Mortality in 504 infants weighing less than 1501 g at birth and treated in four neonatal intensive care units of South-Belgium between 1976 and 1980

Mortality was studied in 504 infants weighing less than 1501 g at birth and treated in four neonatal intensive care units of South-Belgium between 1976 and 1980. Two hundred and twenty-one babies died during their stay at the hospital, a mortality rate of 438 per 1000 live births. The neonatal mortality rate (mortality during the first 28 days of life) was 373 per 1000 live-births. Thirty-three infants died after the neonatal period, which is 15% of the total number of deaths. Twothirds of these post-neonatal deaths were related to complications of diseases associated with pre-term delivery. Mortality rates were higher in infants of less than 1001 g than in those of 1001–1250 g or 1251–1500 birth weight. In each birth weight category, patients born in their own obstetrical departments and referred infants had similar mortality rates. Longitudinal analysis showed improving mortality rates between 1976 and 1977 in the total population of VLBW infants, between 1977 and 1978 in infants of <1001 g and in 1980 compared to 1976 in the 1251–1500 g group. There were higher incidences of need for ventilatory assistance, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotising enterocolitis and septicaemia in referred patients of <1001 g than in patients born in their own obstetrical departments with comparable birth weight. Artification ventilation was more often required in referred infants of 1251–1500 g. This study confirms the importance of considering at least the complete hospital stay when analysing mortality in VLBW infants. Infants of <1001 g had high mortality, particularly after the neonatal period. This phenomenon was asscciated with complications of morbid conditions related to extreme prematurity.Abbreviations VLBW very low birth weight - PDA patent ductus areeriosus - NEC necrotising enterocolitis     

Randomised trial of dopamine compared with hydrocortisone for the treatment of hypotensive very low birthweight infants

AIM—To compare the efficacy of hydrocortisone with dopamine for the treatment of hypotensive, very low birthweight (VLBW) infants.METHODS—Forty infants were randomly allocated to receive either hydrocortisone (n=21) or dopamine (n=19).RESULTS—All 19 infants randomised to dopamine responded; 17 of 21 (81%) did so in the hydrocortisone group. Three of the four non-responders in the hydrocortisone group had clinically significant left to right ductal shunting. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, intraventricular haemorrhage, necrotising enterocolitis, symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus, hyperglycaemia, sepsis (bacterial or fungal) or survival did not differ between groups. The adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) stimulated plasma cortisol activity, either before or after treatment, did not differ between the two groups of infants. Although a significant difference in efficacy between dopamine and hydrocortisone was not noted (P = 0.108), there were four treatment failures in the hydrocortisone group, compared with none in the dopamine group.CONCLUSION—Both hydrocortisone and dopamine are effective treatments for hypotension in very low birthweight infants.     

Aggressive parenteral nutrition in sick very low birth weight babies: A randomized controlled trial

Survival of preterm neonates in developing world has improved. Developing countries lag behind in nutritional management in NICU especially parenteral nutrition (PN). This randomized controlled trial was done to evaluate the effect of aggressive parenteral nutrition on nitrogen retention of sick VLBW and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) babies. From September 2009 to February 2010, total 34 babies were randomized to receive aggressive parenteral nutrition (APN) (n=17) or standard parenteral nutrition (SPN) (n=17). The average daily total and PN calory intake of babies in APN group was significantly higher during first week. APN was well-tolerated; however, nitrogen retention was not significantly higher in APN group. Aggressive parenteral nutrition in sick VLBW babies is feasible in developing world, though it did not improve nitrogen retention in first week of life.     

Early administration of Bifidobacterium breve to preterm infants: randomised controlled trial

AIM—To investigate the colonisation with Bifidobacterium breve of the bowels of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants.METHODS—The adverse effects of B breve were examined in 66 VLBW infants (preliminary study). A prospective randomised clinical study of 91 VLBW infants was also completed and these infants were followed up for three years. Precise viable bacterial counts of serial stool specimens were examined for the first eight weeks after birth in 10 infants. The colonisation rates of administered bacteria were examined using immunohistochemical staining of stool specimens with a B breve specific monoclonal antibody.RESULTS—In the preliminary study there were no side effects attributable to the bacteria. Immunohistochemical staining of stool specimens showed that the colonisation rates of the administered bacteria were 73% at 2 weeks of age, but only 12% in the control group. Early administration of B breve significantly decreased aspirated air volume from the stomach and improved weight gain.CONCLUSIONS—B breve can colonise the immature bowel very effectively and is associated with fewer abnormal abdominal signs and better weight gain in VLBW infants, probably as a result of stabilisation of their intestinal flora and accelerated feeding schedules.     

Audit of feeding practices in babies<1200 g or 30 weeks gestation during the first month of life

AIM: In 2002, the composition of the breast milk fortifier used in our hospital changed, giving increased protein and energy. We therefore decided to prospectively audit nutritional management in our unit and to compare nutritional intake and growth in our babies with published data. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected over a 3-month period on infants<1200 g or 30 weeks gestation. Prescribed and delivered volumes of all parenteral and enteral fluids were recorded. Babies were weighed as per unit protocol. RESULTS: Thirty-four infants met the audit criteria. Data are median (range). After the first week of life, energy and protein intakes were 147 (78-174) kcal/kg/day and 3.9 (2.1-4.8) g/kg/day respectively. Daily weight gain was 17 (-3.2-35.4) g/kg and was significantly associated with both energy and protein intakes (P<0.001). However, standard deviation scores for weight fell from 0.15 (-1.9-2.0) at birth to -1.0 (-2.9-0.8) by 36 weeks corrected age. Time to commencing enteral feeds was 1 (1-3) day and to full enteral feeds was 8 (5-28) days. One infant was diagnosed with necrotising enterocolitis and eight with chronic lung disease. Mean protein intake was significantly lower in babies with chronic lung disease (P=0.005). CONCLUSION: Overall, nutritional intakes and weight gain in this cohort of babies lie within the recommended ranges, although protein intakes in the smallest babies are at the lower end of the range. Enteral feeds are introduced early and advanced rapidly, but we have a low incidence of necrotising enterocolitis. However, babies still fell across weight centiles, suggesting that actual intakes for these tiny babies may be inadequate.     

Necrotising enterocolitis in the very low birthweight infant: expressed breast milk feeding compared with parenteral feeding.

The incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birthweight infants (VLBW less than or equal to 1500 g) was reduced by the delayed onset of enteral feeding. Eight (18%) out of 44 VLBW infants who were in hospital during the first year of the study developed NEC. During the next 12 months 85 similar infants were initially fed by parenteral nutrition only, and then from age 14-21 days with infant formula. During the second year only 3 (3%) patients developed NEC. There were no other relevant changes in management. Throughout the entire study, the onset of NEC in each infant in whom it occurred was after the start of enteral feeding. We recommend avoiding enteral feeding in VLBW infants during the period that they are particularly vulnerable--namely the first 2 or 3 weeks of life.     

Randomised controlled double blind study of role of recombinant erythropoietin in the prevention of chronic lung disease

AIM—To evaluate the role of recombinant human erythropoietin (R-HuEpo) in reducing iron infusion, which may exacerbate free radical damage, leading to chronic lung disease.METHODS—A multicentre, randomised, placebo controlled, double blind study was carried out in four neonatal intensive care units in Yorkshire. Infants were randomly allocated and received either R-HuEpo (480 U/kg/wk) or placebo by twice weekly subcutaneous injection. The primary outcome measure was the number of days on respiratory support and a secondary outcome the number of blood transfusions required.RESULTS—Forty two very low birthweight (VLBW) infants were randomly allocated. There was little difference in the need for respiratory support one month after randomisation, but subsequently there was a trend towards a reduction in the proportion requiring respiratory support in the R-HuEpo group (difference at three months ?0.50, 95% confidence interval ?1.00, 0.17). During stay in hospital, the median number of blood transfusions was lower for infants in the R-HuEpo group (difference in medians ?2, 95% CI ?4, 0). The study was stopped early because of failure to recruit babies at the expected rate.CONCLUSIONS—R-HuEpo seems to reduce the number of days in oxygen for ill VLBW infants. These data could be used to construct a larger multicentre study to evaluate this effect further.     

34周以下早产儿宫外生长发育迟缓发生的影响因素

目的　研究34周以下早产儿宫外生长发育迟缓(EUGR)发生的相关因素。方法　选取<34周早产儿694例, 根据出院时体重分为EUGR组和非EUGR组, 回顾性分析两组早产儿的围生期资料、住院期间生长、营养摄入情况及相关合并症等资料。结果　694例早产儿中, 发生EUGR 284例(40.9%)。宫内生长发育迟缓(IUGR)患儿发生EUGR的比例明显高于非IUGR组(P<0.01); 极低出生体重儿发生EUGR比例明显高于非极低出生体重儿(P<0.01)。胎龄越小、出生体重越低的早产儿EUGR的发生率越高(P<0.01)。EUGR组早产儿禁食天数、静脉营养持续天数、首次肠内营养的日龄、全肠内营养的日龄均大于非EUGR组(P<0.01)。EUGR组患儿生后第1周蛋白质累积损失量与热卡累积损失量均大于非EUGR组(P<0.05)。EUGR组生后发生呼吸窘迫综合征、呼吸暂停、坏死性小肠结肠炎、败血症等并发症的比例高于非EUGR组(P<0.05)。Logistic回归分析显示, 出生体重、出生胎龄及IUGR是EUGR发生的独立危险因素。结论 34周以下早产儿EUGR发生率较高, 尤其是已经存在IUGR的早产儿或极低出生体重儿; 生后早期积极的营养支持, 预防呼吸暂停、败血症等并发症将会在一定程度上减少EUGR的发生。     

Caloric intake and weight gain in a neonatal intensive care unit

The aim of this paper was to study the weight gain in very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants by adopting earlier and higher intake of proteins and earlier intake of lipids. We studied 28 VLBW infants admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit during the year 2004 (group 1) and 18 during the first semester of 2006 (group 2). Dietary intakes for group 1 were: 1 g kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ of proteins started at postnatal day 2 (P2) and 0.5–1 g kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ of lipids at P3; for group 2, 1–1.5 g kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ of proteins and 0.5–1 g kg⁻¹ day⁻¹ of lipids, both started at P1. Caloric intake was significantly higher in group 2 (p < 0.05), whereas cumulative nutritional deficit was higher in group 1 (p ≤ 0.01). Weight z scores were significantly lower at discharge comparing with z scores at birth for each group (p ≤ 0.01), with no differences between the two groups. Despite a higher protein intake which resulted in a lower nutritional deficit, the weight z score did not improve significantly at discharge.     

Outcome of very premature infants with necrotising enterocolitis cared for in centres with or without on site surgical facilities

OBJECTIVE: To determine if the presence of a neonatal surgical facility on site has any effect on mortality and morbidity of very premature infants with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective review of infants of less than 29 weeks gestation cared for in the seven perinatal centres in New South Wales. PATIENTS: Between 1992 and 1997, 605 infants were cared for in two centres with in house surgical facilities (group 1) and 1195 in five centres where transfers were required for surgical management (group 2). RESULTS: Although use of antenatal steroids was significantly lower in group 1 centres than group 2 centres (74% v. 85% respectively), and the incidence of hyaline membrane disease, pneumothorax, and NEC was higher, mortality was identical (27%). Fifty two (9%) infants in group 1 and 72 (6%) in group 2 of comparable perinatal characteristics and CRIB (Clinical Risk Index for Babies) scores developed radiologically or pathologically proven NEC. The overall mortality of infants with NEC in group 1 was lower but this was not statistically significant (27% v. 35%). Significantly more infants with NEC in group 1 had surgery (69% v. 39%). There were fewer postoperative deaths in group 1 and more deaths without surgery in group 2. The duration of respiratory and nutritional support and hospital stay for the survivors were similar in the two groups. In a multivariate analysis, shorter gestation was the only factor associated with mortality in infants with NEC; the presence of in house surgical facilities was not. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in outcome of premature infants with NEC managed in perinatal centres with or without on site surgical facilities. Early transfers should be encouraged. This finding may have implications for future planning of facilities for neonatal care.     

积极营养支持策略对早产儿宫外发育迟缓的影响

目的 探讨生后实施早期积极营养支持策略对早产儿住院期间营养状况及宫外发育迟缓（EUGR）的影响。方法 比较既往营养方案组（A组,n=99）与积极营养方案组（B组,n=101）早产儿住院期间营养摄入、生长速率及出院时EUGR发生率的差异。结果 B组生后1周内肠内营养热卡摄入量及总热卡摄入量均明显高于A组。B组早产儿开奶日龄、恢复出生体重所需时间、静脉营养持续时间、达足量喂养时间及住院时间均较A组短,生理性体重下降幅度较A组低。< 32周的B组早产儿体重、头围、身长增长速率较A组快,EUGR的发生率较A组低;≥32周的B组早产儿体重增长速率快及以体重、头围评价的EUGR的发生率较低。住院期间B组喂养不耐受、坏死性小肠结肠炎、败血症的发生率明显低于A组。结论 早产儿生后早期积极营养支持措施的实施,有效改善了早产儿住院期间的营养状况,降低EUGR的发生率,且未增加住院期间的相关并发症。     

Calorie intake in sick versus respiratory stable very low birthweight babies

A comparison between the calorie intake and energy source of sick versus respiratory stable very low birthweight (VLBW, less than 1500 g) babies was made to ascertain the time taken for them to achieve adequate daily calorie intake. It was an observational study of 23 consecutive VLBW babies in which sick respiratory unstable babies were defined as those who required ventilation beyond 72 h of life. Data were collected on the daily fluid and calorie intake for 30 days of life, and beyond if necessary until the babies achieved full enteral feeding and calorie intake of more than 100 kcal/kg per day. Growth parameters at the time of transfer or discharge were also analyzed. In the study, there were 14 sick VLBW and 9 respiratory stable babies with a mean birthweight of 1027 g and 1212 g, respectively. Their mean gestational age (28.7 weeks vs 31.2 weeks), mean age when calorie intake of 100 kcal/kg per day was achieved (19.8 days vs 7.0 days), mean duration of parenteral nutrition (17.1 days vs 2.7 days), mean age when enteral feeds commenced (8.9 days vs 1.7 days) and mean age when full enteral feeding was established (20.6 days vs 7.3 days) were statistically different for the two groups. For the respiratory unstable babies, parenteral nutrition provided more energy than milk until 15 days of life. The average daily energy intake of 100 kcal/kg per day was only achieved by 30 days of life in this group. In the respiratory stable group, milk provided more than 100 kcal/kg per day from 10 days of life. There were no significant differences in somatic growth with regard to bodyweight, length and head circumference for these two groups of babies at the time of transfer or discharge. The daily calorie intake of sick VLBW babies was suboptimal even with the use of parenteral nutrition. The respiratory stable babies, through enteral feeding, easily achieved the recommended daily calorie intake.     

Light reduction and the electroretinogram of preterm infants

AIMS—To examine the effects of light on retinal development and function in preterm infants as measured by the electroretinogram (ERG). Secondary outcomes included visual acuity testing, the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity, and general wellbeing, reflected in feeding tolerance, rate of weight gain, and length of hospital stay.METHODS—Eligibility criteria for enrolment were birthweight ? 1250 g and gestational age ? 31 weeks. Sixty one infants were randomly allocated by 6 hours after birth to a control or treatment group which wore 97% light filtering goggles for a minimum of four weeks or until the infant reached 31 weeks postmenstrual age.RESULTS—There were no significant differences between the two groups in the numbers of electroretinograms performed at 36 weeks of postmenstrual age. Although the sample size was not large enough to exclude clinically important differences in secondary outcomes, no significant differences were observed between the groups in visual acuity testing at 4-6 months corrected age, incidence of retinopathy of prematurity, weight gain, or length of stay.CONCLUSION—These data support the safety and feasibility of this intervention. A much larger study will be needed to determine whether light reduction to the eyes of very low birthweight infants will reduce the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity or enhance general wellbeing.     

Growth of very low birth-weight Indian infants during hospital stay

Objectives  

To evaluate the growth pattern of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants (birthweight <1500g) during hospital stay and to compare the growth of Small for gestational age (SGA) and Appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants.     

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(VLBW)体重增长的相关因素。方法对1998年7月—2004年3月重庆医科大学儿童医院新生儿病房收治的51例VLBW进行回顾性分析。结果单因素分析发现,早开奶、热卡摄入量和蛋白质摄入量对体重增长有显著性影响(P<0·05)。多元逐步回归分析结果示,热卡摄入量和蛋白质摄入量是影响体重增长的显著因素,回归方程为Y(体重增长)=-6·426+0·120X1(热卡摄入量)+3·737X2(蛋白质摄入量)(P<0·01)。达到体重增长目标对象中单纯胃肠内营养组和部分胃肠外营养组热卡摄入量分别为(520·62±21·59)kJ/(kg·d)[(124·43±5·16)kcal/(kg·d)]、(451·49±68·41)kJ/(kg·d)[(107·98±16·35)kcal/(kg·d)],差异有统计学意义(P<0·05)。早开奶组出生体重恢复时间、住院时间和胃肠外营养液体量占总液量比例>75%时间平均秩分别为18·58、20·24、20·11,晚开奶组分别为33·00、32·48、31·83,差异有统计学意义(P<0·05)。结论VLBW在生后应保证足量热卡和蛋白质的供给,对于小于胎龄儿和有严重并发症的患儿更应该加强营养的补充,对VLBW应尽早喂养,同时需要胃肠外营养作为肠内营养的补充。     

Combined use of alcohol hand rub and gloves reduces the incidence of late onset infection in very low birthweight infants

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of late onset (> 72 hours) infection and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in very low birthweight (VLBW) infants in two 36 month periods using two hand hygiene protocols: conventional handwashing (HW; first 36 month period); an alcohol hand rub and gloves technique (HR; second 36 month period). METHOD: VLBW infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit during the period December 1993-November 1999 were eligible. A new hand hygiene protocol using alcohol handrub and gloves was introduced in December 1996. Each patient's case record was reviewed retrospectively by two independent investigators using a standard data collection form. The incidence of NEC and systemic infections, including bacterial or fungal septicaemia, meningitis, and peritonitis, in the two periods were compared. RESULTS: The HW and HR groups contained 161 and 176 VLBW infants respectively. The incidence of late onset systemic infection decreased from 13.5 to 4.8 episodes (including NEC)/1000 patient days after introduction of the HR regimen, representing a 2.8-fold reduction. Similarly, the incidence of Gram positive, Gram negative, and fungal infections decreased 2.5-fold, 2.6-fold, and 7-fold respectively. There was also a significant reduction in the incidence of NEC in the HR group (p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis revealed that the incidence of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) septicaemia was significantly decreased in the second 36 month period (p = 0.048). The clinical data suggest that infants in the HW group had significantly earlier onset of sepsis (p < 0.05) and required oxygen supplementation for longer (p < 0.05) than those in the HR group. Significantly more VLBW infants were discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit without ever being infected (p < 0.0001), and also significantly fewer infants had more than one episode of infection in the HR group (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The introduction of the HR protocol was associated with a 2.8-fold reduction in the incidence of late onset systemic infection, and also a significant decrease in the incidence of MRSA septicaemia and NEC in VLBW infants. This decrease in infection rate was maintained throughout the second 36 month period.     

The fear of necrotizing enterocolitis versus achieving optimal growth in preterm infants--an opinion

Very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants suffer marked growth delay despite well-intentioned efforts at combining enteral and parenteral nutrition. Fear of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) has traditionally influenced neonatologists toward delaying and progressing slowly with enteral feeding, while supporting the infant with parenteral nutrition. Current evidence suggests significant benefits of enteral feeding that is started early and advanced at rates of 20-35 ml/kg/d. Conclusion: We conclude that fear of inadequate growth should replace the fear of NEC in guiding nutritional strategies for these infants.     

Neonatal outcome after pregnancy complicated by abnormal velocity waveforms in the umbilical artery.

The neonatal outcome of 61 infants born after pregnancies complicated by absent or reversed end diastolic flow velocities (AREDFV) in the fetal umbilical artery was compared with that of 61 controls matched for gestational age born after high risk pregnancies with documented forward end diastolic flow velocities (EDFV). The AREDFV group was significantly more growth retarded, had lower platelet counts at birth, and were more likely to become significantly thrombocytopenic in the first week after birth. Owing to concerns about the possible increased risk of necrotising enterocolitis in newborn infants after AREDFV, this group was started on enteral feeds later and was more likely to receive parenteral nutrition than the EDFV group. Seven infants with AREDFV and one control infant developed necrotising enterocolitis.     

The cholinergic response is increased in isolated ileum from gastroschisis rat model

Introduction  

Babies with gastroschisis (G) have high morbidity rate and long hospital stay due to bowel hypomotility caused by chronic exposure of the bowel to the amniotic fluid. Our aim was to evaluate the reactivity of isolated ileum in fetal rats selected for experimental gastroschisis.     

Minimal enteral nutrition

Although parenteral nutrition has been used widely in the management of sick very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, a smooth transition to the enteral route is most desirable. Animal studies have shown that long periods of starvation are associated with mucosal atrophy and reduction of enzymatic activity. Studies have shown that giving small volumes of feeds frequently exerts a trophic effect on the gut mucosa. This concept has been termed as Minimal Enteral Nutriton (MEN). Clinical benefits of MEN include faster progression to full enteral feeds, lesser episodes of feed intolerance and reduction in hospital stay without a concomitant increase in the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. MEN may be commenced in neonates on ventilation and total parenteral nutrition. A protocol for giving MEN has been described.