OBJECTIVES: Prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation is associated with increased risks of severe complications such as retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Although neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) follow the principle of early extubation, extubation failure rates remain high, and reintubation may further increase the risk of adverse outcomes. This study aims to identify risk factors and short-term prognosis associated with first extubation failure in neonates, to provide evidence for effective clinical intervention strategies. METHODS: Clinical data of neonates who received invasive ventilation in the NICU of Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021, were retrospectively collected. Neonates were divided into a successful extubation group and a failed extubation group based on whether reintubation occurred within 72 hours after the first extubation. Risk factors and short-term outcomes related to extubation failure were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 337 infants were included, with 218 males (64.69%). Initial extubation failed in 34 (10.09%) infants. Compared with the successful extubation group, the failed extubation group had significantly lower gestational age [(31.37±5.14) weeks vs (34.44±4.07) weeks], age [2.5 (1.00, 8.25) h vs 5 (1.00, 22.00) h], birth weight [(1 818.97±1128.80) g vs (2 432.18±928.94) g], 1-minute Apgar score (6.91±1.90 vs 7.68±2.03), and the proportion of using mask oxygenation after extubation (21% vs 46%) (all P<0.05). Conversely, compared with the successful extubation group, the failed extubation group had significantly higher rates of vaginal delivery (59% vs 32%), caffeine use during mechanical ventilation (71% vs 38%), dexamethasone use at extubation (44% vs 17%), the highest positive end-expiratory pressure level within 72 hours post-extubation [6(5.00, 6.00) cmH₂O vs 5 (0.00, 6.00) cmH₂O] (1 cmH₂O=0.098 kPa), the highest FiO₂ within 72 hours post-extubation [(34.35±5.95)% vs (30.22±3.58)%], and duration of noninvasive intermittent positive pressure ventilation after extubation [0.5 (0.00, 42.00) hours vs 0 (0, 0) hours] (all P<0.05). Multivariate analysis identified gestational age <28 weeks (OR=5.570, 95% CI 1.866 to 16.430), age at NICU admission (OR=0.959, 95% CI 0.918 to 0.989), and a maximum FiO₂≥35% within 72 hours post-extubation (OR=4.541, 95% CI 1.849 to 10.980) as independent risk factors for extubation failure (all P<0.05). Additionally, the failed extubation group exhibited significantly higher incidences of necrotizing enterocolitis grade II or above, moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, treatment abandonment due to poor prognosis, and discharge on home oxygen therapy (all P<0.05). Total hospital length of stay and total hospitalization costs were also significantly increased in the failed extubation group (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Gestational age <28 weeks, younger age at NICU admission, and FiO₂≥35% after extubation are high-risk factors for first extubation failure in neonates. Extubation failure markedly increases the risk of adverse clinical outcomes.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Male ; Female ; Airway Extubation/adverse effects* ; Risk Factors ; Retrospective Studies ; Respiration, Artificial/methods* ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Prognosis ; Gestational Age ; Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia ; Infant, Premature ; Treatment Failure ; Intubation, Intratracheal

OBJECTIVE: To observe the characteristics of changes in non-invasive hemodynamic parameters in neonates with septic shock so as to provide clinical reference for diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: A observational study was conducted. The neonates with sepsis complicated with septic shock or not admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College were enrolled as the study subjects, who were divided into preterm infant (< 37 weeks) and full-term infant (≥ 37 weeks) according to the gestational age. Healthy full-term infants and hemodynamically stable preterm infants transferring to NICU after birth were enrolled as controls. Electronic cardiometry (EC) was used to measure hemodynamic parameters, including heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), stroke volume (SV), stroke volume index (SVI), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), systemic vascular resistance (SVR) and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), before treatment in the septic shock group, at the time of diagnosis of sepsis in the sepsis without shock group, and before the discharge from the obstetric department or on the day of transferring to NICU in the control group. RESULTS: Finally, 113 neonates with complete data and parental consent for non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring were enrolled, including 32 cases in the septic shock group, 25 cases in the sepsis without shock group and 56 cases in the control group. In the septic shock group, there were 17 cases at the compensated stage and 15 cases at the decompensated stage. There were 21 full-term infants (20 cured or improved and 1 died) and 11 premature infants (7 cured or improved and 4 died), with the mortality of 15.62% (5/32). There were 18 full-term infants and 7 premature infants in the sepsis without shock group and all cured or improved without death. The control group included 28 full-term infants and 28 premature infants transferring to NICU after birth. Non-invasive hemodynamic parameter analysis showed that SV, SVI, CO and CI of full-term infants in the septic shock group were significantly lower than those in the sepsis without shock group and control group [SV (mL): 3.52±0.99 vs. 5.79±1.32, 5.22±1.02, SVI (mL/m²): 16.80 (15.05, 19.65) vs. 27.00 (22.00, 32.00), 27.00 (23.00, 29.75), CO (L/min): 0.52±0.17 vs. 0.80±0.14, 0.72±0.12, CI (mL×s^-1×m^-2): 40.00 (36.67, 49.18) vs. 62.51 (56.34, 70.85), 60.01 (53.34, 69.68), all P < 0.05], while SVR and SVRI were significantly higher than those in the sepsis without shock group and control group [SVR (kPa×s×L^-1): 773.46±291.96 vs. 524.17±84.76, 549.38±72.36, SVRI (kPa×s×L^-1×m^-2): 149.27±51.76 vs. 108.12±12.66, 107.81±11.87, all P < 0.05]. MAP, SV, SVI, CO and CI of preterm infants in the septic shock group were significantly lower than those in the control group [MAP (mmHg, 1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 kPa): 38.55±10.48 vs. 47.46±2.85, SV (mL): 2.45 (1.36, 3.58) vs. 3.96 (3.56, 4.49), SVI (mL/m²): 17.60 (14.20, 25.00) vs. 25.50 (24.00, 29.00), CO (L/min): 0.32 (0.24, 0.63) vs. 0.56 (0.49, 0.63), CI (mL×s^-1×m^-2): 40.01 (33.34, 53.34) vs. 61.68 (56.68, 63.35), all P < 0.05], while SVR and SVRI were similar to the control group [SVR (kPa×s×L^-1): 1 082.88±689.39 vs. 656.63±118.83, SVRI (kPa×s×L^-1×m^-2): 126.00±61.50 vs. 102.37±11.68, both P > 0.05]. Further analysis showed that SV, SVI and CI of neonates at the compensation stage in the septic shock group were significantly lower than those in the control group [SV (mL): 3.60±1.29 vs. 4.73±1.15, SVI (mL/m²): 19.20±8.33 vs. 26.34±3.91, CI (mL×s^-1×m^-2): 46.51±20.34 vs. 61.01±7.67, all P < 0.05], while MAP, SVR and SVRI were significantly higher than those in the control group [MAP (mmHg): 52.06±8.61 vs. 48.54±3.21, SVR (kPa×s×L^-1): 874.95±318.70 vs. 603.01±111.49, SVRI (kPa×s×L^-1×m^-2): 165.07±54.90 vs. 105.09±11.99, all P < 0.05]; MAP, SV, SVI, CO and CI of neonates at the decompensated stage in the septic shock group were significantly lower than those in the control group [MAP (mmHg): 35.13±6.08 vs. 48.54±3.21, SV (mL): 2.89±1.17 vs. 4.73±1.15, SVI (mL/m²): 18.50±4.99 vs. 26.34±3.91, CO (L/min): 0.41±0.19 vs. 0.65±0.15, CI (mL×s^-1×m^-2): 43.34±14.17 vs. 61.01±7.67, all P < 0.05], while SVR and SVRI were similar to the control group [SVR (kPa×s×L^-1): 885.49±628.04 vs. 603.01±111.49, SVRI (kPa×s×L^-1×m^-2): 114.29±43.54 vs. 105.09±11.99, both P > 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS Full-term infant with septic shock exhibit a low cardiac output, high vascular resistance hemodynamic pattern, while preterm infant with septic shock show low cardiac output and normal vascular resistance. At the compensated stage the hemodynamic change is low output and high resistance type, while at the decompensated stage it is low output and normal resistance type. Non-invasive hemodynamic monitoring can assist in the identification of neonatal septic shock and provide basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.
Humans ; Shock, Septic/physiopathology* ; Infant, Newborn ; Hemodynamics ; Female ; Male ; Case-Control Studies ; Infant, Premature

OBJECTIVE: To design a portable respiratory device for transporting premature infants and explore its application effect in the in-hospital transportation of extremely premature infants in primary hospitals. METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted. The extremely premature infants born and transferred to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with oxygen therapy support from May to October in 2023 were selected and randomly divided into control group and observation group. The infants in the control group received respiratory support and in-hospital transportation using a traditional T-combination resuscitator connected to pure oxygen, and those in the observation group used a portable premature infant transport respiratory device designed and manufactured by medical staff to provide respiratory support and implement in-hospital transportation. The respiratory device for transporting premature infants is made of 304 stainless steel material, mainly consisting of a T-combination resuscitator, an air oxygen mixer, an air tank, a pure oxygen cylinder, a pressure reducing valve, a telescopic rod, a tray, a hook, a bottom plate, and four moving wheels, which can achieve precise control of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂) during transportation. The achievement rate of first-time target pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂, achieving a target SpO₂ of 0.90-0.95 was considered as meeting the standard) and arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) after being transferred to the NICU, as well as the manpower expenditure and time required for transportation of pediatric patients between the two groups were observed. RESULTS: A total of 73 extremely premature infants were enrolled, including 38 in the control group and 35 in the observation group. There was no significant difference in the gender, gestational age at birth, birth weight, mode of delivery, Apgar score at 1 minute and 5 minutes after birth, and oxygen therapy during the transportation between the two groups. The achievement rate of first-time target SpO₂ after NICU in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [94.29% (33/35) vs. 26.32% (10/38), P < 0.05], the PaO₂ control range was better [mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa): 85.50±6.36 vs. 103.00±2.83, P < 0.05], manpower expenditure and time required for transportation were significantly reduced [manpower expenditure (number): 2.14±0.35 vs. 3.17±0.34, time required for transportation (minutes): 10.42±0.76 vs. 15.54±0.34, both P < 0.05]. CONCLUSIONS The portable respiratory device for transporting premature infants is used for respiratory support during the transportation of extremely premature infants in primary hospitals. It can improve the achievement rate of target SpO₂, control PaO₂ within the target range, and avoid hypoxia or hyperoxia during transportation. The breathing apparatus is compact, easy to carry, can save labor resources and time during transport, is cost-effective, and is suitable for widespread application in primary hospitals.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Transportation of Patients ; Prospective Studies ; Equipment Design ; Infant, Extremely Premature ; Intensive Care Units, Neonatal ; Infant, Premature

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an intestinal inflammatory and necrotic disease seen in premature infants, and remains the leading cause of death resulted from gastrointestinal diseases in premature infants. The specific pathogenesis of NEC is still unclear. In recent years, a lot of studies have reported that Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of NEC. TLR4, which is abundantly expressed in intestinal epithelial cells of premature infants, binds to bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to activate downstream signaling pathways, leading to disruption of intestinal epithelial integrity and bacterial translocation, resulting in intestinal ischemic necrosis and inflammatory responses, which may rapidly progress to severe sepsis, multiple organ dysfunction, and death. This paper reviews the mechanism of TLR4-related signaling pathways in intestinal epithelial injury and inflammatory responses in newborns with NEC, providing a reference to study new therapeutic targets for NEC.
Enterocolitis, Necrotizing/pathology* ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism* ; Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Signal Transduction ; Inflammation/metabolism* ; Animals ; Intestines/immunology* ; Intestinal Mucosa/pathology* ; Infant, Premature

Anemia of prematurity (AOP) is a multifactorial condition associated with congenital iron deficiency, low erythropoietin levels, a short lifespan of red blood cells, and iatrogenic blood loss. AOP is a common complication in premature infants that can adversely affect growth, development, and long-term neurocognitive outcomes. To standardize the diagnosis and treatment of AOP, the Neonatal Clinical Practice Guidelines Expert Committee and the Neonatal Evidence-Based Medicine Group of the Commission of Neonatal Medicine of the Cross-Strait Medical and Health Exchange Association, along with the Editorial Office of the Chinese Journal of Contemporary Pediatrics, have developed the "Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of anemia of prematurity (2025)", based on the World Health Organization's handbook for guideline development and the formulation/revision principles of Chinese clinical practice guidelines. This guideline addresses eight clinical issues related to AOP, including risk factors, early identification, etiological diagnosis, diagnostic criteria, early prevention, transfusion therapy, strategies to improve prognosis, and post-discharge follow-up. It presents 29 recommendations formed from current evidence and expert consensus, aiming to provide guidance and decision-making support for healthcare professionals in the diagnosis and treatment of AOP.
Humans ; Infant, Newborn ; Infant, Premature ; Anemia, Neonatal/diagnosis* ; Anemia/diagnosis* ; Practice Guidelines as Topic

OBJECTIVES: To explore the measures to improve the follow-up rate of preterm infants after discharge, and to evaluate the effectiveness of these measures using quality improvement methodology. METHODS: The follow-up status of preterm infants discharged from March to May 2017 was used as the baseline before quality improvement, and a specific quality improvement goal for the follow-up rate was proposed. The Pareto chart was used to analyze the causes of follow-up failure, and a key driver diagram was constructed based on the links involved in improving follow-up rate. The causes of failure were analyzed to determine the key links and intervention measures for quality improvement, and the follow-up rate was monitored weekly using a control chart until the quality improvement goal was achieved. RESULTS: The follow-up rate of preterm infants after discharge was 57.92% (117/202) at baseline before quality improvement, and the quality improvement goal was set to increase the follow-up rate of preterm infants from baseline to more than 80% within 12 months. The Pareto chart analysis showed that the main causes of follow-up failure were deficiencies in follow-up file management and irregular follow-up times (33.70%, 31/92), insufficient follow-up education and poor communication (25.00%, 23/92), and the inability to meet the diverse needs of parents (18.48%, 17/92). Based on the key links for quality improvement and the main causes of follow-up failure, the following intervention measures were adopted: (1) strengthen follow-up publicity and education; (2) build a follow-up team; and (3) establish a follow-up platform and system. The control chart indicated that with the implementation of the above intervention measures, the weekly follow-up rate increased to 74.09% (306/413) in July 2017 and 83.09% (511/615) in December 2017, finally achieving the quality improvement goal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the follow-up rate of preterm infants fluctuated between 23.54% (460/1 954) and 70.97% (1 931/2 721), and subsequently, it returned to pre-pandemic levels starting in February 2023. CONCLUSIONS The application of quality improvement methodology can help to formulate intervention measures based on the main causes of follow-up failure, thereby improving the follow-up rate of preterm infants after discharge. This quality improvement method is feasible and practical and thus holds promise for clinical application.
Humans ; Quality Improvement ; Infant, Premature ; Infant, Newborn ; Patient Discharge ; Follow-Up Studies ; Female ; Male

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the value of weight growth velocity, calculated using the Patel exponential model and the Z-score change method, in predicting the neurological and physical development outcomes of preterm infants with a gestational age of <30 weeks in the long term. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted involving preterm infants with a gestational age of <30 weeks who were hospitalized and treated in the Department of Neonatology at Tongji Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2017 to June 2022, and were followed up at the outpatient service more than 18 months of age. The preterm infants were divided into high and low rate groups based on the two calculation methods, and the two methods were compared regarding their predictive value for neurological and physical development outcomes in the long term. RESULTS: The average age of the last follow-up was (23.0±3.6) months. For neurological development, according to the Patel exponential model, the low rate group exhibited a significantly higher abnormal rate in the fine motor domain compared to the high rate group (P<0.05). Using the Z-score change method, the low rate group had significantly higher abnormal rates in both gross motor and fine motor domains, and significantly lower developmental quotients for gross motor, fine motor, and adaptive behavior domains compared to the high rate group (P<0.05). For physical development, there were no significant differences in body length, body weight, head circumference, or the incidence rate of growth restriction between the low rate and high rate groups identified by either method (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS Weight growth velocity calculated using the Z-score change method is more effective in predicting long-term neurological outcomes in preterm infants, while weight growth velocity derived from both methods shows no significant association with long-term physical development outcomes.
Humans ; Infant, Premature/growth & development* ; Retrospective Studies ; Infant, Newborn ; Child Development ; Male ; Female ; Body Weight ; Infant ; Nervous System/growth & development*

Parenteral nutrition (PN) is widely utilized in the field of neonatology and is a critical life-saving intervention for critically ill neonates or preterm infants who cannot meet their energy and nutrient needs through enteral feeding. To further standardize and optimize the clinical management of PN, this consensus was developed by a working group based on relevant research progress both domestically and internationally. Employing the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation, the consensus presents 24 recommendations covering seven aspects of PN: indications, administration routes, energy, fluid volume, composition of nutritional solutions, timing of cessation, and monitoring. The aim is to provide guidance for relevant practitioners in PN management to improve the short-term and long-term outcomes for neonates.
Humans ; Parenteral Nutrition/methods* ; Infant, Newborn ; Consensus ; Infant, Premature

OBJECTIVES: To explore the impact of different treatment attitudes on the survival status of extremely preterm infants (EPIs) and evaluate the mortality and occurrence of severe complications in actively treated infants, as well as their risk factors. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on perinatal data of EPIs born between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2023, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Nanjing Women and Children's Healthcare Hospital within 24 hours after birth. The analysis focused on the attributable risk of mortality associated with different treatment attitudes in EPIs of varying gestational ages and birth weights. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors for mortality and severe complications in the actively treated group. RESULTS: A total of 485 EPIs were included. As gestational age or birth weight increased, the attributable risk of mortality with care withdrawal increased. Active treatment significantly improved the survival status of EPIs born at a gestational age of ≥24 weeks. Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that lower gestational age and the need for mechanical ventilation within 72 hours after birth were independent risk factors for mortality or severe complications in EPIs (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Active treatment can significantly extend the survival time of EPIs born at a gestational age of ≥24 weeks. Lower gestational age and the need for mechanical ventilation within 72 hours after birth are closely associated with poor survival outcomes in EPIs.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Infant, Extremely Premature ; Risk Factors ; Infant, Newborn ; Female ; Male ; Gestational Age ; Logistic Models ; Birth Weight