Non-invasive versus invasive respiratory support in preterm infants.

Respiratory insufficiency is almost ubiquitous in infants born preterm, with its incidence increasing with lower gestational age. A wide range of respiratory support management strategies are available for these infants, separable into non-invasive and invasive forms of respiratory support. Here we review the history and evolution of respiratory care for the preterm infant and then examine evidence that has emerged to support a non-invasive approach to respiratory management where able. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the non-invasive respiratory support mode currently with the most evidence for benefit. CPAP can be delivered safely and effectively and can commence in the delivery room. Particularly in early life, time spent on non-invasive respiratory support, avoiding intubation and mechanical ventilation, affords benefit for the preterm infant by virtue of a lessening of lung injury and hence a reduction in incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In recent years, enthusiasm for application of non-invasive support has been further bolstered by new techniques for administration of exogenous surfactant. Methods of less invasive surfactant delivery, in particular with a thin catheter, have allowed neonatologists to administer surfactant without resort to endotracheal intubation. The benefits of this approach appear to be sustained, even in those infants subsequently requiring mechanical ventilation. This cements the notion that any reduction in exposure to mechanical ventilation leads to alleviation of injury to the vulnerable preterm lung, with a long-lasting effect. Despite the clear advantages of non-invasive respiratory support, there will continue to be a role for intubation and mechanical ventilation in some preterm infants, particularly for those born <25 weeks' gestation. It is currently unclear what role early non-invasive support has in this special population, with more studies required.

Global longitudinal strain is an informative index of left ventricular performance in neonates receiving intensive care.

Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function is crucial in NICU. The study aimed to compare the accuracy and agreement of global longitudinal strain (GLS) with conventional measurements. Real-life echocardiograms of neonates receiving intensive care were retrospectively reviewed. Shortening fraction (SF), ejection fraction (EF) and S' measurements were retrieved from health records. GLS was calculated offline from stored images. The association with stroke volume indexed for body weight (iSV) was evaluated by regression analysis. The diagnostic ability to identify uncompensated shock was assessed by ROC curve analysis. Cohen's κ was run to assess agreement. 334 echocardiograms of 155 neonates were evaluated. Mean ± SD gestational age and birth weight were 34.5 ± 4.1 weeks and 2264 ± 914 g, respectively. SF, EF, S' and GLS were associated with iSV with R2 of 0.133, 0.332, 0.252 and 0.633, (all p < .001). Including all variables in a regression model, iSV prediction showed an adjusted R2 of 0.667, (p < .001). GLS explained 73% of the model variance. GLS showed a better ability to diagnose uncompensated shock (AUC 0.956) compared to EF, S' and SF (AUC 0.757, 0.737 and 0.606, respectively). GLS showed a moderate agreement with EF (κ = .500, p < .001) and a limited agreement with S' and SF (κ = .260, p < .001, κ = .242, p < .001). GLS was a more informative index of left ventricular performance, providing the rationale for a more extensive use of GLS at the cotside.

The role of chest X-ray in the diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review concerning low-resource birth scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Access to diagnostic tools like chest radiography (CXR) is challenging in resource-limited areas. Despite reduced reliance on CXR due to the need for quick clinical decisions, its usage remains prevalent in the approach to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). OBJECTIVES: To assess CXR's role in diagnosing and grading NRDS severity compared to current clinical features and laboratory standards. METHODS: A review of studies with NRDS diagnostic criteria was conducted across six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, BVS, Scopus-Elsevier, Web of Science, Cochrane) up to 3 March 2023. Independent reviewers selected studies, with discrepancies resolved by a senior reviewer. Data were organised into descriptive tables to highlight the use of CXR and clinical indicators of NRDS. RESULTS: Out of 1,686 studies screened, 23 were selected, involving a total of 2,245 newborns. All selected studies used CXR to diagnose NRDS, and 21 (91%) applied it to assess disease severity. While seven reports (30%) indicated that CXR is irreplaceable by other diagnostic tools for NRDS diagnosis, 10 studies (43%) found that alternative methods surpassed CXR in several respects, such as severity assessment, monitoring progress, predicting the need for surfactant therapy, foreseeing Continuous Positive Airway Pressure failure, anticipating intubation requirements, and aiding in differential diagnosis. CONCLUSION: CXR remains an important diagnostic tool for NRDS. Despite its continued use in scientific reports, the findings suggest that the study's outcomes may not fully reflect the current global clinical practices, especially in low-resource settings where the early NRDS approach remains a challenge for neonatal survival.Trial registration: PROSPERO number CRD42022336480.

Main findings: Access to diagnostic tools like chest radiography is challenging in resource-limited areas, yet its usage persists in the management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome despite a decreased dependency due to the imperative for swift clinical decisions.Added knowledge: Despite its continued significance in scientific literature, the usage of chest radiography as a diagnostic tool for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome may not entirely reflect current global clinical practices, particularly in low-resource settings where early management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome poses a challenge for neonatal survival.Global health impact for policy and action: The results underscore the necessity of guidelines for the utilisation of chest radiography to minimise unnecessary ionising radiation exposure while ensuring timely access to critical clinical information for appropriate newborn care.

EPIDEMIOLOGY OF CONGENITAL ANOMALS IN A NATIONAL REFERENCE HOSPITAL IN ECUADOR / EPIDEMIOLOGÍA DE LAS ANOMALÍAS CONGÉNITAS EN UN HOSPITAL DE REFERENCIA NACIONAL EN ECUADOR / EPIDEMIOLOGIA DE ANOMALIAS CONGÊNITAS EM UM HOSPITAL DE REFERÊNCIA NACIONAL NO EQUADOR

Objective. To determine the prevalence, types, and associated risk factors of congenital anomalies in newborns admitted to Isidro Ayora Gynecological-Obstetric Hospital in Quito, Ecuador, between 2009-2022. Methods. Cross-sectional study, using retrospective data from the Perinatal Information System database. Chi-square tests and simple and multiple binary logistic regression models were employed. R programming language was utilized. Results. A total of 26,236 newborns were studied, of which 11.7% (3,075) were diagnosed with congenital anomalies. The most common were those related to the nervous system (25.6%), cardiorespiratory system (21.1%), and musculoskeletal system (16.1%). Maternal age over 35 years, pregnancy planning, and multiple pregnancies were associated with the presence of congenital anomalies. When analyzing risk factors by affected system, maternal age, maternal history of abortions and diabetes, folic acid consumption, and newborn's sex had both favorable and unfavorable effects on the development of congenital anomalies in a specific system. Conclusions. This study investigated the prevalence and most common types of congenital anomalies, along with their associated risk factors, in a reference hospital. These findings were compared with reports from other regions. The results provide significant data on the epidemiology of congenital anomalies in the studied population, which can guide the development of preventive strategies. The need for further comprehensive research on this topic in the region is emphasized.

Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia, tipos y factores de riesgo asociados a anomalías congénitas en recién nacidos ingresados en el Hospital Gineco-Obstétrico Isidro Ayora de Quito, Ecuador, entre 2009-2022. Métodos. Estudio transversal, con datos retrospectivos de la base de datos del Sistema Informático Perinatal. Se emplearon pruebas de Chi cuadrado y modelos de regresión logística binaria simples y múltiples. Se utilizó el lenguaje de programación R.  Resultados. Se estudiaron 26 236 recién nacidos, el 11,7% (3 075) fueron diagnosticados con anomalías congénitas. Las más frecuentes fueron las relacionadas con el sistema nervioso (25,6%), las cardiorrespiratorias (21,1%) y las musculoesqueléticas (16,1%).  La edad materna superior a 35 años, la planificación del embarazo y los embarazos múltiples se asociaron con la presencia de anomalías congénitas. Al analizar los factores de riesgo en función del sistema afectado se encontró que la edad materna, los antecedentes maternos de abortos y diabetes, el consumo de ácido fólico y el sexo del recién nacido tenían efectos tanto favorables como desfavorables para el desarrollo de anomalías congénitas de un sistema específico. Conclusiones. Este estudio investigó la prevalencia y los tipos más comunes de anomalías congénitas, así como sus factores de riesgo asociados, en un hospital de referencia. Se compararon estos hallazgos con lo reportado en otras regiones. Los resultados obtenidos ofrecen datos significativos sobre la epidemiología de las anomalías congénitas en la población estudiada, lo que puede orientar el desarrollo de estrategias preventivas. Se destaca la necesidad de realizar investigaciones más exhaustivas sobre este tema en la región.

Objetivo. Determinar a prevalência, tipos e fatores de risco associados a anomalias congênitas em recém-nascidos admitidos no Hospital Gineco-Obstétrico Isidro Ayora de Quito, Equador, entre 2009-2022. Métodos. Estudo transversal, com dados retrospectivos da base de dados do Sistema Informático Perinatal. Foram utilizados testes de Qui-quadrado e modelos de regressão logística binária simples e múltiplos. A linguagem de programação R foi empregada. Resultados. Foram estudados 26.236 recém-nascidos, dos quais 11,7% (3.075) foram diagnosticados com anomalias congênitas. As mais frequentes foram as relacionadas ao sistema nervoso (25,6%), cardiorrespiratórias (21,1%) e musculoesqueléticas (16,1%). Idade materna acima de 35 anos, planejamento da gravidez e gestações múltiplas foram associados à presença de anomalias congênitas. Ao analisar os fatores de risco em relação ao sistema afetado, observou-se que a idade materna, antecedentes maternos de aborto e diabetes, consumo de ácido fólico e sexo do recém-nascido tiveram efeitos tanto favoráveis quanto desfavoráveis para o desenvolvimento de anomalias congênitas em um sistema específico. Conclusões. Este estudo investigou a prevalência e os tipos mais comuns de anomalias congênitas, bem como seus fatores de risco associados, em um hospital de referência. Esses achados foram comparados com o que é relatado em outras regiões. Os resultados obtidos fornecem dados significativos sobre a epidemiologia das anomalias congênitas na população estudada, o que pode orientar o desenvolvimento de estratégias preventivas. Destaca-se a necessidade de realizar pesquisas mais abrangentes sobre esse tema na região.

External anatomical landmarks for urethral catheter positioning in male newborns: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Improper urethral catheterization may lead to complications such as urethral injury, catheter entanglement and urinary tract infection. Most of the related literature has focused on aseptic surgical technique, but there are no guidelines on the optimal insertion length for neonatal urinary catheterization. OBJECTIVE: To explore the external anatomical landmarks for urethral catheter positioning in male newborns. METHODS: This research is based on an observational study in Beijing Children's Hospital, China. Hospitalized male neonates who required Foley balloon catheters were prospectively enrolled in this study. The actual insertion length of the urethral catheter for male neonates and the anticipated insertion length based on anatomical landmarks were measured and compared. RESULTS: A total of 67 male neonates were enrolled. The mean body length was 50.66 ±â€¯2.93 cm, and the mean body weight was 3.33 ±â€¯0.70 kg. The mean actual insertion length of catheter was 8.77 ±â€¯0.94 cm, while the anticipated length was 10.89 ±â€¯0.95 cm. All the anticipated lengths exceeded the actual insertion length by 0.5-4.6 cm, which was deemed suitable for the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Estimating the insertion length of urethral catheters based on external anatomical landmarks is clinically feasible. Selecting an anatomical landmark is a safe method for nurses or doctors to ensure the correct positioning of a urethral catheter. Tweetable abstract The data of 67 male neonates shows that external anatomical landmarks for urethral catheter positioning in male newborns are possible.

Maternal and neonatal health outcomes for First Nations Australian women and children: A retrospective cohort study in a Western Sydney metropolitan tertiary referral centre.

AIM: To analyse key pregnancy and birth outcomes for First Nations women and children at a Western Sydney metropolitan tertiary referral centre. METHODS: The birth and health-determining characteristics of 470 First Nations infants born at Nepean Hospital in 2018 and their mothers were included in a retrospective audit and compared with a contemporaneous control group of 470 infants and their mothers. RESULTS: Mothers of First Nations infants had significantly higher rates of socioeconomic disadvantage (P < 0.001), psychosocial vulnerability (P < 0.007), mental illness (P < 0.001), teenage pregnancy (P < 0.001), smoking (45.6% vs. 19.4%, P < 0.001) and drug and alcohol use than control mothers (P < 0.001, P < 0.048). First Nations peoples did not have increased rates of maternal morbidity, nor any difference in rates of Caesarean section, resuscitation at birth, NICU admission, preterm birth or low birth weight in multivariable analysis. However, multivariable analysis demonstrated significant associations between low birth weight and maternal smoking (P < 0.001), hypertension (P < 0.01) and drug use (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Despite challenges facing First Nations mothers and infants, our study found no significant difference in maternal morbidity nor adverse birth outcomes for First Nations infants. The study occurred in the context of culturally specific, First Nations-led antenatal and infant services. Future studies should further investigate relationships between participation in these services and health outcomes. This could identify strengths and areas for improvement in current services, with the goal of further improving outcomes for First Nations peoples through targeted health services that address their psychosocial vulnerabilities and support women to make healthy choices during pregnancy.

A review of the current policies and guidance regarding Apgar scoring and the detection of jaundice and cyanosis concerning Black, Asian and ethnic minority neonates.

BACKGROUND: Ethnic inequalities in maternal and neonatal health in the UK are well documented. Concerns exist regarding the use of skin colour in neonatal assessments. Healthcare professionals should be trained to recognise symptoms of diverse skin tones, and comprehensive, and inclusive guidance is necessary for the safe assessment of all infants. Disparities in healthcare provision have been emphasised during the COVID-19 pandemic, and additional research is needed to determine whether such policies adequately address ethnic minority neonates. METHODS: A desktop search included searches of guidance produced for the United Kingdom (UK). Further searches of the Cochrane and World Health Organization (WHO) were used to identify any international guidance applicable in the UK context. RESULTS: Several policies and one training resource used descriptors 'pink,' 'pale,' 'pallor,' and 'blue' about neonatal skin and mucous membrane colour. No policies provided specific guidance on how these colour descriptors may appear in neonates with different skin pigmentation. Only the NICE guidance and HEE e-learning resource acknowledged the challenges of assessing jaundice in infants with diverse skin tones, while another guideline noted differences in the accuracy of bilirubin measurements for the assessment of jaundice. Three policies and one training resource advised against relying on visual observation of skin colour when diagnosing neonatal conditions. The training resource included images of ethnic minority neonates, although most images included white infants. CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate consideration of ethnicity in UK policy and training perpetuates disparities, leading to inaccurate assessments. A review is needed for inclusivity in neonatal care, regardless of skin pigmentation.

Are multiple projections necessary when assessing umbilical venous catheter placement in neonates? A retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: There is variability in clinical practice regarding the number of radiographic views required to accurately determine umbilical venous catheter (UVC) tip position. Some units prefer performing a single anteroposterior (AP) view and others do both AP and lateral views. The aim of this study was to compare the need for one versus two radiographical views to accurately determine UVC tip position. METHODS: Radiographs of 382 infants (all gestations) from two level six neonatal units were included in the study. Patients with congenital anomalies and those who had adjustment of UVC position between AP and lateral films being performed were excluded. Six clinicians reviewed anonymized AP only images and documented UVC tip position. Subsequently, they reviewed both AP and lateral views and again documented the UVC tip position. Results were compared to the expert consensus which was taken from the consensus of two paediatric radiologists. RESULTS: The study population had a mean gestational age of 32.8 weeks and birth weight of 2190 g, with 58% males. The UVC tip positions were accurately determined 76% times by the AP view alone and 82% times by using both the AP and lateral views (P < 0.001). The low placed UVC tip position which is the most inappropriate for use was more accurately determined by two images (78% times) rather than single image (70% times) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Utilising both AP and lateral views was superior in accurately determining UVC tip position to AP view alone.

One-step vs. two-step gestational diabetes mellitus screening and pregnancy outcomes: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing maternal and neonatal outcomes of patients screened with one-step or two-step screening methods for GDM. DATA SOURCES: Pubmed, Scopus, Cochrane, ClinicalTrials.gov, and LILACS were searched from inception up to September 2022. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included. Studies that had overlapping populations were excluded (PROSPERO CRD42022358903). STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Risk ratios (RR) were computed with 95% confidence intervals (CI) by two authors. Unpublished data were requested. Large for gestational age (LGA) was the primary outcome. RESULTS: The search yielded 394 citations. Seven RCTs met inclusion criteria. A total of 54,650 participants were screened for GDM by either the one-step method (N=27,163) or the two-step method (N=27,487). For LGA, there were no significant differences found between groups (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.93-1.05; I2=0%). Newborns of patients in one-step testing had higher rates of neonatal hypoglycemia (RR 1.24; 95% CI 1.14-1.34; I2 =0%) and NICU admissions (RR 1.13; 95% CI 1.04-1.21; I2=0%). Patients in the one-step group were more likely to be diagnosed with GDM (RR 1.73; 95% CI 1.44-2.09; I2=80%). In addition, among trials that tested all patients prior to and excluded patients with pregestational diabetes, newborns were more likely to have macrosomia (RR 1.27; 95% CI 1.21- 1.34; I2=0%). Overall risk of bias assessment was of low concern. CONCLUSIONS: LGA did not differ between patients screened by one-step method and those by two-step method. However, patients randomized to one-step method had higher rates of neonatal hypoglycemia and NICU admission as well as maternal GDM diagnosis than the two-step method.

Pharmacological Management of Cardiac Arrhythmias in the Fetal and Neonatal Periods: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association: Endorsed by the Pediatric & Congenital Electrophysiology Society (PACES).

Disorders of the cardiac rhythm may occur in both the fetus and neonate. Because of the immature myocardium, the hemodynamic consequences of either bradyarrhythmias or tachyarrhythmias may be far more significant than in mature physiological states. Treatment options are limited in the fetus and neonate because of limited vascular access, patient size, and the significant risk/benefit ratio of any intervention. In addition, exposure of the fetus or neonate to either persistent arrhythmias or antiarrhythmic medications may have yet-to-be-determined long-term developmental consequences. This scientific statement discusses the mechanism of arrhythmias, pharmacological treatment options, and distinct aspects of pharmacokinetics for the fetus and neonate. From the available current data, subjects of apparent consistency/consensus are presented, as well as future directions for research in terms of aspects of care for which evidence has not been established.

Coagulation assessment of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infected pregnant women and their offspring by using rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM).

OBJECTIVES: During pregnancy, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) infection may intensify the gestational procoagulant state. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) associated coagulopathy (CAC) constitutes an exacerbated immunothrombosis response. There is limited data regarding the coagulation profile of SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women, especially those with CAC, and the effect on their offspring. This prospective study aimed to compare the hemostatic profile of those women and their neonates with healthy mother-neonate pairs. METHODS: Conventional coagulation tests (CCTs) and rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) were employed to evaluate the hemostatic profiles. Neonates were assessed at birth and on the fourth day of life. RESULTS: We enrolled 46 SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women and 22 healthy controls who gave birth to 47 and 22 neonates, respectively. CAC was present in 10 participants. SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women manifested slightly prolonged APTT and higher fibrinogen levels. Regarding ROTEM, we noted decreased FIBTEM CFT, with higher A10, A-angle, and MCF. The CAC group presented lower platelet count, increased fibrinogen levels, and higher FIBTEM A10 and MCF. PT was slightly prolonged at birth in neonates born to SARS-CoV2-infected mothers. During the fourth day of life, D-dimers were significantly increased. Concerning ROTEM, neonates born to SARS-CoV2-infected mothers showed lower FIBTEM CT at birth. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV2-infected pregnant women present a hypercoagulable profile. Hypercoagulability with elevated fibrinolysis and lower platelet count is observed in participants with CAC. The coagulation profile of neonates born to SARS-CoV2 mothers seems unaffected. Elevated D-dimers on the fourth day may reflect a neonatal inflammatory response to maternal SARS-CoV2.

Curds in the way: A milk curd obstruction review and normal sonographic bowel appearances using a novel scoring system in neonates on fortified breast milk feeds.

INTRODUCTION: Fortified expressed breast milk (FEBM) is a standard of care for premature and low birth weight neonates, but comes with an elevated risk of a rare but re-emergent pathology called milk curd obstruction (MCO). Little is known about normal sonographic appearances of bowel contents in this feeding setting, making the recognition of abnormalities difficult. Thus, we aimed to describe appearances that may be considered typical pre- and post-fortifier inclusion. METHODS: Ten neonates of <32 weeks' gestation or a birth weight of <1,800 g recruited from Auckland City Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care between 1/5/2019 and 10/9/2019 received bowel ultrasounds within 24 h before and 10-14 days after starting FEBM. Bowel contents in six abdominal regions were assigned scores of 1-6 based on increasing solidification. RESULTS: Lower gestational age was correlated with more solid contents on the pre-fortifier ultrasound (P = 0.02). Fortifier was significantly associated with increasing solidity, particularly in the left abdomen (P < 0.001). The left lower quadrant and rectum accounted for much of this change (P = 0.012 and P = 0.002). One subject who subsequently developed a clinical picture consistent with early MCO had uniquely demonstrated non-rectal solid contents (score 6). The interobserver kappa score for two assessors was 0.91 (95% CI 0.94-0.99) on still images. CONCLUSION: This small cohort demonstrated increasing bowel content solidification after breast milk fortification using a novel ultrasound scoring system with good interobserver agreement. Non-rectal solid contents (score 6) appeared atypical. Ultrasound shows promise for its non-irradiating diagnostic utility in the setting of early milk curd disease evaluation of the premature neonate.

Retrospective analysis of referrals for hypoxic challenge testing in children born preterm.

INTRODUCTION: Children with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) may be at risk of hypoxaemia at altitude, such as during air travel. We have performed preflight hypoxic challenge testing (HCT) since 2006, incorporating British Thoracic Society (BTS) guidance since 2011, to determine which children may require oxygen during air travel. AIMS: We aimed to compare the outcome of HCTs in children with a history of BPD who met the 2011 BTS criteria and those who did not and, in addition to this, to interrogate the data for factors that may predict the outcome of HCT in this population. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of data from HCTs of children with a history of BPD referred 2006-2020. Cases were excluded if the patient had a respiratory comorbidity, was still on oxygen therapy, if the test was a repeat or if the clinical record was incomplete. Descriptive and univariate analysis of the data was performed, and a binary logistic regression model was fitted. RESULTS: There were 79 HCTs, of which 24/79 (30%) did not meet BTS 2011 guidelines referral criteria. The analysis showed a greater proportion of desaturation in the group that did not meet criteria: 46% vs 27% (no statistical significance). Baseline oxygen saturations were higher in those who did not require oxygen during HCT and this variable was significant when adjusted for confounders. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that the current criteria for referral for preflight testing may incorrectly identify those most at risk and highlights the need for further investigation to ensure those most at risk are being assessed prior to air travel.

2023 American Heart Association and American Academy of Pediatrics Focused Update on Neonatal Resuscitation: An Update to the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

This 2023 focused update to the neonatal resuscitation guidelines is based on 4 systematic reviews recently completed under the direction of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation Neonatal Life Support Task Force. Systematic reviewers and content experts from this task force performed comprehensive reviews of the scientific literature on umbilical cord management in preterm, late preterm, and term newborn infants, and the optimal devices and interfaces used for administering positive-pressure ventilation during resuscitation of newborn infants. These recommendations provide new guidance on the use of intact umbilical cord milking, device selection for administering positive-pressure ventilation, and an additional primary interface for administering positive-pressure ventilation.

Patients' prognosis with congenital heart disease followed by ten years: survival and associated factors / Prognóstico de pacientes com cardiopatia congênita seguidos por dez anos: sobrevida e fatores associados

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the prognosis and influence of associated factors in patients with congenital heart disease admitted for the first time to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio/Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, especially those factors associated with death. Methods: Patients were prospectively and consecutively allocated over a period of one year (August 2005 to July 2006). Now, 15 years after the initial selection, we collected data from these patients in the database of the Cytogenetics Laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre and in the medical records of the hospital. Results: Of the 96 patients, 11 died and 85 were alive until 20 years old. Four patients died in the Intensive Care Unit. The survival probability up to 365 days of life was 95.8%. The survival assessment identified that the deaths occurred mainly before the patients completed one thousand days of life. We found that complex heart disease was independently associated with an odds ratio of 5.19 (95% confidence interval — CI:1.09-24.71; p=0.038) for death. Conclusions: Knowledge about the factors that interfere with the prognosis can be crucial in care practice planning, especially considering that congenital heart disease is an important cause of mortality in the first year of life.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar o prognóstico e a influência de fatores associados em pacientes com cardiopatia congênita internados pela primeira vez na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva do Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio/Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, principalmente aqueles fatores associados ao óbito. Métodos: Os pacientes foram alocados prospectiva e consecutivamente por um período de um ano (agosto de 2005 a julho de 2006). Agora, 15 anos após a seleção inicial, coletamos dados desses pacientes no banco de dados do Laboratório de Citogenética da Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre e nos prontuários do hospital. Resultados: Dos 96 pacientes, 11 faleceram e 85 permaneceram vivos até completar 20 anos. Quatro pacientes morreram na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. A probabilidade de sobrevida até 365 dias de vida foi de 95,8%. A avaliação da sobrevida identificou que os óbitos ocorreram principalmente antes de os pacientes completarem mil dias de vida. Verificamos que a doença cardíaca complexa foi independentemente associada a um odds ratio de 5,19 (intervalo de confiança — IC95% 1,09-24,71; p=0,038) para morte. Conclusões: O conhecimento dos fatores que interferem no prognóstico pode ser fundamental no planejamento da prática assistencial, principalmente considerando-se que as cardiopatias congênitas são importante causa de mortalidade no primeiro ano de vida.

Ocular manifestation of vertical transmission of dengue: case report / Manifestação ocular de transmissão vertical de dengue: relato de caso

ABSTRACT A 7-week-old male delivered by cesarean section presented with a positive serology for dengue along with preretinal and retinal hemorrhages, vitreous opacities and cotton wool spots. The patient and his mother had positive serologies for Non Structural Protein 1 (NS1) by ELISA. Retinal and vitreous findings improved over a sixteen-week period. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed preserved macular architecture. In this case report, we suggest that retinal and vitreous changes may be the ocular presenting features of vertically transmitted dengue in newborns, and that those findings may resolve with no major structural sequelae.

RESUMO Neonato de 7 semanas, do sexo masculino, nascido de parto cesárea, apresentou sorologia positiva para dengue com hemorragias retinianas e pré-retinianas, opacidades vítreas e manchas algodonosas. O paciente e sua mãe haviam apresentado sorologias positivas para Non Structural Protein 1 através de ELISA. Achados na retina e no vítreo melhoraram em um período de dezesseis semanas. O exame de tomografia de coerência óptica de domínio espectral demonstrou arquitetura macular preservada. Neste relato de caso, sugerimos que alterações na retina e no vítreo podem ser os achados oculares aparentes em neonatos com infecção vertical por dengue, e que estes podem se resolver sem maiores sequelas estruturais.

Visita domiciliar na primeira semana saúde integral, segundo enfermeiros da atenção primária / Home visit in the first week integral health, according to primary care nurses / Visita domiciliaria en la primera semana salud integral, según enfermeras de atención primaria

Objetivo: compreender a percepção e implementação da visita domiciliar na Primeira Semana Saúde Integral, segundo enfermeiros da Atenção Primária. Método: estudo qualitativo, realizado por entrevistas com cinco enfermeiras em Unidades de Saúde da Família no curimataú paraibano, entre agosto e dezembro de 2019. Os dados foram interpretados pela Análise de Conteúdo. Resultados: percebeu-se a partir de duas categorias que, os enfermeiros reconhecem a Primeira Semana Saúde Integral como estratégia de integralidade na saúde ao binômio, utilizando unicamente a visita domiciliar como ação; distinguem os elementos necessários para a implementação desta conforme as diretrizes nacionais, todavia identificaram desafios, bem como estratégias para dirimi-los. Considerações finais: reforça-se a ideia da educação permanente para qualificação dos profissionais na Atenção Primária, bem como a inserção de um instrumento para a realização das visitas domiciliares, potencializando assim as ações de cuidado

Objective: to understand the perception and implementation of home visits in the First Integral Health Week, according to Primary Care nurses. Method: qualitative study, carried out with five nurses in Family Health Units in curimataú, Paraíba, between August and December 2019. Data were interpreted by Content Analysis. Results: it was noticed from two categories that the nurses recognize the First Integral Health Week as a strategy of integrality in health to the binomial, using only the home visit as an action; distinguish the elements necessary for the implementation of this according to the national guidelines, however they identified challenges, as well as strategies to solve them. Final considerations: the idea of continuing education for the qualification of professionals in Primary Care is reinforced, as well as the insertion of an instrument for carrying out home visits, thus enhancing care actions

Objetivos: comprender la percepción e implementación de la visita domiciliaria en la Primera Semana de Salud Integral, según los enfermeros de Atención Primaria. Método: estudio cualitativo, realizado con cinco enfermeros en Unidades de Salud de la Familia en Curimataú, Paraíba, entre agosto y diciembre de 2019. Los datos fueron interpretados por Análisis de Contenido. Resultados: se percibió a partir de dos categorías que los enfermeros reconocen la Primera Semana de Salud Integral como una estrategia de integralidad en salud al binomio, utilizando únicamente la visita domiciliaria como acción; distinguen los elementos necesarios para la implementación de este de acuerdo a los lineamientos nacionales, sin embargo identificaron desafíos, así como estrategias para solucionarlos. Consideraciones finales: se refuerza la idea de educación continua para la calificación de profesionales en la Atención Básica, así como la inserción de un instrumento para la realización de visitas domiciliarias, potenciando así las acciones de cuidado