Implementation of a Regional Standardised Model for Perinatal Electronic Medical Records.

Electronic recording of newborn health information contributes to improving the quality of care. Nonetheless, there is limited evidence on the implementation of perinatal electronic medical records models. We describe the development and implementation of an electronic recording model that includes data on the health care provided to both the mother and the newborn, standardised for six hospitals of a regional health care system. The implementation process was developed in 2 stages. During stage 1, the tool was introduced in hospitals to stablish first contact with the healthcare staff. The second stage consisted in designing a new strategy to stabilise the model. Technical issues were fixed, and a new version was drawn up based on multidisciplinary agreement. Indicators to monitor implementation were measured in both stages and compared using the chi-squared test. During stage 1, nearly every newborn got its electronic medical record with an appropriate connection to the mother's data. However, certain forms that were meant to be filled in by staff were frequently neglected (completion rates: 36.7%-55.3%). In stage 2, there was a statistically significant increase in the completion rates of all these forms. As a result, a standardised discharge report was provided to every newborn at the end of stage 2. The PCR model implemented in the Region of Murcia is an innovative example of how the digitalisation and standardisation of data related to the care of healthy newborns at maternity wards is feasible across an entire network of hospitals.

Implementation of a neonatal donation protocol in the neonatal intensive care unit: A single-center experience.

BACKGROUND: Lack of specific protocols for neonatal donation contributes to the rarity of neonatal donors. In this study, we evaluate the impact of the implementation of a neonatal donation protocol in our NICU. METHODS: In this single-center study, we conducted a retrospective chart review of neonatal deaths in our NICU from January 2013 to January 2022. The study was divided into two periods: before and after the implementation of a neonatal donation protocol. The referral rates of potential neonatal donors to the OPO in the two periods were compared using the chi-square test. A p value < .05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Sixty-four infants were reviewed. Seven (10.9%) met the inclusion criteria for potential neonatal donors after DCC. The referral rate of potential neonatal donors increased from 2.5% to 16.7% after the implementation of this protocol (p = .041), and one infant (4.1%) became an effective heart-valve donor. CONCLUSION: The implementation of a local neonatal donation protocol could have contributed to increase the referral rate of potential neonatal donors in our NICU. Following the implementation of a local neonatal donation protocol, we were able to perform a heart-valve donation for the first time in our unit.

Stretched penile length at birth: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Micropenis is an endocrinological condition that is habitually observed at birth. Diagnosis is made by measuring the stretched penile length, a method established 80 years ago. Discrepancies in the normative data from recent studies raise the need for a current revision of the methodology. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this systematic review were to compare the different normative data of SPL at birth, to examine the methodological aspects of the technique and to evaluate the independent variables that may be involved. METHODS: Searches were performed using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scielo, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science. A combination of the relevant medical terms, keywords and word variants for "stretched penile length", "penile length", "penile size", "newborn" and "birth" were used. Eligibility criteria included normative studies that used the stretched penile length (SPL) measurement on a population of healthy, full-term newborns during the first month of life. The outcomes studied included characteristics of the studies, methodological aspects and independent variables. RESULTS: We identified 49 studies comprising 21,399 children. Significant discrepancies are observed between the different studies. Methodological aspects seem to be consistent and similar. The main independent variables appear to be ethnic group and gestational age. Main limitations were the absence of studies of entire world regions such as Europe or South America, and the heterogeneity of the ethnic background that complicates the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: It seems advisable to suggest the creation of customized reference charts for each specific population instead of resorting to the classic cut-off points.

Recomendaciones de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología para la utilización de palivizumab como profilaxis de las infecciones graves por el virus respiratorio sincitial en lactantes de alto riesgo, actualización / An update of the recommendations of the Spanish Neonatology Society for the use of palivizumab as prophylaxis for severe infections due to syncytial respiratory virus in high risk infants

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Recomendaciones para el cuidado del cordón umbilical en el recién nacido / Recommendations for the care of the umbilical cord in the newborn

El cuidado del cordón umbilical hasta su desprendimiento continúa siendo motivo de controversia en la actualidad. La Organización Mundial de la Salud recomienda en su última revisión realizar la cura en seco en países con cuidados obstétricos adecuados y una tasa baja de mortalidad neonatal. Por otro lado, en los últimos años han surgido nuevos estudios y revisiones que atribuyen un beneficio a aplicar clorhexidina tópica en el muñón. El presente documento analiza la evidencia disponible y concluye en la conveniencia de continuar recomendando la cura en seco en los nacimientos de nuestro entorno

The care of the umbilical cord until its detachment still remains controversial. The latest updated recommendations by the World Health Organisation advocate dry cord care in those countries with adequate obstetric care and low neonatal mortality rate. In recent years, new studies and reviews attribute some benefit to applying chlorhexidine on the umbilical stump. An analysis is presented here of the available evidence and results in the advisability of still recommending the dry cord care in the newborns in our setting

[Recommendations for the care of the umbilical cord in the newborn]. / Recomendaciones para el cuidado del cordón umbilical en el recién nacido.

The care of the umbilical cord until its detachment still remains controversial. The latest updated recommendations by the World Health Organisation advocate dry cord care in those countries with adequate obstetric care and low neonatal mortality rate. In recent years, new studies and reviews attribute some benefit to applying chlorhexidine on the umbilical stump. An analysis is presented here of the available evidence and results in the advisability of still recommending the dry cord care in the newborns in our setting.

Diseño y adecuación de una solución gluco-proteica con calcio a las necesidades de recién nacidos pre-término / Design and adequacy of a glycoprotein solution with calcium for the needs of preterm newborn infants

RESUMEN Nuestro objetivo fue diseñar una solución gluco-proteica estandarizada con aporte de calcio y evaluar su adecuación en recién nacidos pre-término en las primeras horas de vida. Método: Se realizó un estudio piloto entre febrero de 2016 y febrero de 2017 en el que se diseñaron dos soluciones gluco-proteicas (vía central y vía periférica) para ser utilizadas en recién nacidos en las primeras horas de vida, que se adaptasen a los requerimientos de todos los recién nacidos en función del ritmo de infusión. Se diseñaron según las recomendaciones existentes y se elaboró el protocolo normalizado de trabajo para describir el proceso de elaboración y los controles de calidad requeridos (visual, gravimétrico y microbiológico). Se monitorizo la respuesta de esta solución gluco-proteica en recién nacidos pre-término. Resultados principales: Se elaboraron 54 lotes de soluciones glucoproteicas por vía central y 52 por vía periférica que se administraron a 47 recién nacidos pre-término sin presentarse complicaciones ni efectos adversos. Conclusiones: la concentración de calcio de la solución gluco-proteica se adapta a las necesidades de la mayoría de los recién nacidos pre-término. La elaboración de soluciones estandarizadas disminuye la carga de trabajo del servicio de farmacia y los costes económicos asociados.

ABSTRACT Our aim was to design a standardized glycoprotein solution with calcium and evaluate adequacy for preterm newborn infants in the first hours of life. Method: Pilot study conducted between February 2016 and February 2017. Two glycoprotein solutions were designed (central and peripheral administration) to be used in newborns in the first hours of life to provide the requirements of all newborns depending on the infusion rhythm. The solutions were designed according to current recommendations, the standard operating procedure was drawn up describing the elaboration process, and the quality controls required (visual, gravimetric and microbiological). The response of this solution in preterm newborns was monitored. Main results: During the study, 54 batches of central glycoprotein solutions and 52 of peripheral glycoprotein solutions were prepared and administered to 47 preterm newborns without complications or side effects in relation to their administration. Conclusions: The concentration of calcium used in the glycoprotein solution formulation was adapted to the requirements of most preterm newborns. The development of standardized solutions reduces the workload of the pharmacy service and the associated economic costs.

Cribado de cardiopatías congénitas críticas en el periodo neonatal. Recomendación de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología / Pulse oximetry screening of critical congenital heart defects in the neonatal period. The Spanish National Neonatal Society recommendation

Debido a su gravedad y a las consecuencias de un diagnóstico tardío, los defectos cardíacos congénitos críticos (DCCC) representan un reto, por lo que es necesario su diagnóstico muy precoz, idealmente antes del comienzo de los síntomas clínicos, que normalmente preceden al colapso circulatorio o muerte del recién nacido. Por ello es importante su diagnóstico prenatal y posnatal muy precoz; sin embargo, tanto el diagnóstico por ecocardiografía fetal como la exploración física del recién nacido pueden ser insuficientes para diagnosticar un número importante de estos DCCC. El cribado de DCCC mediante el uso de pulsioximetría ha demostrado ser un método eficaz, no invasivo y de bajo coste, además de bien tolerado, para detectar a recién nacidos asintomáticos y afectos de DCCC en las primeras horas después del nacimiento. La Sociedad Española de Neonatología, a través de su Comisión de Estándares, hace una recomendación, basada en la evidencia actual, para la implementación en nuestro medio de la pulsioximetría como cribado neonatal de DCCC, y poder ofrecer a estos recién nacidos el mejor tratamiento posible en cada caso (AU)

Due to its severity, as well as the consequences of a late diagnosis, critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) represent a challenging situation, making an early diagnosis necessary and ideally before symptoms appear when circulatory collapse or death of the newborn can occur. Due to this, a prenatal and very early postnatal diagnosis is very important. Prenatal ultrasound screening and physical examination of the newborn can miss a considerable number of CCHD cases. Pulse oximetry screening has been demonstrated to be an effective, non-invasive, inexpensive, and well accepted tool in the early diagnosis of CCHD. The Spanish National Society of Neonatology, through its Standards Committee, and based on the current evidence, recommend the implementation of pulse oximetry screening of CCHD in Spain, and then to offer the best therapy possible to these newborn infants (AU)

[Pulse oximetry screening of critical congenital heart defects in the neonatal period. The Spanish National Neonatal Society recommendation]. / Cribado de cardiopatías congénitas críticas en el periodo neonatal. Recomendación de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología.

Due to its severity, as well as the consequences of a late diagnosis, critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) represent a challenging situation, making an early diagnosis necessary and ideally before symptoms appear when circulatory collapse or death of the newborn can occur. Due to this, a prenatal and very early postnatal diagnosis is very important. Prenatal ultrasound screening and physical examination of the newborn can miss a considerable number of CCHD cases. Pulse oximetry screening has been demonstrated to be an effective, non-invasive, inexpensive, and well accepted tool in the early diagnosis of CCHD. The Spanish National Society of Neonatology, through its Standards Committee, and based on the current evidence, recommend the implementation of pulse oximetry screening of CCHD in Spain, and then to offer the best therapy possible to these newborn infants.

Recomendaciones para la prevención, la detección y el manejo de la hiperbilirrubinemia en los recién nacidos con 35 o más semanas de edad gestacional / Guidelines for prevention, detection and management of hyperbilirubinaemia in newborns of 35 or more weeks of gestation

La hiperbilirrubinemia representa la causa más común de reingreso hospitalario en la primera semana de vida. Su detección continúa siendo un desafío, debido especialmente al alta precoz que puede asociarse con un retraso en el diagnóstico. La identificación de los niños con riesgo de desarrollar hiperbilirrubinemia significativa es una de las principales prioridades de la sanidad pública. En este documento, se presenta un enfoque para el manejo de la ictericia del recién nacido, según recomendaciones basadas en la evidencia médica y en la opinión del Comité de Estándares de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología (AU)

Hyperbilirubinaemia is one of the most frequent causes of hospital readmission during the first week of life. Its detection is still a big challenge, mainly due to the early discharge from the hospital that can be associated with a delay of the diagnosis. The identification of those newborns at risk of developing significant hyperbilirubinaemia is one of the main priorities in the public health care system. An approach to the management of newborn jaundice is presented in this article, following the recommendations based on the medical evidence and on the opinion of the Standards Committee of the Spanish Society of Neonatology (AU)

Recomendaciones para la identificación inequívoca del recién nacido / Recommendations for the unequivocal identification of the newborn

La identificación del recién nacido es un derecho reconocido, tanto a nivel internacional como nacional, y la correcta identificación del paciente constituye una prioridad dentro de las políticas de mejora de la seguridad de la asistencia sanitaria. En este documento el Comité de Estándares de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología recoge las recomendaciones para garantizar la identificación inequívoca del recién nacido durante su estancia hospitalaria. La combinación del codificador neonatal (pulsera de la madre y pulsera del recién nacido y pinza de cordón con un mismo número y con un código de barras idéntico y exclusivo para cada recién nacido), junto con la recogida de una muestra de sangre materna y otra de sangre del cordón umbilical (para análisis de ADN en caso exclusivamente de duda de identidad) es actualmente el método más fiable de identificación del recién nacido (AU)

Newborn identification is a legal right recognised by international and national laws. Moreover, improving the accuracy of correct patient identification is an important goal of patient safety solutions programs. In this article, the Standards Committee of the Spanish Society of Neonatology establishes recommendations to ensure correct identification of the newborn whilst in hospital. Currently, the most reliable method of identification of the newborn is the combination of identification cord clamp and bracelets (mother bracelet, newborn bracelet and cord clamp with the same number and identical and exclusive barcode system for each newborn) and the collection of maternal and umbilical cord blood samples (for DNA testing only for identification purposes) (AU)

Central-peripheral Temperature Monitoring as a Marker for Diagnosing Late-onset Neonatal Sepsis.

BACKGROUND: The prognosis for late-onset sepsis depends largely on a timely diagnosis. We assess central-peripheral temperature difference monitoring as a marker for late-onset neonatal sepsis diagnosis. METHODS: We performed a prospective, observational study focusing on a cohort of 129 very low-birth-weight infants. Thermal gradient alteration was defined as a difference of > 2°C maintained during 4 hours. We then determined its association with the late-onset sepsis variable through logistic regression. RESULTS: We enrolled 129 preterm babies in 52 months. Thermal gradient alterations showed an adjusted odds ratio for late-onset sepsis of 23.60 (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.80-81.88), with a sensitivity of 83% and negative predictive value of 94%. In 71% of cases, thermal gradient alteration was the first clinical sign of sepsis, while C-reactive protein was < 1.5 mg/dL in 64% of cases and procalcitonin < 2 ng/mL in 36%. These figures indicate potential for early diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Sustained increases of central-peripheral temperature differences are an early sign of evolving late-onset sepsis.

Cinco pasos para la disminución de las infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria en prematuros grandes inmaduros. Estudio cuasiexperimental / Five steps to decreasing nosocomial infections in large immature premature infants: A quasi-experimental study

Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el impacto de un conjunto de 5 intervenciones sobre la incidencia de infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria en una unidad de Neonatología de nivel iii. Material y métodos: Estudio cuasiexperimental pre-postintervención. Se incluyó a aquellos prematuros con peso al nacimiento <1.500 g o edad gestacional <32 semanas que ingresaron en los 12 meses previos y posteriores a la implantación de las medidas (enero del 2014). Las intervenciones consistieron en optimizar la higiene de manos, protocolizar la inserción y la manipulación de catéteres intravenosos centrales, fomentar la alimentación con leche materna, implantar una política de uso racional de antibióticos y establecer un sistema de vigilancia epidemiológica de gérmenes multirresistentes. Como variable principal se analizó la densidad de incidencia de infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria antes y después de implementar las medidas. Resultados: Fueron incluidos 33 pacientes en cada período, homogéneos en edad gestacional, peso y otras variables demográficas. Se constató una densidad de incidencia de 8,7 y 2,7 infecciones/1.000 días de estancia en los períodos pre y postintervención respectivamente (p <0,05). También se halló una disminución estadísticamente significativa en el porcentaje de días en ventilación mecánica, así como de pacientes que recibieron hemoderivados y fármacos vasoactivos. Conclusiones: Esta estrategia, basada en la puesta en marcha de 5 medidas concretas, fue efectiva en la disminución de infecciones relacionadas con la asistencia sanitaria en una unidad con tasas elevadas de dichas infecciones. Esta reducción pudo contribuir a una menor tasa de empleo de ventilación mecánica, hemoderivados y fármacos vasoactivos en el período postintervención (AU)

Objectives: An evaluation is made of the impact of a series of five interventions on the incidence of hospital-related infections in a level iii neonatal unit. Material and methods: Quasi-experimental, pre-post intervention study, which included preterm infants weighing 1,500g at birth or delivered at <32 weeks gestation, admitted in the 12 months before and after the measures were implemented (January 2014). The measures consisted of: optimising hand washing, following a protocol for insertion and handling of central intravenous catheters, encouraging breastfeeding; applying a protocol for rational antibiotic use, and establishing a surveillance system for multi-resistant bacteria. The primary endpoint was to assess the incidence of hospital-acquired infections before and after implementing the interventions. Results: Thirty-three matched patients were included in each period. There was an incidence of 8.7 and 2.7 hospital-related infections/1,000 hospital stay days in the pre- and post-intervention periods, respectively (P<.05). Additionally, patients in the treatment group showed a statistically-significant decrease in days on mechanical ventilation, use of blood products, and vasoactive drugs. Conclusions: The strategy, based on implementing five specific measures in a unit with a high rate of hospital-related infections, proved effective in reducing their incidence. This reduction could contribute to lowering the use of mechanical ventilation, blood products, and vasoactive drugs (AU)

Criterios de alta hospitalaria para el recién nacido de muy bajo peso al nacimiento / Hospital discharge criteria for very low birth weight newborns

Los criterios de alta del recién nacido pretérmino se basan principalmente en los denominados criterios fisiológicos (termorregulación, estabilidad respiratoria y la capacidad para realizar alimentación oral), sin que podamos olvidar la importancia de la adquisición de competencias por parte de los padres para el cuidado de sus hijos y la necesidad de una adecuada planificación del alta como pilares de un alta con plenas garantías. En este documento del Comité de Estándares de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología se revisan los criterios de alta del recién nacido pretérmino con objeto de que pueda ser útil como guía en la planificación del alta y para unificar criterios entre las distintas Unidades de Neonatología (AU)

Hospital discharge criteria for the pre-term newborn are mainly based on physiological competences (thermoregulation, respiratory stability, and feeding skills), although family support and ability to care for the baby, as well as a well-planned discharge are also cornerstones to ensure a successful discharge. In this article, the Committee of Standards of the Spanish Society of Neonatology reviews the current hospital discharge criteria in order for it to be useful as a clinical guide in Spanish neonatal units (AU)

[Guidelines for prevention, detection and management of hyperbilirubinaemia in newborns of 35 or more weeks of gestation]. / Recomendaciones para la prevención, la detección y el manejo de la hiperbilirrubinemia en los recién nacidos con 35 o más semanas de edad gestacional.

Hyperbilirubinaemia is one of the most frequent causes of hospital readmission during the first week of life. Its detection is still a big challenge, mainly due to the early discharge from the hospital that can be associated with a delay of the diagnosis. The identification of those newborns at risk of developing significant hyperbilirubinaemia is one of the main priorities in the public health care system. An approach to the management of newborn jaundice is presented in this article, following the recommendations based on the medical evidence and on the opinion of the Standards Committee of the Spanish Society of Neonatology.

Uso de levetiracetam en crisis convulsivas neonatales / Use of levetiracetam in neonatal seizures

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Criterios de alta hospitalaria del recién nacido a término sano tras el parto / Criteria for hospital discharge of the healthy term newborn after delivery

Los criterios para el alta de un recién nacido deben incluir la estabilidad fisiológica y la competencia de la familia para proporcionar los cuidados al recién nacido en el domicilio. En este documento, el Comité de Estándares de la Sociedad Española de Neonatología revisa los criterios de mínimos que se deben dar antes del alta de un recién nacido a término. Se incluye una revisión de los criterios de alta en el caso de recién nacidos prematuros tardíos, debido a que estos recién nacidos frecuentemente no son hospitalizados y permanecen con sus madres tras el nacimiento. Se puede considerar, en recién nacidos a término sanos, una estancia hospitalaria reducida (menor a 48h tras el nacimiento), pero esta no es apropiada para todas las madres y todos los recién nacidos. Aquellos recién nacidos dados de alta antes de las 48h del nacimiento deben ser evaluados entre el tercer y el cuarto día de vida

Criteria for newborn hospital discharge have to include physiological stability and family competence to provide newborn care at home. In this document, the Committee of Standards of the Spanish Society of Neonatology reviews the minimum criteria to be met before hospital discharge of a term newborn infant. We include a review of hospital discharge criteria for the late preterm infants, as these infants are often not hospitalised and remain with their mother after birth. A shortened hospital stay (less than 48h after delivery) for healthy term newborns can be considered, but it is not appropriate for every mother and newborn. Newborn infants discharged before 48h of age, should be examined within 3-4 days of life