Short-term outcome of pulmonary hemorrhage in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants

Intubation at Birth Is Associated with Death after Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

OBJECTIVE

This retrospective cohort study was performed to clarify the association between intubation in the delivery room and the mortality after pulmonary hemorrhage in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) during hospitalization.

METHODS

The study participants were screened from the VLBWIs admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from 31 July 2019 to 31 July 2022. The newborns who ultimately were included were those infants who survived until pulmonary hemorrhage was diagnosed. These subjects were divided into the intubation-at-birth group (n = 29) and the non-intubation-at-birth group (n = 35), retrospectively.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis found that the intubation group had a higher mortality and shorter hospital stay than the non-intubation group (p < 0.05) (for mortality: 25/29 (86.21%) in intubation group versus 14/35 (40.00%) in non-intubation group). By multivariate analysis, the result further showed that intubation in the delivery room was related to shorter survival time and higher risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio: 2.341, 95% confidence interval: 1.094-5.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Intubation at birth suggested a higher mortality in the VLBWIs when pulmonary hemorrhage occurred in the NICU.

Dose pulmonary hemorrhage increase the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low birth weight infants?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between pulmonary hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs).

METHODS

The study participants were all VLBW newborns admitted from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021. The BPD subjects finally included were VLBWIs who survived until the diagnosis was established. This study was divided into pulmonary hemorrhage group (PH group, n = 35) and non-pulmonary hemorrhage group (Non-PH group, n = 190).

RESULTS

By univariate analysis it was found that premature rupture of membranes, tracheal intubation in the delivery room, duration of mechanical ventilation, course of invasive ventilation (≥3 courses), pulmonary surfactant (>1 dose), medically and surgically treated patent ductus arteriosus, grade III-IV RDS, early onset sepsis, BPD and moderate to severe BPD showed significant differences between groups (p < .05). By Multivariate analysis, pulmonary hemorrhage did not increase the risks of BPD and moderate to severe BPD (adjusted OR for BPD = 1.710, 95% CI 0.581-5.039; adjusted OR for moderate to severe BPD = 2.401, 95% CI 0.736-7.834).

CONCLUSION

It suggests that pulmonary hemorrhage is not associated with the development of BPD and moderate to severe BPD in VLBWIs.

Risk factors and neonatal outcomes of pulmonary air leak syndrome in extremely preterm infants: A nationwide descriptive cohort study

Most extremely preterm infants (EPIs), who were born before 28 weeks of gestation, with pulmonary air leak syndrome (ALS) are symptomatic, often severe, and require drainage. EPIs with severe air leak syndrome (sALS) that require tube drainage or needle aspiration are at high risk of morbidities and mortality. This study aimed to investigate perinatal characteristics, morbidities, and mortality in EPIs with sALS, and to estimate the risk of mortality according to gestational age (GA). A prospective cohort study conducted from 2013 to 2020 compiled the Korean Neonatal Network database to evaluate the incidence, perinatal characteristics, and outcomes of sALS in EPIs born before 28 weeks of gestation. Among 5666 EPIs, the incidence of sALS was 9.4% and inversely related to GA. From this cohort, we compared 532 EPIs with sALS to 1064 EPIs without sALS as controls, matching the subjects by GA and birth weight. Preterm premature rupture of membranes, oligohydramnios, resuscitation after birth, low Apgar scores, repeated surfactant administration, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and pulmonary hemorrhage were associated with the development of pneumothorax. The sALS group required a higher fraction of inspired oxygen and more invasive respiratory support at both 28 days of life and 36 weeks of postmenstrual age. The sALS group had a higher incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and major brain injury. The mortality rate was higher in the sALS group than in the control group (55.3% vs 32.5%, P < .001), and the ALS group had a 1.7 times risk of mortality than the control group. More attention should be paid to sALS in EPIs because the frequency of sALS increased as GA decreased, and the risk of mortality was more significant at lower GA.

Pulmonary hemorrhage and associated risk factors among newborns admitted to a tertiary level neonatal unit in Botswana

Introduction

Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) is a life-threatening complication seen in very sick newborns with high morbidity and mortality. There is little data on the incidence, risk factors, and ultimate survival of newborns with pulmonary hemorrhage in sub-Saharan countries, where the healthcare provision and facility differ in many ways compared to high-income countries. Hence, this study aimed to determine the incidence, identify the risk factors, and describe the outcome of pulmonary hemorrhage in newborns in a low middle income country setting.

Methods and materials

A cohort study with prospective data collection was conducted in a public, tertiary-level hospital in Botswana, the Princess Marina Hospital (PMH). All newborns admitted to the neonatal unit from 1 January 2020 to 31 December 2021 were included in the study. Data were collected using a checklist developed on the RedCap database (https//:ehealth.ub.ac.bw/redcap). The incidence rate of pulmonary hemorrhage was calculated as the number of newborns who had pulmonary hemorrhage per 1,000 newborns in the 2-year period. Group comparisons were made using X² and Student's t-tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify risk factors independently associated with pulmonary hemorrhage.

Result

There were 1,350 newborns enrolled during the study period, of which 729 were male newborns (54%). The mean (SD) birth weight was 2,154(±997.5) g, and the gestational age was 34.3 (±4.7) weeks. In addition, 80% of the newborns were delivered in the same facility. The incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage was 54/1,350 {4% [95% CI (3%-5.2%)]} among the newborns admitted to the unit. The mortality rate in those diagnosed with pulmonary hemorrhage was 29/54 (53.7%). Multivariate logistic regression identified birth weight, anemia, sepsis, shock, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC), apnea of prematurity, neonatal encephalopathy, intraventricular hemorrhage, mechanical ventilation, and blood transfusion as risk factors independently associated with pulmonary hemorrhage.

Conclusion

This cohort study identified a high incidence and mortality rate of pulmonary hemorrhage in newborns in PMH. Multiple risk factors, such as low birth weight, anemia, blood transfusion, apnea of prematurity, neonatal encephalopathy, intraventricular hemorrhage, sepsis, shock, DIC, and mechanical ventilation, were identified as independently associated risk factors for PH.

[Pulmonary hemorrhage in very low birth weight infants: risk factors and clinical outcome]

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the risk factors for pulmonary hemorrhage and its clinical outcome in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs).

METHODS

The medical data were collected from all live VLBWIs (gestational age <35 weeks) who were admitted to Jiangsu Women and Children Health Hospital and Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between January 1, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 574 VLBWIs were included in the study, with 44 VLBWIs in the pulmonary hemorrhage group and 530 VLBWIs in the non-pulmonary hemorrhage group. The clinical data were compared between the two groups. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for pulmonary hemorrhage.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between the two groups in maternal age, rate of positive-pressure ventilation for resuscitation, rate of tracheal intubation for resuscitation, and minimum body temperature within 1 hour after birth (P<0.05). The pulmonary hemorrhage group had a higher proportion of VLBWIs with grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ respiratory distress syndrome or early-onset sepsis than the non-pulmonary hemorrhage group (P<0.05). The pulmonary hemorrhage group also had a higher proportion of VLBWIs with a capillary refilling time of >3 seconds within 1 hour after birth and with the maximum positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) of <5 cmH₂O within 24 hours after birth (P<0.05). The multivariate regression analysis showed that maternal age of 30-<35 years (OR=0.115, P<0.05) was a protective factor against pulmonary hemorrhage, while a lower temperature (<34°C) within 1 hour after birth, the maximum PEEP of <5 cm H₂O within 24 hours after birth, and early-onset sepsis were risk factors for pulmonary hemorrhage (OR=11.609, 11.118, and 20.661, respectively; P<0.05). For all VLBWIs, the pulmonary hemorrhage group had a longer duration of invasive ventilation and a higher mortality rate than the non-pulmonary hemorrhage group (P<0.05); for the survival VLBWIs, the pulmonary hemorrhage group had a higher incidence rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia than the non-pulmonary hemorrhage group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Maintaining the stability of temperature, giving appropriate PEEP, and identifying sepsis as early as possible can reduce the incidence rate of pulmonary hemorrhage, thereby helping to reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and mortality in VLBWIs.

Pulmonary hemorrhage in extremely low birth weight infants: Significance of the size of left to right shunting through a valve incompetent patent foramen ovale

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary hemorrhage is a rare but severe complication of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. The association of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) and the diameter of the foramen ovale (FO) with pulmonary hemorrhage has not been reported.

STUDY DESIGN

Case control study of ELBW infants with and without pulmonary hemorrhage. Each ELBW infant with an echocardiogram within 48 h of pulmonary hemorrhage was analyzed.

RESULT

16 infants with pulmonary hemorrhage were matched with 32 controls by birth weight and gestational age. Echocardiogram showed hsPDA in all infants and those with pulmonary hemorrhage had significantly smaller patent FO [PFO] (1 vs 2.4 mm, p < 0.01) (OR 0.007; 95% CI 0.00007, 0.67 p = 0.03). Incidence of pulmonary hemorrhage was 8.9%.

CONCLUSION

ELBW infants with hsPDA who experienced pulmonary hemorrhage had a significantly restricted or closed FO. Evaluation of FO should be considered with serial echocardiograms when evaluating for hsPDA.

Short-term outcomes of very-low-birth-weight infants born to mothers of advanced and very advanced maternal age

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether advanced maternal age (35-39 years, AMA)/very advanced maternal age (≥40 years, VAMA) impacts neonatal outcomes of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants.

METHODS

Data of VLBW infants admitted to our unit were reviewed. Demographic findings and neonatal outcomes were compared among maternal age [(<35 years, not advanced maternal age, n = 329), AMA (n = 209), and VAMA (n = 43)] groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the associated risk factors for neonatal outcomes.

RESULT

Mortality and overall morbidities showed no significant intergroup differences, except for massive pulmonary hemorrhage (MPH). Multivariate analysis revealed that AMA/VAMA was not significantly associated with MPH development, while ≥ two doses of surfactant administration was. Higher gestational age and antenatal corticosteroid administration were protective.

CONCLUSION

AMA/VAMA is not associated with neonatal mortality and morbidities. Since the proportion of AMA/VAMA mothers is expected to increase, perinatal medicine practitioners should focus on approaches before and immediately after birth of such infants.

Pulmonary haemorrhage in neonates: Systematic review of management

AIM

Pulmonary haemorrhage (PH) is an acute catastrophic event with low incidence yet high mortality among neonates. We aimed to systematically review the management of PH.

METHODS

A search was carried out of the PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases according to the PRISMA guidelines. Data were extracted on study design and size, patient demographics, primary and adjunctive treatment methods, and treatment outcomes.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies with 385 newborn infants were included and were significantly heterogeneous regarding treatment methods. Primary treatments included surfactant, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), epinephrine, coagulopathy management, intermittent positive pressure ventilation, cocaine and tolazoline. Adjunctive treatment methods included blood products, HFOV, increased positive end-expiratory pressure, vitamin K, surfactant, adrenaline, vasopressors and inotropes. All five studies using surfactant as primary treatment were effective in improving oxygenation index measures and preventing recurrence of PH, and three studies found no association between surfactant and death or long-term disability. Ventilatory support, epinephrine, management of coagulopathy and tolazoline were all found to be effective primary treatments for PH.

CONCLUSION

There are several effective methods of managing PH in neonates. Further understanding of the aetiology of PH and ongoing research will allow future prevention and improvements in management of PH.

Ultra-slim flexible bronchoscopy-guided topical hemostatic drugs administration for the management of life-threatening refractory pulmonary hemorrhage in a preterm infant: Case report

Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) is a rare acute catastrophic event with high mortality among neonates, especially preterm infants. Primary treatments included pulmonary surfactant, high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, epinephrine, coagulopathy management, and intermittent positive pressure ventilation. However, there are still challenges in diagnosing and treating refractory or focal pulmonary hemorrhages. Ultra-slim bronchoscopy has been widely used in the field of critically ill children and is increasingly being done in neonates with critical respiratory disease in recent years. In this study, we report a case with refractory pulmonary hemorrhage in premature infants, which was finally diagnosed as localized hemorrhage in the upper left lobe and cured by ultra-slim bronchoscopy-guided topical hemostatic drug administration. Bronchoscopy is an optional, safe, and practicable technique for early diagnosis and direct injection therapy of neonatal PH in managing life-threatening PH.

Association between pulmonary hemorrhage and CPAP failure in very preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) in neonates is a life-threatening respiratory complication. We aimed to analyze the perinatal risk factors and morbidity with PH among very preterm infants in a large multicenter study.

METHODS

This was a multicenter case-control study based on a prospective cohort. Participants included 3,680 in-born infants with a gestational age at 24-32 weeks (birth weight <1,500 g) who were admitted between January 1, 2019, and October 31, 2021. All infants were divided into two groups, namely, the PH and no-PH groups, at a ratio of 1:2 according to the following factors: gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), and the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology with Perinatal extension II (SNAPPE II). Perinatal factors and outcomes were compared between the two groups by logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 3,680 infants were included in the study, and the number of identified cases of PH was 262 (7.1%). The incidence was 16.9% (136/806) for neonates with extremely low BW (BW < 1,000 g) infants. The multivariate analysis showed that CPAP failure (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.57, 5.08) was significantly associated with PH. PH was associated with a high likelihood of death (OR 3.81, 95% CI 2.67, 5.43) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (≥grade II) (OR 1.58, 95% CI 1.00, 2.48).

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicenter case-control study based on a prospective cohort, PH to be common among VLBW infants. PH is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and perinatal management, especially CPAP failure. Respiratory management strategies to decrease the risk of PH should be optimized.

Pulmonary Hemorrhage in the Neonate

Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) is a pathology associated with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among preterm infants in the NICU. The diagnosis is made when hemorrhagic secretions are aspirated from the trachea concurrent with respiratory decompensation that necessitates intubation or escalated support. The implementation of mechanical ventilation and widespread exogenous surfactant administration have significantly reduced respiratory morbidities. However, when PH develops, death remains the most common outcome. Treatment for PH remains primarily supportive; thus, a thorough understanding of underlying disease processes, manifestations, diagnostic testing, and current evidence is vital to enable early identification and proactive management to reduce morbidity and mortality.

Exploring prediction model and survival strategies for pulmonary hemorrhage in premature infants: a single-center, retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hemorrhage is a potentially fatal event especially for preterm infants, which can lead to serious complications and even death. Many risk factors have been associated with the development of massive pulmonary hemorrhage. However, there is still no effective strategy to prevent massive pulmonary hemorrhage. The purpose of this study is to explore prediction model and survival strategies for massive pulmonary hemorrhage in premature infants.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, we included all premature infants with birth weight <1,500 g who were hospitalized in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between January 01 2010 and December 31 2019.

RESULTS

Of 599 preterm infants, 51 developed massive pulmonary hemorrhage. The logistic regression analysis showed that patent ductus arteriosus [odds ratio (OR) =11.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.79-27.0, P<0.0001], coagulopathy (OR =6.56, 95% CI: 2.83-15.2, P<0.0001), and 10-minute Apgar Score (OR =0.52, 95% CI: 0.37-0.73, P=0.0001) were risk factors for massive pulmonary hemorrhage. Whether or not surfactant is used, the positive predictive value of combined patent ductus arteriosus and coagulopathy for predicting massive pulmonary hemorrhage was 68.9% and 70.4%, respectively. Of the 51 preterm infants with massive pulmonary hemorrhage, 25 died and 26 survived. The survivors group had higher positive end-expiratory pressure compared with the deceased group after the onset of massive pulmonary hemorrhage. After adjusting for potential risk factors, the multiple logistic regression analysis showed that higher positive end-expiratory pressure levels are closely related to survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Patent ductus arteriosus combined with coagulopathy has a high predictive value for massive pulmonary hemorrhage. Higher positive end-expiratory pressure levels may reduce mortality in massive pulmonary hemorrhage.

Perinatal Pulmonary Hemorrhage: A Retrospective Autopsy Case Series

Perinatal pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) is a condition characterized by blood loss via the respiratory tract with an approximate incidence of 0.1% in all newborns. The histologic characteristics of the lung in PH are not well characterized, and we hypothesized that pulmonary maldevelopment such as pulmonary hypoplasia may contribute to PH. In addition, we sought to find any correlations with placental pathology. Retrospective study of fetal and neonatal autopsies with diagnosis of PH was performed between the years from 2009 to 2015. Autopsy reports, placental pathology reports, and hematoxylin and eosin sections of the lung were reviewed. Of the 17 cases which were identified meeting inclusion criteria, PH ranged from mild (<5% in each lung) to severe (>75% in both lungs). PH involved >50% of both lungs in 6 cases. Pulmonary hypoplasia was designated in 7 of 17 (41.17%) cases with PH. Pulmonary hypoplasia and/or persistence of intra-acinar arterioles was seen in 13 of 17 (76.4%) cases. No specific placental pathology was seen universally in the cases of PH, but either maternal or fetal vascular malperfusion was noted in 14 of 17 (82%) cases. Our data suggest a high prevalence of pulmonary maldevelopment, such as pulmonary hypoplasia and persistence of intra-acinar arterioles, in cases with PH. Although no specific placental pathology is seen in PH, maternal and fetal vascular pathology is common.

Perinatal risk factors for pulmonary hemorrhage in extremely low-birth-weight infants

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary hemorrhage (PH) is a life-threatening respiratory complication of extremely low-birth-weight infants (ELBWIs). However, the risk factors for PH are controversial. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the perinatal risk factors and short-term outcomes of PH in ELBWIs.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of live born infants who had birth weights that were less than 1000 g, lived for at least 12 hours, and did not have major congenital anomalies. A logistic regression model was established to analyze the risk factors associated with PH.

RESULTS

There were 168 ELBWIs born during this period. A total of 160 infants were included, and 30 infants were diagnosed with PH. Risk factors including gestational age, small for gestational age, intubation in the delivery room, surfactant in the delivery room, repeated use of surfactant, higher FiO₂ during the first day, invasive ventilation during the first day and early onset sepsis (EOS) were associated with the occurrence of PH by univariate analysis. In the logistic regression model, EOS was found to be an independent risk factor for PH. The mortality and intraventricular hemorrhage rate of the group of ELBWIs with PH were significantly higher than those of the group of ELBWIs without PH. The rates of periventricular leukomalacia, moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and severe retinopathy of prematurity, and the duration of the hospital stay were not significantly different between the PH and no-PH groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although PH did not extend hospital stay or increase the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, it increased the mortality and intraventricular hemorrhage rate in ELBWIs. EOS was the independent risk factor for PH in ELBWIs.

Neonatal Respiratory Support on Transport

Respiratory support is frequently required during neonatal transport. This review identifies the various modalities of respiratory support available during neonatal transport and their appropriate clinical uses. The respiratory equipment required during neonatal transport and appropriate safety checks are also reviewed. In addition, we discuss potential respiratory emergencies and how to respond to them to decrease the risk of complications during transport and improve health outcomes.

Pulmonary Hemorrhage in the Neonate

A case study of a 37 weeks' gestational age male infant, presenting with bloody fluid orally shortly after birth. The presentation, etiology, diagnosis, and management of pulmonary hemorrhage are addressed.

Morbidity and mortality with early pulmonary haemorrhage in preterm neonates

OBJECTIVE

There are no large studies evaluating pulmonary haemorrhage (PH) in premature infants. We sought to quantify the clinical characteristics, morbidities and mortality associated with early PH.

DESIGN

Data were abstracted from the Pediatrix Clinical Data Warehouse, a large de-identified data set. For incidence calculations, we included infants from 340 Pediatrix United States Neonatal Intensive Care Units from 2005 to 2014 without congenital anomalies. Infants <28 weeks' gestation with PH within 7 days of birth were then matched with two controls for birth weight, gestational age, gender, antenatal steroid exposure, day of life 0 or 1 intubation and multiple gestation.

RESULTS

From 596 411 total infants, we identified 2799 with a diagnosis of PH. Peak incidence was 86.9 cases per 1000 admissions for neonates born at 24 weeks' gestation. We then identified 1476 infants <28 weeks' gestation with an early PH diagnosis at ≤7 days of age of which 1363 (92.3%) were successfully matched. Patients with early PH had significantly higher exposure to poractant alfa (35.4% vs 28%), diagnosis of shock (63.7% vs 51%) and grade IV intraventricular haemorrhage (20.8% vs 6%). Patients with PH also had significantly higher mortality rates at 7 days of age (40.6% vs 18.9%), 30 days of age (54% vs 28.8%) and prior to discharge (56.9% vs 33.7).

CONCLUSION

In this large cohort of premature infants, we found PH to be common among the most premature babies. Early PH was associated with significant morbidity and mortality in excess of 50%. A renewed focus on the underlying pathophysiology and prevention of PH is warranted.

Cerebral oxygen saturation and peripheral perfusion in the extremely premature infant with intraventricular and/or pulmonary haemorrhage early in life

Extremely preterm infants are at higher risk of pulmonary (PH) and intraventricular (IVH) haemorrhage during the transitioning physiology due to immature cardiovascular system. Monitoring of haemodynamics can detect early abnormal circulation that may lead to these complications. We described time-frequency relationships between near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) cerebral regional haemoglobin oxygen saturation (CrSO₂) and preductal peripheral perfusion index (PI), capillary oxygen saturation (SpO₂) and heart rate (HR) in extremely preterm infants in the first 72 h of life. Patients were sub-grouped in infants with PH and/or IVH (N _H  = 8) and healthy controls (N _C  = 11). Data were decomposed in wavelets allowing the analysis of localized variations of power. This approach allowed to quantify the percentage of time of significant cross-correlation, semblance, gain (transfer function) and coherence between signals. Ultra-low frequencies (<0.28 mHz) were analyzed as slow and prolonged periods of impaired circulation are considered more detrimental than transient fluctuations. Cross-correlation between CrSO₂ and oximetry (PI, SpO₂ and HR) as well as in-phase semblance and gain between CrSO₂ and HR were significantly lower while anti-phase semblance between CrSO₂ and HR was significantly higher in PH-IVH infants compared to controls. These differences may reflect haemodynamic instability associated with cerebrovascular autoregulation and hemorrhagic complications observed during the transitioning physiology.

Management of severe pulmonary hemorrhage in a neonate on veno-arterial ECMO by the temporary clamping of the endotracheal tube – a case report

Severe pulmonary hemorrhage in the newborn is an infrequent, but life-threatening, event. A newborn with persistent pulmonary hypertension and a large persistent ductus arteriosus and open foramen ovale presented with hypoxemia and progressive right heart failure shortly after birth, requiring veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Twenty minutes after the initiation of ECMO, the patient developed severe pulmonary hemorrhage refractory to conventional treatment. As a last resort, the endotracheal tube was clamped. After transport to the ECMO center, repeated attempts to open the endotracheal tube resulted in continued blood loss and the endotracheal tube was clamped for a total of 63 hours without any mechanical ventilation. On the third postnatal day, the endotracheal tube was reopened, large amounts of clot were removed by bronchoscopy and mechanical ventilation was resumed followed by improved general condition and favorable outcome.

Circulatory Management Focusing on Preventing Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Pulmonary Hemorrhage in Preterm Infants

The goal of modern neonatal care of extremely preterm infants is to reduce mortality and long-term neurological impairments. Preterm infants frequently experience cerebral intraventricular or pulmonary hemorrhage, which usually occurs within 72 hours after birth and can lead to long-term neurological sequelae and mortality. These serious hemorrhagic complications are closely related to perinatal hemodynamic changes, including an increase in the afterload on the left ventricle of the heart after the infant is separated from the placenta, and an increased preload from a left-to-right shunt caused by a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). The left ventricle of a preterm myocardium has limited ability to respond to such an increase in afterload and preload, and this can result in cardiac dysfunction and hemodynamic deterioration. We suggest that delayed umbilical cord clamping or umbilical cord milking to maintain optimal blood pressure and systemic blood flow (SBF), careful assessment to keep the afterload at an acceptable level, and a strategy of early targeted treatment of significant PDA to improve perfusion during this critical time period may reduce or prevent these serious complications in preterm infants.

Massive pulmonary hemorrhage before living donor liver transplantation in infants

A massive pulmonary hemorrhage in patients with liver cirrhosis is a life-threatening complication that may result in a contraindication of a liver transplantation because of its high mortality rate. Herein, we present two infant biliary atresia cases that successfully underwent an LDLT that was followed by intensive respiratory care for the pretransplant massive pulmonary hemorrhage. Both cases exhibited severe respiratory failure (minimum PaO2/FiO2; 46 mmHg and 39 mmHg, respectively). To arrest the bleeding, we applied a very high positive pressure ventilation treatment (maximum PIP/PEEP; 38/14 cmH2O and 55/15 cmH2O, respectively), plasma exchange, several FFP transfusions, and recombinant factor VIIa via intrapulmonary administration. In addition, we used CHDF treatment, applied HFOV transiently, and treated the patient with inhalation of nitric oxide. Although we prepared ECMO for intra-operative use, both cases were successfully managed with conventional mechanical ventilation without using ECMO, which may have worsened the pulmonary hemorrhage due to the use of an anticoagulant. Use of an excessive positive pressure management, although it poses a risk for barotrauma, could be acceptable to arrest the pulmonary bleeding in selected cases of liver failure patients who have no time remaining before LDLT.