Antibiotic use in infants at risk of early-onset sepsis: results from a unicentric retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Antibiotic use for early-onset sepsis represents a high percentage of antibiotic consumption in the neonatal setting. Measures to assess infants at risk of early-onset sepsis are needed to optimize antibiotic use. Our primary objective was to assess the impact of a departmental guideline on antibiotic use among term infants with suspected EOS not confirmed, in our neonatal unit. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study, to compare antibiotic use in term infants during a baseline period of January to December 2018, and a postintervention period from October 2019, to September 2020, respectively. The primary outcome was antibiotic use measured by days of therapy, the antibiotic spectrum index, the antibiotic use rate, and the length of therapy. RESULTS: We included 71 infants in the baseline period and 66 infants in the postintervention period. Compared to those in the baseline period, there was a significant reduction in overall antibiotic measures in the postintervention period, (P < 0.001). The total days of therapy/1000 patient-days decreased from 63/1000 patient-days during the baseline period to 25.8/1000 patient-days in the postintervention period, representing a relative reduction of 59%. The antibiotic use rate decreased by more than half of the infants, from 3.2% during the baseline period to 1.3% in the postintervention period. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a departmental guideline to assess infants at risk of early-onset sepsis based on their clinical condition and prompt discontinuation of antibiotics, is a simple and low-cost measure that contributed to an important decrease in antibiotic use.

Stability of individualized neonatal parenteral nutrition admixtures with fish oil and high calcium content.

INTRODUCTION: the stability of total parenteral nutrition admixtures for neonates (TPNAn) has been questioned in relation to the interaction between calcium and fish oil emulsions. AIM: the aim of this study was to check the stability (particle size < 1 µm) of different individualized TPNAn prepared with fish-oil emulsion and containing calcium at concentrations ranging from 10 to 20 mmol/L. METHODS: admixtures analyzed: twelve different formulations with SMOFlipid® 20 % (conserved for 24 h and for 96 h), three formulations with Lipoplus® 20 % (conserved for 96 h) and three formulations with SMOFlipid® 20 % with Multi-12K1® Pediatric (conserved for 96 h). Two bags were compounded for each formulation and conservation period. Measurements on each admixture bag: particle standardized diameter by laser diffraction technique and pH by a calibrated pH-meter. Data analysis with mixed linear regression models. RESULTS: maximum particle size was < 0.8 µm for all investigated admixtures. Lipid concentration of 5 g/L and sodium and potassium concentration of 100 mmol/L slightly increased the proportion of particles > 0.6 µm. Ninety six hours storage also increased the percentage of particles > 0.6 µm (+0.143 ± 0.07; p = 0.038) but did not influence other parameters. No association with calcium composition was observed. Amino acid content was inversely correlated with pH (-0.83; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: the studied individualized parenteral nutrition admixtures for newborns that contain fish oil emulsions and meet cation requirements are stable for at least 96 hours.

Antimicrobial Defined Daily Dose in Neonatal Population: Validation in the Clinical Practice.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no validated method for estimating antimicrobial consumption in the neonatal population, as it exists for adults using Defined Daily Doses (DDD). In neonatology, although there are different methods, each one with advantages and disadvantages, there is no unified criterion for use. The aim of this study is to validate the neonatal DDD designed as a new standardised form of antimicrobial consumption over this population. METHODS: The validation of the neonatal DDD, Phase II of the research project, was carried out through a descriptive observational study. Periodic cut-offs were performed to collect antimicrobial prescriptions of neonates admitted to the neonatology and intensive care units of nine Spanish hospitals. The data collected included demographic variables (gestational age, postnatal age, weight and sex), antimicrobial dose, frequency and route of administration. The selection of the optimal DDD value takes into account power value, magnitude obtained from the differences in the DDD, statistical significance obtained by the Wilcoxon test and degree of agreement in the stipulated doses. RESULTS: Set of 904 prescriptions were collected and finally 860 were analysed based on the established criteria. The antimicrobials were mostly prescribed in the intensive care unit (63.1%). 32 different antimicrobials were collected, and intravenous administration was the most commonly used route. Neonatal DDD were defined for 11 different antimicrobials. A potency > 80% was obtained in 7 antibiotics. The 57.1% of the selected DDD correspond to phase I and 21.4% from phase II. CONCLUSION: DDD validation has been achieved for the majority of intravenously administered antimicrobials used in clinical practice in the neonatal population. This will make it possible to have an indicator that will be used globally to estimate the consumption of antimicrobials in this population, thus confirming its usefulness and applicability.

Feasibility of three-dimensional nasal imaging and printing in producing customized nasal masks for non-invasive ventilation in extremely low birth weight infant: A pilot study.

72Several studies have been conducted to investigate the feasibility of customized nasal masks produced by three-dimensional (3D) facial imaging and printing for continuous positive airway pressure in adults and in premature mannequin. In addition to replicating the entire process, we applied the customized nasal mask to a premature patient who weighed less than 1,000 g. Facial scanning was performed. The study masks were manufactured using stereolithography with a 3D printer model Form3BL (FormLABS). Elastic 50 resin was used as the material. We verified the feasibility of the correct transmission of non-invasive ventilation and found that the mask improved the respiratory parameters and reduced the need for supplemental oxygen. The fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) was lowered from 45%, which was the requirement when the traditional mask is used, to almost 21% when the nasal mask was applied to the premature patient, who was either in incubator or in kangaroo position. In view of these results, a clinical trial is being launched to evaluate the safety and efficacy of 3D-printed masks in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. 3D printing provides an alternative for obtaining customized masks that may be more suitable for non-invasive ventilation in ELBW infants than traditional masks.

Determining Time to Positivity of Blood Cultures in a Neonatal Unit.

Blood cultures are the gold standard for detecting bacteremia. We have studied the time to positivity of blood cultures in our neonatal unit to reduce antibiotic doses in patients with a negative blood culture. Empirical antibiotic treatment of neonatal sepsis could be withdrawn 24 hours after obtaining blood cultures.

Reducing Early Antibiotic Use: A Quality Improvement Initiative in a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Antibiotic burden is a critical issue in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and antibiotic use is considered a quality indicator of neonatal care. Our aim was to optimize antibiotic use through a quality improvement (QI) initiative that included revision of departmental protocols and implementation of a surveillance system based on process indicators. Methods: This is descriptive study of a cohort of all very low birth weight (VLBW) infants admitted to the NICU from 2014 to 2019. A series of QI interventions were made during the study period and included departmental protocols and the implementation of a surveillance system based on process indicators. The primary outcome was the percentage of VLBW infants who had received early antibiotics (ampicillin, gentamicin, or cefotaxime on the day of birth or day 1 or 2 after birth), antibiotics for longer than 3 days (despite negative blood culture), or no antibiotics. Results: During the study period, a significant relative reduction was seen in the proportion of VLBW infants administered early antibiotics (46%; p < 0.01) and in infants provided antibiotics for longer than 3 days (90%; p < 0.01). Additionally, the percentage of VLBW with "no antibiotics" during their NICU stay increased fivefold (6 to 30%; p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our NICU, the implementation of a QI initiative that is based on affordable methods to track process indicators and evaluate the results led into a significant reduction in antibiotic exposure in VLBW infants. This approach is easy to implement in other NICUs as well.

Percutaneous Inserted Venous Catheter via Femoral Vein in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants: A Single-Center Experience.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the applicability of the insertion of small diameter catheters through the femoral vein in extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants. STUDY DESIGN: All femoral small diameter catheters (Silastic or femoral arterial catheter [FAC]) inserted in ELBW infants in a tertiary level neonatal intensive care unit were retrospectively reviewed. Success rate, dwelling time, and percutaneously inserted central venous catheter-related complications were recorded. RESULTS: Thirteen small diameter catheters were inserted in seven ELBW infants. Mean gestational age at birth was 25+3 weeks (standard deviation [SD] ± 2.12) and mean birth weight was 686 g (SD ± 204.9). Mean weight at the first time of insertion was 1,044 g (SD ± 376.3). In two occasions, a FAC was used instead of a Silastic. In most cases (11/13, 84.6%), the patient was intubated prior to the procedure. The mean dwelling time was 16.7 days (SD ± 9.8). Most of the inserted small diameter catheters were removed electively (8/12, 66.7%), except for one episode of clinical sepsis from coagulase-negative Staphylococcus and three cases of accidental line extravasation. No other complications were reported. The success rate was 92.3%. CONCLUSION: Femoral venous catheterization using small diameter catheters in ELBW infants may be promising when other routes have been exhausted. Our results support that it is a feasible technique that can be performed at the bedside with successful results when conducted by experienced personnel.

Terapia láser en afectación ocular tras el diagnóstico de incontinencia pigmenti en una niña / Laser therapy in ocular involvement after diagnosis of incontinentia pigmenti in a child

La incontinencia pigmenti es un trastorno neurocutàneo raro, con una frecuencia de 1 en 40 000 recién nacidos, de etiología genética asociada a mutaciones en el gen IKBKG, localizado en Xq28, con herencia dominante ligada al X. Tiene una presentación clínica de manifestaciones muy variables detectadas desde la etapa neonatal y puede asociar afectación cutànea, dental, ocular y neurológica, y cada una de estas con un diagnóstico diferencial distinto. Se presenta a una paciente pediàtrica con diagnóstico de incontinencia pigmenti a la semana de vida. En la evaluación oftalmológica inicial, se observaron lesiones vasculares retinianas. Se decidió el tratamiento con làser, con buenos resultados, y se consiguió estabilizar la visión.

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare neurocutaneous disorder with a frequency of 1 in 40,000 newborn; it is associated with mutations in IKBKG gene in Xq28, inherited as an X-linked dominant trait. Clinical manifestations detected since the newborn period are highly variable, with skin, teeth, eyes, and nervous system manifestations, and each with a characteristic differential diagnosis. We present a pediatric patient diagnosed with incontinentia pigmenti at the first week of life. In the initial ophthalmologic evaluation, retinal vascular lesions were observed. The outcomes of laser treatment of the ischemic peripheral retina were good and resulted in stability of vision.

[Laser therapy in ocular involvement after diagnosis of incontinentia pigmenti in a child]. / Terapia láser en afectación ocular tras el diagnóstico de incontinencia pigmenti en una niña.

Incontinentia pigmenti is a rare neurocutaneous disorder with a frequency of 1 in 40,000 newborn; it is associated with mutations in IKBKG gene in Xq28, inherited as an X-linked dominant trait. Clinical manifestations detected since the newborn period are highly variable, with skin, teeth, eyes, and nervous system manifestations, and each with a characteristic differential diagnosis. We present a pediatric patient diagnosed with incontinentia pigmenti at the first week of life. In the initial ophthalmologic evaluation, retinal vascular lesions were observed. The outcomes of laser treatment of the ischemic peripheral retina were good and resulted in stability of vision.

La incontinencia pigmenti es un trastorno neurocutàneo raro, con una frecuencia de 1 en 40 000 recién nacidos, de etiología genética asociada a mutaciones en el gen IKBKG, localizado en Xq28, con herencia dominante ligada al X. Tiene una presentación clínica de manifestaciones muy variables detectadas desde la etapa neonatal y puede asociar afectación cutànea, dental, ocular y neurológica, y cada una de estas con un diagnóstico diferencial distinto. Se presenta a una paciente pediàtrica con diagnóstico de incontinencia pigmenti a la semana de vida. En la evaluación oftalmológica inicial, se observaron lesiones vasculares retinianas. Se decidió el tratamiento con làser, con buenos resultados, y se consiguió estabilizar la visión.

Congenital Laser-Induced Burns: A Potential Complication after Laser Photocoagulation in Monochorionic Twin Pregnancy.

Background: Fetoscopic laser photocoagulation can directly injure fetal skin and may at birth resemble aplasia cutis congenita (ACC). Case report: A twin monochorionic pregnancy was complicated by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome requiring in utero laser photocoagulation, resulting in the death of one twin. After birth, the viable baby presented skin lesions in both legs that were congruent with laser-induced burns. Conclusions: Laser-induced burns present as asymmetric superficial non-necrotic or ulcerated lesions, with a geographic outline, which turn into scars with no retraction or contractures and no changes in pain perception or motor limitations over time. ACC lesions are bilateral and symmetric, with a regular outline, an ulcerated or necrotic appearance, a higher degree of skin involvement affecting all skin layers and, over time, they turn into scars with retraction and contractures. These differential features may help clinicians in a challenging approach to the diagnosis of congenital skin defects.

Auditorías de seguridad en tiempo real en una unidad neonatal / Real-time safety audits in a neonatal unit

Introducción: Las auditorías en tiempo real son una herramienta de seguridad que apenas se ha aplicado anteriormente en el ámbito hospitalario. El objetivo del estudio fue determinar mediante auditorías si la información y el material necesario para la reanimación estaban disponibles para cada paciente de cuidados intensivos y si factores relacionados con el paciente, el momento o su ubicación en la unidad influyen en el cumplimiento de las recomendaciones. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional prospectivo realizado durante el año 2012 en una unidad neonatal nivel III-C. Dentro de un estudio más amplio de auditorías de recursos tecnológicos y procedimientos se incluyó la evaluación de la información escrita sobre el tubo endotraqueal, mascarilla y ambú de cada paciente y los laringoscopios del carro de parada. Dos veces por semana al azar se seleccionaba qué procedimiento o recurso se iba a evaluar. Se definió la variable uso global adecuado cuando todos los ítems evaluados eran correctos en el mismo procedimiento. Resultados: Se realizaron 17 auditorías que incluyeron 296 valoraciones. El coeficiente kappa interobservador fue 0,93. La frecuencia de uso global adecuado de la información y el material de reanimación fue de 62,50% (185/296). La mascarilla y ambú preparado en cada paciente fue la variable mejor cumplimentada (97,3%; p = 0,001). El uso global adecuado fue mejor en días festivos que en laborables (73,97 vs. 58,74%; p = 0,01) y el resto del año frente al verano (66,06 vs. 52%; p = 0,02). Conclusiones: Solo en el 62,5% de los casos toda la información y el material necesario para atender una situación crítica de forma urgente estaba fácilmente disponible. Gracias a las auditorías se identificaron oportunidades de mejora (AU)

Background: Random audits are a safety tool to help in the prevention of adverse events, but they have not been widely used in hospitals. The aim of the study was to determine, through random safety audits, whether the information and material required for resuscitation were available for each patient in a neonatal intensive care unit and determine if factors related to the patient, time or location affect the implementation of the recommendations. Material and methods: Prospective observational study conducted in a level III-C neonatal intensive care unit during the year 2012. The evaluation of written information on the endotracheal tube, mask and ambu bag prepared of each patient and laryngoscopes of the emergency trolley were included within a broader audit of technological resources and study procedures. The technological resources and procedures were randomly selected twice a week for audit. Appropriate overall use was defined when all evaluated variables were correctly programmed in the same procedure. Results: A total of 296 audits were performed. The kappa coefficient of inter-observer agreement was 0.93. The rate of appropriate overall use of written information and material required for resuscitation was 62.50% (185/296). Mask and ambu bag prepared for each patient was the variable with better compliance (97.3%, P=.001). Significant differences were found with improved usage during weekends versus working-day (73.97 vs. 58.74%, P=.01), and the rest of the year versus 3rd quarter (66.06 vs. 52%, P=.02). Conclusions: Only in 62.5% of cases was the information and the material necessary to attend to a critical situation urgently easily available. Opportunities for improvement were identified through the audits (AU)

Performance of a Quantitative PCR-Based Assay and Beta-d-Glucan Detection for Diagnosis of Invasive Candidiasis in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Neonatal Patients (CANDINEO Study).

An epidemiological, multicenter, noninterventional, observational case-control study was conducted to describe the performance of serum beta-d-glucan (BDG) and Candida PCR in blood, serum, and sterile samples for the diagnosis of invasive candidiasis (IC) in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm neonates and to compare these techniques with culture of samples from blood and other sterile sites. Seventeen centers participated in the study, and the number of episodes analyzed was 159. A total of 9 episodes of IC from 9 patients (7 confirmed and 2 probable) and 150 episodes of suspected sepsis from 117 controls were identified. The prevalence of IC was 5.7% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 2.1 to 9.3). The mortality was significantly higher in episodes of IC (44.4%) than in the non-IC episodes (11.1%, P < 0.01). The sensitivity and specificity of the PCR performed on blood/serum samples were 87.5% and 81.6%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of the BDG results were lower (75.0% and 64.6%). For cases with negative culture results, the PCR and the BDG results were positive in 27 (17.4%) and 52 (33.5%) episodes, respectively. The presence of multiorgan failure, improvement with empirical antifungal therapy, thrombocytopenia, and Candida colonization were significantly associated (P < 0.01) with PCR or BDG positivity regardless of the results of the cultures. Serum BDG analysis and Candida PCR could be used as complementary diagnostic techniques to detect IC in VLBW neonates.

[Real-time safety audits in a neonatal unit]. / Auditorías de seguridad en tiempo real en una unidad neonatal.

BACKGROUND: Random audits are a safety tool to help in the prevention of adverse events, but they have not been widely used in hospitals. The aim of the study was to determine, through random safety audits, whether the information and material required for resuscitation were available for each patient in a neonatal intensive care unit and determine if factors related to the patient, time or location affect the implementation of the recommendations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective observational study conducted in a level III-C neonatal intensive care unit during the year 2012. The evaluation of written information on the endotracheal tube, mask and ambu bag prepared of each patient and laryngoscopes of the emergency trolley were included within a broader audit of technological resources and study procedures. The technological resources and procedures were randomly selected twice a week for audit. Appropriate overall use was defined when all evaluated variables were correctly programmed in the same procedure. RESULTS: A total of 296 audits were performed. The kappa coefficient of inter-observer agreement was 0.93. The rate of appropriate overall use of written information and material required for resuscitation was 62.50% (185/296). Mask and ambu bag prepared for each patient was the variable with better compliance (97.3%, P=.001). Significant differences were found with improved usage during weekends versus working-day (73.97 vs. 58.74%, P=.01), and the rest of the year versus 3rd quarter (66.06 vs. 52%, P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: Only in 62.5% of cases was the information and the material necessary to attend to a critical situation urgently easily available. Opportunities for improvement were identified through the audits.

Smart pumps and random safety audits in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: a new challenge for patient safety.

BACKGROUND: Random safety audits (RSA) are a safety tool enabling prevention of adverse events, but they have not been widely used in hospitals. The aim of this study was to use RSAs to assess and compare the frequency of appropriate use of infusion pump safety systems in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) before and after quality improvement interventions and to analyse the intravenous medication programming data. METHODS: Prospective, observational study comparing the frequency of appropriate use of Alaris® CC smart pumps through RSAs over two periods, from 1 January to 31 December 2012 and from 1 November 2014 to 31 January 2015. Appropriate use was defined as all evaluated variables being correctly programmed into the same device. Between the two periods they were established interventions to improve the use of pumps. The information recorded at the pumps with the new security system, also extracted for one year. RESULTS: Fifty-two measurements were collected during the first period and 160 measurements during the second period. The frequency of appropriate use was 73.13 % (117/160) in the second period versus 0 % (0/52) in the first period (p < 0.0001). Information was recorded on 44,924 infusions; in 46.03 % (20,680/44,924) of cases the drug name was recorded. In 2.5 % (532/20,680) of cases there was an attempt to exceed the absolute limit. CONCLUSIONS: Random Safety Audits were a very useful tool for detecting inappropriate use of pumps in the NICU. The improvement strategies were effective for improving appropriate use and programming of the intravenous medication infusion pumps in our NICU.

Auditing of Monitoring and Respiratory Support Equipment in a Level III-C Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Random safety audits (RSAs) are a safety tool but have not been widely used in hospitals. OBJECTIVES: To determine the frequency of proper use of equipment safety mechanisms in relation to monitoring and mechanical ventilation by performing RSAs. The study also determined whether factors related to the patient, time period, or characteristics of the area of admission influenced how the device safety systems were used. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted in a level III-C Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) during 2012. 87 days were randomly selected. Appropriate overall use was defined when all evaluated variables were correctly programmed in the audited device. RESULTS: A total of 383 monitor and ventilator audits were performed. The Kappa coefficient of interobserver agreement was 0.93. The rate of appropriate overall use of the monitors and respiratory support equipment was 33.68%. Significant differences were found with improved usage during weekends, OR 1.85 (1.12-3.06, p = 0.01), and during the late shift (3 pm to 10 pm), OR 1.59 (1.03-2.4, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Equipment safety systems of monitors and ventilators are not properly used. To improve patient safety, we should identify which alarms are really needed and where the difficulties lie for the correct alarm programming.