63 Characterizing Organizational Risk Factors and Clinical Impacts of Unplanned Extubations among Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Primary Subject area

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

Background

Organizational factors in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) can increase the risk of adverse events, such as unplanned extubations (UPEs). UPE is the premature and unanticipated removal of an endotracheal tube. UPE and subsequent reintubation may increase the risk for lung injury and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) among preterm infants.

Objectives

First, we aimed to assess the association between daily nursing overtime and UPEs in the NICU. Second, we aimed to evaluate the association between UPE, re-intubation after UPE, and BPD in the sub-group of infants born < 29 weeks’ gestational age (GA).

Design/Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including infants admitted to a tertiary care NICU between 2016-2019. Daily nursing hours were obtained from local administrative databases. Patient data was collected from the local Canadian Neonatal Network database. Association between ratio of daily nursing overtime hours/total nursing hours (OTR) was compared between days with and without UPEs, using logistic regression analyses. Associations between UPE and BPD among infants born <29 weeks requiring mechanical ventilation was evaluated in a 1:1 propensity-score matched (PSM) cohort. Infants were matched based on GA ± 2 weeks, mechanical ventilation days at time of UPE ± 5 days and SNAPII>20.

Results

There were 108/1370 (7.8%) days with ≥ 1 UPE, for a total of 116 UPE events from 87 patients (23-42 weeks GA). Higher median OTR was observed on days with UPE compared to days without (3.3% vs. 2.5%, p=0.01). OTR was associated with higher adjusted odds of UPE (aOR 1.09, 95% CI 1.01-1.18), while other organizational variables were not (Table 1). Among ventilated infants <29 weeks’ GA (n=XX), UPE rate was 31% (59), BPD rate was 42% (81) and re-intubation rate after UPE was 59% (35). In the PSM cohort of infants <29 weeks, re-intubation after UPE, was associated with increased length of mechanical ventilation (aOR 16.45; CI 6.18, 26.72) as well as increased odds of BPD, when compared to infants not requiring re-intubation (aOR 4.97, 95% CI 1.54-18.27) (Table 2).

Conclusion

Higher nursing overtime was associated with increased UPEs in the NICU. Re-intubation was frequently required after a UPE. Among the infants born < 29 weeks’ GA, UPE requiring reintubation was associated with increased total length of mechanical ventilation and increased risk of BPD. Our findings highlight the role of workforce management in improving outcomes in the NICU, through reducing the incidence of UPEs.

9 The Burden of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia and Pulmonary Vascular Disease in Premature Infants

Primary Subject area

Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

Background

Extremely premature infants are at a high risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and BPD-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH). Prolonged patency of the ductus arteriosus (PDA) may worsen PH; however, due to the lack of evidence supporting improvement in outcomes after strategies to promote ductal closure, our center has adopted a strict non-intervention policy since 2013.

Objectives

Assess PH prevalence and severity, as well as the impact of BPD on echocardiographic parameters of cardiac performance.

Design/Methods

Retrospective cohort of infants <29 weeks gestational age at birth, admitted between 2015 and 2019, and without genetic/congenital anomalies. Measurements from the echocardiography acquired closest to 36 weeks were done by masked experts. Severe BPD was defined as positive pressure support at 36 weeks. PH was defined as an estimated systolic pulmonary pressure (SPAP) ≥40 mmHg or an abnormal septal curvature by eccentricity index (EI) (>1.3).

Results

Out of 387 infants, 222 were included, of which 27 (12%) were categorized as severe BPD and 78 (35%) had PH. Severe BPD was associated with lower birth weight (704±214 vs 842±229g, p<0.01), longer hospitalization (median 138 [IQR 108-167] vs 103 [IQR 86-125] days, p<0.01) and longer mechanical ventilation duration (median 82 [IQR 33-107] vs 17 [IQR 2-32] days, p<0.01), with no difference in gestational age at birth. Severe BPD was associated with PH (70% vs 43%, p<0.01). The combined outcome of death (after the 36 weeks echocardiography) or severe BPD was associated with PH (68% vs 30%, p<0.01), smaller left ventricle length in diastole (2.8±0.5 vs 3.0±0.5 cm, p=0.03), decrease in the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (0.7±0.2 vs 0.9±0.2 cm, p<0.01), abnormal EI (1.31±0.25 vs 1.17±0.18, p<0.01) and smaller right ventricle fraction area change (41.3±5.8 vs 47.8±7.6%, p<0.01), without a significant increase on SPAP (35±21 vs 35±14, p=0.15). Other echocardiographic markers were similar.

Conclusion

In the context of a PDA non-intervention policy, a third of our population was affected by PH at 36 weeks. Furthermore, those with severe BPD or death had signs of RV dysfunction (despite similar SPAP estimate), indicating that the effect of BPD on pulmonary vascular remodelling and cardiac function may be underestimated.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants conceived by assisted reproductive technology

BACKGROUND

There have been concerns about the development of children conceived through assisted reproductive technology. Despite multiple studies investigating the outcomes of assisted conception, data focusing specifically on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology and born preterm are limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestation at 18 to 24 months' corrected age who were conceived through assisted reproductive technology and those who were conceived naturally.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study included inborn, nonanomalous infants, born at <29 weeks' gestation between January 1, 2010, and December 31, 2016, who had a neurodevelopmental assessment at 18 to 24 months' corrected age at any of the 10 Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network clinics. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 24 months, defined as the presence of any of the following: cerebral palsy; Bayley-III cognitive, motor, or language composite score of <85; sensorineural or mixed hearing loss; and unilateral or bilateral visual impairment. Secondary outcomes included mortality, composite of mortality or neurodevelopmental impairment, significant neurodevelopmental impairment, and each component of the primary outcome. We compared outcomes between infants conceived through assisted reproductive technology and those conceived naturally, using bivariate and multivariable analyses after adjustment.

RESULTS

Of the 4863 eligible neonates, 651 (13.4%) were conceived using assisted reproductive technology. Maternal age; education level; and rates of diabetes mellitus, receipt of antenatal corticosteroids, and cesarean delivery were higher in the assisted reproduction group than the natural conception group. Neonatal morbidity and death rates were similar except for intraventricular hemorrhage, which was lower in the assisted reproduction group (33% [181 of 546] vs 39% [1284 of 3318]; P=.01). Of the 4176 surviving infants, 3386 (81%) had a follow-up outcome at 18 to 24 months' corrected age. Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for gestational age, antenatal steroids, sex, small for gestational age, multiple gestations, mode of delivery, maternal age, maternal education, pregnancy-induced hypertension, maternal diabetes mellitus, and smoking showed that infants conceived through assisted reproduction was associated with lower odds of neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.86) and the composite of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.54-0.84). Conception through assisted reproductive technology was associated with decreased odds of a Bayley-III composite cognitive score of <85 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.68; 95% confidence interval, 0.48-0.99) and composite language score of <85 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-0.88).

CONCLUSION

Compared with natural conception, assisted conception was associated with lower odds of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially cognitive and language outcomes, at 18 to 24 months' corrected age among preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestation. Long-term follow-up studies are required to assess the risks of learning disabilities and development of complex visual-spatial and processing skills in these children as they reach school age.

Outcomes of Extremely Premature Infants Comparing Patent Ductus Arteriosus Management Approaches

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the change in the proportion of deaths/bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) among premature infants (born <26 and 26-29 weeks of gestational age) following a policy change to a strict nonintervention approach, compared with standard treatment.

STUDY DESIGN

We examined 1249 infants (341 born <26 weeks of gestational age) at 2 comparable sites. Site 1 (control) continued medical treatment/ligation, and site 2 (exposed) changed to a nonintervention policy in late 2013. Using the difference-in-differences approach, which accounts for time-invariant differences between sites and secular trends, we assessed changes in death or BPD separately among infants born 26-29 weeks and <26 weeks of gestational age in 2 epochs (epoch 1: 2011-2013; epoch 2: 2014-2017).

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar across sites and epochs. Medical treatment/ligation use remained stable at site 1 but declined progressively to 0% at site 2, indicating adherence to policy. We saw no difference in death/BPD among infants born at 26-29 weeks of gestational age (12%, 95% CI -1% to 24%). However, incidence of death/BPD increased by 31% among infants born <26 weeks of gestational age (95% CI 10%-51%) in site 2, whereas there was no change in outcomes in site 1. The Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-Version II, used as a control outcome, did not change in either site, suggesting that our findings were not due to changes in patients' severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Adherence to a strict conservative policy did not impact death or BPD among 26 weeks but was associated with a significant rise in infants born <26 weeks.

Variations in Neonatal Length of Stay of Babies Born Extremely Preterm: An International Comparison Between iNeo Networks

OBJECTIVE

To compare length of stay (LOS) in neonatal care for babies born extremely preterm admitted to networks participating in the International Network for Evaluating Outcomes of Neonates (iNeo).

STUDY DESIGN

Data were extracted for babies admitted from 2014 to 2016 and born at 24 to 28 weeks of gestational age (n = 28 204). Median LOS was calculated for each network for babies who survived and those who died while in neonatal care. A linear regression model was used to investigate differences in LOS between networks after adjusting for gestational age, birth weight z score, sex, and multiplicity. A sensitivity analysis was conducted for babies who were discharged home directly.

RESULTS

Observed median LOS for babies who survived was longest in Japan (107 days); this result persisted after adjustment (20.7 days more than reference, 95% CI 19.3-22.1). Finland had the shortest adjusted LOS (-4.8 days less than reference, 95% CI -7.3 to -2.3). For each week's increase in gestational age at birth, LOS decreased by 12.1 days (95% CI -12.3 to -11.9). Multiplicity and male sex predicted mean increases in LOS of 2.6 (95% CI 2.0-3.2) and 2.1 (95% CI 1.6-2.6) days, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified between-network differences in LOS of up to 3 weeks for babies born extremely preterm. Some of these may be partly explained by differences in mortality, but unexplained variations also may be related to differences in clinical care practices and healthcare systems between countries.

Association of Caloric Intake, Protein Intake, and Enteral Feeding Initiation with Weight Gain in Infants Born 32 to 34 Weeks' Gestation

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine the association of caloric intake, protein intake, and enteral feed initiation time in the first 3 days of life with weight loss percentage (%WL) at 7 days among infants born 32 to 34 weeks' gestational age (GA).

STUDY DESIGN

This is a retrospective cohort study of 252 infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Patient data included patient characteristics, daily weight, intake, and method of nutrition in the first 3 days. Multivariate linear regression was used to explore associations between outcome (%WL at day 7 of life) and exposures (caloric intake, protein intake, and enteral feed initiation time) and adjusted for covariates (GA, birth weight, and sex).

RESULTS

Median 7 days %WL was 2.3% (interquartile range: -5.2, 1.2). Average caloric intake and average protein intake in the first 3 days were 57 kcal/kg/d and 2.3 g/kg/d. In the adjusted linear regression, caloric intake and protein intake (coefficient = 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.06, 0.09 and coefficient = 0.11, 95% CI: -0.36, 2.30) were not associated with %WL at 7 days. Enteral feeds ≤12 hours were associated with less %WL at 7 days of life (Coef = -0.15, 95% CI: -2.67, -0.17).

CONCLUSION

Enteral feeds ≤12 hours after delivery is associated with lower %WL at 7 days among preterm infants 32 to 34 weeks' GA.

24 Association of location of intubation procedure and number of tracheal intubation attempts with death or severe neurological injury among very preterm infants

Background

The physiological stress induced by tracheal intubation (TI) is associated with increased risk of neurological injury among very preterm infants. The location of TI procedure and number of attempts required may contribute to adverse outcomes.

Objectives

We aimed to assess the association of location where TI is performed and the number of TI attempts with death and/or severe neurological injury (SNI) among very preterm infants born &lt;33 weeks and intubated in the first 7 days of life.

Design/Methods

Retrospective cohort study of 442 infants born 23-32 weeks gestation, admitted to a Level 3 NICU 2015-2018 within the first 7 days of life. We excluded infants who were moribund and the ones with a major congenital anomaly. Data was collected from the Canadian Neonatal Network database and chart review. Exposures were location of TI (delivery room [DR] vs. NICU) and number of TI attempts (1 vs. &gt;1) among infants intubated in the first 7 days of life. Primary outcome was death and/or SNI (intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3-4 and/or periventricular leukomalacia). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association between exposures and outcomes and adjust for confounders.

Results

Rate of intubation was 46% (202/442). Rate of death and/or SNI was 2.5% (6/240) among infants never intubated, 12% (13/105) among NICU TI, 32% (31/97) among DR TI, 20% (17/85) among infants with 1 TI attempt and 23% (27/117) among infants with &gt;1 TI attempt. Rate of premedication use for NICU TI was 97% (102/105). Overall, median number of intubation attempts was 1 [IQR 1-2]. Compared to no TI, TI in the NICU (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.39, 95% CI 1.20-10.53) and TI in the DR (AOR 9.28, 95% CI 3.33-29.43) were associated with higher odds of death and/or SNI. DR TI was associated with higher odds of death and/or SNI compared to NICU TI (AOR 2.73, 95% CI 1.23-6.35). Compared to no TI, 1 TI attempt (AOR 5.25, 95% CI 1.93-15.93) and &gt;1 TI attempt (AOR 5.17, 95% CI 1.93-15.69) were associated with higher odds of death and/or SNI. The number of intubation attempts (1 vs. &gt;1) was not associated with death and/or SNI (AOR 0.99, 95% CI 0.47-2.09).

Conclusion

Intubated infants have higher odds of death and/or SNI. Among intubated infants, DR TI is associated with higher odds of death and/or SNI vs. TI in the NICU with premedication. Optimizing non-invasive ventilation in the DR may help reduce brain injury in preterm infants.

35 DUNN method versus weight based formulae to estimate umbilical arterial and venous catheters position

Background

Umbilical arterial catheters (UAC) and umbilical venous catheters (UVC) are frequently used in infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU). Dunn method (DM) was used in our NICU to calculate length of insertion of UAC/UVC until July 2018, before the adoption of the weight-based formulae (WBF).

Objectives

Our primary objective was to compare both methods in regards to correct position of UAC/UVC on first attempt. As a secondary objective we assessed the correlation between the tip position of catheters in anteroposterior radiographies (APR) and lateral radiographies (LatR).

Design/Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of infants with UAC/UVC inserted in the NICU from 2017-2019. Charts were reviewed for demographic data and catheters position in APR and LatR. The position was considered appropriate if the tip was between thoracic vertebral level (Th)6 and Th9 on APR for UAC and at Th8-Th9 on APR for UVC. Length of insertion of catheters was calculated via DM in one group and WBF in the other. Secondarily, we compared position of catheters on APR and LatR. For statistical analysis we used t student test for continuous data, Chi square test for categorical data and Pearson r for coefficient of correlation(r).

Results

Among 462 infants with UAC/UVC placed, demographic characteristics in both groups were similar (Table 1).

There was a good correlation between APR and LatR for the assessment of UVC and UAC position.

Appropriate position on first attempt for UAC was 60% (49/82) with Dunn method and 66% (74/112) with WBF (p=0.67).

Appropriate position on first attempt in UVC insertion beyond liver was 36% (46/127) using Dunn method and 43% (67/157) with WBF (p=0.47).

Rate of low positioned UVC was significantly lower using WBF compared to Dunn method: 3%(5/157) vs 9% (11/127), (p=0.04).

Position of catheters on APR and LatR were well correlated for UVC (n=146, r=0.87, p&lt;0.001) and UAC (n=62, r=0.82, p&lt;0.001).

Conclusion

No difference was observed for appropriate position of UAC and UVC on first attempt using DM versus WBF.

There was significantly less low positioned UVCs with WBF.

28 Association of serum sodium concentration, fluid balance and weight loss with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very preterm infants

Background

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) affects 20% of very preterm infants born &lt;33 weeks gestational age (GA). In this subgroup of neonates, postnatal fluid adaptation may be inefficient due to kidney immaturity, resulting in increased pulmonary interstitial fluid content, lung damage and impaired air-gas exchange. Early postnatal fluid status might contribute to the risk of developing BPD and requires further investigation.

Objectives

To investigate the association of three indicators of early postnatal fluid status (median serum sodium concentration, cumulative fluid balance and maximum percentage weight loss) measured over the first 10 days after delivery with death and/or BPD in infants born &lt;33 weeks.

Design/Methods

This retrospective cohort study included infants born 23-32 weeks GA, admitted to the Montreal Children’s Hospital’s NICU from 2015-2018. Neonates moribund on admission, with any major congenital malformation and/or admitted to the NICU &gt;1 day after birth were excluded. Data was collected from the Canadian Neonatal Network database and individual chart review. BPD was defined as oxygen therapy or respiratory support at 36 weeks’ corrected GA. Unadjusted comparisons were made using the Wilcoxon test. Associations between exposures (median serum sodium concentration, cumulative fluid balance and maximum percentage weight loss in the first 10 days after delivery) and outcomes (death and/or BPD) were assessed using multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusting for sex, steroid use, GA, small-for-gestational-age status, Apgar at 5 min&lt;7, surfactant use and mode of delivery.

Results

Among 439 eligible infants, 125 died and/or developed BPD (29%). Median serum sodium concentration was 139 mmol/L (IQR 136-141) among BPD-free survivors and 136 mmol/L (IQR 134-139) among infants with death and/or BPD (p&lt;0.001). Cumulative fluid balance was 4.09 dL/kg (IQR 2.98-4.78) among BPD-free survivors and 4.88 dL/kg (IQR 3.96-5.95) among infants with death and/or BPD (p&lt;0.001). Maximum percentage weight loss was 8.5% (IQR 5.4-11.6) among BPD-free survivors and 9.2% (IQR 4.9-12.9) among infants with death and/or BPD (p=0.41). Adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) are presented in Table 1.

Conclusion

Among very preterm infants, higher cumulative fluid balance in the first 10 days after delivery is associated with higher odds of death and/or BPD. Thus, targeting lower cumulative fluid balance may improve BPD-free survival.

Interaction of chorioamnionitis at term with maternal, fetal and obstetrical factors as predictors of neonatal mortality: a population-based cohort study

Background

Chorioamnionitis is a frequent complication of pregnancy and is known to be associated with serious adverse post-natal outcomes including death. However, the assessment of fetal well-being in labor in the context of chorioamnionitis is often challenging because of fetal tachycardia. Identifying specific risk factors for adverse neonatal outcomes in the context of chorioamnionitis could therefore be of paramount importance. This study aimed to determine if maternal and fetal risk factors for increased neonatal mortality and early neonatal mortality are modified in the context of chorioamnionitis in term pregnancies.

Methods

A retrospective population-based cohort study using the United States birth/infant death public file from 2011 to 2013 was performed, including all live births at 37 weeks gestation and beyond. Interaction between chorioamnionitis and maternal demographic variables as well as labor and delivery potential risk factors were analyzed for association with neonatal death (< 28 days) and early neonatal death (< 7 days) using multivariate logistic regressions.

Results

Among 9,034,428 live births, the prevalence of chorioamionitis was 1.29% (95% CI 1.28–1.30%). The incidence of neonatal death and early neonatal death were 0.09 and 0.06% in the chorioamnionitis group versus 0.06 and 0.04% in the no chorioamnionitis group (p = 0.0003 and < 0.0001), respectively. Smoking was significantly associated with neonatal death and early neonatal death in the context of chorioamnionitis (OR 2.44, CI:1.34–4.43/ 2.36 CI:1.11–5.01) but was either less strongly or not associated in the absence of chorioamnionitis (OR 1.24, CI:1.14–1.35/0.93, CI:0.82–1.05). The association between gestational age (37 weeks compared to 39 weeks) and neonatal death was more important in the context of chorioamnionitis (OR = 3.19, CI: 1.75–5.82 versus 1.63, CI: 1.49–1.79). Multivariate analysis identified the following risk factors for neonatal death and/or early neonatal death: low maternal education, extreme maternal age, obesity (BMI > 35 kg/m²), late or no prenatal care, diabetes, meconium-stained amniotic fluid, gestational ages other than 39 weeks, neonatal weight < 2500 g and delivery by vacuum or caesarian.

Conclusions

Smoking as well as early term have a positive interaction with chorioamnionitis for the risk of neonatal mortality. This should be taken into account when counseling pregnant women and managing laboring pregnant women with suspected chorioamnionitis.

Cumulative effect of evidence-based practices on outcomes of preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestational age

BACKGROUND

Extremely preterm infants born at <29 weeks' gestational age are at high risk of death or severe neurological injury. Several individual evidence-based practices have been associated with neuroprotection.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the study was to investigate the cumulative effect of 4 evidence-based practices and their association with death and/or severe neurological injury among infants born at <29 weeks' gestational age.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational study of infants born at 23⁰-28⁶ weeks gestational age admitted to neonatal intensive care units participating in the Canadian Neonatal Network from 2015 through 2017. We evaluated 4 practices: antenatal corticosteroids, antenatal MgSO₄ for neuroprotection, deferred cord clamping ≥30 seconds, and normothermia on admission. The effect of exposure to 1, 2, 3, and all 4 evidence-based practices compared with none on death and/or severe neurological injury was assessed using multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for patient characteristics.

RESULTS

Rate of death and/or severe neurological injury was 20% (873 of 4297) and varied based on exposure to evidence-based practices: none, 34% (54 of 157); 1, 27% (171 of 626); 2, 20% (295 of 1448); 3, 18% (263 of 1448); and all 4, 14% (90 of 618). Significantly lower odds of death and/or severe neurological injury were observed with exposure to antenatal corticosteroids (adjusted odds ratio, 0.52, 95% confidence interval, 0.40-0.69) and deferred cord clamping (adjusted odds ratio, 0.81, 95% confidence interval, 0.68-0.96) but not MgSO₄ (adjusted odds ratio, 0.88, 95% confidence interval, 0.72-1.08) or normothermia (adjusted odds ratio, 0.96, 95% confidence interval, 0.79-1.16). Infants exposed to ≥2 evidence-based practices had significantly lower odds of death and/or severe neurological injury than those exposed to no evidence-based practices (adjusted odds ratio, 0.61, 95% confidence interval, 0.43-0.88).

CONCLUSION

Among infants born at <29 weeks' gestational age, exposure to at least 2 of the evidence-based practices assessed was associated with decreased odds of death and/or severe neurological injury.

Outcomes and care practices for preterm infants born at less than 33 weeks' gestation: a quality-improvement study

BACKGROUND

Preterm birth is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children younger than 5 years. We report the changes in neonatal outcomes and care practices among very preterm infants in Canada over 14 years within a national, collaborative, continuous quality-improvement program.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied infants born at 23-32 weeks' gestation who were admitted to tertiary neonatal intensive care units that participated in the Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality program in the Canadian Neonatal Network from 2004 to 2017. The primary outcome was survival without major morbidity during the initial hospital admission. We quantified changes using process-control charts in 6-month intervals to identify special-cause variations, adjusted regression models for yearly changes, and interrupted time series analyses.

RESULTS

The final study population included 50 831 infants. As a result of practice changes, survival without major morbidity increased significantly (56.6% [669/1183] to 70.9% [1424/2009]; adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.10, per year) across all gestational ages. Survival of infants born at 23-25 weeks' gestation increased (70.8% [97/137] to 74.5% [219/294]; adjusted OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02-1.05, per year). Changes in care practices included increased use of antenatal steroids (83.6% [904/1081] to 88.1% [1747/1983]), increased rates of normothermia at admission (44.8% [520/1160] to 67.5% [1316/1951]) and reduced use of pulmonary surfactant (52.8% [625/1183] to 42.7% [857/2009]).

INTERPRETATION

Network-wide quality-improvement activities that include better implementation of optimal care practices can yield sustained improvement in survival without morbidity in very preterm infants.

Impact of decreasing cerebrospinal fluid enterovirus PCR turnaround time on costs and management of children with suspected enterovirus meningitis

To estimate the impact of implementing in-hospital enterovirus (EV) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with same-day turn-around-time (TAT) on length-of-stay (LOS), antibiotic use and on cost per patient with suspected EV meningitis, compared with testing at an outside reference laboratory. A model-based analysis using a retrospective cohort of all hospitalized children with CSF EV PCR testing done between November 2013 and 2017. The primary outcome measured was the potential date of discharge if the EV PCR result had been available on the same day. Patients with positive EV PCR were considered for potential earlier discharge once clinically stable with no reason for hospitalization other than intravenous antibiotics. Descriptive statistics and cost-sensitivity analyses were performed. CSF EV PCR testing was done on 153 patients, of which 44 (29%) had a positive result. Median test TAT was 5.3 days (IQR 3.9–7.6). Median hospital LOS was 5 days (IQR 3–12). Most (86%) patients received intravenous antibiotics with mean duration of 5.72 ± 6.51 days. No patients with positive EV PCR had a serious bacterial infection. We found that same-day test TAT would reduce LOS and duration of intravenous antibiotics by 0.50 days (95%CI 0.33–0.68) and 0.67 days (95%CI 0.42–0.91), respectively. Same-day test TAT was associated with a cost reduction of 342.83CAD (95%CI 178.14–517.00) per patient with suspected EV meningitis. Compared with sending specimens to a reference laboratory, performing CSF EV PCR in-hospital with same-day TAT was associated with decreased LOS, antibiotic therapy, and cost per patient.

Pressure versus Sudden Wean from Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is a well-studied treatment for respiratory problems in preterm infants. However, the best strategy for NCPAP weaning is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to compare the success of progressive pressure wean versus sudden wean for discontinuation of NCPAP in preterm infants.

METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of publications identified by searching MEDLINE, Embase, -CINAHL, and CENTRAL. Randomized controlled trials comparing pressure wean to sudden wean for NCPAP in preterm infants were included. Primary outcomes were postmenstrual age (PMA) at successful weaning and weight gain. Secondary outcomes were total duration of ventilation, success of weaning strategy on first attempt, length of stay (LOS), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

RESULTS

Two trials (422 infants) were eligible for inclusion. Pressure wean was associated with a higher PMA at weaning (33.9 ± 2.1 vs. 32.1 ± 2.0 weeks, mean difference [MD] 0.88, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.35, low quality evidence). Daily weight gain was only reported in 1 trial. Total duration of ventilation was not reported. Pressure wean was associated with higher probability of successful weaning at first attempt (risk ratio [RR] 1.25, 95% CI 1.03-1.53). However, it was not associated with LOS (MD -2.5 days, 95% CI -7.3 to 2.4) or BPD (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.52-1.63).

CONCLUSION

Sudden wean of NCPAP was associated with a lower PMA at successful wean compared to pressure wean but also with a lower rate of successful wean at first attempt, most likely because of the developmental stage at which weaning is possible.

Risk factors for re-hospitalization following neonatal discharge of extremely preterm infants in Canada

Objective

Survivors of extremely preterm birth are at risk of re-hospitalization but risk factors in the Canadian population are unknown. Our objective is to identify neonatal, sociodemographic, and geographic characteristics that predict re-hospitalization in Canadian extremely preterm neonates.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of a prospective observational cohort study that included preterm infants born 22 to 28 weeks' gestational age from April 1, 2009 to September 30, 2011 and seen at 18 to 24 months corrected gestational age in a Canadian Neonatal Follow-Up Network clinic. Characteristics of infants re-hospitalized versus not re-hospitalized are compared. The potential neonatal, sociodemographic, and geographic factors with significant association in the univariate analysis are included in a multivariate model.

Results

From a total of 2,275 preterm infants born at 22 to 28 weeks gestation included, 838 (36.8%) were re-hospitalized at least once. There were significant disparities between Canadian provincial regions, ranging from 25.9% to 49.4%. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, factors associated with an increased risk for re-hospitalization were region of residence, male sex, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, prolonged neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay, ethnicity, Indigenous ethnicity, and sibling(s) in the home.

Conclusion

Various neonatal, sociodemographic, and geographic factors predict re-hospitalization of extremely preterm infants born in Canada. The risk factors of re-hospitalization provide insights to help health care leaders explore potential preventative approaches to improve child health and reduce health care system costs.

Preventive strategies and factors associated with surgically treated necrotising enterocolitis in extremely preterm infants: an international unit survey linked with retrospective cohort data analysis

OBJECTIVES

To compare necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) prevention practices and NEC associated factors between units from eight countries of the International Network for Evaluation of Outcomes of Neonates, and to assess their association with surgical NEC rates.

DESIGN

Prospective unit-level survey combined with retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Neonatal intensive care units in Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Israel, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and Tuscany (Italy).

PATIENTS

Extremely preterm infants born between 24⁰ to 28⁶ weeks' gestation, with birth weights<1500 g, and admitted between 2014-2015.

EXPOSURES

NEC prevention practices (probiotics, feeding, donor milk) using responses of an on-line pre-piloted questionnaire containing 10 questions and factors associated with NEC in literature (antenatal steroids, c-section, indomethacin treated patent ductus arteriosus and sepsis) using cohort data.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Surgical NEC rates and death following NEC using cohort data.

RESULTS

The survey response rate was 91% (153 units). Both probiotic provision and donor milk availability varied between 0%-100% among networks whereas feeding initiation and advancement rates were similar in most networks. The 9792 infants included in the cohort study to link survey results and cohort outcomes, revealed similar baseline characteristics but considerable differences in factors associated with NEC between networks. 397 (4.1%) neonates underwent NEC surgery, ranging from 2.4%-8.4% between networks. Standardised ratios for surgical NEC were lower for Australia/New Zealand, higher for Spain, and comparable for the remaining six networks.

CONCLUSIONS

The variation in implementation of NEC prevention practices and in factors associated with NEC in literature could not be associated with the variation in surgical NEC incidence. This corroborates the current lack of consensus surrounding the use of preventive strategies for NEC and emphasises the need for research.

Unit-Level Variations in Healthcare Professionals' Availability for Preterm Neonates <29 Weeks' Gestation: An International Survey

INTRODUCTION

The availability of and variability in healthcare professionals in neonatal units in different countries has not been well characterized. Our objective was to identify variations in the healthcare professionals for preterm neonates in 10 national or regional neonatal networks participating in the International Network for Evaluating Outcomes (iNeo) of neonates.

METHOD

Online, pre-piloted questionnaires about the availability of healthcare professionals were sent to the directors of 390 tertiary neonatal units in 10 international networks: Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Illinois, Israel, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Tuscany.

RESULTS

Overall, 325 of 390 units (83%) responded. About half of the units (48%; 156/325) cared for 11-30 neonates/day and had team-based (43%; 138/325) care models. Neonatologists were present 24 h a day in 59% of the units (191/325), junior doctors in 60% (194/325), and nurse practitioners in 36% (116/325). A nurse-to-patient ratio of 1:1 for infants who are unstable and require complex care was used in 52% of the units (170/325), whereas a ratio of 1:1 or 1:2 for neonates requiring multisystem support was available in 59% (192/325) of the units. Availability of a respiratory therapist (15%, 49/325), pharmacist (40%, 130/325), dietitian (34%, 112/325), social worker (81%, 263/325), lactation consultant (45%, 146/325), parent buddy (6%, 19/325), or parents' resource personnel (11%, 34/325) were widely variable between units.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified variability in the availability and organization of the healthcare professionals between and within countries for the care of extremely preterm neonates. Further research is needed to associate healthcare workers' availability and outcomes.

Use of C-reactive protein to tailor antibiotic use: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

C-reactive protein (CRP) has been proposed to guide the use of antibiotics. However, study results are controversial regarding the benefits of such a strategy. We synthesised the evidence of CRP-based algorithms on antibiotic treatment initiation and on antibiotic treatment duration in adults, children and neonates, as well as their safety profile.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and CINAHL from inception to 20 July 2017.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), non-RCTs and cohort studies (prospective or retrospective) investigating CRP-guided antibiotic use in adults, children and neonates with bacterial infection.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Two researchers independently screened all identified studies and retrieved the data. Outcomes were duration of antibiotic use, antibiotic initiation, mortality, infection relapse and hospitalisation. We assessed the quality of the included studies using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool (RCTs), and A Cochrane Risk Of Bias Assessment Tool: for Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions and the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (non-RCTs). We analysed our results using descriptive statistics and random effects models.

RESULTS

Of 11 165 studies screened, 15 were included. In five RCTs in adult outpatients, the risk difference for antibiotic treatment initiation in the CRP group was -7% (95% CI: -10% to -4%), with no difference in hospitalisation rate. In neonates, CRP-based algorithms shortened antibiotic treatment duration by -1.45 days (95% CI -2.61 to -0.28) in two RCTs, and by -1.15 days (95% CI -2.06 to -0.24) in two cohort studies, with no differences in mortality or infection relapse.

CONCLUSION

The use of CRP-based algorithms seems to reduce antibiotic treatment duration in neonates, as well as to decrease antibiotic treatment initiation in adult outpatients. However, further high-quality studies are still needed to assess safety, particularly in children outside the neonatal period.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42016038622.

Association of Maternal Diabetes With Neonatal Outcomes of Very Preterm and Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants: An International Cohort Study

IMPORTANCE

Diabetes in pregnancy is associated with a 2-times to 3-times higher rate of very preterm birth than in women without diabetes. Very preterm infants are at high risk of death and severe morbidity. The association of maternal diabetes with these risks is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the associations between maternal diabetes and in-hospital mortality, as well as neonatal morbidity in very preterm infants with a birth weight of less than 1500 g.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at 7 national networks in high-income countries that are part of the International Neonatal Network for Evaluating Outcomes in Neonates and used prospectively collected data on 76 360 very preterm, singleton infants without malformations born between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2015, at 24 to 31 weeks' gestation with birth weights of less than 1500 g, 3280 (4.3%) of whom were born to diabetic mothers.

EXPOSURES

Any type of diabetes during pregnancy.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were severe neonatal morbidities, including intraventricular hemorrhages of grade 3 to 4, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity needing treatment and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and other morbidities, including respiratory distress, treated patent ductus arteriosus, and necrotizing enterocolitis. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals were estimated, adjusted for potential confounders, and stratified by gestational age (GA), sex, and network.

RESULTS

The mean (SD) birth weight of offspring born to mothers with diabetes was significantly higher at 1081 (262) g than in offspring born to mothers without diabetes (mean [SD] birth weight, 1027 [270] g). Mothers with diabetes were older and had more hypertensive disorders, antenatal steroid treatments, and deliveries by cesarean delivery than mothers without diabetes. Infants of mothers with diabetes were born at a later GA than infants of mothers without diabetes. In-hospital mortality (6.6% vs 8.3%) and the composite of mortality and severe morbidity (31.6% vs 40.6%) were lower in infants of mothers with diabetes. However, in adjusted analyses, no significant differences in in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR, 1.16 (95% CI, 0.97-1.39) or the composite of mortality and severe morbidity (adjusted OR, 0.99 (95% CI, 0.88-1.10) were observed. With few exceptions, outcomes of infants born to mothers with and without diabetes were similar regardless of infant sex, GA, or country of birth.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In high-resource settings, maternal diabetes is not associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality or severe morbidity in very preterm infants with a birth weight of fewer than 1500 g.

Illness Severity Predicts Death and Brain Injury in Asphyxiated Newborns Treated with Hypothermia

OBJECTIVE

To determine if illness severity during the first days of life predicts adverse outcome in asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia. Illness severity was calculated daily during the first 4 days of life using the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology II (SNAP-II score). Adverse outcome (death and/or brain injury) was recorded. Differences in SNAP-II scores between the newborns with and without adverse outcome were assessed.

RESULT

214 newborns were treated with hypothermia. The average SNAP-II score over the first 4 days of life was significantly worse in newborns developing adverse outcome. The average SNAP-II score was an excellent predictor of death (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.93; p < 0.001) and a fair predictor of adverse outcome (AUC: 0.73; p < 0.001). The average SNAP-II score remained a significant predictor of adverse outcome (odds ratio [95% confidence interval]: 1.08 [1.04-1.12]; p < 0.001), after adjusting for baseline characteristics, degree of initial asphyxial event, and initial severity of encephalopathy.

CONCLUSION

In asphyxiated newborns treated with hypothermia, not only the initial asphyxial event but also the illness severity during the first days of life was a significant predictor of death or brain injury.

Association of Resident Duty Hour Restrictions, Level of Trainee, and Number of Available Residents with Mortality in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

OBJECTIVE

This article assesses the effect of reducing consecutive hours worked by residents from 24 to 16 hours on yearly total hours worked per resident in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and evaluates the association of resident duty hour reform, level of trainee, and the number of residents present at admission with mortality in the NICU.

STUDY DESIGN

This is a 6-year retrospective cohort study including all pediatric residents working in a Level 3 NICU (N = 185) and infants admitted to the NICU (N = 8,159). Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) were estimated for mortality with respect to Epoch (2008-2011 [24-hour shifts] versus 2011-2014 [16-hour shifts]), level of trainee, and the number of residents present at admission.

RESULTS

The reduction in maximum consecutive hours worked was associated with a significant reduction of the median yearly total hours worked per resident in the NICU (381 hour vs. 276 hour, p < 0.01). Early mortality rate was 1.2% (50/4,107) before the resident duty hour reform and 0.8% (33/4,052) after the reform (aOR, 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.98). Neither level of trainee (aOR, 1.22; 95% CI, 0.71-2.10; junior vs. senior) nor the number of residents present at admission (aOR, 2.08; 95% CI, 0.43-10.02, 5-8 residents vs. 0-2 residents) were associated with early mortality. Resident duty hour reform was not associated with hospital mortality (aOR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.50-1.07; after vs. before resident duty hour reform).

CONCLUSION

Resident duty hour restrictions were associated with a reduction in the number of yearly hours worked by residents in the NICU as well as a significant decrease in adjusted odds of early mortality but not of hospital mortality in admitted neonates.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Infants Born at <29 Weeks of Gestation Admitted to Canadian Neonatal Intensive Care Units Based on Location of Birth

OBJECTIVE

To compare mortality and neurodevelopmental outcomes of outborn and inborn preterm infants born at <29 weeks of gestation admitted to Canadian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

STUDY DESIGN

Data were obtained from the Canadian Neonatal Network and Canadian Neonatal Follow-up Network databases for infants born at <29 weeks of gestation admitted to NICUs from April 2009 to September 2011. Rates of death, severe neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), and overall NDI were compared between outborn and inborn infants at 18-21 months of age, corrected for prematurity.

RESULTS

Of 2951 eligible infants, 473 (16%) were outborn. Mean birth weight (940 ± 278 g vs 897 + 237 g), rates of treatment with antenatal steroids (53.9% vs 92.9%), birth weight small for gestational age (5.3% vs 9.4%), and maternal college education (43.7% vs 53.9%) differed between outborn and inborn infants, respectively (all P values <.01). The median Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-II (P = .01) and Apgar score at 5 minutes (P < .01) were higher in inborn infants. Severe brain injury was more common among outborn infants (25.3% vs 14.7%, P < .01). Outborn infants had higher odds of death or severe NDI (aOR 1.7, 95% CI 1.3-2.2), death or overall NDI (aOR 1.6, 95% CI 1.2-2.2), death (aOR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5-3.0), and cerebral palsy (aOR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.3).

CONCLUSIONS

The composite outcomes of death or neurodevelopmental impairment were significantly higher in outborn compared with inborn infants admitted to Canadian NICUs. Adverse outcomes were mainly attributed to increased mortality and cerebral palsy in outborn neonates.

SNAP-II for prediction of mortality and morbidity in extremely preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

To determine the specific Score of Neonatal Acute Physiology (SNAP-II) cut-off scores associated with outcomes in extremely preterm infants, and to examine its contribution to predictive models that include nonmodifiable birth predictors.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study of 9240 infants born at 22-28 weeks' gestation and admitted to the Canadian Neonatal Network from 2010 to 2015. Outcomes included early and hospital mortality, composite of mortality/morbidity and individual morbidities. The SNAP-II cut-off to predict each outcome was determined using the Youden index. Additional contributions were evaluated using a base model that adjusted for gestational age, birth weight z-score and sex and by comparing the area under the curve (AUC).

RESULTS

The mortality/morbidity rate was 63% (5859/9240). Specific SNAP-II cut-offs ranged from 12 to 20 and were associated with each adverse outcome. Adding SNAP-II cut-offs to predictive models that included birth variables significantly improved (p < .05) the prediction of early mortality (AUC 0.84 versus 0.79), hospital mortality (AUC 0.80 versus 0.78), mortality/morbidity (AUC 0.76 versus 0.75), and severe neurological injury (AUC 0.69 versus 0.66) but had little or no effect on predictive models for retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and nosocomial infection.

CONCLUSIONS

SNAP-II cut-offs were independently associated with each adverse outcome and using the proposed SNAP-II cut-offs improved the performance of predictive models for certain short-term outcomes.

Association of nursing overtime, nurse staffing and unit occupancy with medical incidents and outcomes of very preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association of nursing overtime, nursing provision and unit occupancy rate with medical incident rates in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the risk of mortality or major morbidity among very preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN

Single center retrospective cohort study of infants born within 23 to 29 weeks of gestational age or birth weight <1000 g admitted at a 56 bed, level III NICU. Nursing overtime ratios (nursing overtime hours/total nursing hours), nursing provision ratios (nursing hours/recommended nursing hours based on patient dependency categories) and unit occupancy rates were pooled for all shifts during NICU hospitalization of each infant. Log-binomial models assessed their association with the composite outcome (mortality or major morbidity).

RESULTS

Of the 257 infants that met the inclusion criteria, 131 (51%) developed the composite outcome. In the adjusted multivariable analyses, high (>3.4%) relative to low nursing overtime ratios (⩽3.4%) were not associated with the composite outcome (relative risk (RR): 0.93; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.86 to 1.02). High nursing provision ratios (>1) were associated with a lower risk of the composite outcome relative to low ones (⩽1) (RR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.74 to 0.90). NICU occupancy rates were not associated with the composite outcome (RR: 0.98; 95% CI: 0.89 to 1.07, high (>100%) vs low (⩽100%)). Days with high nursing provision ratios (>1) were also associated with lower risk of having medical incidents (RR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.99).

CONCLUSION

High nursing provision ratio during NICU hospitalization is associated with a lower risk of a composite adverse outcome in very preterm infants.

C-reactive protein for late-onset sepsis diagnosis in very low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND

Late-onset sepsis in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is a diagnostic challenge. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of the C-Reactive protein (CRP) and the complete blood count (CBC) for late-onset sepsis in VLBW infants.

METHODS

In a 5-year retrospective cohort of 416 VLBW infants born at less than 1500 g, there were 590 separate late-onset sepsis evaluations. CRP and CBC were drawn at time of initial blood culture (T0), at 16-24 h (T24) and 40-48 h (T48) after. The positive cut-off values for abnormal values were the following: CRP ≥10 mg/L and CBC with at least one anomaly, including white blood cell count < 5000/mm³, immature neutrophil/total neutrophil ratio > 0.10, or platelet count < 100,000/uL. Sensitivity and specificity for predicting late-onset sepsis were calculated for each laboratory test and their combinations. Receiver operating characteristics curves were obtained for each test and for the absolute change from T0 to T24 in the laboratory value of CRP, white blood cell count and immature neutrophil/total neutrophil.

RESULTS

At T0, combining the CBC and the CRP had the highest sensitivity of 66% (95% confidence interval [CI], 58-73) compared to both individual tests for predicting late onset sepsis. At T24, CRP's sensitivity was 84% (95% CI, 78-89) and was statistically higher than the CBC's 59% (95% CI, 51-67). The combination of CBC at T0 and CRP at T24 offered the greatest sensitivity of 88% (95% CI, 82-92) and negative predictive value 93% (95% CI, 89-96), with fewer samples, compared to any other combination of tests. The area under the curve for the change in the white blood cell count from T0 to T24 was 0.82.

CONCLUSION

At initial sepsis evaluation (T0), both CBC and CRP should be performed to increase sensitivity. A highly negative predictive value is reachable with only two tests: a CBC at T0 and a CRP a T24.

Variations in Oxygen Saturation Targeting, and Retinopathy of Prematurity Screening and Treatment Criteria in Neonatal Intensive Care Units: An International Survey

BACKGROUND

Rates of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and ROP treatment vary between neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Neonatal care practices, including oxygen saturation (SpO2) targets and criteria for the screening and treatment of ROP, are potential contributing factors to the variations.

OBJECTIVES

To survey variations in SpO2 targets in 2015 (and whether there had been recent changes) and criteria for ROP screening and treatment across the networks of the International Network for Evaluating Outcomes in Neonates (iNeo).

METHODS

Online prepiloted questionnaires on treatment practices for preterm infants were sent to the directors of 390 NICUs in 10 collaborating iNeo networks. Nine questions were asked and the results were summarized and compared.

RESULTS

Overall, 329/390 (84%) NICUs responded, and a majority (60%) recently made changes in upper and lower SpO2 target limits, with the median set higher than previously by 2-3% in 8 of 10 networks. After the changes, fewer NICUs (15 vs. 28%) set an upper SpO2 target limit > 95% and fewer (3 vs. 5%) a lower limit < 85%. There were variations in ROP screening criteria, and only in the Swedish network did all NICUs follow a single guideline. The initial retinal examination was carried out by an ophthalmologist in all but 6 NICUs, and retinal photography was used in 20% but most commonly as an adjunct to indirect ophthalmoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

There is considerable variation in SpO2 targets and ROP screening and treatment criteria, both within networks and between countries.

Respiratory Management of Extremely Preterm Infants: An International Survey

BACKGROUND

There are significant international variations in chronic lung disease rates among very preterm infants yet there is little data on international variations in respiratory strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate practice variations in the respiratory management of extremely preterm infants born at < 29 weeks' gestational age (GA) among 10 neonatal networks participating in the International Network for Evaluating Outcomes (iNeo) of Neonates collaboration.

METHODS

A web-based survey was sent to the representatives of 390 neonatal intensive care units from Australia/New Zealand, Canada, Finland, Illinois (USA), Israel, Japan, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Tuscany (Italy). Responses were based on practices in 2015.

RESULTS

Overall, 321 of the 390 units responded (82%). The majority of units within networks (40-92%) mechanically ventilate infants born at 23-24 weeks' GA on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) with 30-39% oxygen in respiratory distress within 48 h after birth, but the proportion of units that offer mechanical ventilation for infants born at 25-26 weeks' GA at similar settings varied significantly (20-85% of units within networks). The most common respiratory strategy for infants born at 27-28 weeks' GA on CPAP with 30-39% oxygen with respiratory distress within 48 h after birth used by units also varied significantly among networks: mechanical ventilation (0-60%), CPAP (3-82%), intubation and surfactant administration with immediate extubation (0-75%), and less invasive surfactant administration (0-68%).

CONCLUSIONS

There are marked variations but also similarities in respiratory management of extremely preterm infants between networks. Further collaboration and exploration is needed to better understand the association of these variations in practice with pulmonary outcomes.

Association of Resident Duty Hour Reform and Neonatal Outcomes of Very Preterm Infants

Objective To assess the association of the 2011 Quebec provincial resident duty hour reform, which reduced the maximum consecutive hours worked by all residents from 24 to 16 hours, with neonatal outcomes.

Study Design Retrospective observational study of 4,271 infants born between 23 and 32 weeks, admitted at five Quebec neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) participating in the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) between 2008 and 2015 was conducted. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were calculated to compare mortality and the composite outcome of mortality or major morbidity before and after the implementation of the duty hour reform.

Results The mortality rate was 8.4% (218/2,598) before the resident duty hour reform and 8.6% (182/2,123) after the reform (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83–1.26). The composite outcome rate was 32% (830/2,598) before the duty hour reform and 29% (615/2,123) after the reform (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.77–0.98). In the adjusted analyses, the resident call-hour reform was not associated with a significant change in mortality (AOR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.91–1.50) or composite outcome (AOR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.74–1.03).

Conclusion Reducing residents' duty hours from 24 to 16 hours in Quebec was not associated with a difference in mortality or the composite outcome of very preterm infants.

Association of Nursing Overtime, Nurse Staffing, and Unit Occupancy with Health Care-Associated Infections in the NICU

Objective This study aims to assess the association of nursing overtime, nurse staffing, and unit occupancy with health care-associated infections (HCAIs) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Study Design A 2-year retrospective cohort study was conducted for 2,236 infants admitted in a Canadian tertiary care, 51-bed NICU. Daily administrative data were obtained from the database "Logibec" and combined to the patient outcomes database. Median values for the nursing overtime hours/total hours worked ratio, the available to recommended nurse staffing ratio, and the unit occupancy rate over 3-day periods before HCAI were compared with days that did not precede infections. Adjusted odds ratios (aOR) that control for the latter factors and unit risk factors were also computed. Results A total of 122 (5%) infants developed a HCAI. The odds of having HCAI were higher on days that were preceded by a high nursing overtime ratio (aOR, 1.70; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.05-2.75, quartile [Q]4 vs. Q1). High unit occupancy rates were not associated with increased odds of infection (aOR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.47-1.51, Q4 vs. Q1) nor were higher available/recommended nurse ratios (aOR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.67-1.99, Q4 vs. Q1). Conclusion Nursing overtime is associated with higher odds of HCAI in the NICU.