Outcome of preterm infants born to overweight and obese mothers†.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate perinatal morbidity and mortality among preterm neonates who were born to overweight and obese mothers compared to preterm neonates who were born to mothers with normal pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Retrospective recordings of medical charts of 110 preterm infants born to overweight (n = 68) and obese (n = 42) mothers at gestational age (GA) 28-34 weeks, as well as 110 controls matched for GA and birth weight. All infants were born at the Sheba Medical Center between 2007 and 2014. Data regarding maternal pre-pregnancy weight and height were recorded, as well as maternal and neonatal complications and feeding methods. RESULTS: Obese mothers had more pregnancy-induced hypertension (52.4% versus 21.4%, p = 0.006) and caesarean section deliveries (81% versus 52.4%, p = 0.018). Overweight mothers had more gestational diabetes (20.6% versus 2.9%, p = 0.001). The study and control groups were similar on all neonatal outcome parameters. No differences between the groups were recorded throughout hospitalization with respect to Apgar score, respiratory distress and support, hypotension, cardiac manifestations, brain pathologies, infection, feeding type and total hospitalization days. CONCLUSIONS: Although the maternal complications are greater among obese and overweight women, it seems that preterm infants born to these women are not at increased risk for neonatal complications.

The use of short message services (SMS) to provide medical updating to parents in the NICU.

OBJECTIVE: Premature delivery and prolonged hospitalization of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are very stressful for parents. As technology has advanced, short message services (SMS) have been used increasingly in the medical disciplines. To date, the use of SMS for updating patients and families regarding medical information has not been reported. We implemented the SMS technique to daily update the parents regarding the health status of their preterm infant. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use of SMS technology and to assess its impact on the parents and the nursing staff. STUDY DESIGN: Parents and nurses completed questionnaires at two time periods: pre-SMS implementation (pre-SMSi) and post-SMS implementation (post-SMSi). The parent questionnaires included statements about medical information delivery, communication and trust between parents and medical staff, parental anxiety and overall satisfaction. The nurse questionnaires included statements about the expected and actual impact on their workload. RESULTS: Comparison of the parents' responses at the two time periods indicated that in the post-SMSi time period, they felt that the physician was more available when needed (P=0.002), they were more comfortable about approaching the physician (P=0.001) and more satisfied with the medical information provided by the staff (P=0.03). In the post-SMSi period, 78.1% of the nurses noted that the SMS communication is a convenient and user-friendly method. CONCLUSIONS: SMS updating is an easy and user-friendly technology that enriches the modalities of information delivery to parents of hospitalized preterm infants. It is a complementary and useful tool for encouraging and improving personal communication between parents and medical staff and should be considered part of quality improvement in health care.

Risk factors and associated diseases among preterm infants with isolated lenticulostriate vasculopathy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, risk factors and diseases associated with isolated lenticulostriate vasculopathy (LSV) among preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: Medical records of 84 preterm infants (gestational age (GA) 25 to 34 weeks) with isolated LSV in a case-control retrospective study over a period of 6.5 years were reviewed and compared with matched control infants. LSV was defined as 'early' if it was documented in head ultrasound (HUS) before or on the fifth day of life and 'late' if it was not present in the first HUS and recorded later during neonatal hospitalization. RESULTS: A 3.9% prevalence of LSV was recorded among preterm infants (GA⩽34 weeks). Study and control groups were similar for all maternal parameters, neonatal outcomes and length of hospitalization. Infants with late LSV had more neonatal complications than control infants and were born with younger GA and lower birth weight in comparison to infants with early LSV. More infants with late LSV needed mechanical ventilation, were diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and were hospitalized longer in comparison to infants with early LSV. Urine cytomegalovirus was negative in the entire study group. CONCLUSIONS: No risk factors or specific associated morbidities were identified among preterm infants with early isolated LSV. Infants with late isolated LSV were younger and had overall increased associated morbidities. Long-term outcome studies are needed to determine LSV impact.

Maternal anti-D prophylaxis during pregnancy and risk of hemolysis among preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether Rh-positive preterm newborn infants born to Rh-negative mothers treated with prophylactic anti-D immunoglobulins exhibited signs of hemolytic reaction, including anemia and hyperbilirubinemia. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective data were collected for 94 Rh-positive preterm newborns born at gestational age (GA) 28 to 34 weeks to 76 Rh-negative mothers and for matched controls. RESULT: We found 11.7% positive Coombs' tests among infants in the study group and slightly higher bilirubin levels at birth and on the following 3 days. No differences were recorded between the study and the control groups for hematocrit levels throughout hospitalization, maximal bilirubin level, phototherapy treatment or the need for blood transfusion. CONCLUSION: Among preterm Rh-positive newborn infants born to Rh-negative mothers, there appears to be no evidence of significant hemolytic reaction derived from placental anti-D transfer. Further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings in order to support anti-D administration close to preterm birth.

Neonatal isolated rectal bleeding and the risk of hypersensitivity syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: When rectal bleeding occurs in an otherwise asymptomatic child, it can be classified as isolated rectal bleeding (IRB). Among the different etiologies suggested for IRB, one of the most common is a hypersensitivity reaction of the bowel mucosa to digested antigens. The objective of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes and the risk of developing hypersensitivity syndromes among infants following an IRB event. STUDY DESIGN: A historical prospective comparative study was carried out. The study compared 77 infants who were born at the Sheba Medical Center in Israel during the period 2002 to 2009 and who experienced a neonatal IRB event to 77 infants with the same gestational age, but without IRB. Data were obtained from hospital records and from phone interviews with the parents regarding hypersensitivity syndrome between the ages of 3 and 10 years. RESULT: The IRB group was not at an increased risk of developing a hypersensitivity syndrome or gastrointestinal symptoms compared to the control group. Longer duration of breast-feeding was found to be related to a lower incidence of hypersensitivity symptoms. CONCLUSION: An IRB event in the neonatal period does not increase the risk of developing hypersensitivity syndromes or food allergies during childhood.

Parents who refuse to vaccinate their infants: paediatricians' feelings and treatment intentions.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate paediatricians' attitudes and emotions towards parents who refuse to vaccinate their infants and to assess their reactions, suggestions and practices. DESIGN: The study group consisted of 376 paediatricians in Israel, who completed the emailed research questionnaire anonymously. RESULTS: Although the vast majority of paediatricians agreed that vaccination was in the baby's best interest (92.2%), only a small percentage (3.5%) felt that there should be some scientific justification behind a parent's refusal. The majority (70.7%) of those surveyed expressed negative feelings towards refusing parents. Despite this, more than a third (36.9%) agreed that parents have the right to decide (28.9% disagreed) and a third (36.8%) agreed that vaccinations should be officially enforced (35.8% disagreed). Only a very small percentage of the paediatricians (1.8%) said they would object to treating infants who had not been vaccinated. CONCLUSION: Paediatricians face a conflict between two opposing values: the importance of immunization versus the parents' rights to decide what is best for their own child. Therefore, they are in favour of gentle persuasion or official enforcement. We believe that experts in modern communication could help paediatricians to convey the positive benefits of vaccination to parents.

Impaired platelet function in neonates born to mothers with diabetes or hypertension during pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE: In a recent pilot study, platelet function of 4 neonates born to mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) was found to display lower platelet adhesion compared to healthy neonates. The present study aimed at confirming and validating these findings. STUDY DESIGN: Platelet adhesion was measured using a Cone Platelet Analyzer (CPA). The platelet function in the cord blood of 35 term infants born to mothers with PIH or gestational diabetes (GD) was compared with the platelet function of 196 infants born to healthy mothers. All neonates were monitored for perinatal complications until hospital discharge. RESULTS: Neonates born to mothers with PIH and with GD displayed poorer platelet function, with decreased platelet surface coverage as tested by CPA (control group 8.53+/-3.81%; PIH: 5.9+/-3.91%, p=0.003; GD: 6.64+/-3.64%, p=0.005). No association was found between CPA values and post-natal complications. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal PIH or GD is associated with impaired platelet function in neonates. The clinical impact of these findings is yet to be studied.

Clot formation of neonates tested by thromboelastography correlates with gestational age.

Evaluation of clot formation in neonates is troublesome. Our aim was to investigate cord blood clot formation of pre-term versus full-term infants and adults, using rotating thromboelastogram (ROTEM), Pentafarm, Munich, Germany). ROTEM was investigated in cord blood of 184 full-term and 47 pre-term infants. Measurements of the clotting time (CT), clot formation time (CFT) and maximal clot firmness (MCF) were obtained in order to asses reference values for this age group, and compare between full-term and pre-term neonates and compared to adult controls. For each infant demographic information and data regarding pregnancy and delivery were gathered. Infants were prospectively followed until discharge. CT and CFT were significantly shorter among pre-term and term infants as compared to adults [median CT: 185, 194, 293 seconds respectively, p pound0.001, CFT: 80, 76, 103 seconds respectively, p pound0.001). MCF was lower in pre-term and term as compared to adults (p pound0.001) with significantly lower values in pre-term as compared to full-term neonates (p=0.004). Clotting time and MCF correlated with gestational age (R=0.132, p=0.045, R= 0.259, p<0.001, respectively). No association was found between any ROTEM values and the occurrence of post-natal complications in infants of our study group. This is the first study assessing clot formation by ROTEM in pre-term infants. Clot formation parameters of term and premature infants correlated with gestational age. The predictive value of clot formation tests in neonates deserves further attention.

Platelet function of newborns as tested by cone and plate(let) analyzer correlates with gestational Age.

UNLABELLED: The issue of platelet function in infants and neonates is of interest, and current data are debatable. A new method for assessing platelet function involves using the cone and plate(let) analyzer (CPA), applicable for small (0.2 ml) whole blood volumes. We used polystyrene surface-coated plates to evaluate cord blood neonatal platelet function under flow. One hundred and sixty full-term and 29 preterm infants born at the Sheba Medical Center between March 2003 and January 2004 were evaluated for platelet adhesion measured as surface coverage (SC; the percentage of total area covered by platelets) and platelet aggregation, defined as the average size (AS) of the aggregates. Platelets from preterm infants displayed less platelet adhesion than did those from full-term infants. Platelet SC correlated with gestational age in all infants (p < 0.05), and both groups exhibited similar aggregation (AS). AS values, however, were significantly lower than the normal adult range in our laboratory. Infants born to mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension displayed significantly lower SC. No association was found between CPA and postnatal complications. CONCLUSION: CPA provides a rapid, feasible option for testing platelet function in neonates. Its potential predictive value deserves further attention, and more extensive studies are warranted.

Maternal selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor intake does not seem to affect neonatal platelet function tests.

Recently, concerns have been raised regarding the potential impairment of neonatal platelet function and the potential risk of bleeding in neonates born to mothers treated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Our aim was to test whether the platelet function of neonates born to SSRI-treated mothers was impaired when compared to non-SSRI-exposed neonates. In a single-center prospective study, platelet function was evaluated using a cone and platelet analyzer (CPA) device and compared between mother-infant pairs as well as normal non-SSRI-exposed infants. Twenty-seven SSRI-exposed and 27 non-SSRI-exposed full-term neonates and their 23 mothers were tested. No correlation was found between SSRI exposure among either neonates or mothers and parameters of surface coverage (SC) and average size (AS), manifesting platelet function as tested by CPA. SC was similar among SSRI-exposed babies as compared to those in the control group, whereas the size of platelet aggregates (AS) was higher among controls. Neither maternal diseases nor SSRI intake were associated with impaired platelet function and lower SC values, nor were any perinatal conditions. None of the babies suffered from bleeding. We conclude that maternal SSRI therapy does not impair whole-blood CPA-tested platelet function of healthy full-term neonates.

Low prevalence of hearing impairment among very low birthweight infants as detected by universal neonatal hearing screening.

OBJECTIVES: To (a) study the prevalence of hearing impairment in a cohort of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants and (b) evaluate the effectiveness of transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAE) as a first stage in-hospital hearing screening tool in this population. STUDY DESIGN: The study group was a cohort of 346 VLBW infants born in 1998-2000 at The Sheba Medical Center. The prevalence of hearing impairment in the study group was compared with that of all other newborn infants participating in a universal newborn hearing screening programme during the same period. To evaluate the effectiveness of TEOAE, a control group of 1205 healthy newborns who had no known risk factors for hearing impairment was selected. The results and follow up of hearing screening for these infants were examined retrospectively. RESULTS: Only one VLBW infant (0.3%) was diagnosed with bilateral sensory-neural hearing loss. In addition, nine infants (2.7%) were diagnosed with conductive hearing loss. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and low Apgar score were the most significant factors for predicting the occurrence of conductive hearing loss. The percentage of VLBW infants who successfully passed the in-hospital TEOAE screening was 87.2, compared with 92.2% in the full term control group. No false negative cases were detected on follow up. CONCLUSIONS: The study shows a low incidence of sensory-neural hearing loss in a cohort of VLBW infants and a relatively high incidence of conductive hearing loss. TEOAE screening was found to be an effective first stage in-hospital hearing screening tool in this population.

Effect of radiant warmer on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of radiant warmers on skin barrier function in preterm infants. METHODOLOGY: Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration were measured in 30 preterm infants (birth weight 825 to 2220 g) in seven body areas: forehead, upper back, cubital fossa, palms, soles, abdomen, and inguinal region. Measurements were performed under radiant warmer and incubator conditions. Each patient served as his/her control. RESULTS: TEWL was significantly higher in the radiant warmer compared to the incubator condition in only two areas: forehead and back. The overall mean difference in percentage TEWL between the conditions was 15%. Stratum corneum hydration was not affected by the radiant warmer. CONCLUSIONS: The use of radiant warmers does not significantly decrease barrier function in the preterm infant.

Characteristics of neonates with isolated rectal bleeding.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of full term and preterm neonates with isolated rectal bleeding (IRB), and to follow the outcome of these low risk patients. DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study consisting of 147 cases (83 full term and near term infants and 64 preterm infants) and 147 controls in a single institution. RESULTS: A feeding regimen that did not include breast milk was the only variable found to predict IRB. In full term and near term babies (gestational age >/= 35 weeks), 52.6% of the study group were breast fed compared with 83.1% of the controls (p < 0.0001). In preterm babies (gestational age

Fever in healthy asymptomatic newborns during the first days of life.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the characteristics of febrile full term infants during the first days of life, and to discover the rate of serious bacterial infections among low risk neonates with systemic fever. DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study of 122 cases and 122 controls in a single institution. RESULTS: Weight loss, breast feeding, caesarean section delivery, and high birth weight were found to be the most significant predictors of developing fever during the first days of life. Of the 122 patients in the study group, only one had a serious bacterial infection (a positive urine culture for group B streptococcus). CONCLUSIONS: In low risk full term infants, fever with no other symptoms during the first days of life (but after the first day) is related primarily to dehydration, breast feeding, caesarean section, and high birth weight. Infection is the least common explanation.

Faecal elastase 1 levels in premature and full term infants.

BACKGROUND: Determination of faecal elastase 1 (FE1) is a simple, relatively inexpensive, non-invasive, highly specific and sensitive test for determining pancreatic function. Secretion of pancreatic enzymes varies during infancy, but there are almost no specific data on the ontogeny of elastase 1 in human babies. AIM: To study FE1 levels in preterm and term babies, and to determine the possible effect of gestational and postconceptual age on these levels. METHODS: Serial stool samples were collected and tested for FE1 level from 77 premature and full term infants. FE1 levels were determined by a commercially available enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. RESULTS: A total of 232 stool samples were collected from 77 neonates. The FE1 level measured in the first stool sample (meconium) was below normal (200 micro g/g stool) in all samples regardless of gestational age. Sixty three neonates had at least two samples tested for FE1 level. The mean (SD) level of FE1 in sample 1 was 45.9 (51.1) micro g/g stool and was significantly (p < 0.001) lower than in sample 2 (243.0 (164.9) micro g/g stool). The lower the gestational age of the newborn, the more time it took for FE1 to reach normal levels. CONCLUSIONS: FE1 levels in meconium are low, and studies in meconium should be avoided if pancreatic sufficiency is to be determined. FE1 reaches normal levels by day 3 in term newborns and by 2 weeks in infants born before 28 weeks gestation. Normal levels are reached sooner in infants of more advanced gestational age who start enteral feeding earlier.

Comparative outcome study between triplet and singleton preterm newborns.

AIM: To evaluate the outcome of triplet versus singleton preterm newborns. METHODS: The study population included 64 sets of preterm triplet (gestational age 25-34 wk) and 64 singleton controls. Data on prenatal and perinatal findings, neonatal complications, duration of hospitalization, and neonatal mortality were collected by chart review. RESULTS: Mothers of triplets were more likely to receive prenatal tocolytic treatment and more antenatal steroids for foetal lung maturation, and to be delivered by caesarean section. No differences were found between the groups in perinatal parameters (cord pH, Apgar score, respiratory support after birth), respiratory parameters (severity of acute and chronic lung disease, use and duration of oxygen treatment and assisted ventilation), or neonatal complications (patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular haemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, meningitis, sepsis and jaundice). This was also true for duration of hospitalization and neonatal mortality. No differences were recorded by birth order among the triplets for any of these parameters. CONCLUSION: The study indicates that good prenatal care can lead to a good outcome for preterm triplets, close to that of preterm singleton infants. Families and physicians should consider this information when foetal reduction is offered.

Transepidermal water loss and skin hydration in preterm infants during phototherapy.

TEWL and skin hydration was measured in 7 body areas before and during phototherapy in 31 preterm infants (gestational age 25 to 36 weeks). Each patient served as his/her own control. There was a mean increase of 26.4% in TEWL during phototherapy. Most prominent increases were recorded in the cubital fossa (45.9%), groin (36.4%), and back (29%). There were no significant differences in stratum corneum moisture in six of the seven body areas before and during phototherapy. This study provides a better understanding of skin physiology during phototherapy in preterm infants and has important implications for the estimation of fluid replacement.

Maternal anti-D prophylaxis during pregnancy does not cause neonatal haemolysis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate signs of haemolysis in babies of Rh-D negative mothers who underwent prophylaxis with anti-D immunoglobulin during pregnancy. DESIGN: The following were evaluated in all babies of Rh-D negative mothers born within a three month period in our department: haemoglobin level, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, reticulocytes, bilirubin level, and direct Coombs' test (direct anti-globulin test). The babies were divided into two groups according to number of doses of anti-D immunoglobulin received by the mother (one or two), and then further divided by their Rh status (negative or positive). Findings were also compared with a control group of babies of O-Rh positive mothers. RESULTS: The study group consisted of 101 babies and the control group of 37 babies. No statistically significant differences were found for any of the haematological variables between the babies of mothers who received one or two doses of anti-D immunoglobulin, or between the Rh negative babies (n = 35), and the controls. Although 20% of the Rh positive babies born to mothers receiving two doses of anti-D immunoglobulin had a positive result in the direct Coombs' test compared with only 2.4% of the babies of mothers treated with only one dose, no signs of haemolysis were documented in the babies with a positive Coombs test. CONCLUSION: The prevention of Rh isoimmunisation with anti-D immunoglobulin (one or two doses) during pregnancy does not jeopardize the newborn. Blood group typing and direct Coombs' test should be performed in every newborn of an Rh negative mother to establish whether there is a necessity to administer anti-D. In the presence of a positive direct Coombs' test, the type of antibodies should be identified.

Clinical and laboratory impact of coagulase-negative staphylococci bacteremia in preterm infants.

UNLABELLED: A retrospective evaluation of the clinical and laboratory impact of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CONS) bacteremia in preterm infants was carried out. The study population included all preterm infants (n = 31) in whom two or more blood cultures were positive for CONS within a period of 4 d, with negative blood cultures 1 wk before and 1 wk after the CONS bacteremia. Clinical manifestations and the results of laboratory tests 7 d before and after the positive blood cultures, and on the first day of sepsis, were recorded and compared. During CONS bacteremia, the infants demonstrated apnoea and bradycardia (88%) and a need for oxygen (59%) and ventilatory support (69%). Significant laboratory findings were leukopenia below 5,000 cells/mm3 (12%), leukocytosis above 30,000 cells/mm3 (39%), and thrombocytopenia below 150,000/mm3 (25%). These clinical and laboratory manifestations differed significantly during the bacteremia infection compared with the week before and after. CONCLUSION: CONS bacteremia is a clinically significant infection in preterm infants, causing episodes of apnoea and bradycardia, and a need for ventilatory support.

Skin barrier properties in different body areas in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate skin barrier function in neonates in different anatomic sites during the first 2 days of life. DESIGN: The study population consisted of 44 healthy full-term newborn infants. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL), stratum corneum hydration (SCH), and skin surface pH were measured in different anatomic sites (forehead, flexor part of forearm, upper back, abdomen, inguinal region, palms, and soles) during the first 10 hours of life and 24 hours later. Measurements were recorded with a Tevameter, a Corneometer, and a skin pH meter with a flat glass electrode. Results were compared with those in 20 healthy adults. RESULTS: TEWL was lower in infants than in adults in the forehead, palms, soles, and higher in the forearms. It was significantly higher on day 1 than on day 2 in the soles, palms, and forearms, and in the forearm, palms, and inguinal region compared with the other anatomic sites. SCH was significantly lower in the infants on the forehead, back, and abdomen, and higher on the forearms and palms; it was significantly higher on the first day of life on the forearms and palms, and lower in the inguinal region. Skin surface pH was significantly higher in the infants in all body sites (>6.6 in most measurements). On day 2, it was significantly lower than on day 1, but still higher than in adults. SCH correlated positively with TEWL in the neonates but not in the adults. None of the variables were related to gestational age, sex, mode of delivery, or body weight. CONCLUSIONS: Changes take place in SCH, water loss, and pH in the first 2 days after birth, suggesting that the stratum corneum barrier is still in the process of adapting to extrauterine life. The significant anatomic variability in TEWL and SCH should be taken into account in evaluating the permeation of skin care products and topical medications in newborns.