Factors affecting postnatal weight gain of very low birth weight babies during NICU stay in a tertiary care centre in Southern India: an observational study

Background: The survival of very low birth weight babies has significantly improved in recent years. Postnatal growth has an impact on neurodevelopment and hence identifying the risk factors that curb growth is crucial.Methods: We did a retrospective cohort study over 3 months in our NICU studying 40 very low birth weight babies. Our objective was to observe the time taken to regain birth weight and study the risk factors affecting postnatal weight gain.Results: Among the 40 babies studied, 22 babies had significant delay in regaining birth weight. Risk factors such as birth weight, birth asphyxia, parenteral nutrition, respiratory distress syndrome, surfactant requirement, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, hyperbilirubinemia, anemia had statistically significant association with delay in regaining birth weight.Conclusions: Many studies have established a linear correlation between postnatal growth velocity and neurodevelopmental outcome. Ascertaining and managing the factors affecting weight gain in very low birth weight babies is essential and challenging part and anticipating the risk factors in advance helps us to achieve desirable weight gain in these babies.

A comprehensive analysis of twin births: clinical characteristics, morbidity trends, and risk determinants

Background: Twin births are often associated with increased risks and complications compared to singleton births. This study aims to analyze the clinical profile, morbidity pattern, and risk factors associated with twin births, focusing on maternal characteristics, neonatal outcomes, and the prevalence of conditions such as low birth weight (LBW) and preterm births.Methods: This hospital-based observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center, involving 25 mothers who had given birth to twins and their 50 neonates. The study assessed maternal age, antenatal care, parity, medical history, and neonatal outcomes including birth weight, gestational age, respiratory and cardiac parameters, and overall health status. Data were collected through medical records and direct observations in the neonatal intensive care unit.Results: The majority of mothers (64%) were aged between 21-30 years, with a mean age of 24.8 years. A significant proportion (92%) had regular antenatal visits, and 96% were multiparous. The majority of neonates (68%) were aged ?12 hours at assessment, with a near-equal distribution between very low birth weight (VLBW) and LBW. Preterm births were common, affecting 84% of the neonates. Respiratory challenges were evident, with 62% of neonates having SpO2 levels below 94%. The mortality rate among the neonates was 32%.Conclusions: The study highlights the high-risk nature of twin pregnancies, characterized by a significant prevalence of LBW, VLBW, and preterm births. The findings emphasize the need for enhanced prenatal care and specialized neonatal interventions. The high mortality rate among neonates indicates the critical need for targeted strategies to improve neonatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. These insights are crucial for informing clinical practices and developing comprehensive care protocols for managing twin pregnancies and their associated risks.

Hemorragia intraventricular y factores asociados en recién nacidos pretérmino: Cohorte retrospectiva / Intraventricular hemorrhage and factors associated in preterm newborns

RESUMEN Objetivo: Estimar la frecuencia de la hemorragia intraventricular y los factores asociados en neonatos pretérmino hospitalizados en una unidad de cuidado intensivo neonatal de alta complejidad. Metodología: Estudio de cohorte, en el que se incluyeron neonatos menores de 37 semanas de gestación, atendidos en una institución de alta complejidad, entre enero de 2015 hasta diciembre de 2018; se valoró el desarrollo de hemorragia intraventricular diagnosticada por métodos de imagen. Los datos se obtuvieron a partir de la revisión de las historias clínicas electrónicas y se analizaron variables sociodemográficas y clínicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 296 pacientes, 128 (43,2%) eran mujeres; 23 pacientes (7,8%) desarrollaron hemorragia intraventricular, la cual predominó en el sexo femenino (11,7%). La mediana de edad gestacional fue de 34 semanas. Los factores asociados al desarrollo de hemorragia intraventricular fueron el peso al nacer por debajo de 1500 gr, las infecciones (p<0,0001), los cuadros de apneas (<0,0001), la hiperglicemia (p = 0,025) y la necesidad de surfactante (p= 0,019); por su parte, los esteroides prenatales se comportaron como un factor protector (p=0,002). Los pacientes con hemorragia intraventricular tuvieron mayor necesidad de ventilación mecánica, mayor uso de inotrópicos o vasopresores, más transfusiones y mayor estancia hospitalaria. Conclusiones: A pesar de que la hemorragia intraventricular resultó ser una patología poco frecuente en la población de neonatos analizada, existen factores de riesgo que se relacionan con su desarrollo, como la edad gestacional, el bajo peso al nacer, las infecciones, las apneas y la hiperglicemia.

ABSTRACT Objective: Estimate the frequency of intraventricular hemorrhage and associated factors in hospitalized preterm infants in a highly complex neonatal intensive care unit. Methodology: Cohort study, which included neonates younger than 37 weeks gestation, attended in a highly complex institution, between January 2015 and December 2018; The development of intraventricular hemorrhage diagnosed by imaging methods was assessed. The data was obtained from the review of the electronic medical records and sociodemographic and clinical variables were analyzed. Results: 296 patients were included, 128 (43.2%) were women; 23 patients (7.8%) developed intraventricular hemorrhage, which predominated in the female sex (11.7%). The median gestational age was 34 weeks. The factors associated with the development of intraventricular hemorrhage were birth weight below 1500 gr, infections (p <0.0001), apnea symptoms (<0.0001), hyperglycemia (p = 0.025) and surfactant requirement (p = 0.019); meanwhile, prenatal steroids behaved as a protective factor (p = 0.002). Patients with intra-ventricular hemorrhage had a greater need for mechanical ventilation, use of inotropics or vasopressors, more transfusions, and a longer hospital stay. Conclusions: Despite the fact that intraventricular hemorrhage turned out to be a rare pathology in the analyzed neonatal population, there are risk factors related to its development, such as gestational age, low birth weight, infections, apneas, and hyperglycemia.

Prevalencia de osteopenia del prematuro antes y después de la implementación de una estrategia temprana de manejo fosfocálcico / Prevalence of osteopenia of prematurity before and after implementing an early strategy with the use of calcium and phosphate

Introducción. Con el uso de la nutrición parenteral agresiva en recién nacidos de muy bajo peso, se detectaron alteraciones del metabolismo fosfocálcico. En 2016 se implementó una estrategia de prevención a través del monitoreo fosfocálcico y su suplementación temprana. El objetivo fue estudiar si esta estrategia disminuye la prevalencia de osteopenia e identificar factores de riesgo asociados. Población y métodos. Estudio cuasiexperimental que comparó la prevalencia de osteopenia entre dos grupos: uno después de implementar la estrategia de monitoreo y suplementación fosfocálcica (01/01/2017-31/12/2019), y otro previo a dicha intervención (01/01/2013-31/12/2015). Resultados. Se incluyeron 226 pacientes: 133 pertenecen al período preintervención y 93 al posintervención. La prevalencia de osteopenia global fue del 26,1 % (IC95% 20,5-32,3) y disminuyó del 29,3 % (IC95% 21,7-37,8) en el período preintervención al 21,5 % (IC95% 13,6-31,2) en el posintervención, sin significancia estadística (p = 0,19). En el análisis multivariado, el puntaje NEOCOSUR de riesgo de muerte al nacer, recibir corticoides posnatales y el período de intervención se asociaron de manera independiente a osteopenia. Haber nacido luego de la intervención disminuyó un 71 % la probabilidad de presentar fosfatasa alcalina >500 UI/L independientemente de las restantes variables incluidas en el modelo. Conclusión. La monitorización y suplementación fosfocálcica precoz constituye un factor protector para el desarrollo de osteopenia en recién nacidos con muy bajo peso al nacer.

Introduction. With the use of aggressive parenteral nutrition in very low birth weight infants, alterations in calcium and phosphate metabolism were detected. In 2016, a prevention strategy was implemented through calcium phosphate monitoring and early supplementation. Our objective was to study whether this strategy reduces the prevalence of osteopenia and to identify associated risk factors. Population and methods. Quasi-experiment comparing the prevalence of osteopenia between two groups: one after implementing the calcium phosphate monitoring and supplementation strategy (01/01/2017­12/31/2019) and another prior to such intervention (01/01/2013­12/31/2015). Results. A total of 226 patients were included: 133 in the pre-intervention period and 93 in the post-intervention period. The overall prevalence of osteopenia was 26.1% (95% CI: 20.5­32.3) and it was reduced from 29.3% (95% CI: 21.7­37.8) in the pre-intervention period to 21.5% (95% CI: 13.6­31.2) in the post-intervention period, with no statistical significance (p = 0.19). In the multivariate analysis, the NEOCOSUR score for risk of death at birth, use of postnatal corticosteroids, and the intervention period were independently associated with osteopenia. Being born after the intervention reduced the probability of alkaline phosphatase > 500 IU/L by 71%, regardless of the other variables included in the model. Conclusion. Calcium phosphate monitoring and early supplementation is a protective factor against the development of osteopenia in very low birth weight infants.

Evaluation of diagnostic efficacy and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants by intestinal regional oxygen saturation and fecal calprotectin / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To evaluate the diagnostic value of intestinal regional oxygen saturation（rSO 2）and fecal calprotectin in the occurrence and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis（NEC）in premature infants. Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted among premature infants admitted to Quanzhou Children's Hospital from October 2019 to December 2022. Intestinal rSO 2 was monitored within two hours of diagnosis of NEC，and fecal calprotectin was measured. Results:A total of 60 patients were included, including 30 cases with NEC and 30 cases without NEC, 14 cases of medical NEC, 16 cases of surgical NEC, and eight infants died due to NEC. Infants with NEC had lower intestinal rSO 2 [49（30，60）% vs. 66（60，69）%] and higher calprotectin levels [479（297，886）μg/g vs. 203（113，275）μg/g] than those in infants without NEC ( P<0.01). The levels of intestinal rSO 2 were lower in surgical NEC than those in medical NEC，and were lower in the death group than that in the survival group ( P<0.01)，but no similar difference was found in the levels of calprotectin. ROC curve analysis showed that intestinal rSO 2 combined with calprotectin had a sensitivity of 73%，a specificity of 100%，and the largest area under curve of 0.91 in the diagnosis of NEC. Intestinal rSO 2 had an optimal cut-off value of 31% in predicting death in infants with NEC，with a sensitivity of 100%，a specificity of 95%，and an area under curve of 0.99. Conclusion:Intestinal rSO 2 and fecal calprotectin can effectively identify the presence of NEC，and their combined detection can improve the diagnostic efficiency. Intestinal rSO 2 is a good predictor of the severity of NEC，but not fecal calprotectin.

Nursing care of an infant with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia during the transition period from hospitalization to family / 中华护理杂志

To summarize the nursing care of a very low birth weight premature infant with severe type Ⅱbronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)during the transition period from hospitalization to home.The care of the infant was provided one-on-one by a BPD specialist nurse throughout the period.The key points of transitional care from hospitalization to home include:implementing tracheotomy and mechanical ventilation care to ensure stable blood oxygen saturation of the infant;providing nutritional support to improve the nutritional status of the infant;implementing step-by-step rehabilitation measures to improve the neuromotor development of the infant;implementing family integrated care to promote the primary caregivers of the infant to master nursing knowledge and skills;conducting personalized discharge follow-up with a multidisciplinary team to improve the quality of home care for this infant.After being hospitalized for 106 days,the infant was successfully discharged with a tracheotomy tube.At the age of 2 years and 6 months,a tracheotomy closure surgery was performed.After the surgery,the infant was able to breathe autonomously without symptoms of breathing difficulties and returned to normal family life.

Comparison of the short-term outcomes in very/extremely low birth weight infants supplemented with fortified donor human milk or preterm formula / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To compare the short-term outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants supplementarily fed with fortified donor human milk (DHM) or preterm formula (PF) when the mother's own milk (MOM) is insufficient.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 91 VLBW or ELBW preterm infants with birth weight<1 500 g who were hospitalized in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from October 1, 2017, to September 30, 2020. Based on the supplemental feeding method when MOM was insufficient, these infants were divided into the DHM group ( n=51) and PF group ( n=40). Mann-Whitney U, t-test, Chi-square test, or Fisher's exact test were used to compare the short-term clinical outcomes during hospitalization between the two groups. Results:(1) There were no statistically significant differences between the 91 preterm infants in the DHM group and PF group in their gestational age, birth weight, sex ratio, birth mode, mothers' age at delivery, or the proportion of infants of small gestational age (all P>0.05). (2) The feeding volume in the DHM group was significantly greater than that in the PF group on the 14th day after birth [(108.2±53.1) vs. (81.0±47.8) ml/(kg·d), t=0.78, P=0.020]. Moreover, the time to achieve the feeding amounts up to 120 ml/(kg·d) and 150 ml/(kg·d) for infants in the DHM group were significantly shorter than those in the PF group [(17.5±10.2) vs. (30.0±12.0) d, t=4.38; (22.1±13.3) vs. (32.3±11.9) d, t=0.02; both P<0.05]; (3) Lower proportion of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) [58.8% (30/51) vs. 100% (40/40), χ 2=21.88, P<0.001] and shorter PICC duration were observed in the DHM group [10.0 (0.0-19.0) vs. 29.0 (17.0-40.5) d, Z=5.56, P<0.001] compared to the PF group. The times of red blood cell transfusions and the incidence of late sepsis in the DHM group were less than those in the PF group [0.0 (0.0-2.0) vs. 2.0 (1.0-3.0) times, Z=4.44, P<0.001; 23.5% (12/51) vs. 50.0% (20/40), χ 2=6.39, P=0.011]. There were no statistically significant differences observed in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and the length of hospitalization (all P>0.05). Conclusion:When MOM is insufficient, supplementing VLBW and ELBW infants with fortified donor human milk can shorten the time to achieve enteral nutrition and reduce the use rate and time of PICC, the incidence of late-onset sepsis, and the times of red blood cell transfusion.

Effects of different fortified feeding methods on the nutrient metabolism and growth rate of very low birth weight preterm infants / 中国儿童保健杂志

【Objective】 To analyze the effects of different fortified feeding methods on nutritional metabolism and growth rate of preterm very low birth weight infants (VLBWI), in order to provide new clues for improving the prognosis of the preterm infants. 【Methods】 A total of 115 cases of premature VLBWI admitted to Department of Neonatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2019 to December 2020 were included in this study, and were divided into fortified breastfeeding group (HFM group), mixed feeding group, and premature formula feeding group (PF group) based on their feeding methods. The effects of different feeding methods on the nutritional metabolism and growth rate of premature VLBWI were analyzed. 【Results】 1) The hospitalization time of infants in the HFM group was shorter than that in PF group and mixed feeding group (t=7.185, 6.924, P<0.05). 2) The proportion of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in the HFM group during hospitalization was lower than that in the PF group (P<0.05); the proportions of late onset septicemia(LOS) and extra uterine growth restriction(EUGR) in the HFM group during hospitalization were lower than those in the PF group (χ2=5.030, 4.147, P<0.05); the proportion of LOS was lower than that of the mixed feeding group(χ2=6.589, P<0.05). 3) During hospitalization, the proportions of abdominal distension, bloody stools and increased eosinophils in the HFM group were lower than those in the PF group (P<0.05), which in mixed feeding group was lower than those in PF group (Fisher exact test, P<0.05). 4) At discharge, the weight and length growth rate of the HFM group were higher than those of the mixed feeding group (t=3.722, 0.425, P<0.001) and the PF group (t =6.015, 0.496, P< 0.001). 【Conclusion】 Fortified breastfeeding can more effectively increase the growth rate of VLBWI in premature infants, improve nutritional metabolism, reduce complications and adverse feeding reactions related to premature infants, and is safer and more effective.

Energy Dense Feeding in Premature Infants and Its’ Associated Outcomes (Pemakanan Tumpat Tenaga dalam Bayi Pramatang dan Kesan Berkaitan) / Jurnal Sains Kesihatan Malaysia

@#COVID-19 infection in pregnant mothers is associated with higher risk of intrauterine growth retardation and premature births. Very low birth weight infants are more susceptible to neurodevelopmental and chronic respiratory problems. An infant delivered at 33 weeks via caesarean section to a COVID-19 Stage 5A positive mother, weighing 1.43kg at birth. She was kept nil by mouth with parenteral nutrition (PN) support since day five of life until referred to dietitian on day 22 of life for enteral nutrition (EN) establishment. Feeding was administered intermittently via oro-gastric Ryles tube. She was kept under non-invasive ventilation (NIV) mode and had difficulty in weaning from ventilation, leading to slow feeding progress. Initially, enteral trophic feeding was administered using premature infant formula fortified with modular products. In the later stage of feeding, modular products were tapered off and the formula was concentrated. Frequency of bowel output when using fortified formula is lesser compared to when using concentrated and supplemented formula. There is no significant difference in renal profile observed in both stages of feeding. Increasing energy intake using easily digestible sources is preferable as opposed to concentrating feeds even further due to concerns about osmolality and excess administration of other solutes. Intermittent bolus feeding mode may have an effect on dependency on oxygen since intermittent feeds can decrease tidal volume, minute ventilation and dynamic compliance. Additional research is necessary to establish optimal caloric density and nutritional compositions of feedings, feeding mechanisms and its’ effect on feeding tolerance.

Infección congénita por citomegalovirus en neonatos muy bajo peso / Congenital cytomegalovirus infection in very low birth weight neonates

Introducción: La infección congénita por el citomegalovirus en neonatos menores de 1500 gramos puede ser causa de morbilidad, mortalidad y discapacidad. Objetivo: Describir el comportamiento de la infección congénita por citomegalovirus en un servicio de neonatología. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal con 61 neonatos. Se les realizó detección de citomegalovirus en la primera semana de vida en suero y orina, mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, para determinar infección congénita. Se evaluaron variables perinatales en todos los neonatos, así como elementos clínicos y resultados de exámenes complementarios en los infectados. Resultados: La incidencia de infección congénita fue de un 10 por ciento (6/61). El 5 por ciento de los estudios fueron positivos (6/122). Ninguna muestra de orina resultó positiva (0/61) y en el 10 por ciento de las muestras de suero (6/61) se detectó el genoma del virus. Se encontró asociación entre valoración nutricional al nacer e infección por citomegalovirus (p< 0,05). El 83 por ciento de los neonatos infectados presentaron algún signo clínico y el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria fue el más frecuente (67 por ciento). En todos los neonatos con infección congénita el ultrasonido cerebral fue normal y en el 33 por ciento se detectó retinopatía de la prematuridad en el fondo de ojo. Conclusiones: La incidencia de infección congénita por citomegalovirus es alta en este grupo de riesgo. Los signos clínicos encontrados y los resultados del fondo de ojo en neonatos con infección congénita se relacionaron con la prematuridad y la valoración nutricional de hipotrófico se asoció con esta infección(AU)

Introduction: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection in neonates weighing less than 1500 grams can be a cause of morbidity, mortality, and disability. Objective: To describe the behavior of congenital cytomegalovirus infection in a neonatal service. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted with 61 neonates. Cytomegalovirus was detected in the first week of life in serum and urine, by polymerase chain reaction, to determine congenital infection. Perinatal variables were evaluated in all neonates, as well as clinical elements and results of complementary examinations in infected infants. Results: The incidence of congenital infection was 10 percent (6/61). 5 percent of the studies were positive (6/122). No urine samples were positive (0/61) and the virus genome was detected in 10 percent of serum samples (6/61). An association was found between nutritional assessment at birth and cytomegalovirus infection (p < 0.05). A total of 83 percent of infected neonates had some clinical sign, with respiratory distress syndrome being the most common (67 percent). In all neonates with congenital infection, brain ultrasound was normal, and retinopathy of prematurity was detected in 33 percent of patients with fundus retinopathy. Conclusions: The incidence of congenital cytomegalovirus infection is high in this risk group. The clinical signs found and the results of the fundus in neonates with congenital infection were related to prematurity and the nutritional assessment of hypotrophic was associated with this infection(AU)

Comparison between Wright and Shukla formulas: which is better for the placement of umbilical catheters in newborns ≤ 1500 g? / Comparación entre las fórmulas de Wright y de Shukla: ¿cuál es mejor para la colocación de catéteres umbilicales en recién nacidos ≤ 1500 g?

Abstract Background: Intravascular venous (VUC) or arterial (AUC) umbilical catheter placement is the most frequent invasive procedure in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Either Wright's or Shukla's formula is used to introduce the catheters. However, Shukla's formula is associated with incorrect insertion, especially for newborns < 1500 g. This study aimed to determine by chest X-ray if Wright's formula is better than Shukla's formula for the correct placement of umbilical catheters in newborns ≤ 1500 g. Methods: We included patients admitted to the NICU of a secondary-level hospital between 2021-2022 who received VUC or AUC through the Wright or Shukla formulas. Results: A total of 129 newborns were included: 78 with VUC and 51 with AUC. In VUC, 50% with Wright and 36.8% with Shukla formulas had the correct location, (p = 0.24). In AUC, 56.6 % with Wright and 52.4% with Shukla formulas were placed correctly placed, (p = 0.76). VUC with weight < 1000 g were correctly placed in 36.4% with Wright and 33.3% with Shukla formulas (p = 0.58). VUC in newborns > 1000 g were correctly placed in 66.6% with Wright and 38.4% with Shukla formulas (p = 0.065). AUC in newborns < 1000 g were correctly placed in 45% using Wright and 42.9% Shukla formulas (p = 0.63). AUC in newborns > 1000 g were correctly placed in 80% using Wright and 57.1% Shukla formulas (p = 0.23). Conclusions: We found 13% more correctly placed VUC using Wright's formula. Moreover, Wright's formula was 29% above Shukla's VUC placement in neonates > 1000 g, although there was no significant difference due to the sample size.

Resumen Introducción: La colocación de catéteres intravasculares venosos umbilicales (CVU) y arteriales (CAU) es el procedimiento invasivo más frecuente en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN). Para introducirlos se utilizan las fórmulas de Wright y de Shukla, aunque esta última podría estar asociada con una inserción incorrecta, especialmente en neonatos < 1500 g. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar mediante radiografía de tórax cuál fórmula es mejor para la correcta colocación de catéteres umbilicales en recién nacidos ≤ 1500 g. Métodos: Se incluyeron los pacientes ingresados en la UCIN de un hospital de segundo nivel entre 2021-2022 que recibieron CVU o CAU mediante las fórmulas de Wrigth o Shukla. Resultados: Se incluyeron en total 129 recién nacidos: 78 CVU y 51 CAU. En CVU, Wright 50% y Shukla 36.8% tuvieron localización correcta, p = 0.24. En las CAU, Wright 56.6% y Shukla 52.4% tenían una ubicación correcta, p = 0.76. En CVU con peso < 1000 g, Wright 36.4% y Shukla 33.3% bien situados, p = 0.58. En CVU > 1000 g, Wright 66.6% y Shukla 38.4% bien situados, p = 0.065. En CAU < 1000 g, Wright 45% y Shukla 42.9%, p = 0.63. En CAU con peso > 1000 g, Wright 80% y Shukla 57.1%, p = 0.23. Conclusiones: La colocación del CVU fue 13% mejor con la fórmula de Wright. La fórmula de Wright superó en el 29% la colocación del CVU en los neonatos > 1000 g en comparación con la de Shukla, aunque no hubo diferencia significativa debido al tamaño de la muestra.

Risk factors of acute kidney injury in very low birth weight infants in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract Objective Acute kidney injury (AKI) in the neonatal period is associated with worst outcomes as increased mortality and increased length of hospital stay. Very low birth weight (VLBW) newborns are at higher risk for developing several other conditions that are associated with worst outcomes. Understanding the risk factors for AKI may help to prevent this condition and improve neonatal care for this population. Methods This retrospective cohort study included 155 very low birth weight newborns admitted between 2015 and 2017. The authors compared the newborns who developed neonatal AKI with the non-AKI group and analyzed the main risk factors for developing AKI in the population. The authors also performed an analysis of the main outcomes defined as the duration of mechanical ventilation, length of stay, and death. Results From the cohort, a total of 61 (39.4%) patients had AKI. The main risk factors associated with Neonatal AKI were necrotizing enterocolitis (aOR 7.61 [1.69 - 34.37]; p = 0.008), neonatal sepsis (aOR 2.91 [1.17 - 7.24], p = 0.021), and hemodynamic instability (aOR 2.99 [1.35 - 6.64]; p = 0.007). Neonatal AKI was also associated with an increase in the duration of mechanical ventilation in 9.4 days (p = 0.026) and in an increase in mortality 4 times (p = 0.009), after adjusting for the other variables. Conclusion The present results highlight the importance of minimizing sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis, as well as the importance of identifying hemodynamic instability, to prevent AKI and diminish the burden of morbimortality in VLBW newborns.

Growth phenotypes of very low birth weight infants for prediction of neonatal outcomes from a Brazilian cohort: comparison with INTERGROWTH

Abstract Objective: To assess the predictive value of selected growth phenotypes for neonatal morbidity and mortality in preterm infants < 30 weeks and to compare them with INTERGROWTH-21st (IG21). Methods: Retrospective analysis of data from the Brazilian Neonatal Research Network (BNRN) database for very low birth weight (VLBW) at 20 public tertiary-care university hospitals. Outcome: the composite neonatal morbidity and mortality (CNMM) consisted of in-hospital death, oxygen use at 36 weeks, intraventricular hemorrhage grade 3 or 4, and Bell stage 2 or 3 necrotizing enterocolitis. Selected growth phenotypes: small-for-gestational-age (SGA) defined as being < 3rd (SGA3) or 10th (SGA10) percentiles of BW, and large-for-gestational-age (LGA) as being > 97th percentile of BW. Stunting as being < 3rd percentile of the length and wasting as being < 3rd percentile of BMI. Single and multiple log-binomial regression models were fitted to estimate the relative risks of CNMM, comparing them to IG21. Results: 4,072 infants were included. The adjusted relative risks of CNMM associated with selected growth phenotypes were (BNRN/IG21): 1.45 (0.92-2.31)/1.60 (1.27-2.02) for SGA; 0.90 (0.55-1.47)/1.05 (0.55-1.99) for LGA; 1.65 (1.08-2.51)/1.58 (1.28-1.96) for stunting; and 1.48 (1.02-2.17) for wasting. Agreement between the two references was variable. The growth phenotypes had good specificity (>95%) and positive predictive value (70-90%), with poor sensitivity and low negative predictive value. Conclusion: The BNRN phenotypes at birth differed markedly from the IG21 standard and showed poor accuracy in predicting adverse neonatal outcomes.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors for early-onset necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants with very/extremely low birth weight / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors for early-onset necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants with very/extremely low birth weight (VLBW/ELBW).@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 194 VLBW/ELBW preterm infants with NEC who were admitted to Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2014 to December 2021. These infants were divided into early-onset group (onset in the first two weeks of life; n=62) and late-onset group (onset two weeks after birth; n=132) based on their onset time. The two groups were compared in terms of perinatal conditions, clinical characteristics, laboratory examination results, and clinical outcomes. Sixty-two non-NEC infants with similar gestational age and birth weight who were hospitalized at the same period as these NEC preterm infants were selected as the control group. The risk factors for the development of early-onset NEC were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the late-onset group, the early-onset group had significantly higher proportions of infants with 1-minute Apgar score ≤3, stage III NEC, surgical intervention, grade ≥3 intraventricular hemorrhage, apnea, and fever or hypothermia (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that feeding intolerance, blood culture-positive early-onset sepsis, severe anemia, and hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus were independent risk factors for the development of early-onset NEC in VLBW/ELBW preterm infants (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#VLBW/ELBW preterm infants with early-onset NEC have more severe conditions compared with those with late-onset NEC. Neonates with feeding intolerance, blood culture-positive early-onset sepsis, severe anemia, or hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus have a higher risk of early-onset NEC.

A clinical analysis of risk factors of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective:To study the risk factors of stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC)in very low birth weight infants by retrospective clinical analysis.Methods:Very low birth weight infants admitted to the NICU of Shanghai Children′s Medical Center within 24 hours after birth from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2022 were included.Control group and NEC group were determined according to Bell staging criteria.Basic data, maternal history, major adverse events of preterm infants before NEC onset, and treatment during hospitalization were collected.Results:There were 437 cases in control group and 22 cases in NEC group.Compared with the control group, the gestational age of NEC group was lower[28.79(27.86, 29.61)weeks vs 30.00(28.79, 31.71)weeks, P=0.002]. The proportion of sepsis was higher(36.4% vs 6.6%, P<0.05), especially the proportion of late-onset sepsis(36.4% vs 6.2%, P<0.05). The proportion of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus(hsPDA)was higher(27.3% vs 5.7%, P<0.05). The proportion of shock before NEC onset was higher(18.2% vs 3.4%, P=0.010). The proportion of RBC transfusion within 48 hours before NEC onset was higher(27.3% vs 9.8%, P=0.026). However, the ratio of eclampsia/preeclampsia in pregnant mother was lower(0 vs 24.3%, P=0.008). Conclusion:Small gestational age, sepsis, hsPDA, shock and blood transfusion are risk factors for NEC, while eclampsia/preeclampsia in pregnant mother may be a protective factor for NEC.

Clinical characteristics and risk factors of 341 very preterm/very low birth weight infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia / 中国医师杂志

Objective:To investigate clinical characteristics and potential risk factors of very preterm/very low birth weight infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Methods:A retrospective epidemiological study was performed in 341 neonates with birth weights<1 500 g or gestational age between 23 + 0 to 31 + 6 weeks, who were born in Foshan Women and Children Hospital and were admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) within 24 hours of birth. These neonates were divided into non-BPD group and BPD group. Clinical characteristics and potential risk factors were comparatively analyzed between groups. Risk factors for BPD were identified by binary logistic regression analysis. Results:Among the total of 341 enrolled neonates, including 255 neonates without BPD and 86 neonates with BPD, the total incidence of BPD was 25.2%. The incidences of BPD in the infants with gestational age of <30 weeks, 30-32 weeks, and >32 weeks, as well as birth weight <1 000 g, 1 000-1 499 g, and ≥1 500 g were 43.8%(63/144), 15.1%(22/146), 2.0%(1/51), 80.0%(36/45), 20.2%(41/203), 9.7%(9/93), respectively. The gestational age, birth weight, the proportion of cesarean section, and extubation rate within 7 days were lower in BPD group than those in non-BPD group [(28.5±2.4)weeks vs (30.7±1.8)weeks, (1 087.9±312.8)g vs (1 418.4±247.9)g, 54.6%(47/86) vs 75.7%(193/255), 57.1%(44/77) vs 90.0%(108/120), all P<0.05]. Compared to the non-BPD group, the proportion of Apgar score of ≤7 points 5 minutes after birth [16.3%(14/86) vs 2.4%(6/255)], postnatal endotracheal intubation rate [62.8%(54/86) vs 27.4%(70/255)], volume of red blood cell transfusion ≥3 times [31.4%(27/86) vs 6.3%(16/255)], pulmonary surfactant (PS) utilization [82.6%(71/86) vs 44.7%(114/255)], rate of conventional mechanical ventilation [89.5%(77/86) vs 47.0%(120/255)], combined with hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (HsPDA) [34.9%(30/86) vs 8.2%(21/255)], diagnosed with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) [94.2%(81/86) vs 5.9%(15/255)], combined with clinically diagnosed sepsis [17.4%(15/86) vs 7.0%(18/255)], combined with ≥3 stage retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) [20.9%(18/86) vs 2.7%(7/255)] and mortality [10.5%(9/86) vs 0.8%(2/255)], length of conventional mechanical ventilation, duration of oxygen consumption, and length of hospital stays were higher in the BPD group (all P<0.05). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that small gestational age ( OR=1.285, 95% CI: 1.010-1.633), Apgar score ≤7 points within 5 min of birth ( OR=5.712, 95% CI: 1.411-23.115), mechanical ventilation duration ( OR=1.113, 95% CI: 1.043-1.188) and oxygen duration ( OR=1.139, 95% CI: 1.092-1.188) were high risk factors for the development of BPD, while heavier birth weight ( OR=0.996, 95% CI: 0.994-0.998) was protective factor for BPD. Conclusions:The smaller the gestational age and the lower the birth weight, the higher the incidence of BPD, Apgar score≤7 points within 5 min of birth, long conventional mechanical ventilation time, and long duration of oxygen consumption are the risk factors for BPD. Prevention of premature delivery, reduction of asphyxia at birth, reduction of endotracheal intubation and invasive ventilation duration, and reduction of oxygen use time are effective measures to reduce the occurrence of BPD.

Establishment and validation of a nomograph model for prediction of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low birth weight infants born earlier than 32 weeks / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To investigate the risk factors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with gestational age ≤32 weeks within 28 days after birth and to establish and validate the nomogram model for BPD prediction.Methods:We retrospectively chose VLBW infants with gestational age ≤32 weeks who survived to postmenstrual age (PMA) 36 weeks and were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Peking University Third Hospital from January 2016 to April 2020 as the training cohort. BPD was diagnosed in accordance with the 2018 criteria. The clinical data of these infants were collected, and the risk factors of BPD were analyzed by Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test, and multivariate logistic regression, and a nomogram model was established. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive performance. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was constructed for differentiation evaluation, and the calibration chart and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test were used for the calibration evaluation. Bootstrap was used for internal validation. VLBW infants with gestational age ≤32 weeks survived to PMA 36 weeks and admitted to Hebei Chengde Maternal and Child Health Hospital from October 2017 to February 2022 were included as the validation cohort. ROC curve and calibration plot were conducted in the validation cohort for external validation. Results:Of the 467 premature infants included in the training cohort, 104 were in the BPD group; of the 101 patients in the external validation cohort, 16 were in the BPD group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that low birth weight ( OR=0.03, 95% CI: 0.01-0.13), nosocomial pneumonia ( OR=2.40, 95% CI: 1.41-4.09), late-onset sepsis ( OR=2.18, 95% CI: 1.18-4.02), and prolonged duration of endotracheal intubation ( OR=1.61, 95% CI: 1.26-2.04) were risk factors for BPD in these groups of infants (all P<0.05). According to the multivariate logistic regression analysis results, a nomogram model for predicting BPD risk was established. The AUC of the training cohort was 0.827 (95% CI: 0.783-0.872), and the ideal cut-off value for predicted probability was 0.206, with a sensitivity of 0.788 (95% CI: 0.697-0.862) and specificity of 0.744 (95% CI: 0.696-0.788). The AUC of the validation cohort was 0.951 (95% CI:0.904-0.999). Taking the prediction probability of 0.206 as the high-risk threshold, the sensitivity and specificity corresponding to this value were 0.812 (95% CI: 0.537-0.950) and 0.882 (95% CI: 0.790-0.939). The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test in the training and validation cohort showed a good fit ( P>0.05). DCA results showed a high net benefit of clinical intervention in very preterm infants when the threshold probability was 5%~80% for the training cohort. Conclusion:Low birth weight, nosocomial pneumonia, late-onset sepsis, and prolonged tracheal intubation duration are risk factors for BPD. The established nomogram model has a certain value in predicting the risk of BPD in VLBW less than 32 weeks.

Establishment of risk prediction model for nosocomial infection in preterm very low birth weight infants / 中国热带医学

@#Abstract: Objective　To establish a risk prediction model for nosocomial infection in preterm very low birth weight infants, and conduct internal validation. Methods　A total of 206 cases of very low birth weight premature infants hospitalized in the Department of Neonatology of Union Hospital Affiliated to Tongji Medical College from January 2018 to June 2020 were included in this study, factors that may affect the nosocomial infection of children were collected, and the infants were divided into two groups according to whether there is nosocomial infection. The influencing factors were compared between the two groups, and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed after screening variables with LASSO regression. According to the results of multi factor analysis, the nomogram model was constructed and verified internally. Results　A total of 29 of 206 children had nosocomial infection (14.08%), and 33 pathogenic bacteria were detected, including 23 Gram-negative bacteria, 9 Gram-positive bacteria and 1 fungus. The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis based on LASSO regression showed that the risk factors for nosocomial infection of VLBW premature infants were 28-31+6 weeks of gestation, amniotic fluid pollution, mechanical ventilation, indwelling gastric tube, unreasonable use of antibiotics, and hospitalization time ≥ 7 days. The protective factors were Apgar score ≥ 7 points at 1 min and breast feeding accounting for 50% or more (P<0.05). The Area Under Curve (AUC) of ROC curve of nomogram model was 0.946 [95%CI(0.923, 1.000)]. The calibration curve showed that the probability of hospital infection predicted by the model was basically consistent with the actual probability. The decision curve showed that when the probability threshold of nomogram model to predict the risk of nosocomial infection of very low birth weight premature infants was 0-0.85, the net rate of return was greater than 0. Conclusion　Preterm infants with extremely low birth weight are at high risk of nosocomial infection, mainly affected by factors such as gestational weeks, hospitalization time, amniotic fluid pollution, etc. The nomogram model constructed by the above factors has high accuracy and discrimination for predicting nosocomial infection in such children.

Risk factors for pulmonary hemorrhage in very low and extremely low birth weight infants / 国际儿科学杂志

Objective:To analyze the risk factors of pulmonary hemorrhage in very low and extremely low birth weight, and to provide reference for the treatment of pulmonary hemorrhage.Methods:The clinical data of very low and extremely low birth weight infants hospitalized in Qingdao Women and Children′s Hospital NICU from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Eighty-six infants who were diagnosed with pulmonary hemorrhage were selected as the pulmonary hemorrhage group, and two hundred and two infants without pulmonary hemorrhage were selected as the control group.The differences of the survival rates, complications and parameters of platelet between the two groups were compared, and the risk factors of pulmonary hemorrhage by multivariate Logistic regression were analyzed.Results:The survival rate of pulmonary hemorrhage group and control group were 65.1%(56/86) and 90.1%(182/202), respectively.The survival rate of control group was significantly higher than that in the pulmonary hemorrhage group( χ2=26.241, P<0.01). There was no significant difference in fluid intake between the two groups within three days after birth( t=0.936, 1.811, 1.840, P=0.350, 0.073, 0.069). The multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus( OR=2.304, 95% CI: 0.213~1.564, P=0.010), disseminated intravascular coagulation( OR=3.143, 95% CI: 0.061~2.521, P=0.028), thrombocytopenia( OR=0.991, 95% CI: -0.015~-0.005, P=0.001) and low mean platelet volume( OR=0.337, 95% CI: -1.657~-0.739, P=0.001) were the risk factors of pulmonary hemorrhage. Conclusion:Hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombocytopenia and low mean platelet volume were associated with increased risks for pulmonary hemorrhage in very low and extremely low birth weight.These risk factors should be actively monitored and treated, which is helpful to early identify and prevent pulmonary hemorrhage.

Changes of peripheral perfusion index in very low birth weight infants with late-onset sepsis / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To analyze the changes of peripheral perfusion index (PPI) with late-onset sepsis (LOS) in very low birth weight infants during hospitalization.Methods:Very low birth weight infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Children′s Hospital of Fudan University from August 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022 were consecutively included.Infants with admission age ≥three days and unstable circulation, or positive blood culture within three days after birth were excluded.From the day of admission, the PPI values of the right hand and either foot of the infants were measured with Masimo SET Radical-7 everyday while whether LOS occurred during hospitalization was observed.The mean PPI curve of very and extremely low birth weight infants without LOS was plotted.For those with LOS confirmed by blood culture, the PPI change trajectory three days before and after the occurrence of LOS was drawn, and the change trend of PPI before the occurrence of LOS was analyzed by trend chi-square test.Non-parametric test was used to analyze the effect of LOS on pre- and post-ductal PPI values.Results:A total of 107 very low birth weight infants were included in the final analysis.Among them, there were 11 infants confirmed as LOS by blood culture, 37 infants diagnosed as clinical LOS, and 59 infants without LOS.Pre-and post-ductal PPI values of very low birth weight infants without LOS were 2.06±1.30 and 1.72±0.92, respectively; those with clinical LOS were 1.90±0.94 and 1.58±0.83, respectively; those with LOS confirmed by blood culture were 1.92±1.11 and 1.62±0.82, respectively.For infants with LOS confirmed by blood culture, the pre-and post-ductal PPI values showed a continuous downward trend during three days before the onset of disease, with the lowest PPI values on the first day before the diagnosis of blood culture.The downtrend of pre-ductal PPI was statistically significant ( χtrend2=5.57, P<0.05). Conclusion:The PPI value of very low birth weight infants show a downward trend when LOS occurs.It should be observed dynamically in clinical practice, which is helpful to suspect or identify LOS as early as possible.