Anu Thukral

Performance of Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM), Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM), and PIM2 in a pediatric intensive care unit in a developing country.

Objective: To determine the discriminative ability and calibration of existing scoring systems in predicting the outcome (mortality) in children admitted to an Indian pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). Design: Prospective cohort study. Setting: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, from July 1, 2002, to July 31, 2003. Patients: A total of 246 patients were admitted. After exclusion of 29 neonates and two patients who stayed in the PICU for ≤2 hrs, 215 patients were enrolled in the study. Of these 215 patients, 139 patients survived at the end of the PICU stay. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Discrimination between death and survival was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for each model. The areas under the curve (95% confidence intervals) for Pediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM), Pediatric Index of Mortality (PIM), and PIM2 were 0.80 (0.74–0.86), 0.82 (0.76–0.88), and 0.81 (0.75–0.87), respectively. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves was significantly greater for older children compared with infants. The existing scores underpredicted the mortality; the standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) (95% confidence interval) using PRISM, PIM, and PIM2 models were 1.20 (0.94–1.50), 1.57 (1.24–1.96), and 1.57 (1.24–1.59), respectively. The SMRs were higher in children with severe malnutrition, those with underlying illness, and those with serum albumin ≤2.5 g/dL. Conclusions: The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for all the models evaluated was >0.8. However, all the models underpredicted mortality. The likely reasons for this could be differences in the patient profile and greater load of severity of illness being managed with lesser resources—both physical and human—and differences in the quality of care.

Early Skin-to-Skin Contact and Breast-Feeding Behavior in Term Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Aim: To evaluate if early skin-to-skin contact (SSC) improves breast-feeding (BF) behavior and exclusive BF (EBF) rates in term infants at 48 h of age. Methods: Term infants born by normal delivery were randomized at birth to either early SSC (n = 20) or conventional care (controls; n = 21). SSC was continued for at least 2 h after birth. Subsequently, one BF session of the infants was video recorded at about 48 h of life. The primary outcome, infants’ BF behavior at 48 h of life, was assessed using the modified infant Breast-Feeding Assessment Tool (BAT; a score consisting of infant’s readiness to feed, sucking, rooting and latching, each item scored from 0 to 3) by three independent masked observers. The secondary outcomes were EBF rates at 48 h and 6 weeks of age and salivary cortisol level of infants at 6 h of age. Results: Baseline characteristics including birth weight and gestation were comparable between the two groups. There was no significant difference in the BAT scores between the groups [median: 8, interquartile range (IQR) 5–10 vs. median 9, IQR 5–10; p = 0.6]. EBF rates at 48 h and at 6 weeks were, however, significantly higher in the early-SSC group than in the control group [95.0 vs. 38.1%; relative risk (RR): 2.5, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.4–4.3 and 90 vs. 28.6%; RR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.6–6.3]. Interpretation: Early SSC did not improve BF behavior at discharge but significantly improved the EBF rates of term neonates.

Vitamin K prophylaxis for prevention of vitamin K deficiency bleeding: a systematic review

We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the burden of late vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) and the effect of vitamin K prophylaxis on the incidence of VKDB. We searched MEDLINE and other electronic databases, and included all observational studies including population surveys as well as randomized controlled trials (RCT). The median (interquartile range) burden of late VKDB was 35 (10.5 to 80) per 100 000 live births in infants who had not received prophylaxis at birth; the burden was much higher in low- and middle-income countries as compared with high-income countries-80 (72 to 80) vs 8.8 (5.8 to 17.8) per 100 000 live births. Two randomized trials evaluated the effect of intramuscular (IM) prophylaxis on the risk of classical VKDB. Although one trial reported a significant reduction in the incidence of any bleeding (relative risk (RR) 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56 to 0.96) and moderate to severe bleeding (RR 0.19, 0.08 to 0.46; number needed to treat (NNT) 74, 47 to 177), the other trial demonstrated a significant reduction in the risk of secondary bleeding after circumcision in male neonates (RR 0.18, CI 0.08 to 0.42; NNT 9, 6 to 15). No RCTs evaluated the effect of vitamin K prophylaxis on late VKDB. Data from four surveillance studies indicate that the use of IM/subcutaneous vitamin K prophylaxis could significantly reduce the risk of late VKDB when compared with no prophylaxis (pooled RR 0.02; 95% CI 0.00 to 0.10). When compared with IM prophylaxis, a single oral dose of vitamin K increased the risk of VKDB (RR 24.5; 95% CI 7.4 to 81.0) but multiple oral doses did not (RR 3.64; CI 0.82 to 16.3). There is low-quality evidence from observational studies that routine IM administration of 1 mg of vitamin K at birth reduces the incidence of late VKDB during infancy. Given the high risk of mortality and morbidity in infants with late VKDB, it seems appropriate to administer IM vitamin K prophylaxis to all neonates at birth. Future studies should compare the efficacy and safety of multiple oral doses with IM vitamin K and also evaluate the optimal dose of vitamin K in preterm neonates.

Kangaroo Mother Care an alternative to conventional care

The term kangaroo mother care (KMC) is derived from practical similarities to marsupial care-giving, i.e., the premature infant is kept warm in the maternal pouch and close to the breasts for unlimited feeding. It is a gentle and effective method that avoids agitation routinely experienced in a busy ward with preterm infants. An important main stay of kangaroo mother care is breastfeeding encouragement. Observational studies have shown reduction in mortality after institution of KMC. Preterm babies exposed to skin to skin contact showed a better mental development and better results in motor tests. It also improves thermal care. All stable LBW babies are candidate for KMC. Often this is desirable, until the baby’s gestation reaches term or the weight is around 2500 g. The mother and family members are encouraged to take care of the baby in KMC and should be counseled to come for follow-up visits regularly.

Evaluation of an educational program for essential newborn care in resource-limited settings: Essential Care for Every Baby

BackgroundEssential Care for Every Baby (ECEB) is an evidence-based educational program designed to increase cognitive knowledge and develop skills of health care professionals in essential newborn care in low-resource areas. The course focuses on the immediate care of the newborn after birth and during the first day or until discharge from the health facility. This study assessed the overall design of the course; the ability of facilitators to teach the course; and the knowledge and skills acquired by the learners.MethodsTesting occurred at 2 global sites. Data from a facilitator evaluation survey, a learner satisfaction survey, a multiple choice question (MCQ) examination, performance on two objective structured clinical evaluations (OSCE), and pre- and post-course confidence assessments were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Pre-post course differences were examined. Comments on the evaluation form and post-course group discussions were analyzed to identify potential program improvements.ResultsUsing ECEB course material, master trainers taught 12 facilitators in India and 11 in Kenya who subsequently taught 62 providers of newborn care in India and 64 in Kenya. Facilitators and learners were satisfied with their ability to teach and learn from the program. Confidence (3.5 to 5) and MCQ scores (India: pre 19.4, post 24.8; Kenya: pre 20.8, post 25.0) improved (p < 0.001). Most participants demonstrated satisfactory skills on the OSCEs. Qualitative data suggested the course was effective, but also identified areas for course improvement. These included additional time for hands-on practice, including practice in a clinical setting, the addition of video learning aids and the adaptation of content to conform to locally recommended practices.ConclusionECEB program was highly acceptable, demonstrated improved confidence, improved knowledge and developed skills. ECEB may improve newborn care in low resource settings if it is part of an overall implementation plan that addresses local needs and serves to further strengthen health systems.

Predictors of breastfeeding problems in the first postnatal week and its effect on exclusive breastfeeding rate at six months: experience in a tertiary care centre in Northern India.

In spite of the countless benefits of breastfeeding, prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has been far from optimal in the developing world. Breastfeeding problems at or after 4 weeks has been reported as one among the constraints to EBF. The study aimed to determine the breastfeeding problems in the 1 st postnatal week, their predictors and impact on EBF rate at 6 months. Under a prospective cohort design, 400 mother-newborn dyads were assessed for breastfeeding problems before discharge and at 60 ± 12 h of discharge. Nearly 89% of the mother-newborn dyads had one or more BF problems before discharge. Major concern was difficulty in positioning and attaching the infant to the breast (88.5%), followed by breast and nipple problems (30.3%). BF problems continued to persist even after discharge in a significant proportion of the mothers (72.5%). The only independent predictor of BF problems in the 1 st week was the caesarean section (odds ratio: 1.9, 95% confidence interval: 1.3-3.2, P < 0.05). There was a marked improvement in the EBF status (69.5%) at 6 months, and BF problems did not predict EBF failure at 6 months.

Reliability of transcutaneous bilirubinometry from shielded skin in neonates receiving phototherapy: a prospective cohort study

Objective:To determine the agreement between transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measured from shielded skin and serum total bilirubin (STB) in infants (34 to 41 weeks of gestation) with hyperbilirubinemia receiving phototherapy (PT).Study Design:In this prospective cohort study, we shielded a small area of skin on sternum using a commercial photo-opaque patch (BilEclipseTM, Philips Respironics, Murrysville, PA, USA). The TcB from the shielded skin (TcBs) and STB were measured at four time points—before initiation, 12 and 24 h during and once after (12 h) cessation of PT. TcB was measured using multiwavelength transcutaneous bilirubinometer (BiliChek, Philips Children’s Medical Ventures, Monroeville, PA, USA). The STB was measured in triplicate by spectrophotometry (Apel BR 5100, APEL, Japan). Bland and Altman plots were drawn to determine agreement between the TcBs and STB.Results:The gestation and birth weight of enrolled neonates were 37.0 (1.0) weeks and 2750 (458) g, respectively. The age at initiation and duration of PT were 75 (27 to 312) and 25.3 (4.4) h, respectively. Bland and Altman plot showed poor agreement between TcBs and STB at all time points. The gradient (median, range) between TcBs and STB at 0, 12, 24 h and 12 h after cessation of PT were −0.2 (−4.9 to 3.5), 1.4 (−4.7 to 4.0), 1.5 (−3.8 to 9.4) and 2 (−2.9 to 5.8) mg dl−1. The proportions of TcBs values outside ±1.5 mg dl−1 of STB ranged from 47 to 64% at four time points.Conclusion:TcBs does not appear to be reliable for estimating serum bilirubin in late preterm and term neonates receiving PT.

Efficacy and safety of CPAP in low- and middle-income countries

We conducted a systematic review to evaluate the (1) feasibility and efficacy and (2) safety and cost effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC). We searched the following electronic bibliographic databases—MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, EMBASE and WHOLIS—up to December 2014 and included all studies that enrolled neonates requiring CPAP therapy for any indication. We did not find any randomized trials from LMICs that have evaluated the efficacy of CPAP therapy. Pooled analysis of four observational studies showed 66% reduction in in-hospital mortality following CPAP in preterm neonates (odds ratio 0.34, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.14 to 0.82). One study reported 50% reduction in the need for mechanical ventilation following the introduction of bubble CPAP (relative risk 0.5, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.66). The proportion of neonates who failed CPAP and required mechanical ventilation varied from 20 to 40% (eight studies). The incidence of air leaks varied from 0 to 7.2% (nine studies). One study reported a significant reduction in the cost of surfactant usage with the introduction of CPAP. Available evidence suggests that CPAP is a safe and effective mode of therapy in preterm neonates with respiratory distress in LMICs. It reduces the in-hospital mortality and the need for ventilation thereby minimizing the need for up-transfer to a referral hospital. But given the overall paucity of studies and the low quality evidence underscores the need for large high-quality studies on the safety, efficacy and cost effectiveness of CPAP therapy in these settings.

A Quality Improvement Initiative: Improving Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates of Preterm Neonates

This study is a single center quality improvement (QI) initiative in a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit which was done with an objective to increase the proportion of neonates receiving mother’s own milk (at postnatal age of 7 d) from the current rate of 12.5% to 30% over a period of six weeks. Additional objectives were to evaluate the proportion of mothers’ expressing breast milk within 3 h of birth, on day one and three and the amount of expressed breast milk (EBM) on day one and day seven. A team was formulated to evaluate the reasons for inadequate breast milk expression and to plan the steps for promoting the same. Comprehensive postnatal breast feeding counseling (CPNC) to promote early breast milk expression was initiated soon after the birth of a preterm neonate. CPNC was done for next fifteen mothers and their breast feeding support was streamlined. The effect of CPNC and teamwork was discussed amongst the team members every day and adjustments incorporated (Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle). The proportion of neonates receiving mother’s only milk (MOM) on day 7 increased to 80% (12/15) after 4 wk of QI. Thus, a simple and feasible CPNC package lead to improved breast milk output in mothers.

Effect of position of infant during phototherapy in management of hyperbilirubinemia in late preterm and term neonates: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of supine position when compared with periodic change of position during phototherapy in late preterm and term neonates (35 to 42 weeks) with hyperbilirubinemia on the duration of phototherapy.Study Design:We randomly allocated enrolled neonates with hyperbilirubinemia to either no change in position (supine group (SG); n=54) or two-hourly change of position from supine to prone and vice versa (turning group (TG); n=46). All the infants received single surface phototherapy by two dedicated compact fluorescent light units. Total serum bilirubin (TSB) was measured at the start of phototherapy and then every 12±2 h until the end of phototherapy. Phototherapy was stopped when two values were below the cut-off for age and gestational age as per the American Academy of Pediatrics Subcommittee on Hyperbilirubinemia guidelines nomogram for the management of hyperbilirubinemia in infants >35 weeks of gestation. The primary outcome was duration of phototherapy and secondary outcome was rate of fall of bilirubin within the first 24±2 h after the initiation of phototherapy.Result:Baseline characteristics including birth weight (g, 2752±478 vs 2748±416 P=0.96), gestation (week, 37.1±1.2 vs 37.4±1.3, P=0.26) were similar in the two groups. There was no difference in the duration of phototherapy between the SG (mean±s.d., hour, 25.5±8) and TG (mean±s.d., hour, 24.8±5), mean difference (95% confidence interval), hour, 0.7 (−2.03, 3.44, P=0.6). Rate of fall of bilirubin was also similar in both supine and turning groups with mean difference of −0.020 (95% confidence interval: −0.061, 0.021, P=0.34).Conclusion:Nursing babies in supine position when compared with periodic position change during phototherapy does not decrease the duration of phototherapy.