Maternal pheochromocytoma and childbirth in Sweden 1973-2015: a population-based study on short and long-term outcome

PURPOSE

Data guiding management of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) in pregnant women is limited, and long-term effects on the child are unknown. The aim of this retrospective registry-based case-cohort study was to assess how maternal PPGL and treatment impacts maternal and fetal outcome, including long-term outcome for the child. The main outcomes were maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity at delivery and relative healthcare consumption in children born by mothers with PPGL during pregnancy.

METHODS

The National Birth Register identified 4,390,869 pregnancies between 1973-2015. Data was crosslinked with three Swedish national registers to identify women diagnosed with pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma within one year before or after childbirth. Hospital records were reviewed and register data was collected for five age-matched controls for each child until age 18.

RESULTS

21 women and 23 children were identified (incidence 4.8/1.000.000 births/year), all women with adrenal pheochromocytomas (Pc). The majority (71%) were diagnosed post-partum. Nine women (43%) were hypertensive during pregnancy. Preterm delivery was more common in Pc patients compared to controls (30% vs 6%, p < 0.001). There was no maternal or fetal mortality. Timing of tumor removal did not affect gestational weight or APGAR scores. There was no observed difference in hospital admissions between children affected by maternal Pc and controls.

CONCLUSION

Pc was commonly diagnosed after delivery and raised the risk of pre-term delivery, suggesting a need for an increased awareness of this diagnosis. However, reassuringly, there was no fetal or maternal mortality or any observed long-term impact on the children.

Antibiotic Use in Late Preterm and Full-Term Newborns

Importance

Antibiotic treatment saves lives in newborns with early-onset sepsis (EOS), but unwarranted antibiotic use is associated with resistant bacteria and adverse outcomes later in life. Surveillance is needed to optimize treatment strategies.

Objective

To describe antibiotic use in association with the incidence and mortality from EOS among late-preterm and full-term newborns.

Design, Setting, and Participants

The Sweden Neonatal Antibiotic Use study was a nationwide observational study that included all late-preterm and full-term neonates born from January 1, 2012, to December 31, 2020, in neonatal units of all levels. All hospital live births from 34 weeks' gestation during the study period were included in the study. Data were collected from the Swedish Neonatal Quality Register and the Swedish Medical Birth Register. Data were analyzed from August 2022 to May 2023.

Exposure

Admission for neonatal intensive care during the first week of life.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were the usage of intravenous antibiotics during the first week of life, the duration of antibiotic therapy, the rate of culture-proven EOS, and mortality associated with EOS.

Results

A total of 1 025 515 newborns were included in the study; 19 286 neonates (1.88%; 7686 girls [39.9%]; median [IQR] gestational age, 40 [38-41] weeks; median [IQR] birth weight, 3610 [3140-4030] g) received antibiotics during the first week of life, of whom 647 (3.4%) had EOS. The median (IQR) duration of antibiotic treatment in newborns without EOS was 5 (3-7) days, and there were 113 antibiotic-days per 1000 live births. During the study period there was no significant change in the exposure to neonatal antibiotics or antibiotic-days per 1000 live births. The incidence of EOS was 0.63 per 1000 live births, with a significant decrease from 0.74 in 2012 to 0.34 in 2020. Mortality associated with EOS was 1.39% (9 of 647 newborns) and did not change significantly over time. For each newborn with EOS, antibiotic treatment was initiated in 29 newborns and 173 antibiotic-days were dispensed.

Conclusions and Relevance

This large nationwide study found that a relatively low exposure to antibiotics is not associated with an increased risk of EOS or associated mortality. Still, future efforts to reduce unwarranted neonatal antibiotic use are needed.

Factors associated with the increased incidence of necrotising enterocolitis in extremely preterm infants in Sweden between two population-based national cohorts (2004-2007 vs 2014-2016)

OBJECTIVE

To investigate potential risk factors behind the increased incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in Swedish extremely preterm infants.

DESIGN

Registry data from two population-based national cohorts were studied. NEC diagnoses (Bell stage ≥II) were validated against hospital records.

PATIENTS

All liveborn infants <27 weeks of gestation 2004-2007 (n=704) and 2014-2016 (n=895) in Sweden.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

NEC incidence.

RESULTS

The validation process resulted in a 28% reduction of NEC cases but still confirmed a higher NEC incidence in the later epoch compared with the earlier (73/895 (8.2%) vs 27/704 (3.8%), p=0.001), while the composite of NEC or death was lower (244/895 (27.3%) vs 229/704 (32.5%), p=0.022). In a multivariable Cox regression model, censored for mortality, there was no significant difference in early NEC (0-7 days of life) between epochs (HR=0.9 (95% CI 0.5 to 1.9), p=0.9), but being born in the later epoch remained an independent risk factor for late NEC (>7 days) (HR=2.7 (95% CI 1.5 to 5.0), p=0.001). In propensity score analysis, a significant epoch difference in NEC incidence (12% vs 2.8%, p<0.001) was observed only in the tertile of infants at highest risk of NEC, where the 28-day mortality was lower in the later epoch (35% vs 50%, p=0.001). More NEC cases were diagnosed with intramural gas in the later epoch (33/73 (45.2%) vs 6/26 (23.1%), p=0.047).

CONCLUSIONS

The increase in NEC incidence between epochs was limited to cases occurring after 7 days of life and was partly explained by increased survival in the most extremely preterm infants. Misclassification of NEC is common.

One-year survival and outcomes of infants born at 22 and 23 weeks of gestation in Sweden 2004-2007, 2014-2016 and 2017-2019

OBJECTIVE

To explore associations between perinatal activity and survival in infants born at 22 and 23 weeks of gestation in Sweden.

DESIGN/SETTING

Data on all births at 22 and 23 weeks' gestational age (GA) were prospectively collected in 2004-2007 (T1) or obtained from national registers in 2014-2016 (T2) and 2017-2019 (T3). Infants were assigned perinatal activity scores based on 3 key obstetric and 4 neonatal interventions.

MAIN OUTCOME

One-year survival and survival without major neonatal morbidities (MNM): intraventricular haemorrhage grade 3-4, cystic periventricular leucomalacia, surgical necrotising enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity stage 3-5 or severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The association of GA-specific perinatal activity score and 1-year survival was also determined.

RESULTS

977 infants (567 live births and 410 stillbirths) were included: 323 born in T1, 347 in T2 and 307 in T3. Among live-born infants, survival at 22 weeks was 5/49 (10%) in T1 and rose significantly to 29/74 (39%) in T2 and 31/80 (39%) in T3. Survival was not significantly different between epochs at 23 weeks (53%, 61% and 67%). Among survivors, the proportions without MNM in T1, T2 and T3 were 20%, 17% and 19% for 22 weeks and 17%, 25% and 25% for 23 weeks' infants (p>0.05 for all comparisons). Each 5-point increment in GA-specific perinatal activity score increased the odds for survival in first 12 hours of life (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.4; 95% CI 1.3 to 1.6) in addition to 1-year survival (aOR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.3), and among live-born infants it was associated with increased survival without MNM (aOR 1.3; 95% CI 1.1 to 1.4).

CONCLUSION

Increased perinatal activity was associated with reduced mortality and increased chances of survival without MNM in infants born at 22 and 23 weeks of GA.

Stabilisation and resuscitation with intact cord circulation is feasible using a wide variety of approaches; a scoping review

AIM

This scoping review identified studies on approaches to intact cord resuscitation and/or stabilisation (ICR/S) for neonates delivered by Caesarean section (C-section).

METHODS

A systematic literature search was carried out using the PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane and CINAHL databases to identify papers published in English from inception to 14 November 2022.

RESULTS

We assessed 2613 studies and included 18 from 10 countries, covering 1-125 C-sections: the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, India, Italy, China, France, The Netherlands, New Zealand and Taiwan. The papers were published from 2014 to 2023, and the majority were randomised controlled trials and observational studies. Different platforms, equipment and staff positions in relation to the operating table were described. Options for resuscitation and stabilisation included different bedding and trolley approaches, and maintaining aseptic conditions was mainly addressed by the neonatal team scrubbing in. Hypothermia was prevented by using warm surfaces, polythene bags and radiant heaters. Equipment was kept easily accessible by mounting it on a trolley or a separate mobile pole.

CONCLUSION

We could not reach definitive conclusions on the optimal method for performing ICR/S during a C-section, due to study variations. However, a number of equipment and management options appeared to be feasible approaches.

Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Defects in Sweden

OBJECTIVES

Early diagnosis of critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) improves survival. We evaluated the relative contributions of prenatal ultrasound, neonatal pulse oximetry screening (POS), and neonatal physical examination (NPE) to the early detection (before discharge) of CCHD in the context of increasing prenatal detection, and POS being a national standard since 2013.

METHODS

Retrospective, nationwide population-based study. All full-term live-born infants with CCHD in Sweden between 2014 and 2019 were included. CCHD was defined as a congenital heart defect requiring surgery or catheter-based intervention or resulting in death within 28 days of birth.

RESULTS

Of 630 infants, 89% were diagnosed before discharge or death, 42% prenatally, 11% from early symptoms, 23% by POS, and 14% from NPE after a negative POS. Four (0.6%) died undiagnosed before discharge and 64/630 (10%) were discharged undiagnosed, with 24/64 being readmitted with circulatory failure and causing 1 preoperative death. Coarctation was the most prevalent CCHD (N = 184), 25% of whom were detected prenatally (12% by POS and 29% by NPE). Two died undiagnosed before discharge and 30% were discharged undiagnosed. Transposition was the second most common defect (N = 150) and 43% were detected prenatally (33% by POS, 1 by NPE) and 2 died undiagnosed before POS. None was discharged undiagnosed.

CONCLUSIONS

POS and NPE remain important for the early detection of CCHD complementing prenatal ultrasound screening. Nevertheless, 1 in 10 with CCHD leaves the hospital without a diagnosis, with coarctation being the predominant lesion. Future research on CCHD screening should have a particular focus on this cardiac defect.

Body composition and bone mass among 5-year-old survivors of necrotizing enterocolitis

BACKGROUND

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) affects the intestine of preterm infants. Preterm infants risk inadequate bone mineralization. This risk may increase if the intestinal uptake of minerals is affected after NEC.

METHODS

This is a study of growth, bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), and body composition at 5 years of age among Swedish children born before gestational week 37 + 0 with a history of NEC, minimum stage IIA, compared to matched controls. Fifty children, 25 NEC cases and 25 controls, were examined with dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and DXA with laser.

RESULTS

The NEC cases had lower weight, -1.3 SDS vs -0.7 SDS, a lower fat mass and fat percent, 23.4 vs 29.1%, compared to the controls. NEC cases had lower BMC total body head excluded, 355.6 g vs 416.7 g. BMD Z-scores were lower among NEC cases in total body head excluded, -0.7 vs -0.1, and in lumbar spine.

CONCLUSIONS

Preterm NEC survivors at 5 years of age had reduced growth, an altered body composition, and indications of a lower bone mass compared to matched controls. The study suggests that preterm infants diagnosed with NEC need special attention during childhood regarding growth and bone health.

IMPACT

A follow-up longitudinal study of growth, bone health, and body composition at 5 years of age among children born preterm with a history of NEC compared to matched controls. The NEC cases had lower weight than controls. NEC cases had an altered body composition with lower fat mass compared to controls. The DXA results showed that the NEC cases had lower bone mineral content and a tendency to lower bone mineral density. The study suggests that preterm infants diagnosed with NEC need special attention at follow-up regarding growth and bone health compared to preterm infants without NEC.

Bone mass and biomarkers in young women with anorexia nervosa: a prospective 3-year follow-up study

INTRODUCTION

Anorexia nervosa (AN) increases the risk of impaired bone health, low areal bone mineral density (aBMD), and subsequent fractures. This prospective study investigated the long-term effects of bone and mineral metabolism on bone and biomarkers in 22 women with AN.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Body composition and aBMD were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and peripheral quantitative computed tomography. Total and free 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD), C-terminal collagen cross-links (CTX), osteocalcin, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), leptin, sclerostin, and oxidized/non-oxidized parathyroid hormone (PTH) were analyzed before and after 12 weeks of intensive nutrition therapy and again 3 years later. An age-matched comparison group of 17 healthy women was recruited for the 3-year follow-up.

RESULTS

Body mass index (BMI) and fat mass increased from baseline to 3 years in women with AN. Sclerostin decreased during nutrition therapy and further over 3 years, indicating reduced bone loss. CTX was elevated at baseline and after 12 weeks but decreased over 3 years. BALP increased during nutrition therapy and stabilized over 3 years. Free 25OHD was stable during treatment but decreased over 3 years. Non-oxidized PTH was stable during treatment but increased over 3 years. Trabecular volumetric BMD in AN patients decreased during the first 12 weeks and over 3 years despite stable BMI and bone biomarkers implying increased BMD.

CONCLUSION

Our findings highlight the importance of early detection and organized long-term follow-up of bone health in young women with a history of AN.

Virulence, phenotype and genotype characteristics of invasive group B Streptococcus isolates obtained from Swedish pregnant women and neonates

Group B streptococci (GBS) are bacteria that can cause preterm birth and invasive neonatal disease. Heterogeneous expression of virulence factors enables GBS to exist as both commensal bacteria and to become highly invasive. A molecular epidemiological study comparing GBS bacterial traits, genotype and host characteristics may indicate whether it is possible to predict the risk of perinatal invasive GBS disease and more accurately target intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis. A total of 229 invasive GBS isolates from Swedish pregnant women or neonates were assessed for virulence and phenotypic traits: hemolysis zone, hemolytic pigment (Granada agar), Streptococcus B Carrot Broth (SBCB) assay, CAMP factor, and hyaluronidase activity. Genes regulating hemolytic pigment synthesis (covR/covS, abx1, stk1, stp1) were sequenced. Of the virulence factors and phenotypes assessed, a Granada pigment or SBCB score ≥ 2 captured more than 90% of EOD isolates with excellent inter-rater reliability. High enzyme activity of hyaluronidase was observed in 16% (36/229) of the invasive GBS isolates and notably, in one case of stillbirth. Hyaluronidase activity was also significantly higher in GBS isolates obtained from pregnant/postpartum individuals versus the stillbirth or neonatal invasive isolates (p < 0.001). Sequencing analysis found that abx1 (g.T106I), stk1 (g.T211N), stp1 (g.K469R) and covS (g.V343M) variants were present significantly more often in the higher (Granada pigment score ≥ 2) versus lower pigmented isolates (p < 0.001, each variant). Among the 203 higher Granada pigment scoring isolates, 22 (10.8%) isolates had 3 of the four sequence variants and 10 (4.9%) had 2 of the four sequence variants. Although heterogeneity in GBS virulence factor expression was observed, the vast majority were more highly pigmented and contained several common sequence variants in genes regulating pigment synthesis. High activity of hyaluronidase may increase risk for stillbirth and invasive disease in pregnant or postpartum individuals. Our findings suggest that testing for GBS pigmentation and hyaluronidase may, albeit imperfectly, identify pregnant people at risk for invasive disease and represent a step towards a personalized medical approach for the administration of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis.

Working conditions for hospital-based maternity and neonatal health care workers during extraordinary situations - A pre-/post COVID-19 pandemic analysis and lessons learned

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate how the changed work routines during the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting the working environment for hospital-based maternity and neonatal health care workers, and to identify preventive measures to be used in future situations when health care organizations are under pressure.

Methods

All maternity and neonatal health care workers in a Swedish university hospital were surveyed during October 2019 and September 2020. The data was analyzed by document analysis of implemented changes in working routines, a quantitative analysis of the overall effects on the working conditions, and a qualitative analysis of open-ended responses.

Results

A total of 660 maternity and neonatal health care workers completed the pre-COVID-19 survey (74% response rate) and 382 the COVID-19 survey (35% response rate). Lack of personal protective equipment, worry about becoming infected, uncertainty whether implemented changes were enough, and challenges in communicating updated routines had negative effects on maternity and neonatal health care workers’ working conditions. Team spirit and feeling valued by peers had a positive effect.

Conclusions

Results suggest that negative effects on maternity and neonatal health care workers’ health can partly be prevented in future critical situations by creating a work climate that acknowledges the employees’ worry about being infected, securing adequate pre-conditions for managers, creating a strong psychosocial safety climate and systematically improving the working conditions for the maternity and neonatal health care workers, as well as maintaining the positive perceived effects of increased team spirit and feeling valued by peers.

Neonatal outcomes associated with mode of subsequent birth after a previous caesarean section in a first pregnancy: a Swedish population-based register study between 1999 and 2015

OBJECTIVE

To investigate neonatal outcomes within 28 days in the subsequent birth in women who gave birth to their first baby by caesarean section (CS).

DESIGN AND SETTING

National retrospective population-based register study. A cohort of 94 451 neonates who were born in Sweden between 1999 and 2015 as a second child to a mother who had her first birth by emergency or planned caesarean.

METHODS

Data were retrieved from the national registers held by Statistics Sweden and the National Board of Health and Welfare. Logistic regression was used to calculate unadjusted and adjusted ORs (aOR) with 95% CIs for each outcome.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Neonatal infection, neonatal asphyxia/respiratory distress, neonatal hospital care and neonatal death within 28 days.

RESULTS

Emergency CS and instrumental vaginal birth were associated with a doubled risk of neonatal infection (aOR 2.0) and planned CS with a decreased risk (aOR 0.7) compared with spontaneous vaginal birth. Compared with spontaneous vaginal birth, an increased risk of birth asphyxia and/or respiratory distress was identified with all other modes of birth (aOR 2.2-3.2). Emergency CS and instrumental vaginal birth, but not planned CS, were associated with neonatal hospital care (aOR 1.8 and 1.7) and an increased mortality rate during the neonatal period (aOR 2.9 and 3.2), compared with spontaneous vaginal birth.

CONCLUSIONS

In childbirth following a previous birth by CS, spontaneous vaginal birth appears to confer better neonatal outcomes within 28 days after birth overall than other modes of birth.

Impaired renal clearance among Swedish adolescents born preterm

AIM

To determine whether adolescents born before 28 gestational weeks have an increased risk for renal impairment.

METHODS

Swedish infants, born before 28 gestational weeks in 2001 and 2002, were identified from a local register. A total of 16 children, 12 females and 4 males, were examined at 16-17 years of age with ⁵¹ Cr-EDTA clearance. A comparison group (n = 26) was used.

RESULTS

Most study participants (n = 13) had normal blood pressure; one individual had hypertension stage 1. All study participants had results within the reference interval for ionised calcium, parathyroid hormone, intact fibroblast growth factor-23 and for urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Four out of 16 participants (25%) had a ⁵¹ Cr-EDTA clearance less than 90 ml/min/1.73 m² , indicating a reduced kidney function. Measured ⁵¹ Cr-EDTA clearance values were significantly lower in the study group than in the comparison group (p = 0.0012). Five study participants (31%) were referred for further investigations.

CONCLUSION

Swedish children born before 28 gestational weeks have an increased risk of renal impairment later in life, suggesting that the kidney function in these individuals should be assessed, at least once, during adolescence.

Confirmed reinfection with SARS‐CoV‐2 during a pregnancy: A case report

Pregnancy might impact immunity after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and/or vaccination. We describe the first case of reinfection with SARS‐CoV‐2 during a pregnancy. While the mother lacked detectable antibodies 2 months after the first infection, both mother and baby had IgG antibodies at delivery. Infection did not cause any adverse pregnancy outcome.

Factors influencing survival and short-term outcomes of very low birth weight infants in a tertiary hospital in Johannesburg

BACKGROUND

The neonatal mortality rate in South Africa is lower than the global average, but still approximately five times higher than some European and Scandinavian countries. Prematurity, and its complications, is the main cause (35%) of neonatal deaths.

OBJECTIVE

To review the maternal, delivery period and infant characteristics in relation to mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH).

METHODS

This was a retrospective descriptive study of VLBW infants admitted to CMJAH between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. All infants with a birth weight between 500 to ≤ 1,500 grams were included. The characteristics and survival of these infants were described using univariate analysis.

RESULTS

Overall survival was 66.5%. Provision of antenatal steroids, antenatal care, Cesarean section, female sex, resuscitation at birth, and 5-min Apgar score more than five was related with better survival to discharge. Among respiratory diagnoses, 82.8% were diagnosed with RDS, 70.8% received surfactant therapy and 90.7% received non-invasive respiratory support after resuscitation. At discharge, 59.5% of the mothers were breastfeeding and 30.8% spent time in kangaroo mother care.

CONCLUSION

The two-thirds survival rate of VLBW infants is similar to those in other developing countries but still remains lower than developed countries. This may be improved with better antenatal care attendance, coverage of antenatal steroids, temperature control after birth, improving infection prevention and control practices, breastfeeding rates and kangaroo mother care. The survival rate was lowest amongst extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.

Nordic study on human milk fortification in extremely preterm infants: a randomised controlled trial-the N-forte trial

INTRODUCTION

The mortality rate of extremely low gestational age (ELGA) (born <gestational week 28+0) infants remains high, and severe infections and necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) are common causes of death. Preterm infants receiving human milk have lower incidence of sepsis and NEC than those fed a bovine milk-based preterm formula. Despite this, fully human milk fed ELGA infants most often have a significant intake of cow's milk protein from bovine-based protein fortifier. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether the supplementation of human milk-based, as compared with bovine-based, nutrient fortifier reduces the prevalence of NEC, sepsis and mortality in ELGA infants exclusively fed with human milk.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

A randomised-controlled multicentre trial comparing the effect of a human breast milk-based fortifier with a standard bovine protein-based fortifier in 222-322 ELGA infants fed human breast milk (mother's own milk and/or donor milk). The infants will be randomised to either fortifier before reaching 100 mL/kg/day in oral feeds. The intervention, stratified by centre, will continue until the target postmenstrual week 34+0. The primary outcome is a composite of NEC, sepsis or death. Infants are characterised with comprehensive clinical and nutritional data collected prospectively from birth until hospital discharge. Stool, urine, blood and breast milk samples are collected for analyses in order to study underlying mechanisms. A follow-up focusing on neurological development and growth will be performed at 2 and 5.5 years of age. Health economic analyses will be made.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

The study is conducted according to ICH/GCP guidelines and is approved by the regional ethical review board in Linköping Sweden (Dnr 2018/193-31, Dnr 2018/384-32). Results will be presented at scientific meetings and published in peer-reviewed publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03797157, 9 January 2019.

The effects of exposure to HIV in neonates at a referral hospital in South Africa

Background

Fewer infants are infected with HIV through mother-to-child transmission, making HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) infants a growing population. HIV-exposure seems to affect immunology, early growth and development, and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality rates. Currently, there is a lack of information regarding the clinical effects of HIV-exposure during the neonatal period.

Objectives

To identify a possible difference in mortality and common neonatal morbidities in HEU neonates compared to HIV-unexposed neonates.

Methods

This was a retrospective, descriptive study of all neonates admitted to the neonatal unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. HEU neonates were compared to HIV-unexposed neonates.

Results

There were 3236 neonates included, where 855 neonates were HEU. The HEU neonates had significantly lower birth weight and gestational age. The HEU neonates had higher rates of neonatal sepsis (19.8% vs 14.2%, OR 1.49, p <  0.001), specifically for late onset sepsis, and required more respiratory support. NCPAP and invasive ventilation was more common in the HEU group (36.3% vs 31.3% required NCPAP, p = 0.008, and 20.1% vs 15,0% required invasive ventilation, p <  0.001). Chronic lung disease was more common among HIV-exposed neonates (12.2% vs 8.7%, OR 1.46, p = 0.003). The difference in mortality rates between the study groups was not significant (10.8% of HEU neonates and 13.3% of HIV-unexposed).

Conclusions

HEU neonates had higher rates of neonatal sepsis, particularly late-onset sepsis, required more respiratory support and had higher rates of chronic lung disease. Mortality of HEU neonates was not different HIV-unexposed neonates.

The Significance of the FTO Gene for Weight and Body Composition in Swedish Women With Severe Anorexia Nervosa During Intensive Nutrition Therapy

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the potential influence of the fat mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO), SNP rs9939609, on body mass index (BMI) and body composition in women with anorexia nervosa (AN) undergoing intensive nutrition therapy.

METHOD

Twenty-five female patients with AN (20.1 ± 2.3 years; BMI, 15.5 ± 0.9 kg/m²) were included for 12 weeks of treatment with a high-energy diet. FTO was genotyped and body composition parameters were assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and peripheral quantitative computed tomography at baseline and after 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The distribution of the different FTO genotypes were as follows: AA, 24%; TA, 48%; and TT, 28%. Patients gained a median of 9.8 kg (range, 5.5-17.0 kg) and BMI increased to 19.0 ± 0.9 kg/m². The increase in BMI, fat mass, and the quotient fat/muscle area was significant for the TT and TA genotype groups. Total lean mass was stable in all genotype groups. We could not demonstrate any difference among the 3 FTO genotypes related to the increases in BMI during nutrition therapy when the additive, dominant, and recessive models of inheritance were applied.

CONCLUSIONS

Irrespective of the FTO genotype, there was no difference in weight response during nutrition therapy. Hence, in this small study there was limited support for individualized nutrition therapy for AN based on FTO genotype.

Low false-positive rate of perfusion index as a screening tool for neonatal aortic coarctation

Aim

Adding perfusion index (PI) to pulse oximetry screening (POS) may increase neonatal detection of CoA (aortic coarctation). A cut‐off <0.7% has been suggested but is associated with a high rate of false positives. We aimed to evaluate the specificity of PI when using repeated instead of single measurements.

Methods

A pilot study was conducted in 50 neonates. PI was recorded in right hand and a foot by pulse oximeter. If PI was <0.7%, the measurement was immediately repeated up to 3 times. If all three measurements were <0.7% in hand and/or foot the screen was positive and echocardiography was performed. There were 3/50 false‐positive screens. The protocol was therefore modified requiring 30 min intervals between measurements.

Results

An additional 463 neonates were included using the modified protocol at a median age of 18 h. There were no false positives. The only neonate with CoA had a negative screen (PI hand 1.2% and foot 0.8%). The measurement required on average an extra 3 min and 30 s compared with POS only.

Conclusion

The false‐positive rate of PI was reduced by using repeated PI measurements. The sensitivity for CoA using this protocol should be evaluated in large‐scale prospective studies.

Effect of Enteral Lipid Supplement on Severe Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Lack of arachidonic acid (AA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) after extremely preterm birth may contribute to preterm morbidity, including retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether enteral supplementation with fatty acids from birth to 40 weeks' postmenstrual age reduces ROP in extremely preterm infants.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Mega Donna Mega trial, a randomized clinical trial, was a multicenter study performed at 3 university hospitals in Sweden from December 15, 2016, to December 15, 2019. The screening pediatric ophthalmologists were masked to patient groupings. A total of 209 infants born at less than 28 weeks' gestation were tested for eligibility, and 206 infants were included. Efficacy analyses were performed on as-randomized groups on the intention-to-treat population and on the per-protocol population using as-treated groups. Statistical analyses were performed from February to April 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Infants received either supplementation with an enteral oil providing AA (100 mg/kg/d) and DHA (50 mg/kg/d) (AA:DHA group) or no supplementation within 3 days after birth until 40 weeks' postmenstrual age.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was severe ROP (stage 3 and/or type 1). The secondary outcomes were AA and DHA serum levels and rates of other complications of preterm birth.

RESULTS

A total of 101 infants (58 boys [57.4%]; mean [SD] gestational age, 25.5 [1.5] weeks) were included in the AA:DHA group, and 105 infants (59 boys [56.2%]; mean [SD] gestational age, 25.5 [1.4] weeks) were included in the control group. Treatment with AA and DHA reduced severe ROP compared with the standard of care (16 of 101 [15.8%] in the AA:DHA group vs 35 of 105 [33.3%] in the control group; adjusted relative risk, 0.50 [95% CI, 0.28-0.91]; P = .02). The AA:DHA group had significantly higher fractions of AA and DHA in serum phospholipids compared with controls (overall mean difference in AA:DHA group, 0.82 mol% [95% CI, 0.46-1.18 mol%]; P < .001; overall mean difference in control group, 0.13 mol% [95% CI, 0.01-0.24 mol%]; P = .03). There were no significant differences between the AA:DHA group and the control group in the rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (48 of 101 [47.5%] vs 48 of 105 [45.7%]) and of any grade of intraventricular hemorrhage (43 of 101 [42.6%] vs 42 of 105 [40.0%]). In the AA:DHA group and control group, respectively, sepsis occurred in 42 of 101 infants (41.6%) and 53 of 105 infants (50.5%), serious adverse events occurred in 26 of 101 infants (25.7%) and 26 of 105 infants (24.8%), and 16 of 101 infants (15.8%) and 13 of 106 infants (12.3%) died.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This study found that, compared with standard of care, enteral AA:DHA supplementation lowered the risk of severe ROP by 50% and showed overall higher serum levels of both AA and DHA. Enteral lipid supplementation with AA:DHA is a novel preventive strategy to decrease severe ROP in extremely preterm infants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03201588.

Dramatic changes in blood protein levels during the first week of life in extremely preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Preterm birth and its complications are the primary cause of death among children under the age of 5. Among the survivors, morbidity both perinatally and later in life is common. The dawn of novel technical platforms for comprehensive and sensitive analysis of protein profiles in blood has opened up new possibilities to study both health and disease with significant clinical accuracy, here used to study the preterm infant and the physiological changes of the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life.

METHODS

We have performed in-depth analysis of the protein profiles of 14 extremely preterm infants using longitudinal sampling. Medical variables were integrated with extensive profiling of 448 unique protein targets.

RESULTS

The preterm infants have a distinct unified protein profile in blood directly at birth regardless of clinical background; however, the pattern changed profoundly postnatally, expressing more diverse profiles only 1 week later and further on up to term-equivalent age. Clusters of proteins depending on temporal trend were identified.

CONCLUSION

The protein profiles and the temporal trends here described will contribute to the understanding of the physiological changes in the intrauterine-extrauterine transition, which is essential to adjust early-in-life interventions to prone a normal development in the vulnerable preterm infants.

IMPACT

We have performed longitudinal and in-depth analysis of the protein profiles of 14 extremely preterm infants using a novel multiplex protein analysis platform. The preterm infants had a distinct unified protein profile in blood directly at birth regardless of clinical background. The pattern changed dramatically postnatally, expressing more diverse profiles only 1 week later and further on up to term-equivalent age. Certain clusters of proteins were identified depending on their temporal trend, including several liver and immune proteins. The study contributes to the understanding of the physiological changes in the intrauterine-extrauterine transition.

Glycemic, maternal and neonatal outcomes in women with type 1 diabetes using continuous glucose monitoring during pregnancy - Pump vs multiple daily injections, a secondary analysis of an observational cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides detailed information about glucose level fluctuations over time. The method is increasingly being used in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes. However, only one previous study compared CGM results related to pregnancy outcomes in women using insulin pumps with those administering multiple daily injections (MDI). We performed a secondary analysis of CGM metrics from an observational cohort of pregnant women with type 1 diabetes and compared insulin pump and MDI therapies in relation to maternal and neonatal outcomes.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The study included 185 pregnant Swedish women with type 1 diabetes undergoing CGM throughout pregnancy. Women were divided according to insulin administration mode, ie MDI (n = 131) or pump (n = 54). A total of 91 women used real-time CGM and 94 women used intermittently viewed CGM. Maternal demographics and maternal and neonatal outcome data were collected from medical records. CGM data were analyzed according to predefined glycemic indices: mean glucose; standard deviation; percentage of time within, below and above glucose target range; mean amplitude of glycemic excursion; high and low glucose indices; and coefficient variation in percent. Associations between insulin administration mode and CGM data, on the one hand, and maternal and neonatal outcomes, on the other, were analyzed with analysis of covariance and logistic regression, respectively, adjusted for confounders.

RESULTS

There were no differences in maternal characteristics or glycemic indices between the MDI and pump groups, except for a longer duration of type 1 diabetes and higher frequencies of microangiopathy and real-time CGM among pump users. Despite improvement with each trimester, glucose levels remained suboptimal throughout pregnancy in both groups. There were no differences between the MDI and pump groups concerning the respective associations with any of the outcomes. The frequency of large for gestational age was high in both groups (MDI 49% vs pump 63%) and did not differ significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Pregnant women with type 1 diabetes did not differ in glycemic control or pregnancy outcome, related to MDI or pump administration of insulin. Glycemic control remained suboptimal throughout pregnancy, regardless of insulin administration mode.

C-reactive protein- and clinical symptoms-guided strategy in term neonates with early-onset sepsis reduced antibiotic use and hospital stay: a quality improvement initiative

BACKGROUND

Early-onset sepsis (EOS) is a potentially life-threatening complication of birth. Clinical symptoms are often unspecific and biomarkers have low predictive values for EOS. Therefore, clinical suspicion often leads to antibiotic therapy in neonates with a negative blood culture. In the study we evaluated if a quality improvement initiative could reduce unwarranted antibiotic use in a safe way in term neonates with culture-negative sepsis.

METHODS

The quality improvement initiative included new treatment guidelines and were introduced on 11 June 2018. The guidelines included C-reactive protein- and clinical symptoms-guided decision-making and shorter intravenous antibiotic therapy. All term neonates treated for EOS at Ryhov Hospital, Jönköping, Sweden were studied before (period 1: 2016-2017) and after the introduction of the new guidelines (period 2: 11 June 2018 to 30 Sept 2019). Laboratory and clinical data were analysed.

RESULTS

There were 7618 term neonates in period 1 and 5005 term neonates in period 2. We identified 140 (1.8%) EOS in period 1 and 97 (1.9%) EOS in period 2. During period 1 and 2, there were 61 (61/140, 44%) and 59 (59/97, 61%) EOS neonates, respectively, who met the criteria for shorter antibiotic treatment. The number of positive blood cultures were seven (0.92/1000 live births) and five (1.0/1000 live births) in period 1 and 2. The median C-reactive protein were 52 mg/L (37-62) in period 1 and 42 mg/L (31-56) in period 2 in the group who met the criteria of the guidelines. The duration of antibiotic therapy (Median: seven vs. five days, p < 0.001) and hospital stay (Median: seven vs. five days, p < 0.001) as well as healthcare costs (decreased by €122,000/year) was reduced in the group who met the criteria after the introduction of the guidelines.

CONCLUSION

C-reactive protein- and clinical symptoms-guided decision-making for EOS significantly decreased the duration of antibiotic therapy and hospital stay, and hence reduced healthcare costs, with no reinfection in a cohort of term infants.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Trial registration number: ISRCTN29535824 . Date of registration: 28 May 2020. Retrospectively registered.

Low risk of necrotising enterocolitis in enterally fed neonates with critical heart disease: an observational study

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the frequency of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in infants with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) hypothesising that preoperative enteral feeding does not increase the risk of NEC.

BACKGROUND

When NEC affects term infants, underlying risk factors such as asphyxia, sepsis or CCHD are often found. Due to fear of NEC development in infants with CCHD great caution is practised in many countries to defer preoperative enteral feeding, but in Sweden this is routinely provided.

DESIGN, SETTING AND PATIENTS

An observational study of all infants born with CCHD who were admitted to Queen Silvia Children's Hospital in Gothenburg between 2010 and 2017. The International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision diagnosis code of NEC was used to identify NEC cases in this group. Infants described as 'fully fed' or who were fed at least 45 mL/kg/day before cardiac surgery were identified.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

NEC in infants with CCHD in relation to preoperative enteral feeding.

RESULTS

There were 458 infants with CCHD admitted during the study period. 408/458 were born at term and 361/458 required prostaglandin E1 before surgery. In total, 444/458 infants (97%) were fully fed or fed at least 45 mL/kg daily before cardiac surgery. Four of 458 infants developed NEC (0.9%). All four had other risk factors for NEC.

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed a low risk of NEC in term infants fed enterally before cardiac surgery. We speculate that preoperative enteral feeding of neonates with CCHD does not increase the risk of NEC development.

Reduced antibiotic use in extremely preterm infants with an antimicrobial stewardship intervention

INTRODUCTION

Excessive administration of antibiotics to preterm infants is associated with increased rates of complications. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of an antimicrobial stewardship intervention on antibiotic use in extremely preterm infants.

DESIGN SETTING PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION

A before and after study of infants born at ≤28 weeks' gestational age was performed in the neonatal intensive care unit of Queen Silvia's Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. Retrospective analysis of the baseline period (January-December 2014) guided the development of a limited antimicrobial stewardship intervention. The intervention consisted of updated local guidelines with a focus on shortened and standardised treatment duration plus increased access to infectious disease consultant advice. It was fully implemented during the intervention period (October 2017-September 2018).

OBJECTIVE

Primary aim was to compare antibiotic use, defined as antibiotic treatment days per 1000 patient-days, between the two periods, and the secondary aim was to evaluate the number of days with meropenem-based regimens before and after the intervention.

RESULTS

We included 145 infants with a median birth weight of 870 g and median gestational age of 26 weeks. The baseline period comprised 82 infants and 3478 patient-days, the intervention period comprised 63 infants and 2753 patient-days. Overall antibiotic use (treatment and prophylaxis) was 534 versus 466 days per 1000 patient-days during the baseline and intervention periods, respectively. Antibiotic treatment days decreased from 287 to 197 days per 1000 patient-days. The proportion of meropenem-based regimens was 69% versus 44%, respectively. No increases in mortality or reinitiation of antibiotics were seen.

CONCLUSIONS

Implementation of a limited antimicrobial stewardship intervention anchored in analysis of previous prescription patterns can contribute to safe decreases in antibiotic use in extremely preterm infants.

Changes in incidence and etiology of early-onset neonatal infections 1997-2017 - a retrospective cohort study in western Sweden

Background

The objective of the study was to evaluate data on early-onset neonatal invasive infections in western Sweden for the period 1997–2017. To identify changes in incidence, etiology and mortality and compare to previous studies from the same area starting from 1975.

Methods

Observational epidemiological, retrospective study on infants 0–6 days of age with a positive culture in blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid between 1997 and 2017. A comparison was made of the incidence between 2008 and 2017 compared to 1997–2007. Changes in the incidence of infections due to Group B streptococci, Staphylococcus aureus and aerobic Gram-negative rods were assessed from 1975.

Results

The total incidence, including both recognized pathogens and commensals as causative agents, was 1.1/1000 live births. The incidence declined from 1.4/1000 LB in 1997–2007 to 0.9/1000 LB in 2008–2017 but the case-fatality rate remained unchanged, (8/119 vs 7/90), at 7%. Among the 209 patients identified during 1997–2017 with sepsis or meningitis the most common organisms were Group B streptococci (40%, 84/209), S. aureus (16%, 33/209) and E. coli (9%, 18/209). The incidence of Group B streptococci infections went from 0.9/1000 live births 1987–1996 to 0.45/1000 live births 1997–2017 and all cases were within 72 h. The proportion of extremely preterm infants (< 28 weeks gestation) rose steadily during the study period but there was no rise in infections due to Gram-negative organisms. The spectrum of cultured organisms changed after 72 h as commensal organisms started to emerge.

Conclusion

There has been a decrease in the incidence of neonatal early-onset infections compared to previous studies in western Sweden. The incidence of GBS infections was not as low as in other reports. Further studies are needed to assess if screening-based intra partum antimicrobial prophylaxis instead of a risk factor-based approach for identifying candidates for intrapartum antimicrobial prophylaxis would be a better option for this study area.

Key notes

This study is one of the longest running follow-ups in the world, a follow-up of 43 years of early-onset neonatal infections.

The incidence of early-onset GBS infections is higher in Western Sweden compared to other local reports.

No difference in the incidence of early-onset GBS depending on the definition of early-onset being within 72 h or 7 days of life.

[Born a few weeks too early; does it matter?]

Late and moderately preterm infants, born between 32+0/7 and 36+6/7 gestational weeks, comprise more than 80 % of all preterm infants and account for almost 40 % of all days of neonatal care. While their total number of days of care has not changed, an increasing part of their neonatal stay (from 29 % in 2011 to 41 % in 2017) is now within home care programmes. Late and moderate preterm birth is often complicated by respiratory disorders, hyperbilirubinemia, hypothermia and feeding difficulties. These infants also have an increased risk of perinatal death and neurologic complications. In the long run, they have higher risks of cognitive impairment, neuropsychiatric diagnoses and need for asthma medication. As young adults, they have a lower educational level and a lower average salary than their full-term counterparts. They also have an increased risk of long-term sick leave, disability pension and need for economic assistance from society.

Secular trends of birthweight in boys from 1950 to 2010

BACKGROUND

Birthweight is an indicator of fetal development and intrauterine conditions and is associated with future health outcomes. Secular birthweight trends prior to the 1970s are mostly unknown. Our aim was to explore secular birthweight trends in Swedish boys from 1950 to 2010.

METHODS

We have collected detailed growth data including birthweight from archived School Health Care records for children born in Gothenburg from 1946 and onwards and established a unique population-based cohort, the Body Mass Index Epidemiology Study (BEST). The birthweight cohort spans six decades (1950-2010) and includes 46,548 boys.

RESULTS

The mean birthweight of the complete study cohort was 3580 ± 562 g. Linear regression analysis of the entire period revealed a minimal negative secular trend for birthweight (BETA = -0.4 g/year; p < 0.01). However, three distinct trends appeared during sub-periods: a decrease 1950-80, an increase 1980-2000 and another decrease 2000-2010.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrate that birthweight in boys has undergone periodic decreases and subsequent increases, but the overall trend from the 1950s to the present is stable.

Increased risk of rickets but not fractures during childhood and adolescence following necrotizing enterocolitis among children born preterm in Sweden

BACKGROUND

The aim was to clarify whether children born preterm with a history of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) had an increased risk of rickets, fractures, and/or vitamin D deficiency during childhood and adolescence compared to controls without NEC, matched for gestational age.

METHODS

All infants born in Sweden between 1987 and 2009 with a gestational age <32 + 0 weeks and a diagnosis of NEC were identified. Totally, 465 children with a history of NEC and 2127 controls were included. International Classification of Diseases codes for all categories of fractures, rickets, vitamin D deficiency, and malnutrition were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 94 of the 465 children with NEC died within 28 days. Of the 2127 controls, 288 died within 28 days. Among the remaining 371 NEC cases, 39 fracture occasions were identified. The 1839 controls had 204 fracture occasions. There was no significant difference in fractures. Rickets was diagnosed in 11 (3%) of the children with a history of NEC compared to 21 (1%) of the controls (odds ratio 2.65, 95% CI 1.26-5.53, p = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed an increased risk of rickets but not fractures during childhood and adolescence in children born preterm and with a history of NEC, compared to matched controls.

Continuous glucose monitoring in pregnant women with type 1 diabetes: an observational cohort study of 186 pregnancies

AIMS/HYPOTHESIS

The aim of this study was to analyse patterns of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data for associations with large for gestational age (LGA) infants and an adverse neonatal composite outcome (NCO) in pregnancies in women with type 1 diabetes.

METHODS

This was an observational cohort study of 186 pregnant women with type 1 diabetes in Sweden. The interstitial glucose readings from 92 real-time (rt) CGM and 94 intermittently viewed (i) CGM devices were used to calculate mean glucose, SD, CV%, time spent in target range (3.5-7.8 mmol/l), mean amplitude of glucose excursions and also high and low blood glucose indices (HBGI and LBGI, respectively). Electronic records provided information on maternal demographics and neonatal outcomes. Associations between CGM indices and neonatal outcomes were analysed by stepwise logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounders.

RESULTS

The number of infants born LGA was similar in rtCGM and iCGM users (52% vs 53%). In the combined group, elevated mean glucose levels in the second and the third trimester were significantly associated with LGA (OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.12, 2.08, and OR 1.57, 95% CI 1.12, 2.19, respectively). Furthermore, a high percentage of time in target in the second and the third trimester was associated with lower risk of LGA (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94, 0.99 and OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95, 1.00, respectively). The same associations were found for mean glucose and for time in target and the risk of NCO in all trimesters. SD was significantly associated with LGA in the second trimester and with NCO in the third trimester. Glucose patterns did not differ between rtCGM and iCGM users except that rtCGM users had lower LBGI and spent less time below target.

CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION

Higher mean glucose levels, higher SD and less time in target range were associated with increased risk of LGA and NCO. Despite the use of CGM throughout pregnancy, the day-to-day glucose control was not optimal and the incidence of LGA remained high.

Validation of the diagnosis of necrotising enterocolitis in a Swedish population-based observational study

Aim

The definition of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is based on clinical and radiological signs that can be difficult to interpret. The aim of the present study was to validate the incidence of NEC in the Extremely Preterm Infants in Sweden Study (EXPRESS)

Methods

The EXPRESS study consisted of all 707 infants born before 27 + 0 gestational weeks during the years 2004–2007 in Sweden. Of these infants, 38 were recorded as having NEC of Bell stage II or higher. Hospital records were obtained for these infants. Furthermore, to identify missed cases, all infants with a sudden reduction of enteral nutrition, in the EXPRESS study were identified (n = 71). Hospital records for these infants were obtained. Thus, 108 hospital records were obtained and scored independently by two neonatologists for NEC.

Results

Of 38 NEC cases in the EXPRESS study, 26 were classified as NEC after validation. Four cases not recorded in the EXPRESS study were found. The incidence of NEC decreased from 6.3% to 4.3%.

Conclusion

Validation of the incidence of NEC revealed over‐ and underestimation of NEC in the EXPRESS study despite carefully collected data. Similar problems may occur in other national data sets or quality registers.

Caffeine exposure during pregnancy, small for gestational age birth and neonatal outcome - results from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

Maternal caffeine intake has repeatedly been linked to babies being born small for gestational age (SGA). SGA babies are known to be at increased risk for adverse neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore the associations between prenatal caffeine exposure and neonatal health.

METHODS

The study is based on 67,569 full-term singleton mother-infant pairs from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Caffeine consumption from different sources was self-reported in gestational week 22. Neonatal compound outcomes, namely (1) morbidity/mortality and (2) neonatal intervention, were created based on the Medical Birth Registry of Norway. Adjusted logistic regression was performed.

RESULTS

Caffeine exposure was associated to SGA (OR = 1.16, 95%CI: 1.10; 1.23) and being born SGA was significantly associated with neonatal health (OR = 3.09, 95%CI: 2.54; 3.78 for morbidity/mortality; OR = 3.94, 95%CI: 3.50; 4.45 for intervention). However, prenatal caffeine exposure was neither associated with neonatal morbidity/mortality (OR = 1.01, 95%CI: 0.96; 1.07) nor neonatal intervention (OR = 1.02, 95%CI: 1.00; 1.05 for a 100 mg caffeine intake increase). Results did not change after additional adjustment for SGA status.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate prenatal caffeine exposure (< 200 mg/day) does not seem to impair neonatal health, although prenatal caffeine exposure is associated with the child being born SGA and SGA with neonatal health. We suggest diversity in neonatal outcomes of SGA infants according to the underlying cause of low birth weight.

Maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and childhood growth and overweight: results from a large Norwegian prospective observational cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To study the association between maternal caffeine intake during pregnancy and the child's weight gain and overweight risk up to 8 years.

DESIGN

Prospective nationwide pregnancy cohort.

SETTING

The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 50 943 mothers recruited from 2002 to 2008 and their children, after singleton pregnancies, with information about average caffeine intake assessed at mid-pregnancy.

OUTCOME MEASURE

Child's body size information at 11 age points from 6 weeks to 8 years. We defined excess growth in infancy as a WHO weight gain z-score of >0.67 from birth to age 1 year, and overweight according to the International Obesity Task Force. We used a growth model to assess individual growth trajectories.

RESULTS

Compared with pregnant women with low caffeine intake (<50 mg/day, 46%), women with average (50-199 mg/day, 44%), high (≥200-299 mg/day, 7%) and very high (≥300 mg/day, 3%) caffeine intakes had an increased risk of their child experiencing excess growth in infancy, after adjustment for confounders (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.22, OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.45, OR=1.66, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.93, respectively). In utero exposure to any caffeine was associated with higher risk of overweight at age 3 years and 5 years, while the association persisted at 8 years, only for very high exposures. Any caffeine intake was associated with increased body mass index from infancy to childhood. Children prenatally exposed to caffeine intake >200 mg/day had consistently higher weight. Very high caffeine exposures were associated with higher weight gain velocity from infancy to age 8 years.

CONCLUSION

Any caffeine consumption during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of excess infant growth and of childhood overweight, mainly at preschool ages. Maternal caffeine intake may modify the overall weight growth trajectory of the child from birth to 8 years. This study adds supporting evidence for the current advice to reduce caffeine intake during pregnancy.

Maternal, fetal and perinatal factors associated with necrotizing enterocolitis in Sweden. A national case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To analyze associations of maternal, fetal, gestational, and perinatal factors with necrotizing enterocolitis in a matched case-control study based on routinely collected, nationwide register data.

STUDY DESIGN

All infants born in 1987 through 2009 with a diagnosis of necrotizing enterocolitis in any of the Swedish national health care registers were identified. For each case up to 6 controls, matched for birth year and gestational age, were selected. The resulting study population consisted of 720 cases and 3,567 controls. Information on socioeconomic data about the mother, maternal morbidity, pregnancy related diagnoses, perinatal diagnoses of the infant, and procedures in the perinatal period, was obtained for all cases and controls and analyzed with univariable and multivariable logistic regressions for the whole study population as well as for subgroups according to gestational age.

RESULTS

In the study population as a whole, we found independent positive associations with necrotizing enterocolitis for isoimmunization, fetal distress, cesarean section, neonatal bacterial infection including sepsis, erythrocyte transfusion, persistent ductus arteriosus, cardiac malformation, gastrointestinal malformation, and chromosomal abnormality. Negative associations were found for maternal weight, preeclampsia, maternal urinary infection, premature rupture of the membranes, and birthweight. Different patterns of associations were seen in the subgroups of different gestational age.

CONCLUSION

With some interesting exceptions, especially in negative associations, the results of this large, population based study, are in keeping with earlier studies. Although restrained by the limitations of register data, the findings mirror conceivable pathophysiological processes and underline that NEC is a multifactorial disease.

The effect of twin-to-twin delivery time intervals on neonatal outcome for second twins

Background

The objective was to examine the effect of twin-to-twin delivery intervals on neonatal outcome for second twins.

Methods

This was a retrospective, hospital-based study, performed at a university teaching hospital in Western Sweden. Twin deliveries between 2008 and 2014 at ≥32 + 0 weeks of gestation, where the first twin was delivered vaginally, were included. Primary outcome was a composite outcome of metabolic acidosis, Apgar < 4 at 5 min or peri/neonatal mortality in the second twin. Secondary outcome was a composite outcome of neonatal morbidity.

Results

A total of 527 twin deliveries were included. The median twin-to-twin delivery interval time was 19 min (range 2–399 min) and 68% of all second twins were delivered within 30 min. Primary outcome occurred in 2.6% of the second twins. Median twin-to-twin delivery interval was 34 min (8–78 min) for the second twin with a primary outcome, and 19 min (2–399 min) for the second twin with no primary outcome (p = 0.028). Second twins delivered within a twin-to-twin interval of 0–30 min had a higher pH in umbilical artery blood gas than those delivered after 30 min (pH 7.23 and pH 7.20, p <  0.0001). Secondary outcome was not associated with twin-to-twin delivery interval time. The combined vaginal-cesarean delivery rate was 6.6% (n = 35) and the rate was higher with twin-to-twin delivery interval >  30 min (p <  0.0001).

Conclusions

An association, but not necessarily a causality, between twin-to-twin delivery interval and primary outcome was seen. An upper time limit on twin-to-twin delivery time intervals may be justified. However, the optimal time interval needs further studies.

Intestinal failure after necrotising enterocolitis: incidence and risk factors in a Swedish population-based longitudinal study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Paediatric intestinal failure (IF) is a disease entity characterised by gut insufficiency often related to short bowel syndrome. It is commonly caused by surgical removal of a large section of the small intestine in association with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), which usually affects premature infants. This study investigated the incidence and risk of IF in preterm infants with or without NEC.

DESIGN

A matched cohort study to investigate the incidence and risk factors for IF in a population-based setting in Sweden from 1987 to 2009 using the Swedish Patient Register.

PARTICIPANTS

Infants with a diagnosis of NEC (n=720) were matched for gestational age and year of birth with reference individuals without NEC (n=3656). The study cohort was censored at death, IF or at end of follow-up (2 years of age). We calculated HRs with 95%CIs for IF using Cox regression, adjusting for pertinent perinatal factors.

RESULTS

IF was 15 times more common in the infants with NEC compared with the reference infants (HR=7.2, with 95% CI 3.7 to 14.0). Other risk factors for IF were small for gestational age, extreme preterm birth and abdominal surgery. Neonatal mortality in infants with NEC decreased from 20.6% in 1987-1993 to 10.4% in 2007-2009.

CONCLUSION

IF was more common in the infants with NEC but was also linked to extreme preterm birth, a history of abdominal surgery and small for gestational age. IF was more common at the end of the study period, indicating that it increases when more preterm infants with NEC survive the neonatal period.

Population-based study showed that necrotising enterocolitis occurred in space-time clusters with a decreasing secular trend in Sweden

Aim

This study investigated space–time clustering of neonatal necrotising enterocolitis over three decades.

Methods

Space–time clustering analyses objects that are grouped by a specific place and time. The Knox test and Kulldorff's scan statistic were used to analyse space–time clusters in 808 children diagnosed with necrotising enterocolitis in a national cohort of 2 389 681 children born between 1987 and 2009 in Sweden. The municipality the mother lived in and the delivery hospital defined closeness in space and the time between when the cases were born – seven, 14 and 21 days – defined closeness in time.

Results

The Knox test showed no indication of space–time clustering at the residential level, but clear indications at the hospital level in all the time windows: seven days (p = 0.026), 14 days (p = 0.010) and 21 days (p = 0.004). Significant clustering at the hospital level was found during 1987–1997, but not during 1998–2009. Kulldorff's scan statistic found seven significant clusters at the hospital level.

Conclusion

Space–time clustering was found at the hospital but not residential level, suggesting a contagious environmental effect after delivery, but not in the prenatal period. The decrease in clustering over time may reflect improved routines to minimise the risk of contagion between patients receiving neonatal care.

Very low birthweight infants face an increased risk of bloodstream infections following the removal of umbilical catheters

AIM

This study examined whether there was a temporal association between removing umbilical catheters and bloodstream infections (BSI) in a neonatal intensive care unit, as this is an area of research that has not received sufficient attention.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective study of all neonates receiving umbilical catheters during 2011 and 2012 in the neonatal intensive care unit at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden. The time from umbilical catheter removals to the first subsequent BSI was recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 372 infants had umbilical catheters inserted and 146 of these had a birthweight of <1500 g. Antibiotics were discontinued when umbilical catheters were removed in 67 of these low birthweight infants and 20 of them needed to be retreated for BSI within 72 hours. We found that very low birthweight infants had a significantly increased risk of developing BSI if antibiotics were discontinued at the same time as umbilical catheters were removed, rather than being continued after removal (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This NICU study demonstrated a temporal association between removing umbilical catheters and BSI in very low birthweight infants weighting <1500 g.

Serotypes of group B streptococci in western Sweden and comparison with serotypes in two previous studies starting from 1988

Background

Group B Streptococci (GBS) are the most common neonatal pathogens and infect immunocompromised and elderly individuals. The species has 10 different serotypes. Serotypes have been studied in the south-west area of Sweden in 1988–1997 and 1998–2001. The aim of this study was to study serotypes in the same area from 2004 to 2009.

Methods

Invasive GBS isolates were collected prospectively from 2004 to 2009 in two counties in western Sweden with a population of 1.8 million, and were serotyped by latex agglutination. Clinical data were obtained from hospital records. During the study period 410 invasive GBS isolates from 398 patients were collected (multiple episodes ≥1 month apart). Clinical data were not available for two patients who are excluded. Four isolates were from stillborn neonates, 88 were from live born neonates and infants, and 318 from adults.

Results

Serotype III was the most common serotype (48 %) in neonates and infants followed by serotypes Ia (18 %) and V (16 %). In adults serotype V (39 %) dominated followed by serotypes III (20 %) and Ib (14 %). There was a significant increase of serotype V in comparison with the first study (1988–1997) but there were no significant changes in the serotype distribution between the present study and the second study (1998–2001). There were a few cases of serotype VI-IX, both in children and adults, not seen in the previous studies. Serotype V was more common among patients with arthritis than with any other manifestation.

Conclusions

Changes in GBS serotypes occur over time in the same region, which must be considered when GBS vaccines are formulated.

Low birthweight, gestational age, need for surgical intervention and gram-negative bacteraemia predict intestinal failure following necrotising enterocolitis

AIM

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to identify predictors of intestinal failure (IF), morbidity and mortality following NEC.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective study of all neonates treated for NEC stage II or greater at a tertiary referral NICU between 2000 and 2009. Demographic data, need for surgery, residual bowel length and rates of bacteraemia, cholestasis, IF and mortality were analysed.

RESULTS

During the 10-year period, 301 patients were referred with NEC and 152 had surgical intervention. Overall mortality was 32%. Of the 230 infants who survived >42 days, 97 (42%) had IF at 42 days, decreasing to 15% at >90 days. The rate of IF was significantly higher in the surgical group than the medical group (OR 2.04, 95% CI, 1.25-3.35, p < 0.004), but 23% of the medically treated infants with NEC also developed IF. There was a significant relationship between IF and gram-negative bacteraemia, the need for surgery, cholestasis, liver failure and mortality.

CONCLUSION

Intestinal failure occurred in a significant proportion of infants with NEC. Predictors for IF among infants with NEC were low birthweight, low gestational age, need for surgical intervention and gram-negative bacteraemia.

Oxidative and nitrosative stress enzymes in relation to nitrotyrosine in Helicobacter pylori-infected humans

AIM: To compare a possible relation between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and the oxygen- and nitrogen radical system in humans.

METHODS: Mechanisms for H. pylori to interfere with the oxygen and nitrogen radical system is of great importance for understanding of the H. pylori persistence and pathogenesis. Biopsies were obtained from the gastric wall of 21 individuals. Ongoing infection with H. pylori was detected using direct analyze from the biopsies using campylobacter-like organism test (CLO-test) and/or by using ¹⁴C-urea breath test. The individuals were divided in a negative H. pylori and a positive H. pylori group. Expression in the gastric mucosa of inducible nitric oxide syntase (iNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-oxidase (NADPH-oxidase) myeloperoxidase (MPO), and nitrotyrosine were assessed by Western blotting.

RESULTS: The individuals who undervent gastroscopy were divided in a H. pylori neg. [n = 13, m/f = 7/6, age (mean) = 39] and a H. pylori pos. group [n= 8, m/f = 5/3, age (mean) = 53]. Using western blot analysis iNOS was detected as a 130 kDa band. The iNOS expression was upregulated in the antrum of H. pylori infected individuals in comparison to the controls, mean ± SD being 12.6 ± 2.4 vs 8.3 ± 3.1, P < 0.01. There was a markedly upregulated expression of MPO in the antrum of H. pylori infected individuals in comparison to the control group without infection. In several of non-infected controls it was not possible to detect any MPO expression at all, whereas the expression was high in all the infected subjects, mean ± SD being 5.1 ± 3.4 vs 2.1 ± 1.9, P < 0.05. The NADPH-oxidase expression was analysed by detecting the NADPH-oxidase subunit p47-phox expression. P47-phox was detected as a 47 kDa band using Western blot, and showed a significantly higher expression of p47-phox in the antrum of the H. pylori infected individuals compared to the controls, mean ± SD being 3.1 ± 2.2 vs 0.3 ± 0.2, P < 0.01. Regarding nitrotyrosine formation, Western blot did not show any significant increase or decrease compared to controls, 7.0 ± 0.9 vs 6.9 ± 1.1, not significant.

CONCLUSION: iNOS, MPO and NADPH-oxidase was up-regulated among H. pylori infected. Regarding nitrotyrosine no difference was found. This support an H. pylori related inhibition of radical formation.

Abdominal pathology requiring laparotomy in very preterm infants is associated with need for surgical closure of patent ductus arteriosus

BACKGROUND

Extensive intestinal surgery in very preterm infants and its influence on somatic growth is of major concern. There is little consensus as to which is the most appropriate surgical approach in extremely low-birth-weight infants with abdominal pathology. Laparotomy is currently advocated, but peritoneal drainage is also discussed.

OBJECTIVE

To study laparotomy as surgical intervention in newborn infants with less than 28 gestational weeks and to investigate associated mortality and morbidity and its impact on short-term growth.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

The study was a retrospective case-control study of newborn infants requiring laparotomy. All infants with gestational age less than 28 weeks who were subject to acute laparotomy in the neonatal period at Sahlgrenska University Hospital during a 5-year period (2003-2007) were included in the study (n = 20). The control group consisted of infants admitted to the unit with the same gestational age but not requiring laparotomy. Infants with severe malformations were excluded.

SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION

Extensive abdominal surgery was feasible in very preterm infants. Necrotizing enterocolitis dominated the abdominal pathology requiring surgery. Patent ductus arteriosus requiring surgical closure occurred more often in the lapatotomy group and in those diagnosed as necrotizing enterocolitis. There was no impact on first year somatic growth.

Temporary percutaneous and permanent gastric electrical stimulation in children younger than 3 years with chronic vomiting

BACKGROUND

The aim was to investigate whether young children with drug-refractory nausea and vomiting can be treated with gastric electrical stimulation (GES) in a similar way as adults and to evaluate whether temporary percutaneous gastric electrical stimulation (TPGES) can be used in the pediatric population to select the patients who are responders to GES treatment. We report the clinical results in 3 children between 2 and 3 years of age. To the best of our knowledge, these are the youngest patients treated with GES.

METHODS

Three patients younger than 3 years with intractable vomiting underwent TPGES. Custom-made leads were percutaneously implanted in the gastric wall under gastroscopic guidance. Symptoms were recorded daily during the TPGES stimulation time (12-40 days). Responders were offered permanent GES treatment.

RESULTS

There were no technical problems. All 3 patients were responders to TPGES. They are now treated with surgically implanted permanent GES and reported greater than 50% vomiting reduction at last visit.

CONCLUSION

Children younger than 3 years can be treated with GES in a similar way as adolescents and adults. Temporary percutaneous GES is a safe, feasible technique even in small children, with the possibility to perform the test over several weeks to select responders to GES treatment.

Temporary percutaneous gastric electrical stimulation: a novel technique tested in patients with non-established indications for gastric electrical stimulation

AIM

To test temporary percutaneous gastric electrical stimulation (TPGES) in patients with drug-refractory nausea/vomiting and nonestablished indications for GES.

METHODS

27 patients (2-81 years) underwent TPGES with electrodes implanted at gastroscopy and received stimulation for 7-21 days with low current settings (5-7 mA) either as open stimulation (n = 14) or randomized to double-blind crossover stimulation (n = 13; ON for 12-14 days, OFF for 12-14 days). Symptoms were recorded daily. Nonresponders were offered another period (14-21 days) with increased stimulation (8-10 mA).

RESULTS

Mean lead implantation time was 14 min. Leads were kept implanted for ≤60 days. 22 of 27 evaluable patients had a favorable symptom reduction, preferentially of nausea/vomiting, irrespective of delayed or normal gastric emptying rate: postsurgical gastroparesis 7/8, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction 2/2, idiopathic gastroparesis 1/1, functional dyspepsia 6/9, diabetes mellitus 2/2, postsurgical nausea/vomiting 2/2, malformation syndrome 1/1, intestinal neuropathy 1/1, intestinal interstitial cells of Cajal deficiency 0/1. 6 patients had a clear symptom reduction during the ON period compared with stimulation OFF. Four of 7 patients improved with increased stimulation (8-10 mA). Twenty of the 22 responders received a permanent GES implant, 90% of them still being responders at last follow-up.

CONCLUSION

TPGES seems promising to study new indications for GES and to select responders/non-responders.

Breastfeeding in women with type 1 diabetes: exploration of predictive factors

OBJECTIVE

To identify predictive factors for initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding with a focus on mothers with type 1 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This is a prospective observation survey, using a case-control design, comparing the outcomes of 108 mothers with type 1 diabetes with 104 mothers without diabetes that were matched for parity and gestational age. Mother and infant outcomes were collected from medical records and through telephone interviews 2 and 6 months after delivery. Predictive factors were calculated by logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Mothers with diabetes were less likely to partly or exclusively breastfeed their children at 2 months (OR 0.42 [95% CI 0.18-0.96], P = 0.041) and 6 months (0.50 [0.27-0.90], P = 0.022) than mothers without diabetes. On multivariable analysis, type 1 diabetes did not remain an independent predictive factor. Instead, higher education level and breastfeeding at discharge from hospital were predictive factors for breastfeeding at 2 months postpartum. These variables as well as delivery >37 weeks and early breastfeeding predicted breastfeeding 6 months postpartum.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors associated with maternal diabetes, such as problems with establishing breastfeeding in the early postpartum period, affects the likelihood of long-term breastfeeding.

The expression of renin-angiotensin system components in the human gastric mucosa

INTRODUCTION

The aim of the present study was to map the distribution of representative protein components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the human gastric mucosa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Biopsies from the antral and corporal mucosa of healthy Helicobacter pylori negative and positive volunteers were assessed by histology, Western blot and immunohistochemistry for angiotensin II subtype 1 and 2 receptors (AT1R, AT2R) and other RAS components (angiotensinogen, renin, angiotensin converting enzyme, and neprilysin). Mucosal levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) served as a protein marker of neutrophil infiltration.

RESULTS

AT1R and AT2R were located in a variety of cells in the human gastric mucosa, including AT1R on a subpopulation of endocrine cells in the antral mucosa. Angiotensinogen and renin were expressed by resident mesenchymal cells in lamina propria. All investigated RAS components were found in vascular endothelial cells. The AT1R protein expression was 3-4 times higher in the gastric mucosa of H. pylori positive subjects compared to the gastric mucosa of H. pylori negative subjects (p < 0.05). Gastric mucosal AT1R protein expression correlated positively with neutrophil infiltration (r = 0.7, p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Protein components of RAS are present in the human gastric mucosa. The results suggest an angiotensin II mediated impact on mucosal epithelial functions, antral endocrine properties, microvascular permeability, and gastric inflammation.

Angiotensin II receptor expression and relation to Helicobacter pylori-infection in the stomach of the Mongolian gerbil

Background

The role of the renin-angiotensin system in gastric physiology and disease has as yet been sparsely explored. The first aim of the study was to investigate the baseline presence and location of angiotensin II receptors (AT1R and AT2R) in the stomach of the Mongolian gerbil. A second aim was to elucidate whether the presence of H. pylori infection is associated with changes in the expression of these receptors.

Methods

H. pylori-negative and H. pylori-infected (strain SS1 or TN2GF4) male Mongolian gerbils were investigated. The stomachs were examined at six or 12 months after inoculation by the use of immunohistochemistry, western blot and microscopic morphometry.

Results

AT1R and AT2R were located in a variety of cells in the gerbil gastric wall, including a subpopulation of endocrine cells in the antral mucosa and inflammatory cells infiltrating H. pylori-infected stomachs. Gerbils infected with the SS1 strain showed a significantly increased antral AT1R protein expression and an increased number of infiltrating polymorphonuclear leucocytes (PMNs) at 12 months. The AT1R protein expression correlated with the number of PMNs and the antral expression of myeloperoxidase.

Conclusions

Angiotensin II receptors are present in a variety of cells in the gastric wall of the Mongolian gerbil. The results indicate an influence dependent on the H. pylori strain on the gastric AT1R expression and a relationship between gastric AT1R expression and mucosal PMNs infiltration.

CCL28 is increased in human Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis and mediates recruitment of gastric immunoglobulin A-secreting cells

Human Helicobacter pylori infection gives rise to an active chronic gastritis and is a major risk factor for the development of duodenal ulcer disease and gastric adenocarcinoma. The infection is accompanied by a large accumulation of immunoglobulin A (IgA)-secreting cells in the gastric mucosa, and following mucosal immunization only H. pylori-infected volunteers mounted a B-cell response in the gastric mucosa. To identify the signals for recruitment of gastric IgA-secreting cells, we investigated the gastric production of CCL28 (mucosa-associated epithelial chemokine) and CCL25 (thymus-expressed chemokine) in H. pylori-infected and uninfected individuals and the potential of gastric B-cell populations to migrate toward these chemokines. Gastric tissue from H. pylori-infected individuals contained significantly more CCL28 protein and mRNA than that from uninfected individuals, while CCL25 levels remained unchanged. Chemokine-induced migration of gastric lamina propria lymphocytes isolated from patients undergoing gastric resection was then assessed using the Transwell system. IgA-secreting cells and IgA(+) memory B cells from H. pylori-infected tissues migrated toward CCL28 but not CCL25, while the corresponding cells from uninfected patients did not. Furthermore, IgG-secreting cells from H. pylori-infected patients did not migrate to CCL28 but instead to CXCL12 (SDF-1alpha). However, chemokine receptor expression did not correlate to the migratory pattern of the different B-cell populations. These studies are the first to show increased CCL28 production during gastrointestinal infection in humans and provide an explanation for the large influx of IgA-secreting cells to the gastric mucosa in H. pylori-infected individuals.

Quantitative measurement of nitric oxide and hydrogen peroxide in Helicobacter pylori-infected Mongolian gerbils in vivo

OBJECTIVE

Peroxynitrite formation, as reflected by nitrotyrosine expression, is low in Helicobacter pylori-infected Mongolian gerbils despite pronounced expression of radical-forming enzymes. The aim of the present study was to investigate in vivo whether H. pylori inhibits either one or both of the nitro- and oxyradical formation pathways.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Male Mongolian gerbils were infected with two different H. pylori strains, TN2GF4 and SS1. Six months after inoculation, direct measurement of NO and H2O2 was performed in vivo using electrochemical microsensors positioned in close proximity to the gastric mucosa.

RESULTS

In the TN2GF4-infected animals the level of NO was significantly lower than that in controls. No significant difference in NO levels was detected between the SS1-infected group and the controls. H2O2 was significantly increased in the SS1 animals compared with that in controls after 6 months. The H2O2 level in the TN2GF4 group did not differ from that in controls.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that H. pylori infection is associated with strain-dependent functional inhibition of both the NO and oxyradical formation pathways in the gastric mucosa.

Percutaneous implantation of gastric electrodes - a novel technique applied in animals and in patients

Temporary electrodes implanted under general anaesthesia, or via an oral or percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy route have been used for testing of gastric electrical stimulation (GES). We have developed a principle for percutaneous electrode implantation. Leads were constructed so that the tip could be anchored to the gastric submucosa under gastroscopic control. Acute experiments were performed in anaesthetized pigs. Three patients referred for nausea and/or vomiting and non-established indications for GES (chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, functional dyspepsia without gastroparesis) were evaluated. Electrode function was tested by recording and stimulation techniques. In the pigs, a slow-wave (SW) rhythm (3 min(-1)) was recorded with decrease in frequency at the end of the experiments. In the patients, implantation time from start of gastroscopy to end of electrode placement was 12-20 min. Electrode distance varied from 12 to 45 mm. Gastric electromyography showed a regular SW rhythm of about 3 min(-1). Antral pressure waves had intervals being multiples of the SW-to-SW time. With temporary GES for 7-9 days, weekly frequency of the referral symptoms decreased >80% in two patients and 33% in one patient. Temporary percutaneous gastric leads can easily be implanted and may be used for testing of GES and study of gastric electrophysiology.