Publications
50 results found
Sturrock S, Ali S, Gale C, et al., 2023, Neonatal outcomes and indirect consequences following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy: A systematic review, BMJ Open, ISSN: 2044-6055
Objectives: Identify the association between maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and individual neonatal morbidities and outcomes, particularly longer-term outcomes such as neurodevelopment.Design: Systematic review of outcomes of neonates born to pregnant women diagnosed with a SARS-CoV-2 infection at any stage during pregnancy, including asymptomatic women.Data sources: MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, WHOLIS and LILACS databases, last searched 28th July 2021.Eligibility criteria: Case-control and cohort studies published after 1st January 2020, including pre-print articles were included. Study outcomes included neonatal mortality and morbidity, preterm birth, Caesarean delivery, small for gestational age, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, level of respiratory support required, diagnosis of culture-positive sepsis, evidence of brain injury, necrotising enterocolitis, visual or hearing impairment, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and feeding method. These were selected according to a Core Outcome Set.Data extraction and synthesis: Data were extracted into Microsoft Excel by 2 researchers, with statistical analysis completed using IBM SPSS. Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa scale.Results: The search returned 3234 papers, from which 204 were included with a total of 45,646 infants born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy across 36 countries. We found limited evidence of an increased risk of some neonatal morbidities, including respiratory disease. There was minimal evidence from low-income settings (1 study) and for neonatal outcomes following first trimester infection (17 studies). Neonatal mortality was very rare. Preterm birth, neonatal unit admission and small for gestational age status were more common in infants born following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy in most larger studies.Conclusions: There are limited data on neonatal morbidity and mortality following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infectio
Harnden F, Lanoue J, Modi N, et al., 2023, A data-driven approach to understanding neonatal palliative care needs in England and Wales: a population based study 2015-2020, Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition, ISSN: 1359-2998
ObjectiveTo quantify admissions to neonatal units in England and Wales with potential need for palliative care. Design, setting, and patientsDiagnoses and clinical attributes indicating a high likelihood of requiring palliative care were mapped to categories within the British Association of Perinatal Medicine’s (BAPM) framework on palliative care. We extracted data from the National Neonatal Research Database on all babies born and admitted to neonatal units in England and Wales 2015-2020.OutcomesThe number and proportion of babies meeting BAPM categories, their discharge outcomes, and the characteristics of babies who died during neonatal care but did not fulfil any BAPM category.Results12,123/574,954 (2.1%) babies met one or more BAPM category: 6,239/12,123 (51%) conformed to BAPM category 4 (postnatal conditions with high risk of severe impairment), 3,796 (31%) to category 2 (antenatal/postnatal diagnosis with high risk of significant morbidity or death), 1,399 (12%) to category 3 (born at margin of viability), and 288 (2%) to category 1 (antenatal/postnatal diagnosis not compatible with long-term survival); 401 babies (3%) met criteria for multiple categories. 6,814/12,123 (56%) were discharged home, 2,385 (20%) were discharged to other settings and 2,914 (24%) died before neonatal discharge. 3,000/5,914 (51%) babies who died during neonatal care did not conform to any BAPM category. Of these, 2,630/3,000 (88%) were born preterm.ConclusionsAt least 2% of babies admitted to neonatal units had palliative care needs according to existing BAPM categories; most survived to discharge. Of deaths, 51% were not captured by the BAPM categories; most were extremely preterm.
Burgess -Shannon J, Shefali-Patel D, Battersby C, 2023, Advances in neonatal care, Recent Advances in Pediatrics - 29, Editors: Kulkarni
Chapter highlighting recent advances in neonatal care in the last decade
Lammons W, Moss R, Bignell C, et al., 2023, Involving multiple stakeholders in assessing and reviewing a novel data visualization tool for a national neonatal data asset, BMJ Health & Care Informatics, Vol: 30, Pages: 1-7, ISSN: 2632-1009
Objectives We involved public and professional stakeholders to assess a novel data interrogation tool, the Neonatal Health Intelligence Tool, for a National Data Asset, the National Neonatal Research Database.Methods We recruited parents, preterm adults, data managers, clinicians, network managers and researchers (trialists and epidemiologists) for consultations demonstrating a prototype tool and semi-structured discussion. A thematic analysis of consultations is reported by stakeholder group.Results We held nine on-line consultations (March–December 2021), with 24 stakeholders: parents (n=8), preterm adults (n=2), data managers (n=3), clinicians (n=3), network managers (n=2), triallists (n=3) and epidemiologists (n=3). We identified four themes from parents/preterm adults: struggling to consume information, Dads and data, bring data to life and yearning for predictions; five themes from data managers/clinicians/network managers: benchmarking, clinical outcomes, transfers and activity, the impact of socioeconomic background and ethnicity, and timeliness of updates and widening availability; and one theme from researchers: interrogating the data.Discussion Other patient and public involvement (PPI) studies have reported that data tools generate concerns; our stakeholders had none. They were unanimously supportive and enthusiastic, citing visualisation as the tool’s greatest strength. Stakeholders had no criticisms; instead, they recognised the tool’s potential and wanted more features. Parents saw the tool as an opportunity to inform themselves without burdening clinicians, while clinicians welcomed an aid to explaining potential outcomes to parents.Conclusion All stakeholder groups recognised the need for the tool, praising its content and format. PPI consultations with all key groups, and their synthesis, illustrated desire for additional uses from it.
Rees P, Callan C, Chadda K, et al., 2022, Preterm brain injury and neurodevelopmental outcomes: a meta-analysis, Pediatrics, Vol: 150, Pages: 1-15, ISSN: 0031-4005
Context:Preterm brain injuries are common; neurodevelopmental outcomes following contemporary neonatal care are continually evolving.Objective:To systematically review and meta-analyze neurodevelopmental outcomes among preterm infants after intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and white matter injury (WMI). Data Sources:Published and grey literature were searched across 10 databases between 2000-2021Study Selection:Observational studies reporting 3-year neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants with IVH or WMI compared to preterm infants without injury.Data extraction:Study characteristics, population characteristics, and outcome data were extracted.Results:38 studies were included. There was an increased adjusted risk of moderate-severe neurodevelopmental impairment after IVH grade 1-2 (aOR 1.35 [95% CI 1.05, 1.75]) and IVH grade 3-4 (aOR 4.26 [3.25, 5.59]). Children with IVH grade 1-2 had higher risks of cerebral palsy (OR 1.76 [1.39, 2.24)], cognitive (OR 1.79 [1.09, 2.95]), hearing (OR 1.83 CI [1.03. 3.24]), and visual impairment (OR 1.77 [1.08, 2.9]). Children with IVH grade 3-4 had markedly higher risks of cerebral palsy (OR 4.98 [4.13, 6.00)], motor (OR 2.7 [1.52, 4.8)], cognitive (OR 2.3 [1.67, 3.15)], hearing (OR 2.44 [1.42, 4.2)), and visual impairment (OR 5.42 [2.77, 10.58)). Children with WMI had much higher risks of cerebral palsy (OR 14.91 [7.3, 30.46), motor (OR 5.3 [3, 9.36)], and cognitive impairment (OR 3.48 [2.18, 5.53)).Limitations:Heterogeneity of outcome data.Conclusions:Mild IVH, severe IVH, and WMI are associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Utilization of core outcomes sets and availability of open-access study data would improve our understanding of the nuances of these outcomes.
Yao S, Uthaya S, Gale C, et al., 2022, Postnatal corticosteroid use for prevention or treatment of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in England and Wales 2012-2019: a retrospective population cohort study, BMJ Open, Vol: 12, ISSN: 2044-6055
Objective: Describe the population of babies who do and do not receive postnatal corticosteroids for prevention or treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Design: Retrospective cohort study using data held in the National Neonatal Research Database.Setting: National Health Service neonatal units in England and Wales.Patients: Babies born less than 32 weeks gestation and admitted to neonatal units from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2019.Main outcomes: Proportion of babies given postnatal corticosteroid; type of corticosteroid; age at initiation and duration, trends over time.Secondary outcomes: Survival to discharge, treatment for retinopathy of prematurity, BPD, brain injury, severe necrotising enterocolitis, gastrointestinal perforation.Results: 8% (4713/62019) of babies born <32 weeks and 26% (3525/13527) born <27 weeks received postnatal corticosteroids for BPD. Dexamethasone was predominantly used 5.3% (3309/62019), followed by late hydrocortisone 1.5%, inhaled budesonide 1.5%. prednisolone 0.8%, early hydrocortisone 0.3% and methylprednisolone 0.05%. Dexamethasone use increased over time (2012: 4.5 vs 2019: 5.8%, p=0.04). Median postnatal age of initiation of corticosteroid course was around 3 weeks for late hydrocortisone, 4 weeks for dexamethasone, 6 weeks for inhaled budesonide, 12 weeks for prednisolone and 16 weeks for methylprednisolone. Babies who received postnatal corticosteroids were born more prematurely, had a higher incidence of comorbidities and a longer length of stay.Conclusions: In England and Wales, around 1 in 12 babies born less than 32 weeks and 1 in 4 born less than 27 weeks receive postnatal corticosteroids to prevent or treat BPD. Given the lack of convincing evidence of efficacy, challenges of recruiting to and length of time taken to conduct randomised controlled trial, our data highlight the need to monitor long-term outcomes in children who received neonatal postnatal corticosteroids.
Sawtell M, van Blankenstein E, Bilal T, et al., 2022, Views of parents, adults born preterm and professionals on linkage of real-world data of preterm babies, Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition, Vol: 108, Pages: 194-199, ISSN: 1359-2998
Objective To explore views of parents of preterm babies, adults born preterm and professionals, on the linkage of real-world health and education data for research on improving future outcomes of babies born preterm.Design Three-stage mixed-methods participatory design involving focus groups, a national survey and interviews. Survey participants who expressed uncertainty or negative views were sampled purposively for invitation to interview. Mixed methods were used for data analysis.Setting and participants All data collection was online. Participants were: focus groups—17 parents; survey—499 parents, 44 adults born preterm (total 543); interviews—6 parents, 1 adult born preterm, 3 clinicians, 2 teachers.Results Three key themes were identified: (1) Data linkage and opt-out consent make sense for improving future outcomes. We found clear demand for better information on long-term outcomes and strong support for data linkage with opt-out consent as a means of achieving this. (2) Information requirements—what, how and when. There was support for providing information in different formats and discussing linkage near to, or following discharge from, the neonatal unit, but not sooner. (3) Looking to the future; the rights of young people. We identified a desire for individuals born preterm to be consulted in the future on the use of their data.Conclusion With appropriate information provision, at the right time, parents, adults born preterm and professionals are supportive of data linkage for research, including where temporary identifiers and opt-out consent are used. Resources are being co-produced to improve communication about routine data linkage.
Evans K, Battersby C, Boardman JP, et al., 2022, National priority setting partnership using a Delphi consensus process to develop neonatal research questions suitable for practice-changing randomised trials in the United Kingdom, BMJ Open, Vol: 12, Pages: 1-6, ISSN: 2044-6055
Introduction Methodologically robust clinical trials are required to improve neonatal care and reduce unwanted variations in practice. Previous neonatal research prioritisation processes have identified important research themes rather than specific research questions amenable to clinical trials. Practice-changing trials require well-defined research questions, commonly organised using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) structure. By narrowing the scope of research priorities to those which can be answered in clinical trials and by involving a wide range of different stakeholders, we aim to provide a robust and transparent process to identify and prioritise research questions answerable within the National Healthcare System to inform future practice-changing clinical trials.Methods and analysis A steering group comprising parents, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, researchers and representatives from key organisations (Neonatal Society, British Association of Perinatal Medicine, Neonatal Nurses Association and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health) was identified to oversee this project. We will invite submissions of research questions formatted using the PICO structure from the following stakeholder groups using an online questionnaire: parents, patients, healthcare professionals and academic researchers. Unanswered, non-duplicate research questions will be entered into a three-round eDelphi survey of all stakeholder groups. Research questions will be ranked by mean aggregate scores.Ethics and dissemination The final list of prioritised research questions will be disseminated through traditional academic channels, directly to key stakeholder groups through representative organisations and on social media. The outcome of the project will be shared with key research organisations such as the National Institute for Health Research. Research ethics committee approval is not required.
Evans K, Battersby C, Boardman J, et al., 2022, Protocol: A national priority setting partnership using a Delphi consensus process to develop neonatal research questions suitable for practice-changing randomised trials in the United Kingdom, BMJ Open, ISSN: 2044-6055
Introduction. Methodologically robust clinical trials are required to improve neonatal care and reduce unwanted variations in practice. Previous neonatal research prioritisation processes have identified important research themes rather than specific research questions amenable to clinical trials. Practice-changing trials require well defined research questions, commonly organised using the Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) structure. By narrowing the scope of research priorities to those which can be answered in clinical trials and by involving a wide range of different stakeholders, we aim to provide a robust and transparent process to identify and prioritise research questions answerable within the NHS to inform future practice-changing clinical trials. Methods and Analysis. A steering group comprising parents, doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, researchers, and representatives from key organisations (Neonatal Society (NS), British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM), Neonatal Nurses Association (NNA) and Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)) was identified to oversee this project. We will invite submissions of research questions formatted using the PICO structure from the following stakeholder groups using an online questionnaire: parents, patients, healthcare professionals and academic researchers. Unanswered, non-duplicate research questions will be entered into a three round eDelphi survey of all stakeholder groups. Research questions will be ranked by mean aggregate scores.Ethics and Dissemination. The final list of prioritised research questions will be disseminated through traditional academic channels, directly to key stakeholder groups through representative organisations and on social media. The outcome of the project will be shared with key research organisations such as the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR). Research ethics committee approval is not required.Registration Details. Not regi
Hurrell A, Sparkes J, Duhig K, et al., 2022, Placental growth fActor Repeat sampling for Reduction of adverse perinatal Outcomes in women with suspecTed pre-eclampsia: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (PARROT-2), TRIALS, Vol: 23
Webbe J, Battersby C, Longford N, et al., 2022, Use of parenteral nutrition in the first postnatal week in England and Wales: An observational study using real-world data, BMJ Paediatrics Open, Vol: 6, ISSN: 2399-9772
BackgroundParenteral nutrition (PN) is used to provide supplemental support to neonates while enteral feeding is being established. PN is a high-cost intervention with beneficial and harmful effects. Internationally there is substantial variation in how PN is used, and there are limited contemporary data describing use across the UK. ObjectiveTo describe PN use in the first postnatal week in infants born and admitted to neonatal care in England, Scotland and Wales.MethodData describing neonates admitted to National Health Service (NHS) neonatal units between 1st January 2012 and 31st December 2017, extracted from routinely recorded data held the National Neonatal Research Database (NNRD); the denominator was live births, from Office for National Statistics.ResultsOver the study period 62,145 neonates were given PN in the first postnatal week (1.4% of all live births); use was higher in more preterm neonates (76% of livebirths at <28 weeks, 0.2% of term livebirths) and in neonates with lower birth weight. 15% (9181/62145) of neonates given PN in the first postnatal week were born at term. There was geographic variation in PN administration: the proportion of live births given PN within neonatal regional networks ranged from 1.0% (95% confidence intervals: 1.0, 1.0) to 2.8% (95% confidence interval: 2.7, 2.9). Conclusions and relevanceSignificant variation exists in neonatal PN use; it is unlikely this reflects optimal use of an expensive intervention. Research is needed to identify which babies will benefit most and which are at risk of harm from early PN. RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03767634
Beardmore-Gray A, Seed PT, Fleminger J, et al., 2022, Planned delivery or expectant management in preeclampsia: an individual participant data meta-analysis., American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vol: 227, Pages: 218-230.e8, ISSN: 0002-9378
OBJECTIVE: Pregnancy hypertension is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity. Between 34+0 and 36+6 weeks gestation, it is uncertain whether planned delivery could reduce maternal complications without serious neonatal consequences. In this individual participant data meta-analysis, we aimed to compare planned delivery to expectant management, focusing specifically on women with preeclampsia. DATA SOURCES: We performed an electronic database search using a prespecified search strategy, including trials published between January 1, 2000 and December 18, 2021. We sought individual participant-level data from all eligible trials. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: We included women with singleton or multifetal pregnancies with preeclampsia from 34 weeks gestation onward. METHODS: The primary maternal outcome was a composite of maternal mortality or morbidity. The primary perinatal outcome was a composite of perinatal mortality or morbidity. We analyzed all the available data for each prespecified outcome on an intention-to-treat basis. For primary individual patient data analyses, we used a 1-stage fixed effects model. RESULTS: We included 1790 participants from 6 trials in our analysis. Planned delivery from 34 weeks gestation onward significantly reduced the risk of maternal morbidity (2.6% vs 4.4%; adjusted risk ratio, 0.59; 95% confidence interval, 0.36-0.98) compared with expectant management. The primary composite perinatal outcome was increased by planned delivery (20.9% vs 17.1%; adjusted risk ratio, 1.22; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-1.47), driven by short-term neonatal respiratory morbidity. However, infants in the expectant management group were more likely to be born small for gestational age (7.8% vs 10.6%; risk ratio, 0.74; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-0.99). CONCLUSION: Planned early delivery in women with late preterm preeclampsia provides clear maternal benefits and may reduce the risk of the infant being born small for gestational
Moss B, Lammons W, Johnson S, et al., 2022, More than words: Parent, Patient and Public Involvement perspectives on language used by clinical researchers in neonatal care, EARLY HUMAN DEVELOPMENT, Vol: 171, ISSN: 0378-3782
Moore H, Battersby C, Piyasena C, et al., 2022, Assessing variation in neonatal sepsis screening across England, Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition, ISSN: 1359-2998
Moss R, Lammons W, Johnson S, et al., 2022, More than words: Parent, Patient and Public Involvement perspectives on language used by clinical researchers in neonatal care, Early Human Development, ISSN: 0378-3782
Dallera G, Skopec M, Barlow J, et al., 2022, Review of a frugal cooling mattress to induce therapeutic hypothermia for treatment of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy in the UK NHS, Globalization and Health, Vol: 18, ISSN: 1744-8603
Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a major cause of neonatal mortality and disability in the United Kingdom (UK) and has significant human and financial costs. Therapeutic hypothermia (TH), which consists of cooling down the newborn’s body temperature, is the current standard of treatment for moderate or severe cases of HIE. Timely initiation of treatment is critical to reduce risk of mortality and disability associated with HIE. Very expensive servo-controlled devices are currently used in high-income settings to induce TH, whereas low-income settings rely on the use of low-tech devices such as water bottles, ice packs or fans. Cooling mattresses made with phase change materials (PCMs) were recently developed as a safe, efficient, and affordable alternative to induce TH in low-income settings. This frugal innovation has the potential to become a reverse innovation for the National Health Service (NHS) by providing a simple, efficient, and cost-saving solution to initiate TH in geographically remote areas of the UK where cooling equipment might not be readily available, ensuring timely initiation of treatment while waiting for neonatal transport to the nearest cooling centre. The adoption of PCM cooling mattresses by the NHS may reduce geographical disparity in the availability of treatment for HIE in the UK, and it could benefit from improvements in coordination across all levels of neonatal care given challenges currently experienced by the NHS in terms of constraints on funding and shortage of staff. Trials evaluating the effectiveness and safety of PCM cooling mattresses in the NHS context are needed in support of the adoption of this frugal innovation. These findings may be relevant to other high-income settings that experience challenges with the provision of TH in geographically remote areas. The use of promising frugal innovations such as PCM cooling mattresses in high-income settings may also contribute to challenge the dominant narrative that
Greenbury SF, Angelini DE, Ougham K, et al., 2022, Post-natal growth of very preterm neonates, LANCET CHILD & ADOLESCENT HEALTH, Vol: 6, Pages: E11-E11, ISSN: 2352-4642
Webbe J, Longford N, Battersby C, et al., 2022, Outcomes in relation to early parenteral nutrition use in preterm neonates born between 30 and 33 weeks gestation: a propensity score matched observational study, Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition, Vol: 107, Pages: 131-136, ISSN: 1359-2998
ObjectiveTo evaluate whether in preterm neonates parenteral nutrition use in the first sevenpostnatal days, compared with no parenteral nutrition use, is associated withdifferences in survival and other important morbidities. Randomised trials in criticallyill older children show that harms, such as nosocomial infection, outweigh benefits ofearly parenteral nutrition administration; there is a paucity of similar data inneonates.DesignRetrospective cohort study using propensity matching including 35 maternal, infantand organisational factors to minimise bias and confounding.SettingNational, population-level clinical data obtained for all National Health Serviceneonatal units in England and Wales.PatientsPreterm neonates born between 30+0 and 32+6 weeks+days.InterventionsThe exposure was parenteral nutrition administered in the first seven days ofpostnatal life; the comparator was no parenteral nutrition.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was survival to discharge from neonatal care. Secondaryoutcomes comprised the neonatal core outcome set.Results16,292 neonates were compared in propensity score matched analyses. Comparedwith matched neonates not given parenteral nutrition in the first postnatal week, neonates who received parenteral nutrition had higher survival at discharge(absolute rate increase 0.91%; 95% CI 0.53% to 1.30%), but higher rates ofnecrotising enterocolitis (absolute rate increase 4.6%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia(absolute rate increase 3.9%), late-onset sepsis (absolute rate increase 1.5%) andneed for surgical procedures (absolute rate increase 0.92%).ConclusionsIn neonates born between 30+0 and 32+6 weeks gestation, those given parenteralnutrition in the first postnatal week had a higher rate of survival but higher rates ofimportant neonatal morbidities. Clinician equipoise in this area should be resolvedby prospective, randomised trials.
Uthaya S, Longford N, Battersby C, et al., 2022, Early versus later initiation of parenteral nutrition for very preterm infants: a propensity score matched observational study, Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition, Vol: 107, ISSN: 1359-2998
Background: A current standard of care based on expert opinion is to commence parenteral nutrition (PN) within hours of birth in very preterm infants. Trials in critically ill adults and children, including term infants have found short and long-term harms from early initiation of PN. Methods: We included all infants born below 31 weeks gestation between January 2008 and December 2019 and admitted to National Health Service neonatal units in England and Wales. The source of data was the National Neonatal Research Database. The exposure was PN initiated within the first two days after birth (early) versus after the second postnatal day (late). We used propensity matched analysis to balance the two groups on background variables. The primary outcome was survival to discharge without major morbidity. Findings: Of 65,033 infants included, 16,294 infants formed the matched cohort, 8147 in each group. There was no evidence of a difference in survival to discharge without major morbidity (absolute rate difference (ARD) between early versus late 0·50%; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), -1·45, 0·45; p=0·29). Survival to discharge was higher in the early group (ARD -3·25%; 95% CI, -3·82 to -2·68; p<0·001) but they also had higher rates of late-onset sepsis (ARD -0·84%; 95% CI, -1·20 to -0·48; p<0·001), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (ARD -1·24%; 95% CI, -2·17 to -0·30; p=0·01), treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ARD (-0·5%; 95% CI, -0·84 to -0.17; p<0·001), surgical procedures (ARD -0·8%; 95% CI, -1·40 to -0·20; p=0·01) and greater drop in weight z-score between birth and discharge (absolute difference 0·019; 95% CI, 0·003 to 0·039; p=0·02). Among infants that died the median age (days) at death was shorter in the late group (ARD 6; 95% CI, 6; p<0.001). Interpretation: These o
Ashworth D, Battersby C, Green M, et al., 2022, Which antihypertensive treatment is better for mild to moderate hypertension in pregnancy?, BMJ: British Medical Journal, Vol: 376, Pages: 1-4, ISSN: 0959-535X
Stefani G, Skopec M, Battersby C, et al., 2021, Why is Kangaroo Mother Care not yet scaled in the UK? A systematic review and realist synthesis of a frugal innovation for newborn care, BMJ Innovations, Vol: 8, Pages: 9-20, ISSN: 2055-642X
Objective: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a frugal innovation improving newborn health at a reduced cost compared with incubator use. KMC is widely recommended; however, in the UK, poor evidence exists on KMC, and its implementation remains inconsistent.Design: This Systematic Review and Realist Synthesis explores the barriers and facilitators in the implementation of KMC in the UK.Data source: OVID databases, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Scopus and Google Scholar were searched.Eligibility criteria: Studies were UK based, in maternity/neonatal units, for full-term/preterm children. First screening included studies on (1) KMC, Kangaroo Care (KC) or skin-to-skin contact (SSC) or (2) Baby Friendly Initiative, Small Wonders Change Program or family-centred care if in relation to KMC/KC/SSC. Full texts were reviewed for evidence regarding KMC/KC/SSC implementation.Results: The paucity of KMC research in the UK did not permit a realist review. However, expanded review of available published studies on KC and SSC, used as a proxy to understand KMC implementation, demonstrated that the main barriers are the lack of training, knowledge, confidence and clear guidelines.Conclusion: The lack of KMC implementation research in the UK stands in contrast to the already well-proven benefits of KMC for stable babies in low-income contexts and highlights the need for further research, especially in sick and small newborn population. Implementation of, and research into, KC/SSC is inconsistent and of low quality. Improvements are needed to enhance staff training and parental support, and to develop guidelines to properly implement KC/SSC. It should be used as an opportunity to emphasise the focus on KMC as a potential cost-effective alternative to reduce the need for incubator use in the UK.
Kimpton J, Verma A, Thakkar D, et al., 2021, Comparison of NICE Guideline CG149 and the Sepsis Risk Calculator for the management of early onset sepsis on the postnatal ward, Neonatology: foetal and neonatal research, Vol: 118, Pages: 562-568, ISSN: 1661-7800
Introduction: NICE guideline CG149 has increased the number of well infants receiving antibiotics for suspected early onset sepsis (EOS). The Kaiser Permanente sepsis risk calculator (SRC) has safely and dramatically reduced investigations and antibiotics for suspected EOS in the USA. This study evaluates current management of suspected EOS against NICE guideline CG149 and the SRC. Methods: Prospective, multicentre, observational study across 13 neonatal units in London. Infants were born between June and August 2019 >34 weeks gestation and commenced on antibiotics for suspected EOS and cared for on postnatal/transitional care wards. Data were prospectively recorded: risk factors, clinical indicators, investigations and results. Outcome measures: 1) Incidence of EOS. 2) Proportion of infants recommended for antibiotics by NICE versus theoretical application of SRC. Results: 1066/8856 (12%) infants on postnatal/transitional care wards received antibiotics, 7 of whom had a positive blood culture (group B Streptococcus = 6, Escherichia coli = 1), making the EOS incidence 0.8/1000 infants. 601 infants had data for SRC analysis, which recommended “antibiotics” or “blood culture” for 130/601 (21.6%) infants using an EOS incidence of 0.5/1000 vs 527/601 (87.7%) if NICE was applied. Conclusions: Currently 12.0% of infants on postnatal/transitional care wards receive antibiotics for suspected EOS. The SRC could dramatically reduce antibiotic use but further prospective studies are required to evaluate safety of SRC implementation.
Greenbury SF, Longford N, Ougham K, et al., 2021, Changes in neonatal admissions, care processes and outcomes in England and Wales during the COVID-19 pandemic: a whole population cohort study, BMJ Open, Vol: 11, ISSN: 2044-6055
Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic instigated multiple societal and healthcare interventions with potential to affect perinatal practice. We evaluated population-level changes in preterm and full-term admissions to neonatal units, care processes and outcomes.Design: Observational cohort study using the UK National Neonatal Research Database.Setting: England and Wales.Participants: Admissions to National Health Service neonatal units from 2012 to 2020.Main outcome measures: Admissions by gestational age, ethnicity and Index of Multiple Deprivation, and key care processes and outcomes.Methods: We calculated differences in numbers and rates between April and June 2020 (spring), the first 3 months of national lockdown (COVID-19 period), and December 2019–February 2020 (winter), prior to introduction of mitigation measures, and compared them with the corresponding differences in the previous 7 years. We considered the COVID-19 period highly unusual if the spring–winter difference was smaller or larger than all previous corresponding differences, and calculated the level of confidence in this conclusion.Results: Marked fluctuations occurred in all measures over the 8 years with several highly unusual changes during the COVID-19 period. Total admissions fell, having risen over all previous years (COVID-19 difference: −1492; previous 7-year difference range: +100, +1617; p<0.001); full-term black admissions rose (+66; −64, +35; p<0.001) whereas Asian (−137; −14, +101; p<0.001) and white (−319; −235, +643: p<0.001) admissions fell. Transfers to higher and lower designation neonatal units increased (+129; −4, +88; p<0.001) and decreased (−47; −25, +12; p<0.001), respectively. Total preterm admissions decreased (−350; −26, +479; p<0.001). The fall in extremely preterm admissions was most marked in the two lowest socioeconomic quintiles.Conclusions: Our findings indicate substantia
Greenbury SF, Angelini ED, Ougham K, et al., 2021, Birthweight and patterns of postnatal weight gain in very and extremely preterm babies in England and Wales, 2008-19: a cohort study, The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, Vol: 5, Pages: 719-728, ISSN: 2352-4642
BACKGROUND: Intrauterine and postnatal weight are widely regarded as biomarkers of fetal and neonatal wellbeing, but optimal weight gain following preterm birth is unknown. We aimed to describe changes over time in birthweight and postnatal weight gain in very and extremely preterm babies, in relation to major morbidity and healthy survival. METHODS: In this cohort study, we used whole-population data from the UK National Neonatal Research Database for infants below 32 weeks gestation admitted to neonatal units in England and Wales between Jan 1, 2008, and Dec 31, 2019. We used non-linear Gaussian process to estimate monthly trends, and Bayesian multilevel regression to estimate unadjusted and adjusted coefficients. We evaluated birthweight; weight change from birth to 14 days; weight at 36 weeks postmenstrual age; associated Z scores; and longitudinal weights for babies surviving to 36 weeks postmenstrual age with and without major morbidities. We adjusted birthweight for antenatal, perinatal, and demographic variables. We additionally adjusted change in weight at 14 days and weight at 36 weeks postmenstrual age, and their Z scores, for postnatal variables. FINDINGS: The cohort comprised 90 817 infants. Over the 12-year period, mean differences adjusted for antenatal, perinatal, demographic, and postnatal variables were 0 g (95% compatibility interval -7 to 7) for birthweight (-0·01 [-0·05 to 0·03] for change in associated Z score); 39 g (26 to 51) for change in weight from birth to 14 days (0·14 [0·08 to 0·19] for change in associated Z score); and 105 g (81 to 128) for weight at 36 weeks postmenstrual age (0·27 [0·21 to 0·33] for change in associated Z score). Greater weight at 36 weeks postmenstrual age was robust to additional adjustment for enteral nutritional intake. In babies surviving without major morbidity, weight velocity in all gestational age groups stabilised at around 34 weeks post
Hage L, Jeyakumaran D, Dorling J, et al., 2021, Changing clinical characteristics of infants treated for hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy in England, Wales and Scotland: a population-based study using the National Neonatal Research Database, Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition, Vol: 106, Pages: 501-508, ISSN: 1359-2998
Background Therapeutic hypothermia is standard of care for babies with moderate/severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy and is increasingly used for mild encephalopathy.Objective Describe temporal trends in the clinical condition of babies diagnosed with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy who received therapeutic hypothermia.Design Retrospective cohort study using data held in the National Neonatal Research Database.Setting National Health Service neonatal units in England, Wales and Scotland.Patients Infants born from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2017 with a recorded diagnosis of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy who received therapeutic hypothermia for at least 3 days or died in this period.Main outcomes Primary outcomes: recorded clinical characteristics including umbilical cord pH; Apgar score; newborn resuscitation; seizures and treatment on day 1. Secondary outcomes: recorded hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy grade.Results 5201 babies with a diagnosis of hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy received therapeutic hypothermia or died; annual numbers increased over the study period. A decreasing proportion had clinical characteristics of severe hypoxia ischaemia or a diagnosis of moderate or severe hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy, trends were statistically significant and consistent across multiple clinical characteristics used as markers of severity.Conclusions Treatment with therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy has increased in England, Scotland and Wales. An increasing proportion of treated infants have a diagnosis of mild hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy or have less severe clinical markers of hypoxia. This highlights the importance of determining the role of hypothermia in mild hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy. Receipt of therapeutic hypothermia is unlikely to be a useful marker for assessing changes in the incidence of brain injury over time.
Ducey J, Kennedy A, Linsell L, et al., 2021, Timing of neonatal stoma closure: a survey of health professional perspectives and current practice, Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal and Neonatal Edition, Vol: 107, ISSN: 1359-2998
Optimal timing for neonatal stoma closure remains unclear. In this study we aimed to establish currentpractice and illustrate multidisciplinary perspectives on timing of stoma closure using an online survey sentto all 27 UK neonatal surgical units, as part of a research programme to determine feasibility of a clinical trialcomparing ‘early’ and ‘late’ stoma closure. 166 responses from all 27 units demonstrated concordance ofopinion in target time for closure (6 weeks most commonly stated across scenarios), although there washigh variability in practice. A sizeable proportion (41%) of respondents use weight, rather than time, todetermine when to close a neonatal stoma. Thematic analysis of free-text responses identified 9 key themesinfluencing decision making; most related to nutrition, growth and stoma complications. These data providean overview of current practice that is critical to informing an acceptable trial design.
Greenbury SF, Angelini ED, Ougham K, et al., 2021, Birthweight and Patterns of Postnatal Weight Gain in Very and Extremely Preterm Babies: A 12 Year, Whole Population Study, The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, ISSN: 2352-4642
Lammons W, Moss R, Battersby C, et al., 2021, Incorporating parent, former patient, and clinician perspectives in the design of a national UK double-cluster, randomised controlled trial addressing uncertainties in preterm nutrition, BMJ Paediatrics Open, Vol: 5, ISSN: 2399-9772
Background: Comparative effectiveness randomised controlled trials are powerful tools to resolve uncertainties in existing treatments and care processes. We sought parent and patient perspectives on the design of a planned national, double-cluster randomised controlled trial (COLLABORATE) to resolve two longstanding uncertainties in preterm nutrition.Methods: We used qualitative focus groups and interviews with parents, former patients and clinicians. We followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research checklist and conducted framework analysis, a specific methodology within thematic analysis.Results: We identified support for the trial’s methodology and vision, and elicited themes illustrating parents’ emotional needs in relation to clinical research. These were: relieving the pressure on mothers to breastfeed; opt-out consent as reducing parent stress; the desire for research to be a partnership between clinicians, parents and researchers; the value of presenting trial information in a collaborative tone; and in a format that allows assimilation by parents at their own pace. We identified anxiety and cognitive dissonance among some clinicians in which they recognised the uncertainties that justify the trial but felt unable to participate because of their strongly held views.Conclusions: The early involvement of parents and former patients identified the centrality of parents’ emotional needs in the design of comparative effectiveness research. These insights have been incorporated into trial enrolment processes and information provided to participants. Specific outputs were a two-sided leaflet providing very brief as well as more detailed information, and use of language that parents perceive as inclusive and participatory. Further work is warranted to support clinicians to address personal biases that inhibit trial participation.
Gale C, Longford NT, Jeyakumaran D, et al., 2021, Feeding during neonatal therapeutic hypothermia, assessed using routinely collected National Neonatal Research Database data: a retrospective, UK population-based cohort study, The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, Vol: 5, Pages: 408-416, ISSN: 2352-4642
Background:Therapeutic hypothermia is standard of care in high-income countries for babies born with signs of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, but optimal feeding during treatment is uncertain and practice is variable. This study aimed to assess the association between feeding during therapeutic hypothermia and clinically important outcomes.Methods:We did a population-level retrospective cohort study using the UK National Neonatal Research Database. We included all babies admitted to National Health Service neonatal units in England, Scotland, and Wales between Jan 1, 2010, and Dec 31, 2017, who received therapeutic hypothermia for 72 h or died during this period. For analysis, we created matched groups using propensity scores and compared outcomes in babies who were fed versus unfed enterally during therapeutic hypothermia. The primary outcome was severe necrotising enterocolitis, either confirmed at surgery or causing death. Secondary outcomes include pragmatically defined necrotising enterocolitis (a recorded diagnosis of necrotising enterocolitis in babies who received at least 5 consecutive days of antibiotics while also nil by mouth during their neonatal unit stay), late-onset infection (pragmatically defined as 5 consecutive days of antibiotic treatment commencing after day 3), survival to discharge, measures of breastmilk feeding, and length of stay in neonatal unit.Findings:6030 babies received therapeutic hypothermia, of whom 1873 (31·1%) were fed during treatment. Seven (0·1%) babies were diagnosed with severe necrotising enterocolitis and the number was too small for further analyses. We selected 3236 (53·7%) babies for the matched feeding analysis (1618 pairs), achieving a good balance for all recorded background variables. Pragmatically defined necrotising enterocolitis was rare in both groups (incidence 0·5%, 95% CI 0·2–0·9] in the fed group vs 1·1% [0·7–1·4] in the unfed grou
Gale C, Longford N, Jeyakumaran D, et al., 2021, Feeding during neonatal therapeutic hypothermia: a retrospective population-based cohort study using routinely collected data held in the National Neonatal Research Database, The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, Vol: 5, ISSN: 2352-4642
Background: There is limited evidence to inform feeding during neonatal therapeutic hypothermia; practice is variable. We aimed assess the association between feeding during therapeutic hypothermia and clinically important outcomes.Methods: Retrospective, population-based cohort study using the National Neonatal Research Database. We included all babies admitted to NHS neonatal units in England, Scotland or Wales, 1 January 2010 – 31 December 2017, that received therapeutic hypothermia for 72 hours or died during treatment. We formed matched groups for analysis using propensity scores and compared outcomes in babies fed during therapeutic hypothermia to those that were not. The primary outcome was severe necrotising enterocolitis confirmed at surgery or causing death; we also described pragmatically defined necrotising enterocolitis including lower severity disease, infection, survival, hypoglycaemia, parenteral nutrition and central line days, measures of breastmilk feeding, length of stay and weight. Pre-registered ISRCTN47404296.Findings: 6030 babies received therapeutic hypothermia and 1873 (31%) were fed during hypothermia. Seven babies (0·1%) were diagnosed with severe necrotising enterocolitis. 3236 babies were selected for the matched feeding analysis (1618 pairs) and good balance was achieved for all recorded background variables. Pragmatically defined necrotising enterocolitis was rare both fed and not fed groups (0·6% and 1·1% respectively). Higher survival to discharge (difference 5·2%; 95% CI: 3·9, 6·6; p<0·0001) and breastfeeding at discharge (difference 8·0%; 95% CI: 5·1, 10·8; p<0·0001) were seen in fed babies, who also had shorter neonatal stays (difference -2·2 days, 95% CI: -3·0, -1·2; p<0.0001). Interpretation: Necrotising enterocolitis is rare in babies receiving therapeutic hypothermia. Feeding during hypothermia is associated with l
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