Search

Background: Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants frequently develop chronic lung disease (CLD). Meta-analyses suggest that early postnatal steroid administration may reduce this risk. Association of early cortisol insufficiency with subsequent CLD supports use of a lower stress steroid dose that may reduce complications associated with higher doses. We initiated a randomized, multicenter, controlled trial to determine whether a tapering course of stress dose steroid started on the first day would reduce the risk of CLD or death in ELBW infants. Methods: Infants with birth weight 501-1000 gm mechanically ventilated before 12 hours were eligible for the study. Infants with birth weight [is greater than] 750 gm also needed to receive Fi[O.sub.2] [is greater than or equal to] 0.30 and surfactant. Infants were randomized to receive dexamethasone (initial dose 0.15 mg/kg/d for 3 days, then tapered over 7 days) or placebo. In a factorial design, infants were also randomized to routine ventilator management or a strategy of minimal ventilator support to reduce mechanical lung injury. Results: After enrolling 220 patients (sample size estimate was 1200), the trial was halted for unanticipated adverse events. Steroid (n = 111) and placebo (n = 109) infants had similar clinical characteristics at randomization. Study Death or [O.sub.2] at PIE Steroid Drug CLD % 28 d % Rx % RX % Steroid 63 78 9 34 Placebo 69 94(*) 23(*) 51(*) Study Systolic Insulin GI Drug BP [is greater than] 80 RX % Perf % mmHg % Steroid 27 23 13 Placebo 4(*) 12(*) 3(*) (*) p = 0.05. The relative risk for the primary outcome, death or CLD at 36 postmenstrual weeks, was 0.92 (95% CI = 0.76-1.11). Fewer infants in the steroid group had pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE), required oxygen at 28 days, or had subsequent steroid treatment. Rates of severe intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity, and nosocomial infection were similar. Hypertension and hyperglycemia (insulin Rx) were more frequent in the steroid group. During the first 14 days, 14 (13%) infants in the steroid group and 3 (3%) infants in the placebo group had spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation without necrotizing enterocolitis. Perforation was associated with indomethacin exposure (p = 0.005) and there was an interaction between indomethacin and steroid (p = 0.04). No interaction was observed with ventilator strategy. Conclusion: The increased risk of gastrointestinal perforation, as well as other previously identified complications, should be considered in decisions regarding steroid treatment in ELBW infants. A R Stark, MD, FAAP, W Carlo, MD, FAAP, C Bauer, MD, FAAP E Donovan, MD, FAAP, W Oh, MD AAP, L Papile, MD, FAAP, S Shankaran, MD, FAAP, JE Tyson, MD, LL Wright, MD, FAAP, M Temprosa, K Poole, Ph, D.; for the NICHD Neonatal Research Network.3, A R Stark, MD, FAAP, W Carlo, MD, FAAP, C Bauer, MD, FAAP E Donovan, MD, FAAP, W Oh, MD AAP, L Papile, MD, FAAP, S Shankaran, MD, FAAP, JE [...]

Background: Early growth faltering is common but is difficult to reverse after the first 2 years of life.Objective: To describe feeding practices and growth in infants and young children in diverse low-income settings prior to undertaking a complementary feeding trial.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted through the Global Network for Women's and Children's Health Research in Guatemala, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Pakistan. Feeding questionnaires were administered to convenience samples of mothers of 5- to 9-month old infants and 12- to 24-month-old toddlers. After standardized training, anthropometric measurements were obtained from the toddlers. Following the 2006 World Health Organization Growth Standards, stunting was defined as length-for-age < -2SD, and wasting as weight-for-length < -2SD. Logistic regression was applied to evaluate relationships between stunting and wasting and consumption of meat (including chicken and liver and not including fish).Results: Data were obtained from 1,500 infants with a mean (+/- SD) age of 6.9 +/- 1.4 months and 1,658 toddlers with a mean age of 17.2 +/- 3.5 months. The majority of the subjects in both age groups were breastfed. Less than 25% of the infants received meat regularly, whereas 62% of toddlers consumed these foods regularly, although the rates varied widely among sites. Stunting rate ranged from 44% to 66% among sites; wasting prevalence was less than 10% at all sites. After controlling for covariates, consumption of meat was associated with a reduced likelihood of stunting (OR = 0.64; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.90).Conclusions: The strikingly high stunting rates in these toddlers and the protective effect of meat consumption against stunting emphasize the need for interventions to improve complementary feeding practices, beginning in infancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to compare a Tibetan traditional medicine (the uterotonic Zhi Byed 11 [ZB11]) to oral misoprostol for prophylaxis of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH). We conducted a double-blind randomized controlled trial at three hospitals in Lhasa, Tibet, People's Republic of China. Women (N = 967) were randomized to either ZB11 or misoprostol groups. Postpartum blood loss was measured in a calibrated blood collection drape. The primary combined outcome was incidence of PPH, defined as measured blood loss (MBL) > or = 500 mL, administration of open label uterotonics, or maternal death. We found that the rate of the combined outcome was lower among the misoprostol group (16.1% versus 21.8% for ZB11; P = .02). Frequency of PPH was lower with misoprostol (12.4% versus 17.4%; P = .02). There were no significant differences in MBL > 1000 mL or mean or median MBL. Fever was significantly more common in the misoprostol group (P = .03). The rate of combined outcome was significantly lower among women receiving misoprostol. However, other indices of obstetric hemorrhage were not significantly different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate neurodevelopmental outcome in extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants, all of whom had 3 characteristics: gestational age (GA) < or =24 weeks, birth weight < or =750 g, and 1-minute Apgar score < or =3. STUDY DESIGN: Surviving infants were evaluated at 18 to 22 months' corrected age with a neurologic examination and the Bayley II Mental and Psychomotor Developmental Index (MDI and PDI). RESULTS: Between 1993 and 1999, 1016 infants had GA < or =24 weeks, birth weight < or =750 g, and 1-minute Apgar score < or =3. Of 246 survivors, 30% had cerebral palsy (CP), 5% had hearing impairment, and 2% were blind. MDI was > or =85 in 33% and < 70 in 46% of infants, while PDI was > or =85 in 41% and < 70 in 36% infants. Predictors of MDI < 70 were grade III-IV ICH, cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), male gender, black race, and Medicaid insurance. Two-parent household was associated with an MDI >70. Predictors of PDI < 70 were grade III-IV ICH, PVL, steroids for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and Medicaid insurance. CP was associated with grade III-IV ICH and PVL. CONCLUSION: Perinatologists and neonatologists should be aware of the risk of morbidity and mortality in this high-risk ELBW group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: Previous multicenter studies have shown significant center differences in neonatal characteristics and morbidities. This study evaluated center differences in outcome at 18 to 22 months among extremely low birth weight (ELBW; 401-1000 g) infants after adjusting for demographics and antenatal interventions, and it identified neonatal interventions associated with outcome differences. METHODS: We assessed the outcome of 2478 liveborn infants who were admitted in 1993 and 1994 to the 12 centers of the Neonatal Research Network of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development; 1483 (60%) infants survived to 18 to 22 months, and 1151 (78%) had comprehensive evaluations. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify center differences and the association of 4 neonatal interventions--active resuscitation, postnatal steroids, ventilator treatment for < or =27 days, and full enteral feedings < or =24 days--with adverse outcomes (cerebral palsy, low Bayley scores, and neurodevelopmental impairment [NDI]), after adjusting for demographics and antenatal interventions. RESULTS: Using bivariate analyses, significant center differences were identified for mortality, antenatal and postnatal interventions, social and environmental variables, neonatal morbidities, and neurodevelopmental outcomes for the 12 centers. After adjustment for maternal and infant demographics and antenatal interventions, the percentage of ELBW infants who had died or had NDI at 18 to 22 months ranged from 52% to 85%. Active resuscitation and postnatal steroids were associated with increases of NDI of 11.8% and 19.3%, whereas shorter ventilation support and shorter time to achieve full enteral feeds were associated with decreases in NDI of 20.7% and 17.3%, respectively. CONCLUSION: There are large and disturbing differences among centers in outcomes at 18 to 22 months after adjusting for demographic and antenatal interventions. Center differences in postnatal interventions associated with differences in outcome can provide hypotheses for testing in clinical trials to improve outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Glutamine is one of the most abundant amino acids in both plasma and human milk and may be conditionally essential in premature infants. However, glutamine is not provided by standard intravenous amino acid solutions. OBJECTIVE: We assessed the effect of parenteral glutamine supplementation on plasma amino acid concentrations in extremely low-birth-weight infants receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). DESIGN: A total of 141 infants with birth weights of 401-1000 g were randomly assigned to receive a standard intravenous amino acid solution that did not contain glutamine or an isonitrogenous amino acid solution with 20% of the total amino acids as glutamine. Blood samples were obtained just before initiation of study PN and again after the infants had received study PN (mean intake: 2.3 +/- 1.0 g amino acids x kg(-1) x d(-1)) for approximately 10 d. RESULTS: Infants randomly assigned to receive glutamine had mean plasma glutamine concentrations that increased significantly and were approximately 30% higher than those in the control group in response to PN (425 +/- 182 and 332 +/- 148 micromol/L for the glutamine and control groups, respectively). There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in the relative change in plasma glutamate concentration between the baseline and PN samples. In both groups, there were significant decreases in plasma phenylalanine and tyrosine between the baseline and PN samples; the decrease in tyrosine was greater in the group that received glutamine. CONCLUSIONS: In extremely low-birth-weight infants, parenteral glutamine supplementation can increase plasma glutamine concentrations without apparent biochemical risk. Currently available amino acid solutions are likely to be suboptimal in their supply of phenylalanine, tyrosine, or both for these infants. Copyright © 2003 American Society for Clinical Nutrition [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess risk factors affecting viability and analyze the effects of mechanical ventilation (MV) on neonatal outcome and resource use among extremely premature infants.Design: Inception cohort study.Setting: Neonatal intensive care units of the 12-center National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network.Participants: A total of 1126 infants with a birth weight of 501 to 800 g born in network centers between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 1995.Main Outcome Measures: Observed survival; maximum estimated survival (assuming the same survival among infants who died without MV as among infants in the same risk category who received MV); observed and maximum estimated survival without severe brain injury (either interventricular echodensity with ventricular dilation or parenchymal echodensity); hospital stay; resource investment.Results: Overall mortality was 43%; mortality in infants without MV was 93%. A total of 15% of all the infants died without MV. Females, small-for-gestational-age infants, and infants whose mothers received antenatal steroids had an advantage in survival with MV equivalent to an increase in birth weight of 90 g, 57 g, and 67 g, respectively. The corresponding advantage of these infants in survival without severe brain injury was 107 g, 97 g, and 64 g, respectively. Females in the lowest birth-weight group were more likely to die without MV than were larger males with a similar estimated likelihood of survival with MV. Mean hospital stay was 115 days for the survivors, values much greater than the 17.9-day standard for 501- to 800-g survivors under the diagnosis related group system. Resource investment was considerable (127 hospital days per survivor and 148 days per survivor without severe brain injury), but, like outcome, varied markedly between risk categories. Had MV been used for all infants who died, we estimate a substantial increase in resource use and a maximum of 8 additional survivors (no more than 6 without severe brain injury per 100 infants with a birth weight of 501 to 800 g.Conclusions: Although recommendations to initiate or forgo MV for extremely premature infants have often focused on 1 factor (birth weight or gestational age), multiple factors should be considered. Other factors being equal, our analyses support use of MV for females at a minimum birth weight approximately 100 g lower than that for males. The current diagnosis related group reimbursement system can be expected to compromise resources for 501- to 800-g infants who would benefit from MV. Such care entails considerable resource use, although the cost per life-year gained is likely to be considerably less than that for many adults given intensive care. Our findings can be used to facilitate more appropriate treatment decisions, determine adequate resources, and better inform the debate about the benefits and burdens of intensive care for extremely premature newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To compare mortality and death or major morbidity (DOMM) among infants <25 weeks estimated gestational age (EGA) born during two post-surfactant era time periods.Study Design and Patients: Comparative cohort study of very low birthweight (501-1500 g) infants <25 weeks EGA in the NICHD Neonatal Research Network born during two post-surfactant era time periods (group I, 1991-1994, n=1408; group II, 1995-1998, n=1348). Perinatal and neonatal factors were compared, and group related mortality and DOMM risk were evaluated.Results: Mortality was higher for group I (63.1% v 56.7%; p=0.0006). Antenatal steroids (ANS) and antenatal antibiotics (AABX), surfactant (p<0.0001), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (p=0.0008) were more prevalent in group II. In a regression model that controlled for basic and delivery factors only, mortality risk was greater for group I than for group II (odds ratio (OR) 1.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2 to 1.7); the addition of AABX and surfactant, or ANS (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.2) to the model appeared to account for this difference. There was no difference in DOMM (86.8% v 88.4%; p=0.2), but risk was lower for group I in regression models that included ANS (OR 0.70, 95% CI 0.52 to 0.94).Conclusion: Survival to discharge was more likely during the more recent period because of group differences in ANS, AABX, and surfactant. However, this treatment shift may reflect an overall more aggressive management approach. More consistent application of treatment has led to improving survival of <25 week EGA infants during the post-surfactant era, but possibly at the cost of greater risk of major in-hospital morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine risk for central nervous system/autonomic nervous system (CNS/ANS) signs following in utero cocaine and opiate exposure.Methods: A multisite study was designed to determine outcomes of in utero cocaine and opiate exposure. A total of 11 811 maternal/infant dyads were enrolled. Drug exposed (EXP) infants were identified by maternal self report of cocaine or opiate use or by meconium testing. Of 1185 EXP, meconium analysis confirmed exposure in 717 to cocaine (CO) only, 100 to opiates (OP), and 92 to opiates plus cocaine (OP+CO); 276 had insufficient or no meconium to confirm maternal self report. Negative exposure history was confirmed in 7442 by meconium analysis and unconfirmed in 3184. Examiners masked to exposure status, assessed each enrolled infant. Using generalised estimating equations, adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated for manifesting a constellation of CNS/ANS outcomes and for each sign associated with cocaine and opiate exposure.Results: Prevalence of CNS/ANS signs was low in CO, and highest in OP+CO. Signs were significantly related to one another. After controlling for confounders, CO was associated with increased risk of manifesting a constellation of CNS/ANS outcomes, OR (95% CI): 1.7 (1.2 to 2.2), independent of OP effect, OR (95% CI): 2.8 (2.1 to 3.7). OP+CO had additive effects, OR (95% CI): 4.8 (2.9 to 7.9). Smoking also increased the risk for the constellation of CNS/ANS signs, OR (95% CI) of 1.3 (1.04 to 1.55) and 1.4 (1.2 to 1.6), respectively, for use of less than half a pack per day and half a pack per day or more.Conclusion: Cocaine or opiate exposure increases the risk for manifesting a constellation of CNS/ANS outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each year, an estimated six million perinatal deaths occur worldwide, and 98% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. These estimates are based on surveys in both urban and rural areas, and they may underrepresent the problem in rural areas. This study was conducted to quantify perinatal mortality, to identify the associated risk factors, and to determine the most common causes of early neonatal death in a rural area of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Data were collected on 1,892 births. Risk factors associated with perinatal deaths were identified using multivariate analysis with logistic regression models. Causes of early neonatal deaths were determined by physician-review of information describing death. The perinatal mortality rate was 61 per 1,000 births; the stillbirth rate was 30 per 1,000 births; and the early neonatal death rate was 32 per 1,000 livebirths. Clinically-relevant factors independently associated with perinatal death included: low birthweight [odds ratio (OR)=13.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.82-23.35], breech presentation (OR)=12.41; 95% CI 4.62-33.33), lack of prenatal care (OR=2.70, 95% CI 1.81-4.02), and parity greater than 4 (OR=1.93 95% CI 1.11-3.37). Over one-half of early neonatal deaths (n=37) occurred during the first two postnatal days, and the most common causes were low birthweight/prematurity (47%), asphyxia (34%), and infection (8%). The high perinatal mortality rate in rural communities in the DRC, approximately one-half of which is attributable to early neonatal death, may be modifiable. Specifically, deaths due to breech presentation, the second most common risk factor, may be reduced by making available emergency obstetric care. Most neonatal deaths occur soon after birth, and nearly three-quarters are caused by low birthweight/prematurity or asphyxia. Neonatal mortality might be reduced by targeting interventions to improve neonatal resuscitation and care of larger preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the prevalence, sex distribution and causes of neonatal mortality, as well as its risk factors, in an urban Pakistani population with access to obstetric and neonatal care. Methods Study area women were enrolled at 20--26 weeks' gestation in a prospective population-based cohort study that was conducted from 2003 to 2005. Physical examinations, antenatal laboratory tests and anthropometric measures were performed, and gestational age was determined by ultrasound to confirm eligibility. Demographic and health data were also collected on pretested study forms by trained female research staff. The women and neonates were seen again within 48 hours postpartum and at day 28 after the birth. All neonatal deaths were reviewed using the Pattinson et al. system to assign obstetric and final causes of death; the circumstances of the death were determined by asking the mother or family and by reviewing hospital records. Frequencies and rates were calculated, and 95% confidence intervals were determined for mortality rates. Relative risks were calculated to evaluate the associations between potential risk factors and neonatal death. Logistic regression models were used to compute adjusted odds ratios. Findings Birth outcomes were ascertained for 1280 (94%) of the 1369 women enrolled. The 28-day neonatal mortality rate was 47.3 per 1000 live births. Preterm birth, Caesarean section and intrapartum complications were associated with neonatal death. Some 45% of the deaths occurred within 48 hours and 73% within the first week. The primary obstetric causes of death were preterm labour (34%) and intrapartum asphyxia (21%). Final causes were classified as immaturity-related (26%), birth asphyxia or hypoxia (26%) and infection (23%). Neither delivery in a health facility nor by health professionals was associated with fewer neonatal deaths. The Caesarean section rate was 19%. Almost all (88%) neonates who died received treatment and 75% died in the hospital. Conclusion In an urban population with good access to professional care, we found a high neonatal mortality rate, often due to preventable conditions. These results suggest that, to decrease neonatal mortality, improved health service quality is crucial. Copyright © 2009 World Health Organization [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypothermia is protective against brain injury after asphyxiation in animal models. However, the safety and effectiveness of hypothermia in term infants with encephalopathy is uncertain.Methods: We conducted a randomized trial of hypothermia in infants with a gestational age of at least 36 weeks who were admitted to the hospital at or before six hours of age with either severe acidosis or perinatal complications and resuscitation at birth and who had moderate or severe encephalopathy. Infants were randomly assigned to usual care (control group) or whole-body cooling to an esophageal temperature of 33.5 degrees C for 72 hours, followed by slow rewarming (hypothermia group). Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at 18 to 22 months of age. The primary outcome was a combined end point of death or moderate or severe disability.Results: Of 239 eligible infants, 102 were assigned to the hypothermia group and 106 to the control group. Adverse events were similar in the two groups during the 72 hours of cooling. Primary outcome data were available for 205 infants. Death or moderate or severe disability occurred in 45 of 102 infants (44 percent) in the hypothermia group and 64 of 103 infants (62 percent) in the control group (risk ratio, 0.72; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.54 to 0.95; P=0.01). Twenty-four infants (24 percent) in the hypothermia group and 38 (37 percent) in the control group died (risk ratio, 0.68; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.44 to 1.05; P=0.08). There was no increase in major disability among survivors; the rate of cerebral palsy was 15 of 77 (19 percent) in the hypothermia group as compared with 19 of 64 (30 percent) in the control group (risk ratio, 0.68; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.38 to 1.22; P=0.20).Conclusions: Whole-body hypothermia reduces the risk of death or disability in infants with moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prophylactic administration of indomethacin reduces the frequency of patent ductus arteriosus and severe intraventricular hemorrhage in very-low-birth-weight infants (those with birth weights below 1500 g). Whether prophylaxis with indomethacin confers any long-term benefits that outweigh the risks of drug-induced reductions in renal, intestinal, and cerebral blood flow is not known.Methods: Soon after they were born, we randomly assigned 1202 infants with birth weights of 500 to 999 g (extremely low birth weight) to receive either indomethacin (0.1 mg per kilogram of body weight) or placebo intravenously once daily for three days. The primary outcome was a composite of death, cerebral palsy, cognitive delay, deafness, and blindness at a corrected age of 18 months. Secondary long-term outcomes were hydrocephalus necessitating the placement of a shunt, seizure disorder, and microcephaly within the same time frame. Secondary short-term outcomes were patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonary hemorrhage, chronic lung disease, ultrasonographic evidence of intracranial abnormalities, necrotizing enterocolitis, and retinopathy.Results: Of the 574 infants with data on the primary outcome who were assigned to prophylaxis with indomethacin, 271 (47 percent) died or survived with impairments, as compared with 261 of the 569 infants (46 percent) assigned to placebo (odds ratio, 1.1; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.8 to 1.4; P=0.61). Indomethacin reduced the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (24 percent vs. 50 percent in the placebo group; odds ratio, 0.3; P<0.001) and of severe periventricular and intraventricular hemorrhage (9 percent vs. 13 percent in the placebo group; odds ratio, 0.6; P=0.02). No other outcomes were altered by the prophylactic administration of indomethacin.Conclusions: In extremely-low-birth-weight infants, prophylaxis with indomethacin does not improve the rate of survival without neurosensory impairment at 18 months, despite the fact that it reduces the frequency of patent ductus arteriosus and severe periventricular and intraventricular hemorrhage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early administration of high doses of dexamethasone may reduce the risk of chronic lung disease in premature infants but can cause complications. Whether moderate doses would be as effective but safer is not known.Methods: We randomly assigned 220 infants with a birth weight of 501 to 1000 g who were treated with mechanical ventilation within 12 hours after birth to receive dexamethasone or placebo with either routine ventilatory support or permissive hypercapnia. The dexamethasone was administered within 24 hours after birth at a dose of 0.15 mg per kilogram of body weight per day for three days, followed by a tapering of the dose over a period of seven days. The primary outcome was death or chronic lung disease at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age.Results: The relative risk of death or chronic lung disease in the dexamethasone-treated infants, as compared with those who received placebo, was 0.9 (95 percent confidence interval, 0.8 to 1.1). Since the effect of dexamethasone treatment did not vary according to the ventilatory approach, the two dexamethasone groups and the two placebo groups were combined. The infants in the dexamethasone group were less likely than those in the placebo group to be receiving oxygen supplementation 28 days after birth (P=0.004) or open-label dexamethasone (P=0.01), were more likely to have hypertension (P<0.001), and were more likely to be receiving insulin treatment for hyperglycemia (P=0.02). During the first 14 days, spontaneous gastrointestinal perforation occurred in a larger proportion of infants in the dexamethasone group (13 percent, vs. 4 percent in the placebo group; P=0.02). The dexamethasone-treated infants had a lower weight (P=0.02) and a smaller head circumference (P=0.04) at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age.Conclusions: In preterm infants, early administration of dexamethasone at a moderate dose has no effect on death or chronic lung disease and is associated with gastrointestinal perforation and decreased growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Helping Babies Breathe Global Development Alliance (GDA) was a public-private partnership created simultaneously with the launch of the educational program Helping Babies Breathe to accelerate dissemination and implementation of neonatal resuscitation in low- and middle-income countries with the goal of reducing the global burden of neonatal mortality and morbidity related to birth asphyxia. Representatives from 6 organizations in the GDA highlight the recognized needs that motivated their participation and how they built on one another's strengths in resuscitation science and education, advocacy, frontline implementation, health system strengthening, and implementation research to achieve common goals. Contributions of time, talent, and financial resources from the community, government, and private corporations and foundations powered an initiative that transformed the landscape for neonatal resuscitation in low- and middle-income countries. The organizations describe the power of partnerships, the challenges they faced, and how each organization was shaped by the collaboration. Although great progress was achieved, lessons learned through the GDA and additional efforts must still be applied to the remaining challenges of prevention, widespread implementation, improvement in the quality of care, and sustainable integration of neonatal resuscitation and essential newborn care into the fabric of health care systems., Competing Interests: POTENTIAL CONFLICT OF INTEREST: This article reflects the views of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the US Agency for International Development, the National Institutes of Health, or the US Government., (Copyright © 2020 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.)

Multidrug resistance (MDR) represents a global threat to health. Here, we used whole genome sequencing to characterise Pseudomonas aeruginosa MDR clinical isolates from a hospital in Thailand. Using long-read sequence data we obtained complete sequences of two closely related megaplasmids (>420 kb) carrying large arrays of antibiotic resistance genes located in discrete, complex and dynamic resistance regions, and revealing evidence of extensive duplication and recombination events. A comprehensive pangenomic and phylogenomic analysis indicates that: 1) these large plasmids comprise an emerging family present in different members of the Pseudomonas genus, and associated with multiple sources (geographical, clinical or environmental); 2) the megaplasmids encode diverse niche-adaptive accessory traits, including multidrug resistance; 3) the accessory genome of the megaplasmid family is highly flexible and diverse. The history of the megaplasmid family, inferred from our analysis of the available database, suggests that members carrying multiple resistance genes date back to at least the 1970s.

Background: Previous studies suggest that cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) may go unreported because they are asymptomatic or unrecognized, but evidence is limited by study designs and sample size., Methods: A large population-based survey was conducted (n = 3415) to assess animal exposures and behaviors associated with Ebolavirus antibody prevalence in rural Kasai Oriental province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Fourteen villages were randomly selected and all healthy individuals ≥1 year of age were eligible., Results: Overall, 11% of subjects tested positive for Zaire Ebolavirus (EBOV) immunoglobulin G antibodies. Odds of seropositivity were higher for study participants older than 15 years of age and for males. Those residing in Kole (closer to the outbreak site) tested positive at a rate 1.6× higher than Lomela, with seropositivity peaking at a site located between Kole and Lomela. Multivariate analyses of behaviors and animal exposures showed that visits to the forest or hunting and exposure to rodents or duikers predicted a higher likelihood of EBOV seropositivity., Conclusions: These results provide serologic evidence of Ebolavirus exposure in a population residing in non-EBOV outbreak locations in the DRC and define statistically significant activities and animal exposures that associate with EBOV seropositivity., (© The Author(s) 2018. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.)