Articles tagged with Infants
A study in rural Nepal found that birth attendants' hand-washing before delivery reduced neonatal deaths by 25%. Mothers' hand-washing also significantly lowered neonatal mortality risk. Improved hand hygiene practices could reduce newborn deaths in developing countries.
A team of researchers has developed a new infant formula that captures the HIV virus, preventing its transmission through breastfeeding. The formula contains a special strain of probiotic lactobacilli that can survive in hot climates and provides long-lasting protection.
A new study reveals that perinatal death takes a significant emotional toll on obstetricians, with three-quarters reporting an emotional impact. Obstetricians often struggle with feelings of guilt and self-blame after a stillbirth or infant death, and worry about disciplinary action from no identified cause. Improved bereavement traini...
Two new studies evaluate bassinet use and bedsharing, finding that lack of oxygen is a common cause of death in bassinets. The researchers also identify risk factors for bassinet use, including blankets, pillows, and plastic bags.
A gene mutation and exposure to cats at birth may increase a child's risk of developing eczema during their first year. Children with filaggrin gene mutations were twice as likely to develop eczema, while cat ownership further increased the risk for those with the mutation.
Currently used pain assessment tools may not accurately reflect the pain experience in infants. A study published in PLOS Medicine found that changes in brain activity correlated with clinical pain scores, but were more strongly linked to behavioral components such as facial expression than physiological components like heart rate. The...
A new study on chimpanzees reveals that infant mortality rates cycle in phase with social play amongst infants, driven by the ontogeny of playfulness. This three-year cycle is self-organized and emerges naturally from the demography, developmental ontogeny, and social behavior of chimpanzees.
A study by Jodi Mindell found significant differences in sleep patterns among young children worldwide, with predominantly Caucasian countries exhibiting longer bedtimes and more sleep. In contrast, Asian countries saw shorter total sleep times, increased parental perception of sleep problems, and higher rates of room-sharing.
Researchers found that three-month-old infants are sensitive to emotional signals referring to objects in the world. Their brain activity shows heightened attention toward new objects when an adult expresses fear or neutral facial expressions towards them.
Postpartum mothers of twins suffer from severe sleep deprivation, averaging only 5.4 hours of sleep per day. Over 70% report less than six hours of sleep, with fragmented and short sleep episodes. Depressive symptoms are common, affecting almost half of the mothers, but improve over time as they develop a routine and find ways to rest.
A study found that bright light therapy improved mothers' nocturnal sleep time by 6.07 hours, decreased daytime sleepiness, and promoted overall well-being. The treatment group received 10,000 lux blue-green bright light therapy for four weeks, while the control group received a placebo dim red light therapy.
A study by Penn State University found that parents spending any part of the night with their infants experience poorer sleep adaptation, even when bedsharing is endorsed. In contrast, lenient attitudes toward co-sleeping are associated with more time spent with infants at night, but also with poorer adaptation scores.
Research findings show that maternal depression, breastfeeding, and a lower socioeconomic status are associated with less infant sleep duration in the first six months of life. Infants from lower-income households and those receiving breast milk slept fewer hours than their counterparts.
Two studies suggest breastfeeding can reduce infant mortality and HIV infection rates, particularly among infected infants. In resource-poor settings, abrupt cessation of breastfeeding after four months may be harmful, while extended anti-HIV treatment can greatly reduce the risk of infection.
A randomized trial found that extending antiretroviral regimens can significantly reduce mother-to-child HIV transmission. Infants receiving extended prophylaxis had lower rates of HIV infection compared to those receiving standard care.
Researchers aim to find out how effective early intervention is for children diagnosed with ASD by 18 months old. The study will examine the impact of parent-implemented intervention on toddlers with ASD and their families.
A study of 380 healthy children found that nearly half had low vitamin D levels, and about one-third showed reduced bone mineral content on X-rays. The researchers suggest that all young children should receive vitamin D supplements to prevent potential health issues.
A study found high levels of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacteria in infant deaths that couldn't be explained. The researchers suggest these infections may be associated with unexplained cases of SUDI.
A new analysis by the March of Dimes found that nearly all increases in singleton preterm births in the US are due to c-section deliveries. Late preterm babies account for most of this rise, with a greater risk of complications such as breathing problems and delayed brain development.
A recent analysis of US births reveals that babies born preterm are more than twice as likely to have major birth defects. The study found that very preterm babies were five times more likely to suffer from such defects, with central nervous system and cardiovascular issues being the most common.
A new analysis of nearly 7 million US live births found that babies born preterm were more than twice as likely to have major birth defects. The study also showed that very preterm babies, those born between 24-31 weeks gestation, were five times more likely to have a birth defect.
New research from the LOOKING at Language project reveals that late-talking toddlers are more likely to continue struggling with language development, but a significant proportion will catch up. By seven years old, around 80% of late talkers have made progress and there is no evidence boys are at greater risk than girls.
A study funded by the NIH found that pregnant women with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels are at greater risk of delivering babies with birth problems, including Caesarean sections and large body sizes. The study involved over 23,000 women in nine countries.
The incidence of group B streptococcus has decreased among infants younger than 7 days, but increased among adults aged 15-64 years and those over 65, according to a recent study. Disease trends following the release of guidelines for prevention near birth have not yet been well studied.
Researchers at UTMB have developed a promising antiviral therapy against RSV using custom-designed molecules that target the genetic machinery of the virus. These 'morpholino oligomers' show minimal toxicity and significantly reduce RSV replication in cell culture and mouse experiments.
A Phase 3 study demonstrated that motavizumab reduced hospitalizations due to RSV by 83 percent and lower respiratory infections requiring outpatient management by 71 percent. The study involved 1,410 full-term healthy infants less than six months of age and confirmed high rates of serious RSV disease in this population.
A retrospective chart review of 4,000 premature infants found that 50% who received Synagis had lower RSV hospitalization rates than those without the medication. The study's lead author believes physicians' clinical judgment should be relied upon for high-risk patient care.
A study found that low-income parents infrequently engage in verbal interactions with their infants while watching TV or videos. The majority of these interactions occur during educational programs, suggesting a potential link between media exposure and child development. However, the study highlights the need for further research to d...
A new study by the University of Michigan suggests that extra iron for infants who don't need it may delay their cognitive and visual-motor development. The study found that 5% of Chilean infants with high hemoglobin levels at 6 months showed poorer outcomes in IQ, visual-motor integration, and other measures.
Infants in low socio-economic households exposed to TV have limited verbal interactions with their mothers, a new study found. Educational programming can increase interactions when co-viewed by both mother and infant.
A recent study reveals that nearly one-third of US parents have low-level knowledge of typical infant development, resulting in impaired parent-child interactions. This false parenting assumption can rob kids of cognitive stimulation, as parents often misinterpret behaviors and set unrealistic expectations for their child's growth.
Researchers identified four additional factors, including birth weight, gender, and antenatal steroid use, that can predict the outcome for extremely low-birth-weight infants. The study found that older gestational age, female sex, singleton births, and higher birth weight enhanced survival chances without disability.
Researchers at the University of Manchester found that carrying infants was unlikely to have driven human evolution towards walking upright. Instead, they suggest that this characteristic may have been an adaptation for other benefits, such as freeing up forelimbs to carry objects.
Dr. Jane Brotanek, a pediatrician at UT Southwestern Medical Center, has received a two-year grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to investigate the relationship between infant feeding practices and iron deficiency. Her research aims to identify factors contributing to iron deficiency in high-risk populations.
A new NIH study has identified several factors that influence an extremely low birth weight infant's chances for survival and disability. These factors include sex, birthweight, single birth status, and antenatal steroids, which can predict individual outcomes and help guide treatment decisions.
A study published in New England Journal of Medicine found that female sex, antenatal corticosteroid treatment, singleton birth, and higher birth weight are equally important as gestational age in determining the care needs of these infants. The research involved nearly 4,500 infants born between 22-25 weeks gestation.
Researchers at Rutgers University have discovered that infant brains distinguish differences in sounds as early as three to six months, predicting future language problems. The study's findings may lead to correcting language difficulties before children start speaking, improving their chances of avoiding reading and comprehension issues.
Recent research presents mixed findings on infant feeding and obesity, with some studies suggesting potential associations between infant nutrition and health outcomes. These studies provide new insights into the complex relationships between infant feeding practices, maternal factors, and childhood obesity.
Infants and toddlers who sleep less than 12 hours a day are twice as likely to become overweight by age 3. High levels of television viewing combined with less sleep elevates the risk, especially when children watch TV for two or more hours a day.
A Université de Montréal study found that parents' bedtime behavior has a direct impact on children's sleep patterns. Giving children food or drink after they wake can cause bad dreams, short sleep time, and delays in falling back asleep. Staying with children at the beginning of sleep appears protective against these issues.
A phase III study of 15,183 healthy infants found that two doses of an oral live attenuated human rotavirus vaccine reduced cases of severe gastroenteritis by 32% compared to placebo. The vaccine efficacy was 80.5-82.1% against the wild-type G1 rotavirus strain.
International experts recommend that infant formula should include DHA omega-3 and AA omega-6 to guarantee a correct eye and brain development. Breastfeeding is the preferred method of feeding, but when not possible, infant formula should meet specific nutrient levels.
A Norwegian study found that individuals born preterm were at increased risk of death throughout childhood, with a significantly higher mortality rate for boys born between 22-27 weeks. Additionally, preterm birth was associated with diminished reproductive capacity in adulthood, particularly among women.
A new study by researchers at the University of Southern California and University of Pennsylvania reveals that male infants in developed nations are more likely to die than female infants. The disparity has narrowed in recent decades due to medical advancements such as C-sections and intensive care units.
Botox has been found effective in reducing hypersalivation in newborns with CHARGE Syndrome, preventing tracheotomies. The treatment involves injecting a minute dose of Botox into the salivary glands to block nerve activity and reduce saliva production.
Researchers found that toddlers aged 2-5 years absorbed more nicotine from secondhand smoke than adolescents, leading to increased markers of inflammation and vascular injury. This exposure resulted in damage to the endothelium, the inner lining of vessel walls, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Researchers found that measuring fatty acid ethyl esters in an infant's first bowel movement can identify children at risk for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS). Early intervention may minimize disabilities and improve developmental outcomes.
A study suggests that expectant women treated with imatinib for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) may be at moderate risk of developing fetal abnormalities. The majority of pregnancies resulted in normal live infants, but some were born with congenital abnormalities, including exomphalos, renal agenesis, and hemivertebrae.
Research finds black VLBW babies more likely to die in hospitals with higher neonatal death rates than white VLBW babies. Eliminating these disparities could improve survival rates for black VLBW infants by up to 34%.
A study in mice suggests that a spectral imaging system could provide immediate results during Hirschsprung's disease surgeries, increasing patient safety and operating room efficiency. This technology identifies diseased tissue based on wavelength, allowing precise localization of interventions.
A new study published in Biological Psychiatry reveals that mothers' brains show distinct activation patterns when identifying their own infant's cries versus those of other infants. This unique response is thought to be biologically meaningful for successful infant care.
The study found a 50% decline in cystic fibrosis births and a decrease in severe gene mutations, suggesting that prenatal carrier screening may be reducing the number of affected births. The authors attribute the decline to the gradual implementation of preconception and prenatal screening for CF.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that the medial orbitofrontal cortex is highly specifically active within a seventh of a second in response to infant faces but not to adult faces. This finding has potentially important clinical application in relation to postnatal depression.
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 new study found that excellent parenting can help even the most challenging infants succeed in first grade. Infants with difficult temperaments who received high-quality care from their mothers performed just as well, if not better, academically and socially than their easier-to-parent counterparts.
A new blood test developed by NIH scientists can diagnose Menkes disease in infants as early as birth, allowing for timely treatment that extends their survival. The test detects abnormal levels of catecholamines, a copper-dependent enzyme, which are present in the condition.
The Global Network, funded by NIH and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, supports community-based health-care interventions to reduce maternal and infant mortality. The five-year grant will focus on protein supplementation and training of traditional birth attendants.
Young infants can detect small changes in the number and identity of objects, and these abilities are processed by distinct neural pathways. The study found that the infant brain responds to both changes in different brain regions, similar to adults.
A study found that a low-dose regimen of nevirapine significantly reduced the risk of HIV transmission to breast-feeding infants, with a 40% decrease at 6 weeks and 33% decrease at 6 months. The extended-nevirapine regimen is considered safe and shows promise for preventing sexual transmission of HIV.
A 20-year study has shown a significant increase in survival rates for extremely premature infants at a top London hospital. The study found that the overall rates of survival for infants born between 22 and 25 weeks of gestation increased from 32 per cent to 71 per cent.