Epidemiological trends of isolated and non-isolated central nervous system congenital malformations in live births in a middle-income setting.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze, in the São Paulo state of Brazil, time trends in prevalence, neonatal mortality, and neonatal lethality of central nervous system congenital malformations (CNS-CM) between 2004 and 2015. METHODS: Population-based study of all live births with gestational age ≥22 weeks and/or birthweight ≥400 g from mothers living in São Paulo State, during 2004-2015. CNS-CM was defined by the presence of International Classification Disease 10th edition codes Q00-Q07 in the death and/or live birth certificates. CNS-CM was classified as isolated (only Q00-Q07 codes), and non-isolated (with congenital anomalies codes nonrelated to CNS-CM). CNS-CM associated neonatal death was defined as death between 0 and 27 days after birth in infants with CNS-CM. CNS-CM prevalence, neonatal mortality, and lethality rates were calculated, and their annual trends were analyzed by Prais-Winsten Model. The annual percent change (APC) with 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was obtained. RESULTS: 7,237,628 live births were included in the study and CNS-CM were reported in 7526 (0.1%). CNS-CM associated neonatal deaths occurred in 2935 (39.0%). Isolated CNS-CM and non-isolated CNS-CM were found respectively in 5475 and 2051 livebirths, with 1525 (28%) and 1410 (69%) neonatal deaths. CNS-CM prevalence and neonatal lethality were stationary, however neonatal mortality decreased (APC -1.66; 95%CI -3.09 to -0.21) during the study. For isolated CNS-CM, prevalence, neonatal mortality, and lethality decreased over the period. For non-isolated CNS-CM, the prevalence increased, neonatal mortality was stationary, and lethality decreased during the period. The median time of CNS-CM associated neonatal deaths was 18 h after birth. CONCLUSIONS: During a 12-year period in São Paulo State, Brazil, neonatal mortality of infants with CNS-CM in general and with isolated CNS-CM showed a decreasing pattern. Nevertheless CNS-CM mortality remained elevated, mostly in the first day after birth.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia: temporal trend from 2010 to 2019 in the Brazilian Network on Neonatal Research.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the temporal trend of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants who survived to at least 36 weeks' post-menstrual age (PMA) and BPD or death at 36 weeks' PMA, and to analyse variables associated with both outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort with data retrieved from an ongoing national registry. SETTING: 19 Brazilian university public hospitals. PATIENTS: Infants born between 2010 and 2019 with 23-31 weeks and birth weight 400-1499 g. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Temporal trend was evaluated by Prais-Winsten model and variables associated with BPD in survivors or BPD or death were analysed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Of the 11 128 included infants, BPD in survivors occurred in 22%, being constant over time (annual per cent change (APC): -0.80%; 95% CI: -2.59%; 1.03%) and BPD or death in 45%, decreasing over time (APC: -1.05%; 95% CI: -1.67%; -0.43%). Being male, small for gestational age, presenting with respiratory distress syndrome, air leaks, needing longer duration of mechanical ventilation, presenting with treated patent ductus arteriosus and late-onset sepsis were associated with an increase in the chance of BPD. For the outcome BPD or death, maternal bleeding, multiple gestation, 5-minute Apgar <7, late-onset sepsis, necrotising enterocolitis and intraventricular haemorrhage were added to the variables reported above as increasing the chance of the outcome. CONCLUSION: The frequency of BPD in survivors was constant and BPD or death decreased by 1.05% at each study year. These results show some improvement in perinatal care in Brazilian units which resulted in a reduction of BPD or death, but further improvements are still needed to reduce BPD in survivors.

The burden of inappropriate birth weight on neonatal survival in term newborns: a population-based study in a middle-income setting.

Introduction: Premature birth, perinatal asphyxia, and infections are the main causes of neonatal death. Growth deviations at birth also affect neonatal survival according to week of gestation at birth, particularly in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to verify the association between inappropriate birth weight and neonatal death in term live births. Methods: This is an observational follow-up study with all term live births from 2004 to 2013 in Sao Paulo State, Brazil. Data were retrieved with the deterministic linkage of death and birth certificates. The definition of very small for gestational age (VSGA) and very large for gestational age (VLGA) used the 10th percentile of 37 weeks and the 90th percentile of 41 weeks + 6 days, respectively, based on the Intergrowth-21st. We measured the outcome in terms of time to death and the status of each subject (death or censorship) in the neonatal period (0-27 days). Survival functions were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method stratified according to the adequacy of birth weight into three groups (normal, very small, or very large). We used multivariate Cox regression to adjust for proportional hazard ratios (HRs). Results: The neonatal death rate during the study period was 12.03/10,000 live births. We found 1.8% newborns with VSGA and 2.7% with VLGA. The adjusted analysis showed a significant increase in mortality risk for VSGA infants (HR = 4.25; 95% CI: 3.89-4.65), independent of sex, 1-min Apgar score, and five maternal factors. Discussion: The risk of neonatal death in full-term live births was approximately four times greater in those with birth weight restriction. The development of strategies to control the factors that determine fetal growth restriction through planned and structured prenatal care can substantially reduce the risk of neonatal death in full-term live births, especially in developing countries such as Brazil.

Echocardiography performed by the neonatologist: the impact on the clinical management.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess whether neonatologist-performed echocardiography (NPE) changed the previously planned hemodynamic approach in critically ill newborn infants. METHODS: This prospective cross-sectional study included the first NPE of 199 neonates. Before the exam, the clinical team was asked about the planned hemodynamic approach and the answer was classified as an intention to change or not to change the therapy. After being informed about the NPE results, the clinical management was grouped as performed as previously planned (maintained) or modified. RESULTS: NPE modified the planned pre-exam approach in 80 cases (40.2%; 95% CI: 33.3-47.4%), and variables associated with an increased chance of this modification were exams to assess pulmonary hemodynamics (prevalent ratio (PR): 1.75; 95% CI: 1.02-3.00) and to assess systemic flow (PR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.06-2.68) in relation to those requested for patent ductus arteriosus, pre-exam intention of changing the prescribed management (PR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.50-3.11), use of catecholamines (PR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.24-2.28) and birthweight (per kg) (PR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.68-0.98). CONCLUSION: The NPE was an important tool to direct hemodynamic management in a different approach from the previous intention of the clinical team, mainly for critically ill neonates. IMPACT: This study shows that neonatologist-performed echocardiography guides the therapeutic planning in the NICU, mainly in the more unstable newborns, with lower birthweight and receiving catecholamines. Exams requested with the intention of modifying the current approach were more likely to change the management in a different way than planned pre-exam.

Temporal Trend and Risk Factors for Respiratory Distress Syndrome-Associated Neonatal Mortality in Preterm Infants: A Population-Based Study in a Middle-Income Country.

OBJECTIVE: This article aimed to report a temporal series of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)-associated neonatal mortality rates in preterm live births in São Paulo state, Brazil, and to identify social, maternal, and neonatal characteristics associated with these deaths. STUDY DESIGN: This is a population-based study of all live births with gestational age (GA) between 22 and 36 weeks, birth weight ≥400 g, without congenital anomalies from mothers living in São Paulo state during 2004 to 2015. RDS-associated neonatal mortality was defined as death up to 27 days after birth with ICD-10 codes P22.0 or P28.0. RDS-associated neonatal mortality rate (annual percent change [APC] with 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]) was analyzed by Prais-Winsten. Kaplan-Meier estimator identified the time after birth that the RDS-associated neonatal death occurred. Poisson's regression model compared social maternal and neonatal characteristics between preterm live births that survived the neonatal period and those with RDS-associated neonatal deaths, with results expressed in incidence rate ratio and 95% CI. RESULTS: A total of 645,276 preterm live births were included in the study, of which 612,110 survived and 11,078 had RDS-associated neonatal deaths. RDS-associated neonatal mortality rate was 17.17 per thousand preterm live births, with a decreasing annual trend (APC: -6.50%; 95% CI: -9.11 to -3.82%). The median time of these deaths was 48 hours after birth. The following risk factors for RDS-associated neonatal death were identified: maternal schooling ≤7 years (1.18; 1.09-1.29), zero to three prenatal care visits (1.25; 1.18-1.32), multiple pregnancy (1.24; 1.16-1.33), vaginal delivery (1.29; 1.22-1.36), GA 22 to 27 weeks (106.35; 98.36-114.98), GA 28 to 31 weeks (20.12; 18.62-21.73), male sex (1.16; 1.10-1.22), and 5-minute Apgar scores of 0 to 3 (6.74; 6.08-7.47) and 4 to 6 (3.97; 3.72-4.23). CONCLUSION: During the study period, RDS-associated neonatal mortality rates showed significant reduction. The relationship between RDS-associated neonatal deaths and social, maternal, and neonatal factors suggests the need for perinatal strategies to reduce prematurity and to improve the initial management of preterm infants. KEY POINTS: · RDS is associated with preterm live births.. · Impact of RDS-associated neonatal mortality in middle-income countries is scarce.. · Qualified perinatal care can reduce RDS-associated neonatal mortality..

Clusters of preterm live births and respiratory distress syndrome-associated neonatal deaths: spatial distribution and cooccurrence patterns.

BACKGROUND: Prematurity and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) are strongly associated. RDS continues to be an important contributor to neonatal mortality in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to identify clusters of preterm live births and RDS-associated neonatal deaths, and their cooccurrence pattern in São Paulo State, Brazil, between 2004 and 2015.  METHODS: Population-based study of all live births with gestational age ≥ 22 weeks, birthweight ≥ 400 g, without congenital anomalies from mothers living in São Paulo State, Brazil, during 2004-2015. RDS-associated neonatal mortality was defined as deaths < 28 days with ICD-10 codes P22.0 or P28.0. RDS-associated neonatal mortality and preterm live births rates per municipality were submitted to first- and second-order spatial analysis before and after smoothing using local Bayes estimates. Spearman test was applied to identify the correlation pattern between both rates. RESULTS: Six hundred forty-five thousand two hundred seventy-six preterm live births and 11,078 RDS-associated neonatal deaths in São Paulo State, Brazil, during the study period were analyzed. After smoothing, a non-random spatial distribution of preterm live births rate (I = 0.78; p = 0.001) and RDS-associated neonatal mortality rate (I = 0.73; p = 0.001) was identified. LISA maps confirmed clusters for both, with a negative correlation (r = -0.24; p = 0.0000). Clusters of high RDS-associated neonatal mortality rates overlapping with clusters of low preterm live births rates were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Asymmetric cluster distribution of preterm live births and RDS-associated neonatal deaths may be helpful to indicate areas for perinatal healthcare improvement.

Clusters of cause specific neonatal mortality and its association with per capita gross domestic product: A structured spatial analytical approach.

BACKGROUND: Infant mortality rate is a measure of population health and neonatal mortality account for great proportion of these deaths. Underdevelopment might be associated to higher neonatal mortality risk due to assistant related factors. Spatial and temporal distribution of mortality help identifying and developing strategies for interventions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cluster areas of asphyxia-associated neonatal mortality and to explore its association with per capita gross domestic product (GDP) in São Paulo State (SP), Brazil. METHODS: Ecological study including live births residents in SP from 2004-2013. Neonatal deaths (0-27 days) with perinatal asphyxia were defined as intrauterine hypoxia, birth asphyxia or meconium aspiration syndrome written in any line of the Death Certificate. Geoprocessing analytical approach included detection of first order effects through quintiles and spatial moving average maps, followed by second order effects by global and local spatial autocorrelation (Moran and LISA, respectively) before and after smoothing with local Bayesian estimates. Finally, Spearman correlation was applied between asphyxia-associated neonatal mortality and mean per capita GDP rates for the municipalities with significant LISA. RESULTS: There were 6,713 asphyxia-associated neonatal deaths among 5,949,267 live births (rate: 1.13/1000) in SP. Spatial moving average maps showed a non-random distribution among municipalities, with presence of clusters (I = 0.048; p = 0.023). LISA map identified clusters of asphyxia-associated neonatal mortality in the south, southeast and northwest. After applying local Bayes estimates, clusters were more pronounced (I = 0.589; p = 0.001). There was a partial overlap of the areas of higher asphyxia-associated neonatal mortality and lower mean per capita GDP. CONCLUSIONS: Spatial analysis identified cluster areas of high asphyxia-associated neonatal mortality and low per capita GDP rates, with a significant negative correlation. This optimized, structured, and hierarchical approach to identify high-risk areas of cause-specific neonatal mortality may be helpful for guiding public health efforts to decrease neonatal mortality.

Costs of hospitalization in preterm infants: impact of antenatal steroid therapy / Custos da hospitalização de recém-nascidos pré-termo: impacto da corticoterapia antenatal

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE: To estimate the costs of hospitalization in premature infants exposed or not to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS). METHOD: Retrospective cohort analysis of premature infants with gestational age of 26-32 weeks without congenital malformations, born between January of 2006 and December of 2009 in a tertiary, public university hospital. Maternal and neonatal demographic data, neonatal morbidities, and hospital inpatient services during the hospitalization were collected. The costs were analyzed using the microcosting technique. RESULTS: Of 220 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 211 (96%) charts were reviewed: 170 newborns received at least one dose of antenatal corticosteroid and 41 did not receive the antenatal medication. There was a 14-37% reduction of the different cost components in infants exposed to ACS when the entire population was analyzed, without statistical significance. Regarding premature infants who were discharged alive, there was a 24-47% reduction of the components of the hospital services costs for the ACS group, with a significant decrease in the length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In very-low birth weight infants, considering only the survivors, ACS promoted a 30-50% reduction of all elements of the costs, with a 36% decrease in the total cost (p = 0.008). The survivors with gestational age <30 weeks showed a decrease in the total cost of 38% (p = 0.008) and a 49% reduction of NICU length of stay (p = 0.011). CONCLUSION: ACS reduces the costs of hospitalization of premature infants who are discharged alive, especially those with very low birth weight and <30 weeks of gestational age.

RESUMO OBJETIVO: Estimar os custos da internação hospitalar de prematuros cujas mães receberam ou não corticoide antenatal (CEA). MÉTODO: Coorte retrospectiva de prematuros sem malformações congênitas com idade gestacional de 26 a 32 semanas, nascidos entre janeiro/2006 e dezembro/2009, em hospital público, terciário e universitário brasileiro. Coletaram-se dados demográficos maternos e dos recém-nascidos (RN), a morbidade neonatal e o uso de recursos de saúde durante a internação hospitalar. Os custos foram analisados pela técnica de microcosting. RESULTADOS: Dos 220 nascidos que obedeciam a critérios de inclusão, 211 (96%) prontuários foram revisados: 170 receberam CEA e 41 não receberam a medicação. Analisando-se toda a população, houve redução de 14-37% entre os diferentes componentes do custo nos pacientes expostos ao CEA, sem significância estatística. Na análise de prematuros que receberam alta hospitalar vivos, o grupo com CEA teve redução de 24-47% nos vários componentes dos custos hospitalares, com diminuição significativa dos dias de internação em terapia intensiva. Os nascidos com peso < 1.500 g, considerando-se somente os sobreviventes, são aqueles que mais se beneficiaram da administração do CEA, com redução significativa de todos os componentes dos custos em 30-50%, diminuição de 36% no custo total (p = 0,008). Para o grupo com idade gestacional < 30 semanas, também sobreviventes, houve diminuição do custo total de 38% (p = 0,008) e redução de 49% dos dias de internação em UTI neonatal (p = 0,011). CONCLUSÕES: O CEA reduz o custo hospitalar de prematuros que sobrevivem à internação após o parto, principalmente naqueles abaixo de 1.500 g e 30 semanas de idade gestacional.

Costs of hospitalization in preterm infants: impact of antenatal steroid therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the costs of hospitalization in premature infants exposed or not to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS). METHOD: Retrospective cohort analysis of premature infants with gestational age of 26-32 weeks without congenital malformations, born between January of 2006 and December of 2009 in a tertiary, public university hospital. Maternal and neonatal demographic data, neonatal morbidities, and hospital inpatient services during the hospitalization were collected. The costs were analyzed using the microcosting technique. RESULTS: Of 220 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 211 (96%) charts were reviewed: 170 newborns received at least one dose of antenatal corticosteroid and 41 did not receive the antenatal medication. There was a 14-37% reduction of the different cost components in infants exposed to ACS when the entire population was analyzed, without statistical significance. Regarding premature infants who were discharged alive, there was a 24-47% reduction of the components of the hospital services costs for the ACS group, with a significant decrease in the length of stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In very-low birth weight infants, considering only the survivors, ACS promoted a 30-50% reduction of all elements of the costs, with a 36% decrease in the total cost (p=0.008). The survivors with gestational age <30 weeks showed a decrease in the total cost of 38% (p=0.008) and a 49% reduction of NICU length of stay (p=0.011). CONCLUSION: ACS reduces the costs of hospitalization of premature infants who are discharged alive, especially those with very low birth weight and <30 weeks of gestational age.

A importância de um questionário de avaliação de unidade curricular / The relevance of a questionnaire for curricular unit assessment

O objetivo do estudo foi analisar a confiabilidade e validade interna de um questionário de satisfação aplicado prospectivamente a alunos do sexto ano médico que frequentaram o estágio de Neonatologia em uma universidade pública de 2000 a 2011. Responderam ao questionário 1.349 (97,4%) alunos. O coeficiente de Cronbach foi 0,7. A análise fatorial determinou quatro domínios: atuação dos docentes, assistência na sala de parto, número de recém-nascidos assistidos e carga teórica, que explicaram, respectivamente, 18%, 16%, 14% e 9% da variância total. O escore de satisfação foi 89,3 ± 7,6% do escore máximo, o número de recém-nascidos recepcionados na sala de parto/aluno foi 4,7 ± 3,3, e as notas do pré-teste e pós-teste foram 5,3 ± 0,9 e 8,8 ± 0,5, respectivamente. A correlação de Pearson entre o escore total e a nota do pós-teste foi 0,7 (p = 0,010) . Houve correlação positiva entre escore de satisfação e qualidade das aulas, aproveitamento na sala de parto, atuação do plantonista e docente, atendimento ao recém-nascido e hospital com condições para o aprendizado. Concluiu-se que a confiabilidade e a validade interna do questionário foram adequadas, e o escore de satisfação do aluno foi elevado.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of a satisfaction questionnaire prospectively applied to the 6th year medical students of a public university who attended the neonatology course from 2000 to 2011. Of the 1,349 students, 1,314 (97.4%) answered the questionnaire. Cronbach coefficient was 0.7. The factorial analysis determined four domains: performance of professors, care at delivery room, number of neonates cared and number of classes that explained 18%, 16%, 14% and 9%, respectively of total item variance. The total score was 89.3 ± 7.6% of the maximum. The number of neonates assisted at delivery room was and 4.7 ± 3.3 and pre-test and post-test scores were 5.3 ± 0.9 and 8.8 ± 0.5, respectively. Pearson correlation between total score and post-test score was 0.7 (p = 0.010) . A positive correlation was observed between total score and quality of classes, assistance at the delivery room, performance of the neonatologist in duty and professors, assistance of neonates and hospital with conditions for education. In conclusion, the questionnaire showed adequa-te reliability and validity and student´s satisfaction score was high.

Predictive score for clinical complications during intra-hospital transports of infants treated in a neonatal unit.

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a predictive score for clinical complications during intra-hospital transport of infants treated in neonatal units. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study nested in a prospective cohort of infants transported within a public university hospital from January 2001 to December 2008. Transports during even (n=301) and odd (n = 394) years were compared to develop and validate a predictive score. The points attributed to each score variable were derived from multiple logistic regression analysis. The predictive performance and the score calibration were analyzed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test, respectively. RESULTS: Infants with a mean gestational age of 35 ± 4 weeks and a birth weight of 2457 ± 841 g were studied. In the derivation cohort, clinical complications occurred in 74 (24.6%) transports. Logistic regression analysis identified five variables associated with these complications and assigned corresponding point values: gestation at birth [<28 weeks (6 pts); 28-34 weeks (3 pts); >34 weeks (2 pts)]; pre-transport temperature [<36.3°Cor >37°C(3pts); 36.3-37.0°C (2 pts)]; underlying pathological condition [CNS malformation (4 pts); other (2 pts)]; transport destination [surgery (5 pts); magnetic resonance or computed tomography imaging (3 pts); other (2 pts)]; and pre-transport respiratory support [mechanical ventilation (8 pts); supplemental oxygen (7 pts); no oxygen (2 pts)]. For the derivation and validation cohorts, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.770 and 0.712, respectively. Expected and observed frequencies of complications were similar between the two cohorts. CONCLUSION: The predictive score developed and validated in this study presented adequate discriminative power and calibration. This score can help identify infants at risk of clinical complications during intra-hospital transports.

Fatores associados à hipotermia durante o transporte intra-hospitalar em pacientes internados em unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal / Factors associated with hypothermia during intra-hospital transport in patients assisted in a neonatal intensive care unit

OBJETIVO: Determinar a frequência e os fatores associados à ocorrência de hipotermia em transportes intra-hospitalares de pacientes internados em uma unidade neonatal de cuidados intensivos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal aninhado em uma coorte prospectiva de crianças submetidas a transportes intra-hospitalares realizados por uma equipe treinada de janeiro de 1997 a dezembro de 2008 na unidade de cuidados intensivos de um hospital público universitário. Foram excluídos os transportes de pacientes com mais de um ano e/ou com peso na data do transporte superior a 10kg. Os fatores associados à hipotermia durante o transporte foram estudados por regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Dos 1.197 transportes realizados no período do estudo, 1.191 (99,5 por cento) atenderam aos critérios de inclusão. As doenças de base das 640 crianças estudadas (idade gestacional: 35,0±3,8 semanas; peso ao nascer: 2341±888g) foram: malformações únicas ou múltiplas (71,0 por cento), infecções (7,7 por cento), hemorragia peri/intraventricular (5,5 por cento), desconforto respiratório (4,0 por cento) e outros (11,8 por cento). Os pacientes foram transportados para realização de cirurgias (22,6 por cento), ressonância magnética (10,6 por cento), tomografia (20,9 por cento), exames contrastados (18,2 por cento) e outros procedimentos (27,7 por cento). A hipotermia ocorreu em 182 (15,3 por cento) transportes e se associou ao (OR; IC95 por cento): peso ao transporte <1000g (3,7; 1,4-9,9); peso ao transporte 1000-2500g (1,5; 1,0-2,2); temperatura axilar pré-transporte <36,5ºC (2,0; 1,4-2,9); presença de malformações do sistema nervoso (2,8; 1,8-4,4); uso de oxigênio inalatório (1,6; 1,0-2,5); ventilação mecânica antes do transporte (2,5; 1,5-4,0); cirurgias (1,7; 1,0-2,7) e anos de 2001, 2003 e 2006 (protetores). CONCLUSÕES: Os transportes intra-hospitalares apresentaram risco elevado de hipotermia, mostrando que devem ser realizados por equipe habilitada e com equipamentos adequados.

OBJECTIVE: To determine frequency and factors associated with hypothermia during intra-hospital transports of patients assisted in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: Cross-sectional study nested in a prospective cohort of infants submitted to intra-hospital transports performed by a trained team from January 1997 to December 2008 at a NICU of a public university hospital. Transports of patients aged more than one year and/or with weight higher than 10kg were excluded. Factors associated with hypothermia during intra-hospital transports were studied by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among the 1,197 transports performed during the studied period, 1,191 (99.5 percent) met the inclusion criteria. The 640 transported infants had mean gestational age of 35.0±3.8 weeks and birth weight of 2341±888g. They presented the following underline diseases: single or multiple malformations (71.0 percent), infections (7.7 percent), peri/intraventricular hemorrhage (5.5 percent), respiratory distress (4.0 percent) and others (11.1 percent). Patients were transported for surgical procedures (22.6 percent), magnetic resonance (10.6 percent), tomography imaging (20.9 percent), contrasted exams (18.2 percent), and others (27.7 percent). Hypothermia occurred in 182 (15.3 percent) transports and was associated with (OR; 95 percentCI): weight at transport <1000g (3.7; 1.4-9.9), weight at transport 1000-2500g (1.5; 1.0-2.2), pre-transport axillary temperature <36.5ºC (2.0; 1.4-2.9), central nervous system malformation (2.8; 1.8-4.4); use of supplemental oxygen (1.6; 1.0-2.5); mechanical ventilation prior to transport (2.5; 1.5-4.0); transport for surgeries (1.7; 1.0-2.7) and the years 2001, 2003 and 2006 (protection factors). CONCLUSIONS: Intra-hospital transports presented increased risk for hypothermia, showing that this kind of transport should be done by skilled teams with adequate equipment.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia y los factores asociados a la ocurrencia de hipotermia en transportes intrahospitalarios de pacientes internados en una unidad neonatal de cuidados intensivos. MÉTODO: Estudio transversal anidado en una cohorte prospectiva de niños sometidos a transportes intrahospitalarios realizados por un equipo entrenado de ene/1997 a dic/2008 en la unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital público universitario. Se excluyeron los transportes de pacientes con más de un año de edad y con peso en la fecha del transporte superior a 10kg. Los factores asociados a la hipotermia durante el transporte fueron estudiados por regresión logística. RESULTADOS: De los 1197 transportes realizados en el periodo de estudio, 1191 (99,5 por ciento) atendieron a los criterios de inclusión. Las enfermedades de base de los 640 niños estudiados (edad gestacional: 35,0±3,8sem; peso al nacer: 2341±888g) fueron: malformaciones únicas o múltiples (71 por ciento), infecciones (7,7 por ciento), hemorragia peri/intraventricular (5,5 por ciento), angustia respiratoria (4,0 por ciento) y otros (11,8 por ciento). Los pacientes fueron transportados para realización de cirugías (22,6 por ciento), resonancia magnética (10,6 por ciento), tomografía (20,9 por ciento), exámenes contrastados (18,2 por ciento) y otros procedimientos (27,7 por ciento). La hipotermia ocurrió en 182 (15,3 por ciento) transportes y se asoció al (OR; IC95 por ciento): peso al transporte <1000g (3,7; 1,4-9,9); peso al transporte 1000-2500g (1,5; 1,0-2,2); temperatura axilar pre-transporte <36,5º C (2,0; 1,4-2,9); presencia de malformaciones del sistema nervioso (2,8; 1,8-4,4); uso de oxígeno inhalatorio (1,6; 1,0-2,5); ventilación mecánica antes del transporte (2,5; 1,5-4,0); cirugías (1,7; 1,0-2,7) y años de 2001, 2003 y 2006 (protectores). CONCLUSIONES: Los transportes intrahospitalarios presentan elevado riesgo de hipotermia, mostrando que deben ser realizados por personas habilitadas...

Predictive score for clinical complications during intra-hospital transports of infants treated in a neonatal unit

OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a predictive score for clinical complications during intra-hospital transport of infants treated in neonatal units. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study nested in a prospective cohort of infants transported within a public university hospital from January 2001 to December 2008. Transports during even (n=301) and odd (n = 394) years were compared to develop and validate a predictive score. The points attributed to each score variable were derived from multiple logistic regression analysis. The predictive performance and the score calibration were analyzed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test, respectively. RESULTS: Infants with a mean gestational age of 35 + 4 weeks and a birth weight of 2457 + 841 g were studied. In the derivation cohort, clinical complications occurred in 74 (24.6 percent) transports. Logistic regression analysis identified five variables associated with these complications and assigned corresponding point values: gestation at birth [<28 weeks (6 pts); 28-34 weeks (3 pts); >34 weeks (2 pts)]; pre-transport temperature [<36.3°Cor >37°C(3pts); 36.3-37.0°C (2 pts)]; underlying pathological condition [CNS malformation (4 pts); other (2 pts)]; transport destination [surgery (5 pts); magnetic resonance or computed tomography imaging (3 pts); other (2 pts)]; and pre-transport respiratory support [mechanical ventilation (8 pts); supplemental oxygen (7 pts); no oxygen (2 pts)]. For the derivation and validation cohorts, the areas under the ROC curve were 0.770 and 0.712, respectively. Expected and observed frequencies of complications were similar between the two cohorts. CONCLUSION: The predictive score developed and validated in this study presented adequate discriminative power and calibration. This score can help identify infants at risk of clinical complications during intra-hospital transports.

Medida da freqüência respiratória e do volume corrente para prever a falha na extubação de recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso em ventilação mecânica / Evaluation of respiratory rate and tidal volume to predict extubation failure in mechanically ventilated very low birth weight infants

OBJETIVO: Verificar se a freqüência respiratória (FR), o volume corrente (VC) e a relação FR/VC poderiam prever a falha na extubação em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso submetidos à ventilação mecânica. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo, observacional, de recém-nascidos com idade gestacional <37 semanas, peso ao nascer <1.500g, ventilados desde o nascimento por 48 horas a 30 dias. Após a indicação da retirada da ventilação mecânica, o neonato foi colocado em pressão positiva contínua (CPAP) por via traqueal por dez minutos, avaliando-se FR, VC e relação FR/VC por meio de um pneumotacógrafo conectado entre a cânula traqueal e o circuito do ventilador. Em seguida, o recém-nascido foi extubado e colocado em CPAP nasal, considerando-se falha na extubação a necessidade de reintubação em 48 horas. RESULTADOS: Das 35 crianças estudadas, 20 (57 por cento) foram extubadas com sucesso e 15 (43 por cento) necessitaram de reintubação. A FR e a relação FR/VC tenderam a ser maiores no grupo que falhou na extubação; o VC foi similar nos dois grupos. A sensibilidade e a especificidade para falha na extubação foram, respectivamente, 50 e 67 por cento para FR, 40 e 67 por cento para o VC e 40 e 73 por cento para a relação FR/VC. CONCLUSÕES: A FR, o VC e a relação FR/VC apresentaram baixa sensibilidade e especificidade para prever a falha na extubação em recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso.

OBJECTIVE: To verify if respiratory rate (RR), tidal volume (TV) and respiratory rate and tidal volume ratio (RR/TV) could predict extubation failure in very low birth weight infants submitted to mechanical ventilation. METHODS: This prospective observational study enrolled newborn infants with gestational age <37 weeks and birth weight <1,500g, mechanically ventilated from birth during 48 hours to 30 days and thought to be ready for extubation. As soon as the physicians decided for extubation, the neonates received endotracheal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for 10 minutes while spontaneous RR, TV and RR/TV were measured using a fixed-orifice pneumotachograph positioned between the endotracheal tube and the ventilator circuit. Thereafter, the neonates were extubated to nasal CPAP. Extubation failure was defined as the need for reintubation within 48 hours. RESULTS: Of the 35 studied infants, 20 (57 percent) were successfully extubated and 15 (43 percent) required reintubation. RR and RR/TV before extubation had a trend to be higher in unsuccessfully extubated infants. TV was similar in both groups. Sensitivity and specificity of these parameters as predictors of extubation failure were 50 and 67 percent respectively for RR, 40 and 67 percent for TV and 40 and 73 percent for RR/TV. CONCLUSIONS: RR, TV and RR/TV showed low sensitivity and specificity to predict extubation failure in mechanically ventilated very low birth weight infants.

Experiência do Hospital das Clínicas "Luzia de Pinho Melo" - UNIFESP/SPDM após um ano de implantação do acolhimento com classificação de risco no pronto socorro / Experience of Hospital das Clínicas

Este estudo demonstra a necessidade de haver fluxos aos pacientes que procuram atendimento em prontos socorros uma vez que este era realizado por ordem de chegada na unidade. Com a implantação do modelo de Classificação de Riscos realizado por enfermeiros, obtivemos melhores resultados através da classificação de pacientes por gravidade, com isso conseguimos melhorar a assistência prestada a paciente de urgência e emergência no pronto socorro e também as demandas espontâneas não graves através do programa de acolhimento.

Transporte intra-hospitalar de pacientes internados em UTI Neonatal: fatores de risco para intercorrências / Intra-hospital transport of neonatal intensive care patients: risk factors for complications

OBJETIVO: Estudar os fatores associados à hipotermia e ao aumento da necessidade de oxigênio e/ou suporte ventilatório durante o transporte intra-hospitalar de pacientes internados em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva neonatal. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo de todos os pacientes internados na unidade neonatal que necessitaram de transporte intra-hospitalar de janeiro de 1997 a dezembro de 2000, entre segundas-feiras e sextas-feiras, das 8h às 17h. Fatores associados à hipotermia e ao aumento da necessidade de oxigênio e/ou de suporte ventilatório durante e até duas horas após o transporte foram estudados por meio de regressão logística. RESULTADOS: Foram realizados 502 transportes no período. Os pacientes tinham em média 2.000g, 35 semanas de idade gestacional ao nascer e 22 dias de vida. As principais indicações do transporte foram: cirurgia e realização de exames de imagem. A hipotermia ocorreu em 17 por cento dos transportes e o aumento da necessidade de oxigênio e/ou de suporte ventilatório em 7 por cento. Fatores associados à hipotermia foram: duração do transporte >3h (OR=2,1; IC95 por cento=1,2-3,6), presença de malformações neurológicas (OR=1,7; IC95 por cento=1,1-2,5), transporte realizado em 1997 (OR=1,7; IC95 por cento=1,1-2,6) e peso no transporte >3.500g (OR=0,3; IC95 por cento=0,16-0,68). Fatores de risco para o aumento da necessidade de oxigênio e/ou de suporte ventilatório foram: idade gestacional ao nascimento em semanas (OR=0,9; IC95 por cento=0,8-0,9), idade em dias no transporte (OR=1,0; IC95 por cento=1,0-1,1) e presença de malformações gastrintestinais e geniturinárias (OR=3,1; IC95 por cento=1,6-6,2). CONCLUSÕES: As intercorrências relativas ao transporte intra-hospitalar são freqüentes nos neonatos em UTI e estão associadas às condições dos pacientes e dos transportes.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate factors associated with hypothermia and increased need of oxygen and/or ventilatory support during intra-hospital transport of neonatal intensive care patients. METHODS: Prospective study of infants admitted to a single neonatal unit in need of at least one intra-hospital transport during weekdays, from 8:00AM to 05:00PM, from January 1997 to December 2000. Factors associated with hypothermia and increased need of oxygen and/or need of ventilatory support during and up to two hours after transport were studied by regression analyses. RESULTS: During the study period, 502 transports were analyzed. At the time of transport, the neonates had a mean weight and gestational age of, respectively, 2,000g and 35 weeks, and they were 22 days old. The main reasons for transport were: surgery and image exams. Hypothermia occurred in 17 percent of the transported infants and increased need of oxygen and/or ventilatory support in 7 percent. Factors associated with hypothermia were: duration of transportation >3h (OR=2.1; 95 percentCI=1.2-3.6), neurologic malformation (OR=1.7; 95 percentCI=1.1-2.5), transport performed in 1997 (OR=1.7; 95 percentCI=1.1-2.6) and weight at time of transport >3,500g (OR=0.3; 95 percentCI=0.16-0.68). Factors associated with increased need of oxygen and/or ventilation support were: gestational age at birth in weeks (OR=0.9; 95 percentCI=0.8-0.9), age in days at transportation (OR=1.0; 95 percentCI=1.0-1.1) and presence of gastrointestinal and genitourinary malformation (OR=3.1; 95 percentCI=1.6-6.2). CONCLUSIONS: Complications related to neonatal intra-hospital transports are frequent and associated with the patients' characteristics and transport conditions.

Chest expansion for assessing tidal volume in premature newborn infants on ventilators.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether clinical observation of chest expansion predicts tidal volume in neonates on mechanical ventilation and whether observer experience interferes with results. METHODS: An observational study that enrolled less experienced physicians in the first year of pediatric residency, moderately experienced (second year pediatric residency, first year of neonatology or pediatric intensive care specialization) or who were already experienced (second year neonatology specialization, graduate students or primary physician supervisors with minimum experience of 4 years in neonatology). These professionals observed the chest expansion of newborn infants on mechanical ventilation and estimated the tidal volume being supplied to the babies. True tidal volume given was calculated, indexed by the patient's current weight, and considered adequate between 4 and 6 mL/kg, insufficient below 4 mL/kg and excessive over 6 mL/kg. Results were analyzed using chi-square test. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven assessments were carried out with 21 newborn infants and the estimates given were in agreement with measured volume in 23.1, 41.3 and 65.7% for less, moderately and experienced physicians, respectively. These results are evidence that the three groups are not statistically equal (p = 0.013) and that the group of fully-experienced physicians have a better level of agreement than those with little or moderate experience (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical analysis of chest expansion by physicians with less or moderate experience exhibit a low level of agreement with the tidal volume given to newborn infants on mechanical ventilation. Although increased experience did result in higher levels of agreement, chest expansion must still be interpreted with caution.

Expansibilidade torácica na avaliação do volume corrente em recém-nascidos prematuros ventilados / Chest expansion for assessing tidal volume in premature newborn infants on ventilators

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar se a observação clínica da expansibilidade torácica prediz o volume corrente em neonatos sob ventilação mecânica e se a experiência do examinador interfere no resultado. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional que incluiu médicos de baixa experiência (1° ano de residência em pediatria), moderada experiência (2° ano de residência em pediatria, 1° ano de especialização em neonatologia ou em terapia intensiva pediátrica) e experientes (2° ano de especialização em neonatologia, pós-graduandos ou assistentes com experiência mínima de 4 anos em neonatologia). Estes observaram a expansibilidade torácica de recém-nascidos em ventilação mecânica e responderam qual o volume corrente fornecido aos bebês. O volume corrente ofertado foi calculado, indexado ao peso atual do paciente e considerado adequado se entre 4-6 mL/kg, insuficiente se abaixo de 4 mL/kg e excessivo se acima de 6 mL/kg. Para análise dos resultados, foi utilizado o qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: Foram realizadas 111 avaliações em 21 recém-nascidos, e as respostas fornecidas concordaram com o volume mensurado em 23,1, 41,3 e 65,7 por cento para os médicos de baixa, moderada experiência e experientes, respectivamente. Esses resultados evidenciam que os três grupos não são estatisticamente iguais (p = 0,013) e que o grupo de médicos experientes apresenta maior concordância que os de baixa e moderada experiência (p = 0,007). CONCLUSÃO: A análise clínica da expansibilidade torácica realizada por médicos de baixa e moderada experiência apresenta pouca concordância com o volume corrente ofertado aos recém-nascidos em ventilação mecânica. Embora a experiência dos médicos tenha resultado em maior concordância, a expansibilidade torácica deve ser interpretada com cautela.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether clinical observation of chest expansion predicts tidal volume in neonates on mechanical ventilation and whether observer experience interferes with results. METHODS: An observational study that enrolled less experienced physicians in the first year of pediatric residency, moderately experienced (second year pediatric residency, first year of neonatology or pediatric intensive care specialization) or who were already experienced (second year neonatology specialization, graduate students or primary physician supervisors with minimum experience of 4 years in neonatology). These professionals observed the chest expansion of newborn infants on mechanical ventilation and estimated the tidal volume being supplied to the babies. True tidal volume given was calculated, indexed by the patient's current weight, and considered adequate between 4 and 6 mL/kg, insufficient below 4 mL/kg and excessive over 6 mL/kg. Results were analyzed using chi-square test. RESULTS: One hundred and eleven assessments were carried out with 21 newborn infants and the estimates given were in agreement with measured volume in 23.1, 41.3 and 65.7 percent for less, moderately and experienced physicians, respectively. These results are evidence that the three groups are not statistically equal (p = 0.013) and that the group of fully-experienced physicians have a better level of agreement than those with little or moderate experience (p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical analysis of chest expansion by physicians with less or moderate experience exhibit a low level of agreement with the tidal volume given to newborn infants on mechanical ventilation. Although increased experience did result in higher levels of agreement, chest expansion must still be interpreted with caution.

Factors associated with survival of very-low-birth-weight infants in a Brazilian fee-paying maternity in the 1990s.

This study describes intra-hospital survival rates of very-low-birth-weight infants, as well as factors present at birth associated with survival, during a period of 10 years. This is a Retrospective cohort study performed in a 3rd level nursery at Santa Joana Maternity Hospital, a fee-paying institution in Sao Paulo, Brazil. From January 1991 to December 2000, 963 live-born infants with a birth weight of 500-1499 g, without congenital anomalies, were followed until discharge. Survival was studied according with year of birth, and stratified by birth weight and gestational age. Factors present at birth associated with survival were analyzed by logistic regression. Patient characteristics were: birth weight 500-999 g (38%), gestational ages or=750 g, and gestational age >or=26 weeks.