Early-onset neonatal sepsis as a risk factor for peri-intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants / Sepse precoce como fator de risco para hemorragia peri-intraventricular em prematuros

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess early-onset sepsis as a risk factor of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants born at less than or equal to 34 weeks' gestation and admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included premature patients born at less than or equal to 34 weeks' gestation who were admitted to the NICU of a tertiary hospital in southern Brazil, and born from January 2017 to July 2021. Data were collected from patients' medical records. Early-onset sepsis was measured according to the presence or absence of diagnosis within the first 72 hours of life, whereas the outcome, peri-intraventricular hemorrhage, was described as the presence or absence of hemorrhage, regardless of its grade. Results: Hazard ratios were calculated using Cox regression models. A total of 487 patients were included in the study, of which 169 (34.7%) had some degree of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage. Early-onset sepsis was present in 41.6% of the cases of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage, which revealed a significant association between these variables, with increased risk of the outcome in the presence of sepsis. In the final multivariate model, the hazard ratio for early-onset sepsis was 1.52 (95% confidence interval 1.01-2.27). Conclusion: Early-onset sepsis and the use of surfactants showed to increase the occurrence of the outcome in premature children born at less than or equal to 34 weeks' gestation. Meanwhile, factors such as antenatal corticosteroids and gestational age closer to 34 weeks' gestations were found to reduce the risk of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a sepse precoce como fator de risco para hemorragia peri-intraventricular (HPIV) em prematuros com 34 semanas ou menos, admitidos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva (UTI) Neonatal. Métodos: Este estudo de coorte retrospectivo incluiu pacientes prematuros com 34 semanas ou menos, que receberam alta da UTI Neonatal de hospital terciário, no sul do Brasil, nascidos no período de janeiro de 2017 a julho de 2021. Os dados foram coletados por meio dos prontuários desses pacientes. A sepse precoce foi mensurada conforme a presença ou a ausência do diagnóstico nas primeiras 72 horas de vida. Já o desfecho, hemorragia peri-intraventricular, foi descrito conforme a presença ou ausência da hemorragia, independentemente do grau. Resultados: Hazard ratios (HR) foram calculados por meio de modelos de regressão de Cox. Foram incluídos no estudo 487 pacientes. Destes, 169 (34,7%) apresentaram algum grau de hemorragia peri-intraventricular. A sepse precoce esteve presente em 41,6% dos casos de hemorragia peri-intraventricular e apresentou associação significativa, elevando o risco do desfecho quando presente. No modelo multivariável final, o HR para a sepse precoce foi de 1,52 (intervalo de confiança de 95% — IC95% 1,01-2,27). Conclusão: Sepse precoce e uso de surfactante demonstraram aumentar a ocorrência do desfecho em crianças prematuras até 34 semanas, enquanto fatores como corticoide antenatal e idades gestacionais mais próximas a 34 semanas mostraram reduzir o risco de ocorrência hemorragia peri-intraventricular.

Hipernatremia en pacientes con estado crítico por afecciones neurológicas

Fundamento: los trastornos del sodio son los más comunes y menos entendidos en pacientes con lesión cerebral aguda debido al papel principal que desempeña el sistema nervioso central en la regulación de la homeostasis del sodio y agua lo que puede llevar a complicaciones graves y resultados adversos, incluyendo la muerte. Objetivo: determinar la contribución a la mortalidad de la hipernatremia en pacientes con estado crítico por afecciones neurológicas. Métodos: estudio observacional analítico sobre 55 pacientes que ingresaron en las unidades de atención al grave del Hospital Universitario Arnaldo Milián Castro, entre octubre del 2020 y mayo del 2022, con independencia del valor del sodio plasmático a su admisión en el servicio, así como durante su estadía en las unidades de atención al grave. Se emplearon métodos estadísticos univariados y bivariados en el análisis de los datos. Resultados: el promedio de edad fue de 60±16 años. Los diagnósticos más relevantes fueron la hemorragia intraparenquimatosa (56,37 %), el trauma craneoencefálico y el accidente cerebrovascular isquémico (ambos 30 %). Las concentraciones plasmáticas de sodio mostraron diferencias significativas (pX2= 0,000), siendo la media mayor a las 24 horas de ingreso (174,2±133,6) y la menor al 5to día (102,9±72,9). Existió correlación significativa entre las concentraciones plasmáticas de sodio al ingreso ( 24 h y 72 h) y el estado al egreso. En el análisis bivariado individual por período, solo a las 24 horas hubo relación significativa, en este periodo la hipernatremia contribuyó a la mortalidad en 1,78 veces más que en aquellos que no tenían el sodio elevado (OR=1,78 con IC: 1,39-3,4). Conclusiones: la hipernatremia en el paciente con estado crítico por afecciones neurológicas se asocia con incremento de la mortalidad.

Background: sodium disorders are the most common and least understood in patients with acute brain injury due to the major role played by the central nervous system in regulating sodium and water homeostasis, which can lead to serious complications and adverse outcomes, including death. Objective: to determine the hypernatremia contribution to mortality in patients with neurological conditions in critical state. Methods: longitudinal analytical observational study on 55 patients who were admitted to the acute care units at the Arnaldo Milián Castro University Hospital, between October 2020 and May 2022, regardless of the plasma sodium value upon admission to the service, as well as during their stay in the critical care units. Univariate and bivariate statistical methods were used in data analysis. Results: the average age was 60 ± 16 years. The most relevant diagnoses were intraparenchymal hemorrhage (56.37%), head trauma, and ischemic stroke (both 30%). Plasma sodium concentrations showed significant differences (pX2= 0.000), with the highest average at 24 hours of admission (174.2 ± 133.6) and the lowest at the 5th day (102.9 ± 72.9). There was a significant correlation between plasma sodium concentrations at admission, 24h and 72h with the state at discharge. In the individual bivariate analysis by period, there was only a significant relationship after 24 hours. In this period, hypernatremia contributed 1.78 times more to mortality than in those who did not have elevated sodium (OR=1.78 with CI: 1,39-3,4). Conclusions: hypernatremia in critically ill patients with neurological conditions is associated with increased mortality.

Reference values for cerebral ventricular size in neonates with gestational age of 33 +0-41 +6 weeks / 中华围产医学杂志

Objective:To establish the reference values and neurological intervention cutoffs for cerebral ventricular size in neonates born at 33 +0-41 +6 weeks of gestation and to investigate the influential factors and reliability of the related indices. Methods:This study prospectively recruited 1 370 1-to 7-day neonates born or hospitalized at the Hunan Provincial Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital from February to August 2021. All the neonates, who were born between 33 +0 and 41 +6 weeks of gestation, were subjected to ultrasound scanning to obtain the indices, including ventricular index (VI), anterior horn width (AHW), thalamo-occipital distance (TOD), and ventricular height (VH). The reference value and neurological intervention cutoff for each index were set. Quantile regression was used to estimate the correlation between each index and continuous covariates [gestational age at birth (GA) and birth weight (BW)]. Mann-Whitney U test was used to analyze the differences in the medians of indices in different categorical covariates groups (males/females, left/right lateral ventricles, vaginal delivery/cesarean section, and singleton/multiple births). Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculated by a two-way mixed effect model and absolute agreement was used to access intra-rater reliability; ICC via a two-way random effect model and absolute agreement was utilized to rate inter-rater reliability (pool reliability: ICC below 0.50; moderate reliability: ICC between 0.50 and 0.75; good reliability: ICC between 0.75 and 0.90; excellent reliability: ICC exceeding 0.90). Results:The upper limits of reference values for AHW, TOD, VI, and VH in 555 (40.5%) preterm neonates were 2.7-3.5 mm, 20.9-22.5 mm, 12.6-13.7 mm, and 3.8-4.9 mm, and in 815 (59.5%) term newborns were 3.4-4.3 mm, 18.6-21.3 mm, 14.2-14.7 mm, and 3.4-3.8 mm, respectively. The cutoff of neurosurgical intervention for each index was the upper limit of reference value plus 4 mm. AHW median was positively correlated with GA [partial regression coefficient (PRC): 0.12, P<0.05], while TOD and VH medians were negatively correlated with GA (PRC:－0.31 and－0.06, both P<0.05). VI, AHW, and TOD medians were positively associated with BW (PRC: 0.46, 0.23, and 0.97, all P<0.05). The medians of VH, AHW, and TOD in the left cerebral ventricular exceeded those in the right cerebral ventricular, respectively (VH: 2.0 vs 1.8 mm, U=836 071.50; AHW: 1.8 vs 1.7 mm, U=874 141.50; TOD: 13.6 vs 12.5 mm, U=738 409.00, all P<0.05). The medians of AHW and VI in male neonates were greater than those in female newborns, respectively (AHW: 1.8 vs 1.7 mm, U=834 124.00; VI: 11.1 vs 10.8 mm, U=884 156.50, both P<0.05). The neonates delivered vaginally had greater AHW median, but smaller TOD median than those delivered by cesarean section (AHW: 2.0 vs 1.6 mm, U=685 546.00, P<0.001; TOD: 13.1 vs 12.9 mm, U=850 797.00, P=0.010). The AHW median in singleton newborns exceeded that in multiple births (1.9 vs 1.4 mm, U=356 999.00, P<0.001). The lower limits of 95% confidence intervals for intra-rater and inter-rater ICCs exceeded 0.75 and 0.50, respectively. Conclusion:Reference values and surgical intervention thresholds for VI, AHW, TOD, VH of newborns with a gestational age of 33 +0-41 +6 weeks were preliminarily established, and the reliability of these indicators were verified.

Dilated optic nerve sheath by ultrasound predicts mortality among patients with acute intracerebral hemorrhage / A bainha do nervo óptico dilatada na ultrassonografia prediz mortalidade na hemorragia intraparenquimatosa aguda

Abstract Background Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a deadly disease and increased intracranial pressure (ICP) is associated with worse outcomes in this context. Objective We evaluated whether dilated optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) depicted by optic nerve ultrasound (ONUS) at hospital admission has prognostic value as a predictor of mortality at 90 days. Methods Prospective multicenter study of acute supratentorial primary ICH patients consecutively recruited from two tertiary stroke centers. Optic nerve ultrasound and cranial computed tomography (CT) scans were performed at hospital admission and blindly reviewed. The primary outcome was mortality at 90-days. Multivariate logistic regression, ROC curve, and C-statistics were used to identify independent predictors of mortality. Results Between July 2014 and July 2016, 57 patients were evaluated. Among those, 13 were excluded and 44 were recruited into the trial. Their mean age was 62.3 ± 13.1 years and 12 (27.3%) were female. On univariate analysis, ICH volume on cranial CT scan, ICH ipsilateral ONSD, Glasgow coma scale, National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and glucose on admission, and also diabetes mellitus and current nonsmoking were predictors of mortality. After multivariate analysis, ipsilateral ONSD (odds ratio [OR]: 6.24; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-33.01; p = 0.03) was an independent predictor of mortality, even after adjustment for other relevant prognostic factors. The best ipsilateral ONSD cutoff was 5.6mm (sensitivity 72% and specificity 83%) with an AUC of 0.71 (p = 0.02) for predicting mortality at 90 days. Conclusion Optic nerve ultrasound is a noninvasive, bedside, low-cost technique that can be used to identify increased ICP in acute supratentorial primary ICH patients. Among these patients, dilated ONSD is an independent predictor of mortality at 90 days.

Resumo Antecedentes A hemorragia intraparenquimatosa (HIP) aguda apresenta elevada morbimortalidade e a presença de hipertensão intracraniana (HIC) confere um pior prognóstico. Objetivo Avaliamos se a dilatação do diâmetro da bainha do nervo óptico (DBNO) através do ultrassom do nervo óptico (USNO) na admissão hospitalar seria preditora de mortalidade. Métodos Estudo multicêntrico e prospectivo de pacientes consecutivos com HIP supratentorial primária aguda admitidos em dois centros terciários. Ultrassom do nervo óptico e tomografia computadorizada (TC) de crânio foram realizados na admissão e revisados de forma cega. O desfecho primário do estudo foi a mortalidade em 3 meses. Análises de regressão logística, curva de característica de operação do receptor (ROC, na sigla em inglês) e estatística-C foram utilizadas para identificação dos preditores independentes de mortalidade. Resultados Entre julho de 2014 e julho de 2016, 44 pacientes foram incluídos. A idade média foi 62,3 (±13,1) anos e 12 (27,3%) eram mulheres. Na análise univariada, o volume da HIP na TC de crânio, DBNO ipsilateral à HIP, glicemia, escala de coma de Glasgow (ECG) e NIHSS na admissão hospitalar, e também diabetes mellitus e não-tabagista foram preditores de mortalidade. Após análise multivariada, o DBNO ipsilateral à HIP permaneceu como preditor independente de mortalidade (odds ratio [OR]: 6,24; intervalo de confiança [IC] de 95%: 1,18-33,01; p = 0,03). O melhor ponto de corte do DBNO ipsilateral como preditor de mortalidade em 3 meses foi 5,6mm (sensibilidade 72% e especificidade 83%) e área sob a curva (AUC, na sigla em inglês) 0,71 (p = 0,02). Conclusão O USNO é um método não-invasivo, beira-leito, de baixo custo, que pode ser empregado para estimar a presença de HIC em pacientes com HIP supratentorial primária aguda. A presença de DBNO dilatada é um preditor independente de mortalidade em 3 meses nesses pacientes.

Ventricular hemorrhage secondary to spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: pathophysiological, imaging evaluation and treatment / 国际脑血管病杂志

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) accounts for about 3%-5% of all intracerebral hemorrhage, which can be divided into primary and secondary IVH. Primary IVH is mostly caused by choroid plexus vascular or subependymal artery rupture, and secondary IVH refers to spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage that breaks into the ventricle and the prognosis was poor. This article reviews the pathophysiological mechanism, severity assessment, and treatment progress of secondary IVH.

Aspectos desconocidos de la relación entre el sistema de grupo sanguíneo ABO y las morbilidades en prematuros / Unknown aspects of the relationship between ABO blood group system and preterm morbidities

Objetivos. Se ha demostrado, en diversos estudios llevados a cabo en adultos, que los grupos sanguíneos desempeñan un papel importante en muchas enfermedades. El objetivo fue investigar si hay una relación entre las morbilidades y el sistema de grupos sanguíneos ABO en lactantes prematuros.Metodología. En este estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, se incluyó a recién nacidos prematuros que habían nacido con menos de 32 semanas de gestación y con un peso al nacer inferior a 1500 g. Se los agrupó por grupo sanguíneo (0, A, B, AB) y por morbilidades de la prematurez y se los comparó.Resultados. Se analizaron los datos de 1785 recién nacidos prematuros de muy bajo peso al nacer. La comparación entre los grupos sanguíneos A y no A reveló que los lactantes de grupo sanguíneo A tenían una incidencia más alta de conducto arterial persistente (CAP) (48,7 % frente a 39,7 %, p = 0,005) y displasia broncopulmonar (DBP) (27 % frente a 20,8 %, p = 0,04), mientras que la incidencia de la hemorragia intraventricular de grado ≥3 era más baja (5,1 % frente a 10,1 %, p = 0,006).Conclusión. Este estudio es la primera y más grande investigación sobre la relación entre los grupos sanguíneos y las morbilidades en los prematuros. Con estos resultados se demuestra que el grupo sanguíneo A podría ser un factor de riesgo de CAP y DBP

Objectives. Blood groups have been shown to play an important role in a lot of diseases in various studies conducted in adults. The objective was to investigate whether there is a relationship between morbidities and ABO blood groups system in preterm infants.Methodology. This retrospective cohort study included preterm neonates born at < 32 weeks of gestation with a birth weight < 1500 g. Neonates were grouped by blood type (O, A, B, AB) and morbidities of prematurity were compared among these groups. Results. Data pertaining to 1785 very low birth weight preterm neonates were analyzed. Comparison of the A and non-A blood groups revealed that infants with blood group A had significantly higher incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (48.7 % vs. 39.7 %, p = 0.005) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (27 % vs. 20.8 %, p = 0.04), while the incidence of grade ≥ 3 intraventricular hemorrhage was lower (5.1 % vs. 10.1 %, p = 0.006).Conclusion. This study represents the first and biggest series examination of the relationship between blood groups and preterm morbidities. Our results show that blood group A may be a risk factor for PDA and BPD.

Low-grade intraventricular hemorrhage and neurodevelopment at 24 months of age / Hemorragia intraventricular de baixo grau e neurodesenvolvimento aos 24 meses de idade

AIMS: To evaluate the impact of low-grade intraventricular hemorrhage on neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants at 24 months of age. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case-control study of infants with gestational age less than 34 weeks, admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between January/2006 and December/2015. Cases were defined as those with low-grade intraventricular hemorrhage (grades I or II), diagnosed by cranial ultrasonography. For each case, a control with the same gestational age but without intraventricular hemorrhage was selected. Follow-up examinations of neurodevelopment were performed at 24 months of age in cases and controls using the Griffiths Mental Development Scale. Cerebral palsy, neurodevelopmental delay (developmental quotient <2 side deviations below the mean), hearing impairment and/or blindness were considered as severe neurodevelopmental impairment. RESULTS: The study included 172 preterm infants: 86 cases and 86 controls. In the univariate analysis, a difference between the two groups was identified for the following clinical findings: antenatal corticosteroid complete cycle (57% in cases vs. 80% in controls; p=0.001; OR: 0.33, 95%CI 0.17-0.64); male gender (63% cases vs. 41% controls; p=0.004; OR: 2.45, 95%CI 1.3-4.5); outborn (26% cases vs. 9% controls; p=0.005; OR: 3.3 95%CI 1.4-8.0); Clinical Risk Index for Babies higher than 5 (24% in cases vs. 12% in controls; p=0.029; OR: 2.4 95%CI 1.1-5.6); intubation in the delivery room (47% cases vs. 27% controls; p=0.007; OR: 2.38 95%CI 1.3-4.5); and neonatal sepsis (34% in cases vs. 20% in controls; p=0.039; OR: 2.1 95%CI 1.03-4.1). After logistic regression, differences were only maintained for antenatal corticosteroid (p=0.005; OR 0.34, 95%CI 0.16-0.72) and male gender (p=0.002; OR 2.9, 95%CI 1.4-5.8). A severe neurodevelopmental deficit was present in three cases (3.5%) and one control (1.2%). No statistically significant differences in outcome were found between cases and controls. CONCLUSIONS: In this sample, preterm infants with low-grade intraventricular hemorrhage diagnosed by cranial ultrasonography had no difference in early neurodevelopmental outcome when compared with controls.

OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o impacto da hemorragia intraventricular de baixo grau no neurodesenvolvimento de lactentes prematuros aos 24 meses de idade. MÉTODOS: Foi conduzido um estudo de caso-controle retrospectivo em lactentes com idade gestacional inferior a 34 semanas, internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal entre janeiro de 2006 e dezembro de 2015. Os casos foram definidos como aqueles com hemorragia intraventricular de baixo grau (graus I ou II), diagnosticada por ultrassonografia craniana. Para cada caso, foi selecionado um controle com a mesma idade gestacional, mas sem hemorragia intraventricular. A avaliação do neurodesenvolvimento foi realizada aos 24 meses de idade, em casos e controles, com a Escala de Desenvolvimento Mental de Griffiths. Paralisia cerebral, atraso no neurodesenvolvimento (quociente de desenvolvimento <2 desvios padrões abaixo da média para a idade), deficiência auditiva e/ou cegueira foram considerados comprometimento grave do neurodesenvolvimento. RESULTADOS: O estudo incluiu 172 prematuros: 86 casos e 86 controles. Na análise univariada, identificou-se diferença entre os dois grupos para os seguintes achados clínicos: ciclo completo de corticosteroide pré-natal (57% nos casos vs. 80% nos controles; p=0,001; OR: 0,33; IC95% 0,17-0,64); sexo masculino (63% casos vs. 41% controles; p=0,004; OR: 2,45, IC95% 1,3-4,5); nascidos em outro hospital (26% casos vs. 9% controles; p=0,005; OR: 3,3 IC95% 1,4-8,0); Índice de Risco Clínico para Bebês acima de 5 (24% nos casos vs. 12% nos controles; p=0,029; OR: 2,4 IC95% 1,1-5,6); intubação na sala de parto (47% casos vs. 27% controles; p=0,007; OR: 2,38; IC95%: 1,3-4,5); e sepse neonatal (34% nos casos vs. 20% nos controlos; p=0,039; OR: 2,1 95% CI 1,03-4,1). Após a regressão logística, as diferenças foram mantidas apenas para o corticosteróide antenatal (p=0,005; OR 0,34, IC 95% 0,16-0,72) e sexo masculino (p=0,002; OR 2,9, IC95% 1,4-5,8). Um déficit grave de neurodesenvolvimento esteve presente em três casos (3,5%) e um controle (1,2%). Não houve diferenças estatisticamente significativas no desfecho entre casos e controles. CONCLUSÕES: Nesta amostra, os prematuros com hemorragia intraventricular de baixo grau diagnosticados pela ultrassonografia craniana não apresentaram diferença no desenvolvimento neurológico precoce quando comparados aos controles.