Articles tagged with Neonatology
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new review of over 100 clinical trials found that 13 common labor induction methods are similarly effective, with low-dose vaginal misoprostol being the most commonly used and safest. However, some methods showed better success rates for specific outcomes, such as oxytocin with amniotomy for achieving vaginal birth within 24 hours.
Researchers found that an increasing number of preexisting maternal chronic conditions increases the risk of severe neonatal morbidity and mortality. Women with multiple chronic conditions may benefit from preconception counseling, earlier identification of complications, and enhanced newborn supports to optimize outcomes.
The study reveals parental quality of life is compromised during the premature infant's hospitalization period. A family-centered approach with tailored support from the neonatal intensive care unit and postdischarge period can protect and promote parental well-being.
A study found that vaccinating pregnant women increases protection for infants against whooping cough, a highly contagious disease. The research team also showed that whole-cell pertussis vaccines provide longer-lasting protection than acellular vaccines, and recommends vaccination during pregnancy as a double-layered defense.
Playing soothing live music in NICUs helps babies lower heart rate and respiratory rate while increasing feeding volume. Music sessions also provide a moment's respite for parents, allowing them to bond with their baby.
A study published in JAMA found that expectant management resulted in higher survival rates compared to active treatment for patent ductus arteriosus in extremely preterm infants. The protocol-defined study showed no significant difference in mortality or bronchopulmonary dysplasia between the two groups.
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a Best Hospital for Maternity Care by U.S. News & World Report for the fourth year in a row. The hospital provides world-class care for parents and newborns, with a focus on compassion, expertise, and dedication.
NEJM Clinician curates highly relevant clinical insights from over 150 peer-reviewed journals to give physicians clear guidance without the noise. The weekly publication delivers summaries and commentary in a concise, 30-minute read, helping healthcare providers stay informed and confident in their decisions.
Research shows that infants of stressed mothers have an earlier and faster tooth eruption, with more teeth by six months of age. Cortisol levels during late pregnancy are associated with this accelerated process.
Researchers developed a novel tool, the Preterm Birth Actionable Risk Index (PTB-ARIx), to assess risk for premature births. The index identifies 18 specific risk factors during pregnancy that can be treated with evidence-based interventions.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at a higher risk of developing persistent hypertension as they grow. The study suggests that NICU admission itself may contribute to the increased risk, and highlights the need for early hypertension screenin...
A new Cochrane review found that immediate skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their mothers significantly improves exclusive breastfeeding rates, optimal body temperature, breathing, and heart rate. The review suggests that skin-to-skin contact should be the global standard of care for all babies after birth.
A new study demonstrates the safety and tolerability of enteral ventilation in a first-in-human trial, using rectal delivery of perfluorocarbon liquid. The researchers aim to improve oxygen levels in patients with blocked airways or severely limited lung function.
The team achieved rapid genomic sequencing and interpretation within hours, setting a Guinness World Records milestone. This breakthrough has the potential to expedite precise treatments for critically ill babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), reducing waiting times from days to hours.
Dr. Wendy K. Chung, MD, PhD, receives the 2026 Mary Ellen Avery Neonatal Research Award for her outstanding contributions to neonatal health through basic or translational research. Her discoveries have transformed newborn screening and improved health outcomes for children with congenital anomalies.
A cross-sectional study found that high nurse workload and shift-level staffing ratios exert direct effects on reliable care delivery in neonatal intensive care units. High staffing ratios above 2 infants per nurse are recommended targets for workload reduction.
A new study from the Medical University of South Carolina reveals that shorter storage durations of donor human milk are linked to reduced gastrointestinal complications in premature infants. The findings suggest minimizing milk storage time may help preserve protective properties crucial for preterm gut health.
A cross-sectional study found that prenatal depression diagnosis and moderate to severe depression symptoms differ by maternal nativity and racial/ethnic background. Non-U.S.-born mothers tend to have better neonatal outcomes, but this association may not hold true for prenatal mental health conditions.
A comprehensive registry study in Sweden found that healthy, full-term babies under three months old are at risk of severe illness from RSV. The study highlights several risk factors, including birth weight and sibling age, which increase the risk of needing intensive care or dying.
A pediatric investigation study reveals that male fetuses prioritize growth while female fetuses focus on placental development under gestational hypertension. The findings support the growth strategy hypothesis and suggest sex-specific differences in fetal responses to prenatal stressors.
A cohort study found that hospitals with poor financial health were less likely to provide essential perinatal services. This disparity was more pronounced in Southern and rural regions.
Research reveals that prenatal PFAS exposure can alter infants' developing immune systems, leading to lasting imprints on their ability to fight disease. Exposure to low levels of PFAS was associated with changes in key T-cell populations, including T follicular helper cells and regulatory T cells.
A study found that early antibiotics exposure can impair infant immune systems, disrupting lung immunity and making them vulnerable to respiratory infections. Supplementing with a naturally occurring metabolite called inosine may help restore their ability to fight such infections.
A global report urges better care for newborns to improve survival and long-term health, citing significant challenges in leadership, collaboration, regulation, and funding. The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health Commission on the future of neonatology recommends increased investment in research and development to address these issues.
A global report highlights the need for better platforms for drug and medical device development, as well as cross-sector engagement, to reduce newborn deaths. The report also emphasizes the importance of innovative approaches to address challenges in leadership, collaboration, regulation, and funding in neonatology.
Mortality from slow fetal growth and malnutrition has increased nearly 2% annually, potentially linked to impaired prenatal nutrition. Medical advancements, improved prenatal care, and neonatal intensive care interventions may have contributed to the overall decline in U.S. neonatal mortality.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet found that infants who survive serious health problems in the first few weeks of life have a higher risk of dying during childhood and adolescence. Children with neurological health problems had almost six times the risk of death compared to healthy children.
A cohort study suggests severe neonatal morbidity is a significant risk factor for childhood mortality, highlighting the importance of preventing and identifying early signs of severe conditions. Efforts to reduce mortality through infancy and late adolescence may benefit from targeted prevention strategies.
The USPSTF recommends early, universal screening for syphilis infection during pregnancy to prevent congenital syphilis. Untreated syphilis can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth in the fetus.
Pregnant women with fatty liver disease are at an increased risk of giving birth prematurely, with a threefold higher risk compared to the general population. The study also found that women with fatty liver disease had a 63% higher risk of caesarean section.
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that prenatal cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of preterm birth and low birth weight. The research also suggests a potential link between cannabis use during pregnancy and smaller-than-average newborns.
A randomized clinical trial found no association between immediate skin-to-skin contact and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm neonates. However, the intervention was shown to enhance breastfeeding practices up to 12 months compared to standard care.
A newly-published Cochrane review found significant gaps in clinical rating scales used to assess pain in newborn babies. The review of 79 studies involving over 7,000 infants across 26 countries revealed that none of the available scales are backed by high-quality evidence.
The review article examines the relationship between anemia and retinopathy of prematurity, focusing on iron deficiency and underlying molecular mechanisms. Anemia reduces oxygen delivery to the retina, exacerbating hypoxia and promoting pathological neovascularization.
A cohort study found that women experiencing food insecurity during pregnancy are at a higher risk of perinatal complications. Individuals who received food assistance showed no significant increase in risks, suggesting that access to nutrition support can mitigate these complications.
New research reveals racial differences in mortality rates, with Black newborns facing higher risks of necrotizing enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis. Addressing social determinants of health is critical for promoting health equity in hospital outcomes.
A new NIH-funded study at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago will use AI to identify disease subtypes based on genetic data and associated outcomes in premature infants. The four-year study aims to establish disease subtypes that can predict longer-term cardiorespiratory outcomes, enabling earlier interventions.
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics reveals that 30% of parents with a very low birth weight baby have had to make an employment decision due to their child's health and ongoing care needs. Having a medically complex baby often forces parents to consider leaving their job, impacting their health insurance plans and networks.
The NEC Society, Cincinnati Children's, and UNC Children's will host the world's largest conference focused on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), bringing together key stakeholders to unite the global community for a world without NEC. The event will feature over 20 educational sessions and world-renowned faculty.
A recent Cochrane review confirms that giving women at risk of premature birth a simple magnesium sulphate infusion can prevent their babies from developing cerebral palsy. The drug costs approximately £5 (~$6.50) per dose and has been recommended by the World Health Organization since 2015.
Inhalation of live Lactobacilli bacteria attenuates pulmonary inflammation, improves lung function, and structure for COPD and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The treatment reduces neutrophilic inflammation, MMP-9, and pro-inflammatory markers.
Pregnant women exposed to buprenorphine combined with naloxone had similar or more favorable outcomes compared to those exposed to buprenorphine alone. This suggests that both formulations are safe treatment options for opioid use disorder during pregnancy.
A population-level study found no increase in neonatal and infant mortality rates during the initial COVID-19 pandemic period. However, social distancing measures were linked to higher preterm birth rates with a lag period.
Researchers successfully implemented pooled saliva testing to detect congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in newborns, achieving an empirical efficiency of 6 and reducing required tests by 83%. The study highlights the significance of early detection through this method, particularly for asymptomatic cases.
Researchers found that supplementing with rhIGF-1/BP3 protected neonatal mice from necrotizing enterocolitis, a deadly intestinal disease affecting premature infants. The study's preclinical evidence paves the way for a clinical trial on preventing NEC.
The NEST360 alliance is launching Phase 2 with a focus on five sub-Saharan countries to reduce newborn deaths by 75% through improved medical care and systems-change approach. The initiative aims to limit newborn deaths to no more than 12 per 1000 live births by 2030, aligning with the U.N.'s SDG 3.2 goal.
A systematic review of 120 studies with 14,000 participants revealed underrepresentation of Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous groups in neonatal clinical trials. Geographic representation was also unevenly distributed, with some US regions underrepresented.
A novel study has implicated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) in both bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity, making it a promising therapeutic candidate. G-CSF deficiency was shown to protect against these diseases, suggesting wide-ranging protection.
A study of 1.3 million Canadian children found a higher risk of autism spectrum disorder in those born to parents with infertility. The research suggests that certain obstetrical and neonatal factors may contribute to this increased risk, highlighting the need for further exploration of these factors in individuals with infertility.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have identified a fatty molecule in breast milk that triggers a process in which stem cells produce new white matter, reversing neurological damage. This finding holds promise for developing therapies to treat preterm babies with cerebral palsy.
A new study shows that earlier transfer to specialized care is associated with better outcomes for infants with NOWS, including shorter hospital stays and less exposure to medication. The study found that nonpharmacologic interventions, such as swaddling and pacifier use, are critical to clinical outcomes.
A multidisciplinary team implemented a quality improvement project to reduce hypothermia in NICU babies before, during, and after surgery. The project resulted in significant decreases in intraoperative and postoperative hypothermia rates, demonstrating the effectiveness of standardized temperature monitoring and thermal support.
Studies found that low birthweight is independently linked to an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, with younger age at diagnosis and fewer comorbidities. Lower birthweight was also associated with a higher use of diabetes drugs and more severe hypertension.
Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found an association between evaporated alcohol from incubator disinfectants and alcohol absorption in premature infants. They introduced a new practice to reduce alcohol exposure, which was associated with decreased alcohol levels in infants' blood and air.
A diagnostic study using 4,095 retinal fundus images found that biomarker-based AI algorithms can be susceptible to racial bias, even when trained on raw images. This issue highlights the need for careful evaluation of AI performance in diverse populations.
A recent study found that hospitals serving more vulnerable childbearing populations tend to have inadequate nurse staffing levels, which can lead to poor maternal health outcomes. The researchers surveyed 3,471 registered nurses from 271 hospitals and discovered inconsistencies in nurse-to-patient ratios with national staffing standards.
Preterm birth increases the risk of cardiovascular problems; combining steroids with statins could eliminate negative effects while retaining respiratory benefits. Researchers found that combined therapy improved lung function and reduced cardiovascular issues in rat pups.
A recent study found that carnitine intake from breast milk promotes better growth and larger brain size at term equivalent age in very preterm infants. Carnitine levels were also associated with cerebellar size, suggesting a potential role in nervous system development.
A study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that COVID-19 vaccination results in higher antibody concentrations compared to natural infection, providing robust protection for mothers during pregnancy. The study also suggests optimal vaccine timing can maximize the transfer of antibodies to babies.
Researchers have developed a novel, non-invasive way to measure blood flow to the brains of newborn children at the bedside. This method uses real-time ultrasound color flow technique and 3D sampling to capture flow in a completely painless and safe manner.