Infant sleep after immunization: randomized controlled trial of prophylactic acetaminophen

Adverse events following immunization of COVID-19 vaccine among children aged 6-11 years

Introduction

Starting in December 2021, the Indonesian Government has recommended inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine (CoronaVac) for children aged 6-11 years. This study aims to determine the prevalence and determinant factors of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) of the first dose and the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine among children aged 6-11 years old.

Materials and methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study in Bantul District, Yogyakarta, Indonesia, in February-March 2022. Data were collected by trained interviews with 1,093 parents of children 6-11 years old who received the first dose and the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Data were analyzed with chi-square and logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of AEFI in the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine was 16.7%, while the second dose was 22.6%. The most common symptoms of AEFI at the first dose were local site pain and fever, while at the second dose were cough and cold. Determinants of AEFI of COVID-19 vaccination among children were girls with OR 1.31 (95% CI 1.0-1.7; P 0.04), mass-setting of vaccination with OR 0.70 (95% CI 0.5-0.9; P 0.01), the history of AEFI in childhood vaccination with OR 1.63 (95% CI 1.2-2.2; P < 0.01) and administering other vaccines within 1 month before COVID-19 vaccination, with OR 5.10 (95% CI 2.1-12.3 P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The prevalence of AEFI in the first and the second dose of inactivated COVID-19 vaccine was comparable to that reported in the clinical trial study and the communities. Risk communication should be provided to the child and their parents regarding the risk of mild AEFI of the COVID-19 vaccine, especially for children with a history of AEFI in childhood vaccination and who received other vaccines containing the same adjuvant with CoronaVac within 1 month. A mass-setting of vaccination should be taken as an advantage to educate parents about the risk of AEFI and also about the reporting pathways.

Strategies to overcome vaccine hesitancy: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Vaccination, albeit a necessity in the prevention of infectious diseases, requires appropriate strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy at an individual and community level. However, there remains a glaring scarcity of available literature in that regard. Therefore, this review aims to scrutinize globally tested interventions to increase the vaccination uptake by addressing vaccine hesitancy at various stages of these interventions across the globe and help policy makers in implementing appropriate strategies to address the issue.

METHODS

A systematic review of descriptive and analytic studies was conducted using specific key word searches to identify literature containing information about interventions directed at vaccine hesitancy. The search was done using PubMed, Global Health, and Science Direct databases. Data extraction was based on study characteristics such as author details; study design; and type, duration, and outcome of an intervention.

RESULTS

A total of 105 studies were identified of which 33 studies were included in the final review. Community-based interventions, monetary incentives, and technology-based health literacy demonstrated significant improvement in the utilization of immunization services. On the other hand, media-based intervention studies did not bring about a desired change in overcoming vaccine hesitancy.

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that the strategies should be based on the need and reasons for vaccine hesitancy for the targeted population. A multidimensional approach involving community members, families, and individuals is required to address this challenging issue.

Paracetamol: unconventional uses of a well-known drug

OBJECTIVES

To describe and map what is known about unconventional uses of paracetamol through a scoping review of published literature by adopting adopted a PRISMA systematic approach methodology.

KEY FINDINGS

Four themes for unconventional uses of paracetamol emerged: (a) use of paracetamol in sleep (a-1) positive effect of paracetamol on sleep (n = 9) or (a-2) neutral or negative effect of paracetamol on sleep (n = 9); (b) use of paracetamol in sport (n = 13); (c) mixing paracetamol with drinks, waterpipe and illicit drugs (n = 5); and (d) miscellaneous uses (n = 4). Forty records were reviewed and charted. Available literature supports concern around the potential of harmful or non-medical use of paracetamol, especially among patients with a history of substance use, parents of young children or athletes.

SUMMARY

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) is one of the most popular and widely used drugs for the treatment of pain and fever. It is considered remarkably safe if used within instructions. However, there is growing evidence that paracetamol, is sometimes used outside approved indications or abused (i.e. used for non-medical reasons). This review highlights the need for enhanced pharmacovigilance and surveillance of non-medical paracetamol use and raising general public awareness of its potential dangers especially in higher than recommended doses.

A global perspective on parental stress in the neonatal intensive care unit: a meta-analytic study

OBJECTIVES

The Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS:NICU) is a well-validated tool to assess different sources of stress in parents during the NICU hospitalization of their infant. The present meta-analytic study assessed the relative impact of different NICU-related sources of parental stress in a pool of studies conducted in a wide set of different countries. Also, differences in stress levels by parent gender and country, as well as the impact of infants' neonatal characteristics and clinical conditions were explored.

METHODS

Records were searched on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (January 1993-December 2019). A purposive open search string was adopted: ["PSS:NICU"] OR ["PSS-NICU"] OR ["Parental Stressor Scale"]. A multiple random-effect meta-analysis was conducted on data from 53 studies extracted by independent coders.

RESULTS

Parental role alteration emerged as the greatest source of stress for both mothers and fathers. Mothers reported higher stress levels compared to fathers. A significant difference emerged only for the subscale related to sights and sounds physical stimuli. No significant effects of infants' neonatal characteristics (gestational age, birth weight) and clinical conditions (comorbidities) emerged. A marginal positive effect of NICU length of stay emerged on the global level of parents' stress.

CONCLUSIONS

The current meta-analysis underlines that parental stress related to NICU admission is a worldwide healthcare issue. Immediate and tailored support to parents after the birth of their at-risk infant should be prioritized to reduce parental stress and to promote mothers and fathers' emotional well-being and new-born neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Family integrated care in single family rooms for preterm infants and late-onset sepsis: a retrospective study and mediation analysis

BACKGROUND

During hospital stay after birth, preterm infants are susceptible to late-onset sepsis (LOS).

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of family integrated care in single family rooms (SFRs) compared to standard care in open bay units (OBUs) on LOS. Peripheral or central venous catheters (PVCs/CVCs) and parenteral nutrition (PN) were investigated as potential mediators. Secondary outcomes were length of stay, exclusive breastfeeding at discharge, and weight gain during hospital stay.

METHODS

Single-center retrospective before-after study with preterm infants admitted ≥3 days.

RESULTS

We studied 1,046 infants (468 in SFRs, 578 in OBUs, median gestational age 35 weeks). SFRs were associated with less LOS (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 0.486, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.293; 0.807, p = 0.005). PVCs (indirect effect -1.757, 95% CI: -2.738; -1.068), CVCs (indirect effect -1.002, 95% CI: -2.481; 0.092), and PN (indirect effect -1.784, 95% CI: -2.688; -1.114) were possible mediators of the effect. PN was the main mediator of the effect of SFRs on LOS. We found shorter length of stay (median length of stay in SFRs 10 days and in OBUs 12 days, adjusted β -0.088, 95% CI: -0.159; -0.016, p = 0.016), but no differences in weight gain or exclusive breastfeeding at discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

SFRs were associated with decreased incidences of LOS and shorter length of hospital stay. The positive effect of SFRs on LOS was mainly mediated through a decreased use of PN in SFRs.

IMPACT

Family integrated care (FICare) in single family rooms for preterm infants was associated with less late-onset sepsis events during hospital stay and a shorter length of hospital stay after birth. FICare in single family rooms was associated with less use of peripheral or central venous catheters and parenteral nutrition. Mediation analysis provided insights into the mechanisms underlying the effect of FICare in single family rooms on late-onset sepsis and helped explain the differences observed in late-onset sepsis between FICare in single family rooms and open bay units. The reduction in late-onset sepsis in FICare in single family rooms was mediated by a reduced use of intravenous catheters and parenteral nutrition.

Perceived maternal information on premature infant's pain during hospitalization: the French EPIPAGE-2 national cohort study

BACKGROUND

Parents of preterm neonates wish greater involvement in pain management; little is known about factors associated with this involvement. We aim to describe perceived maternal information on infants' pain during hospitalization (PMIP), to study associations between PMIP and mothers' attitudes during painful procedures, and to identify individual and contextual factors associated with PMIP.

METHODS

Analyses of questionnaires from the French national cohort study of preterm neonates, EPIPAGE-2. PMIP was derived from mothers' answers to questions about information perceived on both pain assessment and management.

RESULTS

Among 3056 eligible neonates born before 32 weeks, 1974, with available maternal reports, were included in the study. PMIP was classified as "sufficient," "little, not sufficient," or "insufficient, or none" for 22.7, 45.9, and 31.3% of neonates, respectively. Mothers reporting PMIP as "sufficient" were more frequently present and more likely comforting their child during painful procedures. Factors independently associated with "sufficient" PMIP were high maternal education, gestational age <29 weeks, daily maternal visits, perception of high team support, and implementation of the neonatal and individualized developmental care and assessment program.

CONCLUSION

Perceived maternal information on premature infants' pain reported as sufficient increased maternal involvement during painful procedures and was associated with some units' policies.

Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effects of Morning versus Evening Primary Vaccination on Episodes of Hypoxemia and Bradycardia in Very Preterm Infants

BACKGROUND

Hypoxemia and bradycardia occur frequently in preterm infants, but are incompletely understood. They are more prevalent during infections and following immunization. Data on adults suggested an increased immune response if subjects slept following vaccination, suggesting an interaction between circadian rhythm and the immune system. Whether this holds true for preterm infants with their less well-established circadian rhythm is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

Do infants born at 26-30 weeks' gestation and having received their first routine hexavalent vaccination in the morning have a lower cardiorespiratory event rate (CER) after vaccination than those receiving it in the evening?

METHODS

Twenty-six infants were randomized to an evening versus morning vaccination group in a pilot and main study with 10 and 16 participants, respectively. Pulse oximeter saturation, actigraphy, and rectal temperature were obtained for 24 h before and after vaccination. Blood samples for vaccination titers were taken before vaccination and during a follow-up examination in our outpatient clinic; another blood sample was taken 24 h after vaccination to determine inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

Vaccination led to an increase in CER in both groups, but there was no difference in CER between the morning and evening groups. Vaccination titers for Bordetella pertussis were increased in both groups, with no difference in inflammatory markers 24 h after vaccination. Body temperature increased in both groups after vaccination. Participants in the evening group slept longer after vaccination.

CONCLUSIONS

We did not identify a difference in CER between morning and evening vaccination but could confirm increased body temperatures and vaccination titers following vaccination.

A Review of the Perceptions of Healthcare Providers and Family Members Toward Family Involvement in Active Adult Patient Care in the ICU

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this article is to provide a summary of the perceptions of healthcare providers and family members toward their role in active patient care in the ICU and compare the views of healthcare providers with those of relatives of critically ill patients.

DATA SOURCES

The search was conducted using PubMed as the primary search engine and EMBASE as a secondary search engine.

STUDY SELECTION

Studies were included if they were conducted in the ICU, had an adult patient population, and contained a discussion of active patient care, including perspective or actions of family members or healthcare providers about the active participation.

DATA EXTRACTION

Titles and abstracts of articles identified through PubMed and EMBASE were assessed for relevancy of family involvement. The full article was reviewed of titles and abstracts involving family involvement of care in the ICU to assess if the topic was active care and if the article involved perceptions of healthcare providers or family members. The references of all selected articles were then evaluated for the inclusion of additional studies.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Articles including perceptions of healthcare providers were grouped separately from articles including attitudes of family members. Articles that contained the perceptions of both healthcare providers and family members were considered in both groups but were evaluated with each perspective separately. Examples of specific patient care tasks that were mentioned in each article were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive attitude exists among both family members and providers toward the involvement of family members in active care tasks. Providers and family members share the attitude that a partnership is necessary and that encouragement for family members to participate is essential. The findings in this review support the need for more objective research regarding how families are caring for their loved ones and how family involvement in care is affecting patient and family outcomes.

The effect of prophylactic antipyretic administration on post-vaccination adverse reactions and antibody response in children: a systematic review

Background

Prophylactic antipyretic administration decreases the post-vaccination adverse reactions. Recent study finds that they may also decrease the antibody responses to several vaccine antigens. This systematic review aimed to assess the evidence for a relationship between prophylactic antipyretic administration, post-vaccination adverse events, and antibody response in children.

Methods

A systematic search of major databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE was carried out till March 2014. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing prophylactic antipyretic treatment versus placebo post-vaccination in children ≤6 years of age were included. Two reviewers independently applied eligibility criteria, assessed the studies for methodological quality, and extracted data [PROSPERO registration: CRD42014009717].

Results

Of 2579 citations retrieved, a total of 13 RCTs including 5077 children were included in the review. Prophylactic antipyretic administration significantly reduced the febrile reactions (≥38.0°C) after primary and booster vaccinations. Though there were statistically significant differences in the antibody responses between the two groups, the prophylactic PCM group had what would be considered protective levels of antibodies to all of the antigens given after the primary and booster vaccinations. No significant difference in the nasopharyngeal carriage rates (short-term and long-term) of H. influenzae or S. pneumoniae serotypes was found between the prophylactic and no prophylactic PCM group. There was a significant reduction in the local and systemic symptoms after primary, but not booster vaccinations.

Conclusions

Though prophylactic antipyretic administration leads to relief of the local and systemic symptoms after primary vaccinations, there is a reduction in antibody responses to some vaccine antigens without any effect on the nasopharyngeal carriage rates of S. pneumoniae & H. influenza serotypes. Future trials and surveillance programs should also aim at assessing the effectiveness of programs where prophylactic administration of PCM is given. The timing of administration of antipyretics should be discussed with the parents after explaining the benefits & risks.