Modeling Developmental Changes in Caffeine Clearance Considering Differences between Pre- and Postnatal Period.

Taguchi et al. reported that postmenstrual age (PMA) is a promising factor in describing and understanding the developmental change of caffeine (CAF) clearance. The aim of the present study was to quantify how developmental changes occur and to determine the effect of the length of the gestational period on CAF clearance. We performed a nonlinear mixed effect model (NONMEM) analysis and evaluated the fit of six models. A total of 115 samples were obtained from 52 patients with a mean age of 34.3 ± 18.2 d. The median values of gestational age (GA) and postnatal age (PNA) were 196 and 31 d, respectively. Serum CAF levels corrected for dose per body surface area (BSA) (C/D ratioBSA) were dependent on PMA rather than PNA, which supports the findings of a previous study. NONMEM analysis provided the following final model of oral clearance: CL/F = 0.00603∙WT∙∙0.877GA ≤ 196 L/h. This model takes into account developmental changes during prenatal and postnatal periods separately. The model successfully described the variation in clearance of CAF. Our findings suggest that the dosage of CAF in preterm infants should be determined based not only on body weight (WT) but also on both PNA and GA.

Impact of preterm birth on muscle mass and function: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Individuals born preterm present lower exercise capacity. Along with the cardiopulmonary responses and activity level, muscle strength is a key determinant of exercise capacity. This systematic review aimed to summarize the current knowledge on the impact of preterm birth on skeletal muscle mass and function across the lifespan. The databases PubMed, MEDLINE, EBM, Embase, CINAHL Plus, Global Index Medicus, and Google Scholar were searched using keywords and MeSH terms related to skeletal muscle, preterm birth, and low birth weight. Two independent reviewers undertook study selection, data extraction, and quality appraisal using Covidence review management. Data were pooled to estimate the prematurity effect on muscle mass and function using the R software. From 4378 studies retrieved, 132 were full-text reviewed and 25 met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Five studies presented a low risk of bias, and 5 had a higher risk of bias due to a lack of adjustment for confounding factors and presenting incomplete outcomes. Meta-analyses of pooled data from homogenous studies indicated a significant reduction in muscle thickness and jump test (muscle power) in individuals born preterm versus full-term with standardized mean difference and confidence interval of - 0.58 (0.27, 0.89) and - 0.45 (0.21, 0.69), respectively.    Conclusion: Overall, this systematic review summarizing the existing literature on the impact of preterm birth on skeletal muscle indicates emerging evidence that individuals born preterm, display alteration in the development of their skeletal muscle mass and function. This work also highlights a clear knowledge gap in understanding the effect of preterm birth on skeletal muscle development. What is Known: • Preterm birth, which occurs at a critical time of skeletal muscle development and maturation, impairs the development of different organs and tissues leading to a higher risk of comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases. • Preterm birth is associated with reduced exercise capacity. What is New: • Individuals born preterm display alterations in muscle mass and function compared to individuals born at term from infancy to adulthood. • There is a need to develop preventive or curative interventions to improve skeletal muscle health in preterm-born individuals.

Postnatal growth in small vulnerable newborns: a longitudinal study of 2 million Brazilians using routine register-based linked data.

BACKGROUND: Preterm, low-birth weight (LBW) and small-for-gestational age (SGA) newborns have a higher frequency of adverse health outcomes, including linear and ponderal growth impairment. OBJECTIVE: To describe the growth trajectories and to estimate catch-up growth during the first 5 y of life of small newborns according to 3 vulnerability phenotypes (preterm, LBW, SGA). METHODS: Longitudinal study using linked data from the 100 Million Brazilian Cohort baseline, the Brazilian National Live Birth System (SINASC), and the Food and Nutrition Surveillance System (SISVAN) from 2011 to 2017. We estimated the length/height-for-age (L/HAZ) and weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) trajectories from children of 6-59 mo using the linear mixed model for each vulnerable newborn phenotype. Growth velocity for both L/HAZ and WAZ was calculated considering the change (Δ) in the mean z-score between 2 time points. Catch-up growth was defined as a change in z-score > 0.67 at any time during follow-up. RESULTS: We analyzed 2,021,998 live born children and 8,726,599 observations. The prevalence of at least one of the vulnerable phenotypes was 16.7% and 0.6% were simultaneously preterm, LBW, and SGA. For those born at term, all phenotypes had a period of growth recovery from 12 mo. For preterm infants, the onset of L/HAZ growth recovery started later at 24 mo and the growth trajectories appear to be lower than those born at term, a condition aggravated among children with the 3 phenotypes. Preterm and female infants seem to experience slower growth recovery than those born at term and males. The catch-up growth occurs at 24-59 mo for males preterm: preterm + AGA + NBW (Δ = 0.80), preterm + AGA + LBW (Δ = 0.88), and preterm + SGA + LBW (Δ = 1.08); and among females: term + SGA + NBW (Δ = 0.69), term + AGA + LBW (Δ = 0.72), term + SGA + LBW (Δ = 0.77), preterm + AGA + LBW (Δ = 0.68), and preterm + SGA + LBW (Δ = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: Children born preterm seem to reach L/HAZ and WAZ growth trajectories lower than those attained by children born at term, a condition aggravated among the most vulnerable.

Promoção das competências alimentares do recém-nascido: intervenções centradas no neurodesenvolvimento / Promoting newborn feeding skills: interventions focused on neurodevelopment

A evolução científica e tecnológica na área de enfermagem, tem ganho um destaque no cuidado ao recém-nascido, sendo que nas unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatais se tem assistido a uma mudança de cultura na promoção de cuidados holísticos e de intervenções neuroprotetoras. Apesar dos avanços científicos e tecnológicos os recém-nascidos pré-termo mantêm-se vulneráveis às consequências da prematuridade, nomeadamente no que diz respeito à otimização da nutrição. Um dos desafios dos enfermeiros é potenciar o desenvolvimento de competências do RN na transição para a alimentação oral, de forma segura e eficaz, promovendo a autonomia alimentar. O presente Relatório de Estágio pretende evidenciar o desenvolvimento e aquisição das competências de Enfermeiro Especialista em Enfermagem de Saúde Infantil e Pediátrica durante o percurso de formação, sob a temática escolhida: promoção das competências alimentares no recém-nascido. O processo formativo foi suportado numa metodologia crítica e reflexiva, baseada na evidência científica e no Modelo de Sistemas de Betty Neuman, enquanto referencial teórico de enfermagem, nos Cuidados Centrados na Família e nos Cuidados Não Traumáticos enquanto pilares de enfermagem pediátrica e ainda no modelo dos Cuidados para o Desenvolvimento, baseados na Teoria Sinativa de Desenvolvimento de Als. Das atividades desenvolvidas destacam-se a realização de duas sessões de formação sobre as competências alimentares do recém-nascido e a apresentação a escala de avaliação das competências oromotoras através da escala Early Feeding Skills Versão Modificada.

The scientific and technological development in nursing has gained prominence in newborn care and neonatal intensive care units have witnessed a change of culture in the promotion of holistic care and neuroprotective interventions. Despite scientific and technological advances, preterm newborns remain vulnerable to the consequences of prematurity, particularly regarding the optimisation of nutrition. One of the main challenges nurses face is to promote the development of the newborn's skills in the transition to oral feeding, by safely and effectively promoting feeding autonomy. This Report aims to highlight the development and acquisition of skills as Specialist Nurse in Child Health and Paediatric Nursing, during the reflective practice, under the main problematic: promotion of feeding skills in newborns. This learning process is based on a critical and reflective methodology, supported by scientific evidence and Betty Neuman's Systems Model, as a nursing theoretical framework. It is also sustained by Family Centred Care and Non-Trauma Care, as pillars of paediatric nursing, and backed by Developmental Care Model, based on Als´s Synactive Theory of development. Among the activities developed, two training sessions stand out regarding the feeding skills of the newborn and the presentation of oromotor skills, using the Early Feeding Skills Modified Version asessment scale.

Conteúdo energético do leite humano administrado em recém nascidos prematuros / Energy content of human milk administered to premature newborns / Contenido energético de la leche humana administrada a recién nacidos prematuros

Objetivo: avaliar e comparar o conteúdo energético do leite humano cru e do leite humano processado de recém-nascidos pré-termo. Método: foram coletadas 68 amostras de leite por meio de ordenha manual e o processamento foi realizado no Banco de Leite Humano. O valor energético foi obtido por meio de cálculos matemáticos específicos. Resultados: foram analisadas 32 amostras de leite humano cru e 28 de leite humano pasteurizado. O percentual médio de creme foi de 3,84±1,3% e mediana de 4,5 % no leite pasteurizado, e no cru de 8,9±4,6% e 8,53%. A média e mediana do conteúdo energético do leite cru foi de 78,91±15,46 kcal/100 ml e 81,07 kcal/100 ml e no leite pasteurizado 65,18±9,67 kcal/ 100 ml e 61,8 kcal/100 ml. Conclusão: o leite humano cru possui percentual de gordura e conteúdo energético maior do que o pasteurizado, mas este ainda é recomendado devido seus benefícios protetores.

Objective: to evaluate and compare the energy content of raw human milk and processed human milk from preterm newborns. Method: 68 milk samples were collected by hand milking and processing was carried out at the Human Milk Bank. The energy value was obtained through specific mathematical calculations. Results: 32 samples of raw human milk and 28 of pasteurized human milk were analyzed. The average percentage of cream was 3.84±1.3% and a median of 4.5% in pasteurized milk, and in raw milk, 8.9±4.6% and 8.53%. The mean and median energy content of raw milk was 78.91±15.46 kcal/100 ml and 81.07 kcal/100 ml and in pasteurized milk 65.18 ± 9.67 kcal/100 ml and 61.8 kcal/100 ml. Conclusion: raw human milk has a higher percentage of fat and energy content than pasteurized milk, but it is still recommended due to its protective benefits.

Objetivo: evaluar y comparar el contenido energético de la leche humana cruda y la leche humana procesada de recién nacidos prematuros. Método: Se recolectaron 68 muestras de leche por ordeño manual y el procesamiento se realizó en el Banco de Leche Humana. El valor energético se obtuvo mediante cálculos matemáticos específicos. Resultados: se analizaron 32 muestras de leche humana cruda y 28 de leche humana pasteurizada. El porcentaje medio de nata fue 3,84±1,3% y una mediana de 4,5% en leche pasteurizada, y en leche cruda 8,9±4,6% y 8,53%. El contenido energético medio y mediano de la leche cruda fue de 78,91±15,46 kcal/100 ml y 81,07 kcal/100 ml y de la leche pasteurizada de 65,18±9,67 kcal/100 ml y 61,8 kcal/100 ml. Conclusión: la leche humana cruda tiene un mayor porcentaje de contenido graso y energético que la leche pasteurizada, pero aun así es recomendada por sus beneficios protectores.

Resultados en el neurodesarrollo en la edad preescolar y escolar de los recién nacidos pretérminos asistidos en el CTI neonatal de la Asociación Médica de San José / Neurodevelopmental preschool and school results of preterm newborns assisted at the neonatal ICU of the San José department medical provider in Uruguay / Resultados neuro desenvolvimento em idade pré-escolar e escolar de recém-nascidos pré-termos atendidos na UTI neonatal da assistência médica do departamento do São José no Uruguai

Uruguay acompaña la tendencia mundial al descenso de la natalidad con un descenso de la mortalidad concomitante, siendo la primera causa de mortalidad infantil la prematurez. Enfocados en la prematurez, es de nuestro interés conocer qué ocurre con estos niños luego del alta de la unidad neonatal. Se realizó el estudio de una cohorte de niños entre 4 y 8 años, nacidos con 32 semanas o menos de edad gestacional y/o con pesos al nacer de 1.500 g o menos, asistidos en su período neonatal en la Asociación Médica de San José, a quienes se les realizó el test de Battelle. Se logró identificar las áreas con mayor dificultad en el desarrollo para cada grupo de edad, concluyendo que se pueden realizar planes específicos de acción para promover el desarrollo de estos niños en la edad preescolar y escolar.

Uruguay follows the global declining trend in birth rates along with decreasing mortality, being prematurity the main cause of infant mortality. We studied premature children who had undergone the Battelle Test and had been discharged from the neonatal unit, a cohort of children between 4 and 8 years of age, born at 32 weeks or less of gestational age and/or having a birth weight of 1500g or less, assisted in their neonatal period at the San José Department Medical Center. We could identify the main areas affecting development for each age group, and concluded that specific action plans can be carried out to promote the development of these children at preschool and school age.

O Uruguai acompanha a tendência mundial de declínio das taxas de natalidade com uma concomitante diminuição da mortalidade, sendo a prematuridade a principal causa de mortalidade infantil. Nos focamos na prematuridade e no estudo do que acontece com essas crianças após a alta da unidade neonatal. Realizamos um estudo de uma coorte de crianças entre 4 e 8 anos que tinham sido submetidas ao Teste de Battelle, nascidas com 32 semanas ou menos de idade gestacional e/ou com peso de nascimento igual ou inferior a 1500g, atendidas no período neonatal na Assistência Médica do Departamento de São José no Uruguai. Foi possível identificar as áreas de maior dificuldade de desenvolvimento para cada faixa etária, e concluir que podem se realizar planos de ação específicos para promover o desenvolvimento dessas crianças em idade pré-escolar e escolar.

Desenvolvimento de bebês prematuros deve ser acompanhado durante toda a infância

O parto prematuro é a principal causa global de mortalidade infantil antes dos cinco anos de idade. No ranking mundial dos países com mais nascimentos prematuros, o Brasil ocupa o 10º lugar.

Neonatal Docosahexaenoic Acid in Preterm Infants and Intelligence at 5 Years.

BACKGROUND: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a component of neural tissue. Because its accretion into the brain is greatest during the final trimester of pregnancy, infants born before 29 weeks' gestation do not receive the normal supply of DHA. The effect of this deficiency on subsequent cognitive development is not well understood. METHODS: We assessed general intelligence at 5 years in children who had been enrolled in a trial of neonatal DHA supplementation to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In the previous trial, infants born before 29 weeks' gestation had been randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive an enteral emulsion that provided 60 mg of DHA per kilogram of body weight per day or a control emulsion from the first 3 days of enteral feeds until 36 weeks of postmenstrual age or discharge home, whichever occurred first. Children from 5 of the 13 centers in the original trial were invited to undergo assessment with the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) at 5 years of corrected age. The primary outcome was the full-scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ) score. Secondary outcomes included the components of WPPSI. RESULTS: A total of 1273 infants underwent randomization in the original trial; of the 656 surviving children who had undergone randomization at the centers included in this follow-up study, 480 (73%) had an FSIQ score available - 241 in the DHA group and 239 in the control group. After imputation of missing data, the mean (±SD) FSIQ scores were 95.4±17.3 in the DHA group and 91.9±19.1 in the control group (adjusted difference, 3.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.38 to 6.53; P = 0.03). The results for secondary outcomes generally did not support that obtained for the primary outcome. Adverse events were similar in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In infants born before 29 weeks' gestation who had been enrolled in a trial to assess the effect of DHA supplementation on bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the use of an enteral DHA emulsion until 36 weeks of postmenstrual age was associated with modestly higher FSIQ scores at 5 years of age than control feeding. (Funded by the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and Nu-Mega Ingredients; N3RO Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry number, ACTRN12612000503820.).

Aspectes perinatals del nadons prematurs nascuts per pneumònia covid-19 materna greu / Prematuridad por neumonía covid-19 materna grave / Preterm births due to severe maternal covid-19 pneumonia

Fonament. En els mesos de juliol i agost del 2021, coincidint amb l’onada de SARS-CoV-2 a causa de la variantdelta del virus i amb la vacunació poblacional encara incompleta, a l’hospital Vall d’Hebron hi va haver diversosingressos de nounats prematurs a causa de pneumòniagreu per covid-19 materna, en ser aquest un centre dereferència per a gestants amb covid-19 greu. En aquesttreball es recullen les característiques més rellevantsd’aquesta població.Objectiu. Descriure l’experiència amb nounats prematurs acausa de pneumònia greu per SARS-CoV-2 materna.Mètode. Es tracta d’un treball descriptiu que reuneix elscasos atesos a l’Hospital Vall d’Hebron (Barcelona) durantdos mesos, i en mostra les característiques clíniques principals.Resultats. La majoria dels pacients van ser negatius per aSARS-CoV-2 en els aspirats fets durant l’ingrés, no van requerir suport respiratori perllongat ni van presentar patologies importants més enllà de les associades a la prematuritat. Destaca la freqüència de símptomes gastrointestinals iproblemes en l’alimentació, probablement causats per ladificultat d’accés a la llet materna pròpia per gravetat clínicao derivats de la inflamació en el context perinatal.Conclusions. Es tracta d’una mostra petita, de manera quesón necessaris més estudis per poder extreure’n conclusions. (AU)

Fundamento. En los meses de julio y agosto de 2021, coincidiendocon la ola de SARS-CoV-2 debida a la variante delta del virus y ala vacunación poblacional incompleta, en el Hospital Vall d’Hebronhubo varios ingresos de recién nacidos prematuros debido a neumonía grave materna, al ser este un centro de referencia paragestantes con infección por covid-19 grave. En este trabajo serecogen las características más relevantes de dicha población.Objetivo. Describir la experiencia con recién nacidos prematuros acausa de neumonía grave por covid-19 materna. Método. Se trata de un trabajo descriptivo que reúne los casosatendidos en nuestro hospital durante dos meses y muestra susprincipales características clínicas.Resultados.La mayoría de los pacientes fueron negativos paraSARS-CoV-2 en los aspirados realizados durante su ingreso, norequirieron soporte respiratorio prolongado ni presentaron patologías importantes más allá de las asociadas a su prematuridad.Destaca la frecuencia de síntomas gastrointestinales y problemasen la alimentación, probablemente debidos a la dificultad en elacceso a leche materna propia por gravedad clínica y/o derivadosde la inflamación en el contexto perinatal.Conclusiones. Se trata de una muestra pequeña, por lo que sonnecesarios más estudios para poder extraer conclusiones. (AU)

Background. During the months of July and August of 2021, duringthe SARS-CoV-2 delta variant wave in the context of incompletevaccination of the population in Spain, several premature newborns due to severe maternal pneumonia were admitted in Hospital Vall d’Hebron, which is a reference center for pregnant womenwith severe Covid-19 infections. In this study we describe the essential characteristics of this population.Objective. To describe the experience with premature neonates secondary to severe SARS-CoV-2 maternal pneumonia.Method. Descriptive study of the clinical characteristics of all thesenewborns admitted during the months of July and August of 2021.Results. Most of the patients were negative for SARS-CoV-2 in themicrobiological tests performed, most of them did not require prolonged respiratory support and most of them did not present significant pathologies beyond those associated with their prematurity.There was a high frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and feeding problems, mostly related to difficulties in accessing to breastmilk due to maternal clinical severity and possibly to perinatalinflammatory context.Conclusions. Considering the small sample size, more studies arenecessary to further describe this population. (AU)

Comparison of intergrowth-21st and Fenton curves for evaluation of premature newborns / Comparação das curvas de intergrowth-21st e de Fenton para avaliação de recém-nascidos prematuros

Abstract Objectives: to compare the intrauterine and postnatal growth of preterm infants according to the Intergrowth-21st and Fenton curves. Methods: study carried out in a maternity hospital, reference in high-risk pregnancy, with preterm infants born in 2018 who were hospitalized in the neonatal units of the institution. Preterm newborns weighed at least twice after birth were included in the sample and those that were syndromic, malformed or presented fluid retention were excluded. Proportions and means were compared using Pearson's chi-square and Student's t tests for paired samples, respectively. The McNemar test was used to compare categorical variables and the Kappa test to verify the degree of agreement between birth weight classifications obtained by the curves. Results: one hundred and fifty three infants with a median gestational age of 34.4 weeks were included. The incidences of the categories of nutritional status at birth did not differ between the curves. There was perfect agreement between the curves, except when newborns born under 33 weeks of gestational age were evaluated, in which case the agreement was substantial. About 21% of the babies classified as small for gestational age (SGA) by Intergrowth-21st were adequate for gestational age (AGA) according to Fenton and, on average, 20% of cases that had postnatal growth restriction (PNGR) according to Fenton standards were categorized as adequate weight by Intergrowth-21st. Postnatal weight classifications obtained by the evaluated curves had perfect agreement. Conclusions: the differences in theclassifications found between the charts reveal the importance of choosing the growth curve for monitoring preterm infants since behaviors based on their diagnoses can impact the life of this population.

Resumo Objetivos: comparar o crescimento intrauterino e pós-natal de prematuros segundo as curvas de Intergrowth-21st e Fenton. Métodos: estudo realizado em uma maternidade de referência em gestação de alto risco com prematuros nascidos em 2018 que ficaram internados nas unidades neonatais da instituição. Foram incluídos os pré-termos pesados em pelo menos dois momentos após o nascimento e excluídos aqueles sindrômicos, malformados ou com retenção hídrica. As proporções e médias foram comparadas a partir dos testes qui-quadrado de Pearson e t de student para amostras emparelhadas, respectivamente. Já o teste de McNemar foi utilizado para comparar as variáveis categóricas e teste Kappa para verificar o grau de concordância entre as classificações de peso ao nascer obtidos pelas curvas. Resultados: foram incluídos 153 lactentes com idade gestacional mediana de 34,4 semanas. As incidências das categorias de estado nutricional ao nascer não diferiram entre as curvas. Houve concordância perfeita entre as mesmas, exceto quando se avaliou os nascidos com menos de 33 semanas, onde a concordância foi substancial. Cerca de 21% dos bebês classificados como pequenos para a idade gestacional (PIG) por Intergrowth-21st foram adequados para idade gestacional (AIG) segundo Fenton e, em média, 20% dos casos que tiveram restrição de crescimento pós-natal (RCPN) de acordo aos padrões de Fenton foram categorizados com peso adequado por Intergrowth-21st. As classificações de peso pós-natal obtidas pelas curvas avaliadas tiveram concordância perfeita. Conclusões: as diferenças de classificação encontradas revelam a importância da escolha da curva de crescimento para monitorização de prematuros visto que, condutas baseadas em seus diagnósticos, podem impactar na vida dessa população.

Sex-Specific Effects of Nutritional Supplements for Infants Born Early or Small: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis (ESSENCE IPD-MA) II: Growth.

Neonatal nutritional supplements may improve early growth for infants born small, but effects on long-term growth are unclear and may differ by sex. We assessed the effects of early macronutrient supplements on later growth. We searched databases and clinical trials registers from inception to April 2019. Participant-level data from randomised trials were included if the intention was to increase macronutrient intake to improve growth or development of infants born preterm or small-for-gestational-age. Co-primary outcomes were cognitive impairment and metabolic risk. Supplementation did not alter BMI in childhood (kg/m2: adjusted mean difference (aMD) -0.11[95% CI -0.47, 0.25], p = 0.54; 3 trials, n = 333). Supplementation increased length (cm: aMD 0.37[0.01, 0.72], p = 0.04; 18 trials, n = 2008) and bone mineral content (g: aMD 10.22[0.52, 19.92], p = 0.04; 6 trials, n = 313) in infancy, but not at older ages. There were no differences between supplemented and unsupplemented groups for other outcomes. In subgroup analysis, supplementation increased the height z-score in male toddlers (aMD 0.20[0.02, 0.37], p = 0.03; 10 trials, n = 595) but not in females, and no significant sex interaction was observed (p = 0.21). Macronutrient supplementation for infants born small may not alter BMI in childhood. Supplementation increased growth in infancy, but these effects did not persist in later life. The effects did not differ between boys and girls.

Clinical implications of preterm infant gut microbiome development.

Perturbations to the infant gut microbiome during the first weeks to months of life affect growth, development and health. In particular, assembly of an altered intestinal microbiota during infant development results in an increased risk of immune and metabolic diseases that can persist into childhood and potentially into adulthood. Most research into gut microbiome development has focused on full-term babies, but health-related outcomes are also important for preterm babies. The systemic physiological immaturity of very preterm gestation babies (born earlier than 32 weeks gestation) results in numerous other microbiome-organ interactions, the mechanisms of which have yet to be fully elucidated or in some cases even considered. In this Perspective, we compare assembly of the intestinal microbiome in preterm and term infants. We focus in particular on the clinical implications of preterm infant gut microbiome composition and discuss the prospects for microbiome diagnostics and interventions to improve the health of preterm babies.

Cardiac and vascular health in late preterm infants.

Adults who were born preterm are at increased risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease in later life. Infants born late preterm are the majority of preterm births; however, the effect of late preterm on risk of cardiovascular disease is unclear. The objective of this study was to assess whether vascular health and cardiac autonomic control differ in a group of late preterm newborn infants compared to a group of term-born infants.A total of 35 healthy late preterm newborn infants, with normal growth (34-36 completed weeks' gestation) and 139 term-born infants (37-42 weeks' gestation) were compared in this study. Aortic wall thickening, assessed as aortic intima-media thickness (IMT) by high-resolution ultrasound, and cardiac autonomic control, assessed by heart rate variability, were measured during the first week of life. Postnatal age of full-term and late preterm infants at the time of the study was 5 days (standard deviation [SD] 5) and 4 days (SD 3), respectively.Infants born late preterm show reduced aortic IMT (574 µm [SD 51] vs. 612 µm [SD 73]) and reduced heart rate variability [log total power 622.3 (606.5) ms2 vs. 1180. 6 (1114.3) ms2], compared to term infants. These associations remained even after adjustment for sex and birth weight.Infants born late preterm show selective differences in markers of cardiovascular risk, with potentially beneficial differences in aortic wall thickness in contrast to potentially detrimental differences in autonomic control, when compared with term-born control infants. These findings provide pathophysiologic evidence to support an increased risk of hypertension and sudden cardiac death in individuals born late preterm.

Head circumference, total cerebral volume and neurodevelopment in preterm neonates.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the association of head circumference (HC) <10th percentile at birth and discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with neurodevelopment in very preterm (24-32 weeks' gestational age) neonates, and to compare the association of HC and total cerebral volume (TCV) with neurodevelopmental outcomes. DESIGN: In a prospective cohort, semiautomatically segmented TCV and manually segmented white matter injury (WMI) volumes were obtained. Multivariable regressions were used to study the association of HC and TCV with neurodevelopmental outcomes, accounting for birth gestational age, WMI and postnatal illness. SETTING: Participants born in 2006-2013 at British Columbia Women's Hospital were recruited. PATIENTS: 168 neonates had HC measurements at birth and discharge and MRI at term-equivalent age (TEA). 143 children were assessed at 4.5 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Motor, cognitive and language outcomes at 4.5 years were assessed using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children Second Edition (M-ABC) and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Third Edition Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) and Verbal IQ (VIQ). RESULTS: Small birth HC was associated with lower M-ABC and FSIQ scores. In children with small birth HC, small discharge HC was associated with lower M-ABC, FSIQ and VIQ scores, while normal HC at discharge was no longer associated with adverse outcomes. HC strongly correlated with TCV at TEA. TCV did not correlate with outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Small birth HC is associated with poorer neurodevelopment, independent of postnatal illness and WMI. Normalisation of HC during NICU care appears to moderate this risk.

Masaje de Field para la ganancia de peso en prematuros extremos. Estudio de viabilidad y aceptabilidad / Field massage for weight gain in extremely premature babies. Feasibility and acceptability study

Introducción: Una de las principales problemáticas del prematuro extremo es la limitación en su ganancia de peso debido a factores propios de su inmadurez (2,4); el desconocimiento acerca del tipo, el tiempo y la cantidad de estimulación que debe recibir, rescata la necesidad de indagar en nuevas intervenciones desde el cuidado de enfermería (4,11). Objetivo: Determinar la viabilidad y aceptabilidad de la terapia de masaje de Field, en prematuros extremos en una Unidad Neonatal de una institución de IV nivel, y los efectos en relación con la ganancia de peso. Metodología: Estudio cuantitativo, cuasi experimental, realizado en 15 prematuros extremos, que comparó el peso pre y post intervención, y un análisis para la estimación del efecto; se determinó la viabilidad del estudio mediante tasas de selección, reclutamiento y seguimiento y la aceptabilidad de la intervención en términos de satisfacción de los padres. El proceso de selección y reclutamiento se efectuó por más de 4 meses; la terapia se realizó 3 veces al día, durante 15 minutos, por 5 días consecutivos; posteriormente, se aplicó un cuestionario de aceptabilidad a las madres de los neonatos masajeados. Resultados: Se presentó una ganancia de peso significativa, lo cual podría ser atribuido al masaje, sin embargo, debe ser evaluado en futuras investigaciones frente a un grupo control. El estudio se hace menos viable en cuanto a la tasa de selección, si la muestra es captada durante poco tiempo, reduciendo la posibilidad de aplicar la intervención en una muestra significativa; en cuanto a reclutamiento y seguimiento, es totalmente viable. Es una terapia muy aceptada por las madres en términos de idoneidad, conveniencia y efectividad; sin embargo, se debe fortalecer desde sus riesgos y adherencia.

Introduction: One of the main problems of the extreme premature infants is the limitation in their weight gain due to factors inherent to their immaturity (2,4), the lack of knowledge about the type, the time, and the amount of stimulation they should receive, it also highlights the need to investigate new interventions in nursing care (4,11). Objective: To determine the feasibility and acceptability of Field's massage therapy in extreme premature infants in a Neonatal Unit of a level IV institution, and the effects in relation to weight gain. Methodology: Quantitative, quasi-experimental study, carried out in 15 extreme preterm infants, where pre and post intervention weight was compared, a analysis for effect estimation; the feasibility of the study was determined by selection, recruitment and followup rates and the acceptability of the intervention in terms of parental satisfaction. The selection and recruitment process were carried out for more than 4 months; the therapy was performed 3 times a day, for 15 minutes per session, for 5 consecutive days; subsequently, an acceptability survey was applied to the mothers of the massaged neonates who completed the intervention days. Results: here was a significant weight gain, which could be attributed to the massage, however, it should be evaluated in future research against a control group. The study becomes less viable in terms of the selection rate, if the sample is captured for a short time, reducing the possibility of applying the intervention in a significant sample; in terms of recruitment and follow-up, it is totally feasible. It is a therapy that is highly accepted by mothers in terms of suitability, convenience and effectiveness; however, it must be strengthened from its risks and adherence.

Repercussões da pandemia da Covid-19 no cuidado de lactentes nascidos prematuros / Repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic in the care of premature infants / Repercusiones de la pandemia de Covid-19 en el cuidado de lactantes prematuros

Objetivo: O estudo objetivou compreender as repercussões da pandemia da Covid-19 no cuidado de lactentes prematuros, na perspectiva de mães e profissionais de saúde. Método: Foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas nos meses de junho e julho de 2020, por meio de ligação telefônica, com 14 mães e quatro profissionais de saúde do serviço de follow-up de uma maternidade pública da Paraíba, Brasil. Resultados: A partir da análise temática indutiva, os impactos da pandemia no cuidado ao lactente nascido prematuro, foram: sobrecarga e afastamento dos profissionais dos serviços de saúde, desativação temporária da unidade mãe canguru, descontinuidade da assistência ao prematuro, medo materno de expor a criança à Covid-19 e baixa condição socioeconômica. Foram elencadas estratégias de enfrentamento para o cuidado dos lactentes durante a pandemia, como: maior espaçamento das consultas, acompanhamento por meio telefônico e cumprimento das medidas de biossegurança. Conclusão e implicações para a prática: A pandemia exigi adaptações na assistência, tornando necessárias novas formas de cuidado a essas crianças, como exemplo, as consultas de acompanhamento remotas, a fim de garantir o seu direito à vida e saúde

Objective: The study aimed at understanding the repercussions of the Covid-19 pandemic in the care of premature infants, from the perspective of mothers and health professionals. Method: Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the months of June and July 2020, over the telephone, with 14 mothers and four health professionals from the follow-up service of a public maternity hospital in Paraíba, Brazil. Results: From the inductive thematic analysis, the impacts of the pandemic on the care of premature infants were as follows: overload and distancing of health service professionals, temporary deactivation of the Kangaroo mother unit, discontinuity of care for the premature infant, maternal fear of exposing the child to Covid-19 and low socioeconomic status. Coping strategies for the care of infants during the pandemic were listed, such as: greater spacing between consultations, phone follow-up and compliance with biosafety measures. Conclusion and implications for the practice: The pandemic required adaptations in care, which make new forms of care necessary for these children, such as remote follow-up consultations, in order to guarantee their right to life and health

Objetivo: El estudio tuvo como objetivo comprender las repercusiones de la pandemia de Covid-19 en la atención de bebés prematuros, desde la perspectiva de las madres y los profesionales de la salud. Método: Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas en los meses de junio y julio de 2020, por medio de llamadas telefónicas, a 14 madres y cuatro profesionales de la salud del servicio de seguimiento de una maternidad pública en Paraíba, Brasil. Resultados: A partir del análisis temático inductivo, los efectos de la pandemia en la atención de bebés prematuros fueron los siguientes: sobrecarga y distanciamiento de profesionales de los servicios de salud, inhabilitación temporal de la unidad Madre Canguro, discontinuidad de la atención al bebé prematuro, miedo materno a exponer al niño al Covid-19 y nivel socioeconómico bajo. Se enumeraron estrategias de afrontamiento para la atención infantil durante la pandemia, tales como: mayor intervalo entre consultas, seguimiento telefónico y cumplimiento de medidas de bioseguridad. Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica: La pandemia requirió adaptaciones en la atención, que hacen necesarias nuevas formas de atención para estos niños, como las consultas de monitoreo remoto, para garantizar su derecho a la vida y a la salud

Using Nature to Nurture: Breast Milk Analysis and Fortification to Improve Growth and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants.

Premature infants are born prior to a critical window of rapid placental nutrient transfer and fetal growth-particularly brain development-that occurs during the third trimester of pregnancy. Subsequently, a large proportion of preterm neonates experience extrauterine growth failure and associated neurodevelopmental impairments. Human milk (maternal or donor breast milk) is the recommended source of enteral nutrition for preterm infants, but requires additional fortification of macronutrient, micronutrient, and energy content to meet the nutritional demands of the preterm infant in attempts at replicating in utero nutrient accretion and growth rates. Traditional standardized fortification practices that add a fixed amount of multicomponent fortifier based on assumed breast milk composition do not take into account the considerable variations in breast milk content or individual neonatal metabolism. Emerging methods of individualized fortification-including targeted and adjusted fortification-show promise in improving postnatal growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.

Length of Nutritional Transition Associates Negatively with Postnatal Growth in Very Low Birthweight Infants.

Very low birthweight (VLBW, <1500 g) infants may be predisposed to undernutrition during the nutritional transition phase from parenteral to enteral nutrition. We studied the associations among the length of the transition phase, postnatal macronutrient intake, and growth from birth to term equivalent age in VLBW infants. This retrospective cohort study included 248 VLBW infants born before 32 weeks of gestation and admitted to the Children's Hospital, Helsinki, Finland during 2005-2013. Daily nutrient intakes were obtained from computerized medication administration records. The length of the transition phase correlated negatively with cumulative energy, protein, fat, and carbohydrate intake at 28 days of age. It also associated negatively with weight and head circumference growth from birth to term equivalent age. For infants with a long transition phase (over 12 d), the estimates (95% CI) for weight and head circumference z-score change from birth to term equivalent age were -0.3 (-0.56, -0.04) and -0.44 (-0.81, -0.07), respectively, in comparison to those with a short transition phase (ad 7 d). For VLBW infants, rapid transition to full enteral feeding might be beneficial. However, if enteral nutrition cannot be advanced, well-planned parenteral nutrition during the transition phase is necessary to promote adequate growth.