BackgroundThe optimal strategy for weaning very preterm infants from nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is unclear. Reported strategies include weaning NCPAP to a predefined pressure then trialling stopping completely (abrupt wean); alternate periods of increased time off NCPAP whilst reducing time on until the infant is completely weaned (gradual wean); and using high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) to assist the weaning process. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal weaning from NCPAP strategy for very preterm infants.MethodsA pilot single centre, factorial design, 4-arm randomised controlled trial. Sixty infants born <30 weeks gestation meeting stability criteria on NCPAP were randomly allocated to one of four groups. Group 1: abrupt wean with HFNC; Group 2: abrupt wean without HFNC; Group 3: gradual wean with HFNC; Group 4: gradual wean without HFNC. The primary outcomes were duration of respiratory support, chronic lung disease, length of hospital stay and time to full suck feeds.ResultsThe primary outcome measures were not significantly different between groups. Group 1 had a significant reduction in duration of NCPAP (group 1: median 1 day; group 2: 24 days; group 3: 15 days; group 4: 24 days; p = 0.002) and earlier corrected gestational age off NCPAP. There was a significant difference in rate of parental withdrawal from the study, with group 2 having the highest rate. Group 3 had a significantly increased duration on HFNC compared to group 1.ConclusionsUse of high flow nasal cannula may be effective at weaning infants from NCPAP but did not reduce duration of respiratory support or time to full suck feeds. Abrupt wean without the use of HFNC was associated with an increased rate of withdrawal by parent request.Trial registrationThis study is registered at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (www.anzctr.org.au/). (Registration Number = ACTRN12610001003066).
Little is known about the epidemiology of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in Germany and especially about the importance of transmission, duration of infection, genotypes, symptoms and quality of life of the patients. The current study prospectively evaluates epidemiological and clinical data of patients infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Using online data entry, various characteristics of 10,326 untreated patients with CHC were documented from March 2003 until May 2006 in 352 centres all over Germany. Mean age of patients was 43.4 years. Patients infected by i.v. drug abuse were considerably younger (36.5 years) than the remaining patients (49.2 years). As indicated by their native language, 64.4% of the patients came from Germany and 19.2% from Russia. 61.7% were infected with genotype 1 and 34.9% with genotype 2 or 3. 45.5% of the patients had been infected by i.v. drug abuse. In at least 5.4% of the patients liver cirrhosis had been proved by biopsy. 63.5% of the patients felt an impairment of quality of life caused by CHC. In many patients infected with hepatitis C socio-economic issues are existent. This is reflected, i.e., in very high rates of unemployment in special subpopulations. Coinfections with hepatitis B and HIV occurred in 1.5% and 4.7%, respectively. Nearly 80% of patients were managed near their homes. The data of the 10 326 patients represent about 2% of all German patients with CHC. This database is up to now the largest of its kind and gives a representative insight into the epidemiological situation of CHC in Germany.
The incidence in NSW and QLD is higher than previously published. The first postnatal day is a vulnerable period for newborns, who require close observation particularly during skin-to-skin contact. Development and implementation of guidelines for safe sleeping in hospital are needed. Collaboration between obstetricians, midwives, and pediatricians is essential to ensure safety of the newborn.
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