Do commonly available round facemasks fit near-term and term infants?

OBJECTIVE: With inappropriately large facemasks, it is more difficult to create a seal on the face, potentially leading to ineffective ventilation during neonatal stabilisation. We investigated whether commonly available round facemasks are of appropriate size by measuring facial dimensions in near-term and term infants using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images. DESIGN: Prospective single-centre observational study. SETTING: Infants born in our centre at 34-41 weeks' gestation were eligible. INTERVENTION: Patients were photographed with 2D and 3D technique. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Distances between nasion and gnathion were measured and compared with the outer diameter of various round facemasks. METHODS: 2D and 3D images were performed using standard equipment. Correlations between gestational age and the above-mentioned distances were assessed using Pearson's r. RESULTS: Images were taken from 102 infants with a mean (SD) gestational age of 37.9 (2.3) weeks. Mean distance between nasion and gnathion was 46.9 mm (5.1) in 2D and 49.9 mm (4.1) in 3D images, that is, on average 3 mm smaller in 2D than with 3D (p<0.01). Based on these measurements, round facemasks with an external diameter of 50 mm seemed fitting for most (61%) term infants and 42 mm masks for most (72%) near-term infants (GA 34-36 weeks). CONCLUSIONS: Round facemasks with an external diameter of 60 mm are too large for almost all newborn infants, while 42/50 mm round facemasks are well fitting. Important anatomical structures were only visible using 3D images. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT03369028.

A randomized trial of oropharyngeal airways to assist stabilization of preterm infants in the delivery room.

OBJECTIVE: Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) using a ventilation device and a face mask is recommended for compromised newborn infants in the delivery room (DR). Airway obstruction and face mask leak during PPV may contribute to failure of resuscitation. Using an oropharyngeal airway (OPA) may improve efficacy of mask PPV. To determine whether the use of an OPA with mask PPV in the DR during stabilization of infants <34 weeks' gestational age, reduces the incidence of airway obstruction. INTERVENTION AND MEASUREMENTS: An international two center unblinded randomized trial. Infants assessed by the clinical team to require PPV, were randomly assigned to receive PPV using a T Piece device with either a soft round face mask alone or in combination with an appropriately sized OPA. Resuscitation protocols were standardized. A hot-wire anemometer flow sensor measured respiratory function during the first five minutes of stabilization. The primary outcome was the incidence of airway obstruction, either complete (no gas flow) or partial (minimal gas flows resulting in expired tidal volumes <2 mL/kg). MAIN RESULTS: A total of 137 infants were enrolled. Obstructed inflations were more frequently observed in infants stabilized with an OPA (81% vs. 64%; p = 0.03). Partial obstruction was more common in infants stabilized with an OPA (70% vs 54%; p = 0.04). There were no differences in mortality or respiratory outcomes for the whole cohort or in gestational age subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Airway obstruction is common in preterm infants receiving mask ventilation in the DR. Using an oropharyngeal airway significantly increases the incidence of airway obstruction. REGISTERED CLINICAL TRIAL: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register; ACTRN 12612000392864.

Cerebral regional tissue Oxygen Saturation to Guide Oxygen Delivery in preterm neonates during immediate transition after birth (COSGOD III): an investigator-initiated, randomized, multi-center, multi-national, clinical trial on additional cerebral tissue oxygen saturation monitoring combined with defined treatment guidelines versus standard monitoring and treatment as usual in premature infants during immediate transition: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Transition immediately after birth is a complex physiological process. The neonate has to establish sufficient ventilation to ensure significant changes from intra-uterine to extra-uterine circulation. If hypoxia or bradycardia or both occur, as commonly happens during immediate transition in preterm neonates, cerebral hypoxia-ischemia may cause perinatal brain injury. The primary objective of the COSGOD phase III trial is to investigate whether it is possible to increase survival without cerebral injury in preterm neonates of less than 32 weeks of gestation by targeting cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (crSO2) using specified clinical treatment guidelines during the immediate transition period after birth (the first 15 min) in addition to the routine monitoring of arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) and heart rate (HR). METHODS/DESIGN: COSGOD III is an investigator-initiated, randomized, multi-center, multi-national, phase III clinical trial. Inclusion criteria are neonates of less than 32 weeks of gestation, decision to provide full life support, and parental informed consent. Exclusion criteria are severe congenital malformations of brain, heart, lung, or prenatal cerebral injury or a combination of these. The premature infants will be randomly assigned to study or control groups. Both groups will have a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) device (left frontal), pulse oximeter (right palm/wrist), and electrocardiogram placed immediately after birth. In the study group, the crSO2, SpO2, and HR readings are visible, and the infant will receive treatment in accordance with defined treatment guidelines. In the control group, only SpO2 and HR will be visible, and the infant will receive routine treatment. The intervention period will last for the first 15 min after birth during the immediate transition period and resuscitation. Thereafter, each neonate will be followed up for primary outcome to term date or discharge. The primary outcome is mortality or cerebral injury (or both) defined as any intra-ventricular bleeding or cystic periventricular leukomalacia (or both). Secondary outcomes are neonatal morbidities. DISCUSSION: crSO2 monitoring during immediate transition has been proven to be feasible and improve cerebral oxygenation during immediate transition. The additional monitoring of crSO2 with dedicated interventions may improve outcome of preterm neonates as evidenced by increased survival without cerebral injury. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03166722 . Registered March 5, 2017.

Beta blocker therapy in recipients of twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome.

Recipients of severe twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) may suffer from low cardiac output caused by myocardial hypertrophy and sudden postnatal drop in preload. Our hypothesis was that selective beta-1 adrenergic blockers improve cardiac function in TTTS recipients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. We analysed data from two TTTS recipients treated with esmolol/metoprolol. Despite intense circulatory support, both patients showed severe hypotension and tachycardia before therapy. Echocardiographic findings included hypertrophic ventricles with thickened intraventricular septum, reduced aortic valve velocity time integral (AV-VTI), left ventricular outflow tract obstruction and collapsing ventricles in systole. Beta blocker improved blood pressure as well as AV-VTI, which served as a surrogate parameter for left ventricular stroke volume, reduced heart rate and need for circulatory support. In conclusion, beta blockade may improve left ventricular function in TTTS recipients with low cardiac output due to myocardial hypertrophy.

The Effect of Noninvasive High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation on Desaturations and Bradycardia in Very Preterm Infants: A Randomized Crossover Trial.

Noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation compared with nasal continuous positive airway pressure significantly reduced the number of desaturations and bradycardia in preterm infants. However, noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation was associated with increased oxygen requirements and higher heart rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry: ACTRN12616001516471.

Suction Mask vs Conventional Mask Ventilation in Term and Near-Term Infants in the Delivery Room: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the suction mask, a new facemask that uses suction to create a seal between the mask and the infant's face, with a conventional soft, round silicone mask during positive pressure ventilation (PPV) in the delivery room in newborn infants >34 weeks of gestation. STUDY DESIGN: Single-center randomized controlled trial in the delivery room. The primary outcome was mask leak. RESULTS: Forty-five infants were studied at a median gestational age of 38.1 weeks (IQR, 36.4-39.0 weeks); 22 were randomized to the suction mask and 23 to the conventional mask. The suction mask did not reduce mask leak (49.9%; IQR, 11.0%-92.7%) compared with the conventional mask (30.5%; IQR, 10.6%-48.8%; P = .51). The suction mask delivered lower peak inspiratory pressure (27.2 cm H2O [IQR, 25.0-28.7 cm H2O] vs 30.4 cm H2O [IQR, 29.4-32.5 cm H2O]; P < .05) and lower positive end expiratory pressure (3.7 cm H2O [IQR, 3.1-4.5 cm H2O] vs 5.1 cm H2O [IQR, 4.2-5.7 cm H2O ]; P < .05). There was no difference in the duration of PPV or rates of intubation or admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. In 5 infants (23%), the clinician switched from the suction to the conventional mask, 2 owing to intermittently low peak inspiratory pressure, 2 owing to failure to respond to PPV, and 1 owing to marked facial bruising after 6 minutes of PPV. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the suction mask to provide PPV in newborn infants did not reduce facemask leak. Adverse effects such as the inability to achieve the set pressures and transient skin discoloration are concerning. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12616000768493.

Prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely low gestational age neonates: current evidence.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most frequent complications in extremely low gestational age neonates, but has remained largely unchanged in rate. We reviewed data on BPD prevention focusing on recent meta-analyses. Interventions with proven effectiveness in reducing BPD include the primary use of non-invasive respiratory support, the application of surfactant without endotracheal ventilation and the use of volume-targeted ventilation in infants requiring endotracheal intubation. Following extubation, synchronised nasal ventilation is more effective than continuous positive airway pressure in reducing BPD. Pharmacologically, commencing caffeine citrate on postnatal day 1 or 2 seems more effective than a later start. Applying intramuscular vitamin A for the first 4 weeks reduces BPD, but is expensive and painful and thus not widely used. Low-dose hydrocortisone for the first 10 days prevents BPD, but was associated with almost twice as many cases of late-onset sepsis in infants born at 24-25 weeks' gestation. Inhaled corticosteroids, despite reducing BPD, were associated with a higher mortality rate. Administering dexamethasone to infants still requiring mechanical ventilation around postnatal weeks 2-3 may represent the best trade-off between restricting steroids to infants at risk of BPD while still affording high efficacy. Finally, identifying infants colonised with ureaplasma and treating those requiring intubation and mechanical ventilation with azithromycin is another promising approach to BPD prevention. Further interventions yet only backed by cohort studies include exclusive breastmilk feeding and a better prevention of nosocomial infections.

Lung ultrasound immediately after birth to describe normal neonatal transition: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE: Lung ultrasound (LUS) has shown promise as a diagnostic tool for the evaluation of the newborn with respiratory distress. No study has described LUS during 'normal' transition. Our goal was to characterise the appearance of serial LUS in healthy newborns from the first minutes after birth until airway liquid clearance is achieved. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single-centre tertiary perinatal centre in Australia. PATIENTS: Of 115 infants born at ≥35 weeks gestational age, mean (SD) gestational age of 386/7 weeks±11 days, mean birth weight of 3380±555 g, 51 were delivered vaginally, 14 via caesarean section (CS) after labour and 50 infants via elective CS. INTERVENTIONS: We obtained serial LUS videos via the right and left axillae at 1-10 min, 11-20 min and 1, 2, 4 and 24 hours after birth. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: LUS videos were graded for aeration and liquid clearance according to a previously validated system. RESULTS: We analysed 1168 LUS video recordings. As assessed by LUS, lung aeration and airway liquid clearance occurred quickly. All infants had an established pleural line at the first examination (median=2 (1-4) min). Only 14% of infants had substantial liquid retention at 10 min after birth. 49%, 78% and 100% of infants had completed airway liquid clearance at 2, 4 and 24 hours, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In healthy transitioning newborn infants, lung aeration and partial liquid clearance are achieved on the first minutes after birth with complete liquid clearance typically achieved within the first 4 hours of birth. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ANZCT 12615000380594.

Cerebral oxygenation during skin-to-skin care in preterm infants not receiving respiratory support.

OBJECTIVE: Skin-to-skin care (SSC) has proven benefits in preterm infants, but increased hypoxic and bradycardic events have been reported. This may make clinicians hesitant to recommend SSC as standard care. We hypothesised that regional cerebral oxygenation (rStO2) measured with near infrared spectroscopy is not worse during SSC compared with standard incubator care. DESIGN: Prospective, observational, non-inferiority study. SETTING: Single tertiary perinatal centre in Australia. PATIENTS: Forty preterm infants (median (IQR) 30.6 (29.1-31.7) weeks' gestation) not receiving respiratory support were studied on day 14 (8-38). INTERVENTIONS: Recordings during 90 min of incubator care, followed by 90 min of SSC. Each infant acted as their own control and caregivers were blinded to the rStO2 measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the mean difference in rStO2 between SSC and incubator care. The prespecified margin of non-inferiority was -1.5%. Secondary outcomes included heart rate (HR), peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), time in quiet sleep, temperature and hypoxic (SpO2 <80% for >5 s) or bradycardic events (HR <80 bpm for >5 s) and time spent in cerebral hypoxia (rStO2<55%) and hyperoxia (rStO2>85%). RESULTS: Mean (SD) rStO2 was lower during SSC compared with incubator care: 73.6 (6.0)% vs 74.8 (4.6)%, mean difference (95% CI) 1.3 (2.2 to 0.4)%. HR was 5 bpm higher, SpO2 1% lower and time in quiet sleep 24% longer during SSC. Little evidence of a difference was observed in temperature. The number of hypoxic or bradycardic events as well as the proportion of time spent in cerebral hypoxia and hyperoxia was very low in both periods. CONCLUSIONS: Mean rStO2 was marginally lower during SSC without observed differences in hypoxic or bardycardic events but an increase in time spent in quiet sleep. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This trial is linked to Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: identifier 12616000240448. It was registered pre-results.

Physical stimulation of newborn infants in the delivery room.

OBJECTIVE: Neonatal resuscitation guidelines recommend that newborn infants are stimulated to assist with the establishment of regular respirations. The mode, site of application and frequency of stimulations are not stipulated in these guidelines. The effectiveness of stimulation in improving neonatal transition outcomes is poorly described. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of video recordings of neonatal resuscitation at a tertiary perinatal centre. Four different types of stimulation (drying, chest rub, back rub and foot flick) were defined a priori and the frequency and infant response were documented. RESULTS: A total of 120 video recordings were reviewed. Seventy-five (63%) infants received at least one episode of stimulation and 70 (58%) infants were stimulated within the first minute after birth. Stimulation was less commonly provided to infants <30 weeks' gestation (median (IQR) number of stimulations: 0 (0-1)) than infants born ≥30 weeks' gestation (1 (1-3); p<0.001). The most common response to stimulation was limb movement followed by infant cry and facial grimace. Truncal stimulation (drying, chest rub, back rub) was associated with more crying and movement than foot flicks. CONCLUSION: Less mature infants are stimulated less frequently compared with more mature infants and many very preterm infants do not receive any stimulation. Most infants were stimulated within the first minute as recommended in resuscitation guidelines. Rubbing the trunk may be most effective but this needs to be confirmed in prospective studies.

Reticulocyte Haemoglobin Content Declines More Markedly in Preterm than in Term Infants in the First Days after Birth.

BACKGROUND: Reticulocyte haemoglobin content, i.e., the reticulocyte equivalent (Ret-He), seems to be a promising parameter for the detection of iron deficiency (ID) in neonates because it can be obtained as part of a reticulocyte count, with no additional blood loss and at no extra cost. Due to the short life span of reticulocytes, Ret-He reflects current iron availability for erythropoiesis more accurately than other common erythrocyte indices. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate postnatal changes in Ret-He within the first days after birth in term and preterm infants with the hypothesis that preterm infants experience a more pronounced postnatal reduction in Ret-He when compared to term infants. METHODS: We conducted retrospective analyses of clinically indicated blood samples. Paired t test and mixed regression modelling were used. RESULTS: In total, 805 blood samples obtained from 207 term and 295 preterm infants were analysed. Ret-He decreased by 1.5 pg per day (regression coefficient [95% CI] -1.5 [-1.8 to -1.2] pg, p < 0.0001). This drop was more significant in preterm infants (regression coefficient -2.2 [-2.6 to -1.8] pg, p < 0.0001) than in term infants (regression coefficient -0.8 [-1.3 to -0.2] pg, p < 0.01, pinteraction < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Ret-He declined within the first days after birth. The observed changes with postnatal age were more pronounced in preterm than in term infants. Further studies are needed to evaluate if these changes are due to developing ID or other causes.

Lung ultrasound during the initiation of breathing in healthy term and late preterm infants immediately after birth, a prospective, observational study.

INTRODUCTION: Lung ultrasound (LUS) has shown promise for evaluation of newborns with respiratory distress. However, no study has described the appearance of LUS during the initiation of breathing. We used LUS to describe the appearance of the lungs in healthy infants immediately after birth, starting with the infant's first breath, through the first 20min after birth. METHODS: This was a single-center observational study enrolling neonates born at ≥35 weeks. We obtained LUS video recordings with the initiation of breathing. Recordings that captured one of the 1st four breaths after birth were included. We also obtained recordings at 1-10 and 11-20min after birth. Recordings were graded using a modified version of a previously published system, with additional grades to describe the appearance of the lungs prior to establishment of the pleural line. RESULTS: We studied 63 infants, mean gestational age=391/7±2 days, mean weight=3473g±422, 33 infants were delivered vaginally and 30 via cesarean section. We captured the first breath after birth in 28 infants and within the first four breaths from the remaining 35 infants. The pleural line was established by a median of 4 breaths (3-6). At the 1-10min examination, all infants had an established pleural line and 89% demonstrated substantial liquid clearance. At the 11-20min examination, all infants had substantial liquid clearance. CONCLUSION: Establishment of the pleural line, indicating lung aeration and substantial liquid clearance is achieved with the first few breaths after birth in term and near term infants.

Skin-to-skin care in preterm infants receiving respiratory support does not lead to physiological instability.

OBJECTIVE: Providing skin-to-skin care (SSC) to preterm infants is standard practice in many neonatal intensive care units. There are conflicting reports on the stability of oxygen saturation (SpO2) during SSC, which may create a barrier to a wider implementation of SSC to infants receiving respiratory support. Regional cerebral oxygenation (rcO2) measured using near-infrared spectroscopy can serve as a surrogate parameter for cerebral oxygen delivery and consumption. We hypothesised that rcO2 during SSC would be similar to standard care in preterm infants receiving respiratory support. DESIGN: Prospective observational non-inferiority study. SETTING: Single tertiary perinatal centre in Australia. PATIENTS: Forty preterm infants (median (IQR) of 27.6 (26.0-28.9) weeks' gestation) receiving respiratory support were studied on day 8 (5-18). INTERVENTIONS: Ninety minutes of SSC, with infants in incubators acting as their own control. Parents and caregivers were blinded to the measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean difference in rcO2 between SSC and incubator care; as well as heart rate (HR), SpO2, fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and temperature, were compared using a paired t-test. RESULTS: rcO2 was similar during SSC (mean (SD) 74.9 (6.5)%)% compared with incubator care (74.7 (6.1)%, mean difference (95% CI) 0.2 (-0.8 to 1.1)%, p=0.71). No clinically important differences in HR, SpO2, FiO2 or temperature were observed in the whole cohort and by mode of respiratory support (endotracheal tube mechanical ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure and high-flow nasal cannulae). CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral oxygenation and other physiological measurements in ventilated preterm infants did not differ between SSC and incubator care. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 12615000959572.

Reference Ranges of Reticulocyte Haemoglobin Content in Preterm and Term Infants: A Retrospective Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Despite iron supplementation, some preterm infants develop iron deficiency (ID). The optimal iron status parameter for early detection of ID has yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: To establish reference ranges for reticulocyte haemoglobin content (Ret-He) in preterm and term infants and to identify confounding factors. METHODS: Retrospective analyses of Ret-He and complete blood count in infants with a clinically indicated blood sample obtained within 24 h after birth. RESULTS: Mean (SD) Ret-He was 30.7 (3.0) pg in very preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) of <30 weeks (n = 55), 31.2 (2.6) pg in moderately preterm infants (GA 30-36 weeks, n = 241) and 32.0 (3.2) pg in term infants (GA ≥37 weeks, n = 216). The 2.5th percentile of Ret-He across all GA groups was 25 pg, with a weak correlation between Ret-He and GA (r = 0.18). Moreover, only weak/no correlations were found between Ret-He and C-reactive protein (r = 0.18), interleukin 6 (IL-6) (r = 0.03) and umbilical artery pH (r = -0.07). There was a slight variation in Ret-He with mode of delivery [normal vaginal delivery: 32.3 (3.2) pg, secondary caesarean section (CS): 31.4 (3.0) pg, instrumental delivery: 31.3 (2.7) pg and elective CS: 31.2 (2.8) pg]. CONCLUSION: GA at birth has a negligible impact on Ret-He, and the lower limit of the normal reference range in newborns within 24 h after birth can be set to 25 pg. Moreover, Ret-He seems to be a robust parameter which is not influenced by perinatal factors within the first 24 h after birth.

A new suction mask to reduce leak during neonatal resuscitation: a manikin study.

OBJECTIVE: Leak around the face mask is a common problem during neonatal resuscitation. A newly designed face mask using a suction system to enhance contact between the mask and the infant's face might reduce leak and improve neonatal resuscitation. The aim of the study is to determine whether leak is reduced using the suction mask (Resusi-sure mask) compared with a conventional mask (Laerdal Silicone mask) in a manikin model. METHODS: Sixty participants from different professional categories (neonatal consultants, fellows, registrars, nurses, midwives and students) used each face mask in a random order to deliver 2 min of positive pressure ventilation to a manikin. Delivered airway pressures were measured using a pressure line. Inspiratory and expiratory flows were measured using a flow sensor, and expiratory tidal volumes and mask leaks were derived from these values. RESULTS: A median (IQR) leak of 12.1 (0.6-39.0)% was found with the conventional mask compared with 0.7 (0.2-4.6)% using the suction mask (p=0.002). 50% of the participants preferred to use the suction mask and 38% preferred to use the conventional mask. There was no correlation between leak and operator experience. CONCLUSIONS: A new neonatal face mask based on the suction system reduced leak in a manikin model. Clinical studies to test the safety and effectiveness of this mask are needed.

Short-Term Effects of Blood Transfusions on Hepcidin in Preterm Infants.

BACKGROUND: Hepcidin, a key regulatory peptide hormone in iron homeostasis, may in future serve as a non-invasive iron status parameter for monitoring iron supplementation in preterm infants. For this, coexisting influencing factors should be taken into account. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the short-term effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions on hepcidin concentrations in serum (HepS) and urine (HepU) of preterm infants. METHODS: This was a prospective, observational study conducted between May 2009 and September 2010 at a single neonatal unit (Tübingen University Hospital, Tübingen, Germany) in very preterm infants, i.e. with a gestational age (GA) of <32 weeks, who received clinically indicated RBC transfusions. The concentration of the mature, 25 amino-acid form of hepcidin was determined in serum und urine by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay together with cellular indices before and after transfusion. RESULTS: Twenty preterm infants born at a median GA of 26 + 0/7 (interquartile range: 24 + 6/7 to 27 + 3/7) weeks received 27 RBC transfusions at a median corrected age of 31 + 3/7 (29 + 6/7 to 34 + 5/7) weeks. When measured shortly after transfusion (mean time: 10 h), haematocrit values increased from a mean of 26.6% (SD 2.8) to 40.9% (SD 3.2); p < 0.0001. HepS also increased [geometric mean: 44.3 (95% confidence interval 30.8-63.8) ng/ml vs. 58.0 (35.7-94.3) ng/ml; p < 0.05] but HepU remained unaffected. CONCLUSION: The data indicate that HepS concentrations increase shortly after RBC transfusion in preterm infants. Long-term observational studies are needed to understand the dynamics of hepcidin regulation in preterm infants.

Reticulocyte haemoglobin content as a marker of iron deficiency.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate reticulocyte haemoglobin content (CHr), compared with ferritin, transferrin saturation (TS) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), as a marker of iron deficiency (ID). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of clinically indicated blood samples taken between February 2010 and October 2012. SETTING: Single-centre neonatal care unit. PATIENTS: 210 very preterm (gestational age <32 weeks) or very low birthweight infants (birth weight <1500 g) at 3-4 months corrected age. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Complete blood count, CHr, ferritin and TS determined as part of a standard follow-up examination. To detect the optimal CHr cut-off, ID was defined by the presence of more than two of the following three criteria: MCV <75 fL, TS <10%, ferritin <30 µg/L. RESULTS: 210 preterm infants were included at a corrected age of (median (IQR)) 3.5 (3.0-4.0) months and with a CHr of 29.7 (28.6-30.7) pg. There were correlations between CHr and MCV (r=0.54, p <0.0001) and between CHr and TS (r=0.44, p <0.0001). There were 27 (13.4%) iron-deficient infants, and two infants (1%) fulfilled criteria of ID-anaemia. CHr was lower in infants with ID (26.4 (23.8-28.7) pg) than in those without (29.9 (29.0-30.8) pg, p <0.0001). The optimal CHr cut-off for detecting ID was 29 pg (sensitivity 85%, specificity 73%). Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for detection of ID tended to be higher for CHr compared with ferritin (0.92 vs 0.75), TS (0.90 vs 0.82) and MCV (0.81 vs 0.72). CONCLUSIONS: CHr seems to be a suitable marker for latent ID in preterm infants at 3-4 months corrected age and may be superior to ferritin, TS and MCV.

Gestational age-specific reference ranges of hepcidin in cord blood.

BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) contributes to anaemia of prematurity, and hence the reliable assessment of iron nutrition status appears to be mandatory. OBJECTIVE: To establish gestational age (GA)-specific reference ranges for hepcidin concentrations in cord blood [Hep(CB)] of preterm and term infants and to identify pre- and perinatal confounding factors. METHODS: This is a prospective observational study including 221 infants (GA at birth: 24-42 weeks). Hep(CB) along with complete blood counts, ferritin and parameters of inflammation and clinical data were recorded. Data are presented as medians (IQR). RESULTS: The Hep(CB) of very preterm infants (GA <30 weeks, n = 40) was 26.9 ng/ml (13.5-63.1), for moderately preterm infants (GA 30-36 weeks, n = 81) it was 45.9 ng/ml (24.7-74.5) and for term infants (GA ≥37 weeks, n = 100) it was 103.9 ng/ml (61.4-149.2). The Hep(CB) of infants with ID was lower [36.9 ng/ml (18.0-58.3)] than that of iron-replete infants [86.6 ng/ml (51.9-143.8)]. The Hep(CB) of infants delivered by elective caesarean section was lower [38.3 ng/ml (15.5-73.7)] than that of infants after spontaneous vaginal delivery or secondary caesarean section [80.3 ng/ml (48.5-137.6)]. Infants with a standard deviation score for birth weight (SDSBW) <-2 had a lower Hep(CB) [23.1 ng/ml (11.7-61.5)] compared to infants with SDSBW ≥-2 [71.1 ng/ml (34.0-121.7)]. The highest Hep(CB) (437.6 ng/ml) was recorded in an infant with Enterococcus faecalis sepsis. Multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed ferritin, GA and mode of delivery as important factors associated with Hep(CB). CONCLUSION: This is the first report on GA-specific reference ranges for Hep(CB) in preterm infants. Whereas iron stores, GA and mode of delivery were associated with Hep(CB), the association with inflammation and intra-uterine growth retardation was less clear.