Multi-center Study of Enteral Feeding Practices in Hospitalized Late Preterm Infants in China / 生物医学与环境科学（英文）

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the current enteral feeding practices in hospitalized late preterm infants in the Beijing area of China.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted. Infants born after 34 weeks and before 37 weeks of gestation were enrolled from 25 hospitals in the Beijing area of China from October 2015 to October 2017. Data on enteral feeding practices were collected and analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 1,463 late preterm infants were enrolled, with a mean gestational age (GA) of 35.6 (34.9, 36.1) weeks. The percentage of exclusive breastfeeding was 4.5% at the initiation of enteral feeding but increased to 14.4% at discharge. When human milk was not available, most infants (46.1%) were fed with preterm infant formula. The rate of exclusive human milk feeding in infants born at 34 weeks gestation was higher than at discharge (21.1% of infants born at 34 weeks' GA versus 12.1% of infants born at 35 weeks' GA versus 12.3% of infants born at 36 weeks' GA, P < 0.001). Only 28.4% of late preterm infants achieved full enteral feeding at discharge, and only 19.2% achieved 120 kcal/(kg•d) by enteral feeding at discharge. Importantly, 40.5% of infants did not regain the birth weight at discharge.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Enteral feeding support of late preterm infants has not been standardized to achieve optimal growth. Moreover, the human milk feeding rate was low, and many late preterm infants did not achieve the goal of enteral feeding and failed to regain birth weight at the time of discharge. More aggressive enteral feedings protocols are needed to promote human milk feeding and optimize growth for late preterm infants.</p>

Epigenetic effects of human breastfeeding / 中国当代儿科杂志

Breastfeeding is well-known for its benefits of preventing communicable and non-communicable diseases. Human breastmilk consists not only of nutrients, but also of bioactive substances. What's more, the epigenetic effects of human breast milk may also play an important role. Alterations in the epigenetic regulation of genes may lead to profound changes in phenotype. Clarifying the role of human breast milk on genetic expression can potentially benefit the infant's health and his later life. This review article makes a brief summary of the epigenetic mechanism of breast milk, and its epigenetic effects on neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, infectious diseases, metabolism syndrome, cognitive function and anaphylactic diseases.

Correlation between neonatal vitamin D level and maternal vitamin D level / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the correlation between neonatal and maternal vitamin D levels.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>From June 1 to July 10, 2015, umbilical venous blood samples were collected from 102 full-term single neonates, and venous blood samples were collected from their mothers. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography with isotope dilution was applied to measure the serum 25(OH)D level.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Vitamin D insufficiency was found in 39 mothers (38.2%) and 27 neonates (26.5%), and vitamin D deficiency was found in 25 mothers (24.5%) and 66 neonates (64.7%). Neonatal serum 25(OH)D level differed significantly between the groups of mothers with different serum 25(OH)D levels (P<0.001). Maternal 25(OH)D level was positively correlated with neonatal vitamin D level (r=0.914, P<0.001). When the receiver operating characteristic curve for maternal 25(OH)D level was used to predict neonatal vitamin D deficiency (≤15 ng/mL), the area under the curve was 0.962 (95%CI: 0.930-0.994; P<0.001). The sensitivity and specificity of maternal serum 25(OH)D level≤27.55 ng/mL to predict neonatal vitamin D deficiency were 97.2% and 80.3%, respectively.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Neonatal vitamin D level is positively correlated with maternal vitamin D level. Maternal vitamin D level can help to predict neonatal vitamin D deficiency.</p>

Attention to nutrition and health of preterm infants: interpretation of The Global Consensus for Feeding the Preterm Infant / 中国当代儿科杂志

The Global Consensus for Feeding the Preterm Infant was published in the Journal of Pediatrics 3 supplement, 2013. The content of the consensus includes recommended nutrient intake for different gestational age preterm infants, identifying appropriate growth curves, the use of breast milk, nutritional recommendations for the late-preterm infant and the preterm infant after hospital discharge, nutritional requirements and feeding recommendations for small gestation age infants, reconsideration of the importance of vitamin A and vitamin D for immature infants, recommendations for immunonutrients, and the association of feeding of preterm infants with later metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes. The main characteristics of the consensus: (1) aimed to improve prognosis; (2) individualized nutritional strategy based on gestational ages; (3) coexistence of consensus and controversy in feeding of preterm infants.

Macronutrients and energy in milk from mothers of premature infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the dynamic changes in macronutrients and energy in human milk from mothers of premature infants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A total of 339 human milk samples were collected from 170 women who delivered preterm or full-term infants in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital between November 2012 and January 2014. Macronutrients (proteins, fats and carbohydrates and energy were measured using a MIRIS human milk analyzer and compared between groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In milk samples from premature infants' mothers, the protein levels were the highest in colostrum (2.22±0.49 g/dL), less in transitional milk (1.83±0.39 g/dL), and the least in mature milk (1.40±0.28 g/dL) (P<0.01), and the levels of fats (2.4±1.3 g/dL vs 3.1±1.1 g/dL; P<0.01), carbohydrates (6.4±0.9 g/dL vs 6.6±0.4 g/dL; P<0.05) and energy (55±9 kcal/dL vs 62±8 kcal/dL; P<0.01) were significantly lower in colostrum than in transitional milk. The protein levels in colostrum from premature infants' mothers were significantly higher than those in colostrum from term infants' mothers (2.22±0.49 g/dL vs 2.07±0.34 g/dL; P<0.05). The colostrum from mothers of premature infants with a gestational age of ≤30 weeks had significantly higher protein levels than those from mothers of premature infants with gestational ages of 30(+1)-33(+6) weeks and ≥34 weeks (2.48±0.68 g/dL vs 2.11±0.25 g/dL and 2.22±0.39 g/dL respectively, P<0.05); the energy levels in colostrum from mothers of premature infants with a gestational age of ≤30 weeks group (51±6 kcal/dL) were significantly lower than those in colostrum from mothers of premature infants with a gestational age of 30(+1)-33(+6) weeks (58±8 kcal/d; P<0.05). The carbohydrate levels in transitional milk from mothers of premature infants with a gestational age of ≤30 weeks were significantly higher than those in transitional milk from mothers of premature infants with gestational ages of 30(+1)-33(+6) weeks and ≥34 weeks (P<0.05). The protein levels in mature milk from mothers of premature infants with a gestational age of 30(+1)-33(+6) weeks were significantly higher than those in mature milk from mothers of premature infants with gestational ages of ≤30 weeks and ≥34 weeks (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The levels of macronutrients and energy in milk from mothers of premature infants vary significantly between colostrum, transitional milk, and mature milk. Protein levels are significantly higher in colostrum from premature infants' mothers than in colostrum from term infants' mothers, but the significant difference is not seen for mature milk. Macronutrient and energy levels show significant differences between milk samples from mothers of premature infants with different gestational ages, so as to meet different needs of premature infants.</p>

Effects of extensively hydrolyzed protein formula on feeding and growth in preterm infants: a multicenter controlled clinical study / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effects of extensively hydrolyzed protein formula (eHF) on the feeding and growth in preterm infants through a multicenter controlled clinical study.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Preterm infants admitted to eight upper first-class hospitals in China between February 2012 and December 2013 were randomly selected. They were divided into two observation groups and two control groups. The first observation group consisted of preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks, who were fed with eHF for 10-14 days after birth and then with standard preterm formula (SPF) until discharge. The second observation group consisted of preterm infants with a gestational age of 32-34 weeks, who were fed with SPF after birth, but were switched to eHF (7-14 days) if suffering feeding intolerance at 6-8 days after birth. The two control groups with corresponding gestational ages kept to be fed with SPF after birth. Clinical data were recorded to compare feeding condition, physical growth, blood biochemical indices, and major complications between different groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>A total of 328 preterm infants were enrolled. Preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks in the observation group had a significantly shorter meconium evacuation time than in the corresponding control group (P<0.05). They also had significantly lower levels of serum total bilirubin at weeks 1 and 2 after birth compared with the control group (P<0.05). The observation group needed more time in reaching enteral nutrition (EN) basic energy uptake of 50 kcal/(kg·d), partial parenteral nutrition (PPN), hospitalization, and corrected gestational age at discharge compared with the controlled infants (P<0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) at discharge between the two groups (P>0.05). Preterm infants with a gestational age of 32-34 weeks in the observation group had significantly lower serum total bilirubin levels at 2 weeks after birth compared with the corresponding control group (P<0.05). They required more time in achieving EN basic energy and PPN than in the control group (P<0.05). There was no difference in the incidence of EUGR at discharge between the two groups (P>0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>For preterm infants, eHF can improve gastrointestinal motility, accelerate bilirubin metabolism and excretion and does not increase the incidence of EUGR.</p>

Comparison of feeding pattern of preterm infants between two hospitals in China and the United States / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To compare the feeding pattern of preterm infants between two hospitals in China and the United States.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Infants <32 weeks were enrolled from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Center Cincinnati University Hospital (CCHMC group) between January 2011 and January 2012 and Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH group) between January 2011 and May 2012. Enteral and parenteral feeding data of the two groups was compared.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eighty-two infants in the CCHMC group and 74 infants in the PUMCH group were enrolled. The gestational age and birth weight of infants in the CCHMC group were smaller than the PUMCH group (P<0.01). The total dosage of amino acid (58±30 g/kg vs 24.0(19.6, 32.8) g/kg; P<0.01) and fat [35±16 g/kg vs 14.0(11.0, 22.5) g/kg; P<0.01], in the PUMCH group were higher than the CCHMC group. The duration of parenteral nutrition in the PUMCH group was longer than the CCHMC group[(24±10 d vs 8.0(6.0, 11.0) d; P<0.01]. The breast feeding rate in the CCHMC group was higher (94% vs 10%; P<0.01) than in the PUMCH group. The time for achieving full enteral feeding in the CCHMC group was shorter [12.0(10.0, 14.0) d vs 22.4±9.3 d, P<0.01] than in the PUMCH group. The incidences of necrotizing enterocolitis (13% vs 3%; P<0.05) and sepsis (32% vs 12%; P<0.01) in the CCHMC group were higher than in the PUMCH group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Preterm infants in the PUMCH group have a prolonged duration of parenteral nutrition and an increased incidence of sepsis compared to the CCHMC group. Fortified human milk feeding and more aggressive enteral feeding proposal in PUMCH is recommended.</p>

Risk factors for Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae colonization in neonates / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To identify risk factors for Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (KPC-Kp) colonization in neonates hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A case-control study was conducted. The case group included nine patients colonized with KPC-Kp between 1 August 2012 and 31 April 2013 and the controls were selected randomly from patients without KPC-Kp colonization during the same period. Univariable analysis and multivariable logistic regression analysis were conducted to identify risk factors for KPC-Kp colonization.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The univariable analysis showed 11 factors associated with KPC-Kp colonization: gestational age, birth weight, length of hospital stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, congenital heart disease, peripherally inserted central catheter, surgical operation, duration of intravenous nutrition, carbapenems use, duration of carbapenems use and glycopeptides use. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that exposure to more than 4 days of carbapenems use (OR=18.7, 95%CI: 1.98-175.5, P=0.01) was an independent risk factor for KPC-Kp colonization. The intervention to control KPC-Kp colonization included contact isolation, active surveillance, and rational use of antibiotics.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Exposure to prolonged use of carbapenems is an independent risk factor for the development of KPC-Kp colonization in neonates hospitalized in the NICU.</p>

Clinical features of preterm infants born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus: a retrospective analysis / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To retrospectively characterize clinical features of preterm infants born to mothers with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data of preterm infants born to mothers with SLE in Peking Union Medical College Hospital over a period of more than 10 years (2000-2012) and preterm babies born to mothers without SLE in the same hospital and during the same time period were collected. Preterm-associated complications in the two groups of babies were comparatively analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>During the time period studied, 128 women with SLE delivered a total of 134 babies, 86 at full-term and 42 at preterm. Of the 42 preterm infants, 4 were diagnosed with neonatal lupus syndrome. Neonatal infection was the most common complication in preterm infants born to SLE mothers, which occurred in 20 cases (47.62%), followed by small for gestational age (28.57%), neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (26.19%), congenital heart disease (14.29%), and neonatal pulmonary hemorrhage (4.76%). In the same time period, 2 308 preterm babies were born to mothers without SLE. In these preemies, 16.81% experienced neonatal infection, 13.21% were small for gestational age, and 5.16% had congenital heart disease. All these parameters were significantly lower than in preterm babies born to mothers with SLE (P<0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>SLE preterm offspring seem to be more prone to neonatal infection, small for gestational age and at a higher risk of congenital heart disease as compared to preterm babies from women without SLE.</p>

Valuation on analgesic, expectorant and antitussive effects of compatible use of Aconiti radix cocta and Fritillaria cirrhosa or Fritillaria thunbergii / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the analgesic, expectorant and antitussive effects of the compatible use of Aconiti Radix Cocta and Fritillaria cirrhosa or F. thunbergii with different matching ratio or dose in mice.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The two-factor, seven-level uniform design method was adopted to observe the analgesic, expectorant and antitussive effects of the oral administration with the two combined decoctions in rats, with frequency of body torsions induced by acetum, secretion of phenol red in tracheas and frequency of coughs as indexes. Significant matching proportions and doses were collected for verification.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>The effect on the frequency of body torsions: The combined decoctions could effectively reduce the frequency of body torsions. According to a regression analysis, Aconiti Radix Cocta and F. cirrhosa had the synergistic effect, which was maximized with a ratio of 1: 1. The 1: 1 combined decoction played the least role in reducing the frequency of body torsions with a total dose of more than 5 g x kg(-1). The effect on the secretion of phenol red in tracheas. The combined decoctions could effectively increase the secretion of phenol red in tracheas. According to a regression analysis, Aconiti Radix Cocta and F. thunbergii had the antagonism, which was maximized at the ratio of 1: 1, and minimized with a total dose of less than 10 g x kg(-1) and a ratio of 5: 1 between F. thunbergii and Aconiti Radix Cocta. The effect on the frequency of coughs. The combined decoctions could effectively reduce the frequency of coughs. According to a regression analysis, Aconiti Radix Cocta and F. cirrhosa had the antagonism, which was maximized at the ratio of more than 1: 5 and less than 10: 1. There was no interaction between Aconiti Radix Cocta and F. thunbergii. F. thunbergii could reduce the frequency of coughs, whereas Aconiti Radix Cocta showed no effect.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The compatible application of Aconiti Radix Cocta and F. cirrhosa could enhance the analgesic effect of Aconiti Radix Cocta and reduce the expectorant and antitussive effects of F. cirrhosa, which vary according to different matching ratio and dose. The compatible application of Aconiti Radix Cocta and F. thunbergii shows no effect on the antitussive effect of F. thunbergii. This study provides experimental basis for in-depth studies on the combined effect of Aconiti Radix Cocta and Fritillaria--two of eighteen incompatible pairs.</p>

Study on efficacy of compatibility between aconiti radix cocta and Pinelliae Rhizoma on basis of uniform design method / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of Aconiti Radix Cocta and Pinelliae Rhizoma with different matching proportions and doses on their analgic, anti-inflammatory, phlegm eliminating and cough relieving efficacies in mice.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The two-factor, seven-level uniform design method was adopted to observe the effect of the oral administration with the combined decoction on the analgic, anti-inflammatory, phlegm eliminating and cough relieving efficacies, with frequency of body torsions induced by acetum, ear swelling degree induced by dimethylbenzene, secretion of phenol red in tracheas and frequency of coughs induced by aqueous ammonia as indexes. Significant matching proportions and doses were collected for verification.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>(1) The effect on the frequency of body torsions and ear swelling degree. The combined decoction could effectively reduce the frequency of body torsions and ear swelling degree. According to a regression analysis, Aconiti Radix Cocta and Pinelliae Rhizoma had the antagonism, which was maximized at the ratio of 10: 1, and minimized at the ratio of less than or equal to 1: 1. The frequency of body torsions and ear swelling degree increased first and then decreased along with the rise in the total dose; and a higher proportion of Aconiti Radix Cocta resulted in a faster speed in decrease or increase. (2) The effect on the secretion of phenol red in tracheas and frequency of coughs. The combined decoction could effectively increase the secretion of phenol red in tracheas and decrease the frequency of coughs. According to a regression analysis, Pinelliae Rhizoma and Aconiti Radix Cocta had the synergistic effect in the secretion of phenol red in tracheas, which was maximized with a total dose of more than 5 g x kg(-1) and a ratio of 1: 1.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The compatible application of Pinelliae Rhizoma and Aconiti Radix Cocta can decrease the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Aconiti Radix Cocta and promote the cough-relieving effect of Pinelliae Rhizoma, which vary according to different matching ratio and dose. This study provides experimental basis for indepth studies on the combined effect of Aconiti Radix Cocta and Pinelliae Rhizoma--two of eighteen incompatible pairs.</p>

Impact of a nationwide training program for neonatal resuscitation in China / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>Seventeen million births occur in China each year. Neonatal mortality is the leading cause of under 5-year-old child deaths, and intrapartum-related injury accounts for much of mental retardation in young children. The Chinese Ministry of Health sought to improve infant and child survival through a nationwide initiative to have at least one person trained in neonatal resuscitation at every birth. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of China Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) on policy and infrastructure changes and its effectiveness in decreasing the incidence of mortality among newborn infants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The Chinese NRP incorporated policy change, professional education, and creation of a sustainable health system infrastructure for resuscitation. Multidisciplinary teams from all 31 provinces and municipal states disseminated NRP in a train-the-trainer cascade. The intervention targeted 20 provinces with high neonatal mortality and programs to reduce maternal mortality. Program evaluation data came from 322 representative hospitals in those provinces.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Changes in policy permitted midwives to initiate resuscitation and required resuscitation training for licensure. From 2004 through 2009 more than 110,659 professionals received NRP training in the 20 target provinces, with 94% of delivery facilities and 99% of counties reached. Intrapartum-related deaths in the delivery room decreased from 7.5 to 3.4 per 10,000 from 2003 to 2008, and the incidence of Apgar ≤ 7 at 1 minute decreased from 6.3% to 2.9%.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The Chinese NRP achieved policy changes promoting resuscitation, trained large numbers of professionals, and contributed to reduction in delivery room mortality. Improved adherence to the resuscitation algorithm, extension of training to the township level, and coverage of births now occurring outside health facilities can further increase the number of lives saved.</p>

Effect of early protein and energy intake on the growth of premature infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the effect of early protein and energy intake on early growth velocity of premature infants.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Clinical data on premature infants with a birth weight of less than 1800 g were collected retrospectively, including records of general status, enteral and parenteral nutrition and growth parameters. These premature infants were divided into two groups according to the timing of amino acid administration: early supplementation (the first 24 hrs of life; EAA group; n=112) and late supplementation (after 24 hrs of life; LAA group; n=52). Protein and energy intake, protein/energy ratio and growth velocity during hospital stay were compared between the two groups. Correlation analysis was used to evaluate the association of early protein and energy intake and protein/energy ratio with growth velocity of infants.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Compared with the LAA group, the EAA group presented lower weight loss (6.3% vs 8.8%), shorter time to return to birth weight (7 days vs 9 days), and higher head circumference growth (0.79 ± 0.25 cm/week vs 0.55 ± 0.25 cm/week) and weight growth velocity(20 ± 3 g/kg•d vs 17 ± 3 g/kg•d) (P<0.05). The correlation analysis indicated that protein and energy intake and protein/energy ratio on the 3rd and 7th days of life were positively correlated with weight growth velocity. The protein and energy intake per week after returning to birth weight was positively correlated with weight growth velocity (r= 0.709, P<0.01). Significant correlations were found between the protein and energy intake and both head circumference and length growth velocity on the 3rd and the 7th days of life.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Early administration of amino acids can reduce weight loss, shorten the time taken to return to birth weight, and increase weight and head circumference growth velocity in premature infants. An appropriate increase in protein intake can improve weight, circumference and length growth velocity.</p>

Clinical research of the enteral feeding of very low birth weight infants guided with a scoring system / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Along with the elevation of survival rate of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI), the enteral feeding of VLBWI has become one of the most important factors, which influence the length of stay, short and long-term prognosis. This study aimed to explore safe and effective clinical protocols of VLBWI enteral feeding.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>According to different correlative degree of related factors to VLBWI enteral feeding, different scoring system was formulated for the enteral feeding and monitoring proposal of VLBWI. The safety and efficacy of the score system was evaluated.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Forty-eight VLBWIs in group A was not treated with any score system, gestational age (30.0 ± 2.1) weeks, birth weight (1173 ± 170) g; while 48 VLBWIs in group B were guided with the scoring system, gestational age (30.3 ± 1.7) weeks, birth weight (1133 ± 238) g, there was no significant difference between two groups. The incidence of newborn respiratory distress syndrome of group B was significantly higher than that of group A (P = 0.016). The time of umbilical catheterization of group B was longer than that of group A. There was no significant difference in the incidence of other complications between two groups. The beginning milk volume, milk volume on the third, seventh, fourteenth, twenty-first, twenty-eight day of group B were significantly higher than that of group A [5.6 vs. 3.5 ml/(kg·d), P = 0.008, 12.3 vs. 5.7 ml/(kg·d), P = 0.000, 29.1 vs 8.9 ml/(kg·d), P = 0.000, 62.5 vs. 44.6 ml/(kg·d), P = 0.020, 98.1 vs. 71.5 ml/(kg·d), P = 0.005, 128.0 vs. 102.4 ml/(kg·d), P = 0.011]. The time achieving full enteral feeding of group B was shorter than that of group A (26.7 vs 32.9d, P = 0.007). The incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in group B was lower than that of group A(0/48 vs. 4/48, P = 0.041). There was no significant difference of the total amino acid dosage between two groups. The total dosage of fatty emulsion was less, and the duration of parenteral nutrition was shorter in group B than in group A (50.3 vs. 73.9 g/kg, P = 0.000, 31.5 vs. 37.8 d, P = 0.016). There was no significant difference in length of stay between two groups. VLBWI of group B began to gain weight earlier [5.0 (4.3, 6.0) vs. 5.0 (5.0, 7.0) d, P = 0.028], regained birth weight earlier (9.2 vs. 11.6 d, P = 0.001), and got more weight in the second week (178 vs. 138 g, P = 0.020).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VLBWI guided with the scoring system achieved full enteral feeding faster, and shortened the duration of parenteral nutrition without increasing the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis.</p>

Clinical application of high resolution manometry for examining esophageal function in neonates / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To examine the esophageal function of neonates by high resolution manometry (HRM), and to provide preliminary data for research on the esophageal function of neonates.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Esophageal HRM was performed on neonates using a solid-state pressure measurement system with 36 circumference sensors arranged at intervals of 0.75 cm, and ManoView software was used to analyze esophageal peristalsis pattern.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Esophageal HRM was performed successfully in 11 neonates, and 126 occurrences of complete esophageal peristalsis were recorded. Complete esophageal peristalsis with pressure increase was recorded in some neonates but most neonates showed a different esophageal peristalsis pattern compared with adults. Some neonates had no relaxation of the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) when pharyngeal muscles contracted in swallowing, some neonates had multiple swallowing without esophageal peristalsis and some neonates had relatively low pressure of esophageal peristalsis. Full-term infants could have relatively low UES pressure and esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure but some preterm infants showed relatively high UES pressure and LES pressure. Longitudinal contraction of the whole esophagus and elevation of LES after swallowing were recorded in some neonates.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Esophageal HRM is safe and tolerable for neonates. HRM shows that esophageal peristalsis after swallowing may not occur or may be incomplete in neonates. The esophageal function of neonates has not yet been developed completely, with large individual differences in esophageal peristalsis. Large sample data are needed for further analysis and research on the esophageal function of neonates.</p>

Clinical review of enteral feeding of extremely low birth weight infants / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To review the clinical data of enteral feeding of extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI), and analyze the influencing factors.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>From Jan. 2000 to Jan. 2010, data of 31 ELBWI from Peking Union Medical College Hospital were retrospectively collected. ELBWI were assigned to different groups according to the time achieving full enteral feeding, comparison was done between two groups for enteral feeding.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Twenty-four infants were analyzed, their mean gestational age was (29.0 ± 1.8) weeks (26.14 - 34.43 weeks), birth weight (882 ± 67) g (730 - 970 g), there were 11 infants in group A, whose time for achieving full enteral feeding was (27 ± 6)days, there were 13 infants in group B, whose time achieving full enteral feeding was (46 ± 10)days. The ratio of asphyxia (18.2% vs. 61.5%, P = 0.047), duration of umbilical vein catheterization longer than 10 days (18.2% vs. 61.5%, P = 0.047), and duration of mechanical ventilation longer than 14 days (27.3% vs. 76.9%, P = 0.038) in group A was higher than in group B. The milk volume on the 21st and 28th day in group A was much more than that in group B [(88.9 ± 35.4) ml vs. (37.4 ± 34.9) ml, P = 0.002; (121.1 ± 37.4) ml vs. (53.2 ± 33.1) ml, P = 0.000]. There were no significant differences between the two groups in gestational age, birth weight, patent ductus arterious, erythrocytosis, dysglycemia, sepsis, the time to begin enteral feeding, the beginning milk volume, the adding milk volume in the 1st, 2nd week, and the milk volume on the 3rd, 7th, 14th day.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Asphyxia, duration of umbilical vein catheterization, and duration of mechanical ventilation are likely to influence the enteral feeding of ELBWI, ELBWI with successful enteral feeding could show good tolerance in the 3rd week. But individual program should be made for enteral feeding of ELBWI, because enteral feeding could be influenced by multiple factors.</p>

Effect of aggressive nutritional support on preterm infants during hospitalization / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the effect of aggressive nutritional support in early life on growth of preterm infants during hospitalization.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Two retrospective cohorts of preterm infants were compared; 81 infants of group A (born between January 1, 2005 and June 30, 2006) and 79 infants of group B (June 1, 2009 and November 30, 2010) with gestational age above 28 weeks and birth weight between 1000 g and 2000 g, transfered to NICU of PUMCH within 12 hours after birth, hospitalized for > or = 2 weeks, who were free of major congenital anomalies and survived to discharge were recruited. The comparison of enteral and parenteral nutrition, growth rate, biochemical indices during hospitalization between these both groups were made.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Compared to group A, group B was given greater volume of amino acid infusion on the 3(rd) and 7(th) day of life [2.00 (2.00, 2.50) g/kg vs 1.50 (1.50, 2.00) g/kg, 3.00 (2.00, 3.00) g/kg vs 2.00 (1.80, 2.60) g/kg, all P < 0.001], and Consumed more milk and total energy intake on the 3rd day of life [9.41(2.66, 18.74) ml/kg vs 14.47 (4.23, 30.77) ml/kg, P < 0.05, (64.87 ± 16.04) kcal/kg vs (55.62 ± 17.68) kcal/kg, P = 0.001]. Total energy intakes after a week of life were similar between the two groups. More infants received human milk fortifier in group B (62.8% vs 14.3%, P = 0.001). After stratification according to weight, both very low birth weight infants and infants with birth weight between 1500 g and 2000 g in group B grew more rapidly (P < 0.001). The percentage of growth retardation was increased after hospitalization in group A (65.4% vs 40.7%, P < 0.05), there were no statistically significant differences in group B. The mean Z scores at birth were comparable. The mean Z scores by discharge were higher in group B (-1.24 vs -1.54, P < 0.05). Serum albumin, prealbumin and urea values were similar in both groups at birth, but higher in group B after two weeks of life (P < 0.001). Before discharge, Serum albumin, prealbumin, and urea values in group B was higher (P < 0.001).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Improvements in nutritional practices in early life of preterm infants effectively enhanced the growth and improved the nutritional status of preterm infants during hospitalization.</p>

Clinical characteristics and long-term follow-up analysis of three cases with newborn aristolochic acid nephropathy / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To summarize the clinical characteristics and prognosis of newborn aristolochic acid nephropathy induced by akebia.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Retrospective analysis of clinical manifestations, therapy and prognosis was made upon data of 3 newborn infants with renal function lesion induced by akebia.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Three infants who were fed with Chinese herbal medicines containing akebia trifoliate suffered from acute renal failure, renal glomerular and tubular injury, with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and oliguria. Laboratory tests manifested hyperpotassemia, hyponatremia, elevation of serum creatinine and urea nitrogen, and metabolic acidosis. Renal glomerular lesion was mild, presented with proteinuria and increased serum β(2) microglobin. Renal dysfunction was manifested with alkaline urine, glucosuria, positiveness of urine glucose, ketone and aminoaciduria, and increased urine β(2) microglobin excretion. After symptomatic treatment for 3 to 4 weeks, the renal function of these infants recovered. Proteinuria, aminoaciduria and glucosuria turned negative within 5 to 8 months, 3 months to 1 year, and 9 months to 3 years, respectively. Urine pH decreased to 7.0 after 5.0 - 5.5 years. All cases took citric acid mixtures for 5.5 to 6 years. A 12-years follow-up demonstrated that serum creatinine of 3 cases were within normal range during the first 11 years of life, however recent follow-up showed increased serum creatinine of case 1 and case 2, except for serum creatinine of case 3 remained normal. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of all the 3 cases decreased. Among which, eGFR of case 1 and case 2 were lower than 90 [ml/(min·1.73 m(2))], and decreased 1.1 [ml/(min·1.73 m(2))] and 0.6 [ml/(min·1.73 m(2))] per year during recent six years, respectively. No obvious decrease of eGFR was observed in case 3. Blood gas analysis and urine routine were normal, yet blood and urine β(2) microglobin excretion were still high. Urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase increased again after having returned to normal.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Newborn aristolochic acid nephropathy induced by akebia might induce acute renal failure and renal tubules injury. Renal function could recover after symptomatic treatment in short-term. Nevertheless, glomerular filtration rate presents a slow descending tendency and renal tubules lesion lasted for many years, which requires a long-term follow-up.</p>

Measurement of brain regional oxygen saturation in neonates in China: a multicenter randomized clinical trial / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVES</b>To understand the value of measuring neonatal cerebral regional oxygen saturation (rSO2) using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in assessing cerebral oxygenation, to establish the normal range of neonatal cerebral rSO2 and to collect data of the changes of cerebral rSO2 under certain disease status.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Nine large hospitals participated in the multicenter randomized clinical trial from Jan 2007 to Apr 2008. Using the NIRS human tissue oximeter (TSAH-100) independently developed in China, the cerebral rSO2 of 223 normal full-term and 95 otherwise healthy preterm neonates without any special disease, was detected at 1, 2 and 3 days after birth, respectively. The cerebral rSO2 of 102 neonates with diseases which may affect the cerebral oxygenation, was also detected during the severe phases. The pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) measured at the finger tip, and also the arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2) measured by blood gas analysis, which could indicate the oxygen supply of the whole body, were obtained simultaneously. The correlations among cerebral rSO2, pulse SpO2 and arterial SaO2 were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) The cerebral rSO2 of the normal full-term neonates was (62+/-2)%. Cerebral hypoxia was defined as rSO2 lower than 58%. The cerebral rSO2 of the normal full-terms was steady at 1, 2 and 3 days after birth respectively, without any significant differences among them (F=0.610, P>0.05). The cerebral rSO2 of the neonates with diseases was (55+/-7)%, which was significantly lower than that of the normal full-term neonates (t=15.492, P<0.05). (2) The cerebral rSO2 was positively correlated with the SpO2 (r=0.74, P<0.01) and the SaO2 (r=0.71, P<0.01). (3) Under some special diseases, the changes of cerebral rSO2 was asynchronous with those of the SpO2: (1) For 18 cases under severe cerebral damages or under relatively low hemoglobin concentration, the cerebral rSO2 was significantly low (50%-58%), but the SpO2 was still normal (above 90%). (2) During the recovery of some critically ill neonates, the increase of cerebral rSO2 was lagged as compared with that of pulse SpO2. Especially, during the severe phases of 6 cases with multi-organ failure, the SpO2 and the cerebral rSO2 were both significantly low (55%-80% for SpO2, and 44%-50% for cerebral rSO2); when the diseases were alleviated, although the SpO2 recovered to above 85%, the cerebral rSO2 was still significantly low (around 50%). (3) In 3 cases, during the severe phases of serious hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), the cerebral rSO2 significantly increased to 70%-72%, which was significantly higher than the normal value (62%).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The range of cerebral rSO2 of the normal full-term neonates was (62+/-2)%. Cerebral oxygenation can be externally indicated by the rSO2 noninvasively and continuously measured by NIRS, which was positively correlated with traditional pulse SpO2 and arterial SaO2. In some special diseases, the rSO2 measured by NIRS can be helpful for clinical diagnoses and treatments.</p>

Noise exposure in level III NICU environment in Beijing region and effects of intervention measures / 中华儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the source of noise in level III NICU in Beijing region, evaluate preliminary intervention measures, and improve the NICU environment by reducing the noise.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>Noise measurements were performed in level III NICU of three hospitals (A, B and C) in Beijing region by dosimeter (B&K 2231, Denmark), during loud hours and quiet hours. In addition, the loud hours were divided into shift time, nursing time and operating time. "Quiet hours" represents the intervals among shift, nursing and operating time. The noise inside/outside incubator was recorded, measures to reduce the noise, including putting plastic foam in incubator, covering sheet and blanket outside incubator were taken, and an educational program was implemented for the staff to decrease noise in the NICU environment.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the three hospitals, the average noise of was (62.60 +/- 2.33) dB during the loud time, and (55.80 +/- 2.61) dB during the quiet time, with a difference of 7 dB (P < 0.05). There was a significant decrease of 2.7 - 3.3 dB during shift time with the averages of A hospital (62.3 +/- 1.5) dB, B hospital (65.10 +/- 2.44) dB and C hospital (61.80 +/- 1.91) dB (F = 9.57, P < 0.05 and P < 0.01), separately. There was a significant decrease of 3 dB during nursing time with the averages of A hospital (62.0 +/- 2.4) dB, B hospital (64.90 +/- 1.06) dB (P < 0.01), respectively, and 2.5 - 3.0 dB during treatment time with the averages of A hospital (60.7 +/- 2.2) dB, B hospital (63.30 +/- 1.19) dB (P < 0.05), separately. After educating the staff in hospital A, there was a significant decrease of 4.7 dB from (61.70 +/- 2.12) dB to (56.90 +/- 2.49) dB in the loud time (P < 0.01), no significant difference during quiet time from (55.0 +/- 1.7) dB to (53.90 +/- 0.88) dB (P > 0.05). There was a significant decrease of 10 dB (P < 0.01) between the averages of inside of incubator (58.60 +/- 3.43) dB and outside of incubator (67.10 +/- 1.87) dB; After installing foam material inside incubator with the average of (56.20 +/- 1.83) dB, there was a significant decrease of 2.8 dB (P < 0.01); covering sheet (in front and back) with the averages of (57.00 +/- 1.47) dB and (55.3 +/- 1.3) dB, respectively, and single or double blanket outside incubator (in the front and the back) noise value (54.50 +/- 1.33) dB, (54.10 +/- 1.15) dB and (54.70 +/- 0.63) dB and (54.10 +/- 1.14) dB, separately, there was a decrease of 1 - 4 dB (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The noise in level III NICU in Beijing region is much higher than that allowed by regulations in Europe and the USA. Staff behavior and the acoustical characteristics of the facility determine the level of noise; herein to staff behavior is the main cause. The level of noise can be lowered considerably by simply making the staff aware of the problem. At the same time, covering incubator and installing plastic foam material also significantly decreased the noise, the methods are simple, feasible and should be applied constantly.</p>