Restriction of follow-up of premature infants in the COVID-19 pandemic: a mixed approach / Restrição do acompanhamento de lactentes prematuros na pandemia da COVID-19: abordagem mista / Restricción del seguimiento de lactantes prematuros en la pandemia de COVID-19: enfoque mixto

Resumo Objetivo Analisar os fatores associados à restrição do acompanhamento de lactentes que nasceram prematuros e/ou baixo peso durante a pandemia da COVID-19 e a percepção de mães e profissionais de saúde quanto a essa realidade. Métodos Pesquisa de método misto com delineamento paralelo convergente, realizada com 14 mães de lactentes que nasceram prematuros e/ou baixo peso acompanhados no ambulatório de follow-up de uma maternidade em um município da Paraíba, e quatro profissionais de saúde desse serviço. A coleta de dados foi realizada no período de junho a julho de 2020, concomitantemente, em fonte de dados secundários, constituída de todos os 140 prontuários dos respectivos lactentes para abordagem quantitativa, por meio de entrevista semiestruturada, para abordagem qualitativa. A análise quantitativa ocorreu por estatística descritiva e inferencial, e a qualitativa, conforme análise temática indutiva. Resultados Houve associação significativa entre a idade dos lactentes e a restrição do seu acompanhamento no follow-up durante a pandemia, com priorização do atendimento presencial dos menores de seis meses, contatos pontuais com os familiares, via ligação telefônica ou aplicativo digital, e lacunas na atualização do calendário vacinal dos que tiveram o acompanhamento interrompido. Isso gerou insatisfação das mães e receio de prejuízos ao desenvolvimento dos lactentes. Também não houve continuidade do cuidado desses na unidade básica de saúde. Conclusão Houveram restrições no acompanhamento dos lactentes nascidos prematuros no serviço de follow-up durante a pandemia, gerando insatisfação materna e receio de prejuízos ao desenvolvimento de seus filhos.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar los factores asociados a la restricción del seguimiento de lactantes que nacieron prematuros o de bajo peso durante la pandemia de COVID-19 y la percepción de madres y profesionales de la salud respecto a esta realidad. Métodos Estudio de método mixto con diseño paralelo convergente, realizado con 14 madres de lactantes que nacieron prematuros o de bajo peso atendidos en consultorios externos de follow-up de una maternidad en un municipio del estado de Paraíba, y cuatro profesionales de la salud de este servicio. La recopilación de datos fue realizada en el período de junio a julio de 2020, simultáneamente en fuente de datos secundarios, compuesta por las 140 historias clínicas de los respectivos lactantes para el enfoque cuantitativo, por medio de entrevista semiestructurada, para el enfoque cualitativo. El análisis cuantitativo se llevó a cabo por estadística descriptiva e inferencial, y el cualitativo mediante análisis temático inductivo. Resultados Hubo relación significativa entre la edad de los lactantes y la restricción de su seguimiento en el follow-up durante la pandemia, con priorización de atención presencial a los menores de seis meses, contactos puntuales con los familiares, vía llamada telefónica o aplicación digital, y vacíos en la actualización del calendario de vacunación de los que tuvieron el seguimiento interrumpido. Esto generó insatisfacción de las madres y temor de perjudicar el desarrollo de los lactantes. Tampoco hubo continuidad del cuidado de estos en la unidad básica de salud. Conclusión Hubo restricciones en el seguimiento de los lactantes nacidos prematuros en el servicio de follow-up durante la pandemia, lo que generó insatisfacción materna y temor de perjudicar el desarrollo de sus hijos.

Abstract Objective To analyze the factors associated with restricting the follow-up of infants who were born premature and/or low birth weight during the COVID-19 pandemic and mothers' and health professionals' perception regarding this reality. Methods This is mixed methods research with a parallel convergent design, carried out with 14 mothers of infants who were born premature and/or low birth weight, followed up at a follow-up outpatient clinic of a maternity hospital in a municipality in Paraíba, and four health professionals from this service. Data collection was carried out from June to July 2020, concomitantly, in a secondary data source, consisting of all 140 medical records of the respective infants for a quantitative approach, through a semi-structured interview, for a qualitative approach. Quantitative analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics, and qualitative analysis, according to inductive thematic analysis. Results There was a significant association between infant age and the restriction of their follow-up during the pandemic, with prioritization of one-to-one care for children under six months of age, occasional contacts with family members, via phone call or digital application, and gaps in updating the vaccination schedule of those whose follow-up was interrupted. This generated dissatisfaction on the part of mothers and fear of harm to the development of infants. There was also no continuity of care for these in the Basic Health Unit. Conclusion There were restrictions on follow-up of premature infants in the follow-up service during the pandemic, generating maternal dissatisfaction and fear of damage to the development of their children.

[Analysis of the treatment of a premature infant with critical coronavirus disease caused by the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2].

The patient is a female infant who was born at a gestational age of 30+4 weeks in the breech position and was delivered by assisted vaginal delivery. She was admitted to the neonatal department of Tianjin First Central Hospital for 44 days, during which she had stable respiration, oxygen saturation, and regular weight gain. The patient was discharged home by her family. The infant was readmitted to the hospital due to poor appetite for 15 hours and irregular breathing with weak response for 4 hours at the corrected gestational age of 37+2 weeks at 47 days after birth. The day before admission, the patient's mother experienced throat discomfort, and on the day of admission, the mother had a fever, with the highest temperature of 37.9 centigrade (she later tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 antigen). About 15 hours before admission, the family noticed that the patient had poor milk intake and weakened suction. About 4 hours before admission, the patient developed irregular breathing and weakened responses. After admission, the patient presented frequent apnea, and it was not relieved by adjusting the respiratory mode and parameters of non-invasive assisted ventilation, as well as caffeine citrate to stimulate the respiratory center. The patient was eventually given mechanical ventilation and other symptomatic support treatments. The pharyngeal swab was positive for COVID nucleic acid testing with a Ct value of 20.1 for the N gene. And the chest X-ray showed multiple patchy shadows in both lungs. The patient was diagnosed with critical coronavirus disease (COVID) caused by the Omicron variant in premature infants. After treatment, the child was clinically cured and discharged 8 days after hospitalization. Symptoms of COVID in premature infants may be atypical, and the condition can deteriorate rapidly. During the Omicron variant epidemic, we should pay more attention to premature infants so as to detect severe and critical cases as early as possible, and treat them actively to improve the prognosis.

Parent Experiences in the NICU and Transition to Home.

Families (n = 12) with infants born at <29 weeks gestation shared their experiences while in the NICU and transitioning home. Parents were interviewed 6-8 weeks after NICU discharge, including some during the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings regarding the parent experience in the NICU were focused around challenges navigating parent-infant separation, social isolation, communication difficulties, limited knowledge of preterm infants, mental health challenges. Parents also discussed supports that were present and supports they wished were present, as well as the impact of COVID-19 on their experiences. In the transition to home, primary experiences included the sudden nature of the transition, anxiety around discharge preparation, and the loss of the support from nursing staff. During the first few weeks at home, parents expressed joy and anxiety, particularly around feeding. The COVID-19 pandemic limited emotional, informational, and physical support to parents and resulted in limited mutual support from other parents of infants in the NICU. Parents of preterm infants in the NICU present with multiple stressors, rendering attending to parental mental health crucial. NICU staff need to address logistical barriers and familial priorities impacting communication and parent-infant bonding. Providing multiple opportunities for communication, participating in caretaking activities, and meeting other families can be important sources of support and knowledge for parents of very preterm infants.

The association between infant salivary cortisol and parental presence in the neonatal intensive care unit during and after COVID-19 visitation restrictions: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Parent-infant interaction in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) promotes health and reduces infant stress. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, NICUs restricted parent-infant interaction to reduce viral transmission. This study examined the potential relationship between pandemic visitation restrictions, parental presence and infant stress as measured by salivary cortisol. METHODS: A two-NICU cross-sectional study of infants with gestational age (GA) 23-41 weeks, both during (n = 34) and after (n = 38) visitation restrictions. We analysed parental presence with and without visitation restrictions. The relationship between infant salivary cortisol and self-reported parental NICU presence in hours per day was analysed using Pearson's r. A linear regression analysis included potential confounders, including GA and proxies for infant morbidity. The unstandardised B coefficient described the expected change in log-transformed salivary cortisol per unit change in each predictor variable. RESULTS: Included infants had a mean (standard deviation) GA of 31(5) weeks. Both maternal and paternal NICU presence was lower with versus without visitation restrictions (both p ≤0.05). Log-transformed infant salivary cortisol correlated negatively with hours of parental presence (r = -0.40, p = .01). In the linear regression, GA (B = -0.03, p = .02) and central venous lines (B = 0.23, p = .04) contributed to the variance in salivary cortisol in addition to parental presence (B = -0.04 p = .04). CONCLUSION: COVID-19-related visitation restrictions reduced NICU parent-infant interaction and may have increased infant stress. Low GA and central venous lines were associated with higher salivary cortisol. The interaction between immaturity, morbidity and parental presence was not within the scope of this study and merits further investigation.

The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on retinopathy of prematurity screening and management in the United States: a multicenter study.

PURPOSE: To study the effect of the pandemic-related lockdown (physical distance measures and movement restrictions) on the characteristics and management of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). METHODS: In this controlled, multicenter cohort study, the medical records of patients born prematurely and screened for ROP in the neonatal intensive care unit during four time periods were reviewed retrospectively: (1) November 1, 2018, to March 15, 2019; (2) March 16, 2019, to August 2, 2019 (lockdown control period); (3) November 1, 2019, to March 15, 2020; and (4) March 16, 2020-August 2, 2020. RESULTS: A total of 1,645 patients met inclusion criteria. Among the 1,633 patients with complete data, mean gestational age (GA) at birth was 28.2, 28.4, 28.0, and 28.3 weeks across time periods 1 to 4, respectively (P = 0.16). The mean birth weight of all patients was 1079.1 ± 378.60 g, with no significant variation across time periods (P = 0.08). There were fewer patients screened during the lockdown period (n = 411) compared with the period immediately before (n = 491) and the same period in the prior year (n = 533). Significantly more patients were screened using indirect ophthalmoscopy, compared to digital imaging (telemedicine), during the lockdown (P < 0.01). There were 11.7%, 7.7%, 9.0%, and 8.8% of patients requiring treatment in each time period, respectively (P = 0.42), with a median postmenstrual age at initial treatment of 37.2, 36.45, 37.1, and 36.3 weeks, respectively (P = 0.32). CONCLUSIONS: We recorded a decrease in the number of infants meeting criteria for ROP screening during the lockdown. The GA at birth and birth weight did not differ. Significantly more infants were screened with indirect ophthalmoscopy, compared to digital imaging, during the lockdown.

Health Care Utilization During the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Individuals Born Preterm.

Importance: Limited data exist on pediatric health care utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic among children and young adults born preterm. Objective: To investigate differences in health care use related to COVID-19 concerns during the pandemic among children and young adults born preterm vs those born at term. Design, Setting, and Participants: In this cohort study, questionnaires regarding COVID-19 and health care utilization were completed by 1691 mother-offspring pairs from 42 pediatric cohorts in the National Institutes of Health Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes Program. Children and young adults (ages 1-18 years) in these analyses were born between 2003 and 2021. Data were recorded by the August 31, 2021, data-lock date and were analyzed between October 2021 and October 2022. Exposures: Premature birth (<37 weeks' gestation). Main Outcomes and Measures: The main outcome was health care utilization related to COVID-19 concerns (hospitalization, in-person clinic or emergency department visit, phone or telehealth evaluations). Individuals born preterm vs term (≥37 weeks' gestation) and differences among preterm subgroups of individuals (<28 weeks', 28-36 weeks' vs ≥37 weeks' gestation) were assessed. Generalized estimating equations assessed population odds for health care used and related symptoms, controlling for maternal age, education, and psychiatric disorder; offspring history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or asthma; and timing and age at COVID-19 questionnaire completion. Results: Data from 1691 children and young adults were analyzed; among 270 individuals born preterm, the mean (SD) age at survey completion was 8.8 (4.4) years, 151 (55.9%) were male, and 193 (71.5%) had a history of BPD or asthma diagnosis. Among 1421 comparison individuals with term birth, the mean (SD) age at survey completion was 8.4 (2.4) years, 749 (52.7%) were male, and 233 (16.4%) had a history of BPD or asthma. Preterm subgroups included 159 individuals (58.5%) born at less than 28 weeks' gestation. In adjusted analyses, individuals born preterm had a significantly higher odds of health care utilization related to COVID-19 concerns (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.70; 95% CI, 1.21-2.38) compared with term-born individuals; similar differences were also seen for the subgroup of individuals born at less than 28 weeks' gestation (aOR, 2.15; 95% CI, 1.40-3.29). Maternal history of a psychiatric disorder was a significant covariate associated with health care utilization for all individuals (aOR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.17-1.78). Conclusions and Relevance: These findings suggest that during the COVID-19 pandemic, children and young adults born preterm were more likely to have used health care related to COVID-19 concerns compared with their term-born peers, independent of a history of BPD or asthma. Further exploration of factors associated with COVID-19-related health care use may facilitate refinement of care models.

Group trauma focused cognitive behavior therapy for parents of premature infants compared to individual therapy intervention.

BACKGROUND: The current study compares results of a group-based intervention developed to reduce symptoms of posttraumatic stress, depression, and anxiety in parents of premature infants with a prior study using an individual version of the treatment manual. METHODS: 26 mothers of preterm infants (25-34 weeks' gestational age; >600 g) received 6 sessions of trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Outcomes were compared with those of a previously published RCT, which tested an individual therapy based on the same model in a group of 62 mothers. Results were also compared across in-person and telehealth treatment. RESULTS: From baseline to follow up, the individual intervention showed greater improvement in trauma symptoms assessed with the Davidson Trauma Scale (d = 0.48, p = 0.016), although both conditions showed clinically significant improvement. Similar patterns were found for maternal depression and anxiety. In-person treatment was found to be superior to telehealth treatment administered during the COVID-19 pandemic, although the difference was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Group-based trauma focused CBT is an effective treatment modality for parents of premature infants with symptoms of psychological distress but not as effective as individual therapy using the same treatment model.

An update on vaccination in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article is to review the most current literature on vaccines, focusing on their safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy in preterm newborns, aiming to improve vaccine coverage in this population. DATA SOURCE: Most recent scientific publications addressing the immunization of preterm newborns. DATA SYNTHESIS: Despite its immunological immaturity, vaccination is well tolerated by preterm infants, and protective immune responses are observed, but some studies have shown that preterm infants undergo unjustified delays in their vaccination schedule. CONCLUSIONS: Despite being widely recommended, the routine immunization of preterm infants is often delayed, putting this vulnerable population at risk for several diseases, many of which are preventable by immunization. Every effort should be made to develop universal guidelines that define the immunization of preterm infants.

Smell and taste of milk during tube feeding of preterm infants: neurodevelopmental follow-up of the randomized TASTE trial, study protocol.

BACKGROUND: The Taste And Smell To Enhance nutrition (TASTE) trial investigated the effects of smell and taste of milk with tube feeding compared to routine care on the growth of preterm infants. There was no difference between groups in growth (weight, head circumference, length) z-scores at discharge from the hospital. Infants in the intervention group had higher head circumference and length z-scores at 36 weeks postmenstrual age, both secondary outcomes. The objective of this follow-up study is to assess 2-year neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes after exposure of preterm infants to the smell and taste of milk with tube feeding compared to routine care. METHODS: This is a neurodevelopmental follow-up study of a two-center, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Infants born before 29 weeks postmenstrual age and/or with a birth weight of less than 1250 g were randomized to smell and taste of milk with each tube feed or routine care. The current follow-up assessed the 2-year neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes of participants of the TASTE trial discharged from the hospital (n = 334). The primary outcome is survival free of any major neurodevelopmental impairment comprising any moderate/severe cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System score II-V), Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third/Fourth Edition (Bayley-III/Bayley-4) motor, cognitive, or language scores < -2SD, blindness, or deafness at 2 years of age. Other outcomes include death, breastfeeding within the first year, and respiratory support, oral feeding, and anthropometric parameters at 2 years of age. The Human Research Ethics Committees of Mater Misericordiae Limited and the Royal Women's Hospital approved the TASTE trial including the neurodevelopmental follow-up described in this protocol. DISCUSSION: For patients and their families, the neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants are of utmost importance. Consequently, they should be investigated following any interventional study performed during the newborn period. Furthermore, improved weight gain and head growth in the hospital are associated with better long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Smelling and tasting of milk is an uncomplicated and cost-effective intervention that may improve the growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants. Potential limitations affecting this follow-up study, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, are anticipated and discussed in this protocol. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Name of the registry: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry; Registration number: ACTRN12617000583347 ; Registration date: 26 April 2017.

Supporting Feeding of Late Preterm Infants in the Hospital: A Quality Improvement Project.

BACKGROUND: Feeding difficulty is the most common cause of delayed hospital discharge and readmission of late preterm infants. Frequent and adequate feedings from birth are protective against dehydration, hypoglycemia, and jaundice. The National Perinatal Association's feeding guidelines provide the foundation for late preterm infant standards of care. Feeding at least every 3 hours promotes nutritional status and neurologic development. One feeding assessment every 12 hours during the hospital stay can ensure quality of infant feeding. PROBLEM: At a large urban hospital, medical record reviews were completed to evaluate nursing care practices consistent with the hospital's late preterm infant care standard policy. Feeding frequency and nurse assessment of feeding effectiveness were far below acceptable targets. A quality improvement team was formed to address inconsistency with expected practice. METHODS: The project included an investigation using the define, design, implement, and sustain method of quality improvement. Parent education, nurse education, and visual cues were developed to sustain enhanced nursing practice. RESULTS: Late preterm infants who received feedings at least every 3 hours increased from 2.5% (1 of 40) to 27% (11 of 40); (M = 0.275, SD = 0.446), p = 0.001. Documented breastfeeding assessments increased from 2% (5 of 264) to 8% (10 of 126), p = 0.001. Documented bottle-feeding assessments increased from 15% (39 of 264) to 31% (53 of 172), p < 0.001. Intervention time was cut short due to reprioritization of efforts in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSION: Interventions and implementation of this process improvement is easy to replicate through attainable and sustainable goals directed toward improved outcomes for late preterm infants.

Embracing Change: A Quality Improvement Project to Introduce Deferred Cord Clamping.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this quality improvement (QI) project was to increase deferred cord clamping (DCC) rates in preterm infants (≤36 + 6 weeks) to 50% of eligible infants over an 18-month period. METHODS: The multidisciplinary neonatal quality improvement team collaboratively developed a driver diagram to address the key issues and tasks to launching DCC. Serial plan-do-study-act cycles were used to implement successive changes and integrate DCC as normal practice. Statistical process control charts were used to track and share project progress. RESULTS: This QI project has increased rates of deferred cord clamping for preterm infants from zero to 45%. Our DCC rates have sequentially increased with each plan-do-study-act cycle and have shown sustained increases without significant compromise in other aspects of neonatal care, such as thermoregulation. CONCLUSIONS: DCC is a core element of good quality perinatal care. This QI project encountered several limiting factors to progress, including resistance to change from clinical staff and the impact on staffing and education secondary to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Our QI team used a range of approaches, such as virtual education strategies and narrative storytelling to overcome these obstacles to QI progress.

Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in neonates (MIS-N): a systematic review.

Recently, a new pattern of multisystem inflammatory syndrome following an infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has emerged globally. The initial cases were described in the adult population followed by sporadic cases in the pediatric population also. By the end of 2020, similar reports were recognised in the neonatal age group. The purpose of this study was to systematically review clinical characteristics, laboratory parameters, treatment, and outcomes of neonates with multisystem inflammatory syndrome in neonates (MIS-N). A systematic review was conducted after registering with PROSPERO and electronic databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, and Web of Science were searched from January 1st 2020 till September 30th 2022. A total of 27 studies describing 104 neonates were analysed. The mean gestation age and birth weight was 35.9 ± 3.3 weeks and 2255.7 ± 783.7 g respectively. A large proportion (91.3%) of the reported cases belonged to the South-East Asian region. The median age of presentation was 2 days (range: 1-28 days) with cardiovascular system being the predominant system involved in 83.65% followed by respiratory (64.42%). Fever was noted in only 20.2%. Commonly elevated inflammatory markers were IL-6 in 86.7% and D-dimer in 81.1%. Echocardiographic evaluation suggested ventricular dysfunction in 35.8% and dilated coronary arteries in 28.3%. Evidence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (IgG or IgM) was seen in 95.9% neonates and evidence of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, either as history of COVID infection or positive antigen or antibody test, was noted in 100% of the cases. Early MIS-N was reported in 58 (55.8%) cases, late MIS-N in 28 (26.9%), and 18 cases (17.3%) did not report the timing of presentation. There was a statistically increased proportion of preterm infants (67.2%, p < 0.001), and a trend towards increased low birth weight infants, in the early MIS-N group when compared to the infants with late MIS-N. Fever (39.3%), central nervous system (50%), and gastrointestinal manifestations (57.1%) were significantly higher in the late MIS-N group (p = 0.03, 0.02, 0.01 respectively). The anti-inflammatory agents used for the treatment of MIS-N included steroids 80.8% which were given for a median of 10 (range 3-35) days and IVIg in 79.2% with a median of 2 (range 1-5) doses. The outcomes were available for 98 cases, of whom 8 (8.2%) died during treatment in hospital and 90 (91.8%) were successfully discharged home.   Conclusion: MIS-N has a predilection for late preterm males with predominant cardiovascular involvement. The diagnosis is challenging in neonatal period due to overlap with neonatal morbidities and a high risk of suspicion is warranted, especially in presence of supportive maternal and neonatal clinical history. The major limitation of the review was inclusion of case reports and case series, and highlights need of global registries for MIS-N. What is Known: • A new pattern of multisystem inflammatory syndrome following SARS-CoV-2 infection has emerged in adult population with sporadic cases now being reported in neonates. What is New: • MIS-N is an emerging condition with a heterogeneous spectrum and has a predilection for late preterm male infants. Cardiovascular system is the predominant system involved  followed by respiratory, however fever remains an uncommon presentation unlike other age-groups. There are two subtypes based on timing of presentation, with early MIS-N being reported more in preterm and low-birth weight infants.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Neonatal Nursing Practicum and Extended Reality Simulation Training Needs: A Descriptive and Cross-Sectional Study.

This study investigated the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) clinical practicum status during the COVID-19 pandemic and the need for extended reality (XR)-based training for neonatal care. A structured questionnaire was distributed to 132 prelicensing nursing students. Data were analyzed using importance-performance analysis and Borich needs analysis. Students wanted to use XR to learn about treating high-risk preterm infants. COVID-19 limited clinical training in NICUs, and most students preferred training in XR programs to improve their nursing competency for neonates. There is a large demand for nursing skills concerning high-risk newborns and hands-off training.

COVID-19 restrictions and hygiene measures reduce the rates of respiratory infections and wheezing among preterm infants.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: During the 2020 and 2021 Italian COVID-19 pandemic social restrictions and strict hygiene measures were recommended to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to assess whether rates of respiratory infections and wheezing in preterm infants have changed during the pandemic. METHODS: Single center, retrospective study. Preterm infants in the first 6 months of life discharged home prior to (Period 1, January 2017 - December 2019) or during the pandemic (Period 2, January 2020 - March 2021) were compared. Rates of respiratory infection and wheezing in preterm infants with or without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BDP) were assessed. RESULTS: During period 2 premature infants had lower rates of respiratory infections (36 out of 55 in Period 1 vs 11 out of 28 in Period 2, P=0.023) and wheezing (20 out of 55 in Period 1 vs 1 out of 28 in Period 2, P=0.001). This difference remained significant when infants with BPD (all grades) were analyzed separately (respiratory infections 26 out of 40 in Period 1 vs 7 out of 24 in Period 2, P=0.005; wheezing 16 out of 40 in Period 1 vs 1 out of 24 in Period 2, P=0.001). In contrast, respiratory infections and wheezing in preterm infants without BPD did not change after pandemic. CONCLUSIONS: Episodes of respiratory infections and wheezing among preterm infants were reduced during pandemic. We highlight the importance of proper family education for preventing respiratory tract infections in preterm infants with BPD, beyond the extraordinary conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Neurodevelopmental Outcomes in Preterm Infants Receiving a Multicomponent vs. a Soybean-Based Lipid Emulsion: 24 Month Follow-Up of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Few studies in the literature have analyzed the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes of the administration of a multicomponent versus a soybean-based lipid emulsion (LE) in preterm infants receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). A recent randomized controlled trial conducted in our unit provided evidence of better growth in head circumference during the hospital stay in those who received a multicomponent LE. METHODS: This is a 24 month follow-up study of preterm infants, previously enrolled in a randomized trial, who received a multicomponent LE (SMOFlipid®) or a standard soybean-based one (Intralipid®). We evaluated neurodevelopmental outcomes at 24 months of corrected age (CA) in the two groups. RESULTS: Ninety-three children were followed up to the age of 24 months CA. Due to the peculiar time frame of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, neurodevelopmental outcomes were evaluated only in 77 children: 37 in the SMOFlipid® group and 40 in the Intralipid® group. No differences in major disability rates or in Griffith's evaluation were found between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our population study, the administration of a multicomponent LE containing fish oil, compared to a soybean-based LE, had no significant effects on neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants at 24 months CA.

Breastfeeding and human milk bank in a neonatal intensive care unit: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in an Italian cohort of very low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: Parental stress in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) is well known, as is the stress induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. This combination might increase stress to the extent of affecting the availability of maternal expressed milk and the success of establishing breastfeeding. This is particularly relevant in very preterm infants. METHODS: We conducted a single-centre retrospective analysis in two cohorts of very low birth weight infants born in a hospital in Italy. Babies born before the pandemic (September 2017 - December 2019) (n = 101) and during the pandemic (March 2020 - December 2021) (n = 67) were included in the analysis. We compared the rate of babies fed with maternal milk (both expressed and / or donated) at the achievement of full enteral feeding and the rate of those exclusively breastfed at discharge in the two groups. Then, we analysed the impact of donated human milk availability on infant formula use. We also compared mother's need for psychological support during NICU stay and the duration of psychological follow-up after discharge. RESULTS: In our NICU the availability of expressed maternal milk significantly decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic (86.1% before the pandemic vs 44.8% during the pandemic, p < 0.001) at the time of full enteral feeding achievement. Thanks to the availability of donated human milk, the rate of formula-fed babies remained almost unchanged (13.9% vs 14.9%). At discharge, the rate of breastfeeding was similar (73.3% vs 72.7%). The maternal need for psychological support was significantly higher during the pandemic (33% vs 64%, p < 0.001), as well as the duration of follow-up > 6 months (1% vs 15%, p < 0.001). No differences in the main clinical outcomes were found. CONCLUSION: Pandemic-induced stress had a significant impact on the availability of expressed maternal milk in NICU. However, the presence of human donated milk was fundamental in preventing increased use of infant formula during NICU stays. This underlines how strategies to implement the widespread establishment of donor milk banks on a national level are warranted. Further research is desirable to optimise the use of donated human milk banks during emergency situations.

Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Breastfeeding Establishment in Preterm Infants: An Exploratory Study.

Purpose: To evaluate breastfeeding outcomes in preterm infants born during the Covid-19 pandemic. Design: An observational cohort study of 33 infants born ≤34 weeks' gestation was conducted. Sample: The study sample consisted of 33 infants divided into 2 groups: infants born during the Covid-19 pandemic (Covid group, n = 11) and those born prior to the pandemic (pre-Covid group, n = 22). Main Outcome Variable: Breastfeeding at hospital discharge. Results: Fewer infants in the Covid group received breastfeeds at full oral feed (p = .015) and none breastfeeding at hospital discharge (p = .001). In addition, fewer infants in the Covid group received non nutritive sucking (p = .612) and more infants in the Covid group required milk supplementation (p = .032). Study results suggest that breastfeeding establishment at hospital discharge in preterm infants is significantly impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. There is a critical need, in low-risk disease transmission areas, to enhance parental access and to increase in-hospital lactation supports to help safeguard breastfeeding outcomes in preterm infants.