Prediction of Mortality in Very Premature Infants: A Systematic Review of Prediction Models

CONTEXT Being born very preterm is associated with elevated risk for neonatal mortality. The aim of this review is to give an overview of prediction models for mortality in very premature infants, assess their quality, identify important predictor variables, and provide recommendations for development of future models. METHODS Studies were included which reported the predictive performance of a model for mortality in a very preterm or very low birth weight population, and classified as development, validation, or impact studies. For each development study, we recorded the population, variables, aim, predictive performance of the model, and the number of times each model had been validated. Reporting quality criteria and minimum methodological criteria were established and assessed for development studies. RESULTS We identified 41 development studies and 18 validation studies. In addition to gestational age and birth weight, eight variables frequently predicted survival: being of average size for gestational age, female gender, non-white ethnicity, absence of serious congenital malformations, use of antenatal steroids, higher 5-minute Apgar score, normal temperature on admission, and better respiratory status. Twelve studies met our methodological criteria, three of which have been externally validated. Low reporting scores were seen in reporting of performance measures, internal and external validation, and handling of missing data. CONCLUSIONS Multivariate models can predict mortality better than birth weight or gestational age alone in very preterm infants. There are validated prediction models for classification and case-mix adjustment. Additional research is needed in validation and impact studies of existing models, and in prediction of mortality in the clinically important subgroup of infants where age and weight alone give only an equivocal prognosis.Stephanie Medlock, Anita C. J. Ravelli, Pieter Tamminga, Ben W. M. Mol, Ameen Abu-Hann

Intrapartum and neonatal mortality among low-risk women in midwife-led versus obstetrician-led care in the Amsterdam region of the Netherlands : A propensity score matched study

BWM is supported by a NHMRC Practitioner Fellowship (GNT1082548).Peer reviewedPublisher PD

Comparison of Circulating Cell-Free DNA Extraction Methods for Downstream Analysis in Cancer Patients

Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) may contain DNA originating from the tumor in plasma of cancer patients (ctDNA) and enables noninvasive cancer diagnosis, treatment predictive testing, and response monitoring. A recent multicenter evaluation of workflows by the CANCER-ID consortium using artificial spiked-in plasma showed significant differences and consequently the importance of carefully selecting ccfDNA extraction methods. Here, the quantity and integrity of extracted ccfDNA from the plasma of cancer patients were assessed. Twenty-one cancer patient-derived cell-free plasma samples were selected to compare the Qiagen CNA, Maxwell RSC ccfDNA plasma, and Zymo manual quick ccfDNA kit. High-volume citrate plasma samples collected by diagnostic leukapheresis from six cancer patients were used to compare the Qiagen CNA (2 mL) and QIAamp MinElute ccfDNA kit (8 mL). This study revealed similar integrity and similar levels of amplified short-sized fragments and tumor-specific mutants comparing the CNA and RSC kits. However, the CNA kit consistently showed the highest yield of ccfDNA and short-sized fragments, while the RSC and ME kits showed higher variant allelic frequencies (VAFs). Our study pinpoints the importance of standardizing preanalytical conditions as well as consensus on defining the input of ccfDNA to accurately detect ctDNA and be able to compare results in a clinical routine practice, within and between clinical studies

Long term costs and effects of reducing the number of twin pregnancies in IVF by single embryo transfer: the TwinSing study

Contains fulltext : 87274.pdf (publisher's version ) (Open Access)BACKGROUND: Pregnancies induced by in vitro fertilisation (IVF) often result in twin gestations, which are associated with both maternal and perinatal complications. An effective way to reduce the number of IVF twin pregnancies is to decrease the number of embryos transferred from two to one. The interpretation of current studies is limited because they used live birth as outcome measure and because they applied limited time horizons. So far, research on long-term outcomes of IVF twins and singletons is scarce and inconclusive. The objective of this study is to investigate the short (1-year) and long-term (5 and 18-year) costs and health outcomes of IVF singleton and twin children and to consider these in estimating the cost-effectiveness of single embryo transfer compared with double embryo transfer, from a societal and a healthcare perspective. METHODS/DESIGN: A multi-centre cohort study will be performed, in which IVF singletons and IVF twin children born between 2003 and 2005 of whom parents received IVF treatment in one of the five participating Dutch IVF centres, will be compared. Data collection will focus on children at risk of health problems and children in whom health problems actually occurred. First year of life data will be collected in approximately 1,278 children (619 singletons and 659 twin children). Data up to the fifth year of life will be collected in approximately 488 children (200 singletons and 288 twin children). Outcome measures are health status, health-related quality of life and costs. Data will be obtained from hospital information systems, a parent questionnaire and existing registries. Furthermore, a prognostic model will be developed that reflects the short and long-term costs and health outcomes of IVF singleton and twin children. This model will be linked to a Markov model of the short-term cost-effectiveness of single embryo transfer strategies versus double embryo transfer strategies to enable the calculation of the long-term cost-effectiveness. DISCUSSION: This is, to our knowledge, the first study that investigates the long-term costs and health outcomes of IVF singleton and twin children and the long-term cost-effectiveness of single embryo transfer strategies versus double embryo transfer strategies

Modified Use of a Dynamic Bite Opener—Treatment and Prevention of Trismus in a Child with Head and Neck Cancer: A Case Report

Trismus may be a complication arising during or after treatment of patients with head and neck cancer. Treatment of trismus is difficult, making prevention very important. To prevent and treat trismus in a patient with a nasopharyngeal tumor, the Contract-Relax-Antagonist-Contract (CRAC) technique was applied, with the aid of a custom-made dynamic bite opener (DBO). The CRAC technique in combination with the DBO, as a therapy/prevention program for trismus, is not referred to in the literature. The combination of CRAC and DBO appeared to be a gentle and effective method well tolerated by the patient

Improvement of developmental outcome between 24 and 36 months corrected age in very preterm infants

Aim: To study early developmental course in preschool-aged very preterm infants and its association with perinatal risk factors and test-taking behaviour. Methods: Children born <30 weeks gestation and/or <1000 g in the Academic Medical Center of Amsterdam were assessed at 24 and 36 months corrected age with the Dutch Bayley Scales of Infant Development-II (BSID-II-NL) and neurological examination. Linear regression analyses for developmental change were performed with perinatal risk factors. Results: One hundred and forty-six children, mean GA 28 weeks and mean birth weight 1043 g, participated. Mental and psychomotor scores improved significantly with 6 and 7 points, respectively, from 24 to 36 months (p <0.01). Mild to severe problems on at least one domain occurred less often at 36 (32%) compared to 24 months (63%) (p <0.01), using corrected scores. Mental improvement was associated with being born very small for gestational age or <28 weeks; psychomotor improvement was associated with not being treated with indomethacin. Difficult test behaviour occurred mostly at 24 months and was associated with non-optimal development at 36 months. Conclusion: Improved developmental outcome and test behaviour were found at 36 compared to 24 months in a cohort of very preterm children. Long-term outcome studies and retesting of behaviourally difficult children are recommende

The validity of the variable "NICU admission" as an outcome measure for neonatal morbidity: a retrospective study

To determine whether "neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission" is a valid surrogate outcome measure to assess neonatal condition in clinical studies. Retrospective study. Tertiary hospital in the Netherlands. Neonates admitted to NICU during a 10-year period. Inclusion was restricted to singletons born beyond 37 weeks of gestation, and admitted to NICU in the first 24 h for delivery-related morbidity. Patient characteristics and admission data were compared for four groups based on the line of care during delivery, i.e. home birth (Ia), midwife-led hospital delivery (Ib), secondary care (II), tertiary care (III). Percentage of neonates/infants that died during NICU admission, diagnosis on admission, treatment received and a Neonatal Therapeutic Intervention Score System (NTISS). We studied 776 newborns (Ia 52, Ib 25, II 160, III 512, 27 unknown). The mortality rate differed significantly (Ia 15%, Ib 12%, II 22%, III 1%, p < 0.01), as did the NTISS morbidity scores at admission [Ia 12.0 (6.0-23.0), Ib 8.5 (6.3-10.0), II 21.0 (15.0-30.0), III 6.0 (4.0-9.0); p < 0.01], diagnosis at admission, received treatment and the duration of admission. The severity of neonatal illness after 37 weeks of gestation differed depending on the line of care in which they were born, with neonates born in secondary care consistently having the highest morbidity, and those born in tertiary care having the lowest. NICU admission should not be used as an outcome measure for neonatal morbidity, specifically not when comparing different birth setting

Cancer survivors and adverse work outcomes: associated factors and supportive interventions

Introduction: The number of cancer survivors in a working age is rising. An awareness of factors associated with adverse work outcomes, and of supportive interventions, is needed. Sources of data: A narrative review of research obtained via several databases, including Medline and PsycINFO, was conducted. Areas of agreement: A range of factors is associated with adverse work outcomes such as prolonged sick leave, delayed return to work, disability pension and unemployment in cancer survivors. They include the cancer type and treatment, fatigue, cognitive functioning, work factors and elements of health care systems. Effective supportive interventions encompass physical and multicomponent interventions. Areas of controversy: The role of behaviour determinants and legislative and insurance systems is unclear. It is furthermore uncertain what the optimal timing of delivering supportive interventions is. Growing points: Further focus on vulnerable groups, including specific cancer types and those with lower income, lower educational level and in precarious employment, is needed. Areas timely for developing research: Recent developments are tailored and timely interventions

Accuracy of the Diagnosis of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in a Referral-Based Health Care System

To evaluate the accuracy of the diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in a national database of a referral-based health care system, where preterm infants are often transferred back to regional hospitals before 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). We evaluated preterm infants <32 weeks, born between 2004 and 2008 in the Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam with a high-risk profile for BPD. In addition to patient characteristics and outcomes, we collected data on respiratory support at 36 weeks PMA. True incidence of BPD, defined as needing supplemental oxygen and/or positive pressure support at 36 weeks PMA, was compared with the diagnosis registered in the National Perinatal Registry. Two imputation algorithms for patients transferred before 36 weeks PMA were validated. We identified 243 preterm infants with a high-risk BPD profile. Sixty-seven percent of these infants had a correct BPD diagnosis recorded in the National Perinatal Registry, 2% had a false positive, and 31% a false negative diagnosis. Infants with a false negative diagnosis of BPD were twice as often transferred to a regional hospital before 36 weeks PMA compared with a true positive diagnosis. Imputation algorithms did not improve the accuracy of BPD registration. Registration of the diagnosis BPD in a national database in countries with a referral-based health care system may not be accurate. Optimizing data collection and monitoring data entry is necessary to improve BPD registration before data can be used for national and international benchmarkin