Remote Monitoring for Seizures During Therapeutic Hypothermia in Neonates With Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy.

Importance: Neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH) frequently experience seizures, which are associated with adverse outcomes. Efforts to rapidly identify seizures and reduce seizure burden may positively change neurologic and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Objective: To describe the onset, treatment, and evolution of seizures in a large cohort of newborns with HIE during TH assisted by a telehealth model and remote neuromonitoring approach. Design, Setting, and Participants: This was a prospective, observational, multicenter cohort study performed between July 2017 and December 2021 in 32 hospitals in Brazil. Participants were newborns with HIE meeting eligibility criteria and receiving TH. Data were analyzed from November 2022 to April 2023. Exposure: Infants with HIE receiving TH were remotely monitored with 3-channel amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) including raw tracing and video imaging, and bedside clinicians received assistance from trained neonatologists and neurologists. Main Outcomes and Measures: Data on modified Sarnat examination, presence, timing and seizure type, aEEG background activity, sleep-wake cycling, and antiepileptic drugs used were collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was used with independent t test, χ2, Mann-Whitney test, and post hoc analyses applied for associations. Results: A total of 872 cooled newborns were enrolled; the median (IQR) gestational age was 39 (38-40) weeks, 518 (59.4%) were male, and 59 (6.8%) were classified as having mild encephalopathy by modified Sarnat examination, 504 (57.8%) as moderate, and 180 (20.6%) as severe. Electrographic seizures were identified in 296 newborns (33.9%), being only electrographic in 213 (71.9%) and clinical followed by electroclinical uncoupling in 50 (16.9%). Early abnormal background activity had a significant association with seizures. Infants with flat trace had the highest rate of seizures (58 infants [68.2%]) and the greatest association with the incidence of seizures (odds ratio [OR], 12.90; 95% CI, 7.57-22.22) compared with continuous normal voltage. The absence of sleep-wake cycling was also associated with a higher occurrence of seizures (OR, 2.22; 95% CI, 1.67-2.96). Seizure onset was most frequent between 6 and 24 hours of life (181 infants [61.1%]); however, seizure occurred in 34 infants (11.5%) during rewarming. A single antiepileptic drug controlled seizures in 192 infants (64.9%). The first line antiepileptic drug was phenobarbital in 294 (99.3%). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study of newborns with HIE treated with TH, electrographic seizure activity occurred in 296 infants (33.9%) and was predominantly electrographic. Seizure control was obtained with a single antiepileptic drug in 192 infants (64.9%). These findings suggest neonatal neurocritical care can be delivered at remote limited resource hospitals due to innovations in technology and telehealth.

Validation of ROPScore to predict retinopathy of prematurity among very low birth weight preterm infants in a southern Brazilian population / Validação de um escore (ROPScore) capaz de prever a ocorrência da retinopatia da prematuridade em prematuros de baixo peso no sul do Brasil

ABSTRACT Purposes: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff points for the ROPScore, which is based on cumulative risk factors for the prediction of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), in a population of very low birth weight (BW) preterm infants in southern Brazil. Methods: The medical records of all preterm infants with a very low birth weight ≤1,500 g and/or gestational age ≤32 weeks screened for retinopathy of prematurity in two Brazilian institutions between August 2009 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. ROPScores were calculated using birth weight and gestational age, the use of oxygen therapy with mechanical ventilation, and weight gain proportional to birth weight, as measured at postpartum week six and the need for blood transfusions. Results: The study cohort included 322 infants with a mean birth weight of 1181.8 ± 292.5 g and mean gestational age of 29.5 ± 2.3 weeks. The incidences of any stage of retinopathy of prematurity and severe retinopathy of prematurity were 68.3% and 17%, respectively. ROPScore values ranged from 8.7 to 19.9. The best cutoff point for sensitivity and specificity was 11 for any stage of retinopathy of prematurity and 14.5 for severe retinopathy of prematurity. For any stage of retinopathy of prematurity, the sensitivity and specificity of the ROPScores were 98.6% (95% confidence interval = 97.9%-99.3%) and 35.3% (95% confidence interval= 32.3%-38.3%), with a positive predictive value of 76.6% (95% confidence interval= 74.0%-79.2%) and a negative predictive value of 92.3% (95% confidence interval= 90.6%-94.0%). For severe retinopathy of prematurity, the sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 57.3% (95% confidence interval= 54.2%-60.4%), with positive predictive value of 22% (95% confidence interval= 19.4%-24.6%) and negative predictive value of 100%. The cutoff points correctly identified all infants that developed severe retinopathy of prematurity in this cohort. Conclusions: The ROPScore was useful to identify preterm babies at risk for retinopathy of prematurity. In this population, the ROPScore detected all patients at risk for any stage retinopathy of prematurity and severe retinopathy of prematurity. The ROPScore values in this study were similar to those previously described, thereby successfully validating the ROPScore for early detection of retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight preterm infants.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a sensibilidade, especificidade e os valores de pontos de corte do ROPScore, um escore baseado em fatores de risco cumulativos capaz de prever a ocorrência da retinopatia da prematuridade em prematuros de baixo peso no sul do Brasil. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo por meio de análise de prontuários de todos os prematuros com peso ao nascer ≤1500g e/ou idade gestacional ≤32 semanas selecionados para retinopatia da prematuridade em duas instituições brasileiras entre agosto de 2009 e dezembro de 2015. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 322 pacientes. A média do peso ao nascer foi de 1181,8 ± 292,5 gr e a idade gestacional média foi de 29,5 ± 2,3 semanas. A incidência de retinopatia da prematuridade em qualquer estágio e retinopatia da prematuridade grave foi de 68,3% e 17%, respectivamente. Os valores do ROPScore variaram de 8,7 a 19,9. O melhor ponto de corte para sensibilidade e especificidade foi estabelecido em 11 para retinopatia da prematuridade em qualquer estágio e 14,5 para retinopatia da prematuridade grave. Para retinopatia da prematuridade em qualquer estadiamento, o ROPScore apresentou sensibilidade de 98,6% (95%IC 97,9-99,3) e especificidade de 35,3% (95%IC 32,3-38,3), valor preditivo positivo (VPP) de 76,6% (95%IC 74,0-79,2) e valor preditivo negativo de 92,3% (IC95% 90,6-94,0). Para retinopatia da prematuridade grave, foi registrada sensibilidade de 100%, especificidade de 57,3% (95%IC 54,2-60,4), valor preditivo positivo de 22% (95%IC 19,4-24,6) e valor preditivo negativo de 100%. Os pontos de corte identificaram corretamente todos os pacientes que desenvolveram qualquer estágio ou retinopatia da prematuridade grave no estudo. Conclusão: O ROPScore foi importante para detectar pacientes prematuros com risco de retinopatia da prematuridade. Nesta população, o ROPScore detectou todos os pacientes em risco para qualquer retinopatia da prematuridade em estágio e retinopatia da prematuridade grave. Este estudo mostrou valores semelhantes aos descritos anteriormente, validando com sucesso a ROPScore para detecção precoce de retinopatia da prematuridade em prematuros de muito baixo peso.

Validation of ROPScore to predict retinopathy of prematurity among very low birth weight preterm infants in a southern Brazilian population.

PURPOSES: To evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff points for the ROPScore, which is based on cumulative risk factors for the prediction of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), in a population of very low birth weight (BW) preterm infants in southern Brazil. METHODS: The medical records of all preterm infants with a very low birth weight ≤1,500 g and/or gestational age ≤32 weeks screened for retinopathy of prematurity in two Brazilian institutions between August 2009 and December 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. ROPScores were calculated using birth weight and gestational age, the use of oxygen therapy with mechanical ventilation, and weight gain proportional to birth weight, as measured at postpartum week six and the need for blood transfusions. RESULTS: The study cohort included 322 infants with a mean birth weight of 1181.8 ± 292.5 g and mean gestational age of 29.5 ± 2.3 weeks. The incidences of any stage of retinopathy of prematurity and severe retinopathy of prematurity were 68.3% and 17%, respectively. ROPScore values ranged from 8.7 to 19.9. The best cutoff point for sensitivity and specificity was 11 for any stage of retinopathy of prematurity and 14.5 for severe retinopathy of prematurity. For any stage of retinopathy of prematurity, the sensitivity and specificity of the ROPScores were 98.6% (95% confidence interval = 97.9%-99.3%) and 35.3% (95% confidence interval= 32.3%-38.3%), with a positive predictive value of 76.6% (95% confidence interval= 74.0%-79.2%) and a negative predictive value of 92.3% (95% confidence interval= 90.6%-94.0%). For severe retinopathy of prematurity, the sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 57.3% (95% confidence interval= 54.2%-60.4%), with positive predictive value of 22% (95% confidence interval= 19.4%-24.6%) and negative predictive value of 100%. The cutoff points correctly identified all infants that developed severe retinopathy of prematurity in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The ROPScore was useful to identify preterm babies at risk for retinopathy of prematurity. In this population, the ROPScore detected all patients at risk for any stage retinopathy of prematurity and severe retinopathy of prematurity. The ROPScore values in this study were similar to those previously described, thereby successfully validating the ROPScore for early detection of retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight preterm infants.

Predictors of cesarean delivery in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus.

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate which risk factors may lead patients with gestational diabetes mellitus to cesarean delivery. Methods This was a retrospective, descriptive study. The subjects of the study were pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus attending a public maternity hospital in the south of Brazil. The primary outcomes assessed were based on maternal and fetal characteristics. The data were correlated using an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI), calculated using multinomial logistic regression. Results A total of 392 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus were analyzed, and 57.4% of them had cesarean deliveries. Among the maternal characteristics, the mean age of the patients and the pregestational body mass index were greater when a cesarean delivery was performed (p = 0.029 and p < 0.01 respectively). Gestational age at birth, newborn weight, weight class according to gestational age, and Apgar score were not significant. The analysis of the OR showed that the chance of cesarean delivery was 2.25 times (95%CI = 1.49-2.39) greater if the pregnant woman was obese, 4.6 times (95%CI = 3.017-7.150) greater if she was a primigravida, and 5.2 times (95%CI = 2.702-10.003) greater if she had a previous cesarean delivery. The other parameters analyzed showed no differences. Conclusion The factors that led to an increase in the occurrence of cesarean deliveries included history of a prior cesarean section, first pregnancy, and obesity.

Predictors of cesarean delivery in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus / Preditores de cesariana em gestantes com diabetes mellitus gestacional

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate which risk factors may lead patients with gestational diabetes mellitus to cesarean delivery. Methods This was a retrospective, descriptive study. The subjects of the study were pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus attending a public maternity hospital in the south of Brazil. The primary outcomes assessed were based on maternal and fetal characteristics. The data were correlated using an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI), calculated using multinomial logistic regression. Results A total of 392 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus were analyzed, and 57.4% of them had cesarean deliveries. Among the maternal characteristics, the mean age of the patients and the pregestational body mass index were greater when a cesarean delivery was performed (p = 0.029 and p < 0.01 respectively). Gestational age at birth, newborn weight, weight class according to gestational age, and Apgar score were not significant. The analysis of the OR showed that the chance of cesarean delivery was 2.25 times (95%CI = 1.49-2.39) greater if the pregnant woman was obese, 4.6 times (95%CI = 3.017-7.150) greater if she was a primigravida, and 5.2 times (95% CI = 2.702-10.003) greater if she had a previous cesarean delivery. The other parameters analyzed showed no differences. Conclusion The factors that led to an increase in the occurrence of cesarean deliveries included history of a prior cesarean section, first pregnancy, and obesity.

Resumo Objetivo O objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar quais os fatores de risco que podem levar pacientes com diabetes mellitus gestacional ao parto cesáreo. Métodos Trata-se de um estudo retrospectivo descritivo. Foram sujeitos do estudo gestantes portadoras de diabetes mellitus gestacional atendidas em uma maternidade pública do Sul do Brasil. Os desfechos primários avaliados foram baseados em características maternas e fetais. Os dados foram relacionados por meio da razão de chance (RC) com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%), calculado por meio da regressão logística multinominal. Resultados Foram analisadas 392 pacientes com diabetes mellitus gestacional, das quais 57,4% tiveram o parto realizado por via cesariana. Dentre as características maternas, a idade média das pacientes e o índice de massa corporal pré-gestacional forammaiores nas ocasiões emque o parto cesáreo foi realizado (p = 0,029 e p < 0,01, respectivamente). Idade gestacional do parto, peso do recém-nascido, classe de peso de acordo com a idade gestacional e o Apgar não foram significativos. Analisando a RC, o fato de a gestante: ser obesa resultou em chance de parto cesáreo 2,25 (IC95% = 1,49- 2,39) vezes maior; ser primigesta resultou em chance de parto cesáreo 4,6 (IC95% = 3,017-7,150) vezes maior; e apresentar história de cesárea prévia resultou em 5,2 (IC95% = 2,702-10,003) vezes mais chance de ter uma nova cesárea. Os outros parâmetros analisados não apresentaram diferença. Conclusão Entre os fatores que acarretam aumento da ocorrência de nascimento por via cesariana, encontram-se: história de cesárea anterior, primeira gravidez e obesidade.