Pertussis in infants: preventing deaths and hospitalisations in the very young

Abstract:   Pertussis is a particular concern in infants under 6 months of age. They have the highest rates and severity of disease resulting in hospitalisation or death but are too young to be protected by current vaccination schedules. We outline the current epidemiology of pertussis in Australia and four potential strategies to prevent pertussis in the very young. First, universal adult and or adolescent vaccination; second, indirect protection of infants by immunisation of parents and possibly others in close contact with the newborn, such as grandparents and health-care workers; third, newborn and early infant vaccination (from birth to 1 month of age) and fourth maternal vaccination.     

Fluconazole prophylaxis prevents invasive fungal infection in high-risk, very low birth weight infants

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the benefit of fluconazole prophylaxis in preventing invasive fungal infection in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with central vascular access. STUDY DESIGN: A 3-year baseline period (1998 to 2000) was compared with a subsequent 3-year period (2001 to 2003) during which a different protocol for preventing invasive fungal infection was used. All infants with a birth weight < 1500 g and with central vascular access were eligible for the study. Fluconazole (Diflucan R) was administered for 28 days at a dose of 6 mg/kg every third day during the first week and daily after the first week. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the baseline and the fluconazole groups in demographic characteristics or risk factors for fungal infection. Fungal infection developed in 9 of the infants in the baseline group and in none of those in the fluconazole group (P=.003). A trend of decreasing mortality rate between the 2 groups (12.6% vs 8.1%; P=.32) was observed but was not statistically significant. No adverse effects of fluconazole therapy were documented. CONCLUSIONS: Fluconazole prophylaxis appeared to be beneficial in preventing invasive fungal infection in VLBW infants.     

极/超低出生体重儿生后早期腹部局部组织氧饱和度变化趋势的前瞻性研究

目的 探讨极/超低出生体重儿（very/extremely low birth weight infant,VLBWI/ELBWI）出生后的腹部局部组织氧饱和度（abdominal regional oxygen saturation,A-rSO₂）变化趋势。 方法 选取2019年9月至2021年5月在新生儿重症监护室住院的VLBWI/ELBWI作为研究对象。利用近红外光谱技术,从出生后第1天开始每天监测A-rSO₂,共监测4周。并根据出生胎龄分为较低胎龄组（<29周组）及较高胎龄组（≥29周组）,对两组VLBWI/ELBWI生后4周内的A-rSO₂进行比较分析。 结果 共纳入VLBWI/ELBWI 63例,其中<29周组30例,≥29周组33例。63例VLBWI/ELBWI生后2周内A-rSO₂呈现波动变化：生后第1天为最低值（47.9%）,后逐渐升高,第4天达最高峰（67.4%）,第5~9天逐渐下降,然后再次上升,至出生2周后趋于稳定。≥29周组出生后第1周及第2周A-rSO2均高于<29周组,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。出生第3周及第4周两组A-rSO₂均值比较差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）。 结论 VLBWI/ELBWI的A-rSO₂在出生后最初2周随日龄增加存在波动变化,2周后趋于稳定;生后2周内的A-rSO₂与胎龄相关。     

极低出生体重儿血胃泌素和胃动素水平动态研究

目的探讨极低出生体重儿生后1周内血胃泌素(GAS)和胃动素(MOT)水平的动态变化。方法用放射免疫法分别测定20例极低出生体重儿(体重<1500 g)、20例低出生体重儿(体重1500～2500 g)生后12 h、24 h、72 h和7天的血GAS、MOT水平,将15例健康足月儿(体重>2500 g)作对照组。结果 (1)极低出生体重儿组生后12 h、24 h、72 h和7天GAS、MOT水平均明显低于对照组(P<0.01);MOT水平低于低出生体重儿组(P<0.01或P<0.05),GAS水平与低出生体重儿组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(2)各组生后72 h内血GAS、MOT水平变化不明显,对照组和低出生体重儿组7天时明显高于72 h(P<0.01),极低出生体重儿组MOT 7天时高于72 h(P<0.05),GAS水平变化差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(3)≤33周组各时间点GAS、MOT水平均低于≥37周组(P<0.01)。结论 GAS、MOT水平与新生儿体重、胎龄密切相关。极低出生体重儿生后1周内消化功能低下,GAS、MOT水平先降后升,但变化幅度没有低出生体重儿和足月儿明显,提示功能追赶需要更长时间,临床应选择合适的喂养时机和方式。     

Vaccination rate and age of premature infants weighing <1500 g: a pilot study in north-western Switzerland

In Switzerland, there are no special vaccination recommendations for premature and low-birthweight infants with respect to a particular target vaccination age. Incomplete and delayed vaccination bears the inherent risk of preventable infections. Therefore, the vaccination rate and age of 60 premature infants in north-western Switzerland born in 1994/95 were investigated in a retrospective case-control study. For this group of patients these are the first data ever available for this region. At the age of 4-5 y, the vaccination rates for polio and diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (DTP acellular) as well as Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) were similar in both preterm and full-term infants. In both groups, the fourth dose of vaccine against DTP, Hib and polio was far less frequently administered than the first three. The vaccination age in preterm infants for most vaccinations was significantly higher than in age-matched full-term controls. This was particularly obvious for the first dose of vaccine against polio and DTP. In preterm infants, the median age (5th; 95th percentile) at the date of the first polio vaccination was 131 (89; 270) d and 82 (60; 182) in full-term controls (p < 0.00001). The age difference was even larger for the first DTP vaccination (62 d, p < 0.00001). The main reasons for delayed vaccination may include insufficient information given to parents as well as prolonged hospitalization. Conclusion: Vaccination of preterm infants should be discussed in every discharge communication, with emphasis on vaccine administration at the appropriate chronological age.     

CHYMOTRYPTIC ACTIVITY IN STOOL OF LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS IN THE FIRST WEEK OF LIFE

ABSTRACT: Jodl, J., Kornfalt, R. and Svenningsen, N. YV. (The Motol Paediatric Clinic, University of Prague, Prague, Czechoslovakia, and the Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden). Chymotryptic activity in stool of low birth weight infants in the first week of life. Acta Paediatr Scand, 64:619, 1975.–Pancreatic enzyme activity in low birth weight (LBW) infants during the first postnatal week has been evaluated by analysing the chymotrypsin content of 198 stool specimens from 42 LBW infants with birth weights ranging between 750 and 2570 g. A wide variation in chymotryptic activity yet with a tendency to initially low values with a peak on the third day after birth was found. Small-for-gestational age (SGA) infants had significantly lower values than appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) infants. This is considered due to intra-uterine malnutrition with secondary pancreatic dysfunction in SGA infants. In screening program for cystic fibrosis or other defects of exocrine pancreatic activity, low stool chymotrypsin values cannot be considered pathological until after the fourth day of life.     

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     

Safety of DTaP-based combined immunization in very-low-birth-weight premature infants: frequent but mostly benign cardiorespiratory events

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis-inactivated polio-Haemophilus influenzae type B (DTaP-IPV-HIB) immunization in premature infants. STUDY DESIGN: Observational study of 78 very low birth weight premature infants (mean gestational age, 28+/-2 weeks; mean birth weight, 1045+/-357 g) given DTaP-IPV-HIB vaccine before hospital discharge. Apnea, bradycardia, oxygen requirements and saturation, feeding practice, and medical interventions were assessed before and after immunization. The results were analyzed by the severity of the clinical condition and the persistence of prematurity-associated symptoms. RESULTS: Administration of DTaP-IPV-HIB elicited resurgence or increase in cardiorespiratory events in 47% of infants (15% had apnea, 21% had bradycardia, 42% of desaturations). Most vaccine-triggered events resolved spontaneously or after brief stimulation. The relative risk was 5- to 8-fold higher in infants with a severe clinical course or persistence of cardiorespiratory symptoms at the time of immunization. Bag-mask respiratory support was given to 5 of 78 infants, and O(2) requirements increased transiently in 4 of 21 infants with chronic lung disease, none requiring reventilation. Reintroduction of O(2) supplementation, interruption of active oral feeding, or postponing of hospital discharge was not required. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiorespiratory events were frequently increased after DTaP-IPV-HIB immunization, requiring monitoring and appropriate intervention. However, these episodes did not have detrimental impact on the infants' clinical course. Timely immunization is warranted even in the most vulnerable preterm infants.     

早产儿低出生体重儿两种静脉营养方式的对比研究

目的：静脉营养已经成为低出生体重儿现代综合治疗中不可缺少的一环,对于早产儿静脉营养时何时加用氨基酸和脂肪乳,国内外有很大差别,国内传统静脉营养法为生后48h后加用氨基酸,72h后加用脂肪乳,而国外早期静脉营养法为生后第1天即给予氨基酸和脂肪乳。该实验对比研究两种静脉营养方法的效果。方法：将40例不能耐受全肠道营养的符合条件早产儿低出生体重儿随机分为两组,实验组采用早期静脉营养法,对照组采用传统静脉营养法,记录两组患儿生后1周内营养摄入及2周内体重增长情况、过渡到全肠道喂养时间、静脉营养相关并发症,并于生后第1,3,7天采静脉血测血清前白蛋白。对其中21例(实验组11例,对照组10例)于生后6个月测量身长和体重。结果：①实验组生后1周内每日摄入的非蛋白热卡量、2周内平均每日增重均高于对照组(P<0.001);②相同日龄血清前白蛋白检测结果:第1天实验组与对照组无差异;第3日及第7日实验组均高于对照组,分别为(61±11.2mg/Lvs31.5±8.5mg/L;91.5±10.8mg/Lvs78±10.9mg/L,P<0.001);③实验组与对照组过渡到全肠道喂养时间无差异;④两组均无静脉炎、血栓形成、氮质血症、高脂血症及胆汁淤积的发生,两组呼吸暂停、高血糖、高胆红素血症的发生率差异无显著性(P>0.05)。随访生后6个月的体重,实验组高于对照组,但无统计学意义(P>0.05)。结论：早产儿低出生体重儿采用早期静脉营养比传统静脉营养摄入热卡多,体重增长快;可以避免早产儿早期营养不良的发生;对胃肠功能的恢复无明显作用;不会增加静脉营养相关并发症的发生。     

Frequency of respiratory deterioration after immunisation in preterm infants

Aim: To determine the relationship between the initiation of respiratory support and the first routine immunisation of neonates at 2 months of age during primary hospitalisation. Methods: An historical cohort study design was used to study the neonatal factors associated with the initiation of respiratory support within 7 days of immunisation in a cohort of 7629 preterm and term infants admitted to the Neonatal Unit of the Royal Women's Hospital between 2001 and 2008. Results: The 411 infants who received their first immunisations in hospital were both very preterm and of extremely low birth weight (ELBW, below 1000 g). Twenty‐two infants experienced post‐immunisation apnoea of sufficient severity to warrant the initiation of either intermittent positive pressure ventilation (two cases) or continuous positive airway pressure (20 cases). Infants exhibiting a respiratory deterioration following immunisation had a higher incidence of previous septicaemia (Odds ratio 2.5, 95% confidence interval 1.0, 6.1; P = 0.04) and received CPAP for a longer period prior to vaccination (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Apnoea following immunisation may be an aetiological factor in the requirement of respiratory support in a small number of preterm, ELBW infants particularly those with significant lung disease and those who have previously experienced septicaemia.     

Growth and neurodevelopmental outcome in extremely-low-birth-weight infants after laparotomy

Twenty-one extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) and premature infants (<29 weeks' gestation and/or <1,000 g) underwent emergency laparotomy for acute intra-abdominal pathology (necrotising enterocolitis [NEC] 16, other bowel pathology 5) during the 4-year period from 1990 to 1993; 11 died. The neurodevelopmental outcome of the 10 survivors was assessed and compared with 20 living, otherwise normal controls matched for gestational age, birth weight, and year of birth to asses the effect of the abdominal event on quality of survival. Those who survived after laparotomy had a worse neurodevelopmental outcome than controls (P < 0.05). During this period, we also compared 24 infants in the ELBW category who developed NEC but did not require a laparotomy with the 16 ELBW infants with NEC who required a laparotomy. Those who required a laparotomy had worse disease and had significantly worse neurodevelopmental outcomes (P < 0.01). ELBW and premature infants who have acute intra-abdominal pathology requiring a laparotomy are thus at increased risk of neurodevelopmental problems and poor growth. Close long-term follow-up is important, and the families of such infants should be made aware before surgery of the increased risk the abdominal event has on their babies' developmental outcome if they survive. Accepted 18 November 1999     

极低出生体质量儿胎粪钙卫蛋白水平及影响因素分析

目的 了解极低出生体质量儿胎粪钙卫蛋白(FC)水平及其影响因素.方法 收集2018年6月—2019年5月住院的极低出生体质量儿出生后第1次胎粪,采用免疫荧光法定量检测胎粪钙卫蛋白水平,并收集患儿一般资料及母孕期资料.结果 共纳入87例极低出生体质量儿,男45例、女42例,中位胎龄30.3周(29.1～31.1周),中位...     

Low birth weight in Tasmania 1975-1983: The effect of socioeconomic status

An analysis of all births in Tasmania from 1975 to 1983 showed that social class differences in low birth weights were almost entirely restricted to infants between 1500 and 2500 g weight at birth. There was a marginal increase in very low birth weight infants (<1500 g) among women whose partners were unemployed or in unskilled work but extremely low birth weight infants (<1000 g) were evenly distributed across the whole social spectrum.     

Development of the intestinal flora in very low birth weight infants compared to normal full-term newborns

Development of faecal flora was studied in seven very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, who were fed on human milk and whose birth weights ranged from 810–1350 g. The intestine of the VLBW infants was first colonised by enterobacteria and streptococci, as it was in full-term infants. VLBW infants differed, however, from full-term infants in that both types of organism continued to be predominant for a longer period, and establishment of bifidobacterial flora was retarded. Bifidobacteria first appeared in the stools of VLBW infants at a mean age of 10.6±2.7 days and became predominant at a mean of 19.8±8.9 days, in contrast to full-term, breast-fed infants in whom bifidobacterial flora appeared at as early as 4 days of age. The delay seemed to be related to the low milk intake of the VLBW infants.The number of viable staphylococci in the stools of VLBW infants was generally higher than that in full-term infants. Although emergence of Bacteroides, Clostridium and lactobacilli was delayed compared with full-term infants, differences in their occurrence and prevalence between VLBW and fullterm infants were not remarkable.Abbreviation VLBW very low birth weight     

Haemodynamic effects of erythrocyte transfusion in preterm infants

The aim of the study was to assess the short-term cardiorespiratory effects of a standard red cell transfusion in very low birth weight (<1500 g) infants undergoing intensive care. A total of 37 infants (birth weight 920±230 g, gestational age 27.8±2.1 weeks, age at study 6.1±3.9 days) with indwelling arterial lines were studied when 10 ml/kg of packed donor red cells were transfused based on clinical judgment. Infants with patent ductus arteriosus and/or inotropic treatment were excluded from the study. Oxygen saturation, left ventricular output, stroke volume, systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and capillary refill time were assessed immediately prior to the transfusion and within an hour after the transfusion was completed. Capillary refill time after the transfusion was significantly shorter than prior to the transfusion (2.1±0.9 versus 2.4±1.0 s, P =0.033). Left ventricular output, stroke volume and arterial pressures remained unaltered. Oxygen saturation after the transfusion was lower than before the transfusion (94.0±3.8 versus 95.3±2.5%, P =0.014) despite unaltered oxygen supply. Conclusion: the data suggest that although a red cell transfusion of 10 ml/kg may marginally improve peripheral perfusion, it does not influence cardiac output and arterial blood pressure in normotensive preterm infants. It may, however, cause a transient decrease in oxygen saturation.Abbreviations CRT capillary refill time - HR heart rate - LVO left ventricular output - PDA patent ductus arteriosus - SV stroke volume     

极低及超低出生体重儿的预后因素分析

目的 分析极低及超低出生体重儿（出生体重≤ 1 200 g）的临床资料,为其预后及临床干预提供预警指标。方法 回顾性分析108 例极低及超低出生体重儿的母孕期病史、新生儿出生时情况、诊治经过及预后,采用非条件logistic 回归分析筛选预后的影响因素。结果 108 例极低及超低出生体重儿,出生体重范围在结论 极低及超低出生体重儿的病死率较高,且随着日龄的增加,影响早产儿生存的预后因素不同,临床上应针对这些因素制定合理的管理方案,提高早产儿生存率。     

超低出生体重儿的营养管理

超低出生体重儿是NICU中最具风险的一组早产儿,除了必要的生命支持技术以外,营养管理成为直接影响到其生存和预后的关键因素.本文从超低出生体重儿的营养需求、肠内外营养和出院后喂养几个方面阐述了其营养管理的特点.超低出生体重儿营养支持的理想目标是使其生长速率及与之相关的功能发育和体重增长的成分接近正常胎儿.     

Plasma angiotensin II concentrations in the early neonatal period

BACKGROUND: There have been only a few reports on the renin-angiotensin system in low birthweight infants; in particular, plasma angiotensin II concentrations have not been studied. AIM: To investigate plasma angiotensin II concentrations in early neonatal infants including low birthweight infants. METHODS: Forty six patients were studied, of whom 14 weighed not less than 2500 g (normal birth weight), 16 weighed less than 2500 g but not less than 1500 g (moderately low birth weight), and 16 weighed less than 1500 g (very low birth weight). Blood samples were collected twice, on day 0 and day 7. Angiotensin II concentration was assayed using an enzyme immunoassay kit with a microplate. RESULTS: Geometric means of angiotensin II concentrations on day 7 were 19 pg/ml in the normal birthweight group, 28 pg/ml in the moderately low birthweight group, and 76 pg/ml in the very low birthweight group. The concentrations on day 7 in the very low birthweight group were significantly higher than those in the normal birthweight and moderately low birthweight groups (p = 0.005, p = 0.031). There were significant correlations between angiotensin II concentration on day 7 and gestational age (r(s) = -0.4, p = 0.007) and birth weight (r(s) = -0.36, p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Specific physiological conditions associated with a very low birth weight are thought to be responsible for the increased concentration of angiotensin II on day 7. It is necessary to measure angiotensin II concentration for a longer period after birth and study the factors that could influence it.     

Early observations in the use of oral rotavirus vaccination in infants with functional short gut syndrome

Aim: Universal vaccination with an oral live‐attenuated rotavirus vaccine at 2, 4 and 6 months of age was introduced in Australia in July 2007. There are no data on the short‐term effects of vaccination for those infants most at risk of severe complications from rotavirus infection. The aim of this study was to describe the effects of rotavirus vaccination on weight gain and gastrointestinal losses in infants with functional short gut syndrome secondary to an ileostomy. Methods: A retrospective review of all infants with an ileostomy who received RotaTeq while hospitalised at the Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne from July 2007 to July 2009 was performed. Daily data were collected from 1 week before to 2 weeks after vaccination. The data included type and volume of feeds, ileostomy losses, need for fluid replacement of ileostomy losses, weight, temperature, urine sodium, stool culture, suspected and confirmed sepsis. Results: Nine infants (age at first RotaTeq 61–99 days) were identified. The median (range) gestational age was 26 (24, 38) completed weeks and birthweight was 737 (620, 2714) grams. Compared to the day of vaccination, the median (range) ileostomy losses 1 week before, 1 and 2 weeks after vaccination were ?1.1 (?13.6, 4.9) mL/kg/day, 2 (?11.1, 25.0) mL/kg/day and 2.4 (?15.7, 27.2) mL/kg/day, respectively. One infant developed severe stomal losses after vaccination. Overall, rotavirus vaccination did not alter weight gain, temperature or urinary sodium. Conclusion: In this small series, oral live‐attenuated rotavirus vaccination of infants with high‐output ileostomy was tolerated in most cases.