The effect of a smaller target range on the compliance in targeting and distribution of oxygen saturation in perterm infants

BACKGROUND: Following recent recommendations, the oxygen saturation (SpO2) target range for preterm infants in our nursery was narrowed towards the higher end from 85%-95% to 90%-95%. We determined the effect of narrowing the SpO2 target range on the compliance in target range and distribution of SpO2 in preterm infants. METHODS: Before and after changing the target range from 85%-95% to 90%-95%, infants <30 weeks of gestation receiving oxygen were compared during their admission on the neonatal intensive care unit. For each infant, distribution of SpO2 was noted by collecting SpO2 samples each minute, and the percentage of time spent with SpO2 within 90%-95% was calculated. Oxygen was manually adjusted. Hypoxaemic events (SpO2 <80%) where oxygen was titrated were analysed. RESULTS: Data were analysed for 104 infants (57 before and 47 after the range was narrowed). The narrower range was associated with an increase in the median (IQR) SpO2 (93% (91%-96%) vs 94% (92%-97%), p=0.01), but no increase in median time SpO2 within 90%-95% (49.2% (39.6%-59.7%) vs (46.9% (27.1%-57.9%), p=0.72). The distribution of SpO2 shifted to the right with a significant decrease in SpO2 <90%, but not <80%. The count of minute values for Sp02 <80% decreased, while the frequency and duration of hypoxaemic events and oxygen titration were not different. CONCLUSION: Narrowing the target range from 85%-95% to 90%-95% in preterm infants was associated with an increase in median SpO2 and a rightward shift in the distribution, but no change in time spent between 90% and 95%

Clinical practice: Noninvasive respiratory support in newborns

The most important goal of introducing noninvasive ventilation (NIV) has been to decrease the need for intubation and, therefore, mechanical ventilation in newborns. As a result, this technique may reduce the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). In addition to nasal CPAP, improvements in sensors and flow delivery systems have resulted in the introduction of a variety of other types of NIV. For the optimal application of these novelties, a thorough physiological knowledge of mechanics of the respiratory system is necessary. In this overview, the modern insights of noninvasive respiratory therapy in newborns are discussed. These aspects include respiratory support in the delivery room; conventional and modern nCPAP; humidified, heated, and high-flow nasal cannula ventilation; and nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation. Finally, an algorithm is presented describing common practice in taking care of respiratory distress in prematurely born infants

Early Respiratory Management of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Very Preterm Infants and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: A Case-Control Study

BACKGROUND: In the period immediately after birth, preterm infants are highly susceptible to lung injury. Early nasal continuous positive airway pressure (ENCPAP) is an attempt to avoid intubation and may minimize lung injury. In contrast, ENCPAP can fail, and at that time surfactant rescue can be less effective. OBJECTIVE: To compare the pulmonary clinical course and outcome of very preterm infants (gestational age 25–32 weeks) with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) who started with ENCPAP and failed (ECF group), with a control group of infants matched for gestational age, who were directly intubated in the delivery room (DRI group). Primary outcome consisted of death during admission or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). RESULTS: 25 infants were included in the ECF group and 50 control infants matched for gestational age were included in the DRI group. Mean gestational age and birth weight in the ECF group were 29.7 weeks and 1,393 g and in the DRI group 29.1 weeks and 1,261 g (p = NS). The incidence of BPD was significantly lower in the ECF group than in the DRI group (4% vs. 35%; P<0.004; OR 12.6 (95% CI 1.6–101)). Neonatal mortality was similar in both groups (4%). The incidence of neonatal morbidities such as severe cerebral injury, patent ductus arteriosus, necrotizing enterocolitis and retinopathy of prematurity, was not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: A trial of ENCPAP at birth may reduce the incidence of BPD and does not seem to be detrimental in very preterm infants. Randomized controlled trials are needed to test whether early respiratory management of preterm infants with RDS plays an important role in the development of BPD

Clinical practice: neonatal resuscitation. A Dutch consensus

The updated Dutch guidelines on Neonatal Resuscitation assimilate the latest evidence in neonatal resuscitation. Important changes with regard to the 2004 guidelines and controversial issues concerning neonatal resuscitation are reviewed, and recommendations for daily practice are provided and argued in the context of the ILCOR 2005 consensus

How to prevent ROP in preterm infants in Indonesia?

Background and Aims: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a severe disease in preterm infants. It is seen more frequently in Low-Middle Income Countries (LMIC) like Indonesia compared to High-Income Countries (HIC). Risk factors for ROP development are -extreme- preterm birth, use of oxygen, neonatal infections, respiratory problems, inadequate nutrition, and blood and exchange transfusions. In this paper, we give an overview of steps that can be taken in LMIC to prevent ROP and provide guidelines for screening and treating ROP. Methods: Based on the literature search and data obtained by us in Indonesia's studies, we propose guidelines for the prevention, screening, and treatment of ROP in preterm infants in LMIC. Results: Prevention of ROP starts before birth with preventing preterm labor, transferring a mother who might deliver <32 weeks to a perinatal center and giving corticosteroids to mothers that might deliver <34 weeks. Newborn resuscitation must be done using room air or, in the case of very preterm infants (<29-32 weeks) by using 30% oxygen. Respiratory problems must be prevented by starting continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in all preterm infants <32 weeks and in case of respiratory problems in more mature infants. If needed, the surfactant should be given in a minimally invasive manner, as ROP's lower incidence was found using this technique. The use of oxygen must be strictly regulated with a saturation monitor of 91-95%. Infections must be prevented as much as possible. Both oral and parenteral nutrition should be started in all preterm infants on day one of life with preferably mothers' milk. Blood transfusions can be prevented by reducing the amount of blood needed for laboratory analysis. Discussion: Preterm babies should be born in facilities able to care for them optimally. The use of oxygen must be strictly regulated. ROP screening is mandatory in infants born <34 weeks, and infants who received supplemental oxygen for a prolonged period. In case of progression of ROP, immediate mandatory treatment is required. Conclusion: Concerted action is needed to reduce the incidence of ROP in LMIC. "STOP - R1O2P3" is an acronym that can help implement standard practices in all neonatal intensive care units in LMIC to prevent development and progression

The effect of implementing an automated oxygen control on oxygen saturation in preterm infants

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of implementing automated oxygen control as routine care in maintaining oxygen saturation (SpO2) within target range in preterm infants. METHODS: Infants 95% decreased (41.9 (30.6-49.4)% vs 19.3 (11.5-24.5)%; p<0.001). The time SpO2<90% increased (8.6 (7.2-11.7)% vs 15.1 (14.0-21.1)%; p<0.0001), while SpO2<80% was similar (1.1 (0.4-1.7)% vs 0.9 (0.5-2.1)%; ns). CONCLUSIONS: During oxygen therapy, preterm infants spent more time within the SpO2 target range after implementation of automated oxygen control, with a significant reduction in hyperoxaemia, but not hypoxaemia