Search

To study the impact of an evidence-based neuroprotection care (NPC) bundle on long-term neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in infants born extremely premature.An NPC bundle targeting predefined risk factors for acute brain injury in extremely preterm infants was implemented. We compared the incidence of composite outcome of death or severe neurodevelopmental impairment (sNDI) at 21 months adjusted age pre and post bundle implementation.Adjusting for confounding factors, NPC bundle implementation associated with a significant reduction in death or sNDI (aOR, 0.34; 95% CI 0.17-0.68; P = 0.002), mortality (aOR, 0.31; 95% CI (0.12-0.79); P = 0.015), sNDI (aOR, 0.37; 95% CI: 0.12-0.94; P = 0.039), any motor, language, or cognitive composite scorelt;70 (aOR, 0.48; 95% CI: 0.26-0.90; P = 0.021).Implementation of NPC bundle targeting predefined risk factors is associated with a reduction in mortality or sNDI in extremely preterm infants.

To evaluate impact of a quality improvement (QI) outreach education on incidence of acute brain injury in transported premature neonates.Neonates born atlt;33 weeks gestation outside the tertiary center were included. The QI intervention was a combination of neuroprotection care bundle, in-person visits, and communication system improvement. Descriptive and regression (adjusting for Gestational Age, Birth Weight, Gender, and antenatal steroids, Mode of delivery, Apgars at 5 minutes, Prophylactic indomethacin, PDA, and Inotropes use) analyses were performed. The primary outcome was a composite of death and/or severe brain injury on cranial ultrasound using a validated classification.181 neonates studied (93 before and 88 after). The rate and adjusted odds of death and/or severe brain injury reduced significantly post intervention (30% vs 15%) and (AOR 0.36, 95%CI, 0.15-0.85, P = 0.02) respectively.Implementation of outreach education targeting neuroprotection can reduce acute brain injury in transported premature neonates.

Early-onset sepsis results in increased morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs (ASPs) address the need to balance adverse effects of antibiotic exposure with the need for empiric treatment for infants at the highest risk for early-onset sepsis.All preterm infants34 weeks gestational age born during a 6-month period before (January 2017-June 2017) and a 6-month period after (January 2019-June 2019) implementation of ASP in May 2018 were reviewed. The presence of perinatal sepsis risk factors, eligibility for, versus treatment with initial empiric antibiotics was compared.Our cohort comprised 479 infants with a mean of 30 weeks gestation and birth weight of 1400 g. Demographics were comparable, with more Cesarean section deliveries in the post-ASP cohort. Any sepsis risk factor was present in 73.6% versus 68.4% in the pre- versus post-ASP cohorts (P = 0.23). Fewer infants were treated with antibiotics in the later cohort (60.4%) compared with the earlier cohort (69.7%; P = 0.04). Despite the presence of risk factors (preterm labor in 93% and rupture of membranes in 60%), 42% of infants did not receive initial antibiotics. Twenty percent with no perinatal sepsis risk factors were deemed low-risk and not treated.Implementation of a neonatal ASP decreased antibiotic initiation at birth. Antibiotic use decreased (appropriately) in the subgroup with no perinatal sepsis risk factors. Of concern, some infants were not treated despite risk factors, such as preterm labor/rupture of membrane. Neonatal ASP teams need to be aware of potentially unintended consequences of their initiatives.

We hypothesized that videolaryngoscope use for tracheal intubations would differ across NICUs, be associated with higher first attempt success and lower adverse events.Data from the National Emergency Airway Registry for Neonates (01/2015 to 12/2017) included intubation with direct laryngoscope or videolaryngoscope. Primary outcome was first attempt success. Secondary outcomes were adverse tracheal intubation associated events and severe desaturation.Of 2730 encounters (13 NICUs), 626 (23%) utilized a videolaryngoscope (3% to 64% per site). Videolaryngoscope use was associated with higher first attempt success (p 0.001), lower adverse tracheal intubation associated events (p 0.001), but no difference in severe desaturation. After adjustment, videolaryngoscope use was not associated with higher first attempt success (OR:1.18, p = 0.136), but was associated with lower tracheal intubation associated events (OR:0.45, p 0.001).Videolaryngoscope use is variable, not independently associated with higher first attempt success but associated with fewer tracheal intubation associated events.

To determine the relationship between number of attempts and adverse events during neonatal intubation.A retrospective study of prospectively collected data of intubations in the delivery room and NICU from the National Emergency Airway Registry for Neonates (NEAR4NEOS) in 17 academic centers from 1/2016 to 12/2019. We examined the association between tracheal intubation attempts [1, 2, and ≥3 (multiple attempts)] and clinical adverse outcomes (any tracheal intubation associated events (TIAE), severe TIAE, and severe oxygen desaturation).Of 7708 intubations, 1474 (22%) required ≥3 attempts. Patient, provider, and practice factors were associated with higher TI attempts. Increasing intubation attempts was independently associated with a higher risk for TIAE. The adjusted odds ratio for TIAE and severe oxygen desaturation were significantly higher in TIs with 2 and ≥3 attempts than with one attempt.The risk of adverse safety events during intubation increases with the number of intubation attempts.

ispartof: J Neonatal Perinatal Med vol:15 issue:2 pages:427-439 ispartof: location:Netherlands status: published

We assessed the impact of an evidence-based neuroprotection care bundle on the risk of brain injury in extremely preterm infants.We implemented a neuroprotection care bundle consisting of a combination of neuroprotection interventions such as minimal handling, midline head position, deferred cord clamping, and protocolization of hemodynamic and respiratory managements. These interventions targeted risk factors for acute brain injury in extremely preterm infants (born at gestational age less than 29 weeks) during the first three days of birth. Implementation occurred in a stepwise manner, including care bundle development by a multidisciplinary care team based on previous evidence and experience, standardization of outcome assessment tools, and education. We compared the incidence of the composite outcome of acute preterm brain injury or death preimplementation and postimplementation.Neuroprotection care bundle implementation associated with a significant reduction in acute brain injury risk factors such as the use of inotropes (24% before, 7% after, P value 0.001) and fluid boluses (37% before, 19% after, P value 0.001), pneumothorax (5% before, 2% after, P value = 0.002), and opioid use (19% before, 7% after, P value 0.001). Adjusting for confounding factors, the neuroprotection care bundle significantly reduced death or severe brain injury (adjusted odds ratio, 0.34; 95% confidence interval, 0.20 to 0.59; P value 0.001) and severe brain injury (adjusted odds ratio, 0.31; 95% confidence interval, 0.17 to 0.58; P 0.001).Implementation of neuroprotection care bundle targeting predefined risk factors is feasible and effective in reducing acute brain injury in extremely preterm infants.

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic-related visitation restrictions started in March 2020 in Alberta, Canada. In the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, we implemented a Virtual Communications initiative to allow parents to continue to be present with their infants, attend daily rounds, and communicate with the medical team. The purpose of this survey study was to describe our approach and evaluate the experience for families and staff. Methods The study surveys consisted of 13–18 questions directed toward understanding staff and family experience with the process and emotional impact using Likert scale and open-ended questions. The study team reviewed results and implemented changes in real time. Analysis was mixed quantitative and qualitative design, with descriptive data organized into themes. Results Twenty-six surveys were completed by 16 staff (62%) and 10 parents (38%). About 50% to 100% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed with statements addressing the quality and value of the virtual sessions. Staff identified challenges with slow devices and need for awareness and education. Both staff and parents expressed gratitude for the initiative and an overall positive experience. Discussion Offering Virtual Rounds and Bedside Presence in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is a well-received and feasible alternative to in-person presence that allows parents to stay involved and connected to their infants. Families have a better understanding of their babies’ clinical status and plans with an overall positive experience.

Umbilical cord arterial and venous blood gas values reflect the acid-base balance status of a newborn at birth. Derangement in these values has been linked to poor neonatal outcomes in term and late preterm neonates; however, the utility of these values in preterm neonates of29 weeks' gestation is unclear.This study aimed to determine the associations of umbilical cord arterial and venous blood gas values with neonatal mortality and severe neurologic injury in extremely preterm neonates and to identify the cutoff values associated with 2.5-fold increases or decreases in the posttest probabilities of outcomes.This was a retrospective cohort study of neonates who were born at 23+0 to 28+6 weeks' gestation between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019, and who were admitted to neonatal units in Canada.Various cut-offs of umbilical cord blood gas values and lactate values were studied.The main outcomes were mortality before discharge from the neonatal unit and severe neurologic injury defined as grade 3 or 4 periventricular or intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia. The outcome rates were calculated for various cutoff values of umbilical cord blood gas parameters and were adjusted for birthweight, gestational age, sex, and multiple births. Likelihood ratios were calculated to derive posttest probabilities.A total of 1040 and 1217 neonates had analyzable umbilical cord arterial and venous blood gas values, respectively. In the cohort, the mean (standard deviation) gestational age was 26.5 (1.5) weeks, the mean birthweight was 936 (215) g, the prevalence of mortality was 10% (105/1040), and the prevalence of severe neurologic injury was 9% (92/1016). An umbilical cord arterial pH of ≤7.1 and base excess of ≤-12 mmol/L were associated with2.5-fold higher posttest probability of mortality, and an umbilical cord arterial or venous lactate value of3 was associated with a 2.5-fold lower posttest probability of mortality. An umbilical cord arterial lactate value of3 was associated with a lower posttest probability of severe neurological injury.In preterm neonates of29 weeks' gestation, low umbilical cord arterial pH and high umbilical cord arterial base excess values were associated with a clinically important increase in the posttest probability of mortality, whereas low umbilical cord arterial or venous lactate values were associated with a decrease in the posttest probability of mortality.

Objective: To evaluate the association of a combined exposure to antenatal steroids and prophylactic indomethacin with the outcome of spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) among neonates born at 7 days before birth) exposures. The co-exposure was prophylactic indomethacin. The primary outcome was SIP. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate aORs. Results: Among 4720 eligible infants, 4121 (87%) received antenatal steroids and 1045 (22.1%) received prophylactic indomethacin. Among infants exposed to antenatal steroids, those who received prophylactic indomethacin had higher odds of SIP (aOR 1.61, 95% CI 1.14-2.28) compared with no prophylactic indomethacin. Subgroup analyses revealed recent antenatal steroids exposure with prophylactic indomethacin had higher odds of SIP (aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.15-2.43), but latent antenatal steroids exposure with prophylactic indomethacin did not (aOR 1.24, 95% CI 0.48-3.21), compared with the respective groups with no prophylactic indomethacin. Among those not exposed to antenatal steroids, mortality was lower among those who received prophylactic indomethacin (aOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.28-0.73) compared with no prophylactic indomethacin. Conclusions: In preterm neonates of

We describe a case of a term female infant born in a rural community hospital and who developed a left-sided spontaneous tension pneumothorax shortly after birth. We used telemedicine to guide the family physician and healthcare team at the referring hospital to perform a life-saving thoracentesis using an intravenous cannula. The cannula was kept in place to drain the persistent pneumothorax during transportation to the pediatric intensive care unit at the tertiary hospital.

OBJECTIVES To characterize neonatal-perinatal medicine fellows’ progression toward neonatal intubation procedural competence during fellowship training. METHODS Multi-center cohort study of neonatal intubation encounters performed by neonatal-perinatal medicine fellows between 2014 through 2018 at North American academic centers in the National Emergency Airway Registry for Neonates. Cumulative sum analysis was used to characterize progression of individual fellows’ intubation competence, defined by an 80% overall success rate within 2 intubation attempts. We employed multivariable analysis to assess the independent impact of advancing quarter of fellowship training on intubation success. RESULTS There were 2297 intubation encounters performed by 92 fellows in 8 hospitals. Of these, 1766 (77%) were successful within 2 attempts. Of the 40 fellows assessed from the start of training, 18 (45%) achieved procedural competence, and 12 (30%) exceeded the deficiency threshold. Among fellows who achieved competence, the number of intubations to meet this threshold was variable, with an absolute range of 8 to 46 procedures. After adjusting for patient and practice characteristics, advancing quarter of training was independently associated with an increased odds of successful intubation (adjusted odds ratio: 1.10; 95% confidence interval 1.07–1.14). CONCLUSIONS The number of neonatal intubations required to achieve procedural competence is variable, and overall intubation competence rates are modest. Although repetition leads to skill acquisition for many trainees, some learners may require adjunctive educational strategies. An individualized approach to assess trainees’ progression toward intubation competence is warranted.

Safe limits of arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCOThis retrospective observational study included neonates with a gestational age (GA) of ≤29 wks, who had at least 7 blood gas analysis done within the first 72 h of life. By adjusting for known variables that predispose to IVH, multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to study the association of PaCOBetween 2013-2016, among 272 neonates who met inclusion criteria and were assessed for IVH on cranial ultrasound within first week of life, 101 neonates [mean GA of 25 ± 1.5 wks] had IVH and 171 neonates [mean GA of 25 ± 1.6 wks] had normal scans. After adjustment for confounding variables, higher values of maximum lactate (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.1-1.3,Severe metabolic acidosis rather than hypo/hypercapnia during the first 72 h of life was associated with higher odds of IVH in infants born at ≤29 wks of gestation. Future studies determining levels of PaCO

To examine rates and determinants of home nasogastric (NG)-tube feeding at hospital discharge in a cohort of very preterm infants within the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN).This was a population-based cohort study of infants born33 weeks of gestation and admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) participating in the CNN between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2018. We excluded infants who had major congenital anomalies, required gastrostomy-tube, or were discharged to non-CNN facilities. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent determinants of home NG-tube feeding at hospital discharge.Among the 13 232 infants born very preterm during the study period, 333 (2.5%) were discharged home to receive NG-tube feeding. Rates of home NG-tube feeding varied across Canadian NICUs, from 0% to 12%. Determinants of home NG-tube feeding were gestational age (aOR 0.94 per each gestational week increase, 95% CI 0.88-0.99); duration of mechanical ventilation (aOR 1.02 per each day increase, 95% CI 1.01-1.02); high illness severity at birth (aOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.01-1.74); small for gestational age (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.52-2.78); male sex (aOR 0.61, 95% CI 0.49-0.77); severe brain injury (aOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.10-2.32); and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (aOR 2.22, 95% CI 1.67-2.94).Rates of home NG-tube feeding varied widely between Canadian NICUs. Higher gestational age and male sex reduced the odds of discharge home to receive NG-tube feeding; and in contrast small for gestational age, severe brain injury, prolonged duration on mechanical ventilation and bronchopulmonary dysplasia increased the odds.

IntroductionPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the most common cardiovascular problem that develops in preterm infants and evidence regarding the best treatment approach is lacking. Currently available medical options to treat a PDA include indomethacin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Wide variation exists in PDA treatment practices across Canada. In view of this large practice variation across Canadian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), we plan to conduct a comparative effectiveness study of the different pharmacotherapeutic agents used to treat the PDA in preterm infants.Methods and analysisA multicentre prospective observational comparative-effectiveness research study of extremely preterm infants born Standard dose ibuprofen (10 mg/kg followed by two doses of 5 mg/kg at 24 hours intervals) irrespective of postnatal age (oral/intravenous).Adjustable dose ibuprofen (oral/intravenous) (10 mg/kg followed by two doses of 5 mg/kg at 24 hours intervals if treated within the first 7 days after birth. Higher doses of ibuprofen up to 20 mg/kg followed by two doses of 10 mg/kg at 24 hours intervals if treated after the postnatal age cut-off for lower dose as per the local centre policy).Acetaminophen (oral/intravenous) (15 mg/kg every 6 hours) for 3–7 days.Intravenous indomethacin (0.1–0.3 mg/kg intravenous every 12–24 hours for a total of three doses).OutcomesThe primary outcome is failure of primary pharmacotherapy (defined as need for further medical and/or surgical/interventional treatment following an initial course of pharmacotherapy). The secondary outcomes include components of the primary outcome as well as clinical outcomes related to response to treatment or adverse effects of treatment.Sites and sample sizeThe study will be conducted in 22 NICUs across Canada with an anticipated enrollment of 1350 extremely preterm infants over 3 years.AnalysisTo examine the relative effectiveness of the four treatment strategies, the primary outcome will be compared pairwise between the treatment groups using χ2 test. Secondary outcomes will be compared pairwise between the treatment groups using χ2 test, Student’s t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test as appropriate. To further examine differences in the primary and secondary outcomes between the four groups, multiple logistic or linear regression models will be applied for each outcome on the treatment groups, adjusted for potential confounders using generalised estimating equations to account for within-unit-clustering. As a sensitivity analysis, the difference in the primary and secondary outcomes between the treatment groups will also be examined using propensity score method with inverse probability weighting approach.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the IWK Research Ethics Board (#1025627) as well as the respective institutional review boards of the participating centres.Trial registration numberNCT04347720.

Introduction: Intubations are frequently performed procedures in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) and delivery rooms (DR). Unsuccessful first attempts are common as are tracheal intubation-associated events (TIAEs) and severe desaturations. Stylets are often used during intubation, but their association with intubation outcomes is unclear. Objective: To compare intubation success, rate of relevant TIAEs, and severe desaturations in neonates intubated with and without stylets. Methods: Tracheal intubations of neonates in the NICU or DR from 16 centers between October 2014 and December 2018, performed by neonatology or pediatric providers, were collected from the NEAR4NEOs international registry. Primary oral intubations with a laryngoscope were included in the analysis. First-attempt success, the occurrence of relevant TIAEs, and severe oxygen desaturation (≥20% saturation drop from baseline) were compared between intubations performed with versus without a stylet. Logistic regression with generalized estimate equations was used to control for covariates and clustering by sites. Results: Out of 5,292 primary oral intubations, 3,877 (73%) utilized stylets. Stylet use varied considerably across the centers with a range between 0.5 and 100%. Stylet use was not associated with first-attempt intubation success, esophageal intubation, mainstem intubation, or severe desaturations after controlling for confounders. Patient size was associated with these outcomes and much more predictive of success. Conclusions: Stylet use during neonatal intubation was not associated with higher first-attempt intubation success, fewer relevant TIAEs, or less severe desaturations. These data suggest that stylets can be used based on individual preference, but stylet use may not be associated with better intubation outcomes.

There have been concerns about the development of children conceived through assisted reproductive technology. Despite multiple studies investigating the outcomes of assisted conception, data focusing specifically on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology and born preterm are limited.This study aimed to evaluate and compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants born at29 weeks' gestation at 18 to 24 months' corrected age who were conceived through assisted reproductive technology and those who were conceived naturally.This retrospective cohort study included inborn, nonanomalous infants, born at29 weeks' gestation between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, who had a neurodevelopmental assessment at 18 to 24 months' corrected age at any of the 10 Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network clinics. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 24 months, defined as the presence of any of the following: cerebral palsy; Bayley-III cognitive, motor, or language composite score of85; sensorineural or mixed hearing loss; and unilateral or bilateral visual impairment. Secondary outcomes included mortality, composite of mortality or neurodevelopmental impairment, significant neurodevelopmental impairment, and each component of the primary outcome. We compared outcomes between infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology and those conceived naturally, using bivariate and multivariable analyses after adjustment.Of the 4863 eligible neonates, 651 (13.4%) were conceived using assisted reproductive technology. Maternal age; education level; and rates of diabetes mellitus, receipt of antenatal corticosteroids, and cesarean delivery were higher in the assisted reproduction group than the natural conception group. Neonatal morbidity and death rates were similar except for intraventricular hemorrhage, which was lower in the assisted reproduction group (33% [181 of 546] vs 39% [1284 of 3318]; P=.01). Of the 4176 surviving infants, 3386 (81%) had a follow-up outcome at 18 to 24 months' corrected age. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for gestational age, antenatal steroids, sex, small for gestational age, multiple gestations, mode of delivery, maternal age, maternal education, pregnancy-induced hypertension, maternal diabetes mellitus, and smoking showed that infants conceived through assisted reproduction was associated with lower odds of neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.86) and the composite of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.84). Conception through assisted reproductive technology was associated with decreased odds of a Bayley-III composite cognitive score of85 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.99) and composite language score of85 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.88).Compared with natural conception, assisted conception was associated with lower odds of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially cognitive and language outcomes, at 18 to 24 months' corrected age among preterm infants born at29 weeks' gestation. Long-term follow-up studies are required to assess the risks of learning disabilities and development of complex visual-spatial and processing skills in these children as they reach school age.

Objective To compare length of stay (LOS) in neonatal care for babies born extremely preterm admitted to networks participating in the International Network for Evaluating Outcomes of Neonates (iNeo). Study design Data were extracted for babies admitted from 2014 to 2016 and born at 24 to 28 weeks of gestational age (n = 28 204). Median LOS was calculated for each network for babies who survived and those who died while in neonatal care. A linear regression model was used to investigate differences in LOS between networks after adjusting for gestational age, birth weight z score, sex, and multiplicity. A sensitivity analysis was conducted for babies who were discharged home directly. Results Observed median LOS for babies who survived was longest in Japan (107 days); this result persisted after adjustment (20.7 days more than reference, 95% CI 19.3-22.1). Finland had the shortest adjusted LOS (−4.8 days less than reference, 95% CI –7.3 to −2.3). For each week's increase in gestational age at birth, LOS decreased by 12.1 days (95% CI –12.3 to −11.9). Multiplicity and male sex predicted mean increases in LOS of 2.6 (95% CI 2.0-3.2) and 2.1 (95% CI 1.6-2.6) days, respectively. Conclusions We identified between-network differences in LOS of up to 3 weeks for babies born extremely preterm. Some of these may be partly explained by differences in mortality, but unexplained variations also may be related to differences in clinical care practices and healthcare systems between countries.