End-of-Life Care for Newborn Infants: A Multicenter Real-Life Prospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Most neonatal deaths in industrialized countries follow a process of redirection of care. The objectives of this study were to describe how neonates die in a middle-income country, whether there was redirection of care, and the reason for this decision. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, cross-sectional study. Neonates who died in the delivery room or in the neonatal intensive care unit in 97 hospitals over a 6-month period were included. After each neonatal death, one investigator interviewed a member of the healthcare team who had been involved in the end-of-life care process. Perinatal data, conditions that led to death, whether there was redirection of care, and details of the end-of-life process were recorded. RESULTS: Data from 697 neonatal deaths were analyzed, which represent 80% of the total deaths occurring in Argentina in that period. The main causes of death were complications of prematurity (47%) and congenital anomalies (27%). Overall, 32% of neonates died after a process of redirection of care, and this was less frequent in the neonatal intensive care unit (28%) than in the delivery room (70%, p < 0.001). The reasons for withholding/withdrawing care were inevitable death (75%) and severe compromise of expected quality of life (25%). Redirection of care consisted in withholding therapies in 66% and withdrawal in 34%. A diagnosis of a major congenital anomaly increased the odds of redirection of care (OR 5.45; 95% CI: 3.59-8.27). CONCLUSION: Most neonates who die in Argentina do so while receiving full support. Redirection of care mainly follows a condition of inevitable death.

Can Intubation Be Improved with Endotracheal Tubes Marked with a Color Scale? Randomized Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess if a color scale in the endotracheal tube (ETT) can help operators to correctly select the size and depth of placement of the ETT and decrease the time required to complete the procedure and compared with the usual numeric ETT scale in a mannequin model. STUDY DESIGN: The study was conducted in eight centers. Each size of the ETT was identified with a different color. The experimental ETTs had two different colored areas, one for the mouthpiece and another to identify where the ETT should be taped above the lip (an area of 1 cm. The operators were trained as part of the protocol using an instructional video. Four clinical scenarios requiring endotracheal intubation were designed and randomly assigned. Each operator had to select the size and depth of ETT based on the birth weight (BW), and then had to perform four intubations. RESULTS: A total of 108 operators performed 432 intubations. No differences were found in the correct placement and selection of the ETT. Median time (in seconds) required for intubation using numeric versus experimental tube was: for ETT Ø NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) 2.5, 11.5 versus 8 (p < 0.001), ETT Ø 3, 12 versus 10 (p < 0.001), ETT Ø 3.5, 15.5 versus12 (p = 0.003), ETT Ø 4, 12 versus11 (p = 0.019). CONCLUSION: No significant difference was observed in the selection and correct placement of the ETT. However, the intubation time was significantly shorter using the experimental ETT. This device could improve the effectiveness of intubation by reducing the time needed to properly place the ETT at mid trachea. KEY POINTS: · It is an innovative intervention to try to solve a great inconvenience of daily practice.. · The study also raises the difficulty in maintaining the ability of endotracheal intubation.. · It proposes a scale that ensures the correct location with a safe fixation zone..

Infección tardía por Streptococcus agalactiae asociada a la leche humana: reporte de 3 casos clínicos / Streptococcus agalactiae late onset infection associated with human milk: three cases report

La infección por estreptococo ß-hemolítico del grupo B o Streptococcus agalactiae puede causar morbilidad grave y mortalidad en los recién nacidos, especialmente en prematuros. Las estrategias de prevención actuales han sido eficaces en reducir la frecuencia de sepsis neonatal temprana ocasionada por transmisión vertical. La incidencia de sepsis tardía por dicho microrganismo no se ha modificado y la vía de infección es menos clara. En niños amamantados, la transmisión a través de la leche materna es posible. Se presentan tres casos de infección tardía por estreptococo ß-hemolítico del grupo B en recién nacidos prematuros alimentados con leche materna cuyas madres tenían mastitis. En todos los casos, tanto en el cultivo de la leche materna como en los hemocultivos de los neonatos se desarrolló el mismo microrganismo.

Group B ß-hemolytic Streptococcus or Streptococcus agalactiae is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates, especially in premature infants. Current prevention strategies have been effective in reducing the frequency of early onset neonatal sepsis caused by vertical transmission. The incidence of late onset sepsis due to this microorganism has not changed and the route of infection is less clear. In breastfed infants, transmission through breast milk is possible. We report three cases of late group B ß-hemolytic streptococcal infection in breastfed preterm infants whose mothers had mastitis. In all cases, both the breast milk culture and the blood cultures of the neonates developed the same microorganism.

[Streptococcus agalactiae late onset infection associated with human milk: three cases report]. / Infección tardía por Streptococcus agalactiae asociada a la leche humana: reporte de 3 casos clínicos.

Group B ß-hemolytic Streptococcus or Streptococcus agalactiae is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates, especially in premature infants. Current prevention strategies have been effective in reducing the frequency of early onset neonatal sepsis caused by vertical transmission. The incidence of late onset sepsis due to this microorganism has not changed and the route of infection is less clear. In breastfed infants, transmission through breast milk is possible. We report three cases of late group B ß-hemolytic streptococcal infection in breastfed preterm infants whose mothers had mastitis. In all cases, both the breast milk culture and the blood cultures of the neonates developed the same microorganism.

La infección por estreptococo ß-hemolítico del grupo B o Streptococcus agalactiae puede causar morbilidad grave y mortalidad en los recién nacidos, especialmente en prematuros. Las estrategias de prevención actuales han sido eficaces en reducir la frecuencia de sepsis neonatal temprana ocasionada por transmisión vertical. La incidencia de sepsis tardía por dicho microrganismo no se ha modificado y la vía de infección es menos clara. En niños amamantados, la transmisión a través de la leche materna es posible. Se presentan tres casos de infección tardía por estreptococo ß-hemolítico del grupo B en recién nacidos prematuros alimentados con leche materna cuyas madres tenían mastitis. En todos los casos, tanto en el cultivo de la leche materna como en los hemocultivos de los neonatos se desarrolló el mismo microrganismo.

Maternal-Fetal Immunologic Response to SARS-CoV-2 Infection in a Symptomatic Vulnerable Population: A Prospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disproportionally affects pregnant women and their newborn; however, little is known about variables that modulate maternal-fetal immune response to infection. METHODS: We prospectively studied socioeconomic, biologic, and clinical factors affecting humoral immunity in 87 unvaccinated pregnant women hospitalized in Buenos Aires for symptoms consistent with COVID-19. RESULTS: The number of days between symptom onset and childbirth predicted maternal and newborn virus spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD)-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG). These findings suggest newborns may benefit less when mothers deliver soon after COVID-19 infection. Similarly, a longer time between symptom onset and birth predicted higher in utero transfer of maternal IgG and its concentration in cord blood. Older gestational age at birth was associated with lower maternal to cord blood IgG ratio. Of women with confirmed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, 87% developed RBD-specific IgA responses in breast milk within 96 hours of childbirth. IgA was not significantly associated with time from infection but correlated with maternal serum IgG and placental transfer. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the combined role of biologic, clinical, and socioeconomic variables associated with maternal RBD-specific antibodies and supports early vaccination strategies for COVID-19 in socioeconomically vulnerable pregnant women. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION: NCT04362956.

Ischemic Lesions in the Brain of a Neonate With SARS-CoV-2 Infection.

AIM: To describe a term newborn with acquired severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and multisystem involvement including seizures associated to ischemic lesions in the brain. BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is predominantly a respiratory infection, but it may affect many other systems. Most pediatric COVID-19 cases range from asymptomatic to mild-moderate disease. There are no specific clinical signs described for neonatal COVID-19 infections. In children, severe central nervous system compromise has been rarely reported. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe a 17-day-old newborn who acquired a SARS-CoV-2 infection in a family meeting that was admitted for fever, seizures and lethargy and in whom consumption coagulopathy, ischemic lesions in the brain and cardiac involvement were documented. CONCLUSIONS: SARS-CoV-2 neonatal infection can be associated with multi-organic involvement. In our patient, significant central nervous system compromise associated to ischemic lesions and laboratory findings of consumption coagulopathy were found. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although neonatal SARS-CoV-2 infections are infrequent, they can be associated with multi-organic involvement. Neonatologists and pediatricians should be aware of this unusual way of presentation of COVID-19 in newborn infants.

Estrategias de preparación en unidades de neonatología durante la pandemia de COVID-19: Encuesta en maternidades de la Argentina / Preparedness strategies in neonatology units during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey conducted at maternity centers in Argentina

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar recursos disponibles, guías utilizadas y preparación para la atención de neonatos en maternidades de Argentina durante la pandemia de COVID-19.Método. Estudio transversal mediante una encuesta enviada a equipos médicos y de enfermería. En mayo de 2020, se contactaron instituciones de más de 500 nacimientos anuales en la Argentina, el 58 % del sector público.Resultados. Respondieron 104/147 instituciones (el 71 %). Todas contaban con guías para la atención durante la pandemia, y un 93 % refirió haber recibido capacitación para su uso. No autorizaban la presencia de acompañante en el parto el 26 % de instituciones privadas y el 60 % de las públicas (p < 0,01). El 87 % recomendaba ligadura oportuna del cordón, el 62 % promovía internación conjunta en neonatos asintomáticos, un 70 % recomendaba la puesta al pecho con medidas de protección, y el 23 %, leche materna mediante biberón. El 94 % restringía el ingreso de familiares a Neonatología.Las dificultades incluyeron imposibilidad de contar con habitaciones individuales para neonatos sintomáticos y potencial limitación del personal de salud y equipos de protección personal.Conclusiones. Todas las instituciones conocen las guías nacionales para enfrentar la pandemia. La mayoría cuenta con recursos para respetar las medidas de protección recomendadas. Existe incertidumbre sobre si, ante un aumento significativo en el número de casos, serán suficientes los elementos de protección personal, el personal y el espacio físico disponible en los distintos centros

Introduction. The objective of this study was to analyze available resources, guidelines in use, and preparedness to care for newborn infants at maternity centers in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic.Method. Cross-sectional study based on a survey administered to medical and nursing staff. In May 2020, Argentine facilities with more than 500 annual births were contacted; 58 % of these were from the public sector.Results. In total, 104/147 facilities answered (71 %). All had guidelines for care during the pandemic, and 93 % indicated they had been trained on how to use them. A companion was not allowed during childbirth in 26 % of private facilities and in 60 % of public ones (p < 0.01). Deferred cord clamping was recommended in 87 %; rooming-in with asymptomatic newborns was promoted in 62 %; breastfeeding using protective measures was recommended in 70 %; and breast milk using a bottle, in 23 %. In 94 %, family visiting in the Neonatology Unit was restricted.Difficulties included the unavailability of individual rooms for symptomatic newborn infants and a potential shortage of health care staff and personal protective equipment.Conclusions. All facilities are aware of the national guidelines to fight the pandemic. Most have the resources to comply with the recommended protective measures. There is uncertainty as to whether personal protective equipment, staff, and physical space available at the different facilities would be enough if cases increased significantly

Preparedness strategies in neonatology units during the COVID-19 pandemic: A survey conducted at maternity centers in Argentina. / Estrategias de preparación en unidades de neonatología durante la pandemia de COVID-19: Encuesta en maternidades de la Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to analyze available resources, guidelines in use, and preparedness to care for newborn infants at maternity centers in Argentina during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHOD: Cross-sectional study based on a survey administered to medical and nursing staff. In May 2020, Argentine facilities with more than 500 annual births were contacted; 58 % of these were from the public sector. RESULTS: In total, 104/147 facilities answered (71 %). All had guidelines for care during the pandemic, and 93 % indicated they had been trained on how to use them. A companion was not allowed during childbirth in 26 % of private facilities and in 60 % of public ones (p < 0.01). Deferred cord clamping was recommended in 87 %; rooming-in with asymptomatic newborns was promoted in 62 %; breastfeeding using protective measures was recommended in 70 %; and breast milk using a bottle, in 23 %. In 94 %, family visiting in the Neonatology Unit was restricted. Difficulties included the unavailability of individual rooms for symptomatic newborn infants and a potential shortage of health care staff and personal protective equipment. CONCLUSIONS: All facilities are aware of the national guidelines to fight the pandemic. Most have the resources to comply with the recommended protective measures. There is uncertainty as to whether personal protective equipment, staff, and physical space available at the different facilities would be enough if cases increased significantly.

Introducción. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar recursos disponibles, guías utilizadas y preparación para la atención de neonatos en maternidades de Argentina durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Método. Estudio transversal mediante una encuesta enviada a equipos médicos y de enfermería. En mayo de 2020, se contactaron instituciones de más de 500 nacimientos anuales en la Argentina, el 58 % del sector público. Resultados. Respondieron 104/147 instituciones (el 71 %). Todas contaban con guías para la atención durante la pandemia, y un 93 % refirió haber recibido capacitación para su uso. No autorizaban la presencia de acompañante en el parto el 26 % de instituciones privadas y el 60 % de las públicas (p < 0,01). El 87 % recomendaba ligadura oportuna del cordón, el 62 % promovía internación conjunta en neonatos asintomáticos, un 70 % recomendaba la puesta al pecho con medidas de protección, y el 23 %, leche materna mediante biberón. El 94 % restringía el ingreso de familiares a Neonatología. Las dificultades incluyeron imposibilidad de contar con habitaciones individuales para neonatos sintomáticos y potencial limitación del personal de salud y equipos de protección personal. Conclusiones. Todas las instituciones conocen las guías nacionales para enfrentar la pandemia. La mayoría cuenta con recursos para respetar las medidas de protección recomendadas. Existe incertidumbre sobre si, ante un aumento significativo en el número de casos, serán suficientes los elementos de protección personal, el personal y el espacio físico disponible en los distintos centros.

Edad gestacional, vía de parto y relación con el día y hora de nacimiento en dos instituciones del sector privado de salud / Gestational age, mode of delivery, and relation to the day and time of birth in two private health care facilities

Introducción. A nivel mundial, hay una tendencia ascendente en nacimientos prematuros y cesáreas. El objetivo fue describir edad gestacional (EG), vía de parto, distribución en días y horarios, y relación entre la vía de parto y el momento del nacimiento en dos instituciones privadas.Población y métodos. Estudio prospectivo, transversal, analítico.Resultados. Se incluyeron los 1500 nacidos vivos entre 9-2017 y 8-2018 (1465 embarazadas). El 99,4 % fueron embarazos controlados; el 66,8 % terminaron por cesárea. La causa fue cesárea previa en el 36,4 %, falta de progresión y descenso en el 18,9 % y elección materna en el 9,2 %. El peso promedio al nacer fue de 3232 g ± 561,1 g y la mediana de EG, 39 semanas (rango 38-40) por fecha de última menstruación. El 88,2 % fueron nacidos de término y, de los prematuros, el 76,1 % fueron pretérminos tardíos. Los nacidos de término temprano tuvieron mayor índice de cesáreas (p < 0,001). Los nacimientos por cesárea en días hábiles fueron 849/1201 (el 74,5 %) y, en los días de fin de semana y feriados, 173/299 (el 57,9 %, p < 0,001). Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el horario de nacimiento y la realización de cesárea.Conclusiones. La mediana de EG fue 39 semanas. La cesárea fue la vía de nacimiento más frecuente. Los nacimientos se produjeron, predominantemente, de lunes a viernes entre las 8 y las 21 h. El 82,9 % de los nacimientos por cesárea ocurrieron en días de semana laborables

Introduction. There is a worldwide growing trend of preterm births and C-sections. Our objective was to describe gestational age (GA), mode of delivery, day and time distribution, and the relation between the mode of delivery and the time of birth in two private facilities.Population and methods. Prospective, cross-sectional, analytical study.Results. A total of 1500 live newborn infants were included between September 2017 and August 2018 (1465 pregnant women). Of these, 99.4 % had received antenatal care; 66.8 % of pregnancies ended via C-section. The reason was a previous C-section in 36.4 %, lack of progression and descent in 18.9 %, and maternal choice in 9.2 %. The average birth weight was 3232 g ± 561.1 g and the median GA was 39 weeks (range: 38-40) based on the date of the last menstrual period; 88.2 % were term births and, among preterm births, 76.1 % corresponded to late preterm babies. Early term births showed a higher rate of C-sections (p < 0.001). There were 849/1201 (74.5 %) C-sections on weekdays and 173/299 (57.9 %, p < 0.001) on weekends and holidays. A statistically significant relation was observed between the time of birth and the performance of a C-section.Conclusions. The median GA was 39 weeks. C-sections were the most common mode of delivery. Births occurred predominantly Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.; 82.9 % of C-sections took place on weekdays.

Gestational age, mode of delivery, and relation to the day and time of birth in two private health care facilities. / Edad gestacional, vía de parto y relación con el día y hora de nacimiento en dos instituciones del sector privado de salud.

INTRODUCTION: There is a worldwide growing trend of preterm births and C-sections. Our objective was to describe gestational age (GA), mode of delivery, day and time distribution, and the relation between the mode of delivery and the time of birth in two private facilities. POPULATION AND METHODS: Prospective, crosssectional, analytical study. RESULTS: A total of 1500 live newborn infants were included between September 2017 and August 2018 (1465 pregnant women). Of these, 99.4 % had received antenatal care; 66.8 % of pregnancies ended via C-section. The reason was a previous C-section in 36.4 %, lack of progression and descent in 18.9 %, and maternal choice in 9.2 %. The average birth weight was 3232 g ± 561.1 g and the median GA was 39 weeks (range: 38-40) based on the date of the last menstrual period; 88.2 % were term births and, among preterm births, 76.1 % corresponded to late preterm babies. Early term births showed a higher rate of C-sections (p < 0.001). There were 849/1201 (74.5 %) C-sections on weekdays and 173/299 (57.9 %, p < 0.001) on weekends and holidays. A statistically significant relation was observed between the time of birth and the performance of a C-section. CONCLUSIONS: The median GA was 39 weeks. C-sections were the most common mode of delivery. Births occurred predominantly Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m.; 82.9 % of C-sections took place on weekdays.

Introducción. A nivel mundial, hay una tendencia ascendente en nacimientos prematuros y cesáreas. El objetivo fue describir edad gestacional (EG), vía de parto, distribución en días y horarios, y relación entre la vía de parto y el momento del nacimiento en dos instituciones privadas. Población y métodos. Estudio prospectivo, transversal, analítico. Resultados. Se incluyeron los 1500 nacidos vivos entre 9-2017 y 8-2018 (1465 embarazadas). El 99,4 % fueron embarazos controlados; el 66,8 % terminaron por cesárea. La causa fue cesárea previa en el 36,4 %, falta de progresión y descenso en el 18,9 % y elección materna en el 9,2 %. El peso promedio al nacer fue de 3232 g ± 561,1 g y la mediana de EG, 39 semanas (rango 38-40) por fecha de última menstruación. El 88,2 % fueron nacidos de término y, de los prematuros, el 76,1 % fueron pretérminos tardíos. Los nacidos de término temprano tuvieron mayor índice de cesáreas (p < 0,001). Los nacimientos por cesárea en días hábiles fueron 849/1201 (el 74,5 %) y, en los días de fin de semana y feriados, 173/299 (el 57,9 %, p < 0,001). Se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre el horario de nacimiento y la realización de cesárea. Conclusiones. La mediana de EG fue 39 semanas. La cesárea fue la vía de nacimiento más frecuente. Los nacimientos se produjeron, predominantemente, de lunes a viernes entre las 8 y las 21 h. El 82,9 % de los nacimientos por cesárea ocurrieron en días de semana laborables.

Nosocomial Respiratory Viral Infection in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Infections caused by respiratory viruses in neonates during their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are more frequent than generally suspected. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a highly contagious pathogen, is the most common etiologic agent, and it carries a high risk of nosocomial spread. During the RSV season, overcrowding of the NICU, shortage of staff, and unrestricted visitors are factors predisposing outbreaks. Since signs and symptoms of RSV infections are no specific, a high index of suspicion is essential to prevent or limit epidemics. The etiologic agent should be confirmed and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the gold-standard test. Shedding of the virus by infected preterm infants is prolonged and RSV lasts for several hours on countertops and other surfaces. The first case should be isolated and strict cohorting must be instituted. Compliance with hand washing must be warranted. Wearing gowns and gloves may help. The severity of nosocomial RSV infections tends to be higher than that of those community acquired. There is no uniform recommendation to start palivizumab during hospital stay of premature and high-risk infants. The use of this monoclonal antibody to stop or limit the spread of outbreaks is controversial. It is recommended by some professional organizations and not by others but its use during large outbreaks in infants at risk who share the room with infected neonates is not uncommon. KEY POINTS: · During peak community epidemic, NICU outbreaks of RSV infections are not uncommon.. · High index of suspicion is essential as initial signs are nonspecific in preterm neonates.. · Isolation and cohorting, strict hand washing, gowns, gloves, and eventually palivizumab are main tools for management..