Objective Delayed cord clamping (DCC) has been recently adopted in neonatal resuscitation. The im... more Objective Delayed cord clamping (DCC) has been recently adopted in neonatal resuscitation. The immediate cardiac hemodynamic effects related to DCC more than 30 seconds was not studied. We aimed to study the effect of DCC at 120 seconds compared with 30 seconds on multiple hemodynamic variables in full-term infants using an electrical cardiometry (EC) device. Study Design Present study is a randomized clinical trial. The study was conducted with full-term infants who were delivered at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Cairo University Hospital. Sixty-eight full term infants were successfully enrolled in this trial. Cardiac output (CO) and other hemodynamic parameters were evaluated in this study by EC device. Hemoglobin, glucose, and bilirubin concentrations were measured at 24 hours. Newborn infants were assigned randomly into group 1: DCC at 30 seconds, and group 2: DCC at 120 seconds, based on the time of cord clamping. Results Stroke volume (SV) (mL) and CO (L/min) were significantly higher in group 2 compared with group 1 at 5 minutes (6.71 vs. 5.35 and 1.09 vs. 0.75), 10 minutes (6.43 vs. 5.59 and 0.88 vs. 0.77), 15 minutes (6.45 vs. 5.60 and 0.89 vs. 0.76), and 24 hours (6.67 vs. 5.75 and 0.91vs. 0.81), respectively. Index of contractility (ICON; units) was significantly increased in group 2 at 5 minutes compared with group1 (114.2 vs. 83.8). Hematocrit (%) and total bilirubin concentrations (mg/dL) at 24 hours were significantly increased in group 2 compared with group 1 (51.5 vs. 40.5 and 3.8 vs. 2.9, respectively). Conclusion Stroke volume and cardiac output are significantly higher in neonates with DCC at 120 seconds compared with 30 seconds that continues for the first 24 hours. Key Points
Intraventricular haemorrhages (IVH) greatly impact the outcome of very low birth weight (VLBW) in... more Intraventricular haemorrhages (IVH) greatly impact the outcome of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. This study examines the correlation between inter-hospital transport and the incidence and severity of IVH in VLBW infants in a large cohort of data. The US National Inpatient Sample Database (NIS) and its KID subportion were analysed for the years 1997-2004. Infants <1500 g were included in the study and were classified into transport and inborn groups. Groups were further classified according to birth weight into <1000 g and 1000-1499 g. IVH and severe IVH (grades 3-4) were compared between groups and subgroups. Adjusted OR for IVH or severe IVH in correlation with inter-hospital transport were calculated using logistic regression models while controlling for clinical and demographic confounders. We examined changing trends of the incidence of IVH, incidence of neonatal transport and OR for IVH in correlation with neonatal transport in VLBW infants over the years. A total of 67 596 VLBW infants were included in the study. Overall incidence of IVH in the sample was 14.7%; the transport group had more IVH compared to inborn group (27.4% vs 13.42%): adjusted OR 1.75 (95% CI 1.64 to 1.86; p<0.001). Severe IVH was higher in the transport group compared to the inborn group (44.1% vs 32.9%); adjusted OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.22 to 1.70, p=0.001). Similar results were demonstrated in weight-based subgroups. There was increasing trends for neonatal transport and for IVH over the years…
Seminars in fetal & neonatal medicine, Aug 1, 2021
Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a serious condition with devastating neurological outcomes that c... more Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a serious condition with devastating neurological outcomes that can impact oxygenation and ventilation. The currently recommended therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for these infants may also has several respiratory implications. It decreases metabolic rate and oxygen demands; however, it increases oxygen solubility in the blood and impacts its release to peripheral tissue including the brain. Respiratory management of infants treated with TH should aim for minimizing exposure to hypocapnia or hyperoxia. Inspiratory gas should be heated to 37 °C and humidified to prevent airway and alveolar injury. Blood gas values should be corrected to the core temperature during TH and the use of alkaline buffers is discouraged. While mild sedation/analgesia may ameliorate the discomfort related to cooling, paralytic agents/heavy sedation should be used with caution considering their side effects. Finally, the use of caffeine still needs careful investigation in this population.
Early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (ENCPAP) has recently emerged in neonatal units a... more Early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (ENCPAP) has recently emerged in neonatal units as an acceptable alternative to routine intubation and mandatory ventilation. The risks and benefits of ENCPAP have yet to be established. In this study, we aimed to examine variables that influenced the decision to initiate ENCPAP in the delivery room (DR). We also explored potential harmful effects of early intubation and examined whether unsuccessful ENCPAP attempts might subject infants to any unforeseen morbidity. All inborn very low birth weight (VLBW) infants admitted to the NICU since the implementation of the ENCPAP policy were included in this retrospective study. Infants were stratified initially into 2 cohorts according to whether they were intubated in the DR or began ENCPAP. Infants were then stratified into 4 groups according to the respiratory management during their first week of life. Infants in group 1 were supported with ENCPAP in the DR and continued to receive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at least for the entire first week. Infants in group 2 began ENCPAP treatment in the DR but required intubation during the first week of life. Infants in group 3 were intubated in the DR but transitioned successfully to CPAP within the first 48 hours and were treated with CPAP for the first week of life or longer. Infants in group 4 were intubated in the DR and treated with intermittent mandatory ventilation for >48 hours. Univariate analyses compared different groups with the Wilcoxon nonparametric test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and analysis of variance. A multivariate regression model adjusted for differences in birth weights (BWs), gestational ages (GAs), race, and Apgar scores between the groups. A total of 234 VLBW infants (weight of <1500 g) were admitted to the NICU during the period from August 1997 to December 2003. The mean BW was 977.1 +/- 305.8 g, and the mean GA was 27.7 +/- 2.7 weeks. The overall mortality rate was 11.1%, and the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia among survivors was 17.4%. ENCPAP was implemented successfully in the DR for 151 (64.5%) infants, whereas 83 (35.5%) infants required intubation. Infants who required intubation had significantly lower GAs, BWs, and 1-minute Apgar scores. The use of ENCPAP in the DR increased significantly over time. The chance of successful maintenance with ENCPAP for >48 hours was not demonstrable at <24 weeks of gestation (10% success). Use of ENCPAP improved significantly by 25 weeks of gestation (45% success). Infants in group 1 required a shorter duration of oxygen use than did infants in group 3 (7.9 +/- 18.3 vs 39 +/- 32.7 days; regression coefficient [b] = 19 +/- 5.3). None of the infants in group 1 developed intraventricular hemorrhage of grade III or IV or retinopathy of prematurity of stage 3 or 4. Infants in group 3 did not show improved outcomes, compared with group 1. Compared with group 4, infants in group 2 had a higher incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (15.6% vs 7.3%; b = 2.5 +/- 1.2). The success of ENCPAP improved with increased GA and with staff experience over time. Infants treated successfully with ENCPAP were unlikely to develop intraventricular hemorrhage of grade III or IV. Infants who experienced ENCPAP failure were at increased risk for the development of necrotizing enterocolitis. Infants who were intubated briefly in the DR were at increased risk for prolonged oxygen requirement. An individualized approach should be considered for respiratory support of VLBW infants.
Journal of Maternal-fetal & Neonatal Medicine, Feb 10, 2012
Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is a major problem in premature infants. Our objective is to a... more Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is a major problem in premature infants. Our objective is to assess the early predictive value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for development of IVH and management of its squeal in preterm neonates. We prospectively studied 150 preterm neonates (PT) less than 34 weeks gestation. Fifty of them completed the study. 30/50 developed IVH during follow up, and 20 did not. First 24 hours, and 3(rd) day serum samples were collected. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were withdrawn for 10 IVH patients. Serum VEGF; both samples were increased in IVH compared to non-IVH group (P=0.001). PHVD-group (n=10) had higher VEGF in both samples than resolved IVH (P=0.004), (P=0.005). While, VEGF increased in the IVH group 2(nd) sample compared to 1(st) (P=0.000), it decreased in non-IVH group, P=0.033). Each 1 unit increase in 1(ST) VEGF increased the risk of occurrence of IVH by 1.6%. 3(rd) day VEGF at a cut-off value of 135 pg/ml is 96% sensitive and 100% specific to predict PHVD. Serum VEGF inversely correlated with TLC, pH, PO(2) and HCO(3), and positively correlated with PCo(2) and FiO(2). Serum VEGF predicts development of IVH and PHVD in PT neonates. Also, high CSF level of VEGF could predict the need for permanent shunt placement.
Background: Early use of Continuous Positive Airway pressure (CPAP) is feasible and is associated... more Background: Early use of Continuous Positive Airway pressure (CPAP) is feasible and is associated with decreased chronic lung disease. However, avoiding intubation in the delivery room (DR) denies the early administration of surfactant in these infants. It is not clear whether the practice of DR intubation of infants at limits of viability (Gestational age (GA) < 25 weeks) would improve their outcomes. Objectives: To examine the feasibility of the use of CPAP …
We aimed to assess the prevalence and outcomes of esophageal perforation in very low birth weight... more We aimed to assess the prevalence and outcomes of esophageal perforation in very low birth weight infants. This retrospective cohort study utilized the US National Inpatient Sample dataset for the years 2000 to 2017. A total of 1,755,418 very low birth weight infants were included; of them, 861 (0.05%) were diagnosed with esophageal perforation. The majority (77.9%) of infants were in the birth weight category < 1000 g and 77.7% in infants ≤ 28 weeks of gestation. The majority (73%) of infants were tracheally intubated and received mechanical ventilation; of them, 24 infants (2.8%) had tracheostomy. Mortality associated with esophageal perforation was 25.8%. Regression analysis did not show an association between esophageal perforation and increased mortality in preterm infants (aOR = 1.0, CI: 0.83-1.20, p = 0.991). Procedures encountered in these infants include thoracentesis (10.8%), laparotomy (4.1%), percutaneous abdominal drainage (4.1%), and gastrostomy tube insertion (6.2%), whereas the rest of the infants were managed conservatively. There was a significant trend for increasing prevalence of esophageal perforation over the years. Conclusion : Esophageal perforation does not independently increase the risk for mortality in very low birth weight infants. The increasing prevalence is possibly related to increased care offered to infants at limits of viability in recent years. What is Known: • Knowledge about esophageal perforation is derived from anecdotal single-center case reports. • Esophageal perforation in neonates is mostly iatrogenic. • It is considered a critical complication that is associated with high mortality. What is New: • This is the first and largest national study on prevalence of esophageal perforation in preterm infants. • Esophageal perforation does not independently increase the risk for mortality. • Septicemia and pneumothorax are frequent complications to esophageal perforation
Objective Delayed cord clamping (DCC) has been recently adopted in neonatal resuscitation. The im... more Objective Delayed cord clamping (DCC) has been recently adopted in neonatal resuscitation. The immediate cardiac hemodynamic effects related to DCC more than 30 seconds was not studied. We aimed to study the effect of DCC at 120 seconds compared with 30 seconds on multiple hemodynamic variables in full-term infants using an electrical cardiometry (EC) device. Study Design Present study is a randomized clinical trial. The study was conducted with full-term infants who were delivered at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Cairo University Hospital. Sixty-eight full term infants were successfully enrolled in this trial. Cardiac output (CO) and other hemodynamic parameters were evaluated in this study by EC device. Hemoglobin, glucose, and bilirubin concentrations were measured at 24 hours. Newborn infants were assigned randomly into group 1: DCC at 30 seconds, and group 2: DCC at 120 seconds, based on the time of cord clamping. Results Stroke volume (SV) (mL) and CO (L/min) were significantly higher in group 2 compared with group 1 at 5 minutes (6.71 vs. 5.35 and 1.09 vs. 0.75), 10 minutes (6.43 vs. 5.59 and 0.88 vs. 0.77), 15 minutes (6.45 vs. 5.60 and 0.89 vs. 0.76), and 24 hours (6.67 vs. 5.75 and 0.91vs. 0.81), respectively. Index of contractility (ICON; units) was significantly increased in group 2 at 5 minutes compared with group1 (114.2 vs. 83.8). Hematocrit (%) and total bilirubin concentrations (mg/dL) at 24 hours were significantly increased in group 2 compared with group 1 (51.5 vs. 40.5 and 3.8 vs. 2.9, respectively). Conclusion Stroke volume and cardiac output are significantly higher in neonates with DCC at 120 seconds compared with 30 seconds that continues for the first 24 hours. Key Points
Intraventricular haemorrhages (IVH) greatly impact the outcome of very low birth weight (VLBW) in... more Intraventricular haemorrhages (IVH) greatly impact the outcome of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. This study examines the correlation between inter-hospital transport and the incidence and severity of IVH in VLBW infants in a large cohort of data. The US National Inpatient Sample Database (NIS) and its KID subportion were analysed for the years 1997-2004. Infants &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;1500 g were included in the study and were classified into transport and inborn groups. Groups were further classified according to birth weight into &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;1000 g and 1000-1499 g. IVH and severe IVH (grades 3-4) were compared between groups and subgroups. Adjusted OR for IVH or severe IVH in correlation with inter-hospital transport were calculated using logistic regression models while controlling for clinical and demographic confounders. We examined changing trends of the incidence of IVH, incidence of neonatal transport and OR for IVH in correlation with neonatal transport in VLBW infants over the years. A total of 67 596 VLBW infants were included in the study. Overall incidence of IVH in the sample was 14.7%; the transport group had more IVH compared to inborn group (27.4% vs 13.42%): adjusted OR 1.75 (95% CI 1.64 to 1.86; p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;0.001). Severe IVH was higher in the transport group compared to the inborn group (44.1% vs 32.9%); adjusted OR 1.44 (95% CI 1.22 to 1.70, p=0.001). Similar results were demonstrated in weight-based subgroups. There was increasing trends for neonatal transport and for IVH over the years…
Seminars in fetal & neonatal medicine, Aug 1, 2021
Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a serious condition with devastating neurological outcomes that c... more Neonatal encephalopathy (NE) is a serious condition with devastating neurological outcomes that can impact oxygenation and ventilation. The currently recommended therapeutic hypothermia (TH) for these infants may also has several respiratory implications. It decreases metabolic rate and oxygen demands; however, it increases oxygen solubility in the blood and impacts its release to peripheral tissue including the brain. Respiratory management of infants treated with TH should aim for minimizing exposure to hypocapnia or hyperoxia. Inspiratory gas should be heated to 37 °C and humidified to prevent airway and alveolar injury. Blood gas values should be corrected to the core temperature during TH and the use of alkaline buffers is discouraged. While mild sedation/analgesia may ameliorate the discomfort related to cooling, paralytic agents/heavy sedation should be used with caution considering their side effects. Finally, the use of caffeine still needs careful investigation in this population.
Early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (ENCPAP) has recently emerged in neonatal units a... more Early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (ENCPAP) has recently emerged in neonatal units as an acceptable alternative to routine intubation and mandatory ventilation. The risks and benefits of ENCPAP have yet to be established. In this study, we aimed to examine variables that influenced the decision to initiate ENCPAP in the delivery room (DR). We also explored potential harmful effects of early intubation and examined whether unsuccessful ENCPAP attempts might subject infants to any unforeseen morbidity. All inborn very low birth weight (VLBW) infants admitted to the NICU since the implementation of the ENCPAP policy were included in this retrospective study. Infants were stratified initially into 2 cohorts according to whether they were intubated in the DR or began ENCPAP. Infants were then stratified into 4 groups according to the respiratory management during their first week of life. Infants in group 1 were supported with ENCPAP in the DR and continued to receive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) at least for the entire first week. Infants in group 2 began ENCPAP treatment in the DR but required intubation during the first week of life. Infants in group 3 were intubated in the DR but transitioned successfully to CPAP within the first 48 hours and were treated with CPAP for the first week of life or longer. Infants in group 4 were intubated in the DR and treated with intermittent mandatory ventilation for &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;48 hours. Univariate analyses compared different groups with the Wilcoxon nonparametric test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and analysis of variance. A multivariate regression model adjusted for differences in birth weights (BWs), gestational ages (GAs), race, and Apgar scores between the groups. A total of 234 VLBW infants (weight of &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;1500 g) were admitted to the NICU during the period from August 1997 to December 2003. The mean BW was 977.1 +/- 305.8 g, and the mean GA was 27.7 +/- 2.7 weeks. The overall mortality rate was 11.1%, and the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia among survivors was 17.4%. ENCPAP was implemented successfully in the DR for 151 (64.5%) infants, whereas 83 (35.5%) infants required intubation. Infants who required intubation had significantly lower GAs, BWs, and 1-minute Apgar scores. The use of ENCPAP in the DR increased significantly over time. The chance of successful maintenance with ENCPAP for &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;48 hours was not demonstrable at &amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;24 weeks of gestation (10% success). Use of ENCPAP improved significantly by 25 weeks of gestation (45% success). Infants in group 1 required a shorter duration of oxygen use than did infants in group 3 (7.9 +/- 18.3 vs 39 +/- 32.7 days; regression coefficient [b] = 19 +/- 5.3). None of the infants in group 1 developed intraventricular hemorrhage of grade III or IV or retinopathy of prematurity of stage 3 or 4. Infants in group 3 did not show improved outcomes, compared with group 1. Compared with group 4, infants in group 2 had a higher incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (15.6% vs 7.3%; b = 2.5 +/- 1.2). The success of ENCPAP improved with increased GA and with staff experience over time. Infants treated successfully with ENCPAP were unlikely to develop intraventricular hemorrhage of grade III or IV. Infants who experienced ENCPAP failure were at increased risk for the development of necrotizing enterocolitis. Infants who were intubated briefly in the DR were at increased risk for prolonged oxygen requirement. An individualized approach should be considered for respiratory support of VLBW infants.
Journal of Maternal-fetal & Neonatal Medicine, Feb 10, 2012
Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is a major problem in premature infants. Our objective is to a... more Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) is a major problem in premature infants. Our objective is to assess the early predictive value of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) for development of IVH and management of its squeal in preterm neonates. We prospectively studied 150 preterm neonates (PT) less than 34 weeks gestation. Fifty of them completed the study. 30/50 developed IVH during follow up, and 20 did not. First 24 hours, and 3(rd) day serum samples were collected. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples were withdrawn for 10 IVH patients. Serum VEGF; both samples were increased in IVH compared to non-IVH group (P=0.001). PHVD-group (n=10) had higher VEGF in both samples than resolved IVH (P=0.004), (P=0.005). While, VEGF increased in the IVH group 2(nd) sample compared to 1(st) (P=0.000), it decreased in non-IVH group, P=0.033). Each 1 unit increase in 1(ST) VEGF increased the risk of occurrence of IVH by 1.6%. 3(rd) day VEGF at a cut-off value of 135 pg/ml is 96% sensitive and 100% specific to predict PHVD. Serum VEGF inversely correlated with TLC, pH, PO(2) and HCO(3), and positively correlated with PCo(2) and FiO(2). Serum VEGF predicts development of IVH and PHVD in PT neonates. Also, high CSF level of VEGF could predict the need for permanent shunt placement.
Background: Early use of Continuous Positive Airway pressure (CPAP) is feasible and is associated... more Background: Early use of Continuous Positive Airway pressure (CPAP) is feasible and is associated with decreased chronic lung disease. However, avoiding intubation in the delivery room (DR) denies the early administration of surfactant in these infants. It is not clear whether the practice of DR intubation of infants at limits of viability (Gestational age (GA) < 25 weeks) would improve their outcomes. Objectives: To examine the feasibility of the use of CPAP …
We aimed to assess the prevalence and outcomes of esophageal perforation in very low birth weight... more We aimed to assess the prevalence and outcomes of esophageal perforation in very low birth weight infants. This retrospective cohort study utilized the US National Inpatient Sample dataset for the years 2000 to 2017. A total of 1,755,418 very low birth weight infants were included; of them, 861 (0.05%) were diagnosed with esophageal perforation. The majority (77.9%) of infants were in the birth weight category < 1000 g and 77.7% in infants ≤ 28 weeks of gestation. The majority (73%) of infants were tracheally intubated and received mechanical ventilation; of them, 24 infants (2.8%) had tracheostomy. Mortality associated with esophageal perforation was 25.8%. Regression analysis did not show an association between esophageal perforation and increased mortality in preterm infants (aOR = 1.0, CI: 0.83-1.20, p = 0.991). Procedures encountered in these infants include thoracentesis (10.8%), laparotomy (4.1%), percutaneous abdominal drainage (4.1%), and gastrostomy tube insertion (6.2%), whereas the rest of the infants were managed conservatively. There was a significant trend for increasing prevalence of esophageal perforation over the years. Conclusion : Esophageal perforation does not independently increase the risk for mortality in very low birth weight infants. The increasing prevalence is possibly related to increased care offered to infants at limits of viability in recent years. What is Known: • Knowledge about esophageal perforation is derived from anecdotal single-center case reports. • Esophageal perforation in neonates is mostly iatrogenic. • It is considered a critical complication that is associated with high mortality. What is New: • This is the first and largest national study on prevalence of esophageal perforation in preterm infants. • Esophageal perforation does not independently increase the risk for mortality. • Septicemia and pneumothorax are frequent complications to esophageal perforation
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