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Background: In Jordan, there is an overuse of treatments that were originally designed to manage complications of labour and birth. Aim: To explore the reasons for the non-application of evidence-based practices in maternal care in a Jordanian governmental hospital from the healthcare professionals' perspective. Methods: A descriptive qualitative method was employed in one selected Jordanian governmental hospital. Data were collected by conducting one-to-one, semi-structured interviews with 11 participants, which were subjected to a thematic and content analysis. Findings: There were four main themes: limited human, financial, infrastructural resources and hospital environment; midwives are not autonomous; lack of motivation to apply evidence-based practices; and socio-cultural pressures hinder the usage of new evidence-based practices. Conclusion: There is a weak application of evidence-based practices in maternal care in a governmental hospital in Jordan. So, it is important to modify maternal healthcare policy to allow greater midwife autonomy, and raise awareness of maternal evidence-based practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) has become increasingly popular in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), but there are currently no guidelines for the premedication prior to this procedure. The aim of this observational study was to compare the efficacy and tolerance of intravenous administrations of ketamine and propofol before LISA in neonates born before 30 weeks of gestational age (GA). The primary outcome was requirement of intubation within 2 h of the procedure. One hundred and fourteen infants, with respective GA and birthweight of 27.6 (26.4, 28.7) weeks and 940 (805, 1140) g, were prospectively included from January 2016 to December 2019. Drug doses were 1 (0.5, 1) mg/kg for ketamine and 1 (1, 1.9) mg/kg for propofol, providing comparable comfort during LISA (p = 0.61). Rates of intubation within 2 h were 5/52 after ketamine, and 5/62 after propofol [aOR 0.54 (0.11–2.68)]. No difference was observed for rates of intubation at 24 h and 72 h following LISA, mortality, or severe morbidity. Conclusion: Pending results from prospective trials, these findings suggest that ketamine or propofol can be used for premedication before LISA, as they show comparable efficacy and tolerance. Trial registration: This study was recorded on the National Library of Medicine registry (https:// clinicaltrials.gov/ Identifier: NCT03705468). What is Known? • Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) is increasingly used in spontaneously breathing premature infants supported with continuous positive airway pressure, but few data are available to guide adequate premedication for this procedure. What is New? • This observational study of 114 neonates, all less than 30-week gestational age and requiring surfactant without endotracheal tube in the delivery room, suggested that ketamine or propofol can be used for premedication before LISA with comparable efficacy and tolerance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of thin catheter technique for exogenous surfactant delivery, as Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (LISA), not only reduces the need for mechanical ventilation (within 72 hours of life or during hospitalization), but also decreases the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pneumothorax, and hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus when compared with a standard endotracheal intubation procedure with sedation. Recent studies show that LISA might lead to fewer other complications of preterm birth, such as severe intraventicular hemorrhage. LISA should always be performed with the use of sedative premedication. LISA is increasingly used in spontaneously breathing premature infants supported with continuous positive airway pressure, but little data is available to guide adequate premedication for this procedure. Propofol and ketamine seem to be effective for reducing pain scores, with acceptable tolerance for the LISA procedure, although propofol seems to be easier to titrate in this population. The administration of 2 μg/kg remifentanil as premedication in premature infants can provide stable hemodynamics and good analgesic effects. More research is obviously needed to determine the best premedication strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of our study was to analyze the experience of childbirth care in the delivery room of unsatisfied mothers by comparing it to satisfied mothers. The data was collected using the hierarchical evocation method from the EVA study (Étude du Vécu de l'Accouchement). It was a comparative qualitative study carried out in 25 French maternity hospitals (Réseau AURORE). The words collected using the hierarchical evocation method, called verbatim, have been regrouped into sub-themes, themes and meta-themes. The primary outcome was the percentage of mothers who quoted at least one word belonging to a sub-theme. Six hundred and forty-two mothers were included in the EVA study. Seventy-one mothers reported dissatisfaction and they were included in our study. A control group was formed with 144 satisfied mothers selected on a propensity score. The contextual element that emerges as significantly associated with the declaration of dissatisfaction is the fear expressed by 42% of the mothers declaring themselves dissatisfied, compared to 22% of those declaring themselves satisfied with childbirth care (P = 0.02). Regarding the sub-theme of pain, there was no significant difference between the two samples (45 versus 33%, P = 0.09). The results suggest that more attention should be paid to preparing and reassuring mothers in the delivery room. The identification of fear during pregnancy and childbirth should be a priority for the caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To evaluate satisfaction of mothers who gave birth at term with received hospital care and to find areas for improvement at a tertiary hospital. Methods A cross-sectional study at the Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at the University Clinical Hospital Mostar was conducted by an anonymous survey using a questionnaire designed exclusively for this study. A total of 100 mothers were included in the study. Results Satisfaction with midwives' communication and their approach to the women during their stay in the delivery room was rated significantly higher (4.7±0.6) when compared to obstetricians- gynaecologists (4.5±0.8) (p=0.02). Midwives were rated better in providing breastfeeding information (4.5±0.8) than for the speed of arrival after a call bell (average grade 4.2±1.0). Respondents were least satisfied with the hygiene (toilet, shower and rooms) and the quality of food (average grades 3.8±1.1 and 3.9±1.0, respectively). Mothers with previous experience in childbirth at the same hospital rated current stay with a similar level of satisfaction. Conclusion Good communication skills of medical and non-medical staff are a recommended step to maintain mothers' childbirth satisfaction, while improvement in quality of nutrition and hygiene should be mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We systematically reviewed the literature to identify the benefits of early skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) for all gestational ages. Methods: The MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL databases were searched for papers published in English from 1 January 1975 to 31 March 2020. Early SSC was defined as when the infant was placed directly onto the mother's chest within 180 min of birth. Two authors independently searched the databases, appraised study quality and extracted the study design and outcome data. The primary outcomes were the infants' physiological stability after birth: thermoregulation and stabilisation. The secondary outcomes were exclusive breastfeeding and mother‐infant interaction. Results: We reviewed 30 studies that assessed the benefits of early SSC: 22 comprised term‐born healthy infants and eight focused on preterm or ill infants. These included various gestational ages, birth methods and cultural backgrounds. The studies demonstrated that early SSC stabilised neonatal physiological parameters, promoted exclusive breastfeeding and supported bonding. Most of the data were from term and late preterm births. Conclusion: This systematic review showed that early SSC could be beneficial. Further studies that focus on providing very and extremely preterm infants with SSC, and parental experiences, are needed to enable SSC to be adopted as routine practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Point of care ultrasound has emerged as useful tool in cardiac arrest situations in adult population. Despite of these, there is not a protocol for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the delivery room for newborns. We describe two case were ultrasound helped to rule out the cardiopulmonary arrest case and we propose and algorithm were ultrasound is integrated in the newborn resuscitation and may help to diagnose the cardiac arrest cause. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise characterization of cardiac anatomy and physiology through fetal echocardiography can predict early postnatal clinical course. Some neonates with prenatally defined critical congenital heart disease have anticipated precipitous compromise during perinatal transition for which specialized, diagnosis-specific delivery room care can be arranged to expeditiously stabilize cardiopulmonary hemodynamics. In this article, we describe our institutional approach to the delivery room care of neonates with prenatally diagnosed congenital heart disease, emphasizing our diagnosis-specific care pathways for newborns with critical disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 800,000 newborns die annually due to birth asphyxia. The resuscitation of asphyxiated term newly born infants often occurs unexpected and is challenging for healthcare providers as it demands experience and knowledge in neonatal resuscitation. Current neonatal resuscitation guidelines often focus on resuscitation of extremely and/or very preterm infants; however, the recommendations for asphyxiated term newborn infants differ in some aspects to those for preterm infants (i.e., respiratory support, supplemental oxygen, and temperature management). Since the update of the neonatal resuscitation guidelines in 2015, several studies examining various resuscitation approaches to improve the outcome of asphyxiated infants have been published. In this review, we discuss current recommendations and recent findings and provide an overview of delivery room management of asphyxiated term newborn infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study reviews clinical outcomes after initiating a routine policy of preterm respiratory stabilisation using nasal high flow (HF) in the delivery room (DR). Method: This was a retrospective observational cohort study in a single‐centre neonatal intensive care unit and included all neonates born before 32 weeks of gestation between 1 April 2015 and 31 March 2020. Stabilisation measures and outcomes were recorded including oxygen requirements, admission temperature, surfactant administration, invasive ventilation within 72 h of birth, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and death. Results: There were 491 eligible babies during the 5‐year epoch. 292 were stabilised using HF in the DR. The median admission temperature in babies transferred on HF was 36.8°C, and the median FiO2 at admission was 25%. 45% of these infants received surfactant. At 72 postnatal hours, 78% were either sustained on HF or were either self‐ventilating in air (SVIA) or receiving low‐flow nasal cannula (LFNC) respiratory support. 27% were intubated within 7 days. At 36 weeks postmenstrual age, 36% of survivors had BPD. Conclusion: We have demonstrated that preterm babies <32 weeks can be effectively stabilised on HF in the DR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The assessment of newborns' heart rate (HR) in the delivery room is one of the important steps to ascertain the need for initiation and continuation of resuscitation. At present, ECG is the "gold standard" to monitor neonatal HR in the delivery room. However, various limitations with the use of ECG exist. Furthermore, in developing countries, ECG may not be universally available in delivery rooms.Objective: To compare the accuracy and HR acquisition time of portable Doppler ultrasound (PDU) versus electrocardiogram (ECG) in newborns.Methods: This multicenter, prospective, observational study across five centers in India between January and September 2017 included neonates more than 34 weeks of gestation (n = 131) delivered by cesarean section. The accuracy of HR recorded by PDU (HRPDU) versus that by ECG (HRECG) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included time to acquisition of an audible and/or visible signal and device application.Results: Mean (±SD) gestational age and birthweight were 37.7 (±1.2) weeks and 2954 (±457) g, respectively. The mean (±SD) visible HRPDU was 158 (±21) bpm versus HRECG of 161.3 (±20) bpm (p = .07) which were comparable. The median (1st, third quartile) time to acquisition of audible HRPDU (76 [51, 91] s), was significantly shorter than that of HRECG (96.5 [74.2, 118] s; p < .001).Conclusion: Portable Doppler has similar accuracy to ECG and is faster in acquiring the signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The "early CPAP" protocol was implemented using intermediate pressures of 6–7 cmH 2 O. • A decrease in intubation rate and days of invasive ventilation were observed. • A reduction of exogenous surfactant use and length of hospital stay were observed. • The protocol used simple and affordable equipment and could be reproduced. The use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applied early after birth improves several outcomes when compared with intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation. "Early CPAP" protocols vary in relation to the pressure level, type of interface used, and studied sample. This study compared intubation rate, exogenous surfactant use, and hospitalization length (among other variables) prior to and after adopting an "early CPAP" protocol in preterm infants with gestational age between 28 and 32 weeks, using intermediate pressures and short binasal prongs. This was a retrospective study conducted in a public university hospital in Brazil. All preterm infants with gestational age between 28 and 32 weeks were included in the study. The newborns born between January 2011 and December 2012, prior to the protocol being implemented, were considered the historical control group, and those born after implementation, between February 2013 and August 2014 were considered the intervention group. The participants in both groups had similar baseline characteristics (p > 0.05). There were significant reductions in intubation rate (89% versus 73%, p = 0.02), exogenous surfactant use (86% versus 67%, p = 0.02), and median (Q1 - Q3) days of invasive mechanical ventilation [4 (2 - 14) versus 1 (0.15–9), p = 0.01] and length of hospital stay in days [56 (42–77) versus 42 (35–71), p = 0.02]. The findings demonstrate positive outcomes of the early CPAP protocol. This protocol used simple and affordable equipment available in the hospital which could easily be reproduced in other centers, generating better outcomes for preterm infants and reducing hospital expenses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the discussion on curriculum addressing learning gaps in delivery room resuscitation and recognition and management of uncommon diagnoses. Topics include evaluating a fellow-led curriculum using simulation during available downtime at night for supplementing the pediatric resident education in neonatology; and experience increasing residents' exposure to delivery room resuscitation and management of uncommon diagnoses.

Aim: Satisfaction with medical care is an important element of birth experience. The aim of this study was to attempt to assess the effect of location (birth centre and delivery room) on the experiences and opinions of labouring women concerning childbirth. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Two hundred women after childbirth participated in surveys, which were conducted one-four days after childbirth. The research tools used were the authors’ own survey questionnaire and a standardised tool: the Inventory to Measure Coping Strategies with Stress – Mini-Cope. Results: Women who gave birth at the birth centre more often considered that the delivery had met their expectations. Both the women who gave birth to children at the birth centre and those who gave birth in the delivery room wanted to have their next childbirth in the same place. Women who underwent childbirth at a birth centre rated the experience more highly than women who experienced childbirth in a delivery room, and also managed stress better during childbirth. Conclusion: Women who chose to have their birth at a birth centre and, thus, to experience it more fully, more often stated that the childbirth had met their expectations. They managed stress better during childbirth and gave significantly better assessments of the experience of childbirth.

Amaç: Kendine özgü bir tıbbi birim olarak doğumhanede, diğer birimlerde olduğu gibi, tıp etiği ile ilgili-bağlantılı kimi durumlar ortaya çıkmaktadır. Çalışmamızın amacı bu durumların karşılaşılma sıklıklarını ve önemsenme derecelerini saptamak; dolayısıyla doğumhanenin tıp etiği açısından nasıl bir çalışma ortamı olduğunu ve bu birimde çalışanların nasıl bir mesleki değer sistemine sahip bulunduğunu belirlemektir.Gereç ve Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı tipteki araştırmamız üç resmi hastanenin doğumhanelerinde aktif olarak görev yapan çalışmaya katılmayı kabul eden, ebe, hemşire, uzman ya da uzmanlık öğrencisi hekim toplam 87 kişi üzerinde yürütülmüştür. Katılımcılardan veri toplama formunda yer alan 18 ifadenin her biri için karşılaşma-karşılaşmama durumlarını ve 10 üzerinden puan vererek önemseme derecelerini belirtmeleri istenmiştir.Bulgular: Doğumhanede en sık karşılaşılan sorunlar, gebe-lohusanın tıbbi uygulamayı reddetmesi, ekip içi yetki-işbölümü çatışmalarının yaşanması ve kıdemsiz çalışanlara “angarya” yüklenmesidir. En fazla önemsenen sorunlar ise yenidoğana gereksinim duyduğu tıbbi olanakların sağlanamaması, tıbbi işlemlerin eksik ya da yanlış uygulanması şeklinde malpraktis yapılması ve gebe/lohusanın hayati tehlikesi varken taburcu edilme talebidir.Sonuç: Doğumhanelerde en sık yaşanan sorun kategorisi özerklik çatışmaları olup yarar sağlayama üzerinde oluşan ikilemler görece daha az ancak yine de dikkate değer sayıdadır. Doğumhanede çalışanlar özerkliğe saygı konusunda belli bir duyarlılıkları bulunmakla birlikte kimi zaman paternalizme eğilim göstermektedir. Adalet ilkesi ile ilgili- bağlantılı sorunlar sık yaşanmamakta ancak bu ilke önemli bir referans kabul edilmektedir.

Objective: The aim of the study is to describe a delivery room intensive care unit (DRICU) model and evaluate its effectiveness in preventing morbidity and mortality in high-risk newborns.Design: This retrospective case series includes all DRICU procedures performed from 2016 to 2020.Setting: Gaslini Children's Hospital is a major pediatric tertiary care center where high-risk pregnancies are centralized. The Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit admits every year about 100 high-risk newborns.Patients: The selected patients are newborns at risk of critical conditions immediately after birth for respiratory or cardiovascular congenital disorders.Interventions: The perinatal plan is defined by the multidisciplinary team of Fetal and Perinatal Medicine. The DRICU procedure provides highly specialized care through a protocol that includes logistics, personnel, equipment, and clinical pathways.Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome is the prevention of acute complications and mortality in the delivery room and early neonatal period.Results: From 2016 to 2020, 40 DRICU procedures were performed. The main prenatal diagnoses included congenital heart disease with a high risk of life-threatening events immediately after birth (38%), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (35%), and fetal hydrops/hydrothorax (23%). Mean gestational age was 35.9 weeks (range: 31–39), and mean birth weight was 2,740 grams (range: 1,480–3,920). DRICU assistance completed in all patients by neonatal intensivists included tracheal intubation and arterial and central venous cannulation; complex procedures such as ex-utero intrapartum technique and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation are described. No deaths nor severe acute complications occurred in the delivery room or in the immediate postnatal period.Conclusions: The outcome in critical newborns is potentially affected by planned assistance strategies and specialized competencies through the implementation of a DRICU protocol.

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Introduction: Early identification of infants requiring surfactant therapy improves outcomes. We evaluated the accuracy of delivery room lung ultrasound (LUS) to predict surfactant therapy in very- and extremely preterm infants.Methods: Infants born at <320/7 weeks were prospectively enrolled at 2 centres. LUS videos of both sides of the chest were obtained 5-10 min, 11-20 min, and 1-3 h after birth. Clinicians were masked to the results of the LUS assessment and surfactant therapy was provided according to local guidelines. LUS videos were graded blinded to clinical data. Presence of unilateral type 1 ('whiteout') LUS or worse was considered test positive. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis compared the accuracy of LUS and an FiO2 threshold of 0.3 to predict subsequent surfactant therapy.Results: Fifty-two infants with a median age of 276/7 weeks (IQR 260/7-286/7) were studied. Thirty infants (58%) received surfactant. Area under the ROC curve (AUC) for LUS at 5-10 min, 11-20 min and 1-3 h was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.66-0.90), 0.76 (95% CI, 0.65-0.88) and 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75-0.97) respectively, outperforming FiO2 at the 5-10 min timepoint (AUC 0.45, 95% CI 0.29-0.62, p = 0.001). At 11-20 min, LUS had a specificity of 95% (95% CI 77-100%) and sensitivity of 59% (95% CI, 39-77%) to predict surfactant therapy. All infants born at 23-276/7 weeks with LUS test positive received surfactant. Twenty-six infants (50%) had worsening of LUS grades on serial assessment.Conclusions: LUS in the delivery room and accurately predicts surfactant therapy in infants <320/7 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The initial FiO2 that should be used for the stabilization of preterm infants in the delivery room (DR) is still a matter of debate as both hypoxia and hyperoxia should be prevented. A recent randomized controlled trial showed that preterm infants [gestational age (GA) < 30 weeks] stabilized with an initial high FiO2 (1.0) had a significantly higher breathing effort than infants stabilized with a low FiO2 (0.3). As the diaphragm is the main respiratory muscle in these infants, we aimed to describe the effects of the initial FiO2 on diaphragm activity.Methods: In a subgroup of infants from the original bi-center randomized controlled trial diaphragm activity was measured with transcutaneous electromyography of the diaphragm (dEMG), using three skin electrodes that were placed directly after birth. Diaphragm activity was compared in the first 5 min after birth. From the dEMG respiratory waveform several outcome measures were determined for comparison of the groups: average peak- and tonic inspiratory activity (dEMGpeak and dEMGton, respectively), inspiratory amplitude (dEMGamp), area under the curve (dEMGAUC) and the respiratory rate (RR).Results: Thirty-one infants were included in this subgroup, of which 29 could be analyzed [n = 15 (median GA 28.4 weeks) and n = 14 (median GA 27.9 weeks) for the 100 and 30% oxygen group, respectively]. Tonic diaphragm activity was significantly higher in the high FiO2-group (4.3 ± 2.1 μV vs. 2.9 ± 1.1 μV; p = 0.047). The other dEMG-parameters (dEMGpeak, dEMGamp, dEMGAUC) showed consistently higher values in the high FiO2 group, but did not reach statistical significance. Average RR showed similar values in both groups (34 ± 9 vs. 32 ± 10 breaths/min for the high and low oxygen group, respectively).Conclusion: Preterm infants stabilized with an initial high FiO2 showed significantly more tonic diaphragm activity and an overall trend toward a higher level of diaphragm activity than those stabilized with an initial low FiO2. These results confirm that a high initial FiO2 after birth stimulates breathing effort, which can be objectified with dEMG.

Even a few minutes of exposure to oxygen in the delivery room in very preterm and immature infants may have detrimental effects. The initial oxygenation in the delivery room should therefore be optimized, but knowledge gaps, including initial fraction of oxygen (FiO2) and how FiO2 should be changed to reach an optimal oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximetry (SpO2) target within the first 5–10 min of life, remain. In order to answer this question, we therefore reviewed relevant literature. For newly born infants with gestational age (GA) <32 weeks in need of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) immediately after birth, we identified 2 fundamental issues: (1) the optimal initial FiO2 and (2) the target SpO2 within the first 5–10 min of life. For newly born infants between 29 and 31 weeks of GA, an initial FiO2 of 0.3 hit the target defined by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) best. Newborn infants with GA <29 weeks in need of PPV and supplementary oxygen, we suggest starting with FiO2 0.3 and adjusting the FiO2 to reach SpO2 of 80% within 5 min of life for best outcomes. Prolonged bradycardia (heart rate <100 bpm for >2 min) is associated with increased risk of adverse outcomes, including death. The combination of strict control of development of SpO2 in the first 10 min of life and a heart rate >100 bpm represents the best tool today to achieve the most optimal outcome in the delivery room of very preterm and immature newborn infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room, heart rate guides clinical intervention, and although different methods have been evaluated as auscultation, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiography, they have various limitations. This was a prospective observational study which aim was to evaluate the accuracy and speed of ultrasound for measuring neonatal heart rate compared with stethoscope, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiography. Simultaneous determinations of heart rate using stethoscope, ultrasound, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiography were performed. Fifty term newborns were included. There were no differences according to the turn on time of the ultrasound, pulse oximetry, and electrocardiography (p = 0.666), but the placement time and the detection time from birth were shorter for ultrasound (p < 0.001). A stronger positive correlation was detected between ultrasound and electrocardiography at 90 (Rho = 0.926), and 120 s (Rho = 0.920) with p < 0.001. The Bland–Altman analysis showed a bias of − 2.23 (p = 0.129) between ultrasound and electrocardiography at 90 s, and a bias of 0.44 (p = 0.092) at 120 s. Instead, the bias between auscultation and electrocardiography at 90 s was − 6.71 (p = 0.131), and at 120 s was of − 4.67 (p = 0.793). Conclusions: Ultrasound is a fast method to detect heart rate in the delivery room and has a good correlation with stethoscope and electrocardiography. What is Known: • During neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room, heart rate guides clinical intervention, and although different methods have been evaluated, they have various limitations. What is New: • Heart rate ultrasound is a good and fast method to detect HR in the delivery room with a good correlation with electrocardiography and stethoscope. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We aimed to evaluate the degree of realism and involvement, stress management and awareness of performance improvement in practitioners taking part in high fidelity simulation (HFS) training program for delivery room (DR) management, by means of a self-report test such as flow state scale (FSS). Methods: This is an observational pretest-test study. Between March 2016 and May 2019, fourty-three practitioners (physicians, midwives, nurses) grouped in multidisciplinary teams were admitted to our training High Fidelity Simulation center. In a time-period of 1 month, practitioners attended two HFS courses (model 1, 2) focusing on DR management and resuscitation maneuvers. FSS test was administred at the end of M1 and M2 course, respectively. Results: FSS scale items such as unambiguous feed-back, loss of self consciousness and loss of time reality, merging of action and awareness significantly improved (P < 0.05, for all) between M1 and M2. Conclusions: The present results showing the high level of practitioner involvement during DR management-based HFS courses support the usefulness of HFS as a trustworthy tool for improving the awareness of practitioner performances and feed-back. The data open the way to the usefulness of FSS as a trustworthy tool for the evaluation of the efficacy of training programs in a multidisciplinary team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the most common cause of respiratory failure in preterm infants. Treatment consists of respiratory support and exogenous surfactant administration. Commonly, surfactant is administered intratracheally. However, this requires airway instrumentation and subsequent fluid instillation which may be harmful. Surfactant nebulization (SN) may offer a safe and effective alternative for surfactant administration, but the clinical efficacy is not yet established. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials will summarize the available evidence to determine the effectiveness and safety of SN for the prevention of intubation and subsequent mechanical ventilation at 72 h after birth. Methods: A systematic literature search in Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library will be performed, and all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs from published articles, presentations, and trial registries will be included in this meta-analysis. Titles and abstracts of all records identified in the search will be screened by two reviewers independently. Data on preterm infants (≤ 37 weeks) receiving nebulized surfactant in the first 72 h after birth for the treatment or prevention of RDS will be evaluated. Primary outcome is the intubation rate by 72 h after birth, and secondary outcomes include peridosing safety effects as well as major neonatal morbidities. Risk of bias will be assessed using the revised Cochrane ROB tool, and subgroup analyses will be performed to evaluate potential confounding factors. Publication bias will be assessed by examining a funnel plot. The meta-analysis will be performed using a fixed-effects model. Discussion: This review will provide an evidence-based tool for information about surfactant nebulization, illustrating the current knowledge and hopefully revealing potential novel avenues for researchers and clinicians alike. Systematic review registration: This review is registered with the publicly available resource PROSPERO (CRD42020175625). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adaptations have been proposed for resuscitation of infants born to women with COVID-19, to protect health care providers, maintain infection control, and limit post-natal transmission. Changes especially impact respiratory procedures, personal protective equipment (PPE) use, resuscitation environments, teamwork, and family involvement. Adding viral filters to ventilation devices and modifications to intubation procedures might hinder effective ventilation. PPE could delay resuscitation, hinder task performance, and degrade communication. Changes to resuscitation locations and team composition alter workflow and teamwork. Physical distancing measures and PPE impede family-integrated care. These disruptions need to be considered given the uncertainty of vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Approximately 1 in 10 newborns will require basic resuscitation interventions at birth. Some infants progress to require more advanced measures including the provision of positive pressure ventilation, chest compressions, intubation and administration of volume/cardiac medications. Although advanced resuscitation is infrequent, it is crucial that personnel adequately trained in these techniques are available to provide such resuscitative measures. In 2000, Louis Halmalek et al. called for a “New Paradigm in Pediatric Medical Education: Teaching Neonatal Resuscitation in a Simulated Delivery Room Environment.” This was one of the first articles to highlight simulation as a method of teaching newborn resuscitation. The last decades have seen an exponential growth in the area of simulation in newborn care, in particular in newborn resuscitation and stabilization. Simulation is best defined as an instructional strategy “used to replace or amplify real experiences with guided experiences that evoke or replicate substantial aspects of the real world in a fully interactive manner.” Simulation training has now become an important point of how we structure training and deliver improved healthcare to patients. Some of the key aspects of simulation training include feedback, deliberate practice, outcome measurement, retention of skills and curriculum integration. The term “Train to win” is often used in sporting parlance to define how great teams succeed. The major difference between sports teams is that generally their game day comes once a week, whereas in newborn resuscitation every day is potentially “game day.” In this review we aim to summarize the current evidence on the use of simulation based education and training in neonatal resuscitation, with particular emphasis on the evidence supporting its effectiveness. We will also highlight recent advances in the development of simulation based medical education in the context of newborn resuscitation to ensure we “train to win.”

Background: According to recommendations, non-invasive monitoring during neonatal resuscitation after birth includes heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2). Continuous transcutaneous monitoring of carbon dioxide partial pressure (tcpCO2) may further offer quantitative information on neonatal respiratory status.Objective: We aimed to investigate feasibility of tcpCO2 measurements in the delivery room during immediate neonatal transition and to compare the course of tcpCO2 between stable term and preterm infants.Methods: Neonates without need for cardio-respiratory intervention during immediate transition after birth were enrolled in a prospective observational study. In these term and preterm neonates, we measured HR and SpO2 by pulse oximetry on the right wrist and tcpCO2 with the sensor applied on the left hemithorax during the first 15 min after birth. Courses of tcpCO2 were analyzed in term and preterm neonates and groups were compared.Results: Fifty-three term (gestational age: 38.8 ± 0.9 weeks) and 13 preterm neonates (gestational age: 34.1 ± 1.5 weeks) were included. First tcpCO2 values were achieved in both groups at minute 4 after birth, which reached a stable plateau after the equilibration phase at minute 9. Mean tcpCO2 values 15 min after birth were 46.2 (95% CI 34.5–57.8) mmHg in term neonates and 48.5 (95%CI 43.0–54.1) mmHg in preterm neonates. Preterm and term infants did not show significant differences in the tcpCO2 values at any time point.Conclusion: This study demonstrates that tcpCO2 measurement is feasible during immediate neonatal transition after birth and that tcpCO2 values were comparable in stable term and preterm neonates.

Abstract Background There is evidence that delivery room resuscitation of very preterm infants often deviates from internationally recommended guidelines. There were no published data in Spain regarding the quality of neonatal resuscitation. Therefore, we decided to evaluate resuscitation team adherence to neonatal resuscitation guidelines after birth in very preterm infants. Methods We conducted an observational study. We video recorded resuscitations of preterm infants

Abstract Background Stimulation is the most common intervention during neonatal resuscitation at birth, but scarce information is available on the actual methods, timing and efficacy of this basic step. To evaluate the occurrence, patterns and response to tactile stimulation at birth in a low-resource setting. Methods We reviewed 150 video recordings of neonatal resuscitation at Beira Central Hospital (Beira, Mozambique). Timing, method, duration and response to tactile stimulation were evaluated. Results One hundred two out of 150 neonates (68.0%) received stimulation, while the remaining 48 (32.0%) received positive pressure ventilation and/or chest compressions directly. Overall, 546 stimulation episodes (median 4 episodes per subject, IQR 2–7) were performed. Median time to the first stimulation episode was 134 s (IQR 53–251); 29 neonates (28.4%) received stimulation within the first minute after birth. Multiple techniques of stimulation were administered in 66 neonates (64.7%), while recommended techniques (rubbing the back or flicking the soles of the feet) only in 9 (8.8%). Median duration of stimulation was 17 s (IQR 9–33). Only 9 neonates (8.8%) responded to stimulation. Conclusions In a low-resource setting, stimulation of newly born infants at birth is underperformed. Adherence to international guidelines is low, resulting in delayed initiation, inadequate technique, prolonged duration and low response to stimulation. Back rubs may provide some benefits, but large prospective studies comparing different methods of stimulation are required.

Objective To explore the effect of comprehensive intervention in the labor- deli very-recovery (LDR) room on neonatal jaundice index and physical and mental development. Methods 92 full-term newborns born in Zhenjiang Maternity and Child Health Hospital from January 2019 to December 2019 were selected as the research objects. According to the type of delivery room, they were divided into an observation group and a control group, each with 46 cases. The observation group was given LDR room comprehensive care, and the control group was given routine delivery room care. Jaundice index and physical and mental development of newborns before and after intervention were compared between two groups. Results Before intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in jaundice index between the two groups (P > 0.05). On the 3rd and 7th day after the intervention, the jaundice index of the two groups were significantly lower than before the intervention (ail P < 0. 05), and the improvement degree of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0. 05). Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in head circumference, body length, body mass, intelligence (MDI) and Psychomotor Development! Index (PDI) scores between the two groups ( all P > 0. 05). Three months after the intervention, the head circumference, body length, body weight, MDI score and PDI score of the two groups were significantly higher than those before the intervention (all P < 0. 05), and the improvement degree of the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group ( all P <0. 05 ). Conclusion The comprehensive intervention of LDR room can improve the symptoms of jaundice and play a positive role in the physical and mental development of newborns with jaundice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: There are many proven benefits of the use of conditioned gases in mechanically ventilated patients. In spite of this, its use in the delivery room is limited, perhaps because of known difficulties with heated humidifiers (HH); moreover, there is no evidence regarding the use of heat-and-moisture exchangers (HME) in a delivery room setting. We sought to asess the airway's absolute humidity level using three diferents strategies: HH, HME and unconditioned gases. METHODS: We conducted an experimental study in 12 intubated rabbits ventilated with a T-piece resuscitator. Absolute humidity levels in inspired gases were measured at baseline and at 5, 10, 15, and 20 min while using HH, HME, or no conditioning method (ie, unconditioned). The animals were initially randomized to one of the 3 interventions, and each animal underwent the other methods with at least 24 h between each test. RESULTS: There were no differences in vital signs at baseline or at the end of the procedures. Mean absolute humidity at the end of the tests was 38.2 ± 1.7 g/m³ for HH, 28.9 ± 4.7 g/m³ for HME, and 13.9 ± 5.1 g/m³ for unconditioned gas (P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: During ventilation with a T-piece resuscitator, the absolute humidity was the highest with HH. The absolute humidity with HME was lower, but it was still significantly more than that with unconditioned gas. Therefore, the use of a T-piece resuscitator with HME could be a good alternative to HH given that positive-pressure ventilation is used ideally for short periods of time in the delivery room. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of intuition in decision making has been extensively researched and the body of research which has explored human decision making is vast and complex. Some researchers have remarked that managers rarely have the luxury of basing their decisions on orderly rational analysis and depend on intuition and judgement. To research the role of intuition and capture how to best harness it, we applied a Naturalistic approach in a retrospective case of decision making by an expert neonatologist. We review the tangible and objective elements available when key decisions had to be made and analysed the role of reasoning, judgement and intuition. Our results indicate that the delivery room is a space where experts must still rely on ad-hoc decision-making processes and where subjectivity is very present. IT could be used to promote evidence-based decision making, but expert intuition remains essential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  Current guidelines for neonatal resuscitation suggest it may be reasonable to stop resuscitation after 10 minutes in infants born with no detectable heartbeat. This study describes the length of resuscitation provided in a cohort of profoundly compromised newborn infants. Study Design  Chart review of a regional hospital system database of newborn infants from 2010 to 2017 with a documented 10-minute Apgar score of 0 or 1. Results  From a total birth population of 49,876 infants, 172 newborns were identified. Of these, 133 infants did not receive resuscitation and died while receiving comfort care. In the 39 resuscitated infants, 15 (38%) achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) at an average of 20 minutes; 32 of these 39 newborns (82%) died within 24 hours. Average time to ROSC for survivors was 17.8 minutes. Death or severe neurologic disability at 15 to 24 months of age was present in 92% (36/39) of resuscitated infants. Conclusion  Prolonged resuscitation of newborns is rare. In this cohort, 92% died or had severe neurodevelopmental disability. Infants with ROSC received 20 minutes of resuscitation. Infants with ROSC typically did not survive beyond 24 hours unless they survived to discharge. To increase the number of infants with ROSC, continuing resuscitation beyond 10 minutes may be reasonable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the hospital management of mother-infant pairs poses to obstetricians and neonatologists previously unmet challenges. In Lombardy, Northern Italy, 59 maternity wards networked to organise the medical assistance of mothers and neonates with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Six "COVID-19 maternity centres" were identified, the architecture and activity of obstetric and neonatal wards of each centre was reorganised, and common assistance protocols for the management of suspected and proven cases were formulated. Here, we present the key features of this reorganization effort, and our current management of the mother-infant dyad before and after birth, including our approach to rooming-in practice, breastfeeding and neonatal follow-up, based on the currently available scientific evidence. Considered the rapid diffusion of COVID-19 all over the world, we believe that preparedness is fundamental to assist mother-infant dyads, minimising the risk of propagation of the infection through maternity and neonatal wards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Survival after delivery room cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DR-CPR) is not well characterized in full-term infants, and survival outcomes after DR-CPR have not been defined across the spectrum of gestation. The study objectives were to define gestational age (GA) specific survival following DR-CPR and to assess the association between GA and DR-CPR characteristics and survival outcomes.Methods: Retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected data in the American Heart Association Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation registry. Newborn infants without congenital abnormalities who received greater than 1 min of chest compressions for DR-CPR were included. GA was stratified by categorical subgroups: ≥36 weeks; 33-356/7 weeks; 29-326/7 weeks; 25-286/7 weeks; 22-246/7 weeks. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge; the secondary outcome was return of circulation (ROC).Results: Among 1022 infants who received DR-CPR, 83% experienced ROC and 64% survived to hospital discharge. GA-stratified hospital survival rates were 83% (≥36 weeks), 66% (33-35 weeks), 60% (29-32 weeks), 52% (25-28 weeks), and 25% (22-24 weeks). Compared with GA ≥ 36 weeks, lower GA was independently associated with decreasing odds of survival (33-35 weeks: adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 0.46, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 0.26-0.81; 29-32 weeks: aOR 0.40, 95% CI 0.23-0.69; 25-28 weeks: aOR 0.21, 95% CI 0.11-0.41; 22-24 weeks: aOR 0.06, 95% CI 0.03-0.10).Conclusions: In this national registry of infants who received delivery room cardiopulmonary resuscitation (DR-CPR), 83% survived the event and two-thirds survived to hospital discharge. These results contribute to defining survival outcomes following DR-CPR across the continuum of gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: With inappropriately large facemasks, it is more difficult to create a seal on the face, potentially leading to ineffective ventilation during neonatal stabilisation. We investigated whether commonly available round facemasks are of appropriate size by measuring facial dimensions in near-term and term infants using two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images.Design: Prospective single-centre observational study.Setting: Infants born in our centre at 34-41 weeks' gestation were eligible.Intervention: Patients were photographed with 2D and 3D technique.Main Outcome Measures: Distances between nasion and gnathion were measured and compared with the outer diameter of various round facemasks.Methods: 2D and 3D images were performed using standard equipment. Correlations between gestational age and the above-mentioned distances were assessed using Pearson's r.Results: Images were taken from 102 infants with a mean (SD) gestational age of 37.9 (2.3) weeks. Mean distance between nasion and gnathion was 46.9 mm (5.1) in 2D and 49.9 mm (4.1) in 3D images, that is, on average 3 mm smaller in 2D than with 3D (p<0.01). Based on these measurements, round facemasks with an external diameter of 50 mm seemed fitting for most (61%) term infants and 42 mm masks for most (72%) near-term infants (GA 34-36 weeks).Conclusions: Round facemasks with an external diameter of 60 mm are too large for almost all newborn infants, while 42/50 mm round facemasks are well fitting. Important anatomical structures were only visible using 3D images.Clinical Trial Registration Number: NCT03369028. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal airway emergencies in the delivery room are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Etiologies vary, but often predispose the neonate to life threatening airway obstruction. With the recent expansion of fetal medicine programs, pediatric anesthesiologists are increasingly being asked to care for these patients. In this review, we discuss common etiologies of difficult airway at delivery, management tools and techniques, and surgical approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Flow disruptions (FDs) are deviations from the progression of care that compromise safety and efficiency of a specific process. The study aim was to identify the impact of FDs during neonatal resuscitation and determine their association with key process and outcome measures.Methods: Prospective observational study of video recorded delivery room resuscitations of neonates <32 weeks gestational age. FDs were classified using an adaptation of Wiegmann's FD tool. The primary outcome was target oxygenation saturation achievement at 5 min. Secondary outcomes included achieving target saturation at 10 min, time to positive pressure ventilation for initially apnoeic/bradycardic neonates, time to electrocardiogram signal, time to pulse oximetry signal, and time to stable airway. Multivariable logistic regression assessed association between FDs and achieving target saturations adjusting for gestational age and leader. Associations between FDs and time to event outcomes were assessed using Cox proportional hazards models.Results: Between 10/2017-7/2018, 32 videos were included. A mean of 52.6 FDs (standard deviation 17.9) occurred per resuscitation. Extraneous FDs were the most common FDs. FDs were associated with an adjusted odds ratio of 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80-1.05) of achieving target saturation at 5 min and 0.94 (95% CI 0.84-1.05) at 10 min. There was no significant evidence to show FDs were associated with time to event outcomes.Conclusions: FDs occurred frequently during neonatal resuscitation. Measuring FDs is a feasible method to assess the impact of human factors in the delivery room and identify modifiable factors and practices to improve patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposure to hypothermia is somehow unavoidable when a baby comes to life. This is the reason why any possible effort should be made by every caregiver involved during birth, from labour to transfer into the maternity ward, to reduce it. Hypothermia has widely shown to be related to several neonatal problems, and the risks are more relevant when the babies are born prematurely. Method: An observational study was conducted in April 2016 to assess the current practises to avoid hypothermia at birth in 20 Italian neonatal units. Each unit introduced local improvements in clinical practice and the same observational study was repeated 1 year later. Results: A total of 4722 babies were analysed. An overall increase in adherence to local and international recommendations emerged from our study. Significant differences between 2016 and 2017 were found in regard to neonatal temperature at nursery entry (36.3 °C vs 36.5 °C, respectively, p < 0.0001), delayed cord clamping practice > 60″ (48.1% vs 68.1%, respectively, p < 0.0001) and skin-to-skin practice > 60′ (56.3% vs 60.9, respectively, p = 0.03). Statistical correlations with the risk of hypothermia were found for delivery room (OR 0.88 (CI 95%0.83–0.94), p < 0.0001) and maternal temperature (OR 0.57 (CI 95% 0.48–0.67), p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Periodical assessment of the delivery room practice has shown to be effective in improving adherence to the international recommendations. Relationship between neonatal hypothermia and several other variables including the delivery room and mother temperature underlines how neonatal thermoregulation starts immediately after birth. Hence, a multi-disciplinary approach is needed to provide the optimal environment for a safe birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To study the effect of a supportive communication techniques program on the quality gap among women who gave birth in outposts. Subjects and methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in two phases, between September 23, 2017 and December 22, 2017, in two unique local childbirth outposts in Zahedan, Iran. In the first phase, a supportive communication techniques training program was held for midwives who work in one of the safe delivery posts (SDPs, n = 7). In the second phase, SERVQUAL (service and quality) questionnaires were completed for 300 women who gave birth at the SDPs (150 in each SDP) and participated in the study. Outcome measures were the women's expectations and perceptions of childbirth care along the five dimensions (tangibility, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy) of service quality and quality gap. Results: There was a positive gap in all five dimensions of the quality of childbirth services for both groups. Additionally, there were significant differences between all SERVQUAL dimensions of the quality gap score in childbirth services between the two groups. A wider positive gap was observed for the intervention group. In the intervention group, the lowest and highest positive quality gap means were in the responsiveness (+ 1.48) and empathy (+ 2.34) dimensions, respectively. Conclusions: A training program on supportive communication techniques for midwives can improve women's experiences of childbirth care services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonatal acidaemia at birth can increase neonatal morbidity and mortality and it is predictive of neonatal asphyxia. The umbilical blood gas analysis is a valid tool for the evaluation of neonatal acidaemia. However, umbilical cord blood gas analysis is commonly performed in high-risk situations or in the setting of Apgar scores < 7 at 5 min. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted from June to December 2018 at the Department of mother's and child's health, Poliambulanza Foundation Hospital Institute. Inclusion criteria were: full term newborns with body weight appropriate for gestational age, born by vaginal delivery or caesarean section, reassuring Apgar Score > 7 at 5 min, arterial cord blood gas analysis showing pH < 7.4 or BE <-8 mmol/l or lactate > 6 mmol/l. The aim was to evaluate the predictive role of blood gas analysis for respiratory distress syndrome in newborns with reassuring Apgar Score. Results: 352 full term newborns were enrolled. Umbilical cord blood artery pH showed an association with respiratory distress syndrome (χ2(1) = 10,084, OR (95% CI): 3,9 × 10− 4(2,9 × 10− 6 - 0,048); p < 0,05). ROC curve revealed that the cut-off point of pH was 7.12, with a sensibility and specificity of 68 and 63%, respectively. Conclusions: Umbilical cord blood artery pH < 7.12 at birth is associated to respiratory distress syndrome in newborns. Blood gas analysis is an important instrument to help health care providers during assistance in the delivery room, but also to early identify newborns at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome and better manage the care of these newborns after birth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Newborn resuscitation guidelines recommend initial assessment of heart rate (HR) and initiation of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) within 60 s after birth in non-breathing newborns. Pulse oximeter (PO) and electrocardiogram (ECG) are suggested methods for continuous HR monitoring during resuscitation. Our aim was to evaluate compliance with guidelines and the efficacy of PO versus ECG monitoring in real-life newborn resuscitations. Methods: In this prospective observational study, we video recorded resuscitations of newborns ≥34 weeks of gestation receiving PPV at birth. Results: 104 resuscitations were analysed. Median (IQR) time from birth to arrival at the resuscitation bay was 48 (22–68) s (n = 62), to initial HR assessment 70 (47–118) s (n = 61), and to initiation of PPV 78 (42–118) s (n = 62). Initial HR assessment (stethoscope or palpation) and initiation of PPV were achieved within 60 s for 35% of the resuscitated newborns. Time to initial HR assessment and initiating PPV was significantly longer following vaginal deliveries than caesarean sections: 84 (70–139) versus 44 (30–66) s (p < 0.001) and 93 (73–139) versus 38 (30–66) s (p < 0.001). Time from birth and sensor application to provision of a reliable HR signal from PO versus ECG was 348 (217–524) (n = 42) versus 174 (105–277) s (n = 30) (p < 0.001) and 199 (77–352) (n = 65) versus 16 (11–22) s (n = 52) (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Initial HR assessment and initiation of PPV were achieved within 60 s after birth in only 1/3 of newborn resuscitations. When applied for continuous HR monitoring, ECG was superior to PO in time to achieve reliable HR signals in real-life resuscitations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess visual attention of neonatal team leaders during delivery room resuscitation of preterm infants using eye tracking glasses.Methods: Prospective observational eye tracking study. Gaze fixations and sequences were captured, categorized, and mapped during the first 5 min of the resuscitations. Gaze fixation metrics of total gaze duration, visit count, and visit duration were summarized and compared based on interventions performed and provider training level. Fixation sequences were compared between attending neonatologists and fellows.Results: During 18 eye tracking recordings, practitioners focused most of their cumulative visual attention on the infant (median total gaze duration 57%, interquartile range [IQR] 38-61%), followed by monitors (24%, IQR 13-46%), clinical staff (5%, IQR 1-8%), other physical objects (4%, IQR 3-6%), T-piece resuscitator (2%, IQR 0-4%) and the Apgar timer (1%, IQR 0-2%). Visual attention parameters varied according to intervention, with higher visit counts on the infant during corrective ventilation steps than during Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) or Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV), and longer visit durations on monitors during PPV. Time and frequency-based measures of visual attention did not significantly differ by provider training level, but patterned fixation sequences were identified among attending neonatologists that were not observed in fellows.Conclusion: Team leaders predominantly gazed upon the infant and monitors during resuscitation, and visual attention parameters varied depending on the respiratory interventions performed. Attending neonatologists exhibited patterned fixation sequences that were not observed in fellows. Study results may have implications for optimizing delivery room design and training novice providers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Characteristics of neonatal tracheal intubations (TI) may vary between the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and delivery room (DR). The impact of the setting on TI outcomes is not well characterized. Objective: The aim of this study was to define variation in neonatal TI practice between settings, and identify the association between setting and TI success and safety outcomes. Design: This was a retrospective cohort study of TIs in the National Emergency Airway Registry for Neonates from October 2014 to September 2017. The setting (NICU vs. DR) was the exposure of interest. The outcomes were first attempt success, course success, success within 4 attempts, adverse TI-associated events, severe desaturation, and bradycardia. We compared TI characteristics and outcomes between settings in univariable analysis. Factors significant in univariable analysis (p < 0.1) were included in a logistic regression model, with adjustment for clustering by center, to identify the independent impact of the setting on TI outcomes. Results: There were 3,145 TI encounters (2279 NICU, 866 DR) in 9 centers. Almost all baseline characteristics significantly varied between settings. First attempt success rates were 48% (NICU) and 46% (DR). In multivariable analysis, the setting was not associated with first attempt success. DR was associated with a higher adjusted OR (aOR) of success within 4 attempts (1.48, 95% CI 1.06–2.08) and a lower aOR for bradycardia (0.43, 95% CI 0.26–0.71). Conclusion: Significant differences in patient, provider, and practice characteristics exist between NICU and DR TIs. There is substantial room for improvement in first attempt success rates. These results suggest interventions to improve safety and success need to be targeted to the distinct setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For newly born babies, especially those in need of intervention at birth, actions taken during the first minute after birth, the so-called "Golden Minute", can have important implications for long-term outcomes. Both delivery room handling, including identification of maternal and infant risk factors and provision of effective resuscitation interventions, and antenatal care decisions regarding antenatal steroid administration and mode of delivery, are important and can affect outcomes. Anticipating risk factors for neonates at high risk of requiring resuscitation can decrease time to resuscitation and improve the prognosis. Following a review of maternal and fetal risk factors affecting newborn resuscitation, we summarize the current recommendations for delivery room handling of the newborn. This includes recommendations and rationale for the use of delayed cord clamping and cord milking, heart rate assessment [including the use of electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes in the delivery room], role of suctioning in newborn resuscitation, and the impact of various ventilatory modes. Oxygenation should be monitored by pulse oximetry. Effects of oxygen and surfactant on subsequent pulmonary outcomes, and recommendations for provisions of appropriate thermoregulatory support are discussed. Regular teaching of delivery room handling should be mandatory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Health care professionals working in delivery rooms often encounter stressful situations. Understanding their challenges and the support they receive is essential for improving their well-being and consequently patient care. Examining the relationship between burnout, intentions to leave, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and complex PTSD among health care professionals, and identifying their predictors. A mixed methods design, including a survey among 196 midwives and gynecologists assessing burnout, intentions to leave, exposure to negative work experiences and PTSD, as well as 15 semi-structured interviews. Most participants experienced multiple difficult events in the delivery room, reporting insufficient emotional support. Burnout and lack of emotional support were significant predictors of PTSD symptoms. Participants expressed a need for emotional support to cope with complex situations. Burnout among midwives must be addressed through prevention and intervention programs. Emotional support is essential in mitigating PTSD symptoms among midwives and gynecologists, enhancing their resilience and well-being. • Burnout among midwives is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. • Health care institutions can do this by using prevention and intervention programs. • Emotional support has a crucial role in mitigating PTSD symptoms. • The study provides a foundation for the coping of professionals in maternity wards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Optimal starting oxygen concentration for delivery room resuscitation of extremely preterm infants (50%. Results: Thirty-four infants were born during a 4-month period; consent was obtained in 63%. Thirty (n = 12, 30% group; n = 18, 60% group) were analyzed, including limited data from eight who died or were transferred before parents could be approached. Median cumulative oxygen concentrations were significantly different between the two groups in the first 5 min. Conclusion: Randomized control trial of 30% or 60% oxygen at the initiation of resuscitation of extremely preterm neonates with deferred consent is feasible. Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03706586

OBJECTIVE. To determine current resuscitation practices of neonatologists in the United States. METHODS. A 15-question survey was developed and mailed to neonatal directors in May 2004. RESULTS. Of the total of 797 surveys mailed, 84 were returned undeliverable or unanswered and 450 were returned completed (63% response rate). Respondents were mainly (70%) from level III NICUs. Most programs resuscitate newborns in the delivery room (83%), rather than in a separate room. The number and background of individuals attending deliveries vary greatly, with 31% of programs having < 3 individuals attending deliveries. Flow-inflating bags are most commonly used (51%), followed by self-inflating bags (40%) and T-piece resuscitators (14%). Pulse oximeters are used during resuscitation by 52% of programs, and 23% of respondents indicated that there was a useful signal within 1 minute after application. Blenders are available for 42% of programs, of which 77% use pure oxygen for the initial resuscitation and 68% use oximeters to alter the fraction of inspired oxygen. Thirty-two percent of programs use carbon dioxide detectors to confirm intubation, 48% routinely and 43% when there is difficulty confirming intubation. Preterm infants are wrapped with plastic wrap to prevent heat loss in 29% of programs, of which 77% dry the infant before wrap application. A majority of programs (76%) attempt to provide continuous positive airway pressure or positive end expiratory pressure ( PEEP) during resuscitation, most commonly with a flow-inflating bag (58%), followed by a self-inflating bag with PEEP valve (19%) and T-piece resuscitator (16%). A level of 5 cm H2O is used by 55% of programs. CONCLUSIONS. Substantial variations exist in neonatal resuscitation practices, some of which are not addressed in standard guidelines. Future guidelines should include recommendations regarding the use of blenders, oximeters, continuous positive airway pressure/PEEP, and plastic wrap during resuscitation.