Use of macrolides in mother and child and risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: nationwide cohort study

Review article: Functional dyspepsia and pregnancy-Effects and management in a special population

BACKGROUND

Around 10% of Americans meet the Rome IV criteria for functional dyspepsia (FD), with a significantly higher rate in women. FD also has a higher prevalence in women below the age of 50, suggesting that women who are affected are likely to be of reproductive age. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research or evidence-based guidelines on managing FD in pregnancy.

AIMS AND METHODS

To address this issue, we aimed to perform a systematic review of the interactions between FD and pregnancy and managing pre-existing FD in the peripartum and post-partum phases using current lifestyle, pharmacological, non-pharmacological and alternative medicine interventions.

RESULTS

Due to the lack of Rome IV FD-specific data in pregnancy, we instead performed a narrative review on how existing FD interventions could be extrapolated to the pregnant population. Where possible we use the highest level of available evidence or official guidelines to answer these questions, which often involves synthesising treatment and safety evidence of these interventions in other diseases during pregnancy. Finally, we highlight current substantial knowledge gaps requiring further research for the safe management of a pregnant patient with pre-existing FD.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, despite the paucity of knowledge of treating FD during pregnancy, providers can mitigate this uncertainty by planning ahead with the patient. Patients should ideally minimise treatment until after breastfeeding. However, interdisciplinary resources are available to ensure that minimal-risk interventions are maximised, while interventions with more risks, if necessary, are justifiable by both the patient and the care team. Future investigations should continue to elicit the mechanistic relationship between FD and pregnancy while cautiously expanding prospective research on promising and safe therapies in pregnant patients with pre-existing FD.

Perinatal risk factors for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is one of the most common diseases that require surgical intervention amongst the paediatric population. Although the treatment and the diagnosis of pyloric stenosis are well established, the perinatal risk factors associated with it still need further investigation.

METHODS

We searched the following databases: Cochrane, Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. Studies were included if they were case-control or cohort in design and studied the perinatal risk factors associated with IHPS. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale (NOS).

RESULTS

Twenty-one articles were included in this meta-analysis, including 18,104,753 participants. Our analysis showed a significant association between IHPS and male sex (RR=2.71, 95% CI:1.93-3.78), maternal smoking (RR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.54 - 2.00), bottle-feeding (RR=1.68, 95% CI: 1.42 - 1.98), being first born (RR=1.23, 95% CI:1.07-1.40), African ethnicity (RR=0.51, 95% CI: 0.35-0.75), and cesarean section (RR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.49-1.66). On the contrary, there was no significant association between IHPS and multiple gestations, preterm labour, being born in summer, and small for gestational age (SGA).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our analysis showed that male sex, bottle feeding, maternal smoking and African ethnicity were significantly associated with the risk of IHPS. However, most of the included articles were retrospective in design which necessitates conducting future prospective well-designed studies to further investigate the risk factors of IHPS.

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: maternal diabetes and perinatal exposure to non-macrolide antibiotics

OBJECTIVE

Infant exposure to macrolide antibiotics is a risk factor for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). The aim of the study was to establish whether perinatal exposure to non-macrolide antibiotics was a risk factor for IHPS.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective matched case-control study was performed using a database including all children born at Soroka University Medical Centre between 2006 and 2018. Cases and controls were compared using Student T-test and multiple logistic regression.

RESULT

Of 189 461 children in the database, 63 infants were diagnosed with IHPS and underwent pyloromyotomy. There was no association between non-macrolide antibiotic exposure and IHPS. Maternal diabetes (DM) had an adjusted odds ratio for infants developing IHPS of 4.53 (p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

The lack of association between exposure to non-macrolide antibiotics and IHPS suggests a quality unique to macrolides. An association between DM and IHPS may suggest elevated levels of IGF-1 have a role.

Testing the effects of mass drug administration of azithromycin on mortality and other outcomes among 1-11-month-old infants in Mali (LAKANA): study protocol for a cluster-randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded, parallel-group, three-arm clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Mass drug administration (MDA) of azithromycin (AZI) has been shown to reduce under-5 mortality in some but not all sub-Saharan African settings. A large-scale cluster-randomized trial conducted in Malawi, Niger, and Tanzania suggested that the effect differs by country, may be stronger in infants, and may be concentrated within the first 3 months after treatment. Another study found no effect when azithromycin was given concomitantly with seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC). Given the observed heterogeneity and possible effect modification by other co-interventions, further trials are needed to determine the efficacy in additional settings and to determine the most effective treatment regimen.

METHODS

LAKANA stands for Large-scale Assessment of the Key health-promoting Activities of two New mass drug administration regimens with Azithromycin. The LAKANA trial is designed to address the mortality and health impacts of 4 or 2 annual rounds of azithromycin MDA delivered to 1-11-month-old (29-364 days) infants, in a high-mortality and malaria holoendemic Malian setting where there is a national SMC program. Participating villages (clusters) are randomly allocated in a ratio of 3:2:4 to three groups: placebo (control):4-dose AZI:2-dose AZI. The primary outcome measured is mortality. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) will be monitored closely before, during, and after the intervention and both among those receiving and those not receiving MDA with the study drugs. Other outcomes, from a subset of villages, comprise efficacy outcomes related to morbidity, growth and nutritional status, outcomes related to the mechanism of azithromycin activity through measures of malaria parasitemia and inflammation, safety outcomes (AMR, adverse and serious adverse events), and outcomes related to the implementation of the intervention documenting feasibility, acceptability, and economic aspects. The enrolment commenced in October 2020 and is planned to be completed by the end of 2022. The expected date of study completion is December 2024.

DISCUSSION

If LAKANA provides evidence in support of a positive mortality benefit resulting from azithromycin MDA, it will significantly contribute to the options for successfully promoting child survival in Mali, and elsewhere in sub-Saharan Africa.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04424511. Registered on 11 June 2020.

Pregnancy outcomes following maternal macrolide use: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To determine whether gestational use of all or specific macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin, roxithromycin or erythromycin) lead to an increase in rates of overall major congenital malformations, organ-specific malformations, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes in infants. PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Reprotox® databases were searched. Dichotomous outcomes or calculated log odds ratios and standard errors from observational studies are combined using the random-effects method in Review Manager 5.3. No significant increased risks for major congenital malformation (OR 1.06 [95% CI 0.99, 1.13]) and congenital heart defect (OR 1.05 [95% CI 0.92, 1.19]) following all macrolides use during the first trimester were detected. Prenatal azithromycin use was associated with a significantly increased risk of major congenital malformations in the analysis of cohort studies (OR 1.21 [95% CI 1.08-1.36]). This significance was also present in the sensitivity analysis. There were no statistically significant associations between the risk of organ specific malformations and all or specific macrolide exposures except for the decreased risk in hypospadias following erythromycin use in the meta-analysis of case-control studies (OR 0.38 [95% CI 0.18, 0.81]. Also, a significant 1.5-fold increased risk for spontaneous abortion following macrolide use was detected. A slight yet significantly increased rate of major congenital malformation with azithromycin exposure during pregnancy may be associated with maternal confounders. Nevertheless, level II ultrasound can be suggested following maternal azithromycin use during the first trimester. Future studies should take into account the inclusion of a disease-matched control group and accurate classification of the malformations.

Treatment of Acne Vulgaris During Pregnancy and Lactation: A Narrative Review

Acne vulgaris frequently affects women during pregnancy and lactation. Hormonal and physiologic changes in pregnancy contribute to the pathogenesis of acne during the various phases of pregnancy. Several effective acne treatments commonly prescribed in the general population are contraindicated during pregnancy or lactation. There is a lack of guidelines and updated resources on acne management in these populations. In this narrative review, we summarize existing evidence on the safety and efficacy of acne treatments during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Acne management in pregnancy and lactation should follow a stepwise approach based on severity to minimize risk. Topical therapies, such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, or keratolytics, can be used to treat mild-to-moderate disease. Moderate-to-severe acne may require systemic treatments, including penicillin, amoxicillin, cephalexin, and erythromycin, with special consideration for trimester-specific teratogenicity of medications and relevant medical history of the mother and infant. For refractory cases, oral or intralesional corticosteroids as well as laser and light therapies may be considered. This review provides an updated reference to aid patient-physician decision-making on acne management in these special populations.

Simplified dosing of oral azithromycin for children 1-11 months old in child survival programmes: age-based and height-based dosing protocols

BACKGROUND

To facilitate mass distribution of azithromycin, trachoma control programmes use height instead of weight to determine dose for children 6 months to 15 years old. WHO has recommended azithromycin distribution to children 1-11 months old to reduce mortality in high mortality settings under carefully monitored conditions. Weight was used to determine dose in children 1-5 months old in studies of azithromycin distribution for child survival, but a simplified approach using age or height for all aged 1-11 months old could increase programme efficiency in real-world settings.

METHODS

This secondary analysis used data from two cluster randomised trials of azithromycin distribution for child mortality in Niger and Burkina Faso. An exhaustive search algorithm was developed to determine the optimal dose for different age groups, using tolerance limits of 10-20 mg/kg for children 1-2 months old and 15-30 mg/kg for children 3-11 months old. Height-based dosing was evaluated against the existing trachoma dosing pole and with a similar exhaustive search.

RESULTS

The optimal two-tiered age-based approach suggested a dose of 80 mg (2 mL) for children 1-2 months old and 160 mg (4 mL) for children 3-11 months old. Under this schedule, 89%-93% of children would have received doses within tolerance limits in both study populations. Accuracy was 93%-94% with a three-tiered approach, which resulted in doses of 80 mg (2 mL), 120 mg (3 mL) and 160 mg (4 mL) for children 1-2, 3-4 and 5-11 months old, respectively. For children 1-5 months old, the existing height pole would result in 70% of doses within tolerance limits. The optimisation identified height-based dosing options with 95% accuracy, although this would require changes to the existing dosing pole as well as additional training to measure infants lying flat.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, an age-based approach with two age tiers resulted in high accuracy while considering both concerns about overdosing in this young population and simplicity of field operations.

Laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomies: Outcomes and disparities in pyloric stenosis

PURPOSE

Pyloromyotomy for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is one of the most common non-elective operations performed in the neonatal period. This project aims to explore outcomes of pyloromyotomy and compare differences between laparoscopic versus open pyloromyotomies in newborns diagnosed with HPS.

METHODS

The Nationwide Readmissions Database (NRD) from 2010 to 2014 was queried to identify patients diagnosed with HPS that underwent repair.

RESULTS

In total, 30,915 children (18% female) underwent pyloromyotomy for HPS. Median length of stay for index admission was 2 days. A total of 212 (0.7%) patients required a redo pyloromyotomy. 127 (60%) were performed during index admission. Readmission rate at 30 days was 3% and 5% at one year, and 22% presented to a different hospital. The most common indications for readmission were feeding intolerance (24%), dehydration (10%), and malnutrition (10%). Patients from low-income households were more likely to present with malnutrition and weight loss (9% vs 4%, p<0.001) and had higher readmission rates (8% vs 4%, p<0.001). Laparoscopic pyloromyotomies accounted for 10% (n = 2951) of cases. Those undergoing laparoscopy were less likely to have electrolyte disturbances (41% vs 54%, p<0.001) or weight loss (2% vs 11%, p<0.001) on admission. The rate of open conversion was 1%. Intraoperative perforation was not more common in laparoscopic than open cases. Open pyloromyotomies had higher 30-day readmission rates and more surgical site infections.

CONCLUSION

Complications from pyloromyotomies are rare. Although infrequent, the incidence of incomplete pyloromyotomy is higher than previously reported and more common with open approaches. Newborns from low-income households are more likely to present with advanced symptoms and have disproportionately higher rates of readmission.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment Study, retrospective.

Neonatal azithromycin administration for prevention of infant mortality

BACKGROUND: Biannual mass azithromycin administration reduces all-cause childhood mortality in some sub-Saharan African settings, with the largest effects in children 1 to 5 months of age. Azithromycin has not been distributed to children younger than 1 month of age because of the risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). METHODS: In this 1:1 placebo-controlled trial, neonates 8 to 27 days of age were randomly assigned to a single oral dose of azithromycin (20 mg/kg) or an equivalent volume of placebo in five regions of Burkina Faso during 2019 and 2020. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality at 6 months of age. Infants were evaluated at 21 days after treatment and at 3 and 6 months of age for vital status; family and provider surveillance for IHPS continued throughout. RESULTS: Of 21,832 enrolled neonates, 10,898 were allocated to azithromycin and 10,934 to placebo. At 6 months of age, 92 infants had died: 42 (0.44%) in the azithromycin group and 50 (0.52%) in the placebo group (hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.56 to 1.28; P=0.46). A single IHPS case was detected, which was in the azithromycin arm. Serious adverse events, including death and hospitalization within 28 days of treatment, occurred in 0.27% of infants in the azithromycin group and 0.14% in the placebo group, for an absolute risk difference of 0.14 percentage points (95% CI, 0.01 to 0.26). CONCLUSIONS: Overall mortality was lower than anticipated when the trial was designed, thus limiting its power. The available data do not support the routine use of azithromycin for the prevention of mortality in neonates in sub-Saharan African settings similar to the one in which this trial was conducted. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03682653.)

Use of Azithromycin in Pregnancy: More Doubts than Certainties

Macrolides such as azithromycin are commonly prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy. The good oral bioavailability and transplacental transfer of azithromycin make this drug suitable for the treatment of sexually transmitted diseases, toxoplasmosis, and malaria. Moreover, azithromycin is useful both in the management of preterm pre-labor rupture of membranes and in the adjunctive prophylaxis for cesarean delivery. The aim of this comprehensive narrative review is to critically analyze and summarize the available literature on the main aspects of azithromycin use in pregnant women, with a special focus on adverse offspring outcomes associated with prenatal exposure to the drug. References for this review were identified through searches of MEDLINE, PubMed, and EMBASE. Fetal and neonatal outcomes following prenatal azithromycin exposure have been investigated in several studies, yielding conflicting results. Increased risks of spontaneous miscarriage, major congenital malformations, cardiovascular malformations, digestive system malformations, preterm birth, and low birth weight have been reported in some studies but not in others. Currently, there is no conclusive evidence to support that azithromycin use by pregnant women causes adverse outcomes in their offspring. Therefore, this agent should only be used during pregnancy when clinically indicated, if the benefits of treatment are expected to outweigh the potential risks.

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in Bosnia and Herzegovina: A retrospective cohort study from the largest tertiary care facility

BACKGROUND

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is the most common condition requiring surgery in infancy, but the etiology of IHPS is still unclear. The study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and clinical features of the infants with IHPS in our setting and determine the yearly trends in IHPS incidence in the Sarajevo Canton between 2007 and 2016.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed epidemiologic, clinical, and operative data of all infants undergoing pyloromyotomy for IHPS over ten years in the largest tertiary care facility in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

RESULTS

Fifty-three IHPS patients were diagnosed, yielding an overall incidence of 1.17 per 1000 live births (1.25 and 1.09 cases in 2007-2011 and 2012-2016, respectively). IHPS was more prevalent among male infants (ratio 6.6:1, p < 0.001). The mean age at onset of symptoms was 39.6 days (range, 17-107 days). The estimated median time from symptoms onset to hospitalization was 11 days (range, 1-17 days). The mean age at diagnosis was significantly longer in premature infants compared with term infants (p = 0.003). Both first-born rank and bottle-feeding were significantly associated with IHPS (p = 0.001 and p = 0.04, respectively). No seasonal variation associated with IHPS was detected (p = 0.25). No evidence was found of differences in the incidence of IHPS related to maternal age (p = 0.24) and smoking (p = 0.59).

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate a declining trend and provide insights into the clinical characteristics of IHPS in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Most of the obtained results are in line with the published data and could improve the quality of local pediatric services.

Macrolides in children: judicious use, avoiding resistance and reducing adverse effects

Macrolides, a group of antibiotics molecularly characterised by a macrocyclic ring, are among the most frequently prescribed antibiotics for children. Beyond their antibacterial action, macrolides exert immunomodulatory effects. Prophylactic use is increasing. Macrolides are usually well tolerated in children, and dosing schedules are convenient. Furthermore, increasing data suggests that their prophylactic usage reduces the exacerbation frequency in children with bronchiectasis. Yet, to preserve their antibacterial action, each macrolide prescription should be judiciously considered. For prophylactic use, the indication should be regularly reviewed, and usage longer than 6 months should be avoided to reduce antimicrobial resistance.

Brief Overview and Updates on Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis: Focus on Perioperative Management

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is the most common surgical cause of vomiting in infancy. After adequate resuscitation, surgical pyloromyotomy is the standard of care for infants with pyloric stenosis. This article provides a brief overview and updates on hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in infants, with a focus on the surgical approach as well as perioperative management of this pathology. The most controversial aspect of the management of infants with pyloric stenosis is post-pyloromyotomy feeding, as there is no clear consensus in the literature on the best regimen. More randomized controlled trials are needed to establish the optimal resuscitation protocol in the preoperative phase and the ideal feeding regimen in the postoperative phase for infants with hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. [Pediatr Ann. 2021;50:(3):e136-e141.].

Macrolide and lincosamide antibiotic exposure in the first trimester of pregnancy and risk of congenital anomaly: A European case-control study

This study investigated the risk of congenital heart defects (CHD) and other congenital anomalies (CA) associated with first trimester use of macrolide antibiotics (mainly erythromycin, spiramycin, clarithromycin and azithromycin) and lincosamides (clindamycin) using a case-malformed control design. Data included 145,936 babies with a CA diagnosis (livebirths, stillbirths and terminations of pregnancy for CA) from 15 population-based EUROCAT registries in 13 European countries, covering 9 million births 1995-2012. Cases were babies with CHD, anencephaly, orofacial clefts, genital and limb reduction anomalies associated with antibiotic exposure in the literature. Controls were babies with other CA or genetic conditions. Main outcomes were odds ratios adjusted (AOR) for maternal age and registry, with 95 % Confidence Intervals (95 %CI). Macrolide and lincosamide exposure was recorded for 307 and 28 cases, 72 and 4 non-genetic controls, 57 and 7 genetic controls, respectively. AOR for CHD was not significantly raised (AOR 0.94, 95 %CI: 0.70-1.26 vs non-genetic controls; AOR 1.01, 95 %CI: 0.73-1.41 vs genetic controls), nor significantly raised for any specific macrolide. The risk of atrioventricular septal defect was significantly raised with exposure to any macrolide (AOR 2.98; 95 %CI: 1.48-6.01), erythromycin (AOR 3.68, 95 %CI: 1.28-10.61), and azithromycin (AOR 4.50, 95 %CI: 1.30-15.58). Erythromycin, clarithromycin, azithromycin, and clindamycin were associated with an increased risk of at least one other CA. Further research is needed on the risk of specific CA associated with macrolide and lincosamide use in the first trimester, particularly relevant for the potential use of azithromycin in the treatment of COVID-19.

Integrating genetics with newborn metabolomics in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

INTRODUCTION

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter muscle.

OBJECTIVES

Since previous reports have implicated lipid metabolism, we aimed to (1) investigate associations between IHPS and a wide array of lipid-related metabolites in newborns, and (2) address whether detected differences in metabolite levels were likely to be driven by genetic differences between IHPS cases and controls or by differences in early life feeding patterns.

METHODS

We used population-based random selection of IHPS cases and controls born in Denmark between 1997 and 2014. We randomly took dried blood spots of newborns from 267 pairs of IHPS cases and controls matched by sex and day of birth. We used a mixed-effects linear regression model to evaluate associations between 148 metabolites and IHPS in a matched case-control design.

RESULTS

The phosphatidylcholine PC(38:4) showed significantly lower levels in IHPS cases (P = 4.68 × 10^-8) as did six other correlated metabolites (four phosphatidylcholines, acylcarnitine AC(2:0), and histidine). Associations were driven by 98 case-control pairs born before 2009, when median age at sampling was 6 days. No association was seen in 169 pairs born in 2009 or later, when median age at sampling was 2 days. More IHPS cases than controls had a diagnosis for neonatal difficulty in feeding at breast (P = 6.15 × 10^-3). Genetic variants known to be associated with PC(38:4) levels did not associate with IHPS.

CONCLUSIONS

We detected lower levels of certain metabolites in IHPS, possibly reflecting different feeding patterns in the first days of life.

Sonography and Test-Feeding in the Diagnosis of Infantile Hypertrophic Pyloric Stenosis

Objective:

To determine the use of sonography and test-feeding in the diagnosis of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS).

Methodology:

A total of 79 infants from 2 weeks up to 12 weeks presenting with clinical signs (projectile vomiting) of IHPS were included in the study while sent to sonography. The study duration was February 2014 to December 2019.

Results:

The mean age of patients was 5.18 ± 2.69 weeks ranging from 1 to 12 weeks. Male gender was predominant with 62 (78.5%) cases. Of the total 79 cases, 36 (54.6%) were suggested as positive cases of IHPS and 43 (54.4%) were as normal with sonography. Most of the cases of IHPS (23; 29.1%) were observed in firstborn babies. Mean pyloric length in normal and IHPS was 12.69 ± 0.87 and 20.78 ± 2.28 mm, respectively, and mean pyloric muscle thickness in the normal and IHPS was 2.24 ± 0.36 and 5.27 ± 0.82 mm, respectively, while mean pyloric diameter in normal and IHPS was 12.69 ±0.87 and 15.01± 2.52 mm, respectively.

Conclusion:

The reliability of sonographic findings was better than test-feeding in the diagnosis of IHPS. Male infants, in this cohort, were five times more susceptible to develop IHPS, compared with females.

Prenatal Exposure to Macrolides and Risk of Congenital Malformations: A Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Macrolides are widely used during pregnancy; however, their fetal safety remains uncertain. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the relation between prenatal exposure to macrolides and occurrence of congenital malformations.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and other databases until June 12, 2019. We assessed the quality of the studies and checked for heterogeneity and publication bias. We performed three different analyses and compared the effect of macrolides with each of the following unexposed populations: Group 1: babies unexposed to any medicine before birth, Group 2: babies exposed to non-macrolide antibiotics/non-teratogens, and Group 3: mixed population of the first and second comparators.

RESULTS

A weak association between macrolides and congenital malformation of any type was observed when macrolides were compared with the mixed population (OR_{group 3} 1.06 [95% CI 1.01-1.10]). Subgroup analysis showed that this weak association is restricted to fetus exposure in the first trimester of pregnancy (OR 1.06 [95% CI 1.01-1.11]) and to cohort studies (OR 1.07 [95% CI 1.02-1.13]). Digestive system malformations were found to be slightly associated with prenatal exposure to macrolides (OR_group 3 1.14 [95% CI 1.02-1.26]). The musculoskeletal system was also found to be potentially affected (OR_group 2 1.21 [95% CI 1.08-1.35] and OR_group 3 1.15 [95% CI 1.05-1.26]). European studies showed a slightly stronger association than American studies in these two comparisons.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study suggests a weak association between prenatal use of macrolides and congenital malformations, limited to exposure in early pregnancy, and musculoskeletal and digestive systems. In addition to studies with a larger control of confounding, risk-benefit research is needed to determine the usefulness of macrolides during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding and Medication Use in Kidney Disease

Pregnancy in CKD is a condition fraught with challenges including multiple medications, high-risk pregnancy followed by maternal and fetal compromise such as preterm delivery, and low birth weight infant. Breastfeeding is unique in its impact on the mother and the baby, their bonding, and future health implications impacting the society. Breast milk is produced specific for the infant by the biological mother. It changes in composition with lactation stage and leads to optimal growth of the baby including establishing circadian rhythms, getting protective antibodies, and establishing a healthy gut microbiome. Multiple hormones influence the composition of the milk. Lactation is maintained by removal of the milk. Blood-milk barrier allows for the specific composition of milk by transporting different sized molecules through different mechanisms. It is safe to assume that most medications will be found in some amount in human milk; however, the impact of that is usually not enough to justify stopping breastfeeding. When the mother's milk is not available, formula or donor milk can be considered. There are resources to guide the use of medications during lactation that the providers should be aware of and use, to guide medication and breastfeeding recommendations.

ERS/TSANZ Task Force Statement on the management of reproduction and pregnancy in women with airways diseases

This European Respiratory Society/Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand statement outlines a review of the literature and expert opinion concerning the management of reproduction and pregnancy in women with airways diseases: asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF bronchiectasis. Many women with these diseases are now living into reproductive age, with some developing moderate-to-severe impairment of lung function in early adulthood. The statement covers aspects of fertility, management during pregnancy, effects of drugs, issues during delivery and the post-partum period, and patients' views about family planning, pregnancy and parenthood. The statement summarises current knowledge and proposes topics for future research, but does not make specific clinical recommendations.

A double-masked placebo-controlled trial of azithromycin to prevent child mortality in Burkina Faso, West Africa: Community Health with Azithromycin Trial (CHAT) study protocol

Background

Biannual, mass azithromycin distribution has previously been shown to reduce all-cause child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. Subgroup analysis suggested that the strongest effects were in the youngest children, leading to the hypothesis that targeting younger age groups might be an effective strategy to prevent mortality. We present the methods of two randomized controlled trials designed to evaluate mass and targeted azithromycin distribution for the prevention of child mortality in Burkina Faso, West Africa.

Methods/design

The Child Health with Azithromycin Treatment (CHAT) study consists of two nested, randomized controlled trials. In the first, communities are randomized in a 1:1 fashion to biannual, mass azithromycin distribution or placebo. The primary outcome is under-5 all-cause mortality measured at the community level. In the second, children attending primary healthcare facilities during the first 5–12 weeks of life for a healthy child visit (e.g., for vaccination) are randomized in a 1:1 fashion to a single orally administered dose of azithromycin or placebo. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality measured at 6 months of age. The trial commenced enrollment in August 2019.

Discussion

This study is expected to provide evidence on two health systems delivery approaches (mass and targeted treatment) for azithromycin to prevent all-cause child mortality. The results will inform global and national policies related to azithromycin for the prevention of child mortality.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03676764. Registered on 19 September 2018; prospectively registered pre results.

In utero exposure to antibiotics and risk of congenital malformations: a population-based study

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics are commonly prescribed during pregnancy. Although the safety of most penicillins is well established, some controversy and uncertainty are associated with the use of other commonly prescribed antibiotics.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk of congenital malformations following first-trimester in utero exposure to 10 commonly prescribed antibiotics in Denmark.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a cohort study comprising all singleton liveborn children in Denmark between 2000 and 2015. Data on malformations were collected through 2016. Merging validated and comprehensive populationwide Danish healthcare and civic registries, we merged data on pregnancy, prescription drugs purchases during first trimester and congenital malformations. Using logistic regression, we calculated the odds ratio for congenital malformations (any), major congenital malformations, and cardiac congenital malformations for the 10 most commonly prescribed antibiotics (excluding 4 penicillins that served as control). In the primary analysis, the exposed cohort was compared to a cohort exposed to any of 4 penicillins considered safe during pregnancy (ampicillin, pivampicillin, benzylpenicillin, and phenoxymethylpenicillin). In sensitivity analysis, the exposed cohort was compared to an unexposed cohort. Covariate adjustments were made for maternal age at delivery, year of delivery, parity, pre-pregnancy body mass index, smoking, educational status, employment status, and annual personal income.

RESULTS

We found no increased risk of congenital malformations to be related to first-trimester in utero exposure to the 10 most commonly prescribed antibiotics in Denmark compared to a cohort of pregnant women exposed to penicillins that are considered safe during pregnancy. Compared to unexposed pregnancies, small increased risks for major malformations and cardiac malformations were apparent for pivmecillinam (odds ratio, 1.13; confidence interval, 1.06-1.19; and odds ratio, 1.15; confidence interval, 1.04-1.28, respectively), sulfamethizole (odds ratio, 1.15; confidence interval, 1.07-1.24; and odds ratio, 1.22; confidence interval, 1.07-1.39, respectively), and azithromycin (odds ratio, 1.19, confidence interval, 1.03-1.38; and odds ratio, 1.29, confidence interval, 0.99-1.67, respectively).

CONCLUSION

In this large populationwide cohort study, we found, with a high degree of precision, no increased risk of congenital malformations following first-trimester exposure to 10 commonly prescribed systemic antibiotics.

Neonatal azithromycin administration to prevent infant mortality: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Biannual mass azithromycin distribution to children aged 1-59 months has been shown to reduce all-cause mortality. Children under 28 days of age were not treated in studies evaluating mass azithromycin distribution for child mortality due to concerns related to infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). Here, we report the design of a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of administration of a single dose of oral azithromycin during the neonatal period.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

The Nouveaux-nés et Azithromycine: une Innovation dans le Traitement des Enfants (NAITRE) study is a double-masked randomised placebo-controlled trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of a single dose of azithromycin (20 mg/kg) for the prevention of child mortality. Newborns (n=21 712) aged 8-27 days weighing at least 2500 g are 1:1 randomised to a single, directly observed, oral dose of azithromycin or matching placebo. Participants are followed weekly for 3 weeks after treatment to screen for adverse events, including IHPS. The primary outcome is all-cause mortality at the 6-month study visit.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at the University of California, San Francisco in San Francisco, USA (Protocol #18-25027) and the Comité National d'Ethique pour la Recherche in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso (Protocol #2018-10-123). The findings of this trial will be presented at local, regional and international meetings and published in open access peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03682653; Pre-results.

Pharmacologic Management of Common Ailments in Women Who Are Breastfeeding

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the rate of breastfeeding in the United States has increased 34% between 2005 and 2015. Women who breastfeed can require treatment of various common illnesses. When caring for women who are breastfeeding, health care providers may unnecessarily discourage them from breastfeeding during treatment. Choosing the appropriate medications for these individuals is critical to ensure the woman is effectively treated, infant exposure to medication is minimized, and the breastfeeding relationship is preserved. This article provides an overview of essential principles for prescribing medications for women who are lactating. Recommendations for the management of common illnesses seen in the outpatient setting are suggested and resources that can help guide therapeutic decision making are offered.

British Association for Sexual Health and HIV national guideline for the management of infection with Mycoplasma genitalium (2018)

This is the first British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guideline for the diagnosis and management of Mycoplasma genitalium in people aged 16 years and older. The guideline is primarily aimed at level 3 sexually transmitted infection (STI) management services within the UK, although it could also serve as a reference guide for STI services at other levels.

SEVERE PERTUSSIS IN CHILDHOOD: UPDATE AND CONTROVERSY - SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Objective:

Through a systematic review, this essay aimed at revising the concepts of severe pertussis, updating the epidemiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, antibiotic therapy and auxiliary therapeutic options for symptomatology and complications.

Data sources:

This review considered publications from the last 30years in the databases US National Library of Medicine (PubMed), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Cochrane, Google Scholar, as well as protocols of the Ministry of Health and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, related to childhood pertussis (whooping cough), with emphasis on its severe form. This research was based on keywords derived from the terms “pertussis”, “azithromycin”, “antitussives”, “leukocyte reduction” in Portuguese and English. Duplicate studies and those with unavailable full-text were excluded.

Data synthesis:

Among 556 records found, 54 were selected for analysis. Pertussis, as a reemerging disease, has affected all age groups, evidencing the transient immunity conferred by infection and vaccination. Severe cases occur in neonates and infants, with secondary viral and bacterial complications and malignant pertussis, a longside hyperleukocytosis, respiratory failure and shock. Macrolides continue to be the chosen antibiotics, while antitussives for coughing remain without efficacy. The prompt treatment in Intensive Care Units improved the prognostic in severe cases, and transfusion was promising among procedures for leukoreduction.

Conclusions:

Approaching severe pertussis in childhood remains a challenge for diagnostic and therapy, as the available therapeutic options are still unsatisfactory. Strategies of prevention are expected to reduce the occurrence of severe cases, while new studies should confirm the role of auxiliary therapies.

Genome-wide meta-analysis identifies BARX1 and EML4-MTA3 as new loci associated with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is a disorder of young infants with a population incidence of ∼2/1000 live births, caused by hypertrophy of the pyloric sphincter smooth muscle. Reported genetic loci associated with IHPS explain only a minor proportion of IHPS risk. To identify new risk loci, we carried out a genome-wide meta-analysis on 1395 surgery-confirmed cases and 4438 controls, with replication in a set of 2427 cases and 2524 controls. We identified and replicated six independent genomic loci associated with IHPS risk at genome wide significance (P < 5 × 10-8), including novel associations with two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). One of these SNPs, rs6736913 [odds ratio (OR) = 2.32; P = 3.0 × 10-15], is a low frequency missense variant in EML4 at 2p21. The second SNP, rs1933683 (OR = 1.34; P = 3.1 × 10-9) is 1 kb downstream of BARX1 at 9q22.32, an essential gene for stomach formation in embryogenesis. Using the genome-wide complex trait analysis method, we estimated the IHPS SNP heritability to be 30%, and using the linkage disequilibrium score regression method, we found support for a previously reported genetic correlation of IHPS with lipid metabolism. By combining the largest collection of IHPS cases to date (3822 cases), with results generalized across populations of different ancestry, we elucidate novel mechanistic avenues of IHPS disease architecture.

Drugs in renal disease and pregnancy

This review aims to summarise historic and the latest evidence of commonly used drugs in pregnant women with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Data regarding safety of drugs in breastfeeding are also described. Practical recommendations are made on the use of newer agents that have limited information of use in pregnant women with CKD. Pharmacokinetic and dynamic issues are outlined, and general principles for prescribing drugs in pregnant women with CKD are listed. Resources to investigate drug safety are presented.

The incidence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and its association with folic acid supplementation during pregnancy: A nested case-control study

BACKGROUND AND RATIONALE

Several studies have suggested that the incidence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) has decreased in recent decades. This decrement is controversial and not fully explained. Concurrently, there has been a major increase in folic acid consumption by pregnant women to prevent neural tube defects. We aimed to describe IHPS incidence in Israel in recent years and to assess its potential association with folic acid consumption.

METHODS

Using the electronic medical database of a 2.1 million member health organization in Israel, we identified all cases (n = 1899) of IHPS occurring between 1999 and 2015. Cases were individually matched with up to 5 controls (n = 7350) by birth date, sex, and region. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals by tertiles of cumulative dose of supplemented folic acid between three months prior to pregnancy and up to birth of index child were calculated using conditional logistic regression.

RESULTS

During the study period IHPS incidence declined from 4.3 in 1999 to 2.1 per 1000 live births in 2015(p < 0.0001). No significant (p = 0.81) association was observed between folic acid intake during pregnancy and risk of IHPS incidence. Preterm birth and infant's use of macrolides during first 3 postnatal months were significantly (p < 0.01) associated with increased risk of IHPS.

CONCLUSIONS

Similar to other countries, IHPS incidence in Israel has decreased in recent years. The decrement cannot be explained by increased use of folic acid.

TYPE OF STUDY

Case Control Study.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

SUMMARY

Using linkage to a large electronic patient database, this study investigated the association between the decrease in infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and maternal exposure to folic acid during pregnancy.

Association between exposure to macrolides and the development of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Macrolides are bacteriostatic antibiotics with a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The aim of this study was to systematically review and meta-analyze the association between infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) and macrolides. Nine databases were searched systematically for studies with information on the association between macrolides and IHPS. We combined findings using random effects models. Our study revealed 18 articles investigating the association between macrolides and IHPS. There was a significant association between the development of IHPS and erythromycin (2.38, 1.06-5.39). The association was strong when erythromycin was used during the first 2 weeks of life (8.14, 4.29-15.45). During breastfeeding, use of macrolides showed no significant association with IHPS in infants (0.96, 0.61-1.53). IHPS was not associated with erythromycin (1.11, 0.9-1.36) or macrolides use during pregnancy (1.15, 0.98-1.36).Conclusions: There is an association between erythromycin use during infancy and developing IHPS in infants. However, no significant association was found between macrolides use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Additional large studies are needed to further evaluate potential association with macrolide use. What is known? • Erythromycin intake in the first 2 weeks of life is associated with an increased risk of pyloric stenosis. What is New? • There is currently no evidence of significant association between macrolides use during pregnancy or breastfeeding and pyloric stenosis.

Associations between use of macrolide antibiotics during pregnancy and adverse child outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Evidence on adverse effects of maternal macrolide use during pregnancy is inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between macrolide use during pregnancy and adverse fetal and child outcomes.

Methods and findings

We included observational studies and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that recorded macrolide use during pregnancy and child outcomes. We prioritized comparisons of macrolides with alternative antibiotics (mainly penicillins or cephalosporins) for comparability of indication and effect. Random effects meta-analysis was used to derive pooled odds ratios (OR) for each outcome. Subgroup analyses were performed according to specific types (generic forms) of macrolide.

Of 11,186 citations identified, 19 (10 observational, 9 RCTs) studies were included (21 articles including 228,556 participants). Macrolide prescribing during pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of miscarriage (pooled OR_obs 1·82, 95% CI 1·57–2·11, three studies, I² = 0%), cerebral palsy and/or epilepsy (OR_obs 1·78, 1·18–2·69; one study), epilepsy alone (OR_obs 2·02, 1·30–3·14, one study; OR_RCT 1.03, 0.79–1.35, two studies), and gastrointestinal malformations (OR_obs 1·56, 1·05–2·32, two studies) compared with alternative antibiotics. We found no evidence of an adverse effect on 12 other malformations, stillbirth, or neonatal death. Results were robust to excluding studies with high risk of bias.

Conclusions

Consistent evidence of an increased risk of miscarriage in observational studies and uncertain risks of cerebral palsy and epilepsy warrant cautious use of macrolide in pregnancy with warnings in drug safety leaflets and use of alternative antibiotics where appropriate. As macrolides are the third most commonly used class of antibiotics, it is important to confirm these results with high quality studies.

The association of prenatal and postnatal macrolide exposure with subsequent development of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

The association between macrolides use and subsequent occurrence of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is still debatable. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between perinatal exposure to macrolides, mainly erythromycin, and the development of pyloric stenosis.

Methods

Original studies were identified using MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and the Cochrane Library databases. Studies investigating the association between perinatal exposure to macrolides and pyloric stenosis were included. The most adjusted effect estimates were pooled using random-effects meta-analysis. The I² and Egger’s tests were used to assess heterogeneity and publication bias, respectively.

Results

Fourteen papers (12 retrospective cohort studies and two case-control studies) were included. For postnatal exposure, the overall estimate of seven cohort studies indicated a statistically significant association (RR = 3.17, 95% CI: 2.38–4.23; I² = 10.0%) with no evidence of publication bias (Egger P = 0.81). For prenatal exposure, six cohort studies and two case-control studies were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant association in the cohort studies (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.03–2.09; I² = 29.3%), but not in the case-control studies (OR = 1.02, 95% CI: 0.66–1.58; I² = 51.2%). The overall pooled result was not statistically significant. Only two studies were included for exposure through breastfeeding, and the estimates did not show a statistically significant association (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 0.42–4.1; I² = 69.1%).

Conclusions

The study demonstrated good evidence of association between development of IHPS and direct postnatal exposure to macrolides. However, the evidence on the effects of prenatal exposure or postnatal maternal exposure (breastfeeding) is not conclusive.

Prevalence and descriptive epidemiology of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in the United States: A multistate, population-based retrospective study, 1999-2010

BACKGROUND

Antecedents for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) vary across studies; therefore, we conducted a multistate, population-based retrospective study of the prevalence and descriptive epidemiology of IHPS in the United States (US).

METHODS

Data for IHPS cases (n = 29,554) delivered from 1999-2010 and enumerated from 11 US population-based birth defect surveillance programs, along with data for live births (n = 14,707,418) delivered within the same birth period and jurisdictions, were analyzed using Poisson regression to estimate IHPS prevalence per 10,000 live births. Additional data on deliveries from 1999-2005 from seven of these programs were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR)s and 95% confidence intervals (CI)s for selected infant and parental characteristics.

RESULTS

Overall, IHPS prevalence from 1999-2010 was 20.09 (95% CI = 19.87, 20.32) per 10,000 live births, with statistically significant increases from 2003-2006 and decreases from 2007-2010. Compared to their respective referents, aPRs were higher in magnitude for males, preterm births, and multiple births, but lower for birth weights <2,500 g. The aPRs for all cases increased with decreasing parental age, maternal education, and maternal parity, but decreased for parental race/ethnicity other than non-Hispanic White. Estimates restricted to isolated cases or stratified by infant sex were similar to those for all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

This study covers one of the largest samples and longest temporal period examined for IHPS in the US. Similar to findings reported in Europe, estimates suggest that IHPS prevalence has decreased recently in the US. Additional analyses supported associations with several infant and parental characteristics.

Optimum Detection of Ureaplasma in Premature Infants

BACKGROUND

Ureaplasma spp. is a known risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants. Emerging research suggests treatment with azithromycin or clarithromycin in the first days of life (DOLs) reduces bronchopulmonary dysplasia in Ureaplasma spp. positive infants. Side effects of these antibiotics make it imperative to optimize reliable noninvasive screening procedures to identify infants who would benefit from treatment.

METHODS

The aim of this study was to determine the best site and time to screen for Ureaplasma spp. in 24- to 34-week premature infants. Oral, nasal, gastric and tracheal cultures were collected and placed immediately in 10B broth media. Polymerase chain reaction verified culture results and identified the Ureaplasma spp.

RESULTS

Cultures yielded a Ureaplasma spp. incidence of 80/168 = 47.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 40-56]. Nasal cultures had greater sensitivity to detect Ureaplasma spp. than oral cultures (P = 0.008): however, a significant proportion of infants with Ureaplasma spp. would have been missed (12/79 = 15.2%, 95% CI: 8%-25%, P < 0.001) if oral cultures were not obtained. For all sites, the collection at DOL 7-10 were more likely to be positive than the collection at DOL 1-2: however, a significant proportion (5/77 = 6.5%, 95% CI: 2-15, P < 0.001) of infants with Ureaplasma spp. would have been missed if the DOL 1-2 cultures were not obtained.

CONCLUSIONS

For optimal Ureaplasma spp. detection in 24- to 34-week premature infants, cultures need to be taken both early and late in the first 10 DOLs both from nasal and oral secretions.

Safety of azithromycin in infants under six months of age in Niger: A community randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Mass azithromycin distribution reduces under-5 child mortality. Trachoma control programs currently treat infants aged 6 months and older. Here, we report findings from an infant adverse event survey in 1-5 month olds who received azithromycin as part of a large community-randomized trial in Niger.

METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Active surveillance of infants aged 1-5 months at the time of treatment was conducted in 30 randomly selected communities from within a large cluster randomized trial of biannual mass azithromycin distribution compared to placebo to assess the potential impact on child mortality. We compared the distribution of adverse events reported after treatment among azithromycin-treated versus placebo-treated infants. From January 2015 to February 2018, the caregivers of 1,712 infants were surveyed. Approximately one-third of caregivers reported at least one adverse event (azithromycin: 29.6%, placebo: 34.3%, risk ratio [RR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68 to 1.10, P = 0.23). The most commonly reported adverse events included diarrhea (azithromycin: 19.3%, placebo: 28.1%, RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.96, P = 0.03), vomiting (azithromycin: 15.9%, placebo: 21.0%, RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.02, P = 0.07), and skin rash (azithromycin: 12.3%, placebo: 13.6%, RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.37, P = 0.63). No cases of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Azithromycin given to infants aged 1-5 months appeared to be safe. Inclusion of younger infants in larger azithromycin-based child mortality or trachoma control programs could be considered if deemed effective.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02048007.

Safety of azithromycin in infants under six months of age in Niger: A community randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Mass azithromycin distribution reduces under-5 child mortality. Trachoma control programs currently treat infants aged 6 months and older. Here, we report findings from an infant adverse event survey in 1-5 month olds who received azithromycin as part of a large community-randomized trial in Niger.

METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Active surveillance of infants aged 1-5 months at the time of treatment was conducted in 30 randomly selected communities from within a large cluster randomized trial of biannual mass azithromycin distribution compared to placebo to assess the potential impact on child mortality. We compared the distribution of adverse events reported after treatment among azithromycin-treated versus placebo-treated infants. From January 2015 to February 2018, the caregivers of 1,712 infants were surveyed. Approximately one-third of caregivers reported at least one adverse event (azithromycin: 29.6%, placebo: 34.3%, risk ratio [RR] 0.86, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.68 to 1.10, P = 0.23). The most commonly reported adverse events included diarrhea (azithromycin: 19.3%, placebo: 28.1%, RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.96, P = 0.03), vomiting (azithromycin: 15.9%, placebo: 21.0%, RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.02, P = 0.07), and skin rash (azithromycin: 12.3%, placebo: 13.6%, RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.59 to 1.37, P = 0.63). No cases of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Azithromycin given to infants aged 1-5 months appeared to be safe. Inclusion of younger infants in larger azithromycin-based child mortality or trachoma control programs could be considered if deemed effective.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02048007.

Azithromycin to Reduce Childhood Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND

We hypothesized that mass distribution of a broad-spectrum antibiotic agent to preschool children would reduce mortality in areas of sub-Saharan Africa that are currently far from meeting the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.

METHODS

In this cluster-randomized trial, we assigned communities in Malawi, Niger, and Tanzania to four twice-yearly mass distributions of either oral azithromycin (approximately 20 mg per kilogram of body weight) or placebo. Children 1 to 59 months of age were identified in twice-yearly censuses and were offered participation in the trial. Vital status was determined at subsequent censuses. The primary outcome was aggregate all-cause mortality; country-specific rates were assessed in prespecified subgroup analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 1533 communities underwent randomization, 190,238 children were identified in the census at baseline, and 323,302 person-years were monitored. The mean (±SD) azithromycin and placebo coverage over the four twice-yearly distributions was 90.4±10.4%. The overall annual mortality rate was 14.6 deaths per 1000 person-years in communities that received azithromycin (9.1 in Malawi, 22.5 in Niger, and 5.4 in Tanzania) and 16.5 deaths per 1000 person-years in communities that received placebo (9.6 in Malawi, 27.5 in Niger, and 5.5 in Tanzania). Mortality was 13.5% lower overall (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.7 to 19.8) in communities that received azithromycin than in communities that received placebo (P<0.001); the rate was 5.7% lower in Malawi (95% CI, -9.7 to 18.9), 18.1% lower in Niger (95% CI, 10.0 to 25.5), and 3.4% lower in Tanzania (95% CI, -21.2 to 23.0). Children in the age group of 1 to 5 months had the greatest effect from azithromycin (24.9% lower mortality than that with placebo; 95% CI, 10.6 to 37.0). Serious adverse events occurring within a week after administration of the trial drug or placebo were uncommon, and the rate did not differ significantly between the groups. Evaluation of selection for antibiotic resistance is ongoing.

CONCLUSIONS

Among postneonatal, preschool children in sub-Saharan Africa, childhood mortality was lower in communities randomly assigned to mass distribution of azithromycin than in those assigned to placebo, with the largest effect seen in Niger. Any implementation of a policy of mass distribution would need to strongly consider the potential effect of such a strategy on antibiotic resistance. (Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; MORDOR ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT02047981 .).

Pyloric stenosis: an enigma more than a century after the first successful treatment

Despite hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) being one of the most frequently treated pediatric surgical conditions, its etiology remains incompletely understood. We review the diagnosis and treatment of this condition with an emphasis on the evolution of surgical techniques that led to laparoscopic pyloromyotomy, the most frequently performed technique for HPS today. In addition, we review key developments in the understanding of HPS etiology and treatment, including the postulated etiology of work-induced hypertrophy of the pylorus, its association with prokinetic macrolide antibiotics, and the emerging role of atropine sulfate as a medical treatment for HPS or a rescue treatment for incomplete myotomy.

Investigation and management of gastro-oesophageal reflux in United Kingdom neonatal intensive care units

AIM

In 2004, wide variation in the investigation and management of gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) of infants on UK major neonatal units was demonstrated. Our aim was to resurvey neonatal practitioners to determine current practice and whether it was now evidence based.

METHODS

A questionnaire was sent to all 207 UK neonatal units.

RESULTS

Responses were obtained from 84% of units. The most frequent 'investigation' was a trial of therapy (83% of units); pH studies were used in 38%, upper GI contrast studies in 19% and multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII)/pH studies in 5%. Only six units suggested a threshold for an abnormal pH study and two units for an abnormal MII study. Infants were commenced on antireflux medication without investigation always in 32% of units, often in 29%, occasionally in 19% and only never in 1%. Gaviscon was used as first line treatment in 60% of units, and other medications included ranitidine in 53%, thickening agents in 27%, proton pump inhibitors in 23%, domperidone in 22% and erythromycin in 6%.

CONCLUSION

There remains a wide variation in diagnostic and treatment strategies for infants with suspected GOR on neonatal intensive care units, emphasising the need for randomised trials to determine appropriate GOR management.

Perinatal risk factors for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) is the most common surgical cause of nonbilious vomiting in infancy. The etiology of IHPS is not completely understood. Hence, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate the association between perinatal factors and IHPS onset.

METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed and Cochrane Library databases were searched for studies published in English before December 2016. The combined odd ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using random-effects models.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies were included. Several perinatal factors, including first-born (OR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.07-1.33), cesarean section delivery (OR 1.63, 95% CI: 1.53-1.73), preterm birth (OR 1.37, 95% CI: 1.12-1.67), and bottle-feed (OR 2.46, 95% CI: 1.76-3.43), were significantly associated with the IHPS onset. Among these, bottle-feed was the most significantly risk factor for IHPS onset. Although few studies have evaluated the relationship between perinatal factors and IHPS, they have major limitations including retrospective collection of data on perinatal events and testing of multiple hypotheses without appropriate statistical corrections.

CONCLUSIONS

First-born, cesarean section delivery, preterm birth, and bottle-feed are associated with the development of IHPS. Well-designed future studies are needed to help understand the etiology of IHPS.

TYPE OF STUDY

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III.

Use of antibiotics during pregnancy and the risk of major congenital malformations: a population based cohort study

AIMS

Few studies have investigated the link between individual antibiotics and major congenital malformations (MCMs) including specific malformations owing to small sample size. We aimed to quantify the association between exposure to gestational antibiotic and the risk of MCMs.

METHODS

Using the Quebec pregnancy cohort (1998-2008), we included a total of 139 938 liveborn singleton alive whose mothers were covered by the "Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec" drug plan for at least 12 months before and during pregnancy. Antibiotic exposure was assessed in the first trimester and MCMs were identified within the first year of life.

RESULTS

After adjusting for potential confounders, clindamycin exposure was associated with an increased risk of MCMs (aOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.02-1.77, 60 exposed cases), musculoskeletal system malformations (aOR 1.67, 95% CI 1.12-2.48, 29 exposed cases) and ventricular/atrial septal defect (aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.04-3.16, 13 exposed cases). Doxycycline exposure increased the risk of circulatory system malformation, cardiac malformations and ventricular/atrial septal defect (aOR 2.38, 95% CI 1.21-4.67, 9 exposed cases; aOR 2.46, 95% CI 1.21-4.99, 8 exposed cases; aOR 3.19, 95% CI 1.57-6.48, 8 exposed cases, respectively). Additional associations were seen with quinolone (1 defect), moxifloxacin (1 defect), ofloxacin (1 defect), macrolide (1 defect), erythromycin (1 defect) and phenoxymethylpenicillin (1 defect). No link was observed with amoxicillin, cephalosporins and nitrofurantoin. Similar results were found when penicillins were used as the comparator group.

CONCLUSIONS

Clindamycin, doxycycline, quinolones, macrolides and phenoxymethylpenicillin in utero exposure were linked to organ-specific malformations. Amoxicillin, cephalosporins and nitrofurantoin were not associated with MCMs.

Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of 304 patients with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in Anhui Province of East China, 2012-2015

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the clinical and epidemiological features of patients with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) so as to provide scientific evidence for diagnosis and prevention of IHPS.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of infants with IHPS diagnosed from 2012 to 2015 at Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital. Demographic characteristics and clinical data were collected.

RESULTS

Three hundred four patients (264 males and 40 females) were studied, of which 94.7% were full term and 75.7% were bottle fed or mixed fed; 16.8% of the patients had other congenital malformations in combination with IHPS. The proportion of IHPS cases with hyponatremia, hypokalemia, and hypochloremia was 18.4%, 12.5%, and 53.9%. A negative correlation was found between duration of disease and serum electrolytes. The mean pyloric muscle thickness, pyloric length, and diameter were 4.8 ± 0.7 mm, 19.4 ± 2.5 mm, and 13.3 ± 1.8 mm, respectively. There were significant differences in muscle thickness, pyloric length, and diameter between short (≤14 d) and long (>14 d) durations of disease. All patients underwent pyloromyotomy, and postoperative recovery was good.

CONCLUSIONS

IHPS occurs mainly in male, full-term, bottle-fed or mixed-fed infants. Patients with long duration of disease were more likely to develop electrolyte disorder and thicker muscle layer. More attention should be paid to early discovery and diagnosis, which will help to improve the curative effect and prognosis of IHPS.

A novel missense mutation in the transcription factor FOXF1 cosegregating with infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in the extended pedigree linked to IHPS5 on chromosome 16q24

BACKGROUND

The aim was to identify susceptibility alleles for infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS) in a pedigree previously linked to IHPS5 on chromosome 16q24.

METHODS

We screened the positional and functional candidate gene FOXF1 by Sanger sequencing in a single affected individual. All family members for whom DNA was available were genotyped to determine cosegregation status of the putative causal variant. Immunofluorescence studies were performed to compare the cellular localization of wildtype and mutant form of the protein. Transcriptional activity was compared using a luciferase assay.

RESULTS

A single novel substitution in FOXF1 (c.416G>A) predicted to result in a missense mutation (R139Q) was shown to cosegregate with disease trait. It was not seen in 560 control chromosomes nor has it been reported in ExAC or ESP. The R139Q substitution affects a conserved arginine residue within the DNA-binding domain of FOXF1. The transcriptional activity of the mutant FOXF1 protein is significantly reduced in comparison to wild-type.

CONCLUSION

These results provide strong evidence that the R139Q substitution in FOXF1 causes IHPS in this family and imply a novel pathological pathway for the condition. They further support a role for FOXF1 in the regulation of embryonic and neonatal development of the gastro-intestinal tract.

Post-natal erythromycin exposure and risk of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Macrolide antibiotics, erythromycin, in particular, have been linked to the development of infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). Our aim was to conduct a systematic review of the evidence of whether post-natal erythromycin exposure is associated with subsequent development of IHPS.

METHODS

A systematic review of postnatal erythromycin administration and IHPS was performed. Papers were included if data were available on development (yes/no) of IHPS in infants exposed/unexposed to erythromycin. Data were meta-analysed using Review Manager 5.3. A random effects model was decided on a priori due to heterogeneity of study design; data are odds ratio (OR) with 95 % CI.

RESULTS

Nine papers reported data suitable for analysis; two randomised controlled trials and seven retrospective studies. Overall, erythromycin exposure was significantly associated with development of IHPS [OR 2.45 (1.12-5.35), p = 0.02]. However, significant heterogeneity existed between the studies (I 2 = 84 %, p < 0.0001). Data on erythromycin exposure in the first 14 days of life was extracted from 4/9 studies and identified a strong association between erythromycin exposure and subsequent development IHPS [OR 12.89 (7.67-2167), p < 0.00001].

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates a significant association between post-natal erythromycin exposure and development of IHPS, which seems stronger when exposure occurs in the first 2 weeks of life.

Anti-inflammatory effect of prophylactic macrolides on children with chronic lung disease: a protocol for a double-blinded randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Recent studies suggest that the high mortality rate of respiratory viral infections is a result of an overactive neutrophilic inflammatory response. Macrolides have anti-inflammatory properties, including the ability to downregulate the inflammatory cascade, attenuate excessive cytokine production in viral infections, and may reduce virus-related exacerbations. In this study, we will test the hypothesis that prophylactic macrolides will reduce the severity of respiratory viral illness in children with chronic lung disease by preventing the full activation of the inflammatory cascade.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A randomised double-blind placebo-controlled trial that will enrol 92 children to receive either azithromycin or placebo for a period of 3-6 months during two respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) seasons (2015-2016 and 2016-2017). We expect a reduction of at least 20% in the total number of days of unscheduled face-to-face encounters in the treatment group as compared with placebo group. Standard frequentist and Bayesian analyses will be performed using an intent-to-treat approach.

DISCUSSION

We predict that the prophylactic use of azithromycin will reduce the morbidity associated with respiratory viral infections during the winter season in patients with chronic lung disease as evidenced by a reduction in the total number of days with unscheduled face-to-face provider encounters.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This research study was approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston on 9 October 2014. On completion, the results will be published.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT02544984.

Contemporary management of pyloric stenosis

Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis is a common surgical cause of vomiting in infants. Following appropriate fluid resuscitation, the mainstay of treatment is pyloromyotomy. This article reviews the aetiology and pathophysiology of hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, its clinical presentation, the role of imaging, the preoperative and postoperative management, current surgical approaches and non-surgical treatment options. Contemporary postoperative feeding regimens, outcomes and complications are also discussed.

Pertussis: Microbiology, Disease, Treatment, and Prevention

Pertussis is a severe respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis, and in 2008, pertussis was associated with an estimated 16 million cases and 195,000 deaths globally. Sizeable outbreaks of pertussis have been reported over the past 5 years, and disease reemergence has been the focus of international attention to develop a deeper understanding of pathogen virulence and genetic evolution of B. pertussis strains. During the past 20 years, the scientific community has recognized pertussis among adults as well as infants and children. Increased recognition that older children and adolescents are at risk for disease and may transmit B. pertussis to younger siblings has underscored the need to better understand the role of innate, humoral, and cell-mediated immunity, including the role of waning immunity. Although recognition of adult pertussis has increased in tandem with a better understanding of B. pertussis pathogenesis, pertussis in neonates and adults can manifest with atypical clinical presentations. Such disease patterns make pertussis recognition difficult and lead to delays in treatment. Ongoing research using newer tools for molecular analysis holds promise for improved understanding of pertussis epidemiology, bacterial pathogenesis, bioinformatics, and immunology. Together, these advances provide a foundation for the development of new-generation diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines.

A New, Potent, and Placenta-Permeable Macrolide Antibiotic, Solithromycin, for the Prevention and Treatment of Bacterial Infections in Pregnancy

Intrauterine infection–inflammation is a major cause of early preterm birth and subsequent neonatal mortality and acute or long-term morbidity. Antibiotics can be administered in pregnancy to prevent preterm birth either prophylactically to women at high risk for preterm delivery, or to women with diagnosed intrauterine infection, prelabor rupture of membranes, or in suspected preterm labor. The therapeutic goals of each of these scenarios are different, with different pharmacological considerations, although effective antimicrobial therapy is an essential requirement. An ideal antibiotic for these clinical indications would be (a) one that is easily administered and orally bioactive, (b) has a favorable adverse effect profile (devoid of reproductive toxicity or teratogenicity), (c) is effective against the wide range of microorganisms known to be commonly associated with intra-amniotic infection, (d) provides effective antimicrobial protection within both the fetal and amniotic compartments after maternal delivery, (e) has anti-inflammatory properties, and (f) is effective against antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. Here, we review the evidence from clinical, animal, and ex vivo/in vitro studies that demonstrate that a new macrolide-derived antibiotic – solithromycin – has all of these properties and, hence, may be an ideal antibiotic for the treatment and prevention of intrauterine infection-­related pregnancy complications. While this evidence is extremely encouraging, it is still preliminary. A number of key studies need to be completed before solithromycin’s true potential for use in pregnancy can be ascertained.