Articles tagged with Infants
A long-term study of Costa Rican children found that iron deficiency in infancy was linked to lower cognitive test scores at age 19. The gap in cognitive scores between iron-deficient and non-iron deficient teens widened to 25 points by age 19, with a wider disparity in lower socioeconomic levels.
Researchers identified a previously unknown cause of severe kidney disease in children: recessive mutations in the PLCE1 gene. Early diagnosis and treatment may reverse some cases of nephrotic syndrome in infants. The study provides promising results, suggesting that some infants with PLCE1 mutations can respond to steroid treatment.
A new study published in Pediatrics shows that an educational-behavioral program called Creating Opportunities for Parent Empowerment (COPE) can improve the mental health of parents and decrease the length of stay in the NICU by four to eight days for premature infants. The potential healthcare savings could total $2.4 billion if imple...
A single dose of sildenafil prevented rebound pulmonary hypertension and reduced mechanical ventilation time in ICU infants undergoing nitric oxide withdrawal. The study found significant benefits for the sildenafil group, with a total ICU stay of 47.8 hours compared to 189 hours for placebo recipients.
Researchers found abnormalities in nerve cells that make and use serotonin in the brainstem of babies who died from SIDS, linking the condition to defects in the brainstem serotonin system. The study provides strong evidence for a biological basis of SIDS and potential diagnostic tests and treatments.
Researchers found extensive medullary serotonin pathway abnormalities in SIDS cases, involving multiple elements of serotonin function. These abnormalities may compromise protective reflexes, increasing the risk of SIDS, particularly in prone or face-down positions.
Researchers found that SIDS infants had more neurons manufacturing and using serotonin than control infants, but fewer serotonin receptors, suggesting an abnormal level of serotonin. This study provides the strongest evidence to date for a specific brain area controlling breathing and heart rate abnormalities in SIDS.
A recent discovery in Syria has uncovered an ancient mortuary complex containing human and animal remains, gold, and silver treasures. The site, dated to the third millennium B.C., suggests a royal cemetery with signs of ritual sacrifice, including infant and animal remains.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that preterm birth caused over one-third of infant deaths in the first year of life. The study used a new method to classify causes of infant death and found that premature birth was the leading cause, followed by birth defects.
Behavioral therapies produce reliable changes in bedtime problems and night wakings in infants and children, with 82% of children benefiting from treatment. For women with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), early diagnosis and treatment can reduce healthcare costs and improve sleep quality.
A nearly intact 3.3 million year-old juvenile Australopithecus afarensis skeleton has been discovered, providing insights into the growth and development cycle of the species. The skeleton's unique blend of ape-like features and adaptations for bipedal locomotion will help researchers better understand human evolution.
Preeclampsia's impact on fetal death has decreased over the last 35 years, largely due to reduced stillbirths and better clinical management. Modern medical management has effectively prevented fetal deaths without increasing infant or maternal risk.
Newborns exposed to methamphetamine in utero are 3.5 times more likely to be born underweight compared to those not exposed, with a risk of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome later in life.
Rhesus monkeys display neonatal imitation, reproducing human tongue protrusion and lip smacking after watching experimenters perform similar gestures. The study suggests that imitation may have evolved earlier in the primate tree than previously thought.
Researchers found that infant and neonatal mortality rates are higher among babies delivered by cesarean section than vaginal deliveries, even in low-risk women. The study analyzed over 5.7 million live births and nearly 12,000 infant deaths, revealing a significant increase in cesarean deliveries without medical indication.
Preterm infants with smaller occipital brain volumes are more likely to experience impaired visual function in early childhood. Thirty-five percent of the study infants had abnormal oculomotor control, including impaired saccades and binocular eye alignment, at two years of age.
Researchers have identified three genetic variants associated with an increased risk of cot death, also known as SIDS. The study found that babies born with these specific variants are up to 14 times more likely to die from the condition.
A new study suggests that constant lighting in NICUs can disrupt the development of premature babies' biological clocks. Researchers found that newborn mice exposed to constant light were unable to maintain coherent rhythms and had difficulty establishing a regular activity cycle.
Researchers used MRI scans to identify white matter and gray matter abnormalities in pre-term infants' brains, predicting risk of cognitive delays, cerebral palsy, and other neurodevelopmental challenges. The study found that nearly half of children born prematurely suffer some form of developmental delay.
A new, detailed view of a star-forming association in the Large Magellanic Cloud provides a rich sample of newly formed low-mass stars, allowing for accurate age and mass calculations. The image reveals small compact clusters hosting hundreds of infant low-mass stars, as well as distant galaxies decorating the background.
A new study found that frequent naps in infants improve their ability to learn abstract concepts and generalize knowledge to new phrases. The research, published in Psychological Science, suggests that sleep plays a crucial role in cognitive development.
A new screening program using digital cameras and the Internet effectively identifies early childhood dental caries (ECC) in 40% of toddlers. The program, developed by University of Rochester Medical Center researchers, uses photos taken by child care center health assistants to detect ECC before it becomes a painful problem.
Researchers have confirmed that infants can detect arithmetic errors, challenging the idea that executive attention systems develop later in childhood. The study used brain-monitoring technology to analyze infant responses to math problems, finding that they looked longer at screens with incorrect solutions.
A mother's attentiveness to her baby's distress is more important than positive feedback for secure attachment. Researcher Nancy McElwain found that sensitivity during times of distress, not nondistress, predicts attachment security at 15 months.
The study found that inhaled nitric oxide reduced the risk of chronic lung disease in premature infants by 7.1 percentage points at 36 weeks. Lung disease was also less severe in treated infants, with shorter hospitalizations and less need for mechanical ventilation or oxygen therapy.
Inhaled nitric oxide significantly reduces chronic lung disease and brain injury risk in very low birthweight premature infants. The therapy, given within the first few weeks of life or within 48 hours after birth, appears to protect against long-term breathing problems and brain damage.
Research finds that reducing child-to-caregiver ratios from five to three improves emotional support, structure, and instruction in childcare settings. This leads to better behavior and well-being in children, particularly infants.
Researchers at UIC University found a link between maternal smoking during pregnancy and behavior problems in toddlers. The study, published in Child Development, found that prenatally exposed children were nearly 12 times more likely to show clinical levels of behavior problems.
A study published in Neurology reports four cases of MECP2 gene mutations in infant males with progressive encephalopathy, challenging the assumption that these mutations are always lethal before birth. The researchers encourage neonatologists and pediatricians to consider MECP2 as a possible cause of severe neurological abnormalities.
A recent study found that toddlers exposed to cigarette smoke in utero show higher levels of behavior problems from 12 through 24 months. The research indicates an association between prenatal exposure and specific types of disruptive behavior, particularly social aspects such as aggression and refusal to follow directions.
A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that routine ECG screening for newborns can identify life-threatening genetic conditions like long QT syndrome, which can be prevented with medication. The cost-effectiveness analysis suggests that this program could save up to 27 lives per year in Italy.
Researchers tracked brain activity in newborns, 6-month-olds, and one-year-olds using magnetic field technology. The study found that the areas responsible for listening and speaking in the brain are linked by age, indicating that infants form connections between perception and production of speech through experience.
A study found that diphenhydramine hydrochloride did not improve infant sleep or parents' happiness with their children's sleep. Parents who took the medication experienced no significant difference in nighttime awakenings or parental satisfaction with their child's sleep.
A new study shows that a single dose of an anti-malarial drug can significantly lower the risk of malaria in infants. Infants given this treatment had a one-fifth reduction in hospital admissions compared to those receiving a placebo.
A new study used 'diffusion tensor' MRI to track brain development in infants with and without perinatal hypoxic ischemia. The results showed distinct fiber patterns in the brains of affected infants, which often persisted into later childhood and correlated with motor problems.
Safe sleep practices, such as placing infants on their backs to sleep, can significantly reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The study emphasizes the importance of ensuring a safe sleep environment, including avoiding soft bedding and overheating.
A study published in The Lancet found that delaying umbilical cord clamping for two minutes at birth significantly increases a child's iron status, particularly among those with low birth weights or iron-deficient mothers. This efficient and low-cost method can help prevent iron deficiency before 6 months of age.
Astronomers using gravitational lensing to study distant galaxies behind massive clusters, which act as giant cosmic telescopes. The ACS team has found three candidate galaxies that could provide the clearest view yet of the youngest galaxies ever seen.
Researchers found that developmental red flags, such as poor eye contact and language delay, can be identified at 14 months and worsen by 24 months. Early intervention could improve outcomes for children with autism.
Two surgical interventions, primary peritoneal drainage and laparotomy, were compared in a clinical trial involving 117 preterm infants with perforated NEC. The study found that the type of operation performed did not influence survival or other clinically important outcomes.
The study found that Aboriginal infants had more preventable deaths and higher disparities in death rates compared to non-Aboriginal peers. The researchers emphasize the need for effective maternal and infant services to address these disparities and promote long-term Aboriginal health and well-being.
A multicenter randomized controlled trial involving 117 premature infants found that laparotomy and bowel resection and peritoneal drainage surgical approaches have essentially the same major outcomes in terms of patient survival. The study ends three decades of speculation and debate over which approach is more effective.
Researchers identified two genes, CAV3 and RyR2, linked to SIDS. The study found molecular and functional evidence in these genes suggesting a possible explanation for the condition. The findings point to the heart as a critical area of investigation for SIDS.
Toddlers learn more effectively from interactive videos that engage in conversation and use social cues, rather than passive videos. The study found that non-interactive videos were dismissed by toddlers due to the lack of perceived interaction.
Researchers propose criteria for standardizing newborn hearing screening, including molecular genetic testing to identify common causes of birth-Expressed deafness. Prompt confirmation of abnormal results can dramatically improve educational outcomes for deaf infants.
Researchers found that toddlers prefer learning from videos with two-way interaction and social cues, such as eye contact. The study suggests using interactive video in educational television for young children, providing a more engaging and effective learning experience.
Researchers argue for alternative approach to vaccine distribution, considering individual's degree of life investment and life expectancy. Healthy people from early adolescence to middle age are prioritized for vaccination, aiming to maximize years of life.
A year-long treatment improved neurologic outcomes for infants and children with toxoplasmosis. Seventy-two percent of those with moderate or severe disease had normal long-term cognitive outcomes. Comprehensive screening for pregnant women and newborns is recommended to prevent this acute parasitic infection.
Researchers studied 140 infants with mild bilirubin levels and found no significant differences in IQ, behavior, or neurological diagnoses compared to control group. The study suggests proper treatment can prevent long-term neurological issues, providing reassurance for parents.
A new study found a strong connection between colic and postpartum depression in demographically diverse women. 19% of mothers reported moderate to severe symptoms of postpartum depression, while 8% reported their babies were difficult to console.
Researchers found that infants can group visual stimuli by brightness, shape, and proximity at four months, challenging previous assumptions about individual differences in attention. This discovery has implications for understanding cognitive development and potential interventions for developmental disorders.
Infants born to mothers with extremely short or long intervals between pregnancies face increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age. Short intervals (less than 6 months) result in a 40% increase in preterm birth risk, while long intervals (more than 59 months) lead to a 20-43% higher risk.
A new analysis reveals that combination vaccines significantly increased on-time immunization rates in infants. The study found that the combination group had a 42.7% on-time rate for the HEDIS Combo 2 series, compared to 34.9% in the component group.
Improved breastfeeding rates over the past 25 years have led to high infant iron levels; human milk provides essential nutrients. Complementary foods in older infants' diets require improvement to meet nutritional needs.
Since the introduction of PREVNAR, antibiotic-resistant invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) has decreased by 87% among all ages, 98% among children under two, and 79% among adults over 65. The vaccine has also reduced IPD caused by penicillin-resistant strains targeted by the vaccine.
A study published in Liver Transplantation found that pediatric liver transplant patients waited significantly longer than in the past, with an average waiting time of over 10 years. The number of pediatric patients on the waitlist increased only slightly, while the mortality rate remained high, particularly among young children.
A study of over 6 million births found Asian-Indian women were more than twice as likely to have low birth weight infants as white women. U.S.-born Mexican-American women also faced health challenges, despite higher completion rates and earlier prenatal care.
Researchers found that 10-month-old infants can learn two new words in a single session, pairing words with the object they find most interesting. This discovery suggests that babies are actively listening and learning language from birth, highlighting the importance of talking about their interests to aid language development.
Researchers found that 10-month-olds attach more importance to the object's interest than a speaker's attention. Parents can use this insight to start conversations with their infants, increasing language learning speed.
Scientists have new evidence for the 'inflation' scenario that describes the universe's sudden growth from submicroscopic to astronomical size in its first trillionth of a second. The WMAP satellite data show a faint polarization signal, which was weaker than expected, but still supports the inflation prediction.