Surgical Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Low Birth Weight Infants

Background and Aim of the Study. In many preterm low‐birth‐weight infants, ductus arteriosus fails to close spontaneously. This study evaluates the results of surgical ligation of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm low birth weight infants. Methods. We reviewed the medical records of all infants undergoing surgical closure of PDA from January 1987 to December 2005. Demographic data, age and weight at operation, surgical technique to close PDA and outcome were analyzed. Results. One hundred and forty‐five infants underwent surgical closure of PDA in which either indomethacin treatment had failed or was contraindicated. The mean gestational age was 25.5 ± 2.3 (range 24–36 weeks) and the mean birth weight was 837.7 ± 277.2 g (450–1000 g). The average age and weight at operation were 14.1 (±1.8) days and 881.7 g (±338.1), respectively. PDA was surgically closed by left thoracotomy using either nonabsorbable suture (73%) or hemoclips (27%). Postoperative complications occurred in 10 patients, which included intraoperative bleeding (6), pneumothorax (1), left vocal cord paralysis (1), lymphatic leak (1), and injury to left phrenic nerve (1). There was no mortality related to surgical closure of PDA. Conclusion. We conclude that surgical closure of hemodynamically significant PDA is safe and effective in preterm low birth weight infants when pharmacological treatment is ineffective or contraindicated. The associated morbidity is minimal and no surgery‐related mortality was observed.     

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin vaccination in preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the tuberculin response after bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination in preterm infants. METHODS: Thirty-five infants born at <35 weeks gestation were included in the study. An intradermal injection of 0.05 ml BCG vaccine was given to each infant at postnatal months 2-3. Tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) were done 8-12 weeks after vaccination using 0.1 ml of 5 TU purified protein derivative (PPD). The diameter of induration was measured 72 h later and > or =5 mm induration was taken as a positive response. RESULTS: The babies had a mean birth weight (SD) of 1650 (424) g, and a gestational age of 32.4 (2.1) weeks. The TST was positive in 20 (57%) of the infants. The mean body weight of the tuberculin-positive babies was significantly higher than the others at both vaccination and TST. No difference was found between groups concerning sex, birth weight, gestational age, intrauterine growth and postnatal age at BCG vaccination and TST. CONCLUSION: BCG vaccination in preterm infants at months 2-3 of postnatal life results in a high percentage of BCG scarring and 57% TST conversion. A positive tuberculin response was significantly related to the postnatal weight gain of the preterm infants.     

Response to hepatitis B vaccine in preterm babies.

INTRODUCTION: A well-accepted vaccination schedule for preterm babies is not available. We therefore studied the response to hepatitis B vaccine in preterm babies. METHODS: 60 babies born to HBsAg-negative mothers were studied. Group I (n=20) consisted of term babies with birth weight >2.5 Kg, group II (n=20) included preterm babies with birth weight between 1.8 and 2.49 Kg, and group III (n=20) included preterm babies with birth weight between 1.2 and 1.79 Kg. Mean gestational age in the three groups was 38.5 (1.1), 33.5 (1.4) and 32.7 (2.1) weeks, respectively. All babies received 3 doses (10 microg/0.5 mL) of a recombinant HBV vaccine within 3 days of birth, and at 6 weeks and 6 months of life. Anti-HBs levels were measured one month after the 2nd and 3rd doses each; the immune response was categorized as good responders (anti-HBs >100 mIU/mL, low responders (anti-HBs 10-100 mIU/mL) and non-responders (anti-HBs <10 mIU/mL). RESULTS: Good antibody response after the second dose was seen in 95% of babies in group I, 60% of those in group II and 10% of those in group III. This increased to 100%, 90% and 45%, respectively after the third dose. The response was influenced by gestational age (r=0.73); 94% of babies with gestational age 34-36 weeks attained good antibody response compared to only 55% of babies with gestational age of 31-33 weeks. Birth weight had no independent influence on the antibody response. CONCLUSION: The response to hepatitis B vaccine is influenced by gestational age. Hence, in preterm babies, it is advisable to check antibody titers one month after the third dose to assess the need for a booster dose.     

Percutaneous PDA Closure in Extremely Low Birth Weight Babies

Aim

Patent Ductus Arteriosus is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in preterms. As birth weight decrease, risks increase. Main aim of our study is to emphasize the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous PDA closure even in extremely low birth infants.

Materials and Methods

In our center between the dates June 2014–June 2016, PDA of 10 patients less than 1,000 gr were closed percutaneously. To the best of our knowledge this study includes the largest cohort of infants less than 1,000 g in the literature, that PDA of those were percutaneously closed.

Results

Symptomatic patients, less than 1,000 gr having PDA were included in the study. All have 3 times medical therapy for PDA closure but it did not work. PDA was decided to be contributor of this medical state of them. The mean patient age was 19.5 ± 7.2 days. The median weight was 950 (842–983) gr. Mean gestational age was: 26.3 ± 0.63 weeks. Mean PDA diameter was 1.9 ± 0.41 mm. Morphology of PDA:6 of them were conical and 4 of them were tubular. In all patients ADOII‐AS device were used for PDA closure via venous route. No major complications were reported. Left pulmonary arterial stenosis was detected in 1 patient who was resolved in 6 months duration.

Conclusion

We want to emphasize that in experienced centers percutaneous closure of PDA can be an alternative to surgery even in the extremely low birth weight babies.

     

Systematic review and meta-analysis of preterm birth and later systolic blood pressure

Lower birth weight because of fetal growth restriction is associated with higher blood pressure later in life, but the extent to which preterm birth (<37 completed weeks' gestation) or very low birth weight (<1500 g) predicts higher blood pressure is less clear. We performed a systematic review of 27 observational studies that compared the resting or ambulatory systolic blood pressure or diagnosis of hypertension among children, adolescents, and adults born preterm or very low birth weight with those born at term. We performed a meta-analysis with the subset of 10 studies that reported the resting systolic blood pressure difference in millimeters of mercury with 95% CIs or SEs. We assessed methodologic quality with a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The 10 studies were composed of 1342 preterm or very low birth weight and 1738 term participants from 8 countries. The mean gestational age at birth of the preterm participants was 30.2 weeks (range: 28.8-34.1 weeks), birth weight was 1280 g (range: 1098-1958 g), and age at systolic blood pressure measurement was 17.8 years (range: 6.3-22.4 years). Former preterm or very low birth weight infants had higher systolic blood pressure than term infants (pooled estimate: 2.5 mm Hg [95% CI: 1.7-3.3 mm Hg]). For the 5 highest quality studies, the systolic blood pressure difference was slightly greater, at 3.8 mm Hg (95% CI: 2.6-5.0 mm Hg). We conclude that infants who are born preterm or very low birth weight have modestly higher systolic blood pressure later in life and may be at increased risk for developing hypertension and its sequelae.     

Patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants

An analysis of the course and complications in the ligation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in 30 very low birth-weight preterm neonates was carried out. The mean gestational stage at birth was 26.97 weeks, and median weight was 811 gm. Attempted closures of the ductus with indomethacin in 19 infants failed, although there was temporary closure in nine. Congestive heart failure was present in 29 and respiratory distress syndrome in 22 patients. Endotracheal intubation with ventilation assistance was necessary in the entire series. The mean age at operation was 13.5 days, and ductal ligation was performed in the intensive care unit under local anesthesia, supplemented with pancuronium and pethidine. There were no intraoperative deaths, but five infants died during their hospitalization from unremittent respiratory distress syndrome. There were seven additional late deaths. Eighteen survivors were followed for a mean of 26.5 months. Early ligation of PDA in very low birth-weight prematures improved the cardiorespiratory status, and long-term follow-up revealed good clinical progress in two-thirds of the surviving group.     

The timing of spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus in infants with respiratory distress syndrome

Previous studies evaluating the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus have not made a distinction between physiologic ductal patency and abnormally persistent ductus arteriosus. However, it has recently been shown that healthy premature infants without respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) undergo spontaneous closure of the ductus arteriosus in the first 4 days of life at times comparable to full-term infants. Thus, ductal patency within this time frame would appear to be physiologic. Although sick premature infants are well recognized to be at risk for ductal shunting, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate systematically the actual impact that RDS has on duration of ductal shunting by assessing the timing of spontaneous functional closure. The presence of ductal shunting was evaluated using echocardiographic color flow Doppler techniques. Thirty-six premature infants (30 to 37 weeks gestational age) were evaluated. By the fourth day of life, only 4 of 36 (11.1%) of the infants continued to have evidence of ductal patency. The remainder of the infants underwent spontaneous functional closure of the ductus arteriosus at times comparable to healthy infants without RDS. For most infants greater than or equal to 30 weeks gestation, uncomplicated RDS does not alter the usual timing of functional ductal closure.     

A comprehensive program for preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus

Objectives: Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a common finding in preterm infants. A hemodynamically significant PDA may require intervention for closure. This article aims to describe a transcatheter PDA closure (TCPC) program for preterm infants and the components of a comprehensive outpatient follow-up strategy.
Setting: A multidisciplinary team approach including neonatology, cardiology, anesthesiology, medical transport team, pulmonology, cardiac surgery, neurodevelopmental specialist, nutrition, speech therapy, social work, research collaborators, and other health care specialists is integral to the dedicated care and promotion of wellness of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.
Patients: To date, we have performed TCPC on 134 ELBW infants weighing <2 kg at the time of the procedure, 54 of whom were <1 kg with the smallest weighing 640 g with a median gestation age of 25 weeks (range 23-27 weeks).
Interventions: A comprehensive follow-up strategy with the creation of the Memphis PDA Clinic was implemented.
Outcome measures: Respiratory support, tolerance of enteral feeds, growth, and neurodevelopmental progress are indicators of favorable outcomes.
Results: TCPC has benefited ELBW infants with faster weaning off the ventilator, increase in enteral feedings, and somatic growth with the overall shortening of the hospital length of stay. The Memphis PDA Clinic has ensured optimal postdischarge follow-up to improve long-term outcomes.
Conclusions: TCPC is a safe and effective alternative to manage ELBW infants with a hemodynamically significant PDA. Comprehensive follow-up after discharge provided in a multispecialty clinic developed specifically for this unique population has been successful in improving outcomes.     

Preterm birth, low birth weight, and risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Gastroesophageal reflux is common among preterm infants and those who are small for gestational age, and it is a strong risk factor for adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. METHODS: In a cohort of 3364 individuals born preterm and/or small for gestational age between 1925 and 1949, we assessed the long-term risk for esophageal cancer. RESULTS: The standardized incidence rate ratio for esophageal adenocarcinoma was increased more than 7-fold in the cohort (standardized incidence rate ratio, 7.27; 95% confidence interval, 1.98-18.62), and a birth weight <2000 g was associated with a more than 11-fold increase in risk (standardized incidence rate ratio, 11.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.39-41.5). CONCLUSIONS: The associations may be spurious, but if not, they may be explained by increased gastroesophageal reflux during infancy among infants born preterm and/or small for gestational age.     

Predictive Value of Blood N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide Concentrations for Early Patent Ductus Closure in Very Preterm Infants

ObjectivesIt has been shown that blood concentrations of NT-proBNP may be useful in identifying preterm infants at risk of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus and its complications. The aim of the study was to assess predictive value of serum NT-proBNP levels for early ductus arteriosus (DA) closure in very preterm newborns.MethodsFifty-two infants <32 weeks’ gestation aged <72 hours with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) diameter >1.5 mm were involved in a randomized study. Twenty-seven (52%) of them were treated with ibuprofen or paracetamol starting within the first 3 days of life. Expectant management was applied to 25 (48%) infants. All patients underwent planned echocardiographic (daily) and two serum NT-proBNP measurements within the first 10 days after birth. Depending on the DA closure within the first 10 days of life, 2 groups of patients were formed retrospectively, with closed (n = 30) or patent (n = 22) DA by this age.ResultsIn the first 10 days of life, DA closure occurred in 19 (70%) treated infants and in 11 (44%) infants managed expectantly (p > 0,05). Initial concentrations of NT-proBNP were significantly higher in infants that had patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) at 10 days of life. By the eighth day, median NT-proBNP values in both groups significantly decreased but remained considerably higher in newborns with PDA. NT-proBNP serum concentrations on the second day of life could reliably predict DA closure within the first 10 days after birth in treated babies (the AUC was significant 0.81 [95% CI: 0.58–1.03], p < 0.05) but not in infants who were managed expectantly.ConclusionsSerum NT-proBNP concentrations on the second day of life could reliably predict early PDA closure in treated but not in expectantly managed very preterm infants.     

3-Methylhistidine/creatinine ratio in urine from low-birth-weight infants. Statistical analysis

3-Methylhistidine and creatinine concentrations were determined in 45 24-hour urine samples collected in 380 single voidings from 23 preterm infants (gestational age: 30-36 weeks, median: 33 weeks; birth weight: 1,613 +/- 219 g; age: 9-83 days postpartum) and from 7 infants small for gestational age (birth weight: 2,061 +/- 203 g; age: 2-30 days postpartum). Statistical analysis shows that diurnal variations of the ratio 3-methylhistidine/creatinine are negligible. The variability of this ratio is chiefly caused by differences in excretion on different collection dates and is probably due to differences in the metabolic state. Hence the determination of 3-methylhistidine/creatinine ratio in single voidings is sufficient even in low-birth-weight infants. In our collective the mean 3-methylhistidine/creatinine ratio for healthy, well-growing low-birth-weight infants (n = 21) was 19.6 +/- 2.3 mumol/mmol. Infants with stagnating or decreasing weight (n = 5) showed 3-methylhistidine/creatinine ratios clearly above that of the normal group.     

Maternal non-diagnosed celiac disease and risk of low birth weight

AIMS: In order to know the prevalence of celiac disease in mothers with newborns weighing less or more than 2,500 g at birth we carried out a case-control study. PATIENTS: mothers of newborns in Cabue?es Hospital. Case group: Mothers with babies weighing less than 2,500 g at birth. Controls: Mothers with babies weighing more than 2,500 g at birth. One control for each case. METHODS: epidemiological and clinical interviews, and celiac disease serology. RESULTS: We studied 1103 women: 577 cases and 526 controls. We diagnosed 4 celiac disease cases, 2 in the case group and 2 in the control group. These 4 mothers had 3 term newborns (1 case in each 235 mothers; prevalence 0.42%) and 1 preterm newborn (1 case in each 389 mothers; prevalence 0.26%). Two cases had babies with adequate birth weight for their gestational age (1 case in each 419 mothers; prevalence 0.24%) and two cases had babies with low birth weight for their gestational age (1 in each 132 mothers; prevalence 0.75%). The odds ratio for low birth weight was 0.91 (95% CI: 0.12-6.49), the odds ratio for preterm birth was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.06-5.89), ad the odds ratio for low birth weight for gestational age was 3.19 (95% CI: 0.44-22.79).CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of celiac disease in fertile women in our geographic area was 0.36% (1 case in each 275 mothers), and no differences were found between study groups.     

Functional residual capacity and passive compliance measurements after antenatal steroid therapy in preterm infants

Studies in preterm animal models have shown that antenatal corticosteroids enhance lung maturation by improving a variety of physiologic variables, including lung volumes. Changes in lung volume of preterm infants treated with a full course of antenatal steroids have not been investigated. We hypothesized that a full course of antenatal steroids would significantly increase functional residual capacity (FRC) in treated vs. untreated preterm infants. The objective of our study was to compare FRC and respiratory mechanics in steroid treated vs. untreated preterm infants. FRC and passive respiratory mechanics were prospectively studied within 36 hr of life in 20 infants (25-34 weeks of gestation) who had received a full course of antenatal steroids and in 20 matched untreated preterm infants. FRC was measured with the nitrogen washout method, and respiratory mechanics with the single-breath occlusion technique. Preterm infants who received steroids (n = 20; mean birth weight = 1,230 g; gestational age = 28.8 weeks) had a significantly higher FRC (29.5 vs. 19.3 mL/kg; P < 0.001) than untreated infants (n = 20; birth weight = 1,202 g; gestational age = 28.5 weeks). Passive respiratory system compliance was also increased in treated vs. untreated infants (P < 0.05). In conclusion, FRC and passive respiratory system compliance were significantly improved in preterm infants (25-34 weeks gestation) treated with a full course of antenatal steroids, compared to matched untreated infants. Although this study was not randomized, it confirms that antenatal steroids have important effects on pulmonary function that may contribute to a decreased risk of respiratory distress syndrome in treated preterm infants.     

Maternal and neonatal profile and immediate outcome in extremely low birth weight babies in Delhi

We studied the maternal and neonatal profile and outcome of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) babies at the level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Delhi. Case records of ELBW inborn babies delivered between August 2000 and August 2001 were analysed by using a pre-set proforma. A total of 52 ELBW babies were admitted to the NICU in the relevant period, of whom 30 (57%) survived. Maternal anaemia, previous preterm delivery and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) were the common predisposing factors for preterm delivery. Mean gestational age was 27.8 weeks and mean birth weight was 831 g. The highest mortality (55%) was seen in babies with 26-28 weeks'gestation and those in the birth weight category of < 800 g. Neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia (78%) and hyaline membrane disease/respiratory distress syndrome (65%) were the most common causes of morbidity. A total of 25 babies were mechanically ventilated while 24 (46%) received total parenteral nutrition. Sepsis, pulmonary haemorrhage, intracranial haemorrhage and necrotizing enterocolitis accounted for the deaths in the study population. Retinopathy of prematurity screening was performed in 35 babies (68%), of whom 22 were found to be normal. According to the International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity, most babies (72%) had involvement of zone 3 and stage I (63%). The incidence was highest in 26-28 weeks'gestation babies (71%) and the < 800 g birth weight category (62%). Maternal risk factors such as anaemia and PIH commonly predispose to preterm delivery. There is an alarmingly high mortality in this population. Effective steps are required not only to avoid extreme prematurity but also to reduce morbidity and mortality of all newborns weighing <1000 g at birth.     

Patent ductus arteriosus in preterm newborns: A tertiary hospital experience

IntroductionPatent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants has been associated with increased mortality and comorbidities. This study aimed to characterize the population of preterm infants diagnosed with PDA and to identify predictive factors of response to medical treatment of PDA.MethodsAn eight-year retrospective observational study was carried out, which included all preterm infants with a gestational age (GA) between 23 and 32 weeks diagnosed with PDA, admitted to the Neonatal Unit of the CHUSJ. Univariate comparative analysis was performed, and models for predicting the effectiveness of PDA treatment with ibuprofen were explored by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results115 cases were included and 34 were excluded, with a final sample of 81 preterm infants with PDA. The univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the closure efficacy via medical treatment with ibuprofen in several variables, and a multivariate logistic regression model was obtained (discriminative capacity 72.2%, sensitivity 98.1%, specificity 57.1%), taking into account the effect of GA, type of delivery, need for diuretics treatment and platelet transfusion.ConclusionThis study enabled the population of preterm infants diagnosed with PDA to be characterized and the identification of a predictive model that can help predict the efficacy of medical treatment and thus contribute to optimizing the medical approach to the non-responders.     

Placental transfer of maternal rubella antibodies to full-term and preterm infants

Summary Premature infants are vulnerable to infections, partly because of the low transplacental transfer of maternal antibodies. The present study investigated the placental transfer of maternal rubella-specific antibodies to full-term and preterm infants. The study group consisted of 133 healthy, native Israeli mothers and their 159 newborns. Of these, 69 were full-term infants (gestational age >37 weeks) of 69 mothers, and 90 were preterm infants (gestational age <35 weeks) of 64 mothers. Antibody titers against rubella were measured in maternal and umbilical cord blood samples by hemagglutination inhibition and microneutralization techniques. There was no significant difference in the level of protection and in geometrical mean titers by hemagglutination between the full-term and preterm groups. Conversely, significant differences in geometric mean titers of neutralizing antibodies were found between full-term and preterm infants, e.g., 65.9 and 39.8, respectively (P<0.001). Very low birth weight preterm infants are at greater risk of rubella infection during the first year of life, due to the diminished transfer of neutralizing maternal antibodies. Therefore, earlier vaccination of this group may be beneficial.     

Echocardiographic Assessment of Ductal Anatomy in Premature Infants—Lessons for Device Design

Objective: Echocardiographic analysis of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), proximal left main pulmonary artery (LPA) and descending thoracic aorta (Ao) dimensions in preterm infants who undergo surgical ligation of the PDA. A discussion for percutaneous ductal occlusion in preterm infants. Methods: Echocardiographic analysis of the LPA diameter, PDA diameter, PDA length, and descending thoracic aorta diameter in 55 preterm infants who underwent surgical ligation of the PDA from 2004 to 2008. Patients were stratified by weight into four groups: those less than 750 g, 751–1,000 g, 1,001–1,250 g, and those greater than 1,250 g. Mean and standard deviation for each structure dimension was calculated in each weight group. Structural dimensions were compared between groups using ANOVA for multiple comparisions. Results: The mean patient weight was 1,018 g (560–2,400 g). The mean ductal length was 4.1 mm (2.5–5.3 mm). The mean ductal diameter was 2.2 mm (1.5–3.6 mm). The mean LPA diameter was 3 mm (1.5–4.5 mm). The mean aortic diameter was 4.3 mm (2.7–7.8 mm). The alpha value for between weight groups for PDA length was 0.21, PDA diameter 0.16, LPA diameter 0.39, and aortic diameter 0.1. Discussion: No statistical significance was seen when comparing structure dimension by weight. This suggests uniform structural dimensions across a broad weight distribution in this patient population. To date, there has been no attempt to standardize dimensions of these vascular structures. The information gathered in this study may be useful in developing an implantable device for ductal occlusion in preterm infants. (ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY 2010;27:575‐579)     

Effect of nebulized salbutamol in preterm infants during the first year of life.

The acute effect on lung function of nebulized salbutamol and saline (placebo) has been investigated in preterm infants at follow-up. Twenty two premature infants, median gestational age 29 weeks (range 26-32 weeks) and birthweight 1,264 g (720-1,800 g), were studied at a median postnatal age of 7 months (range 6-9 months). Nine of the infants had recurrent respiratory symptoms; they coughed and/or wheezed at least 3 days per week for the previous 4 weeks. The remaining 13 infants were free from recurrent or persistent respiratory symptoms. Thoracic gas volume (TGV) and airways resistance (Raw) were measured and specific airway conductance sGaw calculated before and 10 min after salbutamol and normal saline given via a nebulizer. Amongst the symptomatic infants administration of nebulized salbutamol was associated with a median reduction in Raw of 25% (p less than 0.01) and also a significant improvement in sGaw (p less than 0.01). In the asymptomatic infants neither Raw nor sGaw changed significantly. Nebulized saline caused no significant change in lung mechanics in either the symptomatic or asymptomatic infants. We conclude that nebulized salbutamol is an effective bronchodilator for symptomatic preterm infants less than one year of age.     

Respiratory outcomes study (RESPOS) for preterm infants at primary school age

Abstract

Objective: Pulmonary function abnormalities and hospital re-admissions in survivors of neonatal lung disease remain highly prevalent. The respiratory outcomes study (RESPOS) aimed to investigate the respiratory and associated atopy outcomes in preterm infants <30 weeks gestational age (GA) and/or birth-weight (BWt) <1000?g at primary school age, and to compare these outcomes between infants with and without chronic lung disease (CLD). Methods: In the RESPOS 92 parents of preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal unit in Canberra Hospital between 1/1/2001 and 31/12/2003 were sent a questionnaire regarding their respiratory, atopy management and follow-up. Results: Fifty-three parents responded, including 28 preterm infants who had CLD and 25 who had no CLD. The gestational age was significantly lower in the CLD group compared to the non-CLD group [26.9 (26.3–27.5) CLD and 28.6 (28.3–29.0) non-CLD] [weeks [95% confidence interval (CI)]], as was the birth weight [973 (877.4–1068.8) CLD versus 1221 (1135.0–1307.0) non-CLD] [g (CI)]. CLD infants compared to non-CLD infants were significantly more likely to have been: given surfactant, ventilated and on oxygen at 28 days and 36 weeks. These neonates were also more likely to have: been discharged from the neonatal unit on oxygen, exhibit a history of PDA or sepsis and to have a current paediatrician. However, despite these differences, there was no significant difference in the proportion of asthma or atopic disease between the two groups. Conclusions: The RESPOS could not demonstrate respiratory and/or atopy differences between the CLD and the non-CLD groups at primary school age.     

Postnatal hemodynamic changes in low-birth-weight and very-low-birth-weight infants during the first 72 h of life

Background Despite increasing investigation in the area of cardiovascular instability in preterm infants,huge gaps in knowledge remain. Study of the hemodynamic characteristics in this population is inadequate. Methods A one-center, prospective, observational longitudinal cohort study at a third level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit enrolled 86 preterm infants. Of these, 46 were low-birth-weight(LBW) newborns of a mean(SD) gestational age of 32.3(1.1) weeks and a birth weight of 2,031(1,684-2,320) g. Forty were very-low-birth-weight(VLBW) newborns with a gestational age of 28.4(1.5) weeks and a birth weight of 1,255(884-1,580) g. All infants underwent Doppler ultrasound examinations at 24, 48, and 72 h after birth. Results SMII, DO_2, MBP, LVCO, CI, and SVI in the VLBW infants were all significantly lower than the LBW infants, but SVRI was not different. Postnatal increases in MBP, SVRI were observed in VLBW and LBW groups that were not associated with changes in LVCO and DO_2. The postnatal pattern of SMII differed between the two groups. SMII increased with postnatal age in the LBW group and did not change significantly in the VLBW group. Conclusions SMII and DO_2 were significantly lower in VLBW neonates during the first 72 h of life, and there was a direct relationship between inotropy, DO_2, and birth weight over a range of maturities at birth. VLBW infants may be at higher risk for cardiac dysfunction when an additional challenge is encountered.[S Chin J Cardiol 2019;20(4):245-251]