极低和超低出生体重儿的早产原因

目的 分析极低出生体重儿(very low birth weight infant,VLBWI)及超低出生体重儿(extremely low birth weight infant,ELBWI)的早产原因,为如何降低ELBWI和VLBWI的发生率提供参考. 方法 回顾性收集广东地区9家医院新生儿科2010年7月至2011年6月出院的早产ELBWI或VLBWI住院期间的病历资料及其母亲住院分娩期间的病历资料.卡方检验比较ELBWI与VLBWI,及不同胎龄早产儿的早产原因的差异. 结果 研究期间共纳入ELBWI48例、VLBWI441例.胎龄为25.1～36.9周,平均(30.6±2.2)周.出生体重为500～1495 g,平均(1246.6±179.0)g.除了不明原因的自发性早产102例(20.9％)外,可明确的早产原因中位居前5位的分别为双/多胎妊娠(31.9％,156/489)、胎膜早破(26.2％,128/489)、孕母妊娠期高血压疾病(25.4％,124/489)、胎儿窘迫(12.1％,59/489)、胎盘因素(11.0％,54/489).在发生率超过10％的早产原因中,ELBWI组孕母妊娠期高血压疾病发生率高于VLBWI组[41.7％ (20/48)与23.6％(104/441),x2 =7.479,P＜0.01].对发生率超过10％的早产原因根据胎龄分组进行分析,妊娠期高血压疾病和胎儿窘迫发生率由高到低为≥32周[45.1％(55/122)和24.6％ (30/122)]、～32周[22.8％(38/167)和11.4％(19/167)]、＜30周[15.5％(31/200)和5.0％ (10/200)](x2=35.942和27.523,P＜0.01),自发性早产的发生率由高到低为＜ 30周(26.0％,52/200)、～32周(22.8％,38/167)和≥32周(9.8％,12/122)(x2=12.545,P＜0.01). 结论 早产的原因是多方面的,其病因谱排序已发生变化,积极防治已知的各种危险因素,并根据新的病因谱做好防治重点,可望降低早产ELBWI和VLBWI的发生率.     

免疫强化营养治疗对早产极低出生体重儿预后影响的分析

目的观察免疫强化营养治疗对住院早产极低出生体重儿预后的改善作用,以期进一步为早产极低出生体重儿的营养治疗提供指导。方法收集早产极低出生体重儿178例,按采取喂养方式分为观察组（母乳喂养＋母乳强化剂）57例和对照组（早产儿配方奶粉支持）121例,观察两组患儿的基本资料、住院时间、白蛋白水平、出院体质量、感染发生率、胃肠功能紊乱发生率情况。结果观察组早产儿白蛋白水平高于对照组,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。两组在住院时间、出院体质量、感染发生率、胃肠功能紊乱等发生率方面差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）。结论早期应用母乳与母乳强化剂结合的方式喂养早产极低出生体重儿,可提高体内白蛋白含量,改善营养状况,是一种有效的营养支持方式。     

147例极低和超低出生体重儿胃肠道内喂养的影响因素

目的 分析影响极低出生体重儿(very low birth weight infant,VLBWI)和超低出生体重儿(extremely low birth weight infant,ELBWI)胃肠道内喂养的相关因素.方法 对147例出院前达到足量胃肠道内喂养,即奶量达到120 ml/(kg·d)的VLBWI和ELBWI的临床资料进行回顾性研究,分析影响胃肠道内喂养的相关因素.对服从双变量正态分布的资料,采用Pearson法进行相关性分析,否则采用Spearman法进行相关性分析;应用t检验进行单因素分析;应用多元线性回归探讨达足量胃肠道内喂养时间的影响因素.结果 147例研究对象的平均胎龄(31.0±2.0)周;平均出生体重(1246±185)g;达到足量胃肠道内喂养的时间为(24.4±10.5)d.单因素分析显示出生体重(r=-0.477,P=0.000)、胎龄(r=-0.405,P=0.000)、机械通气时间(r=0.393,P=0.000)、开奶日龄(r=0.318,P=0.000)、开奶量(r=-0.263,P=0.001)、第3天奶量(r=-0.412,P=0.000)及第7天奶量(r=-0.592,P=0.000)、新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征(t=3.368,P=0.001)、血糖异常(t=3.285,P=0.001)、败血症(t=3.244,P=0.001)、脐静脉置管(t=3.571,P=0.000)、应用氨茶碱(t=4.341,P=0.000)、光疗(t=3.054,P=0.003)与达到足量喂养时间相关.多元线性回归分析显示出生体重(t=4.175,P=0.000)、开奶日龄(t=2.851,P=0.005)、应用氨茶碱(t=2.231,P=0.027)、光疗(t=2.852,P=0.005)、败血症(t=3.895,P=0.000和第7天奶量(t=7.332,P=0.000)与达到足量喂养时间相关.结论 VLBWI和ELBWI的喂养不但受消化道成熟程度影响,还受其他胃肠道外相关因素的影响,因此应综合考虑临床各方面的具体情况,正确实施胃肠道内喂养.

Abstract：

Objective To summarize and analyze the impact factors on enteral feeding in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) and extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI). Methods A retrospective study was carried out in VLBWI and ELBWI who had achieved full enteral feeding prior to discharge. The impact factors correlated to the time of achieving full enteral feeding were analyzed. If the data underwent bi-variable normal distribution, they were analyzed with Pearson correlation test; otherwise they would be analyzed with Spearman correlation test. T test was used for single factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the significant risk factors associated with the time of achieving full enteral feeding. Results One hundred and forty-seven infants with mean gestational age of (31.0±2.0) weeks, mean birth weight of (1246±185) g and mean time of achieving full enteral feeding of (24. 4± 10. 5) days were admitted. With the single factor analysis, it was found that birth weight (r=- 0. 477, P = 0. 000), gestational age (r = - 0. 405, P= 0. 000), mechanical ventilation duration (r= 0. 393, P = 0. 000), the time began to enteral feeding (r = 0. 318, P = 0. 000), initial milk volume (r = - 0. 263, P = 0. 001 ), the milk volume on the third day (r= -0. 412, P=0. 000) and the seventh day (r= -0. 592, P=0. 000),neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (t = 3. 368, P = 0. 001), umbilical catheterization (t = 3. 571,P=0. 000), abnormal blood glucose level (t=3. 285, P=0. 001), aminophylline using (t=4. 341,P=0. 000), phototherapy (t=3. 054, P=0. 003) and sepsis (t=3. 244, P=0. 001) were correlated to the time of achieving full enteral feeding. Multiple linear regression showed that the birth weight (t=4. 175, P= 0. 000), the time began to enteral feeding (t= 2. 851, P = 0. 005), aminophylline using (t=2. 231, P=0. 027), sepsis (t=3. 895, P=0. 000), phototherapy (t=2. 852, P=0. 005)and the milk volume on the seventh day (t= 7. 332, P=0. 000) were significantly correlated with the time of achieving full enteral feeding. Conclusions The enteral feeding of VLBWI and ELBWI was not only influenced by maturity of gastrointestinal tract, but also by other parenteral correlation factors. Multiple factors associated with all around clinical conditions should be considered when providing enteral feeding for VLBWI and ELBWI.     

早产低出生体重儿30例护理体会

目的总结对早产低出生体重儿有效的护理措施。方法分析30例早产低出生体重儿的临床护理资料,所有患儿均给予良好的综合护理,包括环境、保暖、呼吸、营养、并发症预防、病情观察及出院宣教等护理措施。结果 30例早产低出生体重儿经过有效治疗及精心护理,治愈29例,治愈率达96.67%,自动放弃治疗(因经济原因)1例,占2.33%,无一例死亡。结论科学的治疗和精心的护理有助于提高患儿的成活率,降低并发症的发生,对提高患儿的生存质量具有重要的意义。     

住院期间影响极低出生体重儿体重增长的多因素分析

目的 探讨影响极低出生体重儿(VLBWI)体重增长的院内相关因素.方法 对1998年1月至2007年12月我院新生儿重症监护病房(NICU)收治的151例VLBWI进行回顾性分析.根据出院时体重是否达到纠正胎龄第10百分位数分为迟缓组和非迟缓组,分别为104例和47例.结果 两组之间胎龄、出生体重、恢复出生体重日龄、体重下降百分比、日平均体重增长差异均有统计学意义.生后第1、2周迟缓组摄人热量、胃肠内摄入热量、多种氨基酸和总入量均低于非迟缓组,差异有统计学意义.Logistic回归分析发现胎龄(OR=0.140,95%CI 0.051～0.385,P=0.000)、出生体重(OR=1.016,95%CI 1.006～1.026,P=0.002)、第1周多种氨基酸量(OR=47.565,95%CI 1.386～1632.621,P=0.032)和第1周胃肠内热量(OR=23.643,95%CI 1.211～234.877,P=0.042)是影响体重增长的危险因素.结论 VLBWI生后应保证足够的热量、多种氨基酸和总入量,小于胎龄儿和有严重并发症的患儿更应加强营养,合理应用胃肠外营养.     

外周中心静脉置管对55例早产极低出生体重儿体质量影响的临床观察

目的观察外周中心静脉（PICC）置管对早产极低出生体重儿（出生体质量1000～1499g）体质量增长的影响。方法正常早产极低出生体重儿110例,随机分为两组,观察组为PICC置管55例,对照组为静脉留置针置管55例,根据患儿日龄、体质量,每日从静脉补充足够的营养液,在共同输注静脉营养液期间（6～18d）,观察两组患儿平均每日体质量增长情况。结果 PICC置管的患儿平均每日体质量增长（45.67±4.34）g,比静脉留置针的患儿（26.01±5.89）g快,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论早产极低出生体重儿PICC置管,避免反复静脉穿刺给患儿带来的痛苦及不良刺激,促进体质量的增长,值得临床上推广。     

两种辅助通气方式早期应用于早产极低出生体重儿的临床效果比较

目的 比较鼻塞持续气道正压通气(nasal continuous positive airway pressure,nCPAP)与气管插管接呼吸机通气在早产极低出生体重儿生后早期应用的临床效果. 方法 选择生后60 min内出现呼吸窘迫症状的早产极低出生体重儿共123例纳入本前瞻性随机对照研究,nCPAP组63例,气管插管接呼吸机通气组(对照组)60例.采用卡方检验和t检验比较2组患儿支气管肺发育不良发生率、病死率、用氧、辅助通气使用和临床并发症情况. 结果 nCPAP组与对照组比较,支气管肺发育不良发生率[4.8％(3/63)与3.3％(2/60)]和病死率[7.9％(5/63)与6.6％(4/60)]差异均无统计学意义(x2 =0.16和0.07,P＞0.05).nCPAP组肺表面活性物质使用率(27.0％,17/63)低于对照组(83.3％,50/60),差异有统计学意义(x2=39.34,OR=0.3,90％ CI:0.2～0.6,P＜0.05).生后28 d时,nCPAP组辅助通气的比例(17.5％,11/63)低于对照组(25.0％,15/60)(OR=0.7,90％ CI:0.4～1.4);至纠正胎龄36周时,nCPAP组辅助通气比例(6.3％,4/63)仍低于对照组(8.3％,5/60)(OR=0.8,90％ CI:0.2～2.4),但差异均无统计学意义(x2分别为1.05和0.01,P均＞0.05).nCPAP组气漏发生率(11.1％,7/63)低于对照组(33.3％,20/60),差异有统计学意义(x2=8.86,OR=0.3,90％ CI:0.2～0.7,P＜0.05). 结论 与气管插管接呼吸机通气相比,在早产极低出生体重儿中早期使用nCPAP,不能降低病死率或支气管肺发育不良发生率,但可缩短辅助机械通气时间,降低气漏和使用肺表面活性物质的比例.     

极低出生体重儿医院感染的临床特点及早期诊断

目的 探讨极低出生体重儿（very low birth weight infant，VLBWI）医院感染的临床特点，以期做到早诊断、早治疗。方法 对1996年1月至2005年12月间于生后24h内转入我院新生儿重症监护病房（neonatal intensive care unit，NICU）的226例VLBWI医院感染发生情况进行回顾性分析。结果 本组226例VLBWI发生医院感染59例共81次，医院感染发生率为26．1％（59／226）。胎龄越小，体重越低，医院感染发生率越高。81例次医院感染的疾病或定位分布主要为：败血症25例次（30．9％），菌血症10例次（12．3％），呼吸道感染21例次（25．9％），胃肠道感染8例次（9．9％）等。医院感染首次发生时间多为生后2～3周。67例次医院感染（除外皮肤感染、结膜炎、脐炎、鹅口疮）早期临床表现主要为：呼吸暂停重现或频率增加25例；呼吸增快16例；呼吸支持增加或呼吸机参数需调高8例；发热或体温不升12例；喂养不耐受或腹胀8例；嗜睡和肌张力减低6例。白细胞计数异常或杆状核细胞与中性粒细胞比值升高（≥0．16）27例；血小板计数降低11例；血糖稳定后又突然出现高血糖20例；难以解释的代谢性酸中毒12例；动脉二氧化碳分压增高7例。从59例患儿106份血液、尿液、脑脊液或气管插管内吸引物标本培养分离病原菌38株，其中革兰阳性球菌21株，革兰阴性杆菌17株。结论 医院感染VLBWI发生率高、临床表现多样、病情进展迅速，因此临床应采取合理的预防措施并密切观察病情以做到早发现、早治疗。     

极低出生体重儿116例临床分析

目的　探讨影响极低出生体重儿 (verylowbirthweightinfant,VLBWI)存活率的相关因素 ,为降低其病死率和病残率提供依据。　方法　对 1993年 1月～ 1998年 1月收治的 116例VLBWI按体重分三组 ,对其临床资料进行回顾性分析。　结果　VLBWI治愈出院 86例 ,治愈率74 .1% (86 116 ) ;随体重增加而上升 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;治愈者平均住院 (2 7± 13)d ,住院天数随体重增加而缩短 (P <0 .0 5 ) ;病死 15例 ,病死率 12 .9% (15 116 ) ;病死率随体重增加而降低 (P <0 .0 1)。导致VLBWI的主要原因有多胎妊娠 (2 6 .7% ) ,胎膜早破 (2 1.4 % ) ,妊娠并发症 (12 .6 % ) ,习惯性早产(3.1% ) ,妊娠期患内科慢性疾病 (1.3% )和原因不明 (34.9% )。所有住院患儿均有一种以上并发症 ,≤ 10 0 0 g的超低出生体重儿的发生率高达83.3% ,其体重越低 ,并发症的发生率越高 (P <0 .0 1)。存活率 87.1% ,体重≤ 10 0 0 g存活率为 5 6 .3%。死亡的主要原因是肺出血、呼吸窘迫综合征、感染和颅内出血。　结论　提高VLBWI近远期存活率 ,除重视围产期及儿科的处理外 ,VLBWI必须早期发现 ,密切监护 ,及时处理并发症。     

住院期间影响极低出生体重儿体重增长的多因素分析

目的 探讨影响极低出生体重儿(VLBWI)体重增长的院内相关因素.方法 对1998年1月至2007年12月我院新生儿重症监护病房(NICU)收治的151例VLBWI进行回顾性分析.根据出院时体重是否达到纠正胎龄第10百分位数分为迟缓组和非迟缓组,分别为104例和47例.结果 两组之间胎龄、出生体重、恢复出生体重日龄、体重下降百分比、日平均体重增长差异均有统计学意义.生后第1、2周迟缓组摄人热量、胃肠内摄入热量、多种氨基酸和总入量均低于非迟缓组,差异有统计学意义.Logistic回归分析发现胎龄(OR=0.140,95%CI 0.051～0.385,P=0.000)、出生体重(OR=1.016,95%CI 1.006～1.026,P=0.002)、第1周多种氨基酸量(OR=47.565,95%CI 1.386～1632.621,P=0.032)和第1周胃肠内热量(OR=23.643,95%CI 1.211～234.877,P=0.042)是影响体重增长的危险因素.结论 VLBWI生后应保证足够的热量、多种氨基酸和总入量,小于胎龄儿和有严重并发症的患儿更应加强营养,合理应用胃肠外营养.     

Developmental function of very-low-birth-weight infants and full-term infants in early childhood.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Despite general recognition that surviving very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants are at risk for neurodevelopmental impairments and educational achievement difficulties, there has been relatively little study on their functional status in areas such as locomotion, communication, cognition, self-care, and interpersonal relationships. This study assessed the functional status of VLBW infants and full-term infants in early childhood, and sought to identify risk factors for functional morbidity. METHODS: A total of 238 VLBW infants and 91 full-term infants were included in this prospective follow-up study. The functional status of the infants was assessed using the Chinese Child Development Inventory (CCDI) and neurodevelopment was evaluated using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, second version (BSID-II) at 3 years of corrected age. Perinatal and sociodemographic data were collected through review of medical records. RESULTS: The VLBW infants had lower scores on all the CCDI measures compared with the full-term infants. Functional limitation (defined as more than 2 standard deviations below the means of the full-term infants) occurred more frequently in the VLBW infants than in the full-term infants: gross motor, 23% vs 3%; fine motor, 12% vs 1%; expressive language, 21% vs 2%; comprehension-conceptual, 23% vs 4%; situation comprehension, 17% vs 4%; self-help, 17% vs 1%; and personal-social, 19% vs 3% (all p < 0.01). Significant risk factors associated with functional morbidity included gestational age < 30 weeks, grade III-IV intraventricular hemorrhage, chronic lung disease, stage III-IV retinopathy of prematurity, male gender, and maternal education below high school. CONCLUSION: VLBW infants have a higher risk of functional morbidity than their full-term counterparts in early childhood. Infants with functional limitations on CCDI screening might require comprehensive developmental assessment and continued follow-up.     

Obstetric management and intraventricular hemorrhage in very-low-birth-weight infants

A study was conducted to determine the effect of obstetric management on the incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage in the very-low-birth-weight infant. The study covered four years and involved 488 live-born viable infants weighing between 500 and 1500 g, electronically monitored during labor and with echoencephalograms performed within the first three days of life. The overall incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage and mortality was 43 and 21%, respectively. However, both intraventricular hemorrhage and mortality, 72 and 44%, respectively, were increased for gestations less than 1000 g when compared with those between 1000 and 1500 g, 28 and 8%, respectively. Furthermore, the proportion of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (grade III or IV) was increased for gestations less than 1000 g, 32 versus 9%. The incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage and mortality, 57 and 26%, respectively, in the breech presenting infant over 1000 g delivered vaginally, was decreased by cesarean section, 27 and 9%, respectively, P less than .05. The incidence and the severity of intraventricular hemorrhage were not affected by the status of membranes or length of labor. Neonatal asphyxia as defined by a cord pH of less than 7.20 and severe respiratory distress syndrome as defined by duration of intermittent positive pressure ventilation over 72 hours resulted in a statistically significant increase of severe cases of intraventricular hemorrhage.     

Changing trends of neonatal and postneonatal deaths in very-low-birth-weight infants

Advances in perinatal care have resulted in a decline in mortality of very-low-birth-weight infants (<1.5 kilograms) and also in an extension of the mortality period. To determine the current relevance of neonatal mortality results as indicators of outcome, all deaths among 427 very-low-birth-weight infants admitted during 1975–1977 were documented. A total of 145 infants died; 90 of the deaths (62%) occurred during the early neonatal period (0 to 6 days), 35 (24%) in the late neonatal period (7 to 27 days), and 20 (14%) in the postneonatal period. Death in 17 of the 20 postneonatal losses was due to neonatal complications of prematurity, and 16 of the 20 deaths occurred during the initial hospitalization. The postponement of these deaths to the postneonatal period has important epidemiologic implications and indicates a need for a reconsideration of accepted reporting mechanisms for infants of very low birth weight.     

Arterial oxygen fluctuation and retinopathy of prematurity in very-low-birth-weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of arterial oxygen fluctuation on development of threshold ROP. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of 231 infants, < or =1500 g birth weight, who were admitted to Arkansas Children's Hospital NICU from January 1993 to June 1995. Fluctuation in partial pressure of dissolved arterial oxygen (PaO(2)) was expressed as coefficient of variation (CoV) for each infant. We investigated the relationship between CoV at three intervals and the risk of developing threshold ROP. RESULTS: The odds ratio (OR) of developing threshold ROP versus prethreshold ROP or less associated with a 10% increase in the CoV during the first 5 days of oxygen therapy was 1.44, and during the first 10 days was 1.51. When analysis was restricted to infants receiving 30 days of therapy, the OR during the first 5 days of therapy was 1.67, during the first 10 days was 1.82, and during days 11-30 was 1.68. CONCLUSIONS: Very-low-birth-weight infants experiencing fluctuating PaO(2) are at higher risk of threshold ROP.     

High-frequency ventilation in the management of very-low-birth-weight infants with pulmonary hemorrhage

Severe hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to massive pulmonary hemorrhage (MPH) in preterm infants could be fatal. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of high-frequency ventilation (HFV) as a rescue therapy for respiratory failure secondary to MPH in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. Prospectively we followed up all VLBW infants with pulmonary hemorrhage between January 1993 and December 1996 in our neonatal intensive care unit at King Khalid University Hospital. Seventeen VLBW infants with severe hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to MPH were treated with HFV. Ten (59%) infants responded to HFV and survived, while the other 7 (41%) did not respond and expired. Patent ductus arteriosus was considered the most common associated condition in 10 infants (59%). There were no statistically significant differences between the responders and the nonresponders in regard to gestational age, birth weight, sex ratio, % inborn, and primary diagnosis. However, preintervention peak inspiratory pressure (pip), arterial-alveolar ratio (a/A ratio) and oxygenation index (OI) were higher in the nonresponders ( p = 0.02, p = 0.03, and p = 0.003, respectively), while pip, F IO(2), pa CO(2), a/A ratio and OI were significantly lower than the nonresponders 3 hours postintervention ( p = 0.008, p = 0.006, p = 0.0002, p = 0.0005, and p = 0.0007, respectively). In conclusion, HFV might be an effective and lifesaving mode of treatment in VLBW infants with respiratory failure secondary to MPH; therefore, prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.     

Evidence-based neonatal drug therapy for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very-low-birth-weight infants

Corticosteroids, intramuscular vitamin A and caffeine reduce the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in very-low-birth-weight infants. We compared the size of the beneficial drug effects on BPD and evaluated long-term drug safety by estimating the number needed to treat (NNT) and the number needed to harm (NNH) for the outcome of cerebral palsy (CP). When given prophylactically during the first 4 days of life, corticosteroids increase the risk of CP (NNH 22; 95% CI: 12-133). When prescribed between days 7 and 14, corticosteroids reduce the 28-day mortality rate in addition to reducing BPD. Their effect on CP remains uncertain: the limited data available are consistent with a best-case scenario (NNT 15) and a worst-case scenario (NNH 14). Although repeated intramuscular injections of vitamin A during the 1st month of life reduce BPD (NNT 12; 95% CI: 6-94), estimates for CP range from an NNT of 11 to an NNH of 33. Early use of caffeine reduces both BPD and CP. The NNT for BPD is 10 (95% CI: 7-16), while the NNT for CP is 34 (95% CI: 20-132). We conclude that caffeine is the drug of choice for the prevention of BPD in very-low-birth-weight infants. Corticosteroids should be avoided during the first few days of life. However, when given during the 2nd week of life to infants at high risk of BPD corticosteroids may have important short- and long-term benefits. These should be urgently confirmed or refuted in well-designed controlled trials.     

Synchronized ventilation of very-low-birth-weight infants; report of 6 years' experience

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of long-term patient triggered ventilation (PTV) using assist/control or synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) in very-low-birth-weight infants with respiratory distress.

Methods: Ninety-seven very-low-birth-weight infants who had undergone synchronized ventilation for respiratory distress or insufficiency were assessed from January 1995 to December 2000. Death, oxygen support, pneumothorax development while ventilated, intracranial hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity and duration of ventilation were noted as the mean outcome measures.

Results: The mean birth weight was 1139?±?268?g (range 450–1500?g) and the mean gestational age was 29.0?±?2.8 weeks (range 23–36 weeks). Eighty-four per cent of 97 infants survived. Antenatal steroids were administered to only 20% of mothers. Surfactant was administered to all of the 67% of infants with respiratory distress syndrome. The mean duration of ventilator support was 4.7?±?7.3 days (1–43 days) for survivors and 8.9?±?11 days (1–45 days) for infants who died. No respiratory paralysis was necessary in any case during ventilation and pneumothorax was diagnosed in only eight infants. Severe intracranial hemorrhage (grade ??III) and periventricular leukomalacia developed in 15% and 12% of infants, respectively. Necrotizing enterocolitis (Bell's classification stage ??2) and retinopathy of prematurity were noted in two infants. Four infants had evidence of chronic lung disease. The rate of survival without major morbidity was 83.5%.

Conclusion: Patient-triggered ventilation, initially PTV with Asist/Control and subsequently with SIMV in very-low-birth-weight infants with respiratory distress is feasible, but optimization of trigger and ventilator performance with respect to respiratory diagnosis is essential.     

Incubators versus mothers' arms: body temperature conservation in very-low-birth-weight premature infants

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether there is a significant difference between the temperatures of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) premature infants in the incubator and in the mothers' arms. DESIGN: Repeated measures, with random assignment to treatment order and the infants serving as their own controls. SETTING: A 40-bed tertiary-level nursery in a university teaching hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience sample of 20 preterm infants weighing 1,095 to 1,500 g and from 30 to 37 weeks postconceptional age. The infants were screened for factors that would interfere with temperature maintenance. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Axillary temperatures were measured with an electronic thermometer for equal periods of time in incubators and mothers' arms. The mean temperature differences between the two study conditions were compared using two-tailed t tests and repeated analysis of variance (ANOVA). Weight was monitored and analyzed for evidence of increased metabolic activity. RESULTS: No significant variations were found in the infants' mean temperatures in the incubator, but the infants were significantly warmer while in their mothers' arms. CONCLUSION: VLBW premature infants can maintain a stable temperature in their mothers' arms without evidence of increased metabolic activity. Nurses can encourage mothers to hold their infants without fear of cold stress or weight loss.