10 High spontaneous ductal closure even at the extreme of prematurity

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. e7-e7
Author(s):  
Gabriela de Carvalho Nunes ◽  
Punnanee Wutthigate ◽  
Jessica Simoneau ◽  
Marc Beltempo ◽  
Guilherme Sant'Anna ◽  
...  

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background Extremely preterm newborns are at risk of prolonged patency of the ductus arteriosus (PDA). Current literature has failed to indicate improvement in outcomes after exposure to strategies promoting ductal closure. As such, our center abandoned these practices in 2013. Objectives Describe the spontaneous PDA closure in premature infants, including those infants born at the extreme of gestational age (< 26 weeks). Design/Methods Retrospective study of newborns < 29 weeks, admitted within 24 hours after birth between 2015 and 2019 and without genetic or congenital anomalies. Newborns who were last known to be alive, with an available echocardiography, and who were not exposed to any intervention to accelerate PDA closure were included. Images were reviewed by experts blinded to the outcomes. Results 296 infants were analyzed. 37 (12%) did not survive their hospitalization, and 16 were exposed to interventions to accelerate ductal closure at some point during their lifetime (4 ligations, 4 catheter-closure, 5 ibuprofen and 3 acetaminophen). Out of the 243 remaining newborns, 214 had at least one echocardiography to ascertain ductal patency or closure (100% of those <26 weeks). The average gestational age was 26.3±1.5 weeks, with 84 (39%) being <26 weeks. PDA closed spontaneously in 194 (91%), with 60 having closure ascertainment after discharge (average age at closure ascertainment of 36.4 [IQR: 34.4 – 40.1] weeks). Of the 84 <26 weeks, 76 (90%) had confirmation of ductal closure. The 20 infants with an open PDA at the last evaluation were followed in an outpatient setting and considered small/restrictive. In our cohort, 92/243 (38%) were exposed to post-natal steroids. In the <26 weeks group, 74% were exposed to steroids, at a cumulative dose of 1.64 [0.89 – 2.44] mg/kg. BPD was found in 57% of the overall cohort and in 79% of <26 weeks. Conclusion The majority of newborns < 29 weeks, and even those at the extreme of gestational age (< 26 weeks) spontaneously closed their PDA before term-corrected age. While BPD rate was similar to previous cohorts, post-natal steroids use was high.

Author(s):  
Sota Iwatani ◽  
Takao Kobayashi ◽  
Sachiko Matsui ◽  
Akihiro Hirata ◽  
Miwa Yamamoto ◽  
...  

Objective The fetal inflammatory response syndrome (FIRS) is characterized by elevated concentrations of inflammatory cytokines in fetal blood, with preterm delivery and morbidity. Umbilical cord serum interleukin-6 (UC-s-IL-6) is an ideal marker for detecting FIRS. However, the effect of gestational age (GA) on UC-s-IL-6 levels has not been reported. This study aimed to determine the relationship between GA and UC-s-IL-6 levels, and GA-dependent cutoff values of UC-s-IL-6 levels for detecting fetal inflammation. Study Design UC-s-IL-6 concentrations were measured in 194 newborns (44 extremely preterm newborns (EPNs) at 22–27 weeks' GA, 68 very preterm newborns (VPNs) at 28–31 weeks' GA, and 82 preterm newborns (PNs) at 32–34 weeks' GA). Linear regression analyses were used to correlate GA and UC-s-IL-6 levels. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analyses were performed for detecting the presence of funisitis, as the histopathological counterpart of FIRS. Results A significant negative correlation between GA and UC-s-IL-6 levels was found in newborns with severe funisitis (r s =  − 0.427, p = 0.004) and those with mild funisitis (r s =  − 0.396, p = 0.025). ROC curve analyses revealed the area under the curve for detecting funisitis were 0.856, 0.837, and 0.622 in EPNs, VPNs, and PNs, respectively. The UC-s-IL-6 cutoff value in EPNs (28.1 pg/mL) exceeded those in VPNs and PNs (3.7 and 3.0 pg/mL, respectively). Conclusion UC-s-IL-6 levels were inversely correlated with GA especially in newborns with funisitis. Such GA dependency of UC-s-IL-6 should be considered for detecting fetal inflammation. Key Points


Author(s):  
Alketa Hoxha ◽  
Ermira Kola ◽  
Numila Kuneshka ◽  
Eduard Tushe

Background Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is common in very premature infants. Pharmacological closure of PDA with indomethacin, a prostaglandin inhibitor, has remained the mainstay of treatment in premature infants over the last three decades. Intravenous ibuprofen was recently shown to be as effective and to have fewer adverse reaction in preterm infants. If equally effective, then oral ibuprofen for PDA closure would have several important advantages over the intravenous route.This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of oral ibuprofen and intravenous ibuprofen for the early pharmacological treatment of PDA in LBW preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.MethodsA randomized, single-blinded, controlled study was performed on premature neonates at the neonatal care unit of the University Hospital for Obstetrics and Gynecology”Koco Gliozheni”, Tirana, Albania, from January 2010 to December 2012. The study enrolled 68 preterm infants with gestational age between 28-32 weeks, birth weight ≤ 2000 g, postnatal age 48-96 h, and had echocardiographically confirmed significant PDA. The preterm infants received either intravenous or oral ibuprofen randomly as an initial dose of 10 mg/kg, followed by 5 mg/kg at 24 and 48 h. After the first dose of treatment in both groups, echocardiographic evaluation was performed, to determine the need for a second or third dose. The rate of ductal closure, adverse effects, complications, and the patient’s clinical course were recorded.Results All patients were born after 28 until 32 weeks’ gestation. 36 patients were treated with oral ibuprofen and 32 with intravenous ibuprofen in this period. After the first course of the treatment, the PDA closed in 30 (83.3%) of the patients assigned to the oral ibuprofen group versus 23 (71.8%) of those enrolled in the intravenous ibuprofen group (p = 0.355). There was no difference between treatment groups in demographics or baseline renal function. In the evaluation of renal tolerance, none of the patients had oliguria. There were no significant differences with respect to complications during the stay.Conclusions In low birth weight infants, the rate of early ductal closure with oral ibuprofen is at least as good as with the intravenous route.  Oral ibuprofen is associated with fewer adverse effects


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. e55-e57
Author(s):  
Audrey-Anne Milette ◽  
Lindsay Richter ◽  
Claude-Julie Bourque ◽  
Annie Janvier ◽  
Kate Robson ◽  
...  

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background Preterm birth outcome studies and clinical follow-up have traditionally focused on neurodevelopment. We previously showed in a selected sample of parents that they also valued other types of outcomes. Objectives This study aimed to validate these findings in a more diverse cohort by examining parental perspectives about the positive and negative aspects of their very preterm child’s health and development in relation to level of neurodevelopment impairment (NDI). Design/Methods Parents of children born < 29 weeks gestational age in 2016-2018 and seen at two Canadian neonatal follow-up clinics were invited to complete an online survey about their level of agreement with statements about their child’s health, development, and well-being. Parental responses in relation to their child’s level of NDI were examined using Kruskal-Wallis and chi-square for trends tests. Results 199 parental responses were obtained for 165 children (65% of eligible children). Of these children, 52%, 27% and 21% had, respectively, no, mild to moderate, and severe NDI. Development was the most common source of concerns (49%), followed by the child’s future (35%), and physical health (35%). Parents of children with severe NDI were more likely to express concerns than those with mild to moderate or no NDI. Parents rated their child’s health relatively high with a median score of 8/10 (range 3-10). Children with no NDI were given higher scores than those with NDI (p = 0.004). Regardless of level of NDI, almost all parents agreed with their child being happy (p = 1.000) and having a positive personality (p = 0.207). Figure 1 shows that parental concerns increased with level of NDI. Conclusion Parents of preterm children have a balanced perspective on their child’s outcome. Integrating their views when developing core sets of important outcomes for neonatal follow-up is critical.


Author(s):  
Agnes-Sophie Fritz ◽  
Titus Keller ◽  
Angela Kribs ◽  
Christoph Hünseler

Abstract The aim of our study was to observe the temporal distribution of serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) in premature infants of ≤ 31 weeks of gestational age (GA) during the first weeks of life. NT-proBNP values of 118 preterm infants born ≤ 31 weeks GA were determined during the first week of life, after 4 ± 1 weeks of life, and at a corrected GA of 36 ± 2 weeks. Infants were divided into two groups: those without relevant complications and those with complications related to prematurity. NT-proBNP values of infants without complications define our exploratory reference values. The Median NT-proBNP level of these infants was 1896 ng/l (n = 27, interquartile range (IQR): 1277–5200) during the first week of life, 463 ng/l (n = 26, IQR: 364–704) at 4 ± 1 weeks of life, and 824 ng/l (n = 33, IQR: 714–1233) at a corrected GA of 36 ± 2 weeks. Infants born < 28 + 0 weeks GA had significantly higher NT-proBNP values (n = 9, median: 5200, IQR: 1750–8972) than infants born ≥ 28 + 0–31 weeks GA (n = 18, median: 1528, IQR: 838–3052; p = 0.017). Growth restriction or PDA status could not account for the difference in NT-proBNP values between GA groups. Conclusions: The results of our observational and cross-sectional study describe exploratory reference values for NT-proBNP levels in preterm infants of ≤ 31 weeks GA according to postnatal age. NT-proBNP levels during the first week of life are high and widely distributed in preterm infants and decrease subsequently to reach a distinctly lower and stable plateau at around 1 month of life. Our results suggest an influence of GA on NT-proBNP values in the first week of life. What is Known:• Several complications related to prematurity, e.g., hemodynamically significant PDA, pulmonary hypertension, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and retinopathy of prematurity, have been associated with a temporary rise in NT-proBNP values in preterm infants during their first weeks of life.What is New:• This observational study provides reference values for NT-proBNP levels of very and extremely preterm infants during their first weeks of life.• In premature infants without complications, NT-proBNP values during their first week of life depend on gestational age at birth.


2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karl Wilhelm Olsson ◽  
Anders Jonzon ◽  
Richard Sindelar

Objective. To identify factors affecting closure of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in newborn infants born at 22–27 weeks gestational age (GA) during pharmacological treatment with cyclooxygenase inhibitors.Method. Infants born at 22–27 weeks of GA between January 2006 and December 2009 who had been treated pharmacologically for PDA were identified retrospectively. Medical records were assessed for clinical, ventilatory, and outcome parameters. Echocardiographic examinations during treatment were reviewed.Results. Fifty-six infants were included in the study. Overall success rate of ductal closure with pharmacological treatment was 52%. Infants whose PDA was successfully closed had a higher GA (25+4weeks versus24+3weeks;P=0.047),and a higher pretreatment left to right maximal ductal flow velocity (1.6 m/s versus 1.1 m/s;P=0.023). Correcting for GA, preeclampsia, antenatal steroids, and age at start of treatment, a higher maximal ductal flow velocity was still associated with successful ductal closure (OR 3.04;P=0.049).Conclusion. Maximal ductal flow velocity was independently associated with success of PDA treatment.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. e7-e7
Author(s):  
Gabriela de Carvalho Nunes ◽  
Punnanee Wutthigate ◽  
Jessica Simoneau ◽  
Claudia Renaud ◽  
Adrian Dancea ◽  
...  

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background Extremely premature infants are at a high risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and BPD-associated pulmonary hypertension (PH). Prolonged patency of the ductus arteriosus (PDA) may worsen PH; however, due to the lack of evidence supporting improvement in outcomes after strategies to promote ductal closure, our center has adopted a strict non-intervention policy since 2013. Objectives Assess PH prevalence and severity, as well as the impact of BPD on echocardiographic parameters of cardiac performance. Design/Methods Retrospective cohort of infants &lt;29 weeks gestational age at birth, admitted between 2015 and 2019, and without genetic/congenital anomalies. Measurements from the echocardiography acquired closest to 36 weeks were done by masked experts. Severe BPD was defined as positive pressure support at 36 weeks. PH was defined as an estimated systolic pulmonary pressure (SPAP) ≥40 mmHg or an abnormal septal curvature by eccentricity index (EI) (&gt;1.3). Results Out of 387 infants, 222 were included, of which 27 (12%) were categorized as severe BPD and 78 (35%) had PH. Severe BPD was associated with lower birth weight (704±214 vs 842±229g, p&lt;0.01), longer hospitalization (median 138 [IQR 108-167] vs 103 [IQR 86-125] days, p&lt;0.01) and longer mechanical ventilation duration (median 82 [IQR 33-107] vs 17 [IQR 2-32] days, p&lt;0.01), with no difference in gestational age at birth. Severe BPD was associated with PH (70% vs 43%, p&lt;0.01). The combined outcome of death (after the 36 weeks echocardiography) or severe BPD was associated with PH (68% vs 30%, p&lt;0.01), smaller left ventricle length in diastole (2.8±0.5 vs 3.0±0.5 cm, p=0.03), decrease in the tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (0.7±0.2 vs 0.9±0.2 cm, p&lt;0.01), abnormal EI (1.31±0.25 vs 1.17±0.18, p&lt;0.01) and smaller right ventricle fraction area change (41.3±5.8 vs 47.8±7.6%, p&lt;0.01), without a significant increase on SPAP (35±21 vs 35±14, p=0.15). Other echocardiographic markers were similar. Conclusion In the context of a PDA non-intervention policy, a third of our population was affected by PH at 36 weeks. Furthermore, those with severe BPD or death had signs of RV dysfunction (despite similar SPAP estimate), indicating that the effect of BPD on pulmonary vascular remodelling and cardiac function may be underestimated.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1978 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 706-712 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeane S. McCarthy ◽  
Leonor G. Zies ◽  
Henry Gelband

Indomethacin has been shown to be effective in closing a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in small premature infants. However, the age range over which this therapy is effective remains undetermined. Eighteen infants ranging in age from 4 to 45 days were studied. All had auscultatory and clinical findings indicative of PDA. Seventeen had roentgenographic evidence of cardiomegly and/or increased pulmonary vascular markings, and eight had ECG evidence of ventricular hypertrophy. Indomethacin was administered to most patients in two doses of 0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg 24 hours apart. In eight of 12 patients, 3 week of age or younger, the PDA closed after indomethacin therapy. Two patients had a decrease in the intensity of murmur and improvement of congestive heart failure after treatment, but the PDA did not close completely. Only patients 33 weeks of age (actual age) or younger responded to indomethacin therapy with complete ductal closure. The condition of patients 34 to 36 weeks of age improved but there was not complete closure; in patients older than 36 weeks there was no response. The data suggest an age-related mechanism for PDA closure and that treatment with indomethacin before 33 weeks of age is probably required. A role for prostaglandin in ductal patency is postulated.


2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. e2-e2
Author(s):  
Stacie Wood ◽  
Anita Cheng ◽  
Kevin Coughlin

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background Resuscitation care planning for extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) continues to be one of the most complex, ethically charged areas within paediatrics. Objectives This study sought to determine the current attitudes and practices of neonatologists in Canada, and to assess the moral distress associated with resuscitation decisions in the ELGAN population and current practices in an era of improved neonatal outcomes. It also aimed to explore the perspectives of adopting a shared decision-making approach, where further data with regard to best interests and prognosis are gathered in an individualized manner. Design/Methods This was a descriptive study employing an electronic survey constructed in REDCap®. The survey was distributed to neonatologists working in Level III NICUs across Canada and responses were collected from March to May 2020. Results 65 total survey responses were received. 78% of neonatologists expressed at least some moral distress when parents request non-resuscitation between 24 weeks 0 days and 24 weeks 6 days. Prognostic uncertainty with regard to individualized long-term outcome in an era with increased chances of morbidity-free survival was the most prominent factor identified as contributing to moral distress. 70% felt they would feel less moral distress deciding about goals of care after assessing the baby’s response to an initial trial of resuscitation at birth, and preferred an individualized approach to palliation decisions based on postnatal course and assessment, rather than making the decision based primarily on gestational age. Conclusion While most current practices support the option of non-resuscitation for infants born at less than 25 weeks, there is growing evidence of moral distress among Canadian neonatologists that suggests the consideration of resuscitation at 24 weeks and above is a more realistic approach in the current era of improved outcomes. Furthermore, our results suggest that Canadian neonatologists are ethically more comfortable developing plans for care postnatally, with more evidence to support prognostication, instead of antenatally, based solely on gestational age.


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