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Aim Data evaluating mortality and morbidity in infants born ≤500g is scarce and shows wide variability. To support counselling and decision-making, we analysed neurodevelopmental outcome in all neonates ≤500g birth weight. Methods Retrospective analysis including preterm infants with a birth weight ≤500g and a gestational age >22 weeks born at a single tertiary perinatal centre between 2010 and 2017. Results Of 59 live births 88% received standard care. Birth weight ranged from 318 and 500g and gestational age from 23 and 29 weeks. 56% of neonates were born ≤3rd percentile and 42% of treated infants survived. Neurodevelopmental outcome was available in 91% of patients and was evaluated using Bayley Scales of Infant Development at two years. 50% showed a favourable mental development (normal or mild impairment), 75% a favourable motor development and 45% a favourable outcome in both outcome subcategories. When additionally considering visual and hearing disability and, or, cerebral palsy level ≥2 according to the Gross Motor Function Classification System 35% had a good neurodevelopmental outcome. Conclusion Survival rate was 37% for all live births and 42% for infants with standard care. More than one-third of survivors showed no significant neurodevelopmental impairment at two years.

Aim Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) has been shown to decrease the risk of death and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates. The LISAcath is the first catheter to be specifically developed for LISA, and we compared the clinical impressions of neonatologists using the LISAcath and the commonly used Angiocath in a simulated setting. Methods This was a multinational, multicentre study, conducted in October 2016, which involved 39 neonatologists who were recruited by employees of the sponsor from large, well‐recognised neonatal intensive care units across Europe. LISA was not the standard of care in these units in Austria, Belgium, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom at the time of the study. After training, participants simulated LISA on a neonatal manikin, once with the LISAcath and once with Angiocath, then answered a 10‐item questionnaire. Results The responses to nine of 10 questions showed that 67‐95% of the respondents preferred the LISAcath to the Angiocath, with most of the remainder indicating no preference. The only exception was the luer connection question, with two‐thirds expressing no preference. The LISAcath was considered potentially safer by 33 of 39 participants, with no votes for the Angiocath. Conclusion Overall, neonatologists preferred using the LISAcath rather than the Angiocath on a neonatal manikin.

Aim The World Health Organization recommends regular simulation training to prevent adverse healthcare events. We used specially trained medical students to provide paediatric simulation training to their peers and assessed feasibility, cost and confidence of students who attended the courses. Methods Students at the Medical University of Vienna, Austria were eligible to participate. Students attended two high-fidelity simulation training sessions, delivered by peers, which were video recorded for evaluation. The attendees then completed questionnaires before and after the training. Associated costs and potential benefits were analysed. Results From May 2013 to June 2015, 152 students attended the sessions and 57 (37.5%) completed both questionnaires. Satisfaction was high, with 95% stating their peer tutor was competent and 90% saying that peer tutors were well prepared. The attendees’ confidence in treating critically ill children significantly improved after training (p

Aim The aim of this study was to measure the brain activity of preterm infants treated with caffeine citrate and doxapram for preterm apnoea, using amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG), to identify any adverse effects on cerebral function. Methods We analysed the aEEG tracings of 13 preterm infants

Aim To investigate gender-related differences in amplitude-integrated electroencephalography (aEEG) associated with neurodevelopmental outcome at 3 years. Methods Preterms born