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.