Machine learning models for neurocognitive outcome prediction in preterm born infants.

Background: Outcome prediction after preterm birth is important for long-term neonatal care, but has proven notoriously challenging for neurocognitive outcome. This study investigated the potential of machine learning to improve neurocognitive outcome prediction at two and five years of corrected age in preterm infants, using readily available predictors from the neonatal setting.

Methods: Predictors originating from the antenatal and neonatal period of preterm infants born <30 weeks gestation were used to predict adverse neurocognitive outcome on the Bayley Scale and Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence.

Red blood cell transfusions in neonatal intensive care units: a nationwide observational cohort study.

Objective: To describe the use and nationwide variation of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) following the introduction of the revised national transfusion guideline in 2019.

Design And Patients: We randomly selected neonates born below 32 weeks' gestation admitted to any NICU in the Netherlands in 2020 to include in our retrospective observational cohort study.

Main Outcome Measures: Main outcome measures were the number of neonates receiving at least one transfusion, and the number of transfusions per transfused neonate.

Assessing neonatal Sequential Organ Failure (nSOFA) scores in suspected late-onset neonatal sepsis among preterm infants: implications for morbidity and mortality.

Background: The neonatal Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (nSOFA) score is an organ dysfunction score developed for predicting mortality risk in preterm neonates with proven late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS) and necrotising enterocolitis. However, the utility of the nSOFA score in determining the risk of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or mortality in patients with suspected LONS is unknown.

Methods: We performed a dual-centre retrospective cohort study of preterm (gestational age <32 weeks) neonates suspected of LONS, from 2016 to 2020 at two neonatal intensive care units.

Physiological versus time based cord clamping in very preterm infants (ABC3): a parallel-group, multicentre, randomised, controlled superiority trial.

Background: Physiological-based cord clamping (PBCC) in preterm infants is beneficial for cardiovascular transition at birth and may optimize placental transfusion. Whether PBCC can improve clinical outcomes is unknown. The aim of the Aeration, Breathing, Clamping (ABC3) trial was to test whether PBCC results in improved intact survival in very preterm infants.

OPtimal TIming of antenatal COrticosteroid administration in pregnancies complicated by early-onset fetal growth REstriction: results of a large multicenter cohort study (the OPTICORE study).

Background: Early-onset fetal growth restriction as consequence of placental insufficiency frequently requires iatrogenic preterm birth. Administration of antenatal corticosteroids reduces risks of neonatal morbidity and mortality following preterm birth and is most beneficial if the neonate is delivered within 2 weeks following treatment. International guidelines on fetal growth restriction pregnancies do not provide directives regarding the timing of antenatal corticosteroids, resulting in practice variation.