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OBJECTIVES To describe outpatient respiratory outcomes and center-level variability among children with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) who require tracheostomy and long-term mechanical ventilation. METHODS Retrospective cohort of subjects with severe BPD, born between 2016 and 2021, who received tracheostomy and were discharged on home ventilator support from 12 tertiary care centers participating in the BPD Collaborative Outpatient Registry. Timing of key respiratory events including time to tracheostomy placement, initial hospital discharge, first outpatient clinic visit, liberation from the ventilator, and decannulation were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Differences between centers for the timing of events were assessed via log-rank tests. RESULTS There were 155 patients who met inclusion criteria. Median age at the time of the study was 32 months. The median age of tracheostomy placement was 5 months (48 weeks’ postmenstrual age). The median ages of hospital discharge and first respiratory clinic visit were 10 months and 11 months of age, respectively. During the study period, 64% of the subjects were liberated from the ventilator at a median age of 27 months and 32% were decannulated at a median age of 49 months. The median ages for all key events differed significantly by center (P ≤ .001 for all events). CONCLUSIONS There is wide variability in the outpatient respiratory outcomes of ventilator-dependent infants and children with severe BPD. Further studies are needed to identify the factors that contribute to variability in practice among the different BPD outpatient centers, which may include inpatient practices.

In this article, we present current methodologies, available technologies, and demands for monitoring various respiratory parameters. We discuss the importance of noninvasive techniques for remote and continuous monitoring and challenges involved in the current "smart and connected health" era. We conducted an extensive literature review on the medical significance of monitoring respiratory vital parameters, along with the current methods and solutions with their respective advantages and disadvantages. We discuss the challenges of developing a noninvasive, wearable, wireless system that continuously monitors respiration parameters and opportunities in the field and then determines the requirements of a state-of-the-art system. Noninvasive techniques provide a significant amount of medical information for a continuous patient monitoring system. Contact methods offer more advantages than non-contact methods; however, reducing the size and power of contact methods is critical for enabling a wearable, wireless medical monitoring system. Continuous and accurate remote monitoring, along with other physiological data, can help caregivers improve the quality of care and allow patients greater freedom outside the hospital. Such monitoring systems could lead to highly tailored treatment plans, shorten patient stays at medical facilities, and reduce the cost of treatment.

INTRODUCTION Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common respiratory sequelae of preterm birth, for which longitudinal outpatient data are limited. Our objective was to describe a geographically diverse outpatient cohort of former preterm infants followed in BPD-disease specific clinics. METHODS Seven BPD specialty clinics contributed data using standardized instruments to this retrospective cohort study. Inclusion criteria included preterm birth (

Identify factors associated with the need for pharmacologic therapy (PT) among opioid exposed newborn (OENs). Retrospective analysis of a statewide database of OENs from 2017 through 2019. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression modeled the association of maternal characteristics, infant characteristics, and family engagement practices on the receipt of PT. Of 2098 OENs, 44.8% required PT for NOWS. Higher odds of PT were associated with in-utero exposure to medication treatment for opioid use disorder (MOUD) and non-prescribed opioids in addition to MOUD; nicotine, benzodiazepines, SSRIs; male; out-born infants and mother’s ineligibility to provide breast-milk. Lower odds were associated with increasing birth year, skin-to-skin (STS) care, and rooming-in. Male, out-born infants exposed to MOUD with additional non-prescribed opioids, nicotine, benzodiazepines and SSSRIs with mothers ineligible to provide breast-milk were more likely to require PT, while modifiable care practices including STS care, and rooming-in decreased the likelihood of PT.

Background Chronic lung disease remains a burden for extremely preterm infants. The changes in ventilation over time and optimal ventilatory management remains unknown. Newer, non-invasive technologies provide insight into these patterns. Methods This single-center prospective cohort study enrolled infants ≤32 0/7 weeks. We obtained epochs of transcutaneous carbon dioxide (TcCO2) measurements twice each week to describe the pattern of hypercarbia throughout their hospitalization. Results Patterns of hypercarbia varied based on birth gestational age and post-menstrual age (PMA) (p = 0.03), regardless of respiratory support. Infants receiving the most respiratory support had values 16–21 mmHg higher than those on room air (p

OBJECTIVE: Examine current approaches to addressing social determinants of health (SDOH) in the NICU and perceived appropriateness of a standardized screening and referral process. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a mixed methods study in two Massachusetts safety-net NICUs. We examined rates that unmet basic needs were assessed and identified among 601 families. We conducted focus groups with NICU staff to understand current methods to assess unmet basic needs and perceived appropriateness of a standardized SDOH screening and referral process. RESULT: Except employment (89%), other unmet basic needs were infrequently assessed (housing 38%, food/hunger 7%, childcare 3%, transportation 3%, utilities 0.2%). Staff believed: (1) processes to assess SDOH were not standardized and inconsistently performed/documented; (2) addressing SDOH was important; and (3) using a standardized screening and referral process would be feasible. CONCLUSIONS: Current NICU assessment of SDOH is limited and use of a standardized screening and referral process could be useful.

Preterm infants and young children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are at increased risk for acute care utilization and chronic respiratory symptoms during early life. Identifying risk factors for respiratory morbidities in the outpatient setting could decrease the burden of care. We hypothesized that public insurance coverage was associated with higher acute care usage and respiratory symptoms in preterm infants and children with BPD after initial neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge.Subjects were recruited from BPD clinics at 10 tertiary care centers in the United States between 2018 and 2021. Demographics and clinical characteristics were obtained through chart review. Surveys for clinical outcomes were administered to caregivers.Of the 470 subjects included in this study, 249 (53.0%) received employer-based insurance coverage and 221 (47.0%) received Medicaid as sole coverage at least once between 0 and 3 years of age. The Medicaid group was twice as likely to have sick visits (adjusted odd ratio [OR]: 2.06; p = 0.009) and emergency department visits (aOR: 2.09; p = 0.028), and three times more likely to be admitted for respiratory reasons (aOR: 3.04; p = 0.001) than those in the employer-based group. Additionally, those in the Medicaid group were more likely to have nighttime respiratory symptoms (aOR: 2.62; p = 0.004).Children with BPD who received Medicaid coverage were more likely to utilize acute care and have nighttime respiratory symptoms during the first 3 years of life. More comprehensive studies are needed to determine whether the use of Medicaid represents a barrier to accessing care, lower socioeconomic status, and/or a proxy for detrimental environmental exposures.

Background Approximately a third of all extremely preterm infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia will require home oxygen therapy (HOT). Lack of consensus-based guidelines has led to significant variability in outpatient HOT management in the United States. A common assessment performed prior to discontinuing oxygen is a formal polysomnogram (PSG). PSGs are potentially undesirable due to cost, lack of convenient access, and parental stress, so alternative testing to determine optimal timing of safe oxygen discontinuation are needed. Methods We compared nocturnal recorded home oximetry (RHO) with PSG data in a cohort of patients from the Recorded Home Oximetry (RHO) trial for patients who had recordings performed simultaneous to or within 24 hours of their PSG. The RHO trial was a randomized, unblinded, multi-center trial comparing two oxygen management strategies. Parameters of oxygenation were compared between PSG and RHO, and non-oximetry findings from the PSG that changed clinical management were identified. Results A total of 53 infants randomized to obtain a PSG as part of the RHO trial (55%) completed a PSG, and of those, 32 (64%) completed both a PSG with comparison RHO. There were more white infants in both groups than other races and ethnicities. Bland-Altman analysis showed a strong agreement of oxygen saturation time below 90% SpO2 between PSG and RHO results (slope= 1.014, p=0.24). Results agreed in 96% of cases. Conclusion RHO is a safe and effective alternative to PSG to assist in determination of discontinuing HOT in infants with BPD without other risks for sleep disordered breathing. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Background: Home oxygen therapy is often required in children with chronic respiratory conditions. This document provides an evidence-based clinical practice guideline on the implementation, monitoring, and discontinuation of home oxygen therapy for the pediatric population. Methods: A multidisciplinary panel identified pertinent questions regarding home oxygen therapy in children, conducted systematic reviews of the relevant literature, and applied the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach to rate the quality of evidence and strength of clinical recommendations. Results: After considering the panel’s confidence in the estimated effects, the balance of desirable (benefits) and undesirable (harms and burdens) consequences of treatment, patient values and preferences, cost, and feasibility, recommendations were developed for or against home oxygen therapy specific to pediatric lung and pulmonary vascular diseases. Conclusions: Although home oxygen therapy is commonly required in the care of children, there is a striking lack of empirical evidence regarding implementation, monitoring, and discontinuation of supplemental oxygen therapy. The panel formulated and provided the rationale for clinical recommendations for home oxygen therapy based on scant empirical evidence, expert opinion, and clinical experience to aid clinicians in the management of these complex pediatric patients and identified important areas for future research.

To test the hypothesis that daycare attendance among children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is associated with increased chronic respiratory symptoms and/or greater health care use for respiratory illnesses during the first 3 years of life.Daycare attendance and clinical outcomes were obtained via standardized instruments for 341 subjects recruited from 9 BPD specialty clinics in the US. All subjects were former infants born preterm (34 weeks) with BPD (71% severe) requiring outpatient follow-up between 0 and 3 years of age. Mixed logistic regression models were used to test for associations.Children with BPD attending daycare were more likely to have emergency department visits and systemic steroid usage. Children in daycare up to 3 years of age also were more likely to report trouble breathing, having activity limitations, and using rescue medications when compared with children not in daycare. More severe manifestations were found in children attending daycare between 6 and 12 months of chronological age.In this study, children born preterm with BPD who attend daycare were more likely to visit the emergency department, use systemic steroids, and have chronic respiratory symptoms compared with children not in daycare, indicating that daycare may be a potential modifiable risk factor to minimize respiratory morbidities in children with BPD during the preschool years.

BACKGROUND The negative impact of disproportionate growth in premature infants is well documented, but optimal nutrition practices needed to prevent an unhealthy body mass index (BMI) remain unclear. METHODS An evidence-based, volume-increase guideline that advanced feeding volumes from 150-160 to 170-180 ml/kg/day between the postmenstrual age (PMA) of 31 0/7 and 34 0/7 weeks was implemented in October 2017 for infants born at ≤32 0/7 weeks' gestational age. Data were collected on 262 infants' weight and length at birth and at discharge for 20 months before and 21 months after guideline implementation, and retrospective analysis was conducted to determine disproportionate growth by comparing BMIs (in g/cm2 ) at birth and at discharge. Changes in infants' body habitus were determined through bivariate analysis of weight and length z-scores from the Fenton growth curve. RESULTS Implementation of a targeted volume nutrition guideline resulted in fewer infants with growth failure, defined as weight

Background: Premature infants are known to be at increased risk for intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in the first week of life. IVH may be “mild” (grade I or II) or “severe” (grade III or IV). A classification of mild is less frequently associated with later morbidity. Severe grade IVH may be associated with death or severe neurodevelopmental disability. Mild IVH is generally considered a static, non-progressive disease. Thus, infants that do not present with IVH or who present with mild IVH are unlikely to advance to severe IVH. Consequently, after initial imaging demonstrates a normal result, subsequent head ultrasounds (HUS) may be unnecessary.Methods: This is a retrospective, single-center study. We identified all preterm infants with birth gestational age Results: We identified 682 eligible preterm infants. Of these, 88 were excluded for lack of HUS data, 237 had initial HUS out of inclusion timing window (day of life 3-10), and 4 were excluded for other conditions associated with intraventricular hemorrhage, leaving 353 infants for analysis. Initial findings of severe IVH were relatively rare in this cohort. Of the 343 (97%) infants who had mild IVH (grade II or less) at time of initial screening, only 4 (1.2%) progressed to severe (grade III or IV). Each of these infants required mechanical ventilation for at least 40 days.Conclusions: Based on the results of this analysis, premature infants who have a normal (no IVH) HUS or mild IVH (grade I or II) on initial routine screening HUS without other risk factors may not require follow-up HUS. Infants with prolonged mechanical ventilation may require further screening despite reassuring initial HUS findings.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text., Objectives: To establish the first regional quality improvement collaborative solely dedicated to follow-through care of high-risk infants after Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge and to characterize extremely low birth weight (ELBW) follow-up in New England. Methods: Eleven of 14 follow-up programs in New England partnered with the Vermont Oxford Network (VON) ELBW project for an initial data collection project. We collected information about the health status and developmental outcomes of infants born ≤1,000 g or younger than 28 weeks 2014–2016 at the 18–24 months corrected for gestational age (CGA) follow-up visit. VON collected and compiled the data. Results: Of 993 eligible infants, 516 (52.0%) had follow-up visits. The rehospitalization rate was 33.9%, mostly respiratory illness. Ninety-six children (19.3%) had weight less than 10th percentile and 44 (8.9%) had weight less than third percentile at 18–24 months. Only 170 (61.4%) children had recommended hearing screening after NICU discharge. Forty-six (9.1%) had cerebral palsy; 81 of the 441 infants that completed all 3 sections of the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, third edition (18.4%) had any composite score less than 70. Over half of the social and demographic data were missing. Conclusion: Most quality initiatives in neonatology stop at NICU discharge. This first project by the New England Follow-up Network showed a low rate for clinical follow-up. It demonstrated many opportunities to improve postdischarge follow-through specific to NICU-based care. Future projects will aim to improve the quality of follow-through services through collaborative learning, data sharing, and comparative outcomes.

OBJECTIVES: To determine if a home oxygen therapy (HOT) management strategy that includes analysis of recorded home oximetry (RHO) data, compared with standard monthly clinic visit assessments, reduces duration of HOT without harm in premature infants. METHODS: The RHO trial was an unmasked randomized clinical trial conducted in 9 US medical centers from November 2013 to December 2017, with follow-up to February 2019. Preterm infants with birth gestation ≤37 + 0/7 weeks, discharged on HOT, and attending their first pulmonary visit were enrolled. The intervention was an analysis of transmitted RHO between clinic visits (n = 97); the standard-care group received monthly clinic visits with in-clinic weaning attempts (n = 99). The primary outcomes were the duration of HOT and parent-reported quality of life. There were 2 prespecified secondary safety outcomes: change in weight and adverse events within 6 months of HOT discontinuation. RESULTS: Among 196 randomly assigned infants (mean birth gestational age: 26.9 weeks; SD: 2.6 weeks; 37.8% female), 166 (84.7%) completed the trial. In the RHO group, the mean time to discontinue HOT was 78.1 days (SE: 6.4), compared with 100.1 days (SE: 8.0) in the standard-care group (P = .03). The quality-of-life scores improved from baseline to 3 months after discontinuation of HOT in both groups (P = .002), but the degree of improvement did not differ significantly between groups (P = .75). CONCLUSIONS: RHO was effective in reducing the duration of HOT in premature infants. Parent quality of life improved after discontinuation. RHO allows physicians to determine which infants can be weaned and which need prolonged oxygen therapy between monthly visits.

BACKGROUND Roughly half of all extremely preterm infants will be diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and a third will be discharged on home oxygen therapy (HOT). To date, there have been no studies that have examined the relationship between respiratory medication utilization in infants with BPD on HOT. METHODS The recorded home oximetry trial was a multicenter, randomized trial comparing two home oxygen management strategies in premature infants. Infants were enrolled at first outpatient pulmonary or neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) follow-up visit with a pulmonary component. Respiratory medication prescriptions and dosage were collected from time of enrollment through 6 months after HOT discontinuation. Patients were seen monthly while on HOT and at 1, 3, and 6 months after successful discontinuation. RESULTS During protocol visits, 174 (89%) infants had respiratory medications documented. Respiratory medication use was higher at initial follow-up visit compared with NICU discharge and decreased at the final 6-month follow-up visit. Infants who received inhaled steroids (IS) before weaning had mean HOT duration of 138 days (range: 24-562 days); infants who received IS after weaning had shorter mean HOT duration (55 days, range: 21-264). In time-to-event analysis the no IS group and the postwean group differed significantly (χ21 = 8.1; P = .004). NICU clinics gave a total of 35 prescriptions to 43 patients, an average of 0.8 per patient, while the pulmonary clinics gave 837 prescriptions to 153 patients, or 5.5 per patient (P

Background Premature and other at-risk infants can experience cardiorespiratory problems when positioned in their car seats. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all premature and at-risk infants undergo a period of observation in their car seat to monitor for apnea, bradycardia, and oxygen desaturation before hospital discharge. This Infant Car Seat Challenge (ICSC) is used to determine readiness for infant travel in a car seat. Infants failing the ICSC are discharged home in car beds and referred for a follow-up screen in the outpatient clinic. Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify predictors for infants failing the follow-up ICSC after hospital discharge. Methods/search strategy A retrospective, cross-sectional study design was used to examine charts of 436 infants referred from across New England, to Boston Children's Hospital's, Center for Healthy Infant Lung Development clinic between August 2008 and May 2015 for a follow-up ICSC. Findings/results Infants who failed the follow-up ICSC had statistically significant lower weights (0.27 ± 0.14 kg, difference ± standard error, P = .03) and younger postmenstrual ages (0.9 ± 0.4 weeks, P = .03). History of a cardiac condition (odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.5-8.5; P = .005) and respiratory illness (odds ratio, 2.1; confidence interval, 1.1 to 4.2; P = .03) were significant predictors of ICSC failure. Implications for practice A follow-up ICSC is recommended for the safe transition of infants from a car bed to a car seat. Implications for research Further research is needed to investigate the causes of ICSC failure among high-risk infant populations.

To determine whether intermittent hypoxia (IH) persisting after 36 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA) can be attenuated using caffeine doses sufficient to maintain caffeine concentrations >20 μg ml−1. Twenty-seven infants born 20 μg ml−1 on study caffeine doses. IH was significantly attenuated through 38 weeks PMA compared with the control group. Caffeine doses of 14 to 20 mg kg−1 day−1 were sufficient to maintain caffeine concentrations >20 μg ml−1 and reduce IH in preterm infants at 36 to 38 weeks PMA.

BACKGROUND: Apnea of prematurity affects a small proportion but large absolute number of late preterm infants, with out-patient management variably utilized despite relative clinical equipoise and potential for improved cost-effectiveness. METHODS: Over a 5-y period, from 2009 to 2013, infants born at ≥34 weeks gestational age at a level IIIB academic center in Boston, Massachusetts, with discharge-delaying apnea, bradycardia, and desaturation (ABD) events were identified. In-patient costs for discharge-delaying ABD events were compared with hypothetical out-patient management. Out-patient costs took into account 4–10 d of in-patient observation for ABD events before caffeine initiation, 3–5 d of additional in-patient observation before discharge, daily caffeine until 43 weeks corrected gestational age, home pulse oximetry monitoring until 44 weeks corrected gestational age, and consideration of variable readmission rates ranging from 0 to 10%. RESULTS: A total of 425 late preterm and term infants were included in our analysis. Utilization of hypothetical out-patient management resulted in cost savings per eligible patient ranging from $2,422 to $62, dependent upon variable periods of in-patient observation. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated few instances of decreased relative cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS: Out-patient management of discharge-delaying ABD events in a late preterm and term population was a cost-effective alternative to prolonged in-patient observation.

Aims Caffeine concentrations in preterm infants are usually measured in the blood. However, salivary assays may provide a valid and practical alternative. The present study explored the validity and clinical utility of salivary caffeine concentrations as an alternative to blood concentrations and developed a novel plasma/salivary caffeine distribution model. Methods Paired salivary and plasma samples were obtained in 29 infants. Salivary samples were obtained using a commercially available salivary collection system. Caffeine concentrations in the saliva and plasma were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. A population pharmacokinetic (PK) model was developed using NONMEM 7.3. Results The mean (± standard deviation) gestational age (GA) at birth and birth weight were 27.9 ± 2.1 weeks and 1171.6 ± 384.9 g, respectively. Paired samples were obtained at a mean postmenstrual age (PMA) of 35.5 ± 1.1 weeks. The range of plasma caffeine concentrations was 9.5–54.1 μg ml−1, with a mean difference (95% confidence interval) between plasma and salivary concentrations of −0.18 μg ml−1 (−1.90, 1.54). Salivary and plasma caffeine concentrations were strongly correlated (Pearson's correlation coefficient = 0.87, P

Introduction: Very low birth weight infants often demonstrate poor postnatal longitudinal growth, which negatively impacts survival rates and long-term health outcomes. Improving extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) among extremely premature infants has become a significant focus of quality improvement initiatives. Prior efforts in the University of Massachusetts Memorial Medical Center neonatal intensive care unit were unsuccessful in improving the EUGR rate at discharge. Methods: The primary aim of this initiative was to improve EUGR at discharge [defined as weight less than 10th percentile for postmenstrual age (PMA)] for infants born ≤32 0/7 weeks from a baseline of 25% to 20% by June 2019. We excluded all small for gestational age infants due to the limitation in the EUGR definition. A multidisciplinary team implemented evidence-based nutritional guideline changes using the Institute of Healthcare Improvement methods. The most notable change was the time-specific feeding volume advancement that increased the goal feeding volume between 31 0/7 and 34 0/7 weeks PMA from 150–160 to 170–180 milliliters per kilogram per day. The team monitored nutritional intake, weight, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and length of stay (LOS). Results: The EUGR rate improved from 25% to 12% after initiation of increased time-specific, enteral feeding guidelines at 31–34 weeks PMA. NEC rate, BPD rate, and LOS remained unchanged throughout the initiative. Conclusions: By implementing a time-specific volume increase guideline from 31 0/7 to 34 0/7 weeks PMA, the EUGR rate improved from baseline of 25% to 12% without increasing NEC rate, BPD rate, and LOS.

Background There are emerging evidences that support more aggressive feeding advancement among preterm infants. Our NICU had conservative feeding advancement guidelines that delayed enteral feeding and prolonged central line use. We aimed to reduce time to full feeds among infants born ≤ 32 0/7 weeks from 12.8 days to 8 days. Methods A multidisciplinary team implemented evidence-based feeding guidelines using quality improvement methods. Days to full enteral feeds, central line days, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) rates, and extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) rates were analyzed. Results Average days to full enteral feeds decreased from 12.8 to 7.7 days and from 17.5 to 9.1 days for infants born ≤ 32 0/7 weeks and ≤ 28 0/7 weeks respectively, without significant change in NEC rate. Central line days decreased by 35%. Insignificant improvement in EUGR rate was found. Conclusions Faster feeding advancement guidelines led to earlier full enteral feeds and reduced central line utilization without increasing complications.

Improved survival among preterm infants has led to an increase in diagnosis of chronic lung disease and infants discharged home from the NICU on supplemental oxygen. Despite this increased prevalence, no clearly defined guidelines for the management of home oxygen therapy (HOT) exist. This lack of consensus leads to significant variability in the duration of home oxygen therapy and a general paucity of evidence-based practice. Our team has identified recorded home oxygen therapy (RHO) as a potential new resource to guide clinical decision making in the outpatient pulmonology clinic. By recording extended O2 saturation data during the weaning process, RHO has the potential to save cost and improve the processes of HOT management. Our team is currently supporting a prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled trial of RHO guided HOT weaning with the aims of determining effect upon duration of HOT, perceived parent quality of life and effect upon growth and respiratory outcomes. We plan to randomize 196 infants into one of two study arms evaluating standard HOT management versus RHO guided oxygen weaning. Our primary outcomes are total HOT duration and parental quality of life. This trial represents an unprecedented opportunity to test a novel home monitoring intervention for weaning within a vulnerable yet quickly growing population. If effective, the use of RHO may provide clinicians a tool for safe weaning.

Purpose To identify factors associated with an increased risk of fractures in Long-Gap Esophageal Atresia (LGEA) patients. Following implementation of a risk-stratified program, we hypothesized a reduction in fracture incidence within this potentially high-risk population. Methods A retrospective review of LGEA-patients admitted between 2005 and 2014 was conducted. Symptomatic fractures with radiographic confirmation were defined as events. Univariate and multivariable analysis evaluated factors including admission weight-for-age z-score, primary versus secondary Foker process (FP), weight at Foker Stage I, days and episodes of paralysis, number of parenteral nutrition (PN) days, cumulative dose of loop diuretics adjusted for body weight and days exposed, and exposure to non-loop diuretics. A fracture-prevention protocol was initiated in 2012; incidence was evaluated pre and post-intervention. Results Fifty-nine patients met inclusion criteria. Twenty-three (39%) patients in the entire cohort incurred at least one fracture during their hospitalization utilizing the Foker process. Given this high percentage, a targeted fracture-prevention protocol was initiated in 2012. Fracture incidence decreased from 48% prior to the protocol to 21% following the protocol (P = 0.046). Several variables that were associated with an increased risk of fractures on univariate analysis included prior esophageal anastomosis attempt (P = 0.008), number of separate episodes of paralysis (P = 0.002), exposure to non-loop diuretics (P = 0.006), cumulative loop diuretic dose (P, Highlights • LGEA patients who undergo the Foker process may be at an increased risk for fractures. • We examined the risk factors for fractures in our surgical population. • We implemented a risk-stratified fracture prevention program in this population that decreased fractures.

Purpose Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) is associated with esophageal atresia, tracheoesophageal fistulas, and congenital heart disease. TBM results in chronic cough, poor mucous clearance, and recurrent pneumonias. Apparent life-threatening events or recurrent pneumonias may require surgery. TBM is commonly treated with an aortopexy, which indirectly elevates trachea's anterior wall. However, malformed tracheal cartilage and posterior tracheal membrane intrusion may limit its effectiveness. This study describes patient outcomes undergoing direct tracheobronchopexy for TBM. Methods The records of patients that underwent direct tracheobronchopexy at our institution from January 2011 to April 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Primary outcomes included TBM recurrence and resolution of the primary symptoms. Data were analyzed by McNemar's test for matched binary pairs and logistic regression modeling to account for the endoscopic presence of luminal narrowing over multiple time points per patient. Results Twenty patients were identified. Preoperative evaluation guided the type of tracheobronchopexy. 30% had isolated anterior and 50% isolated posterior tracheobronchopexies, while 20% had both. Follow-up was 5months (range, 0.5–38). No patients had postoperative ALTEs, and pneumonias were significantly decreased (p=0.0005). Fewer patients had tracheobronchial collapse at postoperative endoscopic exam in these anatomical regions: middle trachea (p=0.01), lower trachea (p Conclusion The use of direct tracheobronchopexy resulted in ALTE resolution and reduction of recurrent pneumonias in our patients. TBM was also reduced in the middle and lower trachea and right mainstem bronchus. Given the heterogeneity of our population, further studies are needed to ascertain longer-term outcomes and a grading scale for TBM severity.

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and asthma are common conditions in children with preventable long-term consequences. There is significant overlap in symptomatology and pathophysiology for pediatric OSA and asthma. Recent evidence supports clear associations between the two diseases; however, causality has not been demonstrated. Regardless, it is important to recognize the overlap and evaluate for the other condition when one is present. For example, in patients with severe OSA, clinical evaluation for asthma should be considered, including history for typical asthma symptoms and spirometry. For patients with severe or poorly controlled asthma, OSA should be considered as a complicating condition. Clinical history for OSA as well as pediatric sleep questionnaires may be helpful tools in evaluation of the child with severe asthma. To decrease long-term consequences from asthma and OSA in children, clinicians should consider the relationship between these two diseases. [ Pediatr Ann . 2017;46(9):e332–e335.]

In severe tracheomalacia, aortopexy addresses anterior vascular compression, but does not directly address posterior membranous tracheal intrusion. We review patient outcomes of posterior tracheopexy for tracheomalacia with posterior intrusion to determine if there were resolution of clinical symptoms and bronchoscopic evidence of improvement in airway collapse.All patients who underwent posterior tracheopexy from October 2012 to March 2016 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical symptoms, tracheomalacia scores based on standardized dynamic airway evaluation by anatomical region, and persistent airway intrusion were collected. Data were analyzed by Wald and Wilcoxon signed-ranks tests.98 patients (51% male) underwent posterior tracheopexy at a median age of 15months (IQR 6-33months). Median follow-up was 5months (range 0.25-36months). There were statistically significant improvements in clinical symptoms postoperatively, including cough, noisy breathing, prolonged and recurrent respiratory infections, transient respiratory distress requiring positive pressure, oxygen dependence, blue spells, and apparent life-threatening events (p0.001), as well as ventilator dependence (p=0.04). Tracheomalacia scores on bronchoscopy improved significantly in all regions of the trachea and bronchi (p0.001). 9.2% had persistent airway intrusion requiring reoperation, usually with aortopexy.Posterior tracheopexy is effective in treating severe tracheomalacia with significant improvements in clinical symptoms and degree of airway collapse on bronchoscopy.Level III, treatment study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate how a single infant car-seat challenge (ICSC) predicts subsequent respiratory physiology in premature infants. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study of infants born at

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all preterm neonates undergo a period of observation in a car safety seat before discharge, known as the Infant Car Seat Challenge (ICSC), to monitor for respiratory immaturity and the risk of adverse cardiopulmonary events in the upright position. However, no universal guidelines exist to define appropriate cutoffs for failure of the ICSC. We sought to evaluate regional neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) implementation of the ICSC and to evaluate variation in failure criteria.We contacted level II and III nurseries/NICUs in New York/New England (n = 119) to determine if each performed ICSCs, their inclusion criteria, duration of testing, and failure criteria.We contacted 119 institutions and had an 87% response rate (n = 103). Of the institutions that responded, 89% (n = 89) perform ICSCs. Of these 89 with current protocols, 17% did not follow AAP guidelines to test all neonates born37 weeks' gestation, and 45% did not follow guidelines for test duration. Despite wide variation, most units use thresholds for bradycardia of80 bpm and desaturation of90% to determine failure.Despite AAP guidelines, implementation of ICSCs for preterm neonates is not universal in the region studied. Variation in definition of ICSC failure means that neonates are receiving differential care, not on the basis of their clinical characteristics, but on which institution performs the test. We propose standardizing the test to all infants born at37 weeks' gestation to a duration of at least 90 minutes, along with a failure threshold for bradycardia of80 bpm for10 seconds, and for saturation90% for10 seconds.

To describe the prevalence of apnea in otherwise healthy term newborns, identify attributable length of stay (LOS) and healthcare utilization (cost) of apnea, and measure hospital variation in attributable LOS and cost of apnea in this population.We conducted a secondary analysis of a national administrative dataset, the 2012 Kids' Inpatient Database, which included 3.4 million newborn discharges in the US. The birth hospitalizations of approximately 2.6 million otherwise healthy, full-term newborns were included for analysis. Attributable LOS and cost of apnea were calculated using multivariate analyses.Apnea was diagnosed in 1 in 1000 healthy full-term newborns. Multivariate analyses showed that newborns with apnea had 0.6 days longer LOS (P .001) and $483 greater costs (P .001) compared with healthy term newborns, per birth hospitalization. Newborns diagnosed with apnea plus hypoxia and/or bradycardia had 1.4 days longer LOS (P .001) and $653 greater costs (P .001). The attributable LOS and cost attributable to apnea varied between individual hospitals and differed by hospital region.Apnea is associated with higher LOS and cost in the newborn hospitalization, with variation in hospital practice. This suggests the need for better comprehension of the underlying physiology and standardization of practice in its management in the term newborn.

Abstract: Background: Respiratory events including apnea, bradycardia, and desaturation (ABD) have been well described in early preterm infants. Minimal data are available regarding the epidemiology of such events that result in delayed discharge in the late preterm (>34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks gestational age (GA)) and term (> 37 weeks GA) population. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study of 59,968 infants born at ≥34 weeks GA at two tertiary hospitals between January 2009 and December 2013. Infants who experienced ABD events that resulted in delay of discharge were identified and analyzed. Results: Among 59,968 late preterm and term infants, 1.2% were diagnosed with discharge-delaying ABD events. Persistent ABD events resulting in delayed discharged was not associated with prior respiratory support. Conclusions: Discharge-delaying ABD events affect a small proportion, but large absolute number of late preterm and term infants highlighting the opportunity for quality improvement via a standardized management approach.

Apnea, bradycardia, and oxygen desaturation events are a common in neonatal intensive care units, with relevant literature to date largely focusing on very low birth weight and extremely low birth weight infants. We conducted a retrospective review of infants born at ≥34 weeks gestational age at 2 tertiary neonatal intensive care units in Boston, MA, between January 2009 and December 2013. Our objectives included (1) describing the diagnostic evaluations performed in late preterm to term infants with discharge-delaying apnea, bradycardia, or oxygen desaturation events and (2) identifying variables associated with home monitor use. Of the 741 eligible infants identified, diagnostic evaluations were variable and infrequent with blood culture, blood glucose, and head ultrasound performed most commonly. The likelihood of home monitor use was greater in infants with either a prolonged inpatient stay or greater gestational age at birth.

Objective To define reference ranges for oxygen saturation (SpO2) values in healthy full-term infants in the first days of life and in preterm infants off supplemental oxygen as they approach neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge. Methods From April 2009 to March 2010, we enrolled convenience samples of full-term infants from the newborn nursery and former preterm infants who did not require supplemental oxygen at the time of discharge from the NICU. Overnight SpO2 and signal quality recordings were obtained and analyzed for duration of artifact-free recording time (AFRT), time (s) with SpO2 less than several different target saturations (90–95%), and number of falls in SpO2 by ≥4% and ≥10%. Results We studied 102 full-term infants and 52 preterm infants. Preterm and full-term infants spent similar amounts of time less than 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, and 95% although preterm infants had more falls in SpO2 by ≥4% per hour of AFRT. Over 67% of term and preterm infants spent less than 6% of their time below 93%. Conclusion These data represent reference SpO2 ranges for both preterm infants not requiring supplemental oxygen at NICU discharge and full-term infants in the first days of life. As we currently lack guidelines dictating the optimal target oxygen saturations for infants and the acceptable maximal time that they can safely spend below set target saturations, our data may serve as a guide to interpreting SpO2 recordings of premature outpatient infants who are weaning from supplemental oxygen. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012; 47:453–459. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection is associated with serious lung disease in infants and immunocompromised individuals and is linked to development of asthma. In mice, acute RSV infection causes airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), inflammation, and mucus hypersecretion. Infected cells induce complement activation, producing the anaphylatoxin C3a. In this paper, we show RSV-infected wild-type mice produce Th17 cytokines, a response not previously associated with viral infections. Mice deficient in the C3aR fail to develop AHR following acute RSV infection, and production of Th17 cytokines was significantly attenuated. Tachykinin production also has been implicated in RSV pathophysiology, and tachykinin receptor-null mice were similarly protected from developing AHR. These animals were also deficient in production of Th17 cytokines. Tachykinin release was absent in mice deficient in C3aR, whereas C3a levels were unchanged in tachykinin receptor-null animals. Thus, our data reveal a crucial sequence following acute RSV infection where initial C3a production causes tachykinin release, followed by activation of the IL-17A pathway. Deficiency of either receptor affords protection from AHR, identifying two potential therapeutic targets.

W e are at an awkward stage in our understanding of how the pulmonary circulation impacts the clinical phenotype of infants with chronic lung disease (CLD) and what optimal management of the ‘‘lesser’’ circulation in these babies might be. We know that pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) can cause morbidity, but it is unclear how high pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) must be to be relevant. The literature implies that even moderately increased PAP can be harmful, but with cardiac malformations causing right ventricular (RV) hypertension from birth, RV systolic pressure (RVP) at systemic levels is well tolerated, suggesting that clinical findings attributed to PAH may sometimes actually originate elsewhere. And even when PAH is harmful, the temptation to use vasodilator drugs helpful in other contexts should be balanced by the lack of data regarding their usefulness with CLD. In short, although we know that PAH can be a liability, we don’t know who will benefit from treatment or which, if any, of the available drugs will be salutary. Despite these lacunae, caregivers are sensitized to the pernicious effects of PAH, with potentially unfavorable consequences: We have observed that PAH can be the caregiver’s major concern, even in infants whose most serious liability is actually abnormal gas exchange. Preoccupation with PAH can negatively impact care because it can detract from focusing on issues of larger consequence (eg, optimizing ventilatory management and nutrition); and anecdotal and published evidence indicates increasing use of enteral and parenteral vasodilator drugs in these patients. These agents lack approval from the Food and Drug Administration for this indication, the most recent expert consensus view notes that they are of unproven benefit and not recommended with CLD, and for every theoretical reason they might be helpful, there is also one to suggest possible harm. Moreover, the widespread use of long-term vasodilators may complicate efforts to develop rational therapy. We suggest that until we know which infants with CLD should be treated for PAH and that the ‘‘therapy’’ used

Objective: To describe common etiologies and diagnostic evaluations performed on term and late preterm neonates with neonatal apnea and to compare these etiologies and evaluations with those infants with infantile acute life threat ening event (ALTE). Methods: Infants 35 weeks, with diagnosis of apnea or ALTE were identified at Bo ston Children's Hospital from June 2000 to June 2009. Medical rec ords were reviewed for diagnostic evaluations and discharge diagnoses. For analysis, neonates who presented with neonatal apnea within the first week of life and prior to discharge f rom the birth hospitalization were classified as the Inpatient Grou p and infants who presented with apnea post discharge were identified as the Outpatient Group. Infants with clear presenting etiologies were excluded from the study. Results: One hundred otherwise healthy subjects with diagnosis of apnea or ALTE in the study period were identified. Approxi- mately one third were classified as the Inpatient Group. Diag nostic evaluations were highly variable, but testing for ba cterial or viral sepsis was most commonly performed. In most cases, an etiology was not determined, and the diagnosis of "apnea of imma- turity" was assigned. Other defined etiologic diagnoses inc luded viral infection or pertussis, reflux/aspiration, lar yngomalacia, and seizures. Conclusions: Diagnostic evaluation for apnea, in otherwise well-appearing full-term and late preterm infants, remains highly variable. Testing for infection, seizure, laryngomalacia and reflux may determine the majority of treatable etiologie s. Guidelines for diagnostic evaluations and treatment strategies are cl early needed.

Defenses against bacterial infections involve activation of multiple systems of innate immunity, including complement, Toll-like receptors, and defensins. Reactions to chronic infections bring adaptive immune mechanisms into play as well, with the introduction of modulatory interactions between the two. In humans with chronic lung infections, the severity of inflammation and disease correlate with elevated levels of pathogen-specific immune complexes and complement activation. In mice with genetic deficiency in C5, or targeted deletion of the C5a receptor, Pseudomonas lung infections reveal a role for the C5a anaphylatoxin in disease severity. Deficient animals exhibit significantly reduced survival and clearance of infecting bacteria, simultaneous with greatly increased pulmonary influx of inflammatory cells. Among the actions of C5a on inflammatory cells mediated through the C5a receptor is a shift in the relative expression of Fcgamma receptors to increase FcgammaRIII relative to FcgammaRII. This shift may significantly impact defenses against chronic infection, reflecting the cellular activation profiles of these IgG receptors. We addressed the role of FcgammaRIII in defense against Pseudomonas lung infection, and found that, like C5aR-deficient mice, animals with targeted deletion of FcgammaRIII are more susceptible to mortality upon infection and exhibit reduced clearance of the pathogen. Pseudomonas infection was associated with an increase in the FcgammaRIII/FcgammaRII ratio in wild-type mice, and the data support its role as an additional mechanism of host defense against bacterial infection.

Objectives To examine associations of gain in body mass index (BMI) and linear growth from term to 18 months with asthma at age 8 years in a cohort of preterm infants. We hypothesised that rapid BMI gain would increase asthma risk, whereas rapid linear growth would be protective. Design Observational secondary analysis of data from the Infant Health and Development Program. Setting 8 centres in the USA. Patients 863 preterm (≤37 weeks), low birthweight (≤2500 g) children. Main exposure variables Gain in BMI and linear growth from term to 4 months, 4–12 months and 12–18 months, in z-scores. Main outcome measure Asthma at age 8 years, assessed by parent report of the child ever receiving the diagnosis from a doctor. Results At age 8 years, 149 (17%) had ever been diagnosed with asthma. Adjusting for maternal and child factors in logistic regression, for each additional z-score gain in BMI from term to 4 months, odds of asthma at age 8 years were higher (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1 to 1.5); findings were similar for BMI gain from 4–12 months. More rapid linear growth from term to 4 months was not associated with lower odds of asthma (OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.9 to 1.3), with similar findings for 4–12 months and 12–18 months. Conclusions More rapid BMI gain in the 1st year of life was associated with higher odds of asthma, whereas linear growth did not appear protective. Our results add to mounting evidence that excess weight gain after term may be harmful to preterm infants.

Preterm infants have immature respiratory control and resulting intermittent hypoxia (IH). The extent of IH after stopping routine caffeine treatment and the potential for reducing IH with extended caffeine treatment are unknown.To determine (1) the frequency of IH in premature infants after discontinuation of routine caffeine treatment and (2) whether extending caffeine treatment to 40 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) reduces IH.A prospective randomized clinical study was conducted at 16 neonatal intensive care units in the United States, with an 18-month enrollment period. Preterm infants (32 weeks' gestation) previously treated with caffeine were randomized to extended caffeine treatment or usual care (controls) at a PMA of at least 34 weeks but less than 37 weeks. Continuous pulse oximeter recordings were obtained through 40 weeks' PMA. Oximeter data were analyzed by persons masked to patient group.Continued treatment with caffeine.Number of IH events and seconds with less than 90% hemoglobin oxygen saturation (Sao2) per hour of recording.Our analysis included 95 preterm infants. In control infants, the mean (SD) time at less than 90% Sao2 at 35 and 36 weeks' PMA was 106.3 (89.0) and 100.1 (114.6) s/h, respectively. The number of IH events decreased significantly from 35 to 39 weeks' PMA (P = .01). Extended caffeine treatment reduced the mean time at less than 90% Sao2 by 47% (95% CI, -65% to -20%) to 50.9 (48.1) s/h at 35 weeks and by 45% (95% CI, -74% to -17%) to 49.5 (52.1) s/h at 36 weeks.Substantial IH persists after discontinuation of routine caffeine treatment and progressively decreases with increasing PMA. Extended caffeine treatment decreases IH in premature infants.clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01875159.

Oropharyngeal aspiration (OPA) is a common cause of morbidity in premature neonates. We sought to identify significant risk factors and determine the timing of feeding maturation in preterm infants with OPA.We performed a retrospective medical record review of 148 former preterm neonates referred for modified barium swallow study (MBSS) during a 3-year period. We looked at the MBSS results and potential clinical and demographic risk factors and performed bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses to evaluate predictors of failure. We evaluated the timing of resolution of OPA based on MBSS results.Of the 148 infants comprising our study cohort, 47 (32%) passed their initial MBSS and 101 (68%) were found to aspirate thin liquids. Infants who aspirate had younger corrected gestational age (CGA) and postnatal age at the time of testing. Increasing CGA led to lower odds of failing. Infants passed a MBSS at a median CGA of 53 weeks and those who failed an initial MBSS eventually passed after a median of ∼3.4 months from the first study. Infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia had lower odds of failing their MBSS (odds ratio 0.16), but those taking inhaled corticosteroids and diuretics had higher odds of failing, and infants who were multiples also had higher odds of failing.We determined the median CGA for passing MBSS and identified risk factors for OPA in this population. This information can help guide providers when counseling families on timing of feeding maturity and anticipation of appropriate timing for follow-up MBSS testing.

OBJECTIVES:The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all neonates born at METHODS:We conducted a retrospective medical record review of 1173 premature neonates qualifying for the ICSC between 2009 and 2010. We looked at ICSC result and potential risk factors and then performed bivariate and multivariable logistic analyses to evaluate for predictors of failure.RESULTS:Overall incidence of failure was 4.3%. Infants who failed were less premature and had higher birth weights. Late-preterm infants made up 60% of our study population but accounted for 78% of failures (P = .019). Infants who passed had older chronologic ages at time of testing, were more likely to have been exposed to caffeine, and were more likely to have required some type of respiratory support than those that failed. Final multivariable model demonstrated that increasing birth gestational age (GA) increased the odds of failure when corrected for gender, race, and small for GA status. For every 1-day increase in birth GA the odds ratio of failure was 1.03 (95% confidence interval 1.01–1.05).CONCLUSIONS:We found that increasing birth GA was a significant predictor of failure, and that late-preterm infants comprised a significant percentage of infants who failed. This suggests that limiting testing to extremely premature infants would miss most cases of ICSC failure.

Advances in the medical care of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants have led to decreased mortality rates. Unfortunately, this has not been accompanied by a similar decline in the rate of Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). In fact, while severity of lung disease at many gestational ages has decreased, the improved survival of the most premature of infants has led to survival with significant respiratory morbidity. So while improvements in care have reduced the risk for severe lung disease in larger, more mature preterm infants, BPD continues to be a major cause of mortality and morbidity in extremely premature infants. For the subset of infants with most severe BPD, who still require ventilator support at 36 weeks post-conception, management remains a significant challenge. No standardized protocols exist to optimally treat severe BPD. Current available strategies include optimization of adequate gas exchange, including prolonged oxygen therapy or ventilator support, utilization of systemic steroid therapy, minimization of ongoing insults like aspiration, and treatment of other sequelae, including pulmonary hypertension. Each of these treatment strategies carries significant toxicities of their own, but individualized evaluation of risk/ benefit and appropriate use of such strategies may improve pulmonary outcomes.

ObjectiveTo determine whether pulmonary follow-up affects rates of rehospitalization and visitations to emergency departments (EDs) in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).MethodsIn this retrospective cohort study, the authors identified all preterm infants born at ≤32 weeks’ gestation with at least one outpatient visit to a pulmonary follow-up clinic at Children’s Hospital Boston or a high-risk primary neurodevelopmental follow-up clinic for preterm infants. ED visits and rehospitalizations were identified through electronic medical records.ResultsInfants with pulmonary follow-up compared with infants without pulmonary follow-up were, respectively, younger (mean gestational age 26.3 ± 2.3 vs 28.3 ± 2.3 weeks, P < .0001), smaller at birth (birth weight ConclusionsDespite differences in lung disease status in infants with and without pulmonary follow-up, the rates of health care utilization were the same in both groups. Pulmonary follow-up may decrease the expected higher rates of ED visits and hospitalizations in preterm infants with more severe lung disease.

With improvements in neonatal intensive care, more premature infants are surviving. Many have significant pulmonary morbidities after discharge from the hospital. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is the most common morbidity of prematurity and is a common indication for home oxygen therapy in children. Data are lacking on the appropriate methods for weaning supplemental oxygen. The objective of this study was to identify the methods used by pediatric pulmonologists to wean premature infants from supplemental oxygen.: One hundred eighty-four questionnaires were sent to pediatric pulmonologists at 20 pediatric pulmonary programs.: This cross-sectional, self-administered anonymous survey assessed strategies for oxygen weaning for premature infants. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND PRINCIPLERESULTS:: We had a 70% (14/20) institutional response rate. Of the responding institutions, we had a 73% (99/136) response rate. The majority of pulmonologists surveyed (78%) reported using nocturnal oxygen saturations as the primary indication for weaning. Only 8% of pulmonologists reported using a standardized protocol. Half of the respondents reported weaning diuretics prior to oxygen. The factors considered prior to initiating oxygen weaning included growth (96%), vital signs (85%), hospitalizations (68%), and echocardiograms (59%). Fewer respondents (21%) reported using chest x-ray findings. The minimum oxygen saturation in room air required to take a patient off oxygen ranged from 90% to 95%, with a mean of 93% (SD = 1.74).: Pediatric pulmonologists reported a wide range of practice patterns in weaning premature infants from supplemental home oxygen. Very few respondents reported using a standardized protocol. There is no consensus about whether to wean diuretics or oxygen first. The majority of providers use nocturnal oxygen saturations as an indication for readiness to wean. Growth is an important factor for oxygen weaning considered by most pulmonologists surveyed. Consensus guidelines and subsequent evaluation of such guidelines are needed to ensure the safety of this growing population of infants.