Parenteral nutrition solution retrieved by lumbar puncture following left saphenous vein catheterization

Two extremely preterm infants had silastic lines inserted via the left great saphenous vein for intravenous feeding. Clinical deterioration approximately 10 days later led to lumbar puncture as part of a sepsis screen. Parenteral nutrition solution was recovered in the cerebrospinal fluid and heralded potentially life-threatening catheter malposition. The cases illustrate another percutaneous central line-associated morbidity, which is avoidable by careful verification of line position. All previously reported cases of this unusual complication are reviewed and we describe its likely mechanism. We postulate that the phenomenon is a complication peculiar to percutaneous catheterization of the left lower limb

The Association Of Type Of Surgical Closure On Length Of Stay Among Infants With Gastroschisis Born ≥ 34 Weeks\u27 Gestation

Background/Purpose The optimal surgical approach in infants with gastroschisis (GS) is unknown. The purpose of this study was to estimate the association between staged closure and length of stay (LOS) in infants with GS. Design/Methods We used the Children\u27s Hospital Neonatal Database to identify surviving infants with GS born ≥ 34 weeks\u27 gestation referred to participating NICUs. Infants with complex GS, bowel atresia, or referred after 2 days of age were excluded. The primary outcome was LOS; multivariable linear regression was used to quantify the relationship between staged closure and LOS. Results Among 442 eligible infants, staged closure occurred in 68.1% and was associated with an increased median LOS relative to odds ration (OR):primary closure (37 vs. 28 days, p \u3c 0.001). This association persisted in the multivariable equation (β = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.21, 1.52, p \u3c 0.001) after adjusting for the presence of necrotizing enterocolitis, short bowel syndrome, and central-line associated bloodstream infections. Conclusions In this large, multicenter cohort of infants with GS, staged closure was independently associated with increased LOS. These data can be used to enhance antenatal and pre-operative counseling and also suggest that some infants who receive staged closure may benefit from primary repair. © 2014 Elsevier Inc

Melatonin pharmacokinetics and dose extrapolation after enteral infusion in neonates subjected to hypothermia

INTRODUCTION: Neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) undergoing hypothermia may benefit from adjunctive therapy with melatonin. However, melatonin safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), and dosage in this sensitive population is still unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study assessed the PK and safety of melatonin enteral administration to neonates with HIE undergoing hypothermia. Melatonin was infused at 0.5 mg/kg in five neonates with HIE undergoing hypothermia. Infusion started 1 h after the neonates reached the target temperature of 33.5 °C. Blood samples were collected before and at selective times after melatonin infusion. Abdominal complications or clinically significant changes in patients' vital signs were not found during or after melatonin. The peak plasma concentration reached 0.25 μg/ml. The area under the curve in 24 h was 4.35 μg/mL*h. DISCUSSION: Melatonin half-life and clearance were prolonged, and the distribution volume decreased compared to adults. In silico simulation estimated that the steady state can be reached after four infusions. Hypothermia does not affect melatonin PK. In humans high blood concentrations with lower doses can be achieved compared to animal experimentation, although intravenous administration is advised in the neonate population. Our study is a preparatory step for future clinical studies aimed at assessing melatonin efficacy in HIE. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Dose-escalation trial of budesonide in surfactant for prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely low gestational age high-risk newborns (SASSIE).

BackgroundInitial trials of lung-targeted budesonide (0.25 mg/kg) in surfactant to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants have shown benefit; however, the optimal safe dose is unknown.MethodsDose-escalation study of budesonide (0.025, 0.05, 0.10 mg/kg) in calfactatant in extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs) requiring intubation at 3-14 days. Tracheal aspirate (TA) cytokines, blood budesonide concentrations, and untargeted blood metabolomics were measured. Outcomes were compared with matched infants receiving surfactant in the Trial Of Late SURFactant (TOLSURF).ResultsTwenty-four infants with mean gestational age 25.0 weeks and 743 g birth weight requiring mechanical ventilation were enrolled at mean age 6 days. Budesonide was detected in the blood of all infants with a half-life of 3.4 h. Of 11 infants with elevated TA cytokine levels at baseline, treatment was associated with sustained decrease (mean 65%) at all three dosing levels. There were time- and dose-dependent decreases in blood cortisol concentrations and changes in total blood metabolites. Respiratory outcomes did not differ from the historic controls.ConclusionsBudesonide/surfactant had no clinical respiratory benefit at any dosing levels for intubated ELGANs. One-tenth the dose used in previous trials had minimal systemic metabolic effects and appeared effective for lung-targeted anti-inflammatory action