Neonatal transfer and duration of hospitalization of newborns as potential risk factors for impaired mother-infant bonding: The Japan Environment and Children's Study.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is no consensus regarding the relationship between neonatal transfer and duration of hospitalization in cases of impaired mother-infant bonding (MIB). This study aimed to determine whether neonatal transfer and duration of hospitalization of newborns increase the risk for impaired MIB. METHODS: The MIB Scale was used to assess impaired MIB 1 year after delivery, using data from the Japan Environment and Children's Study. A score ≥ 5 points indicated impaired MIB. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to estimate the association between neonatal transfer and duration of hospitalization of newborns with the risk of impaired MIB. RESULTS: A total of 66,402 pregnant women were included in the study. The overall incidence rate of impaired MIB was 11.2 %. The mean duration of hospitalization of newborns was 7.1 ± 6.4 days. After adjusting for potential confounders, neonatal transfer (adjusted odd ratio (OR): 1.13 [95 % confidence interval (CI)), 1.01-1.27]) and duration of hospitalization of newborns (adjusted OR 1.007; 95 % CI 1.003-1.010) were associated with impaired MIB. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the duration of hospitalization of newborns for impaired MIB was 0.53. LIMITATIONS: Maternal childhood abuse and neglect history were not evaluated, and information regarding whether the infants were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit was unavailable. CONCLUSIONS: Japanese women whose newborns underwent neonatal transfer should be followed up for at least 1 year after delivery, regardless of the duration of hospitalization of newborns.

Traslado neonatal: evaluación de 4 años en un departamento del interior del país / Neonatal transport services: 4-year assessment in the interior of Uruguay / Transporte neonatal: avaliação de 4 anos em um departamento do interior do Uruguai

Introducción: la creación de sistemas de traslado neonatal marcó una inflexión en cuanto a la reducción de morbimortalidad de los recién nacidos (RN). La Organización Panamericana de la Salud estima que 1% de los RN requerirá ingreso a la unidad de cuidados intensivos. El traslado ideal es intraútero, pero muchas veces esto no es posible, requiriendo un traslado neonatal. La regionalización de los sistemas de traslado, la capacitación de recursos humanos y la adquisición de materiales son elementos que han mejorado su calidad y disminuido su indicación. Objetivos: describir a los RN que requirieron traslado y valorar el impacto sobre ellos al adquirir materiales y recursos humanos capacitados. Metodología: estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y multicéntrico, incluyendo todos los RN que requirieron traslado en el período 2016-2019. Variables analizadas: número de nacimientos, número de traslados, edad gestacional (EG), edad al momento del traslado, peso al nacer, tiempo de estabilización, oxigenoterapia y métodos, medicación recibida, medio de transporte y recursos humanos. Resultados y discusión: se realizaron 101 traslados neonatales, 1,5% del total de nacimientos. Variación anual: 2% de los RN en el año 2016, 1,6% en el 2017, 1,4% en el 2018, 1.1% en el 2019. Sector público: 63,3%. La media de EG fue de 33 semanas (25-40), modo 31 semanas. Pretérminos extremos 4,17%, pretérminos severos 37,5%, pretérminos moderados 17,7%, pretérminos tardíos 15,6% y de término 25%. La media de peso al nacer fue de 2.102 gramos (710-4.160), modo 1.440 gramos. La media de días al momento del traslado fue de 2,1 (3 horas-26 días). Indicaciones de traslado: prematurez 39,6%, otros SDR 22,9%, patología quirúrgica 13,5%, shock séptico 10,4%, asfixia/convulsiones 8,3% y cardiopatías 3%. Tratamiento durante la estabilización: oxigenoterapia 87,1%. Intubación orotraqueal y asistencia ventilatoria mecánica 71%, CPAP 9,7%, catéter nasal 6,4%. Requirieron surfactante 58,5%, antibióticos 77,4%, inotrópicos 26,6%, prostaglandinas 3,3%, aminofilina 3,3%. La media de tiempo de estabilización fue de 10,5 horas (3-36 horas). Destino: 64,3% Montevideo, 30,6% Tacuarembó, 3% Salto, 1% Canelones y 1% Minas. Medio de transporte: terrestre 95% y aéreo 5%. Fallecidos 1%. Recursos humanos disponibles: en 2016 un neonatólogo y seis pediatras. En 2019 tres neonatólogos, dos posgrados en neonatología, un pediatra intensivista, nueve pediatras (que se capacitaron en la estabilización del RN) y un supervisor docente y referente. Concomitante creación de unidades neonatales de estabilización con capacitación continua del personal de enfermería. Conclusiones: la principal causa de traslado fue la prematurez severa. Con la adquisición de recursos materiales adecuados y humanos capacitados se logró un descenso de casi 50% de los traslados. La regionalización ha ido en aumento pero se debe enfatizar, sobre todo en los RN menores a 1.000 gramos.

Introduction: the creation of neonatal transport systems showed a landmark regarding reduced morbidity and mortality of newborns (NB). The Pan-American Health Organization estimates that 1% of NBs require admission to an Intensive Care Unit. The ideal transport system would be intrauterine; however, many times this is not possible and neonatal transport services are needed. The regionalization of transport services, the training of human resources and the acquisition of materials have improved and therefore the need for transport services has decreased. Objectives: to describe the situation of newborns who required transport services and assess the impact on these services when acquiring materials and skilled human resources. Methodology: descriptive, retrospective and multicenter study, including all newborns who required transport services in 2016-2019. Variables analyzed: number of births, number of transfers, gestational age (GA), age at the time of transfer, birth weight, stabilization time, oxygen therapy and methods, medication received, means of transport and human resources. Results and discussion: 101 neonatal transfers were carried out, 1.5% of all births. Annual variation: 2% of newborns in 2016, 1.6% in 2017, 1.4% in 2018, 1.1% in 2019. Public sector: 63.3%. The mean GA was 33 weeks (25-40), mode 31 weeks. Extreme pre-terms 4.17%, severe pre-terms 37.5%, moderate pre-terms 17.7%, late pre-terms 15.6% and term newborns 25%. The mean birth weight was 2102 grams (710-4160), mode 1440 grams. The mean number of days at the time of transfer was 2.1 (3 hours-26 days). Transport main indications: prematurity 39.6%, other RDS 22.9%, surgical pathology 13.5%, septic shock 10.4%, asphyxia/seizures 8.3%, and heart disease 3%. Treatment during stabilization: Oxygen therapy: 87.1%. Orotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation assistance 71%, CPAP 9.7%, nasal catheter 6.4%. 58.5% required surfactant, 77.4% antibiotics, 26.6% inotropes, 3.3% prostaglandins, 3.3% aminophylline. The mean stabilization time was 10.5 hours (3-36 hours). Destination: 64.3% Montevideo, 30.6% Tacuarembó, 3% Salto, 1% Canelones and 1% Minas. Means of transport: land 95% and air 5%. Deceased 1%. Available human resources: in 2016, 1 neonatologist and 6 pediatricians. In 2019, 3 neonatologists, 2 post graduated doctors in neonatology, 1 intensivist pediatrician, 9 pediatricians (who were trained in NB stabilization) and an academic supervisor and referent. Simultaneous neonatal stabilization units with continuous training of the nursing staff were created. Conclusions: the main cause of neonatal transport was severe prematurity. With the acquisition of adequate material and trained human resources, a decrease of almost 50% of these transfers was achieved. Regionalization has been rising even though it should be strengthened, especially in newborns weighing less than 1000 grams.

Introdução: a criação dos sistemas de transporte neonatal marcou uma virada na redução da morbimortalidade de recém-nascidos (RN). A Organização Pan-Americana da Saúde estima que 1% dos RNs necessitarão de internação em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. O transporte ideal é intrauterino, más muitas vezes isso não é possível, sendo necessário o transporte neonatal. A regionalização do transporte neonatal, a formação de recursos humanos e a aquisição de materiais, tem melhorado a qualidade e diminuído a indicação do transporte neonatal. Objetivos: descrever a situação dos recém-nascidos que necessitaram de transporte e avaliar o impacto da aquisição de materiais e recursos humanos capacitados sobre os resultados. Metodologia: estudo descritivo, retrospectivo e multicêntrico, incluindo todos os recém-nascidos que necessitaram de transporte no período 2016-2019. Variáveis analisadas: número de partos, número de transportes, idade gestacional (IG), idade no momento do transporte, peso ao nascer, tempo de estabilização, oxigenoterapia e métodos, medicação recebida, meio de transporte e recursos humanos. Resultados e discussão: foram realizados 101 transportes neonatais, 1,5% de todos os nascimentos. Variação anual: 2% dos recém-nascidos em 2016, 1,6% em 2017, 1,4% em 2018, 1,1% em 2019. Setor público: 63,3%. A média de IG foi de 33 semanas (25-40), moda de 31 semanas. Pré-termos maduros extremos 4,17%, pré-termos graves 37,5%, pré-termos moderados 17,7%, pré-termos tardios 15,6% e recém-nascidos a termo 25%. O peso médio ao nascer foi de 2.102 gramas (710-4.160), moda 1.440 gramas. O número médio de dias no momento do traslado foi de 2,1 (3 horas-26 dias). Indicações de transporte: prematuridade 39,6%, outras SDR 22,9%, patologia cirúrgica 13,5%, choque séptico 10,4%, asfixia/convulsões 8,3% e cardiopatia 3%. Tratamento durante a estabilização: Oxigenoterapia: 87,1%. Intubação orotraqueal e assistência à ventilação mecânica 71%, CPAP 9,7%, cateter nasal 6,4%. 58,5% necessitaram de surfactante, 77,4% de antibióticos, 26,6% de inotrópicos, 3,3% de prostaglandinas, 3,3% de aminofilina. O tempo médio de estabilização foi de 10,5 horas (3-36 horas). Destino: 64,3% Montevidéu, 30,6% Tacuarembo, 3% Salto, 1% Canelones e 1% Minas. Meios de transporte: terrestre 95% e aéreo 5%. Falecidos 1%. Recursos humanos disponíveis: em 2016, 1 neonatologista e 6 pediatras. Em 2019, 3 neonatologistas, 2 pós-graduados em neonatologia,1 pediatra intensivista, 9 pediatras (treinados em estabilização de RN) e uma supervisora e referente académica. Simultaneamente se criaram unidades de estabilização neonatal com treinamento contínuo da equipe de enfermagem. Conclusões: a principal causa de transporte neonatal foi a prematuridade grave. Com a aquisição de material adequado e recursos humanos capacitados, conseguiu-se uma diminuição de quase 50% dos traslados. A regionalização vem aumentando, mas deve ser reforçada, principalmente para os casos de recém-nascidos com menos de 1.000 gramas de peso.

An audit of bilious vomiting in term neonates referred for pediatric surgical assessment: can we reduce unnecessary transfers?

BACKGROUND: Between 20% and 50% neonates with bilious vomiting are diagnosed with surgical pathology. Distinguishing neonates requiring surgery remains challenging. Our aim was to conduct an audit of term neonates with bilious vomiting referred for assessment to identify characteristics of this cohort and management. Secondary aims were to identify factors predictive of surgical pathology. METHODS: Infants <28 days referred for bilious vomiting from 2011 to 2015 were identified through cross-referencing multiple patient databases. Data obtained included clinical features, laboratory, radiological investigations and management. The sensitivity and specificity of tests were calculated and regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors of surgical pathology. RESULTS: 351 eligible neonates were referred [46% female; mean gestation 39 + 6 weeks (SD 9.2 days); mean birthweight 3469 g (SD 558 g)]. Laboratory results were available for 68.7% patients, 88.9% underwent X-ray and 96.6% contrast studies. 11.7% had a surgical diagnosis [malrotation 4.6% (1.7% with volvulus)]. No single test available in peripheral centers could exclude a surgical diagnosis. In regression analyses, age > 72 h, presence of abdominal distension, raised CRP and abnormal X-ray were statistically significant predictors of surgical pathology, while only the former two were predictive of time-critical surgical pathology. CONCLUSION: 11.7% neonates had surgical pathology, fewer than in previous studies. Only contrast fluoroscopy could exclude surgical pathology and therefore prevent transfer. A more sensitive, widely available test would be required to reduce unnecessary neonatal transfers. TYPE OF STUDY: Prognosis study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III.

Parents' experiences of neonatal transfer. A meta-study of qualitative research 2000-2017.

Transfers of critically ill neonates are frequent phenomena. Even though parents' participation is regarded as crucial in neonatal care, a transfer often means that parents and neonates are separated. A systematic review of the parents' experiences of neonatal transfer is lacking. This paper describes a meta-study addressing qualitative research about parents' experiences of neonatal transfer. Through deconstruction and reflections of theories, methods, and empirical data, the aim was to achieve a deeper understanding of theoretical, empirical, contextual, historical, and methodological issues of qualitative studies concerning parents' experiences of neonatal transfer over the course of this meta-study (2000-2017). Meta-theory and meta-method analyses showed that caring, transition, and family-centered care were main theoretical frames applied and that interviewing with a small number of participants was the preferred data collection method. The meta-data-analysis showed that transfer was a scary, unfamiliar, and threatening experience for the parents; they were losing familiar context, were separated from their neonate, and could feel their parenthood disrupted. We identified 'wavering and wandering' as a metaphoric representation of the parents' experiences. The findings add knowledge about meta-study as an approach for comprehensive qualitative research and point at the value of meta-theory and meta-method analyses.

Wakayama Medical University Hospital perinatal helicopter ambulance service: 14 year review.

BACKGROUND: In 2003, a perinatal helicopter air ambulance service was introduced for remote areas of Wakayama and Mie prefectures, Japan, but its long-term impact on perinatal medicine has not yet been analyzed. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted on helicopter air ambulance cases recorded between January 2003 and December 2016 at Wakayama Medical University Hospital (WMUH). RESULTS: During that period, 61 pregnant mothers were transferred by helicopter air ambulance to WMUH. Between 2003 and 2009, the mean period from transfer to birth was 0.6 weeks, whereas between 2008 and 2016, this increased to 1.6 weeks, and the survival rate of infants born after transfer did not differ significantly (84.2%, 32/38 versus 82.1%, 23/28). Seventy-three neonates were transferred. The number transferred between 2003 and 2009 was 46, whereas this decreased to 27 between 2010 and 2016. The neonatal mortality rate in south Wakayama plus south Mie gradually decreased. The reasons for the longer period from transfer to birth, and the decrease in the rate of very low-birthweight infants after transfer may be due to development in the management of threatened premature labor, and the earlier transfer of such cases by regional obstetricians. The reasons for the decline in neonatal transfer may have included the development of fetal diagnostic techniques and improved efficiency of neonatal ground-transport in the South Wakayama region. CONCLUSION: The helicopter air ambulance is an important form of medical transportation in the south Kii peninsula.