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Pediatric regional anesthesia (RA) has emerged as a rapidly advancing dimension within pediatric anesthesia, demanding a continual commitment to knowledge acquisition. This review underscores the contemporary significance of this specialty, focusing on its application in neonates and infants. The primary objective of RA is to address perioperative pain effectively while preserving the delicate physiological balance, thereby enhancing overall patient care. This review explores the advantages offered by RA in this age group. Furthermore, conventional, and recently introduced techniques of RA are examined by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of these methods. The aim is to provide clinicians with a nuanced understanding of their applicability in different clinical scenarios. Additionally, the review elucidates the unique considerations associated with pediatric RA, acknowledging pediatric patients’ distinctive anatomical and physiological characteristics. The exceptional cases of congenital anomalies and their implications for the choice of RA are considered. An aspect of the review is its focus on dosages of local anesthetics and the volumes required for various blocks in neonates and infants. The dosages for continuous infusion and practical issues with infusions are considered. Complications associated with RA are described, along with their prevention and treatment. The review offers pragmatic insights into the selection criteria for various regional blocks, aiding anesthesiologists in making informed decisions tailored to individual patient needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To explore the surgical treatment of depressed fracture of skull in neonates. Methods and Results Eight neonates with depressed fracture of skull who underwent surgery in Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University from January 2021 to December 2023 were included, and all of them underwent CT thin-slice scan + 3D reconstruction of skull before surgery. According to the location, extent and depth of the depression, the depressed edge was drilled and the depressed skull was reduced by bone pry (3 cases). The depressed skull collapsed again after the bone was pried up, the skin incision was extended to reveal the depressed area, and the shaped absorbable connector was fixed in the depressed area after prying up (2 cases). Blunt separation of the skull and dura mater at the lateral corner of the anterior fontanelle, and deep bone pry to pry up the depressed skull for reduction (one case). The skull and dura mater were bluntly separated from the coronal suture at the edge of the depression, and the depressed skull was pried up and reduced by deep bone pry (2 cases). On the first day after surgery, the re- examination of CT thin-slice scan + 3D reconstruction of skull showed that the depression reduction was satisfactory. Spontaneous fracture healing was happened in one case with linear fractures; hemorrhage resorption spontaneously was happened in one case with epidural hematoma. The average follow-up was 6.80 months, and the re-examination of CT thin-slice scan + 3D reconstruction of skull showed that the skull development was normal and there was no re-depression. Conclusions Immediate reduction of depressed fracture of skull can be achieved with surgery, and for fractures close to the anterior fontanelle or suture, the depression can be prying up through the lateral angle of the anterior fontanelle or the unclosed suture, which is more minimally invasive.

Purpose : This study describes changes in the utilization pattern of emergency departments (EDs) by neonates during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic to ensure efficient resource allocation during future infectious disease outbreaks. Methods : We performed a retrospective observational study by reviewing the medical records of neonates (≤ 30 days) who visited the ED. They were divided into pre-pandemic (February 2018-January 2020) and pandemic (February 2020-January 2022) groups. We compared data regarding ED utilization, including length of stay, disposition, and chief complaints. Results : A total of 156 neonates visited the ED during the study period. A 42.4% decrease in the visits was observed during the pandemic group (n = 57), compared with the pre-pandemic group (n = 99). In particular, the proportion of visits by neonates aged 7 days or younger has decreased from 14.1% (14/99) to 3.5% (2/57; P = 0.035). The proportion of plain radiography performed and median ED length of stay increased from 36.4% (36/99) to 63.2% (36/57; P = 0.001), and from 66.0 minutes (interquartile range, 42.0-116.0) to 86.0 minutes (59.0-153.0; P = 0.007), respectively. Among the chief complaints, fever, respiratory symptoms, and minor clinical problems increased during the pandemic (29.3% to 36.8%, 11.1% to 14.0%, and 9.1% to 14.0%, respectively). Conclusion : The pandemic led to a marked reduction in neonatal ED visits, particularly among those aged 7 days or younger. Increases were noted in the rates of plain radiography performed, fever, respiratory, and minor clinical symptoms, as well as median ED length of stay. EDs should prepare for efficient emergency treatments tailored to neonates.

Aims Methods Results Conclusions Gastro‐oesophageal reflux is common in newborns, especially in premature infants. Treatment by medication is controversial as the drugs prescribed have not been consistently proven to be effective and are known to have adverse effects. This study sought to identify trends in the prescription of anti‐reflux medication in a large group of French neonatal units.Data on prescriptions of anti‐reflux treatments—proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, histamine‐2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and prokinetics—from 2014 to 2022 for infants with a corrected gestational age <45 weeks, were extracted from a prescription database (Logipren®) used by 63 French neonatal units, and then analysed.Of all infants recorded in the database during the study period (n = 152 743), 10.2% (n = 15 650) were prescribed anti‐reflux medication (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.0–10.4%), mainly as monotherapy (77.5%). The rate was higher in the subgroup of preterm infants born before 28 weeks of gestation (n = 9493) (20.6%, 95% CI 19.8–21.4%; n = 1956). PPIs were the most commonly prescribed anti‐reflux medications (6.9% of infants, 95% CI 6.8–7.0), followed by antacids (5.2%, 95% CI 5.1–5.3%), while H2RAs and prokinetics were rarely prescribed. Over the period, the prescription rate remained stable for PPIs, decreased for H2RAs (τ = −0.86, P = .02), and, among preterm infants born at gestational ages of 28–31 or 32–36 weeks, increased for antacids.Anti‐reflux medications were frequently prescribed by neonatal units, especially for extremely premature infants. Most of these prescriptions were for PPIs and antacids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Enfermería Neonatal is the property of Fundacion para la Salud Materno Infantil (FUNDASAMIN) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Enfermería Neonatal is the property of Fundacion para la Salud Materno Infantil (FUNDASAMIN) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Enfermería Neonatal is the property of Fundacion para la Salud Materno Infantil (FUNDASAMIN) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: to construct, validate and evaluate an app for mobile devices on humanized care practices for newborns at habitual risk in maternity wards, aimed at health professionals and family members. Method: a methodological study in seven stages: Literature review; Content organization; App construction; Validation by experts; Suitability after validation; Evaluation by the target audience; and Suitability after evaluation. A total of 22 experts took part in the validation and 21 individuals from the target audience in the evaluation. The instruments addressed content, face and/or motivation, with the System Usability Scale for usability. The following was calculated: Concordance Index and Usability Score. Results: in the validation process, the app achieved a Concordance Index of 0.97; ranging from 0.82 to 1.0 across the items analyzed. In the evaluation, the index was 0.99, varying from 0.95 to 1.0. In usability of the first version, the Concordance Index was 0.92 and the Usability Score was 93. In the second version, the index was 0.93 and the score was 94, indicating better usability achieved since the first version. Conclusion: the “ Nasci Bem ” app proved to be comprehensible, relevant, pertinent, efficient, easy to use, with low inconsistency, and with excellent potential to use it as educational technology for professionals and family members.

Pediatric regional anesthesia (RA) has emerged as a rapidly advancing dimension within pediatric anesthesia, demanding a continual commitment to knowledge acquisition. This review underscores the contemporary significance of this specialty, focusing on its application in neonates and infants. The primary objective of RA is to address perioperative pain effectively while preserving the delicate physiological balance, thereby enhancing overall patient care. This review explores the advantages offered by RA in this age group. Furthermore, conventional, and recently introduced techniques of RA are examined by exploring the advantages and disadvantages of these methods. The aim is to provide clinicians with a nuanced understanding of their applicability in different clinical scenarios. Additionally, the review elucidates the unique considerations associated with pediatric RA, acknowledging pediatric patients’ distinctive anatomical and physiological characteristics. The exceptional cases of congenital anomalies and their implications for the choice of RA are considered. An aspect of the review is its focus on dosages of local anesthetics and the volumes required for various blocks in neonates and infants. The dosages for continuous infusion and practical issues with infusions are considered. Complications associated with RA are described, along with their prevention and treatment. The review offers pragmatic insights into the selection criteria for various regional blocks, aiding anesthesiologists in making informed decisions tailored to individual patient needs.

Abstract Objective To compare the effectiveness and safety of non-mRNA versus mRNA COVID-19 vaccines on pregnant women and their newborns in a systematic review with meta-analysis. Data sources We searched PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Central in May 2023. Study selection The search strategy yielded 4451 results, 16 studies were fully reviewed. We selected case-control studies analysing non-mRNA versus mRNA vaccines. Data collection and analysis: we assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tool. Standardised mean differences were pooled using random-effect models. Data synthesis We identified 8 prospective and retrospective studies with a total of 32,153 patients. Non-mRNA vaccines were associated with a higher incidence of fever (OR 2.67; 95% CI 2.08-3.43; p

Abstract Objective To evaluate the association between the dietary patterns (DPs) of pregnant women with GDM (gestational diabetes mellitus) and the birth weight (BW) of the infants. Methods Cross-sectional study with 187 adult pregnant women with GDM attended at a maternity in Rio de Janeiro from 2011 to 2014. Dietary intake was assessed in the third trimester using a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). The outcomes were BW and weight adequacy for gestational age (GA). Reduced Rank Regression (RRR) was used to explain the following response variables: density of carbohydrates, fibres, and saturated fatty acids. Statistical analyzes included multinomial logistic regression models. Results The mean BW was 3261.9 (± 424.5) g. Three DPs were identified, with DP 3 (high consumption of refined carbohydrates, fast foods/snacks, whole milk, sugars/sweets, and soft drinks and low consumption of beans, vegetables, and low-fat milk and derivatives) being the main pattern, explaining 48.37% of the response variables. In the multinomial logistic regression analysis no statistically significant association was found between the tertiles of DPs and BW or the adequacy of weight for GA, even after adjustments of confounding covariates. Conclusion No significant associations were found between maternal DPs in the third trimester of pregnancy and infant BW or adequacy of weight for GA.

Abstract Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function is crucial in NICU. The study aimed to compare the accuracy and agreement of global longitudinal strain (GLS) with conventional measurements. Real-life echocardiograms of neonates receiving intensive care were retrospectively reviewed. Shortening fraction (SF), ejection fraction (EF) and S’ measurements were retrieved from health records. GLS was calculated offline from stored images. The association with stroke volume indexed for body weight (iSV) was evaluated by regression analysis. The diagnostic ability to identify uncompensated shock was assessed by ROC curve analysis. Cohen's κ was run to assess agreement. 334 echocardiograms of 155 neonates were evaluated. Mean ± SD gestational age and birth weight were 34.5 ± 4.1 weeks and 2264 ± 914 g, respectively. SF, EF, S’ and GLS were associated with iSV with R2 of 0.133, 0.332, 0.252 and 0.633, (all p

Abstract Background Ethnic inequalities in maternal and neonatal health in the UK are well documented. Concerns exist regarding the use of skin colour in neonatal assessments. Healthcare professionals should be trained to recognise symptoms of diverse skin tones, and comprehensive, and inclusive guidance is necessary for the safe assessment of all infants. Disparities in healthcare provision have been emphasised during the COVID-19 pandemic, and additional research is needed to determine whether such policies adequately address ethnic minority neonates. Methods A desktop search included searches of guidance produced for the United Kingdom (UK). Further searches of the Cochrane and World Health Organization (WHO) were used to identify any international guidance applicable in the UK context. Results Several policies and one training resource used descriptors ‘pink,’ ‘pale,’ ‘pallor,’ and ‘blue’ about neonatal skin and mucous membrane colour. No policies provided specific guidance on how these colour descriptors may appear in neonates with different skin pigmentation. Only the NICE guidance and HEE e-learning resource acknowledged the challenges of assessing jaundice in infants with diverse skin tones, while another guideline noted differences in the accuracy of bilirubin measurements for the assessment of jaundice. Three policies and one training resource advised against relying on visual observation of skin colour when diagnosing neonatal conditions. The training resource included images of ethnic minority neonates, although most images included white infants. Conclusions Inadequate consideration of ethnicity in UK policy and training perpetuates disparities, leading to inaccurate assessments. A review is needed for inclusivity in neonatal care, regardless of skin pigmentation.

Background Access to diagnostic tools like chest radiography (CXR) is challenging in resource-limited areas. Despite reduced reliance on CXR due to the need for quick clinical decisions, its usage remains prevalent in the approach to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). Objectives To assess CXR’s role in diagnosing and grading NRDS severity compared to current clinical features and laboratory standards. Methods A review of studies with NRDS diagnostic criteria was conducted across six databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, BVS, Scopus-Elsevier, Web of Science, Cochrane) up to 3 March 2023. Independent reviewers selected studies, with discrepancies resolved by a senior reviewer. Data were organised into descriptive tables to highlight the use of CXR and clinical indicators of NRDS. Results Out of 1,686 studies screened, 23 were selected, involving a total of 2,245 newborns. All selected studies used CXR to diagnose NRDS, and 21 (91%) applied it to assess disease severity. While seven reports (30%) indicated that CXR is irreplaceable by other diagnostic tools for NRDS diagnosis, 10 studies (43%) found that alternative methods surpassed CXR in several respects, such as severity assessment, monitoring progress, predicting the need for surfactant therapy, foreseeing Continuous Positive Airway Pressure failure, anticipating intubation requirements, and aiding in differential diagnosis. Conclusion CXR remains an important diagnostic tool for NRDS. Despite its continued use in scientific reports, the findings suggest that the study’s outcomes may not fully reflect the current global clinical practices, especially in low-resource settings where the early NRDS approach remains a challenge for neonatal survival. Trial registration: PROSPERO number CRD42022336480.

Echocardiographic assessment of left ventricular function is crucial in NICU. The study aimed to compare the accuracy and agreement of global longitudinal strain (GLS) with conventional measurements. Real-life echocardiograms of neonates receiving intensive care were retrospectively reviewed. Shortening fraction (SF), ejection fraction (EF) and S' measurements were retrieved from health records. GLS was calculated offline from stored images. The association with stroke volume indexed for body weight (iSV) was evaluated by regression analysis. The diagnostic ability to identify uncompensated shock was assessed by ROC curve analysis. Cohen's κ was run to assess agreement. 334 echocardiograms of 155 neonates were evaluated. Mean ± SD gestational age and birth weight were 34.5 ± 4.1 weeks and 2264 ± 914 g, respectively. SF, EF, S' and GLS were associated with iSV with R2 of 0.133, 0.332, 0.252 and 0.633, (all p <.001). Including all variables in a regression model, iSV prediction showed an adjusted R2 of 0.667, (p <.001). GLS explained 73% of the model variance. GLS showed a better ability to diagnose uncompensated shock (AUC 0.956) compared to EF, S' and SF (AUC 0.757, 0.737 and 0.606, respectively). GLS showed a moderate agreement with EF (κ =.500, p <.001) and a limited agreement with S' and SF (κ =.260, p <.001, κ =.242, p <.001). GLS was a more informative index of left ventricular performance, providing the rationale for a more extensive use of GLS at the cotside. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Ethnic inequalities in maternal and neonatal health in the UK are well documented. Concerns exist regarding the use of skin colour in neonatal assessments. Healthcare professionals should be trained to recognise symptoms of diverse skin tones, and comprehensive, and inclusive guidance is necessary for the safe assessment of all infants. Disparities in healthcare provision have been emphasised during the COVID-19 pandemic, and additional research is needed to determine whether such policies adequately address ethnic minority neonates. Methods: A desktop search included searches of guidance produced for the United Kingdom (UK). Further searches of the Cochrane and World Health Organization (WHO) were used to identify any international guidance applicable in the UK context. Results: Several policies and one training resource used descriptors 'pink,' 'pale,' 'pallor,' and 'blue' about neonatal skin and mucous membrane colour. No policies provided specific guidance on how these colour descriptors may appear in neonates with different skin pigmentation. Only the NICE guidance and HEE e-learning resource acknowledged the challenges of assessing jaundice in infants with diverse skin tones, while another guideline noted differences in the accuracy of bilirubin measurements for the assessment of jaundice. Three policies and one training resource advised against relying on visual observation of skin colour when diagnosing neonatal conditions. The training resource included images of ethnic minority neonates, although most images included white infants. Conclusions: Inadequate consideration of ethnicity in UK policy and training perpetuates disparities, leading to inaccurate assessments. A review is needed for inclusivity in neonatal care, regardless of skin pigmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Biomédica: Revista del Instituto Nacional de Salud is the property of Instituto Nacional de Salud of Colombia and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract Objective To evaluate the mode of delivery according to Robson classification (RC) and the perinatal outcomes in fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) fetuses. Methods Retrospective cohort study by analyzing medical records of singleton pregnancies from two consecutive years (2018 and 2019). FGR was defined according to Delphi Consensus. The Robson groups were divided into two intervals (1–5.1 and 5.2–10). Results Total of 852 cases were included: FGR (n = 85), SGA (n = 20) and control (n=747). FGR showed higher percentages of newborns < 1,500 grams (p

Abstract Objective To assess the association between sociodemographic and perinatal factors and hospital practices to encourage exclusive breastfeeding in near miss neonates in maternity hospitals. Methods This is a prospective cohort of live births from the survey “To be born in Brazil” conducted between 2011 and 2012. The weighted number of newborns who met the neonatal near miss criteria was 832. Exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge and 45 days after delivery were dependent variables of the study. The sociodemographic and perinatal factors of the puerperal women and hospital practices to encourage breastfeeding were independent variables. The data were analyzed with Poisson regression and set with p value

Objective: to evaluate the educational technology in video format about the bath of newborns at home according to their parents/caregivers' perceptions. Methods: a methodological study was conducted in a maternity hospital in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Twenty parents/caregivers participated in the assessment of a YouTube video using a mobile device, and then filled out an evaluative instrument containing 26 items. Concordance indexes with a score equal to or greater than 0.8 (80.0%) were considered valid. Results: the overall average concordance index was 0.99 (99.0%). Among the evaluative items, scores ranged from 0.90 (90.0%) to 1.0 (100%), indicating an excellent assessment by family members. Conclusions: the evaluation of the video by the parents/caregivers was satisfactory, which makes it a promising instrument to be used during health education on newborn baths at home.

Cerebellar hemorrhage in full-term infants is a rare condition recently recognized in high-risk newborns requiring intensive care with the availability of advanced neuroimaging techniques. Several aspects such as the incidence, pathophysiology, clinical features, and prognosis of cerebellar hemorrhage in full-term infants remain unknown. We present a case of cerebellar hemorrhage with subdural hemorrhage in a patient hospitalized for jaundice after birth without a history of traumatic delivery, such as breech presentation, prolonged labor or forceps delivery. A full-term female infant weighing 3,100 g at birth, with no complications during delivery, developed jaundice within 48 hours of birth and was admitted for intensive phototherapy in the first 3 days of life with a transcutaneous total bilirubin level of 18.1 mg/dL. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed cerebellar brain lesions with a subdural hemorrhage. At the age of 3 months, the infant exhibited leg rigidity and was referred for rehabilitation. The patient showed signs of improvement during treatment and was generally catching up well with her peers at the age of 9 months. Long-term follow-ups are required to evaluate the consequences on cognitive development, behavior, and motor performance subsequently in life.

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Objective: To evaluate the rates of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and growth of preterm and/or low birth weight newborns during the third stage of the Kangaroo Method (TSKM), at discharge. Methods: Retrospective study in a reference public maternity hospital between Jan/2014 and Dec/2017, including the preterm (less than 37 weeks) and/or low birth weight (less than 2500 g) newborn infants. Information was collected from medical records. Statistics analysis was done in SPSS software. Results: 482 infants were included and followed up at the TSKM ambulatory. The average gestational age was 33 weeks (variation: 24-39 weeks) and birth weight, 1715g (variation: 455–2830 g). EBF occurred in 336 (70.1%) infants at hospital discharge, and in 291 (60.4%) at TSKM discharge. Each additional day of hospital stay increased the chance of infant formula (IF) use by 9.3% at hospital discharge and by 10.3% at TSKM discharge. Staying in the Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (KNICU) favored EBF at hospital discharge and TSKM discharge (p<0.001). Not performing the kangaroo position increased the chance formula administration to the newborn infant at hospital discharge by 11%. Weight gain and head circumference growth were higher in infants using formula (p<0.001). Conclusions: The length of hospital stay and not performing the kangaroo position favored the use of infant formula at hospital and TSKM discharge. Staying in the KNICU favored exclusive breastfeeding at hospital and TSKM discharge. Weight gain and HC growth were higher in newborns receiving infant formula. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the prognosis and influence of associated factors in patients with congenital heart disease admitted for the first time to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio/Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, especially those factors associated with death. Methods: Patients were prospectively and consecutively allocated over a period of one year (August 2005 to July 2006). Now, 15 years after the initial selection, we collected data from these patients in the database of the Cytogenetics Laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre and in the medical records of the hospital. Results: Of the 96 patients, 11 died and 85 were alive until 20 years old. Four patients died in the Intensive Care Unit. The survival probability up to 365 days of life was 95.8%. The survival assessment identified that the deaths occurred mainly before the patients completed one thousand days of life. We found that complex heart disease was independently associated with an odds ratio of 5.19 (95% confidence interval — CI:1.09–24.71; p=0.038) for death. Conclusions: Knowledge about the factors that interfere with the prognosis can be crucial in care practice planning, especially considering that congenital heart disease is an important cause of mortality in the first year of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Enfermería Neonatal is the property of Fundacion para la Salud Materno Infantil (FUNDASAMIN) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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ABSTRACT Objective: To capacitate pregnant women to comply with measures designed to prevent sudden infant death syndrome. Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted before and after the intervention that included pregnant women attending the Course of Preparation for Childbirth and Parenthood of Health Centers Cluster. Six training sessions were given in the context of preventing this syndrome. Three questionnaires were applied, one to evaluate the knowledge of pregnant women before classes, other was submitted after the sessions, and another, one month after the birth of the babies, to identify what skills were acquired and which were practiced. Results: Among 77 studied pregnant women, 70 answered pre-session questionnaire and the proportion of correct answers varied from from 60.0% to 84.3%. After the intervention, 64 women answered the questionnaire and the proportion of correct answers varied between 79.7% and 100% . Prior to the intervention, the most wrong answers were related to the role of smoking as a risk factor for sudden infant death syndrome and to the use of pacifiers as a protective measure. After the sessions, all women answered correctly to the questions concerning where the baby should sleep and the safest way to lay the baby in the cradle. Conclusions: Health education with the aim of establishing measures may have a significant impact in terms of care delivery and mortality rate caused by sudden infant death syndrome.

Introduction: Data from previous studies have demonstrated inconsistency between current evidence and delivery room resuscitation practices in developed countries. The primary aim of this study was to assess the quality of newborn healthcare and resuscitation practices in Portuguese delivery rooms, comparing current practices with the 2021 European Resuscitation Council guidelines. The secondary aim was to compare the consistency of practices between tertiary and non-tertiary centers across Portugal. Methods: An 87-question survey concerning neonatal care was sent to all physicians registered with the Portuguese Neonatal Society via email. In order to compare practices between centers, participants were divided into two groups: Group A (level III and level IIb centers) and Group B (level IIa and I centers). A descriptive analysis of variables was performed in order to compare the two groups. Results: In total, 130 physicians responded to the survey. Group A included 91 (70%) and Group B 39 (30%) respondents. More than 80% of participants reported the presence of a healthcare professional with basic newborn resuscitation training in all deliveries, essential equipment in the delivery room, such as a resuscitator with a light and heat source, a pulse oximeter, and an O2 blender, and performing delayed cord clamping for all neonates born without complications. Less than 60% reported performing team briefing before deliveries, the presence of electrocardiogram sensors, end-tidal CO2 detector, and continuous positive airway pressure in the delivery room, and monitoring the neonate’s temperature. Major differences between groups were found regarding staff attending deliveries, education, equipment, thermal control, umbilical cord management, vital signs monitoring, prophylactic surfactant administration, and the neonate’s transportation out of the delivery room. Conclusion: Overall, adherence to neonatal resuscitation international guidelines was high among Portuguese physicians. However, differences between guidelines and current practices, as well as between centers with different levels of care, were identified. Areas for improvement include team briefing, ethics, education, available equipment in delivery rooms, temperature control, and airway management. The authors emphasize the importance of continuous education to ensure compliance with the most recent guidelines and ultimately improve neonatal health outcomes.

ABSTRACT A female newborn presented with respiratory distress at birth and was diagnosed with congenital tracheal stenosis. The stenosis was positioned at the distal trachea and compromised the carina and the right and left bronchi. She underwent surgical treatment using circulatory life support with veno-arterial peripheral extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and the airway was reconstructed using the slide tracheoplasty technique to build a neocarina. The patient had an excellent postoperative course, was successfully weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and invasive ventilation, and was discharged.

ABSTRACT Objective: To describe the long-term health outcomes of neonates affected by necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and its implications for quality of life. Data source: This is an integrative review, conducted by searching the literature in the following databases: Virtual Health Library (BVS), Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature (LILACS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online (MEDLINE), and PubMed, using Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS): “necrotizing enterocolitis,” “quality of life,” and “prognosis” combined with the Boolean operators AND and OR: “quality of life” OR “prognosis.” Inclusion criteria were: publication period between 2012 and 2022. Data synthesis: A total of 1,010 studies were located, of which ten were selected to comprise the bibliographic sample of this review. Children with NEC are prone to exhibit cognitive neurological impairment, especially those who undergo surgical procedures due to more severe conditions. Motor development was considered below average when compared to healthy children, with more noticeable delays in fine and gross motor function development. The search for the relationship between NEC and quality of life revealed that this condition has a negative impact on the well-being of affected individuals. Conclusions: NEC has proven to be a serious condition contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality in newborns, potentially leading to a reduction in the quality of life of affected patients.

Objective: To evaluate the rates of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and growth of preterm and/or low birth weight newborns during the third stage of the Kangaroo Method (TSKM), at discharge. Methods: Retrospective study in a reference public maternity hospital between Jan/2014 and Dec/2017, including the preterm (less than 37 weeks) and/or low birth weight (less than 2500 g) newborn infants. Information was collected from medical records. Statistics analysis was done in SPSS software. Results: 482 infants were included and followed up at the TSKM ambulatory. The average gestational age was 33 weeks (variation: 24-39 weeks) and birth weight, 1715g (variation: 455–2830 g). EBF occurred in 336 (70.1%) infants at hospital discharge, and in 291 (60.4%) at TSKM discharge. Each additional day of hospital stay increased the chance of infant formula (IF) use by 9.3% at hospital discharge and by 10.3% at TSKM discharge. Staying in the Kangaroo Neonatal Intermediate Care Unit (KNICU) favored EBF at hospital discharge and TSKM discharge (p

ABSTRACT Objectives: to identify mothers’ perceptions about caring for newborns in the home environment, from the perspective of complexity thinking. Methods: qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research, carried out between November/2022 and February/2023. Data were collected through individual interviews with 21 mothers from southern Brazil who cared for newborns at home and analyzed using the thematic analysis technique. Results: the four thematic axes resulting from the data analysis: Living amidst order and disorder; embracing singularities; dealing with the certain and the uncertain; support network in the (re)organizing process demonstrate that the mother caring for a newborn in their home environment experiences a distinct and plural adaptive process, which must be welcomed and understood by health professionals who work within the family environment. Final Considerations: the care of newborns in a home environment, in the perception of mothers, requires differentiated attention and a formal or informal support network that considers the unique specificities of each woman/mother in the personal, family and social spheres. Therefore, in addition to the social support network, it is important to rethink home intervention approaches.

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Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted global public health. Infant mortality rate (IMR), a vital statistic and key indicator of a population’s overall health, is essential for developing effective health prevention programs. Existing evidence primarily indicates a decrease in IMR during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a national-level analysis to calculate IMR and describe its course over the years (from 2016 until 2022), using a month-by-month analysis. Methods: Data on the number of deaths under one year of age was collected from the Portuguese E-Death Certification System (SICO), and data on the number of monthly live births was obtained from Statistics Portugal. The IMR was calculated per month, considering the previous 12 months’ cumulative number of deaths under one year of age and the number of live births. Results: In Portugal, the IMR decreased before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The lowest values were observed in September and October 2021 (2.15 and 2.14 per 1000 live births, respectively). The IMR remained below the threshold of three deaths per 1000 live births during the pandemic’s critical period. Conclusion: Portugal has achieved remarkable progress in reducing its IMR over the last 60 years. The country recorded its lowest-ever IMR values during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further studies are needed to fully understand the observed trends.

Objective To investigate the diagnosis and treatment data of neonates with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) undergoing surgical treatment in our hospital, and to provide a reference for the selection of optimal surgical timing and approach in clinical practice. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 84 neonates with NEC who were admitted to our hospital from January 2015 to December 2020, and all neonates underwent plain abdominal radiography. During the surgery, enterostomy or resection of the necrotic intestinal canal followed by intestinal anastomosis was performed according to the location and extent of necrotic intestinal canal. The neonates were followed up to observe the changes in diet, defecation, and body weight, and their surgical outcome was summarized. Results Among the 84 neonates, 2 underwent intestinal decompression and peritoneal drainage; 72 underwent enterostomy, among whom 67 underwent ileostomy and 5 underwent distal jejunostomy; 7 underwent resection of the necrotic intestinal canal followed by intestinal anastomosis; 3 were withdrawn from treatment. Of all neonates, 77 had good prognosis; 2 had poor prognosis and required regular parenteral nutrition support due to short bowel syndrome; 2 died of necrotic enteritis at 6 months after surgery; 3 were withdrawn from treatment due to extensive bowel necrosis observed during surgery. Conclusion Neonates with NEC tend to have a high mortality rate, and enterostomy is the main treatment method at present. Timely surgical treatment has a good therapeutic effect on children with NEC.

The word “microbiome” is a combination of “microbiota” and “genome,” which represents the genomic concept of microbiota. The bacterial culture method is the mainstay of identifying microbes, while polymerase chain reaction adds diagnostic value. However, in the era of next-generation sequencing, achieving high-throughput microbiota footprints is extremely sensitive. This sensitivity often leads to confusion, as it can detect specific microbes genomes, even in sterile samples, such as blood, placenta, breast milk, skin, vagina, and stool. The neonatal microbiome remarkably influences both fetal and neonatal life related to health status and disease outcome. However, its origins pose a question: does it stem from a direct gateway or through a breakdown of barriers? This review provides a brief overview of evidence and speculative insights.

ABO and Rh incompatibility are the leading causes of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HFDN). Due to the high antigenicity of the D antigen, hemolysis and symptoms progress rapidly. However, minor blood group incompatibility manifests varying clinical symptoms, from asymptomatic cases to neonatal jaundice and fetal hydrops. This study presents a case of HFDN in which anti-C and anti-e antibodies were identified and treated with intensive phototherapy. A full-term infant weighing 3,100 g at birth, with no complications during delivery, presented with jaundice and was admitted for intensive phototherapy. Antibody testing detected anti-C and anti-e antibodies in the neonate and the mother. The patient responded well to phototherapy, and intravenous immunoglobulin was administered. The total bilirubin levels decreased, and the infant was discharged after 5 days. At the age of 12 months, the infant exhibited normal neurodevelopment. In conclusion, neonates with HFDN, due to rare minor blood incompatibility, specifically anti-C and anti-e antibodies, can mitigate hyperbilirubinemia using phototherapy. Future research should also consider the severity of the minor blood group incompatibility.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate perceptions of fatherhood among fathers of high-risk neonates and their confidence regarding neonatal care. Methods A study was conducted of 100 fathers whose neonates had been admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for at least 48 hours. Perceptions of fatherhood, neonatal characteristics, and fathers' confidence regarding neonatal care were measured using a self-reported questionnaire. The survey took approximately 10 minutes to complete and was completed anonymously. The factors that affected fathers' confidence regarding neonatal care were analyzed using multiple regression. Results The scores for positive and negative perceptions of fatherhood were relatively high at 4.27 and 3.42 out of 5 points, respectively. A positive perception of fatherhood was found to influence fathers' confidence regarding neonatal care. Conclusion NICU nurses should encourage fathers to effectively perform their parenting roles by implementing educational programs and interventions to promote positive perceptions of fatherhood and fathers' confidence regarding neonatal care after discharge.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the prognosis and influence of associated factors in patients with congenital heart disease admitted for the first time to the Intensive Care Unit of the Hospital da Criança Santo Antônio/Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre, especially those factors associated with death. Methods: Patients were prospectively and consecutively allocated over a period of one year (August 2005 to July 2006). Now, 15 years after the initial selection, we collected data from these patients in the database of the Cytogenetics Laboratory of the Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre and in the medical records of the hospital. Results: Of the 96 patients, 11 died and 85 were alive until 20 years old. Four patients died in the Intensive Care Unit. The survival probability up to 365 days of life was 95.8%. The survival assessment identified that the deaths occurred mainly before the patients completed one thousand days of life. We found that complex heart disease was independently associated with an odds ratio of 5.19 (95% confidence interval — CI:1.09–24.71; p=0.038) for death. Conclusions: Knowledge about the factors that interfere with the prognosis can be crucial in care practice planning, especially considering that congenital heart disease is an important cause of mortality in the first year of life.

Objective: To assess global trends in the publication of studies investigating the association between ankyloglossia and breastfeeding. Material and Methods: An electronic search was performed in the Scopus database without restrictions. Observational studies and clinical trials were included. Bibliometric indices such as publication year, authors, co-authors, journals, field of knowledge, countries, and the most cited keywords were analyzed using the VOSviewer program. Results: The search retrieved 350 studies, and 68 were selected. The first article was published in 2000 in the United States. The United States presented the highest number of publications (n=21), followed by Brazil (n=9) and the United Kingdom (n=9). An increase in publications on this theme was observed in 2013; 2021 was the year with the highest number of publications (n=14). The most common word was “frenulum”. The authors with the highest number of publications were Botze and Dollbert from Israel (n=3), Ghaheri, and Mace from the United States (n=3). Among the journals, “Breastfeeding Medicine” presented the highest number of publications (n=7), followed by the “International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology” (n=6), “CODAS” (n=5), “Journal of Human Lactation” (n=4) and “Pediatrics” (n=3); the latter published the top-cited studies, with 412 citations. Conclusion: There has been an increase in recent articles evaluating the correlation between ankyloglossia and breastfeeding, indicating the growing interest of researchers in this field.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the focus of pediatricians’ gaze during the heel prick of neonates. Methods: Prospective study in which pediatricians wearing eye tracker glasses evaluated neonatal pain before/after a heel prtick. Pediatricians scored the pain they perceived in the neonate in a verbal analogue numerical scale (0=no pain; 10=maximum pain). The outcomes measured were number and time of visual fixations in upper face, lower face, and hands, in two 10-second periods, before (pre) and after the puncture (post). These outcomes were compared between the periods, and according to pediatricians’ pain perception: absent/mild (score: 0–5) and moderate/intense (score: 6–10). Results: 24 pediatricians (31 years old, 92% female) evaluated 24 neonates. The median score attributed to neonatal pain during the heel prick was 7.0 (Interquartile range: 5–8). Compared to pre-, in the post-periods, more pediatricians fixed their gaze on the lower face (63 vs. 92%; p=0.036) and the number of visual fixations was greater on the lower face (2.0 vs. 5.0; p=0.018). There was no difference in the number and time of visual fixations according to the intensity of pain. Conclusions: At bedside, pediatricians change their focus of attention on the neonatal face after a painful procedure, focusing mainly on the lower part of the face.

Purpose In most neonatal intensive care units, echocardiography is performed at the bedside. The lack of closure of interatrial communications (IACs) in the oval fossa can affect mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to establish the rate of spontaneous closure of IACs diagnosed in the neonatal period and predict the need for subsequent evaluation according to various factors, including defect size and shape. Methods The study group comprised 1,242 newborns admitted between March 2017 and December 2020. We judged the closure of the IACs and evaluated the risk factors of each. Patients were classified into the absence or presence of IACs. The morphology of the IACs was classified into atrial septal defects, patent foramen ovale, and multiple holes. Results A total of 317 patients (131 female, 186 male) were enrolled in the study, and the average defect size was 3.0±1.0 mm. An overall spontaneous closure rate of 89.9% was observed during an average follow-up interval of 5.1±1.1 months. When multiple Cox regression analyses were performed to analyze the risk factors for spontaneous closure, initial defect size was a significant factor. The optimal cut-off value for predicting spontaneous closure of the IAC was 3.05 mm, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.625 (95% confidence interval, 0.520 to 0.729). Preterm infants had a larger defect size corrected for birth weight and a higher closure rate than term infants. Conclusion Other than large defect size, no factors delayed spontaneous closure. When defects in the oval fossa measure ≤3 mm, most patients experience spontaneous closure by 7 months of age.

Abstract Congenital knee dislocation (CKD) is a rare malformation characterized by hyperextension deformity of the knee with anterior tibia displacement, present at birth. Rarely reported, CKD might occur as an isolated deformity or commonly associated with musculoskeletal abnormalities, with the most common ones being developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and clubfoot. The etiology is unknown, but CKD has been associated with certain intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Treatment with conservative methods at an early stage is most likely to yield successful results. We report here a rare case of successful spontaneous reduction of CKD in an infant within 24 hours of life.

Purpose We aimed to characterize invasive group B streptococcal infection (IGBSI) in young infants hospitalized through the emergency department. Methods We analyzed medical records of infants younger than 90 days with IGBSI, defined as group B streptococcus bacteremia or meningitis, who visited the emergency department from January 2009 through December 2021. Their clinical features were compared as per 2 criteria, neonates and meningitis. For the comparisons, we defined 2 composite outcomes, “clinically important abnormality (any of the followings: temperature > 38.5℃, leukocytes < 5,000/mm3 or > 15,000/mm3, absolute neutrophils > 4,000/mm3 or C-reactive protein > 2.0 mg/dL)”and “poor outcomes (any of the followings: intensive care unit, transfer, seizure or complications).”Percentages are rounded to the first decimal places. Results A total of 35 infants, of whom 15 (43%) were neonates and 17 (49%) were boys, had IGBSIs, including 23 infants (66%) with isolated bacteremia, 11 (31%) with bacteremia with meningitis, and 1 (3%) with isolated meningitis. Ill appearances were noted in 27 infants (77%) who encompassed all with meningitis. The other 8 infants (23%) looking well had 1 or more components of the clinically important abnormality. The neonates showed a higher frequency of vaginal delivery (87% vs. 35%; P = 0.002) and a lower frequency of a temperature > 38.5℃, compared to their counterparts (47% vs. 80%; P = 0.040). The infants with meningitis had a longer median time required to visit (5.0 vs. 2.0 hours; P = 0.011), and higher frequencies of ill appearance (100% vs. 65%; P = 0.032), leukocytes < 5,000/mm3 (67% vs. 13%; P = 0.002), and the poor outcomes (75% vs. 0%; P < 0.001). Conclusion Young infants with ill-looking appearance or abnormality in any of the fever or inflammatory markers may have IGBSIs, particularly meningitis.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Giant omphalocele (GO) is a complex condition for which many surgical treatments have been developed; however, no consensus on its treatment has been reached. The benefits and efficacy of botulinum toxin A (BTA) in the repair of large abdominal wall defects in adults has been proven, and its reported use in children has recently grown. The goal of this study is to describe a novel technique for primary repair of GO using BTA during the neonatal period and report our initial experience. Methods: patients were followed from August 2020 to July 2022. BTA was applied to the lateral abdominal wall in the first days of life followed by surgical repair of the abdominal defect. Results: while awaiting surgery, patients had minimal manipulation, without requiring mechanical ventilation, were on full enteral feeding, and in contact with their parents. The midline was approximated without tension and without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. Patients were discharged with repaired defects. Conclusion: this approach represents a middle ground between staged and the nonoperative delayed repairs. It does not require aggressive interventions early in life, allowing maintenance of mother-child bonding and discharge of the patient with a repaired defect without the need for additional techniques or the use of a prosthesis. We believe that this technique should be considered as a new possible asset when managing this complex condition.

Objective: to evaluate clinical follow-up after hospital discharge of preterm newborns discharged from NICU located in the city of Pelotas. Method: quantitative, longitudinal and prospective study, held from October 2022 to March 2023. A questionnaire on sociodemographic and health conditions was applied during the intra-hospital period. After discharge, follow-up occurred through telephone calls to family members, at intervals of 30, 60 and 90 days, respectively. The outcome was associated with the maternal and health characteristics of PTNB using chi-square, considering p< 0.05. Results: eighty-seven children who were discharged from neonatal intensive care units were followed-up. A total of 60.9% of the children had their first consultation in the outpatient follow-up clinics. After consultation in the follow-up clinic with a pediatrician, 13.2%, were referred to other specialized professionals. For those treated in other health units, no subsequent referral was identified (p<0.001). Conclusion: clinical follow-up of premature babies occurs in a fragmented manner and does not follow the standard discharge flow, which can delay interventions and end up damaging growth and development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Korean Neonatal Network (KNN), which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, currently has more than 100 staff and researchers from >70 neonatal intensive care units nationwide in Korea. More than 85% to 90% of the population of very low birth weight infants in Korea are registered yearly, and more than half are followed up for up to 3 years at the KNN. A total of >19,000 cases have been accumulated through a strict data quality management process of the KNN. Based on this, >100 research projects have been proposed, >70 peer-reviewed papers have been published in leading international journals, and the cornerstone of the quality improvement project has been launched. In addition, we recently expanded the number of subjects for registration to very premature infants

Introduction. During the development and spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) epidemic, a new inflammatory response syndrome arose in newborns, defined as the multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS) in neonates (MIS-N). Case report. A term infant girl with a fever diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection was admitted to the hospital. In laboratory findings, the values of lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, interleukin-6, and D-dimer were elevated. Upon admission, dual parenteral antibiotic therapy (ceftazidime, vancomycin), and one day later, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) therapy, was commenced. After five days of hospitalization and febrility, with negative results of microbiological analyses and further deterioration of laboratory findings, intravenous immuno-globulin (IVIg) was administered at a dose of 2 g/kg for one day and methylprednisolone at a dose of 1 mg/kg/day for four days, after which the reduction of corticosteroid therapy was continued with prednisone. One day after IVIg dministration, the newborn became afebrile, with the gradual normalization of laboratory findings. The newborn was discharged after 16 days of hospitalization. Ten days after discharge, prednisone therapy was discontinued. Two weeks after discharge, the administration of heparin was discontinued. Seven days later, the D-dimer value increased significantly, and the anticoagulant therapy was reinstated. After one month, the D-dimer value completely normalized, and the LMWH therapy was discontinued. Conclusion. After the applied therapy for MIS in children, there was a cessation of febrility and gradual normalization of values of the laboratory parameters. This confirms that the new-born, in this case, probably had MIS-N. The prolonged elevated D-dimer value was most probably a consequence of the MIS.

Background/Aim. Congenital heart defect (CHD) is the most common type of birth defect and one of the leading causes of infant mortality. It can be isolated or occur as a part of multiple different syndromes. The reported worldwide incidence of isolated CHD is between 70 and 120 per 10,000 live births. The aim of the study was to estimate the incidence of nonsyndromic C HD in the Republic of Srpska (RS), Bosnia and Herzegovina and compare it with other countries. Methods. The fetuses, live-born and stillborn infants with CHD during 2015 and 2016 in the RS, were analyzed using data from a cross-sectional study. Results. The total incidence of CHD was 163.95 per 10,000 total births, and the incidence of live-born with CHD was 136.64 per 10,000. The diagnosis was established prenatally in 8.09% of cases. The most common type of anomaly was ventricular septal defect (45.63%), followed by an atrial septal defect (31.40%), patent ductus arteriosus (7.44%), and pulmonary valve stenosis (5.18%). A significant difference in the incidence of CHD between regions and different maternal age groups was found. Conclusion. The incidence of CHD in the RS found in this study is higher than in other studies, with marked heterogeneity between different regions. This study provides baseline data for future monitoring of the risk factor changes and the implementation of primary preventive measures.