Antenatal corticosteroids and the influence of sex on morbidity and mortality of preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To study the associated effect of a complete course of antenatal corticosteroids (ACSs) on mortality and morbidity rates among preterm infants in our population. STUDY DESIGN: Observational prospective study of infants born at less than 32 weeks' gestation and admitted to our Neonatal Care Unit between January 2012 and December 2018. We analyzed mortality at discharge and respiratory and neurological morbidity, both during hospitalization and at 24 months' postmenstrual age. RESULTS: The study included a total of 710 patients with a median gestational age of 28.5 weeks (IQR 26.4-30.5) and mean weight of 1.090 g (IQR 800-1.391). Of which, 62.4% received a complete course of antenatal steroids. Given the differences observed in the baseline characteristics of patients who either did or did not receive a full course of antenatal steroids, a propensity score covariate adjustment was performed for all estimations. The effect of ACS therapy differs depending on sex with a positive effect on acute respiratory morbidity and mortality in male patients of less than 29 weeks' gestation. In female infants, there is no significant beneficial association between ACS therapy and mortality or any of the morbidities studied. CONCLUSION: In our population of preterm infants, treatment with antenatal steroids is associated with a different effect depending on sex. Antenatal steroids therapy associated with a positive effect in male patients with a gestational age of less than 29 weeks.

Epidemiología, manejo y riesgo de transmisión de SARS-CoV-2 en una cohorte de hijos de madres afectas de COVID-19 / Epidemiology, management and risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a cohort of newborns born to mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 infection

INTRODUCCIÓN: La repercusión de la infección materna por SARS-CoV-2 y su riesgo de transmisión vertical es aún poco conocido. Las recomendaciones de las sociedades científicas buscan proporcionar seguridad para el recién nacido sin comprometer los beneficios del contacto precoz. El objetivo del estudio es describir las características y la evolución de recién nacidos de madres infectadas por SARS-CoV-2, así como las medidas implementadas siguiendo las recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y unicentro de cohortes. Se diseñó un circuito específico para madres con infección por SARS-CoV-2 y sus hijos. Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos y clínicos de las madres y sus recién nacidos. Se realizó PCR al nacer y a los 14 días. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 73 madres y 75 neonatos. El 95,9% de infecciones maternas fueron diagnosticadas durante el tercer trimestre, el 43,8% fueron asintomáticas. La mediana de edad gestacional fue de 38 semanas (RIC: 37-40), el 25,9% de los neonatos requirió ingreso. En el 68% se realizó contacto piel con piel en paritorio y el 80% recibieron lactancia materna o donada exclusiva durante su estancia. No se objetivaron resultados positivos de PCR en la primera muestra obtenida nada más nacer, se objetivó un caso de PCR positiva en un neonato asintomático a los 14 días. CONCLUSIONES: El riesgo de transmisión de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 es bajo cumpliendo los protocolos de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología, permitiendo el alojamiento conjunto de madre e hijo, el contacto precoz y el establecimiento eficaz de la lactancia materna

INTRODUCTION: The impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and its risk of vertical transmission is still not well known. Recommendations from scientific societies seek to provide safety for newborns without compromising the benefits of early contact. The aim of the study is to describe characteristics and evolution of newborns born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the implemented measures following recommendations from the Sociedad Española de Neonatología. METHODS: Observational, prospective and single-center cohort study. A specific circuit was designed for mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection and their newborns. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected. PCR were performed in newborns at delivery and at 14 days of age. RESULTS: 73 mothers and 75 newborns were included in the study. 95.9% of maternal infections were diagnosed during the third trimester of pregnancy, 43.8% were asymptomatic. Median gestational age was 38 weeks (IQR: 37-40), 25.9% of newborns required admission to Neonatology. Skin-to-skin mother care was performed in 68% of newborns, 80% received exclusive maternal or donated breast milk during hospital stay. No positive PCR results were observed in newborns at delivery, one case of positive PCR was observed in an asymptomatic neonate at 14 days of age. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is low when complying to the recommendations issued by Sociedad Española de Neonatología, allowing rooming-in and promoting breastfeeding

Epidemiology, management and risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a cohort of newborns born to mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 infection.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and its risk of vertical transmission is still not well known. Recommendations from scientific societies seek to provide safety for newborns without compromising the benefits of early contact. The aim of the study is to describe characteristics and evolution of newborns born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the implemented measures following recommendations from the Sociedad Española de Neonatología. METHODS: Observational, prospective and single-center cohort study. A specific circuit was designed for mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection and their newborns. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected. PCR were performed in newborns at delivery and at 14 days of age. RESULTS: 73 mothers and 75 newborns were included in the study. 95.9% of maternal infections were diagnosed during the third trimester of pregnancy, 43.8% were asymptomatic. Median gestational age was 38 weeks (IQR: 37-40), 25.9% of newborns required admission to Neonatology. Skin-to-skin mother care was performed in 68% of newborns, 80% received exclusive maternal or donated breast milk during hospital stay. No positive PCR results were observed in newborns at delivery, one case of positive PCR was observed in an asymptomatic neonate at 14 days of age. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is low when complying to the recommendations issued by Sociedad Española de Neonatología, allowing rooming-in and promoting breastfeeding.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La repercusión de la infección materna por SARS-Cov-2 y su riesgo de transmisión vertical es aún poco conocido. Las recomendaciones de las sociedades científicas buscan proporcionar seguridad para el recién nacido sin comprometer los beneficios del contacto precoz. El objetivo del estudio es describir las características y evolución de recién nacidos de madres infectadas por SARS-CoV2, así como las medidas implementadas siguiendo las recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional, prospectivo y unicentro de cohortes. Se diseñó un circuito específico para madres con infección por SARS-CoV2 y sus hijos. Se recogieron datos epidemiológicos y clínicos de las madres y sus recién nacidos. Se realizó PCR al nacer y a los 14 días. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 73 madres y 75 neonatos. El 95.9% de infecciones maternas fueron diagnosticadas durante el tercer trimestre, el 43.8% fueron asintomáticas. La mediana de edad gestacional fue 38 semanas (RIC:37­40), el 25.9% de los neonatos requirió ingreso. En el 68% se realizó contacto piel con piel en paritorio y el 80% recibieron lactancia materna o donada exclusiva durante su estancia. No se objetivaron resultados positivos de PCR en la primera muestra obtenida nada más nacer, se objetivó 1 caso de PCR positiva en un neonato asintomático a los 14 días. CONCLUSIONES: El riesgo de transmisión de la infección por SARS-CoV2 es bajo cumpliendo los protocolos de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología, permitiendo el alojamiento conjunto de madre e hijo, el contacto precoz y el establecimiento eficaz de la lactancia materna.

[Epidemiology, management and risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in a cohort of newborns born to mothers diagnosed with COVID-19 infection]. / Epidemiología, manejo y riesgo de transmisión de SARS-CoV-2 en una cohorte de hijos de madres afectas de COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection and its risk of vertical transmission is still not well known. Recommendations from scientific societies seek to provide safety for newborns without compromising the benefits of early contact. The aim of the study is to describe characteristics and evolution of newborns born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the implemented measures following recommendations from the Sociedad Española de Neonatología. METHODS: Observational, prospective and single-center cohort study. A specific circuit was designed for mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection and their newborns. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected. PCR were performed in newborns at delivery and at 14 days of age. RESULTS: 73 mothers and 75 newborns were included in the study. 95.9% of maternal infections were diagnosed during the third trimester of pregnancy, 43.8% were asymptomatic. Median gestational age was 38 weeks (IQR: 37-40), 25.9% of newborns required admission to Neonatology. Skin-to-skin mother care was performed in 68% of newborns, 80% received exclusive maternal or donated breast milk during hospital stay. No positive PCR results were observed in newborns at delivery, one case of positive PCR was observed in an asymptomatic neonate at 14 days of age. CONCLUSIONS: Risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission is low when complying to the recommendations issued by Sociedad Española de Neonatología, allowing rooming-in and promoting breastfeeding.

Neonatal Infection Due to SARS-CoV-2: An Epidemiological Study in Spain.

Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continue to increase worldwide. Although some data from pediatric series are available, more evidence is required, especially in neonates, a group with specific characteristics that deserve special attention. This study aimed to describe general and clinical characteristics, management, and treatment of postnatal-acquired (community and nosocomial/hospital-acquired) COVID-19 neonatal cases in Spain. Methods: This was a national prospective epidemiological study that included cases from a National Registry supported by the Spanish Society of Neonatology. Neonates with postnatal SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in this study. General data and infection-related information (mode and source of transmission, age at diagnosis, clinical manifestations, need for hospitalization, admission unit, treatment administered, and complementary studies performed, hospital stay associated with the infection) were collected. Results: A total of 40 cases, 26 community-acquired and 14 nosocomial were registered. Ten were preterm newborns (2 community-acquired and 8 nosocomial COVID-19 cases). Mothers (in both groups) and healthcare workers (in nosocomial cases) were the main source of infection. Hospital admission was required in 22 community-acquired cases [18 admitted to the neonatal intermediate care unit (NIMCU) and 4 to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)]. Among nosocomial COVID-19 cases (n = 14), previously admitted for other reasons, 4 were admitted to the NIMCU and 10 to the NICU. Ten asymptomatic patients were registered (5 in each group). In the remaining cases, clinical manifestations were generally mild in both groups, including upper respiratory airways infection, febrile syndrome or acute gastroenteritis with good overall health. In both groups, most severe cases occurred in preterm neonates or neonates with concomitant pathologies. Most of the cases did not require respiratory support. Hydroxychloroquine was administered to 4 patients in the community-acquired group and to 2 patients in the nosocomial group. Follow-up after hospital discharge was performed in most patients. Conclusions: This is the largest series of COVID-19 neonatal cases in Spain published to date. Although clinical manifestations were generally mild, prevention, treatment, and management in this group are essential.

New Strategies of Pulmonary Protection of Preterm Infants in the Delivery Room with the Respiratory Function Monitoring.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate if the use of a visible respiratory function monitor (RFM) to use lower tidal volumes (Vts) during positive pressure ventilation (PPV) in the delivery room (DR) reduces the need of surfactant administration and invasive mechanical ventilation during the first 72 hours after birth of preterm infants <32 weeks' gestational age (GA). STUDY DESIGN: Infants <32 weeks' GA (n = 106) requiring noninvasive PPV were monitored with a RFM at birth and randomized to visible (n = 54) or masked (n = 52) display on RFM. Pulmonary data were recorded during the first 10 minutes after birth. Secondary analysis stratified patients by GA (<28, 28-29+6, or ≥30 weeks). RESULTS: Median expiratory Vts during inflations were greater in the masked group (7 mL/kg) than in the visible group (5.8 mL/kg; p = 0.001) same as peak inflation pressure (PIP) administered (21.5 vs. 19.7 cmH2O; p < 0.001). Consequently, minute volumes were greater in the masked group (256 vs. 214 mL/kg/min; p < 0.001), with no differences in respiratory rate. These differences were higher in those <30 weeks' GA. There was no difference in the need of surfactant administration or intubation during the first 72 hours of age. CONCLUSION: Using a RFM in the DR prevents the use of large Vt and PIP during respiratory support inflations, mostly in the more immature newborn infants, but with no other short-term benefits.