NT-PROBNP as a screening tool for low-risk patent ductus arteriousus: a follow-up validation study.

The purpose of the study is to test whether NT-proBNP serves as a screening tool for low-risk patent ductus arteriosus and safely avoids routine early echocardiography. This is a prospective observational study in preterm infants ≤32 weeks of gestational age. Infants with ≥5100 pg/ml (positive screening) at 48-72 hours of life received comprehensive echocardiography and were treated according to shunt severity. Infants with NT-proBNP below 5100 pg/ml (negative screening) were managed expectantly. The main outcome was need for ductus treatment within the first 7 days of life. One hundred twenty-five infants were included; 82 had a negative NT-proBNP screening and 43 had a positive NT-proBNP screening. No infant (0%) with a negative screening was treated for ductus while 26 (60.4%) with a positive screening were treated (p < 0.001). NT-proBNP avoided a 65.6% of routine echocardiograms. NT-proBNP had an excellent performance to predict PDA treatment (AUC = 0.967).Conclusion: NT-proBNP at 48-72 hours of life has an excellent performance to detect low risk and avoids unnecessary echocardiograms. This may contribute to optimize PDA management in terms of resource utilization.

Canalización del tronco braquiocefálico guiada por ecografía en neonatos y lactantes / Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein in neonates and infants

INTRODUCCIÓN: La inserción de catéteres venosos centrales (CVC) en neonatos y lactantes pequeños es una técnica difícil y de riesgo. La canalización guiada por ecografía (ECO) aumenta la tasa de éxito y reduce las complicaciones. El acceso más habitual es el de yugular interna; sin embargo, en neonatos y lactante pequeños es técnicamente más difícil que a otras edades. Presentamos nuestra experiencia preliminar con una nueva técnica de canalización venosa central aplicable a neonatos y lactantes pequeños: el acceso supraclavicular del tronco braquiocefálico (TBC) guiado por ECO. MÉTODOS: Serie de casos de neonatos y lactantes de peso inferior a 5kg en los que se ha intentado la canalización guiada por ECO del TBC mediante abordaje supraclavicular. Se utilizó un abordaje longitudinal en plano del TBC desde la fosa supraclavicular con un transductor lineal de 12Hz o microcónvex de 8Hz. Todas las canalizaciones fueron realizadas por el mismo operador, un pediatra con experiencia previa en la canalización guiada por ECO. RESULTADOS: Se incluyó a 6 pacientes con una mediana (rango) de peso de 2,1 (0,94-4,1) kg y edad de 1,9 (0,6-4) meses. En 2 casos se requirieron 2 intentos, canalizándose el TBC en un intento en los 4 restantes. No se observaron complicaciones relacionadas con el procedimiento ni con la permanencia del catéter, siendo los CVC retirados al cabo de 9 (6-15) días. CONCLUSIÓN: El acceso supraclavicular al TBC guiado por ecografía es una alternativa factible y segura en neonatos y lactantes muy pequeños. Son necesarios más estudios antes su utilización rutinaria en la práctica clínica

INTRODUCTION: Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion in neonates and small infants is a challenging and high risk procedure. Ultrasound (US) guided cannulation increases the success rate and reduces procedural-related complications. The internal jugular vein is the most frequent site for US-guided CVC insertion. However this approach is technically demanding in neonates and small infants. US-guided supraclavicular cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein (BCV) is a new approach that may be advantageous in case of difficult central venous catheterization. We present our preliminary experience with this technique in a case series of neonates and small infants. METHODS: Case series of neonates and small infants weighing less than 5kg, in whom US-guided supraclavicular cannulation of the BCV was attempted. A longitudinal 'in plane' supraclavicular approach to the BCV was performed using a 12Hz linear or a 8Hz microconvex transducer. All cannulations were performed by the same operator, a pediatrician with previous experience in US-guided central venous catheterization. RESULTS: the study included 6 patients with a median (range) weight of 2.1 (0.94-4.1) kg and age of 1.9 (0.6-4) months. Two cases required 2 punctures, while cannulation was achieved at the first attempt in the remaining 4 cases. There were no procedural or catheter-related complications. CVCs were withdrawn after 9 (6-15) days. CONCLUSIONS: The US-guided supraclavicular approach to the BCV is a feasible and safe alternative in neonates and very small infants. More studies are needed to define the role of this new venous access before its routine application in daily practice

[Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein in neonates and infants]. / Canalización del tronco braquiocefálico guiada por ecografía en neonatos y lactantes.

INTRODUCTION: Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion in neonates and small infants is a challenging and high risk procedure. Ultrasound (US) guided cannulation increases the success rate and reduces procedural-related complications. The internal jugular vein is the most frequent site for US-guided CVC insertion. However this approach is technically demanding in neonates and small infants. US-guided supraclavicular cannulation of the brachiocephalic vein (BCV) is a new approach that may be advantageous in case of difficult central venous catheterization. We present our preliminary experience with this technique in a case series of neonates and small infants. METHODS: Case series of neonates and small infants weighing less than 5kg, in whom US-guided supraclavicular cannulation of the BCV was attempted. A longitudinal "in plane" supraclavicular approach to the BCV was performed using a 12Hz linear or a 8Hz microconvex transducer. All cannulations were performed by the same operator, a pediatrician with previous experience in US-guided central venous catheterization. RESULTS: The study included 6 patients with a median (range) weight of 2.1 (0.94-4.1) kg and age of 1.9 (0.6-4) months. Two cases required 2 punctures, while cannulation was achieved at the first attempt in the remaining 4 cases. There were no procedural or catheter-related complications. CVCs were withdrawn after 9 (6-15) days. CONCLUSIONS: The US-guided supraclavicular approach to the BCV is a feasible and safe alternative in neonates and very small infants. More studies are needed to define the role of this new venous access before its routine application in daily practice.