Basic notions of lung ultrasound in neonatology

Lung ultrasound (LU) has gained ground in the diagnosis of most respiratory conditions present since birth. It is highly sensitive to variations in air content and pulmonary fluids and functions as a true densitometer of the lung parenchyma with a sensitivity superior to that of radiological studies. A LU is a non-invasive, fast and easy tool that can be used at the patient's bedside and, unlike conventional radiology, does not pose risks of radiation. In addition, a LU provides real-time dynamic information in a variety of neonatal settings and, like heart and brain examinations, can be performed by the neonatologist. The objective of this article is to describe the main artifacts and images that can be found in the neonatal LU, as well as the different aeration patterns, and to highlight their usefulness in the study of the most frequent respiratory disorders of neonates.

[Atypical presentation of a congenital metastatic neuroblastoma with severe renal impact: case report]

Neuroblastoma is a neural crest-derived tumor and the most common malignant tumor in neonates. Its clinical presentation can be quite variable. In some cases, it presents as an aggressive metastatic disease whilst in others it is a finding in scans performed for other reasons. The following report presents the case of a premature newborn, diagnosed postnatally with metastatic congenital neuroblastoma, with an atypical and torpid course, including severe renal injury and dialysis requirement.

Risk factors associated with mortality in newborn infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia

INTRODUCTION

Morbidity and mortality are high in congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Some tools help to predict survival, both prenatally (observed/expected lung-to-head ratio [OELHR], presence of the liver in the chest) and postnatally (Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Study Group [CDHSG] score). Our objective was to identify the risk factors associated with mortality and estimate the risk-adjusted mortality in the prenatal period in the subgroup of patients with isolated left-sided hernia.

POULATION AND METHODS

Retrospective and analytical study of patients born at Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires between 2011 and 2018. A multivariate analysis was done to assess mortality-associated risk factors. For riskadjusted mortality in the prenatal period, the ratio between the observed mortality and the mean "expected" mortality based on the OELHR was estimated.

RESULTS

A total of 53 patients were included. Their median gestational age was 38 weeks, and their mean birth weight was 3054 g. Isolated hernia was observed in 73 % of patients. Overall mortality was 45 %, and higher in patients with associated malformations. In the multivariate analysis, the presence of severe pulmonary hypertension estimated by postnatal echocardiogram was independently associated with mortality (adjusted odds ratio: 6.4, 95 % confidence interval: 1.02-40). The observed overall mortality in patients with isolated left-sided hernia was similar to that expected (ratio: 1.05).

CONCLUSION

Overall mortality was similar to that expected based on the OE-LHR. In our population, severe pulmonary hypertension after birth was a determining factor of mortality.

[Recommendations for palivizumab use. Update 2015]

This recommendation updates the Argentinean Pediatrics' Neonatal Committee (CEFEN) ones published in 2007. The respiratory syncytial virus is the most frequent agent for lower respiratory infection. Tiny premature, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and significant hemodynamic congenital heart disease babies are the most vulnerable populations. Palivizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against respiratory syncytial virus used in the cold season. These recommendations are based on the scientific review of the literature published up to date. We reinforce the importance of general prevention measures like hand hygiene and family education among others. During the predominant season of respiratory syncytial virus in our country (April to September) a monthly dose of intramuscular 15 mg/kg of palivizumab is recommended. The safety and effectiveness has been proved as well as a reduction in the hospitalizations rates. In addition, epidemiological data of previous years are provided here.

Clinical outcome of neonates with nosocomial suspected sepsis treated with cefazolin or vancomycin: a non-inferiority, randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Nosocomial infections are a major problem in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS) is the most common causative agent. We evaluated the efficacy of cefazolin versus vancomycin as initial therapy for neonates with presumptive clinical signs of nosocomial sepsis probably caused by CONS.

METHODS

Hospitalized newborns infants with clinical signs of very probable bacterial sepsis were included. Two groups were randomly assigned according the initial antibiotic therapy: cefazolin group (CG) or vancomycin group (VG). The primary analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. The main outcome measure was the clinical outcome of infants in both groups at the end of antibiotic treatment.

RESULTS

We analyzed 109 newborns, 52 in CG and 57 in VG. Baseline characteristics were similar among groups. The percentage of neonates with adequate outcome was 92% in the CG and 86% in the VG: difference: 6% (95% CI: -7% to 19%, p-value non-inferiority, p = 0.007). Seven infants died in the CG (13.5%) and and 11 (19.2%) in the VG; no significant difference (p=0.45).

CONCLUSION

Cefazolin was not inferior to vancomycin in achieving an adequate clinical outcome in newborn infants with confirmed or highly probable nosocomial sepsis.

Clinical outcome of neonates with nosocomial suspected sepsis treated with cefazolin or vancomycin: a non-inferiority, randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Nosocomial infections are a major problem in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Coagulase negative Staphylococcus (CONS) is the most common causative agent. We evaluated the efficacy of cefazolin versus vancomycin as initial therapy for neonates with presumptive clinical signs of nosocomial sepsis probably caused by CONS.

METHODS

Hospitalized newborns infants with clinical signs of very probable bacterial sepsis were included. Two groups were randomly assigned according the initial antibiotic therapy: cefazolin group (CG) or vancomycin group (VG). The primary analysis was performed on an intention-to-treat basis. The main outcome measure was the clinical outcome of infants in both groups at the end of antibiotic treatment.

RESULTS

We analyzed 109 newborns, 52 in CG and 57 in VG. Baseline characteristics were similar among groups. The percentage of neonates with adequate outcome was 92% in the CG and 86% in the VG: difference: 6% (95% CI: -7% to 19%, p-value non-inferiority, p = 0.007). Seven infants died in the CG (13.5%) and and 11 (19.2%) in the VG; no significant difference (p=0.45).

CONCLUSION

Cefazolin was not inferior to vancomycin in achieving an adequate clinical outcome in newborn infants with confirmed or highly probable nosocomial sepsis.

[Nosocomial infections in a neonatal unit: surveillance program]

INTRODUCTION

Nosocomial infections in neonatal units are frequent and require having a surveillance program which allows detection and implementation of preventive strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence and distribution of hospital infections and the rate of use of devices in a neonatal unit compared with international standards.

METHODS

Epidemiological, observational, analytical, prospective cohort study. We developed and carried out a monitoring program, stratifying infants by birth weight, recording the use of central catheters, mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition and bladder catheter. We calculated the total patient days, the device utilization rates and episodes of hospital infection. The data were compared with those of the National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance.

RESULTS

1530 infants were admitted to the Neonatal Care Unit from 01/01/2006 to 31/12/2008 totaling 22 237 days patients. We identified 138 episodes of hospital infections, adjusted overall rate 6.23 episodes per 1000 patient/days. Overall rates of devices' use were: central catheter 32.3%, mechanical ventilation 14.2%, bladder catheter 4.6%. The overall rate of nosocomial infection associated with central catheter was 8.6 ‰. All groups had rates within the published rates, except the group of infants <1000 grams (19.7 ‰), that exceeded the 90th percentile. With regard to ventilator associated pneumonia (overall rate 1.9‰), rates were comparable.

CONCLUSION

The description of the occurrence and distribution of nosocomial infections and their association with risk factors could be determined and generally showed to be found within the published percentiles.