Research on the health and development of babies. Covers motor development, maternal-infant health, cochlear implants, and infant nutrition.
The rotavirus vaccine candidate demonstrated 85% protection against severe disease and 100% protection against more severe disease in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. The vaccine also showed lower incidence of serious adverse events compared to placebo, with no increased risk of intussusception observed.
A new oral vaccine, Rotateq, has been shown to virtually eliminate the most severe cases of rotavirus, a common childhood virus. The vaccine nearly eliminated serious rotavirus-related gastroenteritis and reduced hospital admissions by 96%.
Researchers analyzed data from over 5,000 premature births and found that black baby girls were twice as likely to survive compared to white baby boys. Baby girls also had a significant survival advantage when born weighing less than 1,000 grams.
A new Israeli study found that vaccinating all children against hepatitis A at 18 and 24 months reduced overall incidence of the disease for all ages by 95%. The study also showed a significant decrease in reported incidents among one- to four-year-olds, a demographic historically susceptible to infection.
Researchers found that newborn screening for SCID could be cost-effective due to the benefits of early diagnosis and the potential to save lives. A two-tiered strategy combining existing tests has been shown to improve accuracy without increasing costs, making it a promising approach for nationwide screening programs.
Researchers found a significant association between women who have experienced recurrent SIDS and complications in future pregnancies, including smaller gestational age infants and preterm deliveries. The study suggests a possible mechanism for recurrent SIDS that may be linked to previous infant death.
Research found that infant birth weight is inversely related to salty taste acceptance, suggesting a lasting influence on flavor and food preferences. The study's results could inform programs aimed at reducing salt intake, which is linked to high blood pressure.
A recent study found that infant mortality for black and white infants born at minority-serving hospitals is significantly higher than at non-minority hospitals. The study suggests that these hospitals may provide lower quality care to very low-birthweight infants.
A study published in Archives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery found that toddlers with sleep apnea are more likely to experience respiratory problems when sleeping on their backs. The research contradicts previous findings, suggesting that body position may play a role in the severity of OSAS in young children.
A study found a significant association between gingivitis and preterm birth, suggesting that periodontal disease is an independent risk factor for preterm birth. Periodontal therapy reduced preterm birth rates by 68% in pregnant women with pregnancy-associated gingivitis.
A study found that male SIDS infants had 120% higher testosterone levels than non-SIDS males, while females had 50% higher levels. The researchers suggest this may contribute to the risk of SIDS due to its effect on breathing during sleep.
A study found that early cognitive deficits in premature infants, such as poorer attention and recognition memory, fully account for lower cognitive scores at 2- and 3-years-old. The researchers also discovered a cascade of effects where speed influenced memory, which then impacted general cognitive ability.
A study of premature babies born at 26 weeks gestation found that certain aspects of brain development were compromised compared to full-term infants. The brains of premature babies showed delayed growth and changes after birth, indicating that early stimulation may hinder normal brain maturation.
Research at the University of Washington reveals that infants as young as 9 months old begin to follow gaze-following behavior, which is crucial for understanding emotions and learning language. By 18 months, babies who mastered this skill earlier understand nearly twice as many words.
Children whose mothers had placental malaria were more likely to get sick with the disease themselves. First-time mothers' infants showed a surprising lower risk of developing malaria, regardless of their mother's infection status. These findings suggest that both previous pregnancies and placental malaria impact infant susceptibility.
Two studies have clarified the risk factors for mother-to-child transmission of hepatitis C virus, revealing a higher rate of infection in infant girls. The studies found that time in labor, internal fetal monitoring devices, and maternal history of injection drug use were associated with transmission.
Research found that prenatal exposure to alcohol may cause visual problems in infants, with those born to mothers who binge drank during pregnancy at higher risk. Infants aged 30 and older whose mothers drank during pregnancy also showed poorer visual acuity, suggesting age-related physiological changes may play a role.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that cooling newborns to prevent death and injury from oxygen deprivation during birth may reduce infant disability and death. After 18-22 months, 44% of cooled infants developed moderate to severe disabilities or died, compared to 62% of those receiving standard care.
Researchers found that hypothermia significantly reduced brain injury and death from oxygen loss in newborns. The study, led by Seetha Shankaran, M.D., at Wayne State University, showed a 44% lower rate of moderate to severe disability or death in infants treated with cooling compared to those in the control group.
A new study at UCI Medical Center will investigate the impact of exercise on growth in premature babies, using bedside nurses to perform daily range of motion exercises for four weeks. The study aims to identify approaches that optimize weight gain and reduce length of stay in neonatal care.
The incidence of preterm birth and low birthweight infants are pressing obstetrical issues, according to Michael Paidas. He emphasized the need for risk assessment with fetal fibronectin and cervical length to prevent adverse pregnancy outcomes.
A study suggests a possible link between amoxicillin use in early infancy and an increased risk of dental fluorosis, a condition caused by excessive fluoride exposure. The research found that the duration of amoxicillin use was related to the severity of fluorosis on permanent teeth.
Despite exposure to environmental chemicals, breast-feeding remains a healthy option for infants. Research suggests few adverse effects have been documented, and none have been clinically or epidemiologically demonstrated.
The current treatment approaches for port-wine stains, facial hemangiomas, and vascular malformations are presented. Pulse-dye laser therapy is found to be an effective treatment for port-wine stains, while observation may suffice for stable lesions.
Researchers found that homeless mothers are 2.9 times more likely to have a pre-term delivery, while those with substance abuse are 6.9 times more likely to give birth to an infant weighing less than 2000 grams. This highlights the urgent need for healthcare support and interventions for these vulnerable populations.
Researchers found that mothers with dental caries who had C-section births passed a specific bacterium to their babies, leading to an earlier onset of cavities. The study suggests that family dentists should inform patients about the potential risk if they had a C-section delivery.
Researchers studying neonatal rat models aim to understand the role of norepinephrine in opiate withdrawal and explore its potential as a treatment. Clonidine, traditionally used for high blood pressure, may provide relief from symptoms in newborn infants.
A Yale University study will examine dietary calcium insufficiency in inner city infants, highlighting the alarming trends of decreased calcium intake over the past 30 years. The research aims to establish guidelines for calcium in infants below age three and predict a 10-20% prevalence of abnormal biomarkers.
Research suggests that babies are more flexible in perceiving musical rhythms than adults, which may be due to their developing brains being less biased by cultural norms. By 12 months old, however, infants' abilities to detect rhythmic patterns in foreign music decrease significantly.
A four-year study by University of Cincinnati researchers found that living near 'stop and go' traffic increases infant wheezing rates, with African American infants at highest risk. The study suggests that exposure to diesel exhaust particles from 'stop and go' traffic may play a role in developing allergic conditions.
The report found that children are more likely to live in poverty, have low birthweight, or commit a violent crime. However, the adolescent birth rate has reached a record low, and immunization rates have increased. Additionally, child mortality rates have declined, with fewer deaths among young children.
Recent study examines ELBW infants born in 1992-1995, revealing 64% with chronic conditions, including cerebral palsy, asthma, and low IQ. These children require specialized medical and educational services to manage their needs, highlighting the importance of proactive planning.
Despite progress, most US babies are not fully covered under newborn screening programs. Currently, 23 states screen for over 20 disorders, while others have limited or no testing.
Researchers found that cerebral palsy was more likely to occur in infants who had no symptoms early in life and sustained injury to deep structures of the brain. The study included over 199,000 children born between 1997 and 2002 and reported a higher rate of significant long-term neurologic impairment.
A study found that bedsharing and couchsharing are associated with increased risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), even in non-smoking parents. The safest sleep environment is a separate room for the first six months, with the infant placed on their back to sleep.
A new study found that inhaled nitric oxide significantly improved brain development in premature infants, with only 24% experiencing delayed mental development or disabilities compared to 46% of those who received standard treatment. The therapy has the potential to become standard for about 30,000 children a year.
A new study by Stanford/Packard researchers found that nitric oxide has varying effects on premature infants. Infants weighing over 1,000 grams benefited from the treatment, with a decreased likelihood of death or long-term lung damage. In contrast, those under 2 pounds experienced higher brain hemorrhage and mortality rates.
Researchers discovered that preemie brains can regrow neurons and glial cells in response to injury. The study suggests that the mammalian brain is more plastic than previously thought, allowing it to recover from serious brain injuries.
Research in macaque monkeys suggests that infant abuse is transmitted through early experience, rather than genetic inheritance. The study found that abused mothers were more likely to abuse their own offspring, but only if raised by non-abusive caregivers.
A well-designed NICU can conserve energy, improve environment management, and reduce respiratory support, lung disease, and length of stay. Modified environments can also reduce staff stress and improve patient and family experience.
A study conducted by George Hollich and colleagues found that moderate background noise can distract infants from learning language, emphasizing the need for visual cues. The research showed that when infants could see a speaker's face while hearing them speak, they focused longer on the spoken word.
Research suggests that drinking during pregnancy can increase the risk of infection in newborns, with excessive alcohol use increasing the risk by more than three times. Maternal smoking also increases the risk of infection, and concurrent abuse of both alcohol and smoking may have synergistic effects.
A recent study found that NICU infants are exposed to high levels of DEHP, a phthalate linked to reproductive issues and other health problems. The study showed a direct correlation between the use of DEHP-containing medical products and elevated MEHP levels in infants' urine.
A Swedish study found that mothers who did not room-in their babies at night rated closeness between mother and infant lower and were more worried about sleep and disturbing noises. The study suggests that negative staff attitudes towards night rooming-in may negatively impact breastfeeding rates.
Researchers at Duke University found that monkeys prefer to look at video images matching the number of sounds they heard, suggesting an innate ability to represent numbers across senses. This discovery resolves a longstanding debate on whether animals possess numerical abilities tied to specific senses.
A new combination vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis has been found to be effective in providing immunity against whooping cough, with minimal adverse reactions. The vaccine is composed of four protein fragments from the pertussis bacterium and is comparable to existing vaccines in terms of immune response and safety.
The study demonstrates that umbilical cord-blood transplant is a life-saving treatment for newborns with infantile Krabbe's disease. Most infants with the disease die before reaching age 2, but treated newborns showed continual improvement in developmental skills and had age-appropriate mental and language skills.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have developed a life-saving treatment for newborns with Krabbe Disease using umbilical cord blood stem cells. The study shows that 11 asymptomatic newborns and 14 symptomatic infants were successfully treated, with all asymptomatic babies surviving and 43% of symptomatic babies surviving.
A study found that infants of obese mothers consumed more energy as carbohydrates and had less interaction time with their parents, leading to increased sleeping time. This excess calorie intake may set the stage for childhood obesity, suggesting maternal influences play a crucial role in infant body composition.
Research reveals that genetic variants can impact the amount of DHA in breast milk, essential for brain and eye development. Women with certain genetic variants produced higher levels of DHA in their breast milk, which may have implications for infant nutrition and development.
Infants at medical risk, such as premature babies or those exposed to lead or drugs, exhibit distinct cry patterns that may indicate neurological problems. Cry analysis, supported by previous studies, can help identify undetected damage in high-risk infants.
A Stanford study found that early treatment of asymptomatic HIV-infected infants can delay disease progression and enhance survival. The research, which followed nearly 200 children over 17 years, showed that treatment made a significant difference in preventing or delaying the progression of the disease.
A nutritional education intervention improved growth and reduced stunting in young children, a form of chronic malnutrition. The study found that caregivers in intervention areas received more frequent nutrition advice and fed their children nutrient-dense foods, leading to significant improvements in child health.
Researchers have identified behaviors in infants as young as six months that can predict autism. The Autism Observation Scale for Infants (AOSI) maps the development of infants against 16 risk markers for autism, including passivity and social interaction difficulties.
The study found that mixed breast feeding quadrupled HIV transmission, while predominant breastfeeding increased it by 2.6 times compared to exclusive breastfeeding. Early introduction of non-human milks and solid foods increases the risk of HIV infection for babies of HIV-positive women.
A four-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms RSV as a substantial burden of disease in adults, similar to influenza A. The study calls for the development of an RSV vaccine for elderly and high-risk adults.
A new study published in JAMA found that low-birthweight infants have elevated levels of apolipoprotein C-1, a biomarker associated with an increased risk of heart disease. Infants born at 28 weeks or earlier and weighing less than 3.4 pounds were more likely to have high apo C-1 levels.
A recent study published in Circulation found that rapid weight gain during the first week of life is significantly associated with being overweight two to three decades later. The research, led by Dr. Nicolas Stettler, suggests that this critical period may be crucial in programming lifelong physiology.
Researchers investigated neural activity associated with infant sleep states in rats using techniques such as neural recording and microlesioning. The study found striking parallels between the active sleep of week-old rats and conventional definitions of adult sleep, indicating a developmental continuity between infancy and adulthood.
A study published in Science found that infants as young as 15 months can reason about what others believe, challenging the long-held view of when children develop this cognitive skill. The research involved a non-verbal experiment where babies looked longer when they expected an actor to search for a toy in a different box.