Extrauterine growth restriction in very-low-birthweight infants: prevalence and concordance according to Fenton, Olsen, and INTERGROWTH-21st growth charts in a multicenter Spanish cohort.

Multiple criteria and growth references have been proposed for extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR). We hypothesized that these may impact the diagnosis of EUGR. The objective was to evaluate the prevalence of EUGR with its different definitions and the concordance according to Fenton, Olsen, and INTERGROWTH-21st in very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants. This is an observational, retrospective, and multicenter study including VLBW infants from the Spanish SEN1500 Network from 2011 to 2020. Patients with major congenital anomalies, embryopathies, and gestational age less than 24 weeks were excluded. EUGR prevalence was calculated at discharge with cross-sectional, longitudinal, "true" cross-sectional, and "true" longitudinal definitions. Concordance was assessed with Fleiss' kappa coefficient. 23582 VLBW infants from 77 NICUs were included. In total, 50.4% were men with a median of gestational age of 29 (4) weeks. The prevalence of EUGR (cross-sectional, longitudinal, and "true") was variable for weight, length, and head circumference. Overall, the prevalence was higher with Fenton and lower with Olsen (cross-sectional and "true" cross-sectional) and INTERGROWTH-21st (longitudinal and "true" longitudinal). Agreement among the charts by weight was good only for cross-sectional EUGR and moderate for longitudinal, "true" cross-sectional, and "true" longitudinal. Concordance was good or very good for EUGR by length and head circumference.Conclusions: The prevalence of EUGR with the most commonly used definitions was variable in the cohort. Agreement among growth charts was moderate for all the definitions of EUGR by weight except cross-sectional and good or very good for length and head circumference. The choice of reference chart can impact the establishment of the diagnosis of EUGR. What is known: • EUGR has been defined in the literature and daily practice considering weight, length and head circumference with multiple criteria (cross-sectional, longitudinal, and "true" definition) • Different growth charts have been used for EUGR diagnosis What is new: • Prevalence of EUGR is variable depending on the definition and growth chart used in our cohort of VLBW infants • For the most frequently EUGR criteria used, traditionally considering weight, concordance among Fenton, Olsen and INTERGROWTH-21st growth charts is only moderate for all the definitions of EUGR by weight except cross-sectional definition. Concordance among the charts is good or very good for the different criteria of EUGR by head circumference and length.

Postnatal Growth Faltering: Growth and Height Improvement at Two Years in Children with Very Low Birth Weight between 2002-2017.

The prevalence of postnatal growth faltering (PGF) in preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) (<1500 g) is a universal problem. Growth improvement is expected as neonatal care is optimized. Objectives: To determine if there has been a decrease in the prevalence of PGF and an improvement in height at 2 years in appropriate for gestational age VLBW children in the last two decades. Methods: Clinical descriptive retrospective analysis of neonatal somatometry at birth and at two-year corrected age in VLBW preterm infants. Small for gestational age were excluded. Two cohorts (2002−2006, n = 112; and 2013−2017, n = 92) were compared. Results. In the second five-year period, a decrease in prevalence of PGF was observed (36.6% vs. 22.8%, p = 0.033), an increase in growth rate in the first 28 days (5.22 (4.35−6.09) g/kg/day vs. 11.38 (10.61−12.15) g/kg/day, p < 0.0001) and an increase in height standard deviation (SD) at 2 years (−1.12 (−1.35−−0.91) vs. −0.74 (−0.99−−0.49) p = 0.023). Probability of short stature at 2 years was directly related to daily weight gain in the first 28 days. Conclusions: when comparing two five-year periods in the last two decades, growth in VLBW preterm infants has improved, both during neonatal period and at two years of age.

Predicción del crecimiento a los dos años utilizando las gráficas de Fenton e Intergrowth-21 en menores de 1.500 g / Growth outcome at 2 years using Fenton and Intergrowth-21st charts in infants less than 1500 g

Introducción: No existe consenso sobre qué gráfica neonatal es mejor utilizar en niños con muy bajo peso al nacer (MBPN). El objetivo del estudio fue comparar las gráficas de Fenton 2013 e Intergrowth-21st (IW-21) con base en su capacidad predictora de la somatometría a los dos años, así como analizar factores relacionados con talla baja a los dos años. Material y métodos: Cohorte de niños con MBPN nacidos entre 2002-2017. Se analizó la asociación entre la somatometría neonatal (z-score por Fenton e IW-21) y el riesgo de talla baja (< -2 desviación estándar [DS]), perímetro craneal < -2 DS y desnutrición a los 2 años (IMC < -2 DS) (gráficas OMS). Resultados: Se incluyeron 513 niños con una edad gestacional media de 30,05 ± 2,5 semanas. El z-score del peso al nacimiento y al alta por Fenton y por IW-21 resultaron útiles para predecir riesgo de talla baja y desnutrición a los dos años (sin diferencias en el AUC de las curvas ROC), siendo el z-score al alta útil además para predecir perímetro craneal < -2D. A los dos años, la prevalencia de talla baja, perímetro craneal < -2 DS, y desnutrición fue del 17,2, 4,1 y 6,1%, respectivamente. El bajo peso para la edad gestacional y la duración del ingreso neonatal se identificaron como factores de riesgo independientes para talla baja a los dos años. Conclusiones: El z-score peso al alta resulta útil para predecir riesgo de talla baja, desnutrición y perímetro craneal < -2 DS a los dos años en niños con muy bajo peso al nacer, sin diferencias estadísticas entre utilizar las gráficas de Fenton o IW-21. (AU)

Introduction: There is no consensus on which neonatal chart is best to use in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The aim of the study was to compare the Fenton 2013 and Intergrowth-21st (IW-21) charts based on their predictive ability for somatometry at 2 years, as well as to analyze factors related to short stature at 2 years. Material and methods: Cohort of children with VLBW born in 2002–2017. Association between neonatal somatometry (z-score by Fenton and IW-21) and risk of short stature (< −2 DS), head circumference < −2 DS and malnutrition at 2 years (BMI < −2 DS) was analyzed (WHO charts). Results: 513 children with a mean gestational age of 30.05 ± 2.5 weeks were included. Birth and discharge weight z-score by Fenton and IW-21 were useful for predicting risk of short stature and malnutrition at 2 years (without differences in the AUC of the ROC curves). Weight z-score at discharge was also useful for predicting head circumference < −2 DS. At 2 years, prevalence of short stature, head circumference < −2 DS, and malnutrition was 17.2, 4.1, and 6.1%, respectively. Low weight for gestational age and length of stay were identified as independent risk factors for short stature at 2 years. Conclusions: Discharge weight z-score is useful for predicting risk of short stature, malnutrition and head circumference < −2 DS at 2 years in very low birth weight children, with no statistical difference between using Fenton or IW-21 charts. (AU)

Growth outcome at 2 years using Fenton and Intergrowth-21st charts in infants less than 1500 g.

INTRODUCTION: There is no consensus on which neonatal chart is best to use in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The aim of the study was to compare the Fenton 2013 and Intergrowth-21st (IW-21) charts based on their predictive ability for somatometry at 2 years, as well as to analyze factors related to short stature at 2 years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cohort of children with VLBW born between 2002 and 2017. Association between neonatal somatometry (z-score by Fenton and IW-21) and risk of short stature (<-2 DS), head circumference <-2 DS and malnutrition at 2 years (BMI < -2 DS) was analyzed (WHO charts). RESULTS: 513 children with a mean gestational age of 30.05 ± 2.5 weeks were included. Birth and discharge weight z-score by Fenton and IW-21 were useful for predicting risk of short stature and malnutrition at 2 years (without differences in the AUC of the ROC curves). Weight z-score at discharge was also useful for predicting head circumference < -2 DS. At 2 years, prevalence of short stature, head circumference < -2 DS, and malnutrition was 17.2, 4.1, and 6.1%, respectively. Low weight for gestational age and length of stay were identified as independent risk factors for short stature at 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Discharge weight z-score is useful for predicting risk of short stature, malnutrition and head circumference < -2 DS at 2 years in very low birth weight children, with no statistical difference between using Fenton or IW-21 charts.

Neuropsychological Development and New Criteria for Extrauterine Growth Restriction in Very Low-Birth-Weight Children.

BACKGROUND: Controversy between short-term neonatal growth of very low birth-weight preterm (VLBW) and neurodevelopment may be affected by criteria changes of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR). OBJECTIVE: to determine if new EUGR criteria imply modifications in the relationship between old criteria and results of neuropsychological tests in preterm children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 87 VLBW at 5-7 years of age were studied. Neuropsychological assessment included RIST test (Reynolds Intellectual Sctreening Test) and NEPSY-II (NE neuro, PSY psycolgy assessment) tests. The relationships between these tests and the different growth parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: RIST index was correlated with z-score Fenton's weight (p = 0.004) and length (p = 0.003) and with z-score IGW-21's (INTERGRWTH-21 Project) weight (p = 0.004) and length (p = 0.003) at neonatal discharge, but not with z-score difference between birth and neonatal discharge in weight, length, and HC for both. We did not find a statistically significant correlation between Fenton or IGW-21 z-scores and scalar data of NEPSY-II subtasks. CONCLUSION: In our series, neonatal growth influence on neuropsychological tests at the beginning of primary school does not seem robust, except for RIST test. New EUGR criteria do not improve the predictive ability of the old ones.

Extrauterine Growth Restriction in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: Concordance Between Fenton 2013 and INTERGROWTH-21st Growth Charts.

Postnatal growth restriction has high prevalence in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm neonates, and this could affect their long-term prognosis. Nowadays, there is no consensus on how to monitor growth in these neonates. Objective: This study aimed to compare prevalence of intra- and extrauterine growth restriction (IUGR and EUGR) in a sample of VLBW infants according to the Fenton 2013 charts and INTERGROWTH-21st (IW-21) standards and to analyze concordance between both in the different EUGR definitions criteria (cross-sectional, dynamic, and true). Patients and Methods: An observational retrospective study of 635 VLBW preterm was performed. The study was carried out in Central University Hospital of Asturias. Body measurements (weight, length, and head circumference) were collected at birth and at hospital discharge and expressed in z-scores for the two references (Fenton 2010 and IW-21). Kappa concordance was calculated. Results: Kappa concordance between Fenton and IW-21 was 0.887 for IUGR and 0.580 for static EUGR. Prevalence was higher according to Fenton in IUGR (36.5 vs. 35.1%), in static EUGR (73.8 vs. 59.3%), and in dynamic EUGR (44.3 vs. 29.3%). Despite observing low prevalence of EUGR when IW-21 was used to define EUGR, a statistical association between neonatal morbidity and diagnosis of EUGR was observed. Conclusion: The Fenton and IW-21 concordance for IUGR is good. IW-21 is more restrictive than Fenton in EUGR. Patients diagnosed by IW-21 as EUGR are more likely to have neonatal morbidity, especially if we use EUGR dynamic definition. In our study, we cannot conclude that one graph is better than the other.

Severe subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum secondary to noninvasive ventilation support in status asthmaticus.

A 12-year-old male with status asthmaticus developed subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. He was transferred to our unit, where he received noninvasive ventilation (NIV). This respiratory support technique is not an absolute contraindication in these cases. After 2 h on NIV, he worsened sharply and the subcutaneous emphysema got bigger suddenly. He needed invasive ventilation for 5 days. Final outcome was satisfactory. This case illustrates that it is mandatory to keep a high level of vigilance when using NIV in patients with air leaks.

Hijo de madre con síndrome de HELLP: características y papel de la prematuridad, bajo peso y leucopenia en su evolución / Newborn of mother with HELLP syndrome: characteristics and role of prematurity, low birth-weight and leukopenia in evolution

ResumenIntroducción: El síndrome de HELLP es un grave trastorno hipertensivo del embarazo con importantes problemas neonatales en los hijos de las madres afectadas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer las características de estos neonatos y su evolución.Métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional descriptivo y retrospectivo de los neonatos hijos de madre con síndrome de HELLP, nacidos en un hospital universitario entre el 1° de enero de 2008 y el 31 de diciembre de 2013. Se estudiaron 33 neonatos procedentes de 28 gestaciones (cinco gemelares). Se realizó un análisis descriptivo y comparativo entre grupos, y posteriormente un análisis de multivarianza de factores asociados con la mortalidad dentro de la serie.Resultados: De 33 recién nacidos estudiados (2.2/1,000 recién nacidos totales), dos fueron mortinatos (6.1% del total) y cuatro fallecieron tras el nacimiento (12.9% de los neonatos vivos), con una mortalidad perinatal total del 18.2%; 28 neonatos terminaron la gestación antes de la semana 37 (84.8%) y 11 antes de la semana 32 (33.3%); siete neonatos pesaron menos de 1,500 g (cuatro de ellos menos de 1,000 g). De los 31 recién nacidos vivos, 13 neonatos tenían peso menor al percentil 10 para su edad gestacional (41.9%), 20 precisaron reanimación neonatal (64.5%) y 14 presentaban leucopenia neonatal (45.2%). En la regresión logística final, la mortalidad neonatal se asoció con la gran prematuridad, independientemente del bajo peso, leucopenia o necesidad de reanimación neonatal.Conclusiones: Los hijos de madre con síndrome de HELLP presentan elevada mortalidad asociada con la alta prematuridad, independientemente de la presencia de leucopenia, bajo peso para edad gestacional o necesidad de reanimación neonatal.

AbstractBackground: HELLP syndrome is a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with important neonatal problems in the newborn. The objective of this work was to determine the characteristics of these infants and its neonatal evolution.Methods: A retrospective observational study of all newborns of mothers with HELLP syndrome born in a university hospital between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2013 was carried out. Thirty-three infants from 28 pregnancies (five twin gestations) were studied. A descriptive and comparative analysis between groups and a multivariate analysis of factors associated with mortality in the series took place.Results: Of 33 newborns studied (2.2 newborns/1,000 infants total), two were stillbirths (6.1% of the total) and four died after birth (12.9% of live neonates) with overall perinatal mortality of 18.2%. Pregnancies in 28 infants ended before 37 weeks (84.8%) and 11 pregnancies ended before week 32 (33.3%). Seven infants weighed < 1500 g (four weighed <1000 g). Of the 31 live births, 13 infants were in a <10th percentile weight for gestational age (41.9%), 20 needed neonatal resuscitation (64.5%) and 14 had leukopenia at birth (45.2%). In the final logistic regression, neonatal mortality was associated with extreme prematurity regardless of underweight, leukopenia and/or need for neonatal resuscitation.Conclusions: Children of mothers with HELLP syndrome have a high mortality associated with extreme prematurity, independent of the presence of leukopenia, low weight for gestational age and need for neonatal resuscitation.

[Newborn of mother with HELLP syndrome: characteristics and role of prematurity, low birth-weight and leukopenia in evolution]. / Hijo de madre con síndrome de HELLP: características y papel de la prematuridad, bajo peso y leucopenia en su evolución.

BACKGROUND: HELLP syndrome is a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy with important neonatal problems in the newborn. The objective of this work was to determine the characteristics of these infants and its neonatal evolution. METHODS: A retrospective observational study of all newborns of mothers with HELLP syndrome born in a university hospital between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2013 was carried out. Thirty-three infants from 28 pregnancies (five twin gestations) were studied. A descriptive and comparative analysis between groups and a multivariate analysis of factors associated with mortality in the series took place. RESULTS: Of 33 newborns studied (2.2 newborns/1,000 infants total), two were stillbirths (6.1% of the total) and four died after birth (12.9% of live neonates) with overall perinatal mortality of 18.2%. Pregnancies in 28 infants ended before 37 weeks (84.8%) and 11 pregnancies ended before week 32 (33.3%). Seven infants weighed<1500g (four weighed <1000g). Of the 31 live births, 13 infants were in a <10th percentile weight for gestational age (41.9%), 20 needed neonatal resuscitation (64.5%) and 14 had leukopenia at birth (45.2%). In the final logistic regression, neonatal mortality was associated with extreme prematurity regardless of underweight, leukopenia and/or need for neonatal resuscitation. CONCLUSIONS: Children of mothers with HELLP syndrome have a high mortality associated with extreme prematurity, independent of the presence of leukopenia, low weight for gestational age and need for neonatal resuscitation.