Neonatal alloimmune neutropenia (NAN) results from neutrophil destruction by transplacental maternal neutrophil-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies directed against the antigen inherited from the father. Treatment is usually based on recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and prevention or treatment of infection. We report the case of neutropenia in a newborn discovered because of fetomaternal infection. The bone marrow biopsy showed normal cellularity. Granulocyte typing, granulocyte cross-matching, and serum assays showed anti-neutrophil antibodies specific for human neutrophil antigen-1c, an antigen rarely involved in this disease. This NAN was refractory to G-CSF but responded to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). IVIG should be considered as a second-line treatment in NAN refractory to G-CSF. Clinical trials, however, are required to define the optimal management of NAN, a rare but probably underestimated life-threatening situation for newborns.

Objectives: Abdominal distention is a common indicator of feeding intolerance in premature newborns. In the absence of a precise definition, abdominal distention and its degree are highly subjective. The aim of this study was to construct references and smoothed percentiles for abdominal circumference (AC) and AC to head circumference (HC) ratio (AC/HC) in infants born between 24 weeks and 34 weeks of gestational age. Methods: ACs and HCs were collected weekly in eutrophic premature infants without congenital abdominal or cerebral malformation. AC and HC charts were modeled using the LMS method, excluding measures associated with abdominal distention at clinical examination or intracranial abnormality at cerebral ultrasounds. Changes in AC and AC/HC over time were studied by repeated-measures analysis using mixed-effects linear models. Results: A total of 1,605 measurements were made in 373 newborns with a mean gestational age of 31 [29-33] weeks and mean birth weight of 1,540 [1,160-1,968] g. Of these measurements, 1,220 were performed in normal conditions. Gestational age, postnatal age, singleton status, and respiratory support were significantly associated with AC and AC/HC. LMS curves were generated according to gestational age groups and postnatal age, with coherent profiles. AC/HC was 0.91 [0.86-0.95] in absence of abdominal distention. It was higher in cases of abdominal distention (0.95 [0.89-1.00], p < 0.001) and necrotizing enterocolitis (0.98 [0.93-1.07], p < 0.001). Conclusions: References constructed for AC and AC/HC might be used to assess feeding tolerance in premature infants. AC/HC was more relevant than AC to rationalize the diagnosis of abdominal distention.

ContextLaryngoscopy is frequently required in neonatal intensive care. Awake laryngoscopy has deleterious effects but practice remains heterogeneous regarding premedication use. The goal of this statement was to provide evidence-based good practice guidance for clinicians regarding premedication before tracheal intubation, less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) and laryngeal mask insertion in neonates.MethodsA group of experts brought together by the French Society of Neonatology (SFN) addressed 4 fields related to premedication before upper airway access in neonates: (1) tracheal intubation; (2) less invasive surfactant administration; (3) laryngeal mask insertion; (4) use of atropine for the 3 previous procedures. Evidence was gathered and assessed on predefined questions related to these fields. Consensual statements were issued using the GRADE methodology.ResultsAmong the 15 formalized good practice statements, 2 were strong recommendations to do (Grade 1+) or not to do (Grade 1−), and 4 were discretionary recommendations to do (Grade 2+). For 9 good practice statements, the GRADE method could not be applied, resulting in an expert opinion. For tracheal intubation premedication was considered mandatory except for life-threatening situations (Grade 1+). Recommended premedications were a combination of opioid + muscle blocker (Grade 2+) or propofol in the absence of hemodynamic compromise or hypotension (Grade 2+) while the use of a sole opioid was discouraged (Grade 1−). Statements regarding other molecules before tracheal intubation were expert opinions. For LISA premedication was recommended (Grade 2+) with the use of propofol (Grade 2+). Statements regarding other molecules before LISA were expert opinions. For laryngeal mask insertion and atropine use, no specific data was found and expert opinions were provided.ConclusionThis statement should help clinical decision regarding premedication before neonatal upper airway access and favor standardization of practices.

Neonatal hyperglycaemia is common in extremely low birth weight (ELBW, &#x3c;1,000 g) infants, associated with a number of adverse clinical outcomes, and usually treated with continuous intravenous insulin infusion (CIVII). We report a case of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) in an ELBW neonate (730 g, 25 weeks GA) requiring insulin infusion for transient idiopathic hyperglycaemia. After presenting hyperglycaemia on day 4, the patient was treated with CIVII. From day 12 to 34, CSII was used to replace central venous catheter. Insulin requirements were lower and glycaemia more stable under CSII. No side effect was noticed. CSII was also beneficial for developmental care, allowing parents to be more easily involved in their baby’s care. Thus, CSII appeared to be a safe and reliable alternative for insulin administration in ELBW infants. However, indication and management requires training of the NICU team by paediatric diabetes specialists.