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New, simple method identifies preterm infants at risk of eye disease
April 07, 2009A simple way of establishing which preterm infants are at risk of developing the eye disease ROP is to follow their weight gain. A new study from the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, suggests that following weekly weight development might replace the need for considerably more expensive ophthalmological examinations.
Every year around 1000 Swedish infants are born more than two months prematurely. Preterm infants are at increased risk of damage to several important organs, including the brain, lungs, guts and eyes. Around 350 of these infants develop the eye disease retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) which, if left untreated, can threaten their sight. Ten per cent, or around one hundred, of the preterm infants need the same treatment to prevent blindness.
"In the past 50 years it has been routine for all infants born very prematurely to be examined several times by ophthalmologists to identify children who need treatment for ROP, but this expensive method of screening can now perhaps be replaced by a considerably simpler and cheaper method, so that ophthalmological examination can be avoided in most cases," says Professor Ann Hellström of Sahlgrenska Academy.
The research team has previously identified another important link between preterm birth and vascular disease in the eye, the protein IGF-1, which is strongly linked to the infant's weight gain. Assisted by statisticians at the University of Gothenburg, the researchers have developed an assessment model known as WINROP (Weight IGF-1 Neonatal ROP), which is based on weekly measurements of the infant's weight and analyses of the serum levels of IGF-1. "However, one would prefer not to take any blood samples from the preterm infants, and therefore we wanted to investigate whether our surveillance model worked if we only used the infant's weight. We found that it works extremely well," says Professor Hellström.
In a review of medical records, information on the weekly weights of 350 infants was entered into the model, and the outcome was compared with the ophthalmological examinations performed on them.
"All infants at risk were on average identified a few months before the ophthalmologist had seen signs of ROP requiring treatment. The method could therefore not just save money but also make it possible for infants with eye problems to be identified earlier," says Professor Hellström.
The new WINROP model is now to be evaluated in a large British study and also on data from Brazilian and American infants. The material will be analysed during the summer of 2009.
University of Gothenburg
The research team has previously identified another important link between preterm birth and vascular disease in the eye, the protein IGF-1, which is strongly linked to the infant's weight gain. Assisted by statisticians at the University of Gothenburg, the researchers have developed an assessment model known as WINROP (Weight IGF-1 Neonatal ROP), which is based on weekly measurements of the infant's weight and analyses of the serum levels of IGF-1. "However, one would prefer not to take any blood samples from the preterm infants, and therefore we wanted to investigate whether our surveillance model worked if we only used the infant's weight. We found that it works extremely well," says Professor Hellström.
In a review of medical records, information on the weekly weights of 350 infants was entered into the model, and the outcome was compared with the ophthalmological examinations performed on them.
"All infants at risk were on average identified a few months before the ophthalmologist had seen signs of ROP requiring treatment. The method could therefore not just save money but also make it possible for infants with eye problems to be identified earlier," says Professor Hellström.
The new WINROP model is now to be evaluated in a large British study and also on data from Brazilian and American infants. The material will be analysed during the summer of 2009.
University of Gothenburg
Preterm Infants Current Events and Preterm Infants News RSSMedImmune to present data on RSV and influenza at 2009 AAP National Conference and Exhibition
MedImmune announced today it will present four abstracts at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) 2009 National Conference & Exhibition that add to the company's growing body of research on the burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on children, as well as pediatric infectious disease prevention.
More infants surviving pre-term births results in higher rates of eye problems
As more extremely pre-term infants survive in Sweden, an increasing number of babies are experiencing vision problems caused by abnormalities involving the retina.
Debate on administration of magnesium sulfate to pregnant women to prevent cerebral palsy in preterm infants
Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most prevalent chronic childhood motor disability with an estimated lifetime cost of nearly $1 million per individual.
Even mildly premature infants have increased risk of a common respiratory tract infection
Even mildly premature infants (gestational ages of 33 weeks through 36 weeks) have an increased risk of medically attended respiratory syncytial virus infection, which is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection in infants and young children and can lead to pneumonia in babies.
MedImmune presents new data showing burden of RSV disease
MedImmune today announced results from a recent study it sponsored, performed by the Kaiser Permanente Division of Research in Oakland, CA, assessing risk factors for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection requiring medical treatment in infants born at 33 weeks gestational age [GA] or later.
Estrogen activates critical lung genes to improve lung function following preterm birth
Estrogen may be a new postnatal therapy to improve lung function and other outcomes in preterm infants, researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have found in an animal study.
Preterm births rise 36 percent since early 1980s
New government statistics confirm that the decades-long rise in the United States preterm birth rate continues, putting more infants than ever at increased risk of death and disability.
SIDS link: Low blood pressure in preterm infants
Scientists from Monash University, Melbourne have shown that infants born prematurely have lower blood pressure during sleep in the first six months of life, compared to healthy, full-term infants.
Scientists show gene mutation may cause immature lungs in newborns
Scientists have identified a gene critical to lung maturation in newborns and the production of surfactant, which lines lung tissues and prevents the lungs from collapsing.
GSU study first to confirm long-term benefits of morphine treatment in infants
A recent study conducted by researchers at Georgia State University is the first of its kind to demonstrate that administration of preemptive morphine prior to a painful procedure in infancy blocks the long-term negative consequences of pain in adult rodents.
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Feeding and Nutrition in the Preterm Infant by Elizabeth A. Jones MPhil (Author), Caroline King BSc(Hons) SRD (Author) A practical handbook for healthcare professionals that covers all aspects of pre-term nutrition, using evidence-based information to promote safe and effective practice. Readers will discover problem-solving strategies, interventions, and information on meeting the nutritional requirements of pre-term infants. Easily accessible information on all aspects of pre-term and neonatal nutritionIncludes the latest research-based information on mammary physiology and the dynamics of milk expressionDiscusses the nutritional requirements of the pre-term breastfed infant - and how to succeed in meeting these needsProvides effective interventions to prevent pre-term breastfeeding failuresProblem-solving strategies ensure a smooth transition from nasogastric to... |
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Parenting Based on the Developmental Progression of Preterm Infants, English-Laminated Version by Respironics Parenting Based on the Developmental Progression of Preterm Infants is a booklet designed to help parents participate in the care of their baby. The evidence-based booklet was written by medical staff at the University of Southern Mississippi and Forrest General Hospital to assist the family during the baby's hospitalization. The easy-to-read guide is organized into six sections by gestational age. Each section describes general development, goals and ways to actively parent a baby through age appropriate touching and holding, feeding, sleeping, positioning, diapering and bathing. Parenting Based on the Developmental Progression of Preterm Infants is available for individual family use, and in laminated copies which can be hung at each bedside and reused. This booklet is also an... | |
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Breastfeeding the Late Preterm Infant: Improving Care and Outcomes (Clinics in Human Lactation, Volume 4) by Marsha Walker (Author) In the first part of this well-referenced monograph, Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC describes the late preterm infant, discusses contributors to late preterm birth, and explains the importance of the last six weeks of gestation. She discusses the impact of birth interventions on breastfeeding the late preterm infant and explains why mothers of late preterm infants may be at increased risk of delayed lactogenesis II. In the second part of the monograph, Walker discusses breastfeeding management guidelines for the late preterm infant. This includes issues the late preterm infant may face, such as hypothermia, hypoglycemia, respiratory instability, hypotonia, and immature feeding skills, and their impact on breastfeeding. She covers how to provide latch assistance, assess feedings at the breast,... |
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Prechtl's Method on the Qualitative Assessment of General Movements in Preterm, Term and Young Infants (Clinics in Developmental Medicine ) by Christa Einspieler (Author), Heinz R. F. Prechtl (Author), Arend Bos (Author), Fabrizio Ferrari (Author), Giovanni Cioni (Author) A quick, non-invasive, non-intrusive and cost-effective method with high reliability and high validity is much in demand for the early detection of neurological anomalies which point to cerebral palsy and developmental deficits later on in life. Over his years as a distinguished developmental neurologist, Heinz Prechtl has devised such a method; a qualitative assessment of general movements (GMs) as a specific predictor for neurological impairments. His method is described in this book. GMs form part of a distinct pattern of movements in preterm babies, term newborns and young infants. They are complex, frequent, and usually of sufficient length. Changes in the normal quality of GMs are a reliable indicator of brain dysfunction. Includes a CD-ROM giving 15 cases selected from the book.... |
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What to Do When Your Baby Is Premature: A Parent's Handbook for Coping with High-Risk Pregnancy and Caring for the Preterm Infant by Joseph A. Garcia-Prats (Author), Sharon Simmons Hornfischer (Author) "What's happening to me? Is my baby going to be okay?" Maybe you're reading this guide because you've been told you're at high risk for having a premature baby. Or perhaps you're reading it after your baby's unexpectedly early birth, and you're wondering what the future holds for this incredibly tiny person. You'll find all the answers you need in this comprehensive guide for parents, the first book to fully discuss both coping with high-risk pregnancy and caring for your premature baby. Topics include: Managing the High-Risk Pregnancy: Stalling preterm labor, coping with bed rest, medications to help the baby The First Twenty-four Hours after Delivery: What to expect right after the baby's born, coping with insurance, and more Your Preemie's Growth and Maturation: What to... |
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Kangaroo Care: The Best You Can Do to Help Your Preterm Infant by Susan Ludington-Hoe (Author) From an internationally-known expert in child health, here is a dramatically new approach to caring for premature babies--and a wonderful new role for parents. Filled with information about the special needs of fragile newborns and illustrated with step-by-step photos. |
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Late Preterm Infant Assessment Guide [With CDROM] by Debbie Fraser Askin (Author), Susan Bakewell-Sachs (Author), Barbara Medoff-Cooper (Author) |
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Nutrition of the Preterm Infant, Second Edition by R. C. Tsang (Author), R. C. Tsang (Author) Nutrition of the Preterm Infant, 2nd Edition, is the latest guide to nutritional requirements for preterm patients. Often used as "The" reference for NICUs , this long awaited revision brings together a team of internationally accomplished scientist-investigators to bring an up-to-date assessment of current and practical knowledge for this critical period of life. The authors used a novel approach in integrating and synthesizing all of the various subjects and chapters; this team approach, with thorough internal and external review, brings to us a focus in the practical issues of preterm nutrition and nutrient delivery in the context of the scientific advances of the last decade. This book will remain as the indispensable reference for pediatricians, neonatologists, dieticians,... |
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Brain Damage in the Preterm Infant (Clinics in Developmental Medicine ) by Nigel Paneth (Author), Raoul Rudelli (Author), Elias Kazam (Author), Willliam Monte (Author) This Clinic in Developmental Medicine describes a meticulous survey of germinal matrix/intraventricular hemorrhage in preterm infants, which took place in three New Jersey counties between 1984 and 1987. The babies under study weighed 501-2000g at their birth. They were studied prospectively with cranial ultrasound; the findings were correlated with very detailed pathological examination of the brains of those who died, and with later outcome in the survivors. The numbers studied in this population-based sample were large enough both to test and to generate hypotheses about the causes and consequences of hemorrhage. |
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Nutrition and Feeding of Preterm Infants by B. A. Wharton (Contributor) Low birth-weight babies comprise a minority of the newborn, but their feeding and care take up a disproportionate amount of time in busy hospitals. This book represents the conclusions of the Committee on Nutrition of the Pre-Term Infant of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGAN), to establish a scientific basis for the feeding of premature infants. It provides an in-depth analysis of scientific basis for the requirement of every nutrient for preterm infants and contains the ESPGAN Committee's recommendations for their correct and balanced administration. |
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