ObjectiveThere is widespread overuse of antibiotics in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). The objective of this study was to safely reduce antibiotic use in participating NICUs by targeting early-onset sepsis (EOS) management.Study designTwenty-eight NICUs participated in this statewide multicenter antibiotic stewardship quality improvement collaborative. The primary aim was to reduce the total monthly mean antibiotic utilization rate (AUR) by 25% in participant NICUs.ResultAggregate AUR was reduced by 15.3% (p < 0.001). There was a wide range in improvement among participant NICUs. There were no increases in EOS rates or nosocomial infection rates related to the intervention.ConclusionParticipation in this multicenter NICU antibiotic stewardship collaborative targeting EOS was associated with an aggregate reduction in antibiotic use. This study informs efforts aimed at sustaining improvements in NICU AURs.

To assess the impact of active surveillance and decolonization strategies on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection rates in a NICU. MRSA infection rates were compared before (2014-2016) and during (2017-2022) an active surveillance program. Eligible infants were decolonized with chlorohexidine gluconate (CHG) bathing and/or topical mupirocin. Successful decolonization and rates of recolonization were assessed. Fifty-two (0.57%) of 9 100 hospitalized infants had invasive MRSA infections from 2014 to 2022; infection rates declined non-significantly. During the 6-year surveillance program, the risk of infection was 16.9-times [CI95 8.4, 34.1] higher in colonized infants than uncolonized infants. Those colonized with mupirocin-susceptible MRSA were more likely successfully decolonized (aOR 9.7 [CI95 4.2, 22.5]). Of 57 infants successfully decolonized who remained hospitalized, 34 (60%) became recolonized. MRSA infection rates did not significantly decline in association with an active surveillance and decolonization program. Alternatives to mupirocin and CHG are needed to facilitate decolonization.

BackgroundAssociations of 2-year neurodevelopmental and behavioral outcomes with growth trajectories of preterm infants are unknown.MethodsThis secondary analysis of a preterm cohort examined in-hospital and discharge to 2-year changes in anthropometric z-scores. Two-year follow-up included Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-III) and Child Behavior Checklist.ResultsAmong 590 infants, adjusted in-hospital growth was not associated with any BSID-III subscale. Occipitofrontal circumference (OFC) growth failure (GF) in-hospital was associated with increased adjusted odds of attention problems (aOR 1.65 [1.03, 2.65]), aggressive behavior (aOR 2.34 [1.12, 4.89]), and attention-deficit-hyperactivity symptoms (aOR 1.86 [1.05, 3.30]). Infants with OFC GF at 2 years had lower adjusted BSID-III language scores (−4.0 [−8.0, −0.1]), increased odds of attention problems (aOR 2.29 [1.11, 4.74]), aggressive behavior (aOR 3.09 [1.00, 9.56]), and externalizing problems (aOR 3.01 [1.07, 8.45]) compared to normal OFC growth cohort.ConclusionInfants with OFC GF are at risk for neurodevelopmental and behavioral impairment.Clinical trial registrationThis study is a secondary analysis of pre-existing data from the PENUT Trial Registration: NCT01378273.

To determine the incidence of hyperferritinemia in VLBW infants, and its association with neonatal morbidity. Prospective cohort study in a tertiary-level hospital in Bangkok, from March 2022 to January 2023. Serum ferritin (SF) was measured in VLBW infants at one month and repeated monthly for those with hyperferritinemia (SF > 300 ng/mL). Gestational age and birth weight were 29.7 ± 2.4 weeks (mean ± SD) and 1100 g (IQR, 830, 1340). Hyperferritinemia was identified in 30.1% (95% CI, 20.8-41.4). After adjustment, only packed red cell transfusion >15 mL/kg was associated with hyperferritinemia (RR 3.1; 95% CI, 1.5-6.4). All elevated SF levels returned to normal within four months. Hyperferritinemia was associated with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (RR 2.3, 95% CI, 1.0-5.4) and retinopathy of prematurity (RR 3.5, 95% CI, 1.4-8.6). Hyperferritinemia is common among our VLBW infants, particularly after transfusion, and is associated with severe BPD and ROP.

ObjectiveThis study describes 3-year follow-up of 200 infants weighing ≥ 700 grams who underwent transcatheter patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure with the Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder.Study DesignBetween June 2017 and February 2019, 200 children were enrolled in this U.S. study (NCT03055858). PDA closure, survival, and device- or procedure-related events were evaluated. A total of 156 of the available 182 patients (86%) completed the study.ResultsThe implant success rate was 95.5% (191/200). At 3 years, PDA closure was observed in 100% (33/33) of patients. Survival was >95% with 9 reported deaths. No deaths were adjudicated as device- or procedure-related. Notable events included aortic obstruction (2) requiring stent placement and tricuspid regurgitation (5), for which no interventions were required.ConclusionsThis follow-up study demonstrates high rates of PDA closure, low serious complication rates, and survival > 95% at 3 years. The Amplatzer Piccolo™ Occluder is a safe and effective therapy for PDA treatment in premature infants. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0305585.

Identifying "gold standard" diagnostic tests can promote evidence-based neonatology practice. Hemolysis is a pathological shortening of the erythrocyte lifespan, differing from erythrocyte senescence in responsible mechanisms and clinical implications. Diagnosing hemolysis goes beyond a binary (yes vs. no) determination. It is characterized according to magnitude, and as acute vs. chronic, and genetically based vs. not. For neonates with significant hyperbilirubinemia or anemia, detecting hemolysis and quantifying its magnitude provides diagnostic clarity. The 2022 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Clinical Practice Guideline on management of hyperbilirubinemia in the newborn states that hemolysis is a risk factor for developing significant hyperbilirubinemia and neurotoxicity. The guideline recommends identifying hemolysis from any cause, but specific guidance is not provided. A spectrum of laboratory tests has been endorsed as diagnostic methods for hemolysis. Herein we examine these laboratory tests and recommend one as the "gold standard" for diagnosing and quantifying hemolysis in neonates and infants.