Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association
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Review Meta Analysis
Continuous positive airway pressure: early, late, or stay with synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation?
Mechanical ventilation is associated with significant short- and long-term morbidity in small preterm infants. Continuous positive airway pressure applied through nasal prongs is an effective, less-invasive method to improve gas exchange and reduce apnea in these infants. ⋯ Although results of these trials have not been consistent, most of the evidence suggests that nasal continuous positive airway pressure is a viable alternative to mechanical ventilation in many preterm infants and that its use after extubation contributes to maintain better lung function and reduces apnea. Despite this, there is no evidence that these beneficial short-term effects translate into lower rates of long-term morbidity such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neurologic sequelae or mortality rates.
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Retinopathy of prematurity is on the rise and a third epidemic has been identified. In spite of extensive research and progress in the understanding of this disease in recent years, 50 000 children worldwide are blinded by this condition each year. The relation between hyperoxia, low-gestational age, growth retardation, oxygen dependent growth factors, and oxidative stress are now being understood more clearly. ⋯ In the second phase, vascular endothelial growth factor rises, and when insulin-like growth factor-1 reaches a threshold around 32 to 34 weeks postconceptional age, uncontrolled neovascularization may occur. It is not known whether this new knowledge will have implications for future therapy. However, by strictly avoiding hyperoxia, that is, SaO2>92-93% and avoiding fluctuations in SaO2, it is possible to control and prevent severe retinopathy of prematurity in most cases.
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Fluid and electrolyte management in the very low birth weight infant is critical to survival. The amount of fluid present in the plasma, interstitial fluid, and cellular fluid changes throughout the fetal and neonatal period, presenting a challenging situation. One of the many factors influencing fluid requirements is the insensible water loss by mechanisms such as evaporation. ⋯ However, some infants may experience hyperkalemia, hyperglycemia, and/or hyponatremia, resulting in various other complications. Careful monitoring is essential in deciding how to manage these infants. This article aims to discuss the management of fluid and electrolytes in very low birth weight infants and address ways to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with the imbalances in fluid and electrolytes seen in this population.
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To determine the extent and type of premedication used for elective endotracheal intubation in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). ⋯ Most neonatology fellowship program directors do not report always using premedication for newborns before elective endotracheal intubation despite strong evidence of physiologic and practical benefits. Only a minority of the NICUs has written guidelines for sedation, which may preclude effective auditing of this practice. Educational interventions may be necessary to ensure changes in clinical practice.