Nutrición, ganancia de peso y estado de estancia hospitalaria de los lactantes de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales que sin ser colocados en brazos de sus madres / Nutrition, weight gain and length of stay satatus of the Newborn Intensive Care Unit infants who without being placed in the arms of theirs mothers

Fundamentos: La mayoría de las muertes neonatales en el mundo ocurren en países de bajos y medianosingresos. Es posible prevenir al menos dos tercios de estas muertes con los enfoques correctos y la lechematerna. El objetivo fue examinar la nutrición, el estado de aumento de peso y la duración de la estancia delos bebés transferidos a la UCIN sin ser colocados en brazos de sus madres hasta el alta.Métodos: Un total de 100 bebés, 59% hombres y 41% mujeres, participaron en el estudio. Estos bebésfueron hospitalizados en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales sin ser colocados en brazos de susmadres.Resultados: Mientras que el 54% de los pacientes fueron alimentados solo con leche materna, el 42% fueronalimentados con una combinación de leche materna y fórmula, el 4% de los pacientes que no tenían lechematerna fueron alimentados solo con fórmula. El peso medio al alta fue de 3201,5±406,8g y el tiempo mediode hospitalización fue de 4,07±1,76 días.Conclusiones: Los embarazos en edad temprana y avanzada, y los partos por cesárea en todos los grupos deedad lamentablemente aumentan el riesgo de complicaciones que pueden presentarse en la madre y el bebédespués del parto. El rápido aumento de peso del bebé con alimentos de fórmula no es un indicador de salud.La sociedad debe ser educada sobre la edad adecuada, la dieta adecuada y la superioridad indiscutible de laleche materna. (AU)

Background: Most neonatal deaths in the world occur in low- and middle-income countries. It is possible toprevent at least two thirds of these deaths with the right approaches and breast milk. The aim was toexamine the nutrition, weight gain status and length of stay of the infants transferred to the NICU withoutbeing placed in their mothers' arms until discharge.Methods: A total of 100 infants, 59% male and 41% female, participated in the study. These babies werehospitalized in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit without being placed on their mothers' arms.Results: While 54% of the patients were fed only with breast milk, 42% were mixed fed with a combination ofbreast milk and formula, 4% of the patients who did not have mother's milk were fed only with formula.Mean discharge weight was found to 3201.5±406.8g and mean hospitalization period was determined as 4.07± 1.76 days.Conclusions: Early and advanced age pregnancies and cesarean births in all age groups unfortunatelyincrease the risk of complications that may occur in the mother and baby after birth. The rapid weight gain ofthe baby with formula foods is not a health indicator. The society should be educated on the right age, theright diet and the indisputable superiority of breast milk. (AU)

Evolución del crecimiento de una cohorte de recién nacidos de la maternidad del Hospital Dr. Manuel Quintela con bajo peso al nacer hasta los 12 meses de edad corregida / Evolution of the growth rate of a newborn cohort with low weight at birth of up to 12 months of age of the Dr. Manuel Quintela Maternity Hospital / Evolução do crescimento de uma coorte de recém-nascidos com baixo peso ao nascer de até 12 meses de idade da Maternidade Dr. Manuel Quintela

Introducción: en Uruguay, la proporción de nacimientos con bajo peso al nacer (BPN) se mantiene cercana al 8%. En este grupo resulta un desafío conseguir un adecuado crecimiento y desarrollo enfocado a prevenir enfermedades a mediano y largo plazo. Objetivo: analizar la velocidad de crecimiento y los aspectos nutricionales de una cohorte de recién nacidos (RN) con BPN desde su egreso hospitalario y hasta los 12 meses de edad corregida (EC). Metodología: estudio descriptivo, prospectivo, de los RN con BPN de la unidad neonatal de la Maternidad del Hospital de Clínicas Dr. Manuel Quintela, entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 2015. Se excluyeron los portadores de malformaciones congénitas y patología quirúrgica al nacer. Se evaluó peso, longitud y perímetro craneano al egreso, y a los 5, 9 y 12 meses de EC. La velocidad del crecimiento fue analizada mediante z-score y Δz-score ajustado a EC en curvas de la OMS. Se estimó aporte nutricional en cada control y se exploraron asociaciones entre cambios en la curva de crecimiento y el grado de adecuación de la ingesta calórica estimada. Resultados: ingresaron al estudio 31 recién nacidos: con peso al nacer <1.500 g hubo 7 neonatos y ≥1.500 g 24. Edad gestacional (EG) media 32,5 semanas (rango 25-39), un término y 30 prematuros: extremos 2, muy prematuros 9, y moderados 19. En relación al peso al nacer para la EG 21 fueron adecuados (AEG), 7 pequeños (PEG) y 3 grandes (GEG). Completaron los tres controles programados 26 niños. En el primer control mantuvieron el carril de crecimiento 15 niños, descendieron 8 y aceleraron 8; en el segundo mantuvieron 9, desaceleraron 8 y aceleraron 12; y en el tercero mantuvieron 9, desaceleraron 7 y aceleraron 10. El número de niños que al final del seguimiento mantenían el mismo carril de crecimiento que al nacer, descendió a expensas de un aumento de aquellos que aceleraron el crecimiento. Al llegar al tercer control se encontró que sólo 9 niños mantuvieron el carril de crecimiento al nacer y el resto (17) cambiaron de carril, lo cual resultó en una diferencia significativa. En los 10 pacientes que aceleraron su crecimiento durante el primer año de vida, no se encontraron asociaciones entre la velocidad de crecimiento y las características energéticas de la alimentación complementaria que recibían. Conclusiones: se observaron problemas en el crecimiento de los niños con BPN durante el primer año de vida. Una proporción significativa presentaron crecimiento acelerado lo cual es un factor de riesgo para obesidad y enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles. Es necesario profundizar en las causas de estas alteraciones, en especial relacionadas con las prácticas de alimentación, para desarrollar estrategias que contribuyan a la prevención.

Introduction: in Uruguay, the proportion of low weight births (LBW) remains close to 8%. It is a challenge to achieve adequate growth and development focused on preventing diseases in the medium and long term for the case of this group. Objective: analyze the growth rate and nutritional aspects of a cohort of newborns (NB) with LBW since they were discharged from the hospital and until 12 months of corrected age (CA). Methodology: descriptive, prospective study of NBs with LBW of the neonatal ward of the Manuel Quintela Maternity Hospital, between January 1 and December 31, 2015. We excluded carriers of congenital malformations and surgical pathology at birth and assessed weight, length and cranial perimeter at discharge, and at 5, 9 and 12 months of CA. The growth rate was analyzed using z-score and Δz-score adjusted to CA in WHO curves. Nutritional contribution was estimated in each check-up and associations were explored between changes in the growth curve and the degree of adequacy of the estimated caloric intake. Results: 31 newborns participated in the test: 7 newborns had a birth weight of <1.500 g and ≥1.500 g: 24. Mean Gestational Age (GA) 32.5 weeks (range 25-39), one term and 30 preterm newborns: extreme 2, very premature 9, and moderate 19. Regarding birth weight according to gestational age, 21 were appropiate for gestational age (AGA), 7 small for gestational age (SGA) and 3 large for gestational age (LGA). The 26 children completed the 3 scheduled check-ups. In the 1st check-up, 15 children had been able to maintain the growth trend, in 8 of them it had decreased and in 8 it had accelerated; in the 2nd check-up 9 of them maintained their growth rate, 9 decreased it and 12 of the newborns increased it; and in the 3rd check-up, the trend remained steady for 9 of them , it decreased for 7 of them and it increased for 10 of them. The number of children who at the end of the follow-up maintained the same growth trend they had at birth decreased, despite the increase in the growth trend of those with a more accelerated growth. At the time of the 3rd check-up it was found that only 9 children maintained the growth trend they had at birth and the rest, (17), changed trends, which resulted in a significant gap. We did not find links life between the growth rate and the energy characteristics of the supplementary food they received in the 10 patients who had increased their growth rate in their first year of life. Conclusions: we observed problems regarding the growth rate of children with LBW during the first year of life. A significant proportion showed accelerated growth, which is a risk factor for obesity and chronic non-communicable diseases. It is necessary to research the causes of these alterations, especially regarding their feeding practices in order to develop strategies for their prevention.

Introdução: no Uruguai, a proporção de recém-nascidos com baixo peso ao nascer (LBW) permanece próxima de 8%. É um desafio alcançar um crescimento e desenvolvimento adequados focados na prevenção de doenças a médio e longo prazo nesse grupo de crianças. Objetivo: analisar a taxa de crescimento e aspectos nutricionais de uma coorte de recém-nascidos (RN) com LBW no momento da alta hospitalar e até 12 meses de idade corrigida (EC). Metodologia: estudo prospectivo de RNs com LBW da unidade neonatal da Maternidade do Hospital Dr. Manuel Quintela, entre 1º de janeiro e 31 de dezembro de 2015. Foram excluídos portadores de malformações congênitas e patologia cirúrgica ao nascer. Peso, comprimento e perímetro craniano foram avaliados no momento da alta hospitalar e aos 5, 9 e 12 meses de EC. A velocidade de crescimento foi analisada utilizando-se pontuação z e pontuação Δz ajustada ao EC das curvas da OMS. A contribuição nutricional foi estimada em cada controle e as associações entre mudanças na curva de crescimento e o grau de adequação da ingestão calórica estimada foram exploradas. Resultados: 31 recém-nascidos entraram no estudo: com peso ao nascer <1500 g havia 7 recém-nascidos e ≥1500 g: 24. Idade Gestacional Média (EG) 32,5 semanas (faixa 25-39), um termo e 30 prematuros: extremos 2, muito prematuros 9 e moderados 19. Em relação ao peso ao nascer para EG, 21 foram adequados (AEG), 7 pequenos (PEG) e 3 grandes (GEG). As 26 crianças completaram os 3 controles programados. No 1º controle, 15 crianças mantiveram a faixa de crescimento, 8 desceram e 8 aceleraram; no 2º mantiveram 9, desaceleraram 8 e aceleraram 12; e no 3º mantiveram 9, desaceleraram 7 e aceleraram 10. O número de crianças que, ao final do seguimento, manteve a mesma faixa de crescimento do que ao nascer diminuiu mesmo que houve um aumento daqueles que aceleraram o crescimento. No 3º controle foi constatado que apenas 9 crianças mantiveram a faixa de crescimento que tinham ao nascer e o resto (17) mudou de faixa, resultando numa diferença significativa. Nos 10 pacientes que aceleraram seu crescimento durante o primeiro ano de vida, não foram encontradas associações entre a velocidade de crescimento e as características energéticas da alimentação complementar que receberam. Conclusões: foram observados problemas no crescimento de crianças com LBW durante o primeiro ano de vida. Uma proporção significativa delas mostrou crescimento acelerado, que é um fator de risco para obesidade e doenças crônicas não transmissíveis. É necessário aprofundar nas causas dessas alterações, especialmente aquelas relacionadas às práticas alimentares para poder desenvolver estratégias que contribuam para a prevenção.

Endometrial Thickness Is a Risk Factor for Singleton Low Birth Weight From Single Blastocyst Transfer: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Objective: To explore whether endometrial thickness (EMT) ≤7.5 mm is associated with singleton low birth weight (LBW) from single fresh blastocyst transfer. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Only women ≤ 40 years old who underwent single fresh blastocyst transfer and had singleton live births were included in the study. LBW was the primary outcome of this study. Neonatal malformation was the secondary outcome. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between (EMT) ≤7.5 mm and singleton LBW. Results: A total number of 2847 women met the study inclusion criteria. The neonatal birthweight in the EMT ≤7.5 mm group was significantly lower than that in the EMT 7.6~12.0 mm and EMT >12.0 mm group (P<0.001). The rate of LBW in the EMT ≤7.5 mm group was 24.9%, which was significantly higher than the 4.0% in the EMT 7.6~12.0 mm group and the 5.3% in the EMT >12.0 mm group (P<0.001). The total neonatal malformation rate was similar between the groups (1.1%, 0.8% and 1.5%, P=0.21). After logistic regression analysis, EMT ≤7.5 mm was found to be an independent risk factor for LBW (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 4.39, 95% CI: 1.85˜10.46, P<0.001). Conclusion: EMT ≤7.5 mm on the hCG trigger day is an independent risk factor for LBW in singleton pregnancies from single fresh blastocyst transfer. The neonatal birthweight in the EMT ≤7.5 mm group was significantly lower than that in the EMT 7.6~12.0 mm and EMT >12.0 mm groups. The total neonatal malformation rate was comparable between the groups.

Perinatal outcomes associated with the diagnosis of gestational diabetes: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare perinatal outcomes in pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes using the one-step and the two-step test. METHODS: Meta-analysis of observational studies pregnancies women with gestational diabetes from January 2014 to February 2019. The outcomes studied were induction of labor and delivery, preterm delivery, fetal macrosomia, neonatal hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, low birth weight, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. RESULTS: Eight studies were included with a population of 108,609 pregnancies. Statistical differences were obtained for fetal macrosomia RR0.9 (95%CI0.85-0.97; I20%) and neonatal hypoglycemia RR1.1 (95%CI1.01-1.40; I248.5%). CONCLUSION: Neonatal macrosomia appears to be less present when the one-step diagnostic test is used and neonatal hypoglycemia was lower with the two-step test. Register PROSPERO CRD42020215062.

Maternal-focused interventions to improve infant growth and nutritional status in low-middle income countries: A systematic review of reviews.

BACKGROUND: Small and nutritionally at-risk infants under 6 months (<6m) are a vulnerable group at increased risk of mortality, morbidity, poor growth and sub-optimal development. Current national and international (World Health Organization) management guidelines focus mainly on infants' needs, yet growing evidence suggests that maternal factors also influence infant outcomes. We aimed to inform future guidelines by exploring the impacts of maternal-focused interventions on infant feeding and growth. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of reviews published since 2008 (PROSPERO, register number CRD 42019141724). We explored five databases and a wide variety of maternal-focused interventions based in low- and middle-income countries. Infant outcomes of interest included anthropometric status, birthweight, infant mortality, breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. Given heterogenous interventions, we present a narrative synthesis of the extracted data. RESULTS: We included a total of 55 systematic reviews. Numerous maternal interventions were effective in improving infant growth or feeding outcomes. These included breastfeeding promotion, education, support and counselling interventions. Maternal mental health, while under-researched, showed potential to positively impact infant growth. There was also some evidence for a positive impact of: women's empowerment, m-health technologies, conditional cash transfers, water, sanitation and hygiene and agricultural interventions. Effectiveness was increased when implemented as part of a multi-sectoral program. Antenatal supplementation with macronutrient, multiple micronutrients, Vitamin D, zinc, iron folic acid and possibly calcium, iodine and B12 in deficient women, improved birth outcomes. In contrast, evidence for postnatal supplementation was limited as was evidence directly focusing on small and nutritionally at-risk infants; most reviews focused on the prevention of growth faltering. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest sufficient evidence to justify greater inclusion of mothers in more holistic packages of care for small and nutritionally at-risk infants aged <6m. Context specific approaches are likely needed to support mother-infant dyads and ensure infants survive and thrive.

Bi-level Nasal Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) versus Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for Preterm Infants with Birth Weight Less Than 1500 g and Respiratory Distress Syndrome Following INSURE Treatment: A Two-center Randomized Controlled Trial.

The present study aimed to examine the effectiveness of bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP) versus continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in preterm infants with birth weight less than 1500 g and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) following intubation-surfactant-extubation (INSURE) treatment. A two-center randomized control trial was performed. The primary outcome was the reintubation rate of infants within 72 h of age after INSURE. Secondary outcomes included bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and incidences of adverse events. Lung function at one year of corrected age was also compared between the two groups. There were 140 cases in the CPAP group and 144 in the BiPAP group. After INSURE, the reintubation rates of infants within 72 h of age were 15% and 11.1% in the CPAP group and the BiPAP group, respectively (P>0.05). Neonates in the BiPAP group was on positive airway pressure (PAP) therapy three days less than in the CPAP group (12.6 d and 15.3 d, respectively, P<0.05), and on oxygen six days less than in the CPAP group (20.6 d and 26.9 d, respectively, P<0.05). Other outcomes such as BPD, NEC, ROP and feeding intolerance were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05). There was no difference in lung function at one year of age between the two groups (P>0.05). In conclusion, after INSURE, the reintubation rate of infants within 72 h of age was comparable between the BiPAP group and the CPAP group. BiPAP was superior to CPAP in terms of shorter durations (days) on PAP support and oxygen supplementation. There were no differences in the incidences of BPD and ROP, and lung function at one year of age between the two ventilation methods.

High versus standard volume enteral feeds to promote growth in preterm or low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: Human milk is the best enteral nutrition for preterm infants. However, human milk, given at standard recommended volumes, is not adequate to meet the protein, energy, and other nutrient requirements of preterm or low birth weight infants. One strategy that may be used to address the potential nutrient deficits is to give a higher volume of enteral feeds. High volume feeds may improve nutrient accretion and growth, and in turn may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes. However, there are concerns that high volume feeds may cause feed intolerance, necrotising enterocolitis, or complications related to fluid overload such as patent ductus arteriosus and chronic lung disease. This is an update of a review published in 2017. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect on growth and safety of high versus standard volume enteral feeds in preterm or low birth weight infants. In infants who were fed fortified human milk or preterm formula, high and standard volume feeds were defined as > 180 mL/kg/day and ≤ 180 mL/kg/day, respectively. In infants who were fed unfortified human milk or term formula, high and standard volume feeds were defined as > 200 mL/kg/day and ≤ 200 mL/kg/day, respectively. SEARCH METHODS: We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2020 Issue 6) in the Cochrane Library; Ovid MEDLINE (1946 to June 2020); Embase (1974 to June 2020); and CINAHL (inception to June 2020); Maternity & Infant Care Database (MIDIRS) (1971 to April 2020); as well as previous reviews, and trial registries. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that compared high versus standard volume enteral feeds for preterm or low birth weight infants. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors assessed trial eligibility and risk of bias and independently extracted data. We analysed treatment effects in individual trials and reported risk ratio (RR) and risk difference for dichotomous data, and mean difference (MD) for continuous data, with respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. The primary outcomes were weight gain, linear and head growth during hospital stay, and extrauterine growth restriction at discharge. MAIN RESULTS: We included two new RCTs (283 infants) in this update. In total, we included three trials (347 infants) in this updated review. High versus standard volume feeds with fortified human milk or preterm formula Two trials (283 infants) met the inclusion criteria for this comparison. Both were of good methodological quality, except for lack of masking. Both trials were performed in infants born at < 32 weeks' gestation. Meta-analysis of data from both trials showed high volume feeds probably improves weight gain during hospital stay (MD 2.58 g/kg/day, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.76; participants = 271; moderate-certainty evidence). High volume feeds may have little or no effect on linear growth (MD 0.05 cm/week, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.13; participants = 271; low-certainty evidence), head growth (MD 0.02 cm/week, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.09; participants = 271; low-certainty evidence), and extrauterine growth restriction at discharge (RR 0.71, 95% CI 0.50 to 1.02; participants = 271; low-certainty evidence). We are uncertain of the effect of high volume feeds with fortified human milk or preterm formula on the risk of necrotising enterocolitis (RR 0.74, 95% CI 0.12 to 4.51; participants = 283; very-low certainty evidence). High versus standard volume feeds with unfortified human milk or term formula One trial with 64 very low birth weight infants met the inclusion criteria for this comparison. This trial was unmasked but otherwise of good methodological quality. High volume feeds probably improves weight gain during hospital stay (MD 6.2 g/kg/day, 95% CI 2.71 to 9.69; participants = 61; moderate-certainty evidence). The trial did not provide data on linear and head growth, and extrauterine growth restriction at discharge. We are uncertain as to the effect of high volume feeds with unfortified human milk or term formula on the risk of necrotising enterocolitis (RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.07 to 15.78; participants = 61; very low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: High volume feeds (≥ 180 mL/kg/day of fortified human milk or preterm formula, or ≥ 200 mL/kg/day of unfortified human milk or term formula) probably improves weight gain during hospital stay. The available data is inadequate to draw conclusions on the effect of high volume feeds on other growth and clinical outcomes. A large RCT is needed to provide data of sufficient quality and precision to inform policy and practice.

Enteral zinc supplementation for prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm neonates.

BACKGROUND: Preterm and low birth weight infants are born with low stores in zinc, which is a vital trace element for growth, cell differentiation and immune function. Preterm infants are at risk of zinc deficiency during the postnatal period of rapid growth. Systematic reviews in the older paediatric population have previously shown that zinc supplementation potentially improves growth and positively influences the course of infectious diseases. In paediatric reviews, the effect of zinc supplementation was most pronounced in those with low nutritional status, which is why the intervention could also benefit preterm infants typically born with low zinc stores and decreased immunity. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether enteral zinc supplementation, compared with placebo or no supplementation, affects important outcomes in preterm infants, including death, neurodevelopment, common morbidities and growth. SEARCH METHODS: Our searches are up-to-date to 20 February 2020. For the first search, we used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2017, Issue 8), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 29 September 2017), Embase (1980 to 29 September 2017), and CINAHL (1982 to 29 September 2017). We also searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs. We ran an updated search from 1 January 2017 to 20 February 2020 in the following databases: CENTRAL via CRS Web, MEDLINE via Ovid, and CINAHL via EBSCOhost. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs and quasi-RCTs that compared enteral zinc supplementation versus placebo or no supplementation in preterm infants (gestational age < 37 weeks), and low birth weight babies (birth weight < 2500 grams), at any time during their hospital admission after birth. We included zinc supplementation in any formulation, regimen, or dose administered via the enteral route. We excluded infants who underwent gastrointestinal (GI) surgery during their initial hospital stay, or had a GI malformation or another condition accompanied by abnormal losses of GI juices, which contain high levels of zinc (including, but not limited to, stomas, fistulas, and malabsorptive diarrhoea). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard methods of Cochrane Neonatal. Two review authors separately screened abstracts, evaluated trial quality and extracted data. We synthesised effect estimates using risk ratios (RR), risk differences (RD), and standardised mean differences (SMD). Our primary outcomes of interest were all-cause mortality and neurodevelopmental disability. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We included five trials with a total of 482 preterm infants; there was one ongoing trial. The five included trials were generally small, but of good methodological quality. Enteral zinc supplementation compared to no zinc supplementation Enteral zinc supplementation started in hospitalised preterm infants may decrease all-cause mortality (between start of intervention and end of follow-up period) (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.97; 3 studies, 345 infants; low-certainty evidence). No data were available on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 to 24 months of (post-term) age. Enteral zinc supplementation may have little or no effect on common morbidities such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.31 to 1.40, 1 study, 193 infants; low-certainty evidence), retinopathy of prematurity (RR 0.14, 95% CI 0.01 to 2.70, 1 study, 193 infants; low-certainty evidence), bacterial sepsis (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.60 to 2.04, 2 studies, 293 infants; moderate-certainty evidence), or necrotising enterocolitis (RR 0.08, 95% CI 0.00 to 1.33, 1 study, 193 infants; low-certainty evidence). The intervention probably improves weight gain (SMD 0.46, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.64; 5 studies, 481 infants; moderate-certainty evidence); and may slightly improve linear growth (SMD 0.75, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.14, 3 studies, 289 infants; low-certainty evidence), but may have little or no effect on head growth (SMD 0.21, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.44, 3 studies, 289 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Enteral supplementation of zinc in preterm infants compared to no supplementation or placebo may moderately decrease mortality and probably improve short-term weight gain and linear growth, but may have little or no effect on common morbidities of prematurity. There are no data to assess the effect of zinc supplementation on long-term neurodevelopment.

High versus low medium chain triglyceride content of formula for promoting short-term growth of preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: In-hospital growth of preterm infants remains a challenge in clinical practice. The high nutrient demands of preterm infants often lead to growth faltering. For preterm infants who cannot be fed maternal or donor breast milk or may require supplementation, preterm formulas with fat in the form of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs) or long chain triglycerides (LCTs) may be chosen to support nutrient utilization and to improve growth. MCTs are easily accessible to the preterm infant with an immature digestive system, and LCTs are beneficial for central nervous system development and visual function. Both have been incorporated into preterm formulas in varying amounts, but their effects on the preterm infant's short-term growth remain unclear. This is an update of a review originally published in 2002, then in 2007. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of formula containing high as opposed to low MCTs on early growth in preterm infants fed a diet consisting primarily of formula.  SEARCH METHODS: We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2020, Issue 8), in the Cochrane Library; Ovid MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE(R) Daily, and Ovid MEDLINE(R); MEDLINE via PubMed for the previous year; and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), on 16 September 2020. We also searched clinical trials databases and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included all randomized and quasi-randomized trials comparing the effects of feeding high versus low MCT formula (for a minimum of five days) on the short-term growth of preterm (< 37 weeks' gestation) infants. We defined high MCT formula as 30% or more by weight, and low MCT formula as less than 30% by weight. The infants must be on full enteral diets, and the allocated formula must be the predominant source of nutrition. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: The review authors assessed each study's quality and extracted data on growth parameters as well as adverse effects from included studies. All data used in analysis were continuous; therefore, mean differences with 95% confidence intervals were reported. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We identified 10 eligible trials (253 infants) and extracted relevant growth data from 7 of these trials (136 infants). These studies were found to provide evidence of very low to low certainty. Risk of bias was noted, as few studies described specific methods for random sequence generation, allocation concealment, or blinding. We found no evidence of differences in short-term growth parameters when high and low MCT formulas were compared. As compared to low MCT formula, preterm infants fed high MCT formula showed little to no difference in weight gain velocity (g/kg/d) during the intervention, with a typical mean difference (MD) of -0.21 g/kg/d (95% confidence interval (CI) -1.24 to 0.83; 6 studies, 118 infants; low-certainty evidence). The analysis for weight gain (g/d) did not show evidence of differences, with an MD of 0.00 g/d (95% CI -5.93 to 5.93; 1 study, 18 infants; very low-certainty evidence), finding an average weight gain of 20 ± 5.9 versus 20 ± 6.9 g/d for high and low MCT groups, respectively. We found that length gain showed no difference between low and high MCT formulas, with a typical MD of 0.10 cm/week (95% CI -0.09 to 0.29; 3 studies, 61 infants; very low-certainty evidence). Head circumference gain also showed little to no difference during the intervention period, with an MD of -0.04 cm/week (95% CI -0.17 to 0.09; 3 studies, 61 infants; low-certainty evidence). Two studies reported skinfold thickness with different measurement definitions, and evidence was insufficient to determine if there was a difference (2 studies, 32 infants; very low-certainty evidence). There are conflicting data (5 studies) as to formula tolerance, with 4 studies reporting narrative results of no observed clinical difference and 1 study reporting higher incidence of signs of gastrointestinal intolerance in high MCT formula groups. There is no evidence of effect on the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), based on small numbers in two trials. Review authors found no studies addressing long-term growth parameters or neurodevelopmental outcomes. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found evidence of very low to low certainty suggesting no differences among short-term growth data for infants fed low versus high MCT formulas. Due to lack of evidence and uncertainty, neither formula type could be concluded to improve short-term growth outcomes or have fewer adverse effects. Further studies are necessary because the results from included studies are imprecise due to small numbers and do not address important long-term outcomes. Additional research should aim to clarify effects on formula tolerance and on long-term growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes, and should include larger study populations to better evaluate effect on NEC incidence.

Bacillus cereus Induces Severe Infections in Preterm Neonates: Implication at the Hospital and Human Milk Bank Level.

Human breast milk (HBM) is a source of essential nutrients for infants and is particularly recommended for preterm neonates when their own mother's milk is not available. It provides protection against infections and decreases necrotizing enterocolitis and cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, HBM spoilage can occur due to contamination by pathogens, and the risk of a shortage of HBM is very often present. B. cereus is the most frequent ubiquitous bacteria responsible for HBM being discarded. It can contaminate HBM at all stages, from its collect point to the storage and delivery. B. cereus can induce severe infection in newborns with very low birth weight, with sometimes fatal outcomes. Although the source of contamination is rarely identified, in some cases, HBM was suspected as a potential source. Even if the risk is low, as infection due to B. cereus in preterm infants should not be overlooked, human milk banks follow strict procedures to avoid contamination, to accurately identify remaining bacteria following pasteurization and to discard non-compliant milk samples. In this review, we present a literature overview of B. cereus infections reported in neonates and the suspected sources of contamination. We highlight the procedures followed by the human milk banks from the collection of the milk to its microbiological characterization in Europe. We also present improved detection and decontamination methods that might help to decrease the risk and to preserve the public's confidence in this vital biological product for infants whose mothers cannot breastfeed.

A population-based case-control study of the association between weather-related extreme heat events and low birthweight.

Although prenatal exposure to high ambient temperatures were reported to be associated with preterm birth, limited research assessed the impact of weather-related extreme heat events (EHE) on birthweight, particularly by trimester. We, therefore, investigated the impact of prenatal EHE on birthweight among term babies (tLBW) by trimester and birthweight percentile. We conducted a population-based case-control study on singleton live births at 38-42 gestational weeks in New York State (NYS) by linking weather data with NYS birth certificates. A total of 22,615 cases were identified as birthweight <2500 gram, and a random sample of 139,168 normal birthweight controls was included. EHE was defined as three consecutive days with the maximum temperatures of ≥32.2 °C/90 °F (EHE90) and two consecutive days of temperatures ≥97th percentile (EHE97) based on the distribution of the maximum temperature for the season and region. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) with multivariable unconditional logistic regression, controlling for confounders. Overall exposure to EHE97 for 2 d was associated with tLBW (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.02, 1.09); however, the strongest associations were only observed in the first trimester for both heat indicators, especially when exposure was ≥3 d (ORs ranged: 1.06-1.13). EHE in the first trimester was associated with significant reduction in mean birthweight from 26.78 gram (EHE90) to 36.25 gram (EHE97), which mainly affected the 40th and 60th birthweight percentiles. Findings revealed associations between multiple heat indicators and tLBW, where the impact was consistently strongest in the first trimester.

Formula vs. Donor Breast Milk for Preterm or Low-Birth-Weight Infants.

Editor's note: The mission of Cochrane Nursing is to provide an international evidence base for nurses involved in delivering, leading, or researching nursing care. Cochrane Corner provides summaries of recent systematic reviews from the Cochrane Library. For more information, see https://nursing.cochrane.org.

Effects of infant motor problems and treatment with physiotherapy on child outcomes at school-age.

BACKGROUND: Early motor coordination problems have previously been associated with various developmental outcomes at school-age. AIMS: Investigate whether and how treatment with physiotherapy may alter associations between early motor problems and subsequent developmental outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective whole-population study. SUBJECTS: 1374 children were followed from birth to 8 years. OUTCOME MEASURES: Early motor functioning was determined with standard neurological examinations at birth and at 5 months. Information on receipt of physiotherapy was collected through parent interviews at 5, 20 and 56 months. Developmental outcomes at 6 and 8 years included motor skills, mental health, cognitive function, and attention regulation and were determined through standard tests, parent reports and observed behavior ratings. RESULTS: Early motor problems were associated with lower motor skills, cognitive function, and attention regulation at school-age, but not with mental health. In addition to early motor problems, receipt of physiotherapy was independently and negatively related to outcomes at school-age. Accounting for imbalances in covariates, including initial motor scores, via propensity score matching attenuated the adverse effects of receipt of physiotherapy on school-aged outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Infant motor problems are associated with motor and cognitive outcomes at school-age. Early motor problems may represent a starting point of a trajectory of difficulties that may lead to a higher risk of problems in multiple developmental domains. No evidence for a beneficial effect of treatment with physiotherapy was found.

Feeding Interventions for Infants with Growth Failure in the First Six Months of Life: A Systematic Review.

(1) Introduction: Current evidence on managing infants under six months with growth failure or other nutrition-related risk is sparse and low quality. This review aims to inform research priorities to fill this evidence gap, focusing on breastfeeding practices. (2) Methods: We searched PubMed, CINAHL Plus, and Cochrane Library for studies on feeding interventions that aim to restore or improve the volume or quality of breastmilk and breastfeeding when breastfeeding practices are sub-optimal or prematurely stopped. We included studies from both low- and middle-income countries and high-income countries. (3) Results: Forty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Most were from high-income countries (n = 35, 74.5%) and included infants who were at risk of growth failure at birth (preterm infants/small for gestational age) and newborns with early growth faltering. Interventions included formula fortification or supplementation (n = 31, 66%), enteral feeds (n = 8, 17%), cup feeding (n = 2, 4.2%), and other (n = 6, 12.8%). Outcomes included anthropometric change (n = 40, 85.1%), reported feeding practices (n = 16, 34%), morbidity (n = 11, 23.4%), and mortality (n = 5, 10.6%). Of 31 studies that assessed formula fortification or supplementation, 30 reported anthropometric changes (n = 17 no effect, n = 9 positive, n = 4 mixed), seven morbidity (n = 3 no effect, n = 2 positive, n = 2 negative), five feeding (n = 2 positive, n = 2 no effect, n = 1 negative), and four mortality (n = 3 no effect, n = 1 negative). Of eight studies that assessed enteral feed interventions, seven reported anthropometric changes (n = 4 positive, n = 3 no effect), five feeding practices (n = 2 positive, n = 2 no effect, n = 1 negative), four morbidity (n = 4 no effect), and one reported mortality (n = 1 no effect). Overall, interventions with positive effects on feeding practices were cup feeding compared to bottle-feeding among preterm; nasogastric tube feed compared to bottle-feeding among low birth weight preterm; and early progressive feeding compared to delayed feeding among extremely low birth weight preterm. Bovine/cow milk feeding and high volume feeding interventions had an unfavourable effect, while electric breast pump and Galactagogue had a mixed effect. Regarding anthropometric outcomes, overall, macronutrient fortified formula, cream supplementation, and fortified human milk formula had a positive effect (weight gain) on preterm infants. Interventions comparing human breastmilk/donor milk with formula had mixed effects. Overall, only human milk compared to formula intervention had a positive effect on morbidity among preterm infants, while none of the interventions had any positive effect on mortality. Bovine/cow milk supplementation had unfavourable effects on both morbidity and mortality. (4) Conclusion: Future research should prioritise low- and middle-income countries, include infants presenting with growth failure in the post-neonatal period and record effects on morbidity and mortality outcomes.

Higher versus lower protein intake in formula-fed low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: The ideal quantity of dietary protein for formula-fed low birth weight infants is still a matter of debate. Protein intake must be sufficient to achieve normal growth without leading to negative effects such as acidosis, uremia, and elevated levels of circulating amino acids. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether higher (≥ 3.0 g/kg/d) versus lower (< 3.0 g/kg/d) protein intake during the initial hospital stay of formula-fed preterm infants or low birth weight infants (< 2.5 kilograms) results in improved growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes without evidence of short- or long-term morbidity. Specific objectives were to examine the following comparisons of interventions and to conduct subgroup analyses if possible. 1. Low protein intake if the amount was less than 3.0 g/kg/d. 2. High protein intake if the amount was equal to or greater than 3.0 g/kg/d but less than 4.0 g/kg/d. 3. Very high protein intake if the amount was equal to or greater than 4.0 g/kg/d. SEARCH METHODS: We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2019, Issue 8), in the Cochrane Library (August 2, 2019); OVID MEDLINE Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE(R) Daily, and Ovid MEDLINE(R) (to August 2, 2019); MEDLINE via PubMed (to August 2, 2019) for the previous year; and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) (to August 2, 2019). We also searched clinical trials databases and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included RCTs contrasting levels of formula protein intake as low (< 3.0 g/kg/d), high (≥ 3.0 g/kg/d but < 4.0 g/kg/d), or very high (≥ 4.0 g/kg/d) in formula-fed hospitalized neonates weighing less than 2.5 kilograms. We excluded studies if infants received partial parenteral nutrition during the study period, or if infants were fed formula as a supplement to human milk. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane and the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: We identified six eligible trials that enrolled 218 infants through searches updated to August 2, 2019. Five studies compared low (< 3 g/kg/d) versus high (3.0 to 4.0 g/kg/d) protein intake using formulas that kept other nutrients constant. The trials were small (n = 139), and almost all had methodological limitations; the most frequent uncertainty was about attrition. Low-certainty evidence suggests improved weight gain (mean difference [MD] 2.36 g/kg/d, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.31 to 3.40) and higher nitrogen accretion in infants receiving formula with higher protein content (3.0 to 4.0 g/kg/d) versus lower protein content (< 3 g/kg/d), while other nutrients were kept constant. No significant differences were seen in rates of necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, or diarrhea. We are uncertain whether high versus low protein intake affects head growth (MD 0.37 cm/week, 95% CI 0.16 to 0.58; n = 18) and length gain (MD 0.16 cm/week, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.34; n = 48), but sample sizes were small for these comparisons. One study compared high (3.0 to 4.0 g/kg/d) versus very high (≥ 4 g/kg/d) protein intake (average intakes were 3.6 and 4.1 g/kg/d) during and after an initial hospital stay (n = 77). Moderate-certainty evidence shows no significant differences in weight gain or length gain to discharge, term, and 12 weeks corrected age from very high protein intake (4.1 versus 3.6 g/kg/d). Three of the 24 infants receiving very high protein intake developed uremia. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Higher protein intake (≥ 3.0 g/kg/d but < 4.0 g/kg/d) from formula accelerates weight gain. However, limited information is available regarding the impact of higher formula protein intake on long-term outcomes such as neurodevelopment. Research is needed to investigate the safety and effectiveness of protein intake ≥ 4.0 g/kg/d.

Maternal Anaemia in Pregnancy: A Significantly Greater Risk Factor for Anaemia in Australian Aboriginal Children than Low Birth Weight or Prematurity.

OBJECTIVES: To identify maternal and perinatal risk factors associated with childhood anaemia. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in three remote Katherine East Aboriginal communities in Northern Territory, Australia. Children born 2004-2014 in Community A and 2010-2014 in Community B and C, and their respective mothers were recruited into the study. Maternal and child data were linked to provide a longitudinal view of each child for the first 1000 days from conception to 2-years of age. Descriptive analyses were used to calculate mean maternal age, and proportions were used to describe other antenatal and perinatal characteristics of the mother/child dyads. The main outcome was the prevalence of maternal anaemia in pregnancy and risk factors associated with childhood anaemia at age 6 months. RESULTS: Prevalence of maternal anaemia in pregnancy was higher in the third trimester (62%) compared to the first (46%) and second trimesters (48%). There was a strong positive linear association (R2 = 0.46, p < 0.001) between maternal haemoglobin (Hb) in third trimester pregnancy and child Hb at age 6 months. Maternal anaemia in pregnancy (OR 4.42 95% CI 2.08-9.36) and low birth weight (LBW, OR 2.62, 95% CI 1.21-5.70) were associated with an increased risk of childhood anaemia at 6 months of age. CONCLUSIONS FOR PRACTICE: This is the first study to identify the association of maternal anaemia with childhood anaemia in the Australian Aboriginal population. A review of current policies and practices for anaemia screening, prevention and treatment during pregnancy and early childhood would be beneficial to both mother and child. Our findings indicate that administering prophylactic iron supplementation only to children who are born LBW or premature would be of greater benefit if expanded to include children born to anaemic mothers.

Perinatal outcomes from preterm and early term births in a multicenter cohort of low risk nulliparous women.

Preterm birth is the major contributor for neonatal and under-five years mortality rates and also accounts for a short- and long-term adverse consequences up to adulthood. Perinatal outcomes may vary according to lots of factors as preterm subtype, late prematurity, which account for the vast majority of cases, country and population characteristics. An under-recognition of the perinatal outcomes and its associated factors might have underpowered strategies to provide adequate care and prevent its occurrence. We aim to estimate the frequency of maternal and perinatal outcomes in women with different categories of preterm and term births, factors associated with poorer perinatal outcomes and related management interventions. A multicentre prospective cohort in five maternities in Brazil between 2015 and 2018. Nulliparous low-risk women with singletons were included. Comprehensive data were collected during three antenatal visits (at 19-21weeks, 27-29 weeks and 37-39 weeks). Maternal and perinatal outcomes were also collected according to maternal and neonatal medical records. Women who had spontaneous (sPTB) and provider-initiated (pi-PTB) preterm birth were compared to those who had term birth. Also, late preterm birth (after 34 weeks), and early term (37-38 weeks) were compared to full term birth (39-40 weeks). Bivariate analysis estimated risk ratios for maternal and adverse outcomes. Finally, a multivariate analysis was conducted to address factors independently associated with any adverse perinatal outcome (APO). In total, 1,165 women had outcome data available, from which 6.7% had sPTB, 4.0% had pi-PTB and 89.3% had a term birth. sPTB and pi-PTb were associated with poorer perinatal outcomes, as well as late sPTB, late pi-PTB and early term neonates. pi-PTB (RRadj 8.12, 95% CI [2.54-25.93], p-value 0.007), maternal weight gain between 20 and 27 weeks

Massage therapy for weight gain in preterm neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: Weight gain is the main criterion for hospital discharge. This study measured the effectiveness of treating preterm neonates with massage therapy. DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. DATA SOURCES: Web of Science, Ovid-Medline, CINAHL, ProQuest, and PubMed (up to July 24, 2018). STUDY SELECTION: Randomized controlled trials involving preterm infants with very-low-birth weight or low-birth-weight that examined the effect of massage therapy, and at least one outcome assessing infants' weight change or weight gain. RESULTS: Pooled effect estimate from 15 trials with 697 participants showed that massage therapy improved daily weight gain by 5.07 g/day (95% CI 2.19-7.94, p = 0.0005). More benefits were observed when preterm neonates received moderate pressure massage (5.60 g/day, 95% CI 2.64-8.56, p = 0.0002) than when receiving light-pressure therapy (1.08 g/day, 95% CI 0.29-1.86, p = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: Massage therapy is beneficial for preterm infant weight gain.

Factors Associated with the Development of Childhood Asthma in Japan: A Nationwide Longitudinal Study.

INTRODUCTION: Many environmental factors are related to the development of asthma. However, the key factors of childhood asthma onset have not been sufficiently elucidated. Further, low-weight births have increased in Japan. The aim of this study was to examine the risk factors for the incidence of childhood asthma and to evaluate whether these risk factors differ according to birth weight in Japan. METHODS: We used the National Longitudinal Survey from 2001 to 2010. Multiple logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the effects of gender, birth weight, single vs. multiple births, birth order, nutrition, keeping pets in the home, place of residence, annual household income, and parent ages, smoking behaviors, and educational backgrounds on asthma-related hospital visits. RESULTS: Overall, 45,060 children were analyzed. The rate of cumulative hospital visits until age 10 was 18.9%. Birth weight < 2500 g (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.03-1.26), being a boy (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI 1.21-1.33), having older siblings (AOR = 1.07, 95% CI 1.02-1.14), parental smoking behavior, mother`s age, and low household income (AOR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.10-1.24) were associated with asthma-related hospital visits. DISCUSSION: Parental smoking behavior is a key risk factor for the development of asthma. Among low birth weight infants, being a boy, having older siblings, and father`s smoking behavior were predictive factors for the development of asthma. However, low birth weight was not associated with the development of asthma after 6 years of age.