Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Extremely Premature Infants with Extremely Low and Very Low Birth Weight at Three Years of Age: A Retrospective Study

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective study is to identify medical conditions impacting neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely low birth weight and very low birth weight preterm infants at three years of age. Methods: Infants born in Banner Diamond Children’s University Medical Center, receiving services in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit, and attending Neonatal Developmental Follow-Up Clinic were identified. Participants received developmental assessment and follow-up from August 2012 through December 2018. Relevant clinical conditions during initial hospital stay and up to three years of age were obtained by reviewing medical and developmental records. Bayley Scales of Infant Toddler Development (Bayley III) was used to evaluate skill development at 6, 9, 12, 18, 24, 30, 36 months. Results: Data analysis did not reveal significant p-values;it did demonstrate that some predictor variables impact neurodevelopmental outcomes in cognitive, language and motor skill development. Conclusion: This retrospective study reports significant association between birth weight and low cognitive scores. Correlations were also found between gestational age and Total Language, and the longer an infant stayed in the NICU, the poorer the Total Language Scaled Scores at 8 to 12 months, 15 to 18 months, and 24 to 36 months. Birth weight was found to be the greatest predictor of poor motor scores.

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.

Neonatal Nutrition and Later Outcomes of Very Low Birth Weight and Preterm Infants <32 Gestational Age at a Tertiary Care Hospital of Portugal

Premature infants, especially those born with less than 1500 g, often exhibit slow overall growth. Lack of early nutritional support is an important element. The present authors describe parenteral nutritional practices in a tertiary hospital and evaluate postnatal growth of preterm infants under 32 weeks of gestational age or with a birth weight < 1500 g. For population study, we examined 431 newborn files. Their median gestational age was 29.7 weeks. Of them, 25.4% were small for gestational age (SGA). 77.5% received parenteral nutrition (PN), 54.5% of which was provided on the first day. The average time was 14.7 days. The average weight gain by the 30th day was 425 g. At discharge, 37% were rd month 20% had their weight under P3, decreasing to 10% by the 12th month. Children who initiated PN in the first 24 hours of life had significantly better weight on the 30th day of their life (p th month of corrected age (p = 0.038). And they had better Body Mass Index (BMI) in the 3rd (p = 0.012) and 12th (p = 0.023) months. Despite better feeding practices, there is still significant failure in post natal growth. Early introduction of PN was associated with an improved weight gain, which suggests that nutrition that included amino acids may be critical during the first 24 hours of life.

Risk Factors for Low Birth Weight and Preterm Birth：A Population-based Case-control Study in Wuhan,China

Low birth weight（LBW） and preterm birth（PB） are associated with newborn mortality and diseases in adulthood.We explored factors related to LBW and PB by conducting a population-based case-control study from January 2011 to December 2013 in Wuhan,China.A total of 337 LBW newborn babies,472 PB babies,and 708 babies with normal birth weights and born from term pregnancies were included in this study.Information of newborns and their parents was collected by trained investigators using questionnaires and referring to medical records.Univariate and logistic regression analyses with the stepwise selection method were used to determine the associations of related factors with LBW and PB.Results showed that maternal hypertension（OR=6.78,95% CI：2.27–20.29,P=0.001）,maternal high-risk pregnancy（OR=1.53,95% CI：1.06–2.21,P=0.022）,and maternal fruit intake ≥300 g per day during the first trimester（OR=1.70,95% CI：1.17–2.45,P=0.005） were associated with LBW.BMI ≥24 kg/m^2 of mother prior to delivery（OR=0.48,95% CI：0.32–0.74,P=0.001） and gestation ≥37 weeks（OR=0.01,95% CI：0.00–0.02,P〈0.034） were protective factors for LBW.Maternal hypertension（OR=3.36,95% CI：1.26–8.98,P=0.016）,maternal high-risk pregnancy（OR=4.38,95% CI：3.26–5.88,P〈0.001）,maternal meal intake of only twice per day（OR=1.88,95% CI：1.10–3.20,P=0.021）,and mother liking food with lots of aginomoto and salt（OR=1.60,95% CI：1.02–2.51,P=0.040） were risk factors for PB.BMI ≥24 kg/m^2 of mother prior to delivery（OR=0.66,95% CI：0.47–0.93,P=0.018）,distance of house from road ≥36 meters（OR=0.72,95% CI：0.53– 0.97,P=0.028）,and living in rural area（OR= 0.60,95% CI：0.37–0.99,P=0.047） were protective factors for PB.Our study demonstrated some risk factors and protective factors for LBW and PB,and provided valuable information for the prevention of the conditions among newborns.

Effect of Aggressive Early High-Dose Intravenous Amino Acid Infusion and Early Trophic Enteral Nutrition on Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Objective: Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants are at risk of growth delay if they do not receive adequate nutritional support. This study evaluated the effect of aggressive early high-dose amino acid infusion plus early enteral trophic feeding on growth in VLBW infants within the first day of life. Study Design: The effect of a high-dose 3 g amino acid (HAA)/kg/d regimen beginning on the first day of life was compared with that of low-dose amino acid (LAA) supplementation at a dose of 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg/d. The primary outcome measures were the days of regained birth weight and achieved full enteral feeding. Result: Compared with the 19 infants in the LAA group, the 17 infants in the HAA group achieved significantly earlier full enteral feeding (7.8 ± 3.6 vs. 15.2 ± 8.9, p = 0.003) and regained birth weight (13.3 ± 3.8 vs. 17.5 ± 7.9, p = 0.047). In addition, shorter parenteral nutrition time was achieved by HAA administration (p Conclusion: Aggressive early simultaneous amino acid administration plus enteral feeding during the first few days of life for preterm infants was associated with improved weight gain and earlier full enteral feeding.

Maternal and obstetric risk factors for low birth weight and preterm birth in rural Gambia: a hospital-based study of 1579 deliveries

Introduction: Low birth weight and prematurity are risk factors for perinatal morbidity and mortality, which is high in Sub Saharan African countries. We determined the frequency of and maternal and obstetric risk factors for low birth weight and preterm birth among hospital births in rural Gambia. Method: We performed a hospital-based retrospective analysis of deliveries from July to December 2008 in two rural hospitals. Maternity records were reviewed and abstracted of the mother’s demographic and reproductive characteristics, obstetric complications and foetal outcome. The maternity records contain important information maternal health and complications during pregnancy and intrapartum period. The records also contain information about the newborn’s vital status and birth weight. To determine the association between low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth (PTB) and maternal demographic characteristics and obstetric complications we calculated odds using logistic regression. Main outcome measure(s): Low birth weight (<2500 grams) and preterm birth (<37 weeks). Results: Our final sample included 1244 singleton live births with complete information about all variables. The rate of LBW and PTB were 10.5% and 10.9% respectively. Ninety-four percent of LBW infants were estimated to be preterm births. The mean birth weight was 3013 g (541 g standard deviation-SD), while the mean gestational age was 37 weeks. The pattern of risk factors was similar for LBW and PTB and both were strongly associated with antepartum haemorrhage and hypertensive pregnancy disorders. Additionally, primi parity was a risk factor for both PTB and LBW. Conclusion: The percentage of low birth weight and preterm birth in rural hospitals in The Gambia is high. The most significant risk factors were those that may be detected during the antepartum period. Thus, vigilant monitoring during pregnancy, early detection and management of obstetric complications coupled with provision of timely obstetric care interventions are crucial for

Gut microbiota in preterm infants receiving breast milk or mixed feeding

BACKGROUND Preterm birth is the leading cause of mortality in newborns,with very-low-birthweight infants usually experiencing several complications.Breast milk is considered the gold standard of nutrition,especially for preterm infants with delayed gut colonization,because it contains beneficial microorganisms,such as Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria.AIM To analyze the gut microbiota of breastfed preterm infants with a birth weight of 1500 g or less.METHODS An observational study was performed on preterm infants with up to 36.6 wk of gestation and a birth weight of 1500 g or less,born at the University Hospital Dr.JoséEleuterio González at Monterrey,Mexico.A total of 40 preterm neonates were classified into breast milk feeding(BM)and mixed feeding(MF)groups(21 in the BM group and 19 in the MF group),from October 2017 to June 2019.Fecal samples were collected before they were introduced to any feeding type.After full enteral feeding was achieved,the composition of the gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing.Numerical variables were compared using Student’s t-test or using the Mann–Whitney U test for nonparametric variables.Dominance,evenness,equitability,Margalef’s index,Fisher’s alpha,Chao-1 index,and Shannon’s diversity index were also calculated.RESULTS No significant differences were observed at the genus level between the groups.Class comparison indicated higher counts of Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria in the initial compared to the final sample of the BM group(P<0.011).In addition,higher counts of Gammaproteobacteria were detected in the final than in the initial sample(P=0.040).According to the Margalef index,Fisher’s alpha,and Chao-1 index,a decrease in species richness from the initial to the final sample,regardless of the feeding type,was observed(P<0.050).The four predominant phyla were Bacteroidetes,Actinobacteria,Firmicutes,and Proteobacteria,with Proteobacteria being the most abundant.However,no significant differences were observed between the initial and final samples at the phylum level.CONCLUSION Breastfeeding is associated with a decrease in Alphaproteobacteria and Betaproteobacteria and an increase of Gammaproteobacteria,contributing to the literature of the gut microbiota structure of very low-birth-weight,preterm.

Socioeconomic, biological and genetic factors influencing preterm birth

The etiology of preterm birth is mostly underestimated in developing countries.Current presumptions are that both environmental and genetic factors contribute towards its onset and are responsible for the higher frequency of neonatal deaths.Despite there being considerable scientific data on preterm births across the world,the frequency of its occurrence and threat to the survival of neonates are alarming.It is important that variations among populations should be considered as the socioeconomic status,climatic zones and other genetic,as well as epidemiological factors vary,so as to draw definitive conclusions on the pathogenesis of preterm birth.Predictive biomarkers,prevention and optimum treatment strategies are still being discovered,but with well-designed studies and collaborative efforts,maternal and child healthcare can be prioritized.The purpose of this review is to understand the contributing factors of preterm birth as it is a critical issue and needs in-depth understanding with planned scientific studies to decrease the rate of preterm birth and complication related to it.Furthermore,the review enlists various factors linked to preterm birth viz.,high maternal age,psychological state,environmental contaminants,infection,cervical length,addiction,cytokine interaction,preeclampsia,genetic composition,ethnicity,oxidative stress and microRNAs.We have summarized the status of preterm birth,its causes,and future line of work required to prevent mortality of mother and neonate that will help us design successful studies which aim to reduce preterm births effectively.

Follow-Up Profile and Outcome of Preterms Managed with Kangaroo Mother Care

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is effective in preventing hypothermia, establishing breastfeeding, and reducing nosocomial infection in preterm babies in resource-limited areas. Relatively little is known about long-term morbidity and mortality outcomes among Ethiopian infants managed with KMC. Aims: To describe the follow up profiles and outcome of infants managed with KMC and discharged alive. Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study examined outcomes among infants who were 1) managed by KMC at Black Lion Hospital, 2) discharged alive, and 3) available for follow-up. Structured, pretested questionnaires were administered to mothers. Results: Of the 110 infants included in the study, 9.1% died over the study period and 60% of the deaths occurred at home. Mortality was 100% in those babies with mothers aged less than 18 years. Thirty five percent of the deaths occurred in those from rural location. Common medical problems identified in study subjects were respiratory infections (10%), gastroenteritis (7%), rickets (7%), and anemia (6%). About 20% of infants were readmitted to hospital at least once. KMC initiation within one week was not found to be significantly associated with survival, but continued KMC after discharge significantly decreased mortality in our sample. Conclusion: Frequent follow up is very important especially those with teenage mothers and coming from a rural location. Follow up should be frequent in the first 2 months after discharge. Further research is needed to explore the determinants of mortality and morbidity after hospital discharge.

超早产儿获得性巨细胞病毒感染的临床检测及分析

目的探讨获得性巨细胞病毒感染在超早产儿中的临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析本院新生儿科2023年7月1日至9月15日送检的1072例新生儿血清样本的巨细胞病毒相关抗体检测结果。结果1072例样本中有2例患儿确诊获得性巨细胞病毒感染。该2例患儿均为超早产儿(胎龄24~27+6周)、超低出生体重儿(750~999 g),均以血小板降低为首发表现,1例为输血获得性巨细胞病毒感染,另1例为母乳获得性巨细胞病毒感染。结论在超早产儿这类特殊人群中,输血治疗时需警惕输血获得性巨细胞病毒感染,同时也要谨防母乳获得性巨细胞病毒感染,必要时经巴氏消毒后再喂养。

新生儿败血症的临床特征及其相关因素研究

目的分析新生儿败血症(NS)的临床特征,并探讨其影响因素。方法回顾性分析2018年6月至2022年6月商丘市第一人民医院5420例新生儿临床资料,将其中发生NS的52例患儿的临床资料纳入发生组,将未发生NS的5368例新生儿临床资料纳入未发生组。查阅资料记录新生儿围产期情况及实验室相关指标情况;收集并记录52例NS患儿的临床表现及病原菌分离鉴定结果。分析NS的临床特征及其相关因素。结果52例NS患儿临床表现主要以体温改变、反应差、黄疸等症状为主;NS患儿的致病菌以表皮葡萄球菌、肺炎克雷伯菌为主;两组新生儿胎龄、出生体重比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.05);Logistic多因素分析发现,极早产儿(OR=3.594,95%CI:1.997-6.468)、极低出生体重儿(OR=3.724,95%CI:2.071-6.698)、超早产儿(OR=2.244,95%CI:1.158-4.346)、超低出生体重儿(OR=15.111,95%CI:8.286-27.557)是发生NS的影响因素(P<0.05)。结论NS患儿临床表现主要以体温改变、反应差、黄疸等症状为主,致病菌以表皮葡萄球菌、肺炎克雷伯菌为主;极早产儿、超早产儿、极低体重儿、超低出生体重儿是NS发生的影响因素。

Pregnancy outcomes and risk factors for low birth weight and preterm delivery among HIV-infected pregnant women in Guangxi, China

Background Six provinces in China accounted for 70%-80% of all reported HIV/AIDS cases in the country in 2009 and five provinces accounted for 78% of all reported mother-to-child transmission （MTCT） of HIV cases. Because Guangxi belonged to both groups, the Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission （PMTCT） Plus program was established there to understand better low birth weight （LBW） and preterm delivery （PD） birth outcomes and their associated risk factors better. Methods Pregnancy outcomes were examined among HIV-infected pregnant women who enrolled in the PMTCT Plus program from June 2006 to February 2009 in Guangxi, China. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the risk factors associated with LBW （〈2500 g） and PD （gestational age 〈37 weeks）. Results The prevalence of LBW and PD among 194 HIV-positive mothers was 19.6% （38/194） and 9.8% （19/194）, respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that CD4 cell count 〈100 cell/IJI （multivariate-adjusted odds ratio （AOR） 5.52; 95% Cl 1.11-25.55） and CD4 cell count 100-199 cells/IJI （AOR3.40; 95% Cl 1.03-11.25, compared to CD4 cell count 〉350 cells/IJI）, gestational age 〈37 weeks （AOR 4.38; 95% Cl 1.29-14.82, compared to 〉37 weeks）, maternal weight 〈45 kg （AOR 5.64; 95% Cl 1.09-29.07） and maternal weight 45-54 kg （AOR 3.55; 95% CI 1.31-9.60, compared to 〉55 kg） at enrollment, and H IV RNA 〉100 000 copies/ml at enrollment （AOR 4.22; 95% CI 1.24-14.32） and 20 000-99 999 （AOR 2.77; 95% Cl 1.01-7.77, compared to 〈20 000 copies/ml） were associated with a higher risk of LBW. For PD, only maternal injection drug use as the route of HIV transmission （AOR 5.30; 95% Cl 1.33-21.14, compared to those infected with HIV through sexual transmission） was significantly associated with a higher risk of PD. Conclusions Lower CD4 cell count and higher HIV RNA viral load at enrollment were associated with LBW. Optimal antenatal care, including earlier antenatal screening and HIV diagnosis, is critical to earlier PMTCT prophylaxis and/or HIV treatment to prevent transmission of HIV to the infant and also to prevent LBW pregnancy outcomes.

Delivery room resuscitation and short-term outcomes of extremely preterm and extremely low birth weight infants: a multicenter survey in North China

Background:Delivery room resuscitation assists preterm infants,especially extremely preterm infants(EPI)and extremely low birth weight infants(ELBWI),in breathing support,while it potentially exerts a negative impact on the lungs and outcomes of preterm infants.This study aimed to assess delivery room resuscitation and discharge outcomes of EPI and ELBWI in China.Methods:The clinical data of EPI(gestational age[GA]<28 weeks)and ELBWI(birth weight[BW]<1000 g),admitted within 72 h of birth in 33 neonatal intensive care units from five provinces and cities in North China between 2017 and 2018,were analyzed.The primary outcomes were delivery room resuscitation and risk factors for delivery room intubation(DRI).The secondary outcomes were survival rates,incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD),and risk factors for BPD.Results:A cohort of 952 preterm infants were enrolled.The incidence of DRI,chest compressions,and administration of epinephrine was 55.9%(532/952),12.5%(119/952),and 7.0%(67/952),respectively.Multivariate analysis revealed that the risk factors for DRI were GA<28 weeks(odds ratio[OR],3.147;95%confidence interval[CI],2.082–4.755),BW<1000 g(OR,2.240;95%CI,1.606–3.125),and antepartum infection(OR,1.429;95%CI,1.044–1.956).The survival rate was 65.9%(627/952)and was dependent on GA.The rate of BPD was 29.3%(181/627).Multivariate analysis showed that the risk factors for BPD were male(OR,1.603;95% CI,1.061–2.424),DRI(OR,2.094;95% CI,1.328–3.303),respiratory distress syndrome exposed to≥2 doses of pulmonary surfactants(PS;OR,2.700;95%CI,1.679–4.343),and mechanical ventilation≥7 days(OR,4.358;95% CI,2.777–6.837).However,a larger BW(OR,0.998;95% CI,0.996–0.999),antenatal steroid(OR,0.577;95%CI,0.379–0.880),and PS use in the delivery room(OR,0.273;95%CI,0.160–0.467)were preventive factors for BPD(all P<0.05).Conclusion:Improving delivery room resuscitation and management of respiratory complications are imperative during early management of the health of EPI and ELBWI.

达芬奇Xi手术机器人辅助单孔腹腔镜治疗早产低体重儿十二指肠梗阻:全球首例报道(附手术视频)

本文报道了2023年4月武汉大学中南医院小儿外科应用达芬奇Xi手术机器人辅助单孔腹腔镜治疗新生儿十二指肠梗阻1例,术中同时完成两处异位胰腺病灶切除。患儿胎龄35-1w,剖宫产,出生体重2090 g,出生后50 h进行手术。手术机器人操作时间76 min,术中出血量约5 ml,术后6 d试进水,术后8 d开奶,并逐步恢复至母乳喂养,间断复查腹部彩超3次,未见明显异常,术后16 d痊愈出院。

降低新生儿重症监护室极低出生体重早产儿抗生素使用时间的质量改进研究

目的应用质量改进的方法,制定降低新生儿重症监护室极低出生体重(very low birth weight,VLBW)早产儿抗生素使用时间的有效措施,以减少抗生素的使用。方法以住院VLBW早产儿为研究对象,以2020年11月—2021年6月VLBW早产儿住院期间抗生素使用时间占住院时间百分比作为基线值,以降低抗生素使用时间占住院时间百分比为具体质量改进目标。应用帕累托图分析影响早产儿抗生素使用时间的因素。根据抗生素使用的各个环节构建关键驱动图,确定质量改进的关键环节和具体的干预措施。通过运行图监测VLBW早产儿抗生素使用时间占住院时间百分比的变化直至达到质量改进目标。结果2020年11月—2021年6月VLBW早产儿抗生素使用时间占住院时间百分比在质量改进前为49%(基线值),设定质量改进目标为12个月内将该百分比降低10%。帕累托图分析显示影响早产儿的抗生素使用时间的主要因素为:抗生素使用不规范;无感染证据时未及时停用抗生素;中心静脉置管留置时间长;袋鼠式护理应用不足;肠内营养进程延迟。质量改进采取的干预措施包括:(1)制定败血症评估管理规范;(2)对医护人员进行关于早产儿抗生素合理使用的宣教;(3)查房时监督抗生素使用规范的执行性;(4)无明确感染表现且血培养阴性者,抗生素使用36 h后停止使用;(5)减少中心静脉置管及肠外营养时间,降低早产儿感染风险。控制图显示,随着干预措施的实施,VLBW早产儿抗生素使用时间占住院时间百分比由49%降低至32%,具有统计学意义。结论应用基于统计原理、过程控制的质量改进工具及质量改进措施后,VLBW早产儿的抗生素使用时间可得到显著降低。

早产/低出生体重婴儿特殊医学用途配方食品注册相关问题的考虑

世界卫生组织,欧洲儿科胃肠病学、肝病学和营养学学会,美国儿科学会及国内的多个指南及专家共识就早产/低出生体重婴儿的肠内营养需求提供了推荐意见和相应的循证医学证据,相关临床营养研究也取得了较大进展。根据早产/低出生体重婴儿营养需求设计的特殊医学用途配方食品为肠内营养支持提供了必要时的选择。本文综述早产/低出生体重婴儿营养需求相关研究进展以及主要类别产品的临床使用,分析存在的问题,并基于当前共识情况,探讨早产/低出生体重婴儿的特殊医学用途配方食品注册上市需充分考虑的产品科学、安全相关问题,为产品研发和注册提供参考。

初乳口腔免疫治疗对极低出生体重早产儿经口喂养能力及肠道菌群的影响

目的探讨初乳经口免疫疗法(C-OIT)在极低出生体重早产儿(VLBWI)支持治疗中的应用效果。方法选择2021年4月至2023年3月江苏省宿迁市第一人民医院儿科收治的VLBWI 123例,采用随机数字表法分为C-OIT组(n=62)、对照组(n=61)。C-OIT组给予初乳口腔免疫治疗,对照组给予生理盐水口腔免疫治疗。治疗7 d,比较两组早产儿经口喂养能力(PIOFRA)、肠道菌群、喂养效果、喂养并发症。结果C-OIT组喂养前早产儿状态、吸吮能力、吞咽能力、喂养过程中维持生理稳定的能力、PIOFRA总分高于对照组(P<0.05);乳酸杆菌、双歧杆菌高于对照组,大肠杆菌低于对照组(P<0.05);开始经口喂养时间、完全经口喂养时间、恢复出生体重时间短于对照组(P<0.05);喂养并发症22.58%低于对照组40.98%(χ^(2)=4.809,P<0.05)。结论C-OIT能够提高极低出生体重早产儿PIOFRA,调节肠道菌群,提高喂养效果,减少VLBWI喂养并发症的发生。

Impact of preterm birth and low birth weight on medical conditions, medication use and mortality among neonates: a prospective observational cohort study

Background There is a paucity of studies conducted in India on neonatal outcomes of preterm birth and low birth weight.Hence,we aimed to assess the impact of preterm birth and low birth weight on medical conditions,medication use and mortality among neonates.Methods A prospective observational cohort study was conducted at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) over a period of 9 months.Neonates of either sex,admitted to NICU and who received at least one medication were enrolled in the study.Perinatal and demographic data,reason(s) for NICU admission,diagnoses,medications prescribed,medication-related problems,discharge status and the direct medical cost were documented and analyzed.Results Four hundred and five neonates Were included in the study:60.5% were boys,32.7% were preterm and 44.2% were born underweight.Neonatal sepsis (n =125,16.7%),unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (n =83,11.1%) and respiratory distress syndrome (n =62,8.3%) were the most common medical conditions and were significantly more common among preterm and underweight neonates.Nearly half of the medications prescribed were anti-infectives for systemic use (n =1310,47.4%).The mean number of medications received by neonates increased from term to extremely preterm (5.2-15.0) and normal birth weight to extremely low birth weight (5.0-14.9).Mortality rate was significantly higher among extremely preterm (66.7%),and very preterm (15.2%) neonates compared to term (2.9%) neonates.The median direct medical cost for NICU admission was INR 21,430 (USD 331).Conclusion Medical conditions,medications prescribed and mortality rate were significantly higher among preterm and underweight neonates admitted to NICU.

Neurodevelopmental in Relation to Breastfeeding–Experiences among Hungarian Preterm Infants at 12 Months of Corrected Age:Empirical Study

Preterm and low birth weight infants are at higher risk of neurodevelopmental outcomes;breastfeeding offers sev-eral beneficial aspects for them.This study aimed to describe the average neurodevelopmental outcomes of pre-term infants and examine the associations between neurodevelopment and breastfeeding among Hungarian preterm infants at 12 months of corrected age.154 preterm infants with low birth weight(<2500 g)and their mothers were participated in this study.Bayley-III Screening Test(Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Develop-ment Screening Test,Third Edition)was administered to measure the cognitive,language and motor skills of infants;breastfeeding data was obtained through parental anamnesis.To analyze data,independent sample t-test or the Welch t-test,Mann-Whitney tests,Chi-square tests of independence and Spearman’s rank correlation test were used to.Concerning the risk of developmental delay,Receptive and Expressive language and Fine motor subscales were the lowest.Examination of the associations between breastfeeding and neurodevelopmental per-formance identified significantly higher cognitive(U=2047.5;P=0.023)andfine motor(U=2096.0;P=0.037)skills in infants who were breastfed.We found significant positive correlations between the duration of breastfeeding and cognitive,expressive language andfine motor skills.The study draws the attention to the importance of breastfeeding and early screening.Further research is required to examine the casual relationship between neurodevelopmental outcomes and breastfeeding.

Meta-Analysis on the associations between Prenatal Perfluoroalkyl Substances Exposure and Adverse Birth Outcomes

The epidemiological associations between the prenatal perfluoroalkyl substances(PFASs)exposure and the reproductive outcomes remain controversial.A continuous evaluation is needed to combine the inconsistent results.In this study,we explored the associations between PFASs exposure and the low birth weight(LBW),preterm birth and small for gestational age(SGA).The quality of selected literature,quantitative estimates,publication bias and subgroup analysis were performed on the basis of 17 retrieved articles published before December 2020.The results showed a significant positive association between the perfluorooctane sulfonate(PFOS)exposure and the risk of LBW[Odds ratio(OR)=1.17;95%confidence interval(CI):1.01,1.36;heterogeneity:P=0.30,I2=17%].The positive association was also observed between the PFOS and the risk of preterm birth(OR=1.19;95%CI:1.01,1.39,P=0.007;I2=62%).There was a paucity of evidence regarding the negative effects of perfluorooctanoic acid(PFOA),perfluorohexanesulfonic acid(PFHxS)and perfluorononanoic acid(PFNA)on the pregnancy outcomes.The findings from the subgroup analysis(the sampling period,the birth gender and biologic specimens)did not substantially altered the results of the overall pooled estimate ORs.The increased prevalence of negative birth outcomes with gestational PFASs exposure warrants further explorations from biological process perspective.