[Neonatal hypoglycemia: glucose gel efficacy in the treatment of early hypoglycemia in newborns with risk factors. Randomized clinical trial]. / Hipoglucemia neonatal: eficacia de la glucosa gel en el tratamiento de la hipoglucemia precoz en recién nacidos con factores de riesgo. Ensayo clínico aleatorizado.

Hypoglycemia is the most frequent metabolic disorder in newborns; the administration of 40% glu cose gel in the oral mucosa could be as effective in its correction as the administration of formula milk, not interfering with breastfeeding. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of 40% glucose gel com pared with formula milk in the treatment of early asymptomatic hypoglycemia in newborns with risk factors. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Randomized clinical trial, non-inferiority, conducted in a private hos pital. Newborns attended in rooming-in with the following risk factors were included: late preterm, large and small for gestational age at term, and children of diabetic mothers. In the presence of hy poglycemia, one group received 40% glucose gel (A) in the oral mucosa and another group received formula milk (B). Therapeutic failure was considered as persistence or repetition of hypoglycemia in the first 48h of life. RESULTS: 866 NBs with risk factors were registered over 36 month; 278 (32.1 %) presented hypoglycemia; 105 NBs in group A and 115 in group B completed the study. 75 (71 %) NBs in group A and 104 (90,4 %) in group B achieved hypoglycemia correction. After analyzing the trends obtained, it was decided to discontinue the study. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of 40% glucose gel was not equivalent to the administration of formula milk in the treatment of early asymptomatic hypoglycemia in newborns with risk factors.

Resultados del Programa Nacional de Prevención de la Ceguera en la Infancia por Retinopatía del Prematuro en Argentina (2004-2016) / Results of the National Program for the Prevention of Blindness in Childhood by Retinopathy of Prematurity in Argentina (2004-2016)

Introducción. El Grupo ROP Argentina,a cargo del "Programa Nacional para la Prevención de la Ceguera en la Infancia por Retinopatía del Prematuro" (ROP), se creó en 2003. Objetivos. Describir la implementación y resultados alcanzados por el programa en la efectividad, acceso y calidad en la atención de la ROP (2004-2016). Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de una cohorte dinámica, en instituciones adheridas al registro. Población elegible: la totalidad de recién nacidos prematuros con factores de riesgo para desarrollar ROP. Resultados. Los servicios incorporados aumentaron de 14 a 98; cubrieron 24 provincias. Los niños < 1500 g registrados en 2004fueron 956, y 2739 en 2016. El 22,7 % de estos presentó algún grado de ROP y el 7,8 % requirió tratamiento (ROP grave). La pesquisa superó el 90 % y aumentaron los tratamientos en el lugar de origen (57 %-92 %). La incidencia de casos inusuales sigue siendo elevada (17,3 % de los tratados) y aún se registran oportunidades perdidas. El uso de drogas antiangiogénicas se triplicó desde su inicio en 2011. Conclusiones. Se observan logros significativos en términos de representatividad, alcance y adherencia al programa, también en el acceso a la pesquisa y tratamiento en el lugar de origen; sin embargo, la incidencia de ROP es aún elevada. La subraya la necesidad de fortalecer aún más las acciones del programa en cuanto a servicios.

Introduction. The ROP Argentina Group was created in 2003 and is responsible for the National Program for the Prevention of Blindness in Childhood by Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Argentina. Objectives. To describe the program implementation and results achieved in relation to ROP care in terms of effectiveness, access, and quality (2004-2016). Population and methods. Descriptive, retrospective study with a dynamic cohort carried out in facilities that are part of the registry. Eligible population: All preterm newborn infants with risk factors for ROP. Results. Participating health care services increased from 14 to 98 and covered the 23 provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. A total of 956 infants were born with < 1500 g in 2004 and 2739, in 2016. Of these, 22.7 % had some degree of ROP and 7.8 % required treatment (severe ROP). Vision screening exceeded 90 %, and treatments at the place of origin increased (57 %-92 %). The incidence of unusual cases is still high (17.3 % of treated cases), and missed opportunities are still recorded. The use of anti-angiogenic drugs trebled since 2011, when they started to be used. Conclusions. Significant achievements were observed in terms of program representativeness, scope, and adherence, and also in relation to screening access and treatment at the place of origin; however, the incidence of ROP is still high. The persistence of unusual cases and missed opportunities evidences deficiencies in the quality of health care and outpatient followup and underlines the need to strengthen the program actions in relation to services.

Results of the National Program for the Prevention of Blindness in Childhood by Retinopathy of Prematurity in Argentina (2004-2016). / Resultados del Programa Nacional de Prevención de la Ceguera en la Infancia por Retinopatía del Prematuro en Argentina (2004-2016).

INTRODUCTION: The ROP Argentina Group was created in 2003 and is responsible for the National Program for the Prevention of Blindness in Childhood by Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Argentina. OBJETIVES: To describe the program implementation and results achieved in relation to ROP care in terms of effectiveness, access, and quality (2004-2016). POPULATION AND METHODS: Descriptive, retrospective study with a dynamic cohort carried out in facilities that are part of the registry. Eligible population: All preterm newborn infants with risk factors for ROP. RESULTS: Participating health care services increased from 14 to 98 and covered the 23 provinces and the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. A total of 956 infants were born with < 1500 g in 2004 and 2739, in 2016. Of these, 22.7 % had some degree of ROP and 7.8 % required treatment (severe ROP). Vision screening exceeded 90 %, and treatments at the place of origin increased (57 %-92 %). The incidence of unusual cases is still high (17.3 % of treated cases), and missed opportunities are still recorded. The use of anti-angiogenic drugs trebled since 2011, when they started to be used. CONCLUSIONS: Significant achievements were observed in terms of program representativeness, scope, and adherence, and also in relation to screening access and treatment at the place of origin; however, the incidence of ROP is still high. The persistence of unusual cases and missed opportunities evidences deficiencies in the quality of health care and outpatient followup and underlines the need to strengthen the program actions in relation to services.

Introducción. El Grupo ROP Argentina,a cargo del "Programa Nacional para la Prevención de la Ceguera en la Infancia por Retinopatía del Prematuro" (ROP), se creó en 2003. Objetivos. Describir la implementación y resultados alcanzados por el programa en la efectividad, acceso y calidad en la atención de la ROP (2004-2016). Población y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de una cohorte dinámica, en instituciones adheridas al registro. Población elegible: la totalidad de recién nacidos prematuros con factores de riesgo para desarrollar ROP. Resultados. Los servicios incorporados aumentaron de 14 a 98; cubrieron 24 provincias. Los niños < 1500 g registrados en 2004fueron 956, y 2739 en 2016. El 22,7 % de estos presentó algún grado de ROP y el 7,8 % requirió tratamiento (ROP grave). La pesquisa superó el 90 % y aumentaron los tratamientos en el lugar de origen (57 %-92 %). La incidencia de casos inusuales sigue siendo elevada (17,3 % de los tratados) y aún se registran oportunidades perdidas. El uso de drogas antiangiogénicas se triplicó desde su inicio en 2011. Conclusiones. Se observan logros significativos en términos de representatividad, alcance y adherencia al programa, también en el acceso a la pesquisa y tratamiento en el lugar de origen; sin embargo, la incidencia de ROP es aún elevada. La subraya la necesidad de fortalecer aún más las acciones del programa en cuanto a servicios.

Reducing Blindness from Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) in Argentina Through Collaboration, Advocacy and Policy Implementation.

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a largely avoidable cause of blindness in children worldwide, requiring high-quality neonatal care, early detection and treatment. In middle-income countries throughout Latin America, Eastern Europe and South Asia, there has been a rise in ROP blindness due to a combination of increased survival of preterm infants, resource-scarce medical environments and lack of policies, training and human resources. However, Argentina is an example of country where rates of ROP blindness have declined and ROP programmes have been successfully and effectively embedded within the health and legal system. The purpose of this study is to describe the activities and stakeholders, including Ministry of Health (MoH) and UNICEF, involved in the process, from recognition of an epidemic of ROP blindness to the development of national guidelines, policies and legislation for control. Using a retrospective mixed methods case study design, data on rates of severe ROP was collected from 13 neonatal intensive care units from 1999 to 2012, and on the proportion of children blind from ROP in nine blind schools in seven provinces. Legislative document review, focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted with neonatologists, ophthalmologists, neonatal nurses, parents, MoH officials, clinical societies, legislators and UNICEF officials in seven provinces. Results are presented combining the stages heuristic policy framework and Shiffman including: agenda setting, policy formulation, implementation and evaluation. By 2012, ROP had declined as a cause of blindness in children in schools for the blind as had rates of severe ROP needing treatment in the NICUs visited. Multiple factors played a role in reducing blindness from ROP in Argentina and successfully coordinating its control including national advocacy, leadership, legislation and international collaboration. Lessons learned in Argentina can potentially be scaled to other LMICs in Latin America and beyond with further context-specific research.

Impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC)'s Multidimensional Approach on Rates of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection in 14 Intensive Care Units in 11 Hospitals of 5 Cities in Argentina.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) Multidimensional Approach (IMA) and the INICC Surveillance Online System (ISOS) on central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates in 14 intensive care units (ICUs) in Argentina from January 2014 to April 2017. DESIGN This prospective, pre-post surveillance study of 3,940 ICU patients was conducted in 11 hospitals in 5 cities in Argentina. During our baseline evaluation, we performed outcome and process surveillance of CLABSI applying Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Health Safety Network (CDC/NHSN) definitions. During the intervention, we implemented the IMA through ISOS: (1) a bundle of infection prevention practice interventions, (2) education, (3) outcome surveillance, (4) process surveillance, (5) feedback on CLABSI rates and consequences, and (6) performance feedback of process surveillance. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed using a logistic regression model to estimate the effect of the intervention on the CLABSI rate. RESULTS During the baseline period, 5,118 CL days and 49 CLABSIs were recorded, for a rate of 9.6 CLABSIs per 1,000 central-line (CL) days. During the intervention, 15,659 CL days and 68 CLABSIs were recorded, for a rate of 4.1 CLABSIs per 1,000 CL days. The CLABSI rate was reduced by 57% (incidence density rate: 0.43; 95% confidence interval, 0.34-0.6; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS Implementing IMA through ISOS was associated with a significant reduction in the CLABSI rate in ICUs in Argentina. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:445-451.

Utilización de la pulsera de identificación en el recién nacido: ¿Un método seguro? / Use of the identification bracelet in the newborn: A safe method?

Introducción: La colocación de pulseras es la conducta más utilizada en la identificación del recién nacido en Argentina. Objetivos: Evaluar su permanencia durante la estadía institucional según el lugar de colocación. Población. Todos los recién nacidos de término que permanecieron con su madre. Diseño observacional, prospectivo, tipo cohorte, aleatorizado: antebrazo, pierna. Resultados: Casos observados: 914; antebrazo: 457; pierna: 438. Al momento del alta, un 67% del grupo de antebrazo y un 72% del de pierna conservaban la pulsera en el mismo lugar. Conclusiones: La tercera parte de los recién nacidos no tenía la pulsera en el mismo lugar en que se había colocado al nacer. La permanencia fue mayor en la pierna.

Background: The placement of newborn bracelets is the most widely used method for patient identification in Argentina. Objectives: To evaluate the permanence of the identification bracelets during the hospitalization. Population: All the term newborns who remained with their mother. Design: observational, prospective study, cohort type, randomized: forearm, leg. Results: Cases observed: 914. Forearm: 457, leg: 438. At the time of discharge, the frequency of permanence of the identification bracelets as originally placed was 67% in the forearm and 72% in the leg. Conclusions: A third of newborns lacked the bracelet as originally placed at the time of discharge. The permanence was higher in the leg.

[Use of the identification bracelet in the newborn. A safe method?] / Utilización de la pulsera de identificación en el recién nacido. ¿Un método seguro?

BACKGROUND: The placement of newborn bracelets is the most widely used method for patient identification in Argentina. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the permanence of the identification bracelets during the hospitalization. POPULATION: All the term newborns who remained with their mother. Design: observational, prospective study, cohort type, randomized: forearm, leg. RESULTS: Cases observed: 914. Forearm: 457, leg: 438. At the time of discharge, the frequency of permanence of the identification bracelets as originally placed was 67% in the forearm and 72% in the leg. CONCLUSIONS: A third of newborns lacked the bracelet as originally placed at the time of discharge. The permanence was higher in the leg.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La colocación de pulseras es la conducta más utilizada en la identificación del recién nacido en Argentina. OBJETIVOS: Evaluar su permanencia durante la estadía institucional según el lugar de colocación. POBLACIÓN: Todos los recién nacidos de término que permanecieron con su madre. Diseño observacional, prospectivo, tipo cohorte, aleatorizado: antebrazo, pierna. RESULTADOS: Casos observados: 914; antebrazo: 457; pierna: 438. Al momento del alta, un 67% del grupo de antebrazo y un 72% del de pierna conservaban la pulsera en el mismo lugar. CONCLUSIONES: La tercera parte de los recién nacidos no tenía la pulsera en el mismo lugar en que se había colocado al nacer. La permanencia fue mayor en la pierna.

Impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium's multidimensional approach on rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia in 14 intensive care units in 11 hospitals of 5 cities within Argentina.

BACKGROUND: To analyze the impact of the International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium (INICC) multidimensional approach (IMA) on ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) rates in 11 hospitals within 5 cities of Argentina from January 2014-April 2017. METHODS: A multicenter, prospective, before-after surveillance study was conducted through the use of International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium Surveillance Online System. During baseline, we performed outcome surveillance of VAP applying the definitions of the Centers for Disease Control andPrevention's National Healthcare Safety Network. During intervention, we implemented the IMA, which included a bundle of infection prevention practice interventions, education, outcome surveillance, process surveillance, feedback on VAP rates and consequences, and performance feedback of process surveillance. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed using a logistic regression model to estimate the effect of the intervention. RESULTS: We recorded 3,940 patients admitted to 14 intensive care units. At baseline, there were 19.9 VAPs per 1,000 mechanical ventilator (MV)-days-with 2,920 MV-days and 58 VAPs, which was reduced during intervention to 9.4 VAPs per 1,000 MV-days-with 9,261 MV-days and 103 VAPs. This accounted for a 52% rate reduction (incidence density rate, 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.3-0.7; P .001). CONCLUSIONS: Implementing the IMA was associated with significant reductions in VAP rates in intensive care units within Argentina.

Higiene del cordón umbilical con alcohol comparado con secado natural y baño antes de su caída, en recién nacidos de término: ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado / Alcohol versus bath and natural drying for term newborns' umbilical cord care: a prospective randomized clinical trial

El cuidado e higiene del cordón umbilical (CU) es motivo de preocupación para los padres. Objetivos. Principal: comparar la efectividad del secado natural del CU, con la práctica habitual (alcohol), en la reducción del tiempo de caída del CU y la incidencia de infecciones en el recién nacido (RN). Secundarios: comparar la colonización bacteriana intrahospitalaria del CU, y el grado de satisfacción de los padres en ambos grupos. Población. RN de término asistidos en el Servicio de Neonatología del Hospital Privado del Sur, cuyos padres consintieron participar. Material y métodos. Estudio clínico prospectivo, controlado, abierto, aleatorizado, en dos grupos: Grupo Estudio (secado natural y baño diario con jabón neutro) y Grupo Control (alcohol 70%). Variables principales: tiempo de caída del CU; presencia de infecciones en piel o conjuntivas en el primer mes de vida; colonización del cordón y satisfacción parental. Análisis por intención de tratamiento. Resultados. Se analizaron 362 RN, 181 en cada grupo. La higiene con baño se asoció con una mayor frecuencia de colonización intrahospitalaria del CU (OR 1,92 [1,22 - 3,12], p <0,01) y caída del cordón más temprana (mediana [rango intercuartílico]= 6,00 [3] vs. 7,00 [4] días en el grupo control; p <0,001). No se observó un mayor riesgo de infecciones. El grado de satisfacción parental fue similar y elevado en ambos grupos. Conclusiones. El secado natural y baño redujo el tiempo de caída del CU; aun cuando la frecuencia de colonización fue mayor en el grupo estudio, no se encontró un riesgo mayor de infecciones en el primer mes.

Background. Umbilical cord (UC) care is a cause of concern for parents from birth until its separation. Standard practice in Argentina includes frequent cleansing of the UC with alcohol and body bath only two days after its separation. The effect of different methods of UC care on its separation time and on colonization with microorganisms has been insufficiently explored. Objectives. Main: To compare the effect on time of UC separation when using body bath with neutral soap followed by natural drying of the UC vs. standard care. Secondary: a) colonization rates during hospitalization; b) incidence of skin infection and conjunctivitis and c) parental comfort with both types of care. Population. Normal term newborns (>37 weeks), born at the HPS, and whose parents provided informed consent. Methods. Open prospective controlled clinical trial, with random allocation to two groups: study group -natural drying of the UC and body bath with neutral soap-and control group -UC hygiene with alcohol 70% at each diaper change until its separation and bath two days later-. UC separation time; UC colonization during hospital stay and skin and conjunctive infections in the first 30 days of life were monitored. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Results. 362 newborns were included, 181 in each group. The groups were well balanced in baseline characteristics. Being in the study group was associated with a shorter time to UC separation (median [interquartile range]= 6.00 [3] vs. 7.00 [4] days; p <0.001) and an increased frequency in nosocomial UC colonization (adjusted OR= 1.92 [1.22- 3.12], p= 0.007). No difference in the rate of infections was observed between both groups. Parental comfort was high and similar in both groups. Conclusions. Compared to standard practice in Argentina, body bath with neutral soap and natural drying of the UC reduced the time to cord separation. This practice increased the colonization rate, but the risk of skin and conjunctive infections was apparently not modified by it. However, the study has insufficient power for secondary outcomes. Health care providers should continue to develop evidence to support or eliminate historical practices.

Pesquisa audiológica y molecular para pérdida auditiva por mutación 35delG en el gen de la conexina 26 e infección congénita por citomegalovirus / Audiologic and molecular screening for hearing loss by 35delG mutation in connexin 26 gene and congenital cytomegalovirus infection

Las pérdidas auditivas pueden ser atribuidas a factores genéticos o ambientales. Las mutaciones en el gen de la proteína Cx26 (conexina 26) son responsables de un 30-80% de los casos de pérdida auditiva profunda no sindrómica. La variante 35delG es la prevalente en la población caucásica. Entre los factores ambientales, el citomegalovirus (CMV) es la principal causa de infección congénita. Objetivos. Determinar la prevalencia de infección congénita por CMV y la frecuencia de la mutación 35delG en recién nacidos. Identifcar aquellos con riesgo de pérdida de audición con el fn de realizar un seguimiento audiológico para detectar precozmente las hipoacusias. Material y métodos. Se analizaron 1020 muestras de sangre seca, en papel, de recién nacidos, por PCR convencional y en tiempo real. Se efectuaron las otoemisiones acústicas antes del alta hospitalaria a todos los niños. El seguimiento audiológico se realizó tanto a los portadores de 35delG como a los que tuvieron infección congénita por CMV. Resultados. De los pacientes estudiados, 15 fueron heterocigotas para la mutación 35delG. No se detectaron homocigotas. Seis de las muestras fueron positivas para CMV (resultados confirmados en orina); de ellos, solo un neonato fue sintomático. A todos estos niños se les realizaron las evaluaciones audiológicas; presentaron hipoacusia tres niños con infección congénita por CMV y dos portadores de la mutación 35delG. Conclusión. Se detectó un 1,3% de portadores de la mutación 35delG y una frecuencia de infección congénita por CMV del 0,6%. El seguimiento audiológico de estas dos poblaciones permitió la detección de hipoacusias tardías.

Introduction. Hearing loss may be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. Mutations in the gene of the CX26 protein (connexin 26), are responsible for 30-80% of all cases of non-syndromic profound hearing loss. The 35delG is the most frequent variant in the caucasian population. As to environmental factors, the cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the main cause of congenital infection. Objetives. To determine the prevalence of congenital CMV infection and the frequency of the 35delG mutation in newborns. To identify those at risk of suffering hearing loss in order to do an audiologic follow-up of detected cases. Materials y methods. One thousand and twenty samples of dry blood spots corresponding to newborns were tested using conventional and real time PCR. Audiologic screening was performed to all newborns before hospital discharge. Results. Fifteen out of 1020 subjects were heterozygous for the mutation. No homozygous patients were found. Six out of the samples tested positive for CMV (confrmed by a urine sample), out of which only one newborn was symptomatic. The auditory brainstem response was recorded in all these children. Hearing loss was found in three children with congenital CMV infection and two with 35delG mutation. Conclusion. The frecuency of 35delG mutation carriers in our population was 1.3% and the CMV congenital infection prevalence was 0.6%. Audiologic monitoring of these two populations allowed detection of hearing loss of late onset.

[Alcohol versus bath and natural drying for term newborns' umbilical cord care: a prospective randomized clinical trial]. / Higiene del cordón umbilical con alcohol comparado con secado natural y baño antes de su caída, en recién nacidos de término: ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado.

BACKGROUND: Umbilical cord (UC) care is a cause of concern for parents right from birth until its separation. Standard practice in Argentina includes frequent cleansing of the UC with alcohol and body bath only two days after its separation. The effect of different methods of UC care on its separation time and on colonization with microorganisms has been insufficiently explored. OBJECTIVES: Main: To compare the effect on time of UC separation when using body bath with neutral soap followed by natural drying of the UC vs. standard care. Secondary: a) colonization rates during hospitalization; b) incidence of skin infection and conjunctivitis and c) parental comfort with both types of care. POPULATION: Normal term newborns (≥37 weeks), born at the HPS, and whose parents provided informed consent. METHODS: Open prospective controlled clinical trial, with random allocation to two groups: study group -natural drying of the UC and body bath with neutral soap- and control group -UC hygiene with alcohol 70% at each diaper change until its separation and bath two days later-. UC separation time; UC colonization during hospital stay and skin and conjunctive infections in the first 30 days of life were monitored. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: 362 newborns were included, 181 in each group. The groups were well balanced in baseline characteristics. Being in the study group was associated with a shorter time to UC separation (median [interquartile range]= 6.00 [3] vs. 7.00 [4] days; p <0.001) and an increased frequency in nosocomial UC colonization (adjusted OR= 1.92 [1.22- 3.12], p= 0.007). No difference in the rate of infections was observed between both groups. Parental comfort was high and similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to standard practice in Argentina, body bath with neutral soap and natural drying of the UC reduced the time to cord separation. This practice increased the colonization rate, but the risk of skin and conjunctive infections was apparently not modified by it. However, the study has insufficient power for secondary outcomes. Health care providers should continue to develop evidence to support or eliminate historical practices.

Higiene del cordón umbilical con alcohol comparado con secado natural y baño antes de su caída, en recién nacidos de término: ensayo clínico controlado aleatorizado / Alcohol versus bath and natural drying for term newborns' umbilical cord care: a prospective randomized clinical trial

El cuidado e higiene del cordón umbilical (CU) es motivo de preocupación para los padres. Objetivos. Principal: comparar la efectividad del secado natural del CU, con la práctica habitual (alcohol), en la reducción del tiempo de caída del CU y la incidencia de infecciones en el recién nacido (RN). Secundarios: comparar la colonización bacteriana intrahospitalaria del CU, y el grado de satisfacción de los padres en ambos grupos. Población. RN de término asistidos en el Servicio de Neonatología del Hospital Privado del Sur, cuyos padres consintieron participar. Material y métodos. Estudio clínico prospectivo, controlado, abierto, aleatorizado, en dos grupos: Grupo Estudio (secado natural y baño diario con jabón neutro) y Grupo Control (alcohol 70%). Variables principales: tiempo de caída del CU; presencia de infecciones en piel o conjuntivas en el primer mes de vida; colonización del cordón y satisfacción parental. Análisis por intención de tratamiento. Resultados. Se analizaron 362 RN, 181 en cada grupo. La higiene con baño se asoció con una mayor frecuencia de colonización intrahospitalaria del CU (OR 1,92 [1,22 - 3,12], p <0,01) y caída del cordón más temprana (mediana [rango intercuartílico]= 6,00 [3] vs. 7,00 [4] días en el grupo control; p <0,001). No se observó un mayor riesgo de infecciones. El grado de satisfacción parental fue similar y elevado en ambos grupos. Conclusiones. El secado natural y baño redujo el tiempo de caída del CU; aun cuando la frecuencia de colonización fue mayor en el grupo estudio, no se encontró un riesgo mayor de infecciones en el primer mes.

Background. Umbilical cord (UC) care is a cause of concern for parents right from birth until its separation. Standard practice in Argentina includes frequent cleansing of the UC with alcohol and body bath only two days after its separation. The effect of different methods of UC care on its separation time and on colonization with microorganisms has been insuffciently explored. Objectives. Main: To compare the effect on time of UC separation when using body bath with neutral soap followed by natural drying of the UC vs. standard care. Secondary: a) colonization rates duri ng hospitalization; b) incidence of skin infection and conjunctivitis and c) parental comfort with both types of care. Population. Normal term newborns (≥37 weeks), born at the HPS, and whose parents provided informed consent. Methods. Open prospective controlled clinical trial, with random allocation to two groups: study group -natural drying of the UC and body bath with neutral soap- and control group -UC hygiene with alcohol 70% at each diaper change until its separation and bath two days later-. UC separation time; UC colonization during hospital stay and skin and conjunctive infections in the frst 30 days of life were monitored. Analysis was by intention-to-treat. Results. 362 newborns were included, 181 in each group. The groups were well balanced in baseline characteristics. Being in the study group was associated with a shorter time to UC separation (median [interquartile range]= 6.00 [3] vs. 7.00 [4] days; p <0.001) and an increased frequency in nosocomial UC colonization (adjusted OR= 1.92 [1.22- 3.12], p= 0.007). No difference in the rate of infections was observed between both groups. Parental comfort was high and similar in both groups. Conclusions. Compared to standard practice in Argentina, body bath with neutral soap and natural drying of the UC reduced the time to cord separation. This practice increased the colonization rate, but the risk of skin and conjunctive infections was apparently not modifed by it. However, the study has insuffcient power for secondary outcomes. Health care providers should continue to develop evidence to support or eliminate historical practices.

[Audiologic and molecular screening for hearing loss by 35delG mutation in connexin 26 gene and congenital cytomegalovirus infection]. / Pesquisa audiológica y molecular para pérdida auditiva por mutación 35delG en el gen de la conexina 26 e infección congénita por citomegalovirus.

INTRODUCTION: Hearing loss may be attributed to genetic and environmental factors. Mutations in the gene of the CX26 protein (connexin 26), are responsible for 30-80% of all cases of non-syndromic profound hearing loss. The 35delG is the most frequent variant in the caucasian population. As to environmental factors, the cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the main cause of congenital infection. OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of congenital CMV infection and the frequency of the 35delG mutation in newborns. To identify those at risk of suffering hearing loss in order to do an audiologic follow-up of detected cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One thousand and twenty samples of dry blood spots corresponding to newborns were tested using conventional and real time PCR. Audiologic screening was performed to all newborns before hospital discharge. RESULTS: Fifteen out of 1020 subjects were heterozygous for the mutation. No homozygous patients were found. Six out of the samples tested positive for CMV (confirmed by a urine sample), out of which only one newborn was symptomatic. The auditory brainstem response was recorded in all these children. Hearing loss was found in three children with congenital CMV infection and two with 35delG mutation. CONCLUSION: The frecuency of 35delG mutation carriers in our population was 1.3% and the CMV congenital infection prevalence was 0.6%. Audiologic monitoring of these two populations allowed detection of hearing loss of late onset.

[Laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity in 27 public services of Argentina]. / Tratamiento con láser por retinopatía del prematuro en 27 servicios públicos argentinos.

INTRODUCTION: Retinopathy of prematurity may lead to partial loss of vision and blindness; laser photocoagulation is the elective treatment, but universal access to it is not yet guaranteed in Argentina. OBJECTIVES: To estimate prevalence of children requiring laser for retinopathy, their clinical and demographic characteristics, place of origin and place of treatment. POPULATION, MATERIAL AND METHOD: Observational, descriptive and retrospective study. POPULATION: premature newborns who required treatment at public services during 2008. VARIABLES: Birth weight and gestational age, prognosis, unusual cases and missed opportunities. SOURCE: 27 public services from 18/24 provinces. RESULTS: 235 patients who required treatment were recorded (Garrahan Hospital: 86; Gutiérrez Hospital: 45, and 104 from 25 other hospitals) from 77 public services and 13 private services from 22/24 provinces, where 210,720 babies born at the same period. Cases from Buenos Aires Province were referred mainly to Garrahan Hospital, all cases from Buenos Aires City and 2/3 from the rest of the country were treated in situ. Prognosis was defined as reserved at 15% and 5 missed opportunities occurred all in referred babies. Unusual cases were 27% of the total reported. CONCLUSION: In this population retinopathy prevalence was 1/900 birth in 2008. The proportion of unusual cases, reserved prognosis and missed opportunities was high. A national record and improved access to treatment in situ are urgently needed.

Tratamiento con láser por retinopatía del prematuro en 27 servicios públicos argentinos / Laser treatment for retinopathy of prematurity in 27 public services of Argentina

La retinopatía del prematuropuede conducir a pérdida parcial de la visión y ceguera; la fotocoagulación con láser es el tratamiento electivo, aunque aún no está garantizado el acceso universal a él en la Argentina.Objetivo. Estimar la prevalencia de niños que requirieron tratamiento con láser por retinopatía,sus características clínico-demográficas, lugar de procedencia y tratamiento.Población, material y método. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, retrospectivo. Población: recién nacidos prematuros que requirieron tratamiento en servicios públicos durante 2008.Variables: peso y edad gestacional al nacer, pronóstico, casos inusuales y oportunidades perdidas.Fuente: 27 Servicios públicos de 18/24provincias.