Cuidados al final de la vida en unidades de cuidado intensivo neonatal de Iberoamérica: una mirada desde la perspectiva de enfermería / End-of-life care in neonatal intensive care units in Iberoamerica: A look from the nursing perspective

Introducción: Los cuidados al final de la vida (CFV) son una parte fundamental de la asistencia al recién nacido ingresado en una unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatal (UCIN). El objetivo de este estudio fue explorar cómo se implementan los CFV en UCIN de Iberoamérica. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado en 2022 mediante encuesta vía correo electrónico y redes oficiales de SIBEN a profesionales de enfermería de UCIN de países de Iberoamérica, sobre aspectos relacionados con los CFV. Recolección y análisis de datos con REDCap y STATA 14.0. Resultados: Obtuvimos 400 respuestas de enfermeros/as de 11 países, el 73% procedentes de hospitales terciarios. El 86% de los respondedores eran responsables directos de brindar CFV, si bien un 48% dijeron no haber recibido formación. Solo 67 (17%) afirmaron que la UCIN en la que trabajan cuenta con un protocolo. Las acciones que se implementan durante los CFV fueron infrecuentes (≤50%) en todos los ítems explorados y muy poco frecuentes (<20%) en permitir el acceso libre de familiares, contar con privacidad, brindar asistencia psicológica, registrar el proceso en la historia clínica, asistir con los procesos burocráticos u otorgar un plan de seguimiento para el duelo. Conclusión: La mayoría de los profesionales de enfermería encuestados eran responsables directos de proveer CFV, pero no contaban con protocolos, no habían recibido capacitación y consideraron que los CFV podrían mejorarse significativamente. Las estrategias para los CFV en la región iberoamericana requieren ser optimizadas.(AU)

Introduction: End-of-life care (ELC) represents a quality milestone in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The objective of this study was to explore how ELC are carried out in NICUs in Iberoamerica. Methods: Cross-sectional study, carried out in 2022 through the administration of an anonymous survey sent to neonatal nursing professionals. The survey included general data and work activity data; existence and contents of ELC protocols in the NICU and training received. The survey was distributed by email and published on official SIBEN social networks. REDCap and STATA 14.0 software were used for data collection and analysis. Results: We obtained 400 responses from nurses from 11 countries, 73% working in third level hospitals. A percentage of 86 of the respondents are directly responsible for providing ELC, although 48% of them said they had not received training on this subject. Only 67 (17%) state that the NICU in which they work has a protocol that establishes a strategy for performing the ELC. Finally, the actions that are implemented during the ELC are globally infrequent (≤50%) in all the items explored and very infrequent (<20%) in relation to allowing free access to family members, having privacy, providing psychological assistance, register the process in the medical record, assist with bureaucratic processes or grant a follow-up plan for grief. Conclusion: Most of the nursing professionals surveyed are directly responsible for this care, do not have protocols, have not received training, and consider that the ELC could be significantly improved. Strategies for ELCs in the Ibero-American region need to be optimized.(AU)

Monitoring SpO2: The Basics of Retinopathy of Prematurity (Back to Basics) and Targeting Oxygen Saturation.

Oxygen (O2) is a drug frequently used in newborn care. Adverse effects of hypoxia are well known but the damaging effects of excess oxygen administration and oxidative stress have only been studied in the last 2 decades. Many negative effects have been described, including retinopathy of prematurity . Noninvasive pulse oximetry (SpO2) is useful to detect hypoxemia but requires careful evaluation and understanding of the frequently changing relationship between O2 and hemoglobin to prevent hyperoxemia. Intention to treat SpO2 ranges should be individualized for every newborn receiving supplemental O2, according to gestational age, post-natal age, and clinical condition.

End-of-life care in neonatal intensive care units in Iberoamerica: A look from the nursing perspective.

INTRODUCTION: End-of-life care (ELC) represents a quality milestone in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The objective of this study was to explore how ELC are carried out in NICUs in Iberoamerica. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, through the administration of an anonymous survey sent to neonatal nursing professionals. The survey included general data and work activity data; existence and contents of ELC protocols in the NICU and training received. The survey was distributed by email and published on official SIBEN social networks. REDCap and STATA 14.0 software were used for data collection and analysis. RESULTS: We obtained 400 responses from nurses from 11 countries in the Ibero-American region. 86% of the respondents are directly responsible for providing ELC, although 48% of them said they had not received training on this subject. Only 67 (17%) state that the NICU in which they work has a protocol that establishes a strategy for performing the ELC. Finally, the actions that are implemented during the ELC are globally infrequent (≤50%) in all the items explored and very infrequent (<20%) in relation to allowing free access to family members, having privacy, providing psychological assistance, register the process in the medical record, assist with bureaucratic processes or grant a follow-up plan for grief. CONCLUSION: Most of the nursing professionals surveyed are directly responsible for this care, do not have protocols, have not received training, and consider that the ELC could be significantly improved. Strategies for ELCs in the Ibero-American region need to be optimized.

Capnografía en recién nacidos en ventilación mecánica y su relación con la medición de CO2 en muestras sanguíneas / Capnography in newborns under mechanical ventilation and its relationship with the measurement of CO2 in blood samples

Introducción: Monitorear la presión parcial de CO2 (PCO2) en los recién nacidos que requieren ventilación permitiría evitar hipocapnia e hipercapnia. La medición de CO2 espirada (ETCO2) es una alternativa poco implementada en esta población.Objetivo: Evaluar la relación entre la ETCO2 y la PCO2 en recién nacidos.Métodos: Estudio de corte transversal, comparativo entre dos métodos de medición de PCO2, el convencional mediante análisis de muestras sanguíneas y el estimado mediante ETCO2. Se incluyeron recién nacidos internados que requerían ventilación mecánica convencional. La medición de ETCO2 se realizó mediante un ventilador neonatal Graph Net Neo-TECME®, con capnógrafo incorporado y se obtuvo el gradiente ETCO2-PCO2. Se realizaron análisis de correlación y gráficos de Bland-Altman para estimar la concordancia.Resultados: Se analizaron 277 muestras (ETCO2/PCO2) en 83 recién nacidos. Los valores promedios de ETCO2 y PCO2 fueron de 41,36 mmHg y 42,04 mmHg. Hubo correlación positiva y significativa entre ETCO2 y PCO2 en el análisis global (r = 0,5402; p < 0,001) y en el de cada unidad (p < 0,001). La media de las diferencias fue de 0,68 mmHg (IC 95%- 0,68 a 1,95) y no resultó significativa. Se observó error sistemático positivo (PCO2 > ETCO2) en dos de las unidades, mientras que en la tercera la diferencia fue negativa (PCO2 < ETCO2)Discusión: La correlación entre ETCO y PCO2 es significativa, si bien los valores obtenidos no resultan equivalentes y la diferencia varía entre 0,1 mmHg a 20 mmHg. Asimismo, observamos errores sistemáticos de signo diferente (positivo o negativo) entre las instituciones. (AU)

Introduction: Monitoring the partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) in newborns who require ventilation would allow avoiding hypocapnia and hypercapnia. The measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) is an alternative rarely implemented in this population.Objective: To evaluate the relationship between ETCO2 and PCO2 in newborns.Methods: Cross-sectional study comparing two PCO2 measurement methods, the conventional one by analysis of blood samples and the one estimated by ETCO2. The study included hospitalized newborns that required conventional mechanical ventilation. The ETCO2 was measured with a Tecme GraphNet® neo, a neonatal ventilator with an integrated capnography, and we obtained the ETCO2-PCO2 gradient. We conducted correlation and Bland-Altman plot analyses to estimate the agreement.Results: A total of 277 samples (ETCO2/PCO2) from 83 newborns were analyzed. The mean values of ETCO2 and PCO2 were 41.36 mmHg and 42.04 mmHg. There was a positive and significant correlation between ETCO2 and PCO2 in the overall analysis (r = 0.5402; p < .001) and in the analysis of each unit (p < .001). The mean difference was 0.68 mmHg (95% CI, −0.68 to 1.95) and was not significant. We observed a positive systematic error (PCO2 > ETCO2) in 2 of the units, and a negative difference in the third (PCO2 < ETCO2).Discussion: The correlation between ETCO and PCO2 was significant, although the obtained values were not equivalent, with differences ranging from 0.1 mmHg to 20 mmHg. Likewise, we found systematic errors that differed in sign (positive or negative) between institutions. (AU)

Capnography in newborns under mechanical ventilation and its relationship with the measurement of CO2 in blood samples.

INTRODUCTION: Monitoring the partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) in newborns who require ventilation would allow avoiding hypocapnia and hypercapnia. The measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) is an alternative rarely implemented in this population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between ETCO2 and PCO2 in newborns. METHODS: Cross-sectional study comparing two PCO2 measurement methods, the conventional one by analysis of blood samples and the one estimated by ETCO2. The study included hospitalized newborns that required conventional mechanical ventilation. The ETCO2 was measured with a Tecme GraphNet® neo, a neonatal ventilator with an integrated capnograph, and we obtained the ETCO2-PCO2 gradient. We conducted correlation and Bland-Altman plot analyses to estimate the agreement. RESULTS: A total of 277 samples (ETCO2 / PCO2) from 83 newborns were analyzed. The mean values ​​of ETCO2 and PCO2 were 41.36mmHg and 42.04mmHg. There was a positive and significant correlation between ETCO2 and PCO2 in the overall analysis (r=0.5402; P<.001) and in the analysis of each unit (P<.001). The mean difference was 0.68 mmHg (95% CI, -0.68 to 1.95) and was not significant. We observed a positive systematic error (PCO2 > ETCO2) in 2 of the units, and a negative difference in the third (PCO2 < ETCO2). DISCUSSION: The correlation between ETCO and PCO2 was significant, although the obtained values ​​were not equivalent, with differences ranging from 0.1mmHg and 20mmHg. Likewise, we found systematic errors that differed in sign (positive or negative) between institutions.

La interdisciplinaridad en el cuidado neonatal en Latinoamérica: experiencia de una sociedad científica

RESUMEN El trabajo en equipo interdisciplinario es fundamental, no solo en el cuidado del recién nacido y su familia sino también en el propio equipo de salud, con el fin de ofrecer un cuidado y una atención integral, humana y no fragmentada. Es imperativo explorar como se ha venido llevando a cabo dicho cuidado en la región de Latinoamérica. El presente artículo trata cuatro aspectos: primero, una contextualización acerca del concepto interdisciplinario; segundo, la experiencia en la conformación de un grupo interdisciplinario dentro de una sociedad científica; tercero, los resultados de una encuesta sobre la interdisciplinaridad en los cuidados neonatales en Latinoamérica y, por último, algunas recomendaciones para promover la interdisciplina en las unidades de cuidado intensivo neonatal en Latinoamérica.

ABSTRACT Interdisciplinary teamwork is essential, not only in the care of newborns and their families but also in the health work team itself, in order to offer comprehensive, humane and non-fragmented care and assistance. It is imperative to explore how such care has been carried out in the Latin American region. This article deals with four aspects: first, a contextualization on interdisciplinarity; second, the experience in the formation of an interdisciplinary group within a scientific society; third, the results of a survey on interdisciplinarity in neonatal care in Latin America and, finally, some recommendations to promote interdisciplinarity in neonatal intensive care units in Latin America.

Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy in Units Reporting to the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology Network: Prevalence and Mortality.

INTRODUCTION: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a neurological condition occurring immediately after birth following a perinatal asphytic episode. Therapeutic hypothermia is a safe and effective intervention to reduce mortality and major disability in survivors. In Latin America, perinatal asphyxia is a major problem, but no data are available characterizing its current situation in the region or the impact of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy on its management. OBJECTIVE: Understand the prevalence, mortality and use of therapeutic hypothermia in newborns at ≥36 weeks gestational age with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy admitted to neonatal units reporting to the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology Network. METHODS: The Ibero-American Society of Neonatology Network groups various neonatology centers in Latin America that share information and collaborate on research and medical care. We evaluated data on newborns with ≥36 weeks gestational age reported during 2019. Each unit received a guide with definitions and questions based on the Society's 7th Clinical Consensus. Evaluated were encephalopathy frequency and severity, Apgar score, need for resuscitation at birth, use of therapeutic hypothermia and clinical evolution at discharge. Our analysis includes descriptive statistics and comparisons made using the chi-square test. RESULTS: We examined reports of 2876 newborns from 33 units and 6 countries. In 2849 newborns with available data, hypoxic encephalopathy prevalence was 5.1% (146 newborns): 27 (19%) mild, 36 (25%) moderate, 43 (29%) severe, and 40 (27%) of unknown intensity. In those with moderate and severe encephalopathy, frequencies of Apgar scores ≤3 at the first minute (p = 0.001), Apgar scores ≤3 at the fifth minute (p ⟨0.001) and advanced resuscitation (p = 0.007) were higher. Therapeutic hypothermia was performed in only 13% of newborns (19). Neonatal mortality from encephalopathy was 42% (61). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a neonatal condition that results in high mortality and severe neurological sequelae. In this study, the overall prevalence was 5.1% with a mortality rate of 42%. Although encephalopathy was moderate or severe in 54% of reported cases, treatment with hypothermia was not performed in 87% of newborns. These data reflect a regional situation that requires urgent action.

CCHD Screening Implementation Efforts in Latin American Countries by the Ibero American Society of Neonatology (SIBEN).

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is among the four most common causes of infant mortality in Latin America. Pulse oximetry screening (POS) is useful for early diagnosis and improved outcomes of critical CHD. Here, we describe POS implementation efforts in Latin American countries guided and/or coordinated by the Ibero American Society of Neonatology (SIBEN), as well as the unique challenges that are faced for universal implementation. SIBEN collaborates to improve the neonatal quality of care and outcomes. A few years ago, a Clinical Consensus on POS was finalized. Since then, we have participated in 12 Latin American countries to educate neonatal nurses and neonatologists on POS and to help with its implementation. The findings reveal that despite wide disparities in care that exist between and within countries, and the difficulties and challenges in implementing POS, significant progress has been made. We conclude that universal POS is not easy to implement in Latin America but, when executed, has not only been of significant value for babies with CHD, but also for many with other hypoxemic conditions. The successful and universal implementation of POS in the future is essential for reducing the mortality associated with CHD and other hypoxemic conditions and will ultimately lead to the survival of many more Latin American babies. POS saves newborns' lives in Latin America.

Uso (y abuso) de antibióticos en la medicina perinatal / Use (and abuse) of antibiotics in perinatal medicine

INTRODUCCIÓN: El uso racional de antibióticos (ATB) implica que los pacientes reciban ATB adecuados a sus necesidades clínicas, en dosis correctas según sus condiciones individuales, durante el tiempo adecuado y al menor costo para ellos y para su comunidad. La mayor tasa de abuso de ATB ocurre durante el período perinatal, a pesar de que existe evidencia de múltiples efectos negativos a corto y a largo plazo. Además, este abuso se asocia con incrementos en los costos de la atención médica. OBJETIVO: Actualizar y reportar la evidencia sobre el uso, abuso y efectos adversos de los ATB en medicina perinatal y las posibles medidas para prevenirlos y, de este modo, mejorar la calidad de los cuidados, los resultados y los costos. Métodos Revisión y análisis: de la literatura relacionada con el uso de ATB en perinatología hasta febrero de 2020. RESULTADOS: El abuso de ATB en perinatología oscila entre el 50 y el 70%, y aún más en algunas unidades neonatales. Los efectos adversos incluyen morbilidades agudas, muerte, aumento de resistencia microbiana, alteraciones del microbioma y disbiosis asociadas a complicaciones graves a lo largo de la vida, como infecciones, alergias, trastornos autoinmunes, enfermedades gastrointestinales, artritis, asma, obesidad y tal vez cáncer. Prevenir y disminuir el uso indebido de ATB conducirá a mejorar la salud y a ahorros significativos en el sector sanitario. En solamente 4unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN), con 1.000 admisiones anuales, el ahorro se estima en 230.000 dólares por año. CONCLUSIÓN: La necesidad de optimizar la utilización de ATB en la medicina perinatal nunca ha sido más urgente

INTRODUCTION: The rational use of antibiotics (ATB) implies that patients receive those adequate for their clinical needs, in correct doses according to their individual conditions, during an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost for them and their community. The highest rate of ATB abuse occurs during the perinatal period, despite the fact that there is evidence of multiple short- and long-term negative effects. Furthermore, this abuse is associated with increased costs of medical care. OBJECTIVE: To update and report the evidence on the use, abuse, and adverse effects of ATB in perinatal medicine, and possible measures to prevent them, and thus improve health care outcomes and costs. METHODS: A review and analysis was performed from the literature related to the use of ATB in perinatal medicine up to February 2020. RESULTS: ATB abuse in perinatal medicine ranges from 50% to 70%, with even higher rates in some neonatal centres. Adverse effects include death, increased microbial resistance, along with microbiome abnormalities and dysbiosis that lead to serious life-long complications such as infections, allergies, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, asthma, obesity, and perhaps cancer. Preventing and reducing the abuse of ATB would lead to better health and to significant savings in the health sector. In only 4neonatal intensive care units, with 1000 admissions per year, savings are estimated at US$230,000 per year. CONCLUSION: The need to optimise the use of ATB in perinatal medicine has never been more urgent

[Perinatal COVID-19 in Latin America]. / COVID-19 perinatal en América Latina.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and report the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women and newborns in Latin America. METHODS: Descriptive study based on the prospective report of the units of the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology Network. RESULTS: Of 86 pregnant women with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR in seven countries (6 from Latin America, and Equatorial Guinea) 68% (59) were asymptomatic. Of 32% of symptomatic women, 89% (24) had mild symptoms and 3.5% (3) had severe respiratory symptoms. No women died. The cesarean section rate was 38%; gestational age was < 37 weeks in 6% of cases. RT-PCR was performed on all newborns between 16 and 36 hours of age; 6 (7%) were positive. All of them presented mild and transient respiratory distress; none died. Two newborns with negative RT-PCR died from other causes. Breastfeeding was authorized in only 24% of mothers; in 13% milk was expressed and 63% of newborns were fed with formula. In 76% of cases the motherchild pair was separated, and in 95% of cases the mother could not be accompanied at delivery or during the postpartum period. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of maternal accompaniment, the low rate of breastfeeding and the frequent separation of the mother-child dyad are of concern. The health care team must reflect on the need to defend humanized and family-centered care during this pandemic.

Suspected Neonatal Sepsis: Tenth Clinical Consensus of the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology (SIBEN).

Suspected neonatal sepsis is one of the most common diagnoses made in newborns (NBs), but very few NBs actually have sepsis. There is no international consensus to clearly define suspected neonatal sepsis, but each time that this suspected diagnosis is assumed, blood samples are taken, venous accesses are used to administer antibiotics, and the mother-child pair is separated, with prolonged hospital stays. X-rays, urine samples, and a lumbar puncture are sometimes taken. This is of concern, as generally <10% and no more than 25%-30% of the NBs in whom sepsis is suspected have proven neonatal sepsis. It seems easy to start antibiotics with suspicion of sepsis, but stopping them is difficult, although there is little or no support to maintain them. Unfortunately, the abuse of antibiotics in inpatient and outpatient NBs is foolish. Its negative impact on neonatal health and the economy is a public health problem of epidemiological and even epidemic proportions. This manuscript is a shortened version of the 10th Clinical Consensus of the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology (SIBEN) on suspected neonatal sepsis at the end of 2018, updated with publications from its completion to February 2020. This manuscript describes useful strategies for everyday neonatal practice when neonatal sepsis is suspected, along with important aspects about the indisputable value of clinical evaluation of the NB and about obtaining and interpreting blood cultures, urine cultures, and other cultures. Likewise, the low value of laboratory tests in suspected neonatal sepsis is demonstrated with evidence and clinical recommendations are made on the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Abuse of Antibiotics in Perinatology: Negative Impact for Health and the Economy.

To use medications appropriately, patients need to be treated based on their clinical conditions, in doses that are based on their individual requirements, for an adequate amount of time, and at the lowest expense. The perinatal period is characterized by an excessive use of antibiotics. This antibiotic abuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, microbiome alterations, and dysbiosis, which have been associated with serious complications such as infections, abnormal brain development, allergies, autoimmune disorders, obesity, and an increase in mortality as well as an increase in health care expenditures. The need to optimize antibiotic utilization in perinatal medicine has never been more urgent; there is not much more time to wait.

[Use (and abuse) of antibiotics in perinatal medicine]. / Uso (y abuso) de antibióticos en la medicina perinatal.

INTRODUCTION: The rational use of antibiotics (ATB) implies that patients receive those adequate for their clinical needs, in correct doses according to their individual conditions, during an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost for them and their community. The highest rate of ATB abuse occurs during the perinatal period, despite the fact that there is evidence of multiple short- and long-term negative effects. Furthermore, this abuse is associated with increased costs of medical care. OBJECTIVE: To update and report the evidence on the use, abuse, and adverse effects of ATB in perinatal medicine, and possible measures to prevent them, and thus improve health care outcomes and costs. METHODS: A review and analysis was performed from the literature related to the use of ATB in perinatal medicine up to February 2020. RESULTS: ATB abuse in perinatal medicine ranges from 50% to 70%, with even higher rates in some neonatal centres. Adverse effects include death, increased microbial resistance, along with microbiome abnormalities and dysbiosis that lead to serious life-long complications such as infections, allergies, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, asthma, obesity, and perhaps cancer. Preventing and reducing the abuse of ATB would lead to better health and to significant savings in the health sector. In only 4neonatal intensive care units, with 1000 admissions per year, savings are estimated at US$230,000 per year. CONCLUSION: The need to optimise the use of ATB in perinatal medicine has never been more urgent.

COVID-19 perinatal en América Latina

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Evaluar y reportar las características clínicas y los resultados de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en mujeres embarazadas y recién nacidos en América Latina. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo basado en el reporte prospectivo de las unidades constituyentes de la Red de la Sociedad Iberoamericana de Neonatología. Resultados. De 86 mujeres embarazadas con COVID-19 confirmadas por RT-PCR en siete países (6 de América Latina y Guinea Ecuatorial) 68% (59) fueron asintomáticas. Del 32% de mujeres sintomáticas, 89% (24) tuvieron síntomas leves y 3,5% (3) presentaron síntomas respiratorios graves. Ninguna mujer falleció. La tasa de cesáreas fue de 38%; la edad gestacional fue < 37 semanas en 6% de los casos. Se realizó RT-PCR a todos los recién nacidos (RN) entre las 16 y 36 horas de vida; en 6 (7%) el resultado del hisopado fue positivo. Todos ellos presentaron dificultad respiratoria leve y transitoria; ninguno falleció. Dos RN con RT-PCR negativa fallecieron por otras causas. Se autorizó el amamantamiento en solo 24% de las madres; en 13% se extrajo leche y en 63% se alimentó al RN con fórmula. En 76% de los casos se separó al binomio madre-hijo, y en 95% de los casos la madre no pudo ser acompañada en el parto ni el puerperio. Conclusiones. Son preocupantes la falta de acompañamiento materno, la baja tasa de lactancia y la frecuente separación de la díada madre-hijo. El equipo de salud debe reflexionar sobre la necesidad de defender el cuidado humanizado y centrado en la familia durante esta pandemia.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To evaluate and report the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women and newborns in Latin America. Methods. Descriptive study based on the prospective report of the units of the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology Network. Results. Of 86 pregnant women with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR in seven countries (6 from Latin America, and Equatorial Guinea) 68% (59) were asymptomatic. Of 32% of symptomatic women, 89% (24) had mild symptoms and 3.5% (3) had severe respiratory symptoms. No women died. The cesarean section rate was 38%; gestational age was < 37 weeks in 6% of cases. RT-PCR was performed on all newborns between 16 and 36 hours of age; 6 (7%) were positive. All of them presented mild and transient respiratory distress; none died. Two newborns with negative RT-PCR died from other causes. Breastfeeding was authorized in only 24% of mothers; in 13% milk was expressed and 63% of newborns were fed with formula. In 76% of cases the motherchild pair was separated, and in 95% of cases the mother could not be accompanied at delivery or during the postpartum period. Conclusions. The lack of maternal accompaniment, the low rate of breastfeeding and the frequent separation of the mother-child dyad are of concern. The health care team must reflect on the need to defend humanized and family-centered care during this pandemic.

Early Detection with Pulse Oximetry of Hypoxemic Neonatal Conditions. Development of the IX Clinical Consensus Statement of the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology (SIBEN).

This article reviews the development of the Ninth Clinical Consensus Statement by SIBEN (the Ibero-American of Neonatology) on "Early Detection with Pulse Oximetry (SpO2) of Hypoxemic Neonatal Conditions". It describes the process of the consensus, and the conclusions and recommendations for screening newborns with pulse oximetry.

Clinical hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy score of the Iberoamerican Society of Neonatology (Siben): A new proposal for diagnosis and management.

Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a major complication of perinatal asphyxia, with high morbidity, mortality and neurologic sequelae as cerebral palsy, mostly in poor or developing countries. The difficulty in the diagnosis and management of newborns in these countries is astonishing, thus resulting in unreliable data on this pathology and bad outcomes regarding mortality and incidence of neurologic sequelae. The objective of this article is to present a new clinical diagnostic score to be started in the delivery room and to guide the therapeutic approach, in order to improve these results.

Clinical hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy score of the Iberoamerican Society of Neonatology (Siben): A new proposal for diagnosis and management / Escore clínico de encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica da Sociedad Iberoamericana de Neonatología (Siben): uma nova proposta para seu diagnóstico e manejo perinatal

Summary Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a major complication of perinatal asphyxia, with high morbidity, mortality and neurologic sequelae as cerebral palsy, mostly in poor or developing countries. The difficulty in the diagnosis and management of newborns in these countries is astonishing, thus resulting in unreliable data on this pathology and bad outcomes regarding mortality and incidence of neurologic sequelae. The objective of this article is to present a new clinical diagnostic score to be started in the delivery room and to guide the therapeutic approach, in order to improve these results.

Resumo A encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica é a principal complicação da asfixia perinatal, com alta morbidade, mortalidade e incidência de sequelas neurológicas, como a paralisia cerebral, principalmente em países pobres e/ou em desenvolvimento. Nessas regiões, as dificuldades no diagnóstico e no manejo desses recém-nascidos é surpreendente, o que resulta em dados pouco confiáveis e em péssimos desfechos tanto no que se refere à mortalidade como à incidência de sequelas neurológicas. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um novo escore para o diagnóstico clínico ser iniciado na sala de parto e uma abordagem terapêutica com o intuito de melhorar esses resultados.

Acceso de las familias a las unidades de internación de Neonatología en Iberoamérica: una realidad a mejorar / Family access to Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Latin America: A reality to improve

INTRODUCCIÓN: El ingreso de la familia en UCIN trae beneficios al RN y su familia, como eje de la atención humanizada. OBJETIVO: Conocer el estado actual sobre acceso de padres y familias en UCIN de Iberoamérica. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal en 15 países de Iberoamérica. Dos cuestionarios: 1) para enfermeros jefes con tareas de gestión y conducción, y 2) para enfermeros en tarea asistencial. Se exploró sobre características y modalidades de funcionamiento; uso de guías de acceso, opinión personal sobre derecho a ingresar, riesgos, interferencias o colaboración relacionadas al ingreso, y papel de enfermería en las decisiones. Líderes de enfermería de cada país identificaron contactos y obtuvieron autorización según regulaciones de cada país. Las repuestas fueron analizadas en forma centralizada sin identificación del participante. RESULTADOS: Seiscientos cuarenta cuestionarios; respuesta en 226 (35%). Entre 52 UCIN, el 63% dispone de lugar para estancia de madres (solo el 27% durante la noche); en el 31 (60%) existen carteles que indican sobre horarios fijos para «visitas» de padres. El ingreso irrestricto existe en solo 19 UCIN (36%); para hermanos y abuelos es más restringido (en el 29% no es posible). Entre las 174 enfermeras, el 76% considera que las madres deben acceder siempre, pero estos porcentajes disminuyen para padres, hermanos y abuelos; el 77% opina que enfermería favorece y el 35% que dificulta el acceso. Adicionalmente, el 48% opina que el ingreso interfiere con tareas de enfermería. CONCLUSIÓN: Es necesario un cambio cultural en las UCIN de Iberoamérica para que se respeten los derechos de los RN y sus familias durante la internación

INTRODUCTION: Family access to NICUs has benefits for the newborn (NB) and family, as the main way of humanised care. OBJECTIVE: To determine the current state of parents and families access to NICUs in Latin America. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 15 countries using two questionnaires: 1) directed at head nurses with management and supervision activities, and 2) nurses with care tasks. The features and modes of functioning were examined; the use access guides, personal opinion on the rights to enter, risks, interference, or collaboration as regards the patient, and nursing role in decisions. Nursing leaders of each country identified contacts and obtained authorisation under the regulations of each country. The responses were analysed centrally with the participants remaining anonymous. RESULTS: Out of 640 questionnaires issued, responses were received by 226 (35%). Among 52 NICU, 63% have a place for mothers to stay (only 27% overnight), and in 31 (60%) there are notices with fixed schedules for visiting the NB. Unrestricted access exists in only 19 NICU (36%), but for siblings and grandparents it is more restricted (it is not possible in 29%). Among the 174 nurses that responded, 76% feel that mothers should always have access, but these percentages decrease for fathers, siblings and grandparents. A large majority (77%) believe that nursing staff would favour access, and 35% would make it difficult. In addition, 48% believed that access interferes with nursing care. care. CONCLUSION: A cultural change is needed in the NICUs in Latin America in order to respect the rights of newborns and their families during hospitalization