Neonatology
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Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disorder of the preterm newborn characterized by neurovascular disruption in the immature retina that may cause visual impairment and blindness. ⋯ STEP-ROP is a promising screening tool. It is easy to calculate, does not rely on extensive postnatal data collection, and can be calculated early after birth. Early ROP screening may help physicians limit patient exposure to additional risk factors, and may be useful for risk stratification in clinical trials aimed at reducing ROP.
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Observational Study
Direct Measurement of Tissue Oxygenation in Neonates via Resonance Raman Spectroscopy: A Pilot Study.
The ability to monitor tissue oxygenation in neonates remains a challenge due to limited blood supply and the reliance on invasive procedures. Resonance Raman spectroscopy noninvasively measures tissue oxygenation (RRS-StO2). Peripheral tissue oxygenation using this novel technology has not been described in neonates. ⋯ Neonatal RRS-StO2 measurements are feasible short term but do not correlate with ScvO2 and SpO2. Healthy neonates had greater differences and variability in RRS-StO2 values, illustrating an evolving microcirculation not detected with pulse oximetry. Greater RRS-StO2 variability in sick neonates requiring respiratory support may indicate microcirculatory instability despite being within target SpO2 ranges. Further study is needed to establish if RRS-StO2 monitoring is an accurate representation of tissue oxygenation.
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In infants with left-sided obstructive lesions (LSOL), the presence of retrograde blood flow in either the ascending or descending aorta may lead to diminished cerebral and renal blood flow, respectively. ⋯ Retrograde blood flow in the ascending aorta was not associated with cerebral oxygenation, while diastolic backflow in the descending aorta was not associated with renal oxygenation in infants with LSOL.
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There are few data available on the interaction of inflations, chest compressions (CC), and delivery of tidal volumes in newborn infants undergoing resuscitation in the presence of endotracheal tube (ET) leaks. ⋯ There is interaction between lung inflations and CC affecting leak and delivery of tidal volume, which may be influenced by the mode/device used for respiratory support. Leak is larger in the presence of PEEP. However, CC cause additional tidal volume which is larger in the presence of PEEP.
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Recently, sustained inflations (SI) during chest compression (CC) (CC+SI) have been suggested as an alternative to the current approach during neonatal resuscitation. No previous study compared CC+SI using CC rates of 90/min to the current 3:1 compression:ventilation ratio (C:V). ⋯ CC+SI during CPR significantly improved ROSC in a porcine model of neonatal resuscitation. This is of considerable clinical relevance because improved respiratory and hemodynamic parameters potentially minimize morbidity and mortality in newborn infants.