Articles tagged with Neonatology
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.
A recent study found that mechanical ventilation can cause irreversible tissue damage in premature lungs, leading to impaired lung cell function. The study showed that even low pressure can result in structural changes on the cell surface, disrupting molecule transport and water balance.
A new study shows that low-dose dexamethasone helps premature babies develop lungs without harming their hearts. The treatment reduces respiratory support requirements and improves blood circulation to the lungs, leading to better cardiorespiratory outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that noninvasive ventilation in nano-preterm infants did not show an advantage in reducing bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death. In contrast, infants who received invasive respiratory support had lower rates of severe intraventricular hemorrhage and death.
A new study explores how active parent participation can improve neonatal health and reduce parental stress. The study found that cultural attitudes, collaboration between medical staff and parents, and availability of equipment are key factors in enabling parent-infant closeness.
A RCSI study has found that babies born with Down Syndrome experience impaired changes in heart function and blood pressure in their lungs over the first two years of age. The research suggests that all babies with Down Syndrome should have their heart function monitored during childhood due to these common issues.
A study from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center found that early antibiotic use disrupts the developing immune system of newborns, increasing risks of severe pneumonia and life-long health issues. Fecal transplants may offer a solution to mitigate these effects.
This study analyzed global data from the Global Burden of Disease study to track changes in neonatal preterm birth incidence and mortality. The results showed significant declines in preterm birth rates and mortality globally, regionally, and nationally between 1990 and 2019.
A randomized clinical trial found that a specific probiotic supplement accelerated the maturation of the microbiome in extremely preterm infants, leading to reduced intestinal inflammation and improved feeding tolerance. The study also showed potential benefits for reducing the risk of food allergies in these vulnerable infants.
A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia found that neighborhood poverty and crowding are associated with higher rates of COVID-19 in pregnancy. Researchers analyzed data from over 5,991 pregnant patients and found disparities in SARS-CoV-2 positivity among different racial and ethnic groups.
A new study from Boston Medical Center found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with elevated inflammatory markers in infants, potentially impacting growth and brain development. Researchers emphasize the importance of COVID-19 vaccinations for pregnant women to avoid long-term adverse consequences for their infant.
A new study found that newborn brains are already organized into functional networks, with five networks operating at birth. Individual variability in these networks may be related to genetic differences and could have implications for behavior in adults.
A recent study identifies macrophages and insulin-like growth factor-1 as key players in the development of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants. The findings offer promise for novel treatments that could promote healthy intestine development in preemies.
A recent study of 480 children at risk of neonatal hypoglycemia found no significant association between exposure to hypoglycemia and lower educational achievement at ages 9-10. The researchers analyzed data from treated children, suggesting that early treatment may not have long-term effects on academic performance.
A study found that using two cannulas to place newborns in respiratory failure on life-sustaining ECMO increases mortality rates. The safest path is a single cannula in the right internal jugular, which can remove oxygen-poor blood and add oxygen before returning it to the baby.
A comprehensive quality-improvement initiative in a NICU reduced death and severe brain bleeding in extremely preterm infants from 27.4% to 15%. The program introduced evidence-based practices, including electronic order sets, improved monitoring of blood carbon dioxide and pH levels, and standardized delivery room practices.
A CHOP study found that infants born via uncomplicated cesarean delivery have a low risk of early-onset sepsis and should not receive antibiotics at birth. The study's findings could help clinicians tailor antibiotic use in newborns, reducing complications and unnecessary treatment.
Researchers identified clusters of asphyxia-associated neonatal mortality in cities with low per capita GDP, highlighting the need for targeted healthcare interventions. The study's methodology can help policymakers plan strategies to reduce avoidable newborn deaths.
A CHOP-led study found that healthy full-term infants born during the COVID-19 pandemic had substantially shorter hospital stays, with a significant increase in early discharge rates. Despite shorter hospital stays, infant rehospitalizations within a week of discharge remained unchanged.
A Children's Hospital of Philadelphia-led study found that most US obstetric hospitals deliver fewer than 500 babies per year, with approximately 2.5 million infants born at low-volume hospitals between 2010 and 2018. Nearly a fifth of these low-volume hospitals are isolated from other obstetric hospitals, with over half located in rur...
Research published in JAMA Network Open found that preterm infants with higher exposure to their mother's breast milk had enhanced cardiac function at one year of age, approaching values seen in healthy full-term infants. Exclusive breast milk consumption was associated with normalization of heart traits and lower lung pressures.
A new study found that nearly one in five babies in Brazil were born 'small' and at increased risk of mortality. The researchers identified six 'small vulnerable newborn' phenotypes, which showed the highest mortality risk was 62 times greater than full-term babies.
A new proposal aims to enable parents to participate in decision-making about life-saving treatment for premature infants. This balance is crucial as treatment can do great harm, while without it, the infant dies. Guidelines vary between countries, with some allowing treatment up to gestational week 23.
A decade's worth of data shows a significant decrease in mechanical ventilation use and an increase in non-invasive respiratory support, such as CPAP, for preterm infants. This shift is associated with improved health outcomes, including reduced lung injury and neurodevelopmental risks.
C-Path and Tufts Medical Center collaborate to integrate patient-level clinical trial data and real-world data to generate actionable real-world evidence for neonatal drug development. The partnership aims to improve survival and outcome for preterm neonates with limited new drug development.
A new study by Children's National Hospital explores the neural circuitry of premature birth and its impact on locomotor development. Researchers found that Purkinje cells play a central role in learning deficits caused by complications at birth.
The FDA has awarded a grant to Critical Path Institute (C-Path) to develop real-world evidence for treatments in neonates using real-world data. This project will create a platform to standardize and integrate data from NICUs worldwide, enabling the creation of actionable reference ranges and natural history models.
Dr. Anna Penn, a leading researcher in preterm brain injury, receives the award for her outstanding work and commitment to training the next generation of translational researchers. She has conducted groundbreaking research on placental function and fetal brain development.
The American Pediatric Society has recognized Dr. David K. Stevenson with the 2019 APS John Howland Award for his significant contributions to advancing academic pediatrics through clinical care, scientific discovery, mentorship, leadership, and service. Dr. Stevenson's pioneering work in neonatology has led to the development of new t...
A new study uses the COstatus monitor to directly measure cardiac output in neonates, providing a more accurate and less invasive way to gauge heart function. The results show that cardiac output can be precisely measured in the first two weeks of life with no adverse events.
Richard Martin, MD, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant contributions to neonatal health through basic and translational research. He is recognized as an internationally respected authority in neonatology and a dedicated educator of pediatricians and neonatologists.
A consensus statement from a group of neonatologists and pediatric cardiologists recommends routine pulse oximetry screening for all European babies within 24 hours of birth to detect critical congenital heart defects. Early detection is crucial for the best outcome, and current methods may miss up to 50% of affected infants.
UAB will receive $200,000 per year in base funds for the next five years through the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. The network focuses on addressing preterm birth through translational research, genetics, and new technologies.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have discovered a strong link between elevated blood eosinophilia and late complications in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis. High levels of eosinophils after NEC onset can predict life-threatening conditions like bowel rupture, fibrosis, and intestinal strictures.
Researchers have found that the mortality rate for extremely preterm infants has not improved significantly since 2000, despite advancements in medical technology and treatment. Data from over 47,000 records shows a decline in mortality rates from 1990 to 2000, but no significant improvement from 2000 to 2010.
A study published in Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that robot-assisted telemedicine improved the accessibility of neonatal intensive care specialists. The remote specialist required more time to care for patients due to internet connectivity issues, but overall, there were no significant differences in patient outcomes.
A study published in Pediatrics found that the rate of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) utilization in American NICUs increased by 23% between 2009 and 2013, with nearly half of all iNO users being preterm neonates. This trend has significant economic implications, estimated to be $153 million in 2013.
Researchers analyzed data from 33,488 live births to find that early-term births (37-38 weeks gestation) are associated with higher risks of birth complications, including hypoglycemia, respiratory support, and NICU admissions. Cesarean deliveries among early-term births also pose a significant risk for NICU admissions and morbidity.
Dr. Jatinder Bhatia, a renowned pediatric researcher, has received the Founder's Award from the Southern Society for Pediatric Research for his groundbreaking work in neonatology and nutrition. His research interests include protein and lipid requirements of premature infants and liver dysfunction.
A recent survey of 202 neonatologists and pediatricians found that the US healthcare system does not place enough emphasis on or dedicate sufficient resources to preventive healthcare for preterm infants. The survey also revealed key differences in care practices among doctors with varying levels of experience.
A study found that iatrogenic events, or unintended harm caused by healthcare management, are frequent in newborn babies. The rate of these events was 25.6 per 1000 patient days, with 34% being preventable and 29% severe.
Research reveals a link between doctors' personal fear of death and their willingness to hasten life-sustaining treatment in severely disabled newborns. One in three specialists use painkillers to relieve suffering without intending to hasten death, while over three-quarters would do so if further treatment is deemed futile.
A Dartmouth study reveals uneven regional distribution of newborn specialists and intensive care beds, correlating poorly with improved survival rates. The research suggests that increasing neonatal resources beyond a certain point may not lead to further gains in outcomes.
A study by Dartmouth Medical School researchers found significant regional variation in neonatal intensive care workforce distribution, with cities like Washington DC and Newark NJ having higher numbers of neonatologists. The team's findings suggest that more resources do not necessarily lead to better outcomes for newborns.