Search

Preterm infants have shorter breastfeeding duration than that of term infants. Details of postdischarge feeding methods and difficulties are needed to inform the care of preterm breastfeeding dyads.To describe postdischarge breastfeeding characteristics of mother-preterm infant dyads up to 12 weeks corrected gestational age (CGA).A prospective observational study of preterm dyads (birth 24-33 weeks' gestation) that fed their mother's own milk (MOM) at discharge from a neonatal unit in Perth, Western Australia. Feeding method and frequency, breastfeeding duration, difficulties, and nipple shield use were recorded at 2, 6, and 12 weeks CGA.Data were obtained for 49 mothers (singleton infant n = 39, twins n = 10). At 12 weeks CGA, 59% fed any MOM with 47% exclusively fed MOM and 31% fully breastfed. Nipple shield use reduced from 42% at 2 weeks CGA to 11% at 12 weeks CGA. Compared with mothers who exclusively fed MOM at discharge (n = 41) those who fed both MOM and infant formula (n = 8) were more likely to wean before 12 weeks CGA ( P.001). Weaning occurred before 2 weeks CGA in 12/19 (63%), with low milk supply the most frequently cited reason.Most mothers with a full milk supply at discharge successfully transition to predominant breastfeeding. Frequent milk removal needs to be prioritized throughout the preterm infant's hospital stay.Examination of facilitators and barriers to early and continued frequent milk removal across the postpartum period is required to identify strategies to optimize lactation after preterm birth.

Objectives The early detection of preterm infants (PI) at risk for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and neurological sequelae still constitutes an unsolved issue. We aimed at validating the role of S100B protein in the early diagnosis and prognosis of IVH in PI by means of cerebral ultrasound (CUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) today considered standard of care procedures. Methods We conducted an observational case-control study in 216 PI of whom 36 with IVH and 180 controls. Standard clinical, laboratory, radiological monitoring procedures and S100B urine measurement were performed at four time-points (first void, 24, 48, 96 h) after birth. Cerebral MRI was performed at 40–42 weeks of corrected gestational age. Results Elevated (p Conclusions The present results showing a correlation among S100B and CUS and MRI offer additional support to the inclusion of the protein in clinical daily management of cases at risk for IVH and adverse neurological outcome. The findings open the way to further investigations in PI aimed at validating new neurobiomarkers by means of S100B.

Background: Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a common condition, affecting nearly half of infants born before 28 weeks' of gestation, and it has been associated with poor growth. It is not known if different treatment modalities are associated with more profound growth impairment. Our aim was to compare differences in weight gain at 36 weeks' corrected gestational age (CGA) in premature infants that received medical, surgical or conservative management for PDA. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed notes of 208 infants born under 30 weeks' gestation with a diagnosis of PDA. Gestational age (GA) at birth, birth weight z-score, CGA and weight z-score at 36 weeks' CGA were collected. In our cohort, surgical closure was performed in infants who remained symptomatic after medical or conservative management. Results: Ninety-four infants had medical, 56 surgical and 58 conservative management. Surgically managed infants had a lower median (IQR) GA [24.4 (24.0–26.1) weeks'] than medically [25.4 (24.6–26.5) weeks'] or conservatively managed [26.4 (25.4–28.1) weeks', p

OBJECTIVE Compare the incidence of severe (grade III/IV) intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and/or periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) between two groups of ELBW infants based on diet until 34 weeks corrected gestational age (CGA): (1) Exclusive human milk (EHM)-mother's own and/or pasteurized donor human milk, human milk-derived fortifier, and oral care with colostrum/human milk vs. (2) non-EHM-bovine formula or mother's own milk with bovine-derived fortifier. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective observational study of two groups of ELBW infants based on diet until 34 weeks CGA. RESULT There were n = 306 infants, 127 EHM and 179 non-EHM. Demographics and morbidities were similar except higher antenatal steroids and NEC in EHM group. The rate of severe IVH/PVL was lower in EHM compared to non-EHM group (7 vs. 18%, p

Introduction: With the advancement in neonatal care over the last two decades, neonatal mortality is decreased but simultaneously there is an increase in the adverse outcomes including neurodevelopmental abnormalities in the high-risk neonates. Purpose: To evaluate the association between cranial ultrasound findings and the clinical neurodevelopmental outcome among high-risk neonates at 12 months (corrected gestational age in preterm infants) and to assess the various perinatal risk factors associated with neurodevelopmental outcome. Material and Methods: 123 high-risk neonates admitted in NICU were enrolled. Cranial ultrasound was performed and morphology was noted. The neurodevelopmental assessment was done using DDST Test II at 12 months age and these neonates were labeled as normal or abnormal based on the findings. Association between the two non-parametric variables was seen using the Pearson Chi-square test. Results: There was a statistically significant association between clinical neurodevelopmental outcome and gestational age at birth; birth weight; Apgar score 0.05). The sensitivity of CUS was 89.2%, specificity 47.3%, positive predictive value 89.2%, and negative predictive value 47.3%. Conclusions: The neurodevelopmental outcome in high-risk neonates was associated with gestational age at birth; birth weight; Apgar score at 5 minutes; neonatal seizures and abnormal cranial ultrasound findings. The current study recommend the use of cranial ultrasound for the prediction of neurodevelopmental abnormalities especially in neonates with above risk factors.

Objectives Extubation failure is common in infants and associated with complications. Methods A prospective study was undertaken of preterm and term born infants. Diaphragm electromyogram (EMG) was measured transcutaneously for 15–60 min prior to extubation. The EMG results were related to tidal volume (Tve) to calculate the neuroventilatory efficiency (NVE). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were constructed and areas under the ROCs (AUROC) calculated. Results Seventy-two infants, median gestational age 28 (range 23–42) weeks were included; 15 (21%) failed extubation. Infants successfully extubated were more mature at birth (p=0.001), of greater corrected gestational age (CGA) at extubation (p29.6 weeks had the highest combined sensitivity (86%) and specificity (80%) in predicting extubation success. Conclusions Although NVE differed significantly between those who did and did not successfully extubate, CGA was the best predictor of extubation success.

International audience; Sensory prediction (SP) is at the core of early cognitive development. Impaired SP may be a key to understanding the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders, however there is little data on how and when this skill emerges. We set out to provide evidence of SP in the brain of premature neonates in the fundamental sensory modality: touch. Using Diffuse Correlation Spectroscopy, we measured blood flow changes in the somatosensory cortex of premature neonates presented with a vibrotactile stimulation-omission sequence. When ISI was fixed, participants presented a decrease in blood flow during stimulus omissions, starting when a stimulus should begin: the expectation of a certain stimulus onset induced deactivation of the somatosensory cortex. When ISI was jittered, we observed an increase in blood flow during omissions: the expectation of a likely but not certain stimulus onset induced activation of the somatosensory cortex. Our results reveal SP in the brain as early as four weeks before term, based on the temporal structure of a unimodal somatosensory stimulation, and show that SP produces opposite regulation of activity in the somatosensory cortex depending on how liable is stimulus onset. Future studies will investigate the predictive value of somatosensory prediction on neurodevelopment in this vulnerable population.

Objective: To assess the incidence of neuropsychomotor developmental delay at 6 and 12 months of corrected gestational age in children born at 32 gestational weeks or less. Methods: A descriptive and prospective study was carried out at two public maternity hospitals. Between April 2017 and January 2019, we assessed 133 children without any known risk factors for neuropsychomotor developmental delay. The Bayley III scale was used to evaluate cognitive and motor development. The p value of the numerical variables was calculated using the Mann-Whitney test, whereas proportions of categorical variables were compared using the Z-test. Results: The mean maternal age was 26±6.9 years,78.8% were from middle and lower economic classes, and 57.1% of the analyzed children were female. Children presented with a higher incidence of delay at 12 months than at 6 months (10.3 and 2.3% at 12 and 6 months, respectively, for the cognitive score; 22.7 and 12% at 12 and 6 months, respectively, for the composite motor score; and 24.7 and 8.4% at 12 and 6 months, respectively, for the fine motor score). Conclusions: Cognitive and motor developmental delays were significant, with the highest incidence at 12 months. The results of this study encourage further research on this topic, since the exclusion criteria were comprehensive and the delays in neuropsychomotor development were significant.

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to assess whether linear ventricular dimensions-specifically, the frontal occipital horn ratio (FOHR) and frontal temporal horn ratio (FTHR) obtained from ultrasound (US)-are reliable measures of ventriculomegaly in infants. Our hypothesis was that these US measures would show good correlation with linear ventricular indexes and ventricular volumes obtained from MRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We retrospectively identified 90 infants (age ≤ 6 months corrected gestational age) with ventriculomegaly from 2014 to 2017 who had a total of 100 sets of US and MRI studies performed in a 3-day period. FOHR and FTHR were independently measured on US and MRI by two pediatric radiologists and two pediatric neuroradiologists, respectively. Ventricular and brain volumes were segmented from the MR images, and the ventricle-to-intracranial volume ratio was calculated. MRI served as the reference standard. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analyses were generated to evaluate interobserver and US-MRI concordance. We assessed correlation of the FOHR and FTHR with the ventricle-to-intracranial volume ratio. RESULTS. Bland-Altman plots of the FOHR and FTHR between US and MRI showed excellent concordance with a bias of 0.05 (95% CI, -0.04 to 0.14) and 0.03 (95% CI, -0.06 to 0.13), respectively. There was good-to-excellent interobserver concordance for FOHR and FTHR on head US or MRI (r = 0.86-0.96). There was good correlation between ventricle-to-intracranial volume ratios and US- and MRI-derived FOHRs and FTHRs (r = 0.79-0.87). CONCLUSION. FOHR and FTHR obtained from US in infants with ventriculomegaly have excellent interobserver concordance, are concordant with MRI-derived linear ratios, and correlate with MRI-derived ventricular volumes. Therefore, US-derived FOHR and FTHR are reliable indexes for clinical follow-up of infantile ventriculomegaly.

Background: To investigate the clinical values of serum melatonin and αII spectrin cleavage products (SBDPs) in assessing the severity of brain injury in preterm infants. Methods: Sixty-four premature infants in total were selected and classified into the brain injury group (BI, n = 30) and the non-brain injury group (CON, n = 34) according to cranial imaging examination. The serum melatonin and SBDPs were detected by ELISA. All the preterm infants were received NBNA testing at 40 weeks of corrected gestational age. Results: The levels of melatonin and SBDPs in the BI group were significantly higher than the CON group (p

We aimed to report our institution's experience with gabapentin therapy to manage agitation and pain in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting. This was a retrospective, single-center study of NICU patients admitted between January 2015 and December 2017, who received gabapentin. Data on neonatal agitation, pain, Neonatal Pain, Agitation and Sedation Scale (N-PASS) scores, neurosedative medications, and adverse events were collected. Gabapentin was initiated in 16 patients at a corrected gestational age of 44 weeks (range 36.2-75wks) for agitation (n=9), pain (n=6), and movement disorders (n=1). A neurological diagnosis was present in 13 patients. Neonatal agitation, pain, and N-PASS scores and the need for other neurosedatives were significantly decreased 14 days after treatment initiation. Gabapentin is well tolerated in neonates and infants; it is associated with decreased pain scores and decreased need for multiple neurosedative medications 2 weeks after initiation. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Gabapentin is well tolerated in neonates and infants. Gabapentin decreases pain scores and the need for other neurosedative medications in neonates and infants.

ObjectivesTo assess the minimum incidence of life-threatening bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), defined as need for positive pressure respiratory support or pulmonary vasodilators at 38 weeks corrected gestational age (CGA), in infants born MethodsProspective national surveillance study performed via the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit from June 2017 to July 2018. Data were collected in a series of three questionnaires from notification to 1 year of age.Results153 notifications met the case definition, giving a minimum incidence of 13.9 (95% CI: 11.8 to 16.3) per 1000 live births ConclusionsThis definition of life-threatening BPD identified an extremely high-risk subgroup, associated with serious morbidity and mortality. Wide variability in management was demonstrated, and future prospective study, particularly in key areas of postnatal steroid use and pulmonary hypertension management, is required.

Summary Background Despite the availability of continuous conventional electroencephalography (cEEG), accurate diagnosis of neonatal seizures is challenging in clinical practice. Algorithms for decision support in the recognition of neonatal seizures could improve detection. We aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy of an automated seizure detection algorithm called Algorithm for Neonatal Seizure Recognition (ANSeR). Methods This multicentre, randomised, two-arm, parallel, controlled trial was done in eight neonatal centres across Ireland, the Netherlands, Sweden, and the UK. Neonates with a corrected gestational age between 36 and 44 weeks with, or at significant risk of, seizures requiring EEG monitoring, received cEEG plus ANSeR linked to the EEG monitor displaying a seizure probability trend in real time (algorithm group) or cEEG monitoring alone (non-algorithm group). The primary outcome was diagnostic accuracy (sensitivity, specificity, and false detection rate) of health-care professionals to identify neonates with electrographic seizures and seizure hours with and without the support of the ANSeR algorithm. Neonates with data on the outcome of interest were included in the analysis. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02431780 . Findings Between Feb 13, 2015, and Feb 7, 2017, 132 neonates were randomly assigned to the algorithm group and 132 to the non-algorithm group. Six neonates were excluded (four from the algorithm group and two from the non-algorithm group). Electrographic seizures were present in 32 (25·0%) of 128 neonates in the algorithm group and 38 (29·2%) of 130 neonates in the non-algorithm group. For recognition of neonates with electrographic seizures, sensitivity was 81·3% (95% CI 66·7–93·3) in the algorithm group and 89·5% (78·4–97·5) in the non-algorithm group; specificity was 84·4% (95% CI 76·9–91·0) in the algorithm group and 89·1% (82·5–94·7) in the non-algorithm group; and the false detection rate was 36·6% (95% CI 22·7–52·1) in the algorithm group and 22·7% (11·6–35·9) in the non-algorithm group. We identified 659 h in which seizures occurred (seizure hours): 268 h in the algorithm versus 391 h in the non-algorithm group. The percentage of seizure hours correctly identified was higher in the algorithm group than in the non-algorithm group (177 [66·0%; 95% CI 53·8–77·3] of 268 h vs 177 [45·3%; 34·5–58·3] of 391 h; difference 20·8% [3·6–37·1]). No significant differences were seen in the percentage of neonates with seizures given at least one inappropriate antiseizure medication (37·5% [95% CI 25·0 to 56·3] vs 31·6% [21·1 to 47·4]; difference 5·9% [–14·0 to 26·3]). Interpretation ANSeR, a machine-learning algorithm, is safe and able to accurately detect neonatal seizures. Although the algorithm did not enhance identification of individual neonates with seizures beyond conventional EEG, recognition of seizure hours was improved with use of ANSeR. The benefit might be greater in less experienced centres, but further study is required. Funding Wellcome Trust, Science Foundation Ireland, and Nihon Kohden.

Calprotectin is an antimicrobial protein found in stool when released by granulocytes. We sought to create stool calprotectin reference ranges in preterm neonates and to evaluate whether levels exceeding the upper reference interval are diagnostic for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Stool calprotectin was measured in premature neonates without gastrointestinal pathology to create reference intervals. For comparison, levels from infants undergoing “rule out NEC” evaluations were plotted on these reference intervals. Stool calprotectin reference intervals were created according to gestational age at birth and corrected gestational age. Levels during “rule out NEC” evaluations were more often above the upper reference interval with NEC vs. those without NEC. Stools from preterm neonates have a higher range of calprotectin than stools from healthy term neonates. In evaluating preterm neonates for NEC with stool calprotectin, a calprotectin upper reference interval that incorporates corrected gestational age best predicts the diagnosis of NEC.

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore oral feeding outcomes in infants born with type-C esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistula (EA/TEF). Methods A retrospective cohort study of all infants born between January 2005 and December 2015 undergoing surgery for type-C EA/TEF at the University of Alberta Hospital was performed. Results Fifty-seven infants were identified, of which 61.4% were exclusively orally feeding at discharge home. Variables anticipated to predict oral feeding were explored. Only 46% of babies with a structural cardiac anomaly had exclusive oral feeding compared to 79% without cardiac anomaly, p=0.055. Logistic regression identified the presence of structural cardiac anomaly and corrected gestational age at discharge as significant negative predictor variables for exclusive oral feeding at discharge home. Additional regression analyses found early transanastomotic feeding to be a significant positive predictor for the discontinuation of PN. Conclusion We report the rate of oral feeding at discharge for infants born with type-C EA/TEF and identify predictor variables. This information is important for health care professionals and the families of children born with EA/TEF, because a significant number will go home with supplemental nutrition by gavage tube or other routes. Level of Evidence Level 2.

ObjectiveTo predict length of stay in neonatal care for all admissions of very preterm singleton babies.SettingAll neonatal units in England.PatientsSingleton babies born at 24–31 weeks gestational age from 2011 to 2014. Data were extracted from the National Neonatal Research Database.MethodsCompeting risks methods were used to investigate the competing outcomes of death in neonatal care or discharge from the neonatal unit. The occurrence of one event prevents the other from occurring. This approach can be used to estimate the percentage of babies alive, or who have been discharged, over time.ResultsA total of 20 571 very preterm babies were included. In the competing risks model, gestational age was adjusted for as a time-varying covariate, allowing the difference between weeks of gestational age to vary over time. The predicted percentage of death or discharge from the neonatal unit were estimated and presented graphically by week of gestational age. From these percentages, estimates of length of stay are provided as the number of days following birth and corrected gestational age at discharge.ConclusionsThese results can be used in the counselling of parents about length of stay and the risk of mortality.

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of five-day course of sunflower oil massage with moderate pressure on the weight gain and length of NICU stay in preterm infants. Methods Forty-four healthy preterm infants with a corrected gestational age of 30–36 weeks at the time of the study, were randomly assigned to the study group receiving body massage with sunflower oil and the control group receiving only routine NICU care. The massage was performed three times per day, each session including three consecutive five-minute stages, for five days. The primary outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of a short course of moderate pressure sunflower oil massage on the weight gain velocity. The secondary outcome was to compare the length of NICU stay between the two groups. Results During the study period, the increase in the average daily and fifth-day weight gain was significant in the intervention group. The length of NICU stay was shorter in the intervention group significantly. Conclusion Our findings suggest that even a short course of body massage with sunflower oil for only five days increases preterm infants’ weight gain and decreases their duration of NICU stay significantly.

Objetivo: Avaliar os movimentos em recém-nascidos prematuros internados em uma unidade de cuidados intermediários neonatal, segundo a General Movements Assessment (GMA). Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo, exploratório de abordagem quantitativa e delineamento transversal, realizado em um Hospital Materno-Infantil no interior da Bahia, no período de julho a setembro de 2021, composto por uma amostra de 20 recém-nascidos pré-termos. Os instrumentos utilizados para coleta de dados da pesquisa foram: formulário do prontuário dos recém-nascidos pré-termos e a escala de GMA. Resultados: A população do estudo apresentou idade gestacional corrigida entre 33 e 39 semanas correspondendo a fase dos Writhing Movements, foi possível identificar que 65% apresentaram movimentação anormal, sendo 55% preditivo para paralisia cerebral espástica. Conclusão: O Profissional fisioterapeuta além de realizar intervenção neurosensoriomotora em recém-nascidos de alto risco para o desenvolvimento infantil, realiza avaliação a fim de detectar sinais clínicos para atrasos de desenvolvimento motor. Toda intervenção tem a finalidade de adequar o tônus muscular, diminuir a dor, estimular as sinergias musculares e facilitar o desenvolvimento neurosensóriomotor, percebeu-se no estudo que o instrumento de avaliação GMA, é um facilitador confiável, desde idades gestacionais bem precoces.

Background Given the central role of the thalamus in motor, sensory, and cognitive development, methods to study emerging thalamocortical connectivity in early infancy are of great interest. Purpose To determine the feasibility of performing probabilistic tractography-based thalamic parcellation (PTbTP) in typically developing (TD) neonates and to compare the results with a pilot sample of neonates with congenital heart disease (CHD). Study type Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved cross-sectional study. Model We prospectively recruited 20 TD neonates and five CHD neonates (imaged preoperatively). Field strength/sequence MRI was performed at 3.0T including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and 3D magnetization prepared rapid gradient-echo (MPRAGE). Assessment A radiologist and trained research assistants segmented the thalamus and seven cortical targets for each hemisphere. Using the thalami as seeds and the cortical labels as targets, FSL library tools were used to generate probabilistic tracts. A Hierarchical Dirichlet Process algorithm was then used for clustering analysis. A radiologist qualitatively assessed the results of clustering. Quantitative analyses were also performed. Statistical tests We summarized the demographic data and results of clustering with descriptive statistics. Linear regressions covarying for gestational age were used to compare groups. Results In 17 of 20 TD neonates, we identified five connectivity-determined clusters, which correlate with known thalamic nuclei and subnuclei. In four neonates with CHD we observed a spectrum of abnormalities including fewer and disorganized clusters or small supernumerary clusters (up to seven per thalamus). After covarying for differences in corrected gestational age (cGA), the fractional anisotropy (FA), volume, and normalized thalamic volume were significantly lower in CHD neonates (P Data conclusions Using PTbTP clusters, correlating well with the location and connectivity of known thalamic nuclei, were identified in TD neonates. Differences in thalamic clustering outputs were identified in four neonates with CHD, raising concern for disordered thalamic connectivity. PTbTP is feasible in TD and CHD neonates. Preliminary findings suggest the prenatal origins of altered connectivity in CHD. Level of evidence 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 4 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2018;47:1626-1637.

In preterm newborn, problems with the interpretation of 17-OHP may occur.Evaluate 17-OHP values in healthy preterm newborns until they reach the corrected gestational age.Longitudinal study of 36 preterm infants with 17-OHP evaluation using ELISA from heel blood from 3 to 5 days and thereafter every 2 weeks until the corrected gestational age. Values adjusting multiple variables such as gestational age, birth weight and sex, among others were compared. The results were analyzed against 82 healthy full-term infants.In the first week of life, early term infants born within less than 34 months of gestational age show 17-OHP values that are much higher than the full term neonates. After a week, the values decrease and stabilize, but are still higher than those of full term neonates and remain so even at the corrected gestational age. (average difference of 63.0%, CI 95%: 11.8%-115.5%). 33.6% (41 samples) of a total of 122 samples taken from preterm infants were higher than 30 ng/mL.17-OHP values in early term infants are higher than those in full term neonates and can be related to postnatal adaptive processes. It is suggested that a second screening at the 37th week of corrected age be performed.En recién nacidos pretérmino se presentan problemas para interpretar la 17-OHP.Evaluar los valores de 17-OHP en recién nacidos sanos pretérmino hasta cuando alcanzan el término de edad gestacional corregida.Estudio longitudinal de 36 prematuros con evaluación de la 17-OHP por ELISA en sangre de talón desde los 3-5 días de vida y luego cada dos semanas hasta la edad gestacional de término corregida. Se comparó los valores ajustando múltiples variables como edad gestacional, peso al nacer y sexo, entre otras. Se analizaron los resultados frente a los de 82 recién nacidos a término sanos.En la primera semana de vida, los prematuros menores de 34 semanas de edad gestacional tienen valores de 17-OHP muy superiores a los neonatos de término. Al alcanzar la semana 34 de edad gestacional corregida, los valores descienden y se mantienen estables, siempre mayores a los de término, incluso al llegar a edad a término corregida (diferencia promedio de 63.0%, IC 95%: 11.8%-115.5%). El 33.6% (41 muestras) de un total de 122 muestras hechas en los prematuros eran mayores de 30 ng/mL.Los valores de 17-OHP en recién nacidos pretérmino son más altos que en neonatos a término, pudiendo ser relacionado con los procesos adaptativos postnatales. Se sugiere realizar un segundo tamizaje al llegar a la semana 37 de edad corregida.

Objectives The purpose of this study was to use transcranial 2- and 3-dimensional sonography with the Virtual Organ computer-aided analysis (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) technique to observe the morphologic characteristics of the hippocampal formation and to analyze its correlation with the corrected gestational age. Methods Transcranial sonography was performed from the sagittal plane of the anterior fontanel to the sagittal plane of the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle. The morphologic characteristics of the hippocampal formation in 183 singleton neonates with a corrected gestational age of 32 to 43 weeks were observed. The long diameter, short diameter, area, and perimeter of the hippocampal formation were all quantitatively measured. The volume of the hippocampal formation was measured by 3-dimensional sonography using the Virtual Organ computer-aided analysis technique. The correlation between the corrected gestational age and each parameter was analyzed. Results The display rate of the hippocampal formation was 100% in the neonates with a typical hippocampus shape. In healthy neonates with a corrected gestational age of 32 to 43 weeks, the long and short diameters, area, perimeter, and volume of the hippocampal formation were all positively correlated with the gestational age. Conclusions Transcranial sonography could be used as a conventional approach for evaluation of the development of the hippocampal formation in neonates.

Introduction Sleep is the dominant vigilance state in pre-term infants, but its regulation is still poorly understood, with no underpinning quantitative framework. In animal studies, neonatal sleep-wake characteristics follow statistical patterns, e.g. wakefulness durations exhibit an exponential distribution.1 Here we investigated whether the same holds true for pre-term human infants. Methods We recorded electroencephalography (EEG), respiratory movement, electrocardiography (ECG), and behavioural observations for up to two hours from 54 non-mechanically ventilated infants being cared for on the neonatal unit (28+2–34+1 weeks+days corrected gestational age). Data were staged as sleep or wakefulness in 30-s epochs (figure 1). We characterised i) the distribution of wakefulness durations, using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness-of-fit test, and ii) the likelihood of transitioning from sleep to wakefulness during the recording, using the Kaplan-Meier estimator which takes account of censored observations, i.e. when the event of interest (wakefulness) was not captured. Results 14/54 (26%) infants cycled through wakefulness during the recording: durations ranged from 2 to 29 minutes and did not deviate significantly from an exponential distribution (D(14)=0.733, p=0.657) (figure 2 left). There is a sharp increase in the likelihood of transitioning from sleep to wakefulness when recordings increase from 93 to 96 minutes, when the estimated percentage of subjects maintaining sleep falls from 75 to 50%. Nevertheless, 25% of subjects will still be asleep at 121 minutes (figure 2 right). Discussion In pre-term infants, the durations of awakenings are exponentially distributed, as in neonatal animals.¹ The likelihood of awakening does not increase linearly with recording duration, but is gated after approximately 100 minutes, demonstrating cyclicity. Future work will build on these preliminary data to model how demographic and environmental variables (e.g. necessary painful procedures) influence the neonatal sleep-wake cycle. Reference Blumberg, et al. PNAS ( 2005)

ObjectiveTo determine whether the receipt of therapeutic services of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW; ≤1500 g) neonates inadvertently delivered at community Level 2 and 3 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) compared with those born at a well-baby nursery (WBN; Level 1) differed.MethodsThis is a retrospective study of neonates who were born at Level 1 (WBN), 2, 3, and 4 NICUs and discharged from a Level 4 hospital (n = 529). All infants were evaluated at the Regional Neonatal Follow-up Program at 12 ± 1 months corrected gestational age (CA) and assessed for use of therapeutic services including: early intervention (EI), occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), speech therapy (ST), and special education (SE).ResultsCompared to infants born at community Level 2 and 3 NICU hospitals, those outborn at a community Level 1 WBN had significantly higher utilization of EI (90% vs. 62%) and PT (83% vs. 61%) at 12 months CA. This association persisted when controlling for covariates. Infants who required EI had significantly lower Bayley-III cognitive scores at 3 years of age.ConclusionVLBW infants outborn at WBN (Level 1) hospitals required more outpatient therapeutic services than those born at hospitals with NICU facilities. These results suggest that delivering at the appropriate community hospital level of care might be advantageous for long-term outcomes.

The macronutrient composition of target-pooled donor breast milk (DBM) (milk combined strategically to provide 20 kcal/oz) and growth patterns of preterm infants receiving it have not been characterized. Caloric target-pooled DBM samples were analyzed by near-infrared spectroscopy. Weekly growth velocities and anthropometric z-scores were calculated for the first 30 days and at 36 weeks corrected gestational age (CGA) for 69 very low birthweight (VLBW) infants receiving minimum one week of DBM. Samples contained mean 18.70 kcal/oz, 0.91 g/dL protein, 3.11 g/dL fat, 7.71 g/dL carbohydrate (n = 96), less than labeled values by 2.43 kcal/oz and 0.11 g/dL protein (p &lt, 0.001). By week 3, growth reached 16.58 g/kg/day, 0.95 cm/week (length), and 1.01 cm/week (head circumference). Infants receiving &lt, 50% vs. &gt, 50% DBM had similar growth, but infants receiving &gt, 50% DBM were more likely to receive fortification &gt, 24 kcal/oz (83% vs. 51.9% in the &lt, 50% DBM group, p = 0.005). From birth to 36 weeks CGA (n = 60), there was a negative z-score change across all parameters with the greatest in length (&minus, 1.01). Thus, target-pooling does not meet recommended protein intake for VLBW infants. Infants fed target-pooled DBM still demonstrate a disproportionate negative change in length z-score over time.

We are grateful for Menon et al ’s editorial in response1 to our recent article.2 They set out several pertinent points and issue a call to action for future research. Menon et al question whether ‘catch-up’ growth of infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) contributed substantially to the overall change in weight SD Score (∆SDS) between birth and 36 weeks corrected gestational age (CGA). Further analysis of our data sheds some light on this proposition. Infants with IUGR (defined as a birth weight of at least 1.33 SD below the 1990 British Growth Reference mean) grew slightly more than their non-IUGR counterparts (table 1). View this table: Table 1 Mean change in weight SD Score between birth and 36 weeks CGA in infants without IUGR, …

Background/Aim: Early postnatal growth patterns may have significant long term health effects. Although preterm infants on parenteral nutrition (PN)exhibit poor growth, growth pattern of term or near-term infants requiring PN is not well reported. We aimed to investigate this in infants born with gastroschisis. Methods: Retrospective review of all infants with gastroschisis requiring PN treated at a single centre over a 4 year period. Growth and clinical data were retrieved, and weight SDS scores for corrected gestational age calculated. Weight SDS (mean ± SD)were compared at clinically relevant timepoints and multi-level regression used to model growth trends over time. Main results: During the study period 61 infants with gastroschisis were treated; all were included. Infants were small for gestational age at birth for weight (SDS score −0.87 ± 0.85). Weight SDS decreased significantly during the first 10 days of age (mean decrease 0.81 ± 0.56; p < 0.0001)and between birth and discharge (mean decrease 0.81 ± 0.56; p < 0.0001). Despite tolerating full enteral feeds, weight SDS velocity was negative around the time of transition from parenteral to enteral feed. There was evidence of ‘catch up’ growth between 3 and 6 months of age. Conclusion: Despite nutritional support with PN, infants with gastroschisis demonstrate significant growth failure during the newborn period. Further efforts are required to understand the underlying mechanisms, improve nutritional support and to evaluate the long term consequences of postnatal growth failure in this population.

Aim To study the effect of brief delay in cord clamping on short-term neurobehavioural outcome of preterm neonates. Methods All preterm neonates born between 34-36 weeks and 6 days were included and randomized into either a control or intervention group. In the control group, clamping was done within 20 s after delivery, and this was termed as immediate cord clamping (ICC). In the intervention group, delayed cord clamping (DCC) took place between 30 and 60 s. A total of 120 preterm neonates were enrolled. The primary outcome studied was short-term neurobehavioural outcome at 37 weeks after conceptional age using the Neurobehavioral Assessment of Preterm Infants (NAPI) score as the outcome measure. Results NAPI scores at 37 weeks of corrected gestational age revealed a mean (95% confidence interval) score of motor development and vigour of 64.21±27.31 (57.27 - 71.14) vs. 76.69±25.29 (70.04-83.34), p= 0.01; and alertness and orientation of 29.31±12.78 (26.06-32.55) vs. 42.77±15.75 (38.63-46.91), p= 0.00 across the ICC vs. DCC groups, respectively. Conclusion A brief delay of 30-60 s in cord clamping is beneficial in improving neurobehavioural outcome of late preterm infants.

OBJECTIVES: First, to determine the feasibility of an ultra-compact wireless device (microEEG) to obtain multichannel electroencephalographic (EEG) recording in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Second, to identify problem areas in order to improve wireless EEG performance. STUDY DESIGN: 28 subjects (gestational age 24–30 weeks, postnatal age

Background The ratio of urinary coproporphyrin (UCP) I to total urinary coproporphyrin I and III [UCP {I/(I + III)]] serves as a biomarker of the ATP-binding cassette, sub-family C, member 2 (ABCC2) function. The aim of this study was to clarify the characteristics of the developmental pattern of UCP [I/(I + III)] in order to estimate ABCC2 function in children, especially in the neonatal period, by measuring it throughout the entirety of childhood. Method Measurement of UCP [I/(I + III)] was done high-performance liquid chromatography, using urine samples collected from children from 1 day to 15 years old, involving one sample per child. Urine samples from children with liver and kidney disease and urinary tract infection were excluded. Results UCP [I/(I + III)] varied widely in infants younger than 6 months old, and was ≥0.3 in 80% of the infants. In contrast, it decreased to

AIM To assess neonatal transport activities by the neonatal transport teams of the University Children’s Hospital Zurich in order to identify opportunities for improvement in the organisation of these transports. METHODS Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on neonatal transports by the neonatal transport teams of the University Children’s Hospital Zurich between January 2014 and December 2018. Data on transports affecting neonates with a corrected gestational age of up to 44 weeks and a weight less than 5 kg were extracted from registration forms, transport forms, transport reports and the neonates’ medical charts. Transport data were assessed separately for urgent, non-urgent and re-transfers. RESULTS During the study period, 1110 transport runs, including 883 (79.5%) urgent, 105 (9.5%) non-urgent and 122 (11.0%) re-transfers were performed. Ground transport accounted for 90.7% of the cases. The majority (77.7%) of the transported neonates were born at term and 59.1% were transported within the first 24 hours of life. The most common reason for transport was respiratory distress (39.9%), followed by cardiac diseases (14.6%). Medical procedures performed by the neonatal transport teams during transport mostly addressed peripheral intravenous line placement (41.8%) and feeding tube placement (41.8%). The median preparation time for urgent transfers was 35 min (range 8–225) for ground and 50 min (range 20–260) for air transport. CONCLUSIONS The high proportion of urgent transfers emphasises the need for an efficient neonatal transport system and dedicated neonatal transport teams staffed by members with training in neonatal transport and expertise in handling neonatal emergencies. To provide the best possible care to the vulnerable neonates, the heterogeneous nature of the cohort of transported neonates regarding the diagnoses transport demand was made for and the medical procedures performed during transport should be considered in simulation training of neonatal transport team staff. Additionally, processes to improve preparation time should be defined and implemented in order to reduce it to less than 30 min so as to guarantee efficient care. Further studies are needed to assess the quality and efficacy of neonatal transports in Switzerland. National guidelines on the standard of neonatal transport and quality metrics should be established in order to set benchmarks and to improve the quality of the transports.

Aim NHS England has outlined the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) service to be for infants who are generally (but not exclusively) Methods Eligible infants transferred from NICU between 1/09/2010 – 31/08/2015 were identified from the Standardised Electronic Neonatal Database (SEND) and PICU databases. Information was extracted from the SEND discharge summaries and medical records regarding transition of care. Results 26 infants were identified. A mean of 4 (1–6) infants were transitioned annually to PICU or the paediatric wards. Median birth gestation was 36+ 2 (23+ 6 –41+ 1 ) weeks, weight of 2400 (515–4480) grams. Median transition age was 46+ 1 (44+ 0 –52+ 6 ) weeks, weight of 3417 (1890–6170) grams. 11 of the 26 infants identified were transferred from NICU to PICU. Median length of stay (LOS) on PICU was 28 (1–241) days, mean 47 days. PICU occupancy per annum was 517 days, 13% of the annual bed occupancy (3754 days). 22 infants were transferred to the general paediatric wards, including some of whom were initially on PICU. Median LOS on the general paediatric ward was 11 (1–145) days, total of 591 days annually. No child died before discharge from hospital. Conclusion This small group of complex infants constitute a high workload for both PICU and the general paediatric wards. The majority of infants remaining in hospital post 44 weeks CGA had undergone surgery during the neonatal period. The knowledge obtained from this study will help in planning the timely transition of these infants to paediatric services. This may help prevent local capacity issues to paediatric services by neonates awaiting repatriation around the region and familial separation.

OBJETIVO: avaliar recém-nascidos prematuros durante a primeira oferta de seio materno em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva neonatal. MÉTODOS: foram avaliadas 15 díades mãe/recém-nascido durante a primeira oferta de seio materno na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva neonatal da Maternidade Mario Totta, no Hospital Santa Clara da Irmandade da Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre. A coleta ocorreu em três partes: 1ª) Consulta ao prontuário do recém-nascido e preenchimento de um formulário. 2ª) Aplicação de um questionário estruturado às mães. 3ª) Avaliação da primeira oferta de seio materno aplicando o Formulário de Avaliação Fonoaudiológica das mamadas. RESULTADOS: 46,7% dos recém-nascidos apresentaram a prematuridade como único motivo de internação, 60% já estavam em acompanhamento fonoaudiológico antes de iniciarem o aleitamento materno. A média de idade das mães foi 29,27 +/- 8,058 anos e 40% delas afirmou terem relacionamento estável com o pai do recém-nascido. Foi verificado que quanto maior a idade gestacional corrigida do recém-nascido, melhor as condições de pega e ordenha ao seio materno e classificação final da mamada, assim como, quanto mais dias de vida o recém-nascido tem, melhor a pega ao seio materno. CONCLUSÃO: a prematuridade foi o principal obstáculo para o aleitamento materno, porém, as características positivas das mães, como grau de escolaridade, estado civil, experiência prévia em aleitamento materno, e atendimento fonoaudiológico iniciado antes do aleitamento materno em grande parte dos RN, podem ter proporcionado bons resultados na primeira oferta de seio materno. PURPOSE: to evaluate newborn prematures during the first offering of maternal breast in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. METHODS: 15 mother-newborn dyads were assessed during the first offering of maternal breast in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Maternity Mario Totta in the Hospital Santa Clara da Irmandade Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto Alegre. The data collection occurred in three parts with each dyad: 1st) Consulting the medical records of newborns and filling out a form. 2nd) Applying a structured questionnaire to mothers. 3rd) Assessment of the first offer of maternal breast applying the Speech Therapy Evaluation Form feedings. RESULTS: 46.7% of newborn had prematurity as the sole reason for admission, 60% were already in speech therapy before initiating breastfeeding. Mean maternal age was 29.27 + / - 8.058 years and 73.3% had a stable relationship with the father of the newborn. It was found that the higher the corrected gestational age of newborns, the best conditions for making the handle and milking breast, and final classification of breastfeeding. The more days of life the newborn had, the better the handle in the maternal breast. CONCLUSION: prematurity was the main factor against breastfeeding, however, the positive characteristics of the mothers, a like educational level, marital status and previous experience in breastfeeding and the early onset of therapeutic sessions in most premature may have provided good results in the first offering of the maternal breast.

Aim Preterm nutrition guidelines target nutrient accretion and growth at intrauterine rates, yet at term equivalent age, the phenotype of the preterm infant differs from that of term infants. Monitoring early changes in preterm body composition (BC) in response to macronutrient intakes may facilitate our understanding of how best to meet preterm nutrition and growth targets. Method Macronutrient intakes based on milk analysis were calculated from birth for infants born

Langerhans cell histiocytosis is exceedingly rare in premature infants, and the few cases reported suggest a poor prognosis with systemic involvement. We present a case of Langerhans cell histiocytosis limited to a single cutaneous lesion, presenting in a 27-week-gestation infant, which is the youngest gestational age of reported Langerhans cell histiocytosis cases. The lesion showed spontaneous resolution by 41 weeks corrected gestational age, and systemic involvement was absent, demonstrating a mild course of skin-only Langerhans cell histiocytosis in a premature infant.

There is increased use of early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) to manage respiratory distress in preterm infants but optimal methods and factors associated with successful wean are not well defined. A systematic review was performed to define the corrected gestational age (CGA), weight to wean NCPAP and the methods associated with successful weaning of the NCPAP among preterm infants, along with factors affecting it.Searches were made of PubMed using the keywords-NCPAP, CPAP, weaning, withdrawal, preterm, and infants from its inception to January 1st, 2014, for studies in all languages but limited to humans. Previous reviews (including cross references) were also searched. We included all randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials where preterm neonates were randomized to different NCPAP weaning strategies. Details of CGA, weight and methods used for weaning NCPAP were extracted along with factors which affect its withdrawal.Seven studies met the search criteria. The successful wean was at 32 to 33 weeks CGA and at 1600 g. Three different methods were used for weaning were sudden, gradual pressure wean and gradual graded time off wean. Criteria for readiness, success and failure to wean were defined. Factors affecting successful weaning were intubation, anemia, infection and gastro-esophageal reflux.The successful wean was at 32 to 33 weeks CGA and 1600 g. Criteria for readiness, success and failure to wean are well defined. Sudden weaning may be associated with a shorter weaning time. Future trials are needed comparing weaning methods using defined criteria for readiness and success of NCPAP wean and stratify the results by gestational age and birth weight.

Preterm infants, especially those born very preterm (32 weeks' gestation), suffer a number of morbidities. Immaturity of the endocrine system and its potential impact on morbidity is the subject of numerous studies. Hormone concentrations are sometimes measured in very preterm infants, however there are little normative data available to be able to interpret the results. The aim of this study was to describe age appropriate hormone reference intervals for babies born less than 30 weeks' gestation.Samples were collected at 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 42 days after birth from babies born 23-29 weeks' gestation. The serum was analyzed for seven hormones by automated chemiluminescent immunoassay (Siemens Immulite 2000). Results from the 107 infants who survived beyond 40 weeks' corrected gestational age were included in the data analysis.Cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, growth hormone and progesterone levels were highest during the first seven days with levels up to 10,801nmol/L; 26.6μmol/L; 343mU/L; and63.6nmol/L respectively. Free thyroxine levels were as low as2.6pmol/L for the first 28 days with the nadir at 7days. Estradiol levels ranged from73 to 1626pmol/L over the six weeks. Reference intervals for IGF-1 could not be established as the levels were below the analyzer's sensitivity. There were no differences in reference intervals between male and female infants.We describe gestation appropriate reference intervals for six hormones measured in babies born30 weeks' gestation. Utilization of these reference intervals permits the correct and timely interpretation of results to the clinician.

RESUMO Introdução A prematuridade pode afetar o desenvolvimento adequado do recém-nascido. Objetivo Avaliar o desempenho para a alimentação via oral em recém-nascidos prematuros, estimulados pela técnica treino de deglutição. Métodos A pesquisa ocorreu em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal, no período de março a agosto de 2015. Trata-se de um estudo Quase Experimento de Série Temporal com 14 recém-nascidos pré-termo (RNPT), com idade gestacional corrigida entre 30-36 semanas. Foi aplicado o protocolo de avaliação da prontidão do prematuro para início da alimentação oral (pré e pós-treino de deglutição). O treino de deglutição ocorreu uma vez ao dia e, em média, durante seis dias consecutivos. Resultados Verificou-se melhora pós-estimulação, comparando-se os dados do protocolo pré-intervenção e pós-intervenção. Quanto aos níveis de habilidades de alimentação por via oral, 50% dos prematuros foram classificados como nível 4. A alimentação via oral foi iniciada, em média, 1 dia após o término do treino de deglutição; a sonda alimentar foi retirada em, aproximadamente, 7 dias após o início da via oral. Houve associação inversa limítrofe entre melhora no escore de prontidão e tempo de transição da via alternativa para a via oral total e associação inversa entre melhora no escore de prontidão e idade gestacional corrigida. Conclusão A intervenção com treino de deglutição possibilitou melhora na habilidade de alimentação em 50% da amostra, com início da alimentação via oral e obtenção da alimentação exclusiva via oral em um curto período de tempo, com prontidão para via oral em idades gestacionais precoces. ABSTRACT Introduction Prematurity can affect proper development of a newborn. Purpose To evaluate performance of oral feeding in preterm infants stimulated by the swallowing training technique. Methods The study was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit from March to August 2015. The study was developed as a Times Series Quasi Experiment with 14 preterm newborns (PTNB) with corrected gestational age between 30-36 weeks. The readiness to feed orally protocol for preterm infants (pre and post-swallowing training) was applied. Swallowing exercises were conducted once a day and on average for six consecutive days. Results Improvement post-stimulation was observed, comparing the pre-intervention and post-intervention protocol data. Regarding oral feeding skills, 50% of preterm infants were classified as level 4. Oral feeding commenced, on average, 1 day after the end of swallowing training; the gastric tube was removed approximately 7 days after beginning oral feeding. There was a borderline inverse relationship between improvement in the readiness score and transition time from tube to full oral feeding and an inverse relationship between improvement in the readiness score and corrected gestational age. Conclusion The intervention with swallowing training made it possible to improve feeding skills in 50% of the sample population, starting oral feeding and obtaining exclusive oral feeding in a short period of time, with oral readiness at early gestational ages.

To investigate the effect of Auditory, Tactile, Visual and Vestibular stimulus (ATVV) on neuromotor development in preterm infants. Fifty preterm infants born at 28–36 wk with a birth weight ranging from 1,000–2,000 g were recruited for the study. They were block randomized into a control group (n = 25) and study group (n = 25). New Ballard score was used for the baseline measurement of neuromaturity in both groups. In neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the study group received multisensory stimulation for 12 min per session, 5 sessions per wk along with routine NICU care either from 33 wk corrected gestational age for infants born at 28–32 wk or from 48 h of birth for infants born at 33–36 wk until discharge from the hospital. The control group received the routine NICU care. At term age the preterm infants were assessed using Infant Neurological International Battery (INFANIB) and the groups were compared using independent t test. The multisensory stimulated infants showed higher neuromotor score (p = 0.001) compared to the control group. The french angle components of INFANIB including heel to ear (p = 0.016) and popliteal angle (p = 0.001) were statistically significant between the groups. Multisensory stimulation appears to have a beneficial effect on the tonal maturation in preterm infants. However, further studies are warranted to investigate the long-term effects of multisensory stimulation on neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants.

The authors compared the age and referral patterns of pediatric patients undergoing surgical intervention for cryptorchidism at a rural, West Virginia University, versus urban, Johns Hopkins University, tertiary center. A retrospective review of patients undergoing surgical evaluation for cryptorchidism was performed. Patients treated for reasons unrelated to cryptorchidism or referred for multiple urologic diagnoses were excluded. The patients at each institution were then divided into four groups based on their corrected gestational age at time of surgery. Referral times and provider specialties were also obtained. A total of 131 cases at the urban center and 100 cases at the rural center were identified. At the rural center, the average age of referral and surgery were 48.3 and 53.8 months, respectively, compared to 59.6 and 65.2 months at the urban center. Only 40% of patients at the rural site and 29% at the urban institution underwent intervention at less than 18 months of age. There was no significant difference in time of referral to surgery between the institutions. The majority of referrals were made by private practice pediatricians.In this study, a pattern of delayed referral and intervention was observed at both institutions despite differing geographic regions and heterogeneous patient populations. It is important that referring providers realize that scrotal U/S does not change management of UDT and should not delay prompt referral. What is known: • Significant referral delay is a challenging issue in the management of cryptorchidism. • Ultrasound is not a valid method for the detection of cryptorchidism. What is new: • The rural and urban management of cryptorchidism is not that different. • More emphasis should be put on the detection management of cryptorchidism.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to identify the prevalence and characteristics of rib fractures in ex-preterm infants. METHODS: Infants born at RESULTS: Of the 3318 eligible preterm infants, 1446 had a total of 9386 chest radiographs. Of these infants, 26 (1.8%) were identified as having a total of 62 rib fractures. Their median (range) gestation at birth was 26 weeks (23–34). The median chronological age of these infants at the time of the radiograph was 14 weeks (5 weeks to 8 months). The median corrected gestational age at the time of the radiograph was 39 weeks (34 weeks to 4 months). Of the 62 fractures, 27 (36%) were sited posteriorly, and 15 (53%) of the infants with posterior rib fractures were diagnosed with osteopathy of prematurity. Classic risk including conjugated hyperbilirubinemia and diuretics, were present in 23 of 26 (88%) infants. A full skeletal survey was performed in 8 of 26 (31%). Investigations for nonaccidental injury occurred in 4 of 26 (15%) cases. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence of rib fractures is present in ∼2% of ex-preterm infants. The evaluation of these fractures in infancy requires a detailed neonatal history irrespective of the site of rib fracture.

OBJECTIVES: Cobedding of preterm twin infants provides tactile, olfactory, and auditory stimulation and may affect pain reactivity. We carried out a randomized trial to assess the effect of cobedding on pain reactivity and recovery in preterm twin neonates. METHODS: Stable preterm twins (n = 67 sets) between 28 and 36 weeks of gestational age were randomly assigned to a cobedding group (cared for in the same incubator or crib) or a standard care group (cared for in separate incubators or cribs). Pain response (determined by the Premature Infant Pain Profile [PIPP]) and time to return to physiologic baseline parameters were compared between groups with adjustment for the nonindependence of twin infants. RESULTS: Maternal and infant characteristics were not significantly different between twin infants in the cobedding and standard care groups except for 5-minute Apgar CONCLUSIONS: Cobedding enhanced the physiologic recovery of preterm twins undergoing heel lance, but did not lead to lower pain scores.

INTRODUCTION The purpose of this study was to determine whether, in surgical infants requiring parenteral nutrition (PN), septicaemia due to enterococci or Gram-negative bacilli occurs later than septicaemia due to coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS). PATIENTS/MATERIAL AND METHODS We retrospectively studied 112 consecutive surgical infants (corrected gestational age up to 3 months) receiving PN for at least 5 days for congenital or acquired intestinal anomalies over a 2-year period (July 2007-June 2009). Data collected included diagnosis, duration of PN, episodes of septicaemia (defined as growth of bacteria from blood culture), and organisms cultured. We compared the time to first occurrence of septicaemia due to CNS with the times to first occurrence of septicaemia due to enterococci, Gram-negative bacilli, or other micro-organisms, using Kruskal-Wallis nonparametric ANOVA test and Dunn's multiple comparisons test. Data are given as median (range). RESULTS 31 patients (28%) had a total of 65 episodes of septicaemia. Septicaemia due to CNS was most common, occurring in 22% of patients, after 17 days (1-239) of PN. Septicaemia due to enteric organisms was less common and occurred significantly later, at 59 (24-103) days for enterococci (p

OBJETIVO: Verificar a idade gestacional corrigida do início da dieta por via oral (mama parcialmente cheia) e da alimentação exclusiva em seio materno e o tempo dispendido (em dias) de atendimento fonoaudiológico para alta de recém-nascidos prematuros submetidos à técnica da transição da alimentação enteral direta para o seio materno. MÉTODOS: Fizeram parte do estudo 35 recém-nascidos prematuros (RNPT) divididos em dois grupos. O Grupo 1 (G1) foi composto por 22 RNPT que não apresentaram intercorrências médicas importantes durante a internação e o Grupo 2 (G2) por 13 RNPT com histórico de intercorrências médicas importantes. Foram registrados os seguintes dados: idade gestacional ao nascimento, peso ao nascimento, peso do recém-nascido e idade gestacional corrigida durante avaliação fonoaudiológica, idade gestacional corrigida no momento do início da alimentação por via oral, número de dias em que o recém-nascido realizou a técnica de sucção não nutritiva, idade gestacional corrigida no momento do início da alimentação por via oral exclusiva e da alta fonoaudiológica, e o número total de dias de atendimento fonoaudiológico. RESULTADOS: Não houve diferença entre os grupos (G1 e G2) para nenhum dos parâmetros analisados. De maneira geral, o início da oferta por via oral ocorreu com média de idade gestacional corrigida de 36 semanas. A alimentação por via oral exclusiva ocorreu com média de 36,6 semanas de idade gestacional corrigida. A média de dias de atendimento fonoaudiológico total foi de 12,3, sendo que o treino de sucção não nutritiva (SNN) em "dedo enluvado" ou "mama vazia" durou em média 4,54 dias. CONCLUSÃO: A técnica possibilitou a alta hospitalar do recém-nascido prematuro com alimentação exclusiva em seio materno em idade gestacional corrigida correspondente a do recém-nascido termo e saudável. _________________________________________________________________________________________ ABSTRACT: Purpose: To verify the corrected gestational age when oral feeding (breast half full) and exclusive breastfeeding were initiated in preterm newborns submitted to the transition technique from enteral feeding directly to breastfeeding, and time spent (in days) under speech-language pathology intervention until discharge. Methods: Study participants were 35 preterm infants (PTI) divided into two groups. Group 1 (G1) was composed by 22 PTI who did not present any important medical complications during hospitalization, and Group 2 (G2) comprised 13 PTI with a history of major medical complications. The following data were recorded: gestational age at birth, birth weight, weight and corrected gestational age during speech-language pathology evaluation, corrected gestational age when started oral feeding, number of days stimulated through the non-nutritive sucking (NNS) technique, corrected gestational age when oral feeding started and when they were discharged from speech-language pathology intervention, and total number of days under speech-language pathology intervention. Results: No differences were found between the groups (G1 and G2) for any of the analyzed parameters. In general, oral feeding started with an average of 36 weeks corrected gestational age. Exclusive oral feeding occurred with an average of 36.6 weeks corrected gestational age. In average, speech-language pathology intervention lasted 12.3 days, and the NNS technique in “gloved finger” or “empty breast” lasted an average of 4.54 days. Conclusion: The technique allowed the PTI to be discharged in exclusive breastfeeding at a corrected gestational age corresponding to that of healthy term newborns.

Background: Infants born

Objectives To evaluate in extremely low gestational age newborns, relationships between indicators of hypotension during the first 24 postnatal hours and developmental delay at 24 months of age. Methods The 945 infants in this prospective study were born at Results 78% of infants in this cohort received volume expansion or vasopressor; all who received a vasopressor were treated with volume expansion. 26% had an MDI Conclusions In this large cohort of extremely low gestational age newborns, we found little evidence that early postnatal hypotension indicators are associated with developmental delay at 24 months corrected gestational age.