Adjusted neonatal care coincides with decreased morbidity and mortality

Image: PD

1. From 2000 to 2009, neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) increased use of antenatal steroids, cesarean delivery, surfactant in the delivery room, and less-invasive respiratory support for very low birth weight infants (VLBW). 

2. Decreases in steroid use for chronic lung disease, delayed surfactant use, and endotracheal tube ventilation in VLBW infants were also observed. 

Study Rundown:  From 2000-2009, evidence and recommendations for and against interventions for VLBW infants changed drastically. During the same period, morbidity and mortality among VLBW infants have improved. This observational study examined obstetric and neonatal care practices across North American hospitals with results that showed increased compliance with new recommendations.  Supported practices for VLBW infants including antenatal steroids, cesarean delivery, early surfactant use and less-invasive respiratory support increased in use. Concurrently, practices that were not recommended, including delayed use of surfactants, steroids for chronic lung disease, and endotracheal tube ventilation, declined in use. While the results of this study do not allow for implied causation between the  changes studied and improved outcomes, the diverse sample gives a strong illustration of changing practices in obstetric and neonatal care.

Click to read the study, published today in Pediatrics

Relevant Reading: Trends in neonatal morbidity and mortality for very low birth weight infants

In-Depth [observational study]: 669 North American hospitals participating in the Vermont Oxford Network from 2000 to 2009 were studied, with inclusion of infants  weighing 501-1500g. Infants weighing under 500g were excluded as clinical practice addressing their medical problems varies widely. Data from 2009 was used as a reference for all analyses. Practices that increased included antenatal steroids and cesarean delivery. Practices that increased significantly included early surfactant use (AD 17.0%and less invasive respiratory practices such as nasal CPAP, nasal ventilation, and high-flow nasal cannula. Practices that decreased significantly included the use of steroids for chronic lung disease (AD -15.35), delayed surfactant use (AD -9.3) and endotracheal tube ventilation (AD -3.7%).   

By Laurel Wickberg and Leah H. Carr

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