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Abstract Objective: To evaluate exclusive breastfeeding at discharge and hospital length-of-stay in pre-term infants undergoing or not the Kangaroo-Mother Care Method (KMC). Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including preterm infants < 1800 g admitted to the neonatal unit of a KMC reference center. The infants were grouped into the KMC group and the non-KMC group. Multiple logistic and Poisson regressions were performed to evaluate the association between the KMC and two outcomes, exclusive breastfeeding at discharge, and hospital length-of-stay, adjusted for potential confounders. Results: 115 mother-infant dyads were included, 78 in the KMC group and 37 in the non-KMC group. In the bivariate analysis, the KMC group had a lower prevalence of maternal adverse conditions (6% vs. 32%, p < 0.001), a higher number of prenatal visits (median 6 vs. 3.5, p < 0.001), higher gestational ages (median 32 vs. 31 weeks, p < 0.05), higher birth weights (median 1530 vs. 1365 g, p < 0.01), a lower prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis (3.8% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.05), parenteral nutrition (50% vs. 73%, p < 0.05), and deep vascular access (49.7% vs. 78.4%, p < 0.01), a higher prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (65% vs. 8%, p < 0.001) and a shorter length of hospital stay (median 28 vs. 42 days, p < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, the KMC group was 23 times more likely to be exclusively breastfed at discharge (OR = 23.1; 95% CI = 4,85-109,93) and had a 19% reduction in the hospital length-of-stay (IDR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.76-0.86) compared to the non-KMC group. Conclusions: The KMC is associated with better short-term neonatal outcomes and should be encouraged in all Brazilian maternity hospitals.

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BACKGROUND: The high prevalence of suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis among preterm infants leads to immediate antibiotic administration upon admission. Notably, most blood cultures for suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis do not yield a causative pathogen. This study aimed to assess polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the variable region V4 of the 16S ribosomal gene (16S rDNA) and Sanger sequencing for bacterial identification in preterm infants with suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis. METHODS: Therefore, this prospective study was conducted. Preterm infants with suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis were included in this study. The three groups were formed based on the risk of infection and clinical sepsis. Blood samples were collected upon admission to the neonatal unit for culture and molecular analysis. PCR amplification and subsequent Sanger sequencing of the V4 region of the 16S rDNA were performed. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were included in this study. Blood cultures were negative in 100% of the patients. Amplification and sequencing of the V4 region identified bacterial genera in 19 patients across distinct groups. The predominant taxonomically identified genus was Pseudomonas. CONCLUSIONS: Amplifying the 16S rDNA variable region through PCR and subsequent Sanger sequencing in preterm neonates with suspected early-onset neonatal sepsis can enhance the identification of microbial species that cause infection, especially in negative cultures.

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Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a leading cause of blindness in premature infants. The condition is associated with DHA deficiency. This study aimed to investigate the effect of DHA supplementation on the occurrence of ROP in infants receiving oral oil drops. It is part of the Joinville DHA study, a non-parallel-group cohort study conducted from March 2020 to January 2023 at a public maternity hospital in Brazil. Infants born before 33 weeks of gestational age or with a birth weight ≤ 1500 g were recruited. Among 155 infants, 81 did not receive and 74 received DHA supplementation until complete vascularisation of the peripheral retina. There was a higher incidence of infants with ROP in the unsupplemented group (58·6 %) compared with the DHA group (41·4 %), but this difference was NS (P = 0·22). Unadjusted logistic regression analysis showed that patent ductus arteriosus and neonatal corticosteroids were significantly (P < 0·05) associated with ROP in both groups. In the DHA group, surfactant use was also associated with ROP (P = 0·003). After adjusting for important covariates, patent ductus arteriosus and neonatal corticosteroids continued to be significant for infants in the unsupplemented group (OR = 3·99; P = 0·022 and OR = 5·64; P = 0·019, respectively). In the DHA group, only surfactant use continued to be associated with ROP (OR = 4·84; P = 0·015). In summary, DHA supplementation was not associated with ROP. Further studies are necessary to better understand the relationship between DHA supplementation, ROP and associated comorbidities.

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Early infant development is a maturation process critically depends on the infant's interaction with primary caregivers. Hence, neonatal units prioritize their proximity. In COVID-19, parental visitation hours were limited, reducing caregivers time with their infants. This follow-up study analyzes and compares levels of maternal depression and stress, infant development, and bonding quality in preterm mother-infant dyads hospitalized, before and during the pandemic. Out of 66 dyads participated, 36 were admitted before COVID-19, and 30 during COVID-19. The assessed was two video-call sessions in which mothers completed selected questionnaires. No significant differences between mothers' levels of depression and stress. However, low birth weight was associated with greater difficulties in children's communication and interpersonal relationships. Furthermore, infants hospitalized in COVID-19 had a higher risk of experiencing delayed communication. No significant differences were observed in bonding quality. Lower infant gestational age and longer breastfeeding time were associated with better bonding quality in both groups. Psychosocial intervention is considered a valuable tool, capable of preventing maternal mental health difficulties and protecting bonding in premature infants and in highly complex healthcare settings. Nevertheless, it is essential to more actively address the socio-affective needs of newborns during their hospital stay to promote adequate development.

El desarrollo infantil temprano es un proceso de maduracion que depende críticamente de la interacción del infante consus cuidadores primarios. Por tal razón, en las unidades neonatales priorizan su proximidad. Durante el COVID­19, se limitaron las horas de visitas de los progenitores, lo que redujo el tiempo que los cuidadores con sus bebés. Este estudio de seguimiento analiza y compara el nivel de depresión y estrés materno, el desarrollo infantil y la calidad del vínculo afectivo en díadas madre­bebé prematuro hospitalizado al nacer, antes y durante la pandemia. De las 66 díadas participantes, 36 fueron admitidas antes del COVID­199 y a 30 durante el COVID­19. Se realizaron dos sesiones de vídeo­llamada, en las que las madres completaron los cuestionarios seleccionados. No se encontró ninguna diferencia significativa entre los niveles de depresión y estrés en las madres. Sin embargo, un bajo peso al nacer se asoció con mayores dificultades en la comunicación y las relaciones interpersonales en los niños. Además, los infantes hospitalizados durante el COVID­19 presentaron mayor riesgo de experimentar retrasos en la comunicación. No se observaron diferencias significativas en la calidad del vínculo afectivo. Una menor edad gestacional del infante y mayor tiempo de lactancia materna se asociaron con una mejor calidad del vínculo afectivo en ambos grupos. Se considera la intervención psicosocial como una herramienta de valor, capaz de prevenir dificultades en la salud mental materna y de proteger el vínculo afectivo en infantes nacidos prematuramente y en entornos sanitarios altamente complejos. Sin embargo, es esencial abordarmás activamente las necesidades socioafectivas de los recién nacidos durante su estadía en el hospital para promover un desarrollo adecuado.

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OBJECTIVE: To examine resource and service use after discharge among infants born extraordinarily preterm in California who attended high-risk infant follow-up (HRIF) clinic by 12 months corrected age. STUDY DESIGN: We included infants born 2010-2017 between 22 + 0/7 and 25 + 6/7 weeks' gestational age in the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative and California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative-California Children's Services HRIF databases. We evaluated rates of hospitalization, surgeries, medications, equipment, medical service and special service use, and referrals. We examined factors associated with receiving ≥ 2 medical services, and ≥ 1 special service. RESULTS: A total of 3941 of 5284 infants received a HRIF visit by 12 months corrected age. Infants born at earlier gestational ages used more medications, equipment, medical services, and special services and had higher rates of referral to medical and special services at the first HRIF visit. Infants with major morbidity, surgery, caregiver concerns, and mothers with more years of education had higher odds of receiving ≥ 2 medical services. Infants with Black maternal race, younger maternal age, female sex, and discharge from lower level neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) had lower odds of receiving ≥ 2 medical services. Infants with more educated mothers, multiple gestation, major morbidity, surgery, caregiver concerns, and discharge from lower level NICUs had increased odds of receiving a special service. CONCLUSIONS: Infants born extraordinarily preterm have substantial resource use after discharge. High resource utilization was associated with maternal/sociodemographic factors and expected clinical factors. Early functional and service use information is valuable to parents and underscores the need for NICU providers to appropriately prepare and refer families.

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Compared with full-term infants, preterm infants have fat-free mass deficit in the first months of life, which increases the risk of metabolic diseases in the future. In this cohort of children born under 32-week gestational age or less than 1500 g, we aimed to evaluate the associations of body composition at term equivalent age and in the first 3 months of life with fat-free mass and fat mass percentage at 4 to 7 years of life. Body composition assessments by air displacement plethysmography and anthropometry were performed at term, at 3 months of corrected age, and at 4 to 7 years of age. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to observe the associations between body composition at these ages. At term, fat mass percentage showed a negative association and fat-free mass a positive association with fat-free mass at 4 to 7 years. The fat-free mass at 3 months and the gain in fat-free mass between term and 3 months showed positive associations with fat-free mass at 4 to 7 years.   Conclusion: Body composition at preschool age is associated with fat-free mass in the first 3 months of life, a sensitive period for the risk of metabolic diseases. What is Known: • Preterm infants have a deficit in fat-free mass and high adiposity at term equivalent age compared to full-term infants. • Fat-free mass reflects metabolic capacity throughout life and therefore is considered a protective factor against the risk of metabolic syndrome. What is New: •Fat-free mass gain in the first 3 months of corrected age is associated with fat-free mass at preschool and school ages. •The first 3 months of life is a sensitive period to the risk of metabolic diseases.

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Abstract Objective: To examine the prevalence and characteristics of dysphagia and suck-swallow-breath incoordination as phenotypes of oral feeding difficulties. Method: A cross-sectional study with secondary data collected consecutively over 2 years from October 2020 to October 2022 to measure the prevalence of swallowing and oral feeding difficulty in preterm infants using Flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination at the tertiary Integrated Dysphagia Clinic. Results: The prevalence of swallowing disorders was 25 % and the prevalence of suck-swallow-breath incoordination was 62.5 %. The significant risk factor that may show a possible correlation with oral feeding difficulty was mature post-menstrual age (p = 0.006) and longer length of stay (p = 0.004). The dominant percentage of upper airway abnormality and disorder were retropalatal collapse (40 %), laryngomalacia (42.5 %), paradoxical vocal cord movement (12.5 %), and gastroesophageal reflux disease (60 %). The dominant characteristic of oral motor examination and flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing examination was inadequate non-nutritive sucking (45 %), inadequate postural tone (35 %), and inadequate nutritive sucking (65 %). Conclusion: Dysphagia in preterm infants is mostly observed in those with mature post-menstrual age, longer length of stay, and the presence of gastroesophageal reflux disease with inadequate non-nutritive sucking and nutritive sucking abilities. Suck-swallow-breath incoordination is primarily observed in those with immature post-menstrual age, a higher prevalence of cardiopulmonary comorbidity, and a higher prevalence of upper airway pathologies (laryngomalacia, paradoxical vocal cord movement) with inadequate nutritive sucking ability.

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BACKGROUND: Hypothermia on admission is associated with increased mortality in preterm infants. Drugs administered to pregnant women is implicated in its occurrence. Since magnesium sulfate has a myorelaxant effect, we aimed evaluating the association of hypermagnesemia at birth and admission hypothermia (axillary temperature <36.5°C) in preterm infants. METHODS: We performed a secondary analysis of a prospective cohort study database including inborn infants <34 weeks, without congenital malformations. Hypermagnesemia was considered if the umbilical magnesium level > 2.5 mEq/L. Maternal and neonatal variables were used to adjust the model, submitted to the multivariate hierarchical modelling process. RESULTS: We evaluated 249 newborns with median birth weight and gestational age of 1375 (IQR 1020-1375) g and 31 (IQR 28-32) weeks, respectively. Hypermagnesemia occurred in 28.5% and admission hypothermia occurred in 28.9%. In the univariate analysis, the following variables were identified as being associated with admission hypothermia: hypermagnesemia (OR 3.71; CI 2.06-6.68), resuscitation (OR 2.39; CI 1.37-4.19), small to gestational age (OR 1.91; CI1.03-3.53), general anesthesia (OR 3.34; CI 1.37-8.13), birth weight (OR 0.998; CI 0.998-0.999) and gestational age (OR 0.806; CI 0.725-0.895). In the hierarchical regression model, hypermagnesemia remained independent associated with admission hypothermia (OR 3.20; CI 1.66-6.15), as well as birth weight (OR 0.999; CI 0.998-0.999) and tracheal intubation (3.83; CI 1.88-7.80). CONCLUSION: Hypermagnesemia was associated with an increased risk of admission hypothermia, as did tracheal intubation and lower birth weight.

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OBJECTIVE: To evaluate exclusive breastfeeding at discharge and hospital length-of-stay in preterm infants undergoing or not the Kangaroo-Mother Care Method (KMC). METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted including preterm infants < 1800 g admitted to the neonatal unit of a KMC reference center. The infants were grouped into the KMC group and the non-KMC group. Multiple logistic and Poisson regressions were performed to evaluate the association between the KMC and two outcomes, exclusive breastfeeding at discharge, and hospital length-of-stay, adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: 115 mother-infant dyads were included, 78 in the KMC group and 37 in the non-KMC group. In the bivariate analysis, the KMC group had a lower prevalence of maternal adverse conditions (6% vs. 32%, p < 0.001), a higher number of prenatal visits (median 6 vs. 3.5, p < 0.001), higher gestational ages (median 32 vs. 31 weeks, p < 0.05), higher birth weights (median 1530 vs. 1365 g, p < 0.01), a lower prevalence of necrotizing enterocolitis (3.8% vs. 16.2%, p < 0.05), parenteral nutrition (50% vs. 73%, p < 0.05), and deep vascular access (49.7% vs. 78.4%, p < 0.01), a higher prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (65% vs. 8%, p < 0.001) and a shorter length of hospital stay (median 28 vs. 42 days, p < 0.001). In the multiple regression analysis, the KMC group was 23 times more likely to be exclusively breastfed at discharge (OR = 23.1; 95% CI = 4,85-109,93) and had a 19% reduction in the hospital length-of-stay (IDR = 0.81; 95% CI = 0.76-0.86) compared to the non-KMC group. CONCLUSIONS: The KMC is associated with better short-term neonatal outcomes and should be encouraged in all Brazilian maternity hospitals.

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We aimed to systematically categorize evidence on the types of early visual stimulation applied to preterm infants (PTIs) admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), aiming to improve visual function parameters. This study was conducted according to PRISMA and registered in PROSPERO with CRD42022333753. Last search was conducted on March 15, 2023, in four different databases. Articles written in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or Italian, and available in full text were included. Two independent authors performed study selection, data extraction, and bias risk assessment. If there was any disagreement, a third author was contacted. A total of eight studies were included. From these, 62.5% presented a low risk of bias. 100% used a multisensory intervention, which included visual stimulation. In 50%, visual intervention consisted of black and white stimulation cards placed inside the incubator for three minutes. The outcomes showed positive benefits in visual function parameters and other reported clinical benefits in breastfeeding and neuromuscular development. This review demonstrated there is still scarce literature on the effects of early visual stimulation on purely visual functional outcomes, although the existing findings are promising. Parental involvement has been generating unquestionable benefits for the binomial mother-infant and gaining greater acceptance by health professionals.