Dashboards in Health Care Settings: Protocol for a Scoping Review

Background

Health care organizations increasingly depend on business intelligence tools, including “dashboards,” to capture, analyze, and present data on performance metrics. Ideally, dashboards allow users to quickly visualize actionable data to inform and optimize clinical and organizational performance. In reality, dashboards are typically embedded in complex health care organizations with massive data streams and end users with distinct needs. Thus, designing effective dashboards is a challenging task and theoretical underpinnings of health care dashboards are poorly characterized; even the concept of the dashboard remains ill-defined. Researchers, informaticists, clinical managers, and health care administrators will benefit from a clearer understanding of how dashboards have been developed, implemented, and evaluated, and how the design, end user, and context influence their uptake and effectiveness.

Objective

This scoping review first aims to survey the vast published literature of “dashboards” to describe where, why, and for whom they are used in health care settings, as well as how they are developed, implemented, and evaluated. Further, we will examine how dashboard design and content is informed by intended purpose and end users.

Methods

In July 2020, we searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library for peer-reviewed literature using a targeted strategy developed with a research librarian and retrieved 5188 results. Following deduplication, 3306 studies were screened in duplicate for title and abstract. Any abstracts mentioning a health care dashboard were retrieved in full text and are undergoing duplicate review for eligibility. Articles will be included for data extraction and analysis if they describe the development, implementation, or evaluation of a dashboard that was successfully used in routine workflow. Articles will be excluded if they were published before 2015, the full text is unavailable, they are in a non-English language, or they describe dashboards used for public health tracking, in settings where direct patient care is not provided, or in undergraduate medical education. Any discrepancies in eligibility determination will be adjudicated by a third reviewer. We chose to focus on articles published after 2015 and those that describe dashboards that were successfully used in routine practice to identify the most recent and relevant literature to support future dashboard development in the rapidly evolving field of health care informatics.

Results

All articles have undergone dual review for title and abstract, with a total of 2019 articles mentioning use of a health care dashboard retrieved in full text for further review. We are currently reviewing all full-text articles in duplicate. We aim to publish findings by mid-2022. Findings will be reported following guidance from the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist.

Conclusions

This scoping review will provide stakeholders with an overview of existing dashboard tools, highlighting the ways in which dashboards have been developed, implemented, and evaluated in different settings and for different end user groups, and identify potential research gaps. Findings will guide efforts to design and use dashboards in the health care sector more effectively.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/34894

Categorizing metadata to help mobilize computable biomedical knowledge

INTRODUCTION

Computable biomedical knowledge artifacts (CBKs) are digital objects conveying biomedical knowledge in machine-interpretable structures. As more CBKs are produced and their complexity increases, the value obtained from sharing CBKs grows. Mobilizing CBKs and sharing them widely can only be achieved if the CBKs are findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable, and trustable (FAIR+T). To help mobilize CBKs, we describe our efforts to outline metadata categories to make CBKs FAIR+T.

METHODS

We examined the literature regarding metadata with the potential to make digital artifacts FAIR+T. We also examined metadata available online today for actual CBKs of 12 different types. With iterative refinement, we came to a consensus on key categories of metadata that, when taken together, can make CBKs FAIR+T. We use subject-predicate-object triples to more clearly differentiate metadata categories.

RESULTS

We defined 13 categories of CBK metadata most relevant to making CBKs FAIR+T. Eleven of these categories (type, domain, purpose, identification, location, CBK-to-CBK relationships, technical, authorization and rights management, provenance, evidential basis, and evidence from use metadata) are evident today where CBKs are stored online. Two additional categories (preservation and integrity metadata) were not evident in our examples. We provide a research agenda to guide further study and development of these and other metadata categories.

CONCLUSION

A wide variety of metadata elements in various categories is needed to make CBKs FAIR+T. More work is needed to develop a common framework for CBK metadata that can make CBKs FAIR+T for all stakeholders.

Clinical Decision Support Systems in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery: A State of the Art Review

OBJECTIVE

To offer practical, evidence-informed knowledge on clinical decision support systems (CDSSs) and their utility in improving care and reducing costs in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. This primer on CDSSs introduces clinicians to both the capabilities and the limitations of this technology, reviews the literature on current state, and seeks to spur further progress in this area.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science.

REVIEW METHODS

Scoping review of CDSS literature applicable to otolaryngology clinical practice. Investigators identified articles that incorporated knowledge-based computerized CDSSs to aid clinicians in decision making and workflow. Data extraction included level of evidence, Osheroff classification of CDSS intervention type, otolaryngology subspecialty or domain, and impact on provider performance or patient outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Of 3191 studies retrieved, 11 articles met formal inclusion criteria. CDSS interventions included guideline or protocols support (n = 8), forms and templates (n = 5), data presentation aids (n = 2), and reactive alerts, reference information, or order sets (all n = 1); 4 studies had multiple interventions. CDSS studies demonstrated effectiveness across diverse domains, including antibiotic stewardship, cancer survivorship, guideline adherence, data capture, cost reduction, and workflow. Implementing CDSSs often involved collaboration with health information technologists.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

While the published literature on CDSSs in otolaryngology is finite, CDSS interventions are proliferating in clinical practice, with roles in preventing medical errors, streamlining workflows, and improving adherence to best practices for head and neck disorders. Clinicians may collaborate with information technologists and health systems scientists to develop, implement, and investigate the impact of CDSSs in otolaryngology.

Integrating Lean Thinking and Implementation Science Determinants Checklists for Quality Improvement: A Scoping Review

It is not known how often lean tools and implementation determinants frameworks or checklists are used concurrently in health care quality improvement activities. The authors systematically reviewed the literature for studies that used a lean tool along with an implementation science determinants framework (January 1999 through August 2018). Seven studies (8 publications) were identified, inclusive of 2 protocols and 6 research articles across multiple continents. All included studies used the consolidated framework for implementation research as their implementation science determinants framework. Lean tools included in more than 1 publication were process mapping (4 publications), process redesign (3 publications), and 5S standardization (2 publications). Only 1 study proposed using a lean tool concurrently with an implementation science determinants framework in the design and execution of the QI project. Few published studies utilize both an implementation science determinants framework or checklist and 1 or more lean tool in their study design.

The Impact Of Structured Exercise Programs On Metabolic Syndrome And Its Components: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent and associated with higher risk of diabetes and cardiovascular events. Exercise programs have been shown to improve components of MetS, but the optimal design of a structured exercise program for treatment of the MetS remains unclear.

PURPOSE

To assess the impact of different exercise programs on the MetS and its components.

METHODS

MEDLINE via PubMed and Embase was searched. Randomized controlled trials of supervised exercise alone and in combination with nutrition programs compared with usual care in adults with the MetS were selected. Two authors independently reviewed articles to select eligible studies and performed data abstraction. Eight studies representing 1218 patients were included. The participants had a median age of 51, median BMI of 29 kg/m², and were 55% male. Mean weight loss increased with program duration. For combination programs, the mean weight loss was -2.6 kg, -3.7 kg, and -6.5 kg for 3, 6, and 12 months, respectively. The components of the MetS most frequently statistically significantly improved were waist circumference (6/6 studies), blood pressure (4/6 studies), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (3/6 studies).

LIMITATIONS

Studies did not include long-term follow-up post program completion to evaluate persistence of benefit. It is unknown whether the same results would be found in an older, more obese population.

CONCLUSION

Supervised exercise programs yield significant resolution of components of the MetS, particularly in reducing waist circumference. Longer program duration and frequent interval sessions appear to have highest benefit and thus may help reduce cardiovascular risk and diabetes associated with the MetS.

Early Versus Delayed Feeding in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis is among the most common and costly reasons for hospitalization in the United States. Bowel rest, pain control, and intravenous fluids are the cornerstones of treatment, but early feeding might also be beneficial.

PURPOSE

To compare length of hospital stay, mortality, and readmission in adults hospitalized with pancreatitis who received early versus delayed feeding.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE via Ovid, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL, and Web of Science through January 2017.

STUDY SELECTION

Two authors independently reviewed and selected studies if they were randomized clinical trials, included adults hospitalized with acute pancreatitis, and compared early versus delayed feeding (≤48 vs. >48 hours after hospitalization).

DATA EXTRACTION

Two investigators independently extracted study data and rated risk of bias using the Cochrane Collaboration tool.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Eleven randomized trials (8 peer-reviewed publications, 3 abstract-only presentations) that included 948 patients were eligible. Seven trials (3 with low risk of bias) enrolled patients with mild to moderate pancreatitis. Four trials (1 with low risk of bias) included patients with predicted severe pancreatitis. Routes used for early feeding included oral (4 studies), nasogastric (2 studies), nasojejunal (4 studies), and oral or nasoenteric (1 study). Among patients with mild to moderate pancreatitis, early feeding was associated with reduced length of stay in 4 of 7 studies (including 2 of 3 with low risk of bias). Other outcomes were heterogeneous and variably reported, but no study showed an increase in adverse events with early feeding. Among patients with severe pancreatitis, limited evidence revealed no statistically significant difference in outcomes between early and delayed feeding.

LIMITATION

Heterogeneity of feeding protocols and outcomes, scant data, and unclear or high risk of bias in several studies.

CONCLUSION

Limited data suggest that early feeding in patients with acute pancreatitis does not seem to increase adverse events and, for patients with mild to moderate pancreatitis, may reduce length of hospital stay.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

None. (PROSPERO: CRD42015016193).

Globalization and changing trends of biomedical research output

The US continues to lead the world in research and development (R&D) expenditures, but there is concern that stagnation in federal support for biomedical research in the US could undermine the leading role the US has played in biomedical and clinical research discoveries. As a readout of research output in the US compared with other countries, assessment of original research articles published by US-based authors in ten clinical and basic science journals during 2000 to 2015 showed a steady decline of articles in high-ranking journals or no significant change in mid-ranking journals. In contrast, publication output originating from China-based investigators, in both high- and mid-ranking journals, has steadily increased commensurate with significant growth in R&D expenditures. These observations support the current concerns of stagnant and year-to-year uncertainty in US federal funding of biomedical research.

Use of decision aids for shared decision making in venous thromboembolism: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Optimal care of patients with venous thromboembolism requires the input of patient preferences into clinical decision-making. However, the availability and impact of decision aids to facilitate shared decision making in care of venous thromboembolism is not well known.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the availability, clinical impact and outcomes associated with the use of decision aids in patients with or at risk for venous thromboembolism.

PATIENTS/METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed exploring the use of decision aids in patients with venous thromboembolism. Criteria for primary inclusion required use of patient values clarification in the decision aid. A secondary review without the requirement of a patient values clarification was performed to be more inclusive. The data was summarized such that knowledge gaps and opportunities for enquiry were identified.

RESULTS

The primary review identified one study that explored the decision to extend anticoagulation in patients with a recent venous thromboembolism beyond the stipulated 3-month duration. The secondary review identified an additional study exploring the decision to undergo computer tomography testing in patients at low risk for pulmonary embolism in an emergency department setting. Both studies were of modest quality given a lack of control group for comparison analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite numerous calls to increase use of shared decision-making, a paucity of data exists to help patients engage in the treatment decisions for venous thromboembolism. Future studies of additional VTE clinical decisions with longer-term clinical outcomes appear necessary.

Internet-Delivered Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to Treat Insomnia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Insomnia is of major public health importance. While cognitive behavioral therapy is beneficial, in-person treatment is often unavailable. We assessed the effectiveness of internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objectives were to determine whether online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia could improve sleep efficiency and reduce the severity of insomnia in adults. Secondary outcomes included sleep quality, total sleep time, time in bed, sleep onset latency, wake time after sleep onset, and number of nocturnal awakenings.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycInfo, Cochrane Library, Embase, and the Web of Science for randomized trials.

METHODS

Studies were eligible if they were randomized controlled trials in adults that reported application of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia via internet delivery. Mean differences in improvement in sleep measures were calculated using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method for random effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

We found 15 trials, all utilizing a pretest-posttest randomized control group design. Sleep efficiency was 72% at baseline and improved by 7.2% (95% CI: 5.1%, 9.3%; p<0.001) with internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy versus control. Internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy resulted in a decrease in the insomnia severity index by 4.3 points (95% CI: -7.1, -1.5; p = 0.017) compared to control. Total sleep time averaged 5.7 hours at baseline and increased by 20 minutes with internet-delivered therapy versus control (95% CI: 9, 31; p = 0.004). The severity of depression decreased by 2.3 points (95% CI: -2.9, -1.7; p = 0.013) in individuals who received internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy compared to control. Improvements in sleep efficiency, the insomnia severity index and depression scores with internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy were maintained from 4 to 48 weeks after post-treatment assessment. There were no statistically significant differences between sleep efficiency, total sleep time, and insomnia severity index for internet-delivered versus in-person therapy with a trained therapist.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in improving sleep in adults with insomnia. Efforts should be made to educate the public and expand access to this therapy. Registration Number, Prospero: CRD42015017622.

Evaluation of Pharmacologic Prevention of Pancreatitis After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND & AIMS

There is controversy over the efficacy of pharmacologic agents for preventing pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (PEP). We performed a systematic review of PEP pharmacoprevention to evaluate safety and efficacy.

METHODS

We performed a systematic search of the literature for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses of PEP pharmacoprevention through February 2014. After identifying relevant studies, 2 reviewers each extracted information on study characteristics, clinical outcomes, and risk of bias. A research classification scale was developed to identify pharmacologic agents ready for clinical use, agents for which a confirmatory RCT should be considered a high priority, agents for which exploratory studies are still necessary, and agents for which additional research should be of low priority. Clinical and research recommendations for each agent were made by consensus after considering research classification results and other important factors such as magnitude of benefit, safety, availability, and cost.

RESULTS

After screening 851 citations and 263 potentially relevant articles, 2 reviewers identified 85 RCTs and 28 meta-analyses that were eligible. On the basis of these studies, rectal nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were found to be appropriate for clinical use, especially for high-risk cases. Sublingual nitroglycerin, bolus-administered somatostatin, and nafamostat were found to be promising agents for which confirmatory research is warranted. Additional research was found to be required to justify confirmatory RCTs for topical epinephrine, aggressive intravenous fluids, gabexate, ulinastatin, secretin, and antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

On the basis of a systematic review, NSAIDs are appropriate for use in prevention of PEP, especially for high-risk cases. Additional research is necessary to clarify the role of other pharmacologic agents. These findings could inform future research and guide clinical decision-making and policy.

Flipping the classroom to teach systematic reviews: the development of a continuing education course for librarians

OBJECTIVE

The researchers used the flipped classroom model to develop and conduct a systematic review course for librarians.

SETTING

The research took place at an academic health sciences library.

METHOD

A team of informationists developed and conducted a pilot course. Assessment informed changes to both course components; a second course addressed gaps in the pilot.

MAIN RESULTS

Both the pilot and subsequent course received positive reviews. Changes based on assessment data will inform future iterations.

CONCLUSION

The flipped classroom model can be successful in developing and implementing a course that is well rated by students.

Comparing the effectiveness of competing tests for reducing colorectal cancer mortality: a network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Comparative effectiveness data pertaining to competing colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests do not exist but are necessary to guide clinical decision making and policy.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a comparative synthesis of clinical outcomes studies evaluating the effects of competing tests on CRC-related mortality.

DESIGN

Traditional and network meta-analyses. Two reviewers identified studies evaluating the effect of guaiac-based fecal occult blood testing (gFOBT), flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), or colonoscopy on CRC-related mortality.

INTERVENTIONS

gFOBT, FS, colonoscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Traditional meta-analysis was performed to produce pooled estimates of the effect of each modality on CRC mortality. Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) was performed to indirectly compare the effectiveness of screening modalities. Multiple sensitivity analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Traditional meta-analysis revealed that, compared with no intervention, colonoscopy reduced CRC-related mortality by 57% (relative risk [RR] 0.43; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.33-0.58), whereas FS reduced CRC-related mortality by 40% (RR 0.60; 95% CI, 0.45-0.78), and gFOBT reduced CRC-related mortality by 18% (RR 0.82; 95% CI, 0.76-0.88). NMA demonstrated nonsignificant trends favoring colonoscopy over FS (RR 0.71; 95% CI, 0.45-1.11) and FS over gFOBT (RR 0.74; 95% CI, 0.51-1.09) for reducing CRC-related deaths. NMA-based simulations, however, revealed that colonoscopy has a 94% probability of being the most effective test for reducing CRC mortality and a 99% probability of being most effective when the analysis is restricted to screening studies.

LIMITATIONS

Randomized trials and observational studies were combined within the same analysis.

CONCLUSION

Clinical outcomes studies demonstrate that gFOBT, FS, and colonoscopy are all effective in reducing CRC-related mortality. Network meta-analysis suggests that colonoscopy is the most effective test.

Increased co-first authorships in biomedical and clinical publications: a call for recognition

There has been a dramatic increase in the number and percentage of publications in biomedical and clinical journals in which two or more coauthors claim first authorship, with a change in some journals from no joint first authorship in 1990 to co-first authorship of >30% of all research publications in 2012. As biomedical and clinical research become increasingly complex and team-driven, and given the importance attributed to first authorship by grant reviewers and promotion and tenure committees, the time is ripe for journals, bibliographic databases, and authors to highlight equal first author contributions of published original research.

Racial and ethnic disparity in food allergy in the United States: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of food allergy is rising among US children. Little is known about racial/ethnic disparities in food allergy.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic literature review to understand racial/ethnic disparities in food allergy in the United States.

METHODS

We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus for original data about racial/ethnic disparities in the diagnosis, prevalence, treatment, or clinical course of food allergy or sensitization, with a particular focus on black (African American) race. Articles were analyzed by study methodology, racial/ethnic composition, food allergy definition, outcomes, summary statistic used, and covariate adjustment.

RESULTS

Twenty of 645 identified articles met inclusion criteria. The studies used multiple differing criteria to define food allergy, including self-report, sensitization assessed by serum food-specific IgE to selected foods without corroborating history, discharge codes, clinic chart review, and event-reporting databases. None used oral food challenge. In 12 studies, black persons (primarily children) had significantly increased adjusted odds of food sensitization or significantly higher proportion or odds of food allergy by self-report, discharge codes, or clinic-based chart review than white children. Major differences in study methodology and reporting precluded calculation of a pooled estimate of effect.

CONCLUSION

Sparse and methodologically limited data exist about racial/ethnic disparity in food allergy in the United States. Available data lack a common definition for food allergy and use indirect measures of allergy, not food challenge. Although data suggest an increased risk of food sensitization, self-reported allergy, or clinic-based diagnosis of food allergy among black children, no definitive racial/ethnic disparity could be found among currently available studies.

[Influence of prolonged treatment with octreotide on GH, IGF I, insulin, ACTH, cortisol, T3, T4 and TSH secretion in a case of congenital chylothorax]

Congenital chylothorax is a rare condition characterized by the accumulation of lymph fluid in the pleural space that causes respiratory and circulatory dysfunctions, immune deficiencies, hypoalbuminemia, electrolyte imbalance and alterations of the coagulation. Mortality rates are elevated and can rise to 50%. Therapy consists in conservative treatment based on thoracic drainage combined with total parenteral nutrition or use of low-fat high-protein diet supplemented with medium chain triglycerides. In case of failure surgical intervention may be considered. During the last years some authors have experienced the use of octreotide with doubtful results. In no case the drug impact on insulin, GH and cortisol secretion in neonatal age has been investigated and only in one case the effect on thyroid hormones has been assessed. We report the case of a 36-week baby with congenital chylothorax treated with octreotide for 42 days. The drug was well tolerated but hormonal level measurements showed a deep depression of insulin secretion unaccompanied by alterations of glucose levels. Levels of GH and TSH showed only a transitory decrease. ACTH and cortisol remained normal. At 5 months, the measurements of hormonal levels did not show significant alterations. It is not possible to determine if such a drug played an essential role in the solution of the pleural effusion, but it is important to emphasize that a prolonged treatment with octreotide has not caused, in our case, persistent hormonal alterations.

[Quantitative ultrasound for the assessment of bone in the preterm infant]

AIM

Preterm infants are at risk of osteopathy of prematurity (OP). The present study aims to assess quantitative ultrasound as a safe and non-invasive method in evaluating bone mineral status in the critically ill preterm infant.

METHODS

Sixty preterm infants (27 females) have been evaluated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the University Hospital of Siena. Gestational age was between 22 and 36 weeks and birth weight ranged between 610 and 3240 g. A single operator did all the measurements on the second metacarpus by the DBM Sonic BP (IGEA). Ultrasound parameters were bone transmission time (BTT, micros) and speed of sound (SOS, m/s).

RESULTS

BTT positively increased with birth gestational age (r=0.72, P<0.001, F-Ratio=62.4428), birth weight (r=0.7827, P<0.001, F-Ratio=91.7274) and birth length (r=0.7729, P<0.001, F-Ratio=86.0748). SOS was also related with gestational age (r=0.2937, P<0.023, F-Ratio=5.4768), birth weight (r=0.2634, P<0.042, F-Ratio=4.3250) and birth length (r=0.3252, P<0.011, F-Ratio=6.8596). Small infants for gestational age showed BTT values lower then infants with appropriate size for gestational age (P<0.03). There was no difference between male and female infants.

CONCLUSION

Quantitative ultrasound is a non-invasive method, which is easy to perform in a Neonatal Intensive Unit, safe, harmless and gentle. This method detects subtle differences in bone mineral status, according to gestational age, weight and length. Quantitative ultrasound is a useful screening tool for early detection of bone status in newborns and a valid method for the longitudinal assessment of bone in growing children.

[Survival rates in a single neonatal intensive care unit (period 2002-2007). Neuro-developmental outcome and survival for infants born at 23-25 weeks of gestation]

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate survival rates in a single Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) (period 2002-2007), with a special focus on the survival data and outcome at one-year of corrected age for infants born at 23-25 weeks of gestation.

METHODS

All infants who had evidence of heart activity at birth were actively resuscitated, regardless of birth weight or gestational age. Survival rate was calculated as a function of the following variables: birth weight and gestational category; gender in infants of birth weight < or = 1000 g ; appropriate (AGA) or small (SGA) weight for gestational age; inborn or outborn. Twenty-eight newborns (23-25 weeks of gestation) completed follow-up at one-year of corrected age.

RESULTS

During the examined period, no infants died in the delivery room; 833 newborns were admitted to the NICU. Overall survival rates were as following: <500 g (37%), 501-750 g (59%), 751-1,000 g (82%), 1,001-1,250 g (96%), 1251-1,500 g (97%), 1,501-2,000 g (100%), 2,001-2,500 g (98%), >2,500 g (99%); 23-25 weeks of gestation (50%); 26-27 weeks (77%), 28-32 weeks (90%); males < or = 1,000 g (68%), females < or = 1,000 g (68%); AGA < or = 1,000 g (63%), SGA < or = 1,000 g (79%), AGA < or =28 weeks (63%), SGA < or = 28 weeks (67%); inborn (54%), outborn (25%). A fraction of 64% (infants of 23-25 weeks of gestation) did not show handicap at one-year of corrected age, while 25% presented severe, 7% moderate, and 4% mild handicaps.

CONCLUSION

High rate of survival without handicap at one-year of corrected age at extremely low gestational age and the chance of improvements in neonatal care for newborn < or = 24 weeks, indicate the appropriateness for our strategy of resuscitating all newborns with evidence of heart activity in the delivery room.

[Insulin and glucagon plasma levels in very low birth weight preterm infants of appropriate weight for gestational age]

OBJECTIVES

Prematurity is a known risk factor for hypoglycaemia, hyperglycemia, neonatal sepsis and other common neonatal complications, possibly associated with glucoregolatory hormone (insulin and glucagon) alterations. Insulin and glucagon levels change also in relation to gender, mode of delivery and postnatal clinical severity. Because of the lack of reference range in literature, the aim of this study is to assess plasma insulin and glucagon levels in preterm appropriate for gestational age (AGA) infants of birth weight <1500 g (very low birth weight, VLBW) as a function of gestation, birth weight, gender and mode delivery.

METHODS

The authors examined 48 preterm AGA infants (mean birth weight 1 163+/-286 g, mean gestational age 28.2+/-2.4 weeks). The infant population was subdivided in relation to gestational age, weight, gender, mode of delivery and assisted ventilation at 5-7(th) days. Plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon levels were assessed in all newborns at birth and at 5-7(th) days of life. Data were analyzed using t-test.

RESULTS

A negative correlation between insulin and gestational age was observed (P<0.05). At birth, no significant differences regarding plasma glucose, insulin and glucagon levels were observed as a function of the examined category variables. At the 5-7(th) days of life, insulin levels were significantly higher in newborns with gestational age =or<27 weeks (P<0.02), in the female gender (P<0.02) and in the infants born to emergency Cesarean delivery (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate potentially useful reference range values for plasma insulin and glucagon in the VLBW population.

Frequent de novo monoallelic expression of beta-spectrin gene (SPTB) in children with hereditary spherocytosis and isolated spectrin deficiency

This report represents an attempt to define the rate of beta-spectrin de novo mutations affecting mRNA accumulation in patients with hereditary spherocytosis (HS). 19 HS children with haematologically normal parents and varying degrees of spectrin deficiency were studied. 13 of the 19 cases who were heterozygous at the genomic level for polymorphisms in the beta-spectrin coding region were further studied. However, in an analysis of reverse-transcripted amplified cDNA from the regions of the polymorphisms, seven patients appeared to be homozygous, suggesting the occurrence of de novo mutational events affecting expression of one beta-spectrin allele. We conclude that in HS patients with isolated spectrin reduction and normal parents the apparently recessive pattern of inheritance may frequently be associated with de novo monoallelic expression of beta-spectrin.