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.     

早产儿出院后追赶生长的随访观察及宫外发育迟缓的影响因素

目的 研究早产儿纠正月龄6个月内追赶生长的情况,并分析宫外发育迟缓（EUGR）的影响因素。方法 选取在新生儿重症监护病房治疗后出院的,并建立序贯化定期随访档案且有完整随访记录的早产儿321例,按2015年“早产儿保健工作规范”出院后分组随访标准分为低危早产儿组（n=69）和高危早产儿组（n=252）。采用Z评分法对体重、身长和头围进行评估,分析早产儿纠正月龄6个月内追赶生长情况。并采用多因素logistic回归分析探讨6月龄EUGR发生的危险因素。结果 低危组和高危组两组早产儿体重、身长和头围的Z值 < -2（未达追赶生长）的百分比均随纠正月龄增加而逐渐下降,其中低危组早产儿纠正月龄6个月时体重、身长和头围未达追赶生长的比例分别降为1.4%（1/69）、2.9%（2/69）和 1.4%（1/69）,高危组早产儿相应的比例为1.2%（3/252）、1.6%（4/252）和3.6%（9/252）。高危组纠正6月龄EUGR发生率高于低危组（28.2% vs 15.9%,P=0.039）。多因素logistic回归分析显示,早产儿纠正6月龄EUGR的危险因素包括多胎（OR=2.68,P=0.010）、出生体重较低（<1 000 g：OR=14.84,P < 0.001;1 000~1 499 g：OR=2.85,P=0.005）、宫内发育迟缓（OR=11.41,P < 0.001）,而出生后营养强化可降低EUGR的风险（OR=0.25,P < 0.001）。结论 早产儿多可在纠正月龄6个月内达追赶生长;高危早产儿6月龄EUGR发生率较高;多胎、低出生体重、宫内发育迟缓为早产儿EUGR的危险因素,而出生后合理营养强化可降低早产儿EUGR的发生。     

Prevalence of metabolic syndrome-like in the follow-up of very low birth weight preterm infants and associated factors

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome-like symptoms in a population of preterm infants with very low birth weight (<1500 g) at 2 years of corrected age and identify the occurrence of associated risk factors.MethodsCross-sectional study during a five-year period, including preterm infants born with very low birth weight evaluated at 2 years of corrected age. Metabolic syndrome-like symptoms was defined by the presence of three or more of these criteria: abdominal circumference ≥ 90th percentile, fasting blood glucose ≥ 100 mg/dL, triglycerides ≥ 110 mg/dL, HDL cholesterol ≤ 40 mg/dL, and blood pressure ≥ 90th percentile.ResultsA total of 214 preterm infants with birth weight < 1500 g were evaluated. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome-like symptoms at 2 years of corrected age was 15.1%. Arterial hypertension was present in 57.5%, HDL ≤ 40 mg/dL in 29.2%, hypertriglyceridemia in 22.6%, and abdominal circumference above the 90th percentile in 18.8%. Only 3.7% had hyperglycemia. The presence of periventricular leukomalacia was an independent risk factor for arterial hypertension at this age (OR 2.34, 95% CI: 0.079–0.69, p = 0.008). Overweight and obesity at 2 years of corrected age were independently associated with metabolic syndrome-like symptoms (OR 2.75, 95% CI: 1.19–6.36, p = 0.018).ConclusionMetabolic syndrome-like symptoms can be observed in very low birth weight preterm infants as early as 2 years of corrected age. Overweight and early-onset obesity are significant risk factors for metabolic syndrome-like symptoms, which deserves appropriate intervention for this high-risk population.     

Hepatitis B vaccination in preterm infants

AIM—To investigate the immunogenicity and safety of existing recommendations for hepatitis B vaccination in preterm infants.METHODS—Recombinant hepatitis B vaccine (H-B-VAX II, 5 µg per dose) was given to 85 preterm infants divided into two groups, using two different schedules. Forty four group A infants with birthweights of < 2000 g received three doses at 1, 2, and 7 months of age. Forty one group B infants with birthweights of ?2000 g received three doses at 0, 1, and 6 months of age.RESULTS—After vaccination, 42 infants from group A (95%) and 37 infants from group B (90%) developed protective levels of antibody. The final seropositive rate and the geometric mean concentration of hepatitis B surface antibody between the two groups were not significantly different. The immune response of preterm infants to hepatitis B vaccines was similar to that of term infants in a previous study.CONCLUSIONS—Preterm infants can be given hepatitis B vaccines using one of the above two different schedules, at a cutoff birthweight of 2000 g.     

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.     

Neurological examination combined with brain MRI or cranial US improves prediction of neurological outcome in preterm infants

BackgroundThe predictive value of the combination of neurological examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or cranial ultrasound (cUS) in preterm infants is not known.AimsTo study the prognostic value of the combination of neurological examination and brain MRI at term equivalent age (TEA) or serial neonatal cUS in very preterm infants for neurosensory outcome at 2 years of corrected age.Study designA prospective follow-up study.SubjectsA total of 216 very preterm infants (birth weight 1132 g [SD 331 g]) born in Turku University Hospital, from 2001 to 2006, were included.Outcome measuresThe Dubowitz neurologic examination and brain MRI were done at TEA, and serial cUS examinations were performed until TEA. The Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) and neurosensory impairments (NSI) were assessed at 2 years of corrected age.ResultsOf all infants, 163 (76%) had one or more deviant neurological items at TEA, and 32 (15%) had the HINE total score below the 10th percentile at 2 years of corrected age. A total of 17 (8%) infants had NSI. Neurological examination at TEA improved the negative and positive predictive values of brain MRI for NSI from 99% to 100%, and from 28% to 35%, respectively, and the negative and positive predictive values of cUS from 97% to 100%, and from 61% to 79%, respectively.ConclusionsThe combination of the Dubowitz neurologic examination and the brain MRI at TEA or serial neonatal cUS provides a valuable clinical tool for predicting long-term neurosensory outcome in preterm infants.     

Réseau de suivi des nouveau-nés à risque de développer un handicap. L'expérience du réseau de suivi régional ≪ grandir ensemble en Pays de la Loire ≫

Background and objectives. — Follow-up networks for newborns with a handicap risk need to be put into place downstream of the perinatal health networks. Such a network was implemented in the Pays de la Loire region in 2003. Our objective is to evaluate the feasibility and the capacity to detect infants with an incapacitating condition at nine months corrected age and the patents'satisfaction with such a network.Material and methods. — A common tool based on the Amiel Tison assessment was set up. Infants included since 1^st March 2003 and who were two years old corrected age on 1^st September 2006 were taken into consideration. A satisfaction survey was conducted with the parents of infants showing normal development at two years old corrected age or with an abnormal neuromotor examination.Results. — Amongst the 1339 infants included, 1185 (88.4 %) were seen at the age of two years: 7.3 % showed pathological development, 4.5 % infants showed suspect neuromotor examination. Cares were proposed for 11% of the infants followed, permitting cares from nine months old for 65 % of the infants considered as having a pathological development at the age of two years.Discussion/conclusion. — This follow-up network has fulfilled its initial goal: 2.2 % of newborn babies in the region were included, a low rate of lost for follow-up was observed. Moreover, this network has a relative good capacity for detection and early initiation of care. The application of the parents is important and their level of satisfaction appeared to be high. This experiment shows that regional follow-up networks can become reality, but their efficiency still needs to be improved.     

不同喂养方式对极低/超低出生体重儿生长发育的影响

目的 探讨极低/超低出生体重（VLBW/ELBW）早产儿纠正年龄6个月内生长发育情况及不同喂养方式对其生长发育的影响。方法 对2016年1月至2017年4月出院并按时完成随访的VLBW/ELBW早产儿109例进行纠正年龄6个月内的生长发育监测。采用Z评分法评价体格指标,并分析不同喂养方式（母乳喂养组：母乳+母乳强化剂;混合喂养组：母乳+早产儿配方奶;人工喂养组：早产儿配方奶）对其生长发育的影响。结果 年龄别体重Z积分、年龄别身长Z积分、身长别体重Z积分、体重指数Z积分的追赶高峰发生于纠正年龄3个月内;年龄别头围Z积分的追赶高峰发生于纠正年龄5个月。VLBW/ELBW早产儿的生长偏离多发生于纠正年龄1~3个月内。母乳喂养组体重、身长、头围的生长在纠正年龄3个月时均优于混合喂养组和/或人工喂养组（P < 0.05）;母乳喂养组头围、身长的生长在纠正年龄6个月时均优于混合喂养组和/或人工喂养组（P < 0.05）。结论 VLBW/ELBW早产儿的生长偏离多发生于纠正年龄1~3个月内,提示应加强早期个体化随访及营养指导以减少生长偏离的发生。亲母母乳喂养并添加母乳强化剂是VLBW/ELBW早产儿的最佳喂养方式。     

Low breastfeeding continuation to 6 months for very preterm infants: A European multiregional cohort study

Breastfeeding confers multiple benefits for the health and development of very preterm infants, but there is scarce information on the duration of breastfeeding after discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). We used data from the Effective Perinatal Intensive Care in Europe population‐based cohort of births below 32 weeks of gestation in 11 European countries in 2011–2012 to investigate breastfeeding continuation until 6 months. Clinical and sociodemographic characteristics were collected from obstetric and neonatal medical records as well as parental questionnaires at 2 years of corrected age. Among 3,217 ever‐breastfed infants, 34% were breastfeeding at 6 months of age (range across countries from 25% to 56%); younger and less educated mothers were more likely to stop before 6 months (adjusted relative risk [aRR] <25 years: 0.68, 95% CI [0.53, 0.88], vs. 25–34 years; lower secondary: 0.58, 95% CI [0.45, 0.76] vs. postgraduate education). Multiple birth, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and several neonatal transfers reduced the probability of continuation but not low gestational age, fetal growth restriction, congenital anomalies, or severe neonatal morbidities. Among infants breastfeeding at discharge, mixed versus exclusive breast milk feeding at discharge was associated with stopping before 6 months: aRR = 0.60, 95% CI [0.48, 0.74]. Low breastfeeding continuation rates in this high‐risk population call for more support to breastfeeding mothers during and after the neonatal hospitalization, especially for families with low socio‐economic status, multiples, and infants with BPD. Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding in the NICU may constitute a lever for improving breastfeeding continuation after discharge.     

Early increase of TNFα and IL-6 in tracheobronchial aspirate fluid indicator of subsequent chronic lung disease in preterm infants

AIM—To investigate if early changes in concentrations of proinflammatory cytokines in tracheobronchial aspirate fluid (TAF) from preterm infants could be used to detect infants at risk of chronic lung disease (CLD) and help in the selection of patients for early steroid treatment.METHODS—Twenty eight preterm infants less than 34 weeks of gestation (median 26 weeks) were intubated and daily measurements of TAF concentrations of tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) and the interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 were made, using enzyme immunoassay techniques.RESULTS—Seventeen of the infants developed CLD. The infants who developed CLD had significantly increased concentrations of TNFα, IL-1ß, IL-6 on days 2 and 3. TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8 concentrations were significantly related to gestational age and duration of supplemental oxygen; TNFα, IL-6, and IL-8 concentrations also correlated with length of time on the ventilator.CONCLUSION—These data indicate that tracheobronchial aspirate fluid cytokine concentrations may be used as a predictor of subsequent CLD and may help select a group of preterm infants at high risk of developing CLD for early treatment.     

Neonatal seizures associated with cerebral lesions shown by magnetic resonance imaging

AIM—To determine the diagnostic potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in neonatal seizures; to elucidate the aetiology, timing, and prognosis of the cerebral lesions detected.METHODS—Thirty one term neonates with clinical seizures underwent ultrasonography between days 1-7 (mean 2.5 days) and a high field spin-echo MRI scan on days 1-30 (mean 8.1 days), both of which were repeated at 3 months of age. Routine investigation excluded, as far as possible, infection, haematological, and metabolic-toxic causes as causes of the neonatal seizures.RESULTS—Brain abnormality was demonstrated by MRI in 68% of infants and ultrasonographically in 10%. Diffuse brain lesions (present in 29%) were associated with high mortality (58%) and morbidity (42%), whatever the aetiology. In contrast to a better short term prognosis for neonates with focal lesions where no infants died, 33 % had a handicap, and the rest were normal at a mean follow up age of 21/2 years. Cerebral lesions were presumed to have antepartum origin in 43% of cases. Seizure aetiology was considered to be hypoxic-ischaemic in 35%, haemorrhagic in 26%, metabolic disturbances and cerebral dysgenesis in 16% and unknown in 23%.CONCLUSIONS—MRI detected a remarkably high incidence of brain lesions in neonatal seizures. Almost half of these were of prenatal origin and pathogenesis may essentially be attributed to hypoxic and/or haemodynamic causes.     

Is term newborn body composition being achieved postnatally in preterm infants?

Background

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that preterm infants' growth duplicates fetal growth rates and that body composition replicates in utero body composition.

Aims

To compare the total body fat mass between preterm infants assessed at term corrected age and full-term newborns, and to investigate the effects of gestational age, gender, weight increase, being breast fed on total adiposity.

Study design

Prospective observational study.

Subjects

One hundred and ten preterm infants [mean (SD) gestational age: 29.9 (2.3) weeks; birth weight: 1118 (274) g], and 87 full term [mean (SD) 38.6 (1.21) weeks, 3203 (385) g], breastfed infants.

Outcome measures

Growth and body composition by means of a pediatric air displacement system were assessed at term corrected age in preterm infants and on day 3 of life in full term infants.

Results

Weight, length and head circumference were smaller in the preterm group as compared to the term group. Mean (SD) percentage of fat mass in preterm infants was significantly higher as compared to term infants [14.8 (4.4) vs 8.59 (3.71), P < 0.0001]. Fat mass was negatively correlated with gestational age (P < 0.001), and positively associated with weight increase (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Our data suggest that body composition, in terms of fat mass, in preterm infants at term corrected age is different from that of full term newborns.     

Parenting stress in mothers of very preterm infants — Influence of development,temperament and maternal depression

Objective

To measure levels of parenting stress and postnatal depression in mothers of very preterm infants in comparison with mothers of infants born at term is the objective of this study. The study also aimed to explore factors associated with parenting stress in the mothers of the preterm infants.

Methods

One hundred and five mothers who delivered 124 babies at ≤ 30 weeks gestation were enrolled together with 105 term mothers who delivered 120 babies. At one year of age (corrected for prematurity for the preterm cohort), the mothers completed the Parenting Stress Index Short Form (PSI), the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Short Temperament Scale for Toddlers. The infants had neurodevelopmental assessment. The preterm and term groups were compared.

Results

Questionnaires were completed by 101 of the preterm mothers and 98 of the term mothers. The mean PSI Total Stress score was significantly higher for the preterm mothers (70.28 vs 64.52, p = 0.022), with 19% of the preterm group and 9% of the term group having high scores (p = 0.038).There was no group difference on the EPDS or measures of temperament, with disability being greater in the preterm infants. For the preterm group, maternal depression and infant temperament were independent predictors of Total Stress scores on multivariate analysis.

Conclusions

Parenting stress in mothers of preterm infants at one year of age is significantly greater than that found in mothers of term infants. For preterm mothers, symptoms of depression and infant temperament are independent risk factors for higher levels of parenting stress.     

Level of conus medullaris in term and preterm neonates

AIMS—To compare the levels of conus medullaris in preterm and term neonates; to show the time of ascent to normal; and to evaluate the babies with low conus medullaris levels for tethered cord syndrome.METHODS—Levels were assessed using ultrasonography in 41 preterm and 64 term neonates.RESULTS—In the preterm group the conus medullaris level in one infant (2.4%) was below L4. In three infants (7.2%) it was between L2 and L3 and in 37 infants (90.4%) it was above L2. In the term group it was below L4 in one baby (1.6%), between L2 and L3 in four (6.3%), and above L2 in 57 babies (92.1%). The difference in the conus medullaris levels between term and preterm neonates and genders was not significant. Two patients, one with a conus medullaris level at L4-L5, and the other at L2-L3, had Down''s syndrome.CONCLUSION—The ascent of conus medullaris seems to occur early in life. It is important to follow up patients with conus medullaris levels at or below the 4th lumbar vertebra for the development of tethered cord syndrome.     

Neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm very low birth weight infants born from 2005 to 2007

ObjectiveTo evaluate short-term neurodevelopmental outcome (at 24 months of corrected age) and correlations with obstetric and neonatal factors in a sample of preterm very low birth weight infants born and admitted to an Italian tertiary centre between 2005 and 2007.Methods156 infants with a birth weight ≤ 1500 g (gestational age, range: 27–31 weeks) were followed at regular intervals through neurodevelopmental (neurological and psychomotor) assessment up to 24 months of corrected age. A statistical analysis was conducted in order to look for correlations between pre- and perinatal variables and neuropsychomotor outcome at 24 months.Results131 children were classified as normal and the other 25 presented sequelae classified as “minor” in 17 cases and as “major” in eight. The most significant risk factors for a poor outcome were preterm premature rupture of the membranes, bronchodysplasia, late-onset sepsis, postnatal steroid therapy and male gender. The presence of severe abnormalities on brain ultrasound scan and of an abnormal neurological assessment at 40 weeks at term equivalent age were strong predictors of poor outcome.ConclusionsOur study is one of the few investigating the short-term outcome of preterm VLBW Italian children born in the second half of the 2000s. Neurodevelopmental assessment at 24 months revealed a marked reduction in major sequelae. Several risk factors for a poor neurodevelopmental outcome identified in children born in earlier periods were confirmed in these children born in recent years.     

Neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years in 23 to 26 weeks old gestation infants

BACKGROUND: Assessment of neurologic and developmental outcome at 2 years age of infants with gestational age (GA)<27 weeks, born between 1996-2001. PATIENTS: A total of 110 live-born preterm infants with GA<27 weeks. METHODS: Main outcome criterions: Neurologic examination (according to Touwen) and classification of cerebral palsy by using the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) at the corrected age of 1 and 2 years; assessment of mental and psychomotor development by using the Griffith Mental Development scales at the corrected age of 2 years; growth assessment at birth, 1 and 2 years. RESULTS: Mortality was 52%. Regular follow up was performed in 48 (91%) of the 53 surviving infants. Neurologic outcome: at 1 year age: 2% nonambulant cerebral palsy, 25% mild neurologic signs and 73% normal; at 2 years age: 4% nonambulant cerebral palsy, 2% ambulant cerebral palsy, 4% mild neurologic signs and 90% normal neurology. Developmental outcome at 2 years age: 40% DQ>-1 SD, 6% DQ between -1 SD and -2 SD (mild delay), 35% DQ between -2 SD and -3 SD (moderate delay) and 19% DQ<-3 SD (severe delay). Overall disability was found in 64%, severe disability in 27% of the infants. Profound growth failure in weight and head circumference<3rd centile at 2 years age was recorded in 39 and 19% of the infants, respectively. CONCLUSION: Developmental delay is very common in preterm infants<27 GA and exceeds the number of neurological disabilities (including cerebral palsy).     

Improved outcome into the 1990s for infants weighing 500-999 g at birth

AIMS—To compare the survival and sensorineural disability rates in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) (500-999 g) infants born in 1991-2 with ELBW babies born in 1979-80 and 1985-7, and with normal birthweight infants born in the same time periods.METHODS—ELBW infants born in Victoria in 1991-2 were compared with regional cohorts of ELBW infants born in 1979-80 and 1985-7, and with contemporaneous normal birthweight (>2499 g) controls, and those of birthweight 500-749 g with those of birthweight 750-999 g.RESULTS—In 1979-80, 25.4% (89/351) ELBW live births survived to 2 years of age, increasing significantly to 37.9% (212/560) in 1985-7, and to 56.2% (241/429) in 1991-2. The rates of severe disability in survivors assessed were 12.4%, 6.6%, and 6.8% in the 1979-80, 1985-7, and 1991-2 ELBW cohorts, respectively. The rate of disability, overall, was significantly lower in the 1985-7 and 1991-2 ELBW cohorts compared with the 1979-80 ELBW cohort, but was significantly higher in 1991-2 ELBW infants than normal birthweight controls. Surviving children with birthweights <750 g had significantly higher rates of sensorineural disability compared with those of birthweight 750-999 g in 1979-80, but not in 1985-7 or 1991-2.CONCLUSIONS—Survival rates for ELBW babies in Victoria have progressively improved since the late 1970s. Sensorineural outcome for survivors born in 1985-7 has also improved compared with those born in 1979-80. However, there is no evidence that further reductions in adverse sensorineural outcomes into the 1990s, and these, as well as disabilities remain higher in ELBW than in normal birthweight babies.     

Impact of histological chorioamnionitis, funisitis and clinical chorioamnionitis on neurodevelopmental outcome of preterm infants

Background

The role of chorioamnionitis in neurodevelopment of preterm infants is not fully understood.

Aim

To examine the association between different indicators of intrauterine inflammation (clinical chorioamnionitis, histological chorioamnionitis and funisitis) and neurodevelopmental impairment in very preterm infants.

Methods

Preterm infants with a birth weight of < 1500 g or a gestational age of < 32 weeks were included. Follow-up evaluation up to 2 years of age consisted of neurological examination, neurodevelopmental assessment and visual and audiologic tests. Outcome data were compared between the chorioamnionitis and the control groups, controlling for gestational age, birth weight and Apgar score at 5 min.

Results

One hundred seventy-seven patients comprised the study population (mean gestational age 29 ± 2 weeks, mean birth weight 1167 ± 344 g). Histological chorioamnionitis was present in 49% of placentas, whereas funisitis was observed in 25%. In 57% cases clinical maternal chorioamnionitis was suspected. Follow-up was available for 130 (82%) patients. Infants with funisitis, compared with controls, had a significantly higher incidence of moderate to severe disability (18% vs 5%, OR 4.07; 95% CI 1.10-15.09).

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that, unlike a broad definition of histological chorioamnionitis including inflammation of maternal or fetal placental tissues, funisitis may entail a higher risk of moderate to severe disability at 2 years of age in preterm infants.     

Longitudinal growth and post-discharge mortality and morbidity among extremely low birth weight neonates

Objectives

To study post-discharge growth, mortality and morbidity of extremely low birth weight neonates at corrected age of 2 years.

Methods

Weight, length and head circumference were compared on WHO growth charts at corrected ages 3 (n=54), 6, 9, 12 (n=51) and 24 months (n=37); rates of underweight, stunting, microcephaly and wasting were calculated.

Results

The mean Z-score for weight, length, head circumference and weightfor-length significantly improved from 3 to 24 months (P<0.001); a significant proportion remained malnourished at 2 years. Nine infants (11%) died and 35 (44%) required readmission during first year of age.

Conclusion

Extremely low birth weight neonates remain significantly growth retarded at corrected age of 2 years.     

Antenatal onset of haemorrhagic and/or ischaemic lesions in preterm infants: prevalence and associated obstetric variables

AIM—To assess the prevalence of an antenatal onset of haemorrhagic and/or ischaemic lesions in preterm infants; to identify possibly related obstetric risk factors.METHODS—A prospective cohort study was made of 1332 infants born at less than 34 completed weeks, using cranial ultrasound, for the presence of antenatal brain lesions (group A) involving the periventricular white matter (PVWM) or central grey matter. Entry criteria were presence of (i) cysts in the PVWM < 7 days; (ii) increased PVWM echogenicity < 6 hours, confirmed to be white matter necrosis at post mortem examination; (iii) a unilateral porencephalic cyst< 3 days; (iv) an intraventricular haemorrhage with unilateral parenchymal involvement < 6 hours; and (v) symmetrical areas of increased echogenicity in the thalami, confirmed to be areas of calcification on post mortem examination. Group B consisted of infants with a normal early neonatal ultrasound scan with subsequent development of the lesions mentioned above.RESULTS—Twenty four cases met the entry criteria for group A: 17 died and five of the seven survivors developed cerebral palsy at follow up. Of the whole cohort, 156 (11.7%) infants died and in 63 (40.3%) of these a large ultrasound lesion was present. In 17 (26.9%) cases this lesion was considered to be of antenatal onset. Sixty eight of the 1176 (5.8%) survivors developed cerebral palsy and this was attributed to antenatal onset in five (7.3%). A comparison of the obstetric risk factors between the infants in group A and B, who either died or developed cerebral palsy, showed a significant difference in gestational age between the two groups (30.9 vs 28.9 weeks; p<0.001). Prolonged rupture of membranes was significantly more common in group B (p=0.03), while an ominous cardiotachogram was significantly more common in group A (p=0.01), and this remained significant following logistic regression analysis.CONCLUSIONS—Although these data suggest that most preterm infants did not develop their brain lesions in utero, an antenatal onset was not uncommon, especially in those with PVWM lesions, who did not survive the neonatal period.