Articles tagged with Infants
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.
Preterm infants are at risk for subtle developmental delays in social, behavioral and cognitive aspects that can be detected only until school age. A new study found 61% of pre-term children experienced low achievement or special needs compared to 23% of full-term children.
Researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital found that inhaling nitric oxide gas can prevent the development of pulmonary vascular disease (PVD) in infant rats by reducing cell proliferation in lung arteries. The study suggests that this therapy may significantly improve the quality of life and save lives of infants at risk for PVD.
A randomized controlled study found a modest but significant reduction in asthma risk at 12 months in high-risk infants through a multifaceted intervention program. The program included avoidance of house dust mites, pet allergens, and tobacco smoke, as well as breastfeeding promotion and partially hydrolyzed formula supplementation.
Exclusive breast-feeding for four months may lead to a short-term lag in weight gain, but does not affect long-term growth patterns. Infants who were breast-fed exclusively for at least four months had improved growth status compared to those who were never breast-fed.
A University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study found that shorter hospital stays may actually increase the likelihood of breastfeeding. The research suggests that giving clinicians and mothers more decision-making power over discharge timing can support breastfeeding, even in cases where risk factors suggest otherwise.
A new international study found that parents of premature infants expressed strong interest in being involved in treatment and resuscitation decision-making. The majority felt that discussion on therapy was adequate, but suggested improvements could be made through better communication and simpler terminology.
A new study by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill researchers found that high-quality childcare improves intellectual and language skills in infants and toddlers, even in those from low-income families. The study followed 89 black children in 27 U.S. care centers between ages 6 months and four years.
A recent study found that physician recommendations and media messages significantly influenced caregivers' decisions to place infants on their backs for sleep. Between 1994 and 1998, the percentage of white infants sleeping on their backs increased from 27% to 58%, while black infant back sleep rates rose from 17% to 31%. The study su...
A multicenter clinical trial has found that premature infant formula containing docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA) improves visual development in preterm infants. The study involved 470 premature infants who received either DHA- and AA- fortified formula or standard premature infant formula.
A study of 99 mothers found that those who smoked during pregnancy had toddlers with higher levels of impulsivity, risk-taking, and rebelliousness. The researchers speculate that reducing maternal smoking could lead to a decrease in childhood negativity.
Researchers found that 10 out of 20 bioflavonoids tested caused breaks in the MLL gene, which is a key player in about 80% of infant leukemias. The study suggests that high dietary intake of bioflavonoids could cause DNA damage and potentially trigger leukemia.
A study funded by the NIH found that adding DHA and AA to infant formula boosted average intelligence scores in 18-month-old children. The study showed significant differences in mental development indexes between groups receiving different formula types, with the highest scores seen in those receiving formula with both DHA and AA.
A recent NIH-funded study found that overweight breastfeeding mothers can safely lose weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise without harming their infants. The study showed an average weight loss of 5 kilograms in the intervention group, while the control group experienced variable results.
A study of 9-month-old Cree infants found that one-third were anemic, with breast-fed babies facing higher risk. The authors recommend supplementing breast milk with iron after 6 months to prevent severe neurologic and developmental effects.
Researchers found that controlled amounts of supplemental oxygen do not worsen retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants. However, the study suggests that it may help prevent the disease's progression to severe stages, potentially reducing the need for invasive surgery and long-term side effects.
A study published by the NIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development found a modest link between infant and toddler care hours and maternal sensitivity. The quality of child care was also linked to maternal sensitivity, with better care associated with higher levels of maternal sensitivity.
Research found that babies who used newer-style walkers with large trays took longer to sit upright, crawl, and walk compared to those who didn't use walkers. These delays were attributed to the restricted visual feedback from seeing their moving legs.
Research suggests that maternal depression may alter frontal brain activity associated with positive emotions in infants. The study found that infants of depressed mothers exhibited less left frontal EEG activity compared to right frontal EEG activity, indicating a potential impact on emotional processing.
UT Southwestern researchers have identified a severe enzyme deficiency responsible for some Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) cases. The SCHAD enzyme deficiency affects an infant's ability to break down fatty acids, leading to a brain energy crisis and potentially fatal coma.
Newborn infants who experience painful and stressful treatments exhibit long-term effects on their pain perception and stress response. These effects can be permanent, altering the infant's physiological and behavioral reactions to pain.
Researchers found that CMV infection accelerates the progression of HIV in infants, leading to motor problems, stunted brain growth, pneumonia, and other symptoms of AIDS. The study sheds light on how viruses interact to cause disease and may lead to further understanding of why some individuals have a faster progression of HIV.
Researchers found that premature infants respond to pain and can differentiate between more and less painful procedures. They recommend universal pain management in newborns to mitigate the effects of early procedural pain. Premature babies, even those born very prematurely, become more responsive to pain with age.
Research found depressed mothers' flat-pitched speech hampers infant learning, leading to delays in acquiring language and cognitive milestones. Infants who heard low- or moderate-depression voices spent more time observing a checkerboard pattern.
The study found that infants were more likely to die from injuries if their mothers were young, unmarried, or had lower levels of education. Infants who died from an injury were also more likely to be male, have low birth weight, and premature birth.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that babies weighing below 5 pounds 13 ounces are more likely to face mortality or disability compared to those weighing less. The study included approximately 127,000 newborns and showed that pre-term infants' risk of adverse outcomes increased with decreased growth.
Researchers found that WIC participants had lower infant death rates related to pregnancy and delivery. Additionally, Medicaid participation reduced the risk of infant mortality due to external causes like infectious diseases and accidents. The study also highlighted disparities in access to healthcare among low-income families.
A new study found that women with birth defects are less likely to survive and have fewer children than those without them. However, their children face a higher risk of developing similar birth defects.