Characteristics and risk factors associated with mortality during the first cycle of prone secondary to ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia / Características y factores de riesgo asociados a mortalidad durante el primer ciclo de prono por SDRA secundario a neumonía por SARS-CoV-2

Objective To analyze characteristics, changes in oxygenation, and pulmonary mechanics, in mechanically ventilated patients with ARDS due to SARS-CoV-2 treated with prone position and evaluate the response to this maneuver.Design Cohort study including patients with PaO2/FiO2 <150mmHg requiring prone position over 18 months. We classified patients according to PaO2/FiO2 changes from basal to 24h after the first prone cycle as: 1) no increase 2) increase <25%, 3) 25%–50% increase 4) increase >50%. Setting 33-bed medical-surgical Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Argentina. Patients 273 patients. Interventions None. Main variables of interest Epidemiological characteristics, respiratory mechanics and oxygenation were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Independent factors associated with in-hospital mortality were identified. Results Baseline PaO2/FiO2 was 116 [97–135]mmHg (115 [94–136] in survivors vs. 117 [98–134] in non-survivors; p=0.50). After prone positioning, 22 patients (8%) had similar PaO2/FiO2 values; 46(16%) increased PaO2/FiO2 ≤25%; 55 (21%) increased it 25%–50%; and 150 (55%), >50%. Mortality was 86%, 87%, 72% and 50% respectively (p<0.001). Baseline PaO2/FiO2, <100mmHg did not imply that patients were refractory to prone position. Factors independently associated with mortality were age, percentage increase in PaO2/FiO2 after 24h being in prone, and number of prone cycles. Conclusions Older patients unable to improve PaO2/FiO2 after 24h in prone position and who require >1 cycle might early receive additional treatments for refractory hypoxemia. After the first 24h in the prone position, a low percentage of PaO2/FiO2 increase over baseline, beyond the initial value, was independently associated with higher mortality. (AU)

Objetivo Analizar las características, cambios en la oxigenación y mecánica pulmonar, en pacientes ventilados mecánicamente con SDRA por SARS-CoV-2 tratados con posición prona, y evaluar la respuesta a esta maniobra. Diseño Estudio de cohorte que incluyó pacientes con PaO2/FiO2 <150mmHg que requirieron posición prona durante 18 meses. Se clasificaron los pacientes según los cambios de PaO2/FiO2 desde el basal y 24horas después del primer ciclo prono como: 1) Sin aumento 2) Aumento <25%, 3) 25–50% de aumento 4) Aumento >50%. Ambito Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos (UCI) médico-quirúrgica de 33 camas en Argentina. Pacientes 273 pacientes. Intervenciones Ninguna. Principales variables de interés Se compararon características epidemiológicas, mecánica respiratoria y oxigenación entre sobrevivientes y no sobrevivientes. Se identificaron factores independientes asociados a la mortalidad hospitalaria. Resultados La PaO2/FiO2 basal fue de 116 [97–135]mmHg (115 [94–136] en sobrevivientes vs. 117 [98–134] en no sobrevivientes; p=0,50). Después de la posición prona, 22 pacientes (8%) tenían valores similares de PaO2/FiO2; 46 (16%) aumentaron PaO2/FiO2 ≤25%; 55 (21%) lo aumentaron 25%–50%; y 150 (55%), >50%. La mortalidad fue de 86%, 87%, 72% y 50% respectivamente (p<0,001). La PaO2/FiO2 basal, <100mmHg no implicó que los pacientes fueran refractarios a la posición prona. Los factores asociados independientemente con la mortalidad fueron la edad, el aumento porcentual de PaO2/FiO2 después de 24horas en prona, y el número de ciclos prono. Conclusiones Los pacientes mayores que no pueden mejorar PaO2/FiO2 después de 24 horas en posición prona y que requieren más de 1 ciclo podrían recibir tratamientos adicionales para la hipoxemia refractaria. Después de las primeras 24horas en decúbito prono, un bajo porcentaje de aumento de PaO2/FiO2 sobre el valor basal, más allá del valor inicial, se asoció de forma independiente con una mayor mortalidad. (AU)

Presión de distensión alveolar: su asociación a la mortalidad y protección pulmonar en pacientes ventilados / Alveolar distension pressure: association to mortality and pulmonary protection in ventilated patients

Introducción: La ventilación mecánica artificial es una medida terapéutica de soporte vital aplicada en contextos clínicos como el síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo. Por eso es necesario establecer parámetros de seguridad. La presión de distensión alveolar es una variable de interés en la protección pulmonar. Se usa para optimizar el volumen tidal de acuerdo con el tamaño del pulmón disponible durante el intercambio gaseoso. Refleja el grado de estiramiento pulmonar en cada ciclo respiratorio. Objetivo: Actualizar contenidos referentes a la presión de distensión alveolar en pacientes ventilados con distrés respiratorio agudo. Método: Se realizó una pesquisa en Google Scholar, Pubmed/Medline, SciELO regional entre otros, bajo los términos: ventilación de protección pulmonar/variables, presión de distensión alveolar durante la ventilación/medición, relación de la presión de distensión alveolar y mortalidad en SDRA/resultados. Se seleccionaron 65 referencias que cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: La evidencia actual asocia el hecho de mantener una excesiva presión de distención alveolar, a la mortalidad en pacientes ventilados con síndrome de distrés respiratorio. Permite identificar el riesgo de daño inducido por la ventilación y complicaciones pulmonares en otros escenarios clínicos. Se logra así mejoría en los objetivos y metas en la ventilación mecánica artificial. Conclusiones: La presión de distensión alveolar está asociada con cambios en la supervivencia y ha demostrado ser el mediador clave en los efectos de la ventilación mecánica sobre los resultados del síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo(AU)

Introduction: Artificial mechanical ventilation is a life support therapeutic measure applied in clinical scenarios such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Therefore, to establish safety parameters is necessary. Alveolar distending pressure is a variable of interest in lung protection. It is used to optimize tidal volume according to the size of the lung available during gas exchange. It reflects the degree of lung stretch in each respiratory cycle. Objective: To update contents concerning alveolar distending pressure in ventilated patients with acute respiratory distress. Methods: A search was carried out in Google Scholar, Pubmed/Medline, regional SciELO, among others, under the terms ventilación de protección pulmonar/variables [lung-protective ventilation/variables], presión de distensión alveolar durante la ventilación/medición [alveolar distending pressure during ventilation/measurement], relación de la presión de distensión alveolar [relationship between alveolar distending pressure] and mortalidad en SDRA/resultados [ARDS mortality/results]. Sixty-five references that met the inclusion criteria were selected. Results: Current evidence associates the maintenance of excessive alveolar distending pressure with mortality in ventilated patients with respiratory distress syndrome. It allows to identify the risk of ventilator-induced damage and pulmonary complications in other clinical scenarios. It thus achieves improved goals and objectives in artificial mechanical ventilation. Conclusions: Alveolar distending pressure is associated with changes in survival and has been shown to be the key mediator in the effects of mechanical ventilation on acute respiratory distress syndrome outcomes(AU)

Poder mecánico como predictor de mortalidad en pacientes críticos con síndrome de distrés respiratorias agudo por Covid-19 en la unidad de cuidados intensivos / Mechanical power as a predictor of mortality in critical ill patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome by Covid-19 in the intensive care unit

La ventilación mecánica invasiva como estrategia terapéutica no está exenta de complicaciones. Es imperativo tener parámetros de ventilación protectiva en aquellos pacientes que están sometidos a ello. Se pretende demostrar si la potencia mecánica como parámetro ventilatorio tiene validez pronóstica de mortalidad en pacientes críticos con ventilación mecánica invasiva prolongada. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal analítico de pacientes críticos en ventilación mecánica invasiva prolongada debido a Síndrome de Distrés Respiratorio Agudo por COVID-19 que ingresaron a la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Regional Docente de Trujillo durante el periodo de marzo 2020 a marzo del 2021. Resultados: La potencia mecánica, como parámetro ventilatorio, se asocia a mortalidad (RPa 1.061; IC 95% 1.037-1.085; p=0.00) al igual que la presión plateau y siendo la driving pressure y compliance estática factores protectores para mortalidad. La potencia mecánica como parámetro ventilatorio tiene validez pronóstica para mortalidad severa por COVID-19(AU)

Invasive mechanical ventilation as a therapeutic strategy is not without complications. It is imperative to have protective ventilation parameters in those patients who are subjected to it. We aim to demonstrate whether mechanical power as a ventilatory parameter has prognostic validity for mortality in critically ill patients with prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation. Material and Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was carried out of critically ill patients on prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation due to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome due to COVID-19 who were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital Regional de Trujillo during the March 2020 to March 2021 period. Results: Mechanical power, as a ventilatory parameter, is associated with mortality (RPa 1.061; 95% CI 1.037-1.085; p = 0.00) as well as plateau pressure, and driving pressure and static compliance are protective factors for mortality. Mechanical power as a ventilatory parameter has prognostic validity for mortality in critically ill patients with invasive mechanical ventilation due to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19(AU)

Mortalidad en pacientes críticos con síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo por Covid-19 en la unidad de cuidados intensivos de un hospital público del norte de Perú / Mortality in critical patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome by Covid-19 in the intensive care unit of a public hospital in northern Peru

La enfermedad COVID-19 tiene como complicación el de Síndrome Agudo Respiratorio Severo (SDRA), que es considerada la principal causa de mortalidad dentro de las unidades de cuidados intensivos, a pesar de brindar soporte ventilatorio precoz y óptimo. Sin embargo, es necesario identificar los factores que se asocian a mortalidad en estos pacientes. Objetivo: Determinar cuáles son los factores asociados a mortalidad en pacientes críticos con Síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo severo por COVID-19 en unidad de cuidados intensivos. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal analítico. Se usó una base de datos obtenida de 176 historias clínicas de los pacientes con distrés respiratorio agudo severo por COVID-19 en un hospital público de Trujillo desde marzo 2020 a junio 2021. Se dividieron un grupo de pacientes que sobreviven y otro grupo de los que fallecen, subdividiéndose según presentaron o no factores de mortalidad asociados. Se realizó un análisis bivariado y con los factores que resultaron estadísticamente significativos se realizó un análisis multivariado para determinar variables asociadas a mortalidad. Resultados: Se halló una mortalidad de 57% del total de pacientes, al realizar el análisis multivariado se encontró asociación estadística significativa en la presencia de comorbilidades medidas con el Índice de Charlson (RPa=1,348; IC 95%: 1,01-1,79; p=0,040) y dentro de los parámetros ventilatorios a la presión pico (RPa=1,261 IC; 95%: 1,13-1,40; p<=0,000). Es necesario identificar aquellas variables de riesgo de mortalidad para estratificar a pacientes y optimizar la terapéutica(AU)

The COVID-19 disease is complicated by severe acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS), which is considered the main cause of mortality within intensive care units, despite providing early and optimal ventilatory support. However, it is necessary to identify the factors associated with mortality in these patients. Objective: To determine the factors associated with mortality in critically ill patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 in the intensive care unit. Material and methods: Analytical cross-sectional study. A database obtained from 176 medical records of patients with severe acute respiratory distress due to COVID-19 was used in a public hospital in Trujillo from March 2020 to June 2021. A group of patients who survived and another group of those who died were divided, being subdivided according to whether or not they present associated mortality factors. A bivariate analysis was performed and with the factors that were statistically significant, a multivariate analysis was performed to determine variables associated with mortality. Results: A mortality of 57% of the total number of patients was found, when performing the multivariate analysis, a significant statistical association was found in the presence of comorbidities measured with the Charlson Index (RPa = 1.348; 95% CI: 1.01-1.79; p = 0.040) and within the ventilatory parameters at peak pressure (RPa = 1.261 CI; 95%: 1.13-1.40; p <= 0.000). It is necessary to identify those mortality risk variables to stratify patients and optimize therapy(AU)

Effect of Minimally Invasive Surfactant Therapy vs Sham Treatment on Death or Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants With Respiratory Distress Syndrome: The OPTIMIST-A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: The benefits of surfactant administration via a thin catheter (minimally invasive surfactant therapy [MIST]) in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome are uncertain. Objective: To examine the effect of selective application of MIST at a low fraction of inspired oxygen threshold on survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Design, Setting, and Participants: Randomized clinical trial including 485 preterm infants with a gestational age of 25 to 28 weeks who were supported with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and required a fraction of inspired oxygen of 0.30 or greater within 6 hours of birth. The trial was conducted at 33 tertiary-level neonatal intensive care units around the world, with blinding of the clinicians and outcome assessors. Enrollment took place between December 16, 2011, and March 26, 2020; follow-up was completed on December 2, 2020. Interventions: Infants were randomized to the MIST group (n = 241) and received exogenous surfactant (200 mg/kg of poractant alfa) via a thin catheter or to the control group (n = 244) and received a sham (control) treatment; CPAP was continued thereafter in both groups unless specified intubation criteria were met. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was the composite of death or physiological BPD assessed at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. The components of the primary outcome (death prior to 36 weeks' postmenstrual age and BPD at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age) also were considered separately. Results: Among the 485 infants randomized (median gestational age, 27.3 weeks; 241 [49.7%] female), all completed follow-up. Death or BPD occurred in 105 infants (43.6%) in the MIST group and 121 (49.6%) in the control group (risk difference [RD], -6.3% [95% CI, -14.2% to 1.6%]; relative risk [RR], 0.87 [95% CI, 0.74 to 1.03]; P = .10). Incidence of death before 36 weeks' postmenstrual age did not differ significantly between groups (24 [10.0%] in MIST vs 19 [7.8%] in control; RD, 2.1% [95% CI, -3.6% to 7.8%]; RR, 1.27 [95% CI, 0.63 to 2.57]; P = .51), but incidence of BPD in survivors to 36 weeks' postmenstrual age was lower in the MIST group (81/217 [37.3%] vs 102/225 [45.3%] in the control group; RD, -7.8% [95% CI, -14.9% to -0.7%]; RR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.70 to 0.98]; P = .03). Serious adverse events occurred in 10.3% of infants in the MIST group and 11.1% in the control group. Conclusions and Relevance: Among preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome supported with CPAP, minimally invasive surfactant therapy compared with sham (control) treatment did not significantly reduce the incidence of the composite outcome of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. However, given the statistical uncertainty reflected in the 95% CI, a clinically important effect cannot be excluded. Trial Registration: anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12611000916943.

Ventilación en posición prona en el manejo de pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda / Prone ventilation in the management of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

INTRODUCCIÓN. El posicionamiento prono es una de las estrategias ventilatorias más estudiadas y difundidas de la medicina intensiva, forma parte del manejo de ventilación protectiva con impacto en disminución de la mortalidad en pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda. OBJETIVO. Revisar la evidencia disponible acerca de ventilación en posición prona en pacientes con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda, enfocada en el análisis fisiopatológico y clínico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en la base de datos de buscadores académicos como PubMed, Google Scholar y Elsevier, en los idiomas español e inglés, en el período comprendido entre los años 1970-2020; se seleccionaron 16 publicaciones en texto completo: 3 metaanálisis, 10 estudios randomizado, 3 revisiones sistemáticas. CONCLUSIÓN. En base a la evidencia y percepción recopilada de la experiencia de los autores, la ventilación en posición prona es una estrategia de manejo de primera línea, fiable, que no requiere para su empleo equipamiento costoso ni complejo y ha demostrado mejoría en desenlaces relevantes en el tratamiento del paciente crítico respiratorio como disminución en la mortalidad y optimización de los parámetros ventilatorios y de oxigenación.

INTRODUCTION. Prone positioning is one of the most studied and widespread ventilatory strategies in intensive medicine, it is part of protective ventilation management with an impact on mortality reduction in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. OBJECTIVE. To review the available evidence about ventilation in the prone position in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome, focused on the pathophysiological and clinical analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS. A bibliographic review was carried out in the databases of academic search engines such as PubMed, Google Scholar and Elsevier, in the Spanish and English languages, in the period between the years 1970-2020, 16 full text publications were selected: 3 meta-analyses, 10 randomized studies, 3 systematic reviews. CONCLUSION. Based on the evidence and perception gathered from the authors' experience, prone ventilation is a reliable first-line management strategy that does not require costly or complex equipment for its use and has demonstrated improvements in relevant outcomes in the treatment of the critically ill respiratory patient, such as decreased mortality and optimization of ventilatory and oxygenation parameters.

Increased circulating cytokeratin 19 fragment levels in preterm neonates receiving mechanical ventilation are associated with poor outcome.

Invasive mechanical ventilation and oxygen toxicity are postnatal contributors to chronic lung disease of prematurity, also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Cyfra 21-1 is a soluble fragment of cytokeratin 19, which belongs to the cytoskeleton stabilizing epithelial intermediate filaments. As a biomarker of structural integrity, Cyfra 21-1 might be associated with airway injury and lung hypoplasia in neonates. Serum Cyfra 21-1 concentrations for 80 preterm and 80 healthy term newborns were measured within 48 h after birth. Preterm infants with the combined endpoint BPD/mortality had significantly higher Cyfra 21-1 levels compared with those without fulfilling BPD/mortality criteria (P = 0.01). Also, severe RDS (>grade III) was associated with higher Cyfra levels (P = 0.01). Total duration of oxygen therapy was more than five times longer in neonates with high Cyfra 21-1 levels (P = 0.01). Infants with higher Cyfra 21-1 values were more likely to receive mechanical ventilation (50% vs. 17.5%). However, the duration of mechanical ventilation was similar between groups. The median Cyfra value was 1.93 ng/mL (IQR: 1.68-2.53 ng/mL) in healthy term neonates and 8.5 ng/mL (IQR: 3.6-16.0 ng/mL) in preterm infants. Using ROC analysis, we calculated a Cyfra cutoff > 8.5 ng/mL to predict BPD/death with an AUC of 0.795 (P = 0.004), a sensitivity of 88.9%, and a specificity of 55%. Mortality was predicted with a cutoff > 17.4 ng/mL (AUC: 0.94; P = 0.001), a sensitivity of 100%, and a specificity of 84%. These findings suggest that Cyfra 21-1 concentration might be useful to predict poor outcome in premature infants.

Evolución del síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo en los neonatos del área de cuidados intensivos del hospital "Delfina Torres de Concha" / Evolution of the acute respiratory distress syndrome in neonates in the intensive care area of ​​the "Delfina Torres de Concha" hospital

Analizar la evolución del síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA) en neonatos pretérminos del área de cuidados intensivos del Hospital General Delfina Torres de Concha. Materiales y Métodos: La investigación es un estudio cuantitativo, de corte transversal y alcance descriptivo. La muestra probabilística quedó conformada por 49 madres de neonatos prematuros. Las técnicas utilizadas son el estudio documental y la encuesta. Los criterios de inclusión incluyeron ambos sexos, que nacieron entre las 26 y las 35 semanas de gestación, durante los meses de julio, agosto y septiembre de 2020. Las variables fueron los factores sociodemográficos de las madres, los factores de riesgo maternos, el género, vía del parto, peso al nacer, complicaciones de los neonatos y la mortalidad infantil. Resultados: Los resultados muestran que la etnia prevalente fue la mestiza (65,3%), el estado civil más representado fue el de unión libre (51,0%) y el nivel de escolaridad es muy bajo, así como el per cápita económico familiar. Los factores de riesgo maternos fueron la hipertensión (21,5%), la edad y la preeclamsia (18,5%, respectivamente). En los recién nacidos prevaleció el sexo masculino (46,9%) sobre el femenino (53.06%), al igual que las cesáreas (55,1%). Las complicaciones más importantes fueron la hemorragia intraventricular (23,8%), la hipertensión pulmonar persistente (20,6%) y la displasia broncopulmonar (15,9%). La tasa de mortalidad infantil se situó en el 32,7%. Conclusiones: Existe una correlación entre las complicaciones severas de los recién nacidos y la mortalidad neonatal. Por la trascendencia familiar y social del fallecimiento de neonatos y la frecuencia de trastornos respiratorios en la morbimortalidad de los recién nacidos en dicho Hospital, se hace necesario realizar estudios que estimulen la prevención y diagnóstico oportuno, especialmente en contextos como el nuestro

To analyze the evolution of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in preterm neonates in the intensive care area of the Hospital General Delfina Torres de Concha. Materials and Methods: The research is a quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study. The probabilistic sample consisted of 49 mothers of preterm infants. The techniques used were documentary study and survey. The inclusion criteria included both sexes, born between 26 and 35 weeks of gestation, during the months of July, August and September 2020. The variables were sociodemographic factors of the mothers, maternal risk factors, gender, and route of delivery, birth weight, neonatal complications and infant mortality. The results: The results show that the most prevalent ethnic group was mestizo (65.3%), the most represented marital status was a union (51.0%) and the level of schooling was very low, as well as the family economic per capita. Maternal risk factors were hypertension (21.5%), age and preeclamsia (18.5%, respectively). Among the newborns, the male sex (46.9%) prevailed over the female (53.06%), as did cesarean sections (55.1%). The most important complications were intraventricular hemorrhage (23.8%), persistent pulmonary hypertension (20.6%) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (15.9%). The infant mortality rate was 32.7%. Conclusions: There is a correlation between severe newborn complications and neonatal mortality. Due to the family and social importance of neonatal deaths and the frequency of respiratory disorders in the morbidity and mortality of newborns in this Hospital, it is necessary to carry out studies to stimulate prevention and timely diagnosis, especially in contexts such as ours

Association between antenatal corticosteroid use and perinatal mortality among preterm births in hospitals in Tanzania.

OBJECTIVES: The primary aims of this study were to investigate if exposure to antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) was associated with lower rates of perinatal mortality (primary outcome) and other adverse perinatal outcomes (i.e., stillbirth, early neonatal mortality, APGAR score of < 7 at 5 mins, neonatal sepsis and respiratory distress syndrome) in preterm infants in hospitals in Tanzania. We also examine factors associated with administration of ACS among women at risk of preterm delivery. METHODS: A hospital-based prospective chart review study was undertaken in four hospitals located in Nyamagana and Sengerema districts, Tanzania. The study population included all stillborn and live born preterm infants delivered between 24 to 34 weeks of gestation between July 2019 to February 2020. A total 1125 preterm infants were delivered by 1008 women (895 singletons, 230 multiple). Sociodemographic and medical data were recorded from participants' medical records. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty-six (35.3%) women were administered at least one dose of ACS between 24 to 34 weeks' gestation and 385 (34.2%) infants were exposed to ACS. Infants exposed to ACS had a lower rate of perinatal mortality (13.77%) compared to those who were not exposed (28.38%). Multivariate analysis indicated that infants exposed to ACS were less likely to die during perinatal period, aRR 0.34 (95%CI 0.26-0.44). Only one-third of the sample was provided with ACS. Administration of ACS was associated with maternal education, attending antenatal care more than 3 times, method used to assess gestational age, maternal infection, exposure to maternal antibiotics, delivery mode and level of health facility. CONCLUSION: ACS significantly reduced the risk in perinatal mortality among infants born preterm in a limited resource setting. However, only about one-third of eligible women were provided with ACS, indicating low usage of ACS. Numerous factors were associated with low usage of ACS in this setting.

Causes of preterm and low birth weight neonatal mortality in a rural community in Kenya: evidence from verbal and social autopsy.

BACKGROUND: Under-five mortality in Kenya has declined over the past two decades. However, the reduction in the neonatal mortality rate has remained stagnant. In a country with weak civil registration and vital statistics systems, there is an evident gap in documentation of mortality and its causes among low birth weight (LBW) and preterm neonates. We aimed to establish causes of neonatal LBW and preterm mortality in Migori County, among participants of the PTBI-K (Preterm Birth Initiative-Kenya) study. METHODS: Verbal and social autopsy (VASA) interviews were conducted with caregivers of deceased LBW and preterm neonates delivered within selected 17 health facilities in Migori County, Kenya. The probable cause of death was assigned using the WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). RESULTS: Between January 2017 to December 2018, 3175 babies were born preterm or LBW, and 164 (5.1%) died in the first 28 days of life. VASA was conducted among 88 (53.7%) of the neonatal deaths. Almost half (38, 43.2%) of the deaths occurred within the first 24 h of life. Birth asphyxia (45.5%), neonatal sepsis (26.1%), respiratory distress syndrome (12.5%) and hypothermia (11.0%) were the leading causes of death. In the early neonatal period, majority (54.3%) of the neonates succumbed to asphyxia while in the late neonatal period majority (66.7%) succumbed to sepsis. Delay in seeking medical care was reported for 4 (5.8%) of the neonatal deaths. CONCLUSION: Deaths among LBW and preterm neonates occur early in life due to preventable causes. This calls for enhanced implementation of existing facility-based intrapartum and immediate postpartum care interventions, targeting asphyxia, sepsis, respiratory distress syndrome and hypothermia.

Growth Rates of Infants Randomized to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or Intubation After Extremely Preterm Birth.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of early treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on nutritional intake and in-hospital growth rates of extremely preterm (EPT) infants. STUDY DESIGN: EPT infants (240/7-276/7 weeks of gestation) enrolled in the Surfactant Positive Airway Pressure and Pulse Oximetry Trial (SUPPORT) were included. EPT infants who died before 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) were excluded. The growth rates from birth to 36 weeks of PMA and follow-up outcomes at 18-22 months corrected age of EPT infants randomized at birth to either early CPAP (intervention group) or early intubation for surfactant administration (control group) were analyzed. RESULTS: Growth data were analyzed for 810 of 1316 infants enrolled in SUPPORT (414 in the intervention group, 396 in the control group). The median gestational age was 26 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 839 g. Baseline characteristics, total nutritional intake, and in-hospital comorbidities were not significantly different between the 2 groups. In a regression model, growth rates between birth and 36 weeks of PMA, as well as growth rates during multiple intervals from birth to day 7, days 7-14, days 14-21, days 21-28, day 28 to 32 weeks PMA, and 32-36 weeks PMA did not differ between treatment groups. Independent of treatment group, higher growth rates from day 21 to day 28 were associated with a lower risk of having a Bayley-III cognitive score <85 at 18-22 months corrected age (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: EPT infants randomized to early CPAP did not have higher in-hospital growth rates than infants randomized to early intubation.

Factors associated with neonatal mortality in a tertiary hospital in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.

This study aimed to identify hospital neonatal mortality rate (NMR) and the causes of neonatal deaths, and to understand risk factors associated with neonatal mortality in a national tertiary hospital in Cambodia. The study included all newborn infants, aged 0-28 days old, hospitalized in the Pediatrics department of Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital between January 2016 and December 2017. In total, 925 infants were included in the study. The mean gestational age was 35.9 weeks (range, 24-42 weeks). Preterm infants and low birth weight accounted for 47.5% and 56.7%, respectively. With respect to payment methods, the government (53.5%) and non-governmental organizations (NGO) (13.7%) paid the fees as the families were not in a financial position to do so. The hospital NMR at the Pediatrics department was 9.3%. Respiratory distress syndrome (37.2%) was the main cause of deaths followed by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (31.4%) and neonatal infection (21.0%). Factors associated with neonatal mortality were Apgar score at 5th minute <7 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.57), payment by the government or NGO (AOR = 11.32), admission due to respiratory distress (AOR = 11.94), and hypothermia on admission (AOR = 9.41). The hospital NMR in the Pediatrics department was 9.3% (95% confidence interval 7.50-11.35) at Khmer-Soviet Friendship Hospital; prematurity and respiratory distress syndrome were the major causes of neonatal mortality. Introducing continuous positive airway pressure machine for respiratory distress syndrome and creating neonatal resuscitation guidelines and preventing hypothermia in delivery rooms are required to reduce the high NMR.

Face mask versus nasal prong or nasopharyngeal tube for neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

IMPORTANCE: The current neonatal resuscitation guidelines recommend positive pressure ventilation via face mask or nasal prongs at birth. Using a nasal interface may have the potential to improve outcomes for newborn infants. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether nasal prong/nasopharyngeal tube versus face mask during positive pressure ventilation of infants born <37 weeks' gestation in the delivery room reduces in-hospital mortality and morbidity. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (through PubMed), Google Scholar and EMBASE, Clinical Trials.gov and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials through August 2019. STUDY SELECTION: Randomised controlled trials comparing nasal prong/nasopharyngeal tube versus face mask during positive pressure ventilation of infants born <37 weeks' gestation in the delivery room. DATA ANALYSIS: Risk of bias was assessed using the Covidence Collaboration Tool, results were pooled into a meta-analysis using a random effects model. MAIN OUTCOME: In-hospital mortality. RESULTS: Five RCTs enrolling 873 infants were combined into a meta-analysis. There was no statistical difference in in-hospital mortality (risk ratio (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.52, p=0.92, I2=11%), rate of chest compressions in the delivery room (RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.10 to 1.33, p=0.13, I2=28%), rate of intraventricular haemorrhage (RR 1.54, 95% CI 0.88 to 2.70, p=0.13, I2=0%) or delivery room intubations in infants ventilated with a nasal prong/tube (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.39,1.02, p=0.06, I2=52%). CONCLUSION: In infants born <37 weeks' gestation, in-hospital mortality and morbidity were similar following positive pressure ventilation during initial stabilisation with a nasal prong/tube or a face mask.

Reducing neonatal mortality and respiratory distress syndrome associated with preterm birth: a scoping review on the impact of antenatal corticosteroids in low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: The most common cause of death among preterm infants in low- and middle-income countries is respiratory distress syndrome. The purpose of this review was to assess whether antenatal corticosteroids given to women at risk of preterm birth at ≤ 34 weeks of gestation reduce rates of neonatal mortality and respiratory distress syndrome in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: Two reviewers independently searched four databases including MEDLINE (through PubMed), CINAHL, Embase, and Cochrane Libraries. We did not apply any language or date restrictions. All publications up to April 2020 were included in this search. RESULTS: The search yielded 71 articles, 10 of which were included in this review (3 randomized controlled trials, 7 observational studies, 36,773 neonates). The majority of studies reported associations between exposure to antenatal corticosteroids and lower rates of neonatal mortality and respiratory distress syndrome. However, a few studies reported that antenatal corticosteroids were not associated with improved preterm birth outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the studies in low- and middle-income countries showed that use of antenatal corticosteroids in hospitals with high levels of neonatal care was associated with lower rates of neonatal mortality and respiratory distress syndrome. However, the findings are inconclusive because some studies in low-resource settings reported that antenatal corticosteroids had no benefit in reducing rates of neonatal mortality or respiratory distress syndrome. Further research on the impact of antenatal corticosteroids in resource-limited settings in low-income countries is a priority.

Sustained Lung Inflations During Neonatal Resuscitation at Birth: A Meta-analysis.

CONTEXT: The International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation prioritized review of sustained inflation (SI) of the lung at birth. OBJECTIVE: To complete a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing strategies using 1 or more SI ≥1 second with intermittent inflations <1 second for newborns at birth. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, and Evidence-Based Medicine Reviews were searched from January 1, 1946, to July 20, 2020. STUDY SELECTION: Studies were selected by pairs of independent reviewers in 2 stages. DATA EXTRACTION: Reviewers extracted data, appraised risk of bias, and assessed certainty of evidence for each outcome. RESULTS: Ten trials enrolling 1502 preterm newborns were included. Five studies included newborns who did not receive assisted ventilation at the outset. There were no differences between SI and control groups for death before discharge or key morbidities. For death within the first 2 days, comparing SI with the controls, risk ratio was 2.42 (95% confidence interval = 1.15-5.09). In subgroup analysis of preterm infants ≤28 + 0 weeks' gestation, for death before discharge, risk ratio was 1.38 (95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.91). Together, these findings suggest the potential for harm of SI. LIMITATIONS: The certainty of evidence was very low for death in the delivery room and low for all other outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In this systematic review, we did not find benefit in using 1 or more SI >5 seconds for preterm infants at birth. SI(s) may increase death before discharge among the subgroup born ≤28 + 0 weeks' gestation. There is insufficient evidence to determine the likely effect of SI(s) on other key morbidities.

High Flow Nasal Cannula versus Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Primary Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants: A Prospective Randomized Study.

OBJECTIVE: This study compares high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) within the first hour of life as the primary respiratory support in neonates of ≤32 weeks of gestational age. STUDY DESIGN: This prospective, randomized study was conducted in infants with a gestational age of ≤32 weeks who had spontaneous respiration. HFNC or nCPAP was used as a first line respiratory support after admission to intensive care unit. Primary outcome was primary treatment failure. Secondary outcomes were duration of noninvasive respiratory support and oxygen treatment, maximum FiO2 level, length of hospital stay, intubation rate, rates of respiratory distress syndrome, pneumothorax, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Subgroup analysis was performed for infants ≤28 weeks of gestational age. RESULTS: We enrolled 107 infants, 53 in HFNC and 54 to nCPAP group. There was no difference in primary outcome between the two groups. There was no difference between the groups in aspect of secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION: HFNC and nCPAP have no significant differences as a primary mode of respiratory support in preterm infants, in the time to wean off the devices and oxygen support, respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia incidence, hospitalization duration, and rates of complications of prematurity.

Survival and causes of death in extremely preterm infants in the Netherlands.

OBJECTIVE: In the Netherlands, the threshold for offering active treatment for spontaneous birth was lowered from 25+0 to 24+0 weeks' gestation in 2010. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of guideline implementation on survival and causes and timing of death in the years following implementation. DESIGN: National cohort study, using data from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry. PATIENTS: The study population included all 3312 stillborn and live born infants with a gestational age (GA) between 240/7 and 266/7 weeks born between January 2011 and December 2017. Infants with the same GA born between January 2007 and December 2009 (N=1400) were used as the reference group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Survival to discharge, as well as cause and timing of death. RESULTS: After guideline implementation, there was a significant increase in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission rate for live born infants born at 24 weeks' GA (27%-69%, p<0.001), resulting in increased survival to discharge in 24-week live born infants (13%-34%, p<0.001). Top three causes of in-hospital mortality were necrotising enterocolitis (28%), respiratory distress syndrome (19%) and intraventricular haemorrhage (17%). A significant decrease in cause of death either complicated or caused by respiratory insufficiency was seen over time (34% in 2011-2014 to 23% in 2015-2017, p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of the 2010 guideline resulted as expected in increased NICU admissions rate and postnatal survival of infants born at 24 weeks' GA. In the years after implementation, a shift in cause of death was seen from respiratory insufficiency towards necrotising enterocolitis and sepsis.