Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
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.
Infants' bodies expel thimerosal mercury much faster than originally believed, suggesting no toxic build-up occurs. Researchers found nearly undetectable levels in urine samples, with most elimination via stools.
A recent study found that multiple micronutrient supplementation reduced early infant mortality by 18% compared to iron and folic acid alone. The effect was greater in undernourished and anaemic women, with reductions of 25% and 38%, respectively.
A simple checklist of seven clinical signs and symptoms can identify sick newborns with life-threatening illnesses, reducing neonatal mortality. The algorithm has high sensitivity and specificity in both early and late infancy, improving the adaptation and implementation of IMCI guidelines.
A new meningitis vaccine has been shown to be well-tolerated and immunogenic in infants, providing protection against four strains of the disease. The vaccine, MenACWY, uses a natural mutant of the diphtheria toxin and has been found to induce protective antibody levels in over 90% of infants who received it.
The University of Washington is launching a groundbreaking study to prevent autism symptoms in high-risk infants. Led by Annette Estes, researchers will assess and intervene with 200 Seattle-area infants who have an older sibling diagnosed with autism, aiming to identify early risk factors and intervene before symptoms appear.
A national study suggests that infants with complex congenital heart defects have a lower risk of dying if treated at experienced hospitals. The study found significant differences in mortality rates depending on the number of procedures performed at each hospital, with centers treating more cases having lower mortality rates.
Research shows preemies' reduced lung function persists beyond infancy, contributing to increased risk of respiratory illnesses. Maternal tobacco smoking also linked to lower lung function in both full-term and preterm infants.
Researchers propose that carrying heavy infants safely on two legs may have driven the emergence of bipedalism. The study found a relationship between infant weight, hair friction and body angle that prevents safe carrying.
A team of researchers at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh identified a molecular receptor known as Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) that, when blocked, may help reverse necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. Blocking the TLR4 signal allowed enterocytes to heal damaged intestinal tissue.
Research from the Monell Center found that breast-feeding confers an advantage in acceptance of foods during weaning, especially if mothers regularly eat those foods. Repeated opportunities to taste fruits and vegetables enhance acceptance and intake, even for formula-fed infants.
A comprehensive review of evidence shows that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines can protect HIV-infected infants against pneumococcal disease. The vaccine can significantly improve the lives of HIV-infected children by reducing mortality rates.
Babies as young as six months old showed a preference for individuals who help others, while hindering was met with disdain. This early ability to evaluate people suggests that assessing interactions is central to processing the social world.
A new study published in the Journal of Pediatrics reveals that babies born just a few weeks premature are at increased risk of death during their first week of life. The study found that late preterm infants face a six-fold higher mortality rate compared to full-term infants.
Researchers found that caffeine reduced the rates of cerebral palsy and cognitive delay in preterm babies, with only 40% experiencing unfavorable outcomes by age two. The study involved over 2000 premature infants and showed significant long-term benefits of caffeine therapy.
A study found that the brains of term infants with congenital heart disease are more similar to those of premature newborns than normal term infants, indicating impaired brain development before birth. The research suggests abnormal fetal circulation and lower oxygen levels may contribute to these impairments.
Researchers found that ABO-incompatible infant heart transplantation is as safe as transplantation with compatible blood group types. The study suggests that this procedure could significantly reduce the number of infants who die while waiting for a donor heart, with mortality rates potentially decreasing by up to 20%.
The Lancet seminar highlights the need for a collaborative approach to prevent SIDS, emphasizing the importance of campaigns like placing infants on their backs during sleep. Other risk factors include maternal smoking, soft bedding, and bed sharing, while room-sharing without bed-sharing has been shown to reduce SIDS risk.
Synagis, a monoclonal antibody, is the standard of care for preventing severe RSV infections in high-risk infants. The new analysis found that preventing RSV early in life makes economic sense by reducing potential costs of future complications and improving quality of life.
MedImmune will present three abstracts at the AAP National Conference & Exhibition, including cost-effectiveness data for palivizumab prophylaxis among preterm infants. The company's surveillance program aims to track RSV activity nationwide and inform improved prevention guidelines.
Researchers have found an unusual cold spot in the cosmic microwave background that could be caused by a cosmic defect created just after the Big Bang. The discovery provides a potential window into understanding the fundamental nature of elementary particles and forces.
Researchers identified a link between impaired interferon-gamma and substance P levels and severe bronchiolitis in infants. This innate immune predisposition increases susceptibility to respiratory viruses, leading to frequent chest problems in childhood.