Articles tagged with Infants
UT Southwestern researchers have developed two blood tests that can predict central nervous system infection in infants born to mothers with syphilis. These tests, which detect neonatal antibodies and DNA of the syphilis organism, were found to be effective in identifying all cases of CNS infection in a study of 148 infants.
Researchers found that 6-month-old hearing infants consistently preferred American Sign Language to pantomime. The infants spent more time looking at ASL than pantomime, even when given the freedom to look elsewhere. This study expands on previous findings of infants' sensitivity to spoken language and may indicate a universal preferen...
Researchers analyzed care in US, Australia, Canada, and UK to find similar survival rates for low-birth-weight babies. The US spent more on neonatal intensive care but less on reproductive and prenatal care.
A meta-analysis of zinc supplementation found that both height and weight increased positively in response to zinc supplements. Infants and children who were initially stunted or underweight realized the greatest benefit from zinc supplements. Zinc supplements also significantly increased serum zinc concentrations.
The study found that enriched egg yolks increased red cell membrane DHA levels by 30-40% in both breast-fed and formula-fed infants. Additionally, plasma iron levels were improved in all groups, with no negative impact on cholesterol concentrations.
Dr. Johnston's research focuses on reducing infant pain in preterm babies, finding skin-to-skin contact and sugar administration can be effective soothing methods. She also coaches pediatric nurses and promotes a pain awareness campaign to improve treatment options for infants and their families.
A recent study suggests that infants 'tune in' to familiar face groups and perform better at recognizing faces of humans than other species. The researchers propose that this specialization occurs only with experience in viewing faces and may signal a general change in neural networks involved in early cognition.
Research suggests that baby brains are more efficient at recognizing faces than adults, particularly monkey faces. By six months old, infants can distinguish between individual humans and monkeys, but this ability declines with age.
Researchers studied over 1000 pregnant women from diverse countries and found no significant link between optimal timing of conception and lower birth defect rates. The findings are reassuring for natural family planning users and those with infrequent or sporadic sexual activity.
Research reveals a significant drop in episiotomy rates from 56% to 31% between 1979 and 1997. However, the procedure remains overused, particularly among private practitioners, increasing the risk of rectal dysfunction and fecal incontinence for young mothers.
A recent study published in Pediatrics found that babies with a history of colic are more likely to experience symptoms after drinking apple juice, while white grape juice has no significant impact. The research suggests that parents should choose white grape juice as the best option for their baby if they have had colic.
Research finds that infants with flow limitation in breathing may be more likely to develop asthma, while rhinovirus infection increases disease severity in acute bronchiolitis, and exercise can be safely done by women with sickle cell anemia
A Yale research team proposes that serotonin neurons play a crucial role in detecting carbon dioxide levels during sleep and triggering arousal. This response is absent in infants who die of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), potentially leading to fatal consequences. The study's findings shed new light on the underlying causes of SIDS.
Researchers found that 5-month-old infants can determine the number of collective entities, moving groups of items, when non-numerical factors are controlled. This suggests that infants can represent numbers and perform simple arithmetic operations, challenging existing theories about mathematical knowledge development.
Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a preventable condition characterized by decay of primary teeth, affecting underserved and poor communities. UCSF researchers found a significant association between ECC and low cariogenic bacterial levels, lack of dental insurance, and family income.
A study of 101 newborns found that 40% tested positive for drugs, with cocaine and heroin being the most common. The researchers argue for more funding on rapid-screening technology and better educational outreach to prevent drug exposure during pregnancy.
A study published by Case Western Reserve University found that prenatal cocaine exposure affects child cognitive development, but not motor development. Tobacco exposure had negative effects on motor development in infants. The study controlled for various factors and used standardized assessments to determine developmental outcomes.
A study suggests that a high intake of DHA may reduce the risk of postpartum depression. Babies who receive sufficient levels of DHA also benefit from improved neurological development. The American Chemical Society research aims to raise awareness about the importance of nutrition for mothers and their babies.
Under-sized infants who were exclusively breastfed for the first six months scored higher on IQ tests at five years of age compared to those with formula or solids introduced early. The study's findings also support the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding on cognitive development, without compromising growth.
Pre-term infants who received cycled light from birth and at 32 weeks postconceptual age grew more rapidly than those who received it later. The study suggests that a circadian environment is important for pre-term infants, and light can promote growth and healthy sleep patterns.
A new study shows that 14-month-olds can imitate a novel means action modelled to them, but only if it's considered the most rational alternative. This indicates that imitation of goal-directed action is a selective interpretative process. In contrast, infants perform the 'hand-action' automatically, suggesting an emulation-like process.
A study of Peruvian children found that chronic malnutrition in infancy is associated with poor cognitive function in late childhood. Children who were stunted or had Giardia infections performed lower on the Wechsler intelligence scale, highlighting the importance of addressing nutritional deficiencies and parasitic infections early on.
Researchers found rapid weight gain during the first four months of life significantly associated with an increased risk of being overweight at age seven. The study also found that even a modest increase in weight gain of 100 extra grams per month resulted in a 25% higher risk of being overweight.
A Canadian study analyzed 19,265 infant deaths in 17 NICUs between 1996 and 1997, finding that common causes of death were birth at a different hospital, congenital anomalies, infection, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The risk-adjusted mortality rates varied significantly among hospitals.
A study of premature infants born in the late 1970s has found that they continue to face educational challenges into adulthood. The research, which followed 242 infants until age 20, found that fewer premature adults had graduated from high school and had lower I.Q. scores compared to their full-term peers.
A recent study found that having two copies of a less-common version of the klotho gene is linked to a shorter lifespan in infants, while one copy may be associated with a longer life in older adults. The researchers also discovered that the variant is relatively common across different ethnic populations.
Researchers investigated gas exchange between infants and their environment while sleeping facedown on soft bedding. They found that hypoxemia, not hypercarbia, is the more important factor contributing to SIDS deaths, suggesting a new approach to prevention.
A comprehensive UK study highlights the risk factor of high staff workload on infant mortality in intensive care units. After adjusting for initial clinical risk and illness severity, patient volume and staffing provision did not influence mortality or cerebral-damage outcomes.
A recent study found that pregnant women who smoke are more likely to have a premature or low birthweight baby if two specific genes related to chemical modification of cigarette smoke are inactive. The research, funded by the March of Dimes, identified these genetic variations as risk factors for low birthweight and prematurity.
A recent study found that infants can generate protective immune responses to multiple vaccines simultaneously, using only a small percentage of their immune system. Current research also shows that vaccine formulations have been refined to contain fewer antigens, reducing the risk of overwhelming the infant's immune system.
Research finds a genetic basis for behavior in infancy, linking attachment disorganization to dopamine D4 receptor gene polymorphisms. The study identifies specific variants that enhance the risk of disorganized attachment, supporting the role of DRD4 as a genetic susceptibility factor.
A study found that mothers who perceive their small babies as difficult are less involved and responsive, leading to lower developmental test scores. However, infants born small for gestational age show a stronger link between early temperament and parental behavior, emphasizing the importance of sensitive interaction.
Government-mandated folic acid fortification has improved red blood cell folate levels by more than expected, benefiting women of childbearing age and other populations. This increase is also linked to reduced homocysteine levels, a risk factor for vascular disease, heart attacks, strokes, and certain cancers.
A study of 19,000 children born between 1959 and 1965 found that even a modest increase in weight gain during infancy can significantly raise the risk of being overweight at age 7. Babies who gained 100 extra grams per month during the first four months of life were more than 25% likely to be obese by age 7.
Researchers have discovered a key link between cardiac gene mutations and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), potentially leading to earlier identification of at-risk infants. The study found two cases with SCN5A gene mutations, paving the way for further research into other causes of SIDS.
A study found that a new immunization regimen requiring up to four injections at one visit does not decrease vaccination rates despite increasing the risk of adverse reactions. The authors credit parental acceptance and safer vaccine versions for the sustained coverage levels.
A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that prenatal and postnatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls is associated with lower mental and motor development scores in infants. Conversely, a stimulating home environment can counteract this adverse effect.
Researchers investigating cumulative effect of maternal cocaine use on infants' mental development, examining interactions with environment, family violence, and substance co-use. The study aims to understand how children develop self-regulation and control impulses.
A recent study found that Rotashield may trigger intussusception events in susceptible infants, but these risks are compensated for by a lower risk of intussusception later in infancy. The study analyzed hospital admissions of infants with intussusception in ten US states during the period when Rotashield was in use.
A recent study suggests that the rotavirus vaccine did not increase the risk of intussusception, a rare bowel blockage, in infants under 1 year old. The study found a 4-10% decline in hospitalizations for intussusception during the period when the vaccine was available.
Researchers found no significant differences in sexual development between children fed cow milk and soy formulas, despite concerns over phytoestrogens. The study, spanning nearly three decades, suggests long-term exposure to soy-based infant formula may not have a 'feminizing' effect on children.
A study found a 99.65% chance of survival for newborns with minimal environmental factors, while space flight reduced sleep-related disturbances by 55%. Undiagnosed airflow obstruction affects 12% of older US adults, with mild cases often leading to pronounced shortness of breath.
Advanced practice nurse home visits significantly lower infant mortality, preterm births, and rehospitalizations. The intervention also yields substantial savings to the healthcare system.
Infants begin learning from birth and can distinguish consonant and vowel sounds in any language by 12 months. The study suggests that early identification of children with language difficulties allows for intervention, enabling them to develop their maximum potential.
A recent study published in The Lancet found a link between DDT use in the US and an increase in premature births in the 1960s. Researchers analyzed stored blood serum from thousands of mothers, revealing elevated levels of DDT's breakdown product, DDE, in mothers of pre-term infants.
A US study found that women with a prior Caesarean delivery are at increased risk of uterine rupture during labor, especially if induced. The study analyzed data from over 20,000 births and found associations between induction methods and uterine rupture risk.
A new study published in Pediatrics found that allopurinol significantly reduced seizures and cardiac events in infants with high-risk heart defects undergoing heart surgery. The study, led by Dr. Robert R. Clancy, used deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and randomized infants to receive either allopurinol or a placebo.
A UK doctor suggests that preventing coronary disease begins with the fetus's growth and nutrition. The
Karen Wynn, a Yale psychologist, has been awarded the Troland Research Award for her groundbreaking research on infants' numerical competence. Her studies have revealed that infants can distinguish between different quantities and even compute simple additions and subtractions.
A new study by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found that early postnatal doses of dexamethasone may increase the risk of intestinal perforation in extremely low birth weight infants. The treatment was not shown to prevent chronic lung disease or improve survival rates.
The Early Treatment for Retinopathy of Prematurity (ETROP) study demonstrated that premature infants who receive early treatment have better vision outcomes compared to waiting until the traditional treatment threshold. The study also established a new risk assessment model to identify high-risk infants, reducing poor visual outcomes a...
A study found that a common newborn hearing test may give false positives in as many as 35% of cases, leading to unnecessary worry and costs for follow-up tests. In contrast, a more complex test gave normal-hearing babies a passing grade nearly all the time.
Eight-month-old babies demonstrate ability to bind attributes to form a whole object, as seen in the Kanizsa Square test. This skill, previously thought to develop later in childhood, reveals insights into early infant development and cognitive processing.
Research suggests a genetic link between dopamine D4 receptor gene polymorphism and attachment disorganization in infants, with extensive disorganized behavior observed in up to 80% of high-risk infants. The study's findings imply a genetic susceptibility to the collapse of organized attachment under stress.
A study by Drs. Rebecca Sue Broyles and Jon Tyson found that comprehensive care reduced life-threatening illnesses and intensive care days by 48% and 42%, respectively. Comprehensive care also saved an average of $6,265 per infant compared to routine care.
A comprehensive follow-up care program for high-risk infants resulted in significant reductions in life-threatening illnesses, intensive care admissions, and hospital stays. The study found that such a program can be effective in reducing overall costs while improving outcomes.
Researchers found that CPR training combined with social support significantly improved parental adjustment and reduced anxiety, compared to traditional instructor-led training. The study showed that parents who received CPR training felt more reassured and confident in caring for their high-risk newborns.
Research in the Archives of Disease in Childhood found that babies whose mothers smoked were twice as likely to experience colic. Breastfed infants were less prone to colic when their mothers smoked, highlighting a potential risk factor for smoking mothers.
The number of African-American babies diagnosed with rickets has increased by 4.4 times, while all babies have seen a three-fold increase due to low vitamin D levels in breast milk. The disease is caused by the body's inability to absorb calcium, leading to softening and weakening of bones.
Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill found that nutritional rickets is increasing in dark-skinned breastfed children due to lower vitamin D levels and reduced sunlight exposure. The condition can cause bowed legs, shorter stature, and even life-threatening complications if left untreated.