A retrospective review of ampicillin-sulbactam and amoxicillin + clavulanate vs cefazolin/cephalexin and erythromycin in the setting of preterm premature rupture of membranes: maternal and neonatal outcomes

Developing a Core Outcome Set for the Evaluation of Antibiotic Use in Prelabor Rupture of Membranes: A Systematic Review and Semi-Structured Interview

Background: Prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM) is associated with maternal and neonatal infections. Although guidelines suggest prophylactic antibiotics for pregnant women with PROM, the optimal antibiotic regimen remains controversial. Synthesizing the data from different studies is challenging due to variations in reported outcomes. Objective: This study aimed to form the initial list of outcomes for the core outcome set (COS) that evaluates antibiotic use in PROM by identifying all existing outcomes and patients' views. Methods: Relevant studies were identified by searching PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, and VIP databases. We also screened the references of the included studies as a supplementary search. We extracted basic information from the articles and the outcomes. Two reviewers independently selected the studies, extracted the data, extracted the outcomes, and grouped them into domains. Then, semi-structured interviews based on the potential factors collected by the systematic review were conducted at West China Second Hospital of Sichuan University. Pregnant women who met the diagnostic criteria for PROM were enrolled. Participants reported their concerns about the outcomes. Two researchers identified the pregnant women's concerns. Results: A total of 90 studies were enrolled in this systematic review. The median outcomes in the included studies was 7 (1-31), and 109 different unique outcomes were identified. Pre-term PROM (PPROM) had 97 outcomes, and term PROM (TPROM) had 70 outcomes. The classification and order of the core outcome domains of PPROM and TPROM were consistent. The physiological domain was the most common for PPROM and TPROM outcomes. Furthermore, 35.1 and 57.1% outcomes were only reported once in PPROM and TPROM studies, respectively. Thirty pregnant women participated in the semi-structured interviews; 10 outcomes were extracted after normalized, and the outcomes were reported in the systematic review. However, studies rarely reported pregnant women's concerns. Conclusion: There was considerable inconsistency in outcomes selection and reporting in studies about antibiotics in PROM. An initial core outcomes set for antibiotics in PROM was formed.

[Amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in late pregnancy]

In 2001, a clinical trial on prophylactic antibiotics in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes reported an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in newborns whose mothers were given amoxicillin-clavulanic acid before delivery. This study generated concern and reluctance to use this antibiotic in late pregnancy, despite its methodological limitations and the lack of confirmation in 3 studies published between 2001 and 2008. Since then, there have been no original publications on the topic. Therefore, the results available to date do not support an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis with the use of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid in late pregnancy. In clinical situations where amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is required, it can be prescribed at any stage of pregnancy, including just before delivery.

Antibiotic prophylaxis in preterm premature rupture of membranes at 24-31 weeks' gestation: perinatal and 2-year outcomes in the EPIPAGE-2 cohort

Objective

To compare different antibiotic prophylaxis administered after preterm premature rupture of membranes to determine whether any were associated with differences in obstetric and/or neonatal outcomes and/or neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of corrected age.

Design

Prospective, nationwide, population‐based EPIPAGE‐2 cohort study of preterm infants.

Setting

France, 2011.

Sample

We included 492 women with a singleton pregnancy and a diagnosis of preterm premature rupture of membranes at 24–31 weeks. Exclusion criteria were contraindication to expectant management or indication for antibiotic therapy other than preterm premature rupture of membranes. Antibiotic prophylaxis was categorised as amoxicillin (n = 345), macrolide (n = 30), third‐generation cephalosporin (n = 45) or any combinations covering Streptococcus agalactiae and >90% of Escherichia coli (n = 72), initiated within 24 hours after preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Methods

Population‐averaged robust Poisson models.

Main Outcome Measures

Survival at discharge without severe neonatal morbidity, 2‐year neurodevelopment.

Results

With amoxicillin, macrolide, third‐generation cephalosporin and combinations, 78.5%, 83.9%, 93.6% and 86.0% of neonates were discharged alive without severe morbidity. The administration of third‐generation cephalosporin or any E. coli‐targeting combinations was associated with improved survival without severe morbidity (adjusted risk ratio 1.25 [95% confidence interval 1.08–1.45] and 1.10 [95 % confidence interval 1.01–1.20], respectively) compared with amoxicillin. We evidenced no increase in neonatal sepsis related to third‐generation cephalosporin‐resistant pathogen.

Conclusion

In preterm premature rupture of membranes at 24–31 weeks, antibiotic prophylaxis based on third‐generation cephalosporin may be associated with improved survival without severe neonatal morbidity when compared with amoxicillin, with no evidence of increase in neonatal sepsis related to third‐generation cephalosporin‐resistant pathogen.

Tweetable Abstract

Antibiotic prophylaxis after PPROM at 24–31 weeks: 3rd‐generation cephalosporins associated with improved neonatal outcomes.

Antibiotic prophylaxis after PPROM at 24–31 weeks: 3rd‐generation cephalosporins associated with improved neonatal outcomes.

The Impact of Cefazolin Shortage on Surgical Site Infection Following Spine Surgery in Japan

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study using prospectively collected data.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effect of alternative antimicrobial prophylaxis agents on surgical site infections (SSIs) after spine surgery.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Although the use of alternative antimicrobial prophylaxis agents might have a negative effect on SSI prevention, their association with SSI risk in spine surgery remains unclear.

METHODS

We used the registry data of consecutive patients undergoing spine surgery from April 2017 to January 2020 in four institutions participating in the University of Tokyo Spine Group. Before March 2019, all institutions used cefazolin for antimicrobial prophylaxis. After March 2019, the institutions used broad-spectrum beta-lactam agents as an alternative due to a cefazolin shortage in Japan.

RESULTS

Among the 3841 enrolled patients (2289 males), 2024 received cefazolin and 1117 received alternative agents. The risk of reoperation for deep SSI within 30 days of spine surgery was significantly higher in the alternative antimicrobial prophylaxis agent group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.96; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.15-3.35; P = 0.014). In subgroup analyses, the SSI risk was significantly higher in the thoracolumbar surgery group (aOR 1.98; 95% CI, 1.06-3.73; P = 0.03). A nonsignificant consistent trend was found in all other subgroups: posterior decompression (aOR 1.91; 95% CI, 0.86-4.21; P = 0.11); posterior fixation (aOR 2.05; 95% CI, 0.99-4.24; P = 0.05); and cervical spine surgery (aOR 2.30; 95% CI, 0.82-6.46; P = 0.11).

CONCLUSION

Alternative antimicrobial prophylaxis agents increased the risk of reoperation for SSI after spine surgery compared with cefazolin. Our study supports the current practice of using first-generation cephalosporins as first-line antimicrobial prophylaxis agents in spine surgery as recommended in multiple guidelines.Level of Evidence: 3.

Potential Prenatal Origins of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis is a serious and yet incompletely understood gastrointestinal disease of infancy that predominately impacts premature neonates. Prevention is a key strategy for the management of necrotizing enterocolitis. Although postnatal risk factors have been the focus of prevention efforts, obstetric complications, including intrauterine inflammation and infection, growth restriction, preeclampsia, and prenatal medications, have been associated with an increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. This article reviews the evidence behind the prenatal risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis, and discusses how these risk factors may elucidate the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis and provide insight into prevention and treatment.

Pathogenesis of necrotising enterocolitis: The impact of the altered gut microbiota and antibiotic exposure in preterm infants

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating condition with high morbidity and mortality seen predominately in preterm infants. Multiple factors are associated with the pathogenesis of NEC. The widespread use of antibiotics in the neonatal intensive care unit might play a role in the pathogenesis of NEC in preterm infants. This review provides a summary on the intestinal microbiota in preterm infants with a focus on how antibiotic exposure may reduce the biodiversity of the intestinal microbiota and may predispose preterm infants to NEC. CONCLUSION: Prolonged antibiotic therapy has been suggested as a risk factor for the development of NEC in preterm infants.

Medications prescriptions in COVID-19 pregnant and lactating women: the Bergamo Teratology Information Service experience during COVID-19 outbreak in Italy

Objectives The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19) outbreak in Italy, especially in Lombardy and Bergamo city, represented probably nowadays one of the first major clusters of COVID-19 in the world. The aim of this report is to describe the activity of Bergamo Teratology Information Service (TIS) in supporting the public and health-care personnel in case of drug prescriptions in suspected/confirmed COVID-19 pregnant and lactating patients during COVID-19 outbreak in Italy. Methods All Bergamo TIS requests concerning COVID-19 pregnant and lactating women have been retrospectively evaluated from 1 March to 15 April 2020. Type of medications, drug's safety profile and compatibility with pregnancy and lactation are reported. Results Our service received information calls concerning 48 (9 pregnant, 35 lactating) patients. Among pregnant and lactating women, the requests of information were related to 16 and 60 drugs prescriptions respectively. More than half concerned drugs prescriptions during the first and second trimester (13/16) and during the first six months of lactation (37/60). Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin were the most involved. Conclusions Hydroxychloroquine and azithromycin at dosages used for COVID-19 may be considered compatible and reasonably safe either in pregnancy and lactation. Antivirals may be considered acceptable in pregnancy. During lactation lopinavir and ritonavir probably exhibit some supportive data from literature that darunavir and cobicistat do not. Tocilizumab may be considered for COVID-19 treatment because no increased malformation rate were observed until now. However caution may be advised because human data are limited and the potential risk of embryo-fetal toxicity cannot be excluded.

Effect on perinatal outcome of prophylactic antibiotics in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes: network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

Prophylactic antibiotics are recommended routinely for preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), but there is an abundance of potential treatments and a paucity of comparative information. The aims of this network meta-analysis were to compare the efficiency of different antibiotic regimens on perinatal outcomes and to assess the quality of the current evidence.

METHODS

This was a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing prophylactic antibiotics, or regimens of antibiotics, with each other or with placebo/no treatment, in women with PPROM. MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, US Registry of Clinical Trials ( www.ClinicalTrials.gov) and gray literature sources were searched. The primary outcomes were neonatal mortality and chorioamnionitis; secondary outcomes included other measures of perinatal morbidity. Relative effect sizes were estimated using risk ratios (RR) and the relative ranking of the interventions was obtained using cumulative ranking curves. The quality of evidence for the primary outcomes was assessed according to GRADE guidelines, adapted for network meta-analysis.

RESULTS

The analysis included 20 studies (7169 participants randomized to 15 therapeutic regimens). For the outcome of chorioamnionitis, clindamycin + gentamycin (network RR, 0.19 (95% CI, 0.05-0.83)), penicillin (RR, 0.31 (95% CI, 0.16-0.6)), ampicillin/sulbactam + amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (RR, 0.32 (95% CI, 0.12-0.92)), ampicillin (RR, 0.52 (95% CI, 0.34-0.81)) and erythromycin + ampicillin + amoxicillin (RR, 0.71 (95% CI, 0.55-0.92)) were superior to placebo/no treatment. Erythromycin was the only effective drug for neonatal sepsis (RR, 0.74 (95% CI, 0.56-0.97)). Clindamycin + gentamycin (RR, 0.32 (95% CI, 0.11-0.89)) and erythromycin + ampicillin + amoxicillin (RR, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.69-0.99)) were the only effective regimens for respiratory distress syndrome, whereas ampicillin (RR, 0.42 (95% CI, 0.20-0.92)) and penicillin (RR, 0.49 (95% CI, 0.25-0.96)) were effective in reducing the rates of Grade-3/4 intraventricular hemorrhage. None of the antibiotics appeared significantly more effective than placebo/no treatment in reducing the rates of neonatal death, perinatal death and necrotizing enterocolitis. No network RR could be estimated for neonatal intensive care unit admission. The overall quality of the evidence, according to GRADE guidelines, was moderate to very low, depending on the outcome and comparison.

CONCLUSIONS

Several antibiotics appear to be more effective than placebo/no treatment in reducing the rate of chorioamnionitis after PPROM. However, none of them is clearly and consistently superior compared to other antibiotics, and most are not superior to placebo/no treatment for other outcomes. The overall quality of the evidence is low and needs to be updated, as microbial resistance may have emerged for some antibiotics, while others are underrepresented in the existing evidence. Copyright © 2019 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Should clinical suspicion shift to ampicillin resistance organisms in certain preterm premature rupture of membranes scenarios?: Case of early-onset sepsis caused by E coli

This case highlights the importance antibiotic stewardship, including reexamining current regimens use for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, which may be accountable for the shift in organism responsible for some cases of early-onset sepsis.

[Antibiotic prophylaxis in preterm premature rupture of membranes: CNGOF preterm premature rupture of membranes guidelines]

OBJECTIVE

To analyse benefits and risks of antibiotic prophylaxis in the management of preterm premature rupture of membranes.

METHODS

PubMed and Cochrane Central databases search.

RESULTS

Streptoccoccus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) and Escherichia coli are the two main bacteria identified in early neonatal sepsis (EL3). Antibiotic prophylaxis at admission is associated with significant prolongation of pregnancy (EL2), reduction in neonatal morbidity (EL1) without impact on neonatal mortality (EL2). Co-amoxiclav could be associated with an increased risk for neonatal necrotising enterocolitis (EL2). Antibiotic prophylaxis at admission in women with preterm premature rupture of the membranes is recommended (Grade A). Monotherapy with amoxicillin, third generation cephalosporin and erythromycin can be used as well as combination of erythromycin and amoxicillin (Professional consensus) for 7 days (GradeC). Shorter treatment is possible when initial vaginal culture is negative (Professional consensus). Co-amxiclav, aminoglycosides, glycopeptides, first and second generation cephalosporin, clindamycin and metronidazole are not recommended (Professional consensus).

CONCLUSIONS

Antibiotic prophylaxis against Streptoccoccus agalactiae (group B streptococcus) and E. coli is recommended in women with preterm premature of the membranes (Grade A). Monotherapy with amoxicillin, third generation cephalosporin or erythromycin, as well as combination of erythromycin and amoxicillin are recommended (Professional consensus).

Ampicillin- and ampicillin/sulbactam-resistant Escherichia coli infection in a neonatal intensive care unit in Japan

The incidence of ampicillin (ABPC)-resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection in very low-birthweight infants has been increasing. The rate of ABPC/sulbactam (ABPC/SBT)-resistant E. coli in this population, however, is currently unknown. We encountered two cases of severe infection due to resistant E. coli and retrospectively studied the prevalence of ABPC- and ABPC/SBT-resistant E. coli in regular surveillance cultures obtained from all neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients between 2000 and 2013. The overall prevalence of ABPC-resistant E. coli was 39% (47/120), accounting for 63% of cases (32/51) between 2007 and 2013, compared with 22% (15/69) between 2000 and 2006. The prevalence of ABPC/SBT resistance was 17% (20/120), which was similar in both periods (16%, 8/51 vs 17%, 12/69). According to these results, not only ABPC, but also ABPC/SBT-resistant E. coli must be considered in the NICU.

A new antibiotic regimen treats and prevents intra-amniotic inflammation/infection in patients with preterm PROM

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether a new antibiotic regimen could reduce the frequency of intra-amniotic inflammation/infection in patients with preterm PROM.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the effect of antibiotics on the frequency of intra-amniotic inflammation/infection based on the results of follow-up transabdominal amniocenteses from 89 patients diagnosed with preterm PROM who underwent serial amniocenteses. From 1993-2003, ampicillin and/or cephalosporins or a combination was used ("regimen 1"). A new regimen (ceftriaxone, clarithromycin and metronidazole) was used from 2003-2012 ("regimen 2"). Amniotic fluid was cultured and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) concentrations were measured.

RESULTS

(1) The rates of intra-amniotic inflammation and intra-amniotic inflammation/infection in patients who received regimen 2 decreased during treatment from 68.8% to 52.1% and from 75% to 54.2%, respectively. In contrast, in patients who received regimen 1, the frequency of intra-amniotic inflammation and infection/inflammation increased during treatment (31.7% to 55% and 34.1% to 58.5%, respectively); and (2) intra-amniotic inflammation/infection was eradicated in 33.3% of patients who received regimen 2, but in none who received regimen 1.

CONCLUSION

The administration of ceftriaxone, clarithromycin and metronidazole was associated with a more successful eradication of intra-amniotic inflammation/infection and prevented secondary intra-amniotic inflammation/infection more frequently than an antibiotic regimen which included ampicillin and/or cephalosporins in patients with preterm PROM.

Genital infections and risk of premature rupture of membranes in Mulago Hospital, Uganda: a case control study

Background

Inflammatory mediators that weaken and cause membrane rupture are released during the course of genital infections among pregnant women. We set out to determine the association of common genital infections (Trichomonas vaginalis, syphilis, Neisseria gonorrhea, Chlamydia trachomatis, Group B Streptococcus, Bacterial vaginosis, Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 and candidiasis) and premature rupture of membranes in Mulago hospital, Uganda.

Methods

We conducted an unmatched case–control study among women who were in the third trimester of pregnancy at New Mulago hospital, Uganda. The cases had PROM and the controls had intact membranes during latent phase of labour in the labour ward. We used interviewer-administered questionnaires to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, obstetric and medical history. Laboratory tests were conducted to identify T. vaginalis, syphilis, N. gonorrhea, C. trachomatis, Group B Streptococcus, Bacterial vaginosis, Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 (HSV-2) and candidiasis. Logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95 % CI of the association between genital infections and PROM.

Results

There was an association between PROM and abnormal vaginal discharge (OR = 2.02, 95 % CI 1.10–3.70 and AOR = 2.30, 95 % CI 1.18–4.47), presence of candidiasis (OR = 0.27, 95 % CI 0.14–0.52 and AOR = 0.22, 95 % CI 0.10–0.46) and T. vaginalis (OR = 2.98, 95 % CI 1.18–7.56 and AOR = 4.22, 95 % CI 1.51–11.80). However, there was no association between PROM and presence of C. trachomatis (OR = 2.05, 95 % CI 0.37–11.49) and HSV-2 serostatus (OR = 1.15, 95 % CI 0.63–2.09). Few or no patients with Bacterial vaginosis, Neisseria gonorrhoea, Group B streptococcus or syphilis were identified among the cases and controls. Co-infection of Trichomoniasis and candidiasis was not associated with PROM (AOR = 1.34, 95 % CI 0.16–11.10). Co infection with T. vaginalis and C. trachomatis was associated with PROM (OR = 3.09, 95 % CI 1.21–7.84 and AOR = 4.22, 95 % CI 1.51–11.83).

Conclusion

Trichomonas vaginalis alone, T. vaginalis with C. trachomatis co-infection and abnormal per vaginal discharge were found as risk factors for PROM. There was no association of HSV-2 serostatus, syphilis, N. gonorrhea, C. trachomatis, Group B Streptococcus and Bacterial vaginosis with PROM. Candidiasis seemed to have a protective effect on PROM.

A new anti-microbial combination prolongs the latency period, reduces acute histologic chorioamnionitis as well as funisitis, and improves neonatal outcomes in preterm PROM

OBJECTIVE

Antibiotic administration is a standard practice in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PROM). Specific anti-microbial agents often include ampicillin and/or erythromycin. Anaerobes and genital mycoplasmas are frequently involved in preterm PROM, but are not adequately covered by antibiotics routinely used in clinical practice. Our objective was to compare outcomes of PROM treated with standard antibiotic administration versus a new combination more effective against these bacteria.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective study compared perinatal outcomes in 314 patients with PROM <34 weeks receiving anti-microbial regimen 1 (ampicillin and/or cephalosporins; n = 195, 1993-2003) versus regimen 2 (ceftriaxone, clarithromycin and metronidazole; n = 119, 2003-2012). Intra-amniotic infection/inflammation was assessed by positive amniotic fluid culture and/or an elevated amniotic fluid MMP-8 concentration (>23 ng/mL).

RESULTS

(1) Patients treated with regimen 2 had a longer median antibiotic-to-delivery interval than those with regimen 1 [median (interquartile range) 23 d (10-51 d) versus 12 d (5-52 d), p < 0.01]; (2) patients who received regimen 2 had lower rates of acute histologic chorioamnionitis (50.5% versus 66.7%, p < 0.05) and funisitis (13.9% versus 42.9%, p < 0.001) than those who had received regimen 1; (3) the rates of intra-ventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and cerebral palsy (CP) were significantly lower in patients allocated to regimen 2 than regimen 1 (IVH: 2.1% versus 19.0%, p < 0.001 and CP: 0% versus 5.7%, p < 0.05); and (4) subgroup analysis showed that regimen 2 improved perinatal outcomes in pregnancies with intra-amniotic infection/inflammation, but not in those without intra-amniotic infection/inflammation (after adjusting for gestational age and antenatal corticosteroid administration).

CONCLUSION

A new antibiotic combination consisting of ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole prolonged the latency period, reduced acute histologic chorioamnionitis/funisitis, and improved neonatal outcomes in patients with preterm PROM. These findings suggest that the combination of anti-microbial agents (ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole) may improve perinatal outcome in preterm PROM.

Predicting disease severity of necrotizing enterocolitis: how to identify infants for future novel therapies

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a very devastating problem within the very low birth weight neonatal population. Several experimental therapies are being tested in animal models and soon may be ready for human trials. Despite this progress, we currently have no way to identify infants who would be optimal targets for therapy. Specifically, we are unable to predict which infants will progress to the more severe Bell's stage of disease that may necessitate surgery. Ideally, an algorithm could be constructed that would encompass multiple neonatal and maternal risk factors as well as potential biologic markers of disease so that these infants could be identified in a more timely fashion. This review summarizes the known risk factors and biomarkers of disease in hopes of stimulating clinical research to identify such an “early warning” NEC algorithm.

Neonatal morbidity after exchange transfusion for red cell alloimmune hemolytic disease

BACKGROUND

Exchange transfusion (ET) is a high-risk procedure. The type and rate of complications in neonatal red cell alloimmune hemolytic disease exclusively are not clear.

OBJECTIVES

Our aim was to study the type and rate of complications associated with ET in a large series of neonates with hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) due to red cell alloimmunization.

METHODS

All neonates with HDFN due to red cell alloimmunization admitted to our center between January 2001 and June 2011 were eligible for this study. We recorded the number and rate of complications during admission in the group of neonates treated with ET (ET group) and not treated with ET (no-ET group). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to measure the independent risk of complications of ET treatment.

RESULTS

A total of 347 infants with red cell alloimmune hemolytic disease were included; 39% (134/347) were treated with at least one ET (ET group), and 61% (213/347) did not require ET (no-ET group). Comparison between the ET group and no-ET group showed that ET treatment was independently associated with proven sepsis [8 vs. 1%, respectively; odds ratio (OR) 8.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7-40.3; p = 0.009], leukocytopenia (88 vs. 23%, respectively; OR 36.0, 95% CI 17.5-73.8; p < 0.001), severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50 × 10(9)/l; 63 vs. 8%, respectively; OR 31.4, 95% CI 14.0-70.4; p < 0.001), hypocalcemia (22 vs. 1%, respectively; OR 27.4, 95% CI 5.9-126.8; p < 0.001) and hypernatremia (8 vs. 0%, respectively; p < 0.001). There were no neonatal deaths in the ET group.

CONCLUSION

ET in neonates with HDFN is associated with an increased risk of sepsis, leukocytopenia, thrombocytopenia, hypocalcemia and hypernatremia.

Antenatal antibiotic exposure in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether an association exists between antenatal antibiotic exposure and incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in low birth weight infants.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective case-control study was performed on all infants with a diagnosis of NEC born at our institition between 1988 and 2006. Medical histories of all infants with a diagnosis of NEC ≥Bell's stage IIA and matched controls without NEC were reviewed. Maternal and neonatal characteristics were compared using the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square procedure, and logistic regression models were constructed to account for confounding.

RESULT

Clinical data for 97 matched pairs were analyzed. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for antenatal exposure to ampicillin was significantly greater for infants who developed NEC (OR 2.3, 95% confidence interval 1.1, 4.8, P=0.003) than for control infants.

CONCLUSION

Infants who developed NEC were more likely to have a history of in utero exposure to ampicillin in the immediate antepartum period than infants who did not develop NEC.

Cholestasis in neonates with red cell alloimmune hemolytic disease: incidence, risk factors and outcome

BACKGROUND

Etiology of cholestatic liver disease in neonates with hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) has been associated with iron overload due to intrauterine red cell transfusions (IUTs). Data on the incidence and severity of cholestasis in neonates with HDN are scarce, and little is known about pathogenesis, risk factors, neonatal management and outcome.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate incidence, risk factors, management and outcome of cholestasis in neonates with red cell alloimmune hemolytic disease.

METHODS

All (near-) term neonates with HDN due to red cell alloimmunization admitted to our center between January 2000 and July 2010 were included in this observational study. Liver function tests (including conjugated bilirubin) were routinely performed in the neonatal period. We recorded the presence of cholestasis, investigated several potential risk factors and evaluated the management and outcome in affected neonates.

RESULTS

A total of 313 infants with red cell alloimmune hemolytic disease treated with or without IUTs were included. The incidence of cholestasis was 13% (41/313). Two risk factors were independently associated with cholestasis: treatment with at least one IUT (OR 5.81, 95% CI 1.70-19.80, p = 0.005) and rhesus D type of alloimmunization (OR 4.66, 95% CI 1.05-20.57, p = 0.042). Additional diagnostic tests to investigate possible causes of cholestasis were all negative. In 5 infants (12%), supportive medical and nutritional therapy was started, and one neonate required iron chelation therapy.

CONCLUSION

Cholestasis occurs in 13% of neonates with HDN due to red cell alloimmunization, and it is independently associated with IUT treatment and rhesus D type of alloimmunization.