Analgesic utility of automatic lancing device for heel prick in neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the benefits of an automatic lancing device compared with a manual lancet or a hypodermic needle in neonates. Materials & methods: We followed the Cochrane Handbook methodology, used the RoB-2 tool for risk of bias assessment, RevMan 4.1 for meta-analysis and GRADE framework for certainty assessment. We searched the databases and gray literature on 15 November 2023. Results: Six eligible studies enrolling 539 neonates were included. An automatic lancing device reduced pain scores during and after heel prick, sampling time and the need for repeat puncture. The certainty of evidence was very low to moderate. Conclusion: An automatic lancing device is preferred for heel pricks in neonates, given less pain and higher efficiency.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023483189.

What is this article about? The heel prick is a common painful procedure in neonates. It is performed either with a hypodermic needle or a lancet (manual or automatic lancing device). Few studies have shown that an automatic lancing device, with depth regulation, causes less pain. We reviewed the available literature to assess the benefits and harms of different sampling methods.What were the results? We found six studies comparing these interventions for heel prick in neonates. There was a significant reduction in pain score, sampling time and need for repeated pricks when using an automatic lancing device.What do the results of the study mean? The automatic lancing device causes less pain (safer) and reduces the time required for sampling and repeated pricks (more effective) when used for heel pricks in neonates.

Effect of oropharyngeal colostrum therapy on neonatal sepsis in preterm neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Various studies have shown that oropharyngeal colostrum application (OPCA) is beneficial to preterm neonates. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether OPCA reduces the incidence of culture-proven neonatal sepsis in preterm neonates. Randomized controlled trials comparing OPCA with placebo or standard care in preterm neonates were included. Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, and CENTRAL were searched for studies published up to June 15, 2023. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, version 2, for risk of bias assessment, the random-effects model (RevMan 5.4) for meta-analysis, and Gradepro software for assessing the certainty of evidence. Twenty-one studies involving 2393 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Four studies had a low risk of bias, whereas seven had a high risk. Oropharyngeal colostrum significantly reduced the incidence of culture-proven sepsis (18 studies, 1990 neonates, risk ratio [RR]: 0.78, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.65, 0.94), mortality (18 studies, 2117 neonates, RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.90), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (17 studies, 1692 neonates, RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.82), feeding intolerance episodes (four studies, 445 neonates, RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.92), and the time to full enteral feeding (19 studies, 2142 neonates, mean difference: -2 to 21 days, 95% CI: -3.44, -0.99 days). There was no reduction in intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, neurodevelopmental abnormalities, hospital stay duration, time to full oral feeding, weight at discharge, pneumonia, and duration of antibiotic therapy. The certainty of the evidence was high for the outcomes of culture-positive sepsis and mortality, moderate for NEC, low for time to full enteral feeding, and very low for feeding intolerance. OPCA reduces culture-positive sepsis and mortality (high certainty), NEC (moderate certainty), and time to full enteral feeding (low certainty) in preterm neonates. However, scarcity of data from extremely premature infants limits the generalizability of these results to this population.

Ursodeoxycholic acid for preventing parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: While ursodeoxycholic acid is used in treating parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in neonates, its role in prevention is unclear. OBJECTIVES: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we attempted to determine the role of ursodeoxycholic acid in preventing PNAC in neonates. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and CINAHL databases were searched on September 16, 2023, for interventional studies comparing ursodeoxycholic acid with placebo. RESULTS: Of the 6180 unique records identified, five studies were eligible for inclusion (three randomised and two nonrandomised). Evidence from randomised trials showed that ursodeoxycholic acid prophylaxis did not reduce cholestasis, mortality, sepsis, and necrotising enterocolitis. Ursodeoxycholic acid prophylaxis reduced feed intolerance (RR 0.23 (0.09, 0.64); 1 RCT, 102 neonates), peak conjugated bilirubin levels (MD -0.13 (-0.22, -0.04) mg/dL; 1 RCT, 102 neonates), and time to full enteral feeds (MD -2.7 (-5.09, -0.31) days; 2 RCTs, 76 neonates). There was no decrease in hospital stay and parenteral nutrition duration. Data from nonrandomised studies did not show benefit in any of the outcomes. The certainty of the evidence was low to very low. CONCLUSION: Because of the very low-quality evidence and lack of evidence on critical outcomes, definitive conclusions could not be made on using ursodeoxycholic acid to prevent parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis in neonates.

Neonatal perforated appendicitis: a presentation of necrotising enterocolitis?

In this case report, we present a late preterm growth-restricted neonate who developed signs of feeding intolerance on the second day of life, which progressed to frank peritonitis with perforation by the end of the second week of life. As necrotising enterocolitis was considered the most likely diagnosis, a glove drain was placed in the flanks. The neonate did not improve, and surgical exploration was done after medical stabilisation. On exploration, the neonate was found to have appendicular perforation and an appendicectomy was performed. During surgery, the rest of the gut was noted to be healthy. Histopathological examination of the appendix showed transmural inflammation, focal infarction and perforation. The postoperative period was uneventful, and the neonate showed rapid improvement and reached full enteral feeding in the next 5 days. Antibiotic therapy promptly resolved bacterial peritonitis, and the neonate was discharged successfully.

Diagnostic Accuracy of Cord Bilirubin to Predict the Need for Phototherapy in Healthy Neonates >35-Week Gestational Age: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: Early discharge puts neonates at risk of delayed detection of jaundice and resulting neurological injury. In these neonates, we can use cord bilirubin to make predictions. In this meta-analysis, we assessed the diagnostic accuracy of cord bilirubin in predicting the need for phototherapy (AAP-2004 or NICE-2010 charts). Methods: We searched the databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, and Index Medicus for Southeast Asian Region. We included all observational studies that assessed the diagnostic accuracy of cord bilirubin. A bivariate model was used to pool the data in prespecified range of cord bilirubin levels (<1.5 mg/dl, 1.5-2.0 mg/dl, 2.0-2.5 mg/dl, 2.5-3.0 mg/dl, and >3.0 mg/dl). Data were pooled separately for studies including all neonates (no risk stratification), high-risk neonates (Rh and/or ABO incompatibility only), and low-risk neonates (excluded Rh and ABO incompatibility). Results: Of the 1990 unique records, we studied 153 full texts and included 54 studies in the meta-analysis. For all the three groups of studies, the highest diagnostic odds ratio was noted for a cord bilirubin cut-off of 2.5-3.0 mg/dl (all neonates: 22.5, 95% CI: 21.1, 22.9; high-risk neonates: 75.5, 95% CI: 63, 85.7; low-risk neonates: 91.9; 95% CI: 64, 134.14). Using the same cut-off, the studies including all neonates without risk stratification had a pooled sensitivity of 0.31 (95% CI: 0.18, 0.47) and a pooled specificity of 0.98 (0.96, 0.99) in predicting the need for phototherapy. In studies on high-risk neonates, the pooled sensitivity was 0.8 (0.39, 0.96) and pooled specificity was 0.95 (0.78, 0.99). In studies on low-risk neonates, the pooled sensitivity was 0.74 (0.39, 0.93) and pooled specificity of 0.97 (0.91, 0.99). We noted significant heterogeneity and a high risk of bias in the index test's conduct. Conclusion: A cord bilirubin cut-off of 2.5-3 mg/dl has good diagnostic accuracy in predicting the need for phototherapy in neonates. Registration number: CRD42020196216.

To feed or not to feed during therapeutic hypothermia in asphyxiated neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The practice of withholding feed during therapeutic hypothermia (TH) in neonates with hypoxemic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is based on conventions rather than evidence. Recent studies suggest that enteral feeding might be safe during TH. We systematically compared the benefits and harms of enteral feeding in infants undergoing TH for HIE. We searched electronic databases and trial registries (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and CENTRAL) until December 15, 2022, for studies comparing enteral feeding and non-feeding strategies. We performed a random-effects meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software. The primary outcome was the incidence of stage II/III necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Other outcomes included the incidence of any stage NEC, mortality, sepsis, feed intolerance, time to full enteral feeds, and hospital stay. Six studies ((two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and four nonrandomized studies of intervention (NRSIs)) enrolling 3693 participants were included. The overall incidence of stage II/III NEC was very low (0.6%). There was no significant difference in the incidence of stage II/III NEC in RCTs (2 trials, 192 participants; RR, 1.20; 95% CI: 0.53 to 2.71, I2, 0%) and NRSIs (3 studies, no events in either group). In the NRSIs, infants in the enteral feeding group had significantly lower sepsis rates (four studies, 3500 participants, RR, 0.59; 95% CI: 0.51 to 0.67, I2-0%) and lower all-cause mortality (three studies, 3465 participants, RR: 0.43; 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.57, I2-0%) than the infants in the "no feeding" group. However, no significant difference in mortality was observed in RCTs (RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.28 to 1.74, I2-0%). Infants in the enteral feeding group achieved full enteral feeding earlier, had higher breastfeeding rates at discharge, received parenteral nutrition for a shorter duration, and had shorter hospital stays than the control group.  Conclusion: In late preterm and term infants with HIE, enteral feeding appears safe and feasible during the cooling phase of TH. However, there is insufficient evidence to guide the timing of initiation, volume, and feed advancement. What is Known: • Many neonatal units withhold enteral feeding during therapeutic hypothermia, fearing an increased risk of complications (feed intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis). • The overall risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in late-preterm and term infants is extremely low (< 1%). What is New: • Enteral feeding during therapeutic hypothermia is safe and does not increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, hypoglycemia, or feed intolerance. It may reduce the incidence of sepsis and all-cause mortality until discharge.

Change in Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-II Measurements for Prediction of Mortality in Severely Septic Preterm Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To study the discriminatory ability of the change (delta) in the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-II (SNAP-II) for 14-d mortality in preterm neonates with severe sepsis. METHODS: Consecutively born neonates of < 34-wk gestation during the 1-y study period in a tertiary care neonatal unit were included. SNAP-II was recorded at the onset of severe sepsis (T0) and serially at 24 (T1), 48 (T2), and 72 (T3) h. Delta scores (Δ SNAP-II) were derived from the difference between the SNAP-II at baseline and each one of the subsequent time points. RESULTS: Seventy-one preterm neonates were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were similar in survivors (n = 53) and nonsurvivors (n = 18). Median SNAP-II at all the four time points were significantly higher in nonsurvivors (p < 0.001). Delta SNAP-II (T0-T2) was significantly different between nonsurvivors and survivors (mean difference: -14.7; 95% CI: -29, -0.9; p = 0.02), while the difference was not significant between T0-T1 and T0-T3. Initial SNAP-II had a significantly better discriminating ability than Δ SNAP-II at various time points (AUC, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.41-0.75 for T0-T1; 0.70, 0.50-0.87 for T0-T2; and 0.64; 0.38-0.89 for T0-T3). CONCLUSIONS: Delta SNAP-II does not have a better discriminatory ability for mortality by 14 d in preterm neonates with severe sepsis.

A Survey of Less Invasive Surfactant Administration Usage in India.

Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) has evolved as an alternative method for surfactant administration. An anonymous web-based survey of 22 questions was designed and sent to 127 neonatologists in India. Seventy-seven (61%) responses were returned from 22 states across India. Among 77 participants, 53 (68.8%) were using LISA, and amongst them, 19 (35.8%) were using LISA as the preferred method. Twenty-one (39.6%) LISA-using respondents learned the technique of LISA by watching online videos, whereas 20 (37.7%) acquired this skill during in-house training sessions. Nineteen (35.8%) centers were not using any premedication before performing LISA. Twenty (37.7%) participants notified regurgitation of surfactant needing a repeat dose as the most common problem encountered while performing LISA. The most common reason for not using LISA was lack of training (n = 20, 83.33%). Though LISA is a promising method of surfactant administration, not many centers prefer LISA in India due to the absence of uniform standardized training.

Perinatal management of pregnancies with Fetal Congenital Anomalies: A guide to Obstetricians and Pediatricians.

Background Congenital anomalies are responsible for approximately 20% of all neonatal deaths worldwide. Improvements in antenatal screening and diagnosis have significantly improved the prenatal detection of birth defects; however, these improvements have not translated into the improved neonatal prognosis of babies born with congenital anomalies. Objectives An attempt has been made to summarise the prenatal interventions, if available, the optimal route, mode and time of delivery and discuss the minimum delivery room preparations that should be made if expecting to deliver a fetus with a congenital anomaly. Methods The recent literature related to the perinatal management of the fetus with prenatally detected common congenital anomalies were searched in English peer-reviewed journals from the PubMed database, to work out an evidence-based approach for their management. Results Fetuses with prenatally detected congenital anomalies should be delivered at a tertiary care centre with facilities for neonatal surgery and paediatric intensive care if needed. There is no indication for preterm delivery in the majority of cases. Only a few congenital malformations, like high-risk sacrococcygeal teratoma, congenital lung masses with significant fetal compromise, fetal cerebral lesions or neural tube defects with Head circumference >40 cm or the biparietal diameter is ≥12 cm, gastroschisis with extracorporeal liver, or giant omphaloceles in the fetus warrant caesarean section as the primary mode of delivery. Conclusion The prognosis of a fetus with congenital anomalies can be significantly improved if planning for delivery, including the Place and Time of delivery, is done optimally. A multi-disciplinary team should be available for the fetus to optimize conditions right from when it is born.

Feeding in Preterm Neonates With Antenatal Doppler Abnormalities: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we attempted to determine the most appropriate feed initiation and advancement practices in preterm neonates with antenatal Doppler abnormalities. METHODS: We included randomized controlled trials comparing different feed initiation and advancement practices in neonates with antenatal Doppler abnormalities. The databases of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, Scopus, and Google Scholar were searched on February 25, 2022. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias tool, version 2. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. RevMan 5.4 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: Of the 1499 unique records identified, 7 studies were eligible for inclusion (6 on feed initiation, 1 on feed advancement). Early enteral feeding did not increase NEC stage 2 or more [risk ratio (RR) 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71-1.78; 6 studies, 775 participants] and mortality (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.47-1.48; 5 studies, 642 participants). A trend was noted towards an increase in feeding intolerance (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.98-1.56; 5 studies, 715 participants). There was a significant reduction in age at full enteral feeds, duration of total parental nutrition, and rates of hospital-acquired infections. Rapid feed advancement decreased the age at full enteral feeds without affecting other outcomes. The overall certainty of the evidence was rated low. Heterogeneity was not significant. CONCLUSION: There is low-certainty evidence that early feed initiation in preterm neonates with antenatal Doppler abnormalities does not increase rates of NEC and mortality. There is insufficient data on the speed of feed advancement.

Care Practices of Indian Pediatricians for the Screening and Diagnosis of Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip.

Pediatricians play a key role in identifying neonates with hip instability or at risk for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH); however, the clinical practices related to screening and further management in India are unknown. A web-based survey was circulated to members of the National Neonatology Forum of India (NNFI). Of the 231 eligible responses, about 92% were from an urban setup. It was noted that 38% (88/231) had not diagnosed any DDH in the past 12 mo, 8% (17/224) had diagnosed cases beyond walking age, 50% (116/231) would pursue further evaluation in children < 3 mo with risk-factors and normal hip exam, 53% (122/229) were aware of hip-safe swaddling, 30% (68/226) were comfortable with performing Ortolani and Barlow maneuvers and < 50% (107/226) were aware of the current guidelines for the management of DDH. Almost all respondents (97.3%, 220/226) felt a need for a DDH care pathway for screening and early management in India. Thus, substantial deficits and variability in screening practices for DDH amongst pediatricians in India.

Comparison of Fenton, INTERGROWTH-21st, and Population-Based Growth Charts in Predicting Outcomes of Very Preterm Small-for-Gestational-Age Neonates.

Growth chart aids in management by identifying at-risk neonates with abnormal growth. In this retrospective analysis of 1067 neonates of 26-31 wk gestational age, the utility of 3 growth charts (local population-based, Fenton-2013, and INTERGROWTH-21st) was studied in identifying very preterm neonates at risk of developing complications secondary to intrauterine growth retardation (hypoglycemia, mortality, and BPD at 36 wk). The proportion of neonates classified as small for gestational age was 9% (n = 96) with Fernandez chart, 16.7% (n = 178) with Fenton-2013 chart, and 24.8% (n = 265) with INTERGROWTH-21st charts. The INTERGROWTH-21st charts were more sensitive in identifying neonates developing complications, followed by Fenton-2013 and population-based charts. The population-based charts were more specific, accurate, and precise in differentiating neonates developing complications from those who did not, followed by Fenton-2013 and INTERGROWTH-21st charts. For the outcomes studied, INTERGROWTH-21st charts had reasonable tradeoff between sensitivity and (34%-50%) and specificity (76%-77%).

Outcomes of Very Preterm Neonates Born by Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART): A Propensity Score Matched Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare outcomes of preterm neonates born through assisted reproduction techniques (ART) and non-ART conception. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included very preterm neonates (26 weeks to 31 weeks) admitted to our neonatal unit over a six year period from 2014 to 2019. The primary outcome was composite adverse outcome of mortality or any of the major morbidities i.e., intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade ≤3, periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) grade ≤2, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) at 36 weeks, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment. RESULT: Total of 759 neonates (253 in ART group, 506 in non-ART group) were included after propensity score matching for gestational age, sex, and small for gestational age (SGA). Neonates in ART group had similar rates of composite adverse outcome [aOR (95% CI) 0.86 (0.55 - 1.36)], mortality [0.93, (0.53- 1.64)] BPD [1.18, (0.37 - 3.76)]; ROP requiring treatment [ 0.49 (0.14-1.71], and other morbidities. CONCLUSION: Very preterm neonates born through ART were not at increased risk of adverse neonatal outcomes.

Surveillance for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in India: Consensus Guidelines From the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of India, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, National Neonatology Forum of India, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association, Indian Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, and Indian Orthopaedic Association.

JUSTIFICATION: When developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is diagnosed during infancy, conservative management is often successful, with good long-term outcomes. In India, DDH is often not diagnosed until walking age and there are limited guidelines for its screening. PROCESS: A multidisciplinary Expert Group consisting of members of the Paediatric Orthopaedic Society of India, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, National Neonatology Forum of India, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association, Indian Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, and Indian Orthopaedic Association worked collaboratively to develop surveillance guidelines for DDH. OBJECTIVES: To enhance the early detection rate of DDH in India through development and implementation of a standardized surveillance care pathway, thus reducing the burden of late-presenting DDH. RECOMMENDATIONS: Routine clinical hip examinations must be performed on all infants at birth and during immunization visits at these approximate time points: 6, 10, and 14 weeks; 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months of age. Assessments include Ortolani and Barlow tests for infants <14 weeks; limited hip abduction and leg length discrepancy for infants >14 weeks; and evaluation of limp in walking children. If clinical examination is abnormal or inconclusive, referral to orthopedics for further evaluation and management is recommended. In infants younger than 6 weeks with positive Barlow test but negative Ortolani test, hip ultrasound is recommended at 6 weeks of age. Infants must also be screened for DDH risk factors: breech presentation, family history of DDH, unsafe hip swaddling, and hip instability at any previous clinical examination. In infants with risk factors but normal clinical examination, further evaluation should include ultrasound taken no earlier than 6 weeks of age for infants younger than 14 weeks, ultrasound or X-ray for infants 14 weeks to 6 months of age, and X-ray for infants older than 6 months. Referral to an orthopedic surgeon is recommended if radiological tests are abnormal.

Congenital hypothyroidism in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis of prevalence, screen positivity rates, and etiology.

Background: Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the leading cause of preventable mental retardation, which is currently not universally screened in India. Knowledge of the country-specific prevalence of the disease can guide in establishing a universal screening program. Methods: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the prevalence, screen positivity rates, compliance to recall and etiology of CH in India. The databases of PubMed, Embase, Google scholar and IMSEAR were searched on 1st October 2021. All observational studies reporting at least one of the outcomes of interest were included. Two reviewers independently extracted the data and appraised the quality of studies using the Joanna Briggs tool for prevalence studies. Estimates were pooled using a random-effects model with double arcsine transformation (MetaXL software). PROSPERO database registration number was CRD42021277523. Findings: Of the 2 073 unique articles retrieved, 70 studies were eligible for inclusion. The prevalence of CH (per 1 000 neonates screened) was 0·97 (95% confidence intervals/CI: 0·9, 1·04) in non-endemic areas (54 studies and 819 559 neonates), 79 (95% CI: 72, 86) in endemic areas (3 studies, 5 060 neonates), 50 (95% CI: 31, 72) in neonates born to mothers with thyroid disorders, and 14 (95% CI: 8, 22) in preterm neonates. At thyroid stimulation hormone cut-off of 20 mIU/L, the screen positivity rates were 5·6% (95% CI: 5·4%, 5·9%) for cord blood samples and 0·19% (95% CI: 0·18%, 0·2%) for postnatal sample. About 70% (95% CI: 70, 71) of screen positive neonates were retested with diagnostic tests. Among neonates with permanent hypothyroidism, thyroid dysgenesis 56·6% (95% CI: 50·9%, 62·2%) was more common than dyshormonogenesis 38·7% (95% CI: 33·2%, 44·3%). Interpretation: The prevalence of congenital hypothyroidism in India is higher than global estimates. Screen positivity rate was higher for cord blood screening when compared to postnatal screening. Compliance with confirmatory testing was higher for cord blood screening. Funding: The study was not funded by any source.

Association between admission temperature and mortality and major morbidity in very low birth weight neonates - single center prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Hypothermia is a common problem especially in preterm neonates and has been associated with increased neonatal mortality and morbidities. The objective of our study was to look into the distribution of admission temperature among VLBW neonates getting admitted to the NICU, association of admission temperatures to selected neonatal morbidities/mortality, and to evaluate for modifiable factors contributing to hypothermia. METHODS: Infants with birth weight between 500 and 1499 g and gestation ≥ 25 weeks without major congenital malformations delivered between October 2017 and March 2020 who were admitted directly from the delivery room to the NICU were included in the study. Data were collected prospectively on perinatal/birth characteristics to look for their association with admission hypothermia, and to look into the association of admission temperature with selected neonatal morbidities/mortality. RESULTS: There were a total of 538 neonates with the mean birth weight of 1206 ± 271 g included in the study. Mean admission temperature was 35.8 ± 1.3 °C. Low delivery room temperature was the most important contributor to admission hypothermia. Also, 3.3% of neonates were hyperthermic at admission to NICU, all of them having been delivered to mothers with intrapartum pyrexia. On adjusted analysis, we found that low admission temperature significantly increased therisk of adverse composite neonatal outcomes with admission temperature < 34.5 °C having 42% increased risk of the adverse outcome when compared to normothermic neonates. CONCLUSION: Admission hypothermia remains a common problem in preterm neonates which is significantly associated with adverse neonatal outcome.

Propensity-Matched Comparison of Very Preterm Small- and Appropriate-for-Gestational-Age Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of mortality and major morbidities between very preterm (< 32 wk gestational age) small-for-gestational-age (SGA) and appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) neonates. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of neonates born between 26-31 wk gestational age from January 2015 to December 2019 was done in level-3 neonatal intensive care unit of a high-risk perinatal center in South India. RESULTS: Of the 1,178 very preterm neonates born in the study period, 909 were eligible for inclusion. After propensity score matching for gestational age, gender, and antenatal steroid use, 592 (444 AGA and 148 SGA) were included in the final analysis. SGA neonates had increased odds of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) ≥ stage 2A [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.2; 95% CI: 1.15-4.21], abnormal composite outcome, i.e., any one of the mortality or major morbidities (aOR: 2.99; 95% CI: 1.96-4.57), hypoglycemia requiring intravenous fluids (aOR: 2.11; 95% CI: 1.05-4.23), and anemia requiring blood transfusions (aOR: 3.13; 95% CI: 1.98-4.93); and a trend towards increased odds of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (aOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 0.92-3.91). Mortality, intraventricular hemorrhage ≥ grade 2, periventricular leukomalacia ≥ grade 2, and retinopathy of prematurity requiring treatment were not different. CONCLUSIONS: SGA neonates have higher odds of having NEC ≥ stage 2A, abnormal composite outcome, hypoglycemia, and anemia compared to appropriately grown neonates.