Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association
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To characterize the risk factors for late-onset circulatory collapse (LCC) in preterm infants responsive to corticosteroid therapy and evaluate the long-term neurological prognosis. ⋯ LCC is associated with poor neurodevelopmental outcomes. Prevention of LCC can lead to improved neurological prognoses.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Poractant alfa and beractant treatment of very premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome.
Comparison of the differences between availability of animal-derived surfactant preparations used to treat premature infants is incomplete. The objective of this study was to assess the short-term treatment efficacy of the two most commonly used surfactant preparations in the United States, beractant (100 mg kg(-1) initial and subsequent doses) and poractant alfa (200 mg kg(-1) initial and 100 mg kg(-1) subsequent doses), in very premature, mechanically ventilated infants <30 weeks gestation with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). ⋯ This study suggests significant short-term benefits to the use of the larger initial dose of poractant alfa than beractant in very premature infants with RDS. Further studies involving a larger number of preterm infants are needed to assess long-term effects.
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Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the most common respiratory morbidity in preterm infants. Surfactant therapy and invasive mechanical ventilation through the endotracheal tube (ETT) have been the cornerstones in RDS management. Despite improvements in the provision of mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a multifactorial disease in which invasive mechanical ventilation is a known contributory factor, remains an important cause of morbidity among preterm infants. ⋯ Moreover, synchronized as well as nonsynchronized nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) have been shown to significantly decrease post-extubation failure compared with NCPAP and their use has been associated with a reduced risk of BPD in small randomized controlled clinical trials. More recently, early surfactant administration followed by extubation to NIPPV has been suggested to be synergistic in decreasing BPD. Although these findings are promising, additional studies evaluating different nasal interfaces, flow synchronization, synchronization using neurally adjusted ventilatory assist mode, and closed loop control of oxygen during nasal ventilation to minimize lung injury are needed in an attempt to further decrease the incidence of lung injury in preterm neonates requiring respiratory support.
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In an effort to determine the actual conduct of neonatal resuscitation and the errors that may be occurring during this process, we developed a method of video recording neonatal resuscitations as an ongoing quality assurance project. We initiated video recordings of resuscitations using simple video recorders attached to an overhead warmer and reviewed the resultant tapes during biweekly quality improvement meetings. We also added the continuous recording of analog information such as heart rate, oximeter values, fraction of inspired oxygen and airway pressure. ⋯ The availability of a dedicated room for resuscitation allows an increased ambient environment and the ability to provide a user-friendly setting similar to the neonatal intensive care unit to optimize performance. There are numerous opportunities for improving team and leader performance and outcomes following neonatal resuscitation. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate specific interventions.
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Neonatal encephalopathy affects 2 to 5 of every 1000 live births and represents a major cause of mortality and long-term morbidity in affected infants. Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is the major cause of encephalopathy in the neonatal period. Until recently, management of a newborn with encephalopathy has consisted largely of supportive care to restore and maintain cerebral perfusion, provide adequate gas exchange and treat seizure activity. ⋯ Meta-analysis of these trials suggests that for every six or seven infants with moderate to severe HIE who are treated with mild hypothermia, there will be one fewer infant who dies or has significant neurodevelopmental disability. In response to this evidence, major policy makers and guideline developers have recommended that cooling therapy be offered to infants with moderate to severe HIE. The dissemination of this new therapy will require improved identification of infants with HIE and regional commitment to allow these infants to be cared for in a timely manner.