Gas exchange in extracorporeal circuits for neonates: comparison of three different canulation systems during animal experiments

During twenty animal experiments the effectiveness of the gas exchange during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was evaluated. Arteriovenous, venovenous and venoarterial perfusion systems were compared. While PO2 saturation values were sufficient in all three groups the PO2 values were significant higher during arteriovenous perfusion (84.22 +/- 3.5 mmHg) compared to venovenous 71.99 +/- 7.3 mmHg) and venoarterial (65.11 +/- 4.5 mmHg) perfusion (p less than 0.001). PCO2 values correlated with the flow in the extracorporeal circuit in all three groups. The absolute values of PCO2 were significantly lowest during venoarterial perfusion (39.68 +/- 3.1 mmHg) compared to the venovenous (42.69 +/- 3.3 mmHg) and the arteriovenous mode (49.96 +/- 4.1 mmHg). These results indicate that perfusion circuits other than the original venoarterial ECMO could provide sufficient gas transfer for respiratory insufficient neonates while avoiding points of criticism of such systems.     

Enteral feeding of preterm neonates: a survey of Australian neonatologists.

Postnatal growth restriction has been recently identified as a serious problem in preterm, especially extremely low birth weight neonates who are also at the highest risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The fear of NEC and the difficulties in interpreting the signs of feed intolerance continue to be responsible for the variations in enteral feeding practices for these neonates. Such variations in clinical practice (e.g. fluid management, feeding regimens) have also been proposed to represent the 'iatrogenic' component of NEC. The findings of a survey (a questionnaire for self-administration and anonymous response) to document the enteral feeding practices of Australian neonatologists for neonates < 32 weeks' gestation are reported. A few controversial feeding practices are discussed in the light of the current evidence. The importance of minimizing variations in nutritional practices is emphasized.     

Why some women do not breast feed: bottle feeding and fathers' role

OBJECTIVE: To explore women's experiences and perceptions of baby feeding and to explore the explanations offered by women who choose to either breast or bottle feed. DESIGN: A qualitative study, which was prospective in design. Participants were interviewed three times: the first stage was between six and 14 weeks of pregnancy; the second stage was between 34 and 39 weeks; and the third stage was between six and 14 weeks after childbirth. PARTICIPANTS: 19 participants were recruited to the study group via 12 antenatal clinics in Coventry, UK. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION: The data indicate that participants make baby-feeding decisions either prior to conception or early in the pregnancy. Findings also indicate that both breast and bottle feeders possessed knowledge of the benefits of breast feeding, but this did not seem to influence decision making. One of the most significant factors influencing the decision to bottle feed appears to be a desire for paternal involvement. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: To increase the incidence of breast feeding, health-care professionals should consider the need for preconceptual health promotion. The role of paternal involvement in baby-feeding decisions also needs to be acknowledged and men need to be included in breast-feeding promotion campaigns.     

The real intraabdominal pressure during laparoscopy: comparison of different insufflators

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare 5 laparoscopic insufflators with different gas flow rates with regard to accuracy of preset pressure setting versus real intraoperative intraabdominal pressure. DESIGN: Prospective study (Canadian Task Force classification II-2). SETTING: Fayette Medical Center, Alabama. PATIENTS: Five patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. INTERVENTIONS: Intraoperative intraabdominal and system pressure measurements during comparable laparoscopic procedures. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Actual intraabdominal pressure was measured and compared between 5 different 10 to 20 L/min insufflators (Storz Laparoflator and Endoflator, Richard Wolf, BEI Medical and Snowden & Pencer) with a computer-based online data acquisition system. At a nominal pressure of 10 mm Hg, the mean intraabdominal pressure during the entire procedure was measured to be between 9.68 and 11.45 mm Hg. The mean intraabdominal pressure during laparoscopy for the insufflators showed a margin of error of 14.5%, with maximum intraabdominal pressure peaks measured between 14.65 and 17.87 mm Hg. CONCLUSIONS: Within an error margin of <15% of the preset intraabdominal pressure setting, the insufflators evaluated can be considered pressure reliable. Although intraabdominal pressure peaks exceeding the nominal pressure temporarily reached up to 78.7% of the setting, no apparent complications were observed. Excessive pressure peaks seen in the previous reported laboratory model could not be confirmed during in vivo application.     

Clinical significance of fetal heart rate patterns during labor: IV. Agonal patterns

The characteristics of fetal heart rate (FHR) patterns were reviewed in 11 cases where the infants died either intrapartum or within eight hours of birth as a consequence of distress during labor without prior recovery. The neonatal charts and the autopsy reports were also reviewed. The infants were grouped according to gestational age as premature (four), term (four), and postmature (three). Similarities and differences were studied in an attempt to delineate some common underlying factors. The premature fetuses have an extraordinary capacity to withstand clinical signs of severe distress (late deceleration and fixed and tachycardic base line) for many hours until the very moment of death and rarely pass meconium. The term fetuses can withstand less prolonged periods of severe distress, the fixed FHR base line and impressive decelerations preceding immediate death; they consistently passed meconium, three of four had aspirated meconium. All of the postterm fetuses had massive meconium aspiration, but the FHR patterns had a bizarre appearance; several hours before death some late decelerations were followed by tachycardia and fixed base lines but no decelerations. Subsequent occurrence of erratic severe decelerations immediately preceded sudden death. Possible reasons for these different pathophysiologic responses are discussed. In the study of FHR tracings, a variable of utmost importance is chronologic age of gestation. Its value cannot be overemphasized for an accurate interpretation of the fetal condition and good decisions for management.     

Bilateral Paget's disease of the nipple: case report.

Paget's disease of the breast accounts for 1% to 4.1% of all cancers; however, bilateral Paget's disease is extremely rare. A case of bilateral Paget's disease is presented and treatment is described.     

Clinical significance of fetal heart rate patterns during labor. I. Baseline patterns.

From a population of 2,774 high-risk patients monitored during labor, 1,304 single pregnancies in cephalic presentation and with direct monitoring for at least 1 hour before completion or cesarean-section were studied. The maternal and fetal clinical data and the tracings were hand reviewed, coded, and programmed for computer analysis. In the record were studied baseline, its changes (tachycardia, fixed, saltatory), the accelerations, and the decelerations (early, variable, late). Fifty-four per cent had some type of FHR deceleration. Accelerations were recorded in over 12 per cent of all cases and were associated with cord problems in 41 per cent. Subgrouping the patients by age of gestation (less than or equal to 36 weeks, 37 to 41 weeks, and greater than or equal to 42 weeks) revealed a 10 per cent prolonged gestation rate and only 6.8 per cent premature; these had a lower 5 minute Apgar score. Fetal weight and age were positively correlated with Apgar score. Baseline changes were much frequent among pre- and postmature infants, particularly tachycardia in the latter (40 per cent). The premature infants had a 25 per cent incidence of fetal distress and the postmature infants had 20 per cent. Neonatal morbidity and mortality rates were very high among premature infants and a mortality rate of 2.3 per cent was found among postmature infants. Saltatory pattern and particularly fixed baseline seem characteristic of prolonged gestation and placental insufficiency. With tachycardia, they constitute subtle symptoms of fetal distress.     

纯母乳与人工喂养对正常新生儿胆红素代谢的影响

研究了不同喂养方式对母婴同室前后５１３例正常新生儿胆红素代谢的影响。５１３例中纯母乳喂养１３４例，母婴同室前人工喂养３７９例。用经皮及经血两种方法动态监测胆红素水平。结果表明，母乳喂养组胆红素水平高于人工喂养组，（Ｐ＜０．０１）。不同的喂养方式所致新生儿高胆红素血症的发生率前者为２０．８９％（２８／１３４）；后者为１０．０２％（３８／３７９），（Ｐ＜０．０１）。胆红素水平动态曲线表明，母乳喂养组新生儿黄疸出现的时间略前于人工喂养组，相应日龄组胆红素水平高，高峰后胆红素下降速度较缓慢。提示母乳喂养能增加新生儿黄疸发生率，但采取适当的干预措施后母乳性黄疸不会影响新生儿健康，一般不需停止母乳喂养。     

A comparison of albumin-bolus therapy versus normal saline-bolus therapy for hypotension in neonates.

OBJECTIVE: We compared responses to bolus infusion of 5% albumin (ALB) or normal saline (NS) for hypotension in neonates. STUDY DESIGN: Hypotensive infants were given 10 ml kg(-1) of NS or ALB. A second bolus was given for persistent hypotension. Dopamine therapy was started for hypotension after the second bolus. The primary response was increase in arterial blood pressure toward normal range 1 h postinfusion. Secondary measures included duration of normotension, meeting criteria for second bolus, meeting criteria for vasopressor support and cost comparison. RESULT: Those receiving ALB (N=49 ALB and 52 NS) were more likely to achieve a normotensive state (ALB=57.1%, NS=32.1% P=0.01) 1 h following the initial bolus therapy. Subsequently, the NS group was also more likely to qualify for vasopressor infusion (ALB=24.5%, NS=44.2% P=0.02). Overall cost for either therapy was equivalent. CONCLUSION: In hypotensive neonates, ALB results in a greater likelihood of achieving normotension and decreased subsequent use of vasopressors when compared to NS.     

A review of psychometric properties of feeding assessment tools used in neonates

OBJECTIVE: To appraise the psychometric properties of clinical feeding assessment tools used in a neonatal population. DATA SOURCES: PubMed, OvidMedline, CINHAL, and PsycINFO databases from 1980 to 2007. Reference lists of all identified articles were also reviewed. STUDY SELECTION: Research reports written in English that utilized or validated clinical feeding assessment tools. DATA EXTRACTION: In total, 941 articles were reviewed. Seven neonatal clinical feeding assessment tools were identified and categorized into three groups: tools used for assessing either bottle-feeding or breastfeeding behaviors, tools used only for assessing bottle-feeding behaviors, and tools used only for assessing breastfeeding behaviors. RESULTS: The psychometric properties of none of the seven assessment tools identified were satisfactory, and the limited representativeness of the samples of the psychometric research was noted in all assessment tools identified. The Neonatal Oral-Motor Assessment Scale appeared to have been examined more thoroughly and showed more consistent results in psychometric properties than the others, despite its own limitations. CONCLUSIONS: A psychometrically sound neonate feeding assessment tool has not yet been empirically validated. Clinicians who use these tools for clinical and research purposes should take into account this lack of evidence of psychometric soundness and interpret results of assessment with precautions. Well-designed research is needed to study the scientific integrity of these instruments for program evaluations in neonatal care.     

Predictors of mortality and length of stay for neonates admitted to children's hospital neonatal intensive care units.

OBJECTIVE: Current scoring systems, which adjust prediction for severity of illness, do not account for higher observed mortality in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of children's hospitals than that of perinatal centers. We hypothesized that three potential predictors, (a) admission from another NICU, (b) presence of congenital anomalies and (c) need for surgery, would modify expected mortality and/or length of stay for infants admitted to NICUs in children's hospitals. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed consecutive admissions to two NICUs in children's hospitals in Canada. We performed regression analyses to evaluate these potential predictors and severity-of-illness indices for the outcomes of mortality and length of stay. RESULT: Of 625 neonatal admissions, transfer from another NICU, congenital anomalies requiring admission and surgery were identified in 371 (59%). Using logistic regression, mortality was predicted based on admission from another NICU (odds ratio (OR) 1.92; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04, 3.57), congenital anomalies (OR 7.28; 95% CI 3.69, 14.36) and a validated severity-of-illness score, the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology Perinatal Extension Version II (SNAPPE-II; OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.05, 1.09 per point). By contrast, surgical intervention was predictive of survival (OR 0.35; 95% CI 0.18, 0.67). Length of stay >or=21 days was predicted by SNAPPE-II (OR 1.02; 95% CI 1.01, 1.03 per point), congenital anomalies (OR 2.47; 95% CI 1.60, 3.79) and surgery (OR 2.73; 95% CI 1.77, 4.21). CONCLUSION: Fair performance comparisons of NICUs with different case-mixes, such as children's hospital and perinatal NICUs, in addition to severity-of-illness indices, should account for admissions from another NICU, congenital anomalies and surgery.     

A comparison of the effectiveness of single-dose vs multi-dose antenatal corticosteroids in pre-term neonates.

The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome between exposure to single vs multiple courses of antenatal corticosteroids (AC) in pre-term births. The study involved 704 neonates delivered between 24-32 weeks. Maternal and perinatal outcome were compared between 294 (42%) neonates who received no AC; 257 (36%) who received single AC and 153 (22%) who received multiple AC. Any AC compared with no AC showed decreased composite neonatal morbidity (51% vs 62%, p = 0.004, odds ratio (OR) = 0.6), neonatal death (52% vs 62%, p = 0.004, OR = 0.6) and hyaline membrane disease (45% vs 57%, p = 0.002, OR = 0.6) with increased chorioamnionitis (17% vs 11%, p = 0.037, OR = 1.6) and pulmonary oedema (12% vs 1%, p = 0.0001, OR = 13). Multiple AC compared with single AC was associated with increased positive maternal cultures (44% vs 31%, p < or =0.005, OR = 1.8), small for gestational age infants (35% vs 21%, p = 0.001, OR = 2) and intraventricular haemorrhage (45% vs 34%, p <0.05, OR = 1.6). Multiple corticosteroid courses when compared with single corticosteroid course did not further reduce composite neonatal morbidity but increased the risk of positive maternal cultures and neonatal small for gestational age and intraventricular haemorrhage.     

生后0～6月不同喂养方式对7～12月龄婴儿能量摄入和体格发育的影响

目的 探讨在婴儿早期(0～6月龄)采用纯人工喂养、混合喂养、纯母乳喂养3种不同喂养方式对其7～12月龄膳食能量及宏量营养素摄入和体格发育的影响. 方法 对全国8个城市中418例7～12月龄婴儿采用问卷获得其基本情况,采用24 h膳食回顾获得其膳食情况,并测量其身长、体重.将调查的7～12月龄婴儿按生后0～6月喂养方式分为纯人工喂养组、混合喂养组、纯母乳喂养组,采用秩检验和卡方检验比较3组婴儿的膳食能量及宏量营养素摄入与体格发育的差异.结果 男婴的出生体重3组间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);但纯人工喂养组、混合喂养组、纯母乳喂养组女婴出生体重的中位数分别为3.10、3.30、3.40 kg,差异有统计学意义(H=12.76,P＜0.05).除女婴的碳水化合物摄入组间无统计学差异外(P＞0.05),男女婴膳食能量、蛋白质、脂肪、碳水化合物摄入量在3组间的差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.05或0.01),其中人工喂养组最高(男婴的能量、蛋白质、脂肪、碳水化合物摄入量的中位数依次为768.61 kJ、24.86 g、27.20 g、106.59 g;女婴依次为884.71 kJ、35.95 g、35.45 g、110.85 g),混合喂养组其次(男婴依次为656.68 kJ、21.84 g、26.03 g、84.54 g;女婴依次为696.38 kJ、20.03 g、26.68 g、77.28 g),母乳喂养组最低(男婴依次为455.88 kJ、17.35 g、15.69 g、71.57 g;女婴依次为562.90 kJ、18.78 g、20.62 g、72.00 g).3组男婴间3种宏量营养素的供能比差异无统计学意义(P均＞0.05).3组婴儿无论男女,其身高别体重z评分、年龄别身高z评分、年龄别体重z评分等级差异均无统计学意义(P均＞0.05).3组女婴间蛋白质供能比差异无统计学意义(H=4.85,P＞0.05),但脂肪、碳水化合物供能比差异有统计学意义(34.58％、36.48％与28.74％,H=2.38;52.67％、51.10％与57.27％,H=2.90;P均＜0.01),纯母乳喂养组脂肪供能比最低,碳水化合物供能比最高.消瘦率、低体重率、发育迟缓率及超重率在男女婴3组间比较差异均无统计学意义(P均＞0.05),人工喂养组超重率最高(男、女分别为25.8％、20.0％).结论 婴儿前0～6个月的采用人工喂养或混合喂养,可能导致其在7～12个月能量及宏量营养素摄入偏高,且体重超重率高.     

A classification of pregnancy losses after invasive prenatal diagnostic procedures: an approach to allow comparison of units with a different case mix

OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy loss rates after prenatal invasive procedures such as amniocentesis (Amnio), chorionic villous sampling (CVS) and fetal blood sampling (FBS) vary with an underlying indication for the procedure and due to different background risk of miscarriage. Loss rates need to be quantified and available for counselling. We developed a classification of pregnancy losses that will help in calculating procedure-related pregnancy loss rates and allow comparison between units with a different case mix. METHODS: The procedure-related pregnancy loss rate was obtained by subtracting the losses in pregnancies with known lethal conditions and those occurring more than two weeks after the procedure from total pregnancy losses. RESULTS: Out of 436 CVSs, there were 18 losses. Of these, 14 had a known lethal condition and 3 occurred after 2 weeks of CVS. In only one case, there was no known lethal abnormality and the loss occurred within 2 weeks. Thus, the total pregnancy loss rate was 4.1% and the procedure-related loss rate was 0.23% (95% CI; 0.0061-1.28). The procedure-related loss rates for Amnio 0.7% (95% CI; 0.2-1.8) and FBS 1.19 (95% CI; 0.14-4.23) were calculated in a similar way. CONCLUSIONS: We present a method of recording pregnancy loss after prenatal invasive procedures, which would be useful for benchmarking comparison between units and pre-procedural counselling.     

Urethral syndrome. A comparison of different treatment modalities

Sixty women with the diagnosis of urethral syndrome were consecutively assigned to one of three treatment modalities. The first group (20 patients) was treated with tetracycline, 2 g/d for ten days. The second group (20 patients) was treated with three serial urethral dilations at two- to three-week intervals, and the third group (20 patients) received placebo for ten days and served as a control group. A detailed clinical evaluation and uroflowmetry were performed before treatment and eight weeks afterwards. A subjective cure, which was defined as an absence of symptoms at the follow-up visits, was achieved in 20% of the placebo group, 50% of the tetracycline group and 75% of the urethral dilation group (P less than .01). An objective improvement in uroflowmetry occurred only in the group treated with serial urethral dilation.