Assessment of early nutritional intake in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a cohort study.

This cohort study evaluated the nutritional supply in 78 very preterm newborns, with 20.5% developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). This work aimed to evaluate the nutritional intake and the calorie/protein ratio received in the first 4 weeks of life. Anthropometric measures at birth and term age, the weight at each of the first 4 weeks of life, and the feeding practices were registered. The mean gestational age and birth weight were lower in those who developed BPD. At term age, head circumference and length Z-scores were significantly lower in newborns with BPD, who started enteral feeding and reached full diet later, staying longer in parenteral nutrition. The protein rate received by all newborns was similar, whether developing BPD or not, but those who developed BPD received significantly lower fluid volume and calorie rates after the second week. The daily calorie/protein ratio (30 kcal/1-g protein) was reached by 88.7% of the newborns who did not develop BPD in the third week, with those who developed BPD receiving less than this ratio until the second week, persisting in 56.3% of them on the fourth week.Conclusion: A calorie/protein ratio below that recommended for growth was found in preterm newborns who developed BPD, and providing nutrition for these newborns remains a challenge. What is Known: • The importance of preterm newborn nutrition is well known. • Early nutritional support may avoid severe BPD. What is New: • Newborns who developed BPD received a calorie/protein ratio below that recommended for preterm newborns' growth during the first 2 weeks of life, lasting until the fourth week in most of these newborns.

Retinopathy of prematurity screening and treatment cost in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the additional cost of incorporating the detection and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) into neonatal care services of Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS). METHODS: A deterministic decision-tree simulation model was built to estimate the direct costs of screening for and treating ROP in neonatal intensive-care units (NICUs), based on data for 869 preterm infants with birth weight less than 1 500 g examined in six governmental NICUs in the capital city of Rio de Janeiro, where coverage was 52% and 8% of infants were treated. All of the parameters from this study were extrapolated to Brazilian newborn estimates in 2010. Costs of screening and treatment were estimated considering staff, equipment and maintenance, and training based on published data and expert opinion. A budget impact analysis was performed considering the population of preterm newborns, screening coverage, and the incidence of treatable ROP. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: In Rio de Janeiro, unit costs per newborn were US$ 18 for each examination, US$ 398 per treatment, and US$ 29 for training. The estimated cost of ROP diagnosis and treatment for all at-risk infants NICUs was US$ 80 per infant. The additional cost to the SUS for one year would be US$ 556 640 for a ROP program with 52% coverage, increasing to US$ 856 320 for 80% coverage, and US$ 1.07 million or 100% coverage. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that providing ROP care is affordable within the framework of the SUS in Brazil, and might be feasible elsewhere in Latin America, considering the evidence of the effectiveness of ROP treatment and the social benefits achieved.

Early growth and body composition assessed by air displacement plethysmography in infants born with simple gastroschisis.

BACKGROUND: Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall malformation usually associated with impaired growth. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the growth and body composition of infants born with simple gastroschisis in a referral center. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective case series of infants with simple gastroschisis who were measured at birth, at discharge, and at 3 months. Body composition was assessed via air-displacement plethysmography at discharge and at 3 months. The results were compared with those reported for healthy infants at an equivalent gestational age. RESULTS: Simple gastroschisis infants were lighter and smaller at birth and remained similar at 3 months. All anthropometric z scores decreased from birth to discharge, followed by an increase but not a full recovery toward 3 months. Overall, gastroschisis infants had a similar FM percentage, FM% (11.1 ± 4.7), but a lower FFM, FFM (2481 ± 478 g), at discharge. FM% (18.5 ± 5.3) decreased at 3 months, and FFM remained lower (3788 ± 722 g) but improved between the two exams. Boys had significantly more FFM than girls at both evaluations. The multiple regression analysis showed that male sex, prematurity, total parenteral nutrition duration, and exclusive breast milk diets were associated with differences in body composition. CONCLUSIONS: Infants with simple gastroschisis cared for in a referral center experienced growth failure at discharge and showed a similar FM% but lower FFM than healthy infants. At 3 months, they exhibited smaller FM% and FFM, but FFM improved after the first exam, representing a better protein accretion. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognostic. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

Visual Acuity alterations in heavily impaired Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) children.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess visual acuity (VA) in Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS)-children to evaluate visual loss. To that end we evaluated 41 CZS - children, from Rio de Janeiro using Teller Acuity Cards. Methods: To asses VA, we evaluated 41 CZS - children, from Rio de Janeiro using Teller Acuity Cards. The children had Zika virus-infection confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or clinical evaluation. Results: In 39 out of 41 (95%) children, the VA scores were below normative values, while in 10 cases, VA was only marginally below normal; in the remaining 29 cases, VA was more than 0.15 logMAR below the lower limit. There was no correlation between VA and the cognitive domain tasks, although there was a correlation between VA and motor domain tasks. Thirty-seven children performed at least one task in the cognitive set, while fourteen children did not perform any task in the motor set. Children with VA above the lower limit performed better in the cognitive and motor tasks. Discussion: We concluded that ZIKV- infected children with CZS were highly VA impaired which correlated with motor performance, but not with cognitive performance. Part of the children had VA within the normal limits and displayed better performance in the cognitive and motor sets. Therefore, even if heavily impaired, most children had some degree of VA and visual function.

Molecular alterations in the extracellular matrix in the brains of newborns with congenital Zika syndrome.

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause a set of severe abnormalities in the fetus known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Experiments with animal models and in vitro systems have substantially contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiology of ZIKV infection. Here, to investigate the molecular basis of CZS in humans, we used a systems biology approach to integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, and genomic data from the postmortem brains of neonates with CZS. We observed that collagens were greatly reduced in expression in CZS brains at both the RNA and protein levels and that neonates with CZS had several single-nucleotide polymorphisms in collagen-encoding genes that are associated with osteogenesis imperfecta and arthrogryposis. These findings were validated by immunohistochemistry and comparative analysis of collagen abundance in ZIKV-infected and uninfected samples. In addition, we showed a ZIKV-dependent increase in the expression of cell adhesion factors that are essential for neurite outgrowth and axon guidance, findings that are consistent with the neuronal migration defects observed in CZS. Together, these findings provide insights into the underlying molecular alterations in the ZIKV-infected brain and reveal host genes associated with CZS susceptibility.

Efficacy of new microprocessed phototherapy system with five high intensity light emitting diodes (Super LED).

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of a microprocessed phototherapy (PT) system with five high intensity light emitting diodes (Super LED) for the treatment of neonatal hyperbilirubinemia of premature infants. METHODS: Randomized clinical trial using Super LED phototherapy in the study group and twin halogen spotlight phototherapy in the control group. A stratified blocked randomization, based on birth weight, was performed. The duration of phototherapy and the rate of decrease of total serum bilirubin (TSB) concentration in the first 24 hours of treatment were the main outcome measures. RESULTS: We studied 88 infants, 44 in the Super LED group and 44 in the halogen spotlight PT group. The demographic characteristics of the patients in both groups were similar. Infants in the Super LED group had a similar mean initial serum bilirubin level (10.1+/-2.4 mg%) to those receiving halogen spotlight treatment (10.9+/-2.0 mg%). After 24 hours of treatment, the decrease in total serum bilirubin levels was significantly greater in the Super LED group (27.9 vs. 10.7%, p<0.01) and duration of phototherapy was significantly shorter in this group (36.8 h vs. 63.8 h, p<0.01). After 24 hours of treatment, a significantly greater number of patients receiving Super LED phototherapy had reached serum bilirubin concentrations low enough to allow withdrawal of treatment (23 vs. 10, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the efficacy of Super LED phototherapy for treating hyperbilirubinemia in premature infants was significantly better than halogen phototherapy.

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia prediction model for 7-day-old infants.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a predictive model capable of identifying which premature infants have the greatest probability of presenting bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), based on assessment at the end of their first week of life. METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively from January 1998 to July 2001, and prospectively from August 2001 to July 2003. All children born at the Institution with gestational age < 34 weeks and birth weight < 1,500 g were included. The principal risk factors for BPD were subjected to univariate analysis followed by logistic regression. Significant variables were used to construct a formula to calculate the probability of BPD. The model was calibrated and its discriminative power assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. Between August 2003 and July 2005 the model was then applied to a different population for validation. RESULTS: The sample comprised 247 children, of whom 68 developed BPD, classified as follows: mild = 35 (51.4%), moderate = 20 (29.4%) and severe = 8 (11.7 %). Four variables maintained significance with relation to BPD: gestational age < or = 30 weeks, persistent ductus arteriosus, mechanical ventilation > 2 days and loss of > 15% of birth weight on the seventh day of life. Where patients exhibited all of these variables, the model had a 93.7% probability of being correct. The model was further validated when using another sample of 61 newborns; similar figures were obtained. CONCLUSIONS: At the end of the first week of life, the predictive model developed from our population was capable of identifying newborn infants at increased risk of developing BPD with a high degree of sensitivity.

Indirect calorimetry: a tool to adjust energy expenditure in very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the resting metabolic rate in very low birth weight infants through indirect calorimetry. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including 29 clinically stable very low birth weight infants receiving an enteral diet > 100 kcal/kg/day. Malnutrition was defined as weight-for-age z score < or = - 2 SD. Resting energy expenditure was measured using open circuit indirect calorimetry. RESULTS: At the time of the examination, mean weight was 1,564+/-393 g and corrected gestational age was 35+/-3 weeks. Malnutrition was diagnosed in 62.1% of the preterm infants. The mean resting metabolic rate was 57.01+/-7.76 kcal/kg/day. CONCLUSION: Since resting energy expenditure is the main caloric component of total energy expenditure, the high resting metabolic rate observed may have a strong impact on the development of malnutrition during hospitalization.

Interference of heart and transcutaneous oxygen monitoring in the measurement of bioelectrical impedance analysis in preterm newborns.

OBJECTIVE: To verify if the connection of electrodes for heart and transcutaneous oxygen monitoring interfere with the measurement of electrical bioimpedance in preterm newborns. METHODS: This was a prospective, blinded, controlled, cross-sectional, crossover study that assessed and compared paired measures of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) by BIA, obtained with and without monitoring wires attached to the preterm newborn. The measurements were performed in immediate sequence, after randomization to the presence or absence of electrodes. The sample size calculated was 114 measurements or tests with monitoring wires and 114 without monitoring wires, considering for a difference between the averages of 0.1 ohms, with an alpha error of 10% and beta error of 20%, with significance <0.05. RESULTS: No differences were observed between the R (677.37±196.07 vs. 677.46±194.86) and Xc (31.15±9.36 vs. 31.01±9.56) values obtained with and without monitoring wires, respectively, with good correlation between them (R: 0.997 and Xc: 0.968). CONCLUSION: The presence of heart and/or transcutaneous oxygen monitoring wires connected to the preterm newborn did not affect the values of R or Xc measured by BIA, allowing them to be carried out in this population without risks.

Molecular alterations in the extracellular matrix in the brains of newborns with congenital Zika syndrome

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause a set of severe abnormalities in the fetus known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Experiments with animal models and in vitro systems have substantially contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiology of ZIKV infection. Here, to investigate the molecular basis of CZS in humans, we used a systems biology approach to integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, and genomic data from the postmortem brains of neonates with CZS. We observed that collagens were greatly reduced in expression in CZS brains at both the RNA and protein levels and that neonates with CZS had several single-nucleotide polymorphisms in collagen-encoding genes that are associated with osteogenesis imperfecta and arthrogryposis. These findings were validated by immunohistochemistry and comparative analysis of collagen abundance in ZIKV-infected and uninfected samples. In addition, we showed a ZIKV-dependent increase in the expression of cell adhesion factors that are essential for neurite outgrowth and axon guidance, findings that are consistent with the neuronal migration defects observed in CZS. Together, these findings provide insights into the underlying molecular alterations in the ZIKV-infected brain and reveal host genes associated with CZS susceptibility.

[Controversies about the management of invasive fungal infections in very low birth weight infants]. / Controvérsias a respeito da sepse fúngica no pré-termo extremo: profilaxia e esquemas terapêuticos.

OBJECTIVE: This review encompasses the most recent publications about fungal infection in very low birth weight infants, keeping health professionals updated about this growing problem observed in neonatal units. SOURCES OF DATA: Original and review articles published over the past 15 years were searched in MEDLINE and Lilacs, using the following keywords: preterm infant, very low birth weight infants, sepsis, fungal infection, antifungal, Candida, amphotericin and fluconazole. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: Invasive fungal infections affect especially preterm infants. Although new drugs (echinocandins) to treat fungal infection are available, amphotericin is the most widely used drug for the treatment of systemic candidiasis at this stage of life. Currently, there are four types of antifungal agents used in the treatment of fungal infections in neonates: polyene macrolides (amphotericin B deoxycholate and lipid preparations), azoles (triazoles), fluorinated pyrimidines (flucytosine) and echinocandins (caspofungin and micafungin). Two drugs capable of preventing invasive fungal infection are described: nystatin and fluconazole. The pharmacokinetics of fluconazole in the neonatal period is widely known and its prophylactic administration during the first six weeks of life has been associated with less invasive fungal infection in infants weighing less than 1,000 g at birth. CONCLUSIONS: Fungal infections constitute an important problem in the neonatal intensive care unit and a better understanding of the incidence, diagnosis, clinical management, treatment, and prophylaxis is important in order to reduce morbidity and mortality. The identification of high-risk preterm infants and the implementation of prophylactic measures and early treatment may improve the outcome of these patients.

Molecular alterations in the extracellular matrix in the brains of newborns with congenital Zika syndrome

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection during pregnancy can cause a set of severe abnormalities in the fetus known as congenital Zika syndrome (CZS). Experiments with animal models and in vitro systems have substantially contributed to our understanding of the pathophysiology of ZIKV infection. Here, to investigate the molecular basis of CZS in humans, we used a systems biology approach to integrate transcriptomic, proteomic, and genomic data from the postmortem brains of neonates with CZS. We observed that collagens were greatly reduced in expression in CZS brains at both the RNA and protein levels and that neonates with CZS had several single-nucleotide polymorphisms in collagen-encoding genes that are associated with osteogenesis imperfecta and arthrogryposis. These findings were validated by immunohistochemistry and comparative analysis of collagen abundance in ZIKV-infected and uninfected samples. In addition, we showed a ZIKV-dependent increase in the expression of cell adhesion factors that are essential for neurite outgrowth and axon guidance, findings that are consistent with the neuronal migration defects observed in CZS. Together, these findings provide insights into the underlying molecular alterations in the ZIKV-infected brain and reveal host genes associated with CZS susceptibility.

[Assessment of the energy content of human milk administered to very low birth weight infants]. / Análise do conteúdo energético do leite humano administrado a recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso ao nascimento.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare the energy content in fresh and processed human milk administered to very low birth weight infants born in the Institute Fernandes Figueira. METHODS: Samples of 0.5 ml of fresh and processed human milk were evaluated as for the fat percentile and energy content, which was calculated by mathematical formulas. Four hundred and sixty two human milk samples were analyzed, 401 of processed human milk and 61 of fresh human milk. RESULTS: The median and the standard deviation of the fat percentile checked was 2.9+/-1.2% in the processed samples and 8.9+/-4.6% in the fresh samples (p < 0.001). The median and the standard deviation of the energy content calculated was 53.6+/-7.2 kcal/100 ml in processed samples and 85.9+/-27.9 kcal/100 ml in fresh samples (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The processed human milk samples had less energy content and less fat than fresh human milk samples suggesting that the complex processes of the human milk manipulation and administration can determine losses in energy content.

Interference of heart and transcutaneous oxygen monitoring in the measurement of bioelectrical impedance analysis in preterm newborns / Interferência da monitoração cardíaca e transcutânea de oxigênio na aferição da bioimpedância elétrica em recém-nascidos pré-termo

Abstract Objective: To verify if the connection of electrodes for heart and transcutaneous oxygen monitoring interfere with the measurement of electrical bioimpedance in preterm newborns. Methods: This was a prospective, blinded, controlled, cross-sectional, crossover study that assessed and compared paired measures of resistance (R) and reactance (Xc) by BIA, obtained with and without monitoring wires attached to the preterm newborn. The measurements were performed in immediate sequence, after randomization to the presence or absence of electrodes. The sample size calculated was 114 measurements or tests with monitoring wires and 114 without monitoring wires, considering for a difference between the averages of 0.1 ohms, with an alpha error of 10% and beta error of 20%, with significance <0.05. Results: No differences were observed between the R (677.37 ± 196.07 vs. 677.46 ± 194.86) and Xc (31.15 ± 9.36 vs. 31.01 ± 9.56) values obtained with and without monitoring wires, respectively, with good correlation between them (R: 0.997 and Xc: 0.968). Conclusion: The presence of heart and/or transcutaneous oxygen monitoring wires connected to the preterm newborn did not affect the values of R or Xc measured by BIA, allowing them to be carried out in this population without risks.

Resumo Objetivo Verificar se a conexão de eletrodos e os fios de monitoração cardíaca e transcutânea de oxigênio interferem na aferição da bioimpedância elétrica em recém-nascidos pré-termo (RNPT). Metodologia Estudo prospectivo, cego, randomizado, transversal, crossover, em que foram mensuradas e comparadas medidas pareadas de resistência (R) e reatância (Xc) por meio da BIA, obtidas com e sem os fios de monitoração acoplados aos RNPT. As medidas foram feitas em sequência imediata, após aleatorização para a presença ou ausência dos eletrodos. O tamanho amostral calculado foi de 114 aferições ou exames com fios de monitoração e 114 sem fios de monitoração, foi calculado para uma diferença entre as médias de 0,1 ohms, com erro alfa de 10% e erro beta de 20%, com significância < 0,05. Resultados Não foram observadas diferenças entre os valores de resistência (677,37 ± 196,07 vs. 677,46 ± 194,86) e reatância (31,15 ± 9,36 vs. 31,01 ± 9,56) obtidos com e sem fios de monitoração respectivamente, com boa correlação entre ambos (resistência: 0,997 e reatância: 0,968). Conclusão A presença de fios de monitoração cardíaca e/ou transcutânea de oxigênio não interferiu nos valores da resistência ou da reatância aferidos pela BIA em RNPT. Recomenda-se, então, a feitura desse exame, sem riscos, para essa população.

Retinopathy of prematurity screening and treatment cost in Brazil / Costo de la detección y el tratamiento de la retinopatía de la prematuridad en el Brasil

OBJECTIVE: To assess the additional cost of incorporating the detection and treatment of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) into neonatal care services of Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS). METHODS: A deterministic decision-tree simulation model was built to estimate the direct costs of screening for and treating ROP in neonatal intensive-care units (NICUs), based on data for 869 preterm infants with birth weight less than 1 500 g examined in six governmental NICUs in the capital city of Rio de Janeiro, where coverage was 52% and 8% of infants were treated. All of the parameters from this study were extrapolated to Brazilian newborn estimates in 2010. Costs of screening and treatment were estimated considering staff, equipment and maintenance, and training based on published data and expert opinion. A budget impact analysis was performed considering the population of preterm newborns, screening coverage, and the incidence of treatable ROP. One- and two-way sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: In Rio de Janeiro, unit costs per newborn were US$ 18 for each examination, US$ 398 per treatment, and US$ 29 for training. The estimated cost of ROP diagnosis and treatment for all at-risk infants NICUs was US$ 80 per infant. The additional cost to the SUS for one year would be US$ 556 640 for a ROP program with 52% coverage, increasing to US$ 856 320 for 80% coverage, and US$ 1.07 million or 100% coverage. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that providing ROP care is affordable within the framework of the SUS in Brazil, and might be feasible elsewhere in Latin America, considering the evidence of the effectiveness of ROP treatment and the social benefits achieved.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el costo adicional de incorporar la detección y el tratamiento de la retinopatía de la prematuridad (RP) en los servicios de atención neonatal del Sistema Único de Salud (SUS) del Brasil. MÉTODOS: Se estableció un modelo de simulación determinístico en forma de árbol de decisión para calcular los costos directos del tamizaje y el tratamiento de la RP en las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN), con base en los datos correspondientes a 869 lactantes prematuros con un peso al nacer inferior a 1 500 g examinados en seis UCIN gubernamentales de Rio de Janeiro, capital del estado del mismo nombre, donde la cobertura fue de 52% y se trató a un 7% de los lactantes. Todos los parámetros de este estudio se extrapolaron a los cálculos de recién nacidos brasileños correspondientes al año 2010. Se calcularon los costos de la detección y el tratamiento, teniendo en cuenta el personal, el equipo y la capacitación, con base en los datos publicados y la opinión de los expertos. Se llevó a cabo un análisis de la repercusión presupuestaria considerando la población de recién nacidos prematuros, la cobertura del tamizaje y la incidencia de RP susceptible de tratamiento. Se realizaron análisis de sensibilidad en uno y dos sentidos. RESULTADOS: En Rio de Janeiro, los costos unitarios por recién nacido fueron de US$ 18 por cada examen, US$ 398 por tratamiento y US$ 29 por capacitación. El costo calculado del diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la RP en todos los lactantes en situación de riesgo de las UCIN fue de US$ 80 por lactante. El costo anual adicional para el SUS de un programa de RP con una cobertura de 52% sería de US$ 556 640, y ascendería a US$ 856 320 para una cobertura de 80%, y a US$ 1,07 millones si la cobertura fuera de 100%. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de este estudio indican que, teniendo en cuenta los datos probatorios de la eficacia del tratamiento de la RP y los beneficios sociales obtenidos, la prestación de asistencia a la RP es asequible en Brasil en el marco del SUS y podría ser factible en otros lugares de América Latina.

Case report: vertical dengue infection.

OBJECTIVES: To report a case of vertical dengue infection in a newborn from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and to review the literature concerning this problem. DESCRIPTION: We report a case of vertical dengue infection. Female neonate, birth weight 3,940 g, term, was admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit on the fifth day of life with fever and erythematous rash. Her mother had had dengue fever 3 days before delivery. Her platelet count was 38,000, dropping to 15,000. She did not have any hemorrhagic episodes, including cerebral hemorrhages. Anti-dengue antibodies (IgM) were positive in the mother and infant. Dengue type 2 was detected in the infant using polymerase chain reaction. COMMENTS: This report emphasizes that pediatricians should be aware of the possibility of vertical dengue infection so that early management can be instituted.

Effects of non-nutritive sucking and oral stimulation on breastfeeding rates for preterm, low birth weight infants: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of non-nutritive sucking and oral stimulation programs on breastfeeding rates at discharge, at 3 and at 6 months of corrected age in preterm infants with very low birth weight. METHODS: Preterm infants were randomized into experimental and control groups. Ninety-eight preterm infants were randomized and 96 remained in the study until reaching the corrected age of 6 months. The experimental group received sensory-motor-oral stimulation and non-nutritive sucking, while infants in the control group received a sham stimulation program. Both were administered from reaching enteral feeding (100 kcal/kg/day) until the beginning of oral feeding. RESULTS: Fifty-nine infants (61.5%) were breastfeeding at the time of hospital discharge, 31 (36.9%) at 3 months, and only 18 (20.5%) at 6 months of corrected age. At discharge, 46.9% of the control group and 76.5% of the experimental group were breastfeeding. There were statistically significant differences between rates of breastfeeding at discharge (47 vs. 76%), 3 months (18 vs. 47%) and 6 months after discharge (10 vs. 27%). The experimental group showed significantly higher rates of breastfeeding (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Non-nutritive sucking, associated with oral stimulation programs, can contribute to the improvement of breastfeeding rates among preterm infants with very low birth weight.

Determining the least time required for measuring energy expenditure in premature neonates.

OBJECTIVE: To compare O2 consumption, CO2 production, respiratory quotient and resting metabolic rate in premature neonates measured for 5 and 10 min steady-state periods and 15 and 20 min non-steady-state periods versus a 2-h measurement period. METHODS: A prospective study with neonates evaluated by indirect calorimetry. The measurements from the 5, 10, 15, and 20 min periods were taken based on the printout data from the IC monitor at an interval of 1 h before the beginning feeding and were contained in the 2-h measurement. The 5- and 10-min measurements followed the steady-state criterion. RESULTS: We evaluated 35 premature neonates appropriate for gestational age (born at 28-34 weeks' gestation). Mean age was 20 days+/-9 (median 14 days) and mean weight was 1530+/-270 g (median 1510 g). There was no statistically significant difference between mean VO2, VCO2, respiratory quotient and energy expenditure at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min and 2 h. CONCLUSIONS: The 5 and 10 min steady-state measurements or a measurement of more than 15 min without reaching steady state produce results similar to those of 2 h measurements.

Efeitos da sucção não-nutritiva e da estimulação oral nas taxas de amamentação em recém-nascidos pré-termo de muito baixo peso ao nascer: um ensaio clínico randomizado / Effects of non-nutritive sucking and oral stimulation on breastfeeding rates for preterm, low birth weight infants: a randomized clinical trial

OBJETIVO: Determinar a influência da sucção não-nutritiva e da estimulação oral nas taxas de amamentação na alta hospitalar, aos 3 meses e 6 meses de idade corrigida em recém-nascidos pré-termo de muito baixo peso ao nascer. MÉTODOS: Foram randomizados 98 recém-nascidos pré-termo de muito baixo peso ao nascer, e 96 permaneceram no estudo até o 6º mês de idade corrigida. Os recém-nascidos foram randomizados em grupo experimental e grupo controle. O grupo experimental recebeu um programa de estimulação (sucção não-nutritiva associado à estimulação sensório-motora-oral), e o grupo controle, um procedimento simulado a partir do momento em que atingiam alimentação plena até a alimentação oral completa. RESULTADOS: Observou-se que 59 (61,5 por cento) recém-nascidos estavam em amamentação na alta, 31 (32,6 por cento) aos 3 meses e apenas 18 (18,75 por cento) aos 6 meses de idade corrigida. Na alta, 47 por cento dos recém-nascidos do grupo controle e 76 por cento do grupo estimulado estavam em amamentação. Aos 3 meses, 18 por cento do grupo controle e 47 por cento do grupo estimulado continuavam em amamentação, e aos 6 meses, 10 por cento do grupo controle e 27 por cento do grupo estimulado. Houve diferença estatística nos três períodos estudados, favorecendo o grupo estimulado (p < 0,05). CONCLUSÃO: O presente estudo demonstra que a sucção não-nutritiva, associada à estimulação oral, pode contribuir para a melhoria das taxas de amamentação em pré-termos de muito baixo peso ao nascer.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of non-nutritive sucking and oral stimulation programs on breastfeeding rates at discharge, at 3 and at 6 months of corrected age in preterm infants with very low birth weight. METHODS: Preterm infants were randomized into experimental and control groups. Ninety-eight preterm infants were randomized and 96 remained in the study until reaching the corrected age of 6 months. The experimental group received sensory-motor-oral stimulation and non-nutritive sucking, while infants in the control group received a sham stimulation program. Both were administered from reaching enteral feeding (100 kcal/kg/day) until the beginning of oral feeding. RESULTS: Fifty-nine infants (61.5 percent) were breastfeeding at the time of hospital discharge, 31 (36.9 percent) at 3 months, and only 18 (20.5 percent) at 6 months of corrected age. At discharge, 46.9 percent of the control group and 76.5 percent of the experimental group were breastfeeding. There were statistically significant differences between rates of breastfeeding at discharge (47 vs. 76 percent), 3 months (18 vs. 47 percent) and 6 months after discharge (10 vs. 27 percent). The experimental group showed significantly higher rates of breastfeeding (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Non-nutritive sucking, associated with oral stimulation programs, can contribute to the improvement of breastfeeding rates among preterm infants with very low birth weight.