Clinical significance of alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients for late preterm and full-term infants with acute respiratory distress syndrome / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the clinical significance of alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients (P A-aO 2) for late preterm and full-term infants with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods:From January 2020 to June 2022, infants (gestational age ≥34 weeks) diagnosed with ARDS were admitted to the Neonatology Department of our hospital. The infants were assigned into the invasive group and the non-invasive group according to the ventilation mode. The infants with the same gestational age and diagnosed with neonatal wet lung were assigned into the control group. P A-aO 2 levels within 1 h after birth were compared among the three groups. The correlation of P A-aO 2 with ARDS, ventilation mode and duration were studied. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the predictive value of P A-aO 2 within 1 h after birth for ARDS and the need of invasive ventilation. Results:A total of 36 cases were enrolled in the invasive group, 19 cases in the non-invasive group and 50 cases in the control group. Within 1 h after birth, P A-aO 2 in the invasive group was significantly higher than the non-invasive group and the control group ( P<0.05), and the non-invasive group higher than the control group ( P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that P A-aO 2 within 1 h after birth in the invasive group was positively correlated with the duration of invasive ventilation and total mechanical ventilation ( r=0.601, P<0.001; r=0.504, P=0.002); P A-aO 2 before successful withdrawal of invasive ventilation was not correlated with subsequent non-invasive ventilation duration; and no correlation existed between P A-aO 2 within 1 h after birth and the duration of non-invasive ventilation in the non-invasive group. The area under the ROC curve for P A-aO 2 within 1 h after birth to predict ARDS was 0.875, with a sensitivity of 87.3% and a specificity of 72.0% at a cutoff value of 50.0 mmHg. The area under the ROC curve for predicting the need for invasive ventilation in infants with ARDS was 0.851, with a sensitivity of 80.0% at a cutoff value of 73.3 mmHg and a specificity of 75.0%. Conclusions:Late preterm and full-term infants have a higher risk of ARDS at P A-aO 2>50.0 mmHg within 1 h after birth. Infants with ARDS are more likely to require invasive ventilation if P A-aO 2>73.3 mmHg. The higher the level of P A-aO 2, the longer the duration of invasive ventilation and total duration of mechanical ventilation.

Risk factors of hypoglycemia in late preterm infants / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the risk factors of hypoglycemia in late preterm infants.Methods:From January 2019 to December 2021, late premature infants admitted to NICU of our hospital were retrospectively studied. The infants with hypoglycemia were assigned into the hypoglycemia group and infants with same gestational age and normoglycemia were assigned into the control group in a 1∶1 ratio. The perinatal and maternal data of the two groups were compared. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors of hypoglycemia in late premature infants.Results:A total of 366 cases each were included in the hypoglycemia group and the control group. No significant difference existed in birth weight between the two groups ( P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that antenatal corticosteroid ( OR=1.567, 95% CI 1.127-2.180), cesarean section ( OR=2.013, 95% CI 1.376-2.944), twin birth ( OR=2.241, 95% CI 1.479-3.396) and infant of a diabetic mother ( OR=1.635, 95% CI 1.131-2.365) were the risk factors of hypoglycemia in late preterm infants ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Antenatal corticosteroid, cesarean section, twin birth and infant of a diabetic mother are independent risk factors for hypoglycemia in late preterm infants.

Test of Infant Motor Performance in the developmental assessment of preterm infants / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To assess the characteristics and correlation of motor development in preterm infants of different gestational weeks by using the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) method, and to develop better individualized early interventions based on TIMP test results.Methods:A prospective study involving 43 full-term healthy infants and 77 preterm followed up in 3201 Hospital from June 2019 to July 2021 was conducted.Preterm infants were divided into the early preterm group (39 cases) and late preterm group (38 cases) according to their gestational age at birth.TIMP assessment was performed at the gestational age of 40 weeks and the corrected age of 16 weeks after birth.Similarly, the full-term healthy infants were assessed by TIMP at the postnatal age of 16 weeks.The differences between groups were investigated using ANOVA or Mann- Whitney rank sum test.Correlations were analyzed by the Pearson correlation method. Results:There were no significant difference in TIMP scores between early and late preterm infants at the gestational age of 40 weeks [(65.74±6.52) scores vs.(66.96±8.51) scores] and the corrected age of 16 weeks [(101±10) scores vs.(104±8) scores] (all P>0.05). TIMP scores in the full-term healthy group at the corrected age of 16 weeks [(108±10) scores] differed significantly from those of early and late preterm infants ( P<0.05). Compared with full-term infants, early and late preterm infants had lower TIMP scores in observation, supine position, and supine turning (all P<0.05), but a higher TIMP score in standing position ( P<0.05). For both early and late preterm infants, TIMP scores at the gestational age of 40 weeks were significantly positively correlated with those at the corrected age of 16 weeks ( r=0.565, 0.302, all P<0.01). Conclusions:There were significant differences in motor development between preterm infants of different gestational ages and term infants, which had guiding significance for early intervention.English version TIMP could play a positive role in promoting individualized follow-up and early intervention of preterm infants in China.

Prematuridad tardía: recomendaciones para el seguimiento a largo plazo / Late preterm newborn: follow-up recommendations

La tasa de prematuridad global, según laOrganización Mundial de la Salud (OMS),muestra un aumento progresivo; su principal componente es el grupo de prematuros tardíos. Este grupo de pacientes suele tener buen peso al nacer, lo que hace que no se perciba muchas veces el riesgo de presentar un espectro de morbilidades del desarrollo, conductuales einmadurez de diferentes órganos y sistemasque impactan en la evolución a corto y largo plazo y aumentan la morbimortalidad. A su vez, tienen un efecto sustancial en los servicios de atención médica. El objetivo de esta publicación es discutir algunosaspectos relacionados con la salud de este grupo de pacientes y sugerir su seguimiento con un enfoque holístico e interdisciplinario.

The WHO states that prematurity rates have increased mainly due to late preterm births. Since these babies are usually born with appropriate weight for their gestational age, their risk for morbidities such as neurodevelopmental delays, behavioral problems and organ systems immaturity are overlooked. Further, these clinical findings have an impact on short and long term outcomes (i.e., morbidities, mortality, and higher healthcare costs). The aim of this publication is to discuss topics related to late-preterm newborns' health, including a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to follow up care.

El prematuro tardío, ¿qué sabemos desde el punto de vista perinatal? / The late premature, what do we know from the perinatal point of view?

Resumen El parto prematuro es la principal causa de morbimortalidad neonatal en Chile. Los prematuros tardíos, definidos como nacimientos entre 34 semanas con 0 días (34+0) y 36 semanas con 6 días (36+6) de gestación, representan el 70-80% de los prematuros y se asocian a baja morbilidad y excepcional mortalidad si se comparan con partos bajo 34 semanas, pero significativamente mayor al compararlos con partos de término. Los prematuros tardíos son el resultado de diversas condiciones obstétricas, tales como síndromes hipertensivos del embarazo, rotura prematura de membranas, colestasia intrahepática del embarazo y comorbilidad médica. El propósito de esta revisión es actualizar la información asociada a los prematuros tardíos y dar una visión de las tendencias en el uso de corticoides y el manejo expectante de la rotura prematura de membranas con el objetivo de disminuir las complicaciones en este grupo de prematuros.

Abstract Preterm delivery is the most important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in Chile. Late preterm, defined as deliveries between 34 +0 and 36+6-weeks accounts for 70-80% of preterm and is associated with non-severe morbidity and extremely low mortality when compared with deliveries below 34 weeks but significantly high when compared with full term babies. Late preterm deliveries are a result of several obstetric conditions, such a hypertensive disorder, premature rupture of membranes, intrahepatic cholestasis, and maternal medical comorbidities. The purpose of this review is to update the information associated with the risks of late preterm and to guide in the new trends in the application of steroid and expectant management for premature rupture of membranes in order to reduce the frequency of late preterm.

Early neonatal morbidities in late preterm compared to term neonates born in a tertiary care private hospital

Background: Late preterm babies, born between 34 completed weeks of gestation through 36 weeks 6/7 gestation, tend to be physiologically less mature than term infants, subjecting them to an increased risk of developing various morbidities. Limited information is available regarding the current scenario in India. Therefore, the objective of this study was to understand and compare the early morbidities in late preterm newborns with those in full term babies in a tertiary hospital in India.Methods: The current prospective, observational study consisted of total 150 babies divided into two groups equally; late preterm neonates born between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation and full-term neonates. Weight (at birth, at 72 hours), heart rate, temperature and respiratory parameters were noted of all babies. The newborns were examined for respiratory morbidities, ability to breastfeed, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, neonatal jaundice and signs of sepsis. The need for resuscitation, admission to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and parenteral nutrition was also assessed. Data was expressed as mean'SD and was analyzed using the Student 't' and Mann Whitney U tests.Results: The mean length and weight at birth in late preterm babies was significantly lesser than term newborns. Late preterm babies were found to have significantly higher incidence of complications like hyperbilirubinemia (62.7% vs 13.3%), respiratory morbidities (16% vs 4%), poor feeding, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and sepsis compared to term newborns (p<0.01).Conclusions: Late preterm infants are at a higher risk than term infants for a number of neonatal complications. Initiatives imparting special care to late preterm infants are required in order to lower the morbidities endured by this population.

A neonatal morbidities and outcomes among late preterm infants

Background: Late preterm birth (34-36 weeks) infants are at greater risk of (2-3 fold) compared to near term or term babies. The present study was done with the purpose to examine related morbidities and outcomes among late preterm infants.Methods: The study included all late preterm babies (34 0/7 weeks-36 6/7 weeks) admitted to the Basaveshwar Teaching and General Hospital and Sangameshwar Hospital for a period of one and half year (December 2013-May 2015). Short term outcome was assessed in the form of neonatal morbidities and mortality during the study period.Results: A total of 203 late Preterm neonates comprised the study group. Male preponderance was noticed with a ratio of 1.5:1. This study confirmed that late-preterm infants are a population at risk of increased neonatal morbidity. Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy forms the major one followed by sepsis, respiratory distress, and feed intolerance. Majority of late preterm neonates required more than 7 days hospital duration.Conclusions: Late preterm infants suffer a large number of intercurrent medical problems during the neonatal period, especially increased likelihood of resuscitation in the delivery room, hypothermia, hypoglycemia, jaundice requiring phototherapy, respiratory pathologies, sepsis and feeding intolerance. Prolonging pregnancy to the maximum safest gestation will result in decrease in such morbidities.

Maternal risk factors and immediate outcome of late preterms

Background: This study was conducted to analyse the immediate outcome of late preterm babies and also to evaluate the various maternal risk factors in these babies so that close monitoring of these babies for the complications is done and immediate problems can be addressed.Methods: Prospective observational study done in level 3 NICU setting for 6 months. All babies born between 34-36/7 weeks are included in the study and they constitute the cases. Term (above 36 weeks 6 days gestation) newborns babies born during the study period are controls. Maternal history is taken in detail. Risk factors during pregnancy including maternal age, gravida, mode of delivery, medical conditions and birth details. Baby details like gestational age, sex, birth weight, and neonatal morbidities are recorded. The babies are either shifted to NICU or to mother's side based depending on the baby's condition. All of them are followed up till discharge.Results: 89 late preterm babies born in the hospital during the study period are included in the study. Out of 89 babies 45are females constituting 50.6% and 44are male babies constituting 49.4%. 20 (22.5%) babies had gestational age between 34-35 weeks.29 babies (32.5 %) had gestational age between 35-36 weeks and 40 babies (45%) are between 36-37 weeks of gestation. 47 babies (52.9%) have birth weight between 1.5-2.49 kg.42 babies (47.1%) have birth weight between 2.5-3.5 kg. The number of babies born by LSCS were 48 (54%) and 41 babies 46% are born through vaginal route.42 babies constituting 48.3% are appropriate for gestational age and 43 babies (49.4%) are small for gestationalage.34 (39.1%) babies required NICU admission and 55 (60.9%) babies did not require NICU admission. Among the maternal risk factors PIH was the commonest risk factor in 22babies (24.7 %), followed by PROM13 (14.6 %), oligohydramnios 6 (6.7 %) ,twin gestation 6 (6.7 %), MSAF 3 (3.4%), IDM 3 (3.4%), Antepartum hemorrhage 3 (3.4%), eclampsia 1 (1.1%) and maternal cardiac disease 1.1%. Neonatal morbidities are 25 late preterm babies had jaundice (28.7%) followed by RDS in 15 (17.2%), sepsis in 9 (10.3%), NEC 2 (2.3%), Hypoglycemia 5 (5.6%) late preterm babies required ventilation/ CPAP constituting 5.7%. Surfactant was used in 2 late preterm babies 2.3%. 87 babies (97.8%) got discharged and mortality is 2.2%.Conclusions: Late prematurity is associated with significant neonatal morbidity.

Seguimiento del neurodesarrollo en los recién nacidos pretérminos tardíos hasta los dos años de edad / Neurodevelopment follow up to late preterm new burns until two years old

Introducción: Los recién nacidos pretérminos tardíos presentan complicaciones a corto y a largo plazo que pueden afectar su neurodesarrollo. Objetivo: Evaluar el estado del neurodesarrollo de los recién nacidos pretérminos tardíos hasta los dos años de edad. Métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, observacional analítico y longitudinal, en 69 recién nacidos pretérminos tardíos, ingresados en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales del Hospital Dr. Ángel Arturo Aballí, desde marzo 2009, hasta diciembre 2014, remitidos a la consulta de neurodesarrollo. Los resultados obtenidos se compararon con un grupo control conformado por recién nacidos a término y se expresaron en porcentajes. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino en ambos grupos (65,2 vs.59,4) y el nacimiento por cesárea en los recién nacidos pretérminos tardíos (68,1 vs. 39,9). Los pretérminos tardíos tuvieron mayor necesidad de ventilación mecánica (52,2 vs. 23,2) y de uso de drogas anticonvulsivas (13,0 vs. 5,8). Se observó mayor incidencia de alteraciones del neurodesarrollo en los recién nacidos pretérminos tardíos a los 6 meses (18,8 vs. 15,9), al año (8,7 vs 7,2) y a los 2 años (7,7 vs 2,3). Se observó mayor incidencia de resultados anormales en ultrasonido de cráneo (7,2 vs. 2,9), potenciales evocados auditivos de tallo cerebral (14,5 vs 1,4 por ciento) y en el examen del fondo de ojo (4,3 vs 1,4). Conclusiones: El nacimiento por cesárea prevalece en los recién nacidos pretérminos tardíos, tienen mayor necesidad de ventilación mecánica y reanimación al nacer. Este grupo presenta más afectación del neurodesarrollo que el grupo control y mayor riesgo de pérdida auditiva(AU)

Introduction: The late preterm newborns (LPN) present complications to short and long term that can affect their neurodevelopment. Objective: To evaluate the state of neurodevelopment in LPN until two years of age. Methods: It was carried out a retrospective, observational, analytic and longitudinal study with 69 LPN admitted in the neonatal intensive cares unit of Dr. Ángel Arturo Aballí Hospital from March 2009 to December 2014 that were referenced to the neurodevelopment consultation. The obtained results were compared with a control group conformed by term newborns. The results were expressed in percentages. Results: Masculine sex prevailed in both groups (65.2 percent vs. 59.4 percent) and the birth by Caesarean operation in the LPN (68.1 percent vs. 39.9 percent in the control group). LPN had bigger mechanical ventilation (52.2 percent vs. 23.2 percent) and of anti-seizure drugs use's needs (13.0 percent vs. 5.8 percent). It was observed a greater incidence of neurodevelopment alterations in the LPN to 6 months old (18.8 percent vs. 15.9 percent), 1-year-old (8.7 percent vs. 7.2 percent) and 2 years olds (7.7 percent vs. 2.3 percent). In the studies, bigger incidence of abnormal results was observed in transfontanelle ultrasonography (7.2 percent vs 2.9 percent), auditory evoked potentials of cerebral stem (14.5 percent vs. 1.4 percent) and in ocular fundus (4.3 percent vs. 1.4 percent). Conclusions: The birth by Caesarean section predominated in the LPN that is why they needed mechanical ventilation and resuscitation at birth. This group presented more affectation of the neurodevelopment state than the control group and bigger risk of hearing loss(AU)

Early health issues in late pre-terms

Background: Rates of preterm birth are increasing worldwide, mostly due to late preterm births (i.e. 34-36 6/7 weeks). The objective of the study is to calculate incidence of early morbidity and mortality in late preterm neonates (within first 7 days of life) compared with term neonates.Methods: It was a prospective cohort study. All live inborn late preterm infants (34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks) and term infants (37 0/7 to 41 6/7 weeks) who were born between November 2010 to October 2011. Study was done to find out early morbidity and mortality in late preterm births.Results: Present study included 256 late preterm infants and 498 term infants, amongst whom 95 (37.10%) late preterm and 98 (19.67%) term infants required NICU care (p<0.001). Late preterm infants were at significantly higher risk for overall morbidity due to any cause (P<0.001; Odds Ratio (OR):2.4; 95% CI: 1.7-3.3), respiratory morbidity (P<0.001; OR:3.64; 95% CI:1.7-7.4), neonatal depression (p<0.001; OR:2.94; 95% CI:1.00-8.62), any resuscitation/ventilation (P<0.05; OR: 3.1; 95% CI:1.15-8.31), probable sepsis (P<0.001; OR:11.2; 95% CI:2.5-49.8), confirmed sepsis (p=0.05; OR:7.7; 95% CI:0.9-63.9), or other problems like jaundice, hypoglycemia, hypothermia and feeding difficulty. The incidence of morbidity increased as gestational age decreases from 19.67% in term infants (>37 weeks) to 27.8%, 43%, 54.5% at 36, 35 and 34 weeks, respectively (P<0.001).Conclusions: The morbidity risk in late preterm births is 1.3 times more at 36 weeks, 2 times more at 35 weeks and 2.7 times more at 34 weeks as compared with term neonates. The mean cost of stay increased 1.8 times in the late preterm neonates as compared to the term neonates.

Profile of retinopathy of prematurity in late preterm newborn in a district level special newborn care unit of Eastern India

Background: The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence, severity and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity in late preterm newborn at a district level SNCU in eastern India.Methods: The initial examination was carried out at 3 weeks of postnatal age or at 31weeks of post-conceptional age, whichever was later. Retinopathy was graded into stages and zones as per the ICROP classification. Those who had ROP were examined every week till regression occurred or till they reached criteria for laser treatment which was type I Prethreshold ROP as per ET ROP guideline. Risk factors for the development of ROP were determined by reviewing maternal and perinatal history and hospital case records.Results: 212 late ptreterm newborn were examined. The incidence of ROP in late preterm was 16.51% (35 out of 212 newborn). Incidence of stage I ROP was 6.60 % (14 newborn had stage I ROP). Incidence of stage II ROP was 6.60% (14 had stage II ROP). None had stage III ROP. 7 had APROP. Incidence of APROP was 3.30 %. 5 out of 14 newborns with stage II ROP (35.71%) required laser treatment. All newborn with APROP required both laser and Anti VEGF treatment. Overall 34.28% of late preterm with ROP required treatment. There was no difference in gestational age and birth weight in late preterm with and without ROP. There was significant difference in the duration of oxygen therapy in late preterm with and without ROP (6.657'2.531days vs 0.694'1.397 days, p<0.001). In stepwise logistic regression analysis-use and duration of oxygen, birth asphyxia and anemia were found to be significant risk factors of ROP in late preterm.Conclusions: ROP is common in late preterm newborn in developing country like India.

Clinical outcome of late preterm twins and the influence of different ways of conception on their clinical outcomes:a retrospective study / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective To study the difference of clinical outcome between late preterm twins (LPT) and late preterm singletons (LPS),and the influence of assisted reproduction technology (ART) or natural conception on the clinical outcomes of LPT.Method The data of late preterm infants born in the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between January 2016 and January 2018 were retrospectively collected.Infants were assigned to LPT group or LPS group according to twins or singleton status.The differences of the demographic data,morbidity,oxygen therapy rate,respiratory support rate,mortality,hospitalization rate and hospitalization time between LPT and LPS were compared.In order to analyze the effects of different ways of conception on LPT,LPT was further divided into assisted reproduction technology (ART) subgroup and natural pregnancy subgroup.Result A total of 1 824 late preterm infants were included in the study,including 582 cases of LPT and 1 242 cases of LPS.The birth weight and body length of LPT were lower than those ofLPS [(2572±395)gvs.(2614±413)g,P＜0.05;(46.5±1.1)cm vs.(47.5 ± 1.0)cm,P ＜0.01],while the cesarean delivery rate of LPT was higher than that of LPS [90.7％ (528/582) vs.39.9％ (496/1 242),P ＜ 0.01].The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in LPT was higher than that of LPS [5.2％ (30/582) vs.3.6％ (45/1 242),P ＜ 0.05],and the length of hospitalization of LPT was also longer than that of LPS[(8.9 ±3.1)d vs.(7.2 ±2.9)d,P ＜0.01],the differences were statistically significant.There were no significant differences between groups in neonatal pneumonia,apnea,hypoglycemia,sepsis,neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC),grade Ⅲ ～ Ⅳ intracranial hemorrhage,severe asphyxia,bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD),oxygen therapy rate,respiratory support rate and mortality rate.There was also no significant difference between ART subgroup and natural pregnancy subgroup in gestational age,gender,cesarean section rate,birth weight,and birth length (P ＞ 0.05).There was no significant difference in RDS,pneumonia,apnea,hypoglycemia,sepsis,NEC,Ⅲ ～ Ⅳ intracranial hemorrhage,severe asphyxia,BPD,oxygen uptake rate,respiratory support rate,mortality rate and hospitalization time between the two subgroups (P ＞ 0.05).Conclusion The birth weight and birth length of LPT are lower than those of LPS,and the incidence of RDS is higher.The hospitalization time of LPT is also longer than that of LPS.It is necessary to strengthen the high-risk management of twin pregnant women and post-natal management of LPT.

Accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubin determination in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND@#Timely initiation of therapy for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is routinely made based on total serum bilirubin levels. However, serial samplings by invasive needle pricks are needed for laboratory analyses. Studies comparing the correlation between serum bilirubin and transcutaneous bilirubin have yielded diverse results. A meta- analysis was done to find out the relationship between transcutaneous bilirubin measurements and serum bilirubin values.@*OBJECTIVE@#This study aims to analyze scientific articles regarding the accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubin measurements among healthy neonates as an alternative screening for hyperbilirubinemia.@*STUDY DESIGN@#Diagnostic Accuracy meta- analysis.@*METHODS@#Studies on the accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubin measurements were identified through intensive literature search. Local studies were confirmed thru personal communication.@*RESULTS@#Three hundred eighteen studies were identified through literature search. Ten studies met the eligibility criteria. Eight of the ten studies reported results as correlation coefficients. The pooled estimates of correlation coefficients is high at r = 0.85 (95% CI = 0.84 to 0.857). Five studies reported results with data for diagnostic accuracy. The pooled analysis for sensitivity and specificity are high at 0.84 (95% CI 0.8-0.88) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.77-0.81) respectively. The pooled likelihood ratio has a significant difference with a pooled positive LR of 4.19 (95% CI 2.98-5.9, P<0.01) while the negative likelihood ratio is 0.23 (95% CI: 0.17 to 0.29). The AUC for transcutaneous bilirubinometry is 0.89.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Transcutaneous bilirubin measurement can be an alternative in monitoring the risk of healthy neonates for hyperbilirubinemia based on the pooled analysis of correlation coefficient and diagnostic accuracy.

Analysis on mortality among moderate to late preterm infants born in Lempira province, the Republic of Honduras, from January 2015 to June 2017 / 国際保健医療

Objective  Preterm birth is the major cause for neonatal deaths in low and middle income countries. The aim of this report is to evaluate the proportions of deaths of moderate to late preterm infants born at 32 to 36 weeks of gestations as well as the neonates with low birth weights weighing from 1500g to 2499g among the total neonatal deaths and analyze their causes of deaths in Lempira province, the Republic of Honduras. Study design  A secondary analysis based on the data sets from the regional office of Ministry of Health.Methods  We obtained data sets on infant mortality from January 2015 to June 2017 compiled by a regional office of Ministry of Health in Lempira province. We then calculated proportions of each cause of death in the groups of newborn infants stratified by gestational weeks and birth weights.Results  During the study period, a total of 253 neonatal deaths were recorded, comprising 66.9% of the total infant deaths (n=378). The number of the newborn infants who died during early neonatal period was 201 (79.4%). The number of preterm newborn infants who died during neonatal period was 146 (57.7%) and 70 (27.6%) were born at moderate to late preterm periods. 103 (40.7%) were born with their birth-weights below 2500g, and the number of those weighing from 1500g to 2499g were 61 (24.1%). The leading cause of deaths of moderate to late preterm infants was hyaline membrane disease (n=25/48: 52.1%), as was the case with low birth weight infants weighing from 1500g to 2499g. Conclusion  It was shown that approximately one fourths of neonatal deaths occurred in moderate to late preterm infants in Lempira province during the study period. Approximately half of these preterm infants died of hyaline membrane disease, who could have been saved with simple and low-cost equipment such as bubble continuous positive airway pressure.

Neonatal and Maternal Clinical Characteristics of Late Preterm Births: Single Center Data

PURPOSE: Recently, the number of late preterm infants are increasing, and they are prone to have many clinical problems. The purpose of this study is to emphasize the importance of perinatal care for the late preterm infants and their mothers. METHODS: Total admitted numbers of late preterm infants were 547 (from 464 mothers) and of term infants were 1,514 (from 1,470 mothers) in NICU, at Chonnam National University Hospital January 2014~December 2015. Maternal and neonatal mortality rate were calculated in the total admitted numbers. Exclusion criteria were death or transfer during admission, congenital anomaly, and etc. The enrolled numbers of late preterm infants were 493 (from 418 mothers) and of term infants were 1,167 (from 1,123 mothers). Retrospective chart review was conducted. In mothers, demographics, underlying illness, and obstetric complication, and in newborns, demographics, hospital days and morbidity were compared between late preterm group and term group. RESULTS: Maternal mortality rate was not different. However, neonatal mortality rate was higher in late preterm infants. In mothers of late preterm group, there was no difference in demographic characteristics, but the rates of autoimmune disease and obstetric complication were higher. In infants of late preterm group, body size was smaller, artificial conception and C-section rate were higher, and one and five-minute Apgar scores were lower, and hospital duration was longer. And the incidence of respiratory distress, transient tachypena of newborn, intraventricular hemorrhage and metabolic abnormalities were higher, but the incidence of meconium aspiration syndrome was lower compare to the term infant group. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal mortality was not different. However, neonatal mortality was higher in late preterm infants. In late preterm group, the mothers had higher rate of autoimmune disease and obstetric complication, and the infants had higher morbidity compare to the term group. When the obstetrician decides on delivery time in high risk pregnancy, maternal medical condition and neonatal outcome should be considered.

A multi-center research on risk factors of hyperbilirubinemia in late preterm infants / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective To investigate the risk factors of hyperbilirubinemia in late preterm infants. Methods The clinical data of 815 late preterm infants (449 males and 366 females) from 25 hospitals in Beijing were collected from October 2015 to April 2016, including 340 cases(41.7％) with hyperbilirubinemia (hyperbilirubinemia group), and 475 cases without hyperbilirubinemia (control group). The clinical data of two groups were compared, and the maternal factors influencing hyperbilirubinemia in late preterm infants were analyzed with logistic regression. Results There were no significant differences in gender ratio (M:F 1.39 vs. 1.12, t=1.811,P=0.172)and birth weight[(2502.6±439.6)g vs. (2470.2±402.9)g,χ2=2.330,P=0.127)]between two groups. The incidence rates of hyperbilirubinemia in infants of 34 wks, 35 wks and 36 wks of gestational age were 22.9％(87/174), 35％(119/300) and 42.1％(143/341) respectively (χ2=1.218,P=0.544). The multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the maternal age(OR=1.044,95％ CI:1.010-1.080,P=0.011)was independent risk factor and multiple births(OR=1.365,95％CI:0.989-1.883,P=0.048), premature rupture of membranes(OR=2.350,95％ CI:1.440-3.833,P=0.001), cesarean section(OR=1.540,95％CI:0.588-4.031,P=0.014)were risk factors for hyperbilirubinemia in late preterm infants. Conclusions The incidence of hyperbilirubinemia in late preterm infants is relatively high. Maternal age, multiple births, premature rupture of membranes and cesarean section are risk maternal factors related to hyperbilirubinemia in late preterm infants.

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>

Asociación entre morbilidad neonatal, edad gestacional y déficit de desarrollo psicomotor en prematuros moderados y tardíos / Association between neontal morbidity, gestational age and developmental delays in moderate to late preterm children

Introducción: Existe evidencia respecto a que los niños que nacen prematuros moderados y tardíos (PMT) tendrían mayor riesgo de hospitalización, morbilidad neonatal y deficiencias del desarrollo psicomotor (DSM). Objetivo: Determinar, en PMT, la asociación entre el déficit de DSM, edad gestacional y la morbilidad neonatal. Pacientes y método: Estudio caso control anidado en una cohorte de niños nacidos PMT entre los años 2006 y 2009, en una institución privada de la Región Metropolitana. Los niños fueron evaluados con la Escala de Bayley-III de desarrollo infantil a los 8 o 18 meses de edad corregida, o a los 30 meses de edad cronológica. Retrospectivamente se revisaron los registros neonatales. Se generó un modelo de análisis de asociación multivariado para conocer el efecto de la morbilidad neonatal sobre el desarrollo alcanzado. Resultados: Se estudiaron 130 PMT, 25 casos y 105 controles. El 83,8% fue hospitalizado en el periodo neonatal. Hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre casos y controles solo en relación con la edad materna y la hipoglucemia sintomática (OR cruda 3,5, OR ajustada 8,18); se encontró que las variables que afectan de forma negativa el coeficiente de desarrollo son el género masculino, la gemelaridad y la menor edad gestacional. Conclusiones: La hipoglucemia sintomática es el principal factor de riesgo de déficit del DSM, mientras que la gemelaridad, el género masculino y la edad gestacional influyen en el coeficiente de desarrollo global obtenido. Es fundamental desarrollar estrategias de prevención, pesquisa y manejo precoz de esta alteración metabólica para prevenir dificultades del DSM posteriores.

Introduction: There is evidence that children born moderate-to-late preterm (MLP) have a higher risk of hospitalisation, neonatal morbidity, and developmental delay (DD). Objective: To determine the association between DD, gestational age, and neonatal morbidity in MLP children. Patients and method: A case control study design nested in a cohort of MLP children born between 2006 and 2009 at a private hospital located in the Metropolitan area of Santiago. The children were assessed with the Bayley-III Scales of Infant Development at 8 or 18 months corrected age, or at 30 months of chronological age. Neonatal records were retrospectively reviewed. A multivariate analysis was performed to determine the effect of neonatal morbidity on development. Results: A total of 130 MLP children, 25 cases and 105 controls, were studied. Most of them (83.8%) were hospitalised during the neonatal period. Significant differences between cases and controls regarding maternal age and symptomatic hypoglycaemia were observed (crude OR 3.5, adjusted OR 8.18). It was concluded that the variables that negatively affect the rate of development are male gender, being a twin, and gestational age. Conclusions: Symptomatic hypoglycaemia is the main risk factor for DD, while being a twin, male gender, and gestational age influenced the total development rate obtained. It is essential to develop strategies for prevention, screening, and early management of this metabolic disorder to prevent future DD.

Alveolar Capillary Dysplasia as a Cause of Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension.

Background: Persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) in a term or late preterm has varied etiology. Case characteristics: A late preterm neonate operated for esophageal atresia with tracheo-esophageal fistula was complicated by severe pulmonary hypertension and unable to be weaned off from respiratory support. Outcome: The neonate expired by 15 weeks of life; diagnosis was made on postmortem lung biopsy. Message: Alveolarcapillary dysplasia should be considered in a neonate with idiopathic refractory PPHN, if associated with anomalies

Maternal and fetal factors observed with late preterm births.

Backround: Although neonatal morbidity and mortality rates are fallen in recent decades, the prevalence of preterm deliveries has increased especially late preterm births. Late preterm deliveries are at increased risk of various neonatal complications compared to term deliveries. This study was carried out to identify the maternal characteristics and co-morbidites found with late preterm births and feto-maternal outcome in terms of indication of delivery, route of delivery, Apgar score and NICU admissions. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital of Indian armed forces between Jan 2011 to Dec 2012 where 248 late preterm deliveries were analysed. Results: 56% women had spontaneous late preterm births and 44% women were induced. 23% of patients had history of 1 or more prior abortion and 13% patients had previous fetal deaths among the patients had late preterm delivery. Common maternal morbidities in mother delivering late preterm were hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (20.6%), anaemia (14.5%) and preterm premature rupture of membrane (13.7%). 4.8% newborns had Apgar ≤ 7 and 10% newborns required NICU admissions. Conclusion: Higher incidences of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, anaemia and preterm premature rupture of membrane were found with late preterm birth and 10% of newborns required NICU care.