Implementing intact cord resuscitation in very preterm infants: feasibility and pitfalls.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of intact cord resuscitation (ICR) in very preterm infants using a custom-equipped mobile resuscitation trolley (LifeStart). We collected maternal and neonatal data of all inborn infants < 32 weeks eligible for ICR per our protocol over 9 months from ICR implementation. We compared rates of ICR between the beginning and the end of the study period.

Very Low Birth Weight Outcomes and Admission Temperature: Does Hyperthermia Matter?

National and international recommendations for thermal care at preterm birth include recommendations to avoid hypothermia and hyperthermia. There is limited evidence demonstrating harm resulting from admission hyperthermia. Our aim was to assess the relationships between admission temperature and outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) babies in a unit with low rates of hypothermia and a higher rate of hyperthermia.

Outcomes of Femoral Arterial Catheterisation in Neonates: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: To review the outcome of all femoral arterial catheter (FAC) insertions in a single, large neonatal unit over a 12 year period, we will describe the incidence of harms arising from FAC insertion and to identify risk factors associated with ischaemic injury.

Methods: Retrospective survey of data relating to all episodes of FAC insertion in a single neonatal intensive care unit over a 12 year period up to 2020.

Results: 146 FACs were inserted into 139 babies with a median (interquartile range) gestation and birth weight of 27 (24 to 37) weeks and 1092 (682 to 2870) g.

Maintaining Normothermia in Preterm Babies during Stabilisation with an Intact Umbilical Cord.

Background: We had experienced an increase in admission hypothermia rates during implementation of deferred cord clamping (DCC) in our unit. Our objective was to reduce the number of babies with a gestation below 32 weeks who are hypothermic on admission, whilst practising DCC and providing delivery room cuddles (DRC).

Method: A 12 month quality improvement project set, in a large Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, from January 2020 to December 2020.

Quality improvement programme to increase the rate of deferred cord clamping at preterm birth using the Lifestart trolley.

Aim: To increase the documented use of the Lifestart trolley to allow premature infants' (<32 weeks' gestation) resuscitation and stabilisation with an intact umbilical cord at delivery.

Design: A 13-month quality improvement programme from April 2018 to April 2019 was undertaken using Plan, Do, Study and Act (PDSA) cycles. Data were reviewed from 113 consecutive preterm (<32 weeks) deliveries to identify whether Lifestart was used and whether 2 min deferred cord clamping (DCC) occurred in eligible infants as per hospital policy.