Oropharyngeal colostrum therapy reduces the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in very low birth weight infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

The spectrum of pneumonia among intubated neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit

We review the pathophysiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in neonates. VAP has been studied primarily in adult ICU patients, although there has been more focus on pediatric and neonatal VAP (neo-VAP) in the last decade. The definition as well as diagnosis of VAP in neonates remains a challenge to date. The neonatal intensivist needs to be familiar with the current diagnostic tools and prevention strategies available to treat and reduce VAP to reduce neonatal morbidity and the emergence of antibiotic resistance. This review also highlights preventive strategies and old and emerging treatments available.

Reducing extrauterine growth restriction in very preterm neonates: A before-after intervention study

BACKGROUND

Focus on preterm nutrition strategies is imperative. Extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) is a clinically relevant, but seemingly elusive consequence, often used to benchmark and compare outcomes.

METHODS

This before-after observational study was designed to study the effect of a multipronged updated "nutrition care bundle" in very preterm infants on rate of EUGR compared with a cohort from a previous period. Eligible participants were neonates born at <32 weeks' gestation who completed care in the unit; a retrospective group from a previous period and a prospective cohort after implementation of the bundle were included. The bundle constituted of three key areas: (1) aggressive parenteral nutrition with high-dose amino acids and lipids from day 1, (2) "rapid-escalation" enteral feed regimens including earlier introduction of human milk fortifier (at 40-ml/kg/day feeds), and (3) colostrum mouth paint and structured oromotor stimulation to promote oral feeding. EUGR was defined as a z score difference of >-1 in weight for postmenstrual age (PMA) at discharge and at birth.

RESULTS

Data of 116 infants were retrieved for the retrospective group; 103 infants were included in the prospective group. EUGR was reduced from 71% to 58% (P = 0.039) after implementation of the bundle. Infants in the prospective group achieved full oral feeds at earlier PMA (P < 0.001) and were discharged at earlier PMA (P = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The proportion of neonates with EUGR was reduced significantly after implementation of the revised nutrition care bundle. Achievement of full oral feeds and discharge readiness were earlier in the prospective group.

A Scoping Review of the Oral Microbiome in Preterm Infants

The purpose of this scoping review was to examine the oral microbiome composition in preterm infants, sampling and collection methods, as well as exposures associated with oral microbiome composition and health implications. We conducted a scoping review of the literature using the Arskey and O'Malley framework. We identified a total of 13 articles which met our inclusion criteria and purpose of this scoping review. Articles included in this review compared the oral microbiome in preterm infants to term infants, examined alterations to the oral microbiome over time, compared the oral microbiome to different body site microbiomes, and explored associations with clinically relevant covariates and outcomes. Exposures associated with the diversity and composition of the oral microbiome in preterm infants included delivery mode, oral feeding, oropharyngeal care, skin-to-skin care, and antibiotics. Day of life and birth weight were also associated with oral microbiome composition. The oral microbiome may be associated with the composition of the tracheal and gut microbiomes, likely due to their proximity. Alpha and beta diversity findings varied across studies as well as the relative abundance of taxa. This is likely due to the different sampling techniques and timing of collection, as well as the wide range of infant clinical characteristics. Multiple factors may influence the composition of the oral microbiome in preterm infants. However, given the heterogeneity of sampling techniques and results within this review, the evidence is not conclusive on the development as well as short- and long-term implications of the oral microbiome in preterm infants and needs to be explored in future research studies. KEY POINTS: · Day of life is a critical factor in oral microbiome development in preterm infants.. · The oral microbiome may be associated with tracheal and gut microbiome colonization.. · Future research should examine sampling methodology for examining the oral microbiome.. · Future research should explore associations with the oral microbiome and adverse health outcomes..

Effects of oropharyngeal administration of own mother's milk on oral microbial colonization in very low birth weight infants fed by gastric tube: A randomized controlled trial

AIMS

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of oropharyngeal mother's milk administration on oral microbial colonization in infants fed by gastric tube at different time points.

METHODS

Infants (n = 116) with birth weight <1500 g were randomly allocated into two groups which both received breast milk for enteral nutrition. The control group (n = 51) accepted oropharyngeal normal saline administration. The experimental group (n = 53) accepted oropharyngeal mother's milk administration before fed by gastric tube once every 3 h over 21 days after birth. We analyzed the oral microbiota at initiation and 7 and 14 and 21 days later using 16S DNA amplicon sequencing.

RESULTS

There were no difference in oral microbial diversity between the two groups at any time point, but diversity decreased significantly over time in both groups. On the first day of life, the oral microbiota of the infant in the experimental and control groups consisted mainly of Firmicutes (7.75%, 6.18%) and Proteobacteria (68.65%, 68.69%), respectively. As time increases to 21 days after birth, Firmicutes (77.67%, 77.66%) had replaced Proteobacteria (68.65%, 68.69%) as the predominant phylum.

DISCUSSION

From birth to 21 days after birth, oropharyngeal mother's milk administration did not change the diversity and structural composition of the oral microbiota. The oral microbial diversity of infants declined significantly over time. Firmicutes had replaced Proteobacteria as the predominant phylum.

The effect of oropharyngeal mother's milk on nutritional outcomes in preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Oropharyngeal interventions are an accepted method to improve the nutritional performance of premature infants. Considering the countless benefits of breast milk and the few studies on the use of breast milk as an oral-pharyngeal intervention, this study was conducted with the aim of determining the effect of oral-pharyngeal administration of breast milk on nutritional outcomes in premature infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this clinical trial, 80 premature infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit of Amir al-Mu'minin Hospital in Semnan (a city in Iran) were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 40) and control groups (n = 40). Infants in the intervention group were given breast milk, and infants in the control group were given sterile water as a placebo. The data collection tool included demographic and clinical questions checklist, including sex, gestational age, weight, milk administration time, lavage and its amount, vomiting, abdominal distension, and so on. Data analysis was performed using SPSS23.

RESULTS

The mean volume of total milk received by infants (p = 0.047) and the mean volume of milk received by mouth (p < 0.000) at the time of discharge were higher in the intervention group. Moreover, the time to start enteral nutrition in the intervention group was lower than in the control group (P = 0.012). Administering mother's milk through the oropharyngeal method led to a reduction in infants' length of stay in the hospital (P = 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of the present study, the oropharyngeal administration of breast milk in the first days after the birth of premature infants admitted to the hospital improves the outcomes related to their nutritional status. Therefore, it is suggested that this convenient, safe, and feasible method be used in hospitalized premature infants as soon as possible so that premature infants can benefit from the important advantages of breast milk.

Effect of oropharyngeal colostrum therapy on neonatal sepsis in preterm neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Various studies have shown that oropharyngeal colostrum application (OPCA) is beneficial to preterm neonates. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess whether OPCA reduces the incidence of culture-proven neonatal sepsis in preterm neonates. Randomized controlled trials comparing OPCA with placebo or standard care in preterm neonates were included. Medline, Embase, Web of Science, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Scopus, and CENTRAL were searched for studies published up to June 15, 2023. We used the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, version 2, for risk of bias assessment, the random-effects model (RevMan 5.4) for meta-analysis, and Gradepro software for assessing the certainty of evidence. Twenty-one studies involving 2393 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Four studies had a low risk of bias, whereas seven had a high risk. Oropharyngeal colostrum significantly reduced the incidence of culture-proven sepsis (18 studies, 1990 neonates, risk ratio [RR]: 0.78, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.65, 0.94), mortality (18 studies, 2117 neonates, RR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.59, 0.90), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (17 studies, 1692 neonates, RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.82), feeding intolerance episodes (four studies, 445 neonates, RR: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.38, 0.92), and the time to full enteral feeding (19 studies, 2142 neonates, mean difference: -2 to 21 days, 95% CI: -3.44, -0.99 days). There was no reduction in intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, ventilator-associated pneumonia, neurodevelopmental abnormalities, hospital stay duration, time to full oral feeding, weight at discharge, pneumonia, and duration of antibiotic therapy. The certainty of the evidence was high for the outcomes of culture-positive sepsis and mortality, moderate for NEC, low for time to full enteral feeding, and very low for feeding intolerance. OPCA reduces culture-positive sepsis and mortality (high certainty), NEC (moderate certainty), and time to full enteral feeding (low certainty) in preterm neonates. However, scarcity of data from extremely premature infants limits the generalizability of these results to this population.

Short-Term Outcomes of Early Oral Colostrum Administration in VLBW Neonates: An Open-Label Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Oropharyngeal colostrum priming (OCP) has been proposed as a potential nutritional option for very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns. This study aimed to determine short-term outcomes of early oral colostrum administration in VLBW neonates.

Methods

This open-label randomized controlled trial was conducted on VLBW neonates admitted to Mahdieh Hospital, Tehran, Iran, between February and December 2022. According to the protocol, all eligible neonates were randomized evenly to the intervention group, which received oral colostrum (OC), and the control group, which received no OC. Finally, short-term outcomes of early OC administration were compared between groups using the independent-samples t test, chi-square, and Fisher exact tests.

Results

Of 80 randomized neonates, 37 and 39 from the intervention and control groups entered the final analysis, respectively. Neonates in the intervention and control groups did not significantly differ in terms of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) infection (P = 0.728), sepsis (P = 0.904), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (P > 0.999), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (P = 0.141), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (P = 0.923), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (P = 0.633). Furthermore, there was no significant difference between groups considering the time to reach 120 cc/kg feeds (P = 0.557), time to reach birth weight (P = 0.157), length of hospitalization (P = 0.532), and mortality rate (P = 0.628).

Conclusion

The results of our study revealed that despite safety, early OC administration did not improve any of the short-term outcomes in VLBW neonates.

Oropharyngeal colostrum immunotherapy and risk reduction of mortality in very low birth weight premature newborns: a clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of oropharyngeal colostrum immunotherapy (OCI) on the mortality of preterm newborns (PTNB) with very low birth weight (VLBW).

METHOD

Non-randomized clinical trial, carried out with 138 mother-child pairs attended at a public maternity hospital. The treatment group used raw colostrum, dripping 4 drops (0.2 ml) into the oropharyngeal mucosa, totaling 8 administrations in 24 h, up to the 7th complete day of life (OCI). The control group was composed of newborns admitted to the same maternity hospital before the implementation of the OCI. Analyzes were performed: descriptive, bivariate, multiple logistic regression, and survival analysis, with a significance level of 5% and 95% CI.

RESULTS

The treatment group had an RR of death of 0.26 (95% CI = 0.07-0.67; p = 0.00), adjusted for maternal age, marital status, gestational hypertension, type of delivery, number of prenatal visits, and birth weight. Number Needed to Treat (NNT) demonstrated that for every 5 individuals treated with OCI, one death was prevented NNT = 4.9 (95% CI = 1.84-5.20); however, for PTNB with VLBW who remained hospitalized for 50, 100 and 150 days, the NNT reduces to 4, 4 and 3, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The OCI proved to be a beneficial intervention, since it reduced the risk of mortality in PTNB with VLBW when compared to the control group.

A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Very Preterm Infants

OBJECTIVE

To reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among very preterm infants in the Calgary Health Region to ≤2% within 2 years.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary team developed key drivers for NEC. Targeted interventions included strategies to increase mothers' own milk (MOM), improve compliance with feeding regimens, standardize management of feeding intolerance, prevent intestinal microbial aberrations, and feed conservatively during blood transfusion and the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus. The outcome measure was NEC (≥ stage 2). Changes in NEC rates were examined among racial and ethnic groups. Process measures included MOM feeding at discharge, the difference between actual and expected time to reach full feeds, lowest hemoglobin, and the duration of empirical antibiotics. Growth, the rate of blood transfusion, and the duration of parenteral nutrition were balancing measures. The preintervention, intervention, and sustainment periods were January 2013 to June 2016, July 2016 to December 2018, and December 2018 to December 2021, respectively.

RESULTS

We included 2787 infants born at ≤326/7 weeks' gestation (1105 preintervention, 763 during intervention, and 919 in sustainment). NEC decreased from 5.6% to 1.9%. Process measures indicated increased MOM feeding at discharge, improved compliance with feeding regimens, increased lowest hemoglobin levels, and shorter durations of empirical antibiotics. Balancing measures revealed improved weight Z-scores, shorter durations on parenteral nutrition, and increased rates of blood transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Quality improvement initiatives to increase MOM, improve compliance with feeding regimens, feed conservatively during blood transfusion and treatment of patent ductus arteriosus, and prevent intestinal microbial aberrations were associated with reduced NEC.

Oropharyngeal application of colostrum or mother's own milk in preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Many preterm neonates often cannot be fed enterally and hence do not receive the benefits of colostrum. Oropharyngeal application of colostrum is a novel way of harnessing the immunological benefits of colostrum. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the efficacy of this approach have shown variable results.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to synthesize available data on the effect of oropharyngeal application of colostrum or mother's own milk (CMOM) in preterm infants.

DATA SOURCES

Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library) were searched until January 13, 2022. Only RCTs comparing oral application of CMOM with placebo/routine care in preterm infants were eligible. Studies enrolling term neonates or administering enteral feeds were excluded.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two investigators independently extracted data using a structured proforma.

DATA ANALYSIS

The Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool was used to assess bias. Random-effects meta-analysis was undertaken using RevMan 5.4 software. From 2787 records identified, 17 RCTs enrolling 4106 preterm infants were included. There was no significant difference between groups in incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) stage 2 or higher (RR = 0.65; 95%CI, 0.36-1.20; 1089 participants in 12 trials). Application of CMOM significantly reduced the incidence of sepsis (RR = 0.72; 95%CI, 0.56-0.92; 1511 participants in 15 studies) and any stage of NEC (RR = 0.58; 95%CI, 0.37-0.92; 1616 participants in 16 trials). The CMOM group achieved full enteral feeds 1.75 days sooner (95%CI, 0.3-3.2 days; 1580 participants in 14 studies) and had higher weight at discharge (MD = 43.9 g; 95%CI, 3-85 g; 569 participants in 3 studies). There were no statistically significant differences in other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence with low to very low certainty suggests CMOM has a beneficial effect on NEC (any stage), sepsis, and time to full enteral feeds. Given its low cost and minimal risk of harm, routine CMOM use may be considered in preterm neonates.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021262763.

Long Duration of Oral Care Using Mother's Own Milk Influences Oral Microbiota and Clinical Outcomes in Very-low-birthweight Infants: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Several studies have focused on the clinical outcomes of oral care using colostrum for a limited time (2-5 days) in very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants. However, the effect of long-term mother's own milk (MOM) on the clinical outcomes and oral microbiota of VLBW infants remains unknown.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, VLBW neonates were randomly assigned to oral care by MOM or sterile water (SW) groups until they started oral feeding. The primary outcome was oral microbiota composition including alpha and beta diversity, relative abundance, and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe). The secondary outcomes were various morbidities and mortality.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics of the two groups did not differ (63 neonates, MOM group, n = 30, oral care 22 days; SW group, n = 33, oral care 27 days). There was no significant difference in alpha and beta diversities between the groups before and after the intervention. The MOM group had a significantly lower rate of clinical sepsis than the SW group (47% vs. 76%, risk ratio = 0.62, 95% CI: 0.40-0.97). The relative abundance of Bifidobacterium bifidum and Faecalibacterium were maintained after MOM care, especially in neonates without clinical sepsis, but decreased after SW care. LEfSe showed that neonates in the MOM and SW groups with clinical sepsis had the highest abundance of Pseudomonas and Gammaproteobacteria, respectively, compared with neonates without sepsis.

CONCLUSIONS

A longer duration of oral care using MOM in VLBW infants sustains healthy bacteria and decreases the risk of clinical sepsis.

Early-Life Nutrition in Preterm Infants and Risk of Respiratory Infections and Wheezing: A Scoping Review

INTRODUCTION

Preterm birth is a common early-life event that can lead to long-term consequences. The incidence of wheezing, asthma, and respiratory tract infections is higher in children born prematurely than in the general population. The purpose of this review was to synthesize the existing literature on the role of early-life nutrition in the later risk of respiratory morbidities.

METHODS

A scoping review of the literature was performed by searching three online databases. Inclusion criteria were: infants born <37 GWk, comparing human milk versus any other type of milk feeding formulation. Our primary outcomes were wheezing or asthma or respiratory tract infections after discharge. Two authors independently screened the results and extracted study characteristics using a predefined charting form.

RESULTS

Nine articles were included (eight cohort studies and one randomized trial). Four studies supported the protective effect of breastfeeding on wheezing or respiratory infections or both. Four studies did not confirm this association. One study confirmed the protective role of breastfeeding only on the subgroup of girls. There was a high heterogeneity among the included studies, in the type of milk feeding, outcomes, and age at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence is conflicting. The high heterogeneity and methodological flaws could have influenced the results of the studies. Carefully designed studies are required to define the role of early-life nutrition among preterm infants on their long-term respiratory outcomes.

Colostrum and Preterm Babies: A Systematic Review

Colostrum from mothers is rich in immunomodulating bio-factors such as immunoglobulins (IgA), lactoferrin, and oligosaccharides and supports gut microbial and inflammatory processes. The support in these processes may provide some relief for infants who are born pre-term. Pre-term infants are more likely to develop necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), late-onset sepsis (LOS), and ventilator-acquired/associated pneumonia (VAP). Due to the components of colostrum, there may be incentives towards early administration for preterm infants. An extensive literature review was done using ProQuest, ScienceDirect, and PubMed. Only meta-analyses and experimental studies were used. The search included the keywords 'colostrum and preterm' and 'colostrum and necrotizing enterocolitis'. The initial search generated 13,543 articles and was narrowed to 25 articles through comprehensive inclusion and exclusion criteria. There were significantly higher levels of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in pre-term infants given colostrum and a decrease in Moraxellaceae and Staphylococcaceae. Salivary secretory IgA increased following oral colostrum administration in pre-term infants along with downregulation of interleukin (IL)-1b and IL-8. It was also observed that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-a, and interferon-gamma (IFN-g) were significantly higher in the control group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of LOS, NEC, or VAP between pre-term infants receiving colostrum and those who did not. Secondary outcomes such as time to full enteral feeding were improved in pre-term infants receiving oral colostrum in addition to reduced hospital stays. Lastly, there was no difference in mortality between pre-term infants that received colostrum compared to those who did not.

The effect of oropharyngeal colostrum administration on the clinical outcomes of premature infants: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Preterm complications are now the second leading cause of death in children under five years of age. Colostrum is essential to prevent infection and promote maturation in preterm infants. Guidelines recommend that preterm infants be fed colostrum by the oral and pharyngeal routes as early as possible after birth to provide immune protection; however, due to disease and an uncoordinated sucking and swallowing function, it is challenging to provide colostrum through the oropharyngeal route, which limits the immune protection it provides.

OBJECTIVE

To update the existing meta-analysis, evaluate the effect of oropharyngeal colostrum administration on related outcomes in preterm infants and explore the optimal frequency and duration of oropharyngeal colostrum administration through subgroup analysis.

METHODS

The Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Ovid databases were searched for randomized control trials (RCTs) of oropharyngeal colostrum administration for preterm infants. Two researchers screened the literature strictly according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and evaluated the quality. Primary data and data from the included literature were extracted. Finally, the data were statistically analyzed by the Review Manager 5.3 software.

RESULTS

A total of 1736 preterm infants were included in 16 RCTs. The meta-analysis showed that the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis, feeding intolerance, and death was lower, the time to full enteral feeding was shorter, and the day of recovery to birth weight was earlier in the intervention group (oropharyngeal colostrum administration group) than in the control group, and this difference was statistically significant. Subgroup analysis: Frequency of oropharyngeal colostrum administration: The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis in the once every 4 h group was lower than that in the control group, and the time to complete enteral feeding was shorter. Duration of oropharyngeal colostrum administration: In the 1-3 days group and 4-7 days group, the time to full enteral feeding in the intervention group was shorter. In the 8-10 days group, the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis was lower in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

Oropharyngeal colostrum administration can reduce the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis, feeding intolerance and mortality, shorten the time to full enteral feeding, and lead to a faster recovery to birth weight in preterm infants. The appropriate oropharyngeal colostrum administration frequency may be 4 h, and the optimal duration may be 8-10 days. Therefore, it is recommended that clinical medical staff implement oropharyngeal colostrum administration for premature infants based on existing evidence.

TWEETABLE ABSTRACT

Oropharyngeal colostrum administration can reduce the incidence of complications in preterm infants and shorten the time to full enteral feeding.

Regarding "Burden of Comorbidities and Healthcare Resource Utilization Among Medicaid-Enrolled Extremely Premature Infants"

In their article, Mowitz et al investigated the burden of comorbidities and healthcare resource utilization among extremely premature infants enrolled in Medicaid, laying a foundation for further policy action.

A randomized controlled trial of oropharyngeal therapy with mother's own milk for premature infants

OBJECTIVE

To determine if oropharyngeal therapy with mother's own milk (OPT-MOM) reduces late-onset sepsis (L-OS; primary outcome), NEC, death, length of stay, time to full enteral nutrition (FEN) and full oral feeds in preterm infants (BW < 1250 g).

DESIGN

Infants (N = 220) were randomized to Group A (milk) or B (placebo) and received 0.2 mL every 2 h for 48 h, then every 3 h until 32 weeks CGA.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in L-OS, NEC or death. Group A trended towards an 8-day reduction in stay, 8-day reduction in time to FEN and a 6-day reduction in time to full oral feeds, compared to B. While clinically relevant, due to large variability in outcomes and lack of power, p values were > 0.05.

CONCLUSION

OPT-MOM did not reduce L-OS, NEC or death. Group A trended towards a reduced stay and better nutritional outcomes, but results were not statistically significant.

CLINICALTRIALS

GOV: NCT02116699.

Oral Application of Mother's Own Milk for Reducing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: An Updated Meta-Analysis of RCTs

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and late-onset sepsis (LOS) are the major contributors to mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. This updated meta-analysis was aimed to assess the effects of mother's milk on the incidence of NEC, LOS, and other clinical outcomes in preterm infants.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane library were searched for papers published up to October 2022.

Results

A total of 13 RCTs with 1330 infants were included in the final analysis. Significant difference in NEC (stage 2 or 3) was found between the intervention group and the control group (RR = 0.508, 95% CI: 0.314-0.822, and P=0.008). The incidence of proven LOS (RR = 0.809, 95% CI: 0.610-1.071, and P=0.139) and death (RR = 0.800, 95% CI: 0.571-1.122, and P=0.196) was comparable between the two groups. Statistical differences in the incidence of proven or probable LOS (RR = 0.705, 95% CI: 0.577-0.862, and P=0.001) and length of hospitalization (WMD = -4.868, 95% CI: -6.608 to -3.128, and P < 0.001) between the intervention group and the control group were observed.

Conclusions

The results of this updated meta-analysis showed that compared to the placebo, mother's milk provides better effects in reducing the incidences of NEC, proven or probable LOS, and the length of stay, whereas no significant benefit of mother's milk was observed in reducing the incidence of proven LOS and death.

A quality improvement initiative to reduce necrotizing enterocolitis in high-risk neonates

OBJECTIVE

Prompted by an acute increase in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) rates, we aimed to decrease the rate of stage 2 or greater NEC in infants born at <1500 grams or <30 weeks gestational age from 19.5% to less than 9.7% (a 50% reduction) within 18 months, without adversely affecting central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates.

STUDY DESIGN

We utilized Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve, and Control (DMAIC) as our improvement model. Informed by our key driver diagram and root cause analyses, six Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles were completed.

RESULTS

147 infants in the QI initiative had a median gestational age of 28.1 weeks and a median birthweight of 1070 grams. NEC rates decreased from the QI baseline of 19.5% to 6% (p = 0.03). Oral care administration increased, and maximal gavage tube dwell time decreased.

CONCLUSION

NEC rates decreased during this QI initiative through a combination of multidisciplinary interventions aimed at reducing dysbiosis.

Increasing early exposure to mother's own milk in premature newborns

OBJECTIVE

Increase the proportion of ≤33 weeks newborns exposed to mother's own milk (MOM) oral care by 12 h of age by 20% over 2 years to support a healthier microbiome.

STUDY DESIGN

We implemented interventions to support early expression of colostrum and reliable delivery of resultant MOM to premature newborns. Statistical process control charts were used to track progress and provide feedback to staff. Proportions of newborns exposed to MOM by 12 h were compared relative to baseline.

RESULTS

There were 46, 66, and 46 newborns in the baseline, implementation, and sustainability periods, respectively. The primary outcome improved from 48% to 61% in the implementation period (relative change 1.27, 95% CI 0.89, 1.81, p = 0.2), to 69% in sustainability period (relative to baseline 1.45, 95% CI 1.02, 2.08, p = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

An interdisciplinary team-based, multicycle, quality improvement intervention resulted in increased rates of early exposure to MOM.

Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

See Bonus NeoBriefs videos and downloadable teaching slides Intubated infants in the NICU are at risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), a common type of health care-associated infection. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention developed guidelines for diagnosing VAP in patients younger than 1 year, which include worsening gas exchange, radiographic findings, and at least 3 defined clinical signs of pneumonia. VAP in infants is treated with empiric antibiotics selected based on local resistance patterns and individualized patient data. Many NICUs have implemented prevention bundles in an effort to decrease VAP by ensuring the cleanest environment for intubated neonates (hand hygiene, sterile handling of equipment), positioning of infants to prevent gastric reflux, and constantly reevaluating for extubation readiness. Although these prevention bundle elements are intuitive and generally low risk, none are based on strong research support. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of VAP in NICU patients, focusing on recent evidence, highlighting areas of emerging research, and identifying persistent knowledge gaps.

Strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, ventilator-associated events, and nonventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia in acute-care hospitals: 2022 Update

The purpose of this document is to highlight practical recommendations to assist acute care hospitals to prioritize and implement strategies to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), ventilator-associated events (VAE), and non-ventilator hospital-acquired pneumonia (NV-HAP) in adults, children, and neonates. This document updates the Strategies to Prevent Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia in Acute Care Hospitals published in 2014. This expert guidance document is sponsored by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology (SHEA), and is the product of a collaborative effort led by SHEA, the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the American Hospital Association, the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, and The Joint Commission, with major contributions from representatives of a number of organizations and societies with content expertise.

Oral Application of Colostrum and Mother's Own Milk in Preterm Infants-A Randomized, Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the effects of oral application of mother's own milk (OMOM) on clinical outcomes in preterm infants of 26^0/7-30^6/7 wk gestation.

METHODS

In this placebo-controlled randomized trial, subjects received either OMOM or sterile water, beginning at 24-72 h of life, until the infant reached 32 wk postmenstrual age or spoon-feeds were initiated, whichever was earlier. The primary outcome was a composite adverse health outcome, defined as the occurrence of either mortality, late-onset sepsis (LOS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Antibiotic usage and time to full enteral feed were secondary outcomes. Salivary IgA (sIgA) levels at baseline and after 7 d of application in a subset of infants were also compared.

RESULTS

A total of 133 neonates (66 colostrum and 67 placebo) were analyzed for the primary outcome. OMOM group had lower incidence of composite adverse health outcome (43.9% vs. 61.2%, RR: 0.70; 95% CI: 0.50-0.99, p = 0.046) and LOS (22.7% vs. 43.3%, RR: 0.73; 95% CI: 0.57-0.93; p = 0.012). There were no significant differences in mortality, NEC, IVH, BPD, ROP, and time to full feeds. The effects were more pronounced in the 29^0/7-30^6/7 wk subgroup, in whom the colostrum group also achieved full feeds earlier. There were no differences in the change of sIgA levels from baseline to the seventh day of the application. No adverse effects related to the OMOM application were found.

CONCLUSIONS

OMOM decreases the incidence of late-onset sepsis in preterm neonates (26^0/7-30^6/7 wk) and is safe.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical Trials Registry-India CTRI/2017/03/008031.

Interventions to Prevent Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Neonates: An Umbrella Review of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses

IMPORTANCE

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has multifactorial etiology and long-term adverse consequences. An umbrella review enables the evaluation of multiple proposed interventions for the prevention of BPD.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize and assess the certainty of evidence of interventions proposed to decrease the risk of BPD from published systematic reviews.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and Web of Science were searched from inception until November 9, 2020.

STUDY SELECTION

Meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials comparing interventions in preterm neonates that included BPD as an outcome.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

Data extraction was performed in duplicate. Quality of systematic reviews was evaluated using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews version 2, and certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

(1) BPD or mortality at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) and (2) BPD at 36 weeks' PMA.

RESULTS

A total of 154 systematic reviews evaluating 251 comparisons were included, of which 110 (71.4%) were high-quality systematic reviews. High certainty of evidence from high-quality systematic reviews indicated that delivery room continuous positive airway pressure compared with intubation with or without routine surfactant (relative risk [RR], 0.80 [95% CI, 0.68-0.94]), early selective surfactant compared with delayed selective surfactant (RR, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.75-0.91]), early inhaled corticosteroids (RR, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.75-0.99]), early systemic hydrocortisone (RR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.82-0.99]), avoiding endotracheal tube placement with delivery room continuous positive airway pressure and use of less invasive surfactant administration (RR, 0.90 [95% CI, 0.82-0.99]), and volume-targeted compared with pressure-limited ventilation (RR, 0.73 [95% CI, 0.59-0.89]) were associated with decreased risk of BPD or mortality at 36 weeks' PMA. Moderate to high certainty of evidence showed that inhaled nitric oxide, lower saturation targets (85%-89%), and vitamin A supplementation are associated with decreased risk of BPD at 36 weeks' PMA but not the competing outcome of BPD or mortality, indicating they may be associated with increased mortality.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

A multipronged approach of delivery room continuous positive airway pressure, early selective surfactant administration with less invasive surfactant administration, early hydrocortisone prophylaxis in high-risk neonates, inhaled corticosteroids, and volume-targeted ventilation for preterm neonates requiring invasive ventilation may decrease the combined risk of BPD or mortality at 36 weeks' PMA.

Oropharyngeal administration of mother's own milk influences levels of salivary sIgA in preterm infants fed by gastric tube

The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of oropharyngeal mother’s milk administration on salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels in preterm infants fed by gastric tube. Infants (n = 130) with birth weight < 1500 g were randomly allocated into two groups which both received breast milk for enteral nutrition. The experimental group (n = 65) accepted oropharyngeal mother’s milk administration before gastric tube feeding for 14 days after birth. The control group (n = 65) accepted oropharyngeal 0.9% normal saline administration. Saliva concentration of sIgA were assessed at the 2 h, 7th and 14th day after birth. The level of salivary sIgA in experimental group were significantly higher than those in control group on the 7th day after birth (p < 0.05), but there were no differences in salivary sIgA levels on the 14th day between the two groups. The results of quantile regression analysis showed that oropharyngeal mother’s milk administration, delivery mode and gestational age had significant effects on the increase of sIgA. SIgA in experimental group and the total number of intervention had a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05). Oropharyngeal mother’s milk administration can improve salivary sIgA levels of preterm infants.

Improving Early Colostrum Feeding in a Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Background and Objective: Colostrum feeding is known for its immune benefits for reduction in nosocomial sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and ventilator-associated pneumonias. Colostrum feeding also helps in improving breastfeeding rates and early discharge of vulnerable neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) babies. The objective of this study was to improve early colostrum feeding/oropharyngeal colostrum administration in a busy tertiary NICU in India. Methods: Multiple plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles were conducted from January 2020 to September 2020 to improve early colostrum feeding rates in NICU babies to >60%. We tested change ideas such as training of health care personnel, counseling of mothers and families about importance of colostrum expression and feeding, bedside collection of colostrum, safe transportation of colostrum to the NICU, and electronic data handling. Sustainability of the interventions was studied from October 2020 to March 2021 and data were analyzed. Results: Early colostrum feeding rates improved from a baseline of 4.36-68.21% after six PDSA cycles through 9 months. After counseling of mothers and families of NICU babies, rates of breastfeeding and colostrum feeding improved to 98.8% and 97.11%, respectively. The early breast stimulation and colostrum expression rates also improved to 87.28% and 68.2%, respectively. Early colostrum feeding rate was 87.5% after 6 months through the sustainability phase. Conclusions: Quality improvement interventions significantly improved the rate of early colostrum feeding in sick babies admitted to a busy NICU, and the improvement was sustained for 6 months.

Effect of Breast Milk Oral Care on Mechanically Ventilated Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

The benefits of breast milk oral care in mechanically ventilated preterm infants remain controversial. This study aimed to systematically review the evidence on the benefits of breast milk oral care in mechanically ventilated preterm infants.

METHODS

The randomized controlled trials of breast milk oral care for mechanically ventilated preterm infants were searched in EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, WANFANG Date and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases. The retrieval language was limited to Chinese and English, and the final search was conducted until March 2022. Outcome measures included ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), mechanical ventilation time (MVT), length of stay (LOS), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), late-onset sepsis, mortality during hospitalization, time of full intestinal feeding and time of full oral feeding. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and conducted the literature quality assessment. Meta-analysis was mainly performed using RevMan 5.3.

RESULTS

Eight articles involving 1,046 preterm infants were included. Our meta-analysis showed that compared with the control group, breast milk oral care could reduce the incidence of VAP [RR = 0.41, 95% CI (0.23, 0.75), P = 0.003] and NEC [RR = 0.54, 95% CI (0.30, 0.95), P = 0.03], and shorten the MVT [MD = -0.45, 95% CI (-0.73, -0.18), P = 0.001] and LOS [MD = -5.74, 95% CI (-10.39, -1.10), P = 0.02]. There were no significant differences in the mortality during hospitalization [RR = 0.94, 95% CI (0.67, 1.33), P = 0.74], the incidence of late-onset sepsis [RR = 0.79, 95% CI (0.40, 1.59), P = 0.51], the time of full intestinal feeding [MD = -2.42, 95% CI (-5.37, 0.52), P = 0.11] and the time of full oral feeding [MD = -3.40, 95% CI (-10.70, 3.91), P = 0.36] between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral care of breast milk can reduce the incidence of VAP and NEC, shorten MVT and LOS in mechanically ventilated preterm infants. However, due to the quality and quantity limitations of the included studies, larger sample size and more strictly designed clinical trials are still needed in the future to further confirm the findings of this study.

Intervention Effect of Oropharyngeal Administration of Colostrum in Preterm Infants: A Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of oropharyngeal administration of colostrum (OAC) in preterm infants.

METHODS

We searched Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), and the website of the clinical trials, search time was from the establishment of the databases or websites up to 1 February 2022. Preterm infants with gestational age (GA) ≤ 32 weeks or birth weight (BW) ≤ 1500 g were taken as the participants, collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of comparing OAC and placebo or no intervention in preterm infants. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted the data, and evaluated the quality of the literature, and we adopted Review Manager 5.3 software for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 11 RCTs (n = 1,173) were included in the review. A meta-analysis showed significant difference in the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis [NEC; p = 0.009, relative ratio (RR) = 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.31-0.84], late-onset sepsis (LOS; p = 0.02, RR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.59-0.95), ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP; p = 0.03, RR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.24-0.95), the time to reach full enteral feeds (p < 0.00001, mean difference (MD) = -3.40, 95% CI = -3.87 to -2.92), duration of hospital stay (p < 0.00001, MD = -10.00, 95% CI = -11.36 to -8.64), and the rate of weight gain (kg.d; p < 0.00001, MD = 2.63, 95% CI = 2.10-3.16) between the colostrum group and control group. Meanwhile, researchers found no significant difference between the colostrum group and control group in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD; p = 0.17, RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.64-1.08), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH; grade ≥3; p = 0.05, RR = 0.44, 95% CI = 0.19-1.01), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL; p = 0.67, RR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.14-3.49), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP; p = 0.29, RR = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.82-1.89), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA; p = 0.17, RR = 1.22, 95% CI = 0.92-1.62).

CONCLUSION

Oropharyngeal administration of colostrum can reduce the incidence of NEC, LOS, and VAP in preterm infants, shortening the time to reach full enteral feeds, and duration of hospital stay, and increasing the rate of weight gain (kg.d). Therefore, OAC can be used as part of routine care for preterm infants.

Effect of breast milk oral care in infants who underwent surgical correction of ventricular septal defect

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the clinical effect of employing breast milk oral care for infants who underwent surgical correction of ventricular septal defect.

METHODS

A prospective randomised controlled study was conducted in a provincial hospital between January, 2020 and July, 2020 in China. Patients were randomly divided into an intervention group (breast milk oral care, n = 28) and a control group (physiological saline oral care, n = 28). The intervention group was given oral nursing using breast milk for infants in the early post-operative period, and the control group was given oral nursing using physiological saline. Related clinical data were recorded and analysed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in age, gender, weight, operation time, cardiopulmonary bypass time, or aortic cross-clamping time between the two groups. Compared with the physiological saline oral care group, the mechanical ventilation duration, the length of ICU stay in the breast milk oral care group were significantly shorter. The time of start feeding and total enteral nutrition were significantly earlier in the intervention group than those in the control group. The incidence of post-operative pneumonia in the breast milk oral care group was 3.6%, which was significantly lower than that of the physiological saline oral care group.

CONCLUSION

The use of breast milk for oral care in infants who underwent surgical correction of VSD can reduce the incidence of post-operative pneumonia and promote the recovery of gastrointestinal function.

A preoperative standardized feeding protocol improves human milk use in infants with complex congenital heart disease

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the hypothesis that implementation of a preoperative standardized feeding protocol increases human milk use in infants with complex congenital heart disease (CHD).

STUDY DESIGN

Single-center, quasi-experimental study of infants with complex CHD. A cohort of 546 infants pre protocol was compared to 55 patients post protocol. Feeding regimen and peri-operative outcomes information were collected.

RESULT

Human milk use increased significantly (58.4% versus 100%, p < 0.01) and there was no formula use post protocol (18.7% versus 0%, p < 0.01). Preoperative necrotizing enterocolitis occurred in 18/546 (3.3%) infants pre protocol versus 1/55 (1.8%) post protocol, p = 1.00. Days to full feeds and length of hospital stay in both cohorts were not significantly different.

CONCLUSION

Successful implementation of a preoperative standardized feeding protocol can increase human milk and decrease formula use in infants with complex CHD without significant adverse outcomes. A larger study is needed to evaluate the association of human milk use with peri-operative outcomes.

Oral Care with Mother's Own Milk in Sick and Preterm Neonates: A Quality Improvement Initiative

OBJECTIVE

Oral care with mother's own milk (OC-MOM) in sick and preterm neonates provides immune protection, improves feed tolerance and helps in earlier achievement of full enteral nutrition. This quality improvement (QI) initiative was undertaken when authors documented scanty awareness regarding neonatal oral care practices among care-givers in their neonatal unit. The project aimed to improve the proportion of OC-MOM in sick and preterm neonates from the baseline of 5.9% to 80%.

METHODS

The QI project was designed as per Point of Care Quality Improvement (POCQI) model and conducted over 6 mo (January 14, 2019 to July 12, 2019). Preterm and sick term neonates on enteral fasting or gavage feeding were included. Neonates with major congenital malformation and whose MOM was not available were excluded. An OC-MOM team was formed and baseline data were collected. Flow charts and fish-bone diagrams were used to analyse the problem and identify the key issues. Mouth assessment tool (MAT) was customized and adapted as one of the outcome measures. An OC-MOM protocol was designed and implemented as a part of routine neonatal care.

RESULTS

Four Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles were conducted to achieve the target. After successful implementation of OC-MOM protocol, proportion of neonates receiving OC-MOM increased to 83.3% from a baseline of 5.9% and proportion of neonates having MAT score "0" improved to 94.4% from a baseline of 24.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

This QI initiative using POCQI model resulted in a significant and sustained improvement in the proportion of neonatal oral care with MOM using locally available resources.

Racial and socioeconomic disparities in breast milk feedings in US neonatal intensive care units

Very low birth weight (VLBW; <1500 g birth weight) infants are substantially more likely to be born to black than to non-black mothers, predisposing them to potentially preventable morbidities that increase the risk for costly lifelong health problems. Mothers' own milk (MOM) may be considered the ultimate "personalized medicine" since milk composition and bioactive components vary among mothers and multiple milk constituents provide specific protection based on shared exposures between mother and infant. MOM feedings reduce the risks and associated costs of prematurity-associated morbidities, with the greatest reduction afforded by MOM through to NICU discharge. Although black and non-black mothers have similar lactation goals and initiation rates, black VLBW infants are half as likely to receive MOM at NICU discharge in the United States. Black mothers are significantly more likely to be low-income, single heads of household and have more children in the home, increasing the burden of MOM provision. Although rarely considered, the out-of-pocket and opportunity costs associated with providing MOM for VLBW infants are especially onerous for black mothers. When MOM is not available, the NICU assumes the costs of inferior substitutes for MOM, contributing further to disparate outcomes. Novel strategies to mitigate these disparities are urgently needed. IMPACT: Mother's own milk exemplifies personalized medicine through its unique biologic activity. Hospital factors and social determinants of health are associated with mother's own milk feedings for very low-birth-weight infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Notably, out-of-pocket and opportunity costs associated with providing mother's own milk are borne by mothers. Conceptualizing mother's own milk feedings as an integral part of NICU care requires consideration of who bears the costs of MOM provision-the mother or the NICU?