Association of Red Blood Cell Transfusion, Anemia, and Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants

Severe anemia in preterm infants associated with increased bacterial virulence potential and metabolic disequilibrium

BACKGROUND

Anemia in preterm infants is associated with gut dysbiosis and necrotizing enterocolitis. Our study aimed to identify the bacterial functions and metabolites that can explain the underlying mechanisms of anemia associated disease conditions.

METHODS

We conducted a case control study in preterm infants with cases having a hematocrit ≤ 25%. The control infants were matched by birth gestational age and weight. Fecal samples were collected before, at the onset, and after the onset of anemia in cases and with matched postnatal age in controls for metagenomics and metabolomics analyzes.

RESULTS

18 anemic and 20 control infants with fecal samples collected at 17 days, 5 weeks, and 7 weeks postnatal age were included. Virulence factor potential, decrease in beta diversity evolution, and larger changes in metabolome were associated with severe anemia. Metabolite abundances of N-acetylneuraminate and butyrobetaine were associated with virulence factor potential. Anemic group had decreased prostaglandin and lactic acid levels.

CONCLUSION

Fecal omics data showed that severe anemia is associated with a pro-inflammatory gut microbiota with more virulent and less commensal anaerobic bacterial activities. Future studies can examine the link between anemia-associated dysbiosis and clinical outcomes and predict an infant-specific hematocrit threshold that negatively affects clinical outcomes.

IMPACT

Severe anemia in preterm infants contributes to a pro-inflammatory gut with greater bacterial virulence and less commensal bacterial activities. The multiomics approach using non-invasive fecal biospecimens identified functional and metabolic changes in the gut microbiota and these mechanistic changes are plausible explanations for anemia-associated disease conditions in preterm infants. Our findings identified biological changes of the gut environment in severely anemic preterm infants that can offer guidance for clinical management.

Reducing Iatrogenic Blood Losses in Premature Infants

OBJECTIVE

Iatrogenic blood losses from repetitive laboratory testing are a leading cause of anemia of prematurity and blood transfusions. We used an implementation science approach to decrease iatrogenic blood losses during the first 3 postnatal weeks among very low birth weight infants.

METHODS

We performed qualitative interviews of key stakeholders to assess implementation determinants (ie, barriers and facilitators to reducing iatrogenic blood losses), guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research. Next, we selected implementation strategies matched to these implementation determinants to de-implement excess laboratory tests. The number of laboratory tests, amount of blood taken (ml/kg), and laboratory charges were compared before and after implementation using quasi-Poisson and multi-variable regression models.

RESULTS

Qualitative interviews with 14 clinicians revealed implementation-related themes, including provider-specific factors, recurring orders, awareness of blood loss and cost, and balance between over- and under-testing. Implementation strategies deployed included resident education, revised order sets, blood loss and cost awareness, audit and feedback, and the documentation of blood out. There were 184 and 170 infants in the pre- and postimplementation cohorts, respectively. There was an 18.5% reduction in laboratory tests (median 54 [36 - 80] versus 44 [29 - 74], P = .01) in the first 3 postnatal weeks, a 17% decrease in blood taken (mean 18.1 [16.4 - 20.1] versus 15 [13.4 - 16.8], P = .01), and an overall reduction of $290 328 in laboratory charges. No difference was noted in the number of blood transfusions. Postimplementation interviews showed no adverse events attributable to implementation strategies.

CONCLUSIONS

An implementation science approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods reduced laboratory tests, blood loss, and charges.

A Description of IVIG Use in Term Neonates with ABO Incompatibility

OBJECTIVE

 This study aimed to determine if treatment with IVIG of neonates with ABO incompatibility (without Rh incompatibility) results in decreased number of packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusions and phototherapy use.

STUDY DESIGN

 An Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved, single-institution retrospective study was conducted. Neonates ≥38 weeks' gestational age born between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2016, with ABO incompatibility were included. The comparison among groups was performed using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests for categorical variables; continuous variables were assessed by Kruskal-Wallis test.

RESULTS

 Six hundred and sixty-eight neonates with ABO incompatibility met inclusion criteria, 579 were included in the analyses. From these, 431 (74%) neonates had positive Direct Antiglobulin Test (DAT); 98 (17%) received IVIG and 352 (61%) received phototherapy. Thirty-six (6%) neonates received pRBC and 6 (1%) required exchange transfusions. Only 3 (0.5%) infants received pRBC transfusions postdischarge, by 3 months of age. Neonates requiring IVIG had lower initial hemoglobin (13.6 vs. 16.0 g/dL, p ≤ 0.0001) and higher bilirubin at start of phototherapy (9.1 vs. 8.1 mg/dL, p = 0.0064). From the 42 (7%) neonates who received simple and exchange transfusions, IVIG use was not associated with decreased use or number of transfusions (p = 0.5148 and 0.3333, respectively). Newborns with A+ and B+ blood types had comparable initial hemoglobin, DAT positivity, APGAR, and bilirubin. However, infants with B+ blood group were more likely (than A + ) to require phototherapy (p < 0.001), receive IVIG (p = 0.003), and need phototherapy for a longer duration (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

 The results of this large retrospective study reveal that giving IVIG to neonates with ABO incompatibility was associated with increased simple or exchange transfusions. Newborns with B+ blood type required more phototherapy and IVIG. Further studies are needed to better stratify neonates who would benefit from IVIG use in order to optimize treatment strategies and avoid unnecessary risks and adverse events.

KEY POINTS

· IVIG use not associated with decreased use of pRBC or exchanges.. · Phototherapy duration associated with increased IVIG and pRBC use.. · Newborns with B+ blood type had worse hemolytic anemia..

Blood product transfusion practices in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

OBJECTIVE

Blood product transfusion is a common practice in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) undoing therapeutic hypothermia (TH). The advantages and disadvantages of conservative or liberal transfusion practices in this fragile population are unknown. Study aims to characterize the transfusion practices in infants with HIE and investigate the association with outcome.

STUDY DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a single level IV NICU, evaluating transfusion thresholds, as well as the association between hematological abnormalities or blood product transfusions and outcomes in infants admitted with HIE.

RESULT

By univariate analysis, FFP transfusion was associated with increased in-hospital death. However, multivariate analysis adjusting for HIE severity demonstrated no association between hematological abnormality or blood product transfusion and death, nor with neurodevelopmental impairment.

CONCLUSION

No association was found between hematological blood product transfusion and death or neurodevelopmental impairment in a retrospective single NICU study of infants with HIE.

Risk factors associated with anemia of prematurity requiring red blood cell transfusion in very low birth weight infants: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Anemia of prematurity (AOP) is prevalent among very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, while necessary for managing AOP, have been linked to adverse neonatal outcomes.

METHODS

This retrospective study analyzed the medical records of 98 VLBWIs (24-31 weeks gestation) admitted to the Chungbuk National University Hospital neonatal intensive care unit. Infants were categorized based on RBC transfusion status and birth weight (< 1000 g and 1000-1499 g). Clinical outcomes between the groups were compared.

RESULTS

Of the 98 infants, 35 (35.7%) received RBC transfusions. The RBC transfusion group exhibited significantly higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia ([Formula: see text]moderate), prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation, intraventricular hemorrhage (grades 1-2), extended time to full enteral feeding, and extended total parenteral nutrition (TPN) compared to the non-RBC transfusion group. Birth weight was inversely correlated with the number of RBC transfusions (p = 0.004). The duration of invasive mechanical ventilation and TPN administration were positively associated with the number of RBC transfusions (p < 0.001 and p = 0.025, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The RBC transfusion group experienced more comorbidities than the non-transfusion group. Birth weight, duration of invasive ventilation, and duration of TPN were associated with the number of RBC transfusions. Strategies to reduce the duration of invasive ventilation and early discontinuation of TPN may mitigate the need for RBC transfusions in AOP.

Supplemental Iron and Recombinant Erythropoietin for Anemia in Infants Born Very Preterm: A Survey of Clinical Practice in Europe

OBJECTIVES

To survey practices of iron and recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) administration to infants born preterm across Europe.

STUDY DESIGN

Over a 3-month period, we conducted an online survey in 597 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of 18 European countries treating infants born with a gestational age of <32 weeks.

RESULTS

We included 343 NICUs (response rate 56.3%) in the survey. Almost all NICUs (97.7%) routinely supplement enteral iron, and 74.3% of respondents to all infants born <32 weeks of gestation. We found that 65.3% of NICUs routinely evaluate erythropoiesis and iron parameters beyond day 28 after birth. Most NICUs initiate iron supplementation at postnatal age of 2 weeks and stop after 6 months (34.3%) or 12 months (34.3%). Routine use of rhEpo was reported in 22.2% of NICUs, and in individual cases in 6.9%. RhEpo was mostly administered subcutaneously (70.1%) and most frequently at a dose of 250 U/kg 3 times a week (44.3%), but the dose varied greatly between centers.

CONCLUSIONS

This survey highlights wide heterogeneity in evaluating erythropoietic activity and iron deficiency in infants born preterm. Variation in iron supplementation during infancy likely reflects an inadequate evidence base. Current evidence on the efficacy and safety profile of rhEpo is only poorly translated into clinical practice. This survey demonstrates a need for standards to optimize patient blood management in anemia of prematurity.

Establishing a nomogram for predicting necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants: A retrospective multicenter cohort study

BACKGROUND

To construct a nomogram for predicting necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants.

METHODS

A total of 4,724 preterm infants who were admitted into 8 hospitals between April 2019 and September 2020 were initially enrolled this retrospective multicenter cohort study. Finally, 1,092 eligible cases were divided into training set and test set based on a 7:3 ratio. A univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to compare the variables between the two groups. Stepwise backward regression, LASSO regression, and Boruta feature selection were utilized in the multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors. Then a nomogram model was constructed based on the identified risk factors.

RESULTS

Risk factors for NEC included gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational age, small for gestational age, patent ductus arteriosus, septicemia, red blood cell transfusion, intravenous immunoglobulin, severe feeding intolerance, and absence of breastfeeding. The nomogram model developed based on these factors showed well discriminative ability. Calibration and decision curve analysis curves confirmed the good consistency and clinical utility of the model.

CONCLUSIONS

We developed a nomogram model with strong discriminative ability, consistency, and clinical utility for predicting NEC. This model could be valuable for the early prediction of preterm infants at risk of developing NEC.

A Comparison of Sequelae After a Practice Change From Vancomycin to Ampicillin Containing Antibiotic Regimens for Necrotizing Enterocolitis

The aim of this study was to compare sequelae and acute kidney injury (AKI) occurrence among patients with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) after changing institutional guidelines replacing vancomycin with ampicillin for gram-positive coverage. This was a retrospective, single-center cohort analysis of patients from 2016-2020 (n = 73) with NEC at a surgical neonatal intensive care unit with a high community prevalence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Multivariate logistic regression was utilized to assess associations. Twenty-five (34%) patients had at least 1 sequela related to NEC. Ampicillin containing regimens were not associated with any sequelae type or AKI. Postmenstrual age < 29 weeks at diagnosis ([OR] 5.8 [1.2-28.8], P = .03; and receipt of vasopressors [OR] 3.3 [1.1-10.2], P = .04) were independently associated with sequalae. Stage III NEC was independently associated with AKI, OR 10.6 (2-55.6), P = .005. In conclusion, ampicillin-containing regimens are effective for NEC management at our institution despite a high prevalence of MRSA.

Microbial cell-free DNA-sequencing as an addition to conventional diagnostics in neonatal sepsis

BACKGROUND

Bloodstream infections remain a challenge for neonatologists, as traditional culture-based methods are time-consuming and rely on adequate blood volume. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers an alternative, as it can identify microbial cell-free DNA (mcfDNA) in a small blood sample, providing rapid pathogen detection. This study aimed to assess the diagnostic performance of DISQVER®-NGS compared to blood cultures in neonatal patients with suspected sepsis.

METHODS

In neonates with suspected sepsis, blood cultures and samples for NGS were prospectively collected. Patients were divided into four categories: 1) sepsis, blood culture positive, 2) clinical sepsis, culture negative, 3) suspected sepsis, 4) validation cohort.

RESULTS

NGS detected bacterial, viral or fungal mcfDNA in 24 of 82 samples. Blood cultures were collected in 46 of 84 patients (15/46 positive). DISQVER® correctly identified pathogens in 9/15 patients with a positive blood culture, two with intrinsic resistance to their antibiotic regimen. In seven samples NGS reported the mcfDNA of bacteria that could have theoretically grown in culture but did not.

CONCLUSIONS

NGS may enhance sensitivity in sepsis diagnostics by detecting mcfDNA in neonates with suspected sepsis. Interpreting NGS results requires correlation with clinical data, laboratory values, and routine microbiological tests for a comprehensive understanding of the patient's condition.

IMPACT

Conventional blood culture methods have limitations in accuracy and turnaround time. The study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of the Next-Generation Sequencing method DISQVER® compared to traditional blood cultures in neonatal patients with suspected sepsis. Our findings suggest that NGS has the potential to augment the precision of conventional diagnostic techniques, can lead to improved detection of pathogens and targeted treatment approaches in neonatal sepsis. It is emphasized that further validation and integration with clinical and microbiological data are required to ensure optimal clinical utility.

Implementation of a Standardized Red Blood Cell Transfusion Policy in a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project

BACKGROUND

Within the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), infants frequently receive packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions. Although medically necessary, potential negative long- and short-term outcomes exist following PRBC transfusions in very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants (<1500 g). Synthesis of the literature demonstrates that the use of a restrictive PRBC transfusion policy can lead to a decreased number of transfusions administered with no increase in long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Blood transfusions have also been linked to the diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in VLBW infants.

PURPOSE

For this quality improvement project, a restrictive PRBC transfusion policy was implemented in a level IV NICU to promote consistent care and evaluate changes in PRBC administration.

METHODS

The data were collected both pre- and post-policy implementation including: the number of blood transfusions, diagnosis of NEC, and diagnosis of IVH among infants <1500 g.

RESULTS

The data showed no significant change in the number of PRBC transfusions administered. Likewise, few infants were diagnosed with NEC or IVH during this same time period with minimal change between pre- and post-policy implementation data.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH

Following policy implementation, there was a significant improvement in communication among providers regarding transfusion ordering and the inclusion of hematocrit thresholds in daily progress notes. This unintended outcome has helped to promote sustainability and enhance patient care within the NICU where this policy was implemented. Continued data collection may be beneficial in indicating whether a standardized PRBC transfusion policy will impact the administration of transfusions and diagnosis of NEC or IVH.

Decreasing Blood Transfusions in Premature Infants Through Quality Improvement

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Packed red blood cell transfusions (pRBCT) in preterm infants have been associated with significant morbidity. Although infants <26 weeks' gestational age typically require several pRBCT, preterm infants born between 26 and 34 weeks' gestational age may also require pRBCT during their hospitalization that are potentially preventable. We aimed to reduce pRBCT in this population by 20%.

METHODS

This quality improvement project was conducted in the Duke University Hospital NICU between July 2018 and February 2023. Interventions included the implementation of evidence-based transfusion thresholds, supporting bone marrow erythropoiesis, and reducing laboratory specimen volumes by increasing capillary test panels. The rates per 1000 patient days for pRBCT (outcome measure), number of new patients initiated on erythropoietin (process measure), number of basic metabolic panels (process measure), and total capillary panels (process measure) were monitored during the project period. Statistical process control charts were used to observe trends over time.

RESULTS

Among infants born between 26 0/7 and 34 6/7 weeks' gestational age, the rate of pRBCT decreased from an average of 23.8 to 12.7 transfusions per 1000 patient days, which is a 46.6% decrease. Increases in the use of erythropoietin and capillary panels were observed, along with a decrease in the use of basic metabolic panels. There was no change in mortality or the rate of necrotizing enterocolitis. Improvement was sustained for 24 months after implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

pRBCT can be decreased in preterm infants born between 26 and 34 completed weeks' gestation through a combination of strategies utilizing quality improvement methodology.

[Expert consensus on enteral nutrition management for preterm infants in special situations (2024)]

Establishing enteral nutrition after the birth of preterm infants presents numerous challenges, particularly for those in special situations. Various disease factors and medical interventions impede the establishment of enteral feeding, leading to conflicts and controversies regarding feeding goals, feeding methods, and the challenges and solutions faced by these infants. A critical issue for clinical physicians is how to safely and promptly establish enteral nutrition to achieve full enteral feeding as quickly as possible. The consensus formulation working group, based on both domestic and overseas research, adopted the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, and formed an expert consensus on enteral nutrition management for preterm infants in special situations. This consensus provides 14 recommendations for 9 common special situations, aiming to offer guidance on enteral nutrition management for preterm infants to improve their short and long-term outcomes. Citation:Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, 2024, 26(7): 665-676.

Effects of the feeding protocol during blood transfusion on splanchnic tissue oxygenation and complications in very premature infants

Background

The effects of blood transfusions on splanchnic oxygenation and complications related to blood transfusions, including red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, in premature infants undergoing enteral feeding, to provide clinical evidence for a management protocol for premature infants during the peri-transfusion period.

Methods

This single-blind, randomized, controlled trial enrolled sixty eligible preterm infants who were randomly divided into the withholding feeding group (n = 30) or feeding group (n = 30). Enteral feeding was withheld for 8 h, beginning from the start of transfusion infants in the feeding group were fed according to the pre-transfusion feeding approach during and after RBC transfusion.

Results

Baseline characteristics of those in the withholding and feeding groups were as follows: gestational age (weeks) 27.52 (24.86-30.14) and 27.13 (25.43-30.14); birth weight (g), 1,027 (620-1,450) and 1,027 (620-1,270); blood transfusion day, 48 (14-79) and 39 (10-78); and hemoglobin before blood transfusion (g/L), 81.67 (±10.56) and 85.93 (±14.77). No significant differences were observed between groups at baseline. No significant differences were observed in the average splanchnic tissue oxygenation changes or clinical results at any time. One patient in the withholding feeding group experienced transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis.

Conclusions

No differences in splanchnic oxygenation observed these feeding protocols. This study suggests the feasibility of a sizable trial to evaluate clinical outcomes. The risks of mesenteric ischemia and transfusion-related necrotizing enterocolitis for premature infants were not increased by enteral feeding during RBC transfusion.

Clinical trial registration

ChiCTR2200055726 (https://www.chictr.org.cn/).

RBC transfusion and necrotizing enterocolitis in very preterm infants: a multicenter observational study

The causal relationship between Packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusion and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains uncertain. This study aims to provide an exploration of transfusion and NEC in very preterm infants. Using data from the Chinese Neonatal Network cohort study between 2019 and 2021, the analysis focused on very preterm infants (with a birth weight of < 1500 g or a gestational age of < 32 weeks) who developed NEC after receiving transfusions. The time interval between the prior transfusion and NEC was analyzed. An uneven distribution of the time interval implies an association of transfusion and NEC. Additionally, multivariable logistic analysis was conducted to detect the prognosis of defined transfusion-associated NEC(TANEC). Of the 16,494 infants received RBC transfusions, NEC was noted in 1281 (7.7%) cases, including 409 occurred after transfusion. Notably, 36.4% (149/409) of post-transfusion NEC occurred within 2 days after transfusion. The time interval distribution showed a non-normal pattern (Shapiro-Wilk test, W = 0.513, P < 0.001), indicating a possible link between transfusion and NEC. TANEC was defined as NEC occurred within 2 days after transfusion. Infants with TANEC had a higher incidence of death (adjusted OR 1.69; 95% CI 1.08 to 2.64), severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (adjusted OR 2.03; 95% CI 1.41 to 2.91) and late-onset sepsis (adjusted OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.37 to 3.09) compared with infants without NEC after transfusion. Unevenly high number of NEC cases after RBC transfusions implies transfusion is associated with NEC. TANEC is associated with a poor prognosis. Further research is warranted to enhance our understanding of TANEC.

[Research progress on the relationship between anemia and neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis]

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common inflammatory intestinal disease in preterm infants, with a high incidence and mortality rate. The etiology and mechanisms of NEC are not yet fully understood, and multiple factors contribute to its occurrence and development. Recent studies have found that anemia is a risk factor for NEC in neonates, but the specific pathogenic mechanism remains unclear. This article reviews recent research on the relationship between anemia and NEC, providing a reference for further understanding the impact of anemia on intestinal injury and its association with NEC.

Sex differences in the association of pretransfusion haemoglobin and cognition in preterm infants

OBJECTIVES

To assess sex-specific differences in the association between pre-transfusion haemoglobin values and early neurodevelopmental function.

DESIGN

Observational follow-up of infants with birth weights <1000 g and gestational ages 22-28 weeks who were enrolled in the NICHD Neonatal Research Network Transfusion of Prematures (TOP) Trial at 19 U.S. sites, 2012-2017.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Pretransfusion haemoglobin values were obtained longitudinally through 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. The infant's mean pretransfusion haemoglobin was used as a marker of degree of anaemia (n=1655 measures). Measures of brain function were obtained at 22-26 months' corrected age using the Bayley Scales of Infant & Toddler Development, third edition (BSID-III) (n=1290 BSID-III scores). Sex-specific estimates for the linear relation between pretransfusion haemoglobin and BSID-III scores were obtained from repeated-measures regression analysis, adjusted for gestational age, birth weight, study site, clinical characteristics, and demographic covariates.

RESULTS

The relation of pretransfusion haemoglobin with 24-month BSID-III scores showed significant, independent interactions with both (1) sex (p=0.046) and (2) retinopathy of prematurity (ROP; p=0.004). In 614 males, BSID-III scores were higher by 1.07 points per g/dL (95% CI 1.58 to 4.33; p=0.008), not differing significantly among the three subscales (cognitive, language and motor; p=0.94). In 247 infants with ROP, BSID-III scores were higher by 2.95 points per g/dL (95% CI 0.28 to 1.87; p<0.0001), uniformly across subscales (p=0.73). These associations were non-significant in 676 females (p=0.96) and 1043 infants without ROP (p=0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates sex-specific associations between mean pretransfusion haemoglobin (a marker of the severity of anaemia throughout the neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] hospitalisation) and early neurodevelopmental function at 22-26 months' corrected age.

Transfusion targets and adverse events in pediatric perioperative acute Anemia

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between pretransfusion and posttransfusion hemoglobin concentrations and the outcomes of children undergoing noncardiac surgery.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of patient records. We focused on initial postoperative hemoglobin concentrations, which may provide a more useful representation of transfusion adequacy than pretransfusion hemoglobin triggers (the latter often cannot be obtained during acute surgical hemorrhage).

SETTING

Single-center, observational cohort study.

PATIENTS

We evaluated all pediatric patients undergoing noncardiac surgery who received intraoperative red blood cell transfusions from January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2018.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS

Associations between pre- and posttransfusion hemoglobin concentrations (g/dL), hospital-free days, intensive care unit admission, postoperative mechanical ventilation, and infectious complications were evaluated with multivariable regression modeling.

MAIN RESULTS

In total, 113,713 unique noncardiac surgical procedures in pediatric patients were evaluated, and 741 procedures met inclusion criteria (median [range] age, 7 [1-14] years). Four hundred ninety-eight patients (68%) with a known preoperative hemoglobin level had anemia; of these, 14% had a preexisting diagnosis of anemia in their health record. Median (IQR) pretransfusion hemoglobin concentration was 8.1 (7.4-9.2) g/dL and median (IQR) initial postoperative hemoglobin concentration was 10.4 (9.3-11.6) g/dL. Each decrease of 1 g/dL in the initial postoperative hemoglobin concentration was associated with increased odds of transfusion within the first 24 postoperative hours (odds ratio [95% CI], 1.62 [1.37-1.93]; P < .001). No significant relationships were observed between postoperative hemoglobin concentrations and hospital-free days (P = .56), intensive care unit admission (P = .71), postoperative mechanical ventilation (P = .63), or infectious complications (P = .74).

CONCLUSIONS

In transfused patients, there was no association between postoperative hemoglobin values and clinical outcomes, except the need for subsequent transfusion. Most transfused patients presented to the operating room with anemia, which suggests a potential opportunity for perioperative optimization of health before surgery.

Gestational age-specific hematological features in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate gestational age-specific hematological features in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and identify predictive hematological biomarkers for surgical NEC.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study comparing gestational age (GA)-specific clinical data between medical NEC (m-NEC) and surgical NEC (s-NEC) subgroups, stratified by GA as <28 weeks, 28 ≤ GA < 32 weeks, and 32 ≤ GA < 37 weeks. Multivariate logistic analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve were used to identify the independent predictors of s-NEC.

RESULTS

In comparison to m-NEC at NEC onset, s-NEC infants exhibited the following findings: In GA < 28 weeks, s-NEC infants had lower platelet counts. In 28 ≤ GA < 32 weeks, lower absolute lymphocyte counts, and significant percent drop in platelets, lymphocytes, and monocytes were observed. In 32 ≤ GA < 37 weeks, lower absolute lymphocyte counts and significant percent drop in lymphocytes were found. Independent predictors were able to distinguish s-NEC from m-NEC. The area under the curve (AUC) for platelet counts in GA < 28 weeks was 0.880, while C-reactive protein in 28 ≤ GA < 32 weeks had an AUC of 0.889. The AUC for lymphocyte counts in 32 ≤ GA < 37 weeks was 0.892.

CONCLUSION

This study identified hematological abnormalities in the development of NEC based on gestational age. Independent predictors may help clinicians distinguish surgical NEC from medical NEC.

IMPACT

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) patients with different gestational ages (GA) exhibit different hematological features and independent predictors of surgical NEC differ among different GAs. Our research made the current studies about peripheral hematological features with NEC more complete by analyzing peripheral data collected within 24 h of birth, at day 5-7, day 3-4, day 1-2 before NEC onset, at the time of NEC onset, day 1, day 2, day 3, day 4-5, day 6-7 after NEC onset. Our study is helpful to clinicians in developing a more detailed diagnostic strategy based on GA for the early identification of surgical NEC.

Evaluation of the impact of diagnostic blood loss and red blood cell transfusion in very-low-birth-weight anaemic neonates during hospitalization: A multi-centre retrospective clinical study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Diagnostic blood loss is a significant factor in the development of anaemia in neonates with very low birth weight. This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of intervention approaches involving varying diagnostic blood loss and red blood cell transfusion volumes in neonates with very low birth weights experiencing anaemia during hospitalization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 785 newborns with anaemia weighing less than 1500 g were enrolled from 32 hospitals in China. The study involved monitoring diagnostic blood loss and red blood cell transfusion and evaluating relevant interventions such as red blood cell transfusion and clinical outcomes. Three intervention approaches were established based on the difference between blood loss and transfusion (Intervention Approaches 0, 1 and 2). The primary outcomes measured were unsatisfactory weight gain during hospitalization and neonatal mortality. The secondary outcomes included related complications.

RESULTS

In the non-hospital-acquired anaemia group, Intervention Approach 2 had the highest incidence of below-normal weight gain (odds ratio [OR]: 3.019, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.081-8.431, p = 0.035). Multivariate analysis revealed that Intervention Approach 1 had a protective effect on weight gain. In the hospital-acquired anaemia group, Intervention Approach 2 had the highest incidence of below-normal weight gain (OR: 3.335, 95% CI: 1.785-6.234, p = 0.000) and mortality (OR: 5.341, 95% CI: 2.449-11.645, p = 0.000), while Intervention Approach 1 had the lowest incidence of intraventricular haemorrhage. Intervention Approach 1 demonstrated favourable outcomes in both anaemia groups.

CONCLUSION

Intervention Approach 1 improved weight gain and reduced mortality and complications in both the non-hospital-acquired and hospital-acquired anaemia groups.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Very Low Birth Weight Neonates: A Natural History Study

OBJECTIVE

We characterize the most recent natural history of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), as this is an essential first step in guiding the prevention and treatment of this disease in the present day.

STUDY DESIGN

We performed a retrospective cohort study of neonates who were born at 23 to 29 weeks' gestation and birth weight <1,500 g who received care from the Pediatrix Medical Group between 2004 and 2019. We assessed the incidence of medical and surgical NEC and the patterns of initial antibiotic treatment to develop a contemporary cohort for further analysis. Among patients discharged between 2015 and 2019, we characterized the stage-specific risk factors for patients diagnosed with medical or surgical NEC, as well as patterns of disease onset, progression, biomarkers, and outcomes. We used the same approach to characterize patients diagnosed with suspected NEC.

RESULTS

Among 34,032 patients in the contemporary cohort, 1,150 (3.4%) were diagnosed with medical NEC and 543 (1.6%) were diagnosed with surgical NEC. The temporal pattern of disease onset was different for medical and surgical NEC, with gestational age- and birth weight-specific risk disparities emerging earlier in surgical NEC. Thirty-day mortality was much greater among surgical NEC patients (medical NEC 16.4% vs. surgical NEC 43.0%), as were rates of various in-hospital and long-term outcomes. Suspected NEC was diagnosed in 1,256 (3.7%) patients, among whom risk factors and disease onset, progression, and outcomes closely resembled those of medical NEC.

CONCLUSION

Analyzing data from a contemporary cohort enabled us to characterize the current, stage-specific natural history of NEC, including novel insights into suspected NEC. Future studies could leverage this cohort to characterize how specific patient characteristics, care processes, or biomarkers may influence or predict disease outcomes.

KEY POINTS

· The incidence of NEC has reached a stable baseline in recent years.. · Risk factors for NEC vary in a stage-specific manner.. · The stage-specific onset and progression of NEC differ by gestational age and birth weight..

Timing of Red Blood Cell Transfusions and Occurrence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Observational studies often report that anemia and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are associated with a higher risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) infants.

Objective

To evaluate whether there is a temporal association between 72-hour hazard periods of exposure to RBC transfusions and NEC among ELBW infants randomized to either higher or lower hemoglobin transfusion thresholds.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This post hoc secondary analysis of 1690 ELBW infants who survived to postnatal day 10 enrolled in the Transfusion of Prematures (TOP) randomized multicenter trial between December 1, 2012, and April 12, 2017, was performed between June 2021 and July 2023.

Exposures

First, the distribution of RBC transfusions and the occurrence of NEC up to postnatal day 60 were examined. Second, 72-hour posttransfusion periods were categorized as hazard periods and the pretransfusion periods of variable duration as control periods. Then, the risk of NEC in posttransfusion hazard periods was compared with that in pretransfusion control periods, stratifying the risk based on randomization group (higher or lower hemoglobin transfusion threshold group).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was incidence of NEC stage 2 or 3. Secondary outcomes included the incidence rates of NEC within five 10-day intervals, taking into account the number of days at risk.

Results

Of 1824 ELBW infants randomized during the TOP trial, 1690 were included in the present analysis (mean [SD] gestational age, 26.0 [1.5] weeks; 899 infants [53.2%] were female). After categorizing 4947 hazard periods and 5813 control periods, we identified 133 NEC cases. Fifty-nine of these cases (44.4%) occurred during hazard periods. Baseline and clinical characteristics of infants with NEC during hazard periods did not differ from those of infants with NEC during control periods. The risk of NEC was 11.9 per 1000 posttransfusion hazard periods and 12.7 per 1000 control periods (adjusted risk ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.68-1.32; P = .74). This risk did not differ significantly between randomization groups, but the incidence rate of NEC per 1000 days peaked between postnatal days 20 and 29 in the lower hemoglobin transfusion threshold group.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this post hoc analysis suggest that, among ELBW infants with the hemoglobin ranges occurring in the TOP trial, exposure to RBC transfusions was not temporally associated with a higher risk of NEC during 72-hour posttransfusion hazard periods. Given that the incidence rate of NEC peaked between postnatal days 20 and 29 among infants with lower hemoglobin values, a more in-depth examination of this at-risk period using larger data sets is warranted.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01702805.

Factors influencing necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a multifactorial gastrointestinal disease with high morbidity and mortality among premature infants. However, studies with large samples on the factors of NEC in China have not been reported. This meta-analysis aims to systematically review the literature to explore the influencing factors of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants in China and provide a reference for the prevention of NEC.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Wanfang and VIP databases were systematically searched from inception to February 2023. We used Stata14.0 software to perform the systematic review and meta-analysis. We used fixed or random effects models with combined odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and quality was evaluated using the Newcastle‒Ottawa Scale (NOS).

RESULTS

The total sample was 8616 cases, including 2456 cases in the intervention group and 6160 cases in the control group. It was found that 16 risk factors and 3 protective factors were related to necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. Septicemia (OR = 3.91), blood transfusion (OR = 2.41), neonatal asphyxia (OR = 2.46), pneumonia (OR = 6.17), infection (OR = 5.99), congenital heart disease (OR = 4.80), intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) (OR = 2.71), mechanical ventilation (OR = 1.44), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (OR = 3.08), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (OR = 3.28), hypoalbuminemia (OR = 2.80), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (OR = 3.10), respiratory failure (OR = 7.51), severe anemia (OR = 2.86), history of antibiotic use (OR = 2.12), and meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) (OR = 3.14) were risk factors for NEC in preterm infants in China. Breastfeeding (OR = 0.31), oral probiotics (OR = 0.36), and prenatal use of glucocorticoids (OR = 0.38) were protective factors for NEC in preterm infants.

CONCLUSIONS

Septicemia, blood transfusion, neonatal asphyxia, pneumonia, infection, congenital heart disease, ICP, GDM, RDS, hypoproteinemia, PDA, respiratory failure, severe anemia, history of antibiotic use and MSAF will increase the risk of NEC in premature infants, whereas breastfeeding, oral probiotics and prenatal use of glucocorticoids reduce the risk. Due to the quantity and quality of the included literature, the above findings need to be further validated by more high-quality studies.

[Predictive value of hemoglobin decrease for necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants with late-onset sepsis]

OBJECTIVES

To study the predictive value of hemoglobin (Hb) decrease for the occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants with late-onset sepsis (LOS) .

METHODS

Clinical data of 93 LOS preterm infants were collected for retrospective analysis, among which 16 infants developed NEC while 77 infants did not. Based on the decrease in Hb levels from the most recent Hb measurement before LOS occurrence to the initial Hb levels during LOS, the infants were divided into three groups: no Hb decrease (n=15), mild Hb decrease (Hb decrease <15 g/L; n=35), and severe Hb decrease (Hb decrease ≥15 g/L; n=43). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to explore the predictive factors for NEC secondary to LOS, and the value of Hb decrease in predicting NEC secondary to LOS was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.

RESULTS

The incidence of NEC in the severe Hb decrease group, mild Hb decrease group, and no Hb decrease group were 26%, 14%, and 0% (P<0.05), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a larger Hb decrease was an independent predictive factor for NEC in LOS preterm infants (OR=1.141, 95%CI: 1.061-1.277, P<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the area under the curve for predicting NEC in preterm infants with LOS using Hb decrease (with a cut-off value of 20 g/L) was 0.803, with sensitivity and specificity of 0.69 and 0.78, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Hb decrease can serve as an indicator for prediction of NEC in preterm infants with LOS.

Clinical Dilemma Involving Treatments for Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants and the Potential Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Narrative Literature Review

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical gastrointestinal emergency with substantial morbidity and mortality risks, especially for very low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants, and unclear multifactorial pathophysiology. Whether common treatments for VLBW infants increase the NEC risk remains controversial. Indomethacin (utilized for patent ductus arteriosus) offers benefits but is concerning because of its vasoconstrictive impact on NEC susceptibility. Similarly, corticosteroids used to treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia may increase vulnerability to NEC by compromising immunity and altering the mesenteric blood flow. Histamine-2 receptor blockers (used to treat gastric bleeding) may inadvertently promote NEC by affecting bacterial colonization and translocation. Doxapram (used to treat apnea) poses a risk of gastrointestinal disturbance via gastric acid hypersecretion and circulatory changes. Glycerin enemas aid meconium evacuation but disrupt microbial equilibrium and trigger stress-related effects associated with the NEC risk. Prolonged antibiotic use may unintentionally increase the NEC risk. Blood transfusions for anemia can promote NEC via interactions between the immune response and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Probiotics for NEC prevention are associated with concerns regarding sepsis and bacteremia. Amid conflicting evidence, this review unveils NEC risk factors related to treatments for VLBW infants, offers a comprehensive overview of the current research, and guides personalized management strategies, thereby elucidating this clinical dilemma.

Twinning as a risk factor for neonatal acute intestinal diseases: a case-control study

Introduction

Acute intestinal diseases (AID), including necrotizing enterocolitis and spontaneous intestinal perforation, are a group of conditions that typically present in preterm infants, and are associated with an elevated mortality and morbidity rate. The risk factors for these diseases remain largely unknown. The aim of the study is to identify the correlation between twinning and the development of AID.

Methods

A single-center retrospective case-control study was conducted. We recruited all infants with a diagnosis of AID, confirmed by anatomopathology, recovered in NICU between 2010 and 2020. Considering the rarity of the outcome, 4 matched controls for each subject were randomly chosen from the overall population of newborns. Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI) were calculated using a conditional logistic regression model and a multivariate model by the creation of a Directed Acyclic Graph (www.dagitty.net).

Results

The study population resulted in 65 cases and 260 controls. The two groups present similar median gestational age and mean birthweight in grams. The cases have a higher frequency of neonatal pathology (defined as at least one of patent ductus arteriosus, early or late sepsis, severe respiratory distress) (84.6% vs. 51.9%), medically assisted procreation (33.8% vs. 18.8%) and periventricular leukomalacia (10.8% vs. 2.7%), and a lower frequency of steroids prophylaxis (67.7% vs. 86.9%). About 50% of cases needed surgery. The OR for the direct effect were difference from one using logistic regression booth without and with repeated measures statements: from 1.14 to 4.21 (p = .019) and from 1.16 to 4.29 (p = .016), respectively.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that twinning may be a risk factor for the development of AID. Due to the small number of cases observed, further studies on larger populations are needed.

Retrospective cohort study of neonatal blood transfusion in China

BACKGROUND

Blood transfusion therapy is extremely important for certain neonatal diseases, but the threshold for neonatal blood transfusion is not the same in different countries. Until now, clinical studies to determine the suitable threshold for newborns in China are lacking. Therefore, it is of high importance to establish a multi-center cohort study to explore appropriate transfusion thresholds for newborns in China.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study investigated neonatal blood transfusion therapy administered from January 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018, with the aim of evaluating the effect of restricted and nonrestricted blood transfusion on neonatal health. The subjects were enrolled in 46 hospitals in China. A total of 5669 neonatal cases were included in the study. Clinical diagnosis and transfusion treatment of these neonates were collected and the data were retrospectively analyzed. The neonates were followed up 1 week and 1 month after leaving the hospital. The newborns' and their mothers' data were collected containing 280 variables in the database. The primary outcome of the study was mortality, and the secondary outcomes were complications, hospital stays, NICU hospital stays and hospital costs.

RESULTS

Results from the < 1500 g group showed that there was a higher mortality rate in the restricted transfusion group (11.41%) when compared with the non-restricted transfusion group (5.12%) (P = 0.000). Among the secondary outcomes, the restricted transfusion group had fewer costs. Results from the 1500-2500 g group showed that the mortality rates of the restricted and non-restricted transfusion groups were 3.53% and 4.71%, respectively, however there was no statistical significance between the two groups (P = 0.345). Among the secondary outcomes, the restricted transfusion group had fewer hospital stays, NICU hospital stays and hospital costs. The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis was lower in the restricted transfusion group (OR, 2.626; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.445 to 4.773; P = 0.003). The results from the ≥ 2500 g restricted transfusion group suggested that the mortality rate of (3.02%) was significantly lower than that of non-restricted transfusion group (9.55%) (P = 0.000). Among the secondary outcomes, the restricted transfusion group had fewer hospital stays and hospital costs. The incidence of retinopathy of prematurity was lower in the restricted transfusion group (OR, 4.624; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.32 to 9.216; P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Current transfusion protocols for newborns weighing less than 1500 g may be inappropriate and lead to higher mortality. The current transfusion threshold performed better for the other two weight groups.

Transfusion in Neonatal Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation: A Best Practice Review

Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) is an important tool for managing critically ill neonates. Bleeding and thrombotic complications are common and significant. An understanding of ECMO physiology, its interactions with the unique neonatal hemostatic pathways, and appreciation for the distinctive risks and benefits of neonatal transfusion as it applies to ECMO are required. Currently, there is variability regarding transfusion practices, related to changing norms and a lack of high-quality literature and trials. This review provides an analysis of the neonatal ECMO transfusion literature and summarizes available best practice guidelines.

Trial-related blood sampling and red blood cell transfusions in preterm infants

AIM

To determine if trial-related blood sampling increases the risk of later red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in very preterm infants, we compared the volume of clinical- and trial-related blood samples, in a specific trial and correlated to subsequent RBC transfusion.

METHODS

For 193 very preterm infants, participating in the FortiColos trial (NCT03537365), trial-related blood volume drawn was in accordance with ethical considerations established by the European Commission. Medical records were reviewed to assess the number and accumulated volume (mL/kg) of blood samples (both clinical- and trial-related). Data were compared with the need of RBC transfusions during the first 28 days of life.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) gestational age and birth weight was 28 ± 1 weeks and 1168 ± 301 g. In total, 11% of total blood volume was drawn for sampling (8.1 ± 5.1 mL/kg) and trial-related sampling accounted for 1.6 ± 0.6 mL/kg. Trial-related blood sampling had no impact on RBC transfusion (p = 0.9).

CONCLUSION

Clinical blood sampling in very preterm infants is associated with blood loss and subsequent need for RBC transfusions. In a specific trial requiring blood samples, we found no additional burden of trial-related blood sampling. The study suggests that trial-related sampling is safe if European criteria are followed.

Tailing growth, neonatal jaundice and anaemia

At medical school, there is a phrase to help us remember that common things are common: 'If you hear hooves think horses, not zebras'. However, zebras do exist, and from time to time in general paediatric and neonatal practice, we will encounter these rare diagnoses, more of which we can now accurately diagnose through the ever-expanding field of genomics. Our case demonstrates how a rare diagnosis can present with common features of growth restriction, jaundice and anaemia. Paediatricians therefore require a high index of suspicion and increasing knowledge of the logistics of genetic testing.

Impact of Transfer for Surgical Management of Preterm Necrotising Enterocolitis or Focal Intestinal Perforation

OBJECTIVE

To compare outcomes after surgically managed necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) and focal intestinal perforation (FIP) in infants <32 weeks requiring transfer to or presenting in a single surgical centre.

DESIGN

Retrospective review of transferred and inborn NEC or FIP, from January 2013 to December 2020.

PATIENTS

107 transfers with possible NEC or FIP contributed 92 cases (final diagnoses NEC (75) and FIP (17)); 113 inborn cases: NEC (84) and FIP (29).

RESULTS

In infants with a final diagnosis of NEC, medical management after transfer was as common as when inborn (41% TC vs 54% p = 0.12). Unadjusted all-cause mortality was lower in inborn NEC (19% vs 27%) and FIP (10% vs 29%). In infants undergoing surgery unadjusted mortality attributable to NEC or FIP was lower if inborn (21% vs 41% NEC, 7% vs 24% FIP). In regression analysis of surgically treated infants, being transferred was associated with increased all-cause mortality (OR 2.55 (1.03-6.79)) and mortality attributable to NEC or FIP (OR 4.89 (1.80-14.97)).

CONCLUSIONS

These data require replication, but if confirmed, suggest that focusing care for infants at highest risk of developing NEC or FIP in a NICU with on-site surgical expertise may improve outcomes.

New insights into intestinal macrophages in necrotizing enterocolitis: the multi-functional role and promising therapeutic application

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory intestinal disease that profoundly affects preterm infants. Currently, the pathogenesis of NEC remains controversial, resulting in limited treatment strategies. The preterm infants are thought to be susceptible to gut inflammatory disorders because of their immature immune system. In early life, intestinal macrophages (IMφs), crucial components of innate immunity, demonstrate functional plasticity and diversity in intestinal development, resistance to pathogens, maintenance of the intestinal barrier, and regulation of gut microbiota. When the stimulations of environmental, dietary, and bacterial factors interrupt the homeostatic processes of IMφs, they will lead to intestinal disease, such as NEC. This review focuses on the IMφs related pathogenesis in NEC, discusses the multi-functional roles and relevant molecular mechanisms of IMφs in preterm infants, and explores promising therapeutic application for NEC.

Intraoperative transfusion practice and associated outcomes following neonatal surgery in a middle-income country: A 5-year single center retrospective review

BACKGROUND

Neonates undergoing surgery are at greater risk of requiring packed red blood cell transfusion. Pediatric transfusion practices vary widely between countries and institutions, especially in the management of neonates.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to describe the use of intraoperative blood product transfusion during neonatal surgery in current clinical practice at our institution.

METHODS

A retrospective contextual, descriptive, and comparative study was conducted at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. A total of 1078 anesthetic records of neonates who underwent surgery from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019 were reviewed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data.

RESULTS

Blood products were transfused during 374 (34.7%) neonatal surgeries. Packed red blood cells, platelet concentrate, and fresh frozen plasma were administered during 327 (30.3%), 133 (12.3%), and 85 (7.9%) of the total 1078 surgeries, respectively. The median (interquartile range) volume of packed red blood cells, fresh frozen plasma, platelets, and clear fluid administered was 15 (10-21.8) mL/kg, 12.3 (10-23.5) mL/kg, 13.6 (10-20.5) mL/kg, and 19 (9.1-28.8) mL/kg, respectively. Very low weight, low preoperative hemoglobin, long total anesthetic time, emergency surgery, and major surgery were independently associated with blood product transfusion. Gestational age at birth, blood product transfusion, emergency surgery, and major surgery were independently associated with the composite adverse outcomes. The median preoperative hemoglobin was 11.8 g/dL.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative blood product transfusion occurred at a much higher rate with a high median pre-transfusion hemoglobin compared to other studies.

Red Blood Cell Transfusion, Anemia, Feeding, and the Risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Severe anemia and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion are associated with gut inflammation and injury in preclinical models and observational studies. However, there is uncertainty about the causal role of these factors in the pathogenesis of NEC. Observational studies have shown that withholding feeding during RBC transfusion may reduce the risk of NEC, although confirmatory data from randomized trials are lacking. In this review, we summarize data on feeding during RBC transfusion and its role in NEC and highlight ongoing randomized trials.

The Practice of Enteral Nutrition: Clinical Evidence for Feeding Protocols

Establishing full enteral nutrition in critically ill preterm infants with immature gastrointestinal function is challenging. In this article, we will summarize emerging clinical evidence from randomized clinical trials suggesting the feasibility and efficacy of feeding interventions targeting the early establishment of full enteral nutrition. We will also examine trial outcomes of higher volume feedings after the establishment of full enteral nutrition. Only data from randomized clinical trials will be discussed extensively. Future opportunities for clinical research will also be presented.

Association of anemia and platelet activation with necrotizing enterocolitis with or without sepsis among low birth weight neonates: a case-control study

Background

This study aims to evaluate the value of the proportion of large platelets (PLCR) and platelet crit (PCT) in predicting necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in low birth weight (LBW) neonates.

Methods

A total of 155 LBW (<2,500 g) neonates with NEC, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the hospital from January 1, 2017, to November 30, 2019, were included in the case group. According to the 1:3 case-control study design, a total of 465 LBW neonates without NEC (three for each LBW neonate with NEC), who were admitted to the NICU and born ≤24 h before or after the birth of the subjects, were included in the control group.

Results

During the study period, a total of 6,946 LBW neonates were born, of which 155 had NEC, including 92 who also had sepsis. Neonatal sepsis was the most important risk factor and confounding factor for NEC in LBW neonates. Further stratified analysis showed that in LBW neonates without sepsis, anemia [P = 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 4.367, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.853-10.291], high PLCR (P < 0.001, OR = 2.222, 95% CI: 1.633-3.023), and high PCT (P = 0.024, OR = 1.368, 95% CI: 1.042-1.795) increased the risk of NEC and the receiver operating characteristic curve area of PLCR, sensitivity, specificity, and cutoff value were 0.739, 0.770, 0.610, and 33.55, respectively.

Conclusions

The results showed that 2/100 LBW neonates were at risk for NEC, and the stratified analysis of the confounding factors of sepsis identified the risk factors of NEC in LBW neonates. This study first reported the significance of PLCR in the early prediction of NEC occurrence in LBW neonates without sepsis.

Measuring gut perfusion and blood flow in neonates using ultrasound Doppler of the superior mesenteric artery: a narrative review

The gut is a relatively silent organ in utero but takes on a major role after birth for the absorption and digestion of feed for adequate nutrition and growth. The neonatal circulation undergoes a transition period after birth, and gut perfusion increases rapidly to satisfy the oxygen demand and consumption. If this process is compromised at any stage, preterm and fetal growth restricted infants are at particular risk of gut tissue injury secondary to hypoxia, leading to necrotizing enterocolitis. Feeding can also be a challenge in these high-risk groups due to gut dysmotility. Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) Doppler is a safe, bedside investigation that could rapidly aid clinicians with feeding strategies and in monitoring high-risk infants. This article aims to establish normal patterns of gut blood flow velocity in neonates using SMA Doppler and reviews how it might be used clinically in pathologic states.

Predictive values of clinical data,molecular biomarkers, and echocardiographic measurements in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Objective

We aimed to use molecular biomarkers and clinical data and echocardiograms that were collected during admission to predict bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants with gestational age ≤32 weeks.

Methods

Eighty-two patients (40 with BPD, BPD group and 42 healthy as controls, non-BPD group) admitted to the Department of Neonatology of the Children's Hospital of Soochow University between October 1, 2018, and February 29, 2020, were enrolled in this study at the tertiary hospital. Basic clinical data on the perinatal period, echocardiographic measurements, and molecular biomarkers (N-terminal-pro-B-brain natriuretic peptide, NT-proBNP) were collected. We used multiple logistic regression analysis to establish an early predictive model for detecting BPD development in preterm infants of gestational age ≤32 weeks. We also used a receiver operating characteristic curve to assess the sensitivity and specificity of the model.

Results

No significant differences were found between the BPD and non-BPD groups in terms of sex, birth weight, gestational age, incidence of asphyxia, maternal age, gravidity, parity, mode of delivery, premature rupture of membranes >18 h, use of prenatal hormones, placental abruption, gestational diabetes mellitus, amniotic fluid contamination, prenatal infections, and maternal diseases. The use of caffeine, albumin, gamma globulin; ventilation; days of FiO2 ≥ 40%; oxygen inhalation time; red blood cell suspension infusion volume (ml/kg); and proportion of infants who received total enteral nutrition (120 kcal/kg.d) ≥24 d after birth were higher in the BPD group than in the non-BPD group. The levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and albumin in the BPD group were significantly lower than those in the non-BPD group. The total calorie intake was significantly lower in the BPD group on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th day after birth than in the non-BPD group (P < 0.05). The incidence rates of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), pulmonary hypertension, and tricuspid regurgitation were significantly higher in the BPD group than in the non-BPD group (P < 0.05). The serum level of NT-proBNP 24 h after birth was significantly higher in the BPD group than in the non-BPD group (P < 0.05). Serum NT-proBNP levels were significantly higher in infants with severe BPD than in those with mild or moderate BPD (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

As there were various risk factors for BPD, a combining clinical data, molecular biomarkers, and echocardiogram measurements can be valuable in predicting the BPD. The tricuspid regurgitation flow rate (m/s), NT-proBNP (pg/ml), ventilator-associated pneumonia, days of FiO2 ≥ 40% (d), red blood cell suspension infusion volume (ml/kg), and proportion of infants who received total enteral nutrition (120 kcal/kg.d) ≥24 d after birth were the most practical factors considered for designing an appropriate model for predicting the risk of BPD.

Data-driven longitudinal characterization of neonatal health and morbidity

Although prematurity is the single largest cause of death in children under 5 years of age, the current definition of prematurity, based on gestational age, lacks the precision needed for guiding care decisions. Here, we propose a longitudinal risk assessment for adverse neonatal outcomes in newborns based on a deep learning model that uses electronic health records (EHRs) to predict a wide range of outcomes over a period starting shortly before conception and ending months after birth. By linking the EHRs of the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital and the Stanford Healthcare Adult Hospital, we developed a cohort of 22,104 mother-newborn dyads delivered between 2014 and 2018. Maternal and newborn EHRs were extracted and used to train a multi-input multitask deep learning model, featuring a long short-term memory neural network, to predict 24 different neonatal outcomes. An additional cohort of 10,250 mother-newborn dyads delivered at the same Stanford Hospitals from 2019 to September 2020 was used to validate the model. Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve at delivery exceeded 0.9 for 10 of the 24 neonatal outcomes considered and were between 0.8 and 0.9 for 7 additional outcomes. Moreover, comprehensive association analysis identified multiple known associations between various maternal and neonatal features and specific neonatal outcomes. This study used linked EHRs from more than 30,000 mother-newborn dyads and would serve as a resource for the investigation and prediction of neonatal outcomes. An interactive website is available for independent investigators to leverage this unique dataset: https://maternal-child-health-associations.shinyapps.io/shiny_app/.

Predicting 2-year neurodevelopmental outcomes in extremely preterm infants using graphical network and machine learning approaches

Background

Infants born extremely preterm (<28 weeks' gestation) are at high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) with 50% of survivors showing moderate or severe NDI when at 2 years of age. We sought to develop novel models by which to predict neurodevelopmental outcomes, hypothesizing that combining baseline characteristics at birth with medical care and environmental exposures would produce the most accurate model.

Methods

Using a prospective database of 692 infants from the Preterm Epo Neuroprotection (PENUT) Trial, which was carried out between December 2013 and September 2016, we developed three predictive algorithms of increasing complexity using a Bayesian Additive Regression Trees (BART) machine learning approach to predict both NDI and continuous Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development 3rd ed subscales at 2 year follow-up using: 1) the 5 variables used in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Extremely Preterm Birth Outcomes Tool, 2) 21 variables associated with outcomes in extremely preterm (EP) infants, and 3) a hypothesis-free approach using 133 potential variables available for infants in the PENUT database.

Findings

The NICHD 5-variable model predicted 3-4% of the variance in the Bayley subscale scores, and predicted NDI with an area under the receiver operator curve (AUROC, 95% CI) of 0.62 (0.56-0.69). Accuracy increased to 12-20% of variance explained and an AUROC of 0.77 (0.72-0.83) when using the 21 pre-selected clinical variables. Hypothesis-free variable selection using BART resulted in models that explained 20-31% of Bayley subscale scores and AUROC of 0.87 (0.83-0.91) for severe NDI, with good calibration across the range of outcome predictions. However, even with the most accurate models, the average prediction error for the Bayley subscale predictions was around 14-15 points, leading to wide prediction intervals. Higher total transfusion volume was the most important predictor of severe NDI and lower Bayley scores across all subscales.

Interpretation

While the machine learning BART approach meaningfully improved predictive accuracy above a widely used prediction tool (NICHD) as well as a model utilizing NDI-associated clinical characteristics, the average error remained approximately 1 standard deviation on either side of the true value. Although dichotomous NDI prediction using BART was more accurate than has been previously reported, and certain clinical variables such as transfusion exposure were meaningfully predictive of outcomes, our results emphasize the fact that the field is still not able to accurately predict the results of complex long-term assessments such as Bayley subscales in infants born EP even when using rich datasets and advanced analytic methods. This highlights the ongoing need for long-term follow-up of all EP infants.

Funding

Supported by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeU01NS077953 and U01NS077955.

Impact of Early Hemoglobin Levels on Neurodevelopment Outcomes of Two-Year-Olds in Very Preterm Children

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate, in very preterm infants, the hemoglobin (Hb) levels during the first 24 h and the neurodevelopment outcomes at 24 months of corrected age.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS

We conducted a secondary analysis of the French national prospective and population-based cohort EPIPAGE-2. The eligible study participants were live-born singletons who were born before 32 weeks of gestational age, with early Hb levels who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The early Hb levels for an outcome survival at 24 months of corrected age without neurodevelopmental impairment were measured. The secondary outcomes were survival at discharge and without severe neonatal morbidity.

RESULTS

Of the 2158 singletons of <32 weeks with mean early Hb levels of 15.4 (±2.4) g/dL, 1490 of the infants (69%) had a follow-up at two years of age. An early Hb of 15.2 g/dL is the minimum receiving operating characteristic curve at the 24 months risk-free level, but the area under the curve at 0.54 (close to 50%) indicates that this rate was not informative. In logistic regression, no association was found between early Hb levels and outcomes at two years of age (aOR 0.966; 95% CI [0.775-1.204]; p = 0.758) but rather there was a correlation found with severe morbidity (aOR 1.322; 95% CI [1.003-1.743]; p = 0.048). A risk stratification tree showed that male newborns of >26 weeks with Hb of <15.5 g/dL (n = 703) were associated with a poor outcome at 24 months (OR 1.9; CI: [1.5-2.4] p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Early low Hb levels are associated with major neonatal morbidities in VP singletons, but not with neurodevelopment outcomes at two years of age, except in male infants of >26 Weeks GA.

Development of necrotizing enterocolitis after blood transfusion in very premature neonates

BACKGROUND

Prior studies report conflicting evidence on the association between packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), especially in early weeks of life where transfusions are frequent and spontaneous intestinal perforation can mimic NEC. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between PRBC transfusions and NEC after day of life (DOL) 14 in very premature neonates.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis of very premature neonates was conducted to investigate association between PRBC transfusions and NEC after DOL 14. Primary endpoints were PRBC transfusions after DOL 14 until the date of NEC diagnosis, discharge, or death. Wilcoxon ranked-sum and Fisher's exact tests, Cox proportional hazards regression, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used to analyze data.

RESULTS

Of 549 premature neonates, 186 (34%) received transfusions after DOL 14 and nine (2%) developed NEC (median DOL = 38; interquartile range = 32-46). Of the nine with NEC after DOL 14, all were previously transfused (P < 0.001); therefore, hazard of NEC could not be estimated. Post hoc analysis of patients from DOL 10 onward included five additional patients who developed NEC between DOL 10 and DOL 14, and the hazard of NEC increased by a factor of nearly six after PRBC transfusion (hazard ratio = 5.76, 95% confidence interval = 1.02-32.7; P = 0.048).

CONCLUSIONS

Transfusions were strongly associated with NEC after DOL 14. Prospective studies are needed to determine if restrictive transfusion practices can decrease incidence of NEC after DOL 14.

A Compact Control System to Enable Automated Operation of Microfluidic Bioanalytical Assays

We describe a control system for operating valve-enabled microfluidic devices and leverage this control system to carry out a complex workflow of plasma separation from 8 μL of whole blood followed by on-chip mixing of plasma with assay reagents for biomarker detection. The control system incorporates pumps, digital pressure sensors, a microcontroller, solenoid valves and off-the-shelf components to deliver high and low air pressure in the desired temporal sequence to meter fluid flow and actuate microvalves. Importantly, our control system is portable, which is suitable for operating the microvalve-enabled microfluidic devices in the point-of-care setting.

Gestational age-specific hematological patterns in preterm infants following necrotizing enterocolitis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate gestational age (GA) specific hematological and transfusion response patterns in preterm infants following necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

DESIGN

A retrospective study comparing hematological/transfusion information in three GA groups' infants: Group A ≤ 28 weeks. Group B 28-32 weeks, Group C > 32 weeks following necrotizing enterocolitis.

RESULTS

Group A infants responded with significantly higher WBC count, thrombocytopenia, higher absolute neutrophil, and higher absolute monocyte and lower absolute lymphocyte counts following NEC onset, received more blood transfusions before NEC onset (59.8 versus 30.0%; p = .007), and had higher odds of surgical NEC (OR 3.39 [95% CI 1.19-10.38]; p = .02) than group C. One unit increase in absolute lymphocyte count on the day, and 24 h following NEC was significantly associated with lower surgical NEC odds than groups C.

CONCLUSION

The infant's in-group A had significantly different hematological response patterns following NEC than infants with higher gestational age (groups B and C).

Physiological-based cord clamping in very preterm infants: the Aeration, Breathing, Clamping 3 (ABC3) trial-study protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

International guidelines recommend delayed umbilical cord clamping (DCC) up to 1 min in preterm infants, unless the condition of the infant requires immediate resuscitation. However, clamping the cord prior to lung aeration may severely limit circulatory adaptation resulting in a reduction in cardiac output and hypoxia. Delaying cord clamping until lung aeration and ventilation have been established (physiological-based cord clamping, PBCC) allows for an adequately established pulmonary circulation and results in a more stable circulatory transition. The decline in cardiac output following time-based delayed cord clamping (TBCC) may thus be avoided. We hypothesise that PBCC, compared to TBCC, results in a more stable transition in very preterm infants, leading to improved clinical outcomes. The primary objective is to compare the effect of PBCC on intact survival with TBCC.

METHODS

The Aeriation, Breathing, Clamping 3 (ABC3) trial is a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial. In the interventional PBCC group, the umbilical cord is clamped after the infant is stabilised, defined as reaching heart rate > 100 bpm and SpO₂ > 85% while using supplemental oxygen < 40%. In the control TBCC group, cord clamping is time based at 30-60 s. The primary outcome is survival without major cerebral and/or intestinal injury. Preterm infants born before 30 weeks of gestation are included after prenatal parental informed consent. The required sample size is 660 infants.

DISCUSSION

The findings of this trial will provide evidence for future clinical guidelines on optimal cord clamping management in very preterm infants at birth.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03808051. First registered on January 17, 2019.

Risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: a Meta analysis

OBJECTIVES

To systematically evaluate the risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Wanfang Data were searched for case-control studies and cohort studies on the risk factors for NEC in preterm infants published up to December 2021. RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform the Meta analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 38 studies were included (28 case-control studies and 10 cohort studies). The Meta analysis showed that maternal gestational diabetes (OR=2.96, P<0.001), intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy (OR=2.53, P<0.001), preeclampsia (OR=1.73, P=0.020), history of neonatal asphyxia (OR=2.13, P<0.001), low gestational age (OR=1.23, P=0.010), sepsis (OR=5.32, P<0.001), patent ductus arteriosus (OR=1.57, P=0.001), congenital heart disease (OR=3.78, P<0.001), mechanical ventilation (OR=2.23, P=0.020), history of antibiotic use (OR=1.07, P<0.001), use of vasopressors (OR=2.34, P=0.040), and fasting (OR=1.08, P<0.001) were risk factors for NEC in preterm infants, while cesarean section (OR=0.73, P=0.004), use of pulmonary surfactant (OR=0.43, P=0.008), and breastfeeding (OR=0.24, P=0.020) were protective factors against NEC.

CONCLUSIONS

Maternal gestational diabetes, intrahepatic cholestasis during pregnancy, preeclampsia, low gestational age, fasting, sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus, congenital heart disease, and histories of asphyxia, mechanical ventilation, antibiotic use, and use of vasopressors may increase the risk of NEC in preterm infants, while cesarean section, use of pulmonary surfactant, and breastfeeding may decrease the risk of NEC in preterm infants.

Packed red blood cell transfusion in preterm infants

Premature infants commonly receive adult packed red blood cells (pRBCs) during their hospital stay. As adult erythrocytes differ substantially from those of preterm infants, transfusion of adult pRBCs into preterm infants can be considered inappropriate for the physiology of a preterm infant. An absence of standardisation of transfusion protocols makes it difficult to compare and interpret pertinent clinical data, as reflected by unclear associations between pRBC transfusion and complications related to prematurity, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neurodevelopmental impairment, retinopathy of prematurity, or necrotising enterocolitis. The difficulty in interpreting clinical data is further increased by differences in study designs that either overestimate pRBC-associated complications of prematurity or have not yet been designed to directly link pRBC transfusions to their respective complications. Thus, neonatal transfusion practice has become an ongoing difficulty, in which differences in transfusion guidelines hinder the ability to generate comparable clinical data, and heterogeneity in clinical data prevents the implementation of standardised transfusion protocols. To overcome these issues, novel approaches with biochemical-clinical translational designs could enable clinicians to gather causal evidence instead of circumstantial correlation.

[Establishment of a nomogram model for predicting necrotizing enterocolitis in very preterm infants]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very preterm infants and establish a nomogram model for predicting the risk of NEC.

METHODS

A total of 752 very preterm infants who were hospitalized from January 2015 to December 2021 were enrolled as subjects, among whom 654 were born in 2015-2020 (development set) and 98 were born in 2021 (validation set). According to the presence or absence of NEC, the development set was divided into two groups: NEC (n=77) and non-NEC (n=577). A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the independent risk factors for NEC in very preterm infants. R software was used to plot the nomogram model. The nomogram model was then validated by the data of the validation set. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test, and the calibration curve were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram model, and the clinical decision curve was used to assess the clinical practicability of the model.

RESULTS

The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that neonatal asphyxia, sepsis, shock, hypoalbuminemia, severe anemia, and formula feeding were independent risk factors for NEC in very preterm infants (P<0.05). The ROC curve of the development set had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.833 (95%CI: 0.715-0.952), and the ROC curve of the validation set had an AUC of 0.826 (95%CI: 0.797-0.862), suggesting that the nomogram model had a good discriminatory ability. The calibration curve analysis and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed good accuracy and consistency between the predicted value of the model and the actual value.

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal asphyxia, sepsis, shock, hypoalbuminemia, severe anemia, and formula feeding are independent risk factors for NEC in very preterm infant. The nomogram model based on the multivariate logistic regression analysis provides a quantitative, simple, and intuitive tool for early assessment of the development of NEC in very preterm infants in clinical practice.