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.

Quistes subglóticos adquiridos: Reporte de tres casos y revisión de la literatura / Acquired subglottic cysts: Report of three cases and review of the literature

Los quistes subglóticos adquiridos son una causa rara de estridor en la infancia, cuyo reporte ha ido en aumento en las últimas décadas. Su aparición se relaciona con la prematurez y la intubación en el periodo neonatal. Histológicamente, se observa una obstrucción de las glándulas mucosas de la subglotis debido una metaplasia escamosa del epitelio respiratorio. Esta es una condición que usualmente requiere de un alto índice de sospecha para llegar al diagnóstico, ya que pueden confundirse con otras patologías como laringitis aguda (croup), laringomalacia o asma. La nasofibroscopía permite sospechar su presencia, pero el gold standard diagnóstico lo constituye la laringo-tra-queo-broncoscopía directa en pabellón. Existen diversas técnicas para su manejo, siendo las más frecuentemente utilizadas la marsupialización con instrumental frío y láser. La recurrencia es frecuente, por lo que algunos autores han utilizado mitomicina C y la terapia antirreflujo para intentar disminuirla. Sin embargo, hasta la fecha falta evidencia de calidad que permita llegar a un consenso respecto al manejo ideal de esta patología. En este trabajo, presentamos tres casos clínico de pacientes con antecedentes de prematurez que fueron diagnosticados con quistes subglóticos adquiridos y manejados en un hospital pediátrico de alta complejidad.

Acquired subglottic cysts are an infrequent cause of stridor in infants, which has been increasingly reported in the last decades. Its appearance is related to prematurity and intubation in the neonatal period. Histologically, findings are characterized by an obstruction of the mucosal glands, due to squamous metaplasia of the respiratory epithelium. This condition usually requires a high index of suspicion to be diagnosed, as it can be misdiagnosed as croup, laryngomalacia or asthma. Flexible nasendoscopy allows an initial exploration of the larynx, but direct laryngo-tracheo-bronchoscopy in the operating room is the diagnostic gold standard. There are several techniques for its management, but the most frequently used are cold-steel marsupialization and laser. Recurrence is common, and some authors have used mitomycin C and antireflux therapy to try to decrease it. However, up to date, there is a lack of high-quality evidence, regarding the ideal management of this pathology, which prevents reaching a consensus. In this article, we present three clinical cases of premature patients who were diagnosed with subglottic cysts, treated in a tertiary pediatric hospital.

El riñón del niño prematuro: riesgos a largo plazo / The kidney of the premature child: long-term risks

Resumen: El recién nacido prematuro se enfrenta a las condiciones extrauterinas con sistemas aún inmaduros, tanto anatómica como fisiológicamente. El riñón termina de desarrollarse a finales del tercer trimes tre del embarazo, por lo que está especialmente expuesto a alterar su desarrollo normal en caso de nacer en forma prematura. Esta situación puede condicionar, entre otras consecuencias, una menor masa renal funcional y cambios microvasculares que representan un riesgo elevado de hipertensión arterial y daño renal crónico en el largo plazo. En el presente artículo se analiza la evidencia existente actual sobre estos riesgos en los prematuros y se ofrece un esquema de seguimiento de estos niños desde el punto de vista nefrológico.

Abstract: The premature newborn faces extrauterine conditions with some systems still immature, both ana tomically and physiologically. The kidney finishes developing at the end of the third trimester of pregnancy, so it is especially exposed to alter its normal development if preterm birth occurs. This si tuation may condition, among other consequences, a lower functional renal mass and microvascular changes comprising a high risk of chronic kidney disease in the long term and arterial hypertension. This article analyzes the current evidence on these risks in premature infants and offers a nephrology follow-up scheme of these children.

Uso de Hemofiltración veno-venosa continua en neonatos con hiperamonemia. Serie clínica / Continuous venovenous hemofiltration in neonates with hyperammonemia. A case series

Resumen: Introducción: La hiperamonemia neonatal secundaria a errores congénitos del metabolismo es una entidad poco frecuente pero con una alta tasa de secuelas neurológicas y mortalidad. El manejo médico inicial es en muchas ocasiones insuficiente para detener el progresivo aumento de la amonemia, con el consecuente deterioro del paciente. Por esta razón se han implementado técnicas depurativas entre las que se cuenta la diálisis peritoneal, la hemodiálisis intermitente y las terapias de reemplazo renal continuo (TRRC). Objetivo: Describir nuestra experiencia en diálisis extracorpórea continua en pacientes con hiperamonemia neonatal gravemente enfermos. Pacientes y Método: Revisión retrospectiva de fichas clínicas de neonatos con hiperamonemias secundarias a errores congénitos del metabolismo sometidos a TRRC, admitidos en nuestra institución en los últimos 6 años. Se obtuvieron datos demográficos, edad cronológica y gestacional, género; datos antropométricos y de laboratorio (creatininemia, amonemia) e índice de gravedad por PIM-II. Se analizó la TRRC utilizada: modalidad, duración y complicaciones. El inicio de la terapia dependió de la respuesta al manejo médico en las primeras 24 horas, compromiso neurológico progresivo, o cifras de amonio sanguíneo elevados (> 400 μg/dl) al momento del ingreso. Las TRRC fueron realizadas con la máquina Prisma Flex, usando filtros M100 y/o HF20. Resultados: 6 neonatos, 4 varones, la mitad con antecedentes de prematurez, todos con compromiso neurológico agudo severo y amonemias en rango grave (> 1.000 μg/dl). La edad y peso promedio al iniciar la TRRC fueron de 10 días y 2.798 g respectivamente, amonemia (mediana) 1.663 μg/dl (rango 1.195-3.097). El puntaje PIM-II tuvo una mediana de 53 (rango 13,4-87,4). En promedio, los pacientes estuvieron 49,5 h en la terapia continua. En cuatro neonatos se usó una técnica dialítica mixta convectiva y difusiva (hemodiafiltración), y solo convectiva (hemofiltración) en las 2 restantes. La mortalidad fue de 33%, y uno de los sobrevivientes quedó con daño neurológico moderado permanente en seguimiento clínico. Conclusiones: Los resultados obtenidos en este grupo de neonatos extremadamente graves nos incentivan a proponer esta terapia dialítica como una excelente alternativa en el manejo de este tipo de pacientes.

Abstract: Introduction: Neonatal hyperammonemia secondary due to inborn errors of metabolism is a rare condition with a high rate of neurological sequelae and mortality. Initial medical management is often insufficient to stop the progressive increase of ammonia, with the consequent deterioration of the patient. For this reason, depurative techniques have been implemented, including peritoneal dialysis, intermittent hemodialysis and continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Objective: To describe our experience with continuous extracorporeal dialysis in severely ill neonates with hyperammonemia. Patients and Methods: Retrospective review of clinical records of neonates with hyperammonemia due to congenital errors of metabolism undergoing CRRT admitted in our institution in the last 6 years. Demographic data, chronological and gestational age, gender, anthropometric and laboratory data (creatininemia, ammonemia), and severity index PIM-II where collected. It was analyzed the CRRT: modality, duration and complications. The stard of therapy depended on the response to medical management in the first 24 hours, progressive neurological involvement, or increased blood ammonia (> 400 qg/dl) at the time of admission. CRRTs were performed using the Prisma Flex system and M100 and/or HF20 filters. Results: 6 neonates, 4 males, half of them with a history of prematurity, all with severe acute neurological involvement and severe ammonemias (> 1,000 qg/dl). The average age and weight at the start of the CRRT were 10 days and 2798 g, respectively, ammonia (median) 1,663 qg/dl (range 1,195 - 3,097). The PIM-II score had a median of 53 (range 13.4 - 87.4). On average, patients were 49.5 hours in continuous therapy. In four neonates, a mixed convective and diffusive technique (hemodiafiltration) was used, and only convective one (hemofiltration) in the 2 remaining. Mortality was 33%, and one of the survivors had permanent moderate neurological damage in clinical follow-up. Conclusions: The results obtained in this extremely ill group of neonates encourage us to propose this dialytic therapy as an excellent alternative in the management of this type of patients.

Hipofosfemia en recién nacidos prematuros: un trastorno bimodal / Hypophosphatemia in preterm infants: a bimodal disorder

Las estrategias nutricionales para prematuros extremos con alto aporte de proteínas, han mostrado alteraciones metabólicas con hipofosfemia precoz, especialmente en el grupo de pacientes con restricción de crecimiento intrauterino (Rein). También se presenta hipofosfemia tardía, característica de la enfermedad metabólica ósea. En este artículo se revisan y actualizan conceptos en relación a la fisiopatología del metabolismo del fósforo en recién nacidos prematuros y uso de parenterales precoces en el contexto de enfermedad metabólica ósea. Los artículos fueron identificados en base de datos electrónicas como Pubmed y Rima. Fueron incluidos artículos en inglés y español. Fueron filtrados por título y resumen. La literatura actual propone diversas estrategias de nutrición precoz que permitan asegurar una adecuada cantidad de nutrientes para continuar con el crecimiento y desarrollo extrauterino. En pacientes con nutrición parenteral pero con diferentes aportes de fósforo, o relación calcio: fósforo inadecuada, a mayor contenido de aminoácidos, se presenta hipofosfemia, hipercalcemia, hipomagnesemia, hipokalemia e hiperglicemia, especialmente en casos de Rein. Estas alteraciones se asocian a prolongación de ventilación mecánica, mayor riesgo de displasia broncopulmonar y aumento de sepsis tardía. La hipofosfemia tardía, descrita ya hace muchos años, se presenta con normocalcemia y aumento de fosfatasas alcalinas, en la enfermedad metabólica ósea del prematuro, con alteración de la mineralización en distintos grados, secundaria a un inadecuado aporte de este mineral para los altos requerimientos de estos pacientes. Esta presentación de hipofosfemia precoz y tardía en el prematuro alerta sobre el control oportuno de fosfemia para ajustar el aporte nutricional. En el prematuro con nutrición parenteral precoz, el control en conjunto con la calcemia en la primera semana de vida, especialmente en Rein, permite tratar la hipofosfemia y prevenir sus complicaciones. En hipofosfemia tardía, el seguimiento semanal o quincenal desde las 4 semanas a los prematuros con riesgo, permite lograr un aporte óptimo de minerales.

New nutritional approaches to treat extreme premature babies have demonstrated relevant eviden ce of metabolic disturbances with early hypophosphatemia, especially in patients with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). They have shown late hypophosphatemia, as well, which is characteristic in the metabolic bone disease. A sytematic search of literature describing metabolic disturbances of phosphorus in preterm newborns is presented, related to the use of early parenteral nutrition and also in the context of metabolic bone disease. The articles were gathered from electronic data bases, such as PubMed and Rima. We include articles in english and spanish which were selected by titles and abstracts. Several strategies for early nutrition have been proposed in order to ensure an adequate amount of nutrients to accomplish the development and growth of preterm babies. Patients with parenteral nutrition support with different doses of phosphate, or inadequate calcium phosphate relation, or an increased amino acid content, may present hypophosphatemia, hypercalcemia, hy pomagnesemia, hypokalemia and hyperglycemia, all of these are additionally noteworthy in the pre sence of intrauterine growth restriction. Furthermore, said alterations are associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, as well as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and increase in late onset sepsis. The late hypophosphatemia, described several years ago, arises as normocalcemia and as an increment of alkaline phosphatases in the metabolic bone disease in preterm babies, and also with an inadequate mineralization in different grades, secondary to an inadequate supply due to high nutritional requi rements in these patients. When early or late hypophosphatemia appears in preterm babies, it shall require timely control of phosphemia and will need to adjust the nutritional intake in order to correct it. In case of preterm babies with early parenteral nutrition it will also need a control of calcemia in the first week of birth, especially if those belonging to the IUGR group. Adjustment must be made along with metabolic follow up, as well. In late hypophosphatemia, a weekly or every two weeks fo llow up will be a must for all preterm babies in risk and they should be given supplements to get an optimum mineral supply.

Suporte ventilatório ao nascer e associação com doenças respiratórias aos seis anos: Coorte de Nascimentos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2004 / Soporte ventilatorio en el período neonatal y enfermedades respiratorias en los seis primeros años de vida: Cohorte de Nacimientos de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, 2004 / Neonatal ventilatory support and respiratory diseases in children up to six years of age: the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort study

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a associação entre suporte ventilatório no período neonatal e doenças respiratórias até os seis anos de idade. Estudo de coorte de nascimentos de base populacional. A exposição principal foi o suporte ventilatório ao nascimento, definido como o uso de pressão contínua positiva nasal (CPAPn) e/ou ventilação mecânica (VM) por mais de três horas, desde o momento da hospitalização ao nascimento até os 28 dias. Os desfechos foram chiado no peito nos últimos 12 meses, diagnóstico médico de asma alguma vez na vida e episódio de pneumonia ocorrido até os seis anos de idade. Foram realizadas análises brutas e ajustadas para potenciais variáveis de confusão, usando regressão de Poisson. Foram analisadas 3.624 crianças. O uso de CPAPn e VM ou unicamente VM esteve associado com maior frequência de diagnóstico médico de asma, mesmo após ajuste para características maternas e das crianças (RP = 2,24; IC95%: 1,27-3,99). Os resultados do presente estudo alertam para as complicações respiratórias, em médio prazo, decorrentes do suporte ventilatório realizado no período neonatal.

El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la asociación entre el soporte ventilatorio durante el período neonatal y las enfermedades respiratorias durante los seis primeros años de vida. Se trata de un estudio de cohorte de nacimiento con base poblacional. La exposición principal, soporte ventilatorio al nacimiento, fue definida como el uso de presión positiva nasal (CPAPn) y/o ventilación mecánica (VM) durante más de tres horas, desde la hospitalización al nacimiento, hasta los 28 días de vida. Los resultados analizados fueron: broncoespasmo en los últimos doce meses, diagnóstico médico de asma - realizado alguna vez en la vida- y episodio de neumonía ocurrido hasta los seis años de edad. Se realizaron análisis brutos y ajustados para potenciales variables de confusión, usando la regresión de Poisson. Fueron estudiados 3.624 niños. El uso de soporte ventilatorio estuvo asociado con una mayor frecuencia de diagnóstico médico de asma, incluso tras ajustar las características maternas y de los niños (RP = 2,24; IC95%: 1,27-3,99). Los resultados alertan sobre las complicaciones respiratorias a medio plazo tras el soporte ventilatorio realizado en el período neonatal.

The study's objective was to evaluate the association between neonatal ventilatory support and the subsequent occurrence of respiratory diseases in children up to six years of age. This was a population-based birth cohort study. The main exposure was ventilatory support at birth, defined as the use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and/or mechanical ventilation (MV) for more than three hours from the time of hospitalization at birth until the first 28 days of life. Outcomes were: chest wheezing in the twelve months prior to the follow-up interview, medical diagnosis of asthma any time in the child´s life, and occurrence of pneumonia up to six years of age. Crude and adjusted analyses for potential confounding variables were performed using Poisson regression. 3,624 children were analyzed. NCPAP plus MV or MV alone was associated with higher frequency of medical diagnosis of asthma, even after adjusting for maternal and child characteristics (PR = 2.24; 95%CI: 1.27-3.99). The results highlight medium-term respiratory complications associated with neonatal ventilatory support.

Presión positiva continua en la vía aérea comparada con la respiración mecánica asistida en prematuros de 28 a 32 semanas de gestación con administración precoz de surfactante pulmonar / Nasal CPAP versus mechanical ventilation in 28 to 32-week preterm infants with early surfactant administration

Introducción. La presión positiva continua en la vía aérea ( Continuous Positive Airway Pressure , CPAP) es útil en prematuros de 28 a 32 semanas de gestación con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria, pero no se ha precisado si es mejor que la respiración mecánica asistida después de la administración precoz de surfactante pulmonar. Objetivo. Comparar la incidencia de eventos adversos en prematuros de 28 a 32 semanas de gestación con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria atendidos con surfactante y respiración mecánica asistida o CPAP de burbuja. Materiales y métodos. Se atendieron 147 neonatos con respiración mecánica asistida y 176 con CPAP, ninguno de los cuales presentaba asfixia perinatal o apnea. Resultados. La incidencia de fracaso de la CPAP fue de 6,5 % (IC 95% 11,3-22,8 %). Fallecieron 29 pacientes, 7 de los cuales habían recibido CPAP (4,0 %) y, 22, respiración mecánica asistida (15,0 %; p<0,001). El riesgo relativo (RR) de morir de quienes recibieron CPAP, comparado con el de quienes recibieron respiración mecánica asistida, fue de 0,27 (IC 95% 0,12-0,61), pero, al ajustar por los factores de confusión, el uso de CPAP no implicó mayor riesgo de morir (RR=0,60; IC 95% 0,29-1,24). La letalidad con respiración mecánica asistida fue de 5,70 (IC 95% 3,75-8,66) muertes por 1.000 días-paciente, mientras que con CPAP fue de 1,37 (IC 95% 0,65-2,88; p<0,001). La incidencia de neumopatía crónica fue menor con CPAP (RR=0,71, IC 95% 0,54-0,96), al igual que la de hemorragia cerebral (RR=0,28; IC 95% 0,09-0,84) y la de sepsis (RR=0,67; IC 95% 0,52-0,86), pero fue similar en cuanto a escapes de aire (RR=2,51; IC 95% 0,83-7,61) y enterocolitis necrosante (RR=1,68; IC 95% 0,59-4,81). Conclusión. La incidencia de neumopatía crónica, hemorragia ventricular y sepsis es menor con el uso de CPAP.

Introduction: Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is useful in low birth weight infants with respiratory distress, but it is not known if it is a better alternative to mechanical ventilation after early pulmonary surfactant administration. Objective: To compare the incidence of adverse events in 28 to 32-week newborns with respiratory distress managed with mechanical ventilation or CPAP after early surfactant administration. Materials and methods: In total, 176 newborns were treated with CPAP and 147 with mechanical ventilation, all with Apgar scores >3 at five minutes and without apnea. Results: The incidence of CPAP failure was 6.5% (95% CI: 11.3-22.8%); 29 patients died: 7 with CPAP (4.0%) and 22 with mechanical ventilation (15.0%, p<0.001). The relative risk of dying with CPAP versus mechanical ventilation was 0.27 (95% CI: 0.12-0.61), but after adjusting for confounding factors, CPAP use did not imply a higher risk of dying (RR=0.60; 95% CI: 0.29-1.24). Mechanical ventilation fatality rate was 5.70 (95% CI: 3.75-8.66) deaths/1,000 days-patient, while with CPAP it was 1.37 (95% CI: 0.65-2.88, p<0.001). Chronic lung disease incidence was lower with CPAP than with mechanical ventilation (RR=0.71; 95% CI: 0.54-0.96), as were intracranial hemorrhage (RR=0.28, 95% CI: 0.09-0.84) and sepsis (RR=0.67; 95%CI: 0.52-0.86), and it was similar for air leaks (RR=2.51; 95% CI: 0.83-7.61) and necrotizing enterocolitis (RR=1.68, 95% CI: 0.59-4.81). Conclusion: CPAP exposure of premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome is protective against chronic lung disease, intraventricular hemorrhage and sepsis compared to mechanical ventilation. No differences were observed regarding air leak syndrome or death.

Evacuación del meconiointestinal para mejorar tolerancia alimentaria en prematuro de muy bajo peso (protocolo Emita) / Meconium evacuation to improve feeding tolerance in very low birth weight preterm infants (Emita protocol)

Se ha descrito que la tolerancia alimentaria en el extremo prematuro se asocia a una precoz eliminación de meconio. Estudios prospectivos, randomizados o con controles históricos de estimulación de evacuación de meconio reportan diferentes resultados. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el uso sistemático de enemas que aceleren la evacuación de meconio, y por ende la tolerancia alimentaria. Pacientes y Método: Estudio controlado, aleatorizado y multicéntrico que evaluó el uso de enemas de solución fisiológica con glicerina (0,8 ml de glicerina + 3 ml de solución fisiológica o 1 ml de glicerina + 5 ml de solución fisiológica según peso al nacer menor o mayor de 800 g, respectivamente) versus simulación, iniciado en los primeras 96 h de vida, en prematuros con peso al nacimiento entre 500 y 1.250 g. Se registraron antecedentes maternos (parto prematuro, infección ovular, síndrome hipertensivo del embarazo, administración de sulfato de magnesio, y corticoides prenatales, doppler fetal alterado, tipo de parto, sexo, peso y edad gestacional, evaluación de apgar y necesidad de ventilación asistida y oxígenoterapia) y nutricionales (edad al alcanzar volúmenes de alimentación de 100 ml//kg/día y alimentación enteral completa, edad para eliminar meconio, número de días en nutrición parenteral, peso a los 28 días, volúmenes semanales de leche materna y fórmula de prematuros). Resultados: En 101 sujetos incluidos en el estudio, no se obtienen diferencias significativas en la variable principal de edad para alcanzar el aporte enteral total o los 100 ml por kg por día. Tampoco se observan diferencias en las variables secundarias: número de episodios de sepsis tardías con o sin hemocultivo positivo, hiperbilirrubinemia, enterocolitis necrotizante o hemorragia intracraneana...

Introduction: It has been reported that feeding tolerance in preterm infants is associated with an early passage of meconium. Prospective, randomized or historical control studies that stimulate meconium evacuation have reported varied results. This study was intented to evaluate the use of enemas to speed up meconium evacuation, facilitating feeding tolerance. Patients and Method: A controlled multicenter randomized trial that evaluated the use of physiological saline enemas with glycerol (0.8 ml glycerol + 3 ml saline or 1 ml glycerol + 5 ml saline depending on babies weighing less or more than 800 g at birth, respectively) versus simulation. This procedure was performed in the first 96 hours of life in infants with birth weight between 500 and 1,250 g. Maternal (preterm delivery, clinical chorioamnionitis, gestational hypertension, administration of magnesium sulfate and prenatal corticosteroids, fetal Doppler altered, type of delivery, gender, weight and gestational age, assessment of Apgar and need for assisted ventilation and oxygenotherapy) and nutritional history (age when feeding volumes of 100 ml/kg/day and full enteral feeding were reached, age to remove meconium, number of days on parenteral nutrition, weight at 28 days, weekly volumes of breast milk and preterm formula) were described. Results: No significant differences were obtained regarding the age to reach full enteral intake or 100 ml/kg/day were found among the 101 patients in the study. Also, no differences in the following secondary variables are observed: number of episodes of late sepsis with or without positive blood culture, hyperbilirubinemia, necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage...

Toque terapêutico: influência nos parâmetros vitais de recém-nascidos / Therapeutic touch: influence on vital signs of newborns

OBJETIVO: Comparar os parâmetros vitais apresentados por recém-nascidos internados na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal antes e após o toque terapêutico. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo quase-experimental, de abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal de um hospital municipal, na cidade de São Paulo (SP). A amostra constituiu-se de 40 recém-nascidos submetidos ao toque terapêutico após realização de procedimento doloroso. Foram avaliados parâmetros vitais, como frequência cardíaca e respiratória, temperatura e a intensidade da dor, antes e após o toque terapêutico. RESULTADOS: A maioria dos recém-nascidos era do gênero masculino (n=28; 70%), pré-termo (n=19; 52%) e nascido de parto normal (n=27; 67%), sendo que o desconforto respiratório foi o principal motivo da internação (n=16; 40%). Houve queda de todos os parâmetros vitais após o toque terapêutico, principalmente do escore de dor - que apresentou redução considerável dos valores médios, de 3,37 (DP=1,31) para zero (DP=0,0). Todas as diferenças observadas foram estatisticamente significativas pelo teste de Wilcoxon (p<0,05). CONCLUSÃO: Os resultados evidenciam que o toque terapêutico promove o relaxamento do recém-nascido, favorecendo a redução dos parâmetros vitais e, consequentemente, a taxa de metabolismo basal.

OBJECTIVE: To compare vital signs before and after the therapeutic touch observed in hospitalized newborns in neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental study performed at a neonatal intensive care unit of a municipal hospital, in the city of São Paulo (SP), Brazil. The sample included 40 newborns submitted to the therapeutic touch after a painful procedure. We evaluated the vital signs, such as heart and respiratory rates, temperature and pain intensity, before and after the therapeutic touch. RESULTS: The majority of newborns were male (n=28; 70%), pre-term (n=19; 52%) and born from vaginal delivery (n=27; 67%). Respiratory distress was the main reason for hospital admission (n=16; 40%). There was a drop in all vital signs after therapeutic touch, particularly in pain score, which had a considerable reduction in the mean values, from 3.37 (SD=1.31) to 0 (SD=0.0). All differences found were statistically significant by the Wilcoxon test (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The results showed that therapeutic touch promotes relaxation of the baby, favoring reduction in vital signs and, consequently in the basal metabolism rate.

Response of oxygen saturation in preterm infants receiving rib cage stabilization with an elastic band in two body positions: a randomized clinical trial / Resposta da saturação de oxigênio no recém-nascido pré-termo com estabilização do gradil costal por meio da faixa elástica em duas posições corporais: ensaio clínico randomizado

BACKGROUND: Preterm newborns have higher thoracic compliance, providing less stability to the different forces of distortion imposed on the rib cage, leading to instability of the chest. Adequate body position may reduce this instability and facilitate respiratory work. OBJECTIVE: To assess the oxygen saturation response of preterm newborns receiving rib cage stabilization with an elastic band in two body positions. METHOD: A clinical, prospective, randomized crossover study was conducted, including sixteen newborns with a gestational age of 31 to 35 weeks (mean 32.8 weeks) at a tertiary care facility, who did not receive supplemental oxygen. The infants were placed in a sequence of prone and supine positions with and without chest stabilization with an elastic band. Respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were measured at 10-minute intervals, corresponding to 7 samplings of 60 minutes. Data collection was interrupted when oxygen saturation was less than 90%. RESULTS: The mean gestational age of the infants was 32.8±1.5 weeks and the mean birth weight was 1,789±255g. Better values for the variables studied were observed in the supine position with an elastic chest band compared to the supine position without the band. The positions using an elastic band resulted in lower mean respiratory rate and heart rate and higher oxygen saturation. CONCLUSION: The use of an elastic chest band improves respiratory indicators such as oxygen saturation. .

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: Os recém-nascidos pré-termos possuem maior complacência torácica, oferecendo menor estabilidade às diferentes forças de distorção impostas à parede torácica, o que leva à instabilidade da caixa torácica. A posição corporal adequada pode diminuir essa instabilidade, facilitando o trabalho respiratório. OBJETIVO: Verificar a resposta da saturação de oxigênio em recém-nascido pré-termo com estabilização do gradil costal com faixa elástica em dois posicionamentos corporais. MÉTODO: Estudo com delineamento de ensaio clínico prospectivo, randomizado e tipo crossover. Foram avaliados 16 recém-nascidos com idade gestacional de 31 a 35 semanas (média 32,8 semanas) e sem oxigênio suplementar, em instituição de nível terciário. O grupo foi submetido à sequência de decúbitos posturais ventral e dorsal, alterando-os com e sem estabilização do tórax por meio da faixa elástica. Os indicadores biológicos colhidos foram frequência respiratória, frequência cardíaca e saturação de oxigênio. Os dados foram coletados de 10 em 10 minutos, totalizando 60 minutos com sete coletas. O critério de interrupção da coleta se deu pela saturação menor que 90%. RESULTADOS: O grupo estudado apresentou média de idade gestacional de 32,8±1,5 semanas e peso ao nascimento de 1.789±255g. Encontramos melhores valores das variáveis na supinação com faixa quando comparada com supinação sem faixa. Os valores médios menores da frequência respiratória e da frequência cardíaca foram alcançados no decúbito com faixa, já a saturação ...

Eficácia do uso de membrana semipermeável em neonatos pré-termo na redução de perdas transepidérmicas / The effectiveness of using semipermeable membrane in preterm infants to reduce transepidermal losses / Eficacia del uso de membrana semipermeable en neonatos prematuros para reducción de pérdidas transepidérmicas

Neste estudo, investigou-se a eficácia do uso da membrana semipermeável na pele de recém-nascido pré-termo sobre a evolução da perda ponderal e valores da glicemia, cota hídrica, densidade urinária e sódio. Estudo experimental, tipo ensaio clínico randomizado, realizado no período de março a agosto de 2008, na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal, de uma maternidade pública, na cidade de Fortaleza-Ceará, Brasil. A amostra foi constituída de 42 recém-nascidos pré-termo. Os dados foram apresentados em tabelas e quadros. Na aplicação da membrana semipermeável, os recém-nascidos pré-termos do Grupo de Intervenção tiveram uma diminuição de níveis de sódio e de exigências fluidas diárias, como também apresentaram menores episódios de hiperglicemia e a densidade urinária foi mantida dentro dos padrões de normalidade. A membrana semipermeável é, de fato, um recurso terapêutico eficaz para minimizar as perdas de água transepidérmicas.

An investigation was made on the effectiveness of using semipermeable membrane on the skin of preterm infants on the evolution of weight loss and blood glucose values, water share, urine specific gravity and sodium. This is an experimental study, of the randomized clinical trial type, carried out from March to August 2008 in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Teaching Maternity Assis Chateaubriand (TMAC) in the city of Fortaleza-Ceará. The sample consisted of 42 preterm infants. The data were presented in tables and charts. In the application of the semipermeable membrane, the preterm infants of the intervention group (IG) had a decrease in the sodium levels and the daily flow demands, they also presented fewer hyperglycemia episodes and the urinary density was kept within normal patterns. The semipermeable membrane is, in fact, an effective therapeutic resource to minimize transepidermal water losses.

Investigar la eficacia del uso de membrana semipermeable en piel de recién nacido prematuro acerca de evolución de pérdida ponderal y valores de glucemia, cota hídrica, densidad urinaria y sodio. Estudio experimental, tipo ensayo clínico randomizado, realizado de marzo a agosto de 2008 en Unidad de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal de una maternidad pública en Fortaleza-Ceará, Brasil. La muestra se constituyó de 42 recién nacidos prematuros. Los datos se presentaron en tablas y cuadros. En aplicación de membrana semipermeable, los recién nacidos prematuros del Grupo de Intervención tuvieron una disminución de niveles de sodio y de exigencias fluidas diarias, también presentaron episodios menores de hiperglucemia y la densidad urinaria se mantuvo dentro de los patrones normales. La membrana semipermeable es, de hecho, un recurso terapéutico eficaz para minimizar las pérdidas de agua transepidérmicas.

The effect of clofibrate with phototherapy in late pre-term newborns with non-hemolytic jaundice.

Background : Despite an understanding of the enzymatic pathways leading to bilirubin production and degradation, very few pharmacologic interventions are utilized and the mainstay of treatment remains phototherapy. Aims : To evaluate the efficacy of clofibrate in reducing total serum bilirubin levels in late pre-term neonates with non-hemolytic jaundice. Design and Setting : Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial; tertiary level neonatal unit. Materials and Methods : A randomized controlled study was carried out in the neonatal ward of Children's Hospital, Tabriz, Iran, over a 1-year period. Sixty-eight healthy late pre-term infants readmitted with non-hemolytic hyperbilirubinemia were randomized to receive phototherapy and clofibrate (n= 35) or phototherapy and placebo (n= 33). Statistical Analysis Used : Chi-square test and independent sample 't' test. Results : There were no significant differences in the weight, gender, modes of delivery and age of neonates between the two groups. Similarly the mean total serum bilirubin (TSB) level at the time of admission was not significantly different between the two groups [mean± SD: 19.72 ± 1.79 (95% confidence interval: 19.12-20.54 mg/dL) vs. 20.05 ± 2.82 (95% confidence interval, 19.54-22.04 mg/dL), P= 0.57]. The mean TSB 48 hours after phototherapy [mean± SD: 8.06± 1.34 (95% confidence interval: 7.94-10.18 mg/dL) vs.10.94 ± 2.87 (95% confidence interval: 9.92-12.16 mg/dL), P= 0.02] and the mean duration of phototherapy [mean± SD: 64.32 ± 12.48 (95% confidence interval: 60-81.6 hours) vs. 87.84 ± 29.76 (95% confidence interval: 79.2-108 hours), P< 0.001] were significantly lower in the clofibrate-treated group. Conclusions : Clofibrate is an effective adjunctive drug in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, which results in decreased TSB level and reduced duration of phototherapy in late pre-term newborns.

Prevención de anemia en prematuros: transfusiones con eritropoyetina: Hospital de San José, 2006-2008 / Erythropoietin to prevent the anemia of prematurity: San José Hospital, 2006-2008

La terapia con eritropoyetina todavía no ha sido bien definida y su uso rutinario varía de acuerdo con el criterio de cada unidad neonatal. En el Hospital de San José la prevención de la anemia del prematuro ha ido cambiando con el tiempo. Objetivo: determinar la frecuencia de transfusiones según el tratamiento administrado a los recién nacidos pretérmino en la unidad de cuidado intermedio del Hospital de San José en el período 2006-2008. Metodología: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y longitudinal. Se revisaron 115 historias clínicas, de las cuales se obtuvieron 34 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Resultados: de los pacientes a quienes se les administró eritropoyetina 4,76% necesitaron transfusión y de los que no la recibieron 46,1% requirieron por lo menos una. Entre aquellos con edad gestacional corregida menor o igual a 30 semanas que recibieron eritropoyetina 50% no requirieron TR, y sin el uso de ésta 50% fueron transfundidos. Con edad gestacional mayor a 30 semanas y empleo de eritropoyetina, el 92,3% no requirieron TR y sin su uso el 71,3% sí. Conclusión: se puede pensar que el uso de eritropoyetina disminuye la necesidad de TR de glóbulos rojos.

Erythropoietin therapy has not yet been well defined and its use varies according to individual neonatal care unit protocols.Prevention of the anemia of prematurity at the San José Hospital has changed over time. Objective: to determine thefrequency of transfusion therapy related to the treatment administered to preterm infants at the Intermediate Care Unit at the San José Hospital between 2006 and 2008. Methodology: a longitudinal descriptive observational study was conducted in 34 patients satisfying the inclusion criteria, selected from 115 clinical records reviewed. Results: of patients who received erythropoietin 4.76% were transfused and of those who did not 46.1% required at least one transfusion. In those with a corrected gestational age = to 30 weeks who received erythropoietin, 50% did not require a transfusion, and of those who did not 50% were transfused. Those newborns with gestational age greater than 30 weeks and had received erythropoietin, 92.3% did not need to be transfused and of those who did not, 71.3% were transfused. Conclusion: it can be concluded that erythropoietin therapy reduces the need of red blood cells transfusion.

El prematuro extremo: un desafío mayor / Extreme premature newborn: a greater challenge

Los niños de peso extremadamente bajo al nacer (PEBN) son aquellos con peso de nacimiento inferior a 1.000 gr. y representan el nuevo desafío de la Neonatología. La mortalidad infantil en Chile presentó una caída significativa en las últimas décadas, por lo que el impacto de la mortalidad del grupo de prematuros aumentó en forma considerable y hoy junto a las malformaciones congénitas son las principales causas de mortalidad infantil. El esfuerzo combinado de obstetras y neonatólogos para mejorar el manejo perinatal y neonatal ha llevado a un aumento en la sobre vida del grupo de prematuros extremos, generando un replanteamiento de los límites de viabilidad hasta márgenes insospechados. Impresionan como puntos destacados en esta mejoría de la sobrevida, el uso de corticoides prenatales (1), la administración de surfactante exógeno (2) y la opción del parto por cesárea en fetos con compromiso vital (3, 4). Debido a las alta tasa de complicaciones y discapacidad, vistos principalmente en las edades gestacionales y pesos más bajos, se mantiene el debate de hasta cuándo se justifica el apoyo intensivo en el grupo de prematuros con PEBN. En cuanto al manejo neonatal, muchos aspectos son aún controversiales, siendo fundamental la uniformidad en las estrategias de cada equipo y el compromiso para la constante evaluación y actualización del grupo. Este artículo tiene por intención mostrar las estrategias terapéuticas del Servicio de Neonatología de Clínica Las Condes para estos pacientes, junto con publicar algunos de nuestros resultados en el período comprendido entre enero 2001 a diciembre 2007.

Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant (ELBW), those weighting less than 1000 9 at birth, are neonatology new challenge, since they are the main proportion of infant mortality rate along with congenital malformations. Perinatal efforts have led to progressive improving on ELBW survival rate. Remarkable milestones are widely spread use of prenatal steroids, exogenous surfactant and caesarean section on perinatal high risk births. Because of high rate on disabilities on these patients, limits to treatment are today under discussion. Nevertheless, state of the art on treatments trend to consensus on different approaches and needs of permanent assessments. Our goal at Clinica Las Condes is to show our experience with ELBW patients on period 2001 - 2007 and our therapeutic strategies.

Thrombocytopenia related neonatal outcome in preterms.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion related outcome in very preterm infants. METHODS: Cases (n=94) with at least one episode of thrombocytopenia (platelet counts < 150 x 10(9)/L) and controls (n=70) were identified from a database of 1054 neonates with gestational age < or = 32 weeks admitted to a level III NICU. Thrombocytopenia and platelet transfusion related morbidity (IVH, sepsis, NEC, and bleeding) and mortality were analyzed with respect to gestational age (< 28 weeks and 28-32 weeks), severity of thrombocytopenia (mild if platelet count > or = 100 and < 150 x 10(9)/L, moderate if count > or = 50 and < 100 x 10(9)/L, and severe if platelets < 50 x 10(9)/L), age of thrombocytopenia onset (early < 72 hours and late > or =72 hours). RESULTS: The majority of thrombocytopenia (67.0%) was diagnosed after 72 hours of age, and was mild in 12.8%, moderate in 36.2% and severe in 51.0% of the cases. Neonates with severe and moderate thrombocytopenia were more frequently born at lower gestational age and birth weight. NEC and sepsis especially that caused by Candida infection, were associated with severe thrombocytopenic events. The development of IVH was strongly associated with lower gestational age but not the severity and age of thrombocytopenia onset. Mucocutaneous bleeding complicated 18.4% of cases with severe and late-onset thrombocytopenia (7/38). Platelets were transfused to 85.4% of infants with severe and 64.7% of infants with moderate thrombocytopenia (P< 0.02). The gestational age of the majority of the platelet transfused neonates (49/60, 81.7%) was < 28 weeks. Mean gestational age and birth weight, and rates of severe thrombocytopenia, IVH, sepsis and mortality were comparable in transfused vs not-transfused infants with gestational age 28-32 weeks. Platelet transfused neonates with gestational age < 28 weeks had lower birth weights, were more often severely thrombocytopenic, and died more frequently than infants of a similar gestational age who were not transfused. CONCLUSION: Platelet transfusions did not lower mortality in very premature born infants with moderate and severe thrombocytopenia during the NICU admission.

Successful Combined Treatment with Total Parenteral Nutrition Fluid Extravasation Injuries in Preterm Infants

Extravasation injuries in the neonatal intensive care unit are not rare during parenteral hyperalimentation. There have been many different methods of management. We report five premature infants with wounds of hyperalimentation fluid extravasation managed by the antibacterial ointment (Terramycin ophthalmic ointment(TM)) and sesame oil and a antiinflammatory herbal mixture (MEBO(TM)). The mean gestational age of patients was 31(+2) weeks (range, 28(+4) to 35(+6) weeks), and the mean weight at extravasation was 1,930 g (range, 1,140 to 2,680 g). Extravasation occurred within the mean of 32 days (range, 17 to 50 days). The method of dressing was application of a thick layer of this mixture covered by vaseline and wet gauze renewed at an interval of 8-12 hr after irrigating the wounds thoroughly with normal saline. The mean duration of dressing was 30 days (range, 20-50 days). The wounds had healed completely leaving a small size of contracture without functional abnormality. We conclude that this therapy may be considered for an alternative treatment and warrants clinical trials for the confirmation of the local management of extravasation injury.

Fibrin glue for persistent pneumothorax in an extremely low birth weight infant.

Pleurodesis with fibrin glue has been used to treat bronchopleural fistulas and persistent air leaks in adults and neonates. We report successful use of fibrin glue in an extremely premature infant to seal a pneumothorax that had persisted for more than one week despite high-frequency ventilation.