Antiracism and positive intergenerational (infant) outcomes: A county-level examination of low birth weight and infant mortality.

Racism is associated with negative intergenerational (infant) outcomes. That is, racism, both perceived and structural, is linked to critical, immediate, and long-term health factors such as low birth weight and infant mortality. Antiracism-resistance to racism such as support for the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement-has been linked to positive emotional, subjective, and mental health outcomes among adults and adolescents. To theoretically build on and integrate such past findings, the present research asked whether such advantageous health correlations might extend intergenerationally to infant outcomes? It examined a theoretical/correlational process model in which mental and physical health indicators might be indirectly related to associations between antiracism and infant health outcomes. Analyses assessed county-level data that measured BLM support (indexed as volume of BLM marches) and infant outcomes from 2014 to 2020. As predicted, in the tested model, BLM support was negatively correlated with 1) low birth weight (Ncounties = 1,445) and 2) mortalities (Ncounties = 409) among African American infants. Given salient, intergroup, policy debates tied to antiracism, the present research also examined associations among White Americans. In the tested model, BLM marches were not meaningfully related to rates of low birth weight among White American infants (Ncounties = 2,930). However, BLM support was negatively related to mortalities among White American infants (Ncounties = 862). Analyses controlled for structural indicators of income inequality, implicit/explicit bias, voting behavior, prior low birth weight/infant mortality rates, and demographic characteristics. Theory/applied implications of antiracism being linked to nonnegative and positive infant health associations tied to both marginalized and dominant social groups are discussed.

Effect of Minimization of Early Blood Sampling Losses Among Extremely Premature Neonates: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of blood sampling stewardship on transfusion requirements among infants born extremely preterm. STUDY DESIGN: In this single-center, randomized controlled trial (RCT), infants born at <28 weeks of gestation and birth weight of <1000 g were randomized at 24 hours of age to two different blood sampling approaches: restricted sampling (RS) vs conventional sampling (CS). The stewardship intervention in the RS group included targeted reduction in blood sampling volume and frequency and point of care testing methods in the first 6 weeks after birth. Both groups received early recombinant erythropoietin from day three of age. Primary outcome was the rate of early red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in the first six postnatal weeks. RESULTS: A total of 102 infants (mean gestational age: 26 weeks; birth weight: 756 g) were enrolled. Fidelity to the sampling protocol was achieved in 95% of the infants. Sampling losses in the first 6 weeks were significantly lower in the RS group (16.8 ml/kg vs 23.6 ml/kg, P < .001). The RS group had a significantly lower rate of early postnatal RBC transfusions (41% vs 73%, RR: 0.56 [0.39-0.81], P = .001). The hazard of needing a transfusion during neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay was reduced by 55% by RS. Mortality and neonatal morbidities were similar between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Minimization of blood sampling losses by approximately one-third in the first 6 weeks after birth leads to substantial reduction in the early red blood cell transfusion rate in infants born extremely preterm and weighing <1000 g at birth. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.ctri.nic.in (CTRI/2020/01/022  964).

Readmission After Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Discharge: The Importance of Social Drivers of Health.

OBJECTIVE: To determine associations between sociodemographic and medical factors and odds of readmission after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit for infants with very low birth weight (<1500g). STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study using linked data from the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative, California Vital Statistics, and the Child Opportunity Index (COI) 2.0. Infants with very low birth weight born from 2009 through 2018 in California were considered. Odds ratios of readmission within 30 days of discharge adjusting for infant medical factors, maternal sociodemographic factors, and birth hospital were calculated via multivariable logistic regression and fixed-effect logistic regression models. RESULTS: A total of 42 411 infants met inclusion criteria. Also, 8.5% of all infants were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. In addition to traditional medical risk factors, two sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with increased odds of readmission in adjusted models: payor other than private insurance for delivery [aOR = 1.25 (95% CI 1.14-1.36)] and maternal education of less than high school degree [aOR = 1.19 (95% CI 1.06-1.33)]. Neighborhood Child Opportunity Index was not associated with odds of readmission. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic factors, including lack of private insurance and lower maternal educational attainment, are significantly and independently associated with increased odds of readmission after neonatal intensive care unit discharge, in addition to traditional medical risk factors. Socioeconomic deprivation and health literacy may contribute to risk of readmission. Targeted discharge interventions focused on addressing social drivers of health warrant exploration.

The Association Between Breastfeeding and Growth Among Infants with Moderately Low Birth Weight: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between breastfeeding competency, as determined by Latch, Audible swallowing, Type of nipple, Comfort, and Hold (LATCH) and Preterm Infant Breastfeeding Behavior Scale (PIBBS) scores, and exclusive breastfeeding and growth among infants with low birth weight (LBW) in India, Malawi, and Tanzania. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted LATCH and PIBBS assessments among mother-infant dyads enrolled in the Low Birthweight Infant Feeding Exploration (LIFE) observational study of infants with moderately LBW (1500g-2499 g) in India, Malawi, and Tanzania. We analyzed feeding and growth patterns among this cohort. RESULTS: We observed 988 infants. We found no association between LATCH or PIBBS scores and rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 4 or 6 months. Higher week 1 LATCH and PIBBS scores were associated with increased likelihood of regaining birth weight by 2 weeks of age [LATCH: aRR 1.42 (95% CI 1.15, 1.76); PIBBS: aRR 1.15 (95% CI 1.07, 1.23); adjusted for maternal age, parity, education, residence, delivery mode, LBW type, number of offspring, and site]. Higher PIBBS scores at 1 week were associated with improved weight gain velocity (weight-for-age z-score change) at 1, 4, and 6 months [adjusted beta coefficient: 1 month 0.04 (95% CI 0.01, 0.06); 4 month 0.04 (95% CI 0.01, 0.06); and 6 month 0.04 (95% CI 0.00, 0.08)]. CONCLUSION: Although week 1 LATCH and PIBBS scores were not associated with rates of exclusive breastfeeding, higher scores were positively associated with growth metrics among infants with LBW, suggesting that these tools may be useful to identify dyads who would benefit from early lactation support.

Duration of Simultaneous Exposure to High-Risk and Lower-Risk Nephrotoxic Antimicrobials in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Future Adolescent Kidney Health.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether greater duration of simultaneous exposure to antimicrobials with high nephrotoxicity risk combined with lower-risk antimicrobials (simultaneous exposure) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is associated with worse later kidney health in adolescents born preterm with very low birth weight (VLBW). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of participants born preterm with VLBW (<1500 g) as singletons between January 1, 1992, and June 30, 1996. We defined simultaneous exposure as a high-risk antimicrobial, such as vancomycin, administered with a lower-risk antimicrobial on the same date in the NICU. Outcomes were serum creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and first-morning urine albumin-creatinine ratio (ACR) at age 14 years. We fit multivariable linear regression models with days of simultaneous exposure and days of nonsimultaneous exposure as main effects, adjusting for gestational age, birth weight, and birth weight z-score. RESULTS: Of the 147 out of 177 participants who had exposure data, 97% received simultaneous antimicrobials for mean duration 7.2 days (SD 5.6). No participant had eGFR <90 ml/min/1.73 m2. The mean ACR was 15.2 mg/g (SD 38.7) and 7% had albuminuria (ACR >30 mg/g). Each day of simultaneous exposure was associated only with a 1.04-mg/g higher ACR (95% CI 1.01 to 1.06). CONCLUSIONS: Despite frequent simultaneous exposure to high-risk combined with lower-risk nephrotoxic antimicrobials in the NICU, there were no clinically relevant associations with worse kidney health identified in adolescence. Although future studies are needed, these findings may provide reassurance in a population thought to be at increased risk of chronic kidney disease.

Impact on pregnancy outcomes of intermittent preventive treatment with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in urban and peri-urban Papua New Guinea: a retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) reduces malaria-attributable adverse pregnancy outcomes and may also prevent low birth weight (< 2,500 g) through mechanisms independent of malaria. Malaria transmission in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is highly heterogeneous. The impact of IPTp-SP on adverse birth outcomes in settings with little or no malaria transmission, such as PNG's capital city Port Moresby, is unknown. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted amongst HIV-negative women with a singleton pregnancy who delivered at Port Moresby General Hospital between 18 July and 21 August 2022. The impact of IPTp-SP doses on adverse birth outcomes and anaemia was assessed using logistic and linear regression models, as appropriate. RESULTS: Of 1,140 eligible women amongst 1,228 consecutive births, 1,110 had a live birth with a documented birth weight. A total of 156 women (13.7%) did not receive any IPTp-SP, 347 women (30.4%) received one, 333 (29.2%) received two, and 304 (26.7%) received the recommended ≥ 3 doses of IPTp-SP. A total of 65 of 1,110 liveborn babies (5.9%) had low birth weight and there were 34 perinatal deaths (3.0%). Anaemia (haemoglobin < 100 g/L) was observed in 30.6% (243/793) of women, and 14 (1.2%) had clinical malaria in pregnancy. Compared to women receiving 0-1 dose of IPTp-SP, women receiving ≥ 2 doses had lower odds of LBW (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.50; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.26, 0.96), preterm birth (aOR 0.58; 95% CI 0.32, 1.04), perinatal death (aOR 0.49; 95% CI 0.18, 1.38), LBW/perinatal death (aOR 0.55; 95% CI 0.27, 1.12), and anaemia (OR 0.50; 95% CI 0.36, 0.69). Women who received 2 doses versus 0-1 had 45% lower odds of LBW (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.27, 1.10), and a 16% further (total 61%) reduction with ≥ 3 doses (aOR 0.39, 95% CI 0.14, 1.05). Birth weights for women who received 2 or ≥ 3 doses versus 0-1 were 81 g (95% CI -3, 166) higher, and 151 g (58, 246) higher, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Provision of IPTp-SP in a low malaria-transmission setting in PNG appears to translate into substantial health benefits, in a dose-response manner, supporting the strengthening IPTp-SP uptake across all transmission settings in PNG.

Adolescent behavioral problems, preterm/low birth weight children and adult life success in a prospective Australian birth cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Preterm and/or low birthweight (PT/LBW) is predictive of a range of adverse adult outcomes, including lower employment, educational attainment, and mental wellbeing, and higher welfare receipt. Existing studies, however, on PT/LBW and adult psychosocial risks are often limited by low statistical power. Studies also fail to examine potential child or adolescent pathways leading to later adult adversity. Using a life course framework, we examine how adolescent problem behaviors may moderate the association between PT/LBW and a multidimensional measure of life success at age 30 to potentially address these limitations. METHODS: We analyze 2044 respondents from a Brisbane, Australia cohort followed from birth in1981-1984 through age 30. We examine moderation patterns using obstetric birth outcomes for weight and gestation, measures of problem behaviors from the Child Behavioral Checklist at age 14, and measures of educational attainment and life success at 30 using multivariable normal and ordered logistic regression. RESULTS: Associations between PT/LBW and life success was found to be moderated by adolescent problem behaviors in six scales, including CBCL internalizing, externalizing, and total problems (all p < 0.01). In comparison, associations between LBW and educational attainment illustrate how a single-dimensional measure may yield null results. CONCLUSION: For PT/LBW, adolescent problem behaviors increase risk of lower life success at age 30. Compared to analysis of singular outcomes, the incorporation of multidimensional measures of adult wellbeing, paired with identification of risk and protective factors for adult life success as children develop over the lifespan, may further advance existing research and interventions for PT/LBW children.

Body composition from birth to 6 months in term small for gestational age Indian infants: Effect of catch-up growth.

The objective of this prospective observational study was to assess the growth and body composition of term small for gestational age (SGA) infants from birth to 6 months and evaluate the effect of catch-up growth (CUG) on body composition. Term SGA newborns were recruited at birth. Anthropometry and body composition were evaluated at 3 days, 6, 10 and 14 weeks, and 6 months. Fat and fat-free mass (FM and FFM) were compared between infants with and without CUG (increase in weight Z-score by >0.67) by air displacement plethysmography. Factors that could affect body composition and CUG, including parents' BMI and stature, infants' weight, gender and feeding were evaluated. 143 SGA newborns (66 boys) with birth weight of 2336 ± 214 g were enrolled; 109 were followed-up till 6 months. Median weight Z-score increased from -2.3 at birth to -1.3 at 6 months, with 51.9% of infants showing CUG. Infants with CUG had higher FM (1796 ± 491g vs. 1196 ± 474 g, p<0.001) but similar FFM (4969 ± 508g vs. 4870 ± 622g, p=0.380); and consequently higher FM% (26.5 ± 5.8 vs. 19.7 ± 6.9, p<0.001), compared to those without CUG. Lower birth weight, exclusive breastfeeding and higher parental stature were positively associated with CUG. In conclusion, CUG in term SGA infants in first 6 months of life was almost entirely attributable to greater gain in fat mass. Follow-up of this cohort will provide insight into the long-term effect of disproportionate gain in FM in early infancy in SGA babies.

Expiratory airflow limitation in adults born extremely preterm: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Extreme preterm (EP) birth, denoting delivery before the onset of the third trimester, interrupts intrauterine development and causes significant early-life pulmonary trauma, thereby posing a lifelong risk to respiratory health. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate adult lung function following EP birth (gestational age <28 weeks); comparing forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC to reference values. Subgroup differences were explored based on timing of birth relative to surfactant use (1991) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) status. Systematic searches were performed in Medline, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Central. Quality assessments were carried out using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort studies. Sixteen studies encompassing 1036 EP-born adults were included, with 14 studies (n = 787) reporting data as %predicted, and 11 (n = 879) as z-score (not mutually exclusive). Overall mean [95 % confidence interval (CI)] %FEV1 was 85.30 (82.51; 88.09), %FVC was 94.33 (91.74; 96.91), and FEV1/FVC was 79.54 (77.71 to 81.38), all three with high heterogeneity. Overall mean (95 %CI) zFEV1 was -1.05 (-1.21; -0.90) and zFVC was. -0.45 (-0.59; -0.31), both with moderate heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses revealed no difference in FEV1 before versus after widespread use of surfactant, but more impairments after neonatal BPD. This meta-analysis revealed significant airflow limitation in EP-born adults, mostly explained by those with neonatal BPD. FEV1 was more reduced than FVC, and FEV1/FVC was at the lower limit of normal. Although at a group level, most adult EP-born individuals do not meet COPD criteria, these findings are concerning.

Reactance inversion in moderate to severe persistent asthma: low birth weight, prematurity effect, and bronchodilator response.

INTRODUCTION: Reactance inversion (RI) has been associated with impaired peripheral airway function in persistent asthma. However, there is little to no data about the difference between asthmatic children with and without RI. This study aimed to detect clinical and lung function differences in moderate-severe asthmatic children with and without RI. METHODS: This study was conducted between 2021 and 2022 in asthmatic school-age children. Impulse oscillometry (IOS) and spirometry were performed according to ATS/ERS standards. RESULTS: A total of 62 patients, with a mean age of 8.4 years, 54.8% were males and were divided into three groups: group 1 (32.3%) with no RI, group 2 (27.4%) with RI but disappearing after bronchodilator test and group 3 (40.3%) with persistent RI after bronchodilator test. Children in groups 2 and 3 had significantly lower birth weights than in group 1. Group 2 had lower gestational age compared to group 1. FEV1 and FEF25-75 of forced vital capacity were significantly lower in groups 2 and 3. In group 3, R5, AX, R5-20, and R5-R20/R5 ratios were significantly higher. Bronchodilator responses (BDR) in X5c, AX, and R5-R20 were significantly different between groups and lower in group 3. CONCLUSION: RI is frequently found in children with moderate-severe persistent asthma, particularly in those with a history of prematurity or low birth weight. In some patients, RI disappears after the bronchodilator test; however, it, persists in those with the worst pulmonary function. RI could be a small airway dysfunction marker.

Pharmacovigilance of nephrotoxic drugs in neonates: the Pottel method for acute kidney injury detection in ELBW neonates.

BACKGROUND: Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates (birth weight ≤ 1000 g) are at high risk to develop drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). However, we lack a pragmatic detection tool to capture their time-dependent (patho)physiologic serum creatinine (Scr) patterns. Pottel et al. suggested rescaling Scr by dividing Scr with the mean Scr value of the age- and sex-specific reference population. We explored if this Pottel method can detect drug-related nephrotoxicity in ELBW neonates. METHODS: A previously reported dataset on Scr changes in ELBW neonates exposed to ibuprofen, amikacin, or vancomycin was updated to calculate Pottel scores for every available Scr value in the first 28 postnatal days. We hereby used previously published postnatal age-specific 50th centile values in an ELBW population. Linear mixed models were applied, analyzing Pottel scores as response variable and continuous time (day), drug exposure, and interaction thereof in the explanatory model. RESULTS: Serum creatinine (n = 3231) observations in 201 ELBW neonates were collected. A statistically significant rise of Pottel scores was observed with ibuprofen starting from postnatal day 4. In addition, a cumulative effect of treatment with mean Pottel scores on day 0 of 1.020 and on day 3 during treatment of 1.106 (95% CI 1.068-1.145, p < 0.001) was observed, corrected for effect of antibiotics. Antibiotic administrations showed a small but statistically significant difference up to postnatal day 5. CONCLUSIONS: As rescaled Scr biomarker, the Pottel method showed a clear association with ibuprofen-exposed ELBW neonates, suggesting its applicability as a pragmatic bedside alternative tool to assess nephrotoxicity.

Composition and dynamics of intestinal fungi during the postnatal 2 months of very low birth weight infants.

It has been found that intestinal fungi play a role in the composition of the intestinal microecology and in the formation and development of the immunity during childhood. We investigated the gut fungi composition of preterm infants to analysis composition and dynamics of intestinal fungi during the postnatal 2 months of very low birth weight infants. We collected feces from 34 very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) and 28 preterm infants with birth weight >1500 g. We extracted total fungal DNA from feces and analyzed the composition of gut fungus through ITS sequencing. The fungal detectable rate in the experimental group peaked on day 3 (85.19%), then gradually decreased and started to show an increasing trend again by day 28. There were significant differences in the alpha diversity of intestinal fungus between VLBWI and controls, and the VLBWI had its own characteristics at different time points in richness and diversity. A total of 10 phylums and 342 genera were identified in all VLBWI samples. The dominant fungal phylum of the VLBWI group is Ascomycota (50.3%)and Basidiomycota (48.8%). The functional metabolic activity of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. CONCLUSION: The composition and abundance of VLBWI intestinal fungal showed several alterations during the first 2 months of life. The prediction of gut microbiota function suggests that intestinal metabolic function may be altered in VLBWI. WHAT IS KNOWN: • A limited number of studies has been found that symbiont fungi may be able to calibrate host immunological responses, promote development of peripheral lymphoid organs, promote T cell responses, and even may be associated with the development of certain diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), NEC, and allergic diseases. However, previous studies on intestinal microecology have mainly focused on adults while neglecting the role of fungi in the gut of children due to the much lower abundance of intestinal fungi than bacteria, limitations of techniques for detecting fungi, the difficulty of obtaining samples, and the absence of largescale reference databases. WHAT IS NEW: • In recent years, the discovery and development of fungal detection technologies such as 18s rDNA sequencing technology, Internal Transcribed Spacer(ITS), and DNA fingerprinting technology have further broadened the perspective on the impact of intestinal fungal exposure in early life.

Influence of gastric residual assessment in preterm neonates on time to achieve enteral feeding (the GRASS trial)-Multi-centre, assessor-blinded randomised clinical trial.

PURPOSE: Gastric residual measurement is routinely performed in premature infants prior to feeding despite a lack of evidence of benefit. We aimed to evaluate if the exclusion of routine gastric residual measurement and evaluation has an impact on the time taken to achieve full enteral feeding in preterm neonates. METHODS: International multi-centre randomised controlled trial. Clinically stable, appropriate for gestational age infants between 26+0 and 30+6 weeks of gestation and less than 1.5 kg birth weight were eligible. Infants were randomised to the intervention arm (no monitoring of gastric aspirates) or control arm (routine care). Primary outcome was the achievement of enteral feeds of 100 ml/kg/day by day 5 of life. RESULTS: Ninety-five infants were recruited with 88 included in an intention-to-treat analysis, 45 in the intervention arm and 43 in the control arm. There was no imbalance in baseline characteristics. Thirty-three (73.3%) infants in the intervention group and 32 infants (74.4%) in the control group reached full feeds by day 5 of life (p = 0.91) with no difference in median time to full feeds. There were no statistically significant differences in survival or the major morbidities of prematurity. CONCLUSION:  There was no difference in time to attainment of enteral feeds of 100 ml/kg/day in premature infants when gastric residuals were not monitored. In the absence of a clinical benefit to routine monitoring, it may be appropriate to discontinue this practice and only monitor residuals when clinical concern of feeding intolerance or gastrointestinal pathology arises in this group of patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION:  NCT03111329- https://clinicaltrials.gov/ . Registered 06/04/2017. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Previous randomized trials have shown little benefit to the performance of routine assessment of gastric residuals in preterm infants. Despite this, they continue to be performed due to concerns from observational data regarding development of NEC. Meta-analysis to date has failed to answer the question regarding NEC. WHAT IS NEW: • In very low birth weight infants who are fed using modern feeding practice of faster feed advancement, to minimize use of central access and parenteral nutrition, exclusion of routine checks of gastric residuals did not increase the proportion of infants reaching full enteral feeds by day 5. No harm was seen when residual checks were not performed. • In the absence of a clinical benefit to the routine performance of gastric residuals in very low birth weight infants, it may be appropriate to discontinue their use and instead check residuals when clinical concern of pathology arises.

Risk factors for acute kidney injury in very-low birth weight newborns: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

This study aims to analyze the main risk factors for acute kidney injury in the subgroup of very-low birth weight newborns, using the diagnosing criteria of the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) or the Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN). A systematic review of the literature was performed on the EMBASE® and PubMed® platforms. Studies that evaluated the risk factors for developing AKI in VLBW newborns were included. For the meta-analysis, we only included the risk factors that were associated with AKI in the univariate analysis of at least two studies. After an initial screening, abstract readings, and full-text readings, 10 articles were included in the systematic review and 9 in the meta-analysis. The incidence of AKI varied from 11.6 to 55.8%. All the studies have performed multivariate analysis, and the risk factors that appeared most were PDA and hemodynamic instability (use of inotropes or hypotension), sepsis, and invasive mechanical ventilation. After the meta-analysis, only cesarian delivery did not show an increased risk of AKI, all the other variables remained as important risk factors. Moreover, in our meta-analysis, we found a pooled increased risk of death in newborns with AKI almost 7 times.  Conclusion: AKI in VLBW has several risk factors and must be seen as a multifactorial disease. The most common risk factors were PDA, hemodynamic instability, sepsis, and invasive mechanical ventilation. What is known: • Acute kidney injury is associated with worst outcomes in all ages. It´s prevention can help diminish mortality. What is new: • A synthesis of the main risk factors associated with AKI in very low birth weight newborns.

Machine learning-based analysis for prediction of surgical necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants using perinatal factors: a nationwide cohort study.

Early prediction of surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (sNEC) in preterm infants is important. However, owing to the complexity of the disease, identifying infants with NEC at a high risk for surgical intervention is difficult. We developed a machine learning (ML) algorithm to predict sNEC using perinatal factors obtained from the national cohort registry of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Data were collected from the medical records of 16,385 VLBW infants registered in the Korean Neonatal Network (KNN). Infants who underwent surgical intervention were identified with sNEC, and infants who received medical treatment, with medical NEC (mNEC). We used 38 variables, including maternal, prenatal, and postnatal factors that were obtained within 1 week of birth, for training. A total of 1085 patients had NEC (654 with sNEC and 431 with mNEC). VLBW infants showed a higher incidence of sNEC at a lower gestational age (GA) (p < 0.001). Our proposed ensemble model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.721 for sNEC prediction.    Conclusion: Proposed ensemble model may help predict which infants with NEC are likely to develop sNEC. Through early prediction and prompt intervention, prognosis of sNEC may be improved. What is Known: • Machine learning (ML)-based techniques have been employed in NEC research for prediction, diagnosis, and prognosis, with promising outcomes. • While most studies have utilized abdominal radiographs and clinical manifestations of NEC as data sources, and have demonstrated their usefulness, they may prove weak in terms of early prediction. What is New: • We analyzed the perinatal factors of VLBW infants acquired within 7 days of birth and used ML-based analysis to identify which infants with NEC are vulnerable to clinical deterioration and at high risk for surgical intervention using nationwide cohort data.

Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided peripheral arterial cannulation in neonates, including very low birth weight infants who are conventionally difficult-to-cannulate: a case series.

The effectiveness of ultrasound-guided peripheral arterial cannulation (UGPAC) in children has been increasingly been reported. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports of UGPAC in neonates, including very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). In this study, we aimed to retrospectively review the results of UGPAC in neonates, including VLBWIs, and assess its effectiveness. This case series was conducted in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Japan. We included neonates aged below 28 days who underwent UGPAC in our NICU between April 2021 and October 2022. We extracted the following data from medical records and analysed it retrospectively: patient age (days), postconceptional age, patient weight at the time of cannulation, number of punctures using the conventional technique before ultrasound guidance was performed and number of punctures with the ultrasound-guided technique until successful cannulation. A total of 27 UGPACs were performed in 19 neonates, including 14 cannulations in 10 VLBWIs. In infants weighing > 1500 g and VLBWIs, the success rate within the first three punctures was 100% (13/13) and 79% (11/14), respectively. Overall, 41% (11/27) of UGPACs were performed following failed punctures using conventional methods, with a 100% success rate within the first three attempts. In all cases, no apparent adverse events, such as hypothermia, were noted.  Conclusions: Our results suggest that UGPAC had a high success rate in neonates, including VLBWIs. Further studies are required to compare the effectiveness of UGPAC with conventional methods in neonates. What is Known: • The use of ultrasound guidance for arterial cannulation is recommended in children. • Ultrasound-guided peripheral arterial cannulation (UGPAC) in neonates, including very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs), has not been reported. What is New: • UGPAC in neonates, including VLBWIs, was performed with a high success rate; approximately 40% of UGPACs were performed after the failure of the conventional methods. • This study suggested the effectiveness of UGPAC in neonates, including VLBWIs.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm and growth-restricted neonate with congenital heart defect: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of the study is to assess the risks of neurodevelopmental morbidity among preterm and growth restricted youth with congenital heart defects (CHD). This systematic review and meta-analysis included observational studies assessing neurodevelopmental outcomes among children with CHD born preterm (i.e., before 37 weeks of gestation) or growth restricted (small-for-gestational age (SGA) with a birthweight < the 10th percentile or with low birthweight (LBW) < 2500 g). Studies were identified in Medline and Embase databases from inception until May 2022, with data extracted by two blinded reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme cohort checklist. Meta-analysis involved the use of random-effects models. Main outcome measures were neurodevelopmental outcomes including overall cognitive impairment and intellectual disability, IQ, communication, and motor skills scores. From 3573 reports, we included 19 studies in qualitative synthesis and 6 meta-analysis studies. Risk of bias was low in 8/19 studies. Cognitive impairment and intellectual disability were found in 26% (95% CI 20-32, I2 = 0%) and 19% (95% CI 7-35, I2 = 82%) of preterm children with CHD, respectively. Two studies documented a lower IQ score for SGA children who underwent CHD operations in comparison to non-SGA children who also underwent CHD operations. Two studies have reported lower IQ, communication, and motor skills in children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and low birth weight compared to those with HLHS and expected birth weight. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a low level of evidence, prematurity and/or growth retardation appear to accentuate specific neurodevelopmental outcomes in certain CHD subgroups. Further evidence is needed to confirm these findings. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO [CRD42020201414]. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Children born with CHD, preterm birth, or growth restriction at birth are independently at higher risk for neurodevelopmental impairment. • The additional effect of preterm birth and/or growth restriction on neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with CHD remains unclear. WHAT IS NEW: • Prematurity and/or growth retardation appear to accentuate specific neurodevelopmental outcomes in certain CHD subgroups. • Children with CHD, particularly those born preterm or with growth restriction, should undergo lifelong systematic comprehensive neurodevelopmental assessment.

The maternal factors associated with infant low birth weight: an umbrella review.

BACKGROUND: In this umbrella review, we systematically evaluated the evidence from meta-analyses and systematic reviews of maternal factors associated with low birth weight. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to identify all relevant published studies up to August 2023. We included all meta-analysis studies (based on cohort, case-control, cross-sectional studies) that examined the association between maternal factors (15 risk factors) and risk of LBW, regardless of publication date. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the summary effect size along with the 95% confidence interval (CI), 95% prediction interval, and heterogeneity (I2) in all meta-analyses. Hedges' g was used as the effect size metric. The effects of small studies and excess significance biases were assessed using funnel plots and the Egger's test, respectively. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR 2 tool. RESULTS: We included 13 systematic Review with 15 meta-analysis studies in our study based on the inclusion criteria. The following 13 maternal factors were identified as risk factors for low birth weight: crack/cocaine (odds ratio [OR] 2.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.26-3.52), infertility (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.2-1.48), smoking (OR 2.00, 95% CI 1.76-2.28), periodontal disease (OR 2.41, 95% CI 1.67-3.47), depression (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.34-2.53), anemia (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.13-1.55), caffeine/coffee (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14-1.57), heavy physical workload (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.00-3.47), lifting ≥ 11 kg (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.02-2.48), underweight (OR 1.79, 95% CI 1.20-2.67), alcohol (OR 1.23, 95% CI 1.04-1.46), hypertension (OR 3.90, 95% CI 2.73-5.58), and hypothyroidism (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.01-1.94). A significant negative association was also reported between antenatal care and low birth weight. CONCLUSIONS: This umbrella review identified drug use (such as crack/cocaine), infertility, smoking, periodontal disease, depression, caffeine and anemia as risk factors for low birth weight in pregnant women. These findings suggest that pregnant women can reduce the risk of low birth weight by maintaining good oral health, eating a healthy diet, managing stress and mental health, and avoiding smoking and drug use.

Effect of a chimney-fitted improved stove on pregnancy outcomes in Northwest Ethiopia: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to household air pollution during pregnancy has been linked to adverse pregnancy outcomes. Improved stove was implemented in Ethiopia to reduce this exposure and related health problems. However, the effects of improved stove interventions on pregnancy outcomes remains uncertain. METHOD: Individually randomized stove replacement trial was conducted among 422 households in six low-income rural kebeles of Northwestern Ethiopia. Pregnant women without known health conditions were recruited at ≤ 24 weeks gestation and randomized to an intervention or control group with a 1:1 ratio. A baseline survey was collected and a balance test was done. Two-sided independent samples t-test for continuous outcomes and chi-square for categorical variables were used to compare the effect of the intervention between the groups. Mean differences with 95% CIs were calculated and a p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULT: In this study, the mean birth weight was 3065 g (SD = 453) among the intervention group and not statistically different from 2995 g (SD = 541) of control group. After adjusting for covariates, infants born from intervention group weighed 55 g more [95% CI: - 43 to 170) than infants born from the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.274). The respective percentages for low birth weight were 8% and 10.3% for intervention and control groups respectively (P = 0.346). However, the average gestational age at delivery was higher among improved stove users (38 weeks (SD = 8.2) compared to control groups 36.5 weeks (SD = 9.6) with statistically significant difference at 0.91 weeks (95% CI: 0.52 to 1.30 weeks, p < 0.001). The corresponding difference in risk ratio for preterm birth is 0.94 (95% CI:0.92 to 0.97; p < 0.001). The percentages for maternal complications, stillbirth, and miscarriage in the intervention group were not statistically different from the control group. CONCLUSIONS: While the increase in average birth weight among babies born to mothers using improved stoves was not statistically significant, babies had a longer gestational age on average, offering valuable health benefits. However, the study didn't find a significant impact on other pregnancy outcomes like stillbirth, miscarriage, or maternal complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry website under the code PACTR202111534227089, ( https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/ (Identifier). The first trial registration date was (11/11/2021).

Adverse birth outcome among women who gave birth at the University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospital, Northwest Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: In Ethiopia, various maternal and child health interventions, including comprehensive and basic obstetric cares were conducted to curb high neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality. As such, adverse birth outcome has been a public health concern in the country. Thus, this study aimed to assess the burden and associated factors with adverse birth outcomes among women who gave birth at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: A health facility-based cross-sectional study was employed from 30 March to 01 May 2021 at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. A total of 455 women were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. A binary logistic regression model was fitted Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95%CI and p-value < 0.05 were used to declare factors significantly associated with adverse birth outcomes. RESULTS: In this study, 28% of women had adverse birth outcomes (8.4% stillbirths, 22.9% preterm births, and 10.11% low birth weights). Women aged 20-34) (AOR: 0.32, 95%CI: 0.14, 0.76), rural dwellers (AOR: 2.7, 95%CI: 1.06, 6.32), lack of ANC visits (AOR: 4.10, 95%CI: 1.55, 10.85), APH (AOR: 3.0, 95%CI: 1.27, 7.10) and fever (AOR: 7.80, 95%CI: 3.57, 17.02) were associated to stillbirths. Multiple pregnancy (AOR:7.30, 95%CI:1.75, 20.47), rural dwellers (AOR:4.60, 95%CI:1.36, 15.52), preterm births (AOR: 8.60, 95% CI: 3.88, 19.23), previous perinatal death (AOR:2.90, 95%CI:1.35, 6.24), fever (AOR:2.7,95%CI:1.17 ,6.23) and premature rupture of membrane (AOR:2.60, 95% CI:1.02, 6.57) were affecting low birth weights. In addition, previous antepartum hemorrhage (AOR: 2.40, 95%CI: 1.37, 4.10) and fever (AOR: 3.8, 95%CI: 2.13, 6.89) were also factors contributing to preterm births. CONCLUSION: Adverse birth outcomes continue to pose a significant public health concern. Such high rates of adverse birth outcomes, such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects, can have serious and long-lasting effects on the health and well-being of both infants and their families, and the community at large. As such, public health efforts are crucial in addressing and mitigating the risk factors associated with adverse birth outcomes. This may involve implementing interventions and policies to improve maternal health, access to prenatal care and nutritional support, and reducing exposure to environmental risks.