scholarly journals Exploring the Role of Gut Bacteria in Health and Disease in Preterm Neonates

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 6963 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jimmy Kok-Foo Lee ◽  
Loh Teng Hern Tan ◽  
Amutha Ramadas ◽  
Nurul-Syakima Ab Mutalib ◽  
Learn-Han Lee
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Neonatal Sepsis ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Bacterial Colonization ◽  
Gut Bacteria ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Very Preterm Infants ◽  
Very Preterm ◽  
Microbial Invasion

The mortality rate of very preterm infants with birth weight <1500 g is as high as 15%. The survivors till discharge have a high incidence of significant morbidity, which includes necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS). More than 25% of preterm births are associated with microbial invasion of amniotic cavity. The preterm gut microbiome subsequently undergoes an early disruption before achieving bacterial maturation. It is postulated that bacterial gut colonisation at birth and postnatal intestinal dysbacteriosis precede the development of NEC and LONS in very preterm infants. In fact, bacterial colonization patterns in preterm infants greatly differ from term infants due to maternal chorioamnionitis, gestational age, delivery method, feeding type, antibiotic exposure and the environment factor in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). In this regard, this review provides an overview on the gut bacteria in preterm neonates’ meconium and stool. More than 50% of preterm meconium contains bacteria and the proportion increases with lower gestational age. Researchers revealed that the gut bacterial diversity is reduced in preterm infants at risk for LONS and NEC. Nevertheless, the association between gut dysbacteriosis and NEC is inconclusive with regards to relative bacteria abundance and between-sample beta diversity indices. With most studies show a disruption of the Proteobacteria and Firmicutes preceding the NEC. Hence, this review sheds light on whether gut bacteria at birth either alone or in combination with postnatal gut dysbacteriosis are associated with mortality and the morbidity of LONS and NEC in very preterm infants.

67 Are NICUs too busy?

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. e47-e48
Author(s):  
Marc Beltempo ◽  
Robert Platt ◽  
Anne-Sophie Julien ◽  
Regis Blais ◽  
Bertelle Valerie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Patient Outcomes ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Mode Of Delivery ◽  
Random Effect ◽  
Organizational Factors ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Very Preterm Infants ◽  
Very Preterm

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background In a health care system with limited resources, hospital organizational factors such as unit occupancy and nurse-to-patient ratios may contribute to patient outcomes. Objectives We aimed to assess the association of NICU occupancy and nurse staffing with outcomes of very preterm infants born &lt; 33 weeks gestational age (GA). Design/Methods This was a multicenter retrospective cohort study of infants born 23-32 weeks GA without major congenital anomaly, admitted within 2 days after birth to one of four Level 3 NICUs in Quebec, Canada (2015-2018). For each 8 h shift, data on unit occupancy were obtained from a central provincial database (SiteNeo) and linked to the hospital nursing hours database (Logibec). Unit occupancy rates and nursing provision ratios (nursing hours/recommended nursing hours based on patient dependency categories) were pooled for the first shift, 24 h, and 7 days of admission for each infant. Patient data were obtained from the Canadian Neonatal Network database. Primary outcome was mortality and/or morbidity (severe neurological injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and late-onset sepsis, severe retinopathy of prematurity). Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) for association of exposure with outcomes were estimated using generalized linear mixed models with a random effect for center, while adjusting for confounders (gestational age, small for gestational age, sex, outborn, Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology version 2, mode of delivery, and the other organizational variables). Results Among 1870 infants included in analyses, 796 (43%) had mortality/morbidity. Median occupancy was 89% (IQR 82-94) and median nursing provision was 1.13 (IQR 0.97-1.37). Overall higher NICU occupancy on shift of admission, first 24 h, and 7 days were associated with higher odds of mortality/morbidity (Figure 1) but nursing provision was not (Figure 2). Subgroup analysis by GA (&lt; 29 and 29-32 weeks) yielded similar results (not shown). Generalized linear mixed model analyses showed that a 5% reduction in occupancy in the first 24 h of admission was associated with a 6% reduction in mortality/morbidity. Conclusion NICU occupancy is associated with mortality/morbidity among very preterm infants and may reflect lack of adequate resources in periods of high activity. Interventions aimed at reducing occupancy and maintaining adequate resources need to be considered as strategies to improve patient outcomes.

scholarly journals Association of inflammatory biomarkers with subsequent clinical course in suspected late onset sepsis in preterm neonates

Critical Care ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Şerife Kurul ◽  
Sinno H. P. Simons ◽  
Christian R. B. Ramakers ◽  
Yolanda B. De Rijke ◽  
René F. Kornelisse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Neonatal Sepsis ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Medical Center ◽  
Inotropic Support ◽  
Inflammatory Biomarkers ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Sepsis Severity ◽  
Suspected Sepsis

Abstract Background Sepsis is a major health issue in preterm infants. Biomarkers are used to diagnose and monitor patients with sepsis, but C-reactive protein (CRP) is proven not predictive at onset of late onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of interleukin-6(IL-6), procalcitonin (PCT) and CRP with subsequent sepsis severity and mortality in preterm infants suspected of late onset neonatal sepsis. Methods The study was conducted at the Erasmus University Medical Center–Sophia Children’s Hospital Rotterdam. Patient data from January 2018 until October 2019 were reviewed for all preterm neonates born with a gestational age below 32 weeks with signs and symptoms suggestive of systemic infection, in whom blood was taken for blood culture and for inflammatory biomarkers determinations. Plasma IL-6 and PCT were assessed next to CRP at the moment of suspicion. We assessed the association with 7-day mortality and sepsis severity (neonatal sequential organ failure assessment (nSOFA) score, need for inotropic support, invasive ventilation and thrombocytopenia). Results A total of 480 suspected late onset neonatal sepsis episodes in 208 preterm neonates (gestational age < 32 weeks) were retrospectively analyzed, of which 143 episodes were classified as sepsis (29.8%), with 56 (11.7%) cases of culture negative, 63 (13.1%) cases of gram-positive and 24(5.0%) cases of gram-negative sepsis. A total of 24 (5.0%) sepsis episodes resulted in death within 7 days after suspicion of LONS. Both IL-6 (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR): 2.28; 95% CI 1.64–3.16; p < 0.001) and PCT (aHR: 2.91; 95% CI 1.70–5.00; p < 0.001) levels were associated with 7-day mortality; however, CRP levels were not significantly correlated with 7-day mortality (aHR: 1.16; 95% CI (0.68–2.00; p = 0.56). Log IL-6, log PCT and log CRP levels were all significantly correlated with the need for inotropic support. Conclusions Our findings show that serum IL-6 and PCT levels at moment of suspected late onset neonatal sepsis offer valuable information about sepsis severity and mortality risk in infants born below 32 weeks of gestation. The discriminative value was superior to that of CRP. Determining these biomarkers in suspected sepsis may help identify patients with imminent severe sepsis, who may require more intensive monitoring and therapy.

scholarly journals Enzyme Activities of the Mitochondrial Energy Generating System in Skeletal Muscle Tissue of Preterm and Fullterm Neonates

1992 ◽  
Vol 29 (6) ◽  
pp. 638-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
W Sperl ◽  
RCA Sengers ◽  
J M F Trijbels ◽  
W Ruitenbeek ◽  
W H Doesburg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Muscle Tissue ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathies ◽  
Mitochondrial Energy Metabolism ◽  
Very Preterm Infants ◽  
Oxidation Rates ◽  
Very Preterm ◽  
Malate Oxidation

Quadriceps muscle specimens from autopsy of 28 neonates (gestational age 25–42 weeks) were investigated to determine pyruvate and malate oxidation rates and several enzymes of the mitochondrial oxidative process. In general, the levels of all mitochondrial parameters measured, including carnitine levels, were lower in the neonates who died within the first week of life than those in the control group (age > 5 years). Pyruvate and malate oxidation rates ( P < 0·05), activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase complex ( P < 0·10) and succinate: Cytochrome c oxidoreductase ( P < 0·05) increased significantly with gestational age. Pyruvate oxidation rates ( P < 0·05) as well as activities of citrate synthase ( P < 0·05) and NADH:Q1 oxidoreductase ( P < 0·05) were significantly lower in the group of very preterm infants at an age of 1–7 days compared with very preterm infants at an age between 3–8 weeks. We conclude from our study that special reference values are necessary for a correct biochemical diagnosis of mitochondrial encephalomyopathies in the neonatal period. Differences between preterm and fullterm children of the same age (1 week) indicate a maturational process in human muscle tissue during gestation. Comparison of two different age groups within the very preterm neonates point to a postnatal maturation of the mitochondrial energy metabolism, at least in preterm neonates.

Behaviour at 2 years of age in very preterm infants (gestational age <32 weeks)

2003 ◽  
Vol 92 (5) ◽  
pp. 1-1 ◽  
Author(s):  
GMSJ Stoelhorst ◽  
SE Martens ◽  
M Rijken ◽  
van Zwieten PHT ◽  
AH Zwinderman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Very Preterm Infants ◽  
Very Preterm

Significance of low birthweight for gestational age among very preterm infants

1997 ◽  
Vol 104 (6) ◽  
pp. 668-673 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arsenio Spinillo ◽  
Ezio Capuzzo ◽  
Gaia Piazzi ◽  
Federica Baltaro ◽  
Mauro Stronati ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Low Birthweight ◽  
Very Preterm Infants ◽  
Very Preterm

scholarly journals Cause of preterm birth and late-onset sepsis in very preterm infants: the EPIPAGE-2 cohort study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mathilde Letouzey ◽  
◽  
Laurence Foix-L’Hélias ◽  
Héloïse Torchin ◽  
Ayoub Mitha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cohort Study ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Very Preterm Infants ◽  
Very Preterm ◽  
Late Onset Sepsis

scholarly journals cfDNA and DNases: New Biomarkers of Sepsis in Preterm Neonates—A Pilot Study

Cells ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 192
Author(s):  
Moritz Lenz ◽  
Thomas Maiberger ◽  
Lina Armbrust ◽  
Antonia Kiwit ◽  
Axel Von der Wense ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Neonatal Sepsis ◽  
Early Onset ◽  
Late Onset ◽  
Dnase I ◽  
Sepsis Group ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Suspected Sepsis ◽  
Epidemiological Characteristics

Introduction: An early and accurate diagnosis of early onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) and late onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) is essential to improve the outcome of this devastating conditions. Especially, preterm infants are at risk. Reliable biomarkers are rare, clinical decision-making depends on clinical appearance and multiple laboratory findings. Markers of NET formation and NET turnover might improve diagnostic precision. Aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of NETs in sepsis diagnosis in neonatal preterm infants. Methods: Plasma samples of neonatal preterm infants with suspected sepsis were collected. Blood samples were assayed for markers of NET formation and NET turnover: cfDNA, DNase1, nucleosome, NE, and H3Cit. All clinical findings, values of laboratory markers, and epidemiological characteristics were collected retrospectively. Two subpopulations were created to divide EONS from LONS. EMA sepsis criteria for neonatal sepsis were used to generate a sepsis group (EMA positive) and a control group (EMA negative). Results: A total of 31 preterm neonates with suspected sepsis were included. Out of these, nine patients met the criteria for sepsis according to EMA. Regarding early onset neonatal sepsis (3 EONS vs. 10 controls), cfDNA, DNase I, nucleosome, and CRP were elevated significantly. H3Cit and NE did not show any significant elevations. In the late onset sepsis collective (6 LONS vs. 12 controls), cfDNA, DNase I, and CRP differed significantly compared to control group.

scholarly journals Pulse Oximetry Values in Very Preterm infants Asymtomatic at 34-36 weeks post menstrual age.

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ignacio Oyarzún ◽  
Marcela Diaz ◽  
Paulina Toso ◽  
Alejandra Zamorano ◽  
Soledad Montes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulse Oximetry ◽  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Premature Infants ◽  
Gestational Age ◽  
Oxygen Therapy ◽  
Healthy Children ◽  
Multicentric Study ◽  
Very Preterm Infants ◽  
Very Preterm ◽  
Postmenstrual Age

Background: Oxygen supplementation is an important component for preterm infants neonatal care. Pulse oximetry (SpO2) is essential to guide oxygen therapy. Evidence on SpO2 values in premature infants previous to discharge is limited. Objectives: To establish SpO2 values in asymptomatic premature infants at 34, 35, and 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Methods: Longitudinal, multicentric study. From May 2018 to May 2019 premature infants born ≤32 weeks gestational age, from three level III NICUs in Santiago, Chile (altitude 579mt), were enrolled. Healthy children without current apnea of prematurity were included. Continuous SpO2 was obtained with Masimo-Radical 7/8 (USA), averaging time 2-4 seconds. Results: 101 SpO2 recordings (n = 44, 33 and 24 at 34, 35 and 36 weeks PMA respectively) from 62 infants. Twenty eight (45%) male, median (range) gestational age at birth 30 (26-32) weeks, median (range) birth weight 1480 (785-2700) g. Oximetry variables for total recordings: mean SpO2, median (range) 96.9 (93.3-99.3); minimum SpO2, median (range) 74 (51-89); time of SpO2 <90%, median (range) 2% (0-10.6%); time of SpO2 <80%, median (range) 0.1% (0-1.3%); desaturation event by ≥4% (DI4) ≥ 0 and ≥ 10 seconds per sample hour, median (range) 45.2 (5.2-115) and median (range) 15 (3.5-62.5) respectively; desaturation event <80% (DI80), median (range) 0.58 (0-10.8). We found no differences between SpO2 values at different weeks PMA. Conclusions: We described SpO2 values in very preterm infants, asymptomatic at 34, 35 and 36 weeks PMA. These values could be used as a reference to guide oxygen therapy previous to discharge.

Long-term effects of pain in infants

2021 ◽  
pp. 38-46
Author(s):  
Ruth E. Grunau ◽  
Jillian Vinall Miller ◽  
Cecil M. Y. Chau
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Infants ◽  
Neonatal Intensive Care ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Inflammatory Responses ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Preterm Neonates ◽  
Long Term Effects ◽  
Very Preterm Infants ◽  
Very Preterm

The long-term effects of infant pain are complex, and vary depending on how early in life the exposure occurs, due to differences in developmental maturity of specific systems underway. Changes to later pain sensitivity reflect multiple factors such as age at pain stimulation, extent of tissue damage, type of noxious insult, intensity, and duration. In both full-term and preterm infants exposed to hospitalization, sequelae of early pain are confounded by parental separation and quality of pain treatment. Neonates born very preterm are outside the protective uterine environment, with repeated exposure to pain occurring during fetal life. Especially for infants born in the late second trimester, the cascade of autonomic, hormonal, and inflammatory responses to procedures may induce excitotoxicity with widespread effects on the brain. Quantitative advanced imaging techniques have revealed that neonatal pain in very preterm infants is associated with altered brain development during the neonatal period and beyond. Recent studies now provide evidence of pathways reflecting mechanisms that may underlie the emerging association between cumulative procedural pain exposure and neurodevelopment and behavior in children born very preterm. Owing to immaturity of the central nervous system, repetitive pain in very preterm neonates contributes to alterations in multiple aspects of development. Importantly, there is strong evidence that parental caregiving to reduce pain and stress in preterm infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) may prevent adverse effects, and sensitive parenting after NICU discharge may help ameliorate potential long-term effects.

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