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Neel ML, Bora S, Brachio SS, Duncan A, Vanderbilt D, Benninger K, Kendrick-Allwood S, Maitre NL. Challenges and Opportunities in High-Risk Infant Follow-Up: Progress from the 2022 Networking Session at the Pediatric Academic Societies. J Pediatr 2024; 270:113971. [PMID: 38479638 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.113971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Lauren Neel
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA.
| | - Samudragupta Bora
- Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH
| | - Sandhya S Brachio
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University & New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY
| | - Andrea Duncan
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Douglas Vanderbilt
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California and Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kristen Benninger
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University School of Medicine and Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH
| | - Salathiel Kendrick-Allwood
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Nathalie L Maitre
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
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Edwards EM, Ehret DEY, Horbar JD. Potentially Better Practices for Follow Through in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Pediatrics 2024; 154:e2023065530. [PMID: 38872618 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2023-065530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To ascertain how NICU teams are undertaking action to follow through, involving teams, families, and communities as partners to address health-related social needs of infants and families. METHODS Nineteen potentially better practices (PBPs) for follow through first published in 2020 were reported and analyzed as a sum, overall, and by safety-net hospital status, hospital ownership, and NICU type, among US NICUs that finalized Vermont Oxford Network data collection in 2023. RESULTS One hundred percent of 758 eligible hospitals completed the annual membership survey, of which 57.5% reported screening for social risks. Almost all NICUs offered social work, lactation support, and translation services, but only 16% included a lawyer or paralegal on the team. Overall, 90.2% helped families offset financial costs while their infants were in the hospital, either with direct services or vouchers. At discharge, 94.0% of NICUs connected families with appropriate community organizations and services, 52.9% provided telemedicine after discharge, and 11.7% conducted home visits. The median number of PBPs at each hospital was 10 (25th percentile: 8, 75th percentile: 12). The number of PBPs reported differed by hospital control or ownership and level of NICU care. There were no differences by safety-net hospital status. CONCLUSIONS Despite concerns about time and resources, a diverse set of US NICUs reported adopting potentially better practices for follow through. However, the marked variation among NICUs and the lower rates at for-profit and lower-level NICUs suggest there is substantial opportunity for improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika M Edwards
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Pediatrics, Robert Larner, MD, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Danielle E Y Ehret
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Pediatrics, Robert Larner, MD, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | - Jeffrey D Horbar
- Vermont Oxford Network, Burlington, Vermont
- Department of Pediatrics, Robert Larner, MD, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
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Chung HW, Chen JC, Chen HL, Ko FY, Ho SY. Developing a practical neurodevelopmental prediction model for targeting high-risk very preterm infants during visit after NICU: a retrospective national longitudinal cohort study. BMC Med 2024; 22:68. [PMID: 38360711 PMCID: PMC10870669 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-024-03286-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Follow-up visits for very preterm infants (VPI) after hospital discharge is crucial for their neurodevelopmental trajectories, but ensuring their attendance before 12 months corrected age (CA) remains a challenge. Current prediction models focus on future outcomes at discharge, but post-discharge data may enhance predictions of neurodevelopmental trajectories due to brain plasticity. Few studies in this field have utilized machine learning models to achieve this potential benefit with transparency, explainability, and transportability. METHODS We developed four prediction models for cognitive or motor function at 24 months CA separately at each follow-up visits, two for the 6-month and two for the 12-month CA visits, using hospitalized and follow-up data of VPI from the Taiwan Premature Infant Follow-up Network from 2010 to 2017. Regression models were employed at 6 months CA, defined as a decline in The Bayley Scales of Infant Development 3rd edition (BSIDIII) composite score > 1 SD between 6- and 24-month CA. The delay models were developed at 12 months CA, defined as a BSIDIII composite score < 85 at 24 months CA. We used an evolutionary-derived machine learning method (EL-NDI) to develop models and compared them to those built by lasso regression, random forest, and support vector machine. RESULTS One thousand two hundred forty-four VPI were in the developmental set and the two validation cohorts had 763 and 1347 VPI, respectively. EL-NDI used only 4-10 variables, while the others required 29 or more variables to achieve similar performance. For models at 6 months CA, the area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of EL-NDI were 0.76-0.81(95% CI, 0.73-0.83) for cognitive regress with 4 variables and 0.79-0.83 (95% CI, 0.76-0.86) for motor regress with 4 variables. For models at 12 months CA, the AUC of EL-NDI were 0.75-0.78 (95% CI, 0.72-0.82) for cognitive delay with 10 variables and 0.73-0.82 (95% CI, 0.72-0.85) for motor delay with 4 variables. CONCLUSIONS Our EL-NDI demonstrated good performance using simpler, transparent, explainable models for clinical purpose. Implementing these models for VPI during follow-up visits may facilitate more informed discussions between parents and physicians and identify high-risk infants more effectively for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wei Chung
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Municipal Siaogang Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Center for Big Data Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Chieh Chen
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Hsiu-Lin Chen
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Fang-Yu Ko
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shinn-Ying Ho
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Institute of Bioinformatics and Systems Biology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-Devices, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
- College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Litt JS, Halfon N, Msall ME, Russ SA, Hintz SR. Ensuring Optimal Outcomes for Preterm Infants after NICU Discharge: A Life Course Health Development Approach to High-Risk Infant Follow-Up. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:146. [PMID: 38397258 PMCID: PMC10886801 DOI: 10.3390/children11020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Children born prematurely (<37 weeks' gestation) have an increased risk for chronic health problems and developmental challenges compared to their term-born peers. The threats to health and development posed by prematurity, the unintended effects of life-sustaining neonatal intensive care, the associated neonatal morbidities, and the profound stressors to families affect well-being during infancy, childhood, adolescence, and beyond. Specialized clinical programs provide medical and developmental follow-up care for preterm infants after hospital discharge. High-risk infant follow-up, like most post-discharge health services, has many shortcomings, including unclear goals, inadequate support for infants, parents, and families, fragmented service provisions, poor coordination among providers, and an artificially foreshortened time horizon. There are well-documented inequities in care access and delivery. We propose applying a life course health development framework to clinical follow-up for children born prematurely that is contextually appropriate, developmentally responsive, and equitably deployed. The concepts of health development, unfolding, complexity, timing, plasticity, thriving, and harmony can be mapped to key components of follow-up care delivery to address pressing health challenges. This new approach envisions a more effective version of clinical follow-up to support the best possible functional outcomes and the opportunity for every premature infant to thrive within their family and community environments over their life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S. Litt
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Pediatrics, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Neal Halfon
- Center for Healthier Children, Families, and Communities, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (N.H.); (S.A.R.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, UCLA Fielding School of Public Health, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Public Policy, UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Michael E. Msall
- Department of Pediatrics, Sections of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics and Kennedy Research Center on Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL 60637, USA;
| | - Shirley Ann Russ
- Center for Healthier Children, Families, and Communities, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA; (N.H.); (S.A.R.)
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Susan R. Hintz
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA;
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Shah S, Dyess NF, Myers PJ. Devaluing babies: neonatal implications of proposed changes in pediatric residency training. J Perinatol 2023; 43:1455-1458. [PMID: 37532759 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01739-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Shetal Shah
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
| | - Nicolle Fernández Dyess
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Patrick J Myers
- Division of Neonatology, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Liebowitz M, Kramer KP, Rogers EE. All Care is Brain Care: Neuro-Focused Quality Improvement in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Clin Perinatol 2023; 50:399-420. [PMID: 37201988 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Neonates requiring intensive care are in a critical period of brain development that coincides with the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization, placing these infants at high risk of brain injury and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment. Care in the NICU has the potential to be both harmful and protective to the developing brain. Neuro-focused quality improvement efforts address 3 main pillars of neuroprotective care: prevention of acquired injury, protection of normal maturation, and promotion of a positive environment. Despite challenges in measurement, many centers have shown success with consistent implementation of best and potentially better practices that may improve markers of brain health and neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Liebowitz
- Envision Physician Services, St. Francis Hospital, 6001 East Woodmen Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80923, USA
| | - Katelin P Kramer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, 550 16th Avenue, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; University of California, Benioff Children's Hospital, 550 16th Avenue, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
| | - Elizabeth E Rogers
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, 550 16th Avenue, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA; University of California, Benioff Children's Hospital, 550 16th Avenue, 5th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. https://twitter.com/eerogersmd
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Hintz SR, deRegnier RA, Vohr BR. Outcomes of Preterm Infants: Shifting Focus, Extending the View. Clin Perinatol 2023; 50:1-16. [PMID: 36868700 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Advances in perinatal care have led to remarkable long-term survival for infants who are born preterm. This article reviews the broader context of follow-up care, highlighting the need to reenvision some areas, such as improving parental support by embedding parental involvement in the neonatal intensive care unit, incorporating parental perspectives about outcomes into follow-up care models and research, supporting their mental health, addressing social determinants of health and disparities, and advocating for change. Multicenter quality improvement networks allow identification and implementation of best practices for follow-up care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan R Hintz
- Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, 453 Quarry Road, 4th Floor, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA.
| | - Raye-Ann deRegnier
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 East Chicago Avenue, Box 45, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Betty R Vohr
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Women & Infants Hospital, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 101 Dudley Street, Providence, RI 02905, USA
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Litt JS, Campbell DE. High-Risk Infant Follow-Up After NICU Discharge: Current Care Models and Future Considerations. Clin Perinatol 2023; 50:225-238. [PMID: 36868707 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Preterm infants are at heightened risk for chronic health problems and developmental delays compared with term-born peers. High-risk infant follow-up programs provide surveillance and support for problems that may emerge during infancy and early childhood. Although considered standard of care, program structure, content, and timing are highly variable. Families face challenges accessing recommended follow-up services. Here, the authors review common models of high-risk infant follow-up, describe novel approaches, and outline considerations for improving the quality, value, and equity of follow-up care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan S Litt
- Department of Neonatology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School; Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health.
| | - Deborah E Campbell
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Weiler Einstein Campus, 1601 Tenbroeck Avenue, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine
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