Neuroprotective effects of antenatal magnesium sulfate on neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low birth weight preterm infants: A 2-year follow-up study.

Antenatal magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) may provide neuroprotective benefits in preterm infants. This study examined the impact of antenatal MgSO4 on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants at the corrected age of 2 years. This retrospective follow-up study included preterm infants with a birth weight ≤ 1500 g and gestational age ≤ 36 weeks who participated in a follow-up program.

Medical Needs of Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Infants Post-Discharge: A Population-Based Study in Taiwan.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to explore the outcomes, home use of medical assistive devices, and interdisciplinary medical needs of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants at a corrected age of 2 years.

Methods: Analyses were performed using perinatal, neonatal, and 2-year follow-up data from VLBW infants registered in the Taiwan Premature Infant Follow-up Network (TPFN) between 2011 and 2017. Basic information, survival, and disease conditions during hospitalization were recorded.

Reduced kidney function in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants at preschool age.

Background: Very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants have significant risk factors for adverse health outcomes. Previous studies have focused on neurological, pulmonary, and cardiovascular complications, but the long-term outcomes of other organ functions particularly kidney function warrant further investigation. This prospective study aimed to compare kidney function between VLBW preterm and term infants at 5-6 years of age.

Circulating MicroRNAs as a biomarker signature of perinatal asphyxia.

Aim: This study aimed to explore whether microRNAs (miRNAs) could serve as biomarkers of perinatal asphyxia and whether they were correlated with severity of brain magnetic resonance imaging.

Methods: We prospectively enrolled 26 full-term newborns, including 10 with perinatal asphyxia and 16 healthy controls. Plasma samples were collected at 0-6 h and 7 days of age.

Monitoring of the Healthy Neonatal Transition Period with Serial Lung Ultrasound.

Ultrasound has been used to observe lung aeration and fluid clearance during the neonatal transition period, but there is no consensus regarding the optimal timing of lung ultrasound. We aimed to monitor the trend of the serial lung ultrasound score (LUS) and extended LUS (eLUS) throughout the neonatal transition period (≤1, 2, 4, 8, 24, and 48 h after birth), assess any correlation to the clinical presentation (using the Silverman Andersen Respiratory Severity Score (RSS)), and determine the optimal time of the ultrasound. We found both LUS and eLUS decreased significantly after 2 h of life and had similar statistical differences among the serial time points.

The impact of small-for-gestational-age Status on the outcomes in very-Low-birth-weight (VLBW) premature infants: a prospective cohort study in Taiwan.

Background: The impact of small-for-gestational-age (SGA) on very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) premature infants remains inconclusive. This study aimed to assess the effects of being born SGA status on the short-term and long-term outcomes in VLBW preterm infants.

Methods: We conducted a population-based, prospective cohort study on VLBW preterm infants born in Taiwan between 2012 and 2017.

Probiotic supplementation modifies the gut microbiota profile of very low birth weight preterm infants during hospitalization.

Background: Probiotic supplementation is increasingly being given to very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. This preliminary observational study aimed to investigate the effects of multiple-strain probiotics on the gut microbiota of VLBW preterm infants.

Methods: We collected meconium and stool samples on days 14, 30, and 60 after birth from 49 VLBW infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks.

Effects of preterm birth and postnatal exposure to metal mixtures on neurodevelopment in children at 24 months of age.

The effects of early-life metal exposure on neurodevelopment in very low birth weight preterm (VLBMP) children (with a birth weight of <1500 g and a gestational age of <37 weeks) have not been clearly established. We aimed to investigate associations of childhood exposure to multiple metals and preterm low birth weight with neurodevelopment among children at 24 months of corrected age. VLBWP children (n = 65) and normal birth weight term (NBWT) children (n = 87) were enrolled from Mackay Memorial Hospital in Taiwan between December 2011 and April 2015.

The effect of patient volume on mortality and morbidity of extremely low birth weight infants in Taiwan.

Background: To assess whether the number of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants treated annually in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Taiwan affects the mortality and morbidity of this patient population.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study included preterm infants with ELBW (≤1000 g). NICUs were divided into three subgroups according to the annual admissions of ELBW infants (low, ≤10; medium, 11-25; and high, >25).

Risk Factors of Language Delay at Two Years of Corrected Age among Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Infants: A Population-Based Study.

Language delays are often underestimated in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants. We aimed to identify the risk factors of language delay at two years of corrected age in this vulnerable population. VLBW infants, who were assessed at two years of corrected age using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development, third edition, were included using a population-based cohort database.

Characteristics of Gut Microbiota in Small for Gestational Age Infants with Very Low Birth Weight.

Small for gestational age (SGA) birth is associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. The aim of this preliminary observational study was to investigate the difference in gut microbiota between SGA and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) preterm infants with very low birth weight (VLBW). We included 20 VLBW preterm infants (SGA, = 10; AGA, = 10) in this study.

Coexisting gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tract anomalies in omphalocele and gastroschisis: A twenty-year experience in a single tertiary medical center.

Background: Omphalocele and gastroschisis are the two most common congenital abdominal wall defects; however, no previous study has focused on gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tract malformations in these two conditions. This study aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, coexisting congenital gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary tract anomalies, hospital course, and outcomes of patients with gastroschisis and omphalocele.

Methods: This is retrospective chart review of all patients admitted to one tertiary medical center in Taiwan between January 1, 2000 and June 30, 2020 with a diagnosis of gastroschisis or omphalocele.

Subclinical Changes in Left Heart Structure and Function at Preschool Age in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants.

Background: Survivors of preterm birth are at risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences. The objective of this prospective observational study was to assess left heart function at preschool age in preterm children with very low birth weight (VLBW).

Methods: We recruited children aged 5-6 years from preterm infants and full-term children.

Reducing catheter related bloodstream infection risk of infant with a prophylactic antibiotic therapy before removing peripherally inserted central catheter: A retrospective study.

Purpose: This study examined the efficacy of prescribing antibiotics, specifically a single dose of vancomycin, in reducing the incidence of culture-positive and culture-negative sepsis prior to the removal of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).

Materials And Methods: We retrospectively reviewed charts of infants who had PICCs in a tertiary level hospital during the period from 2010 to 2019. The incidence of post-catheter removal clinical sepsis between the groups with or without antibiotics was compared.

A 20-cm cut umbilical cord milking may not benefit the preterm infants < 30 week's gestation: A randomized clinical trial.

Background/purpose: To evaluate whether a shorter length (20 cm) of C-UCM has potential benefits, compared to immediate cord clamping (ICC), in very preterm babies.

Methods: Inborn preterm infants less than 30 weeks of gestational age (GA) were randomly assigned to the 20-cm C-UMC and ICC groups. The primary outcome was the need for packed red blood cell (pRBC) transfusion before the 21st day of life.

The first mucopolysaccharidosis type VII in a Taiwanese girl: A case report and review of the literature.

The present study included the first case of mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type VII in Taiwan. During pregnancy, the patient was diagnosed with hydrops fetalis and had ascites aspiration 4 times. In the following years, she presented gradually with chronic lung disease, developmental delay, short stature, dysmorphic features of coarse face, macroglossia and pigeon chest with scoliosis.

Impact of Early Empiric Antibiotic Regimens on the Gut Microbiota in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants: An Observational Study.

Frequent use of antibiotics in preterm infants disturbs their gut microbial balance. In this preliminary observational study, we investigated the effect of different antibiotic regimens, administered during the first week of life, on microbial composition and diversity in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. We performed fecal sampling of breastfed VLBW infants on days 7, 14, and 30.

An 18-year retrospective study on the epidemiology of early-onset neonatal sepsis - emergence of uncommon pathogens.

Background: Nationwide group B Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) antepartum screening was instituted in Taiwan in 2012. The impact of the policy on early-onset sepsis (EOS) has not been evaluated. This study aimed to examine the impact of the policy on the incidence of neonatal EOS.

Predictive Validity of the Bayley-III Cognitive Scores at 6 Months for Cognitive Outcomes at 24 Months in Very-Low-Birth-Weight Infants.

To assess the predictive validity of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley-III) cognitive scores at 6 months of corrected age (CA) for cognitive outcomes at 24 months of CA in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants and investigate the predictors of change in cognitive outcomes. We retrospectively evaluated VLBW children enrolled in the Taiwan Premature Infant Follow-up Network between 2010 and 2015 and completed the Bayley-III at CA of 6 and 24 months. The predictive validity of the cognitive performance at 6-month CA for the cognitive outcomes at 24-month CA was analyzed.

Reduced Lung Function at Preschool Age in Survivors of Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants.

Survivors of preterm birth are at risk of long-term respiratory consequences. The objective of this prospective study was to assess pulmonary function at preschool age of former very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm children. Lung function of children born preterm and term controls aged 5-6 years were assessed by spirometry.

Comparisons and Refinements of Neonatal Oro-Tracheal Intubation Length Estimation Methods in Taiwanese Neonates.

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Tochen's formula [TF, body weight (kg) plus 6 cm], nasal septum to ear tragus length (NTL) + 1 cm, and Neonatal Resuscitation Program gestational age (NRP-GA) and body weight (NRP-BW)-based intubation table in estimating the oro-tracheal intubation length, and to improve the estimation efficacy using anthropometric measurements in Taiwanese neonates. This was a prospective observational study conducted at a neonatal intensive care unit in Taipei, Taiwan. One hundred intubated neonates were enrolled.

Impact of inhaled corticosteroids on the neurodevelopmental outcomes in chronically ventilated extremely low birth weight preterm infants.

Background: Few studies have assessed the long-term impact of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) in preterm infants. This study evaluated the neurodevelopmental outcomes of chronically ventilated extremely low birth weight (ELBW) preterm infants exposed to ICS.

Methods: The medical records of ELBW preterm infants admitted to two tertiary-level neonatal intensive care units from 2008 to 2014 were reviewed.