Cardiocirculatory effects of patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low-birth-weight infants with respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND: Cardiocirculatory effects of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) have not been systematically studied in extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of hsPDA on the left ventricular output (LVO) and organ blood flows in ELBW infants with RDS. METHODS: Extremely low-birth-weight infants (birth-weight <1000 g) treated with surfactant for RDS were studied by serial Doppler flow examinations. Doppler flow variables in 19 infants in whom hsPDA developed (hsPDA group) were compared with those in 19 infants without hsPDA matched for gestational age, birth-weight, and postnatal age (non-hsPDA group). All infants in the hsPDA group had pharmacologic closure of ductus arteriosus when hsPDA developed. RESULTS: Before pharmacological closure of PDA, the hsPDA group had significantly higher LVO, lower blood flow volume of the abdominal aorta, and lower mean blood flow velocities in the celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, and renal artery than the non-hsPDA group. These alterations in the hsPDA group reverted to the levels in the non-hsPDA group after the closure of PDA and had no deleterious effects on the cardiorespiratory status. No significant differences between the groups were found in mean blood flow velocities of the anterior cerebral artery throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that although LVO is increased, the splanchnic and renal blood flows are decreased when hsPDA develops in ELBW infants with RDS. The effects of these alterations of LVO and organ blood flows on the cardiorespiratory course seem to be minor when early pharmacologic closure of PDA is done.     

Evaluation of surfactant function at birth determined by the stable microbubble test in term and near term infants with respiratory distress

Surfactant function using the stable microbubble test (SMT) was investigated in term or near term infants with respiratory distress. Newborn infants 34 weeks gestation with an initial clinical hypothesis of transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN) needing supplemental oxygen and controls were included. Gastric aspirates were collected immediately after birth for SMT. The first chest X-ray films were examined by three independent radiologists and according to their interpretation the babies were divided into a TTN, a respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn (RDS), or a poorly-defined X-ray group. A total of 32 infants with respiratory distress and 32 controls with similar gestational age and birth weight were studied. The median and interquartile range (IQR) of the stable microbubble (SMB) count was significantly lower (P<0.001) for the respiratory distress group than for the control group (17; range 6–33 versus 120; range 79–275). The proportion of babies with less than 35 stable microbubbles/mm² (SMB/mm²) was significantly different for the whole respiratory distress group (24/32–75%) and for the TTN (9/13–69%), the RDS (5/5–100%), and the poorly-defined (10/12–83%) groups as compared with the controls (2/32–6%; P<0.05). A total of 24/26 babies (92%) who needed oxygen for 24 h but only 1/6 (17%) of them who needed <24 h had a bubble count of less than 35 SMB/mm² (P<0.05). Conclusion: the results suggest that deficiency or dysfunction of the surfactant system is involved in the majority of cases of respiratory distress in near term and possibly term babies. The stable microbubble test can enable clinicians to take an earlier decision to give surfactant to term or near term infants with more severe and progressive respiratory distress.Abbreviations RDS respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn - SMB stable microbubbles - SMT stable microbubble test - TTN transient tachypnoea of the newborn     

Prolonged low-dose indomethacin therapy for patent ductus arteriosus in very low birthweight infants

To determine the efficacy and side-effects of prolonged low-dose indomethacin therapy in very low birthweight (VLBW; <1500 g) infants with a haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA).

Methodology:

Very low birthweight infants admitted over a 16 month period were studied (6 months, retrospectively and 10 months, prospectively). Cross-sectional and M-Mode echocardiograms with pulsed-wave and colour Doppler were performed to assess the significance of ductal patency.

Results:

Forty-one (28%) of 148 VLBW infants were diagnosed to have hsPDA. Indomethacin therapy was successful in 90% after the first course, increasing to 95% after the second course. The recurrence rate after the first course was 3%. Minor and transient complications included oliguria, urea retention, hyponatraemia and thrombocytopenia. Although three infants had focal bowel perforation and the fourth had bowel perforation associated with necrotizing enterocolitis, the incidence of gastrointenstinal pathology was not significantly different from infants without hsPDA and not given indomethacin.

Conclusions:

Very low birthweight infants with hsPDA have a high response rate and low recurrence rate to prolonged lowdose indomethacin therapy. Side-effects were mild and transient. However, it is prudent to be cautious when administering indomethacin in critically ill infants <1000 g with hsPDA who manifest clinical features of bowel ischaemia.     

早期或晚期使用枸橼酸咖啡因防治极低出生体重儿呼吸暂停的临床分析

目的 比较早期或晚期使用枸橼酸咖啡因防治极低出生体重儿呼吸暂停的临床效果。方法 选取2015年6月至2017年5月于新生儿重症监护室住院治疗的极低出生体重儿共82例为研究对象,按开始使用枸橼酸咖啡因的日龄分为早期治疗组（日龄 < 3 d）（n=22）和晚期治疗组（3 d ≤ 日龄<10 d）（n=60）,回顾性收集并比较两组患儿围产期的基本情况、治疗过程情况及临床结局。结果 早期治疗组的出生体重明显低于晚期治疗组（P=0.004）;早期治疗组机械通气时间及吸氧时间明显短于晚期治疗组（P < 0.05）;早期治疗组支气管肺发育不良（BPD）的发生率明显低于晚期治疗组（P=0.032）。其余基本情况、治疗过程情况及临床结局在两组间比较差异均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）。结论 早期使用枸橼酸咖啡因可改善极低出生体重儿的预后。     

近红外光谱技术对有血流动力学意义的动脉导管未闭早产儿肠道组织氧饱和度监测价值的前瞻性研究

目的 使用近红外光谱技术研究有血流动力学意义的动脉导管未闭（hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus,hsPDA）早产儿肠道组织氧饱和度（regional oxygen saturation,rSO₂）的变化及规律,初步探索hsPDA早产儿肠道组织血氧水平变化的临床意义。 方法 前瞻性选取2017年10月至2020年10月深圳市龙岗中心医院新生儿科收治的胎龄<32周和/或出生体重<1 500 g的动脉导管未闭（patent ductus arteriosus,PDA）早产儿。按照hsPDA的诊断标准分为hsPDA组和无血流动力学意义的动脉导管未闭（non-hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus,nhsPDA）组,将hsPDA组早产儿根据口服布洛芬后动脉导管关闭情况分为hsPDA关闭亚组和hsPDA未闭亚组。分别在诊断PDA时及治疗后测定血流动力学指标,持续监测患儿肠道组织rSO₂水平,分析其变化规律。 结果 共有241例PDA早产儿纳入研究,其中hsPDA组55例（22.8%）,nhsPDA组186例（77.2%）;hsPDA关闭亚组36例（65%）,hsPDA未闭亚组19例（35%）。hsPDA组左心房内径/主动脉根部内径值大于nhsPDA组,左室射血分数和短轴缩短率均低于nhsPDA组（P<0.05）。hsPDA组患儿肠道组织rSO₂在诊断后6 h内各时间点（1、2、4、6 h）均低于nhsPDA组（P<0.05）;hsPDA组早产儿肠道组织rSO₂随时间呈下降趋势（P<0.05）,至6 h时达最低值（0.448±0.014）。hsPDA关闭亚组左心房内径/主动脉根部内径值低于hsPDA未闭亚组,左室射血分数和短轴缩短率高于hsPDA未闭亚组（P<0.05）。hsPDA关闭亚组患儿肠道组织rSO₂在治疗后48~96 h内各时间点（48、72、96 h）均高于hsPDA未闭亚组（P<0.05）;hsPDA关闭亚组早产儿肠道组织rSO₂从治疗24 h后随时间呈上升趋势（P<0.05）,至96 h达最高值（0.578±0.031）。 结论 hsPDA对早产儿肠道组织氧合有影响,可通过近红外光谱技术持续监测hsPDA早产儿肠道组织rSO₂变化趋势指导临床管理。     

Impact of massage therapy on motor outcomes in very low‐birthweight infants: Randomized controlled pilot study

Background: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of massage therapy on motor development, weight gain, and hospital discharge in preterm very low‐birthweight (VLBW) newborns. Methods: Twenty‐four preterm VLBW newborns (<34 weeks and <1500 g) were enrolled in this randomized controlled pilot study. The intervention group (n = 12) received massage therapy starting at 34 weeks post‐conceptional age (15 min daily, 5 days/week for 4 weeks). The infants in the sham treatment group (n = 12) received similar duration of light still touch. Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) score gain, weight gain, and post‐conceptional age at discharge were compared between the two groups after intervention using Mann–Whitney U‐test. Results: No significant between‐group difference in TIMP score gain and weight gain was identified when all subjects were analyzed. In subgroup analysis, among those with below‐average pre‐treatment TIMP score (<35), the intervention group (n = 6) achieved significantly higher TIMP score gain (P = 0.043) and earlier hospital discharge (P = 0.045) than the sham treatment group (n = 5). These same infants, however, also had significantly shorter duration of total parenteral nutrition than their counterparts in the sham treatment group (P = 0.044). Conclusions: Massage therapy might be a viable intervention to promote motor outcomes in a subgroup of VLBW newborns with poor motor performance. A larger randomized controlled trial is required to further explore the effects of massage therapy in this high‐risk group.     

Comparison of synchronized and conventional intermittent mandatory ventilation in neonates

Between October 1993 and April 1995, a total of 77 neonates requiring mechanical ventilation were enrolled in this study and were randomly divided into two groups. Group A consisted of 31 premature infants (mean birthweight 1.36 ± 0.29 kg) with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and seven neonates (mean birthweight 3.2 ± 0.5 kg) with meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS). Group B consisted of 31 premature infants (mean birthweight 1.31 ± 0.3 kg) with RDS and eight neonates (mean birthweight 3.3 ± 0.5 kg) with MAS. Infants in group A received synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) and infants in group B received conventional intermittent mandatory ventilation (CIMV) therapy. In premature infants with RDS, our data showed: (i) the duration of ventilation was significantly shorter (P < 0.05) in the synchronized group (156 ± 122 h) compared to the conventional group (242 ± 175 h); (ii) significantly fewer (P <0.05) patients required reintubation in the synchronized group than in the conventional group (three vs 11 patients); (iii) incidence of severe intraventricular hemorrhage (grades 3 and 4) was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the synchronized group compared to the conventional group (one vs seven patients); (iv) incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the synchronized group than in the control group (one vs seven patients). In neonates with MAS, our data showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) on duration of ventilation, incidence of reintubation, incidence of pneumothorax or mortality rate between synchronized and control groups.     

呼吸窘迫综合征极低出生体重儿解脲脲原体感染与支气管肺发育不良的关系

目的 探讨并发新生儿呼吸窘迫综合症（RDS）的极低出生体重儿下呼吸道分泌物解脲脲原体（UU）感染与支气管肺发育不良（BPD）的关系。方法 选取73例诊断为RDS、早期使用机械通气治疗且至少应用1剂肺表面活性物质的极低出生体重儿,采用荧光定量聚合酶链反应法检测气管内吸出物UU核酸,分为UU感染组（n=21）和非感染组（n=52）,比较两组临床特点及BPD的发生率。结果 UU感染组阴道产百分率及反复院内肺部感染、胎膜早破发生率均高于非感染组;胎膜早破持续时间长于非UU感染组;且吸氧时间及住院时间均长于非UU感染组。UU感染组生后3 h内血浆免疫球蛋白IgM、白细胞计数、中性粒细胞绝对值显著高于非UU感染组。73例患儿中,发生BPD 45例,其中UU感染组BPD发生率（90%,19/21）显著高于非UU感染组（50%,26/52）,差异有统计学意义（P结论 下呼吸道UU感染可增加RDS 极低出生体重儿BPD的发生率。     

Neurodevelopmental outcome after COX inhibitor treatment for patent ductus arteriosus

Aim

To compare neurodevelopmental results in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants two years after successful or failed cyclooxygenase inhibitor treatment with either indomethacin or ibuprofen for a haemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA).

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated closure rates and outcome parameters of VLBW infants with hsPDA 89 of whom were treated with indomethacin and 93 with ibuprofen.

Results

Indomethacin and ibuprofen therapy groups did not differ in their baseline clinical profile (median gestational age 26.0 and 26.2 wks d) in early (median CRIB 6 and 5, respiratory distress > 2° in 36 and 34 infants) and late morbidities (intraventricular hemorrhage > 2° in 9 and 10 infants, bronchopulmonary dysplasia in 31 and 27 infants, 80 and 85 survivors), PDA closure rates (63 and 58%) or neurodevelopmental outcome. The therapy failure group (54 infants) was characterized by lower median gestational age (25.0 wks d) and higher mortality (17%). No differences were found in the neurodevelopmental outcome of the surviving infants with ligation as compared to the survivors with successful pharmacological closure of the PDA at 24 months corrected age.

Conclusion

Use of either ibuprofen or indomethacin for closure of a hsPDA did not influence two year neurodevelopmental outcomes in VLBW infants.     

Antenatal Calcium Channel Blocker Exposure and Subsequent Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants

This study aimed to assess whether tocolytic fetal exposure to antenatal calcium channel blockers (aCCB) increases the risk for hemodynamically significant patent ductus arterioses (hsPDA) in extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants. This case-control study investigated ELBW infants (<1,000 g) without cardiac defects in a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit who had survived at least 7 days. Nifedipine was the only aCCB used for this study population. The measurements included the history of aCCB exposure, selected maternal data, hsPDA diagnosis, gestational age at birth, birth weight, mode of delivery, sex, maternal race, location of birth, Apgar scores, and selected neonatal morbidities. The end point of the study was hsPDA, defined as an echocardiographically confirmed PDA with clinical symptoms. A total of 180 infants met the study criteria. The diagnosis was hsPDA for 56% of these patients, 20% of whom had aCCB exposure. Of the infants without hsPDA, 11% had aCCB exposure (p = 0.09). No statistically significant associations were found between aCCB exposure and hsPDA after adjustment for gestational age (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.6–3.7) or for gestational age and cumulative aCCB exposure of 100 mg or more (OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 0.6–6.5). A history of aCCB exposure does not appear to increase hsPDA risk in ELBW infants. Studies using neonatal serum nifedipine concentrations after antenatal exposure should be performed to confirm this conclusion.     

Pulmonary hemorrhage in very low‐birthweight infants: Risk factors and management

Background: Beginning 2007, the intratracheal route of epinephrine to end massive pulmonary hemorrhage (MPH) in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants was modified at Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital. The aim of the present study was to assess the change in outcomes for these infants, and to evaluate the risk factors of MPH. Methods: Using the database of the Premature Baby Foundation of Taiwan, the mortality, risk factors and characteristics of VLBW infants with or without MPH were compared between 2000–2006 and 2007–2010. Results: Between January 2000 and December 2010, 399 VLBW infants were admitted to Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital. Mean birthweight (BW) was 1099.6 ± 272.7 g, and mean gestational age (GA) was 28.7 ± 2.9 weeks. The overall survival rate was 84.2%. Sixteen (4%) had MPH: 11 in the first group (2000–2006; 18.2% survival rate), and five in the second group (2007–2010; 80% survival rate; P= 0.0000002). Infants with MPH had lower mean BW (864.9 ± 301.4 g, P= 0.0004), smaller mean GA (26.1 ± 2.0 weeks, P= 0.0002), significantly lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, higher severity of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS; grades 3 or 4), and greater use of surfactant than infants without MPH. They also had more intraventricular hemorrhage and higher mortality. Conclusions: Smaller GA, lower BW, lower Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min, severe RDS (grades 3 or 4), and use of surfactant place VLBW infants at greater risk of MPH. Proper prenatal care and preventing premature labor and delivery were the most important preventative factors. A quick, deep thrust of intratracheal epinephrine with a catheter may improve survival.     

两种无创呼吸支持治疗极低出生体重儿呼吸窘迫综合征疗效分析

目的 探讨早期应用经鼻间歇正压通气（NIPPV）与加温湿化经鼻导管高流量通气（HHHFNC）治疗极低出生体重呼吸窘迫综合征（RDS）早产儿的临床疗效。方法 89例极低出生体重RDS早产儿依据初始呼吸支持治疗方式随机分为NIPPV组（46例）和HHHFNC组（43例）。分析两组患儿初始治疗失败率、肺表面活性物质（PS）使用率、呼吸支持治疗相关数据及各种并发症的发生率。结果 NIPPV组治疗72 h内气管插管率、PS使用率、有创辅助通气时间、无创辅助通气时间及总用氧时间、严重呼吸暂停发生率、肺炎发生率与HHHFNC组的差异无统计学意义（P > 0.05）;NIPPV组支气管肺发育不良、颅内出血、早产儿视网膜病、坏死性小肠结肠炎、动脉导管未闭、气漏的发生率与HHHFNC组的差异均无统计学意义（P > 0.05）;NIPPV组鼻损伤的发生率高于HHHFNC组（P < 0.05）。结论 对于极低出生体重RDS早产儿的初始呼吸支持治疗,HHHFNC与NIPPV疗效相当,是可供临床选择的另一种安全和有效的无创辅助通气治疗方式。     

Early nasal continuous positive airway pressure treatment reduces the need for intubation in very low birth weight infants

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applied shortly after birth is said to be an effective treatment of respiratory distress in very low birth weight infants (VLBW). We tested the hypothesis that the use of early nasal CPAP (applied as soon as signs of respiratory distress occurred, usually within 15 min after birth) reduces the need for intubation, the duration of intermittent mandatory ventilation and the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. All liveborn VLBW infants (birth weight < 1500 g) admitted to our tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in 1990 (historical controls) and in 1993 (early nasal CPAP group) entered the study. The intubation rate was significantly lower after introduction of nasal CPAP (30% vs 53%, P = 0.016). Median duration of intubation was 4.5 days (interquartile range 3–7 days) before versus 6.0 days (2.8–9 days) after nasal CPAP was introduced (P = 0.73). The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was not reduced significantly (32% vs 30%, P = 0.94). Survival until discharge was 89.5% before versus 92.9% after introduction of nasal CPAP (P = 0.54). Conclusion Early nasal CPAP is an effective treatment of respiratory distress in VLBW infants, significantly reducing the need for intubation and intermittent mandatory ventilation, without worsening other stan dard measures of neonatal outcome. We found no significant decrease in the incidence of bronchopulmo nary dysplasia. Received: 5 February 1996 and in revised form: 12 September 1996 / Accepted: 23 October 1996     

Transthyretin levels are not related to Apgar score in low birth weight and very low birth weight infants

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported an increased incidence of thyroid dysfunction in premature/low birth weight infants. The cord blood concentrations of transthyretin (TTR), a thyroid hormone binding protein, have also been found to be decreased in preterm infants. While thyroid hormone concentrations are decreased in sick infants, it is not known if physical condition influences TTR levels. Serial concentrations of TTR following birth have not previously been reported. AIMS: To measure serial serum concentrations of TTR in premature infants following birth, and determine whether TTR levels are related to physical condition. METHODS: A cohort of 65 premature very low birth weight (VLBW) and LBW infants were studied. Serum samples were obtained on the day of birth, and for 8 weeks following birth. Apgar scores at birth as well as the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were noted. RESULTS: Baseline serum T4 concentrations and Apgar scores were significantly lower in VLBW infants, while the severity of RDS was significantly higher in the VLBW group. Multivariate analyses revealed that T4 levels were negatively associated with RDS, while TSH concentrations were positively related to gestational age. TTR concentrations were not related to gestational age at birth, Apgar score, or RDS, and did not change markedly over 8 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that serum TTR concentrations are not related to birth weight/gestational age and are not associated with either clinical condition at birth (as assessed by Apgar score) or the occurrence of RDS. Reference values for TTR concentrations in VLBW and LBW infants are provided from birth to 8 weeks of age.     

Longitudinal changes in the diameter of the ductus arteriosus in ventilated preterm infants: correlation with respiratory outcomes.

This study aimed to examine the early natural history of ductal shunting in ventilated preterm infants (< 1500 g) and to document the association between this shunting and respiratory outcomes. The size of the ductal shunt was assessed in 48 infants using serial echocardiographic measurement of colour Doppler internal ductal diameter and pulsed Doppler postductal aortic diastolic flow (PADF). At all postnatal ages, normal antegrade PADF was invariably seen when the ductal diameter was 1.5 mm or less, and was usually abnormal (absent or retrograde) when more than 1.5 mm. Longitudinal progress of ductal diameter fell into three groups: (i) asymptomatic spontaneous closure (n = 31)--in 20 of these infants closure occurred within 48 hours; (ii) symptomatic PDA which enlarged after a postnatal constriction (n = 9); and (iii) symptomatic PDA that showed minimal postnatal constriction (n = 8). Infants in group 2 were significantly less mature and had PDAs which became symptomatic significantly later than those in group 3. Logistic regression showed that ductal shunting had a significant correlation with mean oxygenation index over the first five days but not with ventilator or oxygen days. Gestation had the most significant association with the latter two variables, with atrial shunting also being related to days in oxygen. The preterm duct displays a wide spectrum of postnatal constrictive activity. Symptomatic PDAs usually showed slower early postnatal constriction. Ductal shunting independently related to short term but not long term respiratory outcomes.     

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     

早产儿早期血脂代谢特点及与新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征关系探讨

目的：了解早产儿早期血脂代谢特点及其与新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征（RDS）的关系。方法：将100例适于胎龄早产儿按胎龄或出生体重分组,并以40例足月适于胎龄儿作为对照组,于出生后12 h内静脉采血,测定血浆总胆固醇（TC）、甘油三脂（TG）,低密度脂蛋白胆固醇（LDL-C）及高密度脂蛋白胆固醇（HDL-C）水平;另外,分别根据胎龄及出生体重进一步比较发生RDS与未发生RDS早产儿的血脂水平。结果：随胎龄及体重增加,TG水平呈递增趋势,28~30周组及31~33周组早产儿血浆TG水平均明显低于34~36周早产儿及足月儿（P<0.01）;出生体重≤1499 g组及1500~2499 g组早产儿血浆TG水平均明显低于出生体重≥2500 g早产儿及足月儿（P<0.05）,且出生体重≤1499 g组与1500~2499 g组早产儿之间TG水平差异亦有统计学意义（P<0.01）;而各组新生儿HDL-C、LDL-C及TC水平差异无统计学意义。RDS与非RDS早产儿血浆TC、LDL-C及HDL-C水平差异亦无统计学意义;但在胎龄28~30周组,RDS早产儿的TG水平比非RDS早产儿明显降低（P<0.05）;体重≤1499 g RDS早产儿TG水平低于非RDS早产儿（P<0.05）。结论：早产儿血脂水平与胎龄及体重相关,低TG水平可能是胎龄28~30周及体重≤1499 g早产儿出现RDS的原因之一。     

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。     

The effect of dexamethasone on growth, mineral balance and bone mineralisation in preterm infants with chronic lung disease

The aim of this prospective longitudinal study was to observe the effects of treatment with dexamethasone on somatic growth, mineral balance and bone mineralisation in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants with chronic lung disease (CLD). Dexamethasone was started at a dose of 500 μg/kg body weight per day for 3 days followed by gradually decreasing doses for a total period of 3 weeks' treatment if the infant was still mechanically ventilated in the 3rd postnatal week and had signs of CLD on the chest radiograph. Eleven infants with CLD treated with dexamethasone were studied. Administration of dexamethasone treatment was associated with significantly (P < 0.05) lower weight velocity, head circumference velocity, lower leg length (measured by the neonatal knemometer) velocity compared to pre-treatment changes. The start of dexamethasone treatment was also associated with a fall in calcium absorption (61% to 41.7%, P < 0.05) calcium retention (60.8% to 40.6%, P < 0.05) and phosphate retention (65% to 39.6%, P < 0.05); phosphate absorption was not significantly affected (88.8% to 92%, P > 0.05). Somatic growth and mineral balance improved during the immediate post-treatment period. Acute disturbances of bone mineral content (measured by dual energy radiographic densitometry), plasma calcium and phosphate were also seen but not reaching statistical significance at the P < 0.05 level. Conclusion The start of steroids is associated with a rapid and significant fall in growth velocity, calcium absorption and calcium and phosphate retention in infants with chronic lung disease with recovery occurring after completion of steroid treatment. Received: 15 February 1999 / Accepted: 26 September 1999     

Growth and neurodevelopmental outcome of VLBW infants at 1 year corrected age

Objectives

To evaluate growth and neurodevelopmental outcome of very low birth weight infants (VLBW) and compare with term normal birth weight infants (NBW) till 12 months corrected age.

Design

A prospective cohort study

Setting

Tertiary care neonatal unit in northern India

Subjects

37 VLBW infants and 35 NBW infants born between January 2007 and December 2007.

Interventions

Anthropometric measurements were recorded and Z-scores were computed serially at birth, discharge, 40 weeks post menstrual age (PMA), and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months of corrected age. Developmental quotient (DQ) at 12 months corrected age was assessed.

Results

Z-scores for weight, length and head circumference (HC) at birth were ?1.21(±0.92), ?0.98(±1.32) and ?0.70(±1.14), respectively for VLBW infants and ?0.37(±0.72), ?0.11(±0.96) and 0.05(±0.73) respectively for NBW infants. VLBW infants had a significant drop in all Z-scores by discharge (P<0.001). There was a catch up to birth scores by 12 month age. VLBW infants had significantly lower Z-scores for weight, length and HC at one year corrected age as compared to NBW infants (P =0.01, 0.04 and 0.001, respectively). DQ at 12 months was significantly lower in VLBW infants (91.5+7.8) than NBW infants (97.5±5.3) (P <0.001). DQ of small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) VLBW infants was comparable.

Conclusion

VLBW infants falter in their growth during NICU stay with a catch-up later during infancy. In comparison to NBW infants, they continue to lag in their physical growth and neurodevelopment at 1 year of corrected age.