Mapping brain in preemies may predict later disability
Researchers mapped premature infant brains using MRI scans to predict future disabilities. A greater volume of white matter injury was linked to movement and thinking problems at 18 months.
Infants
Articles tagged with Infants
Why baboon males resort to domestic violence
A new study found that male baboons resort to infanticide and feticide when faced with scarcity, reducing their waiting time to breed. Researchers observed a spike in infant deaths and lost pregnancies after new males arrived in troops, targeting pregnant females and nursing infants.
Retinopathy of prematurity: New developments are cause for hope
Advances in telemedicine and anti-VEGF treatments offer new hope for patients with retinopathy of prematurity. New technologies are transforming the care of ROP patients, enabling more widespread treatment options.
Can delayed umbilical cord clamping reduce infant anemia at age 8, 12 months?
A randomized clinical trial found that delayed umbilical cord clamping reduced anemia prevalence in infants at 8 and 12 months of age. The intervention, which involved waiting three or more minutes after birth, increased iron stores and improved hemoglobin levels.
Delayed clamping prevents anemia
A new study from Uppsala University found that delaying umbilical cord clamping by more than three minutes can prevent iron deficiency and anemia in infants up to six months of age. This method resulted in a nine percent reduction in anaemia incidence at eight months and an eight percent decrease at twelve months.
Researchers devise methods to identify transmission of microbes from mothers to infants
A study published in mSystems found identical bacterial strains in infants and their mothers, indicating vertical transmission of microbes. The researchers used novel computational techniques to track the transmission of microbes, revealing that mothers are sources of important microorganisms for infant gut development.
Crybaby: The vitamins in your tears
Researchers found a correlation between parents' and babies' vitamin levels, with water-soluble vitamins higher in infants and fat-soluble vitamins in parents, particularly mothers. The study suggests tears could be used to replace clinical tests, potentially improving access to nutritional assessments for at-risk populations.
Research evaluates treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse
A study published in American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology evaluated treatment options for pelvic organ prolapse, comparing surgery and pessary. The research found that women undergoing surgery experienced greater improvements in physical, social, emotional, and sexual functioning compared to those using a pessary.
A glimpse into the workings of the baby brain
Researchers at MIT used a modified MRI scanner to scan the brains of awake babies while watching movies, finding that brain regions responding to faces and scenes in adults are also active in infants. The study suggests that there may be a stronger biological predisposition for specific cortical regions to end up with specific functions.
Most breastfed infants not receiving recommended vitamin D supplementation
A study found that only 55% of breastfed infants received the recommended daily vitamin D supplementation. Mothers preferred to supplement themselves, citing safety as their top concern. Higher doses of vitamin D could be incorporated into maternal supplementation routines to enrich breast milk and improve intakes in breastfed infants.
January/February 2017 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet
The National Commission on Prevention Priorities releases updated rankings of clinical preventive services, identifying high-impact services for improving population health. The top three services are immunizing children, tobacco-use screening and brief intervention, and alcohol misuse screening with brief intervention.
Brain impairments in premature infants may begin in the womb
Researchers found altered brain circuitry in premature infants as early as 24 weeks gestation, which may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders like autism and cerebral palsy. The study suggests that factors contributing to early birth may impact brain development in the womb.
NIH-sponsored expert panel issues clinical guidelines to prevent peanut allergy
A new set of clinical guidelines aims to prevent the development of peanut allergy in infants by introducing peanut-containing foods early. The recommendations focus on high-risk infants, suggesting introduction between 4-6 months, and those with mild eczema, around 6 months.
'Complementary' feeding for infants -- ESPGHAN position paper offers guidance
The new position paper provides recommendations on the timing and content of introducing complementary foods, as well as methods of feeding and specific dietary practices. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring adequate iron intake from complementary foods for all infants, especially those on vegetarian diets.
Preterm infants fare well in early language development
A study from Northwestern University found that preterm infants establish a strong foundation for linking language and meaning, similar to their full-term counterparts. This discovery challenges previous obstacles in language and cognitive development observed in preterm infants.
Understanding the causes of neurological abnormalities that result from premature birth
New research reveals that low birth weight babies may develop motor and neurological deficits due to peripheral nerve defects. The study suggests delayed myelination of the peripheral nervous system as a contributing factor.
Lack of standards for infant cereals threatens child nutrition in lower-income countries
A global analysis of marketed complementary foods found a widespread lack of consistency in their nutritional content. Only 15% met benchmarks for fat content and under 25% met standards for iron and zinc.
Prior kidney damage may pose risks for pregnant women and their babies
A study found that women with a history of recovered acute kidney injury had an increased rate of preeclampsia and delivered infants earlier than those with normal kidney function. Infants born to these women were also at higher risk for small-for-gestational-age births.
Trends in extracorporeal life support -- ASAIO Journal presents latest worldwide registry data
The Extracorporeal Life Support Organization (ELSO) registry report finds that ECLS is becoming more widely available and frequently used globally. Adults with respiratory failure are the fastest-growing group of ECLS patients, while rates of survival to hospital discharge have improved for this age group. In contrast, newborns with re...
Examining toddler temperament around the globe
Research by Maria Gartstein and Sam Putnam found that toddler temperament differs significantly across cultures, with Chilean infants being the most active and Polish babies displaying sadness. The study suggests that parents' cultural values influence their children's behavior and overall temperament.
Association between birth of an infant with major congenital anomalies and subsequent risk of death
A Danish study found that mothers of infants with major congenital anomalies were at a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and other causes. The study also found an increased risk during the first decade after the child's birth.
New parent home visiting program reduces infants' need for medical care
Infants in participating families used significantly less medical services during the first year of life, with a one-third reduction in emergency room visits and fewer primary care doctor visits. The program also benefited low-risk families, suggesting its benefits extend beyond those at risk for problems.
Zika-linked birth defects more extensive than previously thought, UCLA-led research finds
A recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that Zika-linked abnormalities in human fetuses are more common and severe than initially thought. Out of 125 pregnancies among Zika-infected women, 46% resulted in birth defects or fetal death, with microcephaly being only one of several complications.
Infants show apparent awareness of ethnic differences, UCLA psychologists report
Researchers found that both Hispanic and white infants looked longer at African-American faces than their own ethnicity, suggesting a level of ethnic awareness. The study advances understanding of social cognition and development, highlighting the importance of studying infant attention to faces.
Study: Rural communities see steep increase in babies born with opioid withdrawal
A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that rural communities have seen a dramatic increase in newborns diagnosed with neonatal abstinence syndrome due to opioid exposure. The rate of diagnosis increased by nearly 80% between 2003 and 2013, compared to urban areas.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Increases Among Rural Infants
The proportion of rural infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome increased significantly between 2004 and 2013. This geographic disparity highlights the urgent need for policymakers to appropriate funding for clinicians and programs that could improve access to opioid prevention and treatment services for rural women and children.
Anesthetic cream best for relieving vaccination pain in infants
Researchers found that liposomal lidocaine combined with parental video instruction and oral sucrose significantly reduces acute pain during vaccinations. The study involved 352 healthy infants who received scheduled vaccinations, with the best results seen for those using lidocaine cream consistently.
Kangaroo mother care helps premature babies thrive 20 years later -- study
A study funded by Grand Challenges Canada reveals that premature babies who received Kangaroo Mother Care in infancy exhibit reduced aggressive behavior, higher brain size, and increased financial success as adults. These benefits persist even 20 years later.
New moms moving toward the bottle
A UBC study found that new moms transitioning to expressed breast milk typically stop breastfeeding earlier than peers, raising concerns about infant health. The research suggests inadequate lactation support may contribute to this trend.
Stanford patient is first infant to receive lifesaving drug for neurodegenerative disease
A Stanford patient has become the first infant to receive an experimental drug that shows significant improvement in motor milestones and function. The drug, nusinersen, is being rapidly progressed through regulatory approval, with FDA approval expected within two months.
Study finds new treatment for spinal muscular atrophy safe for infants
Researchers found that nusinersen treatment slowed disease progression, improved survival, and showed remarkable improvement in muscle function in infant-onset SMA patients. The study demonstrated safety and effectiveness of the treatment in infants as young as five weeks old.
Babies' first words can be predicted based on visual attention, IU study finds
A new theory of infant language learning suggests that visual experience plays a key role in early word acquisition, with common objects emerging as first words. The study's findings have implications for the treatment of children with language deficits and autism.
Female lemurs with color vision provide advantages for their group
Researchers found that trichromat females have higher body mass indices and increased infant survival rates among their group members. This suggests a selective advantage for trichromatic females in providing nutrition and care to their offspring during times of food scarcity.
New mothers preoccupied with their problems can find it more difficult to respond to their babies
Mothers with repetitive and self-focused negative thoughts have poorer-quality relationships with their babies. Researchers found that rumination reduces maternal sensitivity to infants, regardless of depressive symptoms. This study suggests strategies can help manage rumination and improve parenting.
Test for early diagnosis of life-threatening preemie disease advances
A novel diagnostic biomarker panel can identify necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants with high accuracy. The test, developed by LSU Health New Orleans researchers, has the potential to improve disease management and outcomes for thousands of preterm babies each year.
Zika and glaucoma linked for first time in new study
A new study has found a possible link between the Zika virus and glaucoma in infants exposed to the virus during gestation. Researchers identified a three-month-old boy with symptoms of glaucoma caused by Zika exposure, leading to successful treatment via trabeculectomy.
Young toddlers can tell when others hold false beliefs, study finds
A new study by Renée Baillargeon and colleagues found that 2.5-year-old children can answer questions about people acting on false beliefs, a skill previously thought to develop until age 4. The researchers developed a modified version of the Sally-Anne test, which gave children a chance to prepare for the question and reduced processi...
New method for predicting congenital CMV infection during the prenatal period
Researchers at Kobe University developed a new method to predict congenital CMV infection in fetuses using non-invasive tests. The most effective methods are ultrasound and PCR tests for uterine cervical secretion, which can accurately identify affected infants and enable early antiviral treatment.
Companies pushing 'toddler milk' need oversight, experts warn
Liquid-based nutritional supplements, known as toddler milks, may fuel rapid and unhealthy weight gain in young children, warns Emory University researcher Michelle Lampl. The FDA lacks oversight of these products, which can have up to 240 calories per serving, threatening the health of a generation.
CPR from bystanders associated with better outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in pediatrics
A recent study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from a bystander improved overall and neurologically favorable survival for children with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The study analyzed data from over 3,900 cases and showed that conventional CPR provided better outcomes than compr...
When and how to introduce peanut-containing foods to reduce allergy risk
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology recommends introducing peanut-containing foods as early as 4-6 months for high-risk infants with severe eczema and/or egg allergy. Early introduction has been shown to benefit infants who are sensitized to peanuts in studies like LEAP.
Zika virus can cause severe damage to retina in infants
Researchers used OCT imaging to examine retinal layers in infants with congenital Zika syndrome. The study found severe neurosensory retinal thinning and visual impairment in newborns, highlighting the need for further studies on visual function correlation.
Blood test may help identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorders
Researchers identified a blood test that predicts infant outcomes and classifies FASD subpopulations. The test uses biomarkers in maternal plasma miRNAs to predict infant health.
Blood test may help identify fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, research shows
Researchers identified a blood test that may predict infant disability caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. The study found that moderate to high levels of alcohol exposure during early pregnancy resulted in differences in circulating microRNAs in maternal blood.
Supplemental, nutrient-enriched donor milk does not improve neurodevelopment in VLBW infants
A study published in JAMA found that VLBW infants who received supplemental, nutrient-enriched donor milk did not exhibit improved neurodevelopment compared to those receiving preterm formula. However, the use of nutrient-fortified donor milk was shown to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.
Female chimpanzees employ babysitters to wean young faster
A University of Toronto study found that infant handling and natal attraction had a significant impact on the weaning process in female chimpanzees. Infants who were held and carried more by babysitters nursed less often and drank less milk, becoming nutritionally independent sooner.
New study: Male chimpanzees can be players and good fathers
A new study reveals that male chimpanzees prioritize their offspring over building relationships with females, contradicting the long-held assumption that they are solely focused on mating. The researchers found that males spend time with non-mating female chimpanzees caring for their offspring and exhibit paternal behavior towards them.
Drug shows promise for preventing pre-term birth
Researchers have successfully tested a drug that shows early promise in preventing pre-term birth, which is the major cause of death in children under five years old. The drug, (+)-naloxone, was found to provide complete protection against pre-term birth and lead to normal development in infants.
Despite clinical and cost evidence, barriers remain to feeding mother's own milk in NICU
Despite extensive research supporting mother's own milk as most effective option for low birthweight infants, numerous barriers persist in NICUs. Common issues include ineffective breast pumps, inadequate freezer space, and lack of investment in evidence-based practices to optimize milk volume.
Early planned birth linked to risk of poor child development
A study of 153,000 Australian children found that planned births before optimal time had poorer child development. Children born vaginally at full term had a lower risk of developmental issues compared to those born via planned birth or labor induction.
Study: Graphic pictures on cigarette packs would significantly reduce smoking death rate
Researchers estimate that implementing pictorial warnings on cigarette packs could prevent 652,800 smoking attributable deaths and 46,600 low-birth weight cases by 2065. The study, published online Nov. 3 in the journal Tobacco Control, suggests a direct association between graphic pictures and increased smoking cessation.
Infections during infancy more closely associated with childhood obesity risk
A study of over 260,000 infants found that untreated infections during infancy increased the risk of childhood obesity by 25%. The research suggests that reducing infant infections may be a key strategy for preventing childhood obesity.
What's the best treatment for positional plagiocephaly in infants? CNS publishes new guidelines
The new guidelines provide recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of positional plagiocephaly in infants, emphasizing the importance of physical therapy with helmet therapy. The guidelines are based on a comprehensive review of research and aim to provide a safe and effective approach for managing this common disorder.
AAP announces new safe sleep recommendations to protect against SIDS
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends sharing a bedroom with parents but on separate surfaces, avoiding soft bedding and exposure to smoke, alcohol, and illicit drugs. The updated policy also emphasizes skin-to-skin care and breastfeeding for added protection against SIDS.
Researchers assess impact of exome sequencing on newborns and their families
Early results from the BabySeq Project suggest some utility in genetically sequencing newborn infants and offer new insights into parental attitudes toward the procedure and results. The study identified potentially harmful variants in two healthy infants sequenced without a family history of genetic disease.
Shorter-time between bariatric surgery and childbirth associated with increased risk of complication
A study found that mothers who underwent bariatric surgery less than two years before childbirth had higher risks for prematurity, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and small for gestational age status compared to those with longer intervals. The optimal timing between bariatric surgery and conception is undefined.
Deadly intestinal disease in preemies may be caused by genetic deficiency
Researchers found a link between necrotizing enterocolitis and mitochondrial metabolism, which generates energy for cells. The study suggests a genetic deficiency may trigger the disease, which affects up to 10% of premature infants and is fatal 25-35% of the time.
Lack of health insurance and low socioeconomic status increase mortality in newborns
A nationwide study found that infants from families with no health insurance or low income have a higher risk of death from sepsis. Those with severe illness and low birth weight were at the highest risk, with odds ratios as high as 36.1 and 4.8, respectively.
Infant nose, lung cells possess remarkably similar RNS patterns
Researchers have discovered that infant nose cells possess remarkably similar RNS patterns to those found in the lungs, enabling non-invasive diagnostic methods and potential therapeutics for pediatric lung diseases. This breakthrough could improve diagnosis and treatment of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other infant lung disea...
Research to evaluate treatment strategies for perinatal brain injury
Researchers at Women & Infants Hospital have received NIH grants to evaluate treatment strategies for perinatal brain injury. The studies aim to prevent or decrease brain damage in infants at risk for cerebral palsy and other developmental disabilities.