Can tactile reactivity in preterm born infants be explained by an immature cortical response to tactile stimulation in the first year? A pilot study.

This study aimed to compare preterm (PT) and full-term (FT) infants' adaptive behavior and functional cortical response to tactile stimulus, as measured by Test of Sensory Functions in Infants and functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). Outcome measures were taken at 6 (PT = 26/FT = 21 infants) and 12 months (PT = 15/FT = 14 infants). At 6 months, poorer tactile reactivity was observed in PT, but not confirmed at 12 months. At 6 months, cortical response to tactile stimulus was found in the primary sensorimotor cortex and differences between groups did not reach significance. At 12 months, cortical response was found in the primary sensorimotor cortex and premotor area and in the somatosensory associative area, with significant less frequent response in premotor area in PT. The findings reinforce fNIRS as a tool to complement the knowledge of tactile adaptive behaviors in PT in early life.

Changes of functional response in sensorimotor cortex of preterm and full-term infants during the first year: An fNIRS study.

BACKGROUND: Motor impairments are frequently associated with preterm birth and interfere in acquisition of essential skills to global development. Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), the study of neural correlates of motor development in early stages of life are feasible in an ecological assessment. AIMS: To evaluate changes in cortical activity in response to a sensorimotor stimulation in preterm and full-term infants at 6 and 12 months of age. STUDY DESIGN: A longitudinal study was conducted with 22 infants (12 preterm and 10 full-term). Hemodynamic activity during sensorimotor task (8 blocks of 8 s of vibration applied to infant's right hand) was measured by Functional Near Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS). The optical probe consisted of 84 channels positioned according to the international 10-20 system coordinates, covering the frontal (38 channels), parietal (16 channels), temporal (22 channels) and occipital (8 channels) lobes of both hemispheres. RESULTS: Preterm and full-term infants exhibited differences of location of the activation as well on the hemodynamic response in both the evaluated age groups. CONCLUSIONS: Group differences in activation of sensorimotor cortex observed in this study demonstrate the potential of fNIRS application for preterm evaluation of motor development in children. Overall, the present work contributes to our understanding of cortical activation of cerebral motor skills spanning early ages in preterm-born children.

Accuracy of chest radiography for positioning of the umbilical venous catheter / Acurácia da radiografia de tórax para o posicionamento do cateter venoso umbilical

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy of the simultaneous analysis of three radiographic anatomical landmarks - diaphragm, cardiac silhouette, and vertebral bodies - in determining the position of the umbilical venous catheter distal end using echocardiography as a reference standard. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, observational study, with the prospective inclusion of data from all neonates born in a public reference hospital, between April 2012 and September 2013, submitted to umbilical venous catheter insertion as part of their medical care. The position of the catheter distal end, determined by the simultaneous analysis of three radiographic anatomical landmarks, was compared with the anatomical position obtained by echocardiography; sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated. Results: Of the 162 newborns assessed by echocardiography, only 44 (27.16%) had the catheter in optimal position, in the thoracic portion of the inferior vena cava or at the junction of the inferior vena cava with the right atrium. The catheters were located in the left atrium and interatrial septum in 54 (33.33%) newborns, in the right atrium in 26 (16.05%), intra-hepatic in 37 (22.84%), and intra-aortic in-one newborn (0.62%). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the radiography to detect the catheter in the target area were 56%, 71%, and 67.28%, respectively. Conclusion: Anteroposterior radiography of the chest alone is not able to safely define the umbilical venous catheter position. Echocardiography allows direct visualization of the catheter tip in relation to vascular structures and, whenever possible, should be considered to identify the location of the umbilical venous catheter.

Resumo Objetivos: Avaliar a acurácia da análise simultânea dos três marcos anatômicos radiográficos - diafragma, silhueta cardíaca e corpos vertebrais - na determinação da posição da extremidade distal do cateter venoso umbilical com a ecocardiografia como padrão de referência. Métodos: Estudo transversal, observacional, com inclusão prospectiva de dados de todos os neonatos nascidos em uma maternidade pública de referência, entre abril de 2012 e setembro de 2013, submetidos à inserção de cateter venoso umbilical como parte do atendimento clínico. A posição da extremidade distal do cateter, determinada pela análise simultânea dos três marcos anatômicos radiográficos, foi comparada com a posição anatômica obtida pela ecocardiografia. Sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo, valor preditivo negativo e acurácia foram calculados. Resultados: Dos 162 recém-nascidos avaliados por ecocardiografia, somente 44 (27,16%) estavam com o cateter em posição ótima, na porção torácica da veia cava inferior ou na junção da veia cava inferior com o átrio direito. Os cateteres foram localizados no átrio esquerdo e no septo interatrial em 54 (33,33%), no átrio direito em 26 (16,05%), no intra-hepático em 37 (22,84%) e na aorta em um recém-nascido (0,62%). A sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia da radiografia para detectar cateter na zona-alvo foram de 56%, 71% e 67,28%, respectivamente. Conclusão: A radiografia anteroposterior de tórax isolada não é capaz de definir com segurança a posição do cateter venoso umbilical. A ecocardiografia permite a visibilização direta da ponta do cateter em relação às estruturas vasculares e, sempre que possível, deve ser considerada para localização do cateter venoso umbilical.

Accuracy of chest radiography for positioning of the umbilical venous catheter.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of the simultaneous analysis of three radiographic anatomical landmarks - diaphragm, cardiac silhouette, and vertebral bodies - in determining the position of the umbilical venous catheter distal end using echocardiography as a reference standard. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, observational study, with the prospective inclusion of data from all neonates born in a public reference hospital, between April 2012 and September 2013, submitted to umbilical venous catheter insertion as part of their medical care. The position of the catheter distal end, determined by the simultaneous analysis of three radiographic anatomical landmarks, was compared with the anatomical position obtained by echocardiography; sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 162 newborns assessed by echocardiography, only 44 (27.16%) had the catheter in optimal position, in the thoracic portion of the inferior vena cava or at the junction of the inferior vena cava with the right atrium. The catheters were located in the left atrium and interatrial septum in 54 (33.33%) newborns, in the right atrium in 26 (16.05%), intra-hepatic in 37 (22.84%), and intra-aortic in-one newborn (0.62%). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the radiography to detect the catheter in the target area were 56%, 71%, and 67.28%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Anteroposterior radiography of the chest alone is not able to safely define the umbilical venous catheter position. Echocardiography allows direct visualization of the catheter tip in relation to vascular structures and, whenever possible, should be considered to identify the location of the umbilical venous catheter.

Preterm children have unfavorable motor, cognitive, and functional performance when compared to term children of preschool age / Crianças pré-termo apresentam desempenho motor, cognitivo e funcional desfavorável em relação a neonatos a termo em idade pré-escolar

OBJECTIVE: to compare the motor coordination, cognitive, and functional development of preterm and term children at the age of 4 years. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study of 124 four-year-old children, distributed in two different groups, according to gestational age and birth weight, paired by gender, age, and socioeconomic level. All children were evaluated by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - second edition (MABC-2), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and the Columbia Mental Maturity Scale (CMMS). RESULTS: preterm children had worse performance in all tests, and 29.1% of the preterm and 6.5% of term groups had scores on the MABC-2 indicative of motor coordination disorder (p = 0.002). In the CMMS (p = 0.034), the median of the standardized score for the preterm group was 99.0 (± 13.75) and 103.0 (± 12.25) for the term group; on the PEDI, preterm children showed more limited skill repertoire (p = 0.001) and required more assistance from the caregiver (p = 0.010) than term children. CONCLUSION: this study reinforced the evidence that preterm children from different socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to have motor, cognitive, and functional development impairment, detectable before school age, than their term peers. .

OBJETIVO: comparar o desenvolvimento da coordenação motora, o desenvolvimento cognitivo e o desempenho funcional de crianças nascidas pré-termo e a termo, aos quatro anos de idade. MÉTODOS: estudo transversal com 124 crianças de quatro anos de idade, distribuídas em dois grupos distintos, de acordo com a idade gestacional e peso ao nascimento, pareadas com relação ao sexo, idade e nível socioeconômico. Todas as crianças foram avaliadas pelos testes Movement Assessment Battery for Children - Second Edition (MABC-2), Inventário de Avaliação Pediátrica de Incapacidade (PEDI) e Escala de Maturidade Mental Colúmbia (EMMC). RESULTADOS: as crianças pré-termo tiveram pior desempenho em todos os testes, sendo que 29,1% das crianças do grupo pré-termo e 6,5% do grupo a termo apresentaram pontuação no MABC-2 indicativa de sinais de transtorno da coordenação motora (p = 0,002). No Columbia (p = 0,034), a mediana do resultado padronizado para o grupo pré-termo foi de 99,0 (±13,75), e do grupo a termo foi 103,0 (±12,25); no PEDI, crianças pré-termo tiveram menor repertório de habilidades (p = 0,001) e necessitaram de maior assistência do cuidador (p = 0,010) do que as crianças a termo. CONCLUSÃO: este estudo reforça as evidências de que crianças pré-termo, de diferentes níveis socioeconômicos, são mais propensas a apresentarem alterações no desenvolvimento motor, cognitivo e funcional, detectáveis antes da idade escolar, que seus pares nascidos a termo. .

Preterm children have unfavorable motor, cognitive, and functional performance when compared to term children of preschool age.

OBJECTIVE: to compare the motor coordination, cognitive, and functional development of preterm and term children at the age of 4 years. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study of 124 four-year-old children, distributed in two different groups, according to gestational age and birth weight, paired by gender, age, and socioeconomic level. All children were evaluated by the Movement Assessment Battery for Children - second edition (MABC-2), the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI), and the Columbia Mental Maturity Scale (CMMS). RESULTS: preterm children had worse performance in all tests, and 29.1% of the preterm and 6.5% of term groups had scores on the MABC-2 indicative of motor coordination disorder (p=0.002). In the CMMS (p=0.034), the median of the standardized score for the preterm group was 99.0 (± 13.75) and 103.0 (± 12.25) for the term group; on the PEDI, preterm children showed more limited skill repertoire (p=0.001) and required more assistance from the caregiver (p=0.010) than term children. CONCLUSION: this study reinforced the evidence that preterm children from different socioeconomic backgrounds are more likely to have motor, cognitive, and functional development impairment, detectable before school age, than their term peers.

Risk factors and lethality of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection caused by non-skin contaminant pathogens in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors and lethality of late onset laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (LCBI) in a Brazilian neonatal unit for progressive care (NUPC). METHODS: This was a case-control study, performed from 2008 to 2012. Cases were defined as all newborns with late onset LCBI, excluding patients with isolated common skin contaminants. Controls were newborns who showed no evidence of late onset LCBI, matched by weight and time of permanence in the NUPC. Variables were obtained in the Hospital Infection Control Committee (HICC) database. Analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The chi-squared test was used, and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05, followed by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 50 patients with late onset LCBI were matched with 100 patients without late onset LCBI. In the group of patients with late onset LCBI, a significant higher proportion of patients who underwent surgical procedures (p = 0.001) and who used central venous catheter (CVC) (p = 0.012) and mechanical ventilation (p = 0.001) was identified. In multivariate analysis, previous surgery and the use of CVC remained significantly associated with infection (p = 0.006 and p = 0.047; OR: 4.47 and 8.99, respectively). Enterobacteriacea was identified in 14 cases, with three (21.4%) deaths, and Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 20 cases, with three (15%) deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical procedures and CVC usage were significant risk factors for LCBI. Therefore, prevention practices for safe surgery and CVC insertion and manipulation are essential to reduce these infections, in addition to training and continuing education to surgical and assistance teams.

Fatores de risco e letalidade de infecção da corrente sanguínea laboratorialmente confirmada, causada por patógenos não contaminantes da pele em recém-nascidos / Risk factors and lethality of laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection caused by non-skin contaminant pathogens in neonates

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate risk factors and lethality of late onset laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infection (ICSLC) in a Brazilian neonatal unit for progressive care (NUPC). Methods: This was a case-control study, performed from 2008 to 2012. Cases were defined as all newborns with late onset ICSLC, excluding patients with isolated common skin contaminants. Controls were newborns who showed no evidence of late onset ICSLC, matched by weight and time of permanence in the NUPC. Variables were obtained in the Hospital Infection Control Committee (HICC) database. Analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The chi-squared test was used, and statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05, followed by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: 50 patients with late onset ICSLC were matched with 100 patients without late onset ICSLC. In the group of patients with late onset ICSLC, a a significant higher proportion of patients who underwent surgical procedures (p = 0.001) and who used central venous catheter (CVC) (p = 0.012) and mechanical ventilation (p = 0.001) was identified. In multivariate analysis, previous surgery and the use of CVC remained significantly associated with infection (p = 0.006 and p = 0.047; OR: 4.47 and 8.99, respectively). Enterobacteriacea was identified in 14 cases, with three (21.4%) deaths, and Staphylococcus aureus was identified in 20 cases, with three (15%) deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical procedures and CVC usage were significant risk factors for ICSLC. Therefore, prevention practices for safe surgery and CVC insertion and manipulation are essential to reduce these infections, in addition to training and continuing education to surgical and assistance teams.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar os fatores de risco e a letalidade da infecção da corrente sanguínea laboratorialmente confirmada (ICSLC) de início tardio em uma Unidade Neonatal de Cuidados Progressivos (UNCP) brasileira. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo caso-controle realizado de 2008 a 2012. Os casos foram definidos como todos os recém-nascidos com ICSLC de início tardio, excluindo pacientes isolados com contaminantes da pele comuns. Os controles foram recém-nascidos que não mostraram qualquer evidência de ICSLC de início tardio, sendo separados por peso e tempo de permanência na UNCP. As variáveis foram obtidas na base de dados da Comissão de Controle de Infecção Hospitalar (CCIH). A análise foi realizada utilizando o Pacote Estatístico para Ciências Sociais. O teste χ² foi utilizado e a relevância estatística foi definida como p < 0,05, seguida pela análise multivariada. RESULTADOS: No estudo, 50 pacientes com ICSLC de início tardio foram combinados com 100 pacientes sem ICSLC de início tardio. No grupo de pacientes com ICSLC de início tardio, identificamos uma proporção significativamente maior de pacientes que foram submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos (p = 0,001) e que usaram cateter venoso central (CVC) (p = 0,012) e ventilação mecânica (p = 0,001). Na análise multivariada, cirurgia prévia e uso de CVC permaneceram significativamente associados à infecção (p = 0,006 e p = 0,047; OU: 4,47 e 8,99, respectivamente). A Enterobacteriacea foi identificada em 14 casos, com três (21,4%) óbitos, e Staphylococcus aureus foi identificado em 20 casos, com três (15%) óbitos. CONCLUSÕES: Procedimentos cirúrgicos e uso de CVC constituíram fatores de risco significativos para ICSLC. Portanto, práticas de prevenção para cirurgia segura, inserção e manipulação de CVC são essenciais para reduzir essas infecções, além de treinamento e educação contínua às equipes cirúrgicas e de assistência.

Influência da posição prona na oxigenação, frequência respiratória e na força muscular nos recém-nascidos pré-termo em desmame da ventilação mecânica / Influence of prone position on oxigenation, respiratory rate and muscle strength in preterm infants being weaned from mechanical ventilation / Influencia de la posición prona en la oxigenación, frecuencia respiratoria y en la fuerza muscular en los recién nacidos pre-término en destete de la ventilación mecánica

Verificar a influência do posicionamento do recém-nascido prematuro sobre a força da musculatura respiratória, oxigenação e frequência respiratória. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com amostra pareada de recém-nascidos com idade gestacional inferior a 34 semanas, intubados, em processo final de desmame de ventilação mecânica. Foram excluídos aqueles com malformações, síndromes genéticas, doenças neuromusculares, traqueostomizados e em pós-operatório de cirurgias abdominais ou torácicas. As medidas de pressão inspiratória máxima foram aferidas utilizando-se manovacuômetro digital; a frequência respiratória através da observação das incursões respiratórias das crianças em um minuto e a saturação de oxigênio por oxímetro, nas posturas prona e supino. Os testes estatísticos aplicados foram Kruskal-Wallis, o teste t de Student e o coeficiente de correlação de Pearson, sendo significante p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Foram estudadas 45 crianças com síndrome do desconforto respiratório. A idade gestacional média foi de 30,4 semanas e o peso médio ao nascer de 1522g. Os valores de saturação de oxigênio foram mais elevados (p<0,001) e os de pressão inspiratória máxima mais baixos (p<0,001) na posição prona. Os valores de frequência respiratória foram semelhantes nas duas posições estudadas (p=0,072). CONCLUSÕES: Observaram-se menores valores de pressão inspiratória além de aumento da saturação de oxigênio na posição prona quando comparada à supino. Em relação à frequência respiratória, não foi observada variação entre as posturas prona e supino.

To verify the influence of preterm infant positioning on respiratory muscle strength, oxygenation and respiratory rate. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with a paired sample of intubated infants born with gestational age less than 34 weeks, in the final process of weaning from mechanical ventilation. Infants with malformation, genetic syndromes, neuromuscular diseases, tracheotomies and in the postoperative period of abdominal and thoracic surgery were excluded. Maximum inspiratory pressure measures were checked by a digital manometer; respiratory rate was visually observed during one minute and oxygen saturation was measured by a pulse oximeter in prone and supine postures. Kruskal-Wallis and Student's t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient were applied, being significant p<0.05. RESULTS: 45 infants with respiratory distress syndrome were evaluated. The mean gestational age was 30.4 weeks and the mean birth weight was 1522g. The oxygen saturation was higher in prone position (p<0.001). Values of maximum inspiratory pressure were lower in prone when compared to infants in the supine position (p<0.001).Respiratory rate was similar in the two studied positions (p=0.072). CONCLUSIONS: There was a lower inspiratory pressure and a higher oxygen saturation in prone position when compared to the supine one. Concerning the respiratory rate there was no variation between prone and supine position.

Verificar la influencia del posicionamiento del recién-nacido prematuro sobre la fuerza muscular respiratoria, oxigenación y frecuencia respiratoria. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal con muestra pareada de recién nacidos con edad gestacional inferior a 34 semanas, entubados, en proceso final de destete de ventilación mecánica. Se excluyeron a aquellos con malformaciones, síndromes genéticos, enfermedades neuromusculares, traqueostomizados y en post-operatorio de cirugías abdominales o torácicas. Las medidas de presión inspiratoria máxima fueron verificadas mediante el uso de manovacuómetro digital; la frecuencia respiratoria, mediante la observación de las incursiones respiratorias de los niños en un minuto y la saturación de oxígeno por oxímetro, en las posturas prona y supina. Las pruebas estadísticas aplicadas fueron Kruskal-Wallis, la prueba t de Student y el coeficiente de correlación de Pearson, siendo significante p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 45 niños con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria. La edad gestacional mediana fue de 30,4 semanas, y el peso mediano al nacer fue de 1522g. Los valores de saturación de oxígeno fueron más elevados (p<0,001) y los de presión inspiratoria máxima más bajos (p<0,001) en la posición prona. Los valores de frecuencia respiratoria fueron semejantes en las dos posiciones estudiadas (p=0,072). CONCLUSIONES: Se observaron menores valores de presión inspiratoria, además de aumento en la saturación del oxígeno en la posición prona cuando comparada a la supina. Respecto a la frecuencia respiratoria, no se observó variación entre las posturas prona y supina.

Early risk factors for neonatal mortality in CAKUT: analysis of 524 affected newborns.

BACKGROUND: Congenital abnormalities of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) are significant causes of morbidity. The aim of the study was to determine predictive factors of mortality in newborns with CAKUT. METHODS: All 29,653 consecutive newborns hospitalized in a tertiary neonatal unit between 1996 and 2006 were evaluated. The main outcome was neonatal mortality. The variables analyzed as risk factors were maternal age, first pregnancy, low birth weight (LBW), prematurity, oligohydramnios, and CAKUT associated with other malformations (Associated CAKUT). RESULTS: CAKUT was detected in 524 newborns, with an overall prevalence of 17.7 per 1,000 live births. A total of 325 (62%) cases were classified as urinary tract dilatation, 79 (15.1%) as renal cystic disease, and 120 (22.9%) as other subgroups. In the urinary tract dilatation subgroup, independent risk factors for early mortality were Associated CAKUT [odds ratio (OR) 20.7], prematurity (OR 4.5) LBW (OR 3.8), oligohydramnios (OR 3.0), and renal involvement (OR 3.0). In the renal cystic disease subgroup, two variables remained associated with neonatal mortality: LBW (OR 12.3) and Associated CAKUT (OR 21.4). CONCLUSION: The presence of extrarenal anomalies was a strong predictor of poor outcome in a larger series of infants with CAKUT.

Clinical course of 822 children with prenatally detected nephrouropathies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: With the advent of fetal screening ultrasonography, the detection of congenital anomalies of the kidney and urinary tract (CAKUT) in utero has permitted early management of these conditions. This study aims to describe the clinical course of a large cohort of patients with prenatally detected nephrouropathies. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: In this retrospective cohort study, 822 patients were prenatally diagnosed with CAKUT and systematically followed up at a tertiary Renal Unit for a median time of 43 months. Variables included in the analysis were sex, laterality, fetal ultrasonography (isolated versus associated hydronephrosis), and presence/absence of nephrouropathies. The events of interest were urinary tract infection, surgical interventions, hypertension, CKD, and death. Survival analyses were performed to evaluate time until occurrence of the events of interest. RESULTS: Urinary tract infection occurred in 245 (29.8%) children, with higher risk in females (hazard ratio=1.30, 95% confidence interval=1.02-1.70, P=0.05); 22 patients (2.7%) had hypertension, and 49 (6%) patients developed CKD. The risk of CKD was greater in patients with associated hydronephrosis (hazard ratio=5.20, 95% confidence interval=2.90-9.30, P<0.001). Twelve patients (1.5%) died during follow-up. Death was significantly associated with being born during the first period of the study (hazard ratio=6.00, 95% confidence interval=1.60-22.50, P<0.001), associated hydronephrosis (hazard ratio=9.30, 95% confidence interval=2.90-29.30, P<0.001), and CKD (hazard ratio=170.00, 95% confidence interval=41.00-228.00, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In our series, the clinical course of prenatally detected CAKUT was heterogeneous, and those infants with associated hydronephrosis at baseline were identified as a high-risk subgroup.

Urinary levels of TGF ß-1 and of cytokines in patients with prenatally detected nephrouropathies.

This study aimed to identify noninvasive biomarkers of clinically significant nephrouropathies in patients with antenatal renal and/or urinary tract alterations. Spot-urine levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured in 100 patients with antenatal detected nephrouropathies. Patients were divided in idiopathic hydronephrosis (n = 47), urinary tract malformations (n = 35), and dysplastic kidneys (n = 18). Urinary concentrations of TGF-ß1, IL-6, and TNF-α were compared between groups according to clinical and image findings. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves were analyzed for the overall diagnostic accuracy of TGF-ß1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in discriminating infants with nephrouropathies. No significant differences in urinary TGF- ß1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels were found in the comparison between the groups. TGF-ß1 levels tended to be higher in patients with renal hypodysplasia compared to idiopathic hydronephrosis (p = 0.07). Twenty-nine patients had reduced DMSA uptake. In these cases, absolute urinary concentration of TGF-ß1 and levels standardized for creatinine were significantly higher than in patients with normal DMSA uptake, while IL6 and TNF-α did not differ between groups. Urinary cytokine measurements were not useful as a screening test for clinically significant nephrouropathies. Conversely, increased concentrations of TGF-ß1 pointed out to renal damage as indicated by reduced DMSA uptake.

Predictive factors for vesicoureteral reflux and prenatally diagnosed renal pelvic dilatation.

PURPOSE: We sought to identify predictive factors for primary vesicoureteral reflux among infants with prenatally detected renal pelvic dilatation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 250 neonates were diagnosed with isolated renal pelvic dilatation between 1999 and 2008, and followed prospectively. The main event of interest was presence of moderate to severe reflux (grade III to V). Diagnostic odds ratio, sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy (assessed by AUC) of fetal and postnatal renal pelvic dilatation were determined. Severity of dilatation was classified by Society for Fetal Urology grade. Binary logistic regression was performed to identify variables significantly associated with vesicoureteral reflux. RESULTS: A total of 23 patients (9.2%) had primary vesicoureteral reflux, of whom 16 had grade III to V disease. Diagnostic accuracy was 0.70 (95% CI 0.63 to 0.75) for fetal and 0.65 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.71) for postnatal renal pelvic dilatation. Combined results of fetal and postnatal renal pelvic dilatation were also assessed. When both tests less than 10 mm were considered negative indicators of moderate to severe vesicoureteral reflux sensitivity increased to 97% and diagnostic odds ratio to 19.1. After adjustment by logistic regression only Society for Fetal Urology grade greater than I and ureteral dilatation were variables independently associated with grade III to V reflux. CONCLUSIONS: Fetal and postnatal renal pelvic dilatation was a poor predictor of vesicoureteral reflux. Nevertheless, diagnostic accuracy regarding clinically significant vesicoureteral reflux improved when fetal and postnatal renal pelvic dilatation less than 10 mm was considered a negative indicator of reflux.

Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança, mais de uma década no Brasil: repensando o futuro / More than one decade of the Baby-Friendly Health Care Initiative in Brazil: thinking about the future

OBJETIVO: Rever a trajetória da Iniciativa Hospital Amigo da Criança (IHAC) no Brasil, sob a orientação de 2004, com a inclusão de novos critérios para credenciamento pelo Ministério da Saúde. FONTES DE DADOS: Informações obtidas por meio de consulta a relatórios do Ministério da Saúde, Fundo das Nações Unidas para a Infância e artigos publicados sobre IHAC nas bases de dados do Medline, SciELO e Lilacs. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: Até maio de 2008, foram credenciados 337 hospitais: 153 no Nordeste, 72 no Sudeste, 54 no Sul, 37 no Centro-oeste e 21 no Norte. Perderam o credenciamento dez hospitais. A partir de dezembro de 2004, o Ministério da Saúde considerou que, para um estabelecimento de saúde receber o título de IHAC, é necessário o cumprimento dos critérios globais estabelecidos, como os "Dez passos para o sucesso do aleitamento materno" e também de dez novos requisitos. A portaria 756/16 inclui: garantia de registros civis a pelo menos 70 por cento dos recém-nascidos, comprovação do cumprimento da Norma Brasileira de Comercialização de Alimentos para Lactentes e limite de taxas de cesarianas. Nos últimos anos, avaliação e análise dos dados mostram menor número de habilitações de IHAC. CONCLUSÕES: A IHAC é uma experiência de sucesso e contribuiu positivamente para o aumento das taxas de amamentação, junto com outras medidas. Entretanto, deve-se refletir sobre os novos critérios que podem dificultar o processo de obtenção e manutenção do título IHAC no país.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the Baby-Friendly Health Care Initiative in Brazil under 2004 directions, with the inclusion of new criteria for credentials by the Ministry of Health. DATA SOURCES: Information obtained through consultation of reports of the Ministry of Health, The United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) and articles related to Baby-Friendly Health Care Initiative were retrieved at Medline, SciELO and Lilacs. DATA SYNTHESIS: Until May 2008, credentials were given to 337 hospitals: 153 in the Northeast, 72 in the Southeast, 54 in the South, 37 in the Midwest and 21 in the North. Ten hospitals lost the credentials. From December 2004 on, the Ministry of Health considered that to be entitled as a Baby-Friendly Hospital, the maternity needed to fulfill "Ten steps for the success of breastfeeding" and ten new requirements. The federal decision number 756/16 included: guarantee of civil registers to at least 70 percent of the newly-born infants, adhesion to the Brazilian Norm of Food Commercialization for Suckles and limitation of C-sections. Analysis of the data shows that the number of certifications was reduced during the last years. CONCLUSIONS: Baby-Friendly Health Care Initiative is a successful experience and it has contributed positively for the increase of breastfeeding along with other adopted measures. The new criteria must be reevaluated, since it made the process of certification more difficult in the country.

Risk factors for urinary tract infection in children with prenatal renal pelvic dilatation.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for urinary tract infection during followup of children with fetal renal pelvic dilatation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 192 patients were diagnosed with isolated renal pelvic dilatation between 1999 and 2006 and were prospectively followed. After initial clinical and imaging evaluation ultrasound, clinical examination and laboratory reviews were scheduled at 6-month intervals. The event of interest was incidence of episodes of febrile urinary tract infection. A survival analysis was performed to identify variables significantly associated with the event. Cox model was applied to identify variables that were independently associated with urinary tract infection. RESULTS: A significant uropathy was diagnosed in 78 infants (41%). Median followup was 24 months. During followup urinary tract infection occurred in 27 (14%) of the 192 children. The incidence rate of urinary tract infection decreased from 7.2 episodes per 1,000 person-months in the first year of life to 1.4 after the third year. By survival analysis the cumulative incidence of urinary tract infection for the whole series was estimated at 8% at age 12 months, 13% at 24 months and 21% at 36 months. After adjustment 2 variables were independent predictors of urinary tract infection during followup-female gender (RR 1.4, 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.8, p = 0.02) and presence of uropathy (RR 4.6, 95% CI, 1.8 to 11.3, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to our findings, in a cohort of prenatal hydronephrosis girls with vesicoureteral reflux or urinary tract obstruction had a higher risk of urinary tract infection during followup.

Outcome of isolated antenatal hydronephrosis: a prospective cohort study.

The purpose of this study was to report the outcome of infants with antenatal hydronephrosis. Between May 1999 and June 2006, all patients diagnosed with isolated fetal renal pelvic dilatation (RPD) were prospectively followed. The events of interest were: presence of uropathy, need for surgical intervention, RPD resolution, urinary tract infection (UTI), and hypertension. RPD was classified as mild (5-9.9 mm), moderate (10-14.9 mm) or severe (>or=15 mm). A total of 192 patients was included in the analysis; 114 were assigned to the group of non-significant findings (59.4%) and 78 to the group of significant uropathy (40.6%). Of 89 patients with mild dilatation, 16 (18%) presented uropathy. Median follow-up time was 24 months. Twenty-seven patients (15%) required surgical intervention. During follow-up, UTI occurred in 27 (14%) children. Of 89 patients with mild dilatation, seven (7.8%) presented UTI during follow-up. Renal function, blood pressure, and somatic growth were within normal range at last visit. The majority of patients with mild fetal RPD have no significant findings during infancy. Nevertheless, our prospective study has shown that 18% of these patients presented uropathy and 7.8% had UTI during a medium-term follow-up time. Our findings suggested that, in contrast to patients with moderate/severe RPD, infants with mild RPD do not require invasive diagnostic procedures but need strict clinical surveillance for UTI and progression of RPD.

[Conservative management of multicystic dysplastic kidney: clinical course and ultrasound outcome]. / Tratamento conservador do rim displásico multicístico: curso clínico e ultra-sonográfico.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the clinical course and ultrasound outcome of prenatally detected multicystic dysplastic kidney. METHODS: Fifty-three children with unilateral multicystic dysplastic kidney detected by prenatal ultrasound between 1989 and 2004 were included in the analysis. All children were submitted to conservative management with follow-up visits every six months. Follow-up ultrasound examinations were performed at six-month intervals during the first two years of life and yearly thereafter. The following clinical parameters were evaluated: blood pressure, urinary tract infection, renal function, and growth. The following ultrasound parameters were evaluated: involution of multicystic dysplastic kidney and contralateral renal growth. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 68 months. Two children presented hypertension during follow-up and five had urinary tract infection (only one with recurrent episodes). There was no malignant degeneration of multicystic dysplastic kidney. A total of 334 ultrasound scans were analyzed. US scan demonstrated involution of the multicystic dysplastic kidney in 48 (90%) cases, including complete involution in nine (17%). The involution rate was faster in the first 30 months of life. There was progressive compensatory renal hypertrophy of the contralateral renal unit; the rate of growth was greater in the first 24 months of life. CONCLUSION: The results of prolonged follow-up of children with conservatively managed multicystic dysplastic kidney suggest that clinical approach is safe, the incidence of complications is small, and that there is a clear tendency for multicystic dysplastic kidney to decrease in size. Our data also suggest that the involution rate of multicystic dysplastic kidney as well as the growth of the contralateral kidney is greater in the first 24 months of life.

Tratamento conservador do rim displásico multicístico: curso clínico e ultra-sonográfico / Conservative management of multicystic dysplastic kidney: clinical course and ultrasound outcome

OBJETIVO: Descrever o curso clínico e a evolução ultra-sonográfica de pacientes com rim displásico multicístico tratados conservadoramente. MÉTODOS: Foram incluídas no estudo 53 crianças com rim displásico multicístico unilateral diagnosticado pela ultra-sonografia fetal entre 1989 e 2004. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos a protocolo sistemático, incluindo tratamento conservador e exames clínicos, laboratoriais e ultra-sonográficos periódicos. Os exames foram realizados com periodicidade de 6 meses, nos 2 primeiros anos, e anualmente, após esse período. No curso clínico, foram avaliados: pressão arterial, infecção do trato urinário, função renal e crescimento dos pacientes. Na evolução ecográfica, foram avaliados a involução do rim displásico multicístico e o crescimento do rim contralateral. RESULTADOS: O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 68 meses. Dois pacientes apresentaram hipertensão arterial no seguimento. Cinco tiveram infecção urinária (apenas um com episódios repetidos). Não houve degeneração maligna do rim displásico multicístico. Foram realizados 334 exames ultra-sonográficos seriados. Houve involução do rim displásico multicístico em 90 por cento dos casos, sendo que nove (17 por cento) desapareceram. O ritmo de involução foi maior nos 30 primeiros meses de vida. Houve progressiva hipertrofia compensatória do rim contralateral, sendo o ritmo mais intenso nos 2 primeiros anos de vida. CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados do acompanhamento prospectivo de crianças portadoras de rim displásico multicístico tratadas conservadoramente sugerem que a conduta clínica é segura, a incidência de complicações é mínima e há uma nítida tendência de involução ultra-sonográfica da unidade renal afetada. Os dados sugerem, ainda, que o ritmo de involução do rim displásico multicístico, assim como da hipertrofia compensatória do rim contralateral, sejam maiores nos 2 primeiros anos de vida.