No abstract

<b><i>Aim:</i></b> The aim of this study is to examine possible associations between the transfusion of RBC or platelets (PLTs) and the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in infants. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This retrospective, national, case-control study included all live births in Switzerland between 2013 and 2018. We investigated preterm infants at a gestational age of &#x3c;28 weeks, who developed higher stage ROP (≥stage 2, <i>n</i> = 178). Each case infant was matched to another of the same sex who did not develop ROP (<i>n</i> = 178, control group). <b><i>Results:</i></b> When compared with the control group, we observed higher numbers of RBC transfusions per infant and higher percentages of infants receiving PLT transfusions in the case group. An adjusted logistic regression analysis revealed that both RBC (odds ratio [OR] 1.081, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.020–1.146) and PLT transfusions (OR = 2.502, 95% CI 1.566–3.998) numbers were associated with ROP development. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Multiple RBC and PLT transfusions are associated with higher stage ROP development. Prospective studies are required to determine their potential as risk factors.

Increased vaginal fluid CRP concentration is associated with intraamniotic infection and funisitis. As CRP is produced by hepatocytes and does not cross the placenta, its measurement in vaginal fluid might be an additional parameter for the assessment of fetal well-being in patients with premature PROM.

Since publication of the initial guidelines for the prevention of group B streptococcal disease in 1996, the incidence of perinatal infection has decreased significantly. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis together with appropriate management of neonates at increased risk for early-onset sepsis not only reduces morbidity and mortality, but also decreases the burden of unnecessary or prolonged antibiotic therapy. This article provides healthcare workers in Switzerland with evidence-based and best-practice derived guidelines for the assessment and management of term and late preterm infants (>34 weeks) at increased risk for perinatal bacterial infection. Management of neonates at increased risk for early-onset sepsis depends on clinical presentation and risk factors. Asymptomatic infants with risk factors for early-onset sepsis should be observed closely in an inpatient setting for the first 48 hours of life. Symptomatic neonates must be treated promptly with intravenous antibiotics. As clinical and laboratory signs of neonatal infection are nonspecific, it is mandatory to reevaluate the need for continued antibiotic therapy after 48 hours.