Impact of Focused Abdominal Ultrasound Utilization on Outcomes for Children With Midgut Volvulus.

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound (US) is gaining acceptance for the evaluation of midgut volvulus in children. However, its impact on clinical outcomes is unknown. We aim to determine whether using US as a first-line modality changes imaging mobilization, time to surgery and re-feeding, length of stay, and frequency of bowel necrosis, short bowel syndrome, and death. METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary pediatric institution. Eighty children with surgically confirmed midgut volvulus from 2014 to 2021 were compared before and after implementation of US as first-line imaging and based on the modality used to diagnose midgut volvulus. RESULTS: Outcomes were not statistically different pre- versus post-implementation. Compared with patients who had UGI only, those who had US only or both had significantly quicker imaging mobilization (median: -33 min; 95% CI: -61.2, -4.8; p = 0.023 and median: -31 min; 95% CI: -58.5, -3.6; p = 0.028 respectively). Patients with US only were less likely to have bowel necrosis compared with those who had UGI only (9.1% versus 43.8%, p = 0.042). Patients who had US only or both were less likely to develop short bowel syndrome compared to UGI only (4.8% US only, 0% both, 40% UGI only; p = 0.027 for US only, p = 0.005 for both). CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant change in outcomes was found after implementation of US as first-line imaging for midgut volvulus. However, patients diagnosed with US only or US in combination with UGI had quicker imaging mobilization and decreased frequency of bowel necrosis and short bowel syndrome. Findings suggest that US has potential to improve patient outcomes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

Ultrasound imaging of bowel obstruction in neonates.

Bowel obstruction (BO) in children has a wide differential diagnosis, ranging from non-urgent conditions to surgical emergencies. Abdominal radiographs are most often used as the first imaging modality for the evaluation of obstruction. However, for some indications, ultrasound can be the primary imaging modality. Therefore, it is incumbent on radiologists to recognize the types of bowel obstruction that can be recognized with US. Key sonographic features of BO include differential dilation of bowel loops, bowel wall thickening, and free fluid. "Do Not Miss" findings that indicate need for emergent treatment include volvulus, pneumoperitoneum, and/or signs of ischemia (bowel wall thinning and/or absent perfusion). The aim of this pictorial essay is to provide guidance on the sonographic technique and findings that enable identification of BO on US. Examples of neonatal BO on US, including common and less frequently encountered etiologies, are illustrated in this pictorial essay.

Racial, Ethnic, and Gender Composition Among Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Faculty Ranks.

BACKGROUND: Despite increases in nursing faculty diversity, representation is lacking in positions of higher faculty rank. Challenges for minority faculty include decreased awareness of promotion standards, less mentoring, and increased stress from being the sole representative of their respective underrepresented population. METHODS: The purpose of this study was to determine the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) faculty in the United States. A nonexperimental survey was sent to all accredited NNP programs to describe demographics of NNP faculty in the United State. RESULTS: Of the 128 survey participants, 84% self-identified as White. Forty-eight of the participants ranked Professor or Associate professor were White. In contrast, all other races only had 8 respondents who were of the higher faculty ranks. There were only 2 male participants; one identified as full professor and one as associate professor. CONCLUSION: Limitations of this project included a small sample size leading to an inability to determine statistical significance. Previous evidence supports decreased diversity in higher faculty rank in other healthcare providers and the results of this study add to that body of literature. Barriers to increased diversification need to be rectified to ensure health equity to all patients.

Evaluation of Social Determinants of Health in Nursing Education through Service Learning.

Background: This manuscript describes an in-state nursing student global health-care experience. The 2021 Rio Grande Valley service learning team at Louise Herrington School of Nursing at Baylor University traveled from Dallas to McAllen, Texas to volunteer in a COVID vaccination clinic and refugee respite center on the U.S.-Mexican border. Method: A competency-based evaluation utilized the American Association of Colleges of Nursing's The Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education Featured Concepts, with a focus on social determinants of health, as a framework. Results: The evaluation of the service learning trip through the lens of social determinants of health and the Core Competencies can serve as a guideline for the design of future trips. Conclusion: The Rio Grande Valley service learning trip contributed to nursing students' self-reports of competency in global health education, in identifying the social determinants of health that characterized the immigrants and refugees, and in service and advocacy.

Strategies for Working With Parents With Vaccination Hesitancy.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of effective strategies for working with parents' vaccination hesitancy or refusal. An overview of historical and current trends in vaccination hesitancy and factors that contribute to and strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy are discussed. This includes an emphasis on the critical role played by health care providers, as trusted advisors and a primary source of health care information, in encouraging vaccine acceptance. Legal and ethical implications are also considered. Vaccination hesitancy strategies are most effective if they are timely, multifaceted, and collaborative.

Call for a More Specific Diagnosis of Infant of a Diabetic Mother to Optimize Neonatal Care.

Hyperglycemia is the diagnostic feature of diabetes mellitus (DM), and during pregnancy, hyperglycemia has numerous serious implications for organogenesis and fetal growth. Each type of DM has different neonatal implications based on pathogenesis, length of disease, and comorbidities. Currently, limited attention is given to the woman's type of DM when evaluating risks for neonates. The diagnosis of infant of a diabetic mother is not sufficient because of the varying pathophysiology of diabetes classifications and associated neonatal outcomes. By expanding the diagnosis to include the woman's classification and glucose control, maternity and neonatal care providers could develop plans of care based on potential neonatal outcomes, including anticipatory guidance for families. In this commentary, we propose a more specific diagnosis, rather than infant of a diabetic mother, to better serve these infants.

Education standards, accreditation, certification, and regulation of nurse practitioner practice.

ABSTRACT: Many organizations play a role in creating, supporting, clarifying, and certifying the foundational documents for nurse practitioner (NP) education and practice. Quality standards for NP education are promulgated by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties (NONPF). Competency-based education, in the form of interactive learning, helps bridge the gap between theory and practice. In 2021, AACN released new competencies that correspond to 10 domains which reflect the uniqueness of the nursing profession and guide professional nursing education. The NONPF and AACN are co-facilitators of a multi-organizational group called the National Task Force (NTF) on quality nurse practitioner education that standardizes the general evaluation of NP education. In 2022, the NTF updated the evaluation standards in response to the new competencies. Schools are accredited by one of three agencies: The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, The Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, and The National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation. The eight NP specialties each have their own certifying bodies. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing is involved in regulation of NPs. The purpose of this article is to update stakeholders, including NPs, preceptors, and nurse faculty, about the various agencies and guidelines that inform education standards, accreditation, certification, and regulation of NP practice. A review of recently published guidelines with a summary of implications is also presented.

Disseminating MSSA Infection in a Preterm Infant With Rare Finding of Spinal Epidural Abscess: A Case Report.

BACKGROUND: Methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) occurs more frequently in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) than methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and can result in comparable morbidity and mortality in the neonatal population. MSSA infection may present as pustulosis or cellulitis and evolve into bacteremia, pneumonia, endocarditis, brain abscesses, and osteomyelitis. There is a paucity of literature regarding the treatment and long-term outcomes in the premature infant. CLINICAL FINDINGS: A 32-week twin developed MSSA sepsis with presentation of pain, decreased movement of upper extremities, and global hypotonia. Blood cultures remained positive despite antibiotic coverage. PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS: The infant was admitted to the level IV NICU with the diagnosis of MSSA bacteremia, with concern for dissemination and osteomyelitis. INTERVENTIONS: Diagnostic studies included laboratory testing for sepsis evaluation, radiologic studies to evaluate for dissemination, immunologic testing to rule out complement deficiency, and hematology testing to rule out hypercoagulable conditions. OUTCOMES: Diagnostic testing showed extensive cellulitis, osteomyelitis, multiple liver abscesses, and epidural abscesses suggestive of spinal epidural abscess (SEA). Abscess debridement and irrigation on the left distal femur, left elbow, and right tibia were performed. The infant completed 8 weeks of IV antibiotic therapy. Immunologic and hematology testing was within normal limits. PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS: Prompt recognition and follow-up for clinical signs of sepsis are vital when caring for premature infants. Inclusion of pediatric subspecialist recommendations to assure all diagnostic studies and treatments are completed can significantly impact the patient's outcome. Long-term follow-up is needed for premature infants with the diagnosis of SEA.

Racial and Ethnic Composition of Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Faculty and Students in the United States.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal nurse practitioners have a strong presence in the neonatal intensive care unit and are primed to lead efforts to induce change related to health disparities. Underrepresented minority nurse practitioners offer valuable perspectives in the care of underrepresented minority patients. However, there remains a current racial and ethnic discordance between neonatal providers and patients. Efforts to eliminate health disparities must begin before nursing school. The current racial and ethnic composition of neonatal nurse practitioner faculty in comparison to students in the United States is unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the racial and ethnic composition of neonatal nurse practitioner faculty and students in the United States and contrast this data with available data for the racial and ethnic composition of the neonatal intensive care unit patient population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study used a nonexperimental survey to describe the racial and ethnic composition of neonatal nurse practitioner faculty and students in the United States. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the racial and ethnic composition between neonatal nurse practitioner faculty and students. There were significant differences for all race distributions between neonatal nurse practitioner students and neonatal intensive care unit admissions. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: The discordance between neonatal nurse practitioner students and neonates in the neonatal intensive care unit is important in addressing disparities and begins before nursing school. Identification of barriers and strategies for recruitment and retention of underrepresented minority nursing students and faculty is needed. VIDEO ABSTRACT AVAILABLE AT: https://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/pages/video.aspx?v=62.

Body mass index as a predictor of sonographic visualization of the pediatric appendix.

BACKGROUND: Appendicitis is a common condition that is often confirmed with imaging. Ultrasound (US) is recommended as the first radiologic test in the work-up of appendicitis in children. Increased body mass index (BMI) has been implicated as a limiting factor to the sensitivity of US. This has drastic public health ramifications, as pediatric obesity has been increasing at alarming rates. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to compare age-adjusted BMI z-scores to the frequency of sonographic visualization of the appendix. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 500 consecutive reports of US exams ordered for appendicitis in patients with a documented BMI was performed. Patients were stratified by BMI z-score based on, and the visualization frequency of the appendix was compared to the BMI z-score group. A logistic regression analysis generated the odds of visualization of the appendix by BMI z-score group. Primary home language, ethnicity, sex and insurance status were included in the logistic regression model to assess these characteristics as potential effect modifiers. RESULTS: Of the 500 patients, 52.4% were male, 56.4% were Hispanic and 62.0% had government insurance. BMI z-score distribution groups were as follows: 4.2% were <-2, 8.0% were -2 to -1, 49.8% were -1 to 1, 26.4% were 1 to 2 and 11.6% were >2. The visualization frequency was 61.1% for boys and 46.2% for girls (P<0.05). Visualization frequency by BMI z-score group was as follows: 85.7% for <2, 72.5% for -2 to -1, 57.4% for -1 to 1, 47.7% for 1 to 2 and 29.3% for >2. Children with a BMI z-score greater than 2 were less likely to have a US with visualization of the appendix compared to children with a BMI z-score between -1 and 1 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.21, 95% CI: 0.11-0.40, P<0.0001). Boys were more likely than girls to have a US with visualization of the appendix (aOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.29-2.80, P=0.001). There was no effect from insurance status, ethnicity or primary home language. CONCLUSION: Findings show that as the BMI z-score increased, sonographic visualization of the appendix decreased even after adjusting for demographic differences. These findings have implications for pediatric radiology practice in light of the worsening obesity epidemic.

Congenital Tuberculosis: A New Concern in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

BACKGROUND: Congenital tuberculosis (TB) is rare in the United States. Recent immigration patterns to the United States have made the diagnosis of congenital TB an important public health issue. PURPOSE: To explore the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, treatment, and prognosis for congenital TB. The implications for exposed healthcare professionals in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting are also explored. METHODS/SEARCH STRATEGY: Relevant articles were accessed via PubMed, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. FINDINGS/RESULTS: Until 1994, fewer than 400 cases of confirmed congenital TB had been reported in the literature worldwide. An additional 18 cases were reported from 2001 to 2005. Neonatal providers need to be aware of the potential for congenital TB infection as the immigrant population in the United States continues to increase, many of whom originate from TB endemic countries. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The interpretation of TB-specific tests is problematic in newborns due to decreased sensitivity and specificity. Congenital TB should be ruled out in infants with signs and symptoms of sepsis or pneumonia and in whom broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy does not improve their clinical status. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: The interpretation of TB-specific tests is problematic in newborns due to decreased sensitivity and specificity; more research is needed regarding best practice in diagnosis. Established protocols are needed to address the healthcare of TB-exposed providers in the NICU.

Congenital Syphilis: A Discussion of Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Management, and Nurses' Role in Early Identification and Treatment.

BACKGROUND: Syphilis is caused by the spirochete bacterium Treponema pallidum. Syphilis left untreated, or inadequately treated during pregnancy, can result in congenital syphilis (CS). Congenital syphilis can lead to severe sequelae or fetal, neonatal, or infant death. PURPOSE: To discuss the epidemiological trends, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of CS; the implications of CS upon the infant; as well as the importance of the nurse's role in the prompt identification of CS and the timely interventions needed to minimize sequelae. METHODS: A literature search was completed using ProQuest, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and PubMed. Articles published within the past 10 years were included. FINDINGS: Epidemiological trends of CS in the United States indicate that maternal syphilis infection and CS are on the rise. Risk factors include ethnicity, socioeconomic status, access to prenatal care, and sexual behaviors, as well as compliance with prenatal syphilis screening by prenatal providers. Risks of CS to the developing fetus begin at approximately 14 weeks. Timely treatment is necessary to minimize or eliminate mortality and morbidity. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Evidence-based, interprofessional strategies, which promote a collaborative perinatal/neonatal preventative approach to care of the pregnant female, are indicated to reverse the increasing incidence of CS within the United States. Strategies prioritizing early identification and treatment of at-risk neonates are necessary to reduce/eliminate the devastating long-term consequences of CS upon this vulnerable population. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: The paucity of research, which focuses on CS, is most likely due to ethical concerns related to infants as research participants and provides an opportunity for future research. Future research could focus on factors that focus on maternal-fetal/maternal-child transmission of CS.

Comparison of Transcutaneous and Serum Bilirubin Measurements in Neonates 30 to 34 Weeks' Gestation Before, During, and After Phototherapy.

BACKGROUND: The use of noninvasive, transcutaneous bilirubin monitoring (TcB) as a jaundice screen in full-term infants is well established; however, there is a paucity of research evaluating the use of TcB in premature infants. PURPOSE: To compare agreement and consistency of transcutaneous and serum bilirubin measurements in a multiracial premature infant population ranging from 30 to 34(Equation is included in full-text article.)weeks' gestation before, during, and after phototherapy. METHODS: Forty-five neonates, 30 to 34(Equation is included in full-text article.)weeks' gestation, were enrolled in this prospective, correlational study over a 12-month period. One set of paired transcutaneous and serum bilirubin measurements, per neonate, was obtained before phototherapy, during therapy, and after phototherapy. Exclusion criteria included neonates with positive direct coombs test or evidence of hemolytic disease, major congenital anomalies, hydrops fetalis, and those not expected to survive. RESULTS: There was a strong, positive correlation between TcB and total serum monitoring (TSB) measurements obtained pretherapy (r = 0.797, P < .001). A moderate correlation was noted between TcB and TSB measurements obtained during therapy (r = 0.588, P < .001). A strong correlation was noted between TcB and TSB measurements obtained posttherapy (r = 0.869, P < .001). There were no significant differences between paired samples across time (F = 0.891, P = .41, partial η = 0.01). The TSB measurements were consistently lower than TcB pretherapy, during, and posttherapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The TcB measurements provide a reliable estimation, generally within 2 to 3 mg/dL of TSB levels, in premature infants 30 to 34(Equation is included in full-text article.)weeks' gestation. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Investigation of consumption of time and nursing personnel required to perform TcB testing, compared with TSB testing, is indicated. Cost analyses comparing TcB-driven screening protocols and interval TSB measurements, among premature infants, are indicated. As newer generations of TcB devices are approved for use, additional studies using mixed-race populations of premature infants will be necessary to continue to evaluate the reliability and validity of this screening tool within the everyday neonatal intensive care unit.

Comparison of Placental and Neonatal Admission Complete Blood Cell Count and Blood Cultures.

BACKGROUND: The utilization of placental blood for neonatal admission laboratory tests, specifically the complete blood cell (CBC) count and blood culture, has the potential to delay the onset of anemia of prematurity and intraventricular hemorrhage, frequency of blood transfusions and associated complications, and painful procedures related to laboratory sampling. PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of drawing neonatal admission laboratory tests from the placenta rather than the neonate and to compare CBC count and blood culture results. METHODS: All infants less than 35 weeks' gestational age and all term infants with a maternal history of chorioamnionitis or untreated, positive group B Streptococcus status were eligible to participate. Participating infants had paired CBC count and blood cultures obtained from the placenta and the infant. RESULTS: All CBC count outcomes were significantly, positively correlated between placental and infant blood (all Ps < .05). The paired white blood cells, neutrophils, and lymphocytes were strongly correlated (r = 0.761, r = 0.797, and r = 0.815, respectively), whereas the hemoglobin, hematocrit, platelet, and eosinophils were moderately correlated (r = 0.554, r = 0.545, r = 0.563, and r = 0.478, respectively). Monocytes and basophils were only weakly correlated (r = 0.373 and r = 0.217, respectively). There were 13 (93%) pairs where placental blood culture was positive but the direct infant draw blood culture was negative, and 1 (7%) pair where the placental culture was negative but the direct infant draw blood culture was positive. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: The results of this and other studies suggest that placental blood can be reliably used to obtain neonatal admission CBC count and blood cultures. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Further research is needed regarding the prevention of blood culture contamination, especially in vaginally delivered placentas. Institutions that adopt this procedure should perform quality improvement initiatives to monitor outcomes and add to the growing body of literature on the utilization of placental blood for neonatal admission laboratory tests.

Neonatal Rhizomelic Chondrodysplasia Punctata Type 1: Weaving Evidence Into Clinical Practice.

Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata (RCDP) is a rare genetic peroxisome biogenesis disorder with a reported incidence of 1 in 100 000 live births. The 3 genetic subtypes of RCDP are acquired by an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. RCDP type 1 accounts for greater than 90% of all aggregate cases. Differentiating between the 3 subtypes of RCDP, as well as disorders characterized by similar punctate cartilaginous changes, is essential to guide an appropriate postnatal plan of care. Management strategies are focused toward associated clinical manifestations and require an interdisciplinary approach including ophthalmology, cardiovascular, endocrine, physical and occupational therapy, and neurology. Purposeful and frequent collaboration among all members of the neonatal/pediatric interdisciplinary team is necessary to optimize outcomes for the neonate and the family unit. The purpose of this article is to anticipate the needs of both patients with known and prenatal diagnosis of RCDP type 1 and patients with suspected clinical diagnosis of RCDP type 1 in the immediate neonatal period and to guide the appropriate plan of care. This article presents a case report of type I RCDP, as well as describes genetic influences, symptoms, diagnosis, management, and prognosis.

Living with Tricuspid Atresia: Case Report with Review of Literature.

Tricuspid atresia (TA) is a rare congenital heart defect in which the right atrioventricular connection, the tricuspid valve, is absent. As a result, there is no direct communication between the right atrium and right ventricle. Surgical treatment, including the Fontan procedure, is indicated yet palliative, leaving patients with various lifelong complications. A comprehensive literature review revealed a paucity of evidence-based education on the identification, evaluation, management, treatment, and life span implications of TA. We present a case of TA from birth through adulthood, while simultaneously assessing the literature, to report the most current evidence relative to living with TA after surgical palliation. In addition, the embryology, methods of prenatal and postnatal diagnosis, potential complications, management, anticipatory guidance, and educational needs of both parents and patient are discussed.

Use of Placental/Umbilical Blood Sampling for Neonatal Admission Blood Cultures: Benefits, Challenges, and Strategies for Implementation.

Placental blood remains an underused resource for early neonatal care despite ample evidence that placental blood provides the same clinical decision making information without the need for painful, invasive blood sampling procedures. Potential benefits of placental/umbilical blood sampling (PUBS) for neonatal admission labs include decreases in pain reactivity, rates of anemia, need for blood transfusions, use of vasopressors, and rates of intraventricular hemorrhage. Here, we present a unique case study of a critically ill infant with contradictory blood culture results from PUBS and direct infant sampling. A negative admission direct sample blood culture result compared with a positive admission PUBS blood culture result suggests that infection may have been missed in the direct infant sample. Relevant placental embryology and circulation is also described, as well as the benefits of PUBS for neonatal admission labs (with focus on the blood culture), challenges associated with PUBS practice, and strategies for implementation of PUBS.

Congenital Mesoblastic Nephroma Presenting With Refractory Hypertension in a Premature Neonate: A Case Study.

The most common nonencapsulated solid renal tumor in the neonatal period is congenital mesoblastic nephroma. Mesoblastic nephroma is a solid lesion originating within or extending from the renal parenchyma. These tumors proliferate rapidly, typically within 3-6 months after birth. Mesoblastic nephromas are stratified by classification as either classical (benign) or atypical (malignant); masses composed of both benign and malignant cells are also reported. The hallmark clinical manifestation of mesoblastic nephroma is a palpable abdominal mass, which may be accompanied by hypertension, hypercalcemia, hematuria, and polyuria. Differentiating between benign and malignant renal tumors is essential to invoke a timely, evidence-based management and treatment plan. With appropriate surgical intervention in a timely manner, prognosis is excellent and mesoblastic nephroma is considered curable. We present a case involving a premature infant with congenital mesoblastic nephroma with discussion of embryology, pathophysiology, diagnostic, management, and prognostic implications for the neonate and family.