A Comparison between Late Preterm and Term Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Early-Onset Sepsis, and Neonatal Jaundice in Ecuadorian Newborns

Background: To examine the differences in prevalence of respiratory distress syndrome, early-onset sepsis and jaundice, between late preterm infants versus term infants in Ecuadorian newborns. Methods: Study design: Epidemiological, observational, and cross-sectional, with two cohorts of patients. Settings: IESS Quito Sur Hospital at Quito, Ecuador, from February to April of 2020. Participants: This study included 204 newborns, 102 preterm infants, 102 term infants. Results: There are significant differences between late preterm infants and term infants, with a p-value of 0.000 in the prevalence of early sepsis, 70.59% vs. 35.29%. In respiratory distress syndrome between late and term premature infants, significant differences were observed with a p-value of 0.000, the proportion being 55.58% vs. 24.51% respectively. The prevalence of jaundice is higher in term infants with a p value of 0.002, 72.55%, versus 51.96% in late preterm infants, and the mean value of bilirubins in mg/dL was higher in term infants 14.32 versus 12.33 in late preterm infants;this difference is statistically significant with a p value of 0.004. Admission to the NICU is more frequent in late preterm infants with a p-value of 0.000, being 42.16% for late preterm infants vs. 7.84% in term infants;the mean of the hospital days with p-value 0.005, was higher in late preterm infants 4.97 days vs. 3.55 days for term newborns. Conclusion: Due to the conditions of their immaturity, late preterm infants are 2.86 times more likely to present early sepsis than full-term newborns. It is shown that late preterm infants are 2.69 times more likely to have respiratory distress syndrome compared to term infants, therefore, late preterm infants have a longer hospital stay of 4.97 days versus 3.55 days in term infants. Jaundice and mean bilirubin levels are higher in term infants due to blood group incompatibility and insufficient breastfeeding.

Study on the Effect of Early Oral Motor Intervention in Preterm Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Objective:To study the effective value of introducing the concept of early oral exercise in the process of nursing intervention for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU).Methods:96 cases of preterm infants diagnosed from January 2022 to August 2022 were selected and randomly divided into two groups:the general practice group(general nursing intervention),and the early practice group(early oral exercise intervention),and the effect of intervention on preterm infants in the two groups was observed.Results:After nursing care,the mean value of the non-nutritive sucking ability assessment(76.54±5.82),the mean value of the intellectual development degree assessment(104.57±8.45),the mean value of the psychomotor development degree assessment(102.33±6.74),and the mean value of behavioral neural reflexes ability assessment(38.71±2.40)in the early practice group were better than that as compared to the general practice group(P<0.05);the mean value of oral feeding start time of preterm infants in the early practice group(35.42±7.63)weeks,the mean value of all oral feeding time(34.12±5.28)weeks,and the mean time of hospital intervention(15.33±4.25)days were lesser than compared to those of the general practice group at 37.4±5.82 weeks,37.46±3.55 weeks,and 20.46±2.91 days,respectively(P<0.05);the rate of adverse reactions in preterm infants in the early practice group significantly lower than that of the general practice group(P<0.05).Conclusion:The introduction of the concept of early oral exercise intervention among NICU nurses improved the feeding effect,sucking ability of preterm infants,and intellectual development.Hence,early oral motor care should be popularized.

New Interpretation of Neonatal Outcomes by Phenotypically Classified Preterm Syndrome:A Retrospective Cohort Study

Objective:The global aim to lower preterm birth rates has been hampered by the insufficient and incomplete understanding of its etiology,classification,and diagnosis.This study was designed to evaluate the association of phenotypically classified preterm syndromes with neonatal outcomes;to what extent would these outcomes be modified after the obstetric interventions,including use of glucocorticoid,magnesium sulfate,and progesterone.Methods:This was a retrospective cohort study conducted at Tongji Hospital(composed of Main Branch,Optical Valley Branch and Sino-French New City Branch)in Wuhan.A total of 900 pregnant women and 1064 neonates were retrospectively enrolled.The outcomes were the distribution of different phenotypes among parturition signs and pathway to delivery,the association of phenotypically classified clusters with short-term unfavorable neonatal outcomes,and to what extent these outcomes could be modified by obstetric interventions.Results:Eight clusters were identified using two-step cluster analysis,including premature rupture of fetal membranes(PPROM)phenotype,abnormal amniotic fluid(AF)phenotype,placenta previa phenotype,mixed condition phenotype,fetal distress phenotype,preeclampsia-eclampsia&hemolysis,elevated liver enzymes,and low platelets syndrome(PE-E&HELLP)phenotype,multiple fetus phenotype,and no main condition phenotype.Except for no main condition phenotype,the other phenotypes were associated with one or more complications,which conforms to the clinical practice.Compared with no main condition phenotype,some phenotypes were significantly associated with short-term adverse neonatal outcomes.Abnormal AF phenotype,mixed condition phenotype,PE-E&HELLP phenotype,and multiple fetus phenotype were risk factors for neonatal small-for gestation age(SGA);placenta previa phenotype was not associated with adverse outcomes except low APGAR score being 0-7 at one min;mixed condition phenotype was associated with low APGAR scores,SGA,mechanical ventilation,and gradeⅢ-Ⅳintraventricular hemorrhage(IVH);fetal distress phenotype was frequently associated with neonatal SGA and mechanical ventilation;PE-E&HELLP phenotype was correlated with low APGAR score being 0-7 at one min,SGA and neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)admission;multiple fetus phenotype was not a risk factor for the outcomes included except for SGA.Not all neonates benefited from obstetric interventions included in this study.Conclusion:Our research disclosed the independent risk of different preterm phenotypes for adverse pregnancy outcomes.This study is devoted to putting forward the paradigm of classifying preterm birth phenotypically,with the ultimate purpose of defining preterm phenotypes based on multi-center studies and diving into the underlying mechanisms.

Transcatheter Closure vs.Surgical Ligation in Preterm Infants with Patent Ductus Arteriosus:A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background:Persistent patent ductus arteriosus(pPDA)is a common condition in preterm infants.This metaanalysis aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of transcatheter closure(TC)when compared to surgical ligation(SL)in preterm infants with pPDA.Methods:A literature search of Ovid Cochrane Library,Medline,Embase,Epub,Scopus,PMC Preprints,and ClinicalTrials.Gov was conducted from inception to May 06,2022.Eligible studies reported infants diagnosed with pPDA born at≤2000 g birth weight or at≤37 weeks’who underwent TC or SL as treatment.This review was registered in PROSPERO(CRD42022325944).Results:From 97 studies screened,8 studies met the eligibility criteria,with a total of 756 preterm infants undergoing either TC(n=366)or SL(n=390).Compared to TC,SL had higher mortality rates(OR=0.32,95%CI:0.16,0.66,I^(2)=0%).No difference was seen in post-procedural complication rate(OR=0.90,95%CI:0.18,4.44,I^(2)=79%),mean duration of post-procedural mechanical ventilation(MD=−2.21 days,95%CI:−4.88,0.47,I^(2)=60%),hospital stay length(MD=−8.30 days,95%CI:−17.03,0.44,I^(2)=0%)or neonatal intensive care unit stay length(MD=−3.50 days,95%CI:−10.27,3.27,I^(2)=0%).Conclusion:Our meta-analysis demonstrated TC as a viable alternative option in managing preterm infants with pPDA in the context of SL.Despite the promising trends demonstrated in this meta-analysis,further studies with larger sample size and controlled baseline characteristics are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TC and SL for preterm infants with pPDA.

Pharmacogenomics-based individualized treatment of hypertension in preterm infants: A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Neonatal hypertension is a rare but potentially serious condition that requires careful monitoring and treatment.Pharmacogenomics can help guide individualized drug therapy and improve outcomes.CASE SUMMARY We report a case of a preterm infant with multiple complications,including bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD),sepsis,intracranial hemorrhage,and hypertension.The infant was treated with various drugs,including dexamethasone and amlodipine.The infant was diagnosed with neonatal hypertension based on blood pressure measurements exceeding the 95th percentile for his age and sex.The possible causes of hypertension included dexamethasone,hydrochlorothiazide,spironolactone,and BPD.The infant was treated with oral amlodipine to lower his blood pressure.A pharmacogenomic test was performed to evaluate the genetic polymorphisms of ABCB1 and CYP3A5,which are involved in the metabolism and transport of dexamethasone and amlodipine.The infant’s blood pressure was well controlled after the dose of amlodipine was reduced according to the pharmacogenomic results.The infant had a stable general condition and was discharged on the 100th d after birth.CONCLUSION This case illustrates the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring and etiological investigation in preterm infants with hypertension.Pharmacogenomics can provide useful information for individualized drug therapy and safety in this population.

Enhancing the role of nurses in breastfeeding preterm infants

The provision of breast milk and breastfeeding is recommended for preterm infants.Multidisciplinary cooperation is required to promote breastfeeding.Nurses play impor tant roles in breastfeeding preterm infants.First,nurses are strong advocates to help families be aware of the significance of breastfeeding.Second,nurses are educators providing technical and emotional support to pregnant and lying-in women.Third,nurses are coordinators in a multidisciplinary team.Nurses’unawareness of the impor tance of breastfeeding,knowledge deficit,and unsupportive lactation policy are barriers to breastfeeding promotion for preterm infants.It is therefore suggested that hospital administrators provide appropriate breastfeeding policies,set up posts,and ensure nurses’responsibilities in breastfeeding.Additionally,tailored training should be strengthened to improve nurses’knowledge and skills and thereby enable them to fully exer t their roles in the breastfeeding promotion of preterm infants.

Lamellar Bodies Count (LBC) as a Predictor of Fetal Lung Maturity in Preterm Premature Rupture of Membranes Compared to Neonatal Assessment

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, affecting approximately 1% of all live births and 10% of all preterm infants. Lamellar bodies represent a storage form of pulmonary surfactant within Type II pneumocytes, secretion of which increases with advancing gestational age, thus enabling prediction of the degree of FLM. Preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) complicates approximately 1/3 of all preterm births. Birth within 1 week is the most likely outcome for any patient with PPROM in the absence of adjunctive treatments. Respiratory distress has been reported to be the most common complication of preterm birth. Sepsis, intraventricular haemorrhage, and necrotizing enterocolitis also are associated with prematurity, but these are less common near to term. Objective: To assess the efficacy of the amniotic fluid lamellar body counting from a vaginal pool in predicting fetal lung maturity in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Methods: This study was conducted at Ain Shams University Maternity Hospital in the emergency ward from January 2019 to September 2019. It included 106 women with singleton pregnancies, gestational age from 28 - 36 weeks with preterm premature rupture of membranes. This study is designed to assess the efficacy of the amniotic fluid lamellar body counting (LBC) from a vaginal pool in predicting fetal lung maturity in women with preterm premature rupture of membranes. Results: The current study revealed a highly significant increase in the lamellar body count in cases giving birth to neonates without RDS compared to that cases giving birth to neonates with RDS. Also, no statistically significant difference between LBC and age, parity and number of previous miscarriages in the mother was found. Gestational age at delivery was significantly lower among cases with respiratory distress. Steroid administration was significantly less frequent among cases with respiratory distress. However, lamellar bodies had high diagnostic performance in the prediction of respiratory distress. Conclusion: Lamellar body count (LBC) is an effective, safe, easy, and cost-effective method to assess fetal lung maturity (FLM). It does not need a highly equipped laboratory or specially trained personnel, it just needs the conventional blood count analyzer. Measurement of LBC is now replacing the conventional Lecithin/Sphyngomyelin L/S ratio. LBC cut-off value of ≤42.5 × 103/μL can be used safely to decide fetal lung maturity with sensitivity of 95.7% and specificity of 97.6%.

Comparison of Perinatal Outcomes in Late Preterm Spontaneous and Indicated Preterm Birth Neonates

Objective: We aimed to compare the perinatal outcomes in late preterm spontaneous and indicated birth neonates. Methods: We studied 289 late preterm births, classified as either aspontaneous late preterm birth (sLPTB) group (preterm labor with intact membranes and preterm premature rupture of membranes) or an indicated late preterm birth (iLPTB) group (hypertensive disorder in pregnancy, placental causes, and maternal diseases), according to the delivery indication. We then compared the maternal and neonatal characteristics and perinatal outcomes, including the Apgar score, admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care nursery (SCN), duration of NICU stay, and the rate of composite morbidity (antibiotic use, hypoglycemia, hypocalcemia, hyperbilirubinemia requiring phototherapy, respiratory support, and respiratory distress syndrome). Results: A total of 198 neonates were in the sLPTB group and 91 were in the iLPTB group. In spite of greater gestational age at the time of delivery in the iLPTB group, the mean birth weight was lower than that in the sLPTB group. Additionally, the iLPTB group showed lower Apgar scores, and higher rates of NICU or SCN admission, respiratory support, and hypoglycemia, but there was no difference in the rate of composite morbidity between the two groups. Conclusion: iLPTB neonates had lower birth weights despite greater gestational age than those in the sLPTB group, but there was no difference in the rate of composite morbidity between the two groups.

Mental health impact on Black,Asian and Minority Ethnic populations with preterm birth:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Preterm birth(PTB)is one of the main causes of neonatal deaths globally,with approximately 15million infants are born preterm.Women from the Black,Asian,and Minority Ethnic(BAME)populations maybe at higher risk of PTB,therefore,the mental health impact on mothers experiencing a PTB is particularly important,within the BAME populations.AIM To determine the prevalence of mental health conditions among BAME women with PTB as well as the methods of mental health assessments used to characterise the mental health outcomes.METHODS A systematic methodology was developed and published as a protocol in PROSPERO(CRD420-20210863).Multiple databases were used to extract relevant data.I2 and Egger's tests were used to detect the heterogeneity and publication bias.A trim and fill method was used to demonstrate the influence of publication bias and the credibility of conclusions.RESULTS Thirty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria from a possible 3526.The prevalence rates of depression among PTB-BAME mothers were significantly higher than full-term mothers with a standardized mean difference of 1.5 and a 95%confidence interval(CI)29%-74%.The subgroup analysis indicated depressive symptoms to be time sensitive.Women within the very PTB category demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of depression than those categorised as non-very PTB.The prevalence rates of anxiety and stress among PTB-BAME mothers were significantly higher than in full-term mothers(odds ratio of 88%and 60%with a CI of 42%-149%and 24%-106%,respectively).CONCLUSION BAME women with PTB suffer with mental health conditions.Many studies did not report on specific mental health outcomes for BAME populations.Therefore,the impact of PTB is not accurately represented in this population,and thus could negatively influence the quality of maternity services they receive.

Maternal and Neonatal Factors Associated with Mortality of Preterm Babies Admitted in Newborn Unit of Kenyatta National Hospital, Kenya

Background: Preterm birth is a primary cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality especially in low-income countries. Although understanding the preventable factors of neonatal deaths in preterm infants is required for timely interventions, data on those factors is lacking in Kenya. We attempted to determine mortality and its associated factors in preterm babies in Kenya. Methods and Materials: A hospital-based, prospective study was implemented from July 2019 to October 2019 involving 163 preterm neonates and their mothers admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital. A systematic random sampling method was used to recruit the study participants. Data on mortality and the associated factors in preterm neonates were collected using a pretested questionnaire for mothers and neonatal medical records. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The mortality rate was 18.4%. Of the neonates who died, respiratory distress syndrome (63.3%) and neonatal sepsis (20.0%) were documented as the primary causes. Neonates born of single mother (AOR = 8.006, 95% CI 2.267 to 28.272, p = 0.001), unemployed (6.960, 1.059 - 45.757, p = 0.043), self-employed (4.040, 1.067 - 15.302, p = 0.040), anemic (7.465, 2.530 - 22.023, p < 0.001) and with history of bleeding during pregnancy were more likely to have died. The neonates born before 28 weeks of gestation (126.188, 14.554 - 1094.060, p < 0.001), those who did not cry immediately at birth (54.271, 5.970 - 493.395, p < 0.001) and the resuscitated at birth (54.406, 6.807 - 434.851, p < 0.001) were likely to die. Conclusion: High mortality rates of preterm neonates are attributed to both maternal and neonatal factors. Focused antenatal care should aim at early identification of high-risk mothers for early management of bleeding during pregnancy, close monitoring of nutritional status for mothers and health education.

Correlation between Endocervical Length in the First Trimester and Spontaneous Preterm Delivery

Introduction: Prematurity is a public health problem in Brazil, with 12% of deliveries occurring before 37 weeks of gestation. The measurement of the cervix in the second trimester is already established as a method of screening for prematurity and some studies point out advantages to start this screening in the first trimester. Objective: To define the correlation between the length of the endocervix by transvaginal ultrasound in the first trimester (11 to 14 weeks) with spontaneous early deliveries. Method: A prospective and observational study realized in a suplementar and private ultrasound clinic and hospital of Porto Alegre, Brazil between 2019-2020. Ultrasound screening of cervix was performed in singleton pregnancies in first and second trimester of pregnancy and correlated with age of delivery. Results: 142 pregnant women were studied, 80% were in the first pregnancy. The average age was 33.8 years. The rate of prematurity was 18% before 37 weeks and 4% before 34 weeks. The average of cervix measured in the first and second trimesters in deliveries before 34 weeks was 32.7 mm and 29.3 mm, respectively. In term deliveries the median cervical length was 38.8 mm and 37.8 mm, respectively. When analyzing the measurements of the cervix in the second trimester, the cervix was smaller (p = 0.008) among deliveries below 34 weeks (29 mm) than deliveries after 37 weeks. No statistically related differences were found between preterm birth and first trimester cervix measurements. Conclusions: In this study, we did not observe a statistically significant relationship between first trimester cervix measurement and prematurity. More studies are needed to evaluate this finding. However, the measurement of the cervix in the second trimester is different from that found in the literature. This suggests a possible new cut-off point that increases the sensitivity of transvaginal ultrasound as a method of preventing prematurity.

Early Intratracheal Administration of Corticosteroid and Pulmonary Surfactant for Preventing Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants with Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A Meta-analysis

There is uncertain result with regard to the use of inhalation or instillation steroids to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants. This meta-analysis was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of early airway administration (within 2 days after birth) of corticosteroids and pulmonary surfactant (PS) for preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). The related studies were retrieved in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Clinical Trial, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP Database from inception to August 2018. Two reviewers independently screened the studies to ensure that all patients with diagnosis of NRDS were enrolled to studies within 1 day after birth, assessed the quality of included studies by GRADEpro system and extracted the data for review. The meta-analysis was performed by RevMan 5.2 software. A subgroup analysis about inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) delivery method was made between ICS inhalation subgroup [inhalation of ICS by nebulizer or metered dose inhaler (MDI)] and ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup (PS used as a vehicle). Eight randomized controlled trials were enrolled in the meta-analysis, 5 trials of which stated the randomized method, grouping and blinded method, and the follow-up procedures were reported. GRADEpro system showed high quality of 4 trials (5 articles), and the rest 4 trials had moderate quality. Meta-analysis showed that the incidence of BPD was decreased in ICS group, the relative risk (RR) was 0.56 (95% CI: 0.42-0.76), and similar trends were found in ICS inhalation subgroup and ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup, with the corresponding RR being 0.58 (95% CI: 0.41-0.82) and 0.47 (95% CI: 0.24-0.95) respectively. ICS could also significantly reduce the mortality risk as compared with placebo control group (RR: 0.67;95% CI: 0.45-0.99), with RR of ICS inhalation subgroup and ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup being 0.81 (95% CI: 0.34-1.94) and 0.64 (95% CI: 0.41-0.99) respectively. Moreover, the percentage of infants using PS more than one time was lower in ICS group than in the placebo control group, with the RR and 95% CI being 0.55 (95% CI: 0.45-0.67), and that in ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup lower than in ICS inhalation subgroup (RR: 0.56;95% CI: 0.45-0.69, and RR: 0.35;95% CI:0.08-1.52 respectively). There was no significant difference in the incidence of infection or retinopathy of prematurity and neuro-motor system impairment between ICS group and placebo control group, with the corresponding RR being 0.95 (95% CI:0.59-1.52), 0.92 (95% CI: 0.62-1.38) and 1.13 (95% CI: 0.92-1.39), respectively. It was concluded that early administration of ICS and PS is an effective and safe option for preterm infants with NRDS in preventing BPD and reducing mortality, decreasing the additional PS usage, especially for the ICS intratracheal instillation subgroup. Furthermore, the appropriate dose and duration of ICS, combined use of inhalation or instillation of ICS with PS and the long-term safety of airway administration of corticosteroids need to be assessed in large trials.

Effects of Different Surfactant Administrations on Cerebral Autoregulation in Preterm Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

To treat respiratory distress syndrome,surfactant is currently delivered via less invasive surfactant administration(LISA) or INtubation SURfactant Extubation(INSURE).The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the two delivery methods of surfactant on cerebral autoregulation.Near infrared spectroscopy monitoring was carried out to detect cerebral oxygen saturation(Sc O2),and the mean arterial blood pressure(MABP) was simultaneously recorded.Of 44 preterm infants included,the surfactant was administrated to 22 via LISA and 22 via INSURE.The clinical characteristics,treatments and outcomes of the infants showed no significant differences between the two groups.The correlation coefficient of Sc O2 and MABP(rSc O2-MABP) 5 min before administration was similar in the two groups.During surfactant administration,rSc O2-MABP increased in both groups(0.44±0.10 to 0.54±0.12 in LISA,0.45±0.11 to 0.69±0.09 in INSURE).In the first and second 5 min after instillation,rSc O2-MABP was not significantly different from baseline in the LISA group,but increased in the first 5 min after instillation(0.59±0.13,P=0.000 compared with the baseline in the same group) and recovered in the second 5 min after instillation(0.48±0.10,P=0.321) in the INSURE group.There were significant differences in the change rates of rSc O2-MABP between the two groups during and after surfactant administration.Our results suggest that cerebral autoregulation may be affected transiently by surfactant administration.The effect duration of LISA is shorter than that of INSURE(<5 min in LISA vs.5–10 min in INSURE).

Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale-Parent Form in parents of preterm infants

Background: The Readiness for Hospital Discharge Scale (RHDS)-Parent Form shows satisfactory reli-ability and validity to assess the readiness of parents to take care of their children discharged from hospitals in Western countries. However, the reliability and validity of this instrument has not been evaluated in Chinese populations.Objectives: Evaluate the psychometric features of the RHDS-Parent Form among Chinese parents of preterm infants. Methods: The RHDS-Parent Form was translated into a Chinese version following an international in-strument translation guideline. A total of 168 parents with preterm infants were recruited from the neonatal intensive care units of two tertiary-level hospitals in China. The internal consistency of this measure was assessed using the Cronbach's a coefficient;confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to evaluate the construct validity;and Pearson correlation coefficient was used to report the convergent validity. Results: The Chinese version of RHDS (C-RHDS)-Parent Form included 22 items with 4 subscales, ac-counting for 56.71% of the total variance. The C-RHDS-Parent Form and its subscales showed good reliability (Cronbach's a values 0.78-0.92). This measure and its subscales showed positive correlations with the score of Quality of Discharge Teaching Scale. Conclusion: The factor structure of C-RHDS-Parent Form is partially consistent with the original English version. Future studies are needed to explore the factors within this measure before it is widely used in Chinese clinical care settings.

Ethnic Differences in Preterm Birth Risks for Pregnant Women with Thyroid Dysfunction or Autoimmunity:A Meta-analysis

Objective Abnormal maternal thyroid function is associated with preterm birth.However,this association stays dubious in relevant individual studies for ethnic difference reasons and lack of direct supporting data.This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between preterm birth and thyroid dysfunction or autoimmunity based on ethnic differences.Methods Relevant studies were identified through searches of MEDLINE,Excerpta Medica,Wan Fang,China Biological Medicine disc,and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from inception to June 15,2016.Original articles in which an incidence or prevalence of thyroid dysfunction or autoimmunity before second trimester of pregnancy could be extracted were included.Results Thirty-two unique studies were included for the final meta-analysis.Patients involved were divided into two groups:Group 1(G1) and Group 2(G2) comprising of Asian and Caucasian populations,respectively.Positive thyroid antibodies were associated with the occurrence of preterm birth in both G1 [odds ratio(OR):3.62,95% confidence interval(CI):2.83-4.65] and G2(OR:1.35,95% CI:1.17-1.56);hypothyroidism,only in G2(OR:1.20,CI:1.09-1.33);and subclinical hypothyroidism or hypothyroxinemia,in neither group.Conclusion Thyroid autoimmunity may be a more favorable factor leading to preterm birth among pregnant women of different ethnicities,compared with thyroid dysfunction.

Caffeine therapy in preterm infants

Caffeine is the most commonly used medication for treatment of apnea of prematurity. Its effect has been well established in reducing the frequency of apnea, intermittent hypoxemia, and extubation failure in mechanically ventilated preterm infants. Evidence for additional short-term benefits on reducing the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and patent ductus arteriosus has also been suggested. Controversies existamong various neonatal intensive care units in terms of drug efficacy compared to other methylxanthines, dosage regimen, time of initiation, duration of therapy, drug safety and value of therapeutic drug monitoring. In the current review, we will summarize the available evidence for the best practice in using caffeine therapy in preterm infants.

Application of prolonging small feeding volumes early in life to prevent of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight preterm infants

Objective:To study the effects of prolonging small feeding volumes early in life on the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC)in very low birth weight(VLBW)preterm infants.Methods:A total of 128 VLBW infants who could not be breastfed were assigned into the experimental group(63 cases)and the control group(65 cases)using a random number table.The experiment group was fed 12 mL/(kg·d)on day 1 which was increased to 24 mL/(kg·d)for the first 10 study days.The control group was fed 12 mL/(kg·d)for the first 14e48 hours.Then,the feeding volume increased by 24-36 mL/(kg·d)up to 140e160 mL/(kg·d)and maintained until the 10th day after birth.The incidence of feeding intolerance and NEC,duration of hospitalization,time to full enteral feedings,incidence of intrahepatic cholestasis,and the levels of gastrin and motilin in serum were assessed.Results:The incidence of feeding intolerance was significantly lower in the experimental group compared with the control group(15.87% vs.33.84%).There was a significant reduction in the incidence of NEC between the experimental and control groups(7.9% vs.16% in the control group).Conclusion:A protocol that prolongs small feeding volumes early in life can reduce the incidence and severity of NEC,but still warrants further study.

Resuscitation of extremely preterm infants- controversies and current evidence

Despite significant advances in perinatal medicine, the management of extremely preterm infants in the delivery room remains a challenge. There is an increasing evidence for improved outcomes regarding the resuscitation and stabilisation of extremely preterm infants but there is a lack of evidence in the periviable(gestational age 23-25 wk) preterm subgroup. Presence of an experienced team during the delivery of extremely preterm infant to improve outcome is reviewed. Adaptation from foetal to neonatal cardiorespiratory haemodynamics is dependent on establishing an optimal functional residual capacity in the extremely preterm infants, thus enabling adequate gas exchange. There is sufficient evidence for a gentle approach to stabilisation of these fragile infants in the delivery room. Evidence for antenatal steroids especially in the periviable infants, delayed cord clamping, strategies to establish optimal functional residual capacity, importance of temperature control and oxygenation in delivery room in extremely premature infants is reviewed in this article.

Preventive and therapeutic effect of N-Acetyl-L-cysteine on infection-associated preterm labor in mice

Objective:To study the preventive and therapeutic effect of N-Acetyl-L-cysteine on infectionassociated preterm labor in mice.Methods:A total of 66 C57BL/6 inbred strain pregnant mice were selected and randomly divided into groups A,B and C,with 22 cases in each group.Group A,B and C were regarded as model group,prevention group and treatment group,respectively.The model of infection-associated preterm labor was built by intraperitoneal injection of Escherichia coli.Ten mice of each group were taken and observed the preterm birth rates and live birth rates,respectively.Three mice of each group were killed at 3 h,6 h,12 h and 24 h after building the model.Their uterus tissues were collected and the expressions of the AP-1 and MCP-1 in those tissues were assayed with immunohistochemical method and the expressions of NF-κ Bp65 and TNF- protein in the placenta tissues of those mice were also detected with immunohistochemical method.Results:The preterm birth rates of mice in groups B and C were significantly lower than that in group A,while their live birth rates were distinctly higher than that in group A(P<0.05);the expressions of the AP-1 and MCP-1 in the uterus tissues and NF-κ Bp65 and TNF- protein in the placenta tissues of mice in groups B and C were evidently lower than those in group A(P<0.05);the comparison of the expressions of the NF-κ Bp65 and TNF- between group B and C showed no statistical differences(P>0.05).Conclusions:N-Acetyl-L-cysteine can lower the incidence rate of infection-associated preterm labor by prohibiting the activation of the protein AP-1/MCP-1and decreasing the expression of NF- κ Bp65 and TNF- in the pregnant tissues of premature mice to reduce the inflammatory reactions.

Bedside cardiopulmonary ultrasonography evaluates lung water content in very low-weight preterm neonates with patent ductus arteriosus

BACKGROUND Patent ductus arteriosus(PDA)is a common congenital heart abnormality in preterm neonates with a high incidence in neonates with very low birth weights.When PDA persists,interstitial lung water content increases,which could lead to abnormal circulation hemodynamics and pulmonary edema.It is important to perform early and reliable assessment of lung water content in very low-weight preterm neonates with persistent PDA.AIM To evaluate the role of bedside cardiopulmonary ultrasonography in the lung water content assessment in very low-weight preterm neonates with persistent PDA.METHODS From January 2018 to March 2020,69 very low-weight preterm neonates with echocardiography-confirmed PDA were selected as the PDA group.At the same time,89 very low-weight preterm neonates without PDA were randomly selected as the control group.All neonates underwent echocardiography and 6-segment lung ultrasonography on the fourth day after birth.The clinical characteristics and main ultrasonography results were compared between the two groups.Pearson’s analysis was used to analyze the correlation between lung ultrasonography score(LUS)and other related clinical and ultrasonography results in all neonates.In the PDA group,PDA diameters were recorded,and the correlation with LUS and left atrium to aortic(LA/AO)dimension ratio were also analyzed.LA/AO ratio is one of the ultrasonic diagnostic criteria for hemodynamically significant PDA.When the ratio is≥1.5,it suggests the possibility of hemodynamic changes in persistent PDA.A receiver operating characteristic curve was established using the sensitivity of LUS to predict the hemodynamic changes in neonates with PDA as the ordinate and 1-specificity as the abscissa.RESULTS A total of 158 neonates were enrolled in this study,including 69 in the PDA group and 89 in the control group.There were no statistical differences in sex,gestational age,birth weight,ventilator dependence,hospitalization length and left ventricular ejection fraction between the two groups(P>0.05).The LUS and LA/AO ratio in the PDA group were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05),but there was no difference of LUS in neonates with or without use of the ventilator(t=0.58,P=0.16).In all cases,LUS was negatively correlated with gestational age(r=-0.28,P<0.01)and birth weight(r=-0.36,P<0.01),while positively correlated with the LA/AO ratio(r=0.27,P<0.01).In the PDA group,PDA diameter was positively correlated with the LA/AO ratio(r=0.39,P<0.01)and LUS(r=0.31,P<0.01).Receiver operating characteristic results showed that LUS had the moderate accuracy for predicting hemodynamic changes in PDA(area under the curve=0.741;sensitivity=93.75%;specificity=50.94%).CONCLUSION Bedside cardiopulmonary ultrasonography can evaluate lung content in neonates with PDA and predict the possibility of hemodynamic changes in persistent PDA.