Neonatology
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Meta Analysis
Epidural-Related Fever and Maternal and Neonatal Morbidity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
While epidural analgesia (EA) is associated with maternal fever during labor, the impact on the risk for maternal and/or neonatal sepsis is unknown. ⋯ EA increases the risk of intrapartum fever and maternal antibiotic treatment. However, a definite conclusion on whether EA increases the risk for a proven maternal and/or neonatal bacteremia cannot be drawn due to the low quality of data. Further research on whether epidural-related intrapartum fever is of infectious origin or not is therefore needed.
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Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is a well-studied treatment for respiratory problems in preterm infants. However, the best strategy for NCPAP weaning is unknown. ⋯ Sudden wean of NCPAP was associated with a lower PMA at successful wean compared to pressure wean but also with a lower rate of successful wean at first attempt, most likely because of the developmental stage at which weaning is possible.
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Meta Analysis
Mask versus Prongs for Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is an effective method of respiratory support for preterm infants. Nasal masks and binasal prongs are two interfaces available to deliver NCPAP, and it is unclear if one is superior to the other. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis, using the methodology recommended by the Cochrane Collaboration, to compare the efficacy and safety of nasal masks versus binasal prongs to deliver NCPAP in preterm infants <37 weeks of gestation. ⋯ In a subgroup of preterm infants requiring NCPAP after resuscitation at birth, the use of a nasal mask decreased the incidence of moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.23-0.95; NNTB 16.7, 95% CI 9.1-100; 4 trials, 395 participants; very-low-certainty evidence) and the need for subsequent surfactant administration (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.64-0.96; NNTB 8.33, 95% CI 4.54-33.33; 4 trials, 395 participants; low-certainty evidence). The use of nasal masks for preterm infants requiring NCPAP was associated with a reduction in NCPAP failure, need for surfactant administration, and moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (low- to very-low-certainty evidence). Given the potential clinical benefit and minimal risk associated with a change in patient interface, nasal masks should be considered the preferred interface for NCPAP delivery in preterm infants.
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Review Meta Analysis
The "Golden Age" of Probiotics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized and Observational Studies in Preterm Infants.
Over the last few years, probiotics have been one of the most studied interventions in neonatal medicine. ⋯ This meta-analysis of RCT and observational studies found that the use of probiotics was beneficial for the prevention of severe NEC, late-onset sepsis, and all-cause mortality in VLBW infants.
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Review Meta Analysis
Newborn Resuscitation Training Programmes Reduce Early Neonatal Mortality.
Substantial health care resources are expended on standardised formal neonatal resuscitation training (SFNRT) programmes, but their effectiveness has not been proven. ⋯ SFNRT in low- and middle-income countries reduces early neonatal mortality, but its effects on birth asphyxia and neurodevelopmental outcomes remain uncertain. Follow-up studies suggest normal neurodevelopment in resuscitation survivors.