Niveles asistenciales en las unidades neonatales en España: Una visión actualizada para una nueva realidad / Care levels in neonatal units in Spain: An updated vision for a new reality

La Sociedad Española de Neonatología estableció en el año 2013 los niveles asistenciales de las unidades neonatales en España. Desde entonces, la natalidad en nuestro país, así como la universalización del conocimiento, de las técnicas y de los dispositivos de tratamiento de los pacientes ha evolucionado significativamente. Esta situación obliga a una redefinición de los actuales niveles asistenciales basándose en criterios de calidad que permitan una mejor comparabilidad entre las unidades y supongan un impulso para la mejora en la atención de nuestros recién nacidos. (AU)

The Spanish Society of Neonatology established in 2013 the care levels of the neonatal units in Spain. Since then, the birth rate in our country, as well as the universalization of knowledge, techniques and patient treatment devices, has evolved significantly. This situation forces a redefinition of the current levels of care based on quality criteria that allow better comparability between the units and represents a challenge to improve the care of our newborns. (AU)

Care levels in neonatal units in Spain: an updated vision for a new reality.

The Spanish Society of Neonatology established the care levels of the Neonatal Units in Spain in 2013. Since then, the birth rate in our country, as well as the universalization of knowledge, techniques and patient treatment devices, has evolved significantly. This situation forces a redefinition of the current levels of care based on quality criteria that allow better comparability between the Units and represents a challenge to improve the care of our newborns.

Recomendaciones para la transfusión de hemoderivados en neonatología / Recommendations for transfusion of blood products in neonatology

La escasa evidencia sobre el uso de las transfusiones en neonatología explica las limitaciones de las guías clínicas actuales. A pesar de ello, en este documento analizamos la evidencia más reciente para hacer unas recomendaciones para la práctica clínica. La prevención de la anemia de la prematuridad, el uso de protocolos y las indicaciones restrictivas de transfusión, componen la mejor estrategia para nuestros clínicos. En las transfusiones de plaquetas, es preciso valorar el riesgo de sangrado, integrando la situación clínica y analítica. Por último, el plasma fresco congelado está recomendado en neonatos con coagulopatía y sangrado activo, en déficits congénitos de factores sin tratamiento específico y en situaciones de coagulación intravascular diseminada. Todos los hemoderivados presentan efectos adversos que deben hacernos evaluar individual y minuciosamente la necesidad de una transfusión. (AU)

The scant evidence on the use of transfusions in neonatal care explains the limitations of current clinical guidelines. Despite this, in this document we explore the most recent evidence to make recommendations for the clinical practice. The prevention of anaemia of prematurity, the use of protocols and restrictive transfusion strategies constitute the best approach for clinicians in this field. In the case of platelet transfusions, the risk of bleeding must be assessed, combining clinical and laboratory features. Lastly, fresh frozen plasma is recommended in neonates with coagulopathy and active bleeding, with congenital factor deficiencies for which there is no specific treatment or with disseminated intravascular coagulation. All blood products have adverse effects that warrant a personalised and thorough assessment of the need for transfusion. (AU)

Antenatal Betamethasone Every 12 Hours in Imminent Preterm Labour.

BACKGROUND: Benefits of antenatal corticosteroids have been established for preterm infants who have received the full course. In imminent preterm labours there is no time to administer the second dose 24 h later. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the administration of two doses of betamethasone in a 12 h interval is equivalent to the effects of a full maturation. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study including preterm infants ≤34 weeks gestational age at birth and ≤1500 g, admitted to an NICU IIIC level in a tertiary hospital from 2015 to 2020. The population was divided into two cohorts: complete maturation (CM) (two doses of betamethasone 24 h apart), or advanced maturation (AM) (two doses of betamethasone 12 h apart). The primary outcomes were mortality or survival with severe morbidities. The presence of respiratory distress syndrome and other morbidities of prematurity were determined. These variables were analysed in the neonates under 28 weeks gestational age cohort. Neurodevelopment at 2 years was evaluated with the validated Ages and Stages Questionnaires®, Third Edition (ASQ®-3). Multiple regression analyses were performed and adjusted for confounding factors. RESULTS: A total of 275 preterm neonates were included. Serious outcomes did not show differences between cohorts, no increased incidence of morbidity was found in AM. A lower percentage of hypotension during the first week (p = 0.04), a tendency towards lower maximum FiO2 (p = 0.14) and to a shorter mechanical ventilation time (p = 0.14) were observed for the AM cohort. Similar results were found in the subgroup of neonates under 28 weeks gestational age. There were no differences in cerebral palsy or sensory deficits at 24 months of corrected age, although the AM cohort showed a trend towards better scores on the ASQ3 scale. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of betamethasone every 12 h showed similar results to the traditional pattern with respect to mortality and severe morbidities. No deleterious neurodevelopmental effects were found at 24 months of corrected age. Earlier administration of betamethasone at 12 h after the first dose would be an alternative in imminent preterm delivery. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Perinatal palliative care.

Perinatal Palliative Care is a model of care designed to prevent and treat the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of fetuses and newborn infants with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions. The care extends to the infant's family. It is delivered by an interdisciplinary team to improve the quality of life from the time of diagnosis (possibly in utero) into death and bereavement (days, months or years later). To guarantee the access of this vulnerable population to high quality palliative care, structured programs and protocols need to be further developed in tertiary hospitals that treat highly complex obstetric and neonatal pathologies. Basic training is required for all the professionals involved.

Cuidados paliativos perinatales / Perinatal palliative care

Los cuidados paliativos perinatales son una forma de atención clínica diseñada para anticipar, prevenir y tratar el sufrimiento físico, psicológico, social y espiritual de los fetos y recién nacidos con enfermedades limitantes o amenazantes de la vida, que se extiende a sus familias. Se trata de una atención interdisciplinaria y coordinada que busca ofrecer la mejor calidad de vida posible, desde el diagnóstico (muchas veces intraútero) hasta el fallecimiento y el duelo (días, meses o años después). Los cuidados paliativos perinatales constituyen una prestación de salud básica dirigida a una población particularmente vulnerable. Para garantizar el acceso a una atención de calidad es esencial desarrollar programas estructurados y protocolos clínicos en todos los hospitales terciarios que atienden patología obstétrica y neonatal de alta complejidad. Se requiere también una formación básica de todos los profesionales implicados.(AU)

Perinatal palliative care is a model of care designed to prevent and treat the physical, spiritual, emotional, and social needs of fetuses and newborn infants with life-threatening or life-limiting conditions. The care extends to the infant's family. It is delivered by an interdisciplinary team to improve the quality of life from the time of diagnosis (possibly in utero) into death and bereavement (days, months, or years later). To guarantee the access of this vulnerable population to high quality palliative care, structured programs and protocols need to be further developed in tertiary hospitals that treat highly complex obstetric and neonatal pathologies. Basic training is required for all the professionals involved.(AU)

Sedoanalgesia in neonatal units.

Pain recognition and management continues to be a challenge for health professionals in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Many of the patients are routinely exposed to repeated painful experiences with demonstrated short- and long-term consequences. Preterm babies are a vulnerable high-risk population. Despite international recommendations, pain remains poorly assessed and managed in many Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Due to there being no general protocol, there is significant variability as regards the guidelines for the approach and treatment of pain between the different Neonatal Intensive Care Units. The objective of this article is to review and assess the general principles of pain in the initial stages of development, its recognition through the use of standardised scales. It also includes its prevention and management with the combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures, as well as to establish recommendations that help alleviate pain in daily clinical practice by optimising pain and stress control in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units.

Sedoanalgesia en las unidades neonatales / Sedoanalgesia in neonatal units

El reconocimiento del dolor y su tratamiento en las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales continúa siendo un desafío para los profesionales sanitarios responsables de la atención de estos niños. Las exposiciones dolorosas repetidas a las que se someten muchos de estos pacientes de manera rutinaria han demostrado presentar efectos deletéreos a corto y largo plazo. Los recién nacidos prematuros, especialmente vulnerables, suponen una población de alto riesgo. Pese a las recomendaciones internacionales, el dolor sigue siendo evaluado actualmente en muchas ocasiones de manera inconsistente, sin protocolización, siendo patente, además, entre las diferentes unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales una variabilidad importante en cuanto a las pautas para el abordaje y tratamiento del mismo.El objetivo de este artículo es revisar y valorar los principios generales del dolor en las etapas iniciales del desarrollo, su reconocimiento mediante el uso de escalas protocolizadas, y su prevención y manejo, con la combinación de medidas farmacológicas y no farmacológicas; con el fin de establecer recomendaciones que ayuden a aliviar el dolor en la práctica clínica diaria optimizando el control del dolor y el estrés en las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales. (AU)

Pain recognition and management continues to be a challenge for health professionals in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. They are routinely exposed to repeated painful experiences with demonstrated short- and long-term consequences. Preterm babies are a vulnerable high-risk population. Despite international recommendations, pain remains poorly assessed and managed in many Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Due to there being no general protocol, there is significant variability as regards the guidelines for the approach and treatment of pain between the different Neonatal Intensive Care Units.The objective of this article is to review and assess the general principles of pain in the initial stages of development, its recognition through the use of standardised scales. It also includes its prevention and management with the combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures, as well as to establish recommendations that help alleviate pain in daily clinical practice by optimising pain and stress control in the Neonatal Intensive Care Units. (AU)

Benefits of a Single Dose of Betamethasone in Imminent Preterm Labour.

BACKGROUND: A complete course of prenatal corticosteroids reduces the possibility of morbimortality and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Occasionally, it is not possible to initiate or complete the maturation regimen, and the preterm neonate is born in a non-tertiary hospital. This study aimed to assess the effects of a single dose of betamethasone within 3 h before delivery on serious outcomes (mortality and serious sequelae) and RDS in preterm neonates born in tertiary vs. non-tertiary hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Preterm neonates who were <35 weeks and ≤1500 g, treated during a period of five years in a level IIIC NICU, were included in this retrospective cohort study. Participants were divided into groups as follows: NM, non-matured; PM, partial maturation (one dose of betamethasone up to 3 h antepartum). They were further divided based on their place of birth (NICU-IIIC vs. non-tertiary hospitals). The morbimortality rates and the severity of neonatal RDS were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 76 preterm neonates were included. A decrease in serious outcomes was found in the PM group in comparison to the NM group (OR = 0.2; 95%CI (0.07-0.9)), as well as reduced need for mechanical ventilation (54% vs. 68%). The mean time between maternal admission and birth was similar in both cohorts. The mean time from the administration of betamethasone to delivery was 1 h in the PM cohort. With regard to births in NICU-IIIC, the PM group performed better in terms of serious outcomes (32% vs. 45%) and the duration of mechanical ventilation (117.75 vs. 132.18 h) compared to the NM group. In neonates born in non-tertiary hospitals with PM in comparison to the NM group, a trend towards a reduced serious outcome (28.5% vs. 62.2%) and a decreased need for mechanical ventilation (OR = 0.09; 95%CI (0.01-0.8)) and maximum FiO2 (p = 0.01) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: A single dose of betamethasone up to 3 h antepartum may reduce the rate of serious outcomes and the severity of neonatal RDS, especially in non-tertiary hospitals.

Parto domiciliario: un fenómeno creciente con potenciales riesgos / Home births: A growing phenomenon with potential risks

El parto extrahospitalario es un tema controvertido que genera dudas a obstetras y pediatras sobre su seguridad. El nacimiento hospitalario fue la pieza clave en la reducción de la mortalidad materna y neonatal. Esta reducción en la mortalidad ha derivado en considerar el embarazo y el parto como fenómenos seguros, lo que, unido a una mayor conciencia social de la necesidad de humanización de estos procesos, ha conducido a un aumento en la demanda del parto domiciliario. Estudios en países como Australia, Holanda y Reino Unido muestran que el parto en casa puede aportar ventajas para la madre y el recién nacido, pero es necesario que se dote de los suficientes medios materiales, que sea atendido por profesionales formados y acreditados, y que se encuentre perfectamente coordinado con las unidades de obstetricia y neonatología hospitalarias, para poder garantizar su seguridad. En nuestro medio, no hay suficientes datos de seguridad ni evidencia científica que avalen el parto domiciliario en la actualidad

Home birth is a controversial issue that raises safety concerns for paediatricians and obstetricians. Hospital birth was the cornerstone to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. This reduction in mortality has resulted in considering pregnancy and childbirth as a safe procedure, which, together with a greater social awareness of the need for the humanisation of these processes, have led to an increase in the demand for home birth. Studies from countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, and United Kingdom show that home birth can provide advantages to the mother and the newborn. It needs to be provided with sufficient material means, and should be attended by trained and accredited professionals, and needs to be perfectly coordinated with the hospital obstetrics and neonatology units, in order to guarantee its safety. Therefore, in our environment, there are no safety data or sufficient scientific evidence to support home births at present

[Home births: A growing phenomenon with potential risks]. / Parto domiciliario: un fenómeno creciente con potenciales riesgos.

Home birth is a controversial issue that raises safety concerns for paediatricians and obstetricians. Hospital birth was the cornerstone to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. This reduction in mortality has resulted in considering pregnancy and childbirth as a safe procedure, which, together with a greater social awareness of the need for the humanisation of these processes, have led to an increase in the demand for home birth. Studies from countries such as Australia, the Netherlands, and United Kingdom show that home birth can provide advantages to the mother and the newborn. It needs to be provided with sufficient material means, and should be attended by trained and accredited professionals, and needs to be perfectly coordinated with the hospital obstetrics and neonatology units, in order to guarantee its safety. Therefore, in our environment, there are no safety data or sufficient scientific evidence to support home births at present.

Variabilidad en las prácticas sobre alimentación enteral del prematuro entre hospitales españoles de la red SEN-1500 / Variability in enteral feeding practices of preterm infants among hospitals in the SEN1500 Spanish neonatal network

Introducción: La nutrición adecuada es uno de los objetivos primordiales en el manejo de los recién nacidos prematuros. Sin embargo, la falta de evidencia en cuanto a cuál es la mejor estrategia para alcanzar este objetivo da lugar a que exista una gran variabilidad en las prácticas de alimentación. Esta variabilidad podría estar relacionada con las diferencias que existen en la incidencia de complicaciones como la enterocolitis necrosante (ECN). Objetivo: Valorar la variabilidad en las prácticas sobre alimentación entre las unidades neonatales de la red SEN-1500. Método: Estudio transversal, mediante cuestionario, solicitando información sobre alimentación del recién nacido de muy bajo peso (RNMBP) (leche donada, momento de inicio, trófica, incrementos, fortificantes, probióticos) en el año 2013. Resultados: Contestaron 60/98 hospitales; la tasa de respuesta fue mayor en centros con más de 50 RNMBP/año (30/31). El 67% tienen protocolo de alimentación, el 52% refieren variabilidad en su unidad y el 25% disponen de leche donada. Se inicia la alimentación en las primeras 48 h, aunque se retrasa en las edades más bajas aun en ausencia de fallo hemodinámico. Además de la inestabilidad hemodinámica hay otras situaciones por las que se demora su inicio (ausencia de leche materna, CIR, flujo umbilical alterado, asfixia), mientras que raramente se retrasa por ausencia de meconio o por mantener un catéter umbilical. Por debajo de 25 semanas la mitad comienzan directamente con incrementos progresivos en lugar de nutrición trófica. Los incrementos raramente alcanzan 30 ml/kg/día. Casi todos usan fortificantes y vitaminas. El uso de probióticos es excepcional. Conclusiones: Existe gran variabilidad en la política de alimentación del RNMBP entre las unidades neonatales españolas. Aunque algunas diferencias en las prácticas de alimentación están justificadas por la falta de evidencia, hay intervenciones que sí han demostrado su eficacia, como disponer de un protocolo de alimentación (basado en pruebas) o tener acceso a leche donada; su implementación en todos los centros podría disminuir la incidencia de ECN y mejorar el estado nutricional de los RNMBP (AU)

Introduction: Proper nutrition is one of the primary objectives in the management of preterm infants. However, lack of evidence on the best strategy to achieve this objective has led to a great variability in feeding practices. This variability may be related to the differences in the incidence of complications, such as necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the variability in clinical practice regarding enteral feeding in SEN-1500 Spanish network. Method: An observational study was conducted using a questionnaire sent out in 2013 requesting information about feeding very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates (bank milk, start time, trophic feeding, increases, fortifiers and probiotics). Results: Responses were received from 60 of the 98 hospitals. The response rate was higher in centres with more than 50VLBW/year (30/31). Just over two-thirds (67%) have feeding protocols, and 52% refer to variability within their unit. A milk bank is available in 25% of the units. First feeding occurs fairly evenly throughout first 48hours, although it is delayed in lower gestational ages, even when there is no haemodynamic failure. In addition to hemodynamic instability there are other situations when the start is delayed (absence of breast milk, CIR, altered umbilical flow, asphyxia), while it is rarely delayed by absence of meconium or maintain an umbilical catheter.Half of those under 25 weeks begin directly with progressive increases instead of trophic feeding. Increases rarely reach 30ml/kg/day. Almost all use fortification and vitamins. There was a significant use of probiotics at the time of the survey. Conclusions: There is great variability in enteral nutrition policies in VLBW in Spain. Although some differences are justified by the lack of evidence, there are other interventions that have proven to be effective, such as evidence-based protocols or access to donor milk. Implementation in all the units could reduce the incidence of NEC and improve the nutritional status (AU)

[Variability in enteral feeding practices of preterm infants among hospitals in the SEN1500 Spanish neonatal network]. / Variabilidad en las prácticas sobre alimentación enteral del prematuro entre hospitales españoles de la red SEN-1500.

INTRODUCTION: Proper nutrition is one of the primary objectives in the management of preterm infants. However, lack of evidence on the best strategy to achieve this objective has led to a great variability in feeding practices. This variability may be related to the differences in the incidence of complications, such as necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to assess the variability in clinical practice regarding enteral feeding in SEN-1500 Spanish network. METHOD: An observational study was conducted using a questionnaire sent out in 2013 requesting information about feeding very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates (bank milk, start time, trophic feeding, increases, fortifiers and probiotics). RESULTS: Responses were received from 60 of the 98 hospitals. The response rate was higher in centres with more than 50VLBW/year (30/31). Just over two-thirds (67%) have feeding protocols, and 52% refer to variability within their unit. A milk bank is available in 25% of the units. First feeding occurs fairly evenly throughout first 48hours, although it is delayed in lower gestational ages, even when there is no haemodynamic failure. In addition to hemodynamic instability there are other situations when the start is delayed (absence of breast milk, CIR, altered umbilical flow, asphyxia), while it is rarely delayed by absence of meconium or maintain an umbilical catheter.Half of those under 25 weeks begin directly with progressive increases instead of trophic feeding. Increases rarely reach 30ml/kg/day. Almost all use fortification and vitamins. There was a significant use of probiotics at the time of the survey. CONCLUSIONS: There is great variability in enteral nutrition policies in VLBW in Spain. Although some differences are justified by the lack of evidence, there are other interventions that have proven to be effective, such as evidence-based protocols or access to donor milk. Implementation in all the units could reduce the incidence of NEC and improve the nutritional status.

Reducción de la enterocolitis necrosante tras la introducción de un protocolo de alimentación enteral basado en la evidencia en recién nacidos de muy bajo peso / Reduction in necrotising enterocolitis after implementing an evidence-based enteral nutrition protocol in very low birth weight newborns

INTRODUCCIÓN: En nuestro hospital asistimos a un incremento inesperado en la incidencia de enterocolitis necrosante (ECN). Por si nuestra política de alimentación estaba influyendo, se realizó e implementó una guía de práctica clínica (GPC) de alimentación enteral del recién nacido de muy bajo peso al nacimiento (RNMBP). OBJETIVO: Valorar el impacto del nuevo régimen de alimentación en la incidencia de ECN. MÉTODO: Estudio antes (2011) y después (mayo del 2012-abril del 2013) de la introducción del nuevo protocolo de alimentación, que incluye: inicio de la alimentación enteral en ausencia de problema hemodinámico; periodo de nutrición trófica de 5-7 días, incrementos posteriores de 20-30ml/kg/día; leche materna/banco desde el inicio. No se utilizaron probióticos. La variable principal a estudio fue la incidencia de ECN ≥ II de Bell. Variables secundarias: perforación focal, mortalidad global y atribuida a ECN, sepsis nosocomial; peso a los 28 días y 36 semanas; % de RN con peso < p10 al alta; estancia hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Doscientos setenta RNMBP, 155 antes y 115 después. La ECN descendió significativamente (12/155 vs. 1/115, p = 0,008); la mortalidad se redujo (17,4% vs. 7,8%, p = 0,02); en 4 casos la ECN formó parte de la secuencia que condujo a la muerte en la primera cohorte; ninguno en la segunda. No hubo diferencias en la incidencia de perforación intestinal focal ni en las otras variables secundarias analizadas. CONCLUSIONES: La protocolización del régimen de alimentación enteral con la máxima evidencia disponible produce un descenso en incidencia de ECN sin incrementar la estancia hospitalaria o la incidencia de sepsis

INTRODUCTION: An unexpected increase in the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) cases was observed in our hospital. Just in case, our feeding policy could be responsible, it was decided to conduct a systematic review and develop a clinical guideline regarding enteral nutrition of very low birth weight infants (VLBW). OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the new feeding protocol in the incidence of NEC. Method. A «before» (2011) and «after» (May 2012 - April 2013) study was performed on the new feeding protocol. This included initiation of enteral feeding in the absence of haemodynamic problems, a trophic feeding period of 5-7 days, and subsequent increments of 20-30ml/kg/day, of breast milk/donor human milk from the beginning. Probiotics were not administered. Primary outcome: incidence of NEC II 2 Bell's stage. Secondary outcomes: focal intestinal perforation, overall mortality and mortality due to NEC, nosocomial sepsis; weight at 28 days and 36 weeks; % of infants with weight Results. Of the 270 VLBW infants, 155 were included in the «before» group, and 115 in the «after» group. NEC significantly decreased (12/155 vs 1/115, P=.008). A decrease in mortality rate was also observed (17.4% vs 7.8%, P=.02). In four cases NEC was part of the sequence of events that led to death in the first cohort, with none in the second. There was no difference in the incidence of focal intestinal perforation or of the other secondary variables analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an evidence-based enteral feeding protocol leads to a decrease in incidence of NEC, without increasing hospital stay or the incidence of sepsis

[Reduction in necrotising enterocolitis after implementing an evidence-based enteral nutrition protocol in very low birth weight newborns]. / Reducción de la enterocolitis necrosante tras la introducción de un protocolo de alimentación enteral basado en la evidencia en recién nacidos de muy bajo peso.

INTRODUCTION: An unexpected increase in the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) cases was observed in our hospital. Just in case, our feeding policy could be responsible, it was decided to conduct a systematic review and develop a clinical guideline regarding enteral nutrition of very low birth weight infants (VLBW). OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the new feeding protocol in the incidence of NEC. METHOD: A "before" (2011) and "after" (May 2012 - April 2013) study was performed on the new feeding protocol. This included initiation of enteral feeding in the absence of haemodynamic problems, a trophic feeding period of 5-7 days, and subsequent increments of 20-30ml/kg/day, of breast milk/donor human milk from the beginning. Probiotics were not administered. PRIMARY OUTCOME: incidence of NEC II 2 Bell's stage. SECONDARY OUTCOMES: focal intestinal perforation, overall mortality and mortality due to NEC, nosocomial sepsis; weight at 28 days and 36 weeks; % of infants with weight

New clinical practice guideline on enteral feeding in very low birth weight infants; second part.

INTRODUCTION: The nutrition of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is aimed at promoting a similar growth to that occurring in the uterus. However, in practice this is difficult to achieve and extrauterine growth restriction is frequent. The current tendency is to avoid this restriction by means of early parenteral and enteral nutrition. Nonetheless, uncertainty about many of the practices related with nutrition has resulted in a great variation in the way it is undertaken. In 2009 and 2011 in our hospital there was an unexpected increase in necrotizing enterocolitis. To check to see wether our nutrition policy was involved, we underlook a systematic review and drewup clinical practice guidelines (CPG) about enteral feeding in VLBW infants. New considerations about the duration of the fortification and the use of probiotics have led to an update of these CPG. METHODS: A total of 21 clinical questions were designed dealing with the type of milk, starting age, mode of administration, rate and volume of the increments, fortification, use of probiotics and protocol. Afete conducting a systematic search of the available evidence, the information was contrasted and summarized in order to draw up the recommendations. The quality of the evidence and the strength of the recommendations were determined from the SIGN scale. COMMENT: These CPG aim to help physicians in their decision making. The protocolized application of well-proven measurements reduces the variation in clinical practice and improves results.

Introducción: La nutrición de recién nacidos con peso muy bajo peso al nacer (MBPN) busca fomentar un crecimiento similar al que tiene lugar en el útero. Sin embargo, en la práctica, esto resulta difícil de conseguir y es frecuente encontrar una restricción del crecimiento extrauterino. La tendencia actual es evitar esta restricción por medio de una nutrición temprana parenteral y enteral. No obstante, la falta de certeza sobre muchas de las prácticas relacionadas con la nutrición ha dado lugar a una gran variación en los métodos. En 2009 y 2011 en nuestro hospital se dio un aumento inesperado de enterocolitis necrosante. Para comprobar la posible implicación de nuestra política de nutrición, pusimos en marcha una revisión sistemática y redactamos unas directrices para la práctica clínica (DPC) sobre la alimentación enteral en recién nacidos con MBPN. Las nuevas consideraciones sobre la duración de la fortificación y el uso de probióticos han dado lugar a una actualización de estas DPC. Métodos: Se definió un total de 21 preguntas clínicas sobre el tipo de leche, edad de inicio, modo de administración, porcentaje y volumen de los incrementos, fortificación, uso de probióticos y protocolo. Tras realizar una investigación sistemática de la evidencia disponible, la información fue contrastada y resumida para redactar las recomendaciones. La calidad de la evidencia disponible y la fuerza de las recomendaciones quedaron determinadas conforme a la escala SIGN. Comentario: Estas DPC pretenden ayudar a los médicos en su toma de decisiones. La aplicación protocolizada de mediciones bien probadas reduce la variación en la práctica clínica y mejora los resultados.