Timing of Red Blood Cell Transfusions and Occurrence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis: A Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Importance

Observational studies often report that anemia and red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are associated with a higher risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) infants.

Objective

To evaluate whether there is a temporal association between 72-hour hazard periods of exposure to RBC transfusions and NEC among ELBW infants randomized to either higher or lower hemoglobin transfusion thresholds.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This post hoc secondary analysis of 1690 ELBW infants who survived to postnatal day 10 enrolled in the Transfusion of Prematures (TOP) randomized multicenter trial between December 1, 2012, and April 12, 2017, was performed between June 2021 and July 2023.

Exposures

First, the distribution of RBC transfusions and the occurrence of NEC up to postnatal day 60 were examined. Second, 72-hour posttransfusion periods were categorized as hazard periods and the pretransfusion periods of variable duration as control periods. Then, the risk of NEC in posttransfusion hazard periods was compared with that in pretransfusion control periods, stratifying the risk based on randomization group (higher or lower hemoglobin transfusion threshold group).

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was incidence of NEC stage 2 or 3. Secondary outcomes included the incidence rates of NEC within five 10-day intervals, taking into account the number of days at risk.

Results

Of 1824 ELBW infants randomized during the TOP trial, 1690 were included in the present analysis (mean [SD] gestational age, 26.0 [1.5] weeks; 899 infants [53.2%] were female). After categorizing 4947 hazard periods and 5813 control periods, we identified 133 NEC cases. Fifty-nine of these cases (44.4%) occurred during hazard periods. Baseline and clinical characteristics of infants with NEC during hazard periods did not differ from those of infants with NEC during control periods. The risk of NEC was 11.9 per 1000 posttransfusion hazard periods and 12.7 per 1000 control periods (adjusted risk ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.68-1.32; P = .74). This risk did not differ significantly between randomization groups, but the incidence rate of NEC per 1000 days peaked between postnatal days 20 and 29 in the lower hemoglobin transfusion threshold group.

Conclusions and Relevance

The findings of this post hoc analysis suggest that, among ELBW infants with the hemoglobin ranges occurring in the TOP trial, exposure to RBC transfusions was not temporally associated with a higher risk of NEC during 72-hour posttransfusion hazard periods. Given that the incidence rate of NEC peaked between postnatal days 20 and 29 among infants with lower hemoglobin values, a more in-depth examination of this at-risk period using larger data sets is warranted.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01702805.

Early and exclusive enteral nutrition in infants born very preterm

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the effects of early and exclusive enteral nutrition with either maternal or donor milk in infants born very preterm (280/7-326/7 weeks of gestation).

DESIGN

Parallel-group, unmasked randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Regional, tertiary neonatal intensive care unit.

PARTICIPANTS

102 infants born very preterm between 2021 and 2022 (51 in each group).

INTERVENTION

Infants randomised to the intervention group received 60-80 mL/kg/day within the first 36 hours after birth. Infants randomised to the control group received 20-30 mL/kg/day (standard trophic feeding volumes).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the number of full enteral feeding days (>150 mL/kg/day) in the first 28 days after birth. Secondary outcomes included growth and body composition at the end of the first two postnatal weeks, and length of hospitalisation.

RESULTS

The mean birth weight was 1477 g (SD: 334). Half of the infants were male, and 44% were black. Early and exclusive enteral nutrition increased the number of full enteral feeding days (+2; 0-2 days; p=0.004), the fat-free mass-for-age z-scores at postnatal day 14 (+0.5; 0.1-1.0; p=0.02) and the length-for-age z-scores at the time of hospital discharge (+0.6; 0.2-1.0; p=0.002). Hospitalisation costs differed between groups (mean difference favouring the intervention group: -$28 754; -$647 to -$56 861; p=0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

In infants born very preterm, early and exclusive enteral nutrition increases the number of full enteral feeding days. This feeding practice may also improve fat-free mass accretion, increase length and reduce hospitalisation costs.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04337710.

Predicting body fat percentage at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age in infants born preterm: A diagnostic accuracy study

BACKGROUND

Current standards for assessing body composition can be costly and technically challenging. There is a need for a predictive equation that combines multiple clinical and anthropometric factors to predictbody composition outcomes at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) or discharge.

METHODS

To develop a widely applicable equation that predicts body fat percentage in preterm infants, we analyzed anthropometric data collected prospectively from a cohort of infants born very preterm between 2017 and 2018. We integrated clinical variables significantly associated with adiposity into a predictive equation using Bayesian linear regression models and leave-one-out cross-validation.

RESULTS

We analyzed data from 86 infants born at 32 weeks of gestation or less (median gestational age, 30 weeks; mean birthweight, 1471 ± 270 g). Weight gain and increase in length per week from birth to 36 weeks of PMA, midarm circumference at 36 weeks of PMA, male sex, and higher enteral fluid intake (>180 ml/kg/day) were the strongest predictors of body fat percentage in the model with the highest predictive value (R2  = 0.65). The correlation between actual and predicted body fat percentage using this Bayesian model was high (r = 0.82).

CONCLUSIONS

Weight gain and increase in length per week from birth to 36 weeks of PMA, midarm circumference at 36 weeks of PMA, male sex, and enteral fluid intake are significant predictors of body fat percentage at 36 weeks of PMA in very preterm infants.

Infant body composition: A comprehensive overview of assessment techniques, nutrition factors, and health outcomes

Body composition assessment is a valuable tool for clinical assessment and research that has implications for long-term health. Unlike traditional measurements such as anthropometrics or body mass index, body composition assessments provide more accurate measures of body fatness and lean mass. Moreover, depending on the technique, they can offer insight into regional body composition, bone mineral density, and brown adipose tissue. Various methods of body composition assessment exist, including air displacement plethysmography, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, bioelectrical impedance, magnetic resonance imaging, D3 creatine, ultrasound, and skinfold thickness, each with its own strengths and limitations. In infants, several feeding practices and nutrition factors are associated with body composition outcomes, such as breast milk vs formula feeding, protein intake, breast milk composition, and postdischarge formulas for preterm infants. Longitudinal studies suggest that body composition in infancy predicts later body composition, obesity, and other cardiometabolic outcomes in childhood, making it a useful early marker of cardiometabolic health in both term and preterm infants. Emerging evidence also suggests that body composition during infancy predicts neurodevelopmental outcomes, particularly in preterm infants at high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide clinicians and researchers with a comprehensive overview of body composition assessment techniques, summarize the links between specific nutrition practices and body composition in infancy, and describe the neurodevelopmental and cardiometabolic outcomes associated with body composition patterns in term and preterm infants.

Nutrient Composition of Donor Human Milk and Comparisons to Preterm Human Milk

BACKGROUND

Human milk is the preferred diet for very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500 g) infants. When mother's own milk is unable to meet the needs of VLBW infants, donor human milk (DHM) is the preferred alternative. Unfortunately, the composition of DHM remains elusive and no comparative studies between preterm human milk and DHM have been performed previously.

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to analyze the nutrient content of commercial pooled DHM and compare nutrient content in DHM with that of early and mature preterm human milk.

METHODS

We analyzed nutrient content in 15 DHM samples provided from 7 commercial milk banks including calories, carbohydrate, fat, protein, sodium, chloride, potassium, zinc, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D and compared each nutrient to early (7 d of life) and mature (28 d of life) preterm human milk samples (n = 28-36 per nutrient, gestational age = 28 ± 3 wk). Protein-to-energy ratio and carbohydrate-to-nonprotein energy ratio were calculated for each sample and compared.

RESULTS

Mean values for all macro- and micronutrients in DHM are reported. In comparison to early or mature preterm human milk, DHM had significantly lower protein, sodium, chloride, potassium, and zinc content. Calorie, carbohydrate, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and vitamin D content did not differ statistically between DHM and early or mature preterm human milk. Fat content was modestly lower in early but not mature human milk when compared with DHM.

CONCLUSIONS

We provide mean values for several macro- and micronutrients for DHM and identify key differences between DHM and preterm human milk, which may be considered when designing human milk-based feeding plans. This study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05742815.

Early Human Milk Fortification in Infants Born Extremely Preterm: A Randomized Trial

OBJECTIVES

Enteral nutrition with unfortified human milk during the first 2 postnatal weeks often leads to cumulative protein and energy deficits among preterm infants. Fortified human milk administered soon after birth could increase fat-free mass (FFM) and improve growth in these infants.

METHODS

This was a masked, randomized trial. Starting on feeding day 2, extremely preterm infants 28 weeks or younger fed maternal or donor milk were randomized to receive either a diet fortified with a human-based product (intervention group) or a standard, unfortified diet (control group). This practice continued until the feeding day when a standard bovine-based fortifier was ordered. Caregivers were masked. The primary outcome was FFM-for-age z score at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA).

RESULTS

A total of 150 infants were randomized between 2020 and 2022. The mean birth weight was 795±250 g, and the median gestational age was 26 weeks. Eleven infants died during the observation period. The primary outcome was assessed in 105 infants (70%). FFM-for-age z scores did not differ between groups. Length gain velocities from birth to 36 weeks PMA were higher in the intervention group. Declines in head circumference-for-age z score from birth to 36 weeks' PMA were less pronounced in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

In infants born extremely preterm, human milk diets fortified soon after birth do not increase FFM accretion at 36 weeks' PMA, but they may increase length gain velocity and reduce declines in head circumference-for-age z scores from birth to 36 weeks' PMA.

The Practice of Enteral Nutrition: Clinical Evidence for Feeding Protocols

Establishing full enteral nutrition in critically ill preterm infants with immature gastrointestinal function is challenging. In this article, we will summarize emerging clinical evidence from randomized clinical trials suggesting the feasibility and efficacy of feeding interventions targeting the early establishment of full enteral nutrition. We will also examine trial outcomes of higher volume feedings after the establishment of full enteral nutrition. Only data from randomized clinical trials will be discussed extensively. Future opportunities for clinical research will also be presented.

Diagnostic accuracy of ASQ for screening of neurodevelopmental delays in low resource countries

OBJECTIVE

The Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID) is the most used diagnostic tool to identify neurodevelopmental disorders in children under age 3 but is challenging to use in low-resource countries. The Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) is an easy-to-use, low-cost clinical tool completed by parents/caregivers that screens children for developmental delay. The objective was to determine the performance of ASQ as a screening tool for neurodevelopmental impairment when compared with BSID second edition (BSID-II) for the diagnosis of moderate-to-severe neurodevelopmental impairment among infants at 12 and 18 months of age in low-resource countries.

METHODS

Study participants were recruited as part of the First Bites Complementary Feeding trial from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Guatemala and Pakistan between October 2008 and January 2011. Study participants underwent neurodevelopmental assessment by trained personnel using the ASQ and BSID-II at 12 and 18 months of age.

RESULTS

Data on both ASQ and BSID-II assessments of 1034 infants were analysed. Four of five ASQ domains had specificities greater than 90% for severe neurodevelopmental delay at 18 months of age. Sensitivities ranged from 23% to 62%. The correlations between ASQ communications subscale and BSID-II Mental Development Index (MDI) (r=0.38) and between ASQ gross motor subscale and BSID-II Psychomotor Development Index (PDI) (r=0.33) were the strongest correlations found.

CONCLUSION

At 18 months, ASQ had high specificity but moderate-to-low sensitivity for BSID-II MDI and/or PDI <70. ASQ, when administered by trained healthcare workers, may be a useful screening tool to detect severe disability in infants from rural low-income to middle-income settings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01084109.

Safety and Efficacy of Early Vitamin D Supplementation in Critically Ill Extremely Preterm Infants: An Ancillary Study of a Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Despite substantial evidence that vitamin D deficiency is highly prevalent among infants born extremely preterm (≤28 weeks' of gestation), several consensus statements do not recommend vitamin D doses >400 IU/day for these infants. Safety remains a concern.

OBJECTIVE

The study aim was to determine safety and efficacy profiles of enteral vitamin D in Black and White infants randomized to three different vitamin D doses soon after birth.

DESIGN

Ancillary study of a masked randomized clinical trial.

PARTICIPANTS/SETTING

Seventy-three infants born extremely preterm between 2012 and 2015 at a southern US academic neonatal unit (33' latitude) who had >90% compliance with the assigned intervention were included.

INTERVENTION

Infants were randomized to receive placebo (placebo group), 200 IU/day vitamin D (200 IU group), or 800 IU/day vitamin D (800 IU group) during the first 28 days after birth.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Safety outcomes included serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (25[OH]D) and calcium concentrations. Efficacy outcomes included the predictive risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Per-protocol analysis using unadjusted, repeated-measures mixed models.

RESULTS

Mean birth weight was 815 ± 199 g. Half were male and 56% were Black. Of 58 infants with 25(OH)D measurements at birth, 40 (69%) had vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL). The mean difference in 25(OH)D in nanograms per milliliter between Postnatal Day 28 and Postnatal Day 1 was +9 in the placebo group, +23 in the 200 IU group, and +62 in the 800 IU group (P < 0.0001). The increase observed in 25(OH)D was more significant among Black infants. The predictive risk of severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the 200 IU and 800 IU groups was lower, but this difference did not reach statistical significance. No vitamin D or calcium toxicity was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

A vitamin D dose of 800 IU/day safely corrected vitamin D deficiency by Postnatal Day 14.

Total Fluid Administration and Weight Loss during the First 2 Weeks in Infants Randomized to Early Enteral Feeding after Extremely Preterm Birth

BACKGROUND

Randomized trials have not reported the effects of the early progression of feeding volumes on fluid balance and neurodevelopment among infants born extremely preterm (≤28 weeks).

METHOD

Fluid, electrolyte, and neurodevelopment data of 60 extremely preterm infants randomly assigned to receive either 1 (early feeding group) or 4 days (late feeding group) of trophic feeding volumes at 20-24 mL/kg/day were analyzed.

RESULTS

Infants randomized to the early feeding group received less parenteral fluids, generated lower urine volumes, and had less excessive weight loss during the first 14 days after birth. The 7-point difference in cognitive scores and the 0.5 difference in weight-for-age z-scores favoring the early feeding group did not reach statistical significance.

CONCLUSIONS

In extremely preterm infants, early enteral feeding is associated with less total fluid administration and with less excessive weight loss during the first 2 weeks after birth. These short-term effects could have long-lasting benefits.

Body composition of extremely preterm infants fed protein-enriched, fortified milk: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Critically ill extremely preterm infants fed human milk are often underrepresented in neonatal nutrition trials aimed to determine the effects of enteral protein supplementation on body composition outcomes.

METHODS

Masked randomized trial in which 56 extremely preterm infants 25-28 weeks of gestation were randomized to receive either fortified milk enriched with a fixed amount of extensively hydrolyzed protein (high protein group) or fortified milk without additional protein (standard protein group).

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were similar between groups. In a longitudinal analysis, the mean percent body fat (%BF) at 30-32 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA), 36 weeks PMA, and 3 months of corrected age (CA) did not differ between groups (17 ± 3 vs. 15 ± 4; p = 0.09). The high protein group had higher weight (-0.1 ± 1.2 vs. -0.8 ± 1.3; p = 0.03) and length (-0.8 ± 1.3 vs. -1.5 ± 1.3; p = 0.02) z scores from birth to 3 months CA. The high protein group also had higher fat-free mass (FFM) z scores at 36 weeks PMA (-0.9 ± 1.1 vs. -1.5 ± 1.1; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased enteral intake of protein increased FFM accretion, weight, and length in extremely preterm infants receiving protein-enriched, fortified human milk.

IMPACT

Extremely preterm infants are at high risk of developing postnatal growth failure, particularly when they have low fat-free mass gains. Protein supplementation increases fat-free mass accretion in infants, but several neonatal nutrition trials aimed to determine the effects of enteral protein supplementation on body composition outcomes have systematically excluded critically ill extremely preterm infants fed human milk exclusively. In extremely preterm infants fed fortified human milk, higher enteral protein intake increases fat-free mass accretion and promotes growth without causing excessive body fat accretion.

Racial differences in growth rates and body composition of infants born preterm

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate racial disparities in weight gain velocity and body composition among preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN

This observational study analyzed race differences in fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), percent body fat (%BF), and weight gain at discharge of infants born at 25-32 weeks of gestation.

RESULTS

No racial differences in FFM, FM and %BF measurements were found between black and white preterm infants after adjusting for birth weight, gestational age, and the presence/absence of breastfeeding (n = 143). Black infants born preterm had lower birthweights and higher weight gain from birth to discharge in unadjusted and adjusted models (13 ± 3 vs. 11 ± 3 g/kg/day; <0.001).

CONCLUSION

Black infants had higher weight gain from birth to discharge, but comparable body composition measurements at discharge. More research is needed to understand contributing factors and long-term implications of this finding.

Improving Time to Independent Oral Feeding to Expedite Hospital Discharge in Preterm Infants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Achievement of independent oral feedings remains the most common barrier to discharge in preterm infants. Early oral feeding initiation may be associated with a lower postmenstrual age (PMA) at independent oral feeding and discharge. In preterm infants born between 25 and 32 weeks' gestation, our aim was to decrease the PMA at independent oral feedings and discharge by 1 week between June 2019 and June 2020.

METHODS

Following formation of a multidisciplinary team, the following plan-do-study-act cycles were targeted: (1) oral feeding initiation at <33 weeks' PMA, (2) cue-based feeding, and (3) practitioner-driven feeding in infants who had not yet achieved independent oral feedings by 36 weeks' PMA. Outcome measures included the PMA at independent oral feeding and discharge. Process measures included adherence to cue-based feeding assessments and PMA at oral feeding initiation.

RESULTS

In total, 552 infants with a median gestational age of 30.3 weeks' (interquartile range 28.1-32.0) and birth weight of 1320 g (interquartile range 1019-1620) were included. The PMA at discharge decreased from 38.8 to 37.7 weeks during the first plan-do-study-act cycle, which coincided with an increase in the number of infants initiated on oral feeds at <33 weeks' PMA from 47% to 80%. The age at independent oral feeding decreased from 37.4 to 36.5 weeks' PMA.

CONCLUSIONS

In preterm infants born between 25 and 32 weeks' gestation, earlier oral feeding initiation was associated with a decreased PMA at independent oral feeding and discharge.

Growth Rates of Infants Randomized to Continuous Positive Airway Pressure or Intubation After Extremely Preterm Birth

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of early treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on nutritional intake and in-hospital growth rates of extremely preterm (EPT) infants.

STUDY DESIGN

EPT infants (24^0/7-27^6/7 weeks of gestation) enrolled in the Surfactant Positive Airway Pressure and Pulse Oximetry Trial (SUPPORT) were included. EPT infants who died before 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) were excluded. The growth rates from birth to 36 weeks of PMA and follow-up outcomes at 18-22 months corrected age of EPT infants randomized at birth to either early CPAP (intervention group) or early intubation for surfactant administration (control group) were analyzed.

RESULTS

Growth data were analyzed for 810 of 1316 infants enrolled in SUPPORT (414 in the intervention group, 396 in the control group). The median gestational age was 26 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 839 g. Baseline characteristics, total nutritional intake, and in-hospital comorbidities were not significantly different between the 2 groups. In a regression model, growth rates between birth and 36 weeks of PMA, as well as growth rates during multiple intervals from birth to day 7, days 7-14, days 14-21, days 21-28, day 28 to 32 weeks PMA, and 32-36 weeks PMA did not differ between treatment groups. Independent of treatment group, higher growth rates from day 21 to day 28 were associated with a lower risk of having a Bayley-III cognitive score <85 at 18-22 months corrected age (P = .002).

CONCLUSIONS

EPT infants randomized to early CPAP did not have higher in-hospital growth rates than infants randomized to early intubation.

Postnatal growth of preterm infants 24 to 26 weeks of gestation and cognitive outcomes at 2 years of age

BACKGROUND

Weight z scores at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) define postnatal growth failure (PGF) and malnutrition. This study aimed to determine weight z scores at 36 weeks PMA that are associated with adverse cognitive outcomes at 2 years of age.

METHODS

In this retrospective cohort study, 350 infants 24-26 weeks of gestation born between 2006 and 2014 and followed at 2 years were included. Weight z scores at birth and at 36 weeks PMA were calculated using the INTERGROWTH-21st growth curves. The primary outcome was cognitive delay at 2 years of age (Bayley-III cognitive score < 85).

RESULTS

Neither the traditional definition of PGF (z score below -1.3) nor the recently proposed definition of malnutrition (z score decline of 1.2 or greater) was associated with cognitive delay. Both a weight z score below -1.0 at 36 weeks PMA (RR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.10-2.49; p < 0.05) and a decline below -1.0 in weight z score from birth to 36 weeks PMA (RR: 1.40; 95% CI: 1.00-1.94; p < 0.05) were associated with a higher risk of cognitive delay.

CONCLUSION

With optimal cutoffs, INTERGROWTH-21st weight z scores can predict the risk of cognitive delay.

IMPACT

New growth curves generated with longitudinal data could overcome some limitations of traditional growth curves generated with cross-sectional data. When these new growth curves are used to assess the growth of preterm infants, alternative definitions for postnatal growth alterations may be needed. This study examines the association between postnatal growth alterations defined by the INTEGROWTH-21^st growth curves and adverse cognitive outcomes at 2 years of age. With alternative definitions of postnatal growth failure and malnutrition, the INTERGROWTH-21st growth curves can help establish the association between postnatal growth of extremely preterm infants and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in early childhood.

Percent Body Fat Content Measured by Plethysmography in Infants Randomized to High- or Usual-Volume Feeding after Very Preterm Birth

We measured percent body fat by air-displacement plethysmography in 86 infants born at <32 weeks of gestation randomized to receive either high-volume (180-200 mL/kg/day) or usual volume feeding (140-160 mL/kg/day). High-volume feeding increased percent body fat by ≤2% at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (within a predefined range of equivalence). TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClincialTrials.gov: NCT02377050.

Serial assessment of fat and fat-free mass accretion in very preterm infants: a randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Clinicians could modify dietary interventions during early infancy by monitoring fat and fat-free mass accretion in very preterm infants.

METHODS

Preterm infants were randomly assigned to either having reports on infant body composition available to the clinicians caring for them (intervention group) or not having reports available (control group). All infants underwent serial assessments of body composition by air-displacement plethysmography before 32 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) and at 36 weeks PMA. The primary outcome was percent body fat (%BF) at 3 months of corrected age (CA).

RESULTS

Fifty infants were randomized (median gestational age: 30 weeks; mean ± SD birth weight: 1387 ± 283 g). The mean %BF increased from 7 ± 4 before 32 weeks PMA to 20 ± 5 at 3 months CA. The differences in mean %BF between the intervention group and the control group were not statistically significant at 36 weeks PMA (14.5 vs. 13.6) or 3 months CA (20.8 vs. 19.4). Feeding practices and anthropometric measurements during hospitalization did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Serial assessments of body composition in both intervention and control groups showed consistent increments in %BF. However, providing this information to clinicians did not influence nutritional practices or growth.

IMPACT

Serial assessments of body composition in preterm infants at 32 and 36 weeks postmenstrual age show consistent increments in % body fat up to 3 months of corrected age. However, providing this information to the clinician did not influence nutritional practices or growth.

Higher- or Usual-Volume Feedings in Infants Born Very Preterm: A Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether higher-volume feedings improve postnatal growth among infants born very preterm.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial with 1:1 parallel allocation conducted from January 2015 to June 2018 in a single academic medical center in the US. In total, 224 infants with a birth weight 1001-2500 g born at <32 weeks of gestation were randomized to higher-volume (180-200 mL/kg/d) or usual-volume (140-160 mL/kg/d) feedings after establishing full enteral feedings (≥120 mL/kg/d). The primary outcome was growth velocity (g/kg/d) from randomization to study completion at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age or hospital discharge if earlier.

RESULTS

Growth velocity increased among infants in the higher-volume group compared with the usual-volume group (mean [SD], 20.5 [4.5] vs 17.9 [4.5] g/kg/d; P < .001). At study completion, all measurements were higher among infants in the higher-volume group compared with the usual-volume group: weight (2365 [324] g, z score -0.60 [0.73] vs 2200 [308] g, z score -0.94 [0.71]; P < .001); head circumference (31.9 [1.3] cm, z score -0.30 [0.91] vs 31.4 [1.3] cm, z score -0.53 [0.84]; P = .01); length (44.9 [2.1] cm, z score -0.68 [0.88] vs 44.4 [2.0], z score -0.83 [0.84]; P = .04); and mid-arm circumference (8.8 [0.8] cm vs 8.4 [0.8] cm; P = .002). Bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, or other adverse outcomes did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In infants born very preterm weighing 1001-2500 g at birth, higher-volume feedings increased growth velocity, weight, head circumference, length, and mid-arm circumference compared with usual-volume feedings without adverse effects.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT02377050.

Quantitative assessment of nutritive sucking patterns in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

To assess patterns of nutritive sucking in very preterm infants ≤32 weeks of gestation.

STUDY DESIGN

Very preterm infants who attained independent oral feeding were prospectively assessed with an instrumented feeding bottle that measures nutritive sucking. The primary outcome measure was nutritive sucking performance at independent oral feeding.

RESULT

We assessed nutritive sucking patterns in 33 very preterm infants. We recorded 63 feeding sessions. The median number of sucks was 784 (IQR: 550-1053), the median sucking rate was 36/min (IQR: 27-55), and the median number of sucking bursts during the first 5 min of oral feeding was 14 (IQR: 12-16). Maximum sucking strength correlated with the number of sucks (r = 0.62; p < 0.01). No safety concerns were identified during the study.

CONCLUSION

The quantitative analysis of nutritive sucking patterns with a newly developed instrumented bottle in stable, very preterm infants is safe and feasible. More research is needed to develop and refine the instrument further.

Oxygen saturation histogram monitoring to reduce death or retinopathy of prematurity: a quality improvement initiative

OBJECTIVES

Maintaining preterm infants within a goal oxygen saturation range challenges care providers. Through periodic assessment of saturation trends on infants' bedside histogram reports, our initiative aimed to (1) increase time spent at goal saturations and (2) reduce death or severe retinopathy of prematurity.

STUDY DESIGN

The initiative integrated histogram monitoring into provider, respiratory, and nursing care. Achieved oxygen saturations, chart audits, and bedside histogram monitoring flowsheets provided process measures with the outcome measure of death or severe retinopathy of prematurity.

RESULTS

In infants <29 weeks' gestation (n = 518), the rate of death or severe retinopathy of prematurity prior to hospital discharge decreased from 32.1% to 18.0%. Time at goal saturations (90-95%) increased from 48.7% to 57.6%.

CONCLUSION

In infants born at <29 weeks' gestation, periodic, multidisciplinary oxygen saturation histogram monitoring improved time at goal saturations and was associated with a reduction in death or severe retinopathy of prematurity.

Transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: an updated meta-analysis of observational data

BACKGROUND

The number of observational studies that report an association between packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has increased. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between PRBC transfusions and NEC in observational studies.

METHODS

Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library databases as well as the Pediatrics Academic Societies abstract archives were systematically searched to identify observational studies that investigated the association between PRBC transfusions and NEC. Key search terms included premature infant, blood transfusion and necrotizing enterocolitis. The generic inverse variance method with a random-effects model was used to meta-analyze selected studies. Odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.

RESULTS

A meta-analysis of 17 observational studies that reported the association between PRBC transfusions and NEC was performed. The meta-analysis revealed no evidence of an association between PRBC transfusions and a higher risk of NEC (OR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.53-1.71; P=0.88). The effect estimates that suggested an association between PRBC transfusion and NEC in matched case-control studies (OR: 1.20; 95% CI: 0.58-2.47; P=0.63) differed from those reported in cohort studies (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.34-0.75; P=<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This updated meta-analysis of predominantly low-to-moderate quality observational studies suggests that there is no significant association between PRBC transfusions and NEC. A higher quality of evidence on this topic is needed.

Early progressive feeding in extremely preterm infants: a randomized trial

Background

Due to insufficient evidence, extremely preterm infants (≤28 wk of gestation) rarely receive early progressive feeding (small increments of feeding volumes between 1 and 4 d after birth). We hypothesized that early progressive feeding increases the number of full enteral feeding days in the first month after birth.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility and efficacy of early progressive feeding in extremely preterm infants.

Design

In this single-center randomized trial, extremely preterm infants born between September 2016 and June 2017 were randomly assigned to receive either early progressive feeding without trophic feeding (early feeding group) or delayed progressive feeding after a 4-d course of trophic feeding (delayed feeding group). Treatment allocation occurred before or on feeding day 1. The primary outcome was the number of full enteral feeding days in the first month after birth. Secondary outcomes were death, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), culture-proven sepsis, growth percentiles at 36 wk postmenstrual age, use of parenteral nutrition, and need for central venous access.

Results

Sixty infants were included (median gestational age: 26 wk; mean ± SD birth weight: 832 ± 253 g). The primary outcome differed between groups (median difference favoring the early feeding group: +2 d; 95% CI: 0, 3 d; P = 0.02). Early progressive feeding reduced the use of parenteral nutrition (4 compared with 8 d; P ≤ 0.01) and the need for central venous access (9 compared with 13 d; P ≤ 0.01). The outcome of culture-proven sepsis (10% compared with 27%; P = 0.18), restricted growth (weight, length, and head circumference <10th percentile) at 36 wk postmenstrual age (25% compared with 50%; P = 0.07), and the composite outcome of NEC or death (27% compared with 20%; P = 0.74) did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

Early progressive feeding increases the number of full enteral feeding days in extremely preterm infants. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02915549.

Dose-Response Effects of Early Vitamin D Supplementation on Neurodevelopmental and Respiratory Outcomes of Extremely Preterm Infants at 2 Years of Age: A Randomized Trial

BACKGROUND

Many extremely preterm infants have low vitamin D concentrations at birth, but early childhood outcomes after vitamin D supplementation have not been reported.

OBJECTIVE

To determine a dose-response relationship between increasing doses of enteral vitamin D in the first 28 days after birth and cognitive scores at 2 years of age.

METHODS

In this phase II double-blind dose-response randomized trial, infants with gestational ages between 23 and 27 weeks were randomly assigned to receive placebo or a vitamin D dose of 200 or 800 IU/day from day 1 of enteral feeding to postnatal day 28. The primary outcome of this follow-up study was Bayley III cognitive score at 22-26 months of age.

RESULTS

Seventy of 80 survivors had a follow-up evaluation at 2 years of age (88%). There were no significant differences in cognitive scores between supplementation groups (p = 0.47). Cognitive scores did not differ between the higher vitamin D dose group and the placebo group (median difference favoring the 800 IU group: +5 points; 95% CI: -5 to 15; p = 0.23). The linear trend between increasing doses of vitamin D and reduction of neurodevelopmental impairment (placebo group: 54%; 200 IU group: 43%; 800 IU group: 30%; p = 0.08) or language impairment (placebo group: 64%; 200 IU group: 57%; 800 IU group: 45%; p = 0.15) was not statistically significant. Respiratory outcomes at 2 years of age (need for supplemental oxygen or asthma medications) did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

In extremely preterm infants, early vitamin D supplementation did not significantly improve cognitive scores. Though underpowered for clinically meaningful differences in early childhood outcomes, this trial may help determine dosing for further investigation of vitamin D supplementation.

Short versus Extended Duration of Trophic Feeding to Reduce Time to Achieve Full Enteral Feeding in Extremely Preterm Infants: An Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Trophic feeding compared to no enteral feeding prevents atrophy of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the practice of extending the duration of trophic feeding often delays initiation of full enteral feeding in extremely preterm infants. We hypothesized that a short duration of trophic feeding (3 days or less) is associated with early initiation of full enteral feeding.

METHODS

A total of 192 extremely preterm infants (23-28 weeks' gestation) born between 2013 and 2015 were included. Infants were divided into 2 groups according to the duration of trophic feeding (short vs. extended). The primary outcome was time to achieve full enteral feeding and the safety outcome was necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and/or death.

RESULTS

A short duration of trophic feeding was associated with a reduction in time to achieve full enteral feeding after adjustment for birth weight, gestational age, race, sex, type of enteral nutrition, and day of initiation of trophic feeding (mean difference favoring a short duration of trophic feeding: -4.1 days; 95% CI: -2.3 to -5.8; p < 0.001). A short duration of trophic feeding was not associated with a higher risk of NEC and/or death after achieving full enteral feeding (AOR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.30-2.77; p = 0.87).

CONCLUSIONS

A short duration of trophic feeding is associated with early initiation of full enteral feeding. A short duration of trophic feeding is not associated with a higher risk of NEC, but our study was underpowered for this safety outcome. Randomized trials are needed to test this study hypothesis.

Gestational age and birthweight for risk assessment of neurodevelopmental impairment or death in extremely preterm infants

BACKGROUND

The risk of poor outcomes in preterm infants is primarily determined by birthweight (BW) and gestational age (GA). It is not known whether BW is a better outcome predictor than GA.

OBJECTIVE

To test whether BW is better than GA (measured in days, rather than completed weeks) for prediction of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) and death.

DESIGN/METHODS

Extremely preterm infants born at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Neonatal Research Network centres between 1998 and 2009 were studied. For the unadjusted analysis, the associations of GA (in days based on best obstetrical estimate) and BW (in grams) with NDI or death were compared using area under the curve (AUC). Adjusted analyses were performed using birth year, sex, race, antenatal steroids, singleton birth, pre-eclampsia, Apgar score at 5 min and small for GA as covariates.

RESULTS

10 652 preterm infants (89%) had outcome data at 18-22 months' corrected age. The mean BW was 678 g (SD: 155) and the mean GA was 173 days (SD: 10) or 24^5/7 weeks (SD: 1^3/7). The AUC for NDI or death was 80% with BW and 79% with GA (p=0.82). Unadjusted and adjusted analyses did not differ. NDI or death rates decreased with increasing GA through 26 weeks (estimated risk reduction with each additional day of gestation: 2.2%).

CONCLUSION

Both BW in grams and GA in days are good predictors of NDI and death in a preterm population selected on the basis of reliable GA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT00009633.

A Comparison of 3 Vitamin D Dosing Regimens in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To determine the optimal dose of vitamin D supplementation to achieve biochemical vitamin D sufficiency in extremely low gestational age newborns in a masked randomized controlled trial.

STUDY DESIGN

100 infants 23 0/7-27 6/7 weeks gestation were randomized to vitamin D intakes of placebo (n = 36), 200 IU (n = 34), and 800 IU/d (n = 30) (approximating 200, 400, or 1000 IU/d, respectively, when vitamin D routinely included in parenteral or enteral nutrition is included). The primary outcomes were serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations on postnatal day 28 and the number of days alive and off respiratory support in the first 28 days.

RESULTS

At birth, 67% of infants had 25-hydroxy vitamin D <20 ng/mL suggesting biochemical vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D concentrations on day 28 were (median [25th-75th percentiles], ng/mL): placebo: 22 (13-47), 200 IU: 39 (26-57), 800 IU: 84.5 (52-99); P < .001. There were no differences in days alive and off respiratory support (median [25th-75th percentiles], days): placebo: 1 (0-11), 200 IU: 0 (0-8), and 800 IU: 0.5 (0-22); P = .63, or other respiratory outcomes among groups.

CONCLUSIONS

At birth, most extremely preterm infants have biochemical vitamin D deficiency. This biochemical deficiency is reduced on day 28 by supplementation with 200 IU/d and prevented by 800 IU/d. Larger trials are required to determine if resolution of biochemical vitamin D deficiency improves clinical outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01600430.

Seasonal Variation in Solar Ultra Violet Radiation and Early Mortality in Extremely Preterm Infants

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D production during pregnancy promotes fetal lung development, a major determinant of infant survival after preterm birth. Because vitamin D synthesis in humans is regulated by solar ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation, we hypothesized that seasonal variation in solar UVB doses during fetal development would be associated with variation in neonatal mortality rates.

METHODS

This cohort study included infants born alive with gestational age (GA) between 23 and 28 weeks gestation admitted to a neonatal unit between 1996 and 2010. Three infant cohort groups were defined according to increasing intensities of solar UVB doses at 17 and 22 weeks gestation. The primary outcome was death during the first 28 days after birth.

RESULTS

Outcome data of 2,319 infants were analyzed. Mean birth weight was 830 ± 230 g and median gestational age was 26 weeks. Mortality rates were significantly different across groups (p = 0.04). High-intensity solar UVB doses were associated with lower mortality when compared with normal intensity solar UVB doses (hazard ratio: 0.70; 95% confidence interval: 0.54-0.91; p = 0.01).

CONCLUSION

High-intensity solar UVB doses during fetal development seem to be associated with risk reduction of early mortality in preterm infants. Prospective studies are needed to validate these preliminary findings.

A randomised trial of re-feeding gastric residuals in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether re-feeding of gastric residual volumes reduces the time needed to achieve full enteral feeding in preterm infants.

DESIGN

Parallel-group randomised controlled trial with a 1:1 allocation ratio.

SETTING

Regional referral neonatal intensive care unit.

PATIENTS

72 infants of gestational age 23(0/7) to 28(6/7) weeks receiving minimal enteral nutrition (<24 mL/kg/day) during the first week after birth.

INTERVENTIONS

Infants were randomised to either be re-fed with gastric residual volumes (Re-feeding group) or receive fresh formula/human milk (Fresh-feeding group) whenever large gastric residual volumes were noted.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

The primary efficacy end point was time to achieve full enteral feeding (≥120 mL/kg/day) after randomisation.

RESULTS

The mean time to full enteral feeding was 10.0 days in the Re-feeding group and 11.3 days in the Fresh-feeding group (mean difference favouring re-feeding: -1.3 days; 95% CI -2.9 to 0.3; p=0.11). The composite safety end point of spontaneous intestinal perforation, surgical necrotising enterocolitis, or death occurred in 6 of 36 infants (17%) in the Re-feeding group versus 10 of 36 infants (28%) in the Fresh-feeding group (p=0.26).

CONCLUSIONS

Re-feeding gastric residual volumes in extremely preterm infants does not reduce time to achieve full enteral feeding. This trial suggests that re-feeding might be as safe as fresh feeding, but further research is needed, due to lack of sufficient statistical power in this study for safety analysis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT01420263NCT01420263.

Prophylactic indomethacin and intestinal perforation in extremely low birth weight infants

OBJECTIVE

Prophylactic indomethacin reduces severe intraventricular hemorrhage but may increase spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. Early feedings improve nutritional outcomes but may increase the risk of SIP. Despite their benefits, use of these therapies varies largely by physician preferences in part because of the concern for SIP.

METHODS

This was a cohort study of 15,751 ELBW infants in the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network from 1999 to 2010 who survived beyond 12 hours after birth. The risk of SIP was compared between groups of infants with and without exposure to prophylactic indomethacin and early feeding in unadjusted analyses and in analyses adjusted for center and for risks of SIP.

RESULTS

Among infants exposed to prophylactic indomethacin, the risk of SIP did not differ between the indomethacin/early-feeding group compared with the indomethacin/no-early-feeding group (adjusted relative risk [RR] 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.49-1.11). The risk of SIP was lower in the indomethacin/early-feeding group compared with the no indomethacin/no-early-feeding group (adjusted RR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37-0.90, P = .0159). Among infants not exposed to indomethacin, early feeding was associated with a lower risk of SIP compared with the no early feeding group (adjusted RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.36-0.777, P = .0011).

CONCLUSIONS

The combined or individual use of prophylactic indomethacin and early feeding was not associated with an increased risk of SIP in ELBW infants.

The value of Pa(CO2) in relation to outcome in congenital diaphragmatic hernia

BACKGROUND

Postnatal assessment of disease severity is critical for analysis of mortality rates and development of future interventions in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to stratify the risk of mortality based on arterial Paco 2.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of infants (n = 133) with CDH admitted to a regional extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) center in two different periods: period I (1987-1996; n = 46) and period II (2002-2010; n = 87).

RESULTS

The mortality rate (37%) was similar in both periods (p = 0.98). Paco 2 < 60 mm Hg in the first arterial blood gas (ABG) was an independent predictor of survival in both periods (p = 0.03). The predicted survival rate was 84% if initial Paco 2 was < 55 mm Hg. For infants with initial Paco 2 > 55 mm Hg treated with ECMO (n = 83), the predicted survival rate was 11% if the Paco 2 was > 88 mm Hg before the initiation of ECMO.

CONCLUSION

Paco 2, a surrogate of lung hypoplasia, may be useful for risk stratification in CDH. Paco 2 < 60 mm Hg in the first ABG may indicate milder pulmonary hypoplasia. A Paco 2 > 80 mm Hg in the first ABG and/or before ECMO may indicate severe pulmonary hypoplasia.

Histological characteristics of the fetal inflammatory response associated with neurodevelopmental impairment and death in extremely preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that increasing severity of the fetal inflammatory response (FIR) would have a dose-dependent relationship with severe neurodevelopmental impairment or death in extremely preterm infants.

STUDY DESIGN

We report 347 infants of 23-28 weeks gestational age admitted to a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit between 2006 and 2008. The primary outcome was death or neurodevelopmental impairment at the 18- to 22-month follow-up. Exposure status was defined by increasing stage of funisitis (stage 1, phlebitis; stage 2, arteritis with or without phlebitis; stage 3, subacute necrotizing funisitis) and severity of chorionic plate vasculitis (inflammation with or without thrombosis).

RESULTS

A FIR was detected in 110 placentas (32%). The rate of severe neurodevelopmental impairment/death was higher in infants with subacute necrotizing funisitis compared with infants without placental/umbilical cord inflammation (60% vs 35%; P < .05). Among infants with stage 1 or 2 funisitis, the presence of any chorionic vasculitis was associated with a higher rate of severe neurodevelopmental impairment/death (47% vs 23%; P < .05). After adjustment for confounding factors, only subacute necrotizing funisitis (risk ratio, 1.87; 95% CI, 1.04-3.35; P = .04) and chorionic plate vasculitis with thrombosis (risk ratio, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.10-4.46; P = .03) were associated with severe neurodevelopmental impairment/death.

CONCLUSION

Severe FIR, characterized by subacute necrotizing funisitis and severe chorionic plate vasculitis with thrombosis, is associated with severe neurodevelopmental impairment/death in preterm infants.

Oronasopharyngeal suction versus wiping of the mouth and nose at birth: a randomised equivalency trial

BACKGROUND

Wiping of the mouth and nose at birth is an alternative method to oronasopharyngeal suction in delivery-room management of neonates, but whether these methods have equivalent effectiveness is unclear.

METHODS

For this randomised equivalency trial, neonates delivered at 35 weeks' gestation or later at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital, Birmingham, AL, USA, between October, 2010, and November, 2011, were eligible. Before birth, neonates were randomly assigned gentle wiping of the face, mouth (implemented by the paediatric or obstetric resident), and nose with a towel (wipe group) or suction with a bulb syringe of the mouth and nostrils (suction group). The primary outcome was the respiratory rate in the first 24 h after birth. We hypothesised that respiratory rates would differ by fewer than 4 breaths per min between groups. Analysis was by intention to treat. This study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT01197807.

FINDINGS

506 neonates born at a median of 39 weeks' gestation (IQR 38-40) were randomised. Three parents withdrew consent and 15 non-vigorous neonates with meconium-stained amniotic fluid were excluded. Among the 488 treated neonates, the mean respiratory rates in the first 24 h were 51 (SD 8) breaths per min in the wipe group and 50 (6) breaths per min in the suction group (difference of means 1 breath per min, 95% CI -2 to 0, p<0·001).

INTERPRETATION

Wiping the nose and mouth has equivalent efficacy to routine use of oronasopharyngeal suction in neonates born at or beyond 35 weeks' gestation.

FUNDING

None.

Plastic bags for prevention of hypothermia in preterm and low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Hypothermia contributes to neonatal mortality and morbidity, especially in preterm and low birth weight infants in developing countries. Plastic bags covering the trunk and extremities of very low birth weight infants reduces hypothermia. This technique has not been studied in larger infants or in many resource-limited settings. The objective was to determine if placing preterm and low birth weight infants inside a plastic bag at birth maintains normothermia.

METHODS

Infants at 26 to 36 weeks' gestational age and/or with a birth weight of 1000 to 2500 g born at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia, were randomized by using a 1:1 allocation and parallel design to standard thermoregulation (blanket or radiant warmer) care or to standard thermoregulation care plus placement inside a plastic bag at birth. The primary outcome measure was axillary temperature in the World Health Organization-defined normal range (36.5-37.5°C) at 1 hour after birth.

RESULTS

A total of 104 infants were randomized. At 1 hour after birth, infants randomized to plastic bag (n = 49) were more likely to have a temperature in the normal range as compared with infants in the standard thermoregulation care group (n = 55; 59.2% vs 32.7%; relative risk 1.81; 95% confidence interval 1.16-2.81; P = .007). The temperature at 1 hour after birth in the infants randomized to plastic bag was 36.5 ± 0.5°C compared with 36.1 ± 0.6°C in standard care infants (P < .001). Hyperthermia (>38.0°C) did not occur in any infant.

CONCLUSIONS

Placement of preterm/low birth weight infants inside a plastic bag at birth compared with standard thermoregulation care reduced hypothermia without resulting in hyperthermia, and is a low-cost, low-technology tool for resource-limited settings.

Prospective analysis of pulmonary hypertension in extremely low birth weight infants

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary hypertension is associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants and contributes to morbidity and mortality. The objective was to determine the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension among ELBW infants by screening echocardiography and evaluate subsequent outcomes.

METHODS

All ELBW infants admitted to a regional perinatal center were evaluated for pulmonary hypertension with echocardiography at 4 weeks of age and subsequently if clinical signs suggestive of right-sided heart failure or severe lung disease were evident. Management was at discretion of the clinician, and infants were evaluated until discharge from the hospital or pre-discharge death occurred.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five ELBW infants (birth weight: 755 ± 144 g; median gestational age: 26 weeks [interquartile range: 24-27]) were screened from December 2008 to February 2011. Overall, 26 (17.9%) were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension at any time during hospitalization (birth weight: 665 ± 140 g; median gestational age: 26 weeks [interquartile range: 24-27]): 9 (6.2%) by initial screening (early pulmonary hypertension) and 17 (11.7%) who were identified later (late pulmonary hypertension). Infants with pulmonary hypertension were more likely to receive oxygen treatment on day 28 compared with those without pulmonary hypertension (96% vs 75%, P < .05). Of the 26 infants, 3 died (all in the late group because of cor pulmonale) before being discharged from the hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary hypertension is relatively common, affecting at least 1 in 6 ELBW infants, and persists to discharge in most survivors. Routine screening of ELBW infants with echocardiography at 4 weeks of age identifies only one-third of the infants diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. Further research is required to determine optimal detection and intervention strategies.

Psychosocial parental support programs and short-term clinical outcomes in extremely low-birth-weight infants

OBJECTIVE

To describe the association between an individualized psychosocial parental support (PPS) program and short-term clinical outcomes of extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

METHODS

Medical records of ELBW infants (<1000 g) hospitalized in the NICU at Miami Children's Hospital between July 2006 and June 2008 were reviewed. Outborn infants admitted during their first 72 h of life and discharged home were included. Parents were divided in two groups according to their participation status in the PPS program. Neonatal outcomes in both groups were compared.

RESULTS

Forty-one infants were included (n = 41). Mean gestational age was 26.7±2 weeks, and birth weight was 860±125 g. Median length of stay (LOS) was 96 days (quartile range: 76-112 days). PPS was provided to 33.3% of these infants' parents. The median LOS in the PPS group was significantly lower than in control group (86 vs. 99 days; p < 0.05). No other differences in short-term neonatal outcomes were found.

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of individualized psychosocial parent support programs to standard care in the NICU may reduce LOS in surviving infants discharged home. Further larger and randomized prospective studies are needed.

Haemophilusinfluenzae type b conjugate vaccine for preventing pneumonia in infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis: a case-control study

BACKGROUND

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine reduces the risk of pneumonia in infants.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effect of Hib conjugate vaccine (HibCV) on the prevention of pneumonia as a complication among infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis.

METHODS

This record-based case-control study was conducted at The Children's Hospital "Dr. Ovidio Aliaga U" in La Paz, Bolivia during 2003 and 2004. Cases were infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis under 1 year of age who developed radiological pneumonia during hospitalization. Controls were patients who had good clinical progress without the use of antibiotics. Pneumonia was defined by alveolar consolidation on chest X-ray that justified the use of antibiotics.

RESULTS

Eighty patients were studied (16 cases and 64 controls). Their median age was 4.5 months. Demographic and clinical features were similar in both groups, except for a higher proportion of vomiting (56.3% vs. 28.1%; p<0.05) in the case group. The percentage of unvaccinated infants was significantly higher in cases (68.8% vs. 26.6%; p<0.05) and the length of hospital stay longer (8.5+/-5.4 vs. 3.1+/-2.2 days; p<0.05). There was a strong association between unvaccinated infants and the occurrence of pneumonia as a complication (odds ratio 6.1, 95% confidence interval 1.8-20.1; p<0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Unvaccinated infants admitted for bronchiolitis have a higher risk of radiologically confirmed pneumonia. Larger studies are needed to validate these results and reconsider the burden of Hib infection among infants in less developed countries.

Exchange transfusion in infants with extreme hyperbilirubinemia: an experience from a developing country

OBJECTIVE

To determine the clinical and epidemiological features of infants with extreme hyperbilirubinemia who require exchange transfusion (ET).

STUDY DESIGN

Term and near-term infants admitted to a paediatric hospital over a 5-year period in La Paz, Bolivia, were included in the study if they met the following criteria: age less than 30 days; total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels > or =428 micromol/L (> or =25 mg/dL) on admission and if they had undergone an ET.

RESULTS

Fifty-six infants were identified during the study period. Most of them were exclusively breastfed (98.2%). Median age at admission was 7 days. Weight loss of more than 12% since birth, as well as dehydration, was registered in more than one-third of cases. Extreme hyperbilirubinemia was considered as secondary to increased enterohepatic circulation (EHC) in most cases (73%). The mean TSB level on admission was 531.8 micromol/L (31.1 mg/dL). Fifteen infants (26.8%) showed signs of acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE). Early ABE was reversible after ET in most cases but all infants with advanced ABE developed severe kernicteric sequelae. Nine patients (16.1%) developed adverse events attributable to ET.

CONCLUSIONS

Dehydration and weight loss in breastfed infants appeared to be an important factor associated with extreme hyperbilirubinemia and secondary brain damage during the first week of life. This may well be avoided if signs of ABE and its associated conditions are identified appropriately by follow-up programmes.

Introducing information technologies into medical education: activities of the AAMC

Previous articles in this column have discussed how new information technologies are revolutionizing medical education. In this article, two staff members from the Association of American Medical College's Division of Medical Education discuss how the Association (the AAMC) is working both to support the introduction of new technologies into medical education and to facilitate dialogue on information technology and curriculum issues among AAMC constituents and staff. The authors describe six AAMC initiatives related to computing in medical education: the Medical School Objectives Project, the National Curriculum Database Project, the Information Technology and Medical Education Project, a professional development program for chief information officers, the AAMC ACCESS Data Collection and Dissemination System, and the internal Staff Interest Group on Medical Informatics and Medical Education.