scholarly journals Neonatal outcomes of preterm infants born during COVID-19 community lockdowns in Melbourne, Australia

Author(s):  
Brendan Mulcahy ◽  
Daniel Rolnik ◽  
Alexia Matheson ◽  
Yizhen Liu ◽  
Kirsten Palmer ◽  
...  

Background: Community lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic may influence preterm birth rates, but mechanisms are unclear. Methods: We compared neonatal outcomes of preterm infants born to mothers exposed to community lockdowns in 2020 (exposed group) to those born in 2019 (control group). Main outcome studied was composite of significant neonatal morbidity or death. Results: Median gestational age was 35+4 weeks (295 infants, exposed group) vs. 35+0 weeks (347 infants, control group) (p = 0.108). The main outcome occurred in 36/295 (12.2%) infants in exposed group vs. 46/347 (13.3%) in control group (p = 0.69). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use, jaundice requiring phototherapy, hypoglycaemia requiring treatment, early neonatal white cell and neutrophil counts were significantly reduced in the exposed group. Conclusions: COVID-19 community lockdowns did not alter composite neonatal outcomes in preterm infants, but reduced rates of some common outcomes, and early white cell and neutrophil counts.

Children ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1169
Author(s):  
Brendan Mulcahy ◽  
Daniel L. Rolnik ◽  
Alexia Matheson ◽  
Yizhen Liu ◽  
Kirsten R. Palmer ◽  
...  

Background Community lockdowns during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may influence preterm birth rates, but mechanisms are unclear. Methods We compared neonatal outcomes of preterm infants born to mothers exposed to community lockdowns in 2020 (exposed group) to those born in 2019 (control group). Main outcome studied was composite of significant neonatal morbidity or death. Results Median gestational age was 35 + 4 weeks (295 infants, exposed group) vs. 35 + 0 weeks (347 infants, control group) (p = 0.108). The main outcome occurred in 36/295 (12.2%) infants in exposed group vs. 46/347 (13.3%) in control group (p = 0.69). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) use, jaundice requiring phototherapy, hypoglycaemia requiring treatment, early neonatal white cell and neutrophil counts were significantly reduced in the exposed group. Conclusions COVID-19 community lockdowns did not alter composite neonatal outcomes in preterm infants, but reduced rates of some common outcomes as well as early neonatal inflammatory markers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Khadiga M. Said ◽  
Rawia A. Mohamed ◽  
Safaa F. Draz

Context: Neonates, particularly those who are born premature, may require ventilation assistance immediately after birth, since their lung may not be fully developed. The use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is increasing as a means of respiratory support in many premature infants. So, the presence of nasal skin breakdown may be seen as a complication. Aim: To evaluate the effect of nursing protocol regarding nasal skin breakdown for preterm infants receiving nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Methods: A quasi-experimental research design utilized to conduct the current study. The study conducted at Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs) and Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit "SNICU" of Benha Specialized Pediatric Hospital at Benha city. A convenient sample of nurses (70) working in NICU sand SNICU and a purposive random sample of (77) preterm infants included from the settings mentioned above. Those premature infants were divided into two groups (study and control) (35) in the control group and (42) in the study group, who selected according to the power analysis equation based on the total number of preterm infants who admitted to the setting mentioned above during 2017. Three tools used. A structured interviewing questionnaire sheet designed to assess nurses’ sociodemographic characteristics, and nurses' knowledge regarding CPAP, care provided to preterm infants undergoing CPAP, and nasal skin breakdown. The second tool was a nursing practice observation checklist to assess nurses' practice regarding nasal CPAP. The third tool was Preterm Medical Assessment Record. It designed to assess the characteristics of preterm infants and medical data of preterm infants. The last tool was the Neonatal Skin Condition Score (NSCS) scale that is designed to assess the neonates’ skin condition. Results: Findings of the present study revealed a statistically significant difference (P<0.05) pre and post nursing protocol implementation regarding CPAP, the role of the nurse caring for preterm infants undergoing nasal CPAP, and nasal skin breakdown. The results also revealed a highly statistically significant difference in nursing practice regarding care for preterm infants undergoing nasal CPAP pre and post nursing protocol implementation at (p<0.001). Nasal Skin Breakdown in the study group was significantly less than in the control group at a different time of assessment at (p˂0.001). Conclusion: It can be concluded that the research hypothesis is accepted, nursing protocol implemented for nurses improved their knowledge and practice as well as reduced nasal skin breakdown in the preterm newborns receiving NCPAP. The study recommended applying the nursing protocol for nurses caring for preterm infants to reduce nasal skin breakdown during CPAP ventilation, which is an effective and safe non-invasive intervention in all NICUs as a standard of care for all preterm infants.


2018 ◽  
Vol 37 (1) ◽  
pp. 24-32
Author(s):  
Jennifer M. Guay ◽  
Dru Carvi ◽  
Deborah A. Raines ◽  
Wendy A. Luce

Respiratory distress continues to be a major cause of neonatal morbidity. Current neonatal practice recommends the use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in the immediate resuscitation and continued support of neonates of all gestations with clinical manifestations of respiratory distress. Despite the many short- and long-term benefits of nCPAP, many neonatal care units have met resistance in its routine use. Although there have been numerous recent publications investigating the use and outcomes of various modes of nCPAP delivery, surfactant administration, mechanical ventilation, and other forms of noninvasive respiratory support (high-flow nasal cannula, nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation), there has been a relative lack of publications addressing the practical bedside care of infants managed on nCPAP. Effective use of nCPAP requires a coordinated interprofessional team approach, ongoing assessment of the neonate, troubleshooting the nCPAP circuit, and parent education.


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