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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) randomized to erythropoietin have better or worse kidney-related outcomes during hospitalization and at 22–26 months corrected gestational age (cGA) compared with those randomized to placebo. STUDY DESIGN: We performed an ancillary study to a multicenter double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of erythropoietin in ELGANs. RESULTS: The prevalence of severe (stage 2 or 3) acute kidney injury (AKI) was 18.2%. We did not find a statistically significant difference between those randomized to erythropoietin vs. placebo for in-hospital primary (severe AKI) or secondary outcomes (any AKI and serum creatinine [SCr]/ cystatin C values at days 0, 7, 9 and 14). At 22–26 months cGA, 16% of the cohort had an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) 30 mg/g, 23% had a systolic blood pressure (SBP) >95(th) percentile for age, and 40% had a diastolic blood pressure (DBP) >95(th) percentile for age. SBP >90(th) percentile occurred less often among recipients of erythropoietin (p95(th) percentile or DBP >90(th) or >95(th) percentiles. CONCLUSIONS: ELGANs have high rates of in-hospital AKI and kidney-related problems at 22–26 months cGA. Recombinant erythropoietin (rhEpo) may protect ELGANs against long-term elevated SBP, but does not appear to protect from AKI, low eGFR, albuminuria or elevated DBP at 22–26 months cGA.

The Frade project is Chevron's recently announced (June, 2006) deepwater heavy-oil sanctioned development project requiring a capital investment of approximately $2.5B. The development project is located in the northern Campos Basin juxtaposed to Petrobras's Albacore Leste and Roncador developments. First oil for Frade is scheduled for Q1 2009. Frade, being a deep water heavy oil development project, has historically been both technically and economically challenged. The inherent subsurface and surface complexities alone might have shelved the development of this asset – particularly in the early evaluation period. Moreover, the fiscal and political landscape in Brazil has proven to be less than predictable further providing additional obstacles to project success. After merging with Texaco in 2001, Chevron realized that a different approach would be required to assess the true value of the Frade asset, and initiated a systematic and standardized asset valuation process for Frade as part of its worldwide portfolio management exercise. This paper will review the manner in which the development concept evolved from full-field platform to phased subsea as a consequence of employing tried and true business and technical processes that integrate G&G, reservoir engineering, drilling, decision analyses, and surface facilities. In particular, we will address one of the principle elements of Chevron's asset evaluation process - the Peer Assist - as it was employed at Frade along with resulting workplan and results. The paper is a case history describing the progression of the Frade project from a marginally economic asset to the foundation of Chevron's deepwater Brazil portfolio. The focus of the paper will describe the approach used by the Frade Project Team to facilitate better decision making at critical stages of project development. Key elements of the approach involve: A multidisciplinary collocated team to ensure cross functional alignmentPeer Assist engagement meetings that involve cross-functional technical staff to review project uncertainty and recommend workplans to address these uncertaintiesIncorporating uncertainty in asset evaluation and development cost modeling/probabilistic analysis so as to ensure acceptable project economicsApplication of probabilistic Decision AnalysisA structured Decision Process involving cross-functional business and technical teams Finally, we will show how robust Front End Loading (FEL) is critical to drive high quality investment decisions – specifically in marginally economic projects similar to Frade.

Multiple seismic surveys over time not intentionally designed for 4D evaluation can be used for imaging fluid and pressure changes, and locating bypassed reserves. Bay Marchand is a mature Gulf of Mexico field with a series of stacked reservoirs separated by shale. The first 3D seismic survey was acquired after first production and the second seismic survey was a non-exclusive survey having very different acquisition parameters. These circumstances make interpreting 4D results difficult, but not impossible. We were able to make a reasonable interpretation of the ‘A’ fault block on the original data before cross-equalization although cross-equalization improved the cubes. We were able to identify areas of water influx and areas not yet invaded by water, even though we were prevented from following the typical steps in 4D. Reliability estimates were derived for estimates of saturation change as a function of signal-to-noise ratio and scatter in the rock physics relationships. This paper discusses these steps in contrasting the ideal case with Bay Marchand and show where a 4D project can still be successful even with compromises forced by lack of early data or current budget.Successful wells have been drilled in the Upper Miocene 7100' and 7600' Sand reservoirs using the 4D results. In the 7100' Sand, the aerial extent of the strong amplitude on the second seismic survey was targeted. This area along the crestal portion of the reservoir was drilled as a secondary target, logged oil, and was subsequently completed with a horizontal well. In the 7600' Sand, the 4D was used as direct evidence of oil saturation. Changes in amplitude were consistent with production from that sand during the time period between the acquisition of the two surveys (1987-1998) but the distribution of oil was not a gravity stable front. Recent sidetracks to two areas with moderate/strong amplitudes on the 1998 survey showed significant remaining hydrocarbons in both areas (one of which is downdip of wells producing with high water cuts). Both of these have been completed as horizontal wells. In spite of the deviation from ideal 4D methodology, the results are useful and are making a business impact.