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INTRODUCTION: End-of-life care (ELC) represents a quality milestone in neonatal intensive care units (NICU). The objective of this study was to explore how ELC are carried out in NICUs in Iberoamerica. METHODS: Cross-sectional study, through the administration of an anonymous survey sent to neonatal nursing professionals. The survey included general data and work activity data; existence and contents of ELC protocols in the NICU and training received. The survey was distributed by email and published on official SIBEN social networks. REDCap and STATA 14.0 software were used for data collection and analysis. RESULTS: We obtained 400 responses from nurses from 11 countries in the Ibero-American region. 86% of the respondents are directly responsible for providing ELC, although 48% of them said they had not received training on this subject. Only 67 (17%) state that the NICU in which they work has a protocol that establishes a strategy for performing the ELC. Finally, the actions that are implemented during the ELC are globally infrequent (≤50%) in all the items explored and very infrequent (<20%) in relation to allowing free access to family members, having privacy, providing psychological assistance, register the process in the medical record, assist with bureaucratic processes or grant a follow-up plan for grief. CONCLUSION: Most of the nursing professionals surveyed are directly responsible for this care, do not have protocols, have not received training, and consider that the ELC could be significantly improved. Strategies for ELCs in the Ibero-American region need to be optimized.

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INTRODUCTION: Monitoring the partial pressure of CO2 (PCO2) in newborns who require ventilation would allow avoiding hypocapnia and hypercapnia. The measurement of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) is an alternative rarely implemented in this population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between ETCO2 and PCO2 in newborns. METHODS: Cross-sectional study comparing two PCO2 measurement methods, the conventional one by analysis of blood samples and the one estimated by ETCO2. The study included hospitalized newborns that required conventional mechanical ventilation. The ETCO2 was measured with a Tecme GraphNet® neo, a neonatal ventilator with an integrated capnograph, and we obtained the ETCO2-PCO2 gradient. We conducted correlation and Bland-Altman plot analyses to estimate the agreement. RESULTS: A total of 277 samples (ETCO2 / PCO2) from 83 newborns were analyzed. The mean values ​​of ETCO2 and PCO2 were 41.36mmHg and 42.04mmHg. There was a positive and significant correlation between ETCO2 and PCO2 in the overall analysis (r=0.5402; P<.001) and in the analysis of each unit (P<.001). The mean difference was 0.68 mmHg (95% CI, -0.68 to 1.95) and was not significant. We observed a positive systematic error (PCO2 > ETCO2) in 2 of the units, and a negative difference in the third (PCO2 < ETCO2). DISCUSSION: The correlation between ETCO and PCO2 was significant, although the obtained values ​​were not equivalent, with differences ranging from 0.1mmHg and 20mmHg. Likewise, we found systematic errors that differed in sign (positive or negative) between institutions.

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RESUMEN El trabajo en equipo interdisciplinario es fundamental, no solo en el cuidado del recién nacido y su familia sino también en el propio equipo de salud, con el fin de ofrecer un cuidado y una atención integral, humana y no fragmentada. Es imperativo explorar como se ha venido llevando a cabo dicho cuidado en la región de Latinoamérica. El presente artículo trata cuatro aspectos: primero, una contextualización acerca del concepto interdisciplinario; segundo, la experiencia en la conformación de un grupo interdisciplinario dentro de una sociedad científica; tercero, los resultados de una encuesta sobre la interdisciplinaridad en los cuidados neonatales en Latinoamérica y, por último, algunas recomendaciones para promover la interdisciplina en las unidades de cuidado intensivo neonatal en Latinoamérica.

ABSTRACT Interdisciplinary teamwork is essential, not only in the care of newborns and their families but also in the health work team itself, in order to offer comprehensive, humane and non-fragmented care and assistance. It is imperative to explore how such care has been carried out in the Latin American region. This article deals with four aspects: first, a contextualization on interdisciplinarity; second, the experience in the formation of an interdisciplinary group within a scientific society; third, the results of a survey on interdisciplinarity in neonatal care in Latin America and, finally, some recommendations to promote interdisciplinarity in neonatal intensive care units in Latin America.

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INTRODUCTION: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a neurological condition occurring immediately after birth following a perinatal asphytic episode. Therapeutic hypothermia is a safe and effective intervention to reduce mortality and major disability in survivors. In Latin America, perinatal asphyxia is a major problem, but no data are available characterizing its current situation in the region or the impact of hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy on its management. OBJECTIVE: Understand the prevalence, mortality and use of therapeutic hypothermia in newborns at ≥36 weeks gestational age with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy admitted to neonatal units reporting to the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology Network. METHODS: The Ibero-American Society of Neonatology Network groups various neonatology centers in Latin America that share information and collaborate on research and medical care. We evaluated data on newborns with ≥36 weeks gestational age reported during 2019. Each unit received a guide with definitions and questions based on the Society's 7th Clinical Consensus. Evaluated were encephalopathy frequency and severity, Apgar score, need for resuscitation at birth, use of therapeutic hypothermia and clinical evolution at discharge. Our analysis includes descriptive statistics and comparisons made using the chi-square test. RESULTS: We examined reports of 2876 newborns from 33 units and 6 countries. In 2849 newborns with available data, hypoxic encephalopathy prevalence was 5.1% (146 newborns): 27 (19%) mild, 36 (25%) moderate, 43 (29%) severe, and 40 (27%) of unknown intensity. In those with moderate and severe encephalopathy, frequencies of Apgar scores ≤3 at the first minute (p = 0.001), Apgar scores ≤3 at the fifth minute (p ⟨0.001) and advanced resuscitation (p = 0.007) were higher. Therapeutic hypothermia was performed in only 13% of newborns (19). Neonatal mortality from encephalopathy was 42% (61). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a neonatal condition that results in high mortality and severe neurological sequelae. In this study, the overall prevalence was 5.1% with a mortality rate of 42%. Although encephalopathy was moderate or severe in 54% of reported cases, treatment with hypothermia was not performed in 87% of newborns. These data reflect a regional situation that requires urgent action.

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INTRODUCTION: The rational use of antibiotics (ATB) implies that patients receive those adequate for their clinical needs, in correct doses according to their individual conditions, during an adequate period of time, and at the lowest cost for them and their community. The highest rate of ATB abuse occurs during the perinatal period, despite the fact that there is evidence of multiple short- and long-term negative effects. Furthermore, this abuse is associated with increased costs of medical care. OBJECTIVE: To update and report the evidence on the use, abuse, and adverse effects of ATB in perinatal medicine, and possible measures to prevent them, and thus improve health care outcomes and costs. METHODS: A review and analysis was performed from the literature related to the use of ATB in perinatal medicine up to February 2020. RESULTS: ATB abuse in perinatal medicine ranges from 50% to 70%, with even higher rates in some neonatal centres. Adverse effects include death, increased microbial resistance, along with microbiome abnormalities and dysbiosis that lead to serious life-long complications such as infections, allergies, autoimmune disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, arthritis, asthma, obesity, and perhaps cancer. Preventing and reducing the abuse of ATB would lead to better health and to significant savings in the health sector. In only 4neonatal intensive care units, with 1000 admissions per year, savings are estimated at US$230,000 per year. CONCLUSION: The need to optimise the use of ATB in perinatal medicine has never been more urgent.

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[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Evaluar y reportar las características clínicas y los resultados de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en mujeres embarazadas y recién nacidos en América Latina. Métodos. Estudio descriptivo basado en el reporte prospectivo de las unidades constituyentes de la Red de la Sociedad Iberoamericana de Neonatología. Resultados. De 86 mujeres embarazadas con COVID-19 confirmadas por RT-PCR en siete países (6 de América Latina y Guinea Ecuatorial) 68% (59) fueron asintomáticas. Del 32% de mujeres sintomáticas, 89% (24) tuvieron síntomas leves y 3,5% (3) presentaron síntomas respiratorios graves. Ninguna mujer falleció. La tasa de cesáreas fue de 38%; la edad gestacional fue < 37 semanas en 6% de los casos. Se realizó RT-PCR a todos los recién nacidos (RN) entre las 16 y 36 horas de vida; en 6 (7%) el resultado del hisopado fue positivo. Todos ellos presentaron dificultad respiratoria leve y transitoria; ninguno falleció. Dos RN con RT-PCR negativa fallecieron por otras causas. Se autorizó el amamantamiento en solo 24% de las madres; en 13% se extrajo leche y en 63% se alimentó al RN con fórmula. En 76% de los casos se separó al binomio madre-hijo, y en 95% de los casos la madre no pudo ser acompañada en el parto ni el puerperio. Conclusiones. Son preocupantes la falta de acompañamiento materno, la baja tasa de lactancia y la frecuente separación de la díada madre-hijo. El equipo de salud debe reflexionar sobre la necesidad de defender el cuidado humanizado y centrado en la familia durante esta pandemia.

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To evaluate and report the clinical characteristics and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women and newborns in Latin America. Methods. Descriptive study based on the prospective report of the units of the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology Network. Results. Of 86 pregnant women with COVID-19 confirmed by RT-PCR in seven countries (6 from Latin America, and Equatorial Guinea) 68% (59) were asymptomatic. Of 32% of symptomatic women, 89% (24) had mild symptoms and 3.5% (3) had severe respiratory symptoms. No women died. The cesarean section rate was 38%; gestational age was < 37 weeks in 6% of cases. RT-PCR was performed on all newborns between 16 and 36 hours of age; 6 (7%) were positive. All of them presented mild and transient respiratory distress; none died. Two newborns with negative RT-PCR died from other causes. Breastfeeding was authorized in only 24% of mothers; in 13% milk was expressed and 63% of newborns were fed with formula. In 76% of cases the motherchild pair was separated, and in 95% of cases the mother could not be accompanied at delivery or during the postpartum period. Conclusions. The lack of maternal accompaniment, the low rate of breastfeeding and the frequent separation of the mother-child dyad are of concern. The health care team must reflect on the need to defend humanized and family-centered care during this pandemic.

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Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a major complication of perinatal asphyxia, with high morbidity, mortality and neurologic sequelae as cerebral palsy, mostly in poor or developing countries. The difficulty in the diagnosis and management of newborns in these countries is astonishing, thus resulting in unreliable data on this pathology and bad outcomes regarding mortality and incidence of neurologic sequelae. The objective of this article is to present a new clinical diagnostic score to be started in the delivery room and to guide the therapeutic approach, in order to improve these results.

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Summary Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy is a major complication of perinatal asphyxia, with high morbidity, mortality and neurologic sequelae as cerebral palsy, mostly in poor or developing countries. The difficulty in the diagnosis and management of newborns in these countries is astonishing, thus resulting in unreliable data on this pathology and bad outcomes regarding mortality and incidence of neurologic sequelae. The objective of this article is to present a new clinical diagnostic score to be started in the delivery room and to guide the therapeutic approach, in order to improve these results.

Resumo A encefalopatia hipóxico-isquêmica é a principal complicação da asfixia perinatal, com alta morbidade, mortalidade e incidência de sequelas neurológicas, como a paralisia cerebral, principalmente em países pobres e/ou em desenvolvimento. Nessas regiões, as dificuldades no diagnóstico e no manejo desses recém-nascidos é surpreendente, o que resulta em dados pouco confiáveis e em péssimos desfechos tanto no que se refere à mortalidade como à incidência de sequelas neurológicas. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um novo escore para o diagnóstico clínico ser iniciado na sala de parto e uma abordagem terapêutica com o intuito de melhorar esses resultados.

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El dolor y estrés en el recién nacido (RN) se ha tratado en forma insuficiente; los recién nacidos que ingresan a las unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN), a menudo deben someterse a procedimientos invasivos, dolorosos y estresantes y el tratamiento inadecuado incrementa la morbimortalidad. El V Consenso Clínico de la Sociedad Iberoamericana de Neonatología convocó a 32 neonatólogos de Iberoamérica para establecer las recomendaciones sobre diagnóstico y terapéutica del dolor y estrés neonatal. Se desarrollaron temas de relevancia, utilizando la mejor evidencia científica disponible en bases de datos indizadas. Todos participaron en forma activa en una reunión presencial en Santiago de Chile para consensuar las recomendaciones y conclusiones. El dolor y el estrés neonatal afectan el neurodesarrollo y la conducta a largo plazo, requieren el diagnóstico oportuno, el manejo y la terapéutica adecuada, incluso con fármacos que permitan balancear la efectividad y toxicidad. El Consenso señala la importancia de evaluar el dolor en el RN en forma multidimensional y proporciona recomendaciones de las indicaciones y limitaciones para la terapia farmacológica individualizada. El uso de los analgésicos tiene indicaciones precisas y debe limitarse por la carencia de estudios aleatorizados en RN, ya que en todos los casos existen efectos adversos a considerar. Se proponen medidas no farmacológicas para mitigar el dolor. El manejo del estrés debe comenzar en la sala de partos e incluir el contacto materno, la reducción de estímulos, la implementación de protocolos de intervención reducida, entre otros. SIBEN propone las recomendaciones para mejorar las prácticas clínicas relacionadas con el dolor y el estrés neonatal.

Pain and stress experienced by the newborn have not been addressed adequately. Infants in neonatal intensive care units often undergo painful and stressful invasive procedures, and inappropriate treatment increases morbidity and mortality. At the 5th Clinical Consensus of the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology, 32 neonatologists from the region were invited to establish recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of neonatal pain and stress. Key themes were explored based on the best scientific evidence available in indexed databases. All attendees participated actively in a meeting in Santiago, Chile, with the objective of reaching a consensus on recommendations and conclusions. Pain and neonatal stress affect neurological development and long-term behavior and require timely diagnosis and appropriate management and treatment, including the use of drugs with an appropriate balance between effectiveness and toxicity. The Consensus emphasized the importance of assessing pain in the newborn from a multidimensional viewpoint, and provided recommendations on the indications and limitations for an individualized pharmacological therapy. The use of analgesics has precise indications but also important limitations; there is a lack of randomized studies in newborns, and adverse effects need to be considered. Nonpharmacological measures to mitigate pain were proposed. Stress management should begin in the delivery room, including maternal contact, stimulus reduction and the implementation of intervention reduction protocols. Recommendations for improving clinical practices related to neonatal pain and stress are presented.

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AIM: Providing consistent levels of oxygen saturation (SpO2 ) for infants in neonatal intensive care units is not easy. This study explored how effectively the Auto-Mixer(®) algorithm automatically adjusted fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2 ) levels to maintain SpO2 within an intended range in extremely low birth weight infants receiving supplemental oxygen without mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Twenty extremely low birth weight infants were randomly assigned to the Auto-Mixer(®) group or the manual intervention group and studied for 12 h. The SpO2 target was 85-93%, and the outcomes were the percentage of time SpO2 was within target, SpO2 variability, SpO2 >95%, oxygen received and manual interventions. RESULTS: The percentage of time within intended SpO2 was 58 ± 4% in the Auto-Mixer(®) group and 33.7 ± 4.7% in the manual group, SpO2 >95% was 26.5% vs 54.8%, average SpO2 and FiO2 were 89.8% vs 92.2% and 37% vs 44.1%, and manual interventions were 0 vs 80 (p < 0.05). Brief periods of SpO2  < 85% occurred more frequently in the Auto-Mixer(®) group. CONCLUSION: The Auto-Mixer(®) effectively increased the percentage of time that SpO2 was within the intended target range and decreased the time with high SpO2 in spontaneously breathing extremely low birth weight infants receiving supplemental oxygen.

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INTRODUCTION: Medical and nursing care of newborns is predicated on the delicate control and balance of several vital parameters. Closed incubators and open radiant warmers are the most widely used devices for the care of neonates in intensive care; however, several well-known limitations of these devises have not been resolved. The use of laminar flow is widely used in many fields of medicine, and may have applications in neonatal care. OBJECTIVE: To describe the neonatal laminar flow unit, a new equipment we designed for care of ill newborns. METHODS: The idea, design, and development of this device was completed in Sao Paulo, Brazil. The unit is an open mobile bed designed with the objective of maintaining the advantages of the incubator and radiant warmer, while overcoming some of their inherent shortcomings; these shortcomings include noise, magnetic fields and acrylic barriers in incubators, and lack of isolation and water loss through skin in radiant warmers. The unit has a pump that aspirates environmental air which is warmed by electrical resistance and decontaminated with High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter (HEPA) filters (laminar flow). The flow is directed by an air flow directioner. The unit has an embedded humidifier to increase humidity in the infant's microenvironment and a servo control mechanism for regulation of skin temperature. RESULTS: The laminar flow unit is open and facilitates access of care providers and family, which is not the case in incubators. It provides warming by convection at an air velocity of 0.45 m/s, much faster than an incubator (0.1 m/s). The system provides isolation 1000 class (less than 1,000 particles higher than 0.3 micron per cubic feet at all times). This is much more protection than an incubator provides and more than radiant warmers, which have no isolation whatsoever. Additionally, it provides humidification of the newborn's microenvironment (about 60% relative humidity), which is impossible with a radiant warmer, which produces high water body loss. It has no mechanical barriers like acrylic walls, its magnetic field is lower than an incubator (0.25 µt versus 1.2 µt), and the noise is minimal compared to incubators. The unit is also able to provide controlled total body hypothermia, which is not possible with either of the other two units. CONCLUSION: The laminar flow unit for neonatal care is a novel device which we recently developed. The introduction of laminar flow technology represents a real innovation in the neonatal field. We have described the various components of the unit and the potential advantages for management of ill neonates. This will hopefully lead to improved clinical outcomes and more effective neonatal management and safety.

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Este trabajo informa acerca del proceso y los resultados del Segundo Consenso Clínico de la SIBEN (Sociedad Iberoamericana de Neonatología), en el cual 80 neonatólogos de 23 países fueron invitados a participar y colaborar. Se desarrollaron varias preguntas de importancia clínico-fisiológica sobre el manejo hemodinámico del recién nacido. Los participantes fueron distribuidos en grupos, facilitando así la interacción y el trabajo conjunto, con la consigna de responder de tres a cinco preguntas mediante el análisis de bibliografía y factores locales. El Grupo de Consenso se reunió en Mar del Plata, Argentina, donde se llevaron a cabo diversas ponencias, debates y presentaciones. En total participaron 54 neonatólogos de 21 países, con el objetivo de desarrollar un consenso sobre aspectos que incluyeron conceptos y definiciones de inestabilidad hemodinámica, la fisiopatología del cuadro de compromiso hemodinámico, las estrategias terapéuticas recomendadas y el monitoreo hemodinámico. Se espera que esta experiencia internacional sirva como una iniciativa útil tanto para la búsqueda de futuros consensos como para reducir las disparidades existentes entre los tratamientos y resultados de los diferentes países de la Región.

This study reports on the process and results of the Second Clinical Consensus of the Ibero-American Society of Neonatology. Eighty neonatologists from 23 countries were invited to collaborate and participate in the event. Several questions of clinical-physiological importance in the hemodynamic management of newborns were addressed. Participants were divided into groups to facilitate interaction and teamwork, with instructions to respond to three to five questions by analyzing the literature and local factors. Meeting in Mar del Plata, Argentina, the Consensus Group served as a form for various presentations and discussions. In all, 54 neonatologists from 21 countries attended, with the objective of reaching a consensus on such matters as concepts and definitions of hemodynamic instability, the physiopathology of hemodynamic compromise, recommended therapy strategies, and hemodynamic monitoring. It is hoped that this international experience will serve as a useful initiative for future consensus building and reduction of the existing disparities among the countries of the Region in terms of treatment and outcomes.

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AIM: To assess the time to obtain reliable oxygen saturation readings by different pulse oximeters during neonatal resuscitation in the delivery room or NICU. METHODS: Prospective study comparing three different pulse oximeters: Masimo Radical-7 compared simultaneously with Ohmeda Biox 3700 or with Nellcor N395, in newborn infants who required resuscitation. Members of the research team placed the sensors for each of the pulse oximeters being compared simultaneously, one sensor on each foot of the same baby. Care provided routinely, without interference by the research team. The time elapsed until a reliable SpO2 was obtained was recorded using a digital chronometer. Statistical comparisons included chi-square and student's T-test. RESULTS: Thirty-two infants were enrolled; median gestational age 32 weeks. Seventeen paired measurements were made with the Radical-7 and Biox 3700; mean time to a stable reading was 20.2±7 sec for the Radical-7 and 74.2±12 sec for the Biox 3700 (p=0.02). The Radical-7 and the N- 395 were paired on 15 infants; the times to obtain a stable reading were 20.9±4 sec and 67.3±12 sec, respectively (p=0.03). CONCLUSION: The time to a reliable reading obtained simultaneously in neonatal critical situations differs by the type of the pulse oximeter used, being significantly faster with Masimo Signal Extraction Technology. This may permit for better adjustments of inspired oxygen, aiding in the prevention of damage caused by unnecessary exposure to high or low oxygen.

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OBJECTIVE: To provide valuable elements and some humor in this so-called era of "evidence-based practice" with the aim of helping clinicians make better choices in the care they deliver based on evidence, not simply or exclusively based on a randomized clinical trial (RCT) or meta-analysis (which may not be evidence). SOURCES: Books and peer-reviewed articles are quoted and listed in the bibliography. Evidence of life, learning from our own mistakes and many other evident facts that support this review are not quoted. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: 1) "Absence of evidence is not evidence of absence" and "lack of evidence of effect does not mean evidence of no effect." 2) RCTs with "negative" results and those with "positive" results, but without outcomes that matter, often cannot conclude what they conclude. 3) Non-randomized clinical trials and practical trials may be important. 4) Research to prove is different than research to improve. 5) Clinical choice must assess effects on outcomes that matter to patients and their parents. 6) Quantifying adverse outcomes, number needed to damage and to treat is not that simple. CONCLUSIONS: Significant challenges inherent to health service research must be correlated to possible clinical applications using tools to have a more "evident view of evidence-based practice" in perinatal medicine, recalling that absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.

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