The effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure and high flow nasal cannula on heart rate variability in extremely preterm infants after extubation: A randomized crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: NCPAP and High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) are common modes of non-invasive respiratory support used after extubation. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been demonstrated as a marker of well-being in neonates and differences in HRV were described in preterm infants receiving respiratory care. The objective was to investigate the effects of NCPAP and HFNC on HRV after extubation. METHODS: Randomized crossover trial in infants with birth weight (BW) ≤1250 g after undergoing their first elective extubation. ECG recordings were performed during 45 min while on HFNC and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP). Time domain, non-linear, and frequency domain parameters were calculated and compared during HFNC and NCPAP using paired nonparametric tests. A secondary analysis was performed in the subgroup of infants that were successfully extubated. RESULTS: Thirty infants with median [range] gestational age of 27 weeks [24.1-29.3] and BW of 930 g [610-1220] were studied at 5 days [1-39] of age. No differences in HRV parameters were observed between HFNC and NCPAP. In the secondary analysis, infants successfully extubated (n = 27) had a significantly higher HRV during HFNC for some time domain parameters. For instance, the standard deviation of the RR intervals (SDRR) was more likely to be higher during HFNC compared to NCPAP (HFNC: 18/27 vs NCPAP: 9/27, P = 0.017) . CONCLUSION: During the first hours after extubation, no differences in HRV were detected between HFNC and NCPAP in the overall cohort. However, a significantly higher HRV was noted during HFNC in the subgroup of infants successfully extubated.

Heart Rate Variability in Extremely Preterm Infants Receiving Nasal CPAP and Non-Synchronized Noninvasive Ventilation Immediately After Extubation.

INTRODUCTION: There is a paucity of studies comparing the physiological effects of nasal CPAP or non-synchronized noninvasive ventilation (ns-NIV) during the postextubation phase in preterm infants. Heart rate variability (HRV) can identify system instability before clinical or laboratory signs of deterioration. Thus, we sought to investigate any differences in HRV between those modes. METHODS: 15 preterm infants with birthweight ≤1,250 g and undergoing their first extubation attempt were studied immediately after disconnection from mechanical ventilation. Electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were obtained while on nasal CPAP and ns-NIV in a random order (30-60 min on each). Time and frequency domain analyses were used to calculate HRV from 5-min segments of ECG. RESULTS: 12 of 15 infants were analyzed (3 were excluded for low ECG quality): 7 successes and 5 failures. HRV parameters were higher during ns-NIV when compared to nasal CPAP, but differences were not statistically different. However, absolute and relative differences in HRV values (all time domain parameters) were significantly higher in infants who failed extubation during ns-NIV. CONCLUSIONS: Nasal CPAP or ns-NIV provided immediately postextubation did not affect HRV. Interestingly, in an exploratory analysis, changes in HRV did occur during ns-NIV in the subgroup of infants who failed extubation. Hence, changes in HRV as early as 2 h after extubation should be further explored in larger studies as a potential predictor of postextubation respiratory failure.

Evaluation of pentavalent rotavirus vaccination in neonatal intensive care units.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Preterm infants are at highest risk for severe rotavirus gastroenteritis. While rotavirus vaccination is recommended for age-eligible, clinically stable preterm infants, controversy exists regarding vaccination of these infants during hospitalization. The objectives of this study were to examine tolerance of pentavalent rotavirus vaccination (RV5) among hospitalized infants and nosocomial rotavirus transmission in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) at two urban hospitals. METHODS: A retrospective, medical chart review of patients receiving RV5 vaccine was conducted to examine clinical histories of vaccine recipients. Average risk differences of gastrointestinal complications were estimated between the three days prior and up to four weeks following RV5 vaccination. A generalized linear regression model was used to examine the association between days since RV5 administration and daily feeding totals, using fixed effects to account for individual-level clustering. Rates of nosocomial rotavirus from active surveillance were compared between pre- and post-NICU-based vaccination periods. RESULTS: From July 1, 2011 to March 30, 2013, RV5 vaccination was initiated for 102 NICU patients. No changes in the average risk of gastrointestinal complications or daily feeding among participants overall were detected following RV5 administration. Rates of nosocomial rotavirus were similar during the periods before and after NICU-based vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: On average, RV5 appeared to be well tolerated among vaccine recipients, with no increase in nosocomial rotavirus transmission observed following NICU-based rotavirus vaccination. While the benefits of a RV5 NICU-based vaccination program for otherwise eligible preterm infants seem to outweigh the possible risk of vaccine virus transmission, further studies are needed.

Current controversies surrounding the use of repeated courses of antenatal steroids.

The use of a single dose of antenatal steroids to facilitate fetal lung maturation in the expectant management of threatened preterm birth has significantly improved the mortality and morbidity of premature infants worldwide. In some settings, the evidence for this practice has been extrapolated with self-reports of up to 6 repeated courses during the antepartum period. Concerns about the use of repeated antenatal courses prompted the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to publish a consensus statement (2000) that reaffirmed the safety and efficacy of a single course of antenatal steroids, but emphasized that there are no data to support the safety and efficacy of repeated courses. The statement cautions against the use of multiple courses outside of research protocols. Despite these recommendations, wide variations in clinical practice continue to exist. There are growing concerns about the potential deleterious effects of steroid exposure on the developing human brain. It is plausible, although not proven, that negative neurodevelopmental impact may occur, or be compounded by multiple antenatal or combined antenatal and postnatal steroid exposures. This article provides a review of the evidence to support appropriate steroid use. The physiology and pharmacology of both endogenous and exogenous steroids are outlined to enhance the clinician's understanding of these potent agents. Recommendations for targeted clinical evaluation and short- and long-term follow-up of steroid exposed infants are provided. A clear understanding of the known and potential risks and benefits of single and multiple courses of antenatal steroids is essential to prompt a critical re-examination of the safety and efficacy of repeated steroid exposure in the neonate.