Late effects of caffeine use on sleep of infants born prematurely / Efeitos tardios do uso de cafeína no sono de crianças nascidas prematuras

ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to evaluate whether the therapeutic use of caffeine for premature newborns is associated with changes in sleep habits and the presence of obstructive sleep apnea in childhood. Methods: This is a cross-sectional single-center study in which the caretakers of 87 children aged 5-10 years, born full-term or preterm, treated or not with caffeine in the neonatal period, answered questionnaires to screen for obstructive sleep apnea (Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool [PosaST]) and to characterize the sleep habits (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire [CSHQ]) of their children. ANOVA and linear regression tests were performed to verify possible differences between the groups. Results: Children born prematurely who were treated with caffeine woke up significantly later on weekdays than those born at term (09h±00h58 and 07h43±1h15, respectively, p=0.022) and had longer total daily sleep time also compared to those born at term (10h24±1h08 and 09h29±1h08, respectively, p<0.001). There was no significant difference between the three groups in overall PosaST and CSHQ scores. Conclusions: Caffeine use in the neonatal period did not impair sleep habits later in life and did not lead to increased obstructive sleep apnea scores in prematurely born children compared to those born at term.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar se o uso terapêutico de cafeína para recém-nascidos prematuros se associa a alterações nos hábitos de sono e à presença de apneia obstrutiva do sono na infância. Métodos: Este é um estudo unicêntrico transversal no qual os responsáveis por 87 crianças com idades entre cinco e dez anos, nascidas a termo ou pré-termo e tratadas ou não com cafeína no período neonatal responderam a questionários para triagem de apneia obstrutiva do sono (Pediatric Obstructive Sleep Apnea Screening Tool - PosaST) e para a caracterização dos hábitos de sono (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire - CSHQ) de seus filhos. Foram realizados testes de variância (ANOVA) e de regressão linear para verificar possíveis diferenças entre os grupos. Resultados: As crianças nascidas prematuras que foram tratadas com cafeína acordaram significativamente mais tarde nos dias de semana do que as nascidas a termo (09h±00h58 e 07h43±1h15, respectivamente, p=0,022) e tiveram maior tempo total de sono diário também comparadas às nascidas a termo (10h24±1h08 e 09h29±1h08, respectivamente, p<0,001). Não houve diferença significativa entre os três grupos na pontuação geral dos questionários PosaST e CSHQ. Conclusões: O uso de cafeína no período neonatal não prejudicou tardiamente os hábitos de sono e não levou ao aumento dos escores de apneia obstrutiva do sono de crianças nascidas prematuras quando comparadas com crianças nascidas a termo.

Fetal hemoglobin, blood transfusion, and retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants: An observational, prospective study

Purpose: The objective of this study was to identify the association between fetal hemoglobin (HbF) concentration, blood transfusion, and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm infants. Methods: This was an observational, prospective study. A total of 410 preterm infants born with <36 weeks gestational age and <2.0 kg birth weight in a tertiary care center of central India for a period of 1 year were included in this study. Clinical data were obtained from case notes. HbF of infants was measured in the blood sample using high?performance liquid chromatography at the first visit and after 1 month follow?up and was analyzed statistically. Dilated fundus examination was done as per ROP screening guidelines, and ROP was classified as per the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity (ICROP), 2021. The study subjects were divided into two groups based on the status of ROP. The relationship among HbF, blood transfusion, and ROP was evaluated in both the groups. The relationship between other clinical characteristics and various neonatal risk factors was also studied between the groups. Results: A total of 410 preterm infants were included in this study, of which 110 infants had ROP (26.8%). Blood transfusion was found to be significantly associated with the development of ROP. Higher fraction of HbF (%) was associated with a lower prevalence of ROP. HbF was also inversely related with the severity of ROP. Conclusion: Replacing HbF by adult hemoglobin during blood transfusion may promote the development of ROP. Conversely, maintaining a higher percentage of HbF may be a protective factor against ROP.

Determinación de valores de corte de 17 hidroxiprogesterona ajustados por edad gestacional para la pesquisa neonatal de la hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita / Assessment of gestational age-adjusted 17-hydroxyprogesterone cut-off values for neonatal screening of congenital adrenal hyperplasia

La pesquisa neonatal de hiperplasia suprarrenal congénita se realiza mediante la determinación de 17 hidroxiprogesterona (17OHP) en gotas de sangre seca en papel de filtro. Los bebés prematuros presentan valores más elevados que los bebés de término, siendo de utilidad contar con límites de corte apropiados. Nuestro objetivo fue actualizar los valores de corte de 17OHP ajustados por edad gestacional para la metodología en uso a nivel nacional por las jurisdicciones asistidas por el "Programa Nacional de Fortalecimiento de la Detección Precoz de Enfermedades Congénitas". La 17OHP se determinó utilizando el kit comercial de enzimo-inmunoanálisis (ELISA competitivo), Elizen Neonatal 17OHP Screening (Zentech, Bélgica). Se obtuvieron límites de corte utilizando percentiles de la distribución de los valores de 17OHP para cada edad gestacional. La sensibilidad obtenida fue 100%, especificidad 98,76 %, tasa de falsos positivos 1,24 % y el valor predictivo positivo 1,12 %. Destacamos la importancia de disponer de límites de corte adecuados a la población. La armonización de los mismos permitirá resultados comparables entre los programas regionales de pesquisa neonatal (AU)

Newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia is performed by the measurement of 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) in dried blood spots on filter paper. Premature infants have higher values than full-term infants, and appropriate cutoff values are useful. Our aim was to update the cut-off values of 17OHP adjusted for gestational age for the methodology used at a national level in regions assisted by the "National Program for Strengthening the Early Detection of Congenital Diseases". 17OHP was determined using the commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (competitive ELISA) kit, Elizen Newborn 17OHP Screening (Zentech, Belgium). Cut-off values were obtained using percentiles of the distribution of 17OHP values for each gestational age. Sensitivity was 100%, specificity 98.76%, false positive rate 1.24%, and positive predictive value 1.12%. It is important to have cut-off values that are adjusted to the population. Harmonization will allow for the comparison of results among regional newborn screening programs (AU)

Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in neonates receiving parenteral nutrition in the intensive care unit

Abstract Objective: The use of parenteral nutrition (PN) formulations that do not contain iodine can contribute to the deficiency of this mineral, potentially leading to hypothyroidism and, ultimately, neurocognitive impairments. This study aimed to evaluate TSH alterations in newborns receiving PN. Methods: Retrospective study of neonatal intensive care unit patients receiving PN for > 15 days. Nutritional, anthropometric, and biochemical variables (TSH, T4, CRP) were analyzed. Hypothyroidism was defined by TSH > 10 mU/L. Results: Two hundred newborns were evaluated [156 (78%) preterm, 31±5 weeks of gestational age, 112 (56%) with very or extremely low birth weight]. The median (IQR) hospital stay was 68 (42-110) days, PN duration was 31 (21-47) days, and 188 (94%) patients also received enteral nutrition. Overall, 143 (71.5%) newborns underwent at least one TSH measurement. The prevalence of hypothyroidism was 10.5%. The Median PN duration in this group was 51 (34-109) days. Among those with hypothyroidism, 10 received Lugol's solution and six levothyroxine. Thirteen patients received prophylactic Lugol's solution with a median PN duration of 63 (48-197) days. TSH levels correlated positively with PN duration (r = 0.19, p = .02). Conclusions: The present data suggest that changes in TSH and T4 levels are present in neonates receiving PN for > 15 days, suggesting this population may be at risk for developing hypothyroid-ism. Therefore, the authors suggest that TSH and T4 measurements should be included as routine in neonatal patients receiving PN for > 15 days if PN formulations are not supplemented with iodine, and that iodine supplementation be provided as necessary.

Clinical characteristics of ureaplasma urealyticum infection in very low birth weight preterm infants / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the clinical characteristics and risk factors of intrauterine Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU) infection in very low birth weight preterm infants.Methods:From March 2019 to February 2022, very low birth weight preterm infants with gestational age 28~32 weeks admitted to our hospital were enrolled in this single-center retrospective study. According to the UU test results of respiratory tract samples obtained within 24 h after admission, the infants were assigned into the UU group (UU-PCR positive) and the non-UU group (UU-PCR negative). SPSS 26.0 statistical software was used to compare the clinical characteristics, laboratory indices, and complications between the two groups. Risk factors of UU infection were calculated.Results:A total of 327 preterm infants were included: 45 in the UU group and 282 in the non-UU group. No significant differences existed in gender, gestational age, birth weight and delivery pattern between the two groups ( P>0.05). Compared with the non-UU group, the UU group had significantly higher incidences of premature rupture of membranes (PROM) and chorioamnionitis, elevated white blood cell and platelet counts, procalcitonin and C-reactive protein levels, total duration of oxygen use and ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis and metabolic osteopathy ( P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that PROM ( OR=5.444, 95% CI 2.749-10.781, P<0.001) and chorioamnionitis ( OR=2.161, 95% CI 1.048-4.454, P=0.037) were independent risk factors for UU infection. Conclusions:PROM and chorioamnionitis are risk factors for UU infection in very low birth weight preterm infants. For high-risk premature infants, the UU test should be completed as soon as possible after birth.

The formula for orogastric tube insertion length in preterm infants based on growth indicators and gestational age / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To develop a formula for estimating the insertion length of orogastric (OG) tube for preterm infants based on growth indicators and gestational age (GA).Methods:From January 2020 to December 2021, preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital were retrospectively reviewed. OG tubes were inserted within 24 h of admission and the lengths of OG tubes were adjusted according to chest and abdominal X-ray results. The formula for OG tube placement was developed using stepwise regression analysis method with GA, body weight (BW) and body length (BL) as the independent variables and the corrected length of OG tube as the dependent variable. The weight-based formula developed by Freeman et al. were compared.Results:A total of 180 preterm infants were included, with 90 cases GA<32 weeks, 84 cases GA 32~35 weeks and 6 cases GA 36 weeks. No significant differences ( P>0.05) existed in the incidences of misplacement of OG tube and the specific types of misplacement among GA groups. For infants with GA≤35 weeks, the insertion length of OG tube was positively correlated with BW and BL and for preterm infants with GA 36 weeks, the insertion length of OG tube was positively correlated with BW only. Stepwise regression analysis showed the formula as OG tube length (cm)=11.8+2.1×BW (kg) or OG tube length (cm)=9.5+1.6×BW (kg)+0.091×GA (week). Comparing with the formula developed by Freeman et al., the differences of OG tube length estimated using our formula were more prominent as BW increased. Conclusions:The length of OG tube is positively correlated with BW and GA with BW shows more influence.

Risk factors of extrauterine growth retardation in very preterm infants with birth weight less than 1 500 g / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the risk factors of extrauterine growth retardation (EUGR) during hospitalization in very preterm infants (VPIs) with birth weight (BW) <1 500 g.Methods:From Jan 2015 to Dec 2020, clinical data of VPIs admitted to neonatal department our hospital were retrospectively studied. The infants were assigned into EUGR group and non-EUGR group according to their weight at discharge. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors of EUGR in VPIs.Results:A total of 969 VPIs were enrolled, including 400 cases of EUGR (41.3%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that Z-score of BW ( OR=0.057, 95% CI 0.037-0.088, P<0.001) was closely correlated with the occurrence of EUGR and growth velocity (GV) after regain BW ( OR=0.537, 95% CI 0.479-0.602, P<0.001) was a protective factor for EUGR. Maternal hypertension during pregnancy ( OR=1.895, 95% CI 1.059-3.394, P=0.031), asphyxia at birth ( OR=2.508, 95% CI 1.265-3.347, P=0.004) and moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) ( OR=2.660, 95% CI 1.503-4.708, P=0.001) were risk factors for EUGR at discharge. Conclusions:EUGR is still common in VPIs. Increased GV after regain BW, prevention and treatment of moderate to severe BPD may reduce the incidence of EUGR at discharge in VPIs.

The incidence and risk factors of early hyperglycemia in extremely preterm infants / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the incidence and risk factors of early hyperglycemia in extremely preterm infants (EPIs).Methods:From January 2018 to December 2021, EPIs with gestational age (GA) <28 w born in our hospital and admitted to the neonatal department were retrospectively studied. According to the occurrence of early hyperglycemia (within 1 w after birth), the infants were assigned into hyperglycemia group and non-hyperglycemia group. Univariate and logistic regression were used to analyze the risk factors of early hyperglycemia in EPIs.Results:A total of 218 cases of EPIs were enrolled, including 70 (32.1%) in the hyperglycemia group and 148 (67.9%) in the non-hyperglycemia group. The incidence of early hyperglycemia in EPIs with GA<25 w was 10/20 and 11/16 in EPIs with birth weight (BW) ≤700 g. The GA and BW of the hyperglycemia group were significantly lower than the non-hyperglycemia group ( P<0.05). More infants in the hyperglycemia group had 1-min and 5-min Apgar≤7 than the non-hyperglycemia group ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that increased BW ( OR=0.995, 95% CI 0.993~0.997, P<0.05) was a protective factor for early hyperglycemia in EPIs, while male gender ( OR=2.512,95% CI 1.232~5.123, P<0.05), vasoactive drug use during the first week of life ( OR=2.687, 95% CI 1.126~6.414, P<0.05), maternal hypertension during pregnancy ( OR=14.735, 95% CI 1.578~137.585, P<0.05) were risk factors for early hyperglycaemia in EPIs. Conclusions:Early hyperglycemia are common among EPIs. Low BW, male gender, vasoactive drug use during the first week of life and maternal hypertension during pregnancy may increase the risk of early hyperglycemia.

Clinical features and brain volume analysis of enlarged subarachnoid space in preterm infants / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the clinical features of enlarged subarachnoid space (ESS) and its effects on brain parenchymal volume in preterm infants.Methods:From November 2014 to November 2021, a retrospective case-control study was performed on preterm infants admitted to neonatal intensive care unit of our hospital with gestational age (GA)<32 w and having brain MR imaging. At full-term of corrected GA, the superior sagittal sinus-cortical spacing (sinocortical width, SCW) was measured on brain MR imaging. The infants were assigned into ESS and non-ESS groups according to whether SCW was greater than 3.5 mm. Perinatal factors, preterm-related complications and the brain volumetric indices were compared between the two groups.Results:A total of 160 preterm infants with GA<32 w were included, 76 (47.5%) were in the ESS group, SCW:(4.48±1.47) mm, and 84 were in the non-ESS group, SCW: (2.49±0.68) mm. GA and birth weight (BW) of the ESS group were significantly smaller than the non-ESS group [(28.7±2.6) weeks vs.(29.8±2.5) weeks, (1 114±279)g vs. (1 208±290)g]( P<0.05). Small GA was an independent risk factor for the development of ESS in preterm infants with GA<32w ( OR=1.217,95% CI 1.017~1.457, P=0.032). On MR imaging, the ESS group had significantly higher total cranial cavity volume than the non-ESS group [(354.1±33.6)ml vs. (316.9±36.3) ml] ( P<0.05). No significant differences existed on head circumference, gray matter volume and white matter volume between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:ESS is common in premature infants and correlated with GA and BW. Small GA is an independent risk factor for ESS in preterm infants. ESS shows little effects on head circumference and brain parenchymal volume during early postnatal period.

The effect of the quality improvement project of admission hypothermia on short-term outcomes of preterm infants less than 34 weeks gestational age / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To study the high risk factors of hypothermia in premature infants with gestational age ≤34 weeks, and to analyze the incidence of hypothermia before and after the implementation of the quality improvement program of hypothermia in hospital and its influence on various systemic complications, aiming to improve the early identification of hypothermia and to reveal the important clinical significance of temperature management in time.Methods:Clinical data of preterm infants born in Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province from May 2017 to December 2018, with gestational age ≤34 weeks, and admitted within 1 hour after birth were collected.According to the admission temperature, the infants were divided into normal temperature group (36.5-37.5 ℃), mild hypothermia group (36.0-36.4 ℃), moderate hypothermia gsroup (32.0-35.9 ℃), and severe hypothermia group (<32.0 ℃). The high risk factors of hypothermia in premature infants were analyzed.The incidence and degree of hypothermia and the effects on the systemic complications before and after the implementation of the hypothermia quality improvement program were compared.Results:A total of 306 premature infants were enrolled in the study, including 63(20.6%)cases in the normal temperature group, 115(37.6%) cases in the mild hypothermia group, and 128(41.8%) cases in the moderate hypothermia group, without severe hypothermia.Infants with birth asphyxia were at higher risk for hypothermia( OR=0.195, 95% CI 0.046-0.833, P=0.027); the lower the Apgar score at 1 min( r=0.123, P=0.032)and 5 min after birth( r=0.136, P=0.017), the higher the risk of admission hypothermia.After the quality improvement project, the incidence of admission hypothermia decreased from 82.3% to 73.8%( χ2=32.67, P<0.001), and the use of pulmonary surfactant in infants with respiratory distress syndrome was significantly reduced(70.0% vs. 32.0%, χ2=40.11, P<0.001), and the incidence of hypotension within 72 hours after birth decreased(11.8% vs. 4.9%, χ2=3.87, P<0.049). Conclusion:Birth asphyxia is a risk factor for admission hypothermia in premature infants, and Apgar score is associated with admission hypothermia in premature infants.Temperature management of preterm infants can significantly reduce the incidence of hypothermia and hypotension, and reduce the use of pulmonary surfactant in respiratory distress syndrome infants.

Advances in antenatal corticosteroid application in extremely preterm infants / 国际儿科学杂志

The rate of antenatal corticosteroid application in extremely preterm infants is generally increasing.Although a large number of clinical trials have demonstrated that antenatal corticosteroids significantly reduce mortality and improve prognosis in extremely preterm infants, their application rates still vary widely among different countries and gestational age groups, and the applicability and safety of the clinical applications are controversial.In the treatment of extremely preterm infants in China, the clinical application of antenatal corticosteroids is not widespread.The current situation of antenatal corticosteroid application in extremely preterm infants at home and abroad is reviewed to provide a theoretical basis for the application of antenatal corticosteroid in extremely preterm infants in China.

Treatment progress of pulmonary hypertension associated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants / 国际儿科学杂志

Pulmonary hypertension(PH)is commonly seen in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)and is significantly associated with increased mortality.The pathophysiological basis of PH is pulmonary vascular dysplasia or remodeling, and airways hyperresponsiveness.At present, management of BPD-PH should be comprehensive supportive therapy and focus on targeted pharmacotherapies, including various pulmonary vasodilators with different vasoactive mechanisms, such as phosphodiesterase inhibitors, endothelin receptor antagonists and prostaglandins analogs.However, although expert consensus recommends targeted pulmonary arterial hypertension therapy, high-quality clinical studies on the safety and efficacy of these drugs are few.Pulmonary vascular remodeling inhibitors and stem cell therapy have enormous potential to reduce pulmonary hypertension and further research and more data are needed.

Circular RNA hsa_circ_0087893 participates in intraventricular hemorrhage occurrence and progression possibly as a competitive endogenous RNA in preterm infants / 南方医科大学学报

OBJECTIVE@#To screen for differentially expressed circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the serum of preterm infants with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and explore the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism of circRNAs in IVH in these infants.@*METHODS@#Fifty preterm infants (gestational age of 28 to 34 weeks) admitted in our department between January, 2019 and January, 2020 were enrolled in this study, including 25 with a MRI diagnosis of IVH and 25 without IVH. Serum samples were collected from 3 randomly selected infants from each group for profiling differentially expressed circRNAs using circRNA array technique. Gene ontology (GO) and pathway analyses were performed to reveal the function of the identified circRNAs. The circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed to identify the co-expression network of hsa_circ_ 0087893.@*RESULTS@#A total of 121 differentially expressed circRNAs were identified in the infants with IVH, including 62 up-regulated and 59 down-regulated circRNAs. GO and pathway analyses showed that these circRNAs were involved in multiple biological processes and pathways, including cell proliferation, activation and death, DNA damage and repair, retinol metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, cell adhesion molecules. Among these circRNAs, hsa_circ_0087893 was found to have significant down-regulation in IVH group and co-express with 41 miRNAs and 15 mRNAs (such as miR-214-3p, miR-761, miR-183-5p, AKR1B1, KRT34, PPP2CB, and HPRT1).@*CONCLUSION@#The circRNA hsa_circ_0087893 may function as a ceRNA and play an important role in the occurrence and progression of IVH in preterm infants.

Clinical effects of oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking on oral feeding in preterm infants with dysphagia

Abstract Objective: To explore the effectiveness of oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking in treating premature infants with dysphagia. Methods: Sixty preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of the present study's hospital were selected and randomly divided into the control and intervention groups. The control group was given non-nutritive sucking intervention alone, while the intervention group was given oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking. The oral motor ability, milk sucking amount and sucking rate, feeding efficiency and outcomes, and the occurrence of adverse reactions were measured and compared. Results: Compared to first-day interventions, preterm infant oral feeding readiness assessment scale-Chinese version (PIOFRAS-CV) scores of the two groups significantly increased after 14 days of intervention, and this score was higher in the intervention group compared to the control group. Similarly, after 14 days of intervention, the intervention group's milk sucking rate and amount were significantly higher than the control group. Also, after the intervention, the intervention group's total oral feeding weeks were considerably lower, while the feeding efficiency and body weight were significantly higher than the control group. Moreover, the overall adverse reaction rate in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group. Conclusions: Oral motor intervention combined with non-nutritive sucking can significantly improve the oral motor ability of premature newborns, promote the process of oral feeding, improve the outcome of oral feeding, and reduce the occurrence of adverse effects. The combined intervention seems to have a beneficial effect on oral feeding proficiency in preterm infants.

Predictors of extubation outcomes among extremely and very preterm infants: a retrospective cohort study

Abstract Objective: To explore the clinical or sociodemographic predictors for both successful and failed extubation among Chinese extremely and very preterm infants Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out among extremely and very preterm infants born at less than 32 weeks of gestational age (GA). Results: Compared with the infants who experienced extubation failure, the successful infants had higher birth weight (OR 0.997; CI 0.996-0.998), higher GA (OR 0.582; 95% CI 0.499-0.678), a caesarean section delivery (OR 0.598; 95% CI 0.380-0.939), a higher five-minute Apgar score (OR 0.501; 95% CI 0.257-0.977), and a higher pH prior to extubation (OR 0.008; 95% CI 0.001-0.058). Failed extubation was associated with older mothers (OR 1.055; 95% CI 1.013-1.099), infants intubated in the delivery room (OR 2.820; 95% CI 1.742-4.563), a higher fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) prior to extubation (OR 5.246; 95% CI 2.540-10.835), higher partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) prior to extubation (OR 7.820; 95% CI 3.725-16.420), and higher amounts of lactic acid (OR 1.478;95% CI1.063-2.056). Conclusions: Higher GA, higher pre-extubation pH, lower pre-extubation FiO2 and PCO, and lower age at extubation are significant predictors of successful extubation among extremely and very preterm infants.

Effect of Kangaroo Position on microcirculation of preterm newborns: a controlled randomized clinical trial

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Kangaroo Position (KP) in microcirculation (MC) of the flexor muscles of preterm newborns. Method: A controlled clinical trial was conducted in the city of Recife, Brazil, with 26 preterm children randomized in the Kangaroo Group (13) and in the Control Group (13). Assessments of blood flow, temperature, and tissue oxygen saturation (SO2) were made at two different times and in the biceps brachii muscle and hamstrings muscle group: before the KP and after 24 h of KP. In the Control Group, the registrations were performed at the times corresponding to those of the Kangaroo Group. The mean values among the times were analyzed by paired t-test for repeated measures. The clinical trial was recorded in Clinical Trials (NCT03611088). Results: In the Kangaroo Group there was an increase in tissue temperature and blood flow at the time evaluation periods (p < 0.05). In the control group, there was no statistical difference between the recording moments hamstring muscles group, but in the biceps brachii, there was a reduction in mean blood flow (p = 0.023). Conclusion: In conclusion, the KP has effects on the microcirculation of the flexor muscles of preterm newborns.

Development of Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model and Assessment of the Impact of Renal Underdevelopment in Preterm Infants on the Pharmacokinetics of Aminophylline

Objective:To develop a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for individualization of the dosing regimen considering the physiological requirements of these preterm neonates. Methods: The study comprised preterm newborns with fewer than 34 weeks of gestation and six apneic episodes in 24 h. A PBPK model was created using PK-SIM (version 9, update 1, GitHub, San Francisco, CA, USA). A PBPK model is built using a typical loading dosage of 5 mg/kg and a maintenance dose of 1.5 mg/kg. Based on the verified base model, a PBPK model representing renal underdevelopment based on nRIFLE/pRIFLE categorization was developed. Results: The PK parameters of Aminophylline were computed using the PBPK model. As per the model prediction, T1/2 and area under the curve reduced as postnatal age increased, and in the event of renal underdevelopment, even while Cmax for patients under R (RISK), I (injury) was within the therapeutic range; it was greater compared to preterm without any renal complications. Mean Cmax (mol/L) was 59.53 and for R, I, and F (FAILURE) categories the values were 83.04, 99.69, and 126.98, respectively. Conclusion: The model was created using appropriate drug, study subject, and dosage protocol inputs. The established PBPK model could help in individualizing aminophylline dose in preterm babies.

Research progress on caffeine citrate in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome / 中国小儿急救医学

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is typically characterized by progressive exacerbation of respiratory distress shortly after birth, which is more common in preterm infants and has a high disability and mortality rate.Caffeine citrate has been used in the treatment of premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome to enhance the contraction of the diaphragm and optimize the function of respiratory muscles to accelerate the recovery of spontaneous breathing.This review summarized the use of caffeine citrate in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Research progress on caffeine citrate in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome / 中国小儿急救医学

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is typically characterized by progressive exacerbation of respiratory distress shortly after birth, which is more common in preterm infants and has a high disability and mortality rate.Caffeine citrate has been used in the treatment of premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome to enhance the contraction of the diaphragm and optimize the function of respiratory muscles to accelerate the recovery of spontaneous breathing.This review summarized the use of caffeine citrate in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Risk factors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very preterm infants: a national multicenter study / 中国小儿急救医学

Objective:To analyze the risk factors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in very preterm infants(VPI), and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of BPD in VPI.Methods:A prospective multicenter study was designed to collect the clinical data of VPI in department of neonatology of 28 hospitals in 7 regions from September 2019 to December 2020.According to the continuous oxygen dependence at 28 days after birth, VPI were divided into non BPD group and BPD group, and the risk factors of BPD in VPI were analyzed.Results:A total of 2 514 cases of VPI including 1 364 cases without BPD and 1 150 cases with BPD were enrolled.The incidence of BPD was 45.7%.The smaller the gestational age and weight, the higher the incidence of BPD( P<0.001). Compared with non BPD group, the average birth age, weight and cesarean section rate in BPD group were lower, and the incidence of male infants, small for gestational age and 5-minute apgar score≤7 were higher( P<0.01). In BPD group, the incidences of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS), hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity, feeding intolerance, extrauterine growth restriction, grade Ⅲ~Ⅳ intracranial hemorrhage, anemia, early-onset and late-onset sepsis, nosocomial infection, parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis were higher( P<0.05), the use of pulmonary surfactant(PS), postnatal hormone exposure, anemia and blood transfusion were also higher, and the time of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, oxygen use and total hospital stay were longer( P<0.001). The time of starting enteral nutrition, cumulative fasting days, days of reaching total enteral nutrition, days of continuous parenteral nutrition, days of reaching 110 kcal/(kg·d) total calorie, days of reaching 110 kcal/(kg·d) oral calorie were longer and the breastfeeding rate was lower in BPD group than those in non BPD group( P<0.001). The cumulative doses of amino acid and fat emulsion during the first week of hospitalization were higher in BPD group( P<0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that NRDS, invasive mechanical ventilation, age of reaching total enteral nutrition, anemia and blood transfusion were the independent risk factors for BPD in VPI, and older gestational age was the protective factor for BPD. Conclusion:Strengthening perinatal management, avoiding premature delivery and severe NRDS, shortening the time of invasive mechanical ventilation, paying attention to enteral nutrition management, reaching whole intestinal feeding as soon as possible, and strictly mastering the indications of blood transfusion are very important to reduce the incidence of BPD in VPI.