1.The Adoption of Non-invasive Photobiomodulation in The Treatment of Epilepsy
Ao-Yun LI ; Zhan-Chuang LU ; Li CAO ; Si CHEN ; Hui JIANG ; Chang-Chun CHEN ; Lei CHEN
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2025;52(4):882-898
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease caused by abnormal synchronous discharge of the brain, which is characterized by recurrent and transient neurological abnormalities, mainly manifested as loss of consciousness and limb convulsions, and can occur in people of all ages. At present, anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are still the main means of treatment, but their efficacy is limited by the problem of drug resistance, and long-term use can cause serious side effects, such as cognitive dysfunction and vital organ damage. Although surgical resection of epileptic lesions has achieved certain results in some patients, the high cost and potential risk of neurological damage limit its scope of application. Therefore, the development of safe, accurate and personalized non-invasive treatment strategies has become one of the key directions of epilepsy research. In recent years, photobiomodulation (PBM) has gained significant attention as a promising non-invasive therapeutic approach. PBM uses light of specific wavelengths to penetrate tissues and interact with photosensitive molecules within cells, thereby modulating cellular metabolic processes. Research has shown that PBM can enhance mitochondrial function, promote ATP production, improve meningeal lymphatic drainage, reduce neuroinflammation, and stimulate the growth of neurons and synapses. These biological effects suggest that PBM not only holds the potential to reduce the frequency of seizures but also to improve the metabolic state and network function of neurons, providing a novel therapeutic avenue for epilepsy treatment. Compared to traditional treatment methods, PBM is non-invasive and avoids the risks associated with surgical interventions. Its low risk of significant side effects makes it particularly suitable for patients with drug-resistant epilepsy, offering new therapeutic options for those who have not responded to conventional treatments. Furthermore, PBM’s multi-target mechanism enables it to address a variety of complex etiologies of epilepsy, demonstrating its potential in precision medicine. In contrast to therapies targeting a single pathological mechanism, PBM’s multifaceted approach makes it highly adaptable to different types of epilepsy, positioning it as a promising supplementary or alternative treatment. Although animal studies and preliminary clinical trials have shown positive outcomes with PBM, its clinical application remains in the exploratory phase. Future research should aim to elucidate the precise mechanisms of PBM, optimize light parameters, such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, and investigate potential synergistic effects with other therapeutic modalities. These efforts will be crucial for enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of PBM and ensuring its safety and consistency in clinical settings. This review summarizes the types of epilepsy, diagnostic biomarkers, the advantages of PBM, and its mechanisms and potential applications in epilepsy treatment. The unique value of PBM lies not only in its multi-target therapeutic effects but also in its adaptability to the diverse etiologies of epilepsy. The combination of PBM with traditional treatments, such as pharmacotherapy and neuroregulatory techniques, holds promise for developing a more comprehensive and multidimensional treatment strategy, ultimately alleviating the treatment burden on patients. PBM has also shown beneficial effects on neural network plasticity in various neurodegenerative diseases. The dynamic remodeling of neural networks plays a critical role in the pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy, and PBM’s multi-target mechanism may promote brain function recovery by facilitating neural network remodeling. In this context, optimizing optical parameters remains a key area of research. By adjusting parameters such as wavelength, dose, and frequency, researchers aim to further enhance the therapeutic effects of PBM while maintaining its safety and stability. Looking forward, interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly in the fields of neuroscience, optical engineering, and clinical medicine, will drive the development of PBM technology and facilitate its transition from laboratory research to clinical application. With the advancement of portable devices, PBM is expected to provide safer and more effective treatments for epilepsy patients and make a significant contribution to personalized medicine, positioning it as a critical component of precision therapeutic strategies.
2.A new classification of atlas fracture based on computed tomography: reliability, reproducibility, and preliminary clinical significance
Yun-lin CHEN ; Wei-yu JIANG ; Wen-jie LU ; Xu-dong HU ; Yang WANG ; Wei-hu MA
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):3-9
Methods:
Seventy-five patients with atlas fracture were included from January 2015 to December 2020. Based on the anatomy of the fracture line, atlas fractures were divided into three types. Each type was divided into two subtypes according to the fracture displacement. Unweighted Cohen kappa coefficients were applied to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility.
Results:
According to the new classification, 17 cases of type A1, 12 of type A2, seven of type B1, 13 of type B2, 12 of type C1, and 14 of type C2 were identified. The K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.846 and 0.912, respectively, for the new classification. The K-values of interobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.843, 0.799, and 0.898, respectively. The K-values of intraobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.888, 0.910, and 0.935, respectively. The mean K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for subtypes were 0.687 and 0.829, respectively.
Conclusions
The new classification of atlas fractures can cover nearly all atlas fractures. This system is the first to evaluate the severity of fractures based on the C1 articular facet and fracture displacement and strengthen the anatomy ring of the atlas. It is concise, easy to remember, reliable, and reproducible.
3.A new classification of atlas fracture based on computed tomography: reliability, reproducibility, and preliminary clinical significance
Yun-lin CHEN ; Wei-yu JIANG ; Wen-jie LU ; Xu-dong HU ; Yang WANG ; Wei-hu MA
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):3-9
Methods:
Seventy-five patients with atlas fracture were included from January 2015 to December 2020. Based on the anatomy of the fracture line, atlas fractures were divided into three types. Each type was divided into two subtypes according to the fracture displacement. Unweighted Cohen kappa coefficients were applied to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility.
Results:
According to the new classification, 17 cases of type A1, 12 of type A2, seven of type B1, 13 of type B2, 12 of type C1, and 14 of type C2 were identified. The K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.846 and 0.912, respectively, for the new classification. The K-values of interobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.843, 0.799, and 0.898, respectively. The K-values of intraobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.888, 0.910, and 0.935, respectively. The mean K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for subtypes were 0.687 and 0.829, respectively.
Conclusions
The new classification of atlas fractures can cover nearly all atlas fractures. This system is the first to evaluate the severity of fractures based on the C1 articular facet and fracture displacement and strengthen the anatomy ring of the atlas. It is concise, easy to remember, reliable, and reproducible.
4.A new classification of atlas fracture based on computed tomography: reliability, reproducibility, and preliminary clinical significance
Yun-lin CHEN ; Wei-yu JIANG ; Wen-jie LU ; Xu-dong HU ; Yang WANG ; Wei-hu MA
Asian Spine Journal 2025;19(1):3-9
Methods:
Seventy-five patients with atlas fracture were included from January 2015 to December 2020. Based on the anatomy of the fracture line, atlas fractures were divided into three types. Each type was divided into two subtypes according to the fracture displacement. Unweighted Cohen kappa coefficients were applied to evaluate the reliability and reproducibility.
Results:
According to the new classification, 17 cases of type A1, 12 of type A2, seven of type B1, 13 of type B2, 12 of type C1, and 14 of type C2 were identified. The K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability were 0.846 and 0.912, respectively, for the new classification. The K-values of interobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.843, 0.799, and 0.898, respectively. The K-values of intraobserver reliability for types A, B, and C were 0.888, 0.910, and 0.935, respectively. The mean K-values of the interobserver and intraobserver reliability for subtypes were 0.687 and 0.829, respectively.
Conclusions
The new classification of atlas fractures can cover nearly all atlas fractures. This system is the first to evaluate the severity of fractures based on the C1 articular facet and fracture displacement and strengthen the anatomy ring of the atlas. It is concise, easy to remember, reliable, and reproducible.
5.Association between body mass index and chronic metabolic diseases in Chinese aged population
Ying JIANG ; Qingyao LI ; Zhiqi CHEN ; Jialu WANG ; Yun LI ; Renying XU
Journal of Shanghai Jiaotong University(Medical Science) 2024;44(2):250-257
Objective·To evaluate the relationship between body mass index(BMI)and chronic metabolic diseases.Methods·The elderly(≥60 years old)who were underwent physical examination in the Physical Examination Center of Renji Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from 2014 to 2021 were studied.Their results of biochemical indicators were collected.Their height,body weight,and blood pressure were measured by trained nurses.The history of chronic metabolic diseases was collected by self-reported questionnaire.Systolic blood pressure≥140 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa),diastolic blood pressure≥90 mmHg,or self-reported hypertension history was defined as hypertension.Fasting blood glucose≥7.0 mmol/L or self-reported history of diabetes was defined as diabetes.Total cholesterol≥6.2 mmol/L,triglyceride≥2.3 mmol/L,or self-reported history of dyslipidemia was defined as dyslipidemia.The relationship between BMI and hypertension,diabetes,and dyslipidemia was evaluated by using receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve analysis and binary logistic regression.Results·Data of 59 083 subjects were collected[30 807 men and 28 276 women,average age:(67.9±6.3)years old].The prevalence of hypertension,diabetes and dyslipidemia was 76.5%(45 219/59 083),24.1%(14 225/59 083)and 50.0%(29 544/59 083),respectively.Compared to the elderly people aged 60?74 years,those aged 75 years and above had a higher proportion of hypertension and diabetes,and a lower proportion of dyslipidemia and no metabolic abnormalities.With ROC analysis,the BMI cut-off values for hypertension,diabetes,and dyslipidemia were 24.3,23.9,and 23.9 kg/m2.The BMI cut-off values for hypertension and diabetes in elderly men were similar to those in elderly women(for hypertension:24.3 kg/m2 in elderly men vs 24.2 kg/m2 in elderly women;for diabetes:24.0 kg/m2 in elderly men vs 23.7 kg/m2 in elderly women);however,BMI cut-off value for dyslipidemia was obviously higher in elderly men than that in elderly women(24.0 kg/m2 in elderly men vs 22.5 kg/m2 in elderly women).The BMI cut-off value for chronic metabolic diseases was higher in the elderly people aged 60?74 years than that in the elderly people aged 75 years and above(24.2?24.7 kg/m2 vs 22.9?23.8 kg/m2).Conclusion·Elderly people aged 60?74 years should maintain the BMI below 24.0 kg/m2,while those aged 75 years and above should aim for the BMI below 23.0 kg/m2,so as to reduce the risk of chronic metabolic diseases.
6.Prognosis and influencing factors analysis of patients with initially resectable gastric cancer liver metastasis who were treated by different modalities: a nationwide, multicenter clinical study
Li LI ; Yunhe GAO ; Liang SHANG ; Zhaoqing TANG ; Kan XUE ; Jiang YU ; Yanrui LIANG ; Zirui HE ; Bin KE ; Hualong ZHENG ; Hua HUANG ; Jianping XIONG ; Zhongyuan HE ; Jiyang LI ; Tingting LU ; Qiying SONG ; Shihe LIU ; Hongqing XI ; Yun TANG ; Zhi QIAO ; Han LIANG ; Jiafu JI ; Lin CHEN
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(1):114-124
Objective:To investigate the prognosis of patients with initially resectable gastric cancer liver metastasis (GCLM) who were treated by different modalities, and analyze the influencing factors for prognosis of patients.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 327 patients with initially resectable GCLM who were included in the database of a nationwide multicenter retrospective cohort study on GCLM based on real-world data from January 2010 to December 2019 were collected. There were 267 males and 60 females, aged 61(54,68)years. According to the specific situations of patients, treatment modalities included radical surgery combined with systemic treatment, palliative surgery combined with systemic treatment, and systemic treatment alone. Observation indicators: (1) clinical characteristics of patients who were treated by different modalities; (2) prognostic outcomes of patients who were treated by different modalities; (3) analysis of influencing factors for prognosis of patients with initially resectable GCLM; (4) screening of potential beneficiaries in patients who were treated by radical surgery plus systemic treatment and patients who were treated by palliative surgery plus systemic treatment. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the rank sum test. Count data were described as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rate and draw survival curve, and Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the COX proportional hazard regression model. The propensity score matching was employed by the 1:1 nearest neighbor matching method with a caliper value of 0.1. The forest plots were utilized to evaluate potential benefits of diverse surgical combined with systemic treatments within the population. Results:(1) Clinical characteristics of patients who were treated by different modalities. Of 327 patients, there were 118 cases undergoing radical surgery plus systemic treatment, 164 cases undergoing palliative surgery plus systemic treatment, and 45 cases undergoing systemic treatment alone. There were significant differences in smoking, drinking, site of primary gastric tumor, diameter of primary gastric tumor, site of liver metastasis, and metastatic interval among the three groups of patients ( P<0.05). (2) Prognostic outcomes of patients who were treated by different modalities. The median overall survival time of the 327 pati-ents was 19.9 months (95% confidence interval as 14.9-24.9 months), with 1-, 3-year overall survival rate of 61.3%, 32.7%, respectively. The 1-year overall survival rates of patients undergoing radical surgery plus systemic treatment, palliative surgery plus systemic treatment and systemic treatment alone were 68.3%, 63.1%, 30.6%, and the 3-year overall survival rates were 41.1%, 29.9%, 11.9%, showing a significant difference in overall survival rate among the three groups of patients ( χ2=19.46, P<0.05). Results of further analysis showed that there was a significant difference in overall survival rate between patients undergoing radical surgery plus systemic treatment and patients undergoing systemic treatment alone ( hazard ratio=0.40, 95% confidence interval as 0.26-0.61, P<0.05), between patients undergoing palliative surgery plus systemic treatment and patients under-going systemic treatment alone ( hazard ratio=0.47, 95% confidence interval as 0.32-0.71, P<0.05). (3) Analysis of influencing factors for prognosis of patients with initially resectable GCLM. Results of multivariate analysis showed that the larger primary gastric tumor, poorly differentiated tumor, larger liver metastasis, multiple hepatic metastases were independent risk factors for prognosis of patients with initially resectable GCLM ( hazard ratio=1.20, 1.70, 1.20, 2.06, 95% confidence interval as 1.14-1.27, 1.25-2.31, 1.04-1.42, 1.45-2.92, P<0.05) and immunotherapy or targeted therapy, the treatment modality of radical or palliative surgery plus systemic therapy were independent protective factors for prognosis of patients with initially resectable GCLM ( hazard ratio=0.60, 0.39, 0.46, 95% confidence interval as 0.42-0.87, 0.25-0.60, 0.30-0.70, P<0.05). (4) Screening of potentinal beneficiaries in patients who were treated by radical surgery plus systemic treatment and patients who were treated by palliative surgery plus systemic treatment. Results of forest plots analysis showed that for patients with high-moderate differentiated GCLM and patients with liver metastasis located in the left liver, the overall survival rate of patients undergoing radical surgery plus systemic treatment was better than patients undergoing palliative surgery plus systemic treatment ( hazard ratio=0.21, 0.42, 95% confidence interval as 0.09-0.48, 0.23-0.78, P<0.05). Conclusions:Compared to systemic therapy alone, both radical and palliative surgery plus systemic therapy can improve the pro-gnosis of patients with initially resectable GCLM. The larger primary gastric tumor, poorly differen-tiated tumor, larger liver metastasis, multiple hepatic metastases are independent risk factors for prognosis of patients with initial resectable GCLM and immunotherapy or targeted therapy, the treatment modality of radical or palliative surgery plus systemic therapy are independent protective factors for prognosis of patients with initially resectable GCLM.
7.The evaluation of alpha-fetoprotein response on efficacy and prognosis in targeted therapy combined with immunotherapy for intermediate-to-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter clinical study
Kongying LIN ; Qingjing CHEN ; Luobin GUO ; Yun YANG ; Yufeng CHEN ; Jianxi ZHANG ; Fuqun WEI ; Hui ZHANG ; Zhiqing CHENG ; Yuntong LI ; Congren WANG ; Yabin JIANG ; Kecan LIN ; Weiping ZHOU ; Yongyi ZENG
Chinese Journal of Digestive Surgery 2024;23(2):248-256
Objective:To investigate the evaluation efficacy and predictive prognostic value of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) response in tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in combination with PD-1 inhibitors (α-PD-1) for intermediate-to-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 205 patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were admitted to 9 medical centers, including Mengchao Hepatobiliary Hospital of Fujian Medical University et al, from March 2020 to July 2022 were collected. There were 178 males and 27 females, aged (52±12)years. Based on AFP response at 6-8 weeks after treatment, patients were divided into the AFP response group (AFP level decreased by ≥50% compared to baseline) and the AFP no response group (AFP level decreased by <50% compared to baseline). Observation indicators: (1) AFP response evaluation of anti-tumor efficacy; (2) comparison of patient prognosis; (3) analysis of factors affecting patient prognosis. Measurement data with normal distrubution were represented as Mean± SD, and measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M(range) and M( Q1, Q3). Count data were described as absolute numbers, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curve and calculate survival rate, and the Log-Rank test was used for survival analysis. The COX proportional risk model was used for univariate analysis and the COX stepwise regression model was used for multivariate analysis. Results:(1) AFP response evaluation of anti-tumor efficacy. Before treatment, all 205 patients were positive of AFP, with a baseline AFP level of 1 560(219,3 400)μg/L. All 205 patients were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1, and the AFP level was 776(66,2 000)μg/L after 6 to 8 weeks of treatment. Of the 205 patients, 88 cases were classified as AFP response and 117 cases were classified as AFP no response. According to the response evaluation criteria in solid tumors version 1.1, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) were 42.05%(37/88) and 94.32%(83/88) in patients of the AFP response group and 16.24% (19/117) and 64.10% (75/117) in patients of the AFP no response group, showing significant differences between them ( χ2=16.846, 25.950, P<0.05). According to the modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, the ORR and DCR were 69.32% (61/88) and 94.32% (83/88) in patients of the AFP response group and 33.33% (39/117) and 64.10% (75/117) in patients of the AFP no response group, showing significant differences between them ( χ2=26.030, 25.950, P<0.05). (2) Comparison of patient prognosis. All 205 patients were followed up for 12.4(range, 2.4-34.0)months after treatment. The median progression free survival time and total survival time were 5.5 months and 17.8 months, respectively. The 1-year, 2-year progression free survival rates were 20.8% and 7.2%, and the 1-year, 2-year overall survival rates were 68.7% and 31.5%, respectively. The median progression free survival time, 1-year and 2-year progression free survival rates were 9.7 months, 39.6% and 14.2% in patients of the AFP response group and 3.7 months, 7.8% and 2.0% in patients of the AFP no response group, showing a significant difference in progression free survival between them ( χ2=43.154, P<0.05). The median overall survival time, 1-year and 2-year overall survival rates were not reached, 85.2% and 56.3% in patients of the AFP response group and 14.6 months, 56.3% and 14.5% in patients of the AFP no response group, showing a significant difference in overall survival between them ( χ2=33.899, P<0.05). (3) Analysis of factors affecting patient prognosis. Results of multivariate analysis showed that invasion of large blood vessels, extrahepatic metastasis, combined hepatic artery intervention therapy, and AFP response were independent factors influencing progression free survival in patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1 ( hazard ratio=1.474, 1.584, 0.631, 0.367, 95% confidence interval as 1.069-2.033, 1.159-2.167, 0.446-0.893, 0.261-0.516, P<0.05), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score, invasion of large blood vessels, extrahepatic metastasis, and AFP response were independent factors influencing overall survival in patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1 ( hazard ratio= 1.347, 1.914, 1.673, 0.312, 95% confidence interval as 1.041-1.742, 1.293-2.833, 1.141-2.454, 0.197-0.492, P<0.05). Conclusions:AFP response at 6-8 weeks after treatment can effectively evaluate anti-tumor efficacy of TKIs in combination with α-PD-1 for intermediate-to-advanced HCC. AFP response is the independent factor influencing progression free survival and overall survival in patients with intermediate-to-advanced HCC who were treated with TKIs in combination with α-PD-1.
8.Research on Cost Control of Hospital Administrative Functional Departments Based on HRP+BSC
Wanhui ZHENG ; Weihua YANG ; Li YANG ; Yun ZHANG ; Ying CHEN ; Kesi WANG ; Linlin JIANG ; Lin PENG
Chinese Hospital Management 2024;44(6):65-68
Objective to analyze the Budget Execution Rate of administrative departments in sample hospitals,and to realize the cost control of Budget performance integration with Balanced Score Card(BSC)Financial Dimension Quantitative Assessment.Methods The budget and execution data of 23 administrative departments were collected from January to June in the sample 2023.The budget execution rate was calculated and cleaned,and the data were segmented by histogram.Using the financial dimension 25 to divide by the total number of items in each department's budget to obtain the scoreof each item in each department,and using the interpolation method to calculate the cost scores of each department,then into the performance appraisal.Results(1)Each item score should be multiplied by item coefficient,and then sum up;(2)The total score of self-executing Project+the total score of centralized executing project.(3)Cost score:1 the scores of 8 departments of non-homing items were 5.54~15.76,2 the scores of 15 departments of homing items were 7.68~17.06.Conclusion It adopts the concept of BSC and Hospital Resource Planning as the cost control of administrative departments to make up for the lack of qualitative and quantitative BSC;can focus on monitoring the dispersion of large data;histogram score results of segmentation objective and easy to operate,makes the interpolation calculation more credible.In a word,it provides quantitative ideas and methods in the aspects of different responsibilities and difficult performance evaluation.
9.Iodine Nutrition,Thyroid-stimulating Hormone,and Related Factors of Postpartum Women from three Different Areas in China:A Cross-sectional Survey
Yun Xiao SHAN ; Yan ZOU ; Chun Li HUANG ; Shan JIANG ; Wen Wei ZHOU ; Lan Qiu QIN ; Qing Chang LIU ; Yan Xiao LUO ; Xi Jia LU ; Qian De MAO ; Min LI ; Yu Zhen YANG ; Chen Li YANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2024;37(3):254-265
Objective Studies on the relationship between iodine,vitamin A(VA),and vitamin D(VD)and thyroid function are limited.This study aimed to analyze iodine and thyroid-stimulating hormone(TSH)status and their possible relationships with VA,VD,and other factors in postpartum women. Methods A total of 1,311 mothers(896 lactating and 415 non-lactating)from Hebei,Zhejiang,and Guangxi provinces were included in this study.The urinary iodine concentration(UIC),TSH,VA,and VD were measured. Results The median UIC of total and lactating participants were 142.00 μg/L and 139.95 μg/L,respectively.The median TSH,VA,and VD levels in all the participants were 1.89 mIU/L,0.44 μg/mL,and 24.04 ng/mL,respectively.No differences in the UIC were found between lactating and non-lactating mothers.UIC and TSH levels were significantly different among the three provinces.The rural UIC was higher than the urban UIC.Obese mothers had a higher UIC and a higher prevalence of excessive TSH.Higher UICs and TSHs levels were observed in both the VD deficiency and insufficiency groups than in the VD-sufficient group.After adjustment,no linear correlation was observed between UIC and VA/VD.No interaction was found between vitamins A/D and UIC on TSH levels. Conclusion The mothers in the present study had no iodine deficiency.Region,area type,BMI,and VD may be related to the iodine status or TSH levels.
10.Outcomes and care practices of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation age from the Chinese Neonatal Network
Siyuan JIANG ; Chuanzhong YANG ; Xiuying TIAN ; Dongmei CHEN ; Zuming YANG ; Jingyun SHI ; Falin XU ; Yan MO ; Xinyue GU ; K. Shoo LEE ; Wenhao ZHOU ; Yun CAO
Chinese Journal of Pediatrics 2024;62(1):22-28
Objective:To describe the current status and trends in the outcomes and care practices of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation age from the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) from 2019 to 2021.Methods:This cross-sectional study used data from the CHNN cohort of very preterm infants. All 963 extremely preterm infants with gestational age between 22-25 weeks who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of the CHNN from 2019 to 2021 were included. Infants admitted after 24 hours of life or transferred to non-CHNN hospitals were excluded. Perinatal care practices, survival rates, incidences of major morbidities, and NICU treatments were described according to different gestational age groups and admission years. Comparison among gestational age groups was conducted using χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Trends by year were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results:Of the 963 extremely preterm infants enrolled, 588 extremely preterm infants (61.1%) were male. The gestational age was 25.0 (24.4, 25.6) weeks, with 29 extremely preterm infants (3.0%), 88 extremely preterm infants (9.1%), 264 extremely preterm infants (27.4%), and 582 extremely preterm infants (60.4%) at 22, 23, 24, and 25 weeks of gestation age, respectively. The birth weight was 770 (680, 840) g. From 2019 to 2021, the number of extremely preterm infants increased each year (285, 312, and 366 extremely preterm infants, respectively). Antenatal steroids and magnesium sulfate were administered to 67.7% (615/908) and 51.1% (453/886) mothers of extremely preterm infants. In the delivery room, 20.8% (200/963) and 69.5% (669/963) extremely preterm infants received noninvasive positive end-expiratory pressure support and endotracheal intubation. Delayed cord clamping and cord milking were performed in 19.0% (149/784) and 30.4% (241/794) extremely preterm infants. From 2019 to 2021, there were significant increases in the usage of antenatal steroids, antenatal magnesium sulfate, and delivery room noninvasive positive-end expiratory pressure support (all P<0.05). Overall, 349 extremely preterm infants (36.2%) did not receive complete care, 392 extremely preterm infants (40.7%) received complete care and survived to discharge, and 222 extremely preterm infants (23.1%) received complete care but died in hospital. The survival rates for extremely preterm infants at 22, 23, 24 and 25 weeks of gestation age were 10.3% (3/29), 23.9% (21/88), 33.0% (87/264) and 48.3% (281/582), respectively. From 2019 to 2021, there were no statistically significant trends in complete care, survival, and mortality rates (all P>0.05). Only 11.5% (45/392) extremely preterm infants survived without major morbidities. Moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (67.3% (264/392)) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (61.5% (241/392)) were the most common morbidities among survivors. The incidences of severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis were 15.3% (60/392), 5.9% (23/392) and 19.1% (75/392), respectively. Overall, 83.7% (328/392) survivors received invasive ventilation during hospitalization, with a duration of 22 (10, 42) days. The hospital stay for survivors was 97 (86, 116) days. Conclusions:With the increasing number of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation admitted to CHNN NICU, the survival rate remained low, especially the rate of survival without major morbidities. Further quality improvement initiatives are needed to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based care practices.

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