Preterm Infants (preterm + infant)

Distribution by Scientific Domains
Distribution within Medical Sciences

Kinds of Preterm Infants

  • late preterm infant
  • very preterm infant


  • Selected Abstracts


    Protein intake, growth and lung function of infants with chronic lung disease

    JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION & DIETETICS, Issue 3 2009
    E. Cillié
    Background:, The increased survival rate of extremely preterm infants has not improved the incidence or outcome of infants diagnosed with chronic lung disease (CLD) (Riley, 2008). The relationship between optimal nutrition (particularly protein intake) and chronic lung disease has not been established. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between protein intake, growth and lung function in infants with CLD. Methods:, A CLD database, maintained for the past 10 years, was used to select participants that had reached 1 year of corrected age. Infants who were born during 2001,2006 with a birth weight of <1500 g, and who subsequently had a diagnosis of CLD, were included. Infants with evidence of intra-uterine growth restriction and abnormal cerebral pathology were excluded. Demographic, mean weight gain, protein intake and respiratory support data were collected retrospectively from the medical notes. Growth parameters and need for oxygen and inhalers up to 1 year of corrected age were collected from the CLD follow-up database. SPSS, version 15 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) were used for Pearson's or Spearmans correlation analysis and analysis of variance or the Wilcoxon test, as appropriate. Results:, Sixty infants were studied: 25 females and 35 males. The median (range) post-menstrual age at birth was 26 (22,31) weeks. The most common feed was breast milk; fortified breast milk was used for 37% of the total days studied. The mean (SD) protein intake was 2.28 (0.33) g kg,1 day,1 and the mean (SD) weight gain was 11.67 (1.77) g kg,1 day,1. There was a positive correlation between protein intake and weight gain (r = 0.32, P = 0.013), which was stronger in females (r = 0.51, P = 0.009). Protein intake was significantly associated with head circumference growth in females only (r = 0.47, P = 0.038). Protein intake was inversely related to the number of days spent mechanically ventilated (r = ,0.32, P = 0.015). There was no relationship between protein intake and growth at 1 year corrected age, time spent on continuous positive airway pressure, age weaned off oxygen, or the use of inhalers. There was an inverse correlation between total weeks of oxygen dependence and head circumference at 1 year (r = ,0.35, P = 0.022). Discussion:, The mean protein intake was <3 g kg,1 day,1, which is the minimum requirement for preterm infants (Tsang et al., 2005). This was associated with a sub-optimal weight gain in our participants of <15 g kg,1 day,1 (Steward & Pridham, 2002). The study demonstrates the known association between low protein intake and poor growth with ventilator dependence (Loui et al., 2008). Conclusions:, Low birth weight and low gestational age infants at risk of CLD should receive special attention to optimise their protein intake because sub-optimal protein intake potentially leads to poor growth when on a neonatal intensive care unit. References Loui, A., Tsalikaki, E., Maier, K., Walch, E., Kamarianakis, Y. & Obladen, M. (2008) Growth in high risk infants <1500 g birth weight during the first 5 weeks. Early Hum. Dev. 84, 645,650, Doi: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2008.04.005. Riley, K., Roth, S., Sellwood, M. & Wyatt, J.S. (2008) Survival and neurodevelopmental morbidity at 1 year of age following extremely preterm delivery over a 20-year period: a single centre cohort study. Acta Paediatr.97, 159,165. Steward, D.K. & Pridham, K.F. (2002) Growth patterns of extremely low-birth-weight hospitalised preterm infants. JOGN Nurs31, 57,65. Tsang, R.C., Uauy, R., Koletzko, B. & Zlotkin, S.H., eds. (2005) Nutrition of the Preterm Infant: Scientific Basis and Practical Guidelines. Cincinnati: Digital Educational Publishing. [source]


    Temperature Control in the Late Preterm Infant: A Comparison of Thermoregulation Following Two Bathing Techniques

    JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 2010
    Newborn Care
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Breastfeeding the Late Preterm Infant

    JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 6 2008
    Marsha Walker
    ABSTRACT Late preterm infants comprise the fastest growing segment of babies born prematurely. They arrive with disadvantages relative to feeding skills, stamina, and risk for conditions such as hypoglycemia, hyperbilirubinemia, and slow weight gain. Breastfeeding these babies can be difficult and frustrating. Individualized feeding plans include special considerations to compensate for immature feeding skills and inadequate breast stimulation. Breastfeeding management guidelines are described that operate within the late preterm infant's special vulnerabilities. [source]


    An Unusual Cutaneous Lesion as the Presenting Sign of Spinal Dysraphism in a Preterm Infant

    PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY, Issue 6 2004
    M. Mansur Tatli M.D.
    Our clinical diagnosis was probable twin nevus, with a blanched nevus adjacent to a telangiectatic nevus, later complicated by ulceration. Ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbosacral region revealed that her conus medullaris level was at L4 and the spinal cord was tethered by an intraspinal lipoma, without evidence of a hemangioma. We could not find any literature reporting the association of twin nevus with spinal dysraphism. [source]


    Maternal Prepregnancy Body Mass Index and Delivery of a Preterm Infant in Missouri 1998,2000

    PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING, Issue 1 2009
    Teresa S. Johnson
    ABSTRACT Objective: To determine risk of delivering a preterm infant (<37 weeks) in overweight/obese women. Design: Descriptive. Sample: Population-based sample of 169,881 singleton Missouri birth certificate records for 1998,2000. Measures: Prepregnancy body mass index (BMI): underweight BMI<19.8; normal BMI=19.8,24.9; overweight BMI=25,29.9; and obese BMI,30; and preterm birth (<37 completed weeks' gestation). Results: In each BMI category, the percent of women who delivered a preterm infant is: underweight 11.5%, normal 8.3%, overweight 8.2%, and obese 8.5%. For women with a BMI of overweight (odds ratio [OR] 0.9, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.8,0.9) and obese (OR 0.8, 95% CI=0.8,0.9), the risk of delivering a preterm infant decreased when compared with women with a BMI<19.8. Black (OR=2.5, 95% CI 2.4,2.6) and Hispanic (OR=1.4, 95% CI 1.2,1.5) women had a higher risk of preterm birth than White women when obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and prenatal care were controlled. Women with diabetes (OR=1.4, 95% CI=1.2,1.5), hypertension (OR=3.2, 95% CI=3.1,3.4), and those who smoked (OR=1.6, 95% CI=1.6,1.7) were at increased risk for a preterm birth. Conclusions: Findings suggest that preconception and prenatal care focus on identification and management of risks associated with premature births and maternal risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and smoking. [source]


    Safe Criteria and Procedure for Kangaroo Care With Intubated Preterm Infants

    JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 5 2003
    FAAN professor, Susan M. Ludington-Hoe CNM
    Kangaroo care (KC) was safely conducted with mechanically ventilated infants who weighed less than 600 grams and were less than 26 weeks gestation at birth. These infants, ventilated for at least 24 hours at the time of the first KC session, were considered stable on the ventilator at low settings (intermittent mandatory ventilation < 35 breaths per minute and FiO2 < 50%), had stable vital signs, and were not on vasopressors. A protocol for implementation of KC with ventilated infants that uses a standing transfer, with two staff members assisting to minimize the possibility of extubation, is presented. Also discussed is the positioning of the ventilator tubing during KC. This protocol was implemented without any accidental extubation throughout an experimental research study. The criteria and protocol were compared to those available in published reports and revealed many similar elements, providing additional support for the recommended protocol. No adverse events occurred with the criteria and protocol reported here, suggesting that they can be adopted for broader use. [source]


    Providing Evidence-Based Care to Late Preterm Infants

    NURSING FOR WOMENS HEALTH, Issue 4 2009
    Dawn Frank RN, IBCLC
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Ophthalmological problems of the premature infant

    DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES RESEARCH REVIEW, Issue 4 2002
    Michael X. Repka
    Abstract Preterm infants are more likely than term infants to have significant abnormalities of all parts of the visual system leading to reduced vision. The most common problem is retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The frequency and severity of this disorder is inversely related to gestational age. Damage ranges from minor to catastrophic. Preterm infants also have higher rates of amblyopia, strabismus, refractive error, and cortical visual impairment. The later problem is largely associated with neonatal brain injury. Years later, these children may develop glaucoma and retinal detachments. MRDD Research Reviews 2002;8:249,257. © 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Serum transferrin receptor, ferritin, and reticulocyte maturity indices during the first year of life in ,large' preterm infants

    EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF HAEMATOLOGY, Issue 5 2007
    Vassiliki Schiza
    Abstract Background:, Preterm infants are at risk of developing iron deficiency; among the iron status and hemopoiesis indices the serum transferrin receptor (sTfr) has been shown to be a useful indicator in assessing iron status, while immature reticulocyte production is regarded as an estimator of erythropoiesis. Objective:, To investigate age-related changes in iron status infants born ,moderately' preterm, with a gestational age (GA) of 32,36 wk, and identify associations between sTfr and other hematological and biochemical iron indices. Design:, Hospital-based prospective, longitudinal study in preterm infants. Methods:, Iron and erythropoiesis parameters were evaluated in 181 formula-fed preterm infants at 2 and 6 wk and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months chronological age. Hemoglobulin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), reticulocytes, serum iron (sFe), serum ferritin (sFer), sTfr, and reticulocyte subpopulations were measured. Results:, A total of 756 measurements were performed. After an initial decline, Hb rose from month 3 to 12 of life. SFe and sFer and immature reticulocyte count decreased from the second week to the third month and remained stable thereafter. STfr was lower up to 6 wk and stable from month 3 to 12. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) was found in 5.5% of infants. In 76 measurements sFer was <12 ,g/L, implying storage iron deficiency (SID). A negative correlation was observed between sTfr and other indices of iron status such as Hb, Hct, MCV, sFe, and sFer. Infants with sFer <12 ,g/L had lower sTfr than those with sFer >12 ,g/L. Reticulocyte production was positively associated with STfr, but this association was dependent on the chronological age of the infant. Conclusion:, Iron depletion is common in formula-fed preterm (32,36 wk GA) infants between month 3 and 12 of life. STfr appears to be an indicator of iron status in preterm infants during the first year of life. [source]


    MR-determined hippocampal asymmetry in full-term and preterm neonates

    HIPPOCAMPUS, Issue 2 2009
    Deanne K. Thompson
    Abstract Hippocampi are asymmetrical in children and adults, where the right hippocampus is larger. To date, no literature has confirmed that hippocampal asymmetry is evident at birth. Furthermore, gender differences have been observed in normal hippocampal asymmetry, but this has not been examined in neonates. Stress, injury, and lower IQ have been associated with alterations to hippocampal asymmetry. These same factors often accompany preterm birth. Therefore, prematurity is possibly associated with altered hippocampal asymmetry. There were three aims of this study: First, we assessed whether hippocampi were asymmetrical at birth, second whether there was a gender effect on hippocampal asymmetry, and third whether the stress of preterm birth altered hippocampal asymmetry. This study utilized volumetric magnetic resonance imaging to compare left and right hippocampal volumes in 32 full-term and 184 preterm infants at term. Full-term infants demonstrated rightward hippocampal asymmetry, as did preterm infants. In the case of preterm infants, hippocampal asymmetry was proportional to total hemispheric asymmetry. This study is the first to demonstrate that the normal pattern of hippocampal asymmetry is present this early in development. We did not find gender differences in hippocampal asymmetry at term. Preterm infants tended to have less asymmetrical hippocampi than full-term infants, a difference which became significant after correcting for hemispheric brain tissue volumes. This study may suggest that hippocampal asymmetry develops in utero and is maintained into adulthood in infants with a normal neurological course. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Contingency Learning and Reactivity in Preterm and Full-Term Infants at 3 Months

    INFANCY, Issue 6 2008
    David W. Haley
    Learning difficulties in preterm infants are thought to reflect impairment in arousal regulation. We examined relationships among gestational age, learning speed, and behavioral and physiological reactivity in 55 preterm and 49 full-term infants during baseline, contingency, and nonreinforcement phases of a conjugate mobile paradigm at 3 months corrected age. For all infants, negative affect, looking duration, and heart rate levels increased during contingency and nonreinforcement phases, whereas respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA, an index of parasympathetic activity) decreased and Cortisol did not change. Learners showed greater RSA suppression and less negative affect than nonleamers. This pattern was particularly evident in the preterm group. Overall, preterm infants showed less learning, spent less time looking at the mobile, and had lower Cortisol levels than full-term infants. Preterm infants also showed greater heart rate responses to contingency and dampened heart rate responses to nonreinforcement compared to full-term infants. Findings underscore differences in basal and reactivity measures in preterm compared to full-term infants and suggest that the capacity to regulate parasympathetic activity during a challenge enhances learning in preterm infants. [source]


    Olfactory Familiarization and Discrimination in Preterm and Full-Term Newborns

    INFANCY, Issue 1 2002
    Nathalie Goubet
    The purpose of this study was to observe olfactory detection and discrimination in preterm and full-term newborns. Infants were familiarized for 10 trials with either vanillin or anethole. On each trial, a cotton swab perfumed with one of the odors was slowly moved in front of the baby's nose for 10 sec. For half of the preterm and full-term infants, a new odor was presented after the last familiarization trial (experimental groups). For the other half, the same odor as during familiarization was presented (control groups). Facial and head movements for both populations and heart rates for preterm infants were recorded before, during, and after odor presentation. Preterm infants reacted to the scents by increasing facial actions and heart rate but not head movements. Full-term infants increased facial and head movements. Neither population showed a clear behavioral habituation pattern, but full-term newborns had a significantly reduced facial reactivity on the last familiarization trial compared to preterm infants. Preterm newborns did, however, show cardiac habituation on the last familiarization trial. Preterm and full-term infants presented with a new odor after familiarization increased responding compared to infants presented with the same odor, indicating their ability to discriminate between 2 odors. Infants' reactivity and discrimination to odors indicate preterm and full-term newborns' ability to be attuned to their olfactory environment. [source]


    A Quasi-Experimental Trial on Individualized, Developmentally Supportive Family-Centered Care

    JOURNAL OF OBSTETRIC, GYNECOLOGIC & NEONATAL NURSING, Issue 1 2006
    Jacqueline F. Byers
    Objective:, To evaluate the impact of individualized, developmentally supportive family-centered care on infant physiological variables, growth, behavioral stress cues, return to sleep state, medical and developmental progress, complications, resource utilization, parental perception of the neonatal intensive-care unit experience, and overall parental satisfaction. Design:, Quasi-experimental, repeated measures design. Setting:, Developmental and a control nursery in a 78-bed, level II/III neonatal intensive-care unit. Participants:, A convenience sample of 114 premature infants and their parents. Interventions:, Control group infants received the routine neonatal intensive-care unit standard of care. Experimental infants received routine care plus the addition of individualized, developmentally supportive family-centered interventions. Main Outcome measures:, Between groups, there were no statistically significant differences in demographic factors, days to medical or developmental milestones, length of stay, or direct cost/case. Repeated measures analysis of variance determined that at every point of data collection, the average number of baseline, activity, and postactivity stress cues were lower in the developmentally supportive group. Infants in the developmental group had 8% less sedatives/narcotics and 15% less vasopressors costs than the control group. There were no differences in complication rates, parental perceptions of the neonatal intensive-care unit experience, or parental satisfaction between groups. Conclusions:, Preterm infants who received developmentally supportive family-centered care demonstrated fewer behavioral stress cues and comparable short-term outcomes and resource utilization than infants who received routine care. JOGNN, 35, 105-115; 2006. DOI: 10.1111/J.1552-6909.2006.00002.x [source]


    Plasma ADMA concentrations at birth and mechanical ventilation in preterm infants: A prospective pilot study

    PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 12 2008
    Milan C. Richir MD
    Abstract Rationale Nitric oxide (NO) produced in the lung is an important mediator of normal lung development, vascular smooth muscle relaxation, and ventilation perfusion matching. NO is synthesized from arginine by the action of NO-synthase (NOS). Asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA), an endogenous derivate of arginine, inhibits NOS and is thereby a determinant of NO synthesis. We compared ADMA and arginine levels in preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation with preterm infants who did not require mechanical ventilation and determined the relation between ADMA and the length of mechanical ventilation in these infants. Methods Thirty preterm infants, mean (SD) gestational age 29.3 (1.7) weeks and birth weight 1,340 (350) gram, of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the VU University Medical Center were included. ADMA and arginine were measured in umbilical cord blood and the length of mechanical ventilation (days) was registered. Results Gestational age and birth weight were significantly smaller in infants requiring mechanical ventilation, but were not significantly correlated with plasma ADMA concentration after birth. Plasma ADMA concentrations were significantly higher in infants who required mechanical ventilation than in infants who did not require mechanical ventilation (1.53,±,0.23 and 1.37,±,0.14 µmol/L, respectively; P,=,0.036). ADMA concentration was significantly related to length of mechanical ventilation (B,=,3.4; 95% CI: 1.1,5.6; P,=,0.006), also after adjustment for gestational age (B,=,2.3; 95% CI: 0.4,4.2; P,=,0.024). Conclusions Preterm infants who require mechanical ventilation have increased ADMA levels compared to non-ventilated preterm infants. ADMA levels at birth are related to the length of mechanical ventilation. An increased ADMA concentration could reduce NO synthesis, which could lead to insufficient gas exchange and, consequently, a longer period of mechanical ventilation. Pediatr. Pulmonol. 2008; 43:1161,1166. © 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Prediction for developmental delay on Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale in preterm infants without brain lesion

    PEDIATRICS INTERNATIONAL, Issue 1 2010
    Sen-Wei Tsai
    Abstract Background:, Preterm infants often have difficulty in achieving a coordinated sucking pattern. To analyze the correlation between preterm infants with disorganized sucking and future development, weekly studies were performed of 27 preterm infants from initiation of bottle feeding until a normal sucking pattern was recognized. Methods:, A total of 27 preterm infants without brain lesion participated in the present study. Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale (NOMAS) was utilized to evaluate the sucking pattern. Infants who were initially assessed as having disorganized sucking on NOMAS and regained a normal sucking pattern by 37 weeks old were assigned to group I; infants with a persistent disorganized sucking pattern after 37 weeks were assigned to group II. The mental (MDI) and psychomotor (PDI) developmental indices of Bayley Scales of Infant Development, second edition were used for follow-up tests to demonstrate neurodevelopment at 6 months and 12 months of corrected age. Results:, At 6 months follow up, subjects in group I had a significantly higher PDI score than group II infants (P= 0.04). At 12 months follow up, group I subjects had a significantly higher score on MDI (P= 0.03) and PDI (P= 0.04). There was also a higher rate for development delay in group II at 6 months (P= 0.05). Conclusion:, NOMAS-based assessment for neonatal feeding performance could be a helpful tool to predict neurodevelopmental outcome at 6 and 12 months. Close follow up and early intervention may be necessary for infants who present with a disorganized sucking pattern after 37 weeks post-conceptional age. [source]


    Body composition and its components in preterm and term newborns: A cross-sectional, multimodal investigation

    AMERICAN JOURNAL OF HUMAN BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2010
    Irfan Ahmad
    A prospective, cross-sectional, observational study in preterm and term infants was performed to compare multimodal measurements of body composition, namely, limb ultrasound, bone quantitative ultrasound, and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). One hundred and two preterm and term infants appropriate for gestational age were enrolled from the newborn nursery and neonatal intensive care unit. Infants were included when they were medically stable, in an open crib, on full enteral feeds and within 1 week of anticipated discharge. Correlations among the various measurements of body composition were performed using standard techniques. A comparison between preterm infant (born at 28,32 weeks) reaching term to term-born infants was performed. Limb ultrasound estimates of cross-sectional areas of lean and fat tissue in a region of tissue (i.e., the leg) were remarkably correlated with regional and whole-body estimates of fat-free mass and fat obtained from DXA suggesting the potential usefulness of muscle ultrasound as an investigative tool for studying aspects of body composition in this fragile population. There was a weak but significant correlation between quantitative ultrasound measurements of bone strength and DXA-derived bone mineral density (BMD). Preterm infants reaching term had significantly lower body weight, length, head circumference, muscle and fat cross-sectional area, bone speed of sound, whole-body and regional lean body mass, fat mass, and BMD compared to term-born infants. Current postnatal care and nutritional support in preterm infants is still unable to match the in-utero environment for optimal growth and bone development. The use of relatively simple bedside, noninvasive body composition measurements may assist in understanding how changes in different components of body composition early in life affect later growth and development. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2010. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]


    Methaemoglobinaemia risk factors with inhaled nitric oxide therapy in newborn infants

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 10 2010
    I Hamon
    Abstract Background:, Inhaled nitric oxide (iNO), commonly used for hypoxic neonates, may react with haemoglobin to form methaemoglobin (MetHb). MetHb monitoring during iNO therapy has been questioned since low doses of iNO are used. Aim:, To evaluate the incidence of and identify risk factors associated with elevated MetHb in neonates treated with iNO. Methods:, Neonates who were treated with iNO and had at least one MetHb measurement were included. Demographic characteristics and methods of iNO administration (dosage, duration) at the time of each MetHb measurement were analysed. Results:, Four hundred and fifty-two MetHb measurements from 81 premature and 82 term and near-term infants were analysed. MetHb was above 5% in one-term infant, and between 2.5,5% in 16 infants. A higher maximum dose of iNO (22.7 vs 17.7 p.p.m.), but not gestational age, was a significant risk factor for elevated MetHb. Significantly higher oxygen levels (75.5% vs 51.7%) were associated with higher MetHb in term infants. Preterm infants had no risk for high MetHb when iNO was kept below 8 p.p.m. These data suggest the possibility of limiting blood withdrawal when low doses iNO are used. Conclusion:, High MetHb is exceptional in neonates treated with low dose iNO. Associated risk factors are related to high iNO dose and the simultaneous use of high concentrations of oxygen. [source]


    The preterm piglet , a model in the study of oesophageal development in preterm neonates

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 2 2010
    S Rasch
    Abstract Aim:, Preterm infants have difficulty in attaining independent oral feeding. This can ensue from inadequate sucking, swallowing and/or respiration. In impeding bolus transport, immature oesophageal motility may also be a cause. As studies on the development of oesophageal motility are invasive in preterm infants, the preterm piglet was investigated as a potential research model. Methods:, Oesophageal motility (EM) of term (n = 6) and preterm (n = 15) piglets were monitored by manometry for 10 min immediately following bottle feeding on days 1,2 and 3,4 of life. Results:, Piglets' oral feeding performance and EM were similar to those of their human counterparts. Term piglets readily completed their feeding, whereas their preterm counterparts did not. They also presented with greater peristaltic activity and propagating velocity. Peristaltic activity remained unchanged over time in preterm piglets, but an increase in synchronous and decrease in incomplete motor activity were noted. Preterm piglets that developed symptoms analogous to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) demonstrated uncharacteristic oesophageal activity. Conclusion:, Immature EM may cause oral feeding difficulties. NEC-like symptoms may adversely affect EM. The piglet is a valid research model for studying human infant oral feeding and oesophageal development. [source]


    Altered body composition in preterm infants at hospital discharge

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2009
    Richard J Cooke
    Abstract Aim:, To test the hypotheses that body size is reduced and body composition altered in preterm infants at hospital discharge. Methods:, Preterm infants (,34 weeks gestation, ,1750 g at birth) were enrolled. Body weight, length and head circumference were converted to standard deviation or z- scores. Body composition was measured using dual emission X-ray absorptiometry. The results were analysed using standard statistics. Results:, One hundred and forty-nine infants (birth weight = 1406 ± 248 g, gestation = 31 ± 1.7 weeks) were studied. Postmenstrual age at discharge was 37 ± 1.2 weeks. Z -scores for head circumference, weight and length differed (,0.1 ± 0.6 > ,1.4 ± 0.6 > ,1.9 ± 0.6; p < 0.0001). Global fat-free mass was less in study infants than the reference infant at the same weight (2062 < 2252 g; p < 0.0001) or gestation (2062 < 2667 g; p < 0.0001). Global fat mass was greater in study infants than the reference infant at the same weight (307 > 198 g, 13 > 8%) or gestation (307 > 273 g; 13 > 9%; p < 0.0001). Changes in central fat mass closely paralleled those in global fat mass (r2 = 0.76, p < 0.0001). Conclusion:, Reduced linear growth and a reduced fat-free mass suggest that dietary protein needs were not met before discharge. A reduced fat-free mass coupled with an increased global and central fat mass echoes concerns about the development of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome X in these high-risk infants. [source]


    Immunogenicity and reactogenicity of DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine as primary and booster vaccination in low-birth-weight premature infants

    ACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 9 2008
    Liliana Vázquez
    Abstract Aim: To assess suitability of a combined DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine (Infanrix hexaÔ) for immunization of low-birth-weight (<2.0 kg) preterm infants, with particular focus on the hepatitis B response. Methods: Open-label study in 170 preterm infants receiving primary vaccination at 2, 4 and 6 months of age and booster vaccination at 18,24 months. Enrolment and analysis were stratified in two groups: infants with birth weight between 1.5 kg and 2.0 kg (low birth weight: LBW), infants with BW <1.5 kg (very low birth weight: VLBW). Results: One month after the three dose primary vaccination, 93.7% and 94.9% of infants in VLBW and LBW groups, respectively, had anti-HBs antibody concentrations , 10 mIU/mL. High seroprotection and response rates (92.4,100%) to all vaccine antigens were observed. Those were reinforced (>98%) by booster vaccination for all antigens except for HBs in VLBW children: only 88.7% of those had anti-HBs antibody concentrations , 10 mIU/mL, compared with 96.5% of LBW children (difference statistically not significant). The vaccine was well tolerated in both groups of infants. Conclusion: Preterm infants will benefit by the administration of a primary and booster vaccination with DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine. [source]


    The influence of prematurity, maternal anxiety, and infants' neurobiological risk on mother,infant interactions

    INFANT MENTAL HEALTH JOURNAL, Issue 5 2005
    Gesine Schmücker
    In this study, we investigated how the birth of a very low birth weight preterm (VLBW) infant influences the mother,infant interaction at 3 months. We also focused on the impact of the infant's neurobiological risk and maternal anxiety, and their interaction. The comparison of the VLBW preterm sample (n = 79) with an external full-term sample (n = 35) showed mother,infant interactions of the families with the preterm infant to be more vocally responsive during the interaction, but less facially responsive during the interaction. Additionally, higher levels of maternal anxiety were associated with preterm infants being less facially responsive in interaction with their mother. While neurobiological risk of the infant played a part in this association, with higher risk infants also being less facially responsive, the relationship with maternal anxiety and the mother,child interaction was stronger. How these findings may influence therapeutic interventions is discussed. [source]


    A novel epidermal nevus syndrome with congenital cylindromatous turban tumor

    JOURNAL OF CUTANEOUS PATHOLOGY, Issue 9 2003
    Jacinto J. Regalado
    Background:, Epidermal nevi (in the broad sense of epithelial nevi) may give rise to benign or malignant skin tumors. They may also be associated with anomalies of other organ systems in an epidermal nevus syndrome. Results:, This article describes a preterm infant with nevus sebaceus of the scalp and face, a large turban tumor with features of malignant cylindroma and multiple non-cutaneous defects. These included skeletal, hematopoietic, hepatobiliary, and urinary anomalies. Severe secondary lesions were present (pulmonary hypoplasia due to oligohydramnios; cerebral infarcts probably related to the turban tumor). Karyotype was normal, and family history was negative. Conclusions:, This unique case is unlike any reported epidermal nevus syndrome. Similarly, there is no prior report of a congenital cylindroma, certainly not as a turban tumor, which implies very rapid growth. The presence of both overgrowth and undergrowth phenomena (e.g. hypoplastic urinary tract and biliary atresia) may reflect dysregulation of paracrine growth factors, presumably due to genetic mutation. [source]


    Cardiac outcomes of hydrops as a result of twin,twin transfusion syndrome treated with laser surgery

    JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 1-2 2009
    Peter H Gray
    Aim: To determine cardiac outcomes of foetal hydrops as a result of twin,twin transfusion syndrome treated with laser surgery. Methods: Hydrops identified in 16 recipient foetuses with twin,twin transfusion syndrome was treated with laser ablation surgery to anastomotic vessels. Prior to laser surgery, the foetuses were assessed by echocardiography for cardiac abnormalities and ventricular and valvular dysfunction. After delivery, echocardiography was performed on 15 of the 16 newborn infants. Results: Foetal echocardiography indicated impaired biventricular function in the 16 hydropic foetuses. Five foetuses had little or no forward flow through the pulmonary valve, while four had pulmonary regurgitation. Following laser surgery performed at a mean of 22.9 weeks gestation, hydrops resolved in all cases. Delivery occurred at a mean of 33.6 weeks gestation. Post-natal echocardiography revealed cardiac abnormalities in five neonates, of whom three had right ventricular outflow tract obstruction. One preterm infant with severe pulmonary stenosis died with intractable cardiac failure. Conclusion: The majority of hydropic infants with twin,win transfusion syndrome have normal cardiac outcomes following intrauterine laser surgery. As up to one-third may have cardiac abnormalities, cardiological monitoring is recommended during the first year of life. [source]


    Adverse reactions to immunization with newer vaccines in the very preterm infant

    JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 8 2005
    Vanessa J Ellison
    Objective: To study the frequency and types of adverse reactions to currently available vaccines in very preterm infants. Methods: Case notes were obtained for very preterm infants ,30 weeks' gestational age who received their first immunization at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne, during 1999,2003. Data were extracted for the time periods 48 h before and 48 h after immunizations, with the data extraction blinded as to whether the period being evaluated was pre- or post-immunization. Data collected focused on the frequency and severity of apnoea, respiratory support, fever and clinical consequences of adverse reactions. Results: A total of 48 very preterm infants were immunized during the period; 37 infants had Comvax (Haemophilus influenzae type B and hepatitis B vaccine), Infanrix (diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis vaccine) and inactivated poliomyelitis vaccine, and 11 infants had Comvax and Infanrix only. Their mean (SD) gestational age at birth was 26.4 (1.7) weeks with mean birthweight of 872 (235) g. The mean postnatal age at immunization was 76 (20) days. Low-grade fever (>37.5°C per axilla) occurred in 16 (33%) infants after immunization, but none before immunization (P < 0.001). There was no substantial change in recorded apnoea. No serious adverse events were noted. Four (8%) infants underwent a septic work up post-immunization. The C-reactive protein was increased in all four infants, but other tests for sepsis were negative. Conclusion: Fever remains a common adverse event following immunization of the preterm infant in spite of the development of a new generation of vaccines. [source]


    Pichia anomala fungaemia in immunocompromised children

    MYCOSES, Issue 5-6 2004
    M. Bak
    Pichia anomala; Fungämie; Immunsuppression; Kindern Summary Pichia anomala is an emerging yeast causing serious nosocomial infections in newborn and immunocompromised children. We describe nosocomial port catheter infection due to P. anomala in three children who were receiving cancer chemotherapy, bloodstream infection in a preterm infant and in an infant with severe combined immunodeficiency. All patients were treated with amphotericin B. All isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B and fluconazole. No recurrence was observed during follow-up in four of five patients. The common clinical feature in all of our patients was the presence of prior antimicrobial therapy. Zusammenfassung Pichia anomala gilt als opportunistischer Erreger nosokomialer Infektionen bei Neugeborenen und immunsupprimierten Kindern. Wir beschreiben nosokomiale Katheterinfektionen durch P. anomala bei drei Kindern mit Krebs, bei einer Frühgeburt und bei einem immunsupprimierten Säugling. Alle fünf Patienten hatten vorab antibakterielle Therapie erhalten und wurden durch Amphotericin B erfolgreich behandelt. Alle Isolate waren empfindlich für Amphotericin B und Fluconazol. In der Nachbeobachtungszeit wurde an vier fünf Patienten kein Rezidiv beobachtet. [source]


    Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and brain white matter damage in the preterm infant: a complex relationship

    PAEDIATRIC & PERINATAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, Issue 6 2009
    Luigi Gagliardi
    Summary We analysed the relationship between bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and brain white matter damage (WMD) in very preterm infants, adjusting for common risk factors and confounders. We studied a cohort of infants <32 weeks gestational age (GA) and <1500 g, admitted to 12 hospitals in Northern Italy in 1999,2002. The association between BPD and WMD was estimated by generalised estimating equations and conditional logistic models, adjusting for centre, GA, propensity score for prolonged ventilation and other potential confounders. Directed acyclic graphs (DAG) were used to depict the underlying causal structure and guide analysis. Of the 1209 infants reaching 36 weeks, 192 (15.8%) developed BPD (supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks) and 88 (7.3%) ultrasound-defined WMD (cystic periventricular leukomalacia). In crude analysis, BPD was a strong risk factor for WMD [odds ratio (OR) = 5.9]. With successive adjustments, the OR progressively decreased to 3.88 when adjusting for GA, to 2.72 adding perinatal risk factors, and further down to 2.16 [95% confidence interval 1.1, 3.9] when ventilation was also adjusted for. Postnatal factors did not change the OR. Significant risk factors for WMD, in addition to BPD, were a low GA, a lower Apgar score, a higher illness severity score, ventilation and early-onset sepsis, while antenatal steroids, being small for GA, and surfactant were associated with a reduced risk. In conclusion, our data suggest that BPD is associated with an increased risk of WMD; most of the effect is due to shared risk factors and causal pathways. DAGs helped clarify the complex confounding of this scenario. [source]


    Respiratory failure in a former preterm infant following high spinal anesthesia with bupivacaine and clonidine

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 10 2008
    Marie T. Aouad
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Nitinol mandril guide wire facilitates percutaneous subclavian vein cannulation in a very small preterm infant

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 3 2006
    Christian Breschan MD DEAA
    No abstract is available for this article. [source]


    Tracheal agenesis: management of the first 10 months of life

    PEDIATRIC ANESTHESIA, Issue 9 2004
    S. Baroncini-Cornea MD
    Summary Tracheal agenesis is a potentially lethal congenital anomaly, appearing only at birth. We describe a newborn preterm infant who presented with immediate respiratory distress and no audible cry. There was almost complete tracheal agenesis with a very short segment of distal trachea (only two tracheal rings) arising from the anterior wall of the esophagus, before dividing into the mainstem bronchi. The anomaly was unsuspected prenatally, as the scan showed pyloric atresia and complex congenital cardiac disease. Despite the patient's difficult course, with correction of the rare-associated malformations (cardiac and gastrointestinal tract anomalies), the fact that the child is lively and neurologically normal for her age, requires that we now consider the patency of the airway and the possibility of surgical correction, in accordance with a good quality of life. [source]


    High flow nasal cannula therapy as respiratory support in the preterm infant,

    PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY, Issue 7 2009
    Carlo Dani MD
    Abstract We reviewed the literature on the effects of high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and heated, humidified, high-flow, nasal cannula (HHHFNC) treatment in preterm infants. We found nine studies, but only two were randomized controlled trials. These studies show that: HFNC application is associated to the delivery of continuous distending pressure (CDP) in patients with closed mouth, whose value is proportional to the delivered flow only in smaller infants; the CDP delivered by HFNC is unpredictable and present large inter-patient and intra-patient variability; the use of recently available HHHFNC devices is effective in minimizing nasal mucosa injuries compared to traditional HFNC; the effectiveness of HHHFNC versus NCPAP for the treatment of apnoea of prematurity, respiratory distress syndrome, and the prevention of extubation failure, has been poor investigated and firm conclusions cannot be drawn on this matter. In conclusion, on the basis of published data, the routinary application of HFNC should be limited to patients requiring oxygen-therapy, HHHFNC devices should be preferred to HFNC, but their employment as an alternative to NCPAP should wait for the conclusion of randomized controlled trials. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2009; 44:629,634. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source]