Evolución 2010-2019 de la mortalidad neonatal en la cuenca Matanza Riachuelo. Comparación con Argentina, provincia de Buenos Aires y Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, 2019 / Evolution of neonatal mortality in the Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin between 2010 and 2019. A comparison of Argentina, the province of Buenos Aires, and the City of Buenos Aires, 2019

Introducción. La tasa de mortalidad neonatal (TMN) es un indicador de condiciones socioeconómicas, ambientales y sanitarias. La cuenca Matanza Riachuelo (CMR) es la más contaminada de Argentina. Objetivo. Analizar la evolución de la mortalidad neonatal (MN) en la CMR entre los años 2010 y 2019, sus características, y compararla con datos globales de Argentina, de la provincia de Buenos Aires (PBA) y de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires (CABA) en 2019. Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo de estadísticas vitales del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación. Resultados. En 2019, la TMN en la CMR fue del 6,4 ‰; en Argentina, del 6,2 ‰; en PBA, del 6 ‰, y en CABA, del 5,1 ‰. El riesgo de MN en la CMR fue mayor que en CABA (RR: 1,32; IC95% 1,08-1,61). Entre 2010 y 2019, disminuyó la TMN en la CMR, en PBA y en Argentina; pero no en CABA. El riesgo de MN por afecciones perinatales en la CMR fue mayor que en CABA (RR: 1,30; IC95% 1,011,67). El riesgo de muerte para nacidos vivos (NV) con muy bajo peso al nacer (MBPN) en la CMR fue mayor que en CABA (RR: 1,70; IC95% 1,33-2,18) y menor que en Argentina (RR: 0,78; IC95% 0,70-0,87). Conclusión. La evolución 2010-2019 de la TMN fue similar en la CMR, en Argentina y en PBA. En 2019 la estructura de causas y el riesgo de MN fueron similares en la CMR, en PBA y en Argentina, con mayor riesgo por afecciones perinatales y de los NV con MBPN. La TMN de NV de MBPN fue menor en la CMR que en Argentina.

Introduction. The neonatal mortality rate (NMR) is an indicator of socioeconomic, environmental, andhealth care conditions. The Matanza-Riachuelo River Basin (MRRB) is the most polluted in Argentina.Objective. To analyze neonatal mortality (NM) in the MRRB between 2010 and 2019 and compare itwith overall data for Argentina, the province of Buenos Aires (PBA), and the City of Buenos Aires (CABA)in 2019.Population and methods. Descriptive study based on vital statistics provided by the Ministry of Health. Results. In 2019, the NMR was 6.4‰ in the MRRB, 6.2‰ in Argentina; 6‰ in PBA; and 5.1‰ in CABA.The risk of NM in the MRRB was higher than in CABA (RR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.08­1.61). Between 2010and 2019, the NMR decreased in the MRRB, PBA, and Argentina; but not in CABA.The risk of NM due to perinatal conditions in the MRRB was higher than in CABA (RR: 1.30, 95%CI: 1.01­1.67).The risk of death among very low birth weight (VLBW) live births (LBs) in the MRRB was higher than in CABA(RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 1.33­2.18) and lower than in Argentina (RR: 0.78, 95% CI: 0.70­0.87).Conclusion. The evolution of NMR between 2010 and 2019 was similar in the MRRB, Argentina, andPBA. In 2019, the structure of causes and the risk of NM were similar in the MRRB, PBA, and Argentina,with a higher risk due to perinatal conditions and among VLBW LBs. The NMR among VLBW LBs waslower in the MRRB than in Argentina

Early death, morbidity and pharmacotherapy in extremely premature and very premature in neonatal intensive care units / Morte precoce, morbidade e farmacoterapia em prematuros extremos e muito prematuros em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatal

Abstract Objectives: to evaluate the evolution of extremely preterm and very preterm infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units, regarding the use of ventilatory support, morbidities, medication use, death, survival and viability. Methods: a non-concurrent cohort study, with 163 very premature and extreme newborns hospitalized in three neonatal intensive care units, during 2016 and 2017. A descriptive analysis of the data obtained from the medical records was performed. The outcomes studied were the use of ventilatory support, morbidities, medication use, death and causes of death. A survival curve was constructed and a viability limit was defined. Results: in the study, 28.2% were extreme and 71.8% were very premature. In this order of subgroups, the need for mechanical ventilation was higher for the extremes (65.2% and 41.0%) and the main diagnosis was early sepsis (78.6% and 82.6). Off-label (60.5% and 47.9%) and off-license (25.3% and 29.0%) medications were used. Most deaths (57.8%) occurred between the extremes, mainly due to septic shock. Survival was lower for the lowest gestational ages and the limit of viability was between 26 and 27 weeks. Conclusions: the main morbidities were from the respiratory system, with high use of off-label and unlicensed medications. Extremes had a greater demand for intensive care in addition to needing more drugs and progressing more to death.

Resumo Objetivos: avaliar a evolução dos prematuros extremos e muito prematuros internados em unidades de terapia intensiva neonatais, quanto ao uso de suporte ventilatório e de medicamentos, óbito, sobrevida e viabilidade. Métodos: estudo de coorte não concorrente, com 163 recém-nascidos muito prematuros e extremos internados em três unidades de terapia intensiva neonatais, durante 2016 e 2017. Realizou-se análise descritiva dos dados obtidos dos prontuários. Os desfechos estudados foram o uso de suporte ventilatório, morbidades, uso de medicamentos, óbito e causas de óbito. Foi construída curva de sobrevivência e delimitado um limite de viabilidade. Resultados: no estudo, 28,2% eram extremos e 71,8% muito prematuros. Nessa ordem de subgrupos, a necessidade de ventilação mecânica foi maior para os extremos (65,2% e 41,0%) e o principal diagnóstico foi sepse precoce (78,6% e 82,6).Medicamentos off-label (60,5% e 47,9%) e sem-licença (25,3% e 29,0%) foramutilizados. A maioria dos óbitos (57,8%) ocorreu entre os extremos, principalmente por choque séptico. A sobrevivência foi menor para as menores idades gestacionais e o limite de viabilidade ficou entre 26 e 27 semanas. Conclusões: as principais morbidades foram do sistema respiratório, com alto uso de medicamentos off-label e sem licença. Extremos tiveram maior demanda de cuidados intensivos além de necessitarem de mais medicamentos e evoluírem mais ao óbito.

Trajetória do crescimento e composição corporal das crianças nascidas menores que 32 semanas de idade gestacional ou com peso inferior a 1500 gramas até 4 a 7 anos de idade: estudo de coorte / Growth trajectory and body composition of children born under 32 weeks gestational age or weighing less than 1500 g until 4 to 7 years of age: a cohort study

Introdução: Os recém-nascidos muito pré-termo e com muito baixo peso, apresentam na idade corrigida do termo, uma menor massa livre de gordura e maior adiposidade, em relação aos nascidos a termo. O aumento da gordura corporal na idade corrigida do termo pode ser fisiológico devido a uma adaptação do recém-nascido pré-termo a vida extrauterina. Entretanto, o déficit de massa livre de gordura pode persistir ao longo da vida e reflete uma capacidade metabólica reduzida e, portanto, o maior risco de doenças metabólicas no futuro. Os estudos sobre a composição corporal na idade pré-escolar e escolar de crianças nascidas pré-termo evidenciam resultados conflitantes na literatura. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a composição corporal e o crescimento de crianças nascidas muito pré-termo ou muito baixo peso, entre 4 e 7 anos. Esta pesquisa apresenta como objetivos específicos comparar a composição corporal e o crescimento entre crianças que nasceram pequenas e adequadas para idade gestacional e avaliar associações entre a composição corporal nos primeiros 3 meses de vida com a massa livre de gordura e percentual de gordura entre 4 e 7 anos. Métodos: Estudo de coorte de recém-nascidos menores de 32 semanas de idade gestacional ou peso inferior a 1500 g, no Instituto Nacional em Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira/Fiocruz. Os dados antropométricos e da composição corporal, com o uso da pletismografia por deslocamento de ar, foram coletados nas idades corrigidas do termo e 3 meses, e na idade entre 4 e 7 anos. O teste t de Student e o teste qui-quadrado foram utilizados para comparar o crescimento e a composição corporal entre recém-nascidos pequenos, e adequados para idade gestacional, nas idades corrigidas do termo e 3 meses e na idade entre 4 e 7 anos. A análise de regressão linear múltipla foi realizada para avaliar as associações entre a composição corporal e o sexo masculino nos primeiros 3 meses de vida com a massa livre de gordura e o percentual de gordura na idade entre 4 e 7 anos. Para todas as análises foi considerado o nível de significância de 0,05. Resultados: Os recém-nascidos muito pré-termo, pequenos para idade gestacional, na idade corrigida do termo, apresentaram menor massa livre de gordura e massa de gordura (gramas, percentual e índices) e menor peso, comprimento e perímetro cefálico do que os nascidos adequados para idade gestacional. Aos 3 meses, a massa livre de gordura, índice de massa livre de gordura, peso e comprimento permaneceram menores no grupo dos nascidos pequenos para idade gestacional. Entre 4 e 7 anos a composição corporal e a antropometria foram similares entre os grupos. Na idade corrigida do termo, a massa livre de gordura apresentou associação positiva, e o percentual de gordura associação negativa com a massa livre de gordura aos 4 a 7 anos de idade. Aos 3 meses, a massa livre de gordura apresentou associação positiva com a massa livre de gordura na idade de 4 a 7 anos. O ganho de massa livre de gordura entre o período do termo e 3 meses também apresentou associação positiva com a massa livre de gordura aos 4 a 7 anos de idade. Conclusão: As diferenças na composição corporal observadas nos primeiros 3 meses de vida entre as crianças nascidas pré-termo pequenas e adequadas para idade gestacional, não se mantiveram entre 4 e 7 anos. A composição corporal na idade de 4 a 7 anos, apresentou associações com a massa livre de gordura nos primeiros 3 meses de idade corrigida, sendo este um período sensível para o risco de doenças metabólicas ao longo da vida. Os estudos longitudinais de longo prazo são necessários para melhor avaliar a trajetória da qualidade do crescimento das crianças nascidas muito pré-termo.

Introduction: Very preterm and very low birth weight infants have less fat-free mass and higher adiposity at term corrected age, than those born at term. The increase in fat mass may be physiological due to an adaptation of the preterm newborn to extrauterine life. However, the deficit of fat-free mass may persist throughout life and reflects a reduced metabolic capacity and therefore, increasing the risk of metabolic diseases in the future. Studies on body composition at preschool and school ages of children born preterm show conflicting results in the literature. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the body composition and growth of children born very preterm and/or very low birth weight, between 4 and 7 years of age. This research presents as specific objectives the comparison of body composition and growth between children born small and adequate for gestational age and to evaluate associations between body composition in the first 3 months of life with fat-free mass and fat percentage between 4 and 7 years of age. Methods: Cohort study of infants younger than 32 weeks of gestational age or less than 1500 g, at the Instituto Nacional em Saúde da Mulher, da Criança e do Adolescente Fernandes Figueira / Fiocruz. Anthropometric and body composition data, using air displacement plethysmography, were collected at term and 3-month corrected ages, and at 4 to 7 years of age. Student's t test and chi-square test were used to compare growth and body composition between small and appropriate for gestational age infants at term and 3-month corrected ages, and at 4 to 7 years of age. A multiple linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between body composition and male sex in the first 3 months of life with fat-free mass and fat percentage at 4 to 7 years of age. For all analyses, a significance level of 0.05 was considered. Results: The very preterm, small for gestational age infants had had lower fat-free mass and fat mass (grams, percentual and indexes), and lower weight, length, and head circumference than the appropriate for gestational age infants. At 3 months, fat-free mass, fat-free mass index, weight and length remained lower in the small for gestational age group. Between 4 and 7 years, body composition and anthropometry were similar between the groups. At term corrected age, the fat-free mass showed a positive association and the percentage of fat mass a negative association with fat-free mass at 4 to 7 years. At 3 months, fat-free mass showed a positive association with fat-free mass at ages 4 to 7 years. Also, the gain in fat-free mass between term to 3 months was positively associated with fat-free mass ate 4 to 7 years at age. Conclusion: The differences in body composition and anthropometry observed in the first 3 months of life between children born very preterm small and appropriate for gestational age, were not maintained at 4 to 7 years of age. Body composition at preschool and school age shows associations with fat-free mass and % fat mass in the first 3 months of corrected age, and this is a sensitive period for the risk of metabolic diseases. Long-term longitudinal studies are needed to better assess the trajectory of growth quality in children born very preterm.

Administración de surfactante mediante técnica mínimamente invasiva en neonatos / Administration of Surfactants by Minimally Invasive Technique in Neonates

Introducción: La administración de surfactante pulmonar tradicionalmente se realiza mediante un tubo endotraqueal, pero desde hace años existen técnicas menos invasivas como la administración mediante másscara laríngea, aerosolización y cateterización traqueal. Objetivos: Demostrar la evolución de tres neonatos que recibieron surfactante pulmonar mediante una cateterización traqueal y describir la técnica empleada para su administración. Presentación de casos: Se atendieron tres recién nacidos de muy bajo peso al nacer, que ingresaron en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales del Hospital General Docente Iván Portuondo, San Antonio de los Baños, con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria del prematuro. Todos se trataron con surfactante pulmonar exógeno, Surfacen®, el cual se administró mediante cateterización traqueal empleando un catéter umbilical. Se trata de una técnica mínimamente invasiva que se realizó sin dificultades y siempre en el primer intento. Los tres pacientes mostraron mejoría clínica, gasométrica y radiográfica con esta forma de administración y solo uno de ellos tuvo una complicación durante el proceder, que no constituyó una limitante para su realización. Este método permitió mantener una ventilación no invasiva, y fue innecesaria la intubación endotraqueal en los neonatos. Los profesionales encargados de la ejecución de esta técnica recibieron entrenamiento previo. Conclusiones: La administración mínimamente invasiva de surfactante pulmonar resultó un método eficaz con el que se consiguió la resolución total del cuadro de dificultad respiratoria en los neonatos. El procedimiento empleado permitió una administración rápida y segura del Surfacen®(AU)

Introduction: Pulmonary surfactant administration is traditionally performed by endotracheal tube, but for years there have been less invasive techniques such as administration by laryngeal mask, aerosolization and tracheal catheterization. Objectives: To demonstrate the evolution of three neonates who received pulmonary surfactant via tracheal catheterization and to describe the technique used for its administration. Case presentation: Three very low birth weight newborns were attended and admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Iván Portuondo General Teaching Hospital, at San Antonio de los Baños municipality, with preterm respiratory distress syndrome. All were treated with exogenous pulmonary surfactant, Surfacen®, which was administered by tracheal catheterization using an umbilical catheter. This is a minimally invasive technique that was performed without difficulty and always on the first attempt. The three patients showed clinical, gasometric and radiographic improvement with this form of administration and only one of them had a complication during the procedure, which did not constitute a limitation for its performance. This method allowed maintaining non-invasive ventilation, and endotracheal intubation was unnecessary in neonates. The professionals in charge of performing this technique received previous training. Conclusions: Minimally invasive administration of pulmonary surfactant was an effective method that achieved total resolution of respiratory distress in neonates. The procedure used allowed rapid and safe administration of Surfacen®(AU)

Estrategias de mejora de calidad en lactancia en recién nacidos muy bajo peso: revisión del tema / Breastfeeding quality improvement strategies in very low birth weight newborns / Revisao das estratégias de melhoria da qualidade na amamentação de recém-nascidos de muito baixo peso

El abordaje nutricional en los recién nacidos de muy bajo peso al nacimiento constituye un desafío en la práctica clínica de los neonatólogos, y muchas veces se aborda fuera del período crítico. Existe evidencia contundente de que la optimización nutricional precoz impacta en forma directamente proporcional en la sobrevida y sobrevida sin morbilidades mayores para este grupo. La implementación de lactancia materna precoz en este contexto debe ser una prioridad del equipo asistencial, siendo la mejora de calidad una herramienta de demostrada utilidad para mejorar los resultados en términos de mortalidad y morbilidad neonatal.

The nutritional approach of the very low birth weight infant poses a great challenge to most neonatologists in their clinical practice, and it is frequently delayed until de newborn is in stable clinical conditions. Currently, scientific evidence supports that early nutritional optimization impacts directly on this group's survival and on their survival without major morbidities. Initiatives fostering early breastfeeding should be prioritized by the healthcare team. Quality improvement has shown to be a very useful resource to improve outcomes regarding neonatal mortality and morbidities.

A abordagem nutricional do recém-nascido de muito baixo peso representa um grande desafio para a maioria dos neonatologistas em sua prática clínica, sendo frequentemente postergada até que o recém-nascido esteja em condições clínicas estáveis. Atualmente, evidências científicas sustentam que a otimização nutricional precoce impacta diretamente na sobrevivência desse grupo e na sobrevivência sem maiores morbidades. Iniciativas de incentivo ao aleitamento materno precoce devem ser priorizadas pela equipe de saúde. A melhoria da qualidade tem se mostrado um recurso muito útil para melhorar os desfechos em relação à mortalidade e morbidades neonatais.

The Bayley Social-Emotional Scale and the Assessment of Preterm Infants: a systematic review / Escala Socioemocional Bayley e Avaliação de Bebês Prematuros: uma revisão sistemática / Escala Socioemocional de Bayley y Evaluación para Bebés Prematuros: una revisión sistemática

The Bayley scale is one of the most widely used instruments for assessing infant development. This article aimed to systematically review the contribution of the Bayley social-emotional scale in the assessment of social-emotional development in preterm infants. This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. According to the inclusion criteria, 19 articles were selected from electronic databases. The results indicate reduced rates in evaluating the scale for children with lower gestational age, birth weight, and the association with environmental, biological, and hospital clinical factors. However, no analysis was found between the axes that guide the social-emotional development milestones present in the Bayley assessment and the developmental outcomes of preterm children. Bayley's social-emotional scale and other assessment methods can jointly compose a detailed and sensitive protocol for preterm infants regarding early childhood emotional health care. (AU)

A escala Bayley é um dos instrumentos mais utilizados para avaliação do desenvolvimento infantil. O objetivo deste artigo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre a contribuição da escala socioemocional, pertencente à Bayley, na avaliação de crianças prematuras. A revisão seguiu as recomendações PRISMA e foi registrada no PROSPERO. Conforme critérios de inclusão, 19 artigos foram selecionados a partir de bancos de dados eletrônicos. Os resultados indicam índices reduzidos na avaliação da escala para crianças com menor idade gestacional, peso ao nascer e a associação com fatores ambientais, biológicos e clínicos hospitalares. No entanto, não foram encontradas análises entre os eixos que orientam os marcos de desenvolvimento socioemocional, presentes na avaliação Bayley e os resultados do desenvolvimento das crianças prematuras. A escala socioemocional da Bayley e outros métodos de avaliação podem conjuntamente compor um protocolo detalhado e sensível destinado ao cuidado da saúde emocional de crianças nascidas prematuras. (AU)

La escala Bayley es uno de los instrumentos más utilizados para la evaluación del desarrollo infantil. El propósito del artículo fue revisar sistemáticamente la contribución de la escala socioemocional de Bayley en la evaluación de bebés prematuros. La revisión siguió las recomendaciones PRISMA y fue registrada en PROSPERO. Según los criterios de inclusión, se seleccionaron 19 artículos de bases de datos electrónicas. Los resultados indican índices reducidos en la evaluación de la escala para niños con menor edad gestacional, peso al nacer asociaciados con factores ambientales, biológicos y clínicos hospitalarios. Sin embargo, no se encontraron análisis entre los ejes que orientan los hitos del desarrollo socioemocional, presentes en la evaluación Bayley, y los resultados del desarrollo de los niños prematuros. La Escala Socioemocional de Bayley y otros métodos de evaluación pueden formar en conjunto un protocolo detallado y sensible para el cuidado de la salud emocional de niños prematuros. (AU)

Resultados en el neurodesarrollo en la edad preescolar y escolar de los recién nacidos pretérminos asistidos en el CTI neonatal de la Asociación Médica de San José / Neurodevelopmental preschool and school results of preterm newborns assisted at the neonatal ICU of the San José department medical provider in Uruguay / Resultados neuro desenvolvimento em idade pré-escolar e escolar de recém-nascidos pré-termos atendidos na UTI neonatal da assistência médica do departamento do São José no Uruguai

Uruguay acompaña la tendencia mundial al descenso de la natalidad con un descenso de la mortalidad concomitante, siendo la primera causa de mortalidad infantil la prematurez. Enfocados en la prematurez, es de nuestro interés conocer qué ocurre con estos niños luego del alta de la unidad neonatal. Se realizó el estudio de una cohorte de niños entre 4 y 8 años, nacidos con 32 semanas o menos de edad gestacional y/o con pesos al nacer de 1.500 g o menos, asistidos en su período neonatal en la Asociación Médica de San José, a quienes se les realizó el test de Battelle. Se logró identificar las áreas con mayor dificultad en el desarrollo para cada grupo de edad, concluyendo que se pueden realizar planes específicos de acción para promover el desarrollo de estos niños en la edad preescolar y escolar.

Uruguay follows the global declining trend in birth rates along with decreasing mortality, being prematurity the main cause of infant mortality. We studied premature children who had undergone the Battelle Test and had been discharged from the neonatal unit, a cohort of children between 4 and 8 years of age, born at 32 weeks or less of gestational age and/or having a birth weight of 1500g or less, assisted in their neonatal period at the San José Department Medical Center. We could identify the main areas affecting development for each age group, and concluded that specific action plans can be carried out to promote the development of these children at preschool and school age.

O Uruguai acompanha a tendência mundial de declínio das taxas de natalidade com uma concomitante diminuição da mortalidade, sendo a prematuridade a principal causa de mortalidade infantil. Nos focamos na prematuridade e no estudo do que acontece com essas crianças após a alta da unidade neonatal. Realizamos um estudo de uma coorte de crianças entre 4 e 8 anos que tinham sido submetidas ao Teste de Battelle, nascidas com 32 semanas ou menos de idade gestacional e/ou com peso de nascimento igual ou inferior a 1500g, atendidas no período neonatal na Assistência Médica do Departamento de São José no Uruguai. Foi possível identificar as áreas de maior dificuldade de desenvolvimento para cada faixa etária, e concluir que podem se realizar planos de ação específicos para promover o desenvolvimento dessas crianças em idade pré-escolar e escolar.

Mortalidad en recién nacidos de muy bajo peso al nacer en la Red Neonatal NEOCOSUR: causalidad y temporalidad / Mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in South American NEOCOSUR Neonatal Network: timing and causes

Introducción. La mortalidad de los recién nacidos de muy bajo peso de nacimiento (RNMBPN) se ha mantenido en ~26 % en los últimos 16 años en la Red Neonatal NEOCOSUR. Objetivo. Determinar la causa de muerte de los RNMBPN y su temporalidad en el período 20072016 en la Red Neonatal NEOCOSUR. Población y métodos. Estudio observacional de cohorte multicéntrica; análisis retrospectivo de datos obtenidos prospectivamente. Se incluyeron recién nacidos entre 24 y 31+6 semanas de edad gestacional y peso de nacimiento de 500-1500 g, en 26 centros de la Red Neonatal NEOCOSUR. Las causas de muerte se analizaron según ocurriera en sala de partos (SP) o durante la estadía en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN). La edad posnatal de muerte se determinó a través de análisis de Kaplan-Meier. Resultados. Se incluyeron un total de 11.753 RNMBPN con una mortalidad global del 25,6 %. Las causas de muerte predominantes en SP fueron malformaciones congénitas (43,3 %), enfermedades respiratorias (14,3 %) y prematuridad (11,4 %). Las causas de muerte predominantes en UCIN fueron las respiratorias (24,2 %) e infecciosas (24,1 %). La edad promedio de muerte fue de 10,2 días y mediana de 4 días. El 10,2 % de las muertes ocurrieron en SP; el 21,5 %, durante el primer día; el 52 % ocurrió en los primeros 4 días y el 63,8 %, durante la primera semana de vida. Conclusiones. Se encuentran importantes diferencias en las causas de muerte de RNMBPN según ocurra en SP o en UCIN. Las infecciosas y respiratorias son las más relevantes luego del ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos.

Introduction. Mortality in very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) has remained at ~26% in the past 16 years in the NEOCOSUR Neonatal Network. Objective. To determine the cause of death of VLBWIs and its temporality in the 2007-2016 period in the NEOCOSUR Neonatal Network. Population and methods. Observational, multicenter cohort study; retrospective analysis of data collected prospectively. Newborn infants born between 24 and 31+6 weeks of gestation age with a birth weight between 500 and 1500 g in the 26 sites of the NEOCOSUR Neonatal Network were included. The causes of death were analyzed depending on whether they occurred in the delivery room (DR) or in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The postnatal age at time of death was determined using the KaplanMeier test. Results. A total of 11 753 VLBWIs were included; overall mortality was 25.6%. The prevailing causes of death in the DR were congenital malformations (43.3%), respiratory diseases (14.3%), and prematurity (11.4%). The prevailing causes of death in the NICU were respiratory diseases (24.2%) and infections (24.1%). The average and median age at death were 10.2 and 4 days, respectively. Also, 10.2% of deaths occurred in the DR; 21.5% on day 1, 52% in the first 4 days, and 63.8% in the first week of life. Conclusions. Important differences were observed in the causes of death of VLBWIs depending on their occurrence in the DR or the NICU. Infectious and respiratory conditions were the most relevant factors following admission to the NICU.

Evaluación neurológica durante el primer año en niños muy bajo peso al nacer con infección por citomegalovirus / Neurological evaluation during the first year in very low birth weight children with cytomegalovirus infection

Introducción: La infección congénita por citomegalovirus es causa de pérdida auditiva y alteraciones cognitivas. La infección perinatal por este virus es más frecuente en neonatos< 1500 g y produce menos secuelas neurológicas. Objetivo: Describir la evaluación neurológica en el primer año de vida en niños muy bajo peso al nacer con infección por citomegalovirus. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y longitudinal en el que se incuyeron 14 neonatos< 1500 g, con diagnóstico de infección congénita o perinatal por citomegalovirus; a los cuales se les realizó evaluación del neurodesarrollo, ultrasonido craneal, potenciales evocados auditivos de tallo cerebral y potenciales visuales a las 40 semanas, a los seis meses y al año de edad gestacional corregida. En la primera evaluación se realizó además, electroencefalograma. Resultados: El 43 por ciento tuvo infección congénita y 57 por ciento infección perinatal. A las 40 semanas se evaluaron completamente 79 % de los casos, a los seis meses 64 por ciento y al año 36 por ciento. No se observaron anormalidades en el ultrasonido craneal, ni en el electroencefalograma. Al año de edad corregida, se detectaron alteraciones ligeras del neurodesarrolo en 33,3 por ciento del total de casos (2/6) y con igual porcentaje en los niños con infección congénita (1/3) y perinatal (1/3). En ningún paciente evaluado se detectó sordera neurosensorial, ni daño del nervio visual. Conclusiones: Las alteraciones del neurodesarrollo encontradas al año de edad corregida pueden estar relacionadas con la prematuridad o la infección por citomegalovirus. El seguimiento a mediano y largo plazo es necesario para detectar otras secuelas neurológicas de debut tardío(AU)

Introduction: Congenital cytomegalovirus infection is a cause of hearing loss and cognitive impairments. Perinatal infection by this virus is more frequent in neonates< 1500 g and produces fewer neurological sequelae. Objective: To describe neurological evaluation in the first year of life in very low birth weight children with cytomegalovirus infection. Methods: A descriptive and longitudinal study involving 14 neonates< 1500 g, with a diagnosis of congenital or perinatal cytomegalovirus infection; to which neurodevelopmental evaluation, cranial ultrasound, auditory brain stem evoked potentials and visual potentials were performed at 40 weeks, six months and one year of corrected gestational age. In the first evaluation, electroencephalogram was also performed. Results: 43 percent had congenital infection and 57 percent perinatal infection. At 40 weeks, 79 percent of cases were fully evaluated, at six months 64 percent and at one year 36 percent. No abnormalities were observed on the cranial ultrasound or electroencephalogram. At one year of corrected age, slight alterations in neurodevelopment were detected in 33.3 percent of all cases (2/6) and with the same percentage in children with congenital (1/3) and perinatal (1/3) infection. In no patient evaluated, sensorineural deafness or visual nerve damage was detected. Conclusions: The neurodevelopmental alterations found at one year of corrected age may be related to prematurity or cytomegalovirus infection. Medium- and long-term follow-up is necessary to detect other late-onset neurological sequelae(AU)

Mortalidad en neonatos de muy bajo peso al nacer / Mortality in very-low-birth-weight infants

Introducción: Los neonatos de muy bajo peso (menores de 1500 g) presentan una baja incidencia, pero una elevada morbilidad y mortalidad. Objetivo: Determinar las principales condiciones asociadas a la mortalidad en neonatos de muy bajo peso. Métodos: Estudio analítico retrospectivo (caso-control) realizado en el Hospital General Docente Iván Portuondo. Se incluyeron todos los neonatos con muy bajo peso al nacer. Se estudió el comportamiento de las variables edad materna, vía de nacimiento, género, edad gestacional, peso, puntuación de Apgar, valoración nutricional y causas de muerte, las cuales permitieron comparar vivos y fallecidos. Para la determinación de los principales riesgos se empleó el odds ratio con un intervalo de confianza del 95 por ciento. Se consideró la significación estadística con valor de odds ratio >1,0 y p < 0,05. Resultados: Del total de ingresados (156) fallecieron 22 pacientes (14,1 por ciento). El mayor riesgo de muerte estuvo en los neonatos con peso menor a 1000 gramos (odds ratio: 17,91) y edad gestacional inferior a 30 semanas (odds ratio: 3,82). Presentaron mayor riesgo de mortalidad los neonatos con hemorragia pulmonar (odds ratio: 13,3), hemorragia intraventricular (odds ratio: 9,67) y enterocolitis necrosante (odds ratio: 4,03). La principal causa de muerte en estos pacientes de alto riesgo fue la hemorragia intraventricular (27,3 por ciento). Conclusiones: La prematuridad y el bajo peso extremo constituyen los principales determinantes relacionados con mortalidad en los neonatos de muy bajo peso. La presencia de hemorragia pulmonar e intraventricular aumentan significativamente el riesgo de muerte en estos neonatos(AU)

Introduction: Very low weight neonates (less than 1500 g) have a low incidence, but a high morbidity and mortality. Objective: Determine the main conditions associated with mortality in very low weight neonates. Methods: Retrospective analytical study (case-control) carried out at Iván Portuondo General Teaching Hospital. All neonates with very low birth weight were included, comparisons were made between living and deceased. The variables maternal age, birth route, gender, gestational age, weight, Apgar score, nutritional assessment and causes of death were studied. For the determination of the main risks, the odds ratio with a 95percent confidence interval was used. Statistical significance was considered with the value of odds ratio >1.0 and p < 0.05. Results: Of 156 very low birth weight infants, 22 patients died (14.1percent), with a higher risk of death in neonates weighing less than 1000 grams (odds ratio: 17.91) and gestational age less than 30 weeks (odds ratio: 3.82). Infants with pulmonary haemorrhage (odds ratio: 13.3), intraventricular haemorrhage (odds ratio: 9.67) and necrotizing enterocolitis (odds ratio: 4.03) presented a higher risk of mortality. The leading cause of death in these high-risk patients was intraventricular hemorrhage (27.3percent). Conclusions: Prematurity and extreme low weight are the main determinants related to mortality in very low weight neonates. The presence of pulmonary and intraventricular hemorrhage significantly increases the risk of death in these infants(AU)

Cultural Care Practices Provided at Home by the Zenú Indigenous Mothers to their Premature Children and to Those with Low Birth Weight / Prácticas de cuidado cultural brindadas en el hogar por las madres indígenas Zenú a sus hijos prematuros y con bajo peso al nacer / Práticas culturais de cuidado no domicílio por mães indígenas Zenú a seus filhos prematuros e de baixo peso

Objective. The work's aim was to comprehend the cultural practices of the care by Zenú indigenous mothers to their newborn premature children and those of low birth weight by implementing the Kangaroo-Mother method at home. Methods. Qualitative study of particularistic ethnographic approach, with participation from eight mothers and two key informants trained in the Kangaroo-Mother method, who were interviewed and observed in their homes, in the municipalities of San Andrés de Sotavento, Tuchín, Sampués, and San Antonio de Palmitos from the Departments of Córdoba and Sucre (Colombia), respectively. Ethnographic analysis was performed. The criteria of data saturation and methodological rigor, typical of qualitative research, were applied. Results. Eight Zenú indigenous mothers and two key informants from the family participated in the study. The themes emerging were the context, a different experience, adaptations of the Kangaroo-Mother method at home and care practices, protection and healing based on customs and cultural tradition. Conclusion. The indigenous mothers provide holistic care to their newborn premature children and those with low birth weight, by integrating the knowledge and practices of the Kangaroo-Mother method and with the ancestral practices of care, protection, and healing characteristic of the context and culture; thus, transcending the use of resources available in the environment.

Objetivo. Comprender las prácticas culturales del cuidado de madres indígenas Zenú a sus hijos recién nacidos de bajo peso al nacer y prematuros al implementar el Método Madre Canguro en el hogar. Métodos. Estudio cualitativo de enfoque etnográfico particularista en el cual participaron ocho madres y dos informantes clave entrenadas en el Método Madre Canguro, quienes fueron entrevistadas y observadas en sus domicilios, en los municipios de San Andrés de Sotavento, Tuchín, Sampués y San Antonio de Palmitos de los Departamentos de Córdoba y Sucre (Colombia), respectivamente. Se realizó análisis etnográfico. Se aplicaron los criterios de saturación de los datos y del rigor metodológico, propios de la investigación cualitativa. Resultados. Participaron ocho madres indígenas Zenú y dos familiares informantes claves. Emergieron temas: el contexto, una experiencia diferente, las adaptaciones del método madre canguro en el hogar y las prácticas de cuidado, protección y curación basada en las costumbres y la tradición cultural. Conclusión. Las madres indígenas brindan cuidado holístico a sus hijos recién nacidos con bajo peso al nacer y prematuros, al integrar el conocimiento y prácticas del Método Madre Canguro y con las practicas ancestrales de cuidado, protección y curación propias del contexto y la cultura; transcendiendo así el uso de recursos disponibles en el medio.

Objetivo. Compreender as práticas culturais de cuidado de mães indígenas Zenú para o baixo peso ao nascer e recém-nascidos prematuros na implantação do Método Mãe Canguru no domicílio. Métodos. Estudo qualitativo com abordagem etnográfica particularista, no qual participaram oito mães e dois informantes-chave treinados no Método Mãe Canguru, que foram entrevistados e observados em suas residências, nos municípios de San Andrés de Sotavento, Tuchín, Sampués e San Antonio de Palmitos de los Departamentos de Córdoba e Sucre (Colômbia), respectivamente. Foi realizada análise etnográfica. Foram aplicados os critérios de saturação de dados e rigor metodológico, típicos da pesquisa qualitativa. Resultados. Participaram oito mães indígenas Zenú e dois familiares informantes-chave. Emergiram temas: o contexto, uma experiência diferente, as adaptações do método mãe canguru em casa e as práticas de cuidado, proteção e cura baseadas em costumes e tradição cultural. Conclusão. As mães indígenas prestam cuidados holísticos aos seus recém-nascidos de baixo peso e prematuros, integrando os saberes e práticas do Método Mãe Canguru e com as práticas ancestrais de cuidado, proteção e cura típicas do contexto e da cultura; transcendendo assim o uso dos recursos disponíveis no ambiente

Determinantes biológicas de salud asociadas al bajo peso al nacer en un área de salud / Biological Determinants of Health Associated with Low Birth Weight in a Health Area

Introducción: El bajo peso al nacer constituye un problema de salud a nivel de la atención primaria. Objetivo: Identificar las determinantes biológicas de salud asociadas al bajo peso al nacer en el período comprendido enero 2015 a diciembre del 2017, pertenecientes al Área de Salud Policlínico Docente Comunitario Frank País García. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico observacional retrospectivo de casos y controles. El universo de estudio estuvo representado por el 100 de los niños bajo peso que constituyeron los casos y los controles de 1040 recién nacidos normopeso, de los cuales se obtuvo una muestra a través de un muestreo aleatorio simple, teniendo en cuenta una razón de 2 controles por cada caso en el período de estudio escogido, la muestra quedó constituida por 171 niños, 57 que conformaron los casos (recién nacidos bajo peso al nacer) y 114 los controles (normopesos). Se utilizaron medidas específicas como el Odds ratio (OR), para un chi cuadrado de 3,84. Los datos fueron procesados y se representaron en tablas. Resultados: Los antecedentes patológicos personales, los obstétricos desfavorables, el número de partos, la ganancia de peso al final del embarazo, la infección urinaria y la infección vaginal, tuvieron asociación significativa causal. Conclusiones: Las variables biológicas se asociaron a la presencia del bajo peso al nacer, por lo que el accionar sobre ellas con un adecuado enfoque de riesgo incidirá positivamente en la mitigación de este problema de salud(AU)

Introduction: Low birth weight is a health concern at the primary level of care. Objective: To identify the biological determinants of health associated with low birth weight in the period from January 2015 to December 2017, corresponding to the health area of Frank País García Community Teaching Polyclinic. Methods: A retrospective, observational and analytical study of cases and controls was carried out. The study universe was represented by 100 percent of underweight children who made up the cases and controls of 1040 normal weight newborns, from which a sample was obtained through simple random sampling, taking into account a ratio of two controls for each case in the chosen study period. The sample was made up of 71 children, 57 as cases (low birth weight newborns) and 114 as controls (normal weight newborns). Specific measures were used, such as odds ratio (OR), for a chi-square of 3.84. Data were processed and represented in tables. Results: Individual disease history, unfavorable obstetric history, number of deliveries, weight gain at the end of pregnancy, urinary tract infection, and vaginal infection had significant causal association. Conclusions: Biological variables were associated with the presence of low birth weight, a reason why managing them with an adequate risk approach will have a positive impact on the mitigation of this health problem(AU)

Efficacy of oropharyngeal administration of pasteurized colostrum in very low birthweight newborns in reducing late onset sepsis at a tertiary government hospital in Manila City: A randomized control trial

Background@#Early administration of colostrum is beneficial because of the number of its immunologic components. The problem with very low birthweight (VLBW) patients is the establishment of early, tolerated, and sustained feeding. The study aimed to determine if early initiation of colostrum through oropharyngeal administration within the first hour of life reduces the risk of late-onset sepsis (LOS) among VLBW newborns. @*Methods@#In this single-blinded randomized control trial, 84 VLBW infants with pediatric aging equal to greater than 28 weeks requiring oxygen support were enrolled. They were allocated to receive either pasteurized colostrum via oropharyngeal administration (treatment group) or none (control group). The occurrence of LOS, duration of ventilator use and oxygen support, time to reach full feeds, length of NICU stay, the occurrence of NEC, and mortality were documented. @*Results@#A significantly greater proportion of patients who developed LOS were noted in the control group (n=38 (90.4%)) than in the treatment group (n=30 (71.4%)) (p=0.013). The use of colostrum, had a protective effect for LOS (RR=0.77; 95% CI=0.63-0.94). There were no significant differences in the secondary outcomes. Still, there was a trend towards a lower proportion of mortality (p=0.08), shorter duration of ventilator use (p=0.24) and oxygen support (p=0.17), shorter time to reach full feeds (p=0.30), and shorter NICU stay (p=0.33) in the treatment group. @*Conclusion@#Patients given pasteurized colostrum had significantly less occurrence of LOS. The treatment group had a lower mortality rate, shorter ventilator use and oxygen support duration, faster time to reach full feeds, and shorter NICU stay, but the differences were not statistically significant. Oropharyngeal administration of pasteurized colostrum within the first hour of life reduces the risk of LOS among VLBW infants admitted to the NICU.

Impact of the use of surfactant and Nasal CPAP in the reduction of mortality among very low birth weight preterm babies in Ile-Ife, south western Nigeria

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome causes significant morbidity and death especially among very low birth weight babies. Though the use of CPAP and surfactant have been shown to improve survival, these interventions were scarcely available in the past. This study aimed at comparing the clinical outcomes of preterm babies with RDS delivered at the Ife Hospital Unit of the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex at two different periods. Objective: To compare the birth weight specific mortality rates and overall mortality rates of preterm babies with RDS between two periods in the neonatal ward of the Ife Hospital Unit of OAUTHC. Methods: A retrospective study comparing outcomes of 92 babies with RDS at GA 26 to 33+6 weeks between January 2015 and May 2016 and managed with intranasal oxygen alone to 104 babies of same gestational age characteristics between January 2019 and May 2020 who were managed withCPAP/surfactant. Results: The mean weight and gestational age of the babies respectively were 1.36 (±0.37) kg and 31.14 (±2.3) weeks in 2015/2016 and 1.35 (±0.322) kg and 30.95 (±2.24) weeks in 2019/2020. The overall case fatality rate and birth-weight specific mortality rates for ELBW, VLBW and LBW were 33.7%, 62.5%, 35.2% and 9.1% in 2015/2016 and 18.3%, 58.3%, 15.5% and 9.7% respectively in 2019/2020. Conclusion: While the use of CPAP and the administration of surfactant clearly show improved survival among very low birth weight babies who are at increased risk of death from RDS, this was not the case for extreme low birth weight babies.

Growth and neurodevelopment outcome among preterm and very low birth weight neonates given early aggressive amino acid therapy admitted in the NICU of a tertiary hospital

@#<p style="text-align: justify;">Long-term outcomes of preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have been the focus of published research due to improved neonatal care. One of the long-term morbidities associated with being born too early or VLBW is postnatal growth failure and neurodevelopment delay. Because of this, different strategies were implemented to address this, one of which is initiating early aggressive amino acid therapy at 3 g/kg/day within 24 hours of life with its goal to improvepreviously mentioned outcomes. This study aims to determine the growth and neurodevelopment outcome among neonates born preterm and VLBW who were given 3 g/kg/day of amino acid. It is important that such delays are detected early on so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to maximize the infant's capabilities. A total of 34 neonates were included in the study where baseline anthropometrics were taken and followed up at the 6th, 9th, and 12th month of corrected age. Results showed 35.2% of the participants were discharged with their anthropometrics below the target range. By the 6th month of corrected age, only 2.94% were below normal and by the 9th month of corrected age, all participants have normal for age anthropometrics. As for the neurodevelopment aspect, 4 of 34 participants (13.8%) were found to be classified as emerging risk and were referred to a neurodevelopment specialist. By the 9th month of corrected age, only 2 were classified as emerging risk and by the 12th month of corrected age, only 1 remained to be at risk for neurodevelopment delay. In conclusion, early aggressive amino acid therapy proves to have a positive effect in the growth and neurodevelopment outcome among preterm and VLBW infants. However, we would like to recommend continued monitoring of neurodevelopment in neonates from this population until 2 years of age, since some delays can be evident later on in life</p>

Intestinal microbiome and its relationship with necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight preterm infants / 中华儿科杂志

Objective: To explore the composition of intestinal microflora prior to onset of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birth weight preterm infants. Methods: This was a multicenter prospective nested case-control study. A total of 46 very low birth weight preterm infants (birth weight <1 500 g and gestional age <35 weeks) within 24 h of life admitted into Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Children's Hospital of Soochow University and Suzhou Municipal Hospital from April 20 to November 20, 2018 were enrolled. Baseline clinical data and fecal samples of these infants were collected. The subsequent sampling time points were 1st, 4th and 7th day in the first week of life then once per week consecutively. The endpoint of sampling was NEC occurrence, patient discharge or the 8th week post-discharge, whichever came first. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16 S rDNA high-throughput nucleotide sequencing. The control cases were infants without NEC who were matched to the NEC cases with a ratio of 1∶1. The operational taxonomic units (OTU), sequence number and shannon diversity index of the fecal samples were analyzed. Continuous variables were compared with t-test or non-parametric test, and χ2 test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. Results: There were 23 patients in each group. The gestational age was (29.4±1.8) weeks in NEC group and (29.9±1.6) weeks in control group, including 13 males (57%) and 11 males (48%) in each group, respectively. Species abundance showed that the Firmicutes in both groups decreased temporarily at 7 days of age and then increased with age in control group, but not in NEC group, the Proteobacteria in both groups increased at 7 days of age and then decreased in control group, but kept increasing in NEC group. Regarding the other levels of taxonomy, compared with that of the control group, the NEC group had lower abundance of Proteobacteria, γ-proteobacteria and Enterobacteriaceae at 7 days of age, while higer abundance of Faecalibacterium at 14 days of age, meanwhile, lower Clostridium and Streptococcus at 21 days of age, lower Firmicutes, Clostridia and Clostridium perfringens and higher Proteobacteria and γ-proteobacteria at 28 days of age, these differences were all statistically significant (U=43.00, 43.00, 45.00, 80.00, 74.00, 76.00, 19.00, 8.00, 36.00, 25.00, 25.00,all P<0.05). The shannon index of NEC group was both lower than that of the controls at 21 days of age (2.4 (1.4, 3.0) vs. 3.1 (2.6, 4.0), U=67.00, P=0.027) and 28 days of age (2.4 (1.4, 2.8) vs. 3.9 (3.3, 4.2), U=12.00, P=0.001). Conclusions: The intestinal microflora profile of very low birth weight preterm infants has already changed prior to NEC development. The emergence of differential flora and the reduction of microflora diversity may facilitate early identification and prevention of NEC.

Evidence-based standardized nutrition protocol can shorten the time to full enteral feeding in very preterm/very low birth weight infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate whether evidence-based standardized nutrition protocol can facilitate the establishment of full enteral nutrition and its effect on short-term clinical outcomes in very preterm/very low birth weight infants.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 312 preterm infants with a gestational age of ≤32 weeks or a birth weight of <1 500 g. The standardized nutrition protocol for preterm infants was implemented in May 2020; 160 infants who were treated from May 1, 2019 to April 30, 2020 were enrolled as the control group, and 152 infants who were treated from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021 were enrolled as the test group. The two groups were compared in terms of the time to full enteral feeding, the time to the start of enteral feeding, duration of parenteral nutrition, the time to recovery to birth weight, the duration of central venous catheterization, and the incidence rates of common complications in preterm infants.@*RESULTS@#Compared with the control group, the test group had significantly shorter time to full enteral feeding, time to the start of enteral feeding, duration of parenteral nutrition, and duration of central venous catheterization and a significantly lower incidence rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the mortality rate and the incidence rate of common complications in preterm infants including grade II-III necrotizing enterocolitis (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Implementation of the standardized nutrition protocol can facilitate the establishment of full enteral feeding, shorten the duration of parenteral nutrition, and reduce catheter-related bloodstream infection in very preterm/very low birth weight infants, without increasing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Influence of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on maternal breastfeeding for very low birth weight infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the changes in the rate and volume of mother's own milk (MOM) feeding for very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) hospitalized during the prevention and control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of the VLBWIs with a gestational age of <32 weeks who were born and admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Nanjing Maternal and Child Health Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. The changes in the rate and volume of MOM feeding for VLBWIs during hospitalization were examined.@*RESULTS@#A total of 301 VLBWIs were enrolled. According to the timing of COVID-19 outbreak, these infants were divided into a pre-CIVID-19 group with 205 VLBWIs and a post-COVID-19 group with 96 VLBWIs. Compared with the pre-CIVID-19 group, the post-COVID-19 group had a significantly lower rate of MOM feeding within 28 days after birth and during hospitalization (P<0.05), a significantly lower volume of MOM feeding within 0-7 days, 0-14 days, and 0-28 days after birth (P<0.05), and significantly higher incidence rates of moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia and feeding intolerance (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The COVID-19 pandemic has a significant impact on MOM feeding for VLBWIs, and there are significant reductions in the rate and volume of MOM feeding for VLBWIs within 28 days after birth, as well as a significant reduction in the rate of MOM feeding during hospitalization.

Timing of surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus in very low birth weight infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the effect of timing of surgical ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) on the prognosis of very low birth weight infants (VLBWI).@*METHODS@#The medical data of VLBWI who underwent transthoracic ligation for PDA from June 2018 to May 2021 were reviewed retrospectively. The infants were divided into early ligation group (≤21 days of age) and late ligation group (>21 days of age) based on the age of ligation. The two groups were compared in terms of perioperative clinical features, complications, and mortality. The risk factors for early surgical ligation were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 72 VLBWI were enrolled, with 19 infants (26%) in the early ligation group and 53 infants (74%) in the late ligation group. There were significant differences in birth weight, gestational age, weight at operation, days of age at operation, rates of preoperative invasive and noninvasive mechanical ventilation, incidence rate of pulmonary hemorrhage, incidence rate of hypotension, preoperative PDA internal diameter (mm/kg), intraoperative PDA external diameter (mm/kg), incidence rate of post-ligation cardiac syndrome, and duration of postoperative invasive mechanical ventilation between the two groups (P<0.05). A binary logistic regression analysis showed that pulmonary hemorrhage was an indication of early surgical ligation of PDA (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of post-operative complications and the mortality rate between the early ligation and late ligation groups.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Early surgical ligation may be performed for VLBWI who are experiencing pulmonary hemorrhage and hemodynamically significant PDA confirmed by cardiac ultrasound after birth. However, post-ligation cardiac syndrome should attract enough attention. In addition, early surgical ligation of PDA does not increase the risk of surgery-related and long-term complications or death, indicating that it is a safe and feasible treatment option.

Influence of enteral feeding initiation time on intestinal flora and metabolites in very low birth weight infants: a prospective study / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the influence of enteral feeding initiation time on intestinal flora and metabolites in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.@*METHODS@#A total of 29 VLBW infants who were admitted to the Department of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, from June to December, 2020, were enrolled as subjects. According to the enteral feeding initiation time after birth, the infants were divided into two groups: <24 hours (n=15) and 24-72 hours (n=14). Fecal samples were collected at weeks 2 and 4 of hospitalization, and 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to analyze the microflora and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) respectively in fecal samples.@*RESULTS@#The analysis of microflora showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in Chao index (reflecting the abundance of microflora) and Shannon index (reflecting the diversity of microflora) at weeks 2 and 4 after birth (P>0.05). The analysis of flora composition showed that there was no significant difference in the main microflora at the phylum and genus levels between the two groups at weeks 2 and 4 after birth (P>0.05). The comparison of SCFAs between the two groups showed that the <24 hours group had a significantly higher level of propionic acid than the 24-72 hours group at week 4 (P<0.05), while there was no significant difference in the total amount of SCFAs and the content of the other SCFAs between the two groups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Early enteral feeding has no influence on the diversity and abundance of intestinal flora in VLBW infants, but enteral feeding within 24 hours can increase the level of propionic acid, a metabolite of intestinal flora.