Meta-analysis comparing temperature on arrival at the referral hospital of newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy cooled with a servo-controlled device versus no device during transport.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic hypothermia reduces mortality and neurological injury for neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate use of servo-controlled devices during transport to the referral hospital. METHODS: PubMed and Medline (Ovid) searches were used to identify studies comparing HIE patients' temperatures on arrival at the referral hospital for those cooled with servo-controlled devices versus no device during transport. Random effects models were used to conduct a meta-analysis comparing the two groups' proportion of patients arriving in the target temperature range as well as the mean and variability in body temperature on arrival. Studies' level of evidence and risk of bias were also assessed. RESULTS: Eight published studies with total of 573 patients met the inclusion criteria, with a "B" grade of recommendation overall. A significantly higher proportion of infants cooled with a servo-controlled device arrived in the target temperature range (pooled relative risk = 2.47, 95% confidence interval: 1.46-4.17, p < 0.001). The arrival temperature in the device cooled group was on average 0.82°C lower (95% CI: 0.29-1.35°C, p = 0.002) with an 82% lower temperature variance. CONCLUSIONS: Although the predominance of observational studies and presence of some risks of bias somewhat limits the strength of recommendation, the existing research consistently indicates that using a servo-controlled device during transport of neonates with HIE increases the probability of arriving at the referral hospital in the target temperature range, with a lower body temperature and less variability. Future research is needed to investigate differences in mortality and neurological impairment.

Neonatologists less frequently discuss long term complications: A simulation-based study of prenatal consults beyond the threshold of viability.

BACKGROUND: Guidelines exist for counseling expectant families of infants at periviable gestational ages (22-25 weeks), but it is much more common for neonatologists to counsel families at gestational ages beyond the threshold of viability when several aspects of these guidelines do not apply. We aimed to develop an understanding of what information is shared with mothers at risk of preterm delivery beyond periviability and to evaluate communication skills of our participants. METHODS: We developed a checklist of elements to include in counseling based on a comprehensive literature review. The checklist was divided into an information sharing section and a connect score. The information sharing list was sub-divided into general information and specific complications. Neonatologists engaged in a simulated prenatal counseling session with a standardized patient. Videotaped encounters were then analyzed for checklist elements. RESULTS: Neonatologists all scored well in communication using our tool and two other validated communication tools - the SEGUE and the analytic global OSCE. There was no difference in scoring based on years of experience or level of training. Information sharing from neonatologists more often discussed general information over specific. Neonatologists also focused more on early outcomes over long-term outcomes. Only 12% of neonatologists quoted the correct survival rate for the case. CONCLUSIONS: Neonatologists generally communicate well but share less information specific to prematurity and the long-term sequelae of prematurity. Our tool may be used to test if other interventions improve information sharing or communication.

Lung abscess revisited. A survey of 184 cases.

One hundred eighty-four patients with lung abscess, admitted to the Hospital of the University of Mississippi between 1960 and 1982, were studied with respect to sex (149 men and 35 women), age (mainly fourth to sixth decades), location of abscess(es) (RLL, RUL, and LLL mainly), predisposing factors (aspiration in sensorium disorders, obstruction, gingivo-dental suppuration, immunoincompetence) and nonoperative (89%) and operative (11%) therapy, usually lobectomy. Data from the different decades were compared, but there were few major differences. Mortality rate was 22% in the 1960s, 25% in the 1970s, and 28% in 1980-1982. Major management problems involved massive pulmonary hemorrhage, impaired immune defenses, old-age debility, bronchopleural fistula with empyema, or very large cavity. Anaerobic bacteria predominate and penicillin is the treatment of choice. Incidence of operation is declining, but cases are more often complicated. Prognosis is good in the uncomplicated case.