Abstract P179: Neonatal Outcomes in Normal and Preeclamptic Pregnancies: A retrospective Comparative Study

Hypertension ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Niraj Vora ◽  
Ram R Kalagiri ◽  
Venkata N Raju ◽  
Nathan Drever ◽  
Madhava R Beeram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Admission Rate ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Neonatal Outcomes ◽  
Retrospective Comparative Study

Background: Preeclampsia (PreE), a de novo development of Hypertension in consort with proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in mother and the offspring. It affects approximately 3-8% of overall pregnancies. Although, specific etiologies remain unknown, it has been supported by various studies that PreE is not just a single disorder, but a syndrome of pertinent multiple pathophysiological factors. Methods: An IRB approved retrospective chart review over a year (January 2014 to December 2014) was conducted of all pregnancies occurred at Baylor Scott and White Health System, Temple, Texas (N = 3704). We divided all pregnancies into two separate groups: PreE (N = 299) vs. Non PreE (N = 3405). We compared the neonatal outcomes between two groups including their offspring’s gestational age, birth weight, admission rate to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), hypoglycemia, thrombocytopenia, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and length of hospital stay (LOS). Results: We found amongst these two groups, infants born to PreE mothers have significantly lower birthweight (Mean = 2807 grams, SD = 841 grams) compared to Non PreE mothers (Mean = 3383 grams, SD = 619 grams) (P<0.05), significantly lower GA (Mean = 36.7 weeks, SD = 3.25 weeks) compared to Non PreE group (Mean = 38.7 weeks, SD = 2.1 weeks) (P<0.05), significantly higher rate of BPD (11%) compared to Non PreE group (6.9%)(P<0.05), significantly higher occurrence of hypoglycemia (26%) compared to non PreE group (20%) (P<0.05), significantly higher rate of thrombocytopenia (28%) compared to Non PreE group (17%) (P<0.05) and significantly higher length of hospital stay (Mean = 19 days, SD = 20 days) compared to Non PreE group (Mean = 14 days, SD = 20 days) (P<0.05). Conclusion: We can conclude from this retrospective analysis that infants born to PreE mothers have lower birth weight indicating the intrauterine growth restriction and the lower gestational age indicating preterm birth. Moreover, the data indicate the higher rate of BPD, hypoglycemia, thrombocytopenia and requirement of increased length of hospital stay in infants born to PreE mothers compared to Non PreE mothers.

scholarly journals Birth-weight centiles and the risk of serious adverse neonatal outcomes at term

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (9) ◽  
pp. 1048-1056 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Yu ◽  
Christopher Flatley ◽  
Ristan M. Greer ◽  
Sailesh Kumar
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Neonatal Outcomes ◽  
Predicted Probability ◽  
Exposure Variable ◽  
Adverse Neonatal Outcomes ◽  
Gestational Age At Birth ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Age At Birth

Abstract Background: Birth-weight is an important determinant of perinatal outcome with low birth-weight being a particular risk factor for adverse consequences. Aim: To investigate the impact of neonatal sex, mode of birth and gestational age at birth according to birth-weight centile on serious adverse neonatal outcomes in singleton term pregnancies. Materials and methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton term births at the Mater Mother’s Hospital, Brisbane, Australia. Serious adverse neonatal outcome was defined as a composite of severe acidosis at birth (pH ≤7.0 and/or lactate ≥6 mmol/L and/or base excess ≤−12 mmol/L), Apgar <3 at 5 min, neonatal intensive-care unit admission and antepartum or neonatal death. The main exposure variable was birth-weight centile. Results: Of the 69,210 babies in our study, the overall proportion of serious adverse neonatal outcomes was 9.1% (6327/69,210). Overall, neonates in the <3rd birth-weight centile category had the highest adjusted odds ratio (OR) for serious adverse neonatal outcomes [OR 3.53, 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.06–4.07], whilst those in the ≥97th centile group also had elevated odds (OR 1.51, 95% CI 1.30–1.75). Regardless of birth modality, smaller babies in the <3rd centile group had the highest adjusted OR and predicted probability for serious adverse neonatal outcomes. When stratified by sex, male babies consistently demonstrated a higher predicted probability of serious adverse neonatal outcomes across all birth-weight centiles. The adjusted odds, when stratified by gestational age at birth, were the highest from 37+0 to 38+6 weeks in the <3rd centile group (OR 5.97, 95% CI 4.60–7.75). Conclusions: Low and high birth-weights are risk factors for serious adverse neonatal outcomes. The adjusted OR appears to be greatest for babies in the <3rd birth-weight centile group, although an elevated risk was also found in babies within the ≥97th centile category.

scholarly journals Comparative Effect of Massage Therapy versus Kangaroo Mother Care on Body Weight and Length of Hospital Stay in Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Priya Singh Rangey ◽  
Megha Sheth
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Massage Therapy ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Kangaroo Mother Care ◽  
Comparison Of Effectiveness

Background. Massage therapy (MT) and kangaroo mother care (KMC) are both effective in increasing the weight and reducing length of hospital stay in low birth weight preterm infants but they have not been compared.Aim. Comparison of effectiveness of MT and KMC on body weight and length of hospital stay in low birth weight preterm (LBWPT) infants.Method. 30 LBWPT infants using convenience sampling from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, V.S. hospital, were randomly divided into 2 equal groups. Group 1 received MT and Group 2 received KMC for 15 minutes, thrice daily for 5 days. Medically stable babies with gestational age < 37 weeks and birth weight < 2500 g were included. Those on ventilators and with congenital, orthopedic, or genetic abnormality were excluded. Outcome measures, body weight and length of hospital stay, were taken before intervention day 1 and after intervention day 5. Level of significance was 5%.Result. Data was analyzed using SPSS16. Both MT and KMC were found to be effective in improving body weight (P= 0.001,P= 0.001). Both were found to be equally effective for improving body weight (P= 0.328) and reducing length of hospital stay (P= 0.868).Conclusion. MT and KMC were found to be equally effective in improving body weight and reducing length of hospital stay.Limitation. Long term follow-up was not taken.

scholarly journals Cytomegalovirus Infection among Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Units, California, 2005 to 2016

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (02) ◽  
pp. 146-150
Author(s):  
Chinh Tran ◽  
Mihoko V. Bennett ◽  
Jeffrey B. Gould ◽  
Henry C. Lee ◽  
Tatiana M. Lanzieri
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Intensive Care Units ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Very Low Birth Weight ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Units ◽  
Cmv Infection ◽  
Vlbw Infants

Aim The main purpose of this article is to assess trends in cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection reported among infants in California neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) during 2005 to 2016. Study Design The California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative collects data on all very low birth weight (VLBW, birth weight ≤ 1,500 g) and acutely ill infants > 1,500 g, representing 92% of NICUs in California. We compared clinical characteristics and length of hospital stay among infants with and without reported CMV infection (CMV-positive viral culture or polymerase chain reaction). Results During 2005 to 2016, CMV infection was reported in 174 VLBW infants and 145 infants > 1,500 g, or 2.7 (range: 1.5–4.7) and 1.2 (range: 0.8–1.7) per 1,000 infants, respectively (no significant annual trend). Among infants > 1,500 g, 12 (8%) versus 4,928 (4%) of those reported with versus without CMV infection died (p < 0.05). The median hospital stay was significantly longer among infants reported with versus without CMV infection for both VLBW infants (98 vs. 46 days) and infants > 1,500 g (61 vs. 14 days) (p < 0.001). Conclusion Reports of CMV infection remained stable over a 12-year period. Although we were not able to assess whether infection was congenital or postnatal, CMV infection among infants > 1,500 g was associated with increased mortality.

scholarly journals Neonatal Outcomes of Large-for-Gestational Age Infants with or without Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-30
Author(s):  
Taslima Begum ◽  
Gulshan Ara Begum ◽  
Mahmood A Chowdhury ◽  
Wazir Ahmed ◽  
Md Badrudddoza
Keyword(s):  
Blood Glucose ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Neonatal Outcomes ◽  
Large For Gestational Age ◽  
Infants Of Diabetic Mothers ◽  
Diabetic Mothers

Background: Infants are considered Large for Gestational Age (LGA)if their birth weight is greater than the 90th percentile for gestational age. Birth weight is influenced by a number of factors with maternal diabetes being one of the most common risk factor affecting birth weight. They have an increased risk for adverse perinatal outcomes. The aim of the present study was to compare the neonatal outcomes of LGA infants delivered by women with and without gestational diabetes mellitus.Methods: This is a prospective study of all live-born LGA infants of 37 weeks of gestation with a birth weight of 4000g admitted at Neonatal ward of Chattagram Maa Shishu-O-General Hospital (CMSOGH) between 1st August 2013 to 31st July 2014. Type of sampling was purposive convenient sampling. A total of 51 neonatal patients were included. Data was collected in case record form. Data collected for the mothers included age, parity, gestational age and mode of delivery. Data for the infants include sex, birth weight, birth length and laboratory test. Outcomes were compared between infants of diabetic mothers (Group A) and infants of non- diabetic mothers (Group B). Then data was analyzed by SPSS 17.0 program and presented by tabular method, diagram and chart.Results: Among fifty one study subjects, thirty were Infants of Diabetic Mothers (IDMs) while twenty one were non- IDMs. 19 (63.3%) of the IDMs were male while 11 (36.7%) were female. Among the 21 non-IDMs 10 (47.6%) were male and 11 (52.4%) were female. Male to female ratio was 1.4:1. 5 (16.7%) of the IDMs were delivered vaginally while 25 (83.3%) were delivered by Caesarian Section (CS) where as 8 (38.1%) of the non- IDMs were delivered vaginally while 13 (61.9%) were delivered by CS. Respiratory distress was the most common morbidity affecting 70% of the IDMs and 66.7% of the non-IDMs. TTN accounted for the majority of the respiratory distress cases, occurring in 17 of the IDMs and 12 of the non-IDMs. Regarding analysis of other clinical features, convulsion (63.3%) was present more in IDMs than in non-IDMs (52.4%) cyanosis was found more in IDMs (60%) than non-IDMs (38.1%). Hypoglycemia was found more in IDMs than in non-IDMs. Mean glucose values were 41.06±19.91mg/dl for IDMs and 53.06±28.96mg/dl for the non-IDMs (p=0.001). Hyperbilirubinemia was more frequently observed in IDMs than in non- IDMs. About 17 (56.6%) of the IDMs and 7(33.3%) of the non-IDMs developed jaundice during the period of hospital stay. Polycythemia was not observed in both the groups but PCV was higher in IDMs (53.96±6.36) compared to non-IDMs (50.50±8.76). Hypocalcemia was not peculiar to a specific group. Five of the IDMs had congenital anomaly, of which three of them had cardiac anomaly. One of the non-IDM was suffering from ventricular septal defect. Birth asphyxia was observed more in non-IDMs (71.4%) than in IDMs (53.3%).One of the IDMs and two of the non-IDMs sustained a brachial plexus injury following vaginal delivery. On an average, IDMs had a longer duration of hospital stay. Outcome was more fatal in IDMs. About six (20%) of IDMs died compared to two (9.5%) of the non-IDMs. That was found statistically significant (p=<0.05).Conclusion: LGA babies with diabetic mother had more adverse outcome in terms of mortality and blood glucose level. More concentration is needed to control blood glucose of mother during pregnancy. Also extra care for the babies is needed to avoid fatal neonatal outcomes.Chatt Maa Shi Hosp Med Coll J; Vol.16 (2); July 2017; Page 25-30

Prevalence, Correlates and Management of Hyperglycemia in Diabetic Non-critically Ill Patients at a Tertiary Care Center in Lebanon

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghada El Khoury ◽  
Hanine Mansour ◽  
Wissam K. Kabbara ◽  
Nibal Chamoun ◽  
Nadim Atallah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Critically Ill ◽  
Critically Ill Patients ◽  
Care Center ◽  
Descriptive Analysis ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Multivariable Analysis ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Diabetic Patients

Background: Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease that affects 387 million people around the world. Episodes of hyperglycemia in hospitalized diabetic patients are associated with poor clinical outcomes and increased morbidity and mortality. Therefore, prevention of hyperglycemia is critical to decrease the length of hospital stay and to reduce complications and readmissions. Objective: The study aims to examine the prevalence of hyperglycemia and assess the correlates and management of hyperglycemia in diabetic non-critically ill patients. Methods: The study was conducted on the medical wards of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Lebanon. A retrospective chart review was conducted from January 2014 until September 2015. Diabetic patients admitted to Internal Medicine floors were identified. Descriptive analysis was first carried out, followed by a multivariable analysis to study the correlates of hyperglycemia occurrence. Results: A total of 235 medical charts were reviewed. Seventy percent of participants suffered from hyperglycemia during their hospital stay. The identified significant positive correlates for inpatient hyperglycemia, were the use of insulin sliding scale alone (OR=16.438 ± 6.765-39.941, p=0.001) and the low frequency of glucose monitoring. Measuring glucose every 8 hours (OR= 3.583 ± 1.506-8.524, p=0.004) and/or every 12 hours (OR=7.647 ± 0.704-79.231, p=0.0095) was associated with hyperglycemia. The major factor perceived by nurses as a barrier to successful hyperglycemia management was the lack of knowledge about appropriate insulin use (87.5%). Conclusion: Considerable mismanagement of hyperglycemia in diabetic non-critically ill patients exists; indicating a compelling need for the development and implementation of protocol-driven insulin order forms a comprehensive education plan on the appropriate use of insulin.

scholarly journals Sex-Specific Long-Term Trends in Length of Hospital Stay, Postmenstrual Age at Discharge, and Survival in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Neonatology ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Matthias Fröhlich ◽  
Tatjana Tissen-Diabaté ◽  
Christoph Bührer ◽  
Stephanie Roll
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Very Low Birth Weight ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Vlbw Infants ◽  
Postmenstrual Age ◽  
Over Time

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> In very low birth weight (&#x3c;1,500 g, VLBW) infants, morbidity and mortality have decreased substantially during the past decades, and both are known to be lower in girls than in boys. In this study, we assessed sex-specific changes over time in length of hospital stay (LOHS) and postmenstrual age at discharge (PAD), in addition to survival in VLBW infants. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This is a single-center retrospective cohort analysis based on quality assurance data of VLBW infants born from 1978 to 2018. Estimation of sex-specific LOHS over time was based on infants discharged home from neonatal care or deceased. Estimation of sex-specific PAD over time was based on infants discharged home exclusively. Analysis of in-hospital survival was performed for all VLBW infants. <b><i>Results:</i></b> In 4,336 of 4,499 VLBW infants admitted from 1978 to 2018 with complete data (96.4%), survival rates improved between 1978–1982 and 1993–1997 (70.8 vs. 88.3%; hazard ratio (HR) 0.20, 95% confidence interval 0.14, 0.30) and remained stable thereafter. Boys had consistently higher mortality rates than girls (15 vs. 12%, HR 1.23 [1.05, 1.45]). Nonsurviving boys died later compared to nonsurviving girls (adjusted mean survival time 23.0 [18.0, 27.9] vs. 20.7 [15.0, 26.3] days). LOHS and PAD assessed in 3,166 survivors displayed a continuous decrease over time (1978–1982 vs. 2013–2018: LOHS days 82.9 [79.3, 86.5] vs. 60.3 [58.4, 62.1] days); PAD 40.4 (39.9, 40.9) vs. 37.4 [37.1, 37.6] weeks). Girls had shorter LOHS than boys (69.4 [68.0, 70.8] vs. 73.0 [71.6, 74.4] days) and were discharged with lower PAD (38.6 [38.4, 38.8] vs. 39.2 [39.0, 39.4] weeks). <b><i>Discussion/Conclusions:</i></b> LOHS and PAD decreased over the last 40 years, while survival rates improved. Male sex was associated with longer LOHS, higher PAD, and higher mortality rates.

Stereotactic Electroencephalography Is Associated With Reduced Pain and Opioid Use When Compared with Subdural Grids: A Case Series

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jonathan P Scoville ◽  
Evan Joyce ◽  
Joshua Hunsaker ◽  
Jared Reese ◽  
Herschel Wilde ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Stay ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Statistical Tests ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Length Of Hospital Stay ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Opioid Use ◽  
Pain Scores ◽  
Surgical Methods ◽  
Significant Difference

Abstract BACKGROUND Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been shown to decrease length of hospital stay and opioid use. OBJECTIVE To identify whether surgery for epilepsy mapping via MIS stereotactically placed electroencephalography (SEEG) electrodes decreased overall opioid use when compared with craniotomy for EEG grid placement (ECoG). METHODS Patients who underwent surgery for epilepsy mapping, either SEEG or ECoG, were identified through retrospective chart review from 2015 through 2018. The hospital stay was separated into specific time periods to distinguish opioid use immediately postoperatively, throughout the rest of the stay and at discharge. The total amount of opioids consumed during each period was calculated by transforming all types of opioids into their morphine equivalents (ME). Pain scores were also collected using a modification of the Clinically Aligned Pain Assessment (CAPA) scale. The 2 surgical groups were compared using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS The study identified 43 patients who met the inclusion criteria: 36 underwent SEEG placement and 17 underwent craniotomy grid placement. There was a statistically significant difference in median opioid consumption per hospital stay between the ECoG and the SEEG placement groups, 307.8 vs 71.5 ME, respectively (P = .0011). There was also a significant difference in CAPA scales between the 2 groups (P = .0117). CONCLUSION Opioid use is significantly lower in patients who undergo MIS epilepsy mapping via SEEG compared with those who undergo the more invasive ECoG procedure. As part of efforts to decrease the overall opioid burden, these results should be considered by patients and surgeons when deciding on surgical methods.

Evaluation of Morbidities and Complications of Neonatal İntensive Care Unit Patients with Respiratory Disorders at Different Gestational Ages

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Erbu Yarci ◽  
Fuat E. Canpolat
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Respiratory Distress ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Respiratory Diseases ◽  
Respiratory Disorders ◽  
Live Births

Objective Respiratory distress presented within the first few days of life is life-threatening and common problem in the neonatal period. The aim of this study is to estimate (1) the incidence of respiratory diseases in newborns and related mortality; (2) the relationship between acute neonatal respiratory disorders rates and gestational age, birth weight, and gender; and (3) the incidence of complications associated with respiratory disturbances. Study Design Only inborn patients with gestational age between 230/7 and 416/7 weeks having respiratory distress were included in the study. The data were collected from the medical records and gestational age was based on the menstrual dating. Results There were 8,474 live births between January 1, 2013 and June 30, 2013 in our hospital. A total of 1,367 newborns were hospitalized and oxygen therapy was applied in 903 of them because of respiratory distress. An acute respiratory disorder was found to be in 10.6% (903/8,474) among all live births. Mortality was 0.76% (66/8,474). The incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was 2.8% (n = 242). The occurrence of transient tachypnea of newborn was 3.1% (n = 270). Meconium aspiration syndrome, pneumonia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and pulmonary maladaptation and primary persistent pulmonary hypertension rates were 0.1, 0.7, 2.2, and 0%, respectively. Overall, 553 (61%) of the 903 newborns having respiratory diseases had complications. The occurrence of necrotizing enterocolitis, patent ductus arteriosus, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage and air leak was 6.8, 19.8, 4.7, 24.9, and 5%, respectively. Conclusion This study offers an epidemiological perspective for respiratory disorders from a single-center level-III neonatal intensive care unit. Although number of births, premature newborns, extremely low birth weight/very low birth weight infants, and complicated pregnancies increase in years, decreasing rates of mortality and complications are very promising. As perinatal and neonatal cares are getting better in every day, we think that more promising results can be achieved over the coming years. Key Points

scholarly journals Perinatal Outcome of the Second Twin

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-93
Author(s):  
R Joshi ◽  
G Baral
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Birth Weight ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Apgar Score ◽  
Perinatal Outcome ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Admission Rate ◽  
Second Twin

Aims: The purpose of this study was to determine the perinatal outcome of the second twin compared to the first one. Methods: This is a hospital based comparative study of 60 pregnant women with twin pregnancy at Paropakar Maternity and Women’s Hospital, Kathmandu from 14 January 2013 to13 April 2013. Apgar score and admission to neonatal intensive care unit of the first and the second twins were studied in relation to the gestational age, chorionicity, mode of delivery, inter-delivery interval and birth weight. Mc Nemars test was used with 0.05 as the level of significance. Results: Among 60 sets of twins, Apgar score of the second twin was found to be lower than the first one (p=0.02) in general and in preterm gestation (p=0.049), dichorionic diamniotic chorionicity (p=0.012), vaginal delivery (p<0.001), inter-delivery interval of <30 minutes (p=0.007) and birth weight discordance of <30 % (p=0.014). Admission to neonatal intensive care unit was not significant (p=0.5). Conclusions: Second twin had low Apgar score and the neonatal admission rate was similar for both twins. 

Reticulocyte Count: The Forgotten Factor in Transfusion Decisions for Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Nakhla ◽  
Alla Kushnir ◽  
Rafat Ahmed ◽  
Vineet Bhandari ◽  
Krystal Hunter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Birth Weight ◽  
Low Birth Weight ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Reticulocyte Count ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Extremely Low Birth Weight ◽  
Positive Trend ◽  
Reference Ranges ◽  
Low Birth Weight Infants ◽  
Packed Red Blood Cells

Objective Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants often receive transfusions of packed red blood cells (PRBCs). Long-term outcomes of infants treated with liberal versus restricted transfusion criteria have been evaluated with conflicting results. Clinicians incorporate a reticulocyte count (RC) in their transfusion decisions. There is a lack of information on reference ranges for RCs in growing ELBW infants and whether infant's chronologic age or corrected gestational age (GA) generates a specific trend in the RCs. Our aim was to evaluate the levels of RCs obtained from ELBW infants over the course of the initial hospitalization. Study Design A retrospective chart review of ELBW infants treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and had RCs performed. We analyzed the RCs to observe trends based on the chronologic age and corrected GA. Results A total of 738 RCs were analyzed. A positive trend in RCs that reached a peak at 32 to 34 weeks' corrected GA and then experienced a downward trend was observed. Conclusion Our report examines a very common hematologic test that is theoretically helpful but is in need of guidelines concerning the appropriate frequency of testing and its utility in making transfusion decisions in ELBW infants. Key Points

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