The clinical risk index of babies (CRIB) score in India

OBJECTIVE: To assess the usefulness of clinical risk index of babies (CRIB score) in predicting neonatal mortality in extremely preterm neonates, compared to birth weight and gestation. METHODS: 97 preterm neonates with gestational age less than 31 weeks or birth weight less than or equal to 1500 g were enrolled for the prospective longitudinal study. Relevant neonatal data was recorded. Blood gas analysis results and the maximum and the minimum FiO2 required by babies in first 12 hours of life were noted. Mortality was taken as death while the baby was in nursery. The prediction of mortality by birth weight, gestational age and CRIB score was done using the Logistic model, and expressed as area under the ROC curve. RESULTS: The area under the ROC curve for birth weight, gestational age and CRIB score was almost the same, the areas being 0.829, 0.819 and 0.823 respectively. Hence CRIB score did not fare better than birth weight and gestational age in predicting neonatal mortality. CONCLUSION: The CRIB score did not improve on the ability of birth weight and gestational age to predict neonatal mortality in the study.     

The clinical risk index of babies (CRIB) score in India

Objective : To assess the usefulness of clinical risk index of babies (CRIB score) in predicting neonatal mortality in extremely preterm neonates, compared to birth weight and gestation.Methods : 97 preterm neonates with gestational age less than 31 weeks or birth weight less than or equal to 1500 g were enrolled for the prospective longitudinal study. Relevant neonatal data was recorded. Blood gas analysis results and the maximum and the minimum FiO₂ required by babies in first 12 hours of life were noted. Mortality was taken as death while the baby was in nursery. The prediction of mortality by birth weight, gestational age and CRIB score was done using the Logistic model, and expressed as area under the ROC curve.Results : The area under the ROC curve for birth weight, gestational age and CRIB score was almost the same, the areas being 0.829, 0.819 and 0.823 respectively. Hence CRIB score did not fare better than birth weight and gestational age in predicting neonatal mortality.Conclusion : The CRIB score did not improve on the ability of birth weight and gestational age to predict neonatal mortality in the study.     

需要机械通气的极低出生体重儿院内病死率及病死风险因素的前瞻性研究

目的：描述危重极低出生体重儿（VLBWI）的临床特征、接受治疗状况及其转归,评估其病死风险相关因素,评价CRIB、SNAPPE-II评分系统预测我国早产儿病死风险的价值。方法：对2010年1月至2011年10月间新生儿重症监护室（NICU）收治的127例需要机械通气的VLBWI进行前瞻性数据收集。结果：纳入患儿平均胎龄为31±2 周,平均体重为1290±170 g,男女比例为1.23∶1,超低出生体重儿占6.3%。接受肺表面活性剂（PS）治疗者占 48.0%;接受气管插管机械通气的患儿占49.6%。总的院内病死率为41.7%。低出生体重、多胎分娩、剖宫产、低PaO2/FiO2比值是病死的独立风险因素,OR值分别为1.611、7.572、4.062、0.133,P<0.05。SNAPPE-II和CRIB评分系统可较好地预测病死转归,ROC曲线下面积分别为0.806、0.777。结论：VLBWI总的病死率仍处于较高水平;低出生体重、多胎分娩、剖宫产、低PaO2/FiO2比值是VLBWI病死的高危因素。应用新生儿危重评分系统可对研究对象疾病危重程度进行量化。     

Predictors of mortality and major morbidities in extremely low birth weight neonates

Objectives

To determine predictors of mortality and morbidity in extremely low birth weight neonates (ELBW) from a developing country

Study design

Prospective observational study.

Setting

Level III neonatal unit in Northern India.

Subjects

Neonates <1000g born and admitted to intensive care during study period were enrolled. They were analyzed based on survival and development of major morbidity. Multivariable logistic regression model was used to determine independent risk factors.

Outcome

Mortality and major morbidity (one or more of the following: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) requiring laser, grade III or IV intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) stage III) during hospital stay.

Results

Of 255 ELBW neonates born, 149 received optimal care, of which 78 (52%) survived and 57 (39%) developed morbidities. Mean birth weight and gestational age were 29.1±2.6 weeks and 843±108g. Major causes of mortality were sepsis (46%), birth asphyxia (20%) and pulmonary hemorrhage (19%). Birth weight ≤800g [OR (95% CI)-3.51 (1.39–8.89), P=0.008], mechanical ventilation [4.10 (1.64–10.28), P=0.003] and hypotensive shock [10.75 (4.00–28.89), P<0.001] predicted mortality while birth weight ≤800g [3.75 (1.47–9.50), P=0.006], lack of antenatal steroids [2.62 (1.00–6.69), P=0.048), asphyxia [4.11 (1.45–11.69), P=0.008], ventilation [4.38 (1.29–14.79), P=0.017] and duration of oxygen therapy [0.004 (1.001–1.006), P=0.002] were the predictors of major morbidities.

Conclusions

Low birth weight, mechanical ventilation and hypotensive shock predicted mortality in ELBW neonates while low birth weight, lack of antenatal steroids, birth asphyxia, ventilation and duration of oxygen therapy were predictors for major morbidity.     

28-day survival rates of 6676 neonates with birth weights of 1250 grams or less

Survival rates specific for birth weight, gestational age, sex, and race are described for 6676 inborn neonates who weighed less than 1251 g at birth and were born during 1986 through 1987. Overall 28-day survival increased with gestational age and birth weight, from 36.5% at 24 weeks' gestation to 89.9% at 29 weeks' gestation, or from 30.0% for neonates of 500 through 599 g birth weight to 91.3% for neonates of 1200 through 1250 g. The expected birth weight-specific survival advantage for female neonates and black neonates diminished when the data were controlled for gestational age, showing that certain previously reported survival advantages are based on lower birth weight for a given gestational age. Multivariate analysis showed that all tested variables were significant predictors for survival, in order of descending significance: gestational age and birth weight, sex, race, single birth, and small-for-gestational-age status. The powerful effect of gestational age on survival highlights the need for an accurate neonatal tool to assess the gestational age of very low birth weight neonates after birth.     

影响机械通气治疗肺透明膜病患儿疗效的因素分析

目的探讨机械通气治疗新生儿肺透明膜病(HMD)的预后及其影响因素。方法回顾2002年1月至2006年1月我院新生儿重症监护室经机械通气治疗的116例肺透明膜病病例,分析其疗效,对治愈组和死亡组的胎龄、体重、胸片分级、入院时肛温、血pH、有无使用肺表面活性物质(PS)、呼吸机参数、并发症等对比分析。结果机械通气治疗HMD的治愈率是86·2%,早期酸中毒、上机时高吸气峰压(PIP)及肺出血等严重并发症是死亡率增加的危险因素,而同时采用PS替代治疗可以明显提高治愈率。结论机械通气是治疗HMD的重要手段,同时采用PS治疗可以取得更好疗效,早期酸中毒及上机时高PIP提示疗效较差,积极防治并发症可改善疗效。     

High dose caffeine citrate for extubation of preterm infants: a randomised controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: To compare two dosing regimens for caffeine citrate in the periextubation period for neonates born at less than 30 weeks gestation in terms of successful extubation and adverse effects. DESIGN: A multicentre, randomised, double blind, clinical trial. SETTING: Four tertiary neonatal units within Australia. PATIENTS: Infants born less than 30 weeks gestation ventilated for more than 48 hours. INTERVENTIONS: Two dosing regimens of caffeine citrate (20 v 5 mg/kg/day) for periextubation management. Treatment started 24 hours before a planned extubation or within six hours of an unplanned extubation. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Failure to extubate within 48 hours of caffeine loading or reintubation and ventilation or doxapram within seven days of caffeine loading. RESULTS: A total of 234 neonates were enrolled. A significant reduction in failure to extubate was shown for the 20 mg/kg/day dosing group (15.0% v 29.8%; relative risk 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.31 to 0.85; number needed to treat 7 (95% CI 4 to 24)). A significant difference in duration of mechanical ventilation was shown for infants of less than 28 weeks gestation receiving the high dose of caffeine (mean (SD) days 14.4 (11.1) v 22.1 (17.1); p = 0.01). No difference in adverse effects was detected in terms of mortality, major neonatal morbidity, death, or severe disability or general quotient at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: This trial shows short term benefits for a 20 mg/kg/day dosing regimen of caffeine citrate for neonates born at less than 30 weeks gestation in the periextubation period, without evidence of harm in the first year of life.     

Assessing mortality risk in very low birthweight infants: a comparison of CRIB, CRIB-II, and SNAPPE-II

BACKGROUND: Illness severity scores are increasingly used for risk adjustment in clinical research and quality assessment. Recently, a simplified version of the score for neonatal acute physiology (SNAPPE-II) and a revised clinical risk index for babies (CRIB-II) score have been published. AIM: To compare the discriminatory ability and goodness of fit of CRIB, CRIB-II, and SNAPPE-II in a cohort of neonates < 1500 g birth weight (VLBWI). METHODS: Data from 720 VLBWI, admitted to 12 neonatal units in Lombardy (Northern Italy) participating in a regional network, were analysed. The discriminatory ability of the scores was assessed measuring the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Outcome measure was in-hospital death. RESULTS: CRIB and CRIB-II showed greater discrimination than SNAPPE-II (AUC 0.90 and 0.91 v 0.84, p < 0.0004), partly because of the poor quality of some of the data required for the SNAPPE-II calculation-for example, urine output-but also because of the relative weight given to some items. In addition to each score, several variables significantly influenced survival in logistic regression models. Antenatal steroid prophylaxis, singleton birth, absence of congenital anomalies, and gestational age were independent predictors of survival for all scores, in addition to caesarean section and not being small for gestation (for SNAPPE-II) and a five minute Apgar score of > or = 7 (for SNAPPE-II and CRIB). CONCLUSIONS: CRIB and CRIB-II had greater discriminatory ability than SNAPPE-II. Risk adjustment using all scores is imperfect, and other perinatal factors significantly influence VLBWI survival. CRIB-II seems to be less confounded by these factors.     

Predictors of fatality in neonates requiring mechanical ventilation

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate initial arterial blood gas, pulmonary pressures, pulmonary mechanics (compliance and resistance), pulmonary volumes, oxygenation indices and serum carotenoid levels as predictors of fatality in mechanically ventilated neonates. DESIGN: Cross Sectional. SETTING: Referral neonatal unit of a teaching hospital. SUBJECTS: 83 mechanically ventilated outborn neonates. METHODS: 83 neonates consecutively put on mechanical ventilator from March to December 2001 were enrolled in the study. The mechanical ventilator used was pressure limited time cycled ventilator with facility for online measurement of volumes and pulmonary mechanics. Arterial blood gas after half an hour of initiation of mechanical ventilation and initial pulmonary pressures, pulmonary compliance, resistance and duration of mechanical ventilation were recorded in a pre structured proforma. Initial serum carotenoid levels were also measured using spectrophotometric method. The neonates were regularly followed up for outcome. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to find out the predictors of fatality for those variables that were significantly associated with outcome on univariate analysis. RESULTS: On univariate analysis weight ( < 2000 g), gestational age <34 weeks, pH <7.3, duration of mechanical ventilation <72 hours, a/A <0.25, compliance <1 mL/cmH2O, fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) >60%, oxygenation index >10, AaDO2 >250 and serum carotenoid levels < 100 microg/dL were significantly associated with fatality in neonates requiring mechanical ventilation. However, on multiple regression analysis only FiO2, gestational age and serum carotenoids < 100 microg/dL were found to be independent predictors of fatality. CONCLUSIONS: Initial FiO2 > 60%, gestational age <34 weeks and initial serum carotenoid levels < 100 microg/dL were independent predictors of fatality in neonatal mechanical ventilation. Even in a setting with high fatality rates, high risk of mortality in mechanically ventilated neonates can be identified.     

伊朗伊斯法罕新生儿重症监护中心新生儿气胸的发病因素、发生率和死亡率调查

目的：该研究旨在调查伊朗伊斯法罕新生儿重症监护中心(NICU) 住院新生儿气胸的发病因素、发生率和死亡率。方法：738 例入住NICU的新生儿中,43例发生了气胸。回顾性分析气胸患儿的临床资料,包括胎龄、出生体重、Apgar评分、出生方式、母亲年龄、产次、围产期窒息、出生时复苏、气胸发生部位、机械通气情况、肺表面活性物质治疗、肺部疾病等。结果：气胸患儿平均胎龄为31周,出生体重为1 596 g。12例（28%）患儿胎龄小于28周。28例（65%）出生体重低于1 500 g。共43 例(5.8%)新生儿发生了气胸。97%的气胸为单侧（n=63),双侧气胸仅占3%（n=2）。呼吸窘迫综合征(40/43, 93%)和机械通气(37/43, 86%)是导致气胸发生的常见原因。共28例(65%)患儿死亡。死亡患儿与幸存患儿出生体重、胎龄及胸管留置时间差异有统计学意义。需要肺表面活性物质治疗的气胸患儿死亡率显著增加,与无需表面活性物质治疗的气胸患儿比较差异有统计学意义。结论：该研究中气胸的发生率与死亡率高于其他报道,其原因可能是该研究中新生儿出生体重和胎龄都较低。呼吸窘迫综合征和机械通气是导致新生儿气胸发生的常见原因。患儿胎龄越小,体重越低,肺部疾病越严重,死亡率则越高。     

早期早产儿动脉导管未闭发生的危险因素的病例对照研究

目的 探讨早期早产儿动脉导管未闭(PDA)发生的危险因素,为进一步减少早产儿PDA 的发生提供临床依据。方法 将2013 年1 月至2014 年12 月住院治疗的136 例诊断为有血流动力学意义的PDA(hs-PDA)的早期早产儿(胎龄≤ 32 周)设为病例组,按1:1 的比例从同期住院的早期早产儿中按匹配病例对照原则抽取136 例无hs-PDA 的早产儿作为对照组,两组匹配因素包括性别及胎龄。收集可能与PDA 发生有关的新生儿基本情况、母亲孕期及围产期情况等资料,应用多因素条件logistic 回归分析筛选PDA 发生的危险因素。结果 单因素分析结果显示:新生儿感染性疾病、新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征(RDS)、生后24 h 内血小板计数减低及低出生体重与hs-PDA 的发生相关(P<0.05)。多因素条件logistic 回归分析显示新生儿感染性疾病(OR=2.368)及生后24 h 内血小板计数减低(OR=0.996)是hs-PDA 发生的独立危险因素。结论 新生儿感染性疾病及生后24 h 内血小板计数减低会增加早期早产儿hs-PDA 的发生风险。     

Early neonatal mortality in Caxias do Sul: a cohort study

OBJECTIVES: To establish the profile of neonates in Caxias do Sul city, and to study early neonatal mortality, its causes and related variables.METHODS: This cohort study enrolled 5,545 newborns, which were followed up to 7 days after birth. The probability of early neonatal mortality was calculated and multiple logistic regression was performed to relate all studied variables to the outcome of early neonatal death.RESULTS: The observed probability of early neonatal mortality was 7.44 per thousand live births. The incidence of premature births and low birth weight was 9.4% and 8.1%, respectively. Fifty five percent of the neonates were born through cesarean section, which were related to socioeconomic and educational level. Previous history of neonatal mortality, maternal age > 35 years, gestational age, Apgar score < 7, male sex and low birth weight were related to early neonatal death. The main cause of death was hyaline membrane disease, followed by congenital cardiopaties, extreme preterm and abruptio placentae.CONCLUSION: Even though the observed probability of early neonatal mortality was low, some deaths may have been avoided if better prenatal and delivery care, as well as newborn assistance had been offered.     

Current Status of Infant Growth Measurements in the Perinatal Period in India

ABSTRACT. Analysis of currently available information in the Indian literature on the present status of fetal growth measuring birthweight and gestation distribution, and the intra-uterine growth potential of the fetus has pointed to several interesting findings. The incidence of low birthweight is 24-39% and of preterms, 7-22%. In general the process of labour seems to begin at an stage of earlier gestation. A significant proportion of infants that are born with birth weight between -1 SD and -2 SD show high morbidity and mortality, suggesting the need for them to be categorized as a distinct group. The early neonatal mortality varies between 1.5 and 8.4%. The results show a wide variation between hospital and community care, and between privileged and underprivileged. Logistic problems prevent the recording of birth weight at home or in the community. Recent observations reveal that mid-arm circumference (MAC) of newborns has a strong correlation with birth weight and neonatal mortality. MAC can be reliably used to assess fetal growth and for screening hgh-risk neonates in community care.     

Variables associated with the early failure of nasal CPAP in very low birth weight infants

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors and neonatal outcomes associated with the early failure of "bubble" nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). STUDY DESIGN: Following resuscitation and stabilization at delivery, a cohort of 261 consecutively inborn infants (birth weight < or = 1250 g) was divided into three groups based on the initial respiratory support modality and outcome at 72 hours of age: "ventilator-started" group, "CPAP-failure" group, and "CPAP-success" group. RESULTS: CPAP was successful in 76% of infants < or = 1250 g birth weight and 50% of infants < or = 750 g birth weight. In analyses adjusted for postmenstrual age (PMA) and small for gestational age (SGA), CPAP failure was associated with need for positive pressure ventilation (PPV) at delivery, alveolar-arterial oxygen tension gradient (A-a DO2) >180 mmHg on the first arterial blood gas (ABG), and severe RDS on the initial chest x-ray (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI] = 2.37 [1.02, 5.52], 2.91 [1.30, 6.55] and 6.42 [2.75, 15.0], respectively). The positive predictive value of these variables ranged from 43% to 55%. In analyses adjusted for PMA and severe RDS, rates of mortality and common premature morbidities were higher in the CPAP-failure group than in the CPAP-success group. CONCLUSION: Although several variables available near birth were strongly associated with early CPAP failure, they proved weak predictors of failure. A prospective controlled trial is needed to determine if extremely premature spontaneously breathing infants are better served by initial management with CPAP or mechanical ventilation.     

基于“蒙特勒标准”的新生儿急性呼吸窘迫综合征的单中心回顾性研究

目的 参考"蒙特勒标准"对新生儿急性呼吸窘迫综合征（NARDS）进行回顾性研究,了解NARDS的流行病学、临床特征、治疗现状、预后的相关因素。方法 回顾2017年1月至2018年7月住院患儿的病历资料,选择符合"蒙特勒标准"的314例NARDS患儿为研究对象。依据氧指数分为轻度NARDS组（n=130）、中度NARDS组（n=117）、重度NARDS组（n=67）,比较各组临床特征,分析不同严重程度NARDS的危险因素和住院时长的影响因素。结果 NARDS患儿占同期新生儿病房收治患儿的2.46%（314/12 789）,病死率为9.6%（30/314）。多因素有序logistic回归分析显示,使用过肺表面活性物质（PS）、辅助通气天数长的患儿NARDS较重的风险相对更大（P < 0.05）。Cox回归分析显示,低体重/巨大儿、早产儿、使用有创通气、使用过PS、病原学检测阳性等因素延长住院日的风险高（P < 0.05）。结论 避免早产、减少低体重儿/巨大儿的出生、预防围生期感染,有助于降低重症NARDS的风险。需要有创通气、长时间辅助通气、或PS治疗的患儿预后欠佳。     

Assessment of Risk Factors and Prognosis in Asphyxiated Infants

Background:

Asphyxia is considered an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates. This condition can affect many vital organs including the central nervous system and may eventually lead to death or developmental disorders.

Objectives:

Considering the high prevalence of asphyxia and its adverse consequences, the present study was conducted to evaluate the risk factors for birth asphyxia and assess their correlation with prognosis in asphyxiated infants.

Patients and Methods:

This two-year follow-up cohort study was conducted on 260 infants (110 asphyxiated infants and 150 healthy neonates) at Mashhad Ghaem Hospital during 2007 - 2014. Data collection tools consisted of a researcher-designed questionnaire including maternal and neonatal information and clinical/laboratory test results. The subjects were followed-up, using Denver II test for 6, 12, 18, and 24 months (after discharge). For data analysis, t-test was performed, using SPSS version 16.5. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

Of 260 neonates, 199 (76.5%) and 61 (23.5%) cases presented with normal neonatal outcomes and with abnormal neonatal outcomes (developmental delay), respectively. Variables such as the severity of asphyxia (P = 0.000), five-minute Apgar score (P = 0.015), need for ventilation (P = 0.000), and severity of acidosis at birth (P = 0.001) were the major prognostic factors in infants with asphyxia. Additionally, prognosis was significantly poorer in boys and infants with dystocia history (P = 0.000).

Conclusions:

Prevalence of risk factors for developmental delay including the severity of asphyxia need for mechanical ventilation, and severity of acidosis at birth, dystocia, and Apgar score were lower in surviving infants; therefore, controlling these risk factors may reduce asphyxia-associated complications.     

Early nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation versus continuous positive airway pressure for respiratory distress syndrome

Aim:  To determine whether early nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), in comparison to early continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), can reduce the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation in preterm neonates with suspected respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
Methods:  In this stratified open-label randomized controlled trial, neonates (28–34 weeks gestation) with respiratory distress within 6 h of birth and Downe's score ≥ 4 were eligible. Subjects were randomly allocated to 'early-NIPPV' or 'early-CPAP' after stratifying for gestation (28–30 weeks, 31–34 weeks) and surfactant use. Primary outcome was failure of the allocated mode within 48 h.
Results:  Seventy-six neonates were enrolled (37 in 'early-NIPPV' and 39 in 'early-CPAP' groups). Failure rate was less with 'early-NIPPV' versus 'early-CPAP'[13.5% vs. 35.9%, respectively, RR 0.38 (95% CI 0.15–0.89), p = 0.024]. Similarly, need for intubation and mechanical ventilation by 7 days (18.9% vs. 41%, p = 0.036) was less with NIPPV. Failure rate with NIPPV was less in the subgroups of subjects born at 28–30 weeks (p = 0.023) and who did not receive surfactant (p = 0.018).
Conclusion:  Among preterm infants with suspected RDS, early use of NIPPV reduces the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation compared to CPAP.     

早产儿视网膜病的影响因素

目的 探讨早产儿视网膜病(ROP)的影响因素.方法 选择本院患ROP早产儿为观察组,32周以下的早产儿为对照组,对2组患儿胎龄、出生体质量、出生方式、性别、多胎、使用呼吸机时间、休克、呼吸暂停、新生儿寒冷损伤综合征、肺透明膜病(Ⅲ级以上)、严重感染、肺出血及并发症合计数等临床资料进行单因素分析,并对有意义的因素进行多因素Logistic分析.结果 本资料共有早产儿358例,胎龄均小于32周.ROP 34例,其中Ⅰ期13例,Ⅱ期18例,Ⅲ期3例.二组患儿窒息、呼吸暂停、新生儿寒冷损伤综合征、肺透明膜病、严重感染、肺出血等并发症的发生率比较差异均有统计学意义(Pa<0.05),并发症合计数(OR=2.152,P=0.048)、使用呼吸机时间(OR=1.514,P=0.009)是危险因素.结论 早产儿ROP的发生率和发生并发症的多少及使用呼吸机的时间长短有关.在临床工作中要更多关注并发症的情况.     

Neurodevelopmental outcome of ‘at risk’ nursery graduates

A cohort study at a tertiary care neonatal service was undertaken to determine the neurodevelopmental outcome of heonates who required intensive care. One hundred and nineteen nursery graduates were enrolled for follow up if they fulfilled any of the following risk factors : birth weight less than 1500g, Apgar score less than 4 at 5 minutes, seizure(s), and required assisted ventilation for more than 24 hours. They were subjected to periodic clinical evaluation and administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development in early childhood. Of the total infants enrolled, 101 completed the required follow up. They included 55 infants with birth weight < 1500g, 45 with low Apgar scores, 12 with seizure(s) and 28 who received assisted ventilation. An overwhelming majority of subjects (85%) had normal neurodevelopmental outcome. The adverse outcome in the remaining 15 included mental retardation in all, subnormal motor development in 14, microcephaly in 1, hearing loss in 2 and visual impairment in 4. Among the neonatal risk factors, seizures, sepsis and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy had a significant association with adverse outcome. Despite serious neonatal morbidity, the early neurodevelopmental outcome of nursery graduates was reasonably good. The association of neonatal sepsis with neurodevelopmental sequelae merits a prospective evaluation.     

Acute kidney injury in a single neonatal intensive care unit in Turkey

Background

Although advances in perinatal medicine have increased the survival rates of critically ill neonates, acute kidney injury (AKI) is still one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in neonatal intensive care units. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of AKI and analyze demographic data and risk factors associated with the mortality or morbidity.

Methods

Of 1992 neonates hospitalized between January 2009 and January 2011, 168 with AKI were reviewed in the study. The diagnosis of AKI was based on plasma creatinine level >1.5 mg/dL, which persists for more than 24 hours or increases more than 0.3 mg/dL per day after the first 48 hours of birth while showing normal maternal renal function.

Results

The prevalence of AKI was 8.4%. The common cause of AKI was respiratory distress syndrome, followed by sepsis, asphyxia, dehydration, congenital anomalies of the urinary tract, congenital heart disease, and medication. The prevalence of AKI in neonates with birth weight lower than 1500 g was about three-fold higher than in those with birth weight higher than 1500 g (P<0.05). Pregnancy-induced hypertension, preterm prolonged rupture of membranes, and administration of antenatal corticosteroid were associated with increased risk of AKI (P<0.05). Umbilical vein catheterization, mechanical ventilation and ibuprofen therapy for patent ductus arteriosus closure were found to be associated with AKI (P<0.05). The overall mortality rate was 23.8%. Multivariate analysis revealed that birth weight less than 1500 g, mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, anuria, and dialysis were the risk factors for the mortality of infants with AKI.

Conclusions

Prenatal factors and medical devices were significantly associated with AKI. Early detection of risk factors can reduce the mortality of AKI patients.