Stopping guidelines for an effectiveness trial: what should the protocol specify?

Background

Despite long-standing problems in decisions to stop clinical trials, stopping guidelines are often vague or unspecified in the trial protocol. Clear, well-conceived guidelines are especially important to assist the data monitoring committees for effectiveness trials.

Main text

To specify better stopping guidelines in the protocol for such trials, the clinical investigators and trial statistician should carefully consider the following kinds of questions:

How should the relative importance of the treatment benefits and hazards be assessed?

For decisions to stop a trial for benefit:

What would be the minimum clinically important difference for the study population?

How should the probability that the benefit exceeds that difference be assessed?

When should the interim analyses include data from other trials?

Would the evidence meet state-of-the-art standards for treatment recommendations and practice guidelines?

Should less evidence be required to stop the trial for harm than for benefit?

When should conventional stopping guidelines for futility be used for comparative effectiveness trials?

Conclusion

Both clinical and statistical expertise are required to address such challenging questions for effectiveness trials. Their joint consideration by clinical investigators and statisticians is needed to define better stopping guidelines before starting the trial.

Teenage Pregnancies: Risk Factors and Associated Neonatal Outcomes in an Eastern-European Academic Perinatal Care Center

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to compare women with early (13-16 years), late teenage (17-19 years), and adult (25-29 years) pregnancies regarding pregnancy risk factors and reproductive outcomes.

METHODS

An observational study, utilizing medical charts and direct interview, conducted in an academic hospital during January 2011 and December 2012. Our sample comprised 395 teenage and 736 adult pregnancies.

RESULTS

Pregnant teenagers were more likely than adults to be single (41.7 vs. 33.2%; odds ratio [OR]: 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-1.84), to live in a rural area (70.9 vs. 53.9%; OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.60-2.69), and to live with extended family (74.2 vs. 16.0%; OR: 15.04, 95% CI: 11.15-20.29). Adolescent mothers were more likely than adult mothers to give birth by vaginal delivery (78.5 vs. 69.6%; OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.17-2.84), and rate of operative delivery was lower amongst this group (8.6 vs. 9.8%; OR: 0.8, 95% CI: 0.5-1.3). The newborns of adolescent mothers were more likely to be low birth weight (14.9 vs. 9.1%; OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.20-2.54) and more likely to successfully breastfeed (91.9 vs. 82.2%; OR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.63-3.69) but the length of hospital stay was similar with adult mothers' newborns.

CONCLUSIONS

The distinct risk factors and behaviors associated with pregnancy, among teenagers may help address the health needs of this unique and vulnerable group and their offspring.

Trends in Care Practices, Morbidity, and Mortality of Extremely Preterm Neonates, 1993-2012

IMPORTANCE

Extremely preterm infants contribute disproportionately to neonatal morbidity and mortality.

OBJECTIVE

To review 20-year trends in maternal/neonatal care, complications, and mortality among extremely preterm infants born at Neonatal Research Network centers.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS

Prospective registry of 34,636 infants, 22 to 28 weeks' gestation, birth weight of 401 to 1500 g, and born at 26 network centers between 1993 and 2012.

EXPOSURES

Extremely preterm birth.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Maternal/neonatal care, morbidities, and survival. Major morbidities, reported for infants who survived more than 12 hours, were severe necrotizing enterocolitis, infection, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, severe intracranial hemorrhage, cystic periventricular leukomalacia, and/or severe retinopathy of prematurity. Regression models assessed yearly changes and were adjusted for study center, race/ethnicity, gestational age, birth weight for gestational age, and sex.

RESULTS

Use of antenatal corticosteroids increased from 1993 to 2012 (24% [348 of 1431 infants]) to 87% (1674 of 1919 infants]; P < .001), as did cesarean delivery (44% [625 of 1431 births] to 64% [1227 of 1921]; P < .001). Delivery room intubation decreased from 80% (1144 of 1433 infants) in 1993 to 65% (1253 of 1922) in 2012 (P < .001). After increasing in the 1990s, postnatal steroid use declined to 8% (141 of 1757 infants) in 2004 (P < .001), with no significant change thereafter. Although most infants were ventilated, continuous positive airway pressure without ventilation increased from 7% (120 of 1666 infants) in 2002 to 11% (190 of 1756 infants) in 2012 (P < .001). Despite no improvement from 1993 to 2004, rates of late-onset sepsis declined between 2005 and 2012 for infants of each gestational age (median, 26 weeks [37% {109 of 296} to 27% {85 of 320}]; adjusted relative risk [RR], 0.93 [95% CI, 0.92-0.94]). Rates of other morbidities declined, but bronchopulmonary dysplasia increased between 2009 and 2012 for infants at 26 to 27 weeks' gestation (26 weeks, 50% [130 of 258] to 55% [164 of 297]; P < .001). Survival increased between 2009 and 2012 for infants at 23 weeks' gestation (27% [41 of 152] to 33% [50 of 150]; adjusted RR, 1.09 [95% CI, 1.05-1.14]) and 24 weeks (63% [156 of 248] to 65% [174 of 269]; adjusted RR, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.03-1.07]), with smaller relative increases for infants at 25 and 27 weeks' gestation, and no change for infants at 22, 26, and 28 weeks' gestation. Survival without major morbidity increased approximately 2% per year for infants at 25 to 28 weeks' gestation, with no change for infants at 22 to 24 weeks' gestation.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among extremely preterm infants born at US academic centers over the last 20 years, changes in maternal and infant care practices and modest reductions in several morbidities were observed, although bronchopulmonary dysplasia increased. Survival increased most markedly for infants born at 23 and 24 weeks' gestation and survival without major morbidity increased for infants aged 25 to 28 weeks. These findings may be valuable in counseling families and developing novel interventions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00063063.

Definitions of cardiovascular insufficiency and relation to outcomes in critically ill newborn infants

BACKGROUND

We previously reported on the overall incidence, management, and outcomes in infants with cardiovascular insufficiency (CVI). However, there are limited data on the relationship of the specific different definitions of CVI to short-term outcomes in term and late preterm newborn infants.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate how four definitions of CVI relate to short-term outcomes and death.

STUDY DESIGN

The previously reported study was a multicenter, prospective cohort study of 647 infants ≥ 34 weeks gestation admitted to a Neonatal Research Network (NRN) newborn intensive care unit (NICU) and mechanically ventilated (MV) during their first 72 hours. The relationship of five short-term outcomes at discharge and four different definitions of CVI were further analyzed.

RESULTS

All the four definitions were associated with greater number of days on MV and days on O2. The definition using a threshold blood pressure (BP) measurement alone was not associated with days of full feeding, days in the NICU or death. The definition based on the treatment of CVI was associated with all the outcomes including death.

CONCLUSIONS

The definition using a threshold BP alone was not consistently associated with adverse short-term outcomes. Using only a threshold BP to determine therapy may not improve outcomes.

Screening Cranial Imaging at Multiple Time Points Improves Cystic Periventricular Leukomalacia Detection

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine whether the cystic periventricular leukomalacia (cPVL) detection rate differs between imaging studies performed at different time points.

DESIGN

We retrospectively reviewed the prospectively collected data of 31,708 infants from the NICHD Neonatal Research Network. Inclusion criteria were infants < 1,000 g birth weight or < 29 weeks' gestational age who had cranial imaging performed using both early criterion (cranial ultrasound [CUS] < 28 days chronological age) and late criterion (CUS, magnetic resonance imaging, or computed tomography closest to 36 weeks postmenstrual age [PMA]). We compared the frequency of cPVL diagnosed by early and late criteria.

RESULTS

About 664 (5.2%) of the 12,739 infants who met inclusion criteria had cPVL using either early or late criteria; 569 using the late criterion, 250 using the early criterion, and 155 patients at both times. About 95 (14.3%) of 664 cPVL cases seen on early imaging were no longer visible on repeat screening closest to 36 weeks PMA. Such disappearance of cPVL was more common in infants < 26 weeks' gestation versus infants of 26 to 28 weeks' gestation (18.5 vs. 11.5%; p = 0.013).

CONCLUSIONS

Cranial imaging at both < 28 days chronological age and closest to 36 weeks PMA improves cPVL detection, especially for more premature infants.

Between-hospital variation in treatment and outcomes in extremely preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Between-hospital variation in outcomes among extremely preterm infants is largely unexplained and may reflect differences in hospital practices regarding the initiation of active lifesaving treatment as compared with comfort care after birth.

METHODS

We studied infants born between April 2006 and March 2011 at 24 hospitals included in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. Data were collected for 4987 infants born before 27 weeks of gestation without congenital anomalies. Active treatment was defined as any potentially lifesaving intervention administered after birth. Survival and neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 22 months of corrected age were assessed in 4704 children (94.3%).

RESULTS

Overall rates of active treatment ranged from 22.1% (interquartile range [IQR], 7.7 to 100) among infants born at 22 weeks of gestation to 99.8% (IQR, 100 to 100) among those born at 26 weeks of gestation. Overall rates of survival and survival without severe impairment ranged from 5.1% (IQR, 0 to 10.6) and 3.4% (IQR, 0 to 6.9), respectively, among children born at 22 weeks of gestation to 81.4% (IQR, 78.2 to 84.0) and 75.6% (IQR, 69.5 to 80.0), respectively, among those born at 26 weeks of gestation. Hospital rates of active treatment accounted for 78% and 75% of the between-hospital variation in survival and survival without severe impairment, respectively, among children born at 22 or 23 weeks of gestation, and accounted for 22% and 16%, respectively, among those born at 24 weeks of gestation, but the rates did not account for any of the variation in outcomes among those born at 25 or 26 weeks of gestation.

CONCLUSIONS

Differences in hospital practices regarding the initiation of active treatment in infants born at 22, 23, or 24 weeks of gestation explain some of the between-hospital variation in survival and survival without impairment among such patients. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health.).

Causes and timing of death in extremely premature infants from 2000 through 2011

BACKGROUND

Understanding the causes and timing of death in extremely premature infants may guide research efforts and inform the counseling of families.

METHODS

We analyzed prospectively collected data on 6075 deaths among 22,248 live births, with gestational ages of 22 0/7 to 28 6/7 weeks, among infants born in study hospitals within the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. We compared overall and cause-specific in-hospital mortality across three periods from 2000 through 2011, with adjustment for baseline differences.

RESULTS

The number of deaths per 1000 live births was 275 (95% confidence interval [CI], 264 to 285) from 2000 through 2003 and 285 (95% CI, 275 to 295) from 2004 through 2007; the number decreased to 258 (95% CI, 248 to 268) in the 2008-2011 period (P=0.003 for the comparison across three periods). There were fewer pulmonary-related deaths attributed to the respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in 2008-2011 than in 2000-2003 and 2004-2007 (68 [95% CI, 63 to 74] vs. 83 [95% CI, 77 to 90] and 84 [95% CI, 78 to 90] per 1000 live births, respectively; P=0.002). Similarly, in 2008-2011, as compared with 2000-2003, there were decreases in deaths attributed to immaturity (P=0.05) and deaths complicated by infection (P=0.04) or central nervous system injury (P<0.001); however, there were increases in deaths attributed to necrotizing enterocolitis (30 [95% CI, 27 to 34] vs. 23 [95% CI, 20 to 27], P=0.03). Overall, 40.4% of deaths occurred within 12 hours after birth, and 17.3% occurred after 28 days.

CONCLUSIONS

We found that from 2000 through 2011, overall mortality declined among extremely premature infants. Deaths related to pulmonary causes, immaturity, infection, and central nervous system injury decreased, while necrotizing enterocolitis-related deaths increased. (Funded by the National Institutes of Health.).

Effect of depth and duration of cooling on deaths in the NICU among neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy: a randomized clinical trial

IMPORTANCE

Hypothermia at 33.5°C for 72 hours for neonatal hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy reduces death or disability to 44% to 55%; longer cooling and deeper cooling are neuroprotective in animal models.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if longer duration cooling (120 hours), deeper cooling (32.0°C), or both are superior to cooling at 33.5°C for 72 hours in neonates who are full-term with moderate or severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A randomized, 2 × 2 factorial design clinical trial performed in 18 US centers in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network between October 2010 and November 2013.

INTERVENTIONS

Neonates were assigned to 4 hypothermia groups; 33.5°C for 72 hours, 32.0°C for 72 hours, 33.5°C for 120 hours, and 32.0°C for 120 hours.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome of death or disability at 18 to 22 months is ongoing. The independent data and safety monitoring committee paused the trial to evaluate safety (cardiac arrhythmia, persistent acidosis, major vessel thrombosis and bleeding, and death in the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU]) after the first 50 neonates were enrolled, then after every subsequent 25 neonates. The trial was closed for emerging safety profile and futility analysis after the eighth review with 364 neonates enrolled (of 726 planned). This report focuses on safety and NICU deaths by marginal comparisons of 72 hours' vs 120 hours' duration and 33.5°C depth vs 32.0°C depth (predefined secondary outcomes).

RESULTS

The NICU death rates were 7 of 95 neonates (7%) for the 33.5°C for 72 hours group, 13 of 90 neonates (14%) for the 32.0°C for 72 hours group, 15 of 96 neonates (16%) for the 33.5°C for 120 hours group, and 14 of 83 neonates (17%) for the 32.0°C for 120 hours group. The adjusted risk ratio (RR) for NICU deaths for the 120 hours group vs 72 hours group was 1.37 (95% CI, 0.92-2.04) and for the 32.0°C group vs 33.5°C group was 1.24 (95% CI, 0.69-2.25). Safety outcomes were similar between the 120 hours group vs 72 hours group and the 32.0°C group vs 33.5°C group, except major bleeding occurred among 1% in the 120 hours group vs 3% in the 72 hours group (RR, 0.25 [95% CI, 0.07-0.91]). Futility analysis determined that the probability of detecting a statistically significant benefit for longer cooling, deeper cooling, or both for NICU death was less than 2%.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among neonates who were full-term with moderate or severe hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, longer cooling, deeper cooling, or both compared with hypothermia at 33.5°C for 72 hours did not reduce NICU death. These results have implications for patient care and design of future trials.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01192776.

Prophylactic indomethacin and intestinal perforation in extremely low birth weight infants

OBJECTIVE

Prophylactic indomethacin reduces severe intraventricular hemorrhage but may increase spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Early feedings improve nutritional outcomes but may increase the risk of SIP. Despite their benefits, use of these therapies varies largely by physician preferences in part because of the concern for SIP.

METHODS

This was a cohort study of 15,751 ELBW infants in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network from 1999 to 2010 who survived beyond 12 hours after birth. The risk of SIP was compared between groups of infants with and without exposure to prophylactic indomethacin and early feeding in unadjusted analyses and in analyses adjusted for center and for risks of SIP.

RESULTS

Among infants exposed to prophylactic indomethacin, the risk of SIP did not differ between the indomethacin/early-feeding group compared with the indomethacin/no-early-feeding group (adjusted relative risk [RR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-1.11). The risk of SIP was lower in the indomethacin/early-feeding group compared with the no indomethacin/no-early-feeding group (adjusted RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.90, P = .0159). Among infants not exposed to indomethacin, early feeding was associated with a lower risk of SIP compared with the no early feeding group (adjusted RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.36-0.777, P = .0011).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined or individual use of prophylactic indomethacin and early feeding was not associated with an increased risk of SIP in ELBW infants.

Inhaled nitric oxide usage in preterm infants in the NICHD Neonatal Research Network: inter-site variation and propensity evaluation

OBJECTIVE

The use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in preterm infants remains controversial. In October 2010, a National Institutes of Health consensus development conference cautioned against use of iNO in preterm infants. This study aims (1) to determine the prevalence and variability in use of iNO in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network (NICHD NRN) before and after the consensus conference and (2) separately, to examine associations between iNO use and severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death.

STUDY DESIGN

The NICHD NRN Generic Database collects data including iNO use on very preterm infants. A total of 13 centers contributed data across the time period 2008 to 2011. Infants exposed or not to iNO were compared using logistic regression, which included factors related to risk as well as their likelihood of being exposed to iNO.

RESULT

A total of 4885 infants were assessed between 2008 and 2011; 128 (2.6%) received iNO before day 7, 140 (2.9%) between day 7 and 28, and 47 (1.0%) at >28 days. Center-specific iNO use during 2008 to 2010 ranged from 21.9 to 0.4%; 12 of 13 sites reduced usage and overall NRN iNO usage decreased from 4.6 to 1.6% (P<0.001) in 2011. The use of iNO started between day 7 and day 14 was more prevalent among younger infants with more severe courses in week 1 and associated with increased risk of severe BPD or death (odds ratio 2.24; 95% confidence interval 1.23 to 4.07).

CONCLUSION

The variability and total use of iNO decreased in 2011 compared with 2008 to 2010. iNO administration started at ⩾ day 7 was associated with more severe outcomes compared with infants without iNO exposure.

Incidence, management, and outcomes of cardiovascular insufficiency in critically ill term and late preterm newborn infants

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to characterize the incidence, management, and short-term outcomes of cardiovascular insufficiency (CVI) in mechanically ventilated newborns, evaluating four separate prespecified definitions.

STUDY DESIGN

Multicenter, prospective cohort study of infants ≥34 weeks gestational age (GA) and on mechanical ventilation during the first 72 hours. CVI was prospectively defined as either (1) mean arterial pressure (MAP) < GA; (2) MAP < GA + signs of inadequate perfusion; (3) any therapy for CVI; or (4) inotropic therapy. Short-term outcomes included death, days on ventilation, oxygen, and to full feedings and discharge.

RESULTS

Of 647 who met inclusion criteria, 419 (65%) met ≥1 definition of CVI. Of these, 98% received fluid boluses, 36% inotropes, and 17% corticosteroids. Of treated infants, 46% did not have CVI as defined by a MAP < GA ± signs of inadequate perfusion. Inotropic therapy was associated with increased mortality (11.1 vs. 1.3%; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

More than half of the infants met at least one definition of CVI. However, almost half of the treated infants met none of the definitions. Inotropic therapy was associated with increased mortality. These findings can help guide the design of future studies of CVI in newborns.

Surgery and neurodevelopmental outcome of very low-birth-weight infants

IMPORTANCE

Reduced death and neurodevelopmental impairment among infants is a goal of perinatal medicine.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association between surgery during the initial hospitalization and death or neurodevelopmental impairment of very low-birth-weight infants.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted of patients enrolled in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network Generic Database from 1998 through 2009 and evaluated at 18 to 22 months' corrected age. Twenty-two academic neonatal intensive care units participated. Inclusion criteria were birth weight 401 to 1500 g, survival to 12 hours, and availability for follow-up. A total of 12 111 infants were included in analyses.

EXPOSURES

Surgical procedures; surgery also was classified by expected anesthesia type as major (general anesthesia) or minor (nongeneral anesthesia).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Multivariable logistic regression analyses planned a priori were performed for the primary outcome of death or neurodevelopmental impairment and for the secondary outcome of neurodevelopmental impairment among survivors. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed as planned for the adjusted mean scores of the Mental Developmental Index and Psychomotor Developmental Index of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition, for patients born before 2006.

RESULTS

A total of 2186 infants underwent major surgery, 784 had minor surgery, and 9141 infants did not undergo surgery. The risk-adjusted odds ratio of death or neurodevelopmental impairment for all surgery patients compared with those who had no surgery was 1.29 (95% CI, 1.08-1.55). For patients who had major surgery compared with those who had no surgery, the risk-adjusted odds ratio of death or neurodevelopmental impairment was 1.52 (95% CI, 1.24-1.87). Patients classified as having minor surgery had no increased adjusted risk. Among survivors who had major surgery compared with those who had no surgery, the adjusted risk of neurodevelopmental impairment was greater and the adjusted mean Bayley scores were lower.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Major surgery in very low-birth-weight infants is independently associated with a greater than 50% increased risk of death or neurodevelopmental impairment and of neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 22 months' corrected age. The role of general anesthesia is implicated but remains unproven.

Outcomes of extremely low birthweight infants with acidosis at birth

OBJECTIVES

To test the hypothesis that acidosis at birth is associated with the combined primary outcome of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants, and to develop a predictive model of death/NDI exploring perinatal acidosis as a predictor variable.

STUDY DESIGN

The study population consisted of ELBW infants born between 2002 and 2007 at National Institute of Child Health and Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network hospitals. Infants with cord blood gas data and documentation of either mortality prior to discharge or 18-22 month neurodevelopmental outcomes were included. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to determine the contribution of perinatal acidosis, defined as a cord blood gas with a pH<7 or base excess (BE) <-12, to death/NDI in ELBW infants. In addition, a multivariable model predicting death/NDI was developed.

RESULTS

3979 patients were identified of whom 249 had a cord gas pH<7 or BE<-12 mEq/L. 2124 patients (53%) had the primary outcome of death/NDI. After adjustment for confounding variables, pH<7 and BE<-12 mEq/L were each significantly associated with death/NDI (OR=2.5 (1.6, 4.2) and OR=1.5 (1.1, 2.0), respectively). However, inclusion of pH or BE did not improve the ability of the multivariable model to predict death/NDI.

CONCLUSIONS

Perinatal acidosis is significantly associated with death/NDI in ELBW infants. Perinatal acidosis is infrequent in ELBW infants, however, and other factors are more important in predicting death/NDI.

The relationship between brain structure and cognition in transfused preterm children at school age

Examine the relationship between brain structure and cognition in preterm children randomly assigned to a liberal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion strategy as neonates. Intelligence, achievement, and neuropsychological measures were assessed and structural imaging was obtained (n = 26; 38% male). Global brain volumes were related to cognitive outcome. Additionally, females performed lower on verbal fluency; lower performance was related to temporal white matter volume. Findings provide possible evidence of the adverse effect of a liberal RBC transfusion strategy in which females had decreased temporal lobe white matter directly related to poor verbal fluency.

Physician attitudes in Romania toward withholding and withdrawal of intensive care for infants with very poor prognosis

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of Romanian physicians toward withholding and withdrawing intensive care for infants whose prognosis is very poor.

METHODS

A survey tool was developed by the authors and completed by participants in the annual meeting of the Neonatology Association of Romania.

RESULTS

The majority of respondents attempt resuscitation of all live-born infants, have never stopped resuscitation at birth while the infant was still alive, and have never stopped respiratory support because of poor prognosis. Nearly all respondents were uncomfortable talking with parents about withholding or withdrawing intensive care, and they were also uncomfortable talking to the parents about the death of their infant.

CONCLUSIONS

Romanian physicians are uniformly reluctant to withhold or withdraw intensive care for infants, even those with very poor prognosis. In addition, physicians are very uncomfortable talking with parents about limiting or stopping support and talking about the death of an infant. Educational programs targeting the communication of difficult topics with parents have the potential to decrease the discomfort experienced by physicians in conversing with parents about their child's poor prognosis or death.

Mortality and morbidity of very preterm infants in Romania: how are we doing?

BACKGROUND

Birth before 28 weeks of gestation is associated with high mortality and morbidity. The purpose of this study was to examine characteristics associated with in-hospital mortality and morbidity among extremely low-birthweight neonates admitted to three tertiary care centers in Romania.

METHODS

The study was conducted in three Romanian hospitals with level-III neonatal intensive care units. We studied singleton live births at the established Romanian limit of viability (i.e., 25-28 weeks' gestational age) born between January 2007 and December 2010 (n = 227). Infants born in non-level-III facilities transferred to these three centers were included in our study (n = 39). Descriptive and multivariate statistical analyses were used to describe the population and examine outcomes and risk factors.

RESULTS

During the study period, 62 neonates (27.3%) were delivered at 25 weeks, 56 (24.7%) were delivered at 26 weeks, 56 (24.7%) at 27 weeks, and 53 (23.3%) at 28 weeks. Overall in-hospital mortality was 65% (from 85% at 25 weeks to 35% at 28 weeks). The rates for major morbidities were necrotizing enterocolitis 8.8%, bronchopulmonary dysplasia 12.5%, and retinopathy of prematurity (stage higher than 2) 26.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

During 2007-2010, in-hospital survival of infants admitted to three neonatal intensive care units in Romania was 35% and ranged from 14% at 25 weeks to 64% at 28 weeks.

Chorioamnionitis and early childhood outcomes among extremely low-gestational-age neonates

IMPORTANCE

Chorioamnionitis is strongly linked to preterm birth and neonatal infection. The association between histological and clinical chorioamnionitis and cognitive, behavioral, and neurodevelopmental outcomes among extremely preterm neonates is less clear. We evaluated the impact of chorioamnionitis on 18- to 22-month neurodevelopmental outcomes in a contemporary cohort of extremely preterm neonates.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the neonatal and neurodevelopmental outcomes of 3 groups of extremely low-gestational-age infants with increasing exposure to perinatal inflammation: no chorioamnionitis, histological chorioamnionitis alone, or histological plus clinical chorioamnionitis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Longitudinal observational study at 16 centers of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network. Two thousand three hundred ninety extremely preterm infants born at less than 27 weeks' gestational age (GA) between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2008, with placental histopathology and 18 to 22 months' corrected age follow-up data were eligible.

MAIN EXPOSURE

Chorioamnionitis.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Outcomes included cerebral palsy, gross motor functional limitation, behavioral scores (according to the Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment), cognitive and language scores (according to the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition), and composite measures of death/neurodevelopmental impairment. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were developed to assess the association between chorioamnionitis and outcomes while controlling for important variables known at birth.

RESULTS

Neonates exposed to chorioamnionitis had a lower GA and higher rates of early-onset sepsis and severe periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage as compared with unexposed neonates. In multivariable models evaluating death and neurodevelopmental outcomes, inclusion of GA in the model diminished the association between chorioamnionitis and adverse outcomes. Still, histological plus clinical chorioamnionitis was associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment as compared with no chorioamnionitis (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.38 [95% CI, 1.32 to 4.28] without GA; adjusted OR, 2.00 [95% CI, 1.10 to 3.64] with GA as a covariate). Histological chorioamnionitis alone was associated with lower odds of death/neurodevelopmental impairment as compared with histological plus clinical chorioamnionitis (adjusted OR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.52 to 0.89] without GA; adjusted OR, 0.66 [95% CI, 0.49 to 0.89] with GA as a covariate). Risk of behavioral problems did not differ statistically between groups.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Antenatal exposure to chorioamnionitis is associated with altered odds of cognitive impairment and death/neurodevelopmental impairment in extremely preterm infants.

Mortality and morbidity of VLBW infants with trisomy 13 or trisomy 18

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about how very low birth weight (VLBW) affects survival and morbidities among infants with trisomy 13 (T13) or trisomy 18 (T18). We examined the care plans for VLBW infants with T13 or T18 and compared their risks of mortality and neonatal morbidities with VLBW infants with trisomy 21 and VLBW infants without birth defects.

METHODS

Infants with birth weight 401 to 1500 g born or cared for at a participating center of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network during the period 1994-2009 were studied. Poisson regression models were used to examine risk of death and neonatal morbidities among infants with T13 or T18.

RESULTS

Of 52,262 VLBW infants, 38 (0.07%) had T13 and 128 (0.24%) had T18. Intensity of care in the delivery room varied depending on whether the trisomy was diagnosed before or after birth. The plan for subsequent care for the majority of the infants was to withdraw care or to provide comfort care. Eleven percent of infants with T13 and 9% of infants with T18 survived to hospital discharge. Survivors with T13 or T18 had significantly increased risk of patent ductus arteriosus and respiratory distress syndrome compared with infants without birth defects. No infant with T13 or T18 developed necrotizing enterocolitis.

CONCLUSIONS

In this cohort of liveborn VLBW infants with T13 or T18, the timing of trisomy diagnosis affected the plan for care, survival was poor, and death usually occurred early.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely low birth weight infants with spontaneous intestinal perforation or surgical necrotizing enterocolitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine if extremely low birth weight infants with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis have a higher risk of death or neurodevelopmental impairment and neurodevelopmental impairment among survivors (secondary outcome) at 18-22 months corrected age compared with infants with spontaneous intestinal perforation and infants without necrotizing enterocolitis or spontaneous intestinal perforation.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective analysis of the Neonatal Research Network very low birth weight registry, evaluating extremely low birth weight infants born between 2000 and 2005. The study infants were designated into three groups: (1) spontaneous intestinal perforation without necrotizing enterocolitis; (2) surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (Bell's stage III); and (3) neither spontaneous intestinal perforation nor necrotizing enterocolitis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between the clinical group and death or neurodevelopmental impairment, controlling for multiple confounding factors including center.

RESULT

Infants with surgical necrotizing enterocolitis had the highest rate of death before hospital discharge (53.5%) and death or neurodevelopmental impairment (82.3%) compared with infants in the spontaneous intestinal perforation group (39.1 and 79.3%) and no necrotizing enterocolitis/no spontaneous intestinal perforation group (22.1 and 53.3%; P<0.001). Similar results were observed for neurodevelopmental impairment among survivors. On logistic regression analysis, both spontaneous intestinal perforation and surgical necrotizing enterocolitis were associated with increased risk of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (adjusted odds ratio 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.5, 3.2 and adjusted OR 2.11, 95% CI: 1.5, 2.9, respectively) and neurodevelopmental impairment among survivors (adjusted OR 2.17, 95% CI: 1.4, 3.2 and adjusted OR 1.70, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.4, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Spontaneous intestinal perforation and surgical necrotizing enterocolitis are associated with a similar increase in the risk of death or neurodevelopmental impairment and neurodevelopmental impairment among extremely low birth weight survivors at 18-22 months corrected age.

Restricted versus liberal water intake for preventing morbidity and mortality in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Most premature infants are physiologically not sufficiently mature to orally ingest all of their required water and nutrients. Therefore, premature infants rely on their caregivers to regulate their volume of water intake. Thus, the caregiver must determine the amount of water to be given each day to such infants.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the effect of water intake on postnatal weight loss and the risks of dehydration, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intracranial hemorrhage, and death in premature infants.

SEARCH METHODS

Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) identified in previous versions of this review were re-examined and, in each case, retained. Additional trials were sought that compared the outcomes of interest in groups of premature infants who were given different levels of water intake according to an experimental protocol. Such trials were sought in a list of trials provided by the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group, with a PubMed search and in the authors' personal files.This search was updated in 2014.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Only RCTs of varying water intake in premature infants were included. The review was limited to trials that included infants whose water intake was provided mainly or entirely by intravascular infusion.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

The standard methods of The Cochrane Collaboration were used. Study selection and data abstraction were performed independently by each review author. The adverse event rates were calculated for the restricted and liberal water intake groups for each dichotomous outcome, and the relative risk and risk difference were computed. In addition, the maximal weight loss results were recorded and the weighted mean difference was computed.

MAIN RESULTS

The analysis of the five studies taken together indicated that restricted water intake significantly increased postnatal weight loss and significantly reduced the risks of patent ductus arteriosus and necrotizing enterocolitis. With restricted water intake, there were trends toward increased risk of dehydration and reduced risks of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intracranial hemorrhage, and death but these trends were not statistically significant.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Based on this analysis, the most prudent prescription for water intake to premature infants would seem to be careful restriction of water intake so that physiological needs are met without allowing significant dehydration. This practice could be expected to decrease the risks of patent ductus arteriosus and necrotizing enterocolitis without significantly increasing the risk of adverse consequences.

Changes in circulating red cell volume during the first 6 weeks of life in very-low-birth-weight infants

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the change in circulating red cell volume (RCV) of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants during the first weeks of life.

METHODS

RCV was measured during the first 5 d in 35 VLBW infants using chromium-51 labeling of the infants' red blood cells (RBCs). RCV was measured again at 6 wk of age in 12 infants, and the volumes of RBCs lost by phlebotomy and those gained by transfusion were recorded between the RCV measurements. In six infants, the volume of waste blood on materials contaminated with blood during phlebotomy, which would usually be discarded, was measured by radioactive counting.

RESULTS

The mean RCV in the first several days of life was 39.6 ml (35.7 ml/kg; range: 20.1-58.7 ml/kg). Of the 12 infants whose RCV was measured twice, all but one had a decrease in absolute RCV. The mean RCV initially and at 6 wk were 37.3 and 26.6 ml, respectively. The mean volume of RBCs lost through phlebotomy was 29.2 ml, and the mean volume of RBCs given by transfusion was 34.5 ml.

CONCLUSION

During the first 6 wk of life, when the anemia of prematurity is evolving, the RCV falls despite complete replacement of RBCs lost by diagnostic phlebotomy with transfused RBCs.

Pharmacokinetics and safety of a single intravenous dose of myo-inositol in preterm infants of 23-29 wk

BACKGROUND

Myo-inositol given to preterm infants with respiratory distress has reduced death, increased survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and reduced severe retinopathy of prematurity in two randomized trials. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies in extremely preterm infants are needed before efficacy trials.

METHODS

Infants born in 23-29 wk of gestation were randomized to a single intravenous (i.v.) dose of inositol at 60 or 120 mg/kg or placebo. Over 96 h, serum levels (sparse sampling population PK) and urine inositol excretion were determined. Population PK models were fit using a nonlinear mixed-effects approach. Safety outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

A single-compartment model that included factors for endogenous inositol production, allometric size based on weight, gestational age strata, and creatinine clearance fit the data best. The central volume of distribution was 0.5115 l/kg, the clearance was 0.0679 l/kg/h, endogenous production was 2.67 mg/kg/h, and the half-life was 5.22 h when modeled without the covariates. During the first 12 h, renal inositol excretion quadrupled in the 120 mg/kg group, returning to near-baseline value after 48 h. There was no diuretic side effect. No significant differences in adverse events occurred among the three groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

A single-compartment model accounting for endogenous production satisfactorily described the PK of i.v. inositol.

Serum tocopherol levels in very preterm infants after a single dose of vitamin E at birth

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to examine the impact of a single enteral dose of vitamin E on serum tocopherol levels. The study was undertaken to see whether a single dose of vitamin E soon after birth can rapidly increase the low α-tocopherol levels seen in very preterm infants. If so, this intervention could be tested as a means of reducing the risk of intracranial hemorrhage.

METHODS

Ninety-three infants <27 weeks' gestation and <1000 g were randomly assigned to receive a single dose of vitamin E or placebo by gastric tube within 4 hours of birth. The vitamin E group received 50 IU/kg of vitamin E as dl-α-tocopheryl acetate (Aquasol E). The placebo group received sterile water. Blood samples were taken for measurement of serum tocopherol levels by high-performance liquid chromatography before dosing and 24 hours and 7 days after dosing.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight infants received the study drug and were included in the analyses. The α-tocopherol levels were similar between the groups at baseline but higher in the vitamin E group at 24 hours (median 0.63 mg/dL vs. 0.42 mg/dL, P = .003) and 7 days (2.21 mg/dL vs 1.86 mg/dL, P = .04). There were no differences between groups in γ-tocopherol levels. At 24 hours, 30% of vitamin E infants and 62% of placebo infants had α-tocopherol levels <0.5 mg/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

A 50-IU/kg dose of vitamin E raised serum α-tocopherol levels, but to consistently achieve α-tocopherol levels >0.5 mg/dL, a higher dose or several doses of vitamin E may be needed.

Ten-year review of major birth defects in VLBW infants

OBJECTIVE

Birth defects (BDs) are an important cause of infant mortality and disproportionately occur among low birth weight infants. We determined the prevalence of BDs in a cohort of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants cared for at the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network (NRN) centers over a 10-year period and examined the relationship between anomalies, neonatal outcomes, and surgical care.

METHODS

Infant and maternal data were collected prospectively for infants weighing 401 to 1500 g at NRN sites between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2007. Poisson regression models were used to compare risk of outcomes for infants with versus without BDs while adjusting for gestational age and other characteristics.

RESULTS

A BD was present in 1776 (4.8%) of the 37 262 infants in our VLBW cohort. Yearly prevalence of BDs increased from 4.0% of infants born in 1998 to 5.6% in 2007, P < .001. Mean gestational age overall was 28 weeks, and mean birth weight was 1007 g. Infants with BDs were more mature but more likely to be small for gestational age compared with infants without BDs. Chromosomal and cardiovascular anomalies were most frequent with each occurring in 20% of affected infants. Mortality was higher among infants with BDs (49% vs 18%; adjusted relative risk: 3.66 [95% confidence interval: 3.41-3.92]; P < .001) and varied by diagnosis. Among those surviving >3 days, more infants with BDs underwent major surgery (48% vs 13%, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of BDs increased during the 10 years studied. BDs remain an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality among VLBW infants.