Late effects of caffeine use on sleep of infants born prematurely / Efeitos tardios do uso de cafeína no sono de crianças nascidas prematuras

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether the therapeutic use of caffeine for premature newborns is associated with changes in sleep habits and the presence of obstructive sleep apnea in childhood. Methods: This is a cross-sectional single-center study in which the caretakers of 87 children aged 5-10 years, born full-term or preterm, treated or not with caffeine in the neonatal period, answered questionnaires to screen for obstructive sleep apnea (Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool [PosaST]) and to characterize the sleep habits (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire [CSHQ]) of their children. ANOVA and linear regression tests were performed to verify possible differences between the groups. Results: Children born prematurely who were treated with caffeine woke up significantly later on weekdays than those born at term (09h±00h58 and 07h43±1h15, respectively, p=0.022) and had longer total daily sleep time also compared to those born at term (10h24±1h08 and 09h29±1h08, respectively, p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the three groups in overall PosaST and CSHQ scores. Conclusions: Caffeine use in the neonatal period did not impair sleep habits later in life and did not lead to increased obstructive sleep apnea scores in prematurely born children compared to those born at term.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se o uso terapêutico de cafeína para recém-nascidos prematuros se associa a alterações nos hábitos de sono e à presença de apneia obstrutiva do sono na infância. Métodos: Este é um estudo unicêntrico transversal no qual os responsáveis por 87 crianças com idades entre cinco e dez anos, nascidas a termo ou pré-termo e tratadas ou não com cafeína no período neonatal responderam a questionários para triagem de apneia obstrutiva do sono (Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool - PosaST) e para a caracterização dos hábitos de sono (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire - CSHQ) de seus filhos. Foram realizados testes de variância (ANOVA) e de regressão linear para verificar possíveis diferenças entre os grupos. Resultados: As crianças nascidas prematuras que foram tratadas com cafeína acordaram significativamente mais tarde nos dias de semana do que as nascidas a termo (09h±00h58 e 07h43±1h15, respectivamente, p=0,022) e tiveram maior tempo total de sono diário também comparadas às nascidas a termo (10h24±1h08 e 09h29±1h08, respectivamente, p<0,001). Não houve diferença significativa entre os três grupos na pontuação geral dos questionários PosaST e CSHQ. Conclusões: O uso de cafeína no período neonatal não prejudicou tardiamente os hábitos de sono e não levou ao aumento dos escores de apneia obstrutiva do sono de crianças nascidas prematuras quando comparadas com crianças nascidas a termo.

Comparative analysis of pulmonary function in children born preterm and full-term at 6-9 years of age / Análise comparativa da função pulmonar em crianças de 6 a 9 anos de idade nascidas pré-termo e a termo

Abstract Objective: To compare pulmonary function parameters and the prevalence of altered pulmonary function in children born preterm and full-term, using the Global Lung Initiative reference values. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with 6-9-year-old children submitted to measurement of airway resistance (Rint) and spirometry according to the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society Technical Statement. The inclusion criteria were, among the preterm group: gestational age <37 weeks and birth weight <2000g; among the full-term group: schoolchildren born full-term with birth weight >2500g, recruited at two public schools in São Paulo, Brazil, matched by sex and age with the preterm group. As exclusion criteria, congenital malformations, cognitive deficit, and respiratory problems in the past 15 days were considered. Results: A total of 112 children were included in each group. Preterm children had gestational age of 30.8±2.8 weeks and birth weight of 1349±334g. Among them, 46.6% were boys, 46.4% presented respiratory distress syndrome, 19.6% bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and 65.2% were submitted to mechanical ventilation in the neonatal unit. At study entry, both groups were similar in age and anthropometric parameters. Parameters of pulmonary function (Z scores) in preterm and full-term groups were: Rint (0.13±2.24 vs. -1.02±1.29; p<0.001); forced vital capacity (FVC) (-0.39±1.27 vs. -0.15±1.03; p=0.106), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/FVC (-0.23±1.22 vs. 0.14±1.11; p=0.003), FEV1 (-0.48±1.29 vs. -0.04±1.08; p=0.071), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75) (1.16±1.37 vs. 2.08±1.26; p=0.005), respectively. The prevalence values of altered airway resistance (16.1 vs. 1.8%; p<0.001) and spirometry (26.8 vs. 13.4%, p=0.012) were higher in preterm infants than in full-term ones. Conclusions: Preterm children had higher prevalence of altered pulmonary function, higher Z scores of airway resistance, and lower Z scores of FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75 compared with those born full-term.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar parâmetros de função pulmonar e a prevalência de função pulmonar alterada em crianças nascidas pré-termo e a termo, utilizando a referência Global Lung Function Initiative. Métodos: Estudo transversal com crianças de 6-9 anos submetidas à medida de resistência de vias aéreas (Rint) segundo o American Thoracic Society and the European Respiratory Society Technical Statement. Como critérios de inclusão, entre o grupo pré-termo, estavam os nascidos com idade gestacional <37 semanas e peso <2000g; e entre o grupo termo, escolares de duas escolas públicas do município de São Paulo, nascidos a termo com peso >2500g, pareados por sexo e idade com o grupo pré-termo. Excluíram-se malformações congênitas, déficit cognitivo e problemas respiratórios havia menos de 15 dias. Resultados: Incluíram-se 112 crianças em cada grupo. Os prematuros (46,4% masculinos) apresentaram idade gestacional de 30,8±2,8 semanas e peso de 1349±334g. Entre eles, 46,4% tiveram síndrome de desconforto respiratório, 19,6% displasia broncopulmonar, e 65,2% receberam ventilação mecânica na unidade neonatal. À inclusão no estudo, os dois grupos apresentaram idade e dados antropométricos semelhantes. Os valores (escores Z) em nascidos pré-termo e a termo foram, respectivamente: Rint (0,13±2,24 vs. -1,02±1,29; p<0,001), capacidade vital forçada (CVF) (-0,39±1,27 vs. -0,15±1,03; p=0,106), volume expiratório forçado no primeiro segundo (VEF1)/CVF (-0,23±1,22 vs. 0,14±1,11; p=0,003), VEF1 (-0,48±1,29 vs. -0,04±1,08; p=0,071) e fluxo expiratório forçado em 25-75% da capacidade vital (FEF25-75) (1,16±1,37 vs. 2,08±1,26; p=0,005). A prevalência de alterações na resistência de vias aéreas (16,1 vs. 1,8%, p<0,001) e na espirometria (26,8 vs. 13,4%, p=0,012) foi maior nos prematuros. Conclusões: As crianças nascidas pré-termo apresentaram maior prevalência de alteração pulmonar, maiores escores Z de resistência de vias aéreas e menores escores Z de VEF1/CVF e FEF25-75 quando comparadas às nascidas a termo.

Comparative analysis of pulmonary function in children born preterm and full-term at 6-9 years of age.

OBJECTIVE: To compare pulmonary function parameters and the prevalence of altered pulmonary function in children born preterm and full-term, using the Global Lung Initiative reference values. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study with 6-9-year-old children submitted to measurement of airway resistance (Rint) and spirometry according to the American Thoracic Society and European Respiratory Society Technical Statement. The inclusion criteria were, among the preterm group: gestational age <37 weeks and birth weight <2000g; among the full-term group: schoolchildren born full-term with birth weight >2500g, recruited at two public schools in São Paulo, Brazil, matched by sex and age with the preterm group. As exclusion criteria, congenital malformations, cognitive deficit, and respiratory problems in the past 15 days were considered. RESULTS: A total of 112 children were included in each group. Preterm children had gestational age of 30.8±2.8 weeks and birth weight of 1349±334g. Among them, 46.6% were boys, 46.4% presented respiratory distress syndrome, 19.6% bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and 65.2% were submitted to mechanical ventilation in the neonatal unit. At study entry, both groups were similar in age and anthropometric parameters. Parameters of pulmonary function (Z scores) in preterm and full-term groups were: Rint (0.13±2.24 vs. -1.02±1.29; p<0.001); forced vital capacity (FVC) (-0.39±1.27 vs. -0.15±1.03; p=0.106), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/FVC (-0.23±1.22 vs. 0.14±1.11; p=0.003), FEV1 (-0.48±1.29 vs. -0.04±1.08; p=0.071), and forced expiratory flow between 25% and 75% of vital capacity (FEF25-75) (1.16±1.37 vs. 2.08±1.26; p=0.005), respectively. The prevalence values of altered airway resistance (16.1 vs. 1.8%; p<0.001) and spirometry (26.8 vs. 13.4%, p=0.012) were higher in preterm infants than in full-term ones. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm children had higher prevalence of altered pulmonary function, higher Z scores of airway resistance, and lower Z scores of FEV1/FVC and FEF25-75 compared with those born full-term.

Spontaneous Orofacial Movements at Writhing and Fidgety General Movements Age in Preterm and Full-Term Infants.

BACKGROUND: As general spontaneous movements at the writhing and fidgety ages have been important for the early identification of neurodevelopmental impairment of both full-term and preterm infants, the knowledge of the spontaneous orofacial movements at these ages also seems to be important for the diagnosis of oral function, particularly in preterm infants. Therefore, we decided to first classify preterm and full-term infants according to general movements ages, and then to record, describe, compare, and discuss their spontaneous orofacial movements. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 51 preterm infants (born between 28 and 36 weeks) and 43 full-term infants who were classified at the writhing and fidgety ages of Prechtl's method of general movements assessment. Their spontaneous orofacial movements were recorded on video, and The Observer XT software (Noldus) was used to record the quantitative values of the movements. RESULTS: Poor repertoires of writhing movements were more frequent in the preterm infants (90.9%) compared to full-term ones (57.9%). Positive fidgety movements were observed in 100% of both preterm and full-term infants. Oral movements were similar for both preterm and full-term infants, regardless of their movement stage. CONCLUSION: All spontaneous orofacial movements were present both in preterm and full-term infants, albeit with higher frequency, intensity, and variability at fidgety age.

Prematurity and functional gastrointestinal disorders in infancy: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are defined as a variable combination of chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms that are not explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities. Their relationship with prematurity has been increasingly studied. OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency of FGIDs in preterm and term infants and to evaluate whether invasive procedures during the neonatal period in preterm infants are associated with greater likelihood of FGIDs in the first two years of life. DESIGN AND SETTING: Controlled nested cross-sectional study conducted in a Brazilian university hospital. METHODS: This was a controlled nested cross-sectional study on a retrospective cohort of infants born preterm who were compared with infants born at term regarding the presence of FGIDs. Medical consultations were conducted by a single pediatric gastroenterologist to obtain information on the gestational and neonatal periods and on clinical manifestations of the digestive tract. The Rome IV criteria for the diagnosis of FGIDs were used. RESULTS: A total of 197 infants (< 24 months), including 99 preterm and 98 term infants, were studied. Infant regurgitation was more prevalent in term infants (35.1% and 15.6%; P < 0.001). The frequencies of other FGIDs (infant colic, functional constipation, functional diarrhea and infant dyschezia) in preterm infants did not differ from those of term infants (P > 0.05). No relationship was found between invasive procedures during the neonatal period and development of FGIDs in preterm infants. CONCLUSION: Infants born preterm did not have higher frequency of FGIDs in the first two years of life.

Prematurity and functional gastrointestinal disorders in infancy: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are defined as a variable combination of chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms that are not explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities. Their relationship with prematurity has been increasingly studied. OBJECTIVE: To compare the frequency of FGIDs in preterm and term infants and to evaluate whether invasive procedures during the neonatal period in preterm infants are associated with greater likelihood of FGIDs in the first two years of life. DESIGN AND SETTING: Controlled nested cross-sectional study conducted in a Brazilian university hospital. METHODS: This was a controlled nested cross-sectional study on a retrospective cohort of infants born preterm who were compared with infants born at term regarding the presence of FGIDs. Medical consultations were conducted by a single pediatric gastroenterologist to obtain information on the gestational and neonatal periods and on clinical manifestations of the digestive tract. The Rome IV criteria for the diagnosis of FGIDs were used. RESULTS: A total of 197 infants (< 24 months), including 99 preterm and 98 term infants, were studied. Infant regurgitation was more prevalent in term infants (35.1% and 15.6%; P < 0.001). The frequencies of other FGIDs (infant colic, functional constipation, functional diarrhea and infant dyschezia) in preterm infants did not differ from those of term infants (P > 0.05). No relationship was found between invasive procedures during the neonatal period and development of FGIDs in preterm infants. CONCLUSION: Infants born preterm did not have higher frequency of FGIDs in the first two years of life.

Pattern of respiratory muscle activity during exercise tests in children born prematurely.

INTRODUCTION: Preterm children display only slightly lower exercise capacity than term children do during their development, despite their previous cardiopulmonary impairments. This raises doubts about the role of the respiratory muscles' influence on exercise capacity. This study aimed to compare respiratory muscle activity in preterm and term children using an exercise test. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved comparison of 35 term children and 39 matched preterm children aged 6-9 years, who were born prematurely with a birth weight <1500 g. An adapted treadmill incremental test was utilized and surface electromyography of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), upper trapezius (UT), and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles was performed. The root mean square was calculated every minute and compared between and within groups. A Monte Carlo simulation was also applied, and the area under the curve was calculated to evaluate the differences between groups. RESULTS: During the entire exercise, the SCM muscle activity was higher in preterm children with a larger area under the curve than in the term children. There was no difference in the RA and UT muscle activity between groups throughout the test. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a greater contribution of the SCM muscle sin preterm children's performance than in term children's performance during high-intensity exercises. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry (ReBec) - RBR-89hr2h.

Aerobic Capacity of Preterm Children with Very Low Birth Weight at School Age and its Associated Factors / Capacidad aeróbica de niños prematuros de muy bajo peso al nacer y edad escolar y sus factores asociados

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory morbidities of preterm infants can cause significant ventilatory impairment thus compromising the aerobic capacity in childhood and adolescence. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the aerobic capacity in school age preterm children with VLBW and its associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among preterm born with VLBW and term children, both aged 6-9 years. An individualized symptom-limited treadmill testing protocol performed aerobic capacity. Measured variables: oxygen pulse (PuO2), percentage of maximum heart rate for age (%HR max), tidal volume/inspiratory capacity ratio (TV/IC), oxygen consumption (VO2) peak, and the ratio of the anaerobic threshold of gas exchange to the predicted percentage of maximum VO2 (VO2@LA/%VO2 max.pred.) were compared between groups. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine the factors associated with aerobic capacity. RESULTS: Thirty-four preterm and 32 term children were included. Similar VO2 peak and the other variables were observed. The development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and being obese/overweight was positively associated with %HR max. The Z-score for height/age and birth weight < 1000 g was positively associated with PuO2 and peak VO2, and negatively associated with overweight/obesity and female sex. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic capacity was similar in both groups. Sex, development of BPD, birth weight < 1000 g and factors related to body growth, such as Z-score for height/age and overweight/obesity, were associated with aerobic capacity in preterm children with VLBW

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las enfermedades respiratorias de los niños prematuros pueden causar importantes impedimentos ventilatorios que comprometen la capacidad aeróbica en la infancia y en la adolescencia. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar la capacidad aeróbica de niños prematuros en edad escolar de muy bajo peso al nacer (BPN) y los factores asociados. MÉTODOS: Se llevó a cabo un estudio transversal con niños prematuros de muy BPN y con niños a término, ambos grupos con edades comprendidas entre los 6 y 9 años. Las siguientes variables se compararon entre los 2 grupos: el pulso de oxígeno (PuO2), el porcentaje de frecuencia cardíaca máxima (%FC máx.), la relación entre el volumen corriente y la capacidad inspiratoria (TV/IC), el consumo pico de oxígeno (VO2) y la relación entre el umbral anaeróbico de intercambio de gas y el porcentaje estimado de VO2 máximo (VO2@LA/%VO2 máx. pred.). Se llevaron a cabo análisis de regresión lineal univariante y multivariante para determinar los factores asociados con la capacidad aeróbica. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 34 niños prematuros y 32 niños a término. Se registraron valores similares de VO2 pico y de otras variables. El desarrollo de displasia broncopulmonar (BPD) y de obesidad/sobrepeso mostró una asociación positiva con el %FC máx. El Z-score para la altura/edad y el peso al nacer < 1.000 g se asoció positivamente con la SaO2 y el VO2 y negativamente con el sobrepeso/obesidad y el sexo femenino. CONCLUSIONES: La capacidad aeróbica fue similar entre los 2 grupos. El sexo, el desarrollo de BPD, peso al nacer < 1.000 g y factores relacionados con el crecimiento corporal, tales como el Z-score para la altura/edad y para el sobrepeso/obesidad se asociaron con la capacidad aeróbica en niños prematuros de muy BPN

Development of speech and hearing skills in prematures adequate and small for gestational age: chronological age between 18 and 36 months. / Desenvolvimento de linguagem e das habilidades auditivas em prematuros adequados e pequenos para a idade gestacional: idade cronológica entre 18 e 36 meses.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify whether the development of hearing abilities in the first year of life is related to the development of language in preterm neonates with chronological age between 18 and 36 months, verifying if the language performance varies according to the weight/gestational age ratio. METHODS: Retrospective and longitudinal study approved by the Institution's Ethics Committee. The sample consisted of 66 preterm infants of both sexes, aged 18-36 months, divided into two groups: AIG Group 39 neonates with weight appropriate to the gestational age, 26 with normal hearing and 13 with altered hearing; and PIG group 27 neonates small for gestational age, 18 with normal and 9 with altered hearing. Results from the development of auditory skills in the first year of life and evaluation of the reception, expression and total of language (Menezes, 2003) were obtained from neonatal follow-up records. We used the ANOVA and the Equality Test of Two Proportions as statistical procedures. RESULTS: In each group, we observed a significant difference in the Reception and Total language in children with normal and altered auditory development. Children with normal hearing development presented a higher percentage of language adequacy. The language performance did not differ in relation to the weight / gestational age adequacy. CONCLUSION: Changing auditory abilities in the first year of life interfered more in language development than the gestational age / weight ratio.

OBJETIVO: O estudo teve por objetivo identificar se o desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas no primeiro ano de vida relaciona-se com o desenvolvimento de linguagem em neonatos pré-termo com idade cronológica entre 18 e 36 meses verificando se o desempenho de linguagem varia em função da relação peso/idade gestacional. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo e longitudinal aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da Instituição. Amostra composta por 66 neonatos prematuros de ambos os sexos de 18 a 36 meses de idade, distribuídos conforme a adequação peso/idade gestacional em dois grupos: (a) GAIG: 39 neonatos com peso adequado à idade gestacional, sendo 26 com desenvolvimento auditivo normal e 13 com alterado; (b) GPIG: 27 neonatos pequenos para a idade gestacional, 18 com desenvolvimento auditivo normal e 9 com alterado. A partir das consultas aos prontuários do serviço de acompanhamento dos neonatos, verificaram-se os resultados do desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas no primeiro ano de vida e avaliação da recepção, expressão e total de Linguagem (Menezes, 2003). Adotados como procedimentos estatísticos o ANOVA e o teste de Igualdade de Duas Proporções. RESULTADOS: O desempenho de linguagem não diferiu nos grupos GAIG e GPIG. Quando considerados o desenvolvimento auditivo normal e o alterado, em GAIG e GPIG, observou-se diferença significante na Recepção e Total de linguagem. As crianças com desenvolvimento auditivo normal apresentaram um maior percentual de adequação de linguagem. CONCLUSÃO: A alteração das habilidades auditivas no primeiro ano de vida interferiu mais no desenvolvimento da linguagem do que a relação peso/idade gestacional.

Aerobic Capacity of Preterm Children with Very Low Birth Weight at School Age and its Associated Factors.

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory morbidities of preterm infants can cause significant ventilatory impairment thus compromising the aerobic capacity in childhood and adolescence. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the aerobic capacity in school age preterm children with VLBW and its associated factors. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among preterm born with VLBW and term children, both aged 6-9 years. An individualized symptom-limited treadmill testing protocol performed aerobic capacity. Measured variables: oxygen pulse (PuO2), percentage of maximum heart rate for age (%HR max), tidal volume/inspiratory capacity ratio (TV/IC), oxygen consumption (VO2) peak, and the ratio of the anaerobic threshold of gas exchange to the predicted percentage of maximum VO2 (VO2@LA/%VO2 max.pred.) were compared between groups. Univariate and multiple linear regression analyses were used to determine the factors associated with aerobic capacity. RESULTS: Thirty-four preterm and 32 term children were included. Similar VO2 peak and the other variables were observed. The development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and being obese/overweight was positively associated with %HR max. The Z-score for height/age and birth weight <1000g was positively associated with PuO2 and peak VO2, and negatively associated with overweight/obesity and female sex. CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic capacity was similar in both groups. Sex, development of BPD, birth weight <1000g and factors related to body growth, such as Z-score for height/age and overweight/obesity, were associated with aerobic capacity in preterm children with VLBW.

Association between thoracic musculoskeletal abnormalities and lung function in preterm infants.

INTRODUCTION: In view of the difficulties and risks of performing lung function tests in infants and the hypothesis that children with abnormal pulmonary test may exhibit thoracic musculoskeletal alterations. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the frequency of abnormal lung function and their relationship. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study with children from 6 to 12 months of corrected age, born at a gestational age of <37 weeks and with a birthweight ≤1500 g, who were subjected to a lung function test and photogrammetry--an objective and non-invasive procedure. To verify the association between the thoracic musculoskeletal abnormalities and measure changes in lung function, univariate linear regression was used. The level of statistical significance was setted at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Of the 38 infants, 12 (31.6%) exhibited abnormal lung function, including 9 (23.7%) with obstructive function and 3 (7.9%) with restrictive function. A significant association was noted between forced expiratory volume at 0.5 second <-2 z score and the acromion/xiphoid process/acromion angle (ß = 4.935); forced vital capacity <-2 z score and the angle of the manubrium/left acromion/trapezium (ß = 0.033) and forced expiratory volume at 0.5 second and forced vital capacity ratio <-2 z score and the inframammillary point/xiphoid process/inframammillary point angle (ß = 0.043). CONCLUSION: Preterm infants with very low birthweight presented a high frequency of abnormal lung function, particularly obstructive type and thoracic musculoskeletal abnormalities were associated with changes in lung function.

Desenvolvimento de linguagem e das habilidades auditivas em prematuros adequados e pequenos para a idade gestacional: idade cronológica entre 18 e 36 meses / Development of speech and hearing skills in prematures adequate and small for gestational age: chronological age between 18 and 36 months

RESUMO Objetivo O estudo teve por objetivo identificar se o desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas no primeiro ano de vida relaciona-se com o desenvolvimento de linguagem em neonatos pré-termo com idade cronológica entre 18 e 36 meses verificando se o desempenho de linguagem varia em função da relação peso/idade gestacional. Método Estudo retrospectivo e longitudinal aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da Instituição. Amostra composta por 66 neonatos prematuros de ambos os sexos de 18 a 36 meses de idade, distribuídos conforme a adequação peso/idade gestacional em dois grupos: (a) GAIG: 39 neonatos com peso adequado à idade gestacional, sendo 26 com desenvolvimento auditivo normal e 13 com alterado; (b) GPIG: 27 neonatos pequenos para a idade gestacional, 18 com desenvolvimento auditivo normal e 9 com alterado. A partir das consultas aos prontuários do serviço de acompanhamento dos neonatos, verificaram-se os resultados do desenvolvimento das habilidades auditivas no primeiro ano de vida e avaliação da recepção, expressão e total de Linguagem (Menezes, 2003). Adotados como procedimentos estatísticos o ANOVA e o teste de Igualdade de Duas Proporções. Resultados O desempenho de linguagem não diferiu nos grupos GAIG e GPIG. Quando considerados o desenvolvimento auditivo normal e o alterado, em GAIG e GPIG, observou-se diferença significante na Recepção e Total de linguagem. As crianças com desenvolvimento auditivo normal apresentaram um maior percentual de adequação de linguagem. Conclusão A alteração das habilidades auditivas no primeiro ano de vida interferiu mais no desenvolvimento da linguagem do que a relação peso/idade gestacional.

ABSTRACT Purpose This study aimed to identify whether the development of hearing abilities in the first year of life is related to the development of language in preterm neonates with chronological age between 18 and 36 months, verifying if the language performance varies according to the weight/gestational age ratio. Methods Retrospective and longitudinal study approved by the Institution's Ethics Committee. The sample consisted of 66 preterm infants of both sexes, aged 18-36 months, divided into two groups: AIG Group 39 neonates with weight appropriate to the gestational age, 26 with normal hearing and 13 with altered hearing; and PIG group 27 neonates small for gestational age, 18 with normal and 9 with altered hearing. Results from the development of auditory skills in the first year of life and evaluation of the reception, expression and total of language (Menezes, 2003) were obtained from neonatal follow-up records. We used the ANOVA and the Equality Test of Two Proportions as statistical procedures. Results In each group, we observed a significant difference in the Reception and Total language in children with normal and altered auditory development. Children with normal hearing development presented a higher percentage of language adequacy. The language performance did not differ in relation to the weight / gestational age adequacy. Conclusion Changing auditory abilities in the first year of life interfered more in language development than the gestational age / weight ratio.

Screening for ASD signs in very low birth weight preterm infants / Rastreamento de sinais sugestivos de TEA em prematuros com muito baixo peso ao nascer / Rastreo de señales sugestivas de TEA en prematuros con muy bajo peso al nacer

Prematurity has been associated with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), and the early diagnosis is relevant for this population. This study compares the frequency of positive screening for ASD signs using M-CHAT at 18-24 months (n = 60) and ABC questionnaires at 30-36 months (n = 58) of corrected age in toddlers born prematurely with birth weight < I500g and investigates ASD diagnosis in suspected cases. Toddlers screened positive were evaluated with a DSM-5 diagnostic protocol. 6.7% of toddlers screened positive for M-CHAT and 5.2% for ABC. ASD diagnosis was confirmed for 3.3% of children. An agreement between M-CHAT and ABC questionnaires was low (k = 0.241, p = 0.063). The frequency of suggestive signs of ASD detected by the M-CHAT and the ABC at different moments was similar, and the diagnosis rate of ASD was high. The screening at I8-24 month added to the screening at 30-36 months increased the frequency of positive screening for signs of ASD in preterm.

Prematuridade tem sido associada com Transtorno do Espectro do Autismo (TEA). Diagnóstico precoce é relevante para essa população. Este estudo comparou a frequência de rastreamento positivo para sinais de TEA utilizando os questionários M-CHAT aos 18-24 meses (n = 60) e ABC aos 30-36 meses (n = 58) de idade corrigida em prematuros nascidos com peso < 1.500 g e investigou diagnóstico de TEA nos casos suspeitos com protocolo diagnóstico seguindo DSM-5. Dos prematuros, 6,7% foram positivos para M-CHAT e 5,2% para ABC. Diagnóstico de TEA foi confirmado para 3,3% das crianças. Houve baixa concordância entre M-CHAT e ABC (k = 0,241, p = 0,063). A frequência de sinais sugestivos de TEA detectada pelos dois instrumentos em diferentes momentos foi similar; e a taxa de diagnóstico de TEA, alta. O rastreamento aos 18-24 meses, acrescido de rastreamento aos 30-36 meses, aumenta a frequência de rastreamento positivo para sinais de TEA em prematuros.

Prematuridad es asociada al Transtorno del Espectro del Autismo (TEA). Diagnóstico precoz es relevante para esta población. Este estudio comparó la frequen-cia de rastreo positivo para senales de TEA utilizando los questionários M-CHAT a los 18-24 meses (n = 60) y ABC a los 30-36 meses (n = 58) de edad corregida em prematuros nacidos com peso < 1.500 g, y averiguo diagnóstico de TEA em los casos sospe-chosos, con protocolo diagnóstico siguiendo DSM-5. 6,7% de los prematuros fueron positivos para M-CHAT y 5,2% para ABC. Diagnóstico de TEA fue confirmado en 3,3% de los prematuros. Hubo baja concordância entre M-CHAT y ABC (k = 0,241, p = 0,063). La frequencia de senales de TEA detectada por los dos instrumentos en diferentes momentos fue similar, y la tasa de diagnóstico de TEA fue alta. El rastreo a los 18-24 meses, sumado al rastreo a los 30-36 meses aumenta la frequência de rastreo positivo para senales de TEA en prematuros.

Quality of life of former preterm adolescents / Qualidade de vida de adolescentes nascidos prematuros

ABSTRACT Objectives: To compare the quality of life of adolescents born prematurely with very-low-birth-weight, reported by adolescents themselves and their caregivers, and analyze associated factors perceived by both. Methods: This cross-sectional study included former preterm adolescents born with gestational age < 37 weeks and birth weigh < 1,500 g, who were being followed up at the premature outpatient clinic of a university institution, from birth to adolescence, and their caregivers. Quality of life was assessed by the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Factors associated with quality of life were analyzed by linear regression. Results: Of 91 eligible adolescents, 73 (80.2%) were included, being 38 (52.1%) male. The mean gestational age was 30.1 ± 2.4 weeks and birth weight was 1134 ± 239 g. Adolescents reported better quality of life than their caregivers (p = 0.011), being respectively: dissatisfied (1.4 vs. 4.1%), neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (20.5 vs. 20.5%), satisfied (56.2 vs. 71.2%) and very satisfied (21.9 vs. 4.1%). Scores attributed by adolescents and caregivers were, respectively: overall quality of life (4.0 ± 0.7 vs. 3.8 ± 0.6, p = 0.032), physical domain (3.6 ± 0.6 vs. 3.5 ± 0.6, p = 0.685), psychological domain (3.4 ± 0.6 vs. 3.6 ± 0.6, p = 0.116), social relationships (3.7 ± 0.7 vs. 3.6 ± 0.8, p = 0.371) and environment (3.4 ± 0.7 vs. 3.2 ± 0.6, p = 0.037). For caregivers, absence of fixed partner and hospitalization in childhood decreased the overall quality of life score; furthermore, the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome increased this score. In the adolescents' view, leukomalacia reduced this score. Conclusions: Adolescents reported better quality of life than caregivers. For adolescents, only biological factors were associated with quality of life scores; for caregivers, biological and social factors were associated this scores.

RESUMO Objetivos: Comparar a qualidade de vida de adolescentes nascidos prematuros com muito baixo peso na percepção do adolescente e de seu cuidador e analisar os fatores associados na visão de ambos. Métodos: Estudo transversal com adolescentes nascidos com idade gestacional < 37 semanas e peso < 1.500 g, em acompanhamento no ambulatório de prematuros de uma instituição universitária, do nascimento à adolescência, e seus cuidadores. Pesquisou-se a qualidade de vida com o questionário WHOQOL-BREF. Fatores associados à qualidade de vida foram analisados por regressão linear. Resultados: Dos 91 adolescentes elegíveis, 73 (80,2%) foram incluídos, sendo 38 (52,1%) masculinos, nascidos com 30,1 ± 2,4 semanas de gestação e peso de 1.134 ± 239 g. Adolescentes referiram melhor qualidade de vida que seus cuidadores (p = 0,01), sendo, respectivamente: insatisfeitos (1,4 vs. 4,1%), nem satisfeitos, nem insatisfeitos (20,5 vs. 20,5%), satisfeitos (56,2 vs. 71,2%) e muito satisfeitos (21,9 vs. 4,1%). Os escores atribuídos pelos adolescentes e cuidadores foram, respectivamente, qualidade de vida geral (4,0 ± 0,7 vs. 3,8 ± 0,6, p = 0,032), domínio físico (3,6 ± 0,6 vs. 3,5 ± 0,6, p = 0,685), domínio psicológico (3,4 ± 0,6 vs. 3,6 ± 0,6, p = 0,116), relações sociais (3,7 ± 0,7 vs. 3,6 ± 0,8, p = 0,371) e ambiente (3,4 ± 0,7 vs. 3,2 ± 0,6, p = 0,037). Para cuidadores, ausência de parceiro fixo e hospitalização na infância diminuíram os escores de qualidade de vida geral, já a síndrome de desconforto respiratório aumentou esse escore. Na percepção dos adolescentes, a leucomalácia reduziu esse escore. Conclusões: Adolescentes referiram melhor qualidade de vida que seus cuidadores. Para adolescentes, apenas fatores biológicos se associaram aos escores de qualidade de vida; para cuidadores, fatores biológicos e sociais se associaram a esse escore.

Pulmonary function in former very low birth weight preterm infants in the first year of life.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary function in former preterm infants may be compromised during childhood. OBJECTIVES: To assess pulmonary function in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants at 6-12 months of corrected age and analyze the factors associated with abnormal pulmonary function. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with preterm infants at 6-12 months of corrected age with birth weight <1500 g. Children with malformations or affected by neuromuscular and respiratory diseases were excluded. Forced expiratory flows were assessed using the chest compression technique, and volumes were measured by total body plethysmography. Pulmonary function parameters in preterm infants were compared to a control group of same-aged children born at term. RESULTS: We studied 51 preterm and 37 infants born at term. Preterm infants had: gestational age at birth (30.0 ±â€¯2.5 weeks), birth weight (1179 ±â€¯247 g), 27.5% had bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and 45% received mechanical ventilation. Preterm infants had lower median z-scores in comparison to term infants for the following parameters (p < 0.05): FVC (-0.3 vs. 0.7), FEV0.5 (-0.5 vs. 0.9), FEV0.5/FVC (-0.6 vs. -0.5), FEF50 (-0.4 vs. 0.9), FEF75 (-0.3 vs. 0.8), FEF85 (-0.1 vs. 0.6) and FEF25-75 (-0.5 vs. 1.1). No term child had abnormal lung function, compared to 39.2% of preterm infants (p = 0.001). Factors associated with abnormal pulmonary function were lower gestational age at birth, small for gestational age, need for mechanical ventilation and presence of recurrent wheezing. CONCLUSIONS: Preterms had a high prevalence of abnormal pulmonary function and lower pulmonary function in comparison to term infants. Prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction, respiratory support and recurrent wheezing were associated with abnormal pulmonary function.

Humoral immune response to measles and varicella vaccination in former very low birth weight preterm infants.

INTRODUCTION: Immune response to vaccination in infants born prematurely may be lower than in infants born at full-term. Some clinical factors might be associated with humoral immune response. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to compare the immune response to measles and varicella vaccination in infants born prematurely with those born at full-term and to analyze factors associated with measles and varicella antibody levels. METHODS: Prospective study including two groups of infants aged 12 months. One group of infants born prematurely with birth-weight <1500g and who were in follow-up at the outpatient clinic for preterm infants at the institution and other group of infants born at full-term. Infants with malformations, primary immunodeficiency diseases, born to HIV-positive mothers or who had received plasma or immunoglobulin transfusions five months before or three weeks after vaccination were excluded. Plasma antibodies were measured by ELISA and factors associated with antibody levels were assessed by linear regression. RESULTS: Sixty-five premature and 56 full-term infants were included. The percentage of immune individuals after vaccination against measles (100% vs. 100%) and varicella (92.5% vs. 93.2%) were similar in both groups, as well as the antibody levels against measles (2.393 vs. 2.412UI/mL; p=0.970) and varicella (0.551 vs. 0.399UI/mL; p=0.114). Use of antenatal corticosteroids decreased measles antibody levels whereas breastfeeding for more than six months increased varicella antibody levels. CONCLUSIONS: Humoral responses to measles and varicella were similar between infants born prematurely and full-term infants. Measles antibody levels were negatively associated with antenatal corticosteroid use; varicella antibodies were positively associated with prolonged breastfeeding.

Humoral immune response to measles and varicella vaccination in former very low birth weight preterm infants

ABSTRACT Introduction: Immune response to vaccination in infants born prematurely may be lower than in infants born at full-term. Some clinical factors might be associated with humoral immune response. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare the immune response to measles and varicella vaccination in infants born prematurely with those born at full-term and to analyze factors associated with measles and varicella antibody levels. Methods: Prospective study including two groups of infants aged 12 months. One group of infants born prematurely with birth-weight <1500 g and who were in follow-up at the outpatient clinic for preterm infants at the institution and other group of infants born at full-term. Infants with malformations, primary immunodeficiency diseases, born to HIV-positive mothers or who had received plasma or immunoglobulin transfusions five months before or three weeks after vaccination were excluded. Plasma antibodies were measured by ELISA and factors associated with antibody levels were assessed by linear regression. Results: Sixty-five premature and 56 full-term infants were included. The percentage of immune individuals after vaccination against measles (100% vs. 100%) and varicella (92.5% vs. 93.2%) were similar in both groups, as well as the antibody levels against measles (2.393 vs. 2.412 UI/mL; p = 0.970) and varicella (0.551 vs. 0.399 UI/mL; p = 0.114). Use of antenatal corticosteroids decreased measles antibody levels whereas breastfeeding for more than six months increased varicella antibody levels. Conclusions: Humoral responses to measles and varicella were similar between infants born prematurely and full-term infants. Measles antibody levels were negatively associated with antenatal corticosteroid use; varicella antibodies were positively associated with prolonged breastfeeding.

High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy is not a Protective Factor for Preterm Infants with Very Low Birth Weight. A Case-Control Study.

Objective To evaluate whether the presence of maternal blood pressure reduces the risks of morbidity, perinatal mortality and morbidity at 24 months of age in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) compared with a control group. Methods A retrospective, observational, case-control study. Total 49 VLBWIs were allocated to the study group, called the maternal arterial hypertension group (AHG), and matched with 44 in the control group (CG). The infants were assessed during hospitalization and at 12 and 24 months corrected age at a specialized clinic. For the assessment of growth, the World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro software (Geneva, 2006) was used, and for the psychomotor assessment, the Denver II test was used. Results In relation to the antenatal variables, the infants of the AHG had more centralized circulation assessed by Doppler, received more corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate, and were born by cesarean section more frequently. In terms of the postnatal and in-hospital outcomes, the AHG had a higher gestational age at birth (30.7 versus 29.6 weeks) and a lower frequency of 5-minute Apgar scores of less than 7 (26.5% versus 52.3%). The CG had a higher rate of pulmonary dysplasia (30.2% versus 8.3%). There were no differences in terms of hospital mortality, complications, somatic growth and functional problems at 24 months of corrected age. Conclusion The presence of maternal hypertension, especially preeclampsia, was not a protective factor against morbidity, mortality and evolution in VLBWIs aged up to 24 months. Therefore, the clinical practice should be focused on prolonging the pregnancy for as long as possible in these conditions as well.

High Blood Pressure during Pregnancy is not a Protective Factor for Preterm Infants with Very Low Birth Weight. A Case-Control Study / Hipertensão arterial na gestação não é fator de proteção para recém-nascidos prematuros de muito baixo peso ao nascer. Um estudo caso controle

Abstract Objective To evaluate whether the presence of maternal blood pressure reduces the risks of morbidity, perinatal mortality and morbidity at 24 months of age in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) compared with a control group. Methods A retrospective, observational, case-control study. Total 49 VLBWIs were allocated to the study group, called the maternal arterial hypertension group (AHG), and matched with 44 in the control group (CG). The infants were assessed during hospitalization and at 12 and 24 months corrected age at a specialized clinic. For the assessment of growth, the World Health Organization (WHO) Anthro software (Geneva, 2006) was used, and for the psychomotor assessment, the Denver II test was used. Results In relation to the antenatal variables, the infants of the AHG had more centralized circulation assessed by Doppler, received more corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate, and were born by cesarean section more frequently. In terms of the postnatal and in-hospital outcomes, the AHG had a higher gestational age at birth (30.7 versus 29.6 weeks) and a lower frequency of 5-minute Apgar scores of less than 7 (26.5% versus 52.3%). The CG had a higher rate of pulmonary dysplasia (30.2% versus 8.3%). There were no differences in terms of hospital mortality, complications, somatic growth and functional problems at 24 months of corrected age. Conclusion The presence of maternal hypertension, especially preeclampsia, was not a protective factor against morbidity, mortality and evolution in VLBWIs aged up to 24 months. Therefore, the clinical practice should be focused on prolonging the pregnancy for as long as possible in these conditions as well.

Resumo Objetivo Avaliar se a presença de hipertensão arterial materna reduz os riscos de morbidade, mortalidade perinatal e morbidade aos 24 meses de idade em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso (RNMBPs) em relação a um grupo controle. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo, observacional, caso controle. Foram alocados 49 RNMBPs no grupo de estudo, chamado de grupo com hipertensão arterial materna (GHA), e 44 no grupo controle (GC), avaliados durante a internação hospitalar e aos 12 e 24 meses de idade corrigida em ambulatório especializado. Para avaliação do crescimento, foi adotado o programa WHO Anthro, e o teste de desenvolvimento de Denver II para a avaliação psicomotora. Resultados Em relação às variáveis antenatais, fetos do GHA apresentaram mais centralização da circulação avaliada pelo Doppler, receberam mais corticosteroides e sulfato de magnésio, além de terem nascido mais por cesáreas. Quanto aos desfechos pós-natais e durante a internação, o GHA teve idade gestacional de nascimento maior (30,7 × 29,6 semanas) e menor frequência de boletim de Apgar no quinto minuto inferior a 7 (26,5% x 52,3%). Entre as complicações avaliadas, o GC teve maior frequência de displasia pulmonar (30,2 × 8,3%). Não houve diferenças em relação à mortalidade hospitalar, ao crescimento somático e às complicações funcionais aos 24 meses de idade corrigida. Conclusão A presença de hipertensão arterial materna, em especial a pré-eclâmpsia, não foi fator de proteção quanto à morbidade, mortalidade e evolução até os 24 meses de idade em RNMBPs. Desta forma, a prática clínica deve ser voltada para garantir o maior prolongamento possível da gestação também nestas condições.

Relação entre as habilidades auditivas no primeiro ano de vida e o diagnóstico de linguagem em prematuros / Relation between auditory abilities in the first year of life and language diagnosis in pre-terms

RESUMO Objetivo: verificar se há relação entre as habilidades auditivas no primeiro ano de vida e o diagnóstico de linguagem entre os 2 e 4 anos de idade em crianças nascidas pré-termo com peso abaixo de 2000 gramas. Métodos: foram selecionados um grupo de 54 crianças com emissões otoacústicas evocadas por estímulos transientes presentes nos primeiros três meses, com avaliação audiológica comportamental entre os 6 e 18 meses e avaliação de linguagem entre os 2 e 4 anos de idade. Resultados: não foram observadas diferenças estatisticamente significantes entre a ocorrência de reflexo cócleo palpebral e a habilidade de localização sonora entre 6 e 18 meses com resultado da avaliação de linguagem.Em relação à habilidade de reconhecimento de ordens verbais entre os 12 e 18 meses foi observada diferença estatisticamente significante.Crianças que apresentam reconhecimento de ordens verbais alterado entre 12 e 18 meses tem 12,25 vezes mais chances de apresentar linguagem alterada entre os 2 e 4 anos. Conclusão: existe uma relação entre o reconhecimento de ordens verbais alterado entre 12 e 18 meses e a alteração no resultado da avaliação de linguagem entre os 2 e 4 anos.

ABSTRACT Purpose: this article aims at investigating the relation between the hearing abilities in the first year of life and the diagnosis of language between 2 and 4 years of age in preterm infants born weighing less than 2,000 grams. Methods: the infants were selected from the database of this program composing a group of 54 infants with transient evoked otoacoustic emissions present in the first three months, with an auditory behavior between 6 and 18 months and an evaluation of language between 2 and 4 years of age. Results: there were no statistically significant differences between the occurrence of cochlear-palpebral reflex and the ability of sound localization between 6 and 18 months regarding result of language assessment. Regarding the ability of recognition of verbal commands for children aged between 12 and 18 months, there was a statistically significant difference. Infants who present alteration on the recognition of verbal commands from 12 to 18 months are 12.25 times more likely to have language alteration at the age between 2 and 4 years. Conclusion: there is a relation between alteration on the recognition of verbal commands for children aged between 12 and 18 months and the alteration in the result of language evaluation for those aged between 2 and 4 years.