Nurse-Guided Maternal Interventional Package for Neonatal Stress - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of nurse-guided maternal interventional package for reducing stress behaviour among preterm neonates admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). METHODS: A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 100 mothers and their newborns delivered preterm and admitted consecutively in the NICU over 4 months. Mothers in the intervention group (n = 50) received education and demonstration regarding the use of maternal touch, facilitated tucking, kangaroo mother care (KMC), non-nutritive sucking (NNS), nesting and maternal voice alongwith a handout in local language for five consecutive days, while those in the control group (n = 50) received routine care including KMC and NNS for five consecutive days. Neonates were assessed before and five days after enrolment or intervention by using modified Infant Positioning Assessment Tool (IPAT), Neonatal Stress Scale and Preterm Neonate's Behaviour Assessment Scale. RESULTS: The mean (SD) score of positioning was significantly higher in the intervention group as compared to control group [9.62 (1.17) vs 6.58 (1.72), P < 0.001]. The median (IQR) score of stress was significantly lower in the intervention group compared to the control group [7 (7,10) vs 11(8,12.75), P = 0.004]. The mean (SD) scores for the autonomic and visceral subsystem behavioral response were significantly higher in the intervention group [5.28 (1.4) vs 3.25 (1.0), P < 0.001]. Mean (SD) attention interaction subsystem behavioral response score in the intervention group was significantly higher compared to the control group [2.96 (1.2) vs 1.85 (0.9), P = 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Mothers can be guided by nurses on neonatal stress behaviour and how to handle neonates in NICU, which significantly improves positioning and behavioral scores and reduces stress scores.

Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns Among Neonates Referred to Pediatric Emergency in North India: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal mortality worldwide, with a disproportionately high burden in low-income and middle-income countries. There is limited prospective data on microorganism profiles and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in outborn newborns referred to pediatric emergency in developing countries. We aimed to assess the pathogen profile and AMR patterns in outborn neonates referred to the pediatric emergency at a tertiary care center. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, we enrolled neonates with suspected sepsis and sent blood or cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Neonates were followed up daily until discharge or death. The isolated organisms were identified and tested for antimicrobial susceptibility. Standard definitions were used to define multidrug resistance. RESULTS: Between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020, 1072 outborn neonates with suspected sepsis were enrolled. The rate of proven sepsis was 223.6 (95% CI:198.7-248.4) per 1000 infants. Gram-negative sepsis was the most common (n = 107,10%), followed by gram-positive sepsis (n = 81,7.6%) and fungal sepsis (n = 67,6.3%). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 69), Candida spp. (n = 68), Klebsiella spp. (n = 55), Acinetobacter spp . (n = 31) and Escherichia coli (n = 9) were the most common pathogens. Over two-thirds (68.6%) of pathogens were multidrug resistance, with an alarming prevalence in Klebsiella spp. (33/53, 62%), Acinetobacter spp. (25/30, 83%) and coagulase-negative staphylococci (54/66, 82%). In total, 124 (11.6%) neonates died in the hospital (13.3% of proven cases and 11.1% of culture-negative sepsis cases). CONCLUSIONS: High sepsis burden and alarming AMR among neonates referred to tertiary care centers warrant urgent attention toward coordinated implementation of rigorous sepsis prevention measures and antimicrobial stewardship across all healthcare levels.

Meningitis Among Neonates with Suspected Sepsis Presenting to Pediatric Emergency.

We aimed to assess the risk factors, clinical features and microbial profiles of meningitis in neonates with suspected sepsis referred to a pediatric emergency. Over 13 months, 191 neonates were enrolled, of whom 64 (33.5%) had meningitis. There were no significant differences in risk factors or clinical features between infants with and without meningitis. Ninety-three neonates (49%) had culture-positive sepsis (109 isolates). Candida spp. (n = 29), coagulase-negative staphylococci (n = 28) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (n = 23) were the most common pathogens. Forty-one (53%) bacteria were multidrug resistant.

Clinical characteristics & outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infected neonates presenting to paediatric emergency.

Background & objectives: Data on neonatal COVID-19 are limited to the immediate postnatal period, with a primary focus on vertical transmission in inborn infants. This study was aimed to assess the characteristics and outcome of COVID-19 in outborn neonates. Methods: All neonates admitted to the paediatric emergency from August 1 to December 31, 2020, were included in the study. SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription- (RT)-PCR test was done on oro/nasopharyngeal specimens obtained at admission. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative neonates were compared and the diagnostic accuracy of a selective testing policy was assessed. Results: A total of 1225 neonates were admitted during the study period, of whom SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR was performed in 969. The RT-PCR test was positive in 17 (1.8%). Mean (standard deviation) gestation and birth weight of SARS-CoV-2-infected neonates were 35.5 (3.2) wk and 2274 (695) g, respectively. Most neonates (11/17) with confirmed COVID-19 reported in the first two weeks of life. Respiratory distress (14/17) was the predominant manifestation. Five (5/17, 29.4%) SARS-CoV-2 infected neonates died. Neonates with COVID-19 were at a higher risk for all-cause mortality [odds ratio (OR): 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1-8.9, P=0.03]; however, mortality did not differ after adjusting for lethal malformation (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 0.7-8.7). Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive and negative likelihood ratios (95% CI) of selective testing policy for SARS-CoV-2 infection at admission was 52.9 (28.5-76.1), 83.3 (80.7-85.6), 82.8 (80.3-85.1), 3.17 (1.98-5.07), and 0.56 (0.34-0.93) per cent, respectively. Interpretation & conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 positivity rate among the outborn neonates reporting to the paediatric emergency and tested for COVID-19 was observed to be low. The selective testing policy had poor diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing COVID-19 from non-COVID illness.

Sex-Specific Effects of Nutritional Supplements for Infants Born Early or Small: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis (ESSENCE IPD-MA) I-Cognitive Function and Metabolic Risk.

Neonatal nutritional supplements are widely used to improve growth and development but may increase risk of later metabolic disease, and effects may differ by sex. We assessed effects of supplements on later development and metabolism. We searched databases and clinical trials registers up to April 2019. Participant-level data from randomised trials were included if the intention was to increase macronutrient intake to improve growth or development of infants born preterm or small-for-gestational-age. Co-primary outcomes were cognitive impairment and metabolic risk. Supplementation did not alter cognitive impairment in toddlers (13 trials, n = 1410; adjusted relative risk (aRR) 0.88 [95% CI 0.68, 1.13]; p = 0.31) or older ages, nor alter metabolic risk beyond 3 years (5 trials, n = 438; aRR 0.94 [0.76, 1.17]; p = 0.59). However, supplementation reduced motor impairment in toddlers (13 trials, n = 1406; aRR 0.76 [0.60, 0.97]; p = 0.03), and improved motor scores overall (13 trials, n = 1406; adjusted mean difference 1.57 [0.14, 2.99]; p = 0.03) and in girls not boys (p = 0.03 for interaction). Supplementation lowered triglyceride concentrations but did not affect other metabolic outcomes (high-density and low-density lipoproteins, cholesterol, fasting glucose, blood pressure, body mass index). Macronutrient supplementation for infants born small may not alter later cognitive function or metabolic risk, but may improve early motor function, especially for girls.

Relationship Between COVID-19 Lockdown and Epidemiology of Neonatal Sepsis.

BACKGROUND: We compared the hospital-based epidemiology of neonatal sepsis after the coronavirus disease 2019 lockdown (LD) versus historical epochs and the LD period versus phases of unlocking. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a level 3 neonatal unit. We compared neonates born in three 24-week periods-Group LD: 22 March 2020 to 5 September 2020-the reference group, Group pre-LD: 29 September 2019 to 14 March 2020 and Group temporally corresponding to LD in 2019 (corres-LD): 24 March 2019 to 7 September 2019. We also studied linear trends from LD phase 1.0 until Unlock 4.0. The key outcome was culture-positive sepsis. RESULTS: There were 1622, 2744 and 2700 subjects in groups LD, pre-LD and corres-LD, respectively. The incidence of any culture-positive sepsis in pre-LD was higher than LD [odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.61 (1.02-2.56)]. This was mainly due to a statistically significant reduction in Acinetobacter baumannii sepsis, with incidence rate differences of pre-LD versus LD [0.67 (95% CI: 0.37-0.97), P = 0.0001] and corres-LD versus LD [0.40 (95% CI: 0.16-0.64), P = 0.0024]. Groups pre-LD and corres-LD had higher proportion of multi-drug resistant (MDR)/extreme drug resistance/pan drug resistance sepsis than LD [77%, 77% and 44%, respectively (P values of both groups vs. LD = 0.01)]. From LD 1.0 to unlock 4.0, there were fewer episodes of MDR sepsis (Plinear trends = 0.047). On multivariable analysis, group pre-LD (vs. reference group LD), male sex, birth weight and Apgar score independently predicted culture-positive sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: LD favorably impacted the epidemiology of neonatal sepsis in a hospital setting, with less A. baumannii and MDR sepsis, which persisted during unlocking.

Sex-Specific Effects of Nutritional Supplements for Infants Born Early or Small: An Individual Participant Data Meta-Analysis (ESSENCE IPD-MA) II: Growth.

Neonatal nutritional supplements may improve early growth for infants born small, but effects on long-term growth are unclear and may differ by sex. We assessed the effects of early macronutrient supplements on later growth. We searched databases and clinical trials registers from inception to April 2019. Participant-level data from randomised trials were included if the intention was to increase macronutrient intake to improve growth or development of infants born preterm or small-for-gestational-age. Co-primary outcomes were cognitive impairment and metabolic risk. Supplementation did not alter BMI in childhood (kg/m2: adjusted mean difference (aMD) -0.11[95% CI -0.47, 0.25], p = 0.54; 3 trials, n = 333). Supplementation increased length (cm: aMD 0.37[0.01, 0.72], p = 0.04; 18 trials, n = 2008) and bone mineral content (g: aMD 10.22[0.52, 19.92], p = 0.04; 6 trials, n = 313) in infancy, but not at older ages. There were no differences between supplemented and unsupplemented groups for other outcomes. In subgroup analysis, supplementation increased the height z-score in male toddlers (aMD 0.20[0.02, 0.37], p = 0.03; 10 trials, n = 595) but not in females, and no significant sex interaction was observed (p = 0.21). Macronutrient supplementation for infants born small may not alter BMI in childhood. Supplementation increased growth in infancy, but these effects did not persist in later life. The effects did not differ between boys and girls.

Immunoglobulin Profile and Lymphocyte Subsets in Preterm Neonates.

OBJECTIVE: We documented the immunological profile of neonates and mothers, and lymphocyte subsets at birth. METHODS: Consecutively born preterm neonates (26 to 31 weeks gestation) at our level III neonatal unit, fulfilling the inclusion criteria were enrolled. Immunoglobulin levels were assessed in maternal blood and in cord blood along with T cell subsets. RESULTS: A total of 115 neonates were enrolled. The mean cord levels for IgG, IgM and IgA, respectively were 5.34, 0.10 and 0.04 g/L and of B, T, NK and NK-T cells were 14%, 71%, 10% and 1%, respectively of total lymphocyte population. Cord IgG and IgA levels showed a significantly rising trend with increasing gestation (P=0.005 and 0.02, respectively) but not IgM and T cell subsets. Maternal immunoglobulins were similar in all gestations. CONCLUSION: The cord IgG and IgA increased with increasing gestation but not IgM in neonates.

Predictors of Mortality in Neonatal Shock: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVES: To study the incidence, clinical profile, and predictors of mortality in neonatal shock. METHODS: We enrolled consecutive inborn neonates, who developed shock during hospital stay (between January 1, 2018 to December 31, 2019) at a tertiary-care, research center of northern India. We retrieved the clinical data from our electronic database, case record files, nursing charts, and laboratory investigations from the hospital's Health Information System. Non-survivors were compared with survivors to identify independent predictors of mortality. RESULTS: We had 3,271 neonatal admissions during the study period. We recorded 415 episodes of neonatal shock in 392 neonates [incidence 12.0% (95% confidence interval: 10.9%-13.2%)]. Of 415 episodes, 237 (57%) episodes were identified as septic shock, 67 (16%) episodes as cardiogenic shock, and six (1.4%) episodes as obstructive shock. Remaining 105 (25%) episodes were contributed by more than one etiology of shock. There were 242 non-survivors among 392 neonates with shock (case fatality rate: 62%). On univariate analysis, gestational age, birth weight, incidence of hyaline membrane disease, early-onset sepsis, Acinetobacter sepsis, and cardiogenic shock were significantly different between survivors and non-survivors. Female gender and small for gestational age (SGA) neonates showed a trend of significance. On multivariable regression analysis, we found gestational age, SGA neonates, female gender, and Acinetobacter sepsis to have an independent association with mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Septic shock was the commonest cause of neonatal shock at our center. Neonatal shock had very high case fatality rate. Gestational age, SGA, female gender, and Acinetobacter sepsis independently predicted mortality in neonatal shock.

Pregnancy Outcome of Rh D Alloimmunized Pregnancies: A Tertiary Care Institute Experience of a Developing Country.

AIM: To determine the socio-demographic characteristics and pregnancy outcome of Rh D alloimmunized women monitored with MCA PSV (middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total, 363 Rh D alloimmunized women attended antenatal clinic or obstetric emergency between January 2006 and December 2014. MCA PSV was the screening method for detection of fetal anemia. Intrauterine blood transfusion (IUT) was given when MCA PSV was > 1.5 MOM. Totally, 162 women (164 fetuses) received 492 transfusions. Forty-eight women had fetal hydrops at presentation. Five women (three received IUT) were lost to follow-up. Pregnancy outcome of 358 women and socio-demographic characteristics of 363 women were analyzed. RESULTS: The perinatal mortality was 421, 66 and 87 per 1000 live births in hydrops group, non-hydrops IUT group and non-IUT group, respectively. CONCLUSION: Rh alloimmunization is still a major cause of perinatal morbidity and mortality. The higher gravidity, previous history of pregnancy wastage, still births and hydrops increase the requirement of intrauterine transfusion. MCA PSV is an excellent tool for monitoring of Rh alloimmunized pregnancies to detect fetal anemia. Early detection and monitoring by MCA PSV improve its outcome.

Antenatally Detected Multiple Mediastinal Enterogenous Cysts in a Newborn Presenting with Severe Cardio-Respiratory Compromise and Early Life-Saving Management.

Posterior mediastinal enterogenous cyst is a rare entity in neonate. The neonate can present with severe cardio-respiratory compromise in the form of respiratory distress, shock, cardiac failure or arrhythmia soon after birth which may require immediate surgical intervention. Antenatal screening can demonstrate the cystic mass in fetus early and can help in quick postnatal management. Multidisciplinary management with aspiration of the cysts was life-saving in the present case.

Neuroimaging Spectrum of Severe Hypernatremia in Infants with Neurological Manifestations.

BACKGROUND: Variable neurological manifestations and imaging findings have been described in children with severe hypernatremia. We aimed to describe the spectrum of neuroimaging changes in infants with severe hypernatremia. METHODS: This retrospective study included infants with severe hypernatremia (serum sodium >160 mEq/L), abnormal neurological examination, and an abnormal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain over a period of 2 years in a tertiary care hospital. Relevant clinical data, including the feeding practices, clinical features, complications, and biochemical and radiological parameters, were entered in a structured pro forma. MRI findings were classified as vascular (hemorrhages and cerebral sinus venous thrombosis), osmotic demyelination syndrome (pontine and extrapontine myelinolyses), and white matter changes. RESULTS: The common clinical features in the neonates were poor feeding (n = 4) and decreased urine output (n = 4); the older infants presented with gastrointestinal losses (n = 5). All cases had dehydration with encephalopathy. The patterns of radiological injury were vascular (hemorrhages, n = 5 and venous thrombosis, n = 3), osmotic demyelination (n = 8), and white matter changes (n = 7). Coagulopathy was correlated with the vascular complications (r = 0.8, p < 0.0001); the degree of dehydration was correlated with the venous thrombosis (r = 0.7, p < 0.04) and acute kidney injury (r = 0.8, p < 0.001). Neurological sequelae were seen in four cases and correlated with hypernatremia (r = 0.6, p = 0.03) and hyperosmolarity (r = 0.6, p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Characteristic neuroimaging findings are vascular changes in the form of venous thrombosis and hemorrhages, osmotic demyelination and white matter tract injury, and/or mostly combinations of these findings. Severe hypernatremia and resulting hyperosmolarity frequently cause neurological sequelae in neonates and infants.

Prevalence & spectrum of congenital anomalies at a tertiary care centre in north India over 20 years (1998-2017).

Background & objectives: Congenital anomalies lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Systematically published data on the prevalence and spectrum of congenital anomalies from India are scarce. This study was aimed to ascertain the prevalence, spectrum, trend, and outcome of congenital anomalies at a tertiary care centre in north India over two decades. Methods: Electronic records of all live births from January 1998 to December 2017 were retrieved, and the neonates with congenital anomaly were included in this retrospective analysis. International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, tenth revision (ICD-10) was used for uniformity and international comparison. The further sub-categorization was done as per the WHO birth defects surveillance manual. The prevalence of individual as well as overall congenital anomalies was calculated. Run charts were used to analyze the trends. Results: In the two decades studied (1998-2017), there were 86850 live births, of which 1578 [1.82%, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.73-1.91%] neonates had a major congenital anomaly. The overall prevalence of anomalies was 182 (95% CI: 173-191) per 10,000 live births. Malformation of the circulatory system was the most common (28.0%) followed by musculoskeletal (18.6%) and urinary system (14.3%). Congenital anomaly-related death rate was 6.78 per 1000 live births. No significant trend was observed in the annual prevalence, individual malformations or contribution of congenital anomalies to overall mortality over the two decades. Interpretation & conclusions: Our results showed a high prevalence of congenital anomalies which could be responsible for significant mortality, warranting the need for a national surveillance programme and birth defect services. It is important to have a national database to know the overall burden and spectrum of congenital anomalies in the country.