Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedures

Update on pediatric tracheostomy

Pediatric tracheostomy has been widely performed since the 1800s, and in recent years, with advances in neonatal medicine, it has been performed at younger ages, starting at 0. In addition, advances in surgical techniques and postoperative tube management have reduced complications. This review will discuss the entire process of pediatric tracheostomy, starting with the history of tracheostomy and ending with indications, contraindications, techniques (slit, Björk, EXIT), complications, tube management, and decannulation. Pediatric tracheostomy patients require long-term care and management as they grow after the surgery itself, so otolaryngologists and pediatric tracheostomists are particularly involved in tube management and decannulation. We believe that sharing this information with all healthcare professionals will lead to better care for children with tracheostomies.

Maternal and obstetric outcomes after Ex-Utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT): a single center experience

BACKGROUND

The Ex-utero Intrapartum Treatment (EXIT) is a procedure developed to manage a range of fetal conditions, aiming to ensure the maintenance of neonatal airway and preserving the feto-placental circulation. Its goal is to enhance the neonatal ability to successfully transition and adapt to postnatal life, thereby reducing perinatal morbidity and mortality. However, EXIT has been associated with a high risk of maternal complications. This paper provides an overview of the indications and characteristics of the EXIT procedure, as well as the obstetric outcomes and maternal complications.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on a cohort of patients undergoing EXIT at our center between January 2007 and December 2022. Maternal outcomes, including demographic information, data related to the surgical procedure, surgical complications, and postoperative complications were analyzed. To assess the severity of the surgical complications, a modified Clavien-Dindo classification was used. Comparative analysis was performed by randomly selecting a sample from elective cesarean deliveries performed at our center.

RESULTS

A total of 34 EXIT procedures were performed. According to the modified Clavien-Dindo classification, we observed no major complications, while minor maternal complications were present in 2.94% of cases. Compared to elective cesarean deliveries (n = 350), there were no significant differences in terms of maternal complications, highlighting the similarity observed in the mean decrease in postoperative hemoglobin (1.15 g/dL in EXIT vs. 1.2 g/dL in elective cesarean deliveries, p = 0.94). In EXIT group, there was a higher rate of polyhydramnios (26.47% vs 6.59%, p < 0.001), as well as the need for amnioreduction (14.71% vs 0%, p = 0.001) and preterm delivery (32.35% vs 6.02%, p = 0.001). There were no cases of endometritis, post-procedural fever, or abruptio placentae following EXIT.

CONCLUSIONS

EXIT can be considered a safe procedure when performed under adequate conditions, including appropriate uterine access and proper anesthetic management. In our series, EXIT procedure was not associated with a higher incidence of maternal complications when compared to elective cesarean delivery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered.

Perinatal airway management in neonatal goiter: A healthcare cost and utilization project (HCUP) kids' inpatient database analysis

INTRODUCTION

Fetal goiter is a rare congenital disorder that can present with life-threatening neonatal airway obstruction. Lifesaving and function-preserving airway management strategies are available, but routine delivery affords a limited window for intervention. Accordingly, fetal goiter is reported among the most common indications for ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT). While EXIT prolongs the window for airway intervention to benefit the neonate, it elevates the risk to the pregnant person and requires extensive resources; therefore, data to guide ideal treatment selection are essential. This study aims to compare perinatal airway interventions between individuals with a birth hospitalization discharge diagnosis (BHDD) of goiter and the general population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Individuals with and without BHDD of goiter were identified in the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Kids' Inpatient Database from 2000 to 2019. The frequency of airway interventions on day of life (DOL) 0 or 1 were compared using the Rao-Scott chi-square test. Additionally, gestational age, type of intervention, complications, mortality, birth weight, and length of stay were examined for the goiter cohort.

RESULTS

Two-hundred eighty-seven weighted cases of goiter were identified in the study period. The population was 61 % male, 55 % White, and median birthweight was 3.3 kg. The median length of stay was 4.3 days, and average total charges were $42,332. Airway intervention on DOL 0 or 1 was performed in 16.9 % of individuals with goiter compared to 1.6 % in neonates without goiter (p < 0.001). Interventions in the goiter cohort included endotracheal intubation in 16 % of cases, laryngoscopy/bronchoscopy in 1-5% of cases, and tracheostomy in <1 % of cases. Fewer than 1 % of individuals undergoing intubation additionally had mass decompression/resection on DOL 0 or 1. No neonates received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Hypoxic encephalopathy occurred in <1 % of cases, among which endotracheal intubation was the only airway intervention performed. There were no mortalities among neonates with goiter.

CONCLUSION

Individuals with BHDD of goiter receive significantly higher rates of perinatal airway intervention. In most cases, endoscopic interventions alone were sufficient to avoid hypoxic neurological complications. These findings contribute to data to aid in clinical counseling and empower patients to make informed decisions according to their values and treatment goals.

The difficult neonatal airway

Airway management is one of the most crucial aspects of neonatal care. The occurrence of a difficult airway is more common in neonates than in any other age group, and any neonatal intubation can develop into a difficult airway scenario. Understanding the intricacies of the difficult neonatal airway is paramount for healthcare professionals involved in the care of newborns. This chapter explores the multifaceted aspects of the difficult neonatal airway. We begin with a review of the definition and incidence of difficult airway in the neonate. Then, we explore factors contributing to a difficult neonatal airway. We next examine diagnostic considerations specific to the difficult neonatal airway, including prenatal imaging. Finally, we review management strategies. The importance of a multidisciplinary team approach and the role of communication and collaboration in achieving optimal outcomes are emphasized.

Indications, Resource Allocation, and Outcomes Associated with Ex-Utero Intrapartum Treatment Procedures: A North American Fetal Therapy Network Survey

INTRODUCTION

Neonates with cardiorespiratory compromise at delivery are at substantial risk of hypoxic neurologic injury and death. Though mitigation strategies such as ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) exist, the competing interests of neonatal beneficence, maternal non-maleficence, and just distribution of resources require consideration. Due to the rarity of these entities, there are few systematic data to guide evidence-based standards. This multi-institutional, interdisciplinary approach aims to elucidate the current scope of diagnoses that might be considered for such treatments and examine if treatment allocation and/or outcomes could be improved.

METHODS

After IRB approval, a survey investigating diagnoses appropriate for EXIT consultation and procedure, variables within each diagnosis, occurrence of maternal and neonatal adverse outcomes, and instances of suboptimal resource allocation in the last decade was sent to all North American Fetal Treatment Network center representatives. One response was recorded per center.

RESULTS

We received a 91% response rate and all but one center offer EXIT. Most centers (34/40, 85%) performed 1-5 EXIT consultations per year and 17/40 (42.5%) centers performed 1-5 EXIT procedures in the last 10 years. The diagnoses with the highest degree of agreement between centers surveyed to justify consultation for EXIT are head and neck mass (100%), congenital high airway obstruction (90%), and craniofacial skeletal conditions (82.5%). Maternal adverse outcomes were noted in 7.5% of centers while neonatal adverse outcomes in 27.5%. A large percentage of centers report cases of suboptimal selection for risk mitigation procedures and several centers experienced adverse neonatal and maternal outcomes.

CONCLUSION

This study captures the scope of EXIT indications and is the first to demonstrate the mismatch in resource allocation for this population. Further, it reports on attributable adverse outcomes. Given suboptimal allocation and adverse outcomes, further examination of indications, outcomes, and resource use is justified to drive evidence-based protocols.

Changing indications and antenatal prognostic factors for EXIT procedures

OBJECTIVE

In cases of suspected neonatal airway obstruction, the ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure is used to secure the airway while a fetus remains on placental circulation. We report indications and outcomes from all EXIT procedures at a tertiary obstetric unit between 1997 and 2020.

METHOD

Retrospective cohort study with data collected from maternal and neonatal medical records.

RESULTS

Indications for EXIT procedures were: micrognathia (n=7), lymphatic malformations (n=5), cervical teratomas (n=4), goiters (n=2) and intra-oral epulis (n=1). Infants with a fetal teratoma were delivered earliest due to 75% presenting with preterm premature rupture of membranes or pre-term labor. Low birth weight was found in 75% of these neonates; these did not survive one year. Intubation at EXIT occurred for 58% (n=11) of babies and six neonates required a tracheostomy. In four cases of fetal micrognathia, the inferior facial angle (IFA) was noted to be <5th centile. All but one micrognathia cases had polyhydramnios. Of the total cohort, 75% of neonates were alive at one year.

CONCLUSION

Risks for neonatal demise with EXIT include fetal teratoma, low birth weight and prematurity. Micrognathia has become an increasingly valid indication for the procedure. The combination of polyhydramnios and IFA <5% correlates well with severe airway obstruction and suggests consideration of EXIT. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Ex utero intrapartum therapy in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a propensity score matching analysis

Objective

Previous studies have shown that ex utero intrapartum therapy (EXIT) is safe and feasible for newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). This study reports our experience with EXIT in fetuses with CDH in an attempt to explore the efficacy of EXIT on the survival rate of this population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of the clinical data of 116 children with CDH was conducted. The children were assigned to EXIT and non-EXIT groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) toward clinical data was performed, and the clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared. Taking survival at discharge as the main outcome, logistic regression analysis was carried out to explore the efficacy of EXIT on survival.

Results

During the study period, 30 of 116 children received EXIT. After PSM, the survival rates of the EXIT group and the non-EXIT group were 82.76% (24/29) and 48.28% (14/29), respectively (p=0.006). EXIT (OR=0.083, 95% CI=0.013to 0.525, p=0.008), liver herniation (OR=16.955, 95% CI=2.342 to 122.767, p=0.005), and gestational age at diagnosis (OR=0.662, 95% CI=0.497 to 0.881, p=0.005) were independent mortality-related risk factors of all children with CDH. Ninety-nine of 116 children underwent surgery. After PSM, the postoperative survival rates of the EXIT group and non-EXIT group were 84.6% (22/26) and 76.9% (20/26), respectively (p=0.754). Liver herniation (OR=10.451, 95% CI=1.641 to 66.544, p=0.013) and gestational age at diagnosis (OR=0.736, 95% CI=0.577 to 0.938, p=0.013) were independent mortality-related risk factors of children after surgery.

Conclusion

EXIT can be performed safely for selected prenatally diagnosed CDH neonates with potentially better survival and does not cause more maternal complications compared with traditional cesarean section.

Taking the Natural Exit: Opportunities for Treatment Rightsizing in Fetal Head and Neck Mass

Fetal head and neck masses, when present, may cause neonatal airway obstruction at birth and associated morbidity and mortality. Escalated maternal treatment intensity such as surgical laryngoscopist/airway surgeon attended delivery and ex utero intrapartum treatment can mitigate the neonatal risk, however, increase maternal risk for complications. Accordingly, accurate prediction of the potential neonatal benefit and maternal risk is essential. Serial third-trimester sonographic features suggestive of more severe airway obstruction may justify more aggressive intervention in the right patient. This case study presents a 23-year-old G1P0 with a fetus predicted to have reduced perinatal airway risk based upon serial third-trimester ultrasound findings. Treatment was de-escalated, and the patient was successfully managed. Collaborative data collection aimed at treatment rightsizing across neonatal, maternal, and systematic domains will support ideal allocation.

Central and Peripheral Cannulation for Cardiopulmonary Bypass in Fetal Sheep: A Comparative Study

Objective:In-utero correction is an option for treatment of critical congenital heart diseases (CHDs). Fetal cardiac surgery for CHDs is dependent on the reliable use of fetal cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), but this technology remains experimental. In this study, we established fetal CPB models with central and peripheral cannulation to explore the differences between the two cannulation strategies.

Methods: Ten fetal sheep with 90–110 gestational days were randomized into central cannulation (n = 5) and peripheral cannulation (n = 5) groups. All fetal CPB models were successfully established. At each time point (0, 30, and 60 min after initiation of CPB), echocardiography was performed. Blood samples were also collected for blood gas analysis and tests of myocardial enzymes and liver and kidney function.

Results: In the central cannulation group, right ventricular Tei index significantly increased (p = 0.016) over time. Compared with the peripheral cannulation group, the left ventricular Tei index of the central cannulation group was significantly higher (1.96 ± 0.31 vs. 0.45 ± 0.19, respectively; p = 0.028) and the stroke volume was lower (0.46 ± 0.55 vs. 2.13 ± 0.05, respectively; p = 0.008) at 60 min after CPB. Levels of liver and kidney injury markers and of acid-base balance, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase/ALT ratio, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), BUN/creatinine ratio, base excess and bicarbonates, were significantly higher for peripheral than for central cannulation. Other important physiologic parameters, including heart rate, blood pressure, myocardial enzymes, umbilical artery beat index and resistance index, left ventricular Tei index, and left and right ventricular stroke volume, were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusions: Both central and peripheral cannulations can be used to establish fetal CPB models. Central cannulation causes more adverse impacts for cardiac function, whereas peripheral cannulation is more susceptible to complications related to inadequate organ perfusion.

Surgical management of palatal teratoma (epignathus) with the use of virtual reconstruction and 3D models: a case report and literature review

Epignathus is a rare congenital orofacial teratoma that arises from the sphenoid region of the palate or the pharynx. It occurs in approximately 1:35,000 to 1:200,000 live births representing 2% to 9% of all teratomas. We present the case of a newborn of 39.4 weeks of gestation with a tumor that occupied the entire oral cavity. The patient was delivered by cesarean section. Oral resection was managed by pediatric surgery. Plastic surgery used virtual 3-dimensional models to establish the extension, and depth of the tumor. Bloc resection and reconstruction of the epignathus were performed. The mass was diagnosed as a mature teratoma associated with cleft lip and palate, nasoethmoidal meningocele that conditions hypertelorism, and a pseudomacrostoma. Tridimensional technology was applied to plan the surgical intervention. It contributed to a better understanding of the relationships between the tumor and the adjacent structures. This optimized the surgical approach and outcome.

EXIT-to-airway: Fundamentals, prenatal work-up, and technical aspects

Ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) is a delivery strategy developed to manage a variety of prenatally diagnosed conditions in the transition to newborn life. This procedure allows control and provides time for intervention in otherwise life-threatening malformations, such as congenital upper airway obstructions. EXIT-to-airway has changed the outcome of fetuses with these anomalies. The main purpose of this intervention is to improve the safety of establishing a reliable airway at birth. Maximal but controlled uterine relaxation to maintain feto-maternal perfusion and thus gas exchange, while keeping the fetal and maternal well-being are the paradigms of any type of EXIT. The most important aspect of fetal airway management is to consolidate a highly trained, well-coordinated, multidisciplinary team that is prepared for every contingency. A comprehensive prenatal assessment, including ultrasound, fetal echocardiogram, fetal MRI, and genetic testing is imperative for patient selection. Extensive preoperative planning, ad-hoc team meetings, and surgical simulations for challenging cases are critical strategies to achieve the best outcomes. This article outlines the prenatal work-up, decision making, technical aspects, and principles for a successful EXIT-to-airway procedure.

The Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure: case report of a multidisciplinary team approach

BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE WORK

The EXIT-to-airway procedure is aimed to provide the time required to secure airways when an extrinsic or intrinsic fetal mass raise concerns about airways control at delivery. Due to the rarity of the procedure, we aim to provide a summary of the appropriate prenatal planning by a multidisciplinary team.

METHODS

Report of a case of EXIT-to-airway procedure.

RESULTS

A 30 years-old woman, G2P1 with previous cesarean section, was referred to our Unit at 34 gestational weeks due to a fetal cervical mass of 7cm. An EXIT-to-airways procedure was performed by a multidisciplinary team after accurate preoperative planning and the practice simulations. The partial fetal extraction and the amnioinfusion of pre-heated saline were used to prevent fetal complications. The use of supplemental intravenous anesthesia with remifentanil and better control of uterine tone with nitroglycerin allowed to reduce the exposure to volatile halogen for both the mother and the fetus. The accurate preoperative planning and the practice simulations allowed us to perform the treatment safely in urgency due to the onset of spontaneous labor at 37 weeks and 6 days.

CONCLUSIONS

The strong cooperation among specialists, accurate prenatal planning, and adopting all the required procedures and precautions are of paramount importance to successfully perform the EXIT-to-airway procedure.

Delivery Room Intensive Care Unit: 5 Years' Experience in Assistance of High-Risk Newborns at a Referral Center

Objective: The aim of the study is to describe a delivery room intensive care unit (DRICU) model and evaluate its effectiveness in preventing morbidity and mortality in high-risk newborns. Design: This retrospective case series includes all DRICU procedures performed from 2016 to 2020. Setting: Gaslini Children's Hospital is a major pediatric tertiary care center where high-risk pregnancies are centralized. The Neonatal and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit admits every year about 100 high-risk newborns. Patients: The selected patients are newborns at risk of critical conditions immediately after birth for respiratory or cardiovascular congenital disorders. Interventions: The perinatal plan is defined by the multidisciplinary team of Fetal and Perinatal Medicine. The DRICU procedure provides highly specialized care through a protocol that includes logistics, personnel, equipment, and clinical pathways. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome is the prevention of acute complications and mortality in the delivery room and early neonatal period. Results: From 2016 to 2020, 40 DRICU procedures were performed. The main prenatal diagnoses included congenital heart disease with a high risk of life-threatening events immediately after birth (38%), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (35%), and fetal hydrops/hydrothorax (23%). Mean gestational age was 35.9 weeks (range: 31-39), and mean birth weight was 2,740 grams (range: 1,480-3,920). DRICU assistance completed in all patients by neonatal intensivists included tracheal intubation and arterial and central venous cannulation; complex procedures such as ex-utero intrapartum technique and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulation are described. No deaths nor severe acute complications occurred in the delivery room or in the immediate postnatal period. Conclusions: The outcome in critical newborns is potentially affected by planned assistance strategies and specialized competencies through the implementation of a DRICU protocol.

Airway management protocol for conjoined twins delivery

OBJECTIVE

Conjoined twin deliveries require collaborative preparation by multiple specialties for successful airway management. Literature regarding neonatal airway management after conjoined twin delivery is limited to case reports. We present a case series of conjoined twins and introduce an airway management protocol for conjoined twin delivery.

METHODS

The medical records of conjoined twins and their mothers at a tertiary care center were reviewed from April 2016 to December 2018. The NCBI database was queried for literature regarding preparation for neonatal airway management after conjoined twins delivery.

RESULTS

Five sets of conjoined twins were delivered. Of 10 neonates, all required bag valve mask ventilation. Other airway interventions included continuous positive airway pressure (7), endotracheal intubation (6), and direct laryngoscopy with telescopic video evaluation (1). No patients required ex-utero intrapartum treatment or emergent tracheostomy. A protocol for airway management is described and special considerations are discussed, including anatomic variations, equipment list, operating room staffing and layout, multidisciplinary prenatal conference, and airway imaging review.

CONCLUSION

Conjoined twin deliveries have significant implications for the otolaryngologist and require multidisciplinary collaboration. An airway management protocol allows for a standardized process to secure the neonatal airway and optimize patient outcomes.

International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG): Consensus recommendations on the prenatal and perinatal management of anticipated airway obstruction

OBJECTIVE

To make recommendations on the identification, routine evaluation, and management of fetuses at risk for airway compromise at delivery.

METHODS

Recommendations are based on expert opinion by members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). A two-iterative Delphi method questionnaire was distributed to all members of the IPOG and responses recorded. The respondents were given the opportunity to comment on the content and format of the survey, which was modified for the second round. "Consensus" was defined by >80% respondent affirmative responses, "agreement" by 51-80% affirmative responses, and "no agreement" by 50% or less affirmative responses.

RESULTS

Recommendations are provided regarding etiologies of perinatal airway obstruction, imaging evaluation, adjunct evaluation, multidisciplinary team and decision factors, micrognathia management, congenital high airway obstruction syndrome management, head and neck mass management, attended delivery procedure, and delivery on placental support procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Thorough evaluation and thoughtful decision making are required to optimally balance fetal and maternal risks/benefits.

Prenatal Imaging Findings Predict Obstructive Fetal Airways Requiring EXIT

OBJECTIVE

Detection of fetal airway compromise through imaging raises the possible need for ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedures. Despite EXIT procedures involving massive resource utilization and posing increased risk to the mother, decisions for EXIT are usually based on anecdotal experience. Our objectives were to analyze prenatal consultations with potential fetal airway obstruction for imaging and obstetric findings used to determine management strategy.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review was performed for prenatal abnormal fetal airway consults between 2004-2019 at a quaternary pediatric facility. Data collected included demographics, imaging characteristics, delivery information, and airway management. Our primary outcome was EXIT performance and the secondary outcome was postnatal airway management. Fisher's exact test was used to compare management decisions, outcomes, and imaging findings.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven patients met inclusion criteria. The most common diagnoses observed were lymphatic malformation, teratoma, and micrognathia. Of the imaging findings collected, only midline neck mass location was associated with EXIT procedure performance. Factors associated with invasive airway support at birth were mass-induced in-utero neck extension and neck vessel compression, polyhydramnios, and micrognathia.

CONCLUSIONS

Multidisciplinary input and interpretation of prenatal imaging can guide management of fetal airway-related pathology. EXIT is an overall safe procedure and can decrease risk due to airway obstruction at birth. We identified in-utero neck extension, neck vessel compression, micrognathia, and polyhydramnios as better indicators of a need for invasive airways measures at birth and suggest use of these criteria in combination with clinical judgement when recommending EXIT.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1357-E1362, 2021.

Fetal surgery and neonatal ICU admissions

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Fetal intervention is a dynamic field with wide-reaching implications on neonatal ICU admissions and the care of neonates with congenital anomalies. The aim of this review is to summarize recent advancements in fetal surgery and provide a broad understanding of how these topics interrelate.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advancements in prenatal imaging and diagnosis have dramatically expanded the indications for fetal intervention. Most recently, there has been a large focus on evaluating minimally invasive strategies of fetal intervention, notably fetoscopic surgery, and the use of stem cells for fetal treatment of myelomeningocele. With the advances in fetal intervention, neonatal care has adapted to the needs of these various patients to help improve the outcomes of this unique population.

SUMMARY

Fetal intevention relies on a multidisciplinary team from prenatal imaging and maternal fetal medicine to fetal surgery and postnatal subspecialty care, particuarly neonatology. Fetal intervention uniquely involves two patients, both mother and fetus, and therefore, has unique risks and considerations, particularly in the advancement of the field. As the number of conditions suited to fetal intervention grows, awareness and advancement of the postnatal intensive care necessary for these patients are essential.

Ex Utero Intrapartum Treatment (Exit) of Gigantic Intrapartum Lymphangioma and Its Management Dilemma - A Case Report

With the advancement of radiological investigation, intrapartum detection of fetal abnormalities is now precisely performed. Lymphangiomas are now diagnosed even before patient is born. The swelling may be gigantic and potentially life-threatening during the delivery. Nowadays, it is still a great challenge to doctors as how to deliver the baby together with the big neck mass. We present a case of huge intrapartum neck lymphangioma, for which we performed ex-utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure, followed by excision of the lesion later. The challenges on managing both mother and infant will be discussed.