Nasal High-Flow for Weaning Preterm Newborns with Risk of Chronic Lung Disease from nCPAP.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare the duration of oxygen therapy by using two methods of weaning from nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in very preterm babies. STUDY DESIGN: Between April 2014 and December 2016, 90 preterm <32 weeks and birthweight >1,000 g who, after at least 7 days on nCPAP, were clinically stable on <6 cm H2O and FiO2 <30% were randomly assigned to weaning directly from nCPAP or with nasal high flow therapy (nHFT). In the nCPAP group, pressure was gradually reduced until the infant was stable on 4 cm H2O and then discontinued. In the nHFT group, flow rate was reduced until the infant was stable at 3.l pm and then discontinued. RESULTS: Eighty-four infants completed the study. There were no differences between the groups for the primary outcome, duration of oxygen therapy (median 33 [14-48] versus 28 [15-37] days; p = 0.17). The incidence of moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia was similar. Weaning time was shorter in the nCPAP group (p = 0.02), but the failure rate was slightly higher although non-significant. In the nHFT group, we observed better perception of patient comfort and a lower incidence of severe nasal injury. CONCLUSION: Weaning by nHFT compared with weaning directly off nCPAP does not prolong duration of oxygen therapy. Rather, it is associated with better perceptions of infant comfort among parents and lower rates of severe nasal injury. KEY POINTS: · Nasal high-flow therapy is commonly used in most neonatal intensive care unit for nCPAP weaning.. · Weaning by nHFT does not increase the duration of oxygen therapy.. · nHFT use improves the perception of infant comfort among parents..

Impacto de la vacunación de las embarazadas frente a la tosferina en las hospitalizaciones de menores de un año en un hospital de tercer nivel de Cataluña / Impact of vaccinating pregnant women against pertussis on hospitalizations of children under one year of age in a tertiary hospital in Catalonia

Introducción: La recomendación de la vacunación frente a la tosferina en embarazadas se instauró en Cataluña en febrero del 2014. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar la tasa de hospitalización por tosferina en niños menores de un año de edad antes y después de la implantación del programa de vacunación. Métodos: Estudio observacional y retrospectivo de pacientes menores de un año ingresados con diagnóstico de tosferina. Se comparó la tasa de hospitalización del periodo previo al programa de vacunación (2008-2013) con la del periodo con programa de vacunación (2014-2019) en el total de menores de un año y en 2subgrupos: en menores de 3 meses y en lactantes de 3 a 11 meses. Resultados: La tasa de hospitalización fue significativamente menor en el periodo con programa de vacunación en menores de un año y en menores de 3 meses (2,43 vs. 4,72 por 1.000 personas-año y 6,47 vs. 13,11 por 1.000 personas-año, respectivamente). Las razones de tasas entre períodos fueron: 0,51 (IC del 95%, 0,36-0,73) para los menores de un año; 0,49 (IC del 95%, 0,32-0,75) para los menores de 3 meses y 0,56 (IC del 95%, 0,30-1,03) para los de 3-11 meses. No se observaron diferencias estadísticamente significativas en la gravedad de los cuadros clínicos de los pacientes entre ambos periodos. Conclusión: La instauración del programa de vacunación contra la tosferina en embarazadas se ha asociado a una menor tasa de hospitalización por tosferina de forma global en los menores de un año de edad y específicamente en los menores de 3 meses.(AU)

Introduction: The recommendation for pertussis vaccination in pregnancy was established in Catalonia in February 2014. The objective of this study was to compare the hospitalization rate for pertussis in children under one year of age before and after the implementation of the vaccination program. Methods: Observational and retrospective study of patients under one year of age admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of pertussis. The hospitalization rate of patients under one year of age of the period prior to the vaccination program (2008-2013) was compared with the period with vaccination program (2014-2019) in the total of children under one year of age and in 2subgroups: children under 3 months and between 3-11 months. Results: Hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the period with vaccination program in children under one year of age and specifically in children under 3 months (2.43 vs. 4.72 per 1,000 person-years and 6.47 vs. 13.11 per 1,000 person-years, respectively). The rate ratios were: 0.51 (95% CI 0.36-0.73) for children under one year of age; 0.49 (95% CI 0.32-0.75) for those younger than 3 months and 0.56 (95% CI 0.30-1.03) for those with 3-11 months. No statistically significant differences were observed in the clinical severity between both periods. Conclusion: The introduction of the pertussis vaccination program in pregnancy was associated with a global lower hospitalization rate for pertussis in children under one year of age and specifically in those under 3 months of age.(AU)

Impact of vaccinating pregnant women against pertussis on hospitalizations of children under one year of age in a tertiary hospital in Catalonia.

INTRODUCTION: The recommendation for pertussis vaccination in pregnancy was established in Catalonia in February 2014. The objective of this study was to compare the hospitalisation rate for pertussis in children under one year of age before and after the implementation of the vaccination programme. METHODS: Observational and retrospective study of patients under one year of age admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of pertussis. The hospitalisation rate of patients under one year of age of the period prior to the vaccination programme (2008-2013) was compared with the period with vaccination programme (2014-2019) in the total of children under one year of age and in 2 subgroups: children under 3 months and between 3-11 months. RESULTS: Hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the period with vaccination programme in children under one year of age and specifically in children under 3 months (2.43 vs. 4.72 per 1000 person-years and 6.47 vs. 13.11 per 1000 person-years, respectively). The rate ratios were: 0.51 (95% CI 0.36-0.73) for children under one year of age; 0.49 (95% CI 0.32-0.75) for those younger than 3 months and 0.56 (95% CI 0.30-1.03) for those with 3-11 months. No statistically significant differences were observed in the clinical severity between both periods. CONCLUSION: The introduction of the pertussis vaccination programme in pregnancy was associated with a global lower hospitalisation rate for pertussis in children under one year of age and specifically in those under 3 months of age.

Utilización de las cánulas nasales de alto flujo en las unidades neonatales españolas / Use of high flow nasal cannula in Spanish neonatal units

Introducción: El uso de la terapia con cánulas de alto flujo (CNAF) en las unidades neonatales ha experimentado un incremento en los últimos años, pero no existen guías de consenso sobre sus indicaciones y estrategias de aplicación. Nuestro objetivo fue conocer la tasa de empleo de CNAF, sus indicaciones y la variabilidad de uso entre las unidades neonatales españolas.Material y métodos: Encuesta de 25 preguntas dirigida a personal médico y de enfermería. Se contactó telefónicamente con unidades de nivel II y III y se envió en formato Google Forms entre septiembre 2016 y diciembre 2018.Resultados: Se recibieron 97 respuestas (63,9% medicina, 36,1% enfermería), de 69 unidades neonatales que representan a 15 comunidades autónomas (87% nivel asistencial III; 13% nivel II). Todas las unidades, salvo una, disponen de CNAF con sistema humidificado y caliente. Sus indicaciones más frecuentes son: destete de ventilación no invasiva (VNI) (79,4%), bronquiolitis (69,1%), distrés respiratorio del recién nacido a término (RNT) (58,8%), tras extubación (50,5%). El flujo mínimo varía entre 1-5 lpm y el flujo máximo entre 5-15 lpm. El 22,7% ha experimentado algún efecto indeseado por su uso (9 fuga aérea, 12 traumatismo nasal).Menos de la mitad tiene protocolo de empleo, pero todas las respuestas coinciden en la utilidad de unas recomendaciones nacionales.Conclusiones: La terapia con CNAF está ampliamente extendida en las unidades españolas, pero existe gran variabilidad en sus indicaciones y estrategias de utilización. Unas recomendaciones a nivel nacional serían aplicables en la mayoría de las unidades y permitirían unificar su empleo. (AU)

Introduction: The use of high-flow cannula therapy (HFNC) in neonatal units has increased in recent years, but there are no consensus guidelines on its indications and application strategies. Our aim was to know the rate of use of HFNC, their indications and the management variability among Spanish neonatal units.Material and methods: Twenty-five-question survey for medical and nursing staff. Level II and III units were contacted by phone and sent in Google forms between September 2016 and December 2018.Results: Ninety-seven responses (63.9% medical, 36.1% nursing), from 69 neonatal units representing 15 autonomous communities (87% level of care III; 13% level II). All units except one have HFNC with a humidified and heated system. Their most frequent indications are: non-invasive ventilation weaning (79.4%), bronchiolitis (69.1%), respiratory distress of the term newborn (58.8%), after extubation (50.5%). Minimum flow (1–5 L/min) and maximum flow (5–15 L/min) are variable between units. 22.7% have experienced some adverse effect from its use (9 air leak, 12 nasal trauma).Less than half have an employment protocol, but all the answers agree on the usefulness of national recommendations.Conclusions: HFNC therapy is widely used in Spanish units, but there is great variability in its indications and strategies of use. National recommendations would be applicable in most units and would allow unifying its use. (AU)

Retos en la aplicación de la hipotermia terapéutica no servo-controlada durante el transporte neonatal en Cataluña / Challenges in the application of non-servocontrolled therapeutic hypothermia during neonatal transport in Catalonia

Introducción: La hipotermia terapéutica (HTT) es el único tratamiento que ha demostrado aumentar la posibilidad de supervivencia libre de secuelas en los recién nacidos (RNs) afectos de encefalopatía hipóxico-isquémica (EHI), recomendándose iniciarla lo antes posible. Lo más frecuente es que los pacientes tributarios de HTT no nazcan en los centros de referencia (CR) .requiriendo ser transportados. Métodos: Estudio observacional descriptivo prospectivo de RNs con EHI moderada-grave trasladados en hipotermia terapéutica no servo-controlada por los dos equipos de transporte neonatal y pediátrico terrestres de Cataluña (abril 2018-noviembre 2019). Resultados: 51 pacientes. Mediana de tiempo de estabilización 68 minutos (p25-75, 45 – 85min), traslado 30 minutos (p25-75, 15 – 45min). Media de edad a la llegada al CR 4 horas y 18 minutos (DE 96min). Medidas terapéuticas adoptadas: apagar la incubadora 43 (84,3%), bolsas de hielo 11 (21,6%) y ambas 11 (21,5%) pacientes. Se consiguió la temperatura rectal (TR) diana en 19 (37,3%) pacientes. No hubo diferencias en el sobre-enfriamiento según las medidas usadas para la aplicación de la HTT no servo-controlada (HTTnc). La duración del traslado no se relacionó con diferencias en la estabilización de la temperatura ni en la consecución de la temperatura objetivo.Conclusiones: La monitorización de la TR en el centro emisor es un pilar fundamental en la estabilización del paciente y la aplicación de la HTTnc. Existe una clara área de mejora en la eficacia de la HTTnc durante el transporte. La HTT servo-controlada sería una opción para poder ofrecer las mismas posibilidades terapéuticas a los RNs extramuros de los CR. (AU)

Introduction: Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) improves survival and neurological prognosis in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathic (HIE) babies, being better the sooner TH is implemented. HIE babies are born more frequently in a non-cooling centre and need to be referred.Methods: Prospective-observational study (April 18–November 19). Newborns (≥34 weeks of gestational age (GA) and >1800g) with moderate/severe HIE on non-servocontrolled therapeutic hypothermia by the two neonatal transport teams in Catalonia.Results: 51 newborns. The median stabilisation and transport time were 68min (p25–75, 45–85min) and 30min (p25–75, 15–45min), respectively. The mean age at arrival at the receiving unit was 4h and 18min (SD 96.6). The incubator was set off in 43 (84%), iced-packs 11 (21.5%) and both (11, 21.5%). Target temperature was reached in 19 (37.3%) babies. There was no differences in the overcooling in relation to the measures applied. The transport duration was not related with temperature stabilisation or target temperature reachiness.Conclusions: Rectal temperature monitorisation is compulsory for the stabilisation and the application of non-servocontrolled hypothermia during transport. There is still time for improving in the administration of this treatment during transport. Servo-controlled hypothermia would be a better alternative to improve the management of HIE babies. (AU)

Challenges in the application of non-servocontrolled therapeutic hypothermia during neonatal transport in Catalonia.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) improves survival and neurological prognosis in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathic (HIE) babies, being better the sooner TH is implemented. HIE babies are born more frequently in a non-cooling centre and need to be referred. METHODS: Prospective-observational study (April 18 2018 - November 19 2019). Newborns (≥34 weeks of gestational age (GA) and >1800 g) with moderate/severe HIE on non-servocontrolled therapeutic hypothermia by the two neonatal transport teams in Catalonia. RESULTS: 51 newborns. The median stabilisation and transport time were 68 min (p25-75, 45-85 min) and 30 min (p25-75, 15-45 min), respectively. The mean age at arrival at the receiving unit was 4 h and 18 min (SD 96.6). The incubator was set off in 43 (84%), iced-packs 11 (21.5%) and both (11, 21.5%). Target temperature was reached in 19 (37.3%) babies. There were no differences in the overcooling in relation to the measures applied. The transport duration was not related with temperature stabilisation or target temperature reachiness. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal temperature monitorisation is compulsory for the stabilisation and the application of non-servocontrolled hypothermia during transport. There is still time for improving in the administration of this treatment during transport. Servo-controlled hypothermia would be a better alternative to improve the management of HIE babies.

[Challenges in the application of non-servocontrolled therapeutic hypothermia during neonatal transport in Catalonia]. / Retos en la aplicación de la hipotermia terapéutica no servo-controlada durante el transporte neonatal en Cataluña.

INTRODUCTION: Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) improves survival and neurological prognosis in hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathic (HIE) babies, being better the sooner TH is implemented. HIE babies are born more frequently in a non-cooling centre and need to be referred. METHODS: Prospective-observational study (April 18-November 19). Newborns (≥34 weeks of gestational age (GA) and >1800g) with moderate/severe HIE on non-servocontrolled therapeutic hypothermia by the two neonatal transport teams in Catalonia. RESULTS: 51 newborns. The median stabilisation and transport time were 68min (p25-75, 45-85min) and 30min (p25-75, 15-45min), respectively. The mean age at arrival at the receiving unit was 4h and 18min (SD 96.6). The incubator was set off in 43 (84%), iced-packs 11 (21.5%) and both (11, 21.5%). Target temperature was reached in 19 (37.3%) babies. There was no differences in the overcooling in relation to the measures applied. The transport duration was not related with temperature stabilisation or target temperature reachiness. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal temperature monitorisation is compulsory for the stabilisation and the application of non-servocontrolled hypothermia during transport. There is still time for improving in the administration of this treatment during transport. Servo-controlled hypothermia would be a better alternative to improve the management of HIE babies.

Impact of vaccinating pregnant women against pertussis on hospitalizations of children under one year of age in a tertiary hospital in Catalonia. / Impacto de la vacunación de las embarazadas frente a la tosferina en las hospitalizaciones de menores de un año en un hospital de tercer nivel de Cataluña.

INTRODUCTION: The recommendation for pertussis vaccination in pregnancy was established in Catalonia in February 2014. The objective of this study was to compare the hospitalization rate for pertussis in children under one year of age before and after the implementation of the vaccination program. METHODS: Observational and retrospective study of patients under one year of age admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of pertussis. The hospitalization rate of patients under one year of age of the period prior to the vaccination program (2008-2013) was compared with the period with vaccination program (2014-2019) in the total of children under one year of age and in 2subgroups: children under 3 months and between 3-11 months. RESULTS: Hospitalization rate was significantly lower in the period with vaccination program in children under one year of age and specifically in children under 3 months (2.43 vs. 4.72 per 1,000 person-years and 6.47 vs. 13.11 per 1,000 person-years, respectively). The rate ratios were: 0.51 (95% CI 0.36-0.73) for children under one year of age; 0.49 (95% CI 0.32-0.75) for those younger than 3 months and 0.56 (95% CI 0.30-1.03) for those with 3-11 months. No statistically significant differences were observed in the clinical severity between both periods. CONCLUSION: The introduction of the pertussis vaccination program in pregnancy was associated with a global lower hospitalization rate for pertussis in children under one year of age and specifically in those under 3 months of age.

[Use of high flow nasal cannula in Spanish neonatal units]. / Utilización de las cánulas nasales de alto flujo en las unidades neonatales españolas.

INTRODUCTION: The use of high-flow cannula therapy (HFNC) in neonatal units has increased in recent years, but there are no consensus guidelines on its indications and application strategies. Our aim was to know the rate of use of HFNC, their indications and the management variability among Spanish neonatal units. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five-question survey for medical and nursing staff. Level II and III units were contacted by phone and sent in Google forms between September 2016 and December 2018. RESULTS: Ninety-seven responses (63.9% medical, 36.1% nursing), from 69 neonatal units representing 15 autonomous communities (87% level of care III; 13% level II). All units except one have HFNC with a humidified and heated system. Their most frequent indications are: non-invasive ventilation weaning (79.4%), bronchiolitis (69.1%), respiratory distress of the term newborn (58.8%), after extubation (50.5%). Minimum flow (1-5 L/min) and maximum flow (5-15 L/min) are variable between units. 22.7% have experienced some adverse effect from its use (9 air leak, 12 nasal trauma). Less than half have an employment protocol, but all the answers agree on the usefulness of national recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: HFNC therapy is widely used in Spanish units, but there is great variability in its indications and strategies of use. National recommendations would be applicable in most units and would allow unifying its use.