Surgical necrotizing enterocolitis and intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants below 1000 g

Background/Purpose

Infants with very low birth weight are at increased risk for both intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). IVH often progresses in severity after initial diagnosis and causes severe neurological morbidity and mortality. The authors examined the role of NEC in the progression of IVH in these infants.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective case-control study using data from the University of Maryland neonatal intensive care unit database between 1991 and 2003. From a cohort of 957 infants with very low birth weight, 53 pairs of infants labeled as IVH progression versus controls were selected and closely matched in respect to their gestational age and birth weight. Charts from these infants were reviewed to identify risk factors contributing to IVH progression.

Results

Infants with IVH progression were significantly more likely to suffer from NEC (odds ratio, 3.6), whereas infants with surgical NEC showed a greater association with IVH progression (odds ratio, 5.33). Association with thrombocytopenia was also seen (odds ratio, 3.33). Sepsis showed trend toward significance (odds ratio, 1.9; P = .095) for progression of IVH.

Conclusion

Surgical NEC showed the greatest risk for IVH progression. NEC and thrombocytopenia also appear to be risk factors for IVH progression.     

Development of nephrocalcinosis in very low birth weight infants

Premature infants undergo intensive growth during the postnatal period. Adequate mineralization is dependent on sufficient intake of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P). However, Ca and P supplementation can be associated with some risks, for example development of nephrocalcinosis. We investigated pathophysiological risk factors in premature very low birth weight (VLBW) infants associated with the development of nephrocalcinosis. From June 1994 to September 1995 all preterm neonates with a birth weight below 1,500 g were screened prospectively. At regular intervals of 2 weeks, ultrasonography (US) of the kidneys was performed and parameters of mineral metabolism were assessed in blood and spot urine samples. For analysis, premature infants with nephrocalcinosis (group N) were compared with infants without nephrocalcinosis (group R) and with a retrospectively pair-matched subgroup of premature infants without nephrocalcinosis (control group C) taken from the same study. Nephrocalcinosis was detected in 20 of 114 preterm neonates (group N, 17.5%). Of these 20 infants with nephrocalcinosis, 16 presented with a tendency towards systemic acidosis (pH<7.25) on day 2–7, compared with only 4 of 20 premature infants of the control group. Premature infants of group N had a lower serum P at 2 weeks of life and 5 (versus 0 patients of the control group C) had transient hypophosphatemia (serum P<1.6 mmol/l). Moreover, the Ca/creatinine ratio in spot urine specimens tended to be higher (P<0.1) in patients developing nephrocalcinosis. There were no significant differences in the duration of ventilation, the length of stay in the intensive care unit, and duration and frequency of furosemide and steroid treatment between the groups N and C. VLBW premature infants developing nephrocalcinosis frequently presented with slightly impaired acid-base homoeostasis within the 1st week, followed by signs of impaired mineralization (and immature or impaired renal function) within 2 weeks. In VLBW premature infants, close observation of acid-base status and regular analysis of spot urine specimens (Ca, P, creatinine) during the first weeks of life may help to identify those premature infants at risk for nephrocalcinosis.     

Urinary vitamin A excretion in very low birth weight infants

Vitamin A (VA) deficiency in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants is associated with an increased risk for disorders related to kidney and lung maturation and function. VA losses through increased urinary retinol (ROH) excretion might contribute to this deficiency risk. The mechanism accounting for ROH loss in the urine has not yet been clarified. The aim of this study was to assess the excretion of ROH, retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) and transthyretin (TTR) in urine from VLBW infants in comparison with that in term infants in relation to kidney function. Urine specimens were collected from 15 VLBW infants (birth weight < 1,500 g) as well as from 20 term infants during the first 2 days after birth. ROH in urine was detectable in 14 of the 15 VLBW infants at a median concentration of 234 nmol/g creatinine. In the group of term infants, 17 of the 20 excreted ROH, but at an approximately five-times lower concentration (P < 0.001). Excretion of RBP4 and TTR was also much higher in VLBW infants (both P< 0.001). The urinary ROH excretion in VLBW infants may be related to the impaired tubular handling of its carrier proteins RBP4 and TTR. Thus, ROH excretion might contribute to an increased risk of VA deficiency, especially in VLBW infants.     

Perioperative management of low birth weight infants for open-heart surgery

Infants of birth weight ≤2500 g are termed low birth weight (LBW). These children often have considerable morbidity from prematurity and intra-uterine growth restriction. Additionally, LBW infants have increased risk for cardiac and noncardiac congenital anomalies and may require surgery. Primary rather than palliative surgical repair of cardiac lesions has been preferred in recent years. However, LBW remains a risk factor for increased mortality and morbidity after open-heart surgery (OHS). There is a paucity of information about the anesthetic challenges presented by LBW infants undergoing OHS. This review summarizes the perioperative issues of relevance to anesthesiologists who manage these high-risk patients. Emphasis is placed on management concerns that are unique to LBW infants. Retrospective data from the authors' institution are provided for those aspects of anesthetic care that lack published studies. Successful outcome often requires substantial hospital resources and collaborative multi-disciplinary effort.     

Effect of amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) in very low birth weight infants

The aim of this retrospective, case-control study was to determine the effect of the amphotericin B lipid complex (ABLC) on serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), sodium (Na), and potassium (K) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Medical records of all VLBW infants who were admitted to our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between May 1998 and May 2006 and had received ABLC for at least 2 weeks were reviewed for patient demographics, use of medications (ABLC, diuretics, xanthines, indomethacin, vancomycin, gentamicin, pressors, and inotropes), fluid intake, urinary output, and serum electrolytes. Thirty-five patients who received ABLC were identified and matched by gestational age (GA) to 35 patients who served as controls. Infants who received ABLC had an average GA of 25.7 +/- 2.1 weeks and a birth weight of 764 +/- 196 g. Between day 1 and 14 of ABLC treatment, the BUN decreased from 17.5 +/- 11.5 to 10.5 +/- 6.8 mg/dl (p = 0.01), the SCr varied between 0.78 +/- 0.32 and 0.69 +/- 0.32 mg/dl, Na varied between 136.6 +/- 5.8 and 137.8 +/- 3.6 mEq/l, and K varied between 4.8 +/- 0.9 and 4.9 +/- 0.6 mEq/l, respectively. Based on these results, we conclude that treatment with ABLC for 2 weeks did not increase BUN or SCr, nor decrease Na or K in VLBW infants.     

The role of laparotomy for intestinal perforation in very low birth weight infants

Background/Purpose

The management of intestinal perforation in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (less than 1500 g) is controversial. Current practice favors peritoneal drainage (PD) with or without a delayed laparotomy over primary laparotomy (PL). We compared the outcomes of PD ± delayed laparotomy vs PL in VLBW infants using the Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology with Perinatal Extension (SNAPPE-II) as a validated predictor of mortality.

Methods

A retrospective analysis (1998-2003) of VLBW infants with intestinal perforation at 2 pediatric centers was undertaken. Data retrieval included neonatal demographics and parameters for SNAPPE-II calculation. The primary end point was 30-day mortality. Other outcome measures included in-hospital mortality, days fasting, days to extubation, and length of stay. Statistical analysis was performed with either Student's t test or χ² analysis. Subgroup and multivariate analyses were also performed. P values < .05 were considered significant.

Results

Fifty-two neonates (25 PD, 27 PL) were reviewed. Overall, 10 (19.2%) infants died. Observed 30-day mortality rates in PD and PL groups were 32% and 7.4% (P = .028), respectively. Average SNAPPE-II scores for PD (42.5 ± 20.8) and PL (25.1 ± 14.6) groups yielded predicted mortality rates of 15.7% and 4.9% (P = .001), respectively. PD group 30-day mortality far exceeded the rate predicted by the SNAPPE-II score. Days fasting (13.7 vs 20.4; P = .0001), days to extubation (26.7 vs 51.5; P = .014), and length of stay (56.1 vs 83.6; P = .031) all favored the PL group despite incorporating SNAPPE-II score as a covariate into the multivariate analysis. Of the 25 patients receiving drainage, 9 underwent PD alone (SNAPPE-II = 46.6 ± 27.9), whereas 16 patients underwent delayed laparotomy (SNAPPE-II = 37.8 ± 17.6). The PD-only group had a greatly elevated mortality rate (77.8% vs 15.7% predicted), whereas the delayed laparotomy group had a reduced mortality rate (6.3% vs 9.3% predicted).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that laparotomy, either alone or after PD, provides an improved outcome in VLBW infants with intestinal perforation. PD should be used as a temporizing measure until laparotomy can be performed.     

Clinical factors associated with in-hospital death in pediatric surgical patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit: a 15-year single tertiary center experience

Background/purpose

The purpose of this study was to explore clinical characteristics and primary surgical diagnoses associated with in-hospital death in pediatric surgical patients admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary hospital.

出生体质量低于500 g超早产儿的生命与发育支持护理

总结3例出生体质量低于500 g、胎龄不足23周的超早产儿的生命与发育支持护理经验,为临床护理提供参考。3例超早产儿主要的救治方案包括断脐后气管插管、使用肺表面活性物质替代治疗、有创与无创呼吸支持治疗,根据病情给予抗感染治疗、动脉导管未闭治疗,根据循环状况使用血管活性药物,肠内和肠外营养支持,早产儿视网膜病的筛查与治疗等。结果3例分别住院112、125、125 d完全脱氧,喂养正常,康复出院。提出做好超早产儿生命支持护理和发育支持护理,可提高超早产儿存活率,减少并发症与后遗症的发生。     

发展性照顾联合婴儿主导喂养方式在低出生体质量早产儿中的应用

目的 探讨对低出生体质量早产儿采用发展性照顾联合婴儿主导喂养方式护理干预的效果。方法 选择新生儿科收治的低出生体质量早产儿120例,随机分成观察组(60例,完成研究56例),对照组(60例,完成研究53例);在发展性照顾的基础上,观察组采用婴儿主导喂养方式干预,对照组采用医生主导喂养方式干预,干预时间为4周。观察两组经口喂养康复、生化、免疫、生长发育指标以及并发症情况。结果 干预4周后,观察组完全经口喂养时间、完全经口喂养时的纠正胎龄、过渡时间,以及NICU住院时间显著短于对照组,血清胃泌素和前白蛋白水平显著高于对照组,神经元特异性烯醇化酶显著低于对照组,CD3⁺和CD4⁺水平显著高于对照组,CD8⁺显著低于对照组,早产儿头围、身长和体质量增长显著高于对照组(均P<0.05);两组并发症发生率比较,差异无统计学意义(均P>0.05)。结论 发展性照顾联合婴儿主导喂养方式能提升低出生体质量早产儿的免疫功能,促进生长发育,改善营养状态和预后。     

极低出生体重儿住院期间经口喂养方案的构建

极低出生体重儿;母乳;滴注喂养;经口喂养;奶瓶喂养;母乳亲喂;循证护理     

Dexmedetomidine use and mortality in mechanically ventilated patients with severe burns: A cohort study using a national inpatient database in Japan

BackgroundDexmedetomidine is an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor agonist. Apart from its sedative effects, dexmedetomidine can potentially reduce mortality through its anti-inflammatory effect. However, the impact of dexmedetomidine on in-hospital outcomes of patients with severe burns remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the association between dexmedetomidine use and mortality in mechanically ventilated patients with severe burns, using a Japanese nationwide database of in-hospital patients.MethodsWe included adults with severe burns (burn index ≥ 10) who were registered in the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination national inpatient database from 2010 to 2018, started mechanical ventilation within 3 days of admission, and received any sedative drug (dexmedetomidine, midazolam, or propofol). One-to-one propensity score matching was performed between patients who received dexmedetomidine on the day of mechanical ventilation initiation (dexmedetomidine group) and those who did not receive dexmedetomidine (control group). The primary outcome was all-cause 30-day in-hospital mortality. Secondary outcomes were length of hospital stay and duration of mechanical ventilation in patients and survivors.ResultsEligible patients (n = 1888) were classified into the dexmedetomidine group (n = 371) or the control group (n = 1517). After one-to-one propensity score matching, we compared 329 patients from both groups. No significant difference was observed in the 30-day mortality between patients in the dexmedetomidine and control groups (22.8% vs. 22.5%, respectively; odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.71–1.46). Moreover, there were no significant differences between patients in the dexmedetomidine and control groups in terms of the length of hospital stay or the duration of mechanical ventilation.ConclusionsWe found no significant association between dexmedetomidine use and in-hospital outcomes (mortality, length of hospital stay, and length of mechanical ventilation) in mechanically ventilated patients with severe burns. Dexmedetomidine use may not improve the aforementioned outcomes; therefore, its selection should be based on the patient’s general condition and the target level of sedation.     

Peritoneal drainage does not stabilize extremely low birth weight infants with perforated bowel: data from the NET Trial

Introduction

Proponents of peritoneal drainage (PD) hypothesize that it allows stabilization before laparotomy. We examined this hypothesis by comparing clinical status before and after either PD or primary laparotomy (LAP).

Methods

In an ethically approved, international, prospective randomized controlled trial (2002-2006), extremely low birth weight (<1000 g) infants with pneumoperitoneum received primary PD (n = 35) or LAP (n = 34). Physiologic data were collected prospectively and organ failure scores calculated and compared between preprocedure and day 1 after procedure. Data, expressed as mean ± SD or median (range), were analyzed using appropriate statistical tests.

Results

There was no postprocedure improvement in either PD or LAP group comparing heart rate (PD, P = 1.0; LAP, P = .6), blood pressure (PD, P = .6; LAP, P = .8), inotrope requirement (PD, P = .2; LAP, P = .3), or Arterial partial pressure of oxygen/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (PD, P = .1; LAP, P = .5). Infants managed with PD had a worsening cardiovascular status (P = .05). There were no differences in total organ failure score in either group (PD, P = .5; LAP, P = 1). Only 4 infants survived with PD alone with no difference between preprocedure and postprocedure organ failure score (P = .4).

Conclusions

Peritoneal drainage does not immediately improve clinical status in extremely low birth weight infants with bowel perforation. The use of PD as a stabilizing or temporizing measure is not supported by these results.     

A 6-year review of total parenteral nutrition use and association with late-onset acute respiratory distress syndrome among ventilated trauma victims

Aim

To establish whether total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for ventilated trauma victims is associated with late-onset acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) independent of ventilation and transfusion parameters.

Method

Intensive care unit data over 6 years from a level I centre regarding all trauma victims ≥16 years old who underwent mechanical ventilation within the first 48 h of admission were examined. Patients were prospectively followed for late ARDS. Variables were examined for significant changes over time and independent associations with late ARDS were determined.

Results

Of 2346 eligible patients among whom 404 (17.2%) were exposed to TPN, 192 (8.2%) met criteria for late ARDS. The incidence of late ARDS among those exposed to TPN was 28.7% (116/404) compared with 3.9% (76/1942) among those not so exposed. Adjustments for potential confounding associated risk factors were made.

Conclusions

TPN administration is independently associated with late ARDS, and its use among critically ill trauma victims should be carefully scrutinised.