Impact of bundle implementation on the incidence of peri/intraventricular hemorrhage among preterm infants: a

Cristiane Akemi Koyama Wallau1, Daniela Testoni Costa-Nobre2, Ana Teresa Figueiredo Stochero Leslie3

  • 1MSc. Postgraduate Student. Neonatal Division, Department of Pediatrics, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-UNIFESP), São Paulo (SP), Brazil.

Insights

A new care bundle effectively reduced the incidence of peri/intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) in preterm infants. This intervention, focused on head positioning and minimal handling, significantly lowered the risk of PIVH at hospital discharge.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Peri/intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants.
  • Limited research exists on preventative care bundles for PIVH.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the effectiveness of an intervention bundle in reducing intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) incidence in preterm infants by hospital discharge.
  • To identify factors influencing IVH risk in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A pre-post interventional study design was employed in a university hospital's neonatal intensive care unit.
  • The intervention bundle included head/body positioning, minimal handling, delayed lumbar puncture, and avoidance of respiratory therapy maneuvers within the first 72 hours of life.
  • Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the bundle's impact, adjusting for confounding variables.

Main Results:

  • Bundle implementation was linked to a significant reduction in PIVH incidence at hospital discharge (OR 0.29; 95% CI 0.13-0.65).
  • Early cerebrospinal fluid collection within 72 hours quadrupled the odds of any-grade PIVH during hospitalization.
  • 146 preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks) were analyzed.

Conclusions:

  • The implemented bundle of interventions proved effective in decreasing the incidence of all PIVH grades among preterm infants.
  • Avoiding early cerebrospinal fluid collection is crucial for PIVH prevention.
Abstract