Packed red blood cell transfusion (PRBC) attenuates intestinal blood flow responses to feedings in pre-term neonates with normalization at 24 hours

Objective: To determine whether packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion affects post-prandial superior mesenteric artery blood flow velocities (SMA BFVs) in very-low birth weight (VLBW) neonates and if so, at what time point after transfusion restoration of previous SMA BFV patterns occurs.

Design/Methods: VLBW pre-term neonates, older than 14 days and tolerating bolus enteral feedings administered every 3?h were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Pulsed Doppler ultrasound was used to measure pre- and post-prandial (at 45?min) time-averaged mean, peak and end diastolic velocities (TAMV, PSV, EDV) immediately before and after 15?ml/kg of PRBC transfusion was given over 3?h; patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) status was also evaluated. Subsequent pre- and post-prandial SMA BFVs were recorded 24 and 48?h after the transfusion.

Results: Pre- and post-prandial measurements were obtained for 21 out of 25 enrolled infants. Post-prandial SMA BFVs were attenuated during the feedings immediately after transfusion; at 24 and 48?h after transfusion, changes in post-prandial SMA BFVs were similar to those measured prior to transfusion; the presence of the PDA did not affect results.

Conclusions: PRBC transfusion blunted SMA BFV responses to feedings immediately after the transfusion with normalization observed 24?h post-transfusion.     

Predictive monitoring in neonates

Premature infants are physiologically immature and are particularly vulnerable to systemic illnesses. Instability of vital signs related to immaturity of organ systems are common but may also represent early manifestations of serious illness. While vital signs are frequently or continuously monitored in critically unwell neonates, changes in these parameters are subtle in the early phase of illness such as sepsis and difficult to interpret using traditional neonatal monitoring tools. Recent advances in identifying trends and patterns of vital signs in the pre-clinical phase of the illness, particularly in the field of heart rate characteristics monitoring has opened up the potential to improve outcomes through rapid and timely investigations and early intervention. This article reviews the current evidence in predictive monitoring of neonates and discusses potential clinical implications.     

Systematic Review of the Effectiveness of Involving Parents During Painful Interventions for Their Preterm Infants

ObjectiveTo systematically review the literature related to the effectiveness of parents’ active involvement during painful interventions for their preterm infants.Data SourcesWe performed a systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE/Ovid, CINAHL, Livivio, and PsycInfo using the keywords “preterm infants,” “pain,” and “parents.”Study SelectionArticles were eligible for inclusion if they were published between 2000 and 2021 and reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in which preterm infants underwent painful interventions, and parents were present and actively involved in pain-reducing measures.Data ExtractionWe used the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) checklist for RCTs for data extraction. We assessed methodologic quality using critical appraisal for RCTs according to the Joanna Briggs Institute.Data SynthesisIn total, 22 articles met the inclusion criteria. These articles reported 19 studies focused on kangaroo/skin-to-skin care, one focused on breastfeeding, and two focused on facilitated tucking. The methods used to evaluate pain in the infant varied substantially. Overall, kangaroo/skin-to-skin care and facilitated tucking resulted in clinically and statistically significant decreases in pain. For breastfeeding, effectiveness was linked to a more mature sucking pattern of the preterm infant.ConclusionThe current evidence suggests that involving parents in pain-reducing measures during painful interventions for their preterm infants is beneficial. However, more research is needed for the different methods of involving parents in pain-reducing measures.     

枸橼酸咖啡因与氨茶碱对早产儿不同时相血糖值的影响比较

目的观察并比较枸橼酸咖啡因及氨茶碱对早产儿不同时相血糖的影响程度。方法选择新生儿监护室诊断为原发性呼吸暂停的出生胎龄＜34周的早产儿172例，采用随机数字表法分为咖啡因组与氨茶碱组各86例。比较两组早产儿用药前及用药后15、30min、1、1.5、2、4、6、12、12.5、24.5、36.5和48h血糖的变化。结果两组早产儿用药后除6、12和48h血糖值比较差异均无统计学意义（均P＞0.05），其他用药后时相比较差异均有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。咖啡因组早产儿用药后30min血糖值上升，至1h达峰值，后逐渐回落；用药后30min、1、1.5、2及24.5h血糖值与用药前比较差异均有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。氨茶碱组早产儿用药后血糖值上升，30min达峰值，后逐渐回落；用药后15、30min、1、1.5、2、4、6、12.5、24.5、36.5h血糖值与用药前比较差异均有统计学意义（均P＜0.05）。结论枸橼酸咖啡因可引起早产儿血糖升高，但升高幅度较氨茶碱小、持续时间也较短。     

Intussusception in a premature neonate: A rare and often misdiagnosed clinical entity

Intussusception is a very rare cause of intestinal obstruction in neonates. It is of extremely rare occurrence among premature neonates. We present a case of 11-day-old premature neonate who presented with abdominal distension, intolerance to feeds, vomiting, significant bilious aspirate and bleeding per rectum. The initial diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) led to a delay in the diagnosis. On exploratory laparotomy, it turned out to be a case of ileo-colic intussusception with Meckel''s diverticulum as a lead point. This site of intussusception (ileo-colic) and presence of a lead point among premature neonate is of exceedingly rare occurrence and very few such cases have been reported.In this article, the published work about clinical features and management on intussusceptions in premature neonates has been reviewed. The authors intend to highlight the difficulty in distinguishing the NEC and intussusception. Subtle clinical and radiological features which can help in differentiating the two conditions have been emphasized. This can avoid the delay in diagnosis and management which can prove critical. High index of suspicion with timely intervention is the key for optimizing outcome. A diagnosis of intussusception should always be considered in any preterm infant with suspected NEC.     

早产患者血清粒细胞集落刺激因子的检测及其意义

目的探讨粒细胞集落刺激因子(G-CSF)与自发性早产的关系及其对预测早产的可能意义。方法采用ELISA-双抗体夹心法分别对28-34周、34-37周不同孕龄组早产妇女及正常妊娠妇女的血清G-CSF进行检测。结果孕28-34周早产妇女血清G-CSF水平较正常对照组妇女升高(P<0.05)。结论高水平的血清G-CSF与妊娠<34周发生的早产有关,检测妊娠妇女血清G-CSF水平对预测妊娠34周之前发生的早产有重要意义。