The effect of high-dose erythropoietin perinatally on retinal function in school-aged children born extremely or very preterm.

PURPOSE: To investigate the long-term effects of high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) administered during the perinatal period on retinal and visual function in children born extremely or very preterm. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind clinical trial follow-up plus cohort study. METHODS: Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. STUDY POPULATION: extremely or very preterm-born children aged 7-15 years, previously randomized to receive either high-dose rhEPO or placebo in the perinatal period. INCLUSION CRITERIA: participation in an ongoing neuropediatric study (EpoKids), written informed consent (IC). EXCLUSION CRITERIA: previous ocular trauma or surgery; retinal or developmental disease unrelated to prematurity. Healthy control (HC) children of comparable age were recruited. INCLUSION CRITERIA: term birth, IC. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: any ocular/visual abnormality, high refractive error. Intervention status (rhEPO/placebo) was unknown to examiners and subjects at examination, with examiners unblinded only after completion of all analyses. OBSERVATION PROCEDURES: Electroretinography (ERG) was performed with the RETeval device (LKC Technologies, Inc., Gaithersburg MD). Ophthalmological and orthoptic examinations excluded comorbidity in the prematurely born cohort and ocular diseases in the HC group. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Scotopic and photopic ERG response amplitudes and peak times (6 amplitudes; 6 peak times). Secondary outcomes were habitual visual acuity and color discrimination performance (for descriptive summary only). RESULTS: No differences in ERG parameters between EPO (n=52; 104 eyes) and placebo (n=35; 70 eyes) subgroups were observed (all corrected p>0.05). Two cone system-mediated peak times were slightly slower in the placebo than HC (n=52; 104 eyes) subgroup (coefficient/95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.53/0.21 to 0.85 and 0.36/0.13 to 0.60; p = 0.012 and 0.022); a predominantly rod system-mediated peak time was slightly faster in the EPO than the HC subgroup (coefficient/95% CI = -4.33/-6.88 to -1.78; p = 0.011). Secondary outcomes were comparable across subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of high-dose rhEPO to infants born extremely or very preterm during the perinatal period has no measurable effects on retinal function in childhood compared to placebo. Premature birth may cause small, likely clinically insignificant effects on retinal function in childhood, which may be partially mitigated by administration of rhEPO during the perinatal period.

Inhibition abilities and functional brain connectivity in school-aged term-born and preterm-born children.

BACKGROUND: Inhibition abilities are known to have impact on self-regulation, behavior, and academic success, and they are frequently impaired in children born preterm. We investigated the possible contributions of resting-state functional brain connectivity to inhibition following preterm birth. METHODS: Forty-four preterm and 59 term-born participants aged 8-13 years were administered two inhibition tasks and resting-state functional MRI was performed. Functional connectivity (FC) networks were compared between groups using network-based statistics. Associations of FCNs and inhibition abilities were investigated through multivariate linear regression models accounting for the interaction between birth status and inhibition. RESULTS: NBS revealed weaker FC in children born preterm compared to term-born peers in connections between motor and supplementary motor regions, frontal lobe, precuneus, and insula. Irrespective of birth status, connections between the cerebellum, frontal, and occipital lobes and inter-lobar, subcortical, intra-hemispheric long-range connections were positively correlated with one of the two inhibition tasks. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm birth results in long-term alterations of FC at network level but these FCN alterations do not specifically account for inhibition problems in children born very preterm. IMPACT: Irrespective of birth status, significant associations were found between the subdomain of response inhibition and functional connectivity in some subnetworks. A group comparisons of functional brain connectivity measured by rsfMRI in school-aged children born very preterm and at term. The investigation of network-level functional connectivity at rest does not appear adequate to explain differences in inhibition abilities between children born very preterm and at term, hence other imaging techniques might be more suited to explore the underlying neural mechanisms of inhibition abilities in school-aged children born very preterm.

Sleep-disordered breathing on respiratory polygraphy in neonates with spina bifida.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown a high prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in children with spina bifida. International standards for regular testing for SDB in this population are lacking. While there are studies investigating the prevalence of SDB in children with spina bifida, there are close to no studies in neonates. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if routine respiratory polygraphy (RPG) testing is indicated for neonates with spina bifida and if yes, with what therapeutic consequence. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all neonates with spina bifida at the University (Children's) Hospital Zurich after fetal spina bifida repair born between 2017 and 2022, who had undergone at least 1 RPG evaluation during hospitalization on the neonatal ward. RPG were evaluated by a blinded group of experienced pediatric pulmonologists. Based on the neonatal RPG results and pediatric pulmonologist's recommendation for caffeine therapy the spina bifida cohort was divided into two groups. Neonatal baseline RPG and follow-up RPG at the age of the 3 months were evaluated. RESULTS: 48 neonates with RPG were included. Compared to the standard values in healthy neonates, the RPG results of this spina bifida cohort showed findings of SDB with central apnea and hypopnea. 22 (45.8%) neonatal RPG evaluations detected central SDB, prompting caffeine therapy. Follow-up RPG conducted after 3 months showed significant improvement of SDB with (almost) no need for continuation of caffeine. CONCLUSION: We recommend the implementation of routine RPG testing in neonates with spina bifida to detect SDB and facilitate early targeted treatment.

The Effect of Perinatal High-Dose Erythropoietin on Retinal Structural and Vascular Characteristics in Children Born Preterm.

PURPOSE: To study the long-term effects of perinatal high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) on macular structural and vascular development in preterm children. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blind clinical trial follow-up plus cohort study. METHODS: Setting: Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. STUDY POPULATION: extremely or very preterm born children aged 7-15 years from an ongoing neuropediatric study (EpoKids). These had been previously randomized to receive either high-dose rhEPO or placebo perinatally. INCLUSION CRITERIA: participation in the EpoKids Study, written informed consent (IC). EXCLUSION CRITERIA: previous ocular trauma or surgery; retinal or developmental disease unrelated to prematurity. Term-born children of comparable age were enrolled as a healthy control (HC) group. INCLUSION CRITERIA: term birth, IC. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: any ocular or visual abnormality, high refractive error. Examiners were blinded regarding intervention status until completion of all analyses. (Participants/guardians remain blinded). OBSERVATION PROCEDURES: Spectral-domain OCT scans (Heidelberg Spectralis system) and OCTA imaging (Zeiss PlexElite 9000) were obtained. Ophthalmological and orthoptic examinations excluded ocular comorbidities. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: OCT (central retinal thickness, CRT; total macular volume, TMV), superficial plexus OCTA (foveal avascular zone, FAZ; vessel density, VD; vessel length density, VLD) parameters and foveal hypoplasia grade according to published criteria. RESULTS: Macular vessel density parameters (VD and VLD) were significantly lower (p =0.015, CI-95: 0.01 to 0.06 and p=0.015, CI-95: 0.74 to 3.64) in the EPO group (n= 52) when compared to placebo (n=35). No other significant differences were observed between the EPO and placebo group. When comparing the intervention subgroups to HC we found six significant differences in OCT and OCTA parameters (FAZ, VD, VLD and CRT comparing HC and EPO group; FAZ and CRT when comparing HC and placebo group). CONCLUSIONS: Early high-dose rhEPO in infants born extremely or very preterm affects macular vessel density parameters compared to placebo. Premature birth (regardless of intervention status) affects retinal structure and vascular development. Our findings on macular vascular development do not contraindicate the administration of early high-dose EPO in preterm infants. For further understanding of the role of EPO on macular development and its clinical significance, future studies are needed.

Morbidity and mortality in premature or low birth weight patients with congenital heart disease in three European pediatric heart centers between 2016 and 2020.

Background: The treatment of preterm and low birth weight (LBW) neonates born with congenital heart disease (CHD) requiring early cardiac intervention remains challenging. We aimed to analyze morbidity and mortality in this combined high-risk patient group. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted of preterm [<37 weeks gestational age (GA)] and/or LBW neonates (<2,500 g) born with a diagnosis of CHD, which requires invasive cardiac intervention (surgery or catheter) within their first year of life. Patients born between 2016 and 2020 and treated in three European pediatric heart centers were included. Results: A total of 308 neonates (51% male) with CHD were included. Of those, 237 (77%) were born preterm, 259 (84%) were LBW, and 188 (61%) were both. The median GA was 35.4 weeks (interquartile range 33.3-36.9) and the mean birth weight was 2,016 ± 580 g. CHD was categorized as simple (12%), moderate (64%), or severe (24%). The overall complication rate was 45% and was highest in patients with severe CHD (p = 0.002). One-year mortality (19%) was associated with severe CHD, low relative birth weight in patients with genetic diagnoses, and low GA at birth, whereas GA at birth significantly impacted survival only after 3 months of life. Conclusions: The high morbidity and mortality in preterm and LBW neonates with CHD reflect their complexity and consequent limited treatment feasibility.

Effects of hemodynamic alterations and oxygen saturation on cerebral perfusion in congenital heart disease.

BACKGROUND: Patients with severe congenital heart disease (CHD) are at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment. An abnormal cerebral blood supply caused by the altered cardiac physiology may limit optimal brain development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt, aortic arch obstruction and arterial oxygen saturation on cerebral perfusion in patients with severe CHD. METHODS: Patients with severe CHD requiring cardiac surgery within the first six weeks of life, who underwent pre- and/or postoperative brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and healthy controls with one postnatal scan were included. Cerebral perfusion in deep and cortical gray matter was assessed by pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling MRI. RESULTS: We included 59 CHD and 23 healthy control scans. The presence of a systemic-to-pulmonary shunt was associated with decreased perfusion in cortical (p = 0.003), but not in deep gray matter (p = 0.031). No evidence for an effect of aortic arch obstruction and arterial oxygen saturation on cerebral perfusion was found. After adjusting for hemodynamic and oxygen saturation parameters, deep (p = 0.018) and cortical (p = 0.012) gray matter perfusion was increased in patients with CHD compared to controls. CONCLUSION: We detected regional differences in compensation to the cerebral steal effect in patients with severe CHD. IMPACT: Patients with severe congenital heart disease (CHD) have altered postnatal brain hemodynamics. A systemic-to-pulmonary shunt was associated with decreased perfusion in cortical gray matter but preserved perfusion in deep gray matter, pointing towards regional differences in compensation to the cerebral steal effect. No effects of aortic arch obstruction and arterial oxygenation on cerebral perfusion were seen. Cerebral perfusion was increased in patients with CHD compared to healthy controls after adjusting for hemodynamic alterations and oxygen saturation. To improve neuroprotection and neurodevelopmental outcomes, it is important to increase our understanding of the factors influencing cerebral perfusion in neonates with severe CHD.

Parents' Experiences of Therapeutic Hypothermia for Neonates With Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE): A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study is to assess parental experiences of therapeutic hypothermia for moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy with the goal of improving local clinical practice guidelines and fostering family-integrated care in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. METHODS: This single-center retrospective cross-sectional study included neonates and their parents registered in the Swiss National Asphyxia and Cooling Register between 2011 and 2021. Based on a literature review, an anonymous survey of parents of neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy was developed and conducted using an online survey tool. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey results. RESULTS: The overall response rate to this survey was 64% (46/72). Sufficient information about hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy was reported by 78% (36/46) of parents and sufficient information about the process of therapeutic hypothermia by 87% (40/46) of parents. The majority of parents indicated the need for, and at least a satisfactory perception of, professional (91%; 42/46) and emotional (87%; 40/46) support. Parents identified fostering family involvement and regular family communication that focuses on family integrated care as areas for improvement. CONCLUSIONS: There is still an unmet need for multidisciplinary teams to provide professional, empathetic, high quality, and family-integrated care to families with a neonate receiving therapeutic hypothermia for moderate or severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Perioperative Brain Injury in Relation to Early Neurodevelopment Among Children with Severe Congenital Heart Disease: Results from a European Collaboration.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship between perioperative brain injury and neurodevelopment during early childhood in patients with severe congenital heart disease (CHD). STUDY DESIGN: One hundred and seventy children with CHD and born at term who required cardiopulmonary bypass surgery in the first 6 weeks after birth were recruited from 3 European centers and underwent preoperative and postoperative brain MRIs. Uniform description of imaging findings was performed and an overall brain injury score was created, based on the sum of the worst preoperative or postoperative brain injury subscores. Motor and cognitive outcomes were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Third Edition at 12 to 30 months of age. The relationship between brain injury score and clinical outcome was assessed using multiple linear regression analysis, adjusting for CHD severity, length of hospital stay (LOS), socioeconomic status (SES), and age at follow-up. RESULTS: Neither the overall brain injury score nor any of the brain injury subscores correlated with motor or cognitive outcome. The number of preoperative white matter lesions was significantly associated with gross motor outcome after correction for multiple testing (P = .013, ß = -0.50). SES was independently associated with cognitive outcome (P < .001, ß = 0.26), and LOS with motor outcome (P < .001, ß = -0.35). CONCLUSION: Preoperative white matter lesions appear to be the most predictive MRI marker for adverse early childhood gross motor outcome in this large European cohort of infants with severe CHD. LOS as a marker of disease severity, and SES influence outcome and future intervention trials need to address these risk factors.

Thalamic connectivity topography in newborns with spina bifida: association with neurological functional level but not developmental outcome at 2 years.

Spina bifida affects spinal cord and cerebral development, leading to motor and cognitive delay. We investigated whether there are associations between thalamocortical connectivity topography, neurological function, and developmental outcomes in open spina bifida. Diffusion tensor MRI was used to assess thalamocortical connectivity in 44 newborns with open spina bifida who underwent prenatal surgical repair. We quantified the volume of clusters formed based on the strongest probabilistic connectivity to the frontal, parietal, and temporal cortex. Developmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley III Scales, while the functional level of the lesion was assessed by neurological examination at 2 years of age. Higher functional level was associated with smaller thalamo-parietal, while lower functional level was associated with smaller thalamo-temporal connectivity clusters (Bonferroni-corrected P < 0.05). Lower functional levels were associated with weaker thalamic temporal connectivity, particularly in the ventrolateral and ventral anterior nuclei. No associations were found between thalamocortical connectivity and developmental outcomes. Our findings suggest that altered thalamocortical circuitry development in open spina bifida may contribute to impaired lower extremity function, impacting motor function and independent ambulation. We hypothesize that the neurologic function might not merely be caused by the spinal cord lesion, but further impacted by the disruption of cerebral neuronal circuitry.

Cerebral perfusion differences are linked to executive function performance in very preterm-born children and adolescents.

Children and adolescents born very preterm are at risk of cognitive impairment, particularly affecting executive functions. To date, the neural correlates of these cognitive differences are not yet fully understood, although converging evidence points to a pattern of structural and functional brain alterations, including reduced brain volumes, altered connectivity, and altered brain activation patterns. In very preterm neonates, alterations in brain perfusion have also been reported, but the extent to which these perfusion alterations persist into later childhood is not yet known. This study evaluated global and regional brain perfusion, measured with arterial spin labelling (ASL) MRI, in 26 very preterm children and adolescents and 34 term-born peers. Perfusion was compared between groups and relative to executive function (EF) scores, derived from an extensive EF battery assessing working memory, cognitive flexibility, and planning. Very preterm children and adolescents showed regions of altered perfusion, some of which were also related to EF scores. Most of these regions were located in the right hemisphere and included regions like the thalamus and hippocampus, which are known to play a role in executive functioning and can be affected by prematurity. In addition, perfusion decreased with age during adolescence and showed a significant interaction between birth status and sex, such that very preterm girls showed lower perfusion than term-born girls, but this trend was not seen in boys. Taken together, our results indicate a regionally altered perfusion in very preterm children and adolescents, with age and sex related changes during adolescence.

The effects of cerebral oximetry in mechanically ventilated newborns: a protocol for the SafeBoosC-IIIv randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The SafeBoosC project aims to test the clinical value of non-invasive cerebral oximetry by near-infrared spectroscopy in newborn infants. The purpose is to establish whether cerebral oximetry can be used to save newborn infants' lives and brains or not. Newborns contribute heavily to total childhood mortality and neonatal brain damage is the cause of a large part of handicaps such as cerebral palsy. The objective of the SafeBoosC-IIIv trial is to evaluate the benefits and harms of cerebral oximetry added to usual care versus usual care in mechanically ventilated newborns. METHODS/DESIGN: SafeBoosC-IIIv is an investigator-initiated, multinational, randomised, pragmatic phase-III clinical trial. The inclusion criteria will be newborns with a gestational age more than 28 + 0 weeks, postnatal age less than 28 days, predicted to require mechanical ventilation for at least 24 h, and prior informed consent from the parents or deferred consent or absence of opt-out. The exclusion criteria will be no available cerebral oximeter, suspicion of or confirmed brain injury or disorder, or congenital heart disease likely to require surgery. A total of 3000 participants will be randomised in 60 neonatal intensive care units from 16 countries, in a 1:1 allocation ratio to cerebral oximetry versus usual care. Participants in the cerebral oximetry group will undergo cerebral oximetry monitoring during mechanical ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit for as long as deemed useful by the treating physician or until 28 days of life. The participants in the cerebral oximetry group will be treated according to the SafeBoosC treatment guideline. Participants in the usual care group will not receive cerebral oximetry and will receive usual care. We use two co-primary outcomes: (1) a composite of death from any cause or moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disability at 2 years of corrected age and (2) the non-verbal cognitive score of the Parent Report of Children's Abilities-Revised (PARCA-R) at 2 years of corrected age. DISCUSSION: There is need for a randomised clinical trial to evaluate cerebral oximetry added to usual care versus usual care in mechanically ventilated newborns. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The protocol is registered at www. CLINICALTRIALS: gov (NCT05907317; registered 18 June 2023).

Cerebral oximetry monitoring versus usual care for extremely preterm infants: a study protocol for the 2-year follow-up of the SafeBoosC-III randomised clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: In the SafeBoosC-III trial, treatment guided by cerebral oximetry monitoring for the first 72 hours after birth did not reduce the incidence of death or severe brain injury in extremely preterm infants at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age, as compared with usual care. Despite an association between severe brain injury diagnosed in the neonatal period and later neurodevelopmental disability, this relationship is not always strong. The objective of the SafeBoosC-III follow-up study is to assess mortality, neurodevelopmental disability, or any harm in trial participants at 2 years of corrected age. One important challenge is the lack of funding for local costs for a trial-specific assessment. METHODS: Of the 1601 infants randomised in the SafeBoosC-III trial, 1276 infants were alive at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age and will potentially be available for the 2-year follow-up. Inclusion criteria will be enrollment in a neonatal intensive care unit taking part in the follow-up study and parental consent if required by local regulations. We aim to collect data from routine follow-up programmes between the ages of 18 and 30 months of corrected age. If no routine follow-up has been conducted, we will collect informal assessments from other health care records from the age of at least 12 months. A local co-investigator blinded to group allocation will classify outcomes based on these records. We will supplement this with parental questionnaires including the Parent Report of Children's Abilities-Revised. There will be two co-primary outcomes: the composite of death or moderate or severe neurodevelopmental disability and mean Bayley-III/IV cognitive score. We will use a 3-tier model for prioritisation, based on the quality of data. This approach has been chosen to minimise loss to follow-up assuming that little data is better than no data at all. DISCUSSION: Follow-up at the age of 2 years is important for intervention trials in the newborn period as only time can show real benefits and harms later in childhood. To decrease the risk of generalisation and data-driven biased conclusions, we present a detailed description of the methodology for the SafeBoosC-III follow-up study. As funding is limited, a pragmatic approach is necessary. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05134116 . Registered on 24 November 2021.

Trends in Outcomes of Major Intracerebral Haemorrhage in a National Cohort of Very Preterm Born Infants in Switzerland.

BACKGROUND: Major brain lesions, such as grade 3 intraventricular haemorrhage (G3-IVH) and periventricular haemorrhagic infarction (PVHI) are among the main predictors for poor neurodevelopment in preterm infants. In the last decades advancements in neonatal care have led to a general decrease in adverse outcomes. AIM: To assess trends of mortality and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in a recent Swiss cohort of very preterm infants with grade 3 intraventricular haemorrhage (G3-IVH) and periventricular haemorrhagic infarction (PVHI). METHODS: In this retrospective population-based cohort study, rates of mortality, and NDI at 2 years corrected age were reported in infants born at 24-29 weeks gestational age (GA) in Switzerland in 2002-2014, with G3-IVH and/or PVHI. RESULTS: Out of 4956 eligible infants, 462 (9%) developed G3-IVH (n = 172) or PVHI (n = 290). The average mortality rates for the two pathologies were 33% (56/172) and 60% (175/290), respectively. In 2002-2014, no change in rates of mortality (G3-IVH, p = 0.845; PVHI, p = 0.386) or NDI in survivors (G3-IVH, p = 0.756; PVHI, p = 0.588) were observed, while mean GA decreased (G3-IVH, p = 0.020; PVHI, p = 0.004). Multivariable regression analysis showed a strong association of G3-IVH and PVHI for both mortality and NDI. Death occurred after withdrawal of care in 81% of cases. CONCLUSION: In 2002-2014, rates of mortality and NDI in very preterm born infants with major brain lesions did not change. The significant decrease in mean GA and changing hospital policies over this time span may factor into the interpretation of these results.

Paenibacillus spp infection among infants with postinfectious hydrocephalus in Uganda: an observational case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus is a cause of postinfectious hydrocephalus among Ugandan infants. To determine whether Paenibacillus spp is a pathogen in neonatal sepsis, meningitis, and postinfectious hydrocephalus, we aimed to complete three separate studies of Ugandan infants. The first study was on peripartum prevalence of Paenibacillus in mother-newborn pairs. The second study assessed Paenibacillus in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from neonates with sepsis. The third study assessed Paenibacillus in CSF from infants with hydrocephalus. METHODS: In this observational study, we recruited mother-newborn pairs with and without maternal fever (mother-newborn cohort), neonates (aged ≤28 days) with sepsis (sepsis cohort), and infants (aged ≤90 days) with hydrocephalus with and without a history of neonatal sepsis and meningitis (hydrocephalus cohort) from three hospitals in Uganda between Jan 13, 2016 and Oct 2, 2019. We collected maternal blood, vaginal swabs, and placental samples and the cord from the mother-newborn pairs, and blood and CSF from neonates and infants. Bacterial content of infant CSF was characterised by 16S rDNA sequencing. We analysed all samples using quantitative PCR (qPCR) targeting either the Paenibacillus genus or Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus spp. We collected cranial ultrasound and computed tomography images in the subset of participants represented in more than one cohort. FINDINGS: No Paenibacillus spp were detected in vaginal, maternal blood, placental, or cord blood specimens from the mother-newborn cohort by qPCR. Paenibacillus spp was detected in 6% (37 of 631 neonates) in the sepsis cohort and, of these, 14% (5 of 37 neonates) developed postinfectious hydrocephalus. Paenibacillus was the most enriched bacterial genera in postinfectious hydrocephalus CSF (91 [44%] of 209 patients) from the hydrocephalus cohort, with 16S showing 94% accuracy when validated by qPCR. Imaging showed progression from Paenibacillus spp-related meningitis to postinfectious hydrocephalus over 1-3 months. Patients with postinfectious hydrocephalus with Paenibacillus spp infections were geographically clustered. INTERPRETATION: Paenibacillus spp causes neonatal sepsis and meningitis in Uganda and is the dominant cause of subsequent postinfectious hydrocephalus. There was no evidence of transplacental transmission, and geographical evidence was consistent with an environmental source of neonatal infection. Further work is needed to identify routes of infection and optimise treatment of neonatal Paenibacillus spp infection to lessen the burden of morbidity and mortality. FUNDING: National Institutes of Health and Boston Children's Hospital Office of Faculty Development.

Neonatal Paenibacilliosis: Paenibacillus Infection as a Novel Cause of Sepsis in Term Neonates With High Risk of Sequelae in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Paenibacillus thiaminolyticus may be an underdiagnosed cause of neonatal sepsis. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled a cohort of 800 full-term neonates presenting with a clinical diagnosis of sepsis at 2 Ugandan hospitals. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction specific to P. thiaminolyticus and to the Paenibacillus genus were performed on the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 631 neonates who had both specimen types available. Neonates with Paenibacillus genus or species detected in either specimen type were considered to potentially have paenibacilliosis, (37/631, 6%). We described antenatal, perinatal, and neonatal characteristics, presenting signs, and 12-month developmental outcomes for neonates with paenibacilliosis versus clinical sepsis due to other causes. RESULTS: Median age at presentation was 3 days (interquartile range 1, 7). Fever (92%), irritability (84%), and clinical signs of seizures (51%) were common. Eleven (30%) had an adverse outcome: 5 (14%) neonates died during the first year of life; 5 of 32 (16%) survivors developed postinfectious hydrocephalus (PIH) and 1 (3%) additional survivor had neurodevelopmental impairment without hydrocephalus. CONCLUSIONS: Paenibacillus species was identified in 6% of neonates with signs of sepsis who presented to 2 Ugandan referral hospitals; 70% were P. thiaminolyticus. Improved diagnostics for neonatal sepsis are urgently needed. Optimal antibiotic treatment for this infection is unknown but ampicillin and vancomycin will be ineffective in many cases. These results highlight the need to consider local pathogen prevalence and the possibility of unusual pathogens when determining antibiotic choice for neonatal sepsis.

Cerebral Oximetry Monitoring in Extremely Preterm Infants.

BACKGROUND: The use of cerebral oximetry monitoring in the care of extremely preterm infants is increasing. However, evidence that its use improves clinical outcomes is lacking. METHODS: In this randomized, phase 3 trial conducted at 70 sites in 17 countries, we assigned extremely preterm infants (gestational age, <28 weeks), within 6 hours after birth, to receive treatment guided by cerebral oximetry monitoring for the first 72 hours after birth or to receive usual care. The primary outcome was a composite of death or severe brain injury on cerebral ultrasonography at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. Serious adverse events that were assessed were death, severe brain injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, and late-onset sepsis. RESULTS: A total of 1601 infants underwent randomization and 1579 (98.6%) were evaluated for the primary outcome. At 36 weeks' postmenstrual age, death or severe brain injury had occurred in 272 of 772 infants (35.2%) in the cerebral oximetry group, as compared with 274 of 807 infants (34.0%) in the usual-care group (relative risk with cerebral oximetry, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.90 to 1.18; P = 0.64). The incidence of serious adverse events did not differ between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In extremely preterm infants, treatment guided by cerebral oximetry monitoring for the first 72 hours after birth was not associated with a lower incidence of death or severe brain injury at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age than usual care. (Funded by the Elsass Foundation and others; SafeBoosC-III ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT03770741.).

Increase in Standardized Management of Neonates with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy Since Implementation of a Patient Register.

The Swiss National Asphyxia and Cooling Register was implemented in 2011. This study assessed quality indicators of the cooling process and (short-term) outcomes of neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) receiving therapeutic hypothermia (TH) longitudinally over time in Switzerland. This is a multicenter national retrospective cohort study of prospectively collected register data. Quality indicators were defined for longitudinal comparison (2011-2014 vs. 2015-2018) of processes of TH and (short-term) outcomes of neonates with moderate-to-severe HIE. Five hundred seventy neonates receiving TH in 10 Swiss cooling centers were included (2011-2018). Four hundred forty-nine (449/570; 78.8%) neonates with moderate-to-severe HIE received TH according to the Swiss National Asphyxia and Cooling Register Protocol. Quality indicators of processes of TH improved in 2015-2018 (compared with 2011-2014): less passive cooling (p = 0.013), shorter time to reach target temperature (p = 0.002), and less over- or undercooling (p < 0.001). In 2015-2018, adherence to performing a cranial magnetic resonance imaging after rewarming improved (p < 0.001), whereas less cranial ultrasounds were performed on admission (p = 0.012). With regard to quality indicators of short-term outcomes, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate was reduced (p = 0.003), and there was a trend toward less coagulopathy (p = 0.063) in 2015-2018. There was no statistically significant change in the remaining processes and outcomes. The Swiss National Asphyxia and Cooling Register is well implemented with good overall adherence to the treatment protocol. Management of TH improved longitudinally. Continuous reevaluation of register data is desirable for quality assessment, benchmarking, and maintaining international evidence-based quality standards.

Impact of low-grade intraventricular hemorrhage on neurodevelopmental outcome in very preterm infants at two years of age.

BACKGROUND: High-grade intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in very preterm infants is a known risk factor for adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Prognosis is less clear for low-grade (grades I/II) IVH however, with conflicting study results in recent years. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of low-grade IVH on neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years corrected age in preterm infants born below 32 weeks gestation at the University hospital of Zurich between 2009 and 2014. METHODS: Among 843 live-born preterm infants born during the observation period, 509 were included in our study. Exclusion criteria were death, high-grade IVH, cystic periventricular leukomalacia and congenital malformations. Infants were grouped into those with or without low-grade IVH according to cranial ultrasound. Neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) was defined as cognitive or motor developmental score > 2 standard deviations below the mean and/or CP grades 2-5 and/or moderate/severe vision loss and/or hearing problem corrected with hearing aids. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess effect of low-grade IVH on endpoints while adjusting for other risk factors. RESULTS: 87 preterm infants had low-grade IVH (42 grade I, 45 grade II) on cranial ultrasound. These were compared to 422 preterm infants without IVH. Follow-up rate was 82.4 %. Preterm infants with low-grade IVH had higher rates of NDI (21.8 vs 13.3 %, p = 0.047). Infants with IVH grade II had significantly higher rates for CP (8.9 % vs 3.6 %, p = 0.003), visual impairment (20.5 % vs 8.3 %, p = 0.009) and NDI (33.3 % vs 13.3 %, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In our study, low-grade IVH - and especially IVH grade II - is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of corrected age.

Neuromonitoring, neuroimaging, and neurodevelopmental follow-up practices in neonatal congenital heart disease: a European survey.

BACKGROUND: Brain injury and neurodevelopmental impairment remain a concern in children with complex congenital heart disease (CHD). A practice guideline on neuromonitoring, neuroimaging, and neurodevelopmental follow-up in CHD patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery is lacking. The aim of this survey was to systematically evaluate the current practice in centers across Europe. METHODS: An online-based structured survey was sent to pediatric cardiac surgical centers across Europe between April 2019 and June 2020. Results were summarized by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Valid responses were received by 25 European centers, of which 23 completed the questionnaire to the last page. Near-infrared spectroscopy was the most commonly used neuromonitoring modality used in 64, 80, and 72% preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively, respectively. Neuroimaging was most commonly performed by means of cranial ultrasound in 96 and 84% preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively. Magnetic resonance imaging was obtained in 72 and 44% preoperatively and postoperatively, respectively, but was predominantly reserved for clinically symptomatic patients (preoperatively 67%, postoperatively 64%). Neurodevelopmental follow-up was implemented in 40% of centers and planned in 24%. CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneity in perioperative neuromonitoring and neuroimaging practice in CHD in centers across Europe is large. The need for neurodevelopmental follow-up has been recognized. A clear practice guideline is urgently needed. IMPACT: There is large heterogeneity in neuromonitoring, neuroimaging, and neurodevelopmental follow-up practices among European centers caring for neonates with complex congenital heart disease. This study provides a systematic evaluation of the current neuromonitoring, neuroimaging, and neurodevelopmental follow-up practice in Europe. The results of this survey may serve as the basis for developing a clear practice guideline that could help to early detect and prevent neurological and neurodevelopmental sequelae in neonates with complex congenital heart disease.

Levetiracetam versus Phenobarbital for Neonatal Seizures: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Although phenobarbital (PB) is commonly used as a first-line antiseizure medication (ASM) for neonatal seizures, in 2015 we chose to replace it with levetiracetam (LEV), a third-generation ASM. Here, we compared the safety and efficacy of LEV and PB as first-line ASM, considering the years before and after modifying our treatment protocol. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 108 neonates with electroencephalography (EEG)-confirmed seizures treated with first-line LEV or PB in 2012 to 2020. RESULTS: First-line ASM was LEV in 33 (31%) and PB in 75 (69%) neonates. The etiology included acute symptomatic seizures in 69% of cases (30% hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, 32% structural vascular, 6% infectious, otherwise metabolic) and neonatal epilepsy in 22% (5% structural due to brain malformation, 17% genetic). Forty-two of 108 (39%) neonates reached seizure freedom following first-line therapy. Treatment response did not vary by first-line ASM among all neonates, those with acute symptomatic seizures, or those with neonatal-onset epilepsy. Treatment response was lowest for neonates with a higher seizure frequency, particularly for those with status epilepticus versus rare seizures (P < 0.001), irrespective of gestational age, etiology, or EEG findings. Adverse events were noted in 22 neonates treated with PB and in only one treated with LEV (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests a potential noninferiority and a more acceptable safety profile for LEV, which may thus be a reasonable option as first-line ASM for neonatal seizures in place of PB. Treatment should be initiated as early as possible since higher seizure frequencies predispose to less favorable responses.