21 infants enrolled, 2 were excluded because of skin breakdown and missing data. Daily mean rsSO2 values decreased over the first 9 days (p < 0.0001) followed by an increase from day 10 (D10) to D14 (p = 0.0061). rsSO(2) was lower and FTOE was higher in infants with feeding intolerance compared to those without feeding intolerance (p = 0.0043). rsSO2 accounted for ≥99.5% of the variance in FTOE. Two neonates with NEC had persistently low rsSO2 with loss of variability preceded or followed by very high rsSO2. CONCLUSIONS: We have reported feasibility, safety and ranges for rsSO2 for a small number of preterm infants in the first 2 weeks of life.