The evolution of approach in the resuscitation of neonates born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid: a tale of two countries, China and U.S.A., in the past 60 years / 中国当代儿科杂志

Neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) may develop complications including meconium aspiration syndrome, persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn and death. The approach to the resuscitation of these neonates has significantly evolved for the past few decades. Initially, under direct visualization technique, neonates with MSAF were commonly suctioned below the vocal cords soon after delivery. Since 2015, Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP®) of the American Academy of Pediatrics has recommended against "routine" endotracheal suctioning of non-vigorous neonates with MSAF but favored immediate resuscitation with positive pressure ventilation via face-mask bagging. However, the China neonatal resuscitation 2021 guidelines continue to recommend routine endotracheal suctioning of non-vigorous neonates born with MSAF at birth. This review article discusses the differences and the rationales in the approach in the resuscitation of neonates with MSAF between Chinese and American NRP® guidelines over the past 60 years.

A retrospective cohort study of tracheal intubation for meconium suction in nonvigorous neonates / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the feasibility of tracheal intubation for meconium suction immediately after birth of nonvigorous neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF).@*METHODS@#A retrospective cohort study was performed on nonvigorous neonates born through MSAF who were admitted to the Department of Neonatology, Zhecheng People's Hospital. The neonates without meconium suction who were admitted from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018 were enrolled as the control group. The neonates who underwent meconium suction from July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 were enrolled as the suction group. The two groups were compared in terms of the mortality rate and the incidence rates of neonatal meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, pneumothorax, and pulmonary hemorrhage.@*RESULTS@#There were 80 neonates in the control group and 71 in the suction group. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the incidence rates of MAS (11% vs 7%), persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (5% vs 4%), pneumothorax (3% vs 1%), and death (0% vs 1%). Compared with the control group, the suction group had a significantly lower proportion of neonates requiring oxygen inhalation (16% vs 33%, P<0.05), noninvasive respiratory support (25% vs 41%, P<0.05) or mechanical ventilation (10% vs 23%, P<0.05) and significantly shorter duration of noninvasive ventilation [(58±24) hours vs (83±41) hours, P<0.05] and length of hospital stay [6(4, 8) days vs 7(5, 10) days, P<0.05].@*CONCLUSIONS@#Although tracheal intubation for meconium suction immediately after birth may shorten the duration of respiratory support for mild respiratory problems, it cannot reduce the incidence rate of MAS, mortality rate, or the incidence rate of serious complications in nonvigorous infants born through MSAF.

Síndrome de aspiración meconial: revisión de la fisiopatología y estrategias de manejo / Meconium aspiration syndrome: review of the pathophysiology and management strategies

El síndrome de aspiración meconial, es una condición clínica caracterizada por insuficiencia respiratoria que ocurre en neonatos nacidos a través de líquido amniótico teñido de meconio, y que puede presentarse como una enfermedad grave con riesgo vital. Su incidencia ha disminuido gracias a mejores prácticas obstétricas y atención perinatal y se ha observado una mejoría en la sobrevida, gracias a mejores prácticas en la UCI neonatal. Sin embargo, el abordaje más adecuado sigue siendo un tema de debate, dado que hasta el momento se basa sólo en medidas de soporte, sin que existan medidas que actúen sobre los mecanismos de daño. Por otro lado, la morbilidad a largo plazo entre los sobrevivientes sigue siendo una preocupación importante. Esta revisión ofrece una visión general actualizada de la epidemiología, la fisiopatología, el diagnóstico, el manejo terapéutico, la prevención y el pronóstico de los pacientes que presentan este cuadro.

Meconium aspiration syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by respiratory failure that occurs in neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid and can present as a serious life-threatening disease. Its incidence has decreased thanks to better obstetric practices and perinatal care, and an improvement in survival has been observed, thanks to better practices in the neonatal ICU. However, the most appropriate approach is still a matter of debate, given that so far it is based only on support measures, without any measures that act on the damage mechanisms. On the other hand, long-term morbidity among survivors remains a major concern. This review offers an updated overview of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, therapeutic management, prevention, and prognosis of patients with this condition.

Effects of hypothermia on lung inflammation in a rat model of meconium aspiration syndrome

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effects of hypothermia treatment on meconium-induced inflammation. Methods: Fifteen rats were instilled with human meconium (MEC, 1.5 mL/kg, 65 mg/mL) intratracheally and ventilated for 3 hours. Eight rats that were ventilated and not instilled with meconium served as a sham group. In MEC-hypothermia group, the body temperature was lowered to 33±0.5°C. Analysis of the blood gases, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid samples, and histological analyses of the lungs were performed. Results: The BAL fluid TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8 concentrations were significantly higher in the MEC-hypothermia group than in the MEC-normothermia (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively) and sham-controlled groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). Conclusion: Meconium-induced inflammatory cytokine production is affected by the body temperature control.

Mechanical Ventilation of Neonates at the University Hospital of the West Indies 1987-2015 / Ventilación Mecánica de Neonatos en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies 1987-2015

ABSTRACT Aim: To compare present trends in utilization of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with trends seen during the period when neonates were ventilated in the main intensive care unit of the University Hospital of the West Indies. Methods: Data from previously published studies on outcome of neonates ventilated at the main intensive care unit 1987-2001, the neonatal intensive care unit 2002-2004 and the annual perinatal statistics (2006-2010, 2015) were reviewed to detect trends in mechanical ventilation, utilization and outcome. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results: The number of neonates mechanically ventilated per thousand admissions increased from 10/1000 in the 1990s to 73/1000 in 2015. Percentage mortality for ventilated neonates increased from 51% between 1987-1991 to 62 % in 2015. The proportion of extremely low birthweight infants (< 1000 g) mechanically ventilated increased from 29% in 1987-1991 to 50% in 2015. The percentage mortality for extremely low birthweight infants increased from 17.5% in 1987-1991 to 40.6% in 2015. The percentage mortality for all other birthweight categories decreased over time. Respiratory distress syndrome remains the major reason for neonates requiring mechanical ventilation. Fifty per cent of neonates < 1500 g ventilated for respiratory distress syndrome received surfactant replacement therapy. Conclusion: Access to mechanical ventilation by neonates has increased tremendously at the University Hospital of the West Indies. The present challenge, however, is decreasing mortality in these neonates who access this technology.

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comparar las tendencias actuales en la utilización de la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales (UCIN) con las tendencias observadas durante el período en que los neonatos eran ventilados en la Unidad Principal de Cuidados Intensivos del Hospital Universitario de West Indies. Métodos: Se revisaron los datos de estudios publicados anteriormente sobre el resultado clínico de los neonatos ventilados en la Unidad Principal de Cuidados Intensivos en 1987-2001, La Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales en 2002-2004 y las y las Esta-dísticas Perinatales Anuales (2006-2010, 2015) con el propósito de detectar las tendencias en la utilización y los resultados de la ventilación mecánica. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos. Resultados: El número de neonatos ventilados mecánicamente por cada mil ingresos aumentó de 10/1000 en la década de 1990 a 73/1000 en 2015. El porcentaje de mortalidad de neonatos ventilados aumentó de 51% entre 1987-1991 a 62% en 2015. La proporción de neonatos de peso extremadamente bajo al nacer (< 1000 g) ventilados mecánicamente aumentó de 29% en 1987-1991 a 50% en 2015. El porcentaje de mortalidad de recién nacidos de peso extremadamente bajo al nacer aumentó de 17.5% en 1987-1991 a 40.6% en 2015. La mortalidad porcentual para todas las otras categorías de peso al nacer disminuyó con el tiempo. El síndrome de dificultad respiratoria sigue siendo la razón principal por la que los neonatos requieren ventilación mecánica. El cincuenta por ciento de los neonatos < 1500 g ventilados por el síndrome de dificultad respiratoria recibió terapia de reemplazo de surfactantes. Conclusión: El acceso a la ventilación mecánica por los neonatos ha aumentado enormemente en el Hospital Universitario de West Indies. No obstante, el reto actual es disminuir la mortalidad de los neonatos que acceden a esta tecnología.

Prácticas en la asistencia de niños nacidos con líquido amniótico meconial en la sala de partos: una encuesta nacional / Delivery room practices in infants born through meconium stained amniotic fluid: a national survery

Las guías de las sociedades científcas internacionales para asistencia intraparto y posparto de nacimiento con líquido amniótico meconial (LAM) cambiaron radicalmente en los últimos años en base a dos grandes estudios aleatorizados. En la Argentina no hay información acerca de las prácticas que se realizan en estos nacimientos. Objetivos: 1) Conocer qué prácticas se utilizan en la recepción de recién nacidos con antecedente de LAM. 2) Evaluar el grado de adherencia a las recomendaciones actuales. Material y métodos- Encuesta anónima vía internet a centros del país con mayor o igual 500 nacimientos anuales. Se contactaron 121 instituciones. Resultados: Respondieron 76/121 (63 por ciento) correspondientes a 182540 nacimientos anuales (26 por ciento del total de la Argentina). De las respuestas, 24 por ciento fueron de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires y 72 por ciento de hospitales públicos. Se realizan frecuentemente los siguientes procedimientos no recomendados: 1) aspiración orofaríngea y nasofaríngea antes del desprendimiento de los hombros: en el 50 por ciento a veces y en el 7 por ciento siempre; 2) Aspiración endotraqueal de rutina en niños vigorosos, 30 por ciento de los centros; 3) laringoscopia de rutina para visualizar las cuerdas vocales en el 13 por ciento de LAM fluido y 31 por ciento de LAM espeso. Por el contrario, y a pesar de ser una recomendación formal, la aspiración endotraqueal de niños deprimidos antes de comenzar con la ventilación se realiza sólo en el 69 por ciento de los casos. Un 7 por ciento de los centros encuestados, realiza otros procedimientos no recomendados, como comprensión torácica y presión sobre la laringe para evitar que el niño respire y también el lavado gástrico. Conclusiones: La aspiración orofaríngea y nasofaríngea antes del desprendimiento de los hombros y la intubación y aspiración posnatal de niños vigorosos con LAM se realizan frecuentemente en la Argentina.

The neonatal intensive care unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies: The first few years' experience / La Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales del Hospital Universitario de West Indies Primeros años de experiencia

A retrospective analysis of neonates admitted for ventilatory support to the neonatal intensive care unit at the University Hospital of the West Indies between August 2001 and December 2004 was conducted. One hundred and thirty-eight neonates fulfilled criteria for admission into the study. Ninety-eight (71) were inborn, 88 (64) survived and 50 (36) died. The median age at death was 72 hours and 72of non-survivors died within one week of life. The main reasons for admission into the unit were respiratory distress syndrome 87(63), followed by hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy 15 (11), surgical indications 13 (9) and meconium aspiration syndrome 11 (8). Babies with meconium aspiration syndrome and surgical problems had the best survival 82and 85respectively. Survival rates increased with increasing birthweight and gestational age. The most common complication seen was air leaks. The judicious use of neonatal intensive care measures in a developing country can result in a reduction of morbidity and mortality. However to maximize on benefits versus cost in an atmosphere of budgetary constraint evidence based management policies and protocols must be developed and implemented.

Se llevó a cabo un análisis retrospectivo de recién nacidos ingresados para recibir soporte respiratorio en la Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos Neonatales (UCIN) del Hospital Universitario de West Indies, entre agosto de 2001 y diciembre de 2004. Ciento treinta y ocho neonatos cumplieron con los criterios de admisión al estudio. Noventa y ocho (71%) fueron pacientes inborn, es decir, nacidos en el mismo hospital, 88 (64%) sobrevivieron y 50 (36%) fallecieron. La edad promedio de muerte fue 72 horas y el 72% de los que no sobrevivieron murió en el transcurso de la primera semana de vida. Las razones principales de ingreso a la unidad fueron el síndrome de insuficiencia respiratoria 87(63%), seguido por la encefalopatía hipóxica isquémica 15 (11%), indicaciones quirúrgicas 13 (9%) y el síndrome de aspiración de meconio 11 (8%). Los bebés con síndrome de aspiración meconial y problemas quirúrgicos, tuvieron los mejores índices de supervivencia – 82% y 85% respectivamente. Las tasas de supervivencia experimentaron un incremento proporcional al aumento del peso al nacer y la edad gestacional. La complicación más comúnmente observable fue el escape de aire. El uso juicioso de medidas en el cuidado intensivo neonatal puede traducirse en una reducción de la morbilidad y la mortalidad. Sin embargo, a fin de maximizar los beneficios frente a los costos en una atmósfera de limitaciones presupuestarias, se hace indispensable implementar y desarrollar políticas y protocolos de administración basados en evidencias.

Novas opções terapêuticas na síndrome de aspiração de mecônio / New therapeutic options in meconium aspiration syndrome

OBJETIVOS: revisar a literatura sobre a síndrome de aspiração de mecônio (SAM), enfocando aspectos clínicos, fisiopatológicos e abordagem terapêutica, com destaque ao uso do surfactante e lavado broncoalveolar. MÉTODOS: revisão baseada em artigos publicados na MEDLINE, SCIELO e resumos de congressos internacionais de 1988 a 2004, incluindo ensaios randomizados ou quasi-randomizados, estudos caso-controle e metanálises. RESULTADOS: devido à comprovação da inibição do surfactante na SAM, houve modificações em sua abordagem terapêutica. O manejo atual consiste na aspiração das vias aéreas na sala de parto, seguida de suporte ventilatório necessário para manter a oxigenação arterial adequada, e tratamento das complicações. Tendo em vista a obstrução mecânica do mecônio e seu efeito inibitório sobre o surfactante, a reposição e lavado broncoalveolar com surfactante estão sendo estudados atualmente. CONCLUSÕES: estudos em animais e em recém-nascidos apresentam resultados controversos quanto aos benefícios do uso de surfactante e lavado broncoalveolar na SAM. Torna-se importante a realização de mais estudos para avaliar novas estratégias ventilatórias e se existem vantagens no uso do surfactante e lavado broncoalveolar com surfactante na SAM.

OBJECTIVES: to review the literature on meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) focusing on clinical aspects, pathophysiology, and treatment with emphasis on surfactant and bronchoalveolar lavage. METHODS: review including articles from MEDLINE, SCIELO and abstracts published in the national and international literature, from 1988 to 2004 using the keywords meconium aspiration syndrome, surfactant and bronchoalveolar lavage. Randomized and quasi-randomized trials, case control studies, meta-analyses and recently published reviews were selected. Other articles were included for their valuable contribution to the subject. RESULTS: the discovery of new pathophysiological mechanisms ensued new therapeutic options availability. MAS management is initiated with airway aspiration in the delivery room, followed by the ventilatory management required to maintain optimal arterial oxygenation, as well as complications treatment. Considering evidences showing that meconium mechanical airway obstruction and its inhibitory effect on the surfactant system, the use of surfactant replacement and bronchoalveolar lavage with surfactant suspension are under study. CONCLUSIONS: experimental studies and studies focused on newborn using different surfactant suspensions have demonstrated controversial results. Therefore, it is very important to identify new ventilatory strategies and evaluate whether there are advantages in using surfactant and bronchoalveolar lavage with surfactant suspension in MAS.

Neonatal mechanical ventilation.

OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to analyze indications, complications, outcome and the factors influencing neonatal mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Prospective observational study conducted on 102 consecutive newborns, who required mechanical ventilation in a medical college tertiary neonatal care setting. RESULTS: The commonest indication was birth asphyxia (37.3%), followed by hyaline membrane disease (HMD) (31.4%), meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) (21.2%), septicemia (14.7%) and apnea of prematurity (5.9%). The overall survival rate in our study was 51%. Babies weighing less than 1.5 kg and less than 32 weeks of gestation had survival rates of 30% and 25% respectively. The best outcome among various indications was observed in babies with MAS (63.6%) followed by pneumonia (62.5%) and HMD (53.1%). Babies with birth asphyxia and septicemia had a low survival rate of only 42% and 40% respectively. The overall complication rate in the study was 58.8%. Common complications encountered were septicemia (42%), tube block (36%) and air leak (15%). CONCLUSION: About half (51%) of newborns requiring mechanical ventilations for various indications survived and more than half (58.8%) developed complications. The study also reconfirms that survival rate increases with birth weight and gestational age irrespective of indication.

Aspiração de mecônio: módulo de auto-instrução / Meconium aspiration syndrome: self-instruction modulus

Módulo de auto-instrução elaborado pela Disciplina de Medicina Intensiva Neonatal do Curso de Pós-Graduação em Pediatria da PUCRS...

Terapia de reposicao com surfactante exogeno: revisao da literatura e sua possivel utilizacao associada ao CPAP nasal em recem-nascidos com doenca da membrana hialina / Surfactant replacement therapy: literature revision and their possible utilization associate to Cpap nasal in neonates respiratory distress syndrome

O autor realizou revisao bibliografica sobre a terapia de reposicao com surfactante exogeno quanto a: estrategia de tratamento, diferentes preparacoes de surfactantes, doses, formas de administracao e intervalo entre as doses, e analisou outras formas de utilizacao da terapia na doenca da membrana hialina, como a associada ao CPAP nasal, bem como a outras patologias

Lavado gástrico en neonatos sanos / Gastric lavage in neonates healthy

Se estudiaron 300 niños recién nacidos sanos, divididos en dos grupos. El grupo I constituido por 170 recién nacidos, a quienes de les hizo lavado gástrico, y el grupo II se integró con 130 a los que no se les practicó este procedimiento. En ambos grupos se investigó la presencia o ausencia de náusea, vómito y regurgitaciones, se les midió la glucemia (por Dextrostix) a la hora y a las tres horas de vida. No hubo diferencia significativa entre los datos obtenidos en los dos grupos por los que se concluye que no es necesario hacer rutinariamente el lavado gástrico, únicamente cuando se sospeche alguna patología

Hiperamonemia neonatal secundaria a asfixia perinatal: informe de un caso / Hiperamonemia secondary neonatal to asphyxia perinatal: report from a case

Se describe el caso de un recién nacido postérmino de 43 semanas de gestación, obtenido por cesárea, que cursó con asfixia perinatal severa y aspiración masiva del meconio, por lo que se sometió a ventilación mecánica intermitente por siete días y se complicó con hipoglicemia sintomática e hiperamonemia transitoria. Mediante la restricción de proteínas y terapia de soporte, el paciente tuvo una evolución favorable. Se revisan las causas de hiperamonemia neonatal, sus consecuencias fisiopatológicas y su manejo actual en el recién nacido

A study of meconium staining and meconium aspiration syndrome in a maternity hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of meconiumstaining and meconium aspiration syndrome in a maternity hospital in Colombo and to evolve a suitable protocol for management. DESIGN: A prospective study of 366 meconium stained babies delivered during 1988. SETTING: Castle Street Hospital for Women, Colombo. OUTCOME: 113 babies developed the 'meconium aspiration syndrome' and 16 of them died.