A light/dark cycle in the NICU accelerates body weight gain and shortens time to discharge in preterm infants

BackgroundBright constant light levels in the NICU may have negative effects on the growth and development of preterm infantsObjectiveThe aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits of an alternating light/dark cycle in the NICU on weight gain and early discharge from the therapy in premature infants.Patients and methodsA randomized interventional study was designed comparing infants in the NICU of Hospital Juarez de México, exposed from birth either to an LD environment (LD, n = 19) or to the traditional continuous light (LL, n = 19). The LD condition was achieved by placing individual removable helmets over the infant's heads. Body weight gain was analyzed, as the main indicator of stability and the main criteria for discharge in preterm infants born at 31.73 ± 0.31 week gestational age.ResultsInfants maintained in an LD cycle gained weight faster than infants in LL and therefore attained a shorter hospital stay, (34.37 ± 3.12 vs 51.11 ± 5.29 days; P > 0.01). Also, LD infants exhibited improved oxygen saturation and developed a daily melatonin rhythm.ConclusionsThese findings provide a convenient alternative for establishing an LD environment for preterm healthy newborns in the NICU and confirm the beneficial effects of an alternating LD cycle for growth and weight gain and for earlier discharge time. Here we provide an easy and practical alternative to implement light/dark conditions in the NICU.     

Trends in care practices reflecting parental involvement in neonatal care

BackgroundEveryday care practices can facilitate or hinder parents' participation and involvement in neonatal care.AimsTo evaluate trends in family-centered care practices in the Neonatal Intensive Care unit in Turku University Hospital.Study design and subjectsIn this retrospective study, the patient charts of very preterm infants were reviewed in 4 cohorts: 2001 to 2002 (n = 72), 2006 to 2007 (n = 69), 2009 to 2010 (n = 76), and 2011 to 2012 (n = 78).Outcome measuresCare practices with parental involvement were evaluated: 1) thermoregulation; 2) nutrition and feeding; 3) the beginning and number of skin-to-skin care episodes. As safety measures, the length of stay and weight gain were recorded at discharge.ResultsThe significant trends included: a decrease in gestational age at the end of incubator care (mean 33.4 [standard deviation (SD) 1.36] to 31.6 [SD 1.1], p < 0.001) and at the beginning of breast-feeding (35.3 [SD 1.34] to 33.1 [SD 1.89], p < 0.001), bottle feeding (from 34.1 [SD 1.04] to 33.3 [SD 1.51], p = 0.003) and skin-to-skin care (from 32.8 [SD 1.99] to 29.9 [SD 2.34], p < 0.001). The changes were most remarkable in the infants below 28 weeks. In addition, weight gain increased from 110 g to 159 g per week (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe hospital care practices of very preterm infants developed during the study period support parental involvement. During the same time period, the weight gain of very preterm infants improved, significantly. These practices can serve as indicators of progressive trends in family centered care.     

Rapid diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome by oral aspirate in premature newborns

ObjectiveThe stable microbubble test on gastric aspirate and on amniotic fluid has been used for the diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn. However, no study has performed this test on oral aspirates from premature infants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of the stable microbubble test on oral aspirates from preterm newborns to predict respiratory distress syndrome.MethodThis study included infants with gestational age <34 weeks. Oral fluids were obtained immediately after birth and gastric fluids were collected within the first 30 minutes of life. The samples were frozen and tested within 72 hours.ResultsThe sample was composed of paired aspirates from 64 newborns, who were divided into two groups: respiratory distress syndrome group (n = 21) and control group (n = 43). The median (interquartile range) of the stable microbubble count in the oral samples of infants with respiratory distress syndrome was significantly lower than that of infants who did not develop respiratory symptoms: respiratory distress syndrome group = 12 (8–22) stable microbubbles/mm²; control group = 100 (48–230) microbubbles/mm² (p < 0.001). The correlation between microbubble count in gastric and oral aspirates was 0.90 (95% confidence interval = 0.85–0.95; p < 0.001). Considering a cut-off point of 25 microbubbles/mm², the sensitivity and the specificity of the stable microbubble test were 81.4% and 85.7%, respectively.ConclusionThe study suggests that the stable microbubble test performed on oral aspirate is a reliable alternative to that performed on gastric fluid for the prediction of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn.     

Circulating adipocyte fatty acid binding protein levels in healthy preterm infants: Positive correlation with weight gain and total-cholesterol levels

Background

Adipocyte fatty acid binding protein (a-FABP) has been suggested to play an important role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. Preterm infants are at risk for the later development of insulin resistance, and, possibly, other components of metabolic syndrome.

Aim

To determine circulating levels of a-FABP in preterm infants and examine possible associations of a-FABP with metabolic indices (serum lipids, glucose, and insulin levels, and homeostasis model assessment index of insulin resistance [HOMA-IR]), levels of leptin and adiponectin, anthropometric parameters and weight gain.

Study design

Prospective cohort study.

Subjects

55 healthy preterm (mean [SD] gestational age 32.8 [1.8] weeks) and 23 fullterm infants (reference group).

Outcome measures

Serum a-FABP, lipids, glucose, insulin, leptin and adiponectin levels at 31.9 [10.4] days of life.

Results

Serum a-FABP levels did not differ significantly between preterm and fullterm infants. A-FABP levels correlated positively with total-cholesterol [total-C] in both preterm and fullterm infants (β = 0.33; p = 0.01 and β = 0.33; p = 0.04, respectively). In addition to total-C, weight gain correlated independently with a-FABP levels in preterm infants (β = 0.36, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

An association between a-FABP levels and indices of insulin resistance was not present in infants studied. As the development of insulin resistance in children born prematurely is possibly associated with weight gain in early postnatal life, follow-up of our study population is necessary to demonstrate whether a-FABP levels, shown to correlate with weight gain in preterm infants, are a predictive marker for the later development of insulin resistance in these infants.     

Comparison of pneumatic and laser lithotripsy in the treatment of pediatric ureteral stones

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness and safety of pneumatic and holmium:YAG laser lithotripters in the treatment of pediatric ureterolithiasis.Patients and methodsMedical records of patients treated using pneumatic (PL) (n = 29) or laser (LL) (n = 35) lithotripter between 2009 and 2011 were retrospectively analysed. The patients were evaluated with respect to age, gender, stone size, complications, and stone-free rates 1 month after the operation.ResultsFor the PL and LL groups, mean ages (8.8 ± 3.4 and 8.3 ± 3.5 years), male/female ratios (19:10 and 22:13) and stone locations were similar (p > 0.05). Mean stone sizes were 55.6 mm² and 47.6 mm² in the PL and LL group, respectively, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.850). Mean operative times were 20.5 min in the PL group and 25.2 min in the LL group, with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.020). Stone-free rates 1 month after intervention were 79% in the PL group and 97% in the LL group (p = 0.022). Stone migration was detected in the PL group (n = 6) and in the LL group (n = 1). No major complication was found in either group.ConclusionIn the ureteroscopic treatment of pediatric ureterolithiasis, both pneumatic and laser lithotripters are effective and successful. However, laser lithotripsy has a higher stone-free rate and lower complication rate.     

Epidemiology of serious bacterial infection in febrile infants under 3 months of age and diagnostic management in Mayotte

ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the prevalence of serious bacterial infections (SBIs) in infants less than 90 days old presenting with fever on arrival at the emergency department (ED), and to assess the diagnostic management of febrile infants.DesignA retrospective study at Mamoudzou Hospital, Mayotte Island, French Department.SettingGeneral ED in the only pediatric hospital throughout the territoryPatientsWe included infants less than 90 days old with a history of fever and bacterial investigation evaluated in the ED between 2016 and 2018. We excluded preterm infants (gestational age < 37 weeks) and those with known immunodeficiency or previous administration of antibiotics.ResultsA total of 594 infants were included. In all, 105 infants (17.7%) were diagnosed with an SBI and 28 (4.7%) with an invasive bacterial infection of which 1.34% was meningitis. The most frequent SBI was pneumonia (n = 69, 11.6%) followed by urinary tract infection (UTI; n = 37, 6.2%). Predominant pathogens (excluding contaminants) were Escherichia coli (51.2% of the UTI cases), group B Streptococcus (62.5% of meningitis cases), and Staphylococcus aureus (61.5% of bacteremia cases). Seven infants presented with bacterial pneumonia due to Staphylococcus aureus with Panton–Valentine leucocidin (PVL) exotoxin production. Ill-appearing infants, clinical signs of SBI and complex chronic condition were associated with a risk of SBI (respective odds ratio [OR]: 4.6, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3–6.9; OR: 4.2, 95% CI: 2.8–6.4; and OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.2–8.5). The median age for SBI was 42 days (5–90). Fever without source (FWS) occurred more often in infants under 21 days of age (48.5% vs. 31.3% in older infants, p < 0.001). The median duration of fever at home was 24 h (6–96). Concerning management, in infants aged under 21 days, there were more lumbar punctures (58.3% vs. 23% in older infants, p < 0.001) and more frequent initiation of empiric antibiotics (62.6% vs. 42.7%, p < 0.001). Length of stay was also longer in this age range (5 days vs. 3 days, p = 0.037).ConclusionDelay in medical consultation in the case of fever, the risk of SBI regardless of age, and unusual epidemiology with many IBI due to Staphylococcus aureus with PVL exotoxin production are specific characteristics observed in our study. Knowledge of the current epidemiology of SBI in Mayotte would be useful for setting up a risk-stratified protocol in this population in the future.     

Timing of external ventricular drainage and neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus

ObjectiveTo delineate the impact of early (≤25 days of life) versus late (>25 days) external ventricular drainage (EVD) on the neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants with posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus (PHH) following intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).MethodsWe retrospectively categorized 32 premature infants with PHH into two groups according to whether they underwent early (n = 10) or late (n = 22) EVD. We administered the Battelle Developmental Inventory II and a neuromotor examination (median age, 73 months, range: 29–100).ResultsIn adjusted comparisons, early EVD was associated with better scores than late EVD in adaptive (79 ± 22.6 vs. 58.8 ± 8.1, P = .01), personal social (90.7 ± 26 vs. 67.3 ± 15.9, P = .02), communication (95.4 ± 27.5 vs. 69.6 ± 20.5, P = .04) and cognitive (78.9 ± 24.4 vs. 60.7 ± 11.5, P = .055) functions. Three (30%) early EVD infants had severe (<2.5 standard deviation) cognitive disability compared to 18 (82%) late EVD infants (P = .03). The incidences of cerebral palsy and neurosurgical complications were equal for the two groups. Subgroup analyses suggested that early EVD was beneficial in infants with original grade III IVH (n = 15, P < 0.05), but that it had no beneficial effects in infants with prior parenchymal injury (n = 17, P = NS).ConclusionIn this small retrospective series, early EVD is associated with lower rates of cognitive, communication and social disabilities than later EVD in infants with PHH without prior parenchymal injury. A randomized prospective trial is warranted.     

Correlation between CT-estimated tumor volume,pathologic tumor volume,and final pathologic specimen weight in children with Wilms' tumor

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationship of Wilms' tumor (WT) volume to weight, and evaluate computed tomography (CT) scan-derived final pathologic specimen weight estimation models.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed WT patients from 2003 to 2011 who had a pre-operative CT scan, final pathologic specimen weight, and tumor dimensions. A partial nephrectomy tumor cohort (n = 12) was used derive WT density. A radical nephrectomy cohort (n = 45) was used to develop a simplified estimation equation of final pathologic specimen weight, and analysis of all known estimation models was performed.ResultsFifty-two patients were identified. WT volume and weight were not equivalent (p = 0.0410). WT density was 1.3091 g/cm³. WT volume and final pathologic specimen weight were not significant (p = 0.0007). Our model (p = 0.9983) and CT estimated ellipsoidal volume (p = 0.0741) were able to estimate final pathologic specimen weight in all tumors. However, CT-estimated ellipsoidal volume failed to estimate final pathologic specimen weight in specimens < 250 g (p = 0.0066).ConclusionPathologic WT volume is not equivalent to final pathologic specimen weight. Final pathologic specimen weight can be estimated from a pre-operative CT scan, which suggests that it may be used to improve pre-operative surgical planning and to reduce treatment morbidity.     

Comparison of three different noninvasive ventilation strategies as initial respiratory support in very low birth weight infants with respiratory distress syndrome: A retrospective study

BackgroundThere is inadequate evidence regarding which noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is superior for initial respiratory support of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.ObjectivesTo compare the failure of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) and neonatal outcomes between nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP), bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP), and nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) as the initial respiratory support with less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.MethodsMedical records of 419 VLBW infants born at 26–30 weeks’ gestation who did not require intubation in the delivery room and were initially supported with either NCPAP (n = 221), BiPAP (n = 101), or NIPPV (n = 97) were retrospectively reviewed. The LISA approach was preferred in cases of surfactant requirement. The primary outcome was the failure of NIV within the first 72 h of life. Failure of NIV was defined as the persistence or recurrence of one or more of the following: hypoxemia, respiratory acidosis, more than one episode of apnea requiring bag and mask ventilation or more than six episodes of apnea requiring stimulation over a 6-h period. Data were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsFailure of NIV within the first 72 h of life was significantly higher in the NCPAP group (29.4%) compared with the BiPAP (12.9%) or NIPPV (12.4%) group (P < 0.001). However, the BiPAP and NIPPV groups were not different in terms of NIV failure (P = 0.91). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that antenatal steroid administration (OR: 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27–0.90; P = 0.02) and gestational age ˂ 28 weeks (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.18–3.49; P = 0.01) were independent factors that influence failure of NIV within the first 72 h of life.ConclusionCompared with NCPAP, the use of NIPPV/BiPAP strategies for initial respiratory support can reduce the need for invasive ventilation in infants born at 26–30 weeks’ gestation.     

Association of late-onset neonatal sepsis with late neurodevelopment in the first two years of life of preterm infants with very low birth weight

Objectiveto establish the influence of late-onset sepsis on neurodevelopment of preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW), according to the etiologic agent.Methodthis was a cohort of newborns with birth weight < 1,500 g and gestational age less than 32 weeks, admitted to the institutional intensive care unit (ICU) with up to 48 hours of life, and followed-up at the outpatient follow-up clinic for preterm infants with VLBW until 2 years of corrected age. Exclusion criteria: death within the first 72 hours of life, congenital malformations and genetic syndromes, children with congenital infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), congenital infection (STORCH), presence of early-onset sepsis and cases with more than one pathogen growth in blood cultures. Septic and non-septic infants were compared regarding neonatal outcomes and mortality. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scale (BSDI-II) at 18 to 24 months of corrected age.Results411 preterm infants with VLBW were eligible; the mean gestational age was 29 ± 2.2 weeks and mean birth weight was 1,041 ± 281grams. Late-onset sepsis occurred in 94 preterm infants with VLBW (22.8%). VLBW infants with Gram-positive infection showed motor deficit when compared to the non-septic group, 68.8% vs. 29.3%, respectively (OR 6; 1.6-21.8, p = 0.006); the cognitive development was similar between the groups. The overall mortality rate from infection was 26.7%; considering the pathogens, the rates were 18.7% for coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, 21.8% for Gram-positive bacteria, and 50% for Gram-negative bacteria and fungi.Conclusionneonatal sepsis has a significant influence on late neurodevelopment at 2 years of corrected age in preterm infants with VLBW, and Gram-positive infections are associated with motor deficit.     

Role of soluble triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells-1 in distinguishing SIRS,sepsis, and septic shock in the pediatric intensive care unit

BackgroundResearch into new markers has been intensified for early diagnosis, prognosis, and differentiation of SIRS, sepsis, and septic shock in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the role of soluble triggering receptor expressed in myeloid cells-1 (sTREM-1) and interleukin (IL)-6 in distinguishing between systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, and septic shock in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients.MethodsBetween June 2014 and July 2015, 90 consecutive patients who were treated in the PICU were included in this prospective observational study. Patients were divided into four groups: control (n = 23), SIRS (n = 22), sepsis (n = 23), and septic shock (n = 22). All patients were evaluated for white blood cell (WBC), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), IL-6, and sTREM-1 levels at 0, 24, and 72 h of admission. The prognostic evaluations were made using the Pediatric Risk of Mortality III (PRISM III) and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD) scores. Patients were evaluated in terms of age, gender, prognosis, pathogen growth in culture, PRISM III and PELOD score, WBC, CRP, PCT, IL-6, and sTREM-1 levels and a comparison was made between groups.ResultsThere was no significant difference between all groups in terms of the 0-, 24-, and 72-h sTREM-1 values (p = 0.761, p = 0.360, and p = 0.822, respectively). CRP and PCT values did not differ between the septic shock, sepsis, and SIRS groups at 0, 24, and 72 h. In the septic shock group, the 0-h IL-6 value was significantly higher than that of the SIRS group (p = 0.025). The 24-h IL-6 value in the septic shock group was significantly higher than the values of the sepsis and SIRS groups (p = 0.048 and p = 0.043, respectively). No significant difference was detected between the septic shock, sepsis, and SIRS groups in terms of IL-6 values at 72 h.ConclusionsTREM-1 is not useful for the diagnosis of infection and for distinguishing between sepsis, septic shock, and SIRS since it does not offer a clear diagnostic value for PICU patients, unlike other reliable markers such as WBC, CRP, and PCT. Elevated IL-6 levels may indicate septic shock in PICU patients. More research on sTREM-1 is needed in this setting.     

Incomplete bladder emptying is associated with febrile urinary tract infections in infants

ObjectiveTo investigate lower urinary tract dysfunction in pre-toilet trained infants with and without history of febrile UTI (f-UTI).Materials and MethodsPre-toilet trained infants with f-UTI (Group 1) from pediatric nephrology and urology clinics, and those without f-UTI (Group 2) from infant-care centers were enrolled for the present study. Infants in Group 1 underwent four-hourly (4-H) observations for at least one month after treatment for UTI. Voided volume (VV) and post-void residual urine (PVR) were measured by weighting diaper and suprapubic ultrasound after finishing voiding, respectively. Average PVR was defined as the mean value of PVR during 4-H observation. Interrupted voiding was defined as two or three voidings within 10 min. Voiding efficiency was defined as VV/(VV + PVR).ResultsThe mean ages of Group 1 (n = 64) and Group 2 infants (n = 56) were 10.6 ± 7.5 months vs 10.2 ± 5.1 months, respectively (p = 0.70). Group 1 infants had significantly higher voiding frequency (3.0times ± 1.2 vs 2.6times ± 0.9, p = 0.04), average PVR (14.5 ml ± 14.2 vs 8.9 ml ± 8.8, p < 0.01) and lower voiding efficiency (71.2% ± 20.5 vs 80.2% ± 18.5, p = 0.01) than Group 2. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff values for PVR and voiding efficiency to differentiate Group 1 and Group 2 infants were 10 ml and 80%, respectively. Group 1 infants had significantly more repeat elevated PVR (≧ 10 ml) and repeat low voiding efficiency (≦ 80%) than Group 2 (44.8% vs 22.4%, p = 0.03; 62.0% vs 28.6%, p < 0.01, respectively).ConclusionPre-toilet trained infants with f-UTI were associated with elevated PVR and lower voiding efficiency than normal controls.     

胎龄联合出生体重对新生儿遗传代谢病相关代谢物的影响

目的 探讨胎龄联合出生体重对遗传代谢病（IMD）相关代谢物的影响。方法 从2014~2016年间参加IMD筛查的38 931名新生儿中,随机抽取3381例经随访排除IMD疾病的新生儿样本,按胎龄联合出生体重分为极早产适于胎龄儿组（n=12）、早产小于胎龄儿组（n=18）、早产适于胎龄儿组（n=219）、早产大于胎龄儿组（n=18）、足月小于胎龄儿组（n=206）、足月适于胎龄儿组（n=2 677）、足月大于胎龄儿组（n=231）。采集各组新生儿出生3~7 d充分哺乳后的足跟血,采用串联质谱检测干血斑中17种IMD关键代谢指标水平。利用Spearman秩相关分析各影响因素与代谢指标的相关性,采用协方差分析各组代谢指标水平差异。结果 在控制了新生儿生理及病理状态等相关因素后,与足月适于胎龄儿组相比,亮氨酸\异亮氨酸\羟基脯氨酸、缬氨酸在极早产适于胎龄儿、早产小于胎龄儿、早产适于胎龄儿组,鸟氨酸在早产适于胎龄儿组,脯氨酸在极早产、早产适于胎龄儿组中水平明显下降（P < 0.05）;苯丙氨酸在极早产、早产适于胎龄儿组,甲硫氨酸在早产小于胎龄儿组,酪氨酸在早产适于胎龄儿组中水平则明显升高（P < 0.05）;游离肉碱、乙酰肉碱、丙酰肉碱在早产小于胎龄儿、早产适于胎龄儿组,十八碳烯酰肉碱在早产小于胎龄儿组中水平明显升高（P < 0.05）。大部分肉碱指标在早产和足月的小于胎龄儿分别与适于胎龄儿、大于胎龄儿组间比较中差异有统计学意义（P < 0.05）。结论 胎龄不足和低出生体重均会造成IMD筛查指标异常,故在判读IMD筛查指标异常时应结合胎龄和体重情况综合判断。     

Effects of pre-feeding oral stimulation on oral feeding in preterm infants: A randomized clinical trial

Objective

To evaluate the effect of early oral stimulation before the introduction of oral feeding, over the duration of concomitant tube feeding (“transition period”), the length of hospital stay and the breastfeeding rates upon discharge in preterm infants.

Study design

Preterm infants born between 26 and 33 weeks gestational age (n = 86), were randomized into an intervention and control group. Infants in the intervention group received an oral stimulation program consisting in stimulation of the oral structures for 15 min at least for 10 days, before introduction of oral feeding. Oral feeding was introduced at 34 weeks GA in both groups.

Results

Breastfeeding rates upon discharge were significantly higher in the intervention than in the control group (70% versus 45.6%, p = 0.02). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of the length of the transition period or the length of the hospital stay.The need for prolonged CPAP support (HR = 0.937, p = 0.030) and small size for gestational age at birth (HR = 0.338, p = 0.016) were shown to be risk factors for a prolonged transition period.

Conclusion

A pre-feeding oral stimulation program improves breastfeeding rates in preterm infants. The study results suggest that oral stimulation, as used in our specific population, does not shorten the transition period to full oral feeding neither the length of hospital stay.     

A crucial role of altered fractional anisotropy in motor problems of very preterm children

BackgroundVery preterm children (<32 weeks of gestation) are characterized by impaired white matter development as measured by fractional anisotropy (FA). This study investigates whether altered FA values underpin the widespread motor impairments and higher incidence of developmental coordination disorder (DCD) in very preterm children at school-age.MethodsThirty very preterm born children (mean (SD) age of 8.6 (0.3) years) and 47 term born controls (mean [SD] age 8.7 [0.5] years) participated. Motor development was measured using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. A score below the 15th percentile was used as a research diagnosis of DCD. FA values, as measure of white matter abnormalities, were determined for 18 major white matter tracts, obtained using probabilistic diffusion tensor tractography.ResultsLarge-sized reductions in FA of the cingulum hippocampal tract right (d = 0.75, p = .003) and left (d = 0.76, p = .001), corticospinal tract right (d = 0.56, p = .02) and left (d = 0.65, p = .009), forceps major (d = 1.04, p < .001) and minor (d = 0.54, p = .02) were present in very preterms, in particular with a research diagnosis of DCD. Reduced FA values moderately to strongly related to motor impairments. A ROC curve for average FA, as calculated from tracts that significantly discriminated between very preterm children with and without a research diagnosis of DCD, showed an area under curve of 0.87 (95% CI 0.74–1.00, p = .001).ConclusionsThis study provides clear evidence that reduced FA values are strongly underpinning motor impairment and DCD in very preterm children at school-age. In addition, outcomes demonstrate that altered white matter FA values can potentially be used to discriminate between very preterm children at risk for motor impairments, although future studies are warranted.     

振幅整合脑电图对早产儿脑损伤的诊断价值及其影响因素

目的　探讨振幅整合脑电图(aEEG)对早产儿脑损伤(BIPI)的诊断价值及其影响因素。方法　将116例胎龄27~36+6周早产儿纳入研究, 对所有早产儿生后 6 h 内aEEG进行评分; 依据BIPI诊断结果将116例早产儿分为BIPI组(n=63)和非BIPI组(n=53), 采用logistic回归分析对导致BIPI发生的危险因素进行评估; 依据aEEG检测结果再将116例早产儿分为aEEG正常组(n=58)和aEEG异常组(n=58), 对影响早产儿aEEG结果的因素行单因素分析。结果　BIPI组中aEEG异常52 例(83%); 非BIPI组中aEEG 异常6例(11%), 两组aEEG异常率比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。将早产儿依据胎龄27~33+6周和34~36+6周进行划分, BIPI组aEEG评分明显低于同胎龄非BIPI组(P<0.01)。Logistic回归分析显示：小胎龄(<32周)、低出生体重(<1 500 g)、胎盘胎膜及脐带异常和母孕期高血压是导致BIPI发生的高危因素(P<0.05)。aEEG异常组与aEEG正常组在胎龄、出生体重、胎盘胎膜及脐带异常和母孕期高血压4方面比较差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论 导致BIPI发生的危险因素与影响早产儿aEEG结果的因素相一致, 提示aEEG有助于BIPI的早期诊断。     

Very early feeding in stable small for gestational age preterm infants: a randomized clinical trial

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of initiating very early feeding on time-to-reach full feeding in stable, small for gestational age (SGA) preterm infants.MethodPreterm infants with gestational age below 37 weeks and birth weight below the 10^th percentile were randomly allocated to a very early (within 24 hours of birth) feeding regimen or delayed (after 24 hours of birth) feeding. All infants had in utero evidence of absent or reverse diastolic flow. Infants unable to start early feeding were excluded. Time-to-reach full feeding, feeding progression, and related morbidity were compared. Electrogastrography (EGG) was used to measure pre- and postprandial gastric motility on the second and seventh day after feeding initiation.ResultsSixty infants were included in the study, 30 in each group. Infants included in the very early feeding regimen achieved full enteral feeding sooner than controls (98 ± 80-157 vs. 172 ± 123-261 hours of age, respectively; p = 0.004) and were discharged home earlier (p = 0.04). No necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was documented in both study groups. Gastric motility was improved at day seven after feeding initiation in both study groups, with no difference between groups.ConclusionsStable SGA preterm infants on a very early feeding regimen achieved full enteral feeding and were discharged home significantly earlier than those on a delayed regimen, with no excess morbidity.     

Different degrees of maternal Ureaplasma colonization and its correlation with bronchopulmonary dysplasia in <32 weeks' preterm infants

BackgroundUreaplasma spp. is a known risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, little is known about the effect of different degrees of maternal Ureaplasma colonization and their adverse outcomes. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of different degrees of maternal Ureaplasma colonization on BPD.MethodsA retrospective cohort study of preterm infants delivered at <32 weeks' gestational age (GA) was performed. The infants were divided according to maternal Ureaplasma status as follows: high-colonization (≥10⁴ CCU/ml, UUH), low-colonization (<10⁴ CCU/ml, UUL), and noncolonization (controls). Subgroup analysis according to neonatal respiratory Ureaplasma (n-UU) was also performed to evaluate vertical transmission.ResultsIn total, 245 infants were included in this study (UUH = 105, UUL = 47, controls = 93). The rates of preterm labor and histological chorioamnionitis were significantly different. The rate of BPD was significantly high in UUH (P = 0.044). The transmission rate of n-UU colonization was 36% in UUH and 32% in UUL (P = 0.609). The rate of BPD was 78% in n-UU (+) of UUH but 43% in n-UU (−) of UUL (P = 0.027).ConclusionsHigh-degree colonization of maternal Ureaplasma was associated with preterm labor, histological chorioamnionitis, and neonatal BPD. The incidence of BPD was significantly higher in Ureaplasma-colonized infants born to women with high-degree colonization.     

Effect of Multisensory Stimulation on Neuromotor Development in Preterm Infants

Objective

To investigate the effect of Auditory, Tactile, Visual and Vestibular stimulus (ATVV) on neuromotor development in preterm infants.

Methods

Fifty preterm infants born at 28–36 wk with a birth weight ranging from 1,000–2,000 g were recruited for the study. They were block randomized into a control group (n?=?25) and study group (n?=?25). New Ballard score was used for the baseline measurement of neuromaturity in both groups. In neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the study group received multisensory stimulation for 12 min per session, 5 sessions per wk along with routine NICU care either from 33 wk corrected gestational age for infants born at 28–32 wk or from 48 h of birth for infants born at 33–36 wk until discharge from the hospital. The control group received the routine NICU care. At term age the preterm infants were assessed using Infant Neurological International Battery (INFANIB) and the groups were compared using independent t test.

Results

The multisensory stimulated infants showed higher neuromotor score (p?=?0.001) compared to the control group. The french angle components of INFANIB including heel to ear (p?=?0.016) and popliteal angle (p?=?0.001) were statistically significant between the groups.

Conclusions

Multisensory stimulation appears to have a beneficial effect on the tonal maturation in preterm infants. However, further studies are warranted to investigate the long-term effects of multisensory stimulation on neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants.     

维生素D缺乏与早产儿坏死性小肠结肠炎的相关性

目的 评估维生素D水平对早产儿坏死性小肠结肠炎（NEC）的影响。方法 选取2016年1~12月于生后2 h内入新生儿科住院治疗的胎龄 < 36周的早产儿429例为研究对象,依据患儿是否发生NEC,将429例患儿分为NEC组（n=22）和非NEC组（n=407）。采集早产儿及其母亲入院时外周静脉血进行25-羟基维生素D（25-OHD）水平检测,比较两组早产儿和母亲血清25-OHD水平,Pearson相关分析早产儿和母亲血清25-OHD水平相关性,比较两组早产儿维生素D缺乏情况,单因素logistic回归分析早产儿NEC影响因素。结果 NEC组母亲和早产儿血清25-OHD水平均显著低于非NEC组（P < 0.001）。两组母亲和早产儿之间血清25-OHD水平均呈正向关（P < 0.001）。非NEC组与NEC组早产儿维生素D水平在正常、不足、缺乏、严重缺乏等状况的分布上比较差异有统计学意义（P < 0.001）。单因素logistic回归分析结果显示：胎龄、出生体重、母亲和早产儿25-OHD水平、机械通气持续时间、用氧持续时间和住院时间可能是NEC发生的影响因素（P < 0.05）。结论 母亲和早产儿低血清25-OHD水平与早产儿NEC的发生可能具有相关性,提示母孕期补充维生素D对于预防早产儿NEC的发生有重要意义。