ResumoObjetivo: Avaliar a eficácia terapêutica de um sistema de fototerapia microprocessada que utiliza diodos emissores de luz (Super LED) de alta intensidade no tratamento da hiperbilirrubinemia em recém-nascidos prematuros.Métodos: Ensaio clínico, randomizado e controlado, utilizando a fototerapia Super LED no grupo experimental e duas fototerapias halógenas no grupo controle. A randomização foi realizada em blocos e estratificada por peso de nascimento. A duração da fototerapia e a queda nos níveis séricos de bilirrubina total nas primeiras 24 horas de tratamento foram os principais desfechos analisados. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that the efficacy of Super LED phototherapy for treating hyperbilirubinemia in premature infants was significantly better than halogen phototherapy.J Pediatr (Rio J). 2007;83(3):253-258: Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, phototherapy.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of extubation failure in preterm newborns with birth weight < 1,250 g extubated to nasal continuous positive airway pressure and to identify the main risk factors associated with the need for reintubation in this population. Methods:A retrospective review of eligible infants admitted and mechanically ventilated between July 2002 and June 2004 was performed. Extubation failure was defined as the need for reintubation within 7 days after the first extubation attempt. Results:Of the 52 patients included in the study, 13 died before the first extubation attempt. Of the remaining 39 patients, only nine had failed extubation (23.1%) Comparing the two groups (failure vs. successful), there was a statistically significant difference regarding birth weight, gestational age and 5-minute Apgar score. After logistic regression, only gestational age was significant. Other secondary outcomes showed significant difference between the groups: intracranial hemorrhage grade III and/or IV, patent ductus arteriosus and death. Conclusions:The incidence of extubation failure in our population was similar to the rate reported in the literature. The main risk factor for extubation failure was prematurity (≤ 28 weeks). In this population of extreme preterm infants, implementation of strategies for early extubation, use of methylxanthines, prevention of patent ductus arteriosus, and use of different modes of assisted ventilation after extubation may improve the outcomes.J Pediatr (Rio J). 2009;85(5):397-402: Prematurity, mechanical ventilation, extubation failure, bronchopulmonary dysplasia. ResumoObjetivos: Determinar a incidência de falha de extubação em recém-nascidos prematuros com peso de nascimento < 1.250 g extubados para pressão positiva contínua nas vias aéreas nasais e identificar os principais fatores de risco que possam estar associados à necessidade de reintubação nessa população.Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos prontuários de pacientes internados e ventilados mecanicamente durante o período de julho de 2002 a junho de 2004. Falha na extubação foi definida como necessidade de reintubação nos primeiros 7 dias após a primeira tentativa de extubação.Resultados: Entre 52 pacientes estudados, 13 faleceram antes da primeira tentativa de extubação. Do restante, apenas nove falharam na extubação (23,1%). Comparando esses recém-nascidos com aqueles extubados com sucesso, houve diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação a peso de nascimento, idade gestacional e escore de Apgar no 5º minuto. Após a regressão logística, apenas a idade gestacional se manteve significativa. Alguns resultados secundários também foram significativamente diferentes: incidência de hemorragia intracraniana graus III e/ou IV, persistência do canal arterial e óbito. Conclusões:Nosso estudo demonstrou uma incidência de falha na extubação semelhante à da literatura. O principal fator de risco para falha nessa população foi a prematuridade (≤ 28 semanas). Nesses prematuros extremos, a implementação de estrat...

Pneumothorax is a common complication in infants receiving assisted ventilation. The appropriate management of this condition is not always clearly defined, especially when a large air leak and mediastinal shift are present but the infant is hemodynamically stable. Despite the complications associated with chest tube placement, this remains the most common approach in such cases. We report 4 cases of preterm infants who developed large pneumothoraces with mediastinal shift while on assisted ventilation and were managed conservatively, with substantial improvement within 12-96 hours. In this report we also review the literature on pneumothorax in preterm infants.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of extubation failure in preterm newborns with birth weight < 1,250 g extubated to nasal continuous positive airway pressure and to identify the main risk factors associated with the need for reintubation in this population. Methods:A retrospective review of eligible infants admitted and mechanically ventilated between July 2002 and June 2004 was performed. Extubation failure was defined as the need for reintubation within 7 days after the first extubation attempt. Results:Of the 52 patients included in the study, 13 died before the first extubation attempt. Of the remaining 39 patients, only nine failed extubation (23.1%) Comparing the two groups (failure vs. successful), there was a statistically significant difference regarding birth weight, gestational age and 5-minute Apgar score. After logistic regression, only gestational age was significant. Other secondary outcomes showed significant difference between the groups: intracranial hemorrhage grade III and/or IV, patent ductus arteriosus and death. Conclusions:The incidence of extubation failure in our population was similar to the rate reported in the literature. The main risk factor for extubation failure was prematurity (≤ 28 weeks). In this population of extreme preterm infants, implementation of strategies for early extubation, use of methylxanthines, prevention of patent ductus arteriosus, and use of different modes of assisted ventilation after extubation may improve the outcomes.J Pediatr (Rio J). 2009;85(5):397-402: Prematurity, mechanical ventilation, extubation failure, bronchopulmonary dysplasia.