Maternal intrapartum antibiotic treatment continues to exert a bactericidal effect on the umbilical cord and peripheral venous blood of newborn infants.

AIM: It is unclear whether maternal intrapartum antibiotic treatment (IAT) continues to exert a bactericidal effect on common pathogens in neonates. We studied the in vitro bactericidal effect of IAT on the cord and peripheral venous blood of newborn infants. METHODS: Umbilical cord and peripheral venous blood from newborn infants born at Kaplan Medical Center, Israel, from April to October 2014 were studied for serum bactericidal titres against Group B Streptococcus (GBS) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) strains. We studied 60 samples of umbilical cord blood and 18 samples of peripheral venous blood from 60 newborn infants whose mothers received IAT. The controls were 10 samples of cord blood from mothers without IAT. RESULTS: Cord blood exerted a bactericidal effect against 98% of GBS isolates but only 8% of E.coli isolates. Peripheral blood exerted a bactericidal effect against GBS in 94% of cases, but not against E. coli. No bactericidal effect was seen in the blood from the controls. CONCLUSION: We found a continued bactericidal effect of umbilical cord blood and neonatal peripheral blood from newborn infants of IAT-treated mothers, mainly against GBS, but rarely against E. Coli. These findings may assist clinicians treating at-risk infants exposed to IAT.

Long-term refractive status of preterm infants from singleton and multiple pregnancies.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of plurality on refractive status in former preterm infants at age 8-12 years. METHODS: Refraction was compared in singletons and multiples, in very low birth weight infants (VLBW, <1500 g) at age 6 months and 8-12 years. Preterm infants were compared with a group of term infants. RESULTS: Thirty-seven of 104 (36%) VLBW infants were multiples. Comparison of refraction between singletons and multiples revealed no difference at age 6 months, while at age 8-12 years, multiples had significantly more refractive errors (singletons 28% versus multiples 54% p = 0.01), particularly myopia. In preterms, refractive status at age 6 months and multiple birth were significant predictors of refraction at 8-12 years, while birth weight (BW) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) were not predictive. Refractive errors were significantly more common in preterms (37%) than in term-born children (14%) (p = 0.0002). Overall, refraction moved from predominantly hyperopic at 6 months to normal or myopic at age 8-12 years in preterm. CONCLUSIONS: Multiple gestation in preterms is associated with increased risk for refractive errors, particularly myopia in childhood. Refraction in preterms during childhood progresses from hyperopia to myopia. Former preterms have more refractive errors than children born at term-born children.

Correlation between fetal heart rate reactivity and mortality and severe neurological morbidity in extremely low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the correlation between specific fetal heart rate (FHR) abnormalities and the incidence of death, severe (grade 3-4) intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and periventricular echogenicity (PVE) in extremely low birth weight infants (ELBW) within the first 4 days after birth. METHODS: The study included live-born ELBW infants ≤ 30 weeks' gestation who were born in 2000-2007 at Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel, and, who had FHR monitoring during the 24 h before delivery and cranial ultrasound during the first 4 days of life. FHR pattern was analyzed for the presence of baseline rate, reactivity, variability and decelerations. RESULTS: 96 infants with mean birth weight 757 ± 150 g and mean gestational age 25.8 ± 1.5 weeks were included. By 4 days of life, 23/96 (24%) died, 17/96 (18%) developed severe IVH and 31/96 (32%) had PVE. Absence of reactivity was significantly associated with increase in both death (p = 0.02, OR 3.45, 95% CI: 1.22-9.47 and severe IVH (p = 0.029, OR 3.33, 95% CI: 1.25-10) but not with PVE. Other FHR parameters were not associated with adverse outcome. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that FHR reactivity may be of value in predicting short-term outcome in ELBW infants. This may be helpful in counseling parents with imminent extremely preterm birth.

Case of chest-wall rigidity in a preterm infant caused by prenatal fentanyl administration.

The inability to appropriately ventilate neonates shortly after their birth could be related in rare cases to chest-wall rigidity caused by the placental transfer of fentanyl. Although this adverse effect is recognized when fentanyl is administered to neonates after their birth, the prenatal phenomenon is less known. Treatment with either naloxone or muscle relaxants reverses the fentanyl effect and may prevent unnecessary excessive ventilatory settings.

Outcomes of multiplets.

Outcomes, both short and long term, differ between singletons and multiplets. Recently, a number of large, well-designed studies have clarified these differences, particularly in light of major changes in perinatal and neonatal care that have influenced changing outcomes. Accordingly, this article will review risks for singletons, twins and higher-order multiples as whole groups and also after correction for gestational age and other potential confounding variables that differ markedly between the groups. In addition, we will focus on the effects of certain factors such as antenatal steroid therapy and gender. Finally, we will detail the specific long-term risks for multiples in terms of growth and neurodevelopmental disabilities.

Impact of perinatal corticosteroids on neuromotor development and outcome: review of the literature and new meta-analysis.

Perinatal corticosteroids are like a double-edged sword. On the one hand, they reduce risk for major morbidity and even mortality; on the other hand, they modify growth and development of body systems, with short- and long-term consequences. The relationship between corticosteroids and neurodevelopmental outcome has been extensively studied in randomized controlled trials, cohort and case-control studies and meta-analyses. In this article we attempt accurately to reflect current clinical equipoise on this issue by reviewing the most recent literature and adding a new meta-analysis on the relationship between postnatal dexamethasone and cerebral palsy and neurodevelopmental impairment.

Current controversies in perinatal steroid therapy.

UNLABELLED: Few therapies in perinatal medicine have created as much controversy as corticosteroids. Despite five decades of extensive research and practice, major areas of uncertainty remain. In this article, we review the most current evidence on both antenatal and postnatal therapy. CONCLUSION: Overall, it is clear that we must continue to investigate the most appropriate doses of the ideal preparation in the most appropriate target populations before we can let the steroid issues rest.

An unusual neonatal presentation of anomalous origin of the left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery.

We describe a previously unreported neonatal presentation of an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery. This is a full-term female infant after normal pregnancy and delivery. The baby was diagnosed at 2 days of age due to weak femoral pulses noted on the routine nursery discharge examination. The cardiac examination revealed weak pulses everywhere and mild tachypnea and tachycardia. An electrocardiogram showed clear signs of ischemia. Echocardiography demonstrated an anomalous origin of the left coronary artery arising from the pulmonary artery with bidirectional blood flow. There was a severely depressed left ventricular function and mild mitral valve regurgitation. At 4 days of age, the infant underwent complete successful surgical repair with reimplantation of the anomalous coronary artery to the aorta. She recovered slowly but well. Fifteen months later she is doing well with no cardiac residua. A neonatal presentation is very unusual due to protective high pulmonary resistance after birth, with gradual decline in pressure and gradual onset of heart failure. This case may be related to an unusually rapid drop in pulmonary vascular resistance causing very early cardiac ischemia.

Less postnatal steroids, more bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a population-based study in very low birthweight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between reduced use of postnatal steroids for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants and oxygen (O(2))-dependency at 28 days of age and at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. DESIGN: Large national database study. SETTING: The Israel National VLBW Neonatal Database. PATIENTS: The sample included infants born between 1997 and 2004, of gestational age 24-32 weeks, who required mechanical ventilation or O(2) therapy. Four time periods were compared: 1997-8 (era 1, peak use), 1999-2000 (era 2, intermediate), 2001-2 (era 3, expected reduction) and 2003-4 (era 4, lowest). The outcome variable "oxygen dependency" was based on clinical criteria. Multivariate regression models were used to account for confounding variables. RESULTS: Steroid use fell significantly from 23.5% in 1997-8 to 11% in 2003-4 (p<0.005). After adjustment for relevant confounding variables, the odds ratio for O(2) therapy at 28 days in era 4 versus era 1 was 1.75, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.47 to 2.09 and 1.41, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.73 at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. The mean duration of O(2) therapy increased from 25.3 days (95% CI 23.3 to 26.3) in era 1, to 28.0 days (95% CI 26.6 to 29.4) in era 4. Survival increased from 78.5% in era 1 to 81.6% in era 4 (p<0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The use of steroids has fallen considerably since the awareness of the adverse effects of this treatment. This change has been temporally associated with increased O(2) dependency at 28 days of age and at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. The prolongation of O(2) therapy was modest in degree.

Breast feeding twins and high multiples.

Breast feeding offers major health advantages for all infants, whether born singleton or from multiple pregnancy. Adequate quantity and quality of milk production has been documented even for high multiples. Combined efforts of parents, close family, friends, and the medical team can help to make either full or partial breast feeding of multiples possible.

The effect of training nursery staff in breastfeeding guidance on the duration of breastfeeding in healthy term infants.

BACKGROUND: Promoting breastfeeding is a central aim of child health care. It is critical to develop approaches that are inexpensive, effective, and suitable across cultural and socioeconomic groups. OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of training perinatal-neonatal nursing and medical staff in breastfeeding guidance on the duration of breastfeeding in a middle-income urban population. METHODS: This was an interventional study with data collection before and after. The intervention was an intensive course on breastfeeding guidance provided to all of the neonatal nurses and midwives in a local general hospital (2001-2002). Data were collected on two cohorts of mothers and infants (before -1999 [n = 471], after -2003 [n = 364]) regarding the duration of breastfeeding and factors influencing its discontinuation. RESULTS: The rate of breastfeeding initiation rose from 84% to 93% (p = 0.0001) and the mean duration of breastfeeding rose from 3.7 +/- 3.7 to 5.6 +/- 4.3 months (p = 0.0001). The rate of breastfeeding in the delivery room rose from 3% to 37% (p = 0.0001). Satisfaction with breastfeeding guidance in the hospital rose from 43% to 79% (p = 0.0001). However, there was no change in the proportion of mothers who planned to breastfeed this infant (88% in both cohorts) and no significant differences in the reasons given by the mothers for stopping breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: Training hospital nursery staff in breastfeeding guidance is a potential, cost-effective intervention even in settings with relatively high rates of breastfeeding.

Indomethacin tocolysis and white matter injury in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to clarify the relationship between indomethacin tocolysis and neonatal white matter injury (WMI) in preterm infants. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of preterm infants born at 24-32 weeks who had sufficient cranial ultrasound examinations (CUS) to determine the incidence and severity of abnormalities. Infants with normal CUS were compared on univariate and multivariate analyses with infants with the different forms of WMI. RESULTS: On multivariate logistic regression analysis, indomethacin tocolysis was significantly correlated with periventricular echogenicity (PVE; OR 2.84 95% CI 1.41-5.7, p = 0.003), but not with periventricular leucomalacia (PVL; OR 1.83 95% CI0.6-5.6, p = 0.29). Indomethacin was not related to increased risk for periventricular-intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular hemorrhagic infarction. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest caution in the use of indomethacin as a tocolytic therapy.

The effect of prenatal consultation with a neonatologist on human milk feeding in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of prenatal consultation (PC) with a neonatologist on the incidence and duration of human milk feeding (HMF) in preterm infants. DESIGN/METHODS: A retrospective matched case-control study was preformed at a perinatal centre. Study infants were preterm infants (23-35 wk) whose mothers had received PC emphasizing the importance of HMF. Control infants were matched by birthweight, gestational age and multiplicity. RESULTS: Each group included 29 mothers and 46 preterm infants. Mean gestational age was 30.1 +/- 3 wk in both groups. Mean birthweight was 1329 +/- 489 (PC) and 1334 +/- 441 g (control). PC infants received HMF for significantly longer, both in the hospital and after discharge (hospital: PC 37 +/- 34 d vs control 15 +/- 19 d, p = 0.001; discharge PC 60 +/- 57 d vs control 21 +/- 32 d; p = 0.0001). No significant difference in neonatal morbidity was detected between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: PC is associated with significantly longer HMF in preterm infants, both in hospital and after discharge.

Necrosis of the epididymis in a premature infant with patent ductus arteriosus and diastolic aortic steal: ischemia or torsion?

UNLABELLED: We describe a case of isolated ischemic necrosis of the epididymis in a premature newborn with aortic steal syndrome, secondary to a large patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). Neither this finding nor the possible underlying pathogenesis has been previously described. CONCLUSION: In this report our knowledge of the potential complications of PDA in the premature neonate is extended.

Early enteral feeding and nosocomial sepsis in very low birthweight infants.

BACKGROUND: The interrelations between early enteral feeding, necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), and nosocomial sepsis (NS) remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of age at the introduction of enteral feeding on the incidence of NS and NEC in very low birthweight (VLBW< 1500 g) infants. METHODS: Data were collected on the pattern of enteral feeding and perinatal and neonatal morbidity on all VLBW infants born in one centre during 1995-2001. Enteral feeding was compared between infants with and without NS and/or NEC. RESULTS: The study sample included 385 infants. Of these, 163 (42%) developed NS and 35 (9%) developed NEC. Enteral feeding was started at a significantly earlier mean (SD) age in infants who did not develop nosocomial sepsis (2.8 (2.6) v 4.8 (3.7) days, p = 0.0001). Enteral feeding was introduced at the same age in babies who did or did not develop NEC (3.1 (2) v 3.7 (3) days, p = 0.28). Over the study period, the mean annual age at the start of enteral feeding fell consistently, and this correlated with the mean annual incidence of NS (r(2) = 0.891, p = 0.007). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed age at start of enteral feeding, respiratory distress syndrome, and birth weight to be the most significant predictors of risk of NS (p = 0.0005, p = 0.024, p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Early enteral feeding was associated with a reduced risk of NS but no change in the risk of NEC in VLBW infants. These findings support the use of early enteral feeding in this high risk population, but this needs to be confirmed in a large randomised controlled trial.

Effect of birth order on neonatal morbidity and mortality among very low birthweight twins: a population based study.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of birth order on the risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), chronic lung disease (CLD), adverse neurological findings, and death in very low birthweight (VLBW; < 1500 g) twins. METHODS: A population based study of VLBW infants from the Israel National VLBW Infant Database. The sample included all complete sets of VLBW twin pairs admitted to all 28 neonatal intensive care units between 1995 and 1999. Outcome variables were compared by birth order and stratified by mode of delivery and gestational age, using General Estimating Equation models, with results expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Second twins were at increased risk for RDS (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.76), CLD (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.66), and death (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.51) but not for adverse neurological findings (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.91 to 1.60). Mode of delivery did not significantly influence outcome. The odds ratio for RDS in the second twin was inversely related to gestational age, and the increased risk for RDS and CLD was found in both vaginal and caesarean deliveries. CONCLUSIONS: VLBW second twins are at increased risk for acute and chronic lung disease and neonatal mortality, irrespective of mode of delivery.

Reduction in multiresistant nosocomial infections in neonates following substitution of ceftazidime with piperacillin/tazobactam in empiric antibiotic therapy.

AIM: To evaluate the effect of a change in antibiotic protocol on pathogens that cause neonatal sepsis. METHODS: Suspected sepsis was treated with amikacin together with ceftazidime in 1995-1998 and piperacillin/tazobactam in 1999-2002. RESULTS: The annual rate for Klebsiella sepsis fell from 2.5 to 0.45 cases per 1000 admission days (p = 0.0001) between the two periods studied. CONCLUSION: The change from ceftazidime to piperacillin/tazobactam is associated with a decrease in the incidence of Klebsiella sepsis.

Neonatologists are using much less dexamethasone.

Two historical cohorts (1993-1994 and 2001) of preterm infants ventilated for respiratory distress syndrome were compared. Dexamethasone administration fell from 22% to 6%. Chronic lung disease in survivors rose slightly from 13% to 17%, and mortality fell from 21% to 15% (other causes). The effect of restriction of dexamethasone use on chronic lung disease and mortality remains to be seen.

Measured length of normal term infants changes over the first two days of life.

Measured neonatal length may be influenced by reluctance of the measurer to extend the infant's limbs against the normal flexor posture. As the degree of flexion decreases over the first few days of life, measured length may increase. We conducted a study of the effect of postnatal age on measured length and on inter-observer correlation. The study sample consisted of 101 healthy term newborns. Correlation between measurements made before age 2 hours by the study nurse and by regular nurses was excellent with a mean difference of 0.61 +/- 0.49 cm (r2 = 0.923). The mean measured length increased by 0.2 cm between admission and age 1 day (p = 0.057) and by a further 0.17 cm by age 2 days (p = 0.001). This study demonstrates that measured length appears to change over the first 2 days of life.