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Objective This study aimed to evaluate the "off-hour effect" on maternal and neonatal adverse events in a large cohort representing U.S. population. Study Design A secondary analysis of the Consortium on Safe Labor (CSL) dataset with 208,695 women and 229,385 deliveries was performed. The study included the deliveries of ≥23 gestational weeks from 19 hospitals in the United States from 2002 to 2008. Babies with congenital anomalies were excluded from neonatal outcomes. We compared maternal and neonatal outcomes of patients delivered during weekdays versus off hours (nights and weekends). The primary outcomes of the study were composite maternal and composite neonatal adverse events. The secondary outcomes were delivery type and individual maternal and neonatal adverse events including maternal death and perinatal mortality rate. Associations between off hours and all the outcomes were analyzed in bivariable and multivariable analyses. The same analyses were performed in strata by indication for admission (spontaneous labor or induction of labor). Results Composite maternal adverse events (6.19 vs. 6.06%, p = 0.41) and maternal death (0.01 vs. 0.01%, p = 0.19) were not significantly different between off hours and weekday groups. In contrast, composite neonatal adverse events (6.91 vs. 5.84%, p < 0.001) and perinatal mortality rate (1.03 vs. 0.77%, p < 0.001) were higher in the off-hour group. After adjusting for confounding variables, only the composite neonatal outcome continued to be associated with off hours (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–1.16). Stratified analyses showed that the off-hour effect for the neonatal composite outcome was not present in those presenting in spontaneous labor (6.1 vs. 5.9%, p = 0.40). Conclusion Off-hour delivery was not associated with severe maternal morbidity and was only modestly associated with severe neonatal morbidity. This association was observed in women undergoing induction, not in those presenting in spontaneous labor. These data draw into question the existence of a clinically meaningful and correctable "off-hour effect" in obstetrics. Key Points The presence of a significant off-hour effect in obstetrics is still questionable. If the off-hour effect exists, it seems that not to be related with staffing issues. There is not a big difference for adverse events at off hours in spontaneously laboring patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to characterize medication-related practices during and immediately following rapid sequence intubation (RSI) in pediatric care units across the United States and to evaluate adverse drug events. METHODS: This was a multicenter, observational study of medication practices surrounding intubation in pediatric and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and emergency department patients across the United States. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients from 13 geographically diverse institutions were included. Overall, 24%, 69%, and 50% received preinduction, induction, and neuromuscular blockade, respectively. Induction and neuromuscular blocking agent (NMBA) use was low in NICU patients (52% and 23%, respectively), whereas nearly all patients intubated outside of the NICU received both (98% and 95%, respectively). NICU patients who received RSI medications were older and weighed more. Despite infrequent use of atropine (21%), only 3 patients developed bradycardia after RSI. Of the 119 patients who received an induction agent, fentanyl (67%) and midazolam (34%) were administered most frequently. Hypotension and hypertension occurred in 23% and 24% of patients, respectively, but were not associated with a single induction agent. Etomidate use was low and not associated with development of adrenal insufficiency. Rocuronium was the most used NMBA (78%). Succinylcholine use was low (11%) and administered despite hyperkalemia in 2 patients. Postintubation sedation and analgesia were not used or inadequate based on timing of initiation in many patients who received a non-depolarizing NMBA. CONCLUSIONS: Medication practices surrounding pediatric RSI vary across the United States and may be influenced by patient location, age, and weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To update and establish content validity for the Checklist of NICU Caregiver Behaviors., Design: Structured literature review and Delphi analysis., Setting/local Problem: Neonates born prematurely or who are sick in the NICU are frequently exposed to harmful stimuli that can affect brain development and result in adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. In response to this risk, NICU caregiving now encompasses protecting and promoting neurodevelopment to affect long-term outcomes for neonates and their families. Developmentally supportive care (DSC) includes internationally recognized best practices for the care of neonates in the NICU. Implementation and operationalization of DSC is a priority for neonatology. Although evidence-supported guidelines exist for effective DSC strategies in the NICU, no validated tool exists to support implementation at the point of care., Participants: Nine expert reviewers from the United States and India including four occupational therapists, one nurse practitioner, one clinical nurse specialist, and three neonatal medicine specialists., Intervention/measurements: The Checklist of NICU Caregiver Behaviors had been updated based on a structured review of the evidence. The updated checklist was then shared with a group of professionals with DSC expertise who provided further recommendations using a modified Delphi survey process., Results: The project yielded the current NICU Caregiver Behavior Checklist. Expert reviewers provided 53 actionable recommendations in Round 1 and 18 actionable recommendations in Round 2 to support clarity and use of the tool. In response, the NICU Caregiver Behavior Checklist was reformatted as a collection of five checklists, each representing a core measure of DSC; the introduction section was expanded; language was broadened; and clarifications were provided to promote observations of target behaviors and allow for more site-specific recommendations and assessments., Conclusion: This evidence-based tool can be used as part of DSC education, as a self-assessment tool, and as a measure of NICU caregivers' use and quality of DSC., (Copyright © 2025 AWHONN. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Anaerobe-targeted antibiotic (ATA) therapy may adversely impact the developing neonatal microbiome. We describe utilization patterns, potential indications, and related outcomes of ATA therapy in neonatal intensive care units across the United States over 13 years. While overall antibiotic use decreased, ATA use was unchanged. Potentially associated indications were inconsistent., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: One major challenge to the conduct of rigorous neonatal palliative care research is the lack of robust universally agreed upon definitions of key concepts central to pediatric and neonatal palliative care. Objective: We sought to define neonatal serious illness as a foundational concept for neonatal palliative care. Design: Survey study. Setting/Subjects: Practitioners in the United States with expertise in neonatal serious illness. Measurements: Participants ranked 15 components according to how important each would be to include in a conceptual definition of neonatal serious illness. Based on rankings and free text responses, a working definition was created and a follow-up survey was circulated. Participants then ranked the extent to which the proposed definition comprehensively defines neonatal serious illness. The definition was further refined based on responses to the second survey. Results: Eighty experts responded to our first survey. Definition components ranked as most important included "high risk of short term mortality" and "results in shortened lifespan." Analysis of free text responses revealed additional components viewed as important. We developed the following conceptual definition: "Neonatal serious illness 1) carries a high risk of short term mortality OR lifelong medical complexity with probable shortened lifespan, 2) may involve substantial prognostic uncertainty (especially in regard to neurodevelopment) that complicates medical decision-making, and 3) significantly impacts the patient and family's life now or in the future with strain related to treatments and care." Conclusion: We believe our definition of neonatal serious illness will facilitate future study essential to the advancement of care for this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: At our pediatric institution, lactation consultants completed a quality improvement project exploring ways to support the highest-risk parents in the neonatal intensive care unit: Mothers of outborn infants, who are particularly at risk of lactation problems. Method: We created a structured visitation schedule for these families and tested it over 3 months to see if this schedule increased the milk supply of these mothers. Results: The new schedule was not effective in improving the milk supply. Visits in the first two weeks did not affect the milk supply, but results suggest that later visits showed a trend toward increased supply. External factors may have confounded our results. Conclusion: The lactation team was reassured that the care model in use at baseline supported the parents and their milk supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare providers require data on associations between perinatal cannabis use and birth outcomes. Methods: This observational secondary analysis come from the largest perinatal data registry in the United States related to the midwifery-led birth center model care (American Association of Birth Centers Perinatal Data Registry; N = 19 286). Births are planned across all birth settings (home, birth center, hospital); care is provided by midwives and physicians. Results: Population data show that both early and persistent self-reports of cannabis use were associated with higher rates of preterm birth, low-birth-weight, lower 1-minute Apgar score, gestational weight gain, and postpartum hemorrhage. Once controlled for medical and social risk factors using logistic regression, differences for childbearing people disappeared except that the persistent use group was less likely to experience "no intrapartum complications" (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.32-0.76; P <.01), more likely to experience an indeterminate fetal heart rate in labor (aOR = 3.218; 95% CI, 2.23-4.65; P <.05), chorioamnionitis (aOR = 2.8; 95% CI, 1.58-5.0; P <.01), low-birth-weight (aOR = 1.8; 95% CI, 1.08-3.05; P <.01), and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (aOR = 2.4; 95% CI, 1.30-4.69; P <.05). Conclusions: Well-controlled data demonstrate that self-reports of persistent cannabis use through the third trimester are associated with an increased risk of low-birth-weight and NICU admission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Infant Mortality Research Partnership in Ohio is working to help pregnant individuals and families on Medicaid who are at risk for infant mortality and preterm birth. As part of this initiative, researchers at The Ohio State University worked to develop a patient-facing mobile app, OHiFamily, targeted toward, and created for, this population. To address the social determinants of health that can affect maternal and infant health, the app provides curated information on community resources, health care services, and educational materials in a format that is easily accessible and intended to facilitate contact between families and resources. The OHiFamily app includes 3 distinct features, that is, infant care logging (eg, feeding and diaper changes), curated educational resources, and a link to the curated Ohio resource database (CORD). This paper describes the development and assessment of the OHiFamily app as well as CORD., Objective: This study aimed to describe the development of the OHiFamily mobile app and CORD and the qualitative feedback received by the app's intended audience., Methods: The researchers performed a landscape analysis and held focus groups to determine the resources and app features of interest to Ohio families on Medicaid., Results: Participants from several focus groups were interested in an app that could offer community resources with contact information, information about medical providers and information and ways to contact them, health tips, and information about pregnancy and infant development. Feedback was provided by 9 participants through 3 focus group sessions. Using this feedback, the team created a curated resource database and mobile app to help users locate and access resources, as well as access education materials and infant tracking features., Conclusions: OHiFamily offers a unique combination of features and access to local resources for families on Medicaid in Ohio not seen in other smartphone apps., (©Natalie Perme, Endia Reid, Macdonald Chinwenwa Eluagu, John Thompson, Courtney Hebert, Steven Gabbe, Christine Marie Swoboda. Originally published in JMIR Formative Research (https://formative.jmir.org), 08.11.2024.)

Background: The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched in 1991 by the World Health Organization and United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund to promote and support breastfeeding within hospitals. Prior studies have assessed the associations between BFHI and breastfeeding, but there is limited evidence examining the policies and practices in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) that, in turn, may influence breastfeeding. Objective: The goal of this analysis was to assess whether BFHI status was associated with breastfeeding policies and practices in NICUs in a sample of U.S.-based hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was sent to hospital administrators at 1,285 facilities (817 BFHI and 468 non-BFHI) throughout all regions of the United States and assessed whether hospitals were implementing breastfeeding support policies and practices in NICUs. Pearson's chi-squared and Fisher's exact tests were performed to assess associations between BFHI status and reported 6 breastfeeding policies and 11 breastfeeding practices. Results: Among all 259 respondents (BFHI: 68/102 [67%], non-BFHI: 73/157 [47%]), Baby-Friendly ® status was significantly associated with having specific breastfeeding practices in the NICU (67% versus 47%, p = 0.001). More BFHI compared with non-BFHI hospitals reported assessing milk supply of mothers (90% versus 75%, p = 0.026) and communicating the medical benefits of breastfeeding (91% versus 75%, p = 0.012) to new parents. There were, however, no differences by BFHI status in the other breastfeeding policies and practices.

Little is known regarding the characteristics of newborns with congenital cutaneous hemangioma (CH) and the burden of CH on newborn care. The objective of this study is to describe the burden of CH on newborn inpatient stays in the United States. Specific aims include characterizing newborns with CH, assessing factors predictive of CH and procedures performed during hospitalization, determining characteristics associated with increased cost of care and length of stay in newborns with CH, and investigating trends in prevalence, length of stay, and cost of care. This is a nationally representative retrospective cohort study (National Inpatient Sample, 2009–2015). Sociodemographic factors associated with CH and risk factors for increased cost of care/length of stay were evaluated using weighted multivariable regression models. Overall prevalence of CH is 17.0 per 10,000 newborns. Cost of care and length of stay for newborns with CH are increasing over time. Controlling for all covariates, white (aOR 1.69), female (aOR 1.52) newborns from higher income families (aOR 1.44) were more likely to be born with CH (p < 0.001). Newborns with CH who were premature (aOR 3.88), underwent more procedures (aOR 8.81), and born in urban teaching hospitals (aOR 2.66) had the greatest cost of care (p < 0.001). Premature (aOR 3.74) newborns with CH in urban teaching hospitals (aOR 1.31) had the longest hospital stays (p < 0.001). The burden of CH in newborns is substantial and increasing over time. Understanding contributors to costly hospital stays is critical in developing evidence-based guidelines to reduce the growing impact of CH on newborn care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There are limited standards guiding the selection and processing of blood components specific for neonatal and pediatric transfusions. Therefore, blood banks (BBs) and transfusion services must create their own policies and procedures. Study Design and Methods: The American Association of Blood Banks (AABB) Pediatric Transfusion Medicine Subsection Committee developed a 74‐question survey to capture neonatal and pediatric BB practices in the United States. Results: Thirty‐five centers completed the survey: a response rate 15.8%. Responses indicated that most carry a mixed inventory of red blood cells (RBCs); 94.2% allow more than one type of RBC product for small‐volume (SV) and large‐volume (LV) transfusions to neonatal and pediatric patients. Many had storage age thresholds for RBCs transfused to neonates (SV = 60%, LV = 67.7%) but not older pediatric patients. The use of Group O for nonurgent RBC transfusion in neonates was common (74.2%). Responses related to special processing of RBCs and platelets indicated that 100% RBC and platelets are leukocyte‐reduced (LR) for neonates and 97% for non‐neonates. Irradiation of RBCs and platelets was commonly performed for neonatal transfusion (88.6%). Providing cytomegalovirus (CMV) seronegative products, volume reduction, and washing were variable. All centers transfused single‐donor apheresis platelets; 20% allowed pathogen reduction (PR). The majority of centers have strategies limiting the amount of incompatible plasma transfused; however, few titrate ABO isoagglutinins in plasma‐containing products (20% for platelets and 9.1% for plasma). Conclusions: Variability exists in BB practice for neonatal and pediatric transfusion. Future studies are needed to understand and define best BB practices in these patient populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In 2017, the American College of Cardiology/ American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines redefined the threshold of high blood pressure (BP) for non-pregnant adults. Several studies aimed to determine whether lowering these thresholds should be considered for pregnancies to prevent poor neonatal outcomes, but the results were inconclusive.Methods: We perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the association between BP groups defined by the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines and pregnancy outcomes. Relevant literature was searched in PubMed, Google Scholar, Embase, and Web of Science up to 18 May 2021.Results: Sixteen eligible studies from twelve articles with a total of 303,131 pregnancies were identified, encompassing 233,084, 20,859, 39,379 individuals with normal BP, elevated BP, and stage 1 hypertension, respectively. When compared with normal BP, the combined odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of elevated BP for adverse pregnancy outcomes was not significant; whereas, that of stage 1 hypertension were 1.25 (1.13-1.39), 1.16 (1.03-1.31), 1.50 (1.28-1.77) and 1.12 (1.00-1.25) for preterm delivery, small for gestational age, low birth weight, and early-term delivery, respectively.Conclusion: Our results indicated that stage 1 hypertension increased the risk of poor neonatal outcomes, highlighting the importance of recognition of stage 1 hypertension as a risk indicator for poor pregnancy outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To compare the incidence of prelabour Caesarean delivery (PCD) at early term (37 weeks and 0 days (37°) to 38 weeks and 6 days (386) of gestation) between Australian states and hospital sectors over time and to compare these rates with those of England and the United States of America (USA). Method. A population-based descriptive study of 556 040 singleton PCDs at term (37°-406 weeks) in all public and private hospitals in Australian states, 2005-16, was performed. The primary outcome was the early-term PCD rate, defined as early-term PCDs as a percentage of all term PCDs. Results. Across Australian states, the early-term PCD rate fell from 56.4% in 2005 to 52.0% in 2016. Over a similar period, England's rate fell from 48.2% in 2006-07 to 35.2% in 2016-17, while the USA's rate fell from 47.4% in 2006 to 34.2% in 2016. Australian public hospitals reduced their rate from 54.2% in 2005 to 44.7% in 2016, but the rate increased in private hospitals from 59.1% in 2005 to 62.5% in 2016. There was considerable variation between states and hospital sectors. Conclusions. The early-term PCD rate increased in Australian private hospitals from 2005 to 2016. The public hospital rate fell by nearly 10% over the period but remained ,10% above the English and USA national rates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, we explore race-based disparities in neonatology and their impact on brain injury and neurodevelopmental outcomes. We discuss the historical context of healthcare discrimination, focusing on the post-Civil War era and the segregation of healthcare facilities. We highlight the increasing disparity in infant mortality rates between Black and White infants, with premature birth being a major contributing factor, and emphasize the role of prenatal factors such as metabolic syndrome and toxic stress in affecting neonatal health. Furthermore, we examine the geographic and historical aspects of racial disparities, including the consequences of redlining and limited access to healthcare facilities or nutritious food options in Black communities. Finally, we delve into the higher incidence of brain injuries in Black neonates, as well as disparities in adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. This evidence underscores the need for comprehensive efforts to address systemic racism and provide equitable access to healthcare resources., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background/Objectives: Efficacy and safety data of scabies treatments in infants are limited. Although topical permethrin is used in the treatment of scabies in adults, it is not approved for use in infants younger than 2 months of age in many parts of the world. This study aimed to describe treatment practices in the management of scabies in infants younger than 2 months. Methods: An online survey was developed and distributed to physicians worldwide through the Society of Pediatric Dermatology and the Pediatric Dermatology Research Alliance. Data collected included demographics, medication availability, experience using medications, deterrents to medication use, medication administration preferences, perceived and experienced medication side effects, and preferred treatment agent in this population. Results: In total, 57 physicians from seven countries responded. The majority of respondents were board‐certified in pediatric dermatology (48/57, 84.2%) and resided in the United States (44/57, 77.2%). Respondents had experience using permethrin (47/57, 82.5%) and precipitated sulfur (35/57, 61.4%) most frequently. Most (38/57, 66.7%) preferred permethrin as their treatment of choice. Among those who did not use permethrin, potential side effects (8/10, 80%) were most frequently reported as a deterrent from its use. However, only 4.3% (22/47) of those who used permethrin reported side effects, including itching, erythema, and xerosis. Conclusions: Permethrin is frequently used in the treatment of infants younger than 2 months with scabies. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that permethrin is the preferred treatment agent among sampled dermatologists for infants younger than 2 months. Few side effects were reported, and none were serious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Compared with term neonates, preterm babies are more likely to die from sepsis. However, the combined effects of sepsis and prematurity on neonatal postoperative mortality are largely unknown. Our objective was to quantify the proportion of neonatal postoperative mortality that is attributable to the synergistic effects of preoperative sepsis and prematurity.Methods: We performed a multicentre, propensity-score-weighted, retrospective, cohort study of neonates who underwent inpatient surgery across hospitals participating in the United States National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric (2012-2017). We assessed the proportion of the observed hazard ratio of mortality and complications that is attributable to the synergistic effect of prematurity and sepsis by estimating the attributable proportion (AP) and its 95% confidence interval (CI).Results: We identified 19 312 neonates who realised a total of 321 321 person-days of postsurgical observations, during which 683 died (mortality rate: 2.1 per 1000 person-days). The proportion of mortality risk that is attributable to the synergistic effect of prematurity and sepsis was 50.5% (AP=50.5%; 95% CI, 28.8-72.3%; P < 0.001). About half of mortality events among preterm neonates with sepsis occurred within 24 h after surgery. Just over 45% of postoperative complications were attributable to the synergistic effect of prematurity and sepsis when both conditions were present (AP=45.8; 95% CI, 13.4-78.1%; P<0.001).Conclusion: Approximately half of postsurgical mortality and complications were attributable to the combined effect of sepsis and prematurity among neonates with both exposures. These neonates typically died within a few days after surgery, indicating a very narrow window of opportunity to predict and prevent mortality.Clinical Trial Number and Registry: Not applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the management recommendations of the Kaiser Permanente neonatal early-onset sepsis risk calculator (SRC) with National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline CG149 in infants ≥34 weeks' gestation who developed early-onset sepsis (EOS).Design: Retrospective multicentre study.Setting: Five maternity services in South West of England and Wales.Patients: 70 infants with EOS (<72 hours) confirmed on blood or cerebrospinal fluid culture.Methods: Retrospective virtual application of NICE and SRC through review of maternal and neonatal notes.Main Outcome Measure: The number of infants recommended antibiotics by 4 hours of birth.Results: The incidence of EOS ≥34 weeks was 0.5/1000 live births. Within 4 hours of birth, antibiotics were recommended for 39 infants (55.7%) with NICE, compared with 27 (38.6%) with SRC. The 12 infants advised early treatment by NICE but not SRC remained well, only one showing transient mild symptoms after 4 hours. Another four babies received antibiotics by 4 hours outside NICE and SRC guidance. The remaining 27 infants (38.6%) received antibiotics when symptomatic after 4 hours. Only one infant who was unwell from birth, died. Eighty-one per cent of all EOS infants were treated for clinical reasons rather than for risk factors alone.Conclusion: While both tools were poor in identifying EOS within 4 hours, NICE was superior to SRC in identifying asymptomatic cases. Currently, four out of five EOS have symptoms at first identification, the majority of whom present within 24 hours of birth. Antibiotic stewardship programmes using SRC should include enhanced observation for infants currently treated within NICE guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction marked by weakness and fatiguability of skeletal muscle. MG has an unpredictable course in pregnancy. Our purpose was to evaluate the effect of MG on maternal and neonatal outcomes. Methods: Using the United States' Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2005 to 2015, we conducted a retrospective cohort study consisting of women who delivered during that period. Multivariate logistic regression models, adjusted for baseline maternal demographics and comorbidities, were used to compare maternal and neonatal outcomes among pregnancies in women with and without MG. Results: During the study period, 974 deliveries were to women diagnosed with MG. Women with MG were more likely to be older, African American, obese, have Medicare insurance and be discharged from an urban teaching hospital. Women with MG were also more likely to have chronic hypertension, pre-gestational diabetes, hypothyroidism, and chronic steroid use. Women with MG were at greater risk for acute respiratory failure (OR 13.7, 95% CI 8.9–21.2) and increased length of hospital stay (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.9–3.3). No significant difference was observed in the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes, caesarean section or instrumental vaginal delivery. Neonates of women with MG were more likely to be premature (OR 1.4, 95% CI 1.2–1.8). Conclusions: MG in pregnancy is a high-risk condition associated with greater risk of maternal respiratory failure and preterm birth. Management in a tertiary care center with obstetrical, neurological, anesthesia and neonatology collaboration is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Opioid use among pregnant women is a growing public health concern in the United States. Infants exposed to opioids in utero are at risk of exhibiting neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). The biological mechanisms underlying short and long-term consequences of in utero opioid exposure and NOWS are unknown. A potential genetic factor is a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the mu-opioid receptor gene (OPRM1 A118G). Opioid exposed infants with the G-allele spend less time in hospitals after birth. To determine whether this SNP modulates the neurobehavioral effects of neonatal opioid exposure and withdrawal, we used mice possessing the equivalent Oprm1 SNP (A112G). Pups were treated chronically with saline or morphine from postnatal days (PNDs) 1 to 14, a developmental period equivalent to the third trimester of a human pregnancy and a sensitive period for opioid exposure in rodents. Morphine treatment produced significant developmental delays regardless of genotype and increased total ultrasonic vocalizations in males during spontaneous withdrawal. Animals were aged and tested for anxiety and drug response during adolescence and adulthood, respectively. AA morphine-treated animals showed reduced activity in the marble burying task compared with saline controls; however, this effect was absent in AG and GG animals. As adults, AA males exposed to morphine from PNDs 1 to 14 exhibited enhanced development of locomotor sensitization to morphine, whereas females showed reduced locomotor sensitization. These data suggest the involvement of the Oprm1 SNP for certain outcomes of neonatal opioid exposure and highlight the importance of considering sex and genetic variability for the prognosis of NOWS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this cost-effectiveness study, screening for group B streptococcus (GBS) at 36 0/7 to 37 6/7 weeks, with rescreening (if GBS results are negative after five weeks of initial screening), is the most cost-effective strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Equity Matters" is a new column for Neonatal Network designed to further explore and apply the concept of health equity as it relates to supporting neonatal health and family well-being. In this initial column, an overview of health equity and determinants of health is provided. Two frameworks-the Healthy People 2030 strategy (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) and the American Hospital Association equity roadmap and health equity transformation model-are introduced. Five domains of determinants will be explored in future columns: economic stability, education, social and community context, health and health care, and neighborhood and built environment. The domains of each determinant will be described to provide theoretical and practical approaches to support integration into nursing practice. Neonatal nurses are positioned to recognize health inequities for new families, critically analyze their relationship with the determinants of health, and advocate for strategies to promote health and well-being., (© Copyright 2024 Springer Publishing Company, LLC.)

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Standards for Levels of Neonatal Care, published in 2023, highlights key components of a Neonatal Patient Safety and Quality Improvement Program (NPSQIP). A comprehensive Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) quality and safety infrastructure (QSI) is based on four foundational domains: quality improvement, quality assurance, safety culture, and clinical guidelines. This paper serves as an operational guide for NICU clinical leaders and quality champions to navigate these domains and develop their local QSI to include the AAP NPSQIP standards., Competing Interests: Disclosure The authors report no proprietary or commercial interest in any product mentioned or concept discussed in this article., (Copyright © 2024. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

In this large, double-blind, placebo-controlled, international trial, pregnant women at risk for preterm birth (PTB) between 16-36 weeks gestational age were randomized to an intramuscular weekly injection of either 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) or placebo. There was no difference in rates of PTB or neonatal morbidity between these two groups. In comparison to the Meis trial published in 2003, the findings of the PROLONG trial question the use of intramuscular 17P injection as the cornerstone of PTB prevention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) located in freestanding children's hospitals may exhibit significant variation in nursing and organizational characteristics, which can serve as opportunities for collaboration to understand optimal staffing models and linkages to patient outcomes. Objectives: Adopting methods used by Hickey et al in pediatric cardiovascular critical care, the purpose of this study was to provide a foundational description of the nursing and organizational characteristics for NICUs located in freestanding children's hospitals in the United States. Methods: Clinical nurse leaders in NICUs located in freestanding children's hospitals were invited to participate in an electronic cross-sectional survey. Descriptive analyses were used to summarize nursing and organizational characteristics. Results: The response rate was 30% (13/43), with 69.2% of NICUs classified as level III/IV and 30.8% classified as level II/III. Licensed bed capacity varied significantly (range, 24-167), as did the proportion of full-time equivalent nurses (range, 71.78-252.3). Approximately three-quarters of staff nurses held baccalaureate degrees or higher. A quarter of nurses had 16 or more years (26.3%) of experience, and 36.9% of nurses had 11 or more years of nursing experience. Nearly one-third (29.2%) had 5 or less years of total nursing experience. Few nurses (10.6%) held neonatal specialty certification. All units had nurse educators, national and unit-based quality metrics, and procedural checklists. Conclusion: This study identified (1) variation in staffing models signaling an opportunity for collaboration, (2) the need to establish ongoing processes for sites to participate in future collaborative efforts, and (3) survey modifications necessary to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of nursing and organizational characteristics in freestanding children's hospital NICUs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infants in drug withdrawal have complex physiological and behavioral states, requiring intensive nursing care. The study objectives were to describe acuity, parental needs, and nurse workload of infants in drug withdrawal compared with other infants. The design was cross-sectional and involved secondary nurse survey data from 6045 staff nurses from a national sample of 104 neonatal intensive care units. Nurses reported the care of 15 233 infants, 361 (2.4%) of whom were in drug withdrawal. Three-fourths of hospitals had at least 1 infant in drug withdrawal. In these hospitals, the mean number of infants in drug withdrawal was 4.7. Infant acuity was significantly higher among infants in drug withdrawal. Parents of infants in drug withdrawal required significantly more care to address complex social situations (51% vs 12%). The number of infants assigned to nurses with at least 1 infant in withdrawal (mean = 2.69) was significantly higher than typical (mean = 2.51). Given infant acuity and parental needs, policies legislating patient-to- nurse ratios should permit professional discretion on the number of patients to assign nurses caring for infants in drug withdrawal. Managers and charge nurses should consider the demands of caring for infants in drug withdrawal in assignment decisions and provide support and education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners (NANNP) conducted its second workforce survey of certified neonatal nurse practitioners in the fall of 2016. National Association of Neonatal Nurse Practitioners partnered with the National Certification Corporation and the American Association of Nurse Practitioners to conduct this electronic survey, containing 69 questions and focusing on practice sites and total compensation packages (including benefits) and workforce deficits.Findings indicate a rising neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) position vacancy rate across the country. Regional salary data indicated that the southeast had lower compensation rates for NNPs, with regions 4 and 11 (South) having the lowest rates. A promising trend indicated that new graduate NNPs with a doctorate are earning more. The study findings indicate that tailoring benefit packages to the age and years of experience for the individual NNP may aid in recruiting and retaining NNPs in practice. For experienced NNPs, altered shift lengths (shorter), higher employer matching rates in retirement plans, and less employee cost sharing for health insurance benefits are more appealing strategies.It is critical for NNPs to continually evaluate the profession's workforce data. There are more than 205,000 nurse practitioners practicing in the United States, with neonatal NPs making up approximately 3% of the larger whole. Increased participation in future surveys will assist in creating sustainable solutions to the workforce crisis facing the profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lacosamide is an antiepileptic drug with US Food and Drug Administration approval for the treatment of partial-onset seizures in patients older than one month. Lacosamide works by selective enhancement of proteins that induce preferential slow promotion of sodium channels to the hyperpolarized inactive state. Lacosamide is generally well-tolerated; however, clinical and nonclinical studies have linked its use with cardiac side effects including PR prolongation and atrioventricular (AV) block., Results: We present the case of a three-week-old female neonatal patient born at 25 weeks' gestation who developed second-degree AV heart block and cardiac arrest after initiating lacosamide therapy. The patient was being treated for neonatal seizure complicated by intraventricular hemorrhage (grade II) and electrolyte disturbances with phenobarbital, levetiracetam, and phenytoin. Before addition of lacosamide therapy, the patient had an unremarkable electrocardiogram and no known cardiac risk factors for lacosamide. After medication discontinuation, the patient experienced no reoccurring episodes or other cardiac events., Conclusion: Use of lacosamide for neonatal populations is currently under evaluation. This is the first report of adverse cardiac event (AV block) in the setting of neonatal lacosamide use. Risk of future adverse cardiac events should be evaluated when determining the safety and efficacy of lacosamide in the neonatal population., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Study Question: Are perinatal outcomes improved in singleton pregnancies resulting from fresh embryo transfers performed following unstimulated/natural cycle IVF (NCIVF) compared with stimulated IVF?Summary Answer: Infants conceived by unstimulated/NCIVF have a lower risk of being low birthweight than infants conceived by stimulated IVF; however, this risk did not remain significant after adjusting for gestation age.What Is Already Known: Previous studies have shown that infants born after modified NCIVF have a higher average birthweight and are less likely to be low birthweight than those infants conceived with conventional stimulated IVF.Study Design, Size and Duration: Retrospective cohort study of singleton live births in non-smoking women undergoing fresh IVF-embryo transfer cycles from 2007 to 2013 in a single IVF center. The women were stratified by stimulated (n = 174) or unstimulated (n = 190) IVF exposure status. Unstimulated/NCIVF is defined as IVF without the use of exogenous gonadotrophins, and only includes the use of HCG to time oocyte retrieval.Participants/materials, Setting, Methods: Demographic data including maternal age, BMI, infertility diagnosis and IVF cycle characteristics were collected. The perinatal outcomes used for comparison between the two study groups were length of gestation, birthweight, preterm delivery, very preterm delivery, low birthweight, small for gestational age and large for gestational age.Main Results and Role Of Chance: Although women in the NCIVF group were older than those in the stimulated group (35.0 versus 34.2 years, P < 0.05), parity and history of prior ART cycles were comparable between the groups. The mean birthweight was significantly higher in the NCIVF group by 163 g than in the stimulated group (3436 ± 420 g versus 3273 ± 574 g, P < 0.05). Consistent with this finding, there were also less low birthweight (<2500 g) infants in the NCIVF group versus stimulated group (1 versus 8.6%, P < 0.005). The reduction in risk for low birthweight in the NCIVF group remained significant after adjustment for maternal age, infertility diagnosis, ICSI, number of embryos transferred and blastocyst transfer (odds ratio (OR) 0.07; 95% CI 0.014-0.35). As NCIVF group had less preterm infants, additional adjustment for gestational age was performed and this showed a tendency towards lower risk of low birthweight in NCIVF (OR 0.11; 95% CI 0.01-1.0). While gestational age at delivery was comparable between the groups, both preterm births (<37 weeks gestation) (31 versus 42%, P < 0.05) and very preterm births (<32 weeks gestation) (0.52 versus 6.3%, P < 0.005) were significantly reduced in the NCIVF group. However, after adjustment for potential confounders, the reduction in risk of preterm and very preterm delivery associated with the NCIVF group was no longer significant (OR 1.1; 95% CI 0.48-2.5).Limitations, Reasons For Caution: Limitations of this study are the retrospective nature of the data collection and the lack of information about parental characteristics associated with birthweight.Wider Implications Of the Findings: The improved perinatal outcomes following successful unstimulated/NCIVF suggest that this treatment should be considered as a viable option for infertile couples. NCIVF could reduce potential adverse perinatal outcomes such as low birthweight related to fresh embryo transfers performed following ovarian stimulation. The etiology of the improved perinatal outcomes following NCIVF needs to be explored further to determine if the improvement is derived from endometrial factors versus follicular/oocyte factors.Study Funding/competing Interests: The study was supported by the following grants from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NICHD K12HD047018 (W.M.), NICHD K12HD001271 (L.A.K.). The authors have no competing interests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This proceedings article presents the scope of pediatric coma and disorders of consciousness based on presentations and discussions at the First Pediatric Disorders of Consciousness Care and Research symposium held on September 14th, 2021. Herein we review the current state of pediatric coma care and research opportunities as well as shared experiences from seasoned researchers and clinicians. Salient current challenges and opportunities in pediatric and neonatal coma care and research were identified through the contributions of the presenters, who were Jose I. Suarez, MD, Nina F. Schor, MD, PhD, Beth S. Slomine, PhD Erika Molteni, PhD, and Jan-Marino Ramirez, PhD, and moderated by Varina L. Boerwinkle, MD, with overview by Mark Wainwright, MD, and subsequent audience discussion. The program, executively planned by Varina L. Boerwinkle, MD, Mark Wainwright, MD, and Michelle Elena Schober, MD, drove the identification and development of priorities for the pediatric neurocritical care community., (© 2023. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and Neurocritical Care Society.)

Objective The aim of this study is to characterize medical and surgical therapies and short-term outcomes in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Study Design Retrospective analysis of CDH infants admitted to 27 children's hospitals submitting data to Children's Hospital Neonatal Database (CHND) from 2010 to 2013, stratified by gestational age, birth weight, and survival. Results A total of 572 infants were identified, 508 (89%) born ≥ 34 weeks' gestation and ≥ 2 kg. More mature infants had higher APGAR scores, shorter duration of mechanical ventilation, and were more likely to receive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Overall, mortality for the cohort was 29%, with mortality lower in infants born ≥ 34 weeks' gestation and ≥ 2 kg (26 vs. 50%, p < 0.01). Nonsurvivors were more likely to receive treatment with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), vasopressors, pulmonary vasodilators, and ECMO, and to have associated major congenital anomalies than survivors. In hospital morbidity and complications were relatively uncommon among survivors. Conclusion Infants with CDH have a high risk of morbidity and mortality, and for preterm infants with CDH those risks are amplified. Patterns of respiratory and circulatory support appeared to be different for survivors. In addition to established data registries, this consortium of regional neonatal intensive care units provides a new collaborative effort to describe short-term outcomes for infants referred with CDH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a major contributor to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, yet newborn screening for this disorder in the United States is not standard practice. We surveyed pediatric providers regarding a novel newborn G6PD screening program successfully implemented in 2007 at a US urban women’s hospital newborn nursery. Study Design. An electronic survey was distributed to 472 pediatric providers addressing extent to which they were influenced by the screening program. Results. Ninety-two (20%) providers responded, of whom 74 (80%) had taken care of G6PD-deficient patients diagnosed by the screening program. A majority found the diagnosis helpful for patient management and influential in their management. Most common changes in management included more counseling on jaundice and follow-up and avoidance of hemolytic crisis triggers. Conclusions. General pediatric providers support newborn G6PD screening and appreciate the current program. Knowing the G6PD deficiency status of newborns informed and influenced pediatric providers’ care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Male circumcision confers protection against HIV, sexually transmitted infections, and urinary tract infections. Compared with circumcision of postneonates (>28 days), circumcision of neonates is associated with fewer complications and usually performed with local rather than general anesthesia. We assessed circumcision of commercially insured males during the neonatal or postneonatal period. METHODS: We analyzed 2010 MarketScan claims data from commercial health plans, using procedural codes to identify circumcisions performed on males aged 0 to 18 years, and diagnostic codes to assess clinical indications for the procedure. Among circumcisions performed in the first year of life, we estimated rates for neonates and postneonates. We estimated the percentage of circumcisions by age among males who had circumcisions in 2010, and the mean payment for neonatal and postneonatal procedures. RESULTS: We found that 156 247 circumcisions were performed, with 146 213 (93.6%) in neonates and 10 034 (6.4%) in postneonates. The neonatal circumcision rate was 65.7%, and 6.1% of uncircumcised neonates were circumcised by their first birthday. Among postneonatal circumcisions, 46.6% were performed in males younger than 1 year and 25.1% were for nonmedical indications. The mean payment was $285 for a neonatal and $1885 for a postneonatal circumcision. CONCLUSIONS: The large number of nonmedical postneonatal circumcisions suggests that neonatal circumcision might be a missed opportunity for these boys. Delay of nonmedical circumcision results in greater risk for the child, and a more costly procedure. Discussions with parents early in pregnancy might help them make an informed decision about circumcision of their child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on using donor human milk in vulnerable infants in the U.S. It details the benefits of human milk as well as the indications for donor human milk. It also enumerates the benefits of donor human milk compared with formula milk and describes the screening and processing of donor human milk. The establishment of a donor human milk program within a hospital-based setting is also discussed.

The article examines the potential risk factors, clinical manifestations and diagnostic strategies for postnatal tuberculosis (TB) affecting infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in the U.S. It says that mycobacterium TB bacilli, the microbes that cause TB, impacts more than two billion people in the world, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). It relates that foreign-born individuals account for almost 60% of TB incident in the U.S.

Baby boys can and do succumb as a result of having their foreskin removed. Circumcision-related mortality rates are not known with certainty; this study estimates the scale of this problem. This study finds that approximately 117 neonatal circumcision-related deaths (9.01/100,000) occur annually in the United States, about 1.3% of male neonatal deaths from all causes. Because infant circumcision is elective, all of these deaths are avoidable. This study also identifies reasons why accurate data on these deaths are not available, some of the obstacles to preventing these deaths, and some solutions to overcome them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honduran infant mortality (20/1000) has fallen below the Latin American newborn screening target rate (<30/1000). The authors report 2 Honduran maple syrup urine disease cases and a newborn screening pilot study. The first infant, diagnosed by plasma/urine testing in the U.S., prompted this study. Although marked clinical/radiological improvement occurred after treatment, moderate neurodevelopmental delays persist at 5 years. This 1-month, prospective study used blood spot specimens from hospitalized term Honduran neonates shipped overnight to South Carolina for routine newborn screening with electronic result submission to Honduras for follow-up. Of 88 consecutive neonates (mean age: 4.2 days, standard deviation: 4.2 days) tested, 24 (0.6%) of 3837 completed tests were positive. Another infant with maple syrup urine disease, diagnosed after study completion by blood spot testing, later died. The study findings indicate that collaborative blood spot testing aids in the diagnosis of Honduran metabolic-genetic disease. Newborn screening is now needed to diagnose and treat these diseases before morbidity/mortality develops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Visceral pain is the most common reason for doctor visits in the US. Like somatic pain, virtually all visceral pain sensations begin with the activation of primary sensory neurons innervating the viscera and/or the blood vessels associated with these structures. Visceral afferents also play a central role in tissue homeostasis. Recent studies show that in addition to monitoring the state of the viscera, they perform efferent functions through the release of small molecules (e.g. peptides like CGRP) that can drive inflammation, thereby contributing to the development of visceral pathologies (e.g. diabetes Razavi, R., Chan, Y., Afifiyan, F.N., Liu, X.J., Wan, X., Yantha, J., Tsui, H., Tang, L., Tsai, S., Santamaria, P., Driver, J.P., Serreze, D., Salter, M.W., Dosch, H.M., 2006. TRPV1+ sensory neurons control beta cell stress and islet inflammation in autoimmune diabetes, Cell 127 1123–1135). Visceral afferents are heterogeneous with respect to their anatomy, neurochemistry and function. They are also highly plastic in that their cellular environment continuously influences their response properties. This plasticity makes them susceptible to long-term changes that may contribute significantly to the development of persistent pain states such as those associated with irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, and visceral cancers. This review examines recent insights into visceral afferent anatomy and neurochemistry and how neonatal insults can affect the function of these neurons in the adult. New approaches to the treatment of visceral pain, which focus on primary afferents, will also be discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE. Recent reports have raised global concerns about a reemergence of kernicterus. Accurate information on the incidence of kernicterus is unavailable because of the rarity of the condition and the lack of a systematic surveillance strategy. We used nationally representative hospital discharge data to evaluate trends in the diagnosis and management of neonatal jaundice and the incidence of kernicterus in relation to the American Academy of Pediatrics hyperbilirubinernia clinical practice guideline. PATIENTS AND METHODS. The data came from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project family of databases. The Nationwide Inpatient Sample and the Kids' Inpatient Database were combined to generate trend data for the years 1988-2005. All neonatal discharges with primary or secondary International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnoses codes for jaundice or kernicterus occurring within the first 30 days of life were selected with population incidence rates calculated from estimates of term and preterm newborn hospitalizations derived from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data. To increase the reliability of identified kernicterus hospitalizations, newborns with a diagnosis of kernicterus and a procedure code for phototherapy or exchange transfusion were included as cases. RESULTS. Hospital diagnosis codes for kernicterus likely included a substantial number of rule-out cases, because -70% did not include a procedure code for phototherapy or exchange transfusion. Including only cases with a procedure code for phototherapy or exchange transfusion resulted in 2.7 per 100 000 diagnosed with kernicterus over the entire study period. A diagnosis code for jaundice was recorded for 15.6% of newborns. The diagnosis of jaundice and kernicterus differed according to race and gender. Rates also were elevated in preterm relative to term infants for both jaundice and kernicterus. Trends in diagnosis for newborn jaundice were u-shaped, with rates falling in the years before the initial American Academy of Pediatrics guideline (1988-1993) and increasing in the years after publication of the guideline (1997-2005). In contrast, the number of newborn hospitalizations with a diagnosis of kernicterus generally declined throughout the study period. Most of the decline in hospitalizations for term infants with a diagnosis of kernicterus occurred before and immediately after publication of the 1994 guideline, going from 5.1 per 100 000 in 1988 to 1.5 per 100 000 in the years from 1994 to 1996 and has since remained constant. CONCLUSIONS. Nationally representative hospital data indicate a declining incidence of hospitalizations with a diagnosis of kernicterus in newborn infants over the period 1988-2005. The decline occurred before and immediately after publication of the 1994 American Academy of Pediatrics guideline on hyperbilirubinernia. Epidemiologic findings were mostly consistent with other studies. Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project data provide an important system for monitoring hospitalizations of uncommon newborn conditions such as kernicterus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acne vulgaris is a common disorder that affects more than 17 million individuals in the United States. Knowledge of the disease is an important part of clinical practice, particularly for the pediatric practitioner. Contrary to common belief, acne is not a disease limited to adolescents and young adults but can occur at any stage of life. This article is a case-based review of acne during childhood and adolescence. Workup is based on age and concurrent physical findings, whereas therapy depends on the type of skin lesions along with patient characteristics and preferences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents information on a study regarding long-term hospitalizations (LTH) of acutely, chronically ill newborns in the United States using the method of triangulations including the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project Kid's Inpatient Discharge Data (HCUP-KID), a researcher-created quantitative survey (LONGTERM), and a qualitative descriptive question. In both HCUP KID data and the LONGTERM researcher survey, the most frequent sufferers of LTH were premature infants with respiratory disease, necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis.

BACKGROUND: Studies have reported that prenatal exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may alter neurodevelopment in both humans and animals. Furthermore, prenatal exposure to some PCB congeners and commercial mixtures has been shown to decrease free and total thyroxine (T4) blood levels in animals. Because thyroid hormones (TH) are essential for normal neurologic development, it has been suggested that the deleterious neurodevelopmental effect of PCBs may occur through TH disruption. PCBs may in turn affect TH levels by inducing the microsomal enzyme uridinediphosphate glucuronosyltransferase (UDP-GT), which is involved in TH elimination. OBJECTIVES: Our goals were to group PCB congeners based on their potential to induce microsomal enzymes in animals, and to examine the relationship between neonatal TSH levels and prenatal exposure to PCB congeners grouped according to their structure and potential mechanisms of action. METHODS: We measured the concentration of 34 PCB congeners in serum samples collected from 285 pregnant women and the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels in their children's blood collected shortly after birth. RESULTS: We found no association between the sum of PCB congeners, the toxic equivalents, or structure-based groupings (mono- or di-ortho substituted congeners), and TSH blood concentration. However, we found a positive association between the sum of congeners suspected to be UDP-GT inducers (more specifically cytochrome P450 2B inducers) in animals and neonatal TSH levels. In individual congener analyses, PCBs 99, 138, 153, 180, 183, 187, 194, and 199 were positively associated with neonatal TSH levels after adjustment for covariates. PCBs 194 and 199 remained significant after adjustment for multiple hypothesis testing. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support grouping PCB congeners based on their potential mechanism of action of enzyme induction when investigating associations with TH. Findings also suggest that PCBs affect TH homeostasis even at the low background level of exposure found in the CHAMACOS (Center for the Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas) population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neonatal opioid withdrawal often requires treatment but there have been few recent studies of current pharmacological interventions to guide treatment. This retrospective chart review provides an exploratory examination of newborns treated with either methadone or paregoric for opioid withdrawal and outlines dosage ranges and intervals, side effects, and clinical outcomes of the two regimens. The outcome variables examined were time to resolution of withdrawal symptoms, rate of decrease in symptom severity, and length of hospital stay. There were no observed differences in outcome variables between the two treatment groups and side effect profiles were similar. Dosages, dosage intervals, and tapering regimens were consistent with American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations. Although the sample size is small and standardized regimens were not used, this study provides preliminary data about dosing levels and dosing intervals of these two pharmacologic treatment agents. Both groups of infants had favorable outcomes, although given the variation in treatment regimens it is difficult to draw an equation of equivalency. These results arc applicable to the design of future studies of pharmacological interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haemophilia and inherited bleeding disorders in newborns and their carrier mothers pose unique challenges. The pattern of bleeding and the causes and risk factors for bleeding are decidedly different than an older child or an adult with haemophilia/inherited bleeding disorder. This document outlines the needs for further research and education, summarizes the state of the art background information and provides guidance regarding research, education and access to care issues in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES. Recent reports suggest that candidemia caused by fluconazole-resistant strains is increasing in certain adult populations. We evaluated the annual incidence of neonatal candidemia and the frequency of disease caused by different species of Candida among neonates in the United States. PATIENTS. The study included neonates admitted to 128 NICUs participating in the National Nosocomial Infections Surveillance system from January 1, 1995, to December 31, 2004 (study period). METHODS. Reports of bloodstream infection (BSI) with Candida spp.; Candida BSIs, patient admissions, patient-days, and central venous catheter days were pooled by birth weight category. The number of Candida BSIs per 100 patients (attack rate) and per 1000 patient-days (incidence density) was determined. Both overall and species-specific rates were calculated; data were pooled over time to determine the differences by birth weight category and by year to determine trends over time. RESULT. From the 130 523 patients admitted to NICUs during the study period, there were 1997 Candida spp. BSIs reported. Overall, 1472 occurred ha the <1000-g birth weight group. Candida albicans BSIs were most common, followed by Candida parapsilosis, Candida tropicalis, Candida lusitaniae, Candida glabrata, and only 3 Candida krusei. Among neonates <1000 g, incidence per 1000 pattern-days decreased from 3.51 during 1995-1999 to 2.68 during 2000-2004 but remained stable among heavier neonates. No increase in infections by species that lend to demonstrate resistance to fluconazole (C glabrata or C krusei) was observed. CONCLUSIONS. Although Candida BSI is a serous problem among neonates < 1000 g, incidence has declined over the past decade, and disease with species commonly resistant to azoles was extremely rare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. Ethnic disparities in infant mortality have been consistently documented in the United States, but these disparities are poorly understood. Although the infant mortality rate in the United States has fallen to record low rates, since 1971 the ethnic disparity between black and white infants has remained unchanged or increased. In 2001, the infant mortality rate among black infants was ∼2.5 times higher than the rate among white and Hispanic infants. The objective of this study was to identify ethnic differences in neonatal and postneonatal mortality as well as the causes and risk factors among infants born in California. Methods. Secondary analysis was performed of 1 277 393 singleton infants live-born to black, Latina, and white women from the California linked birth-infant death certificate from 1995 to 1997. The dependent variables were infant death (defined as an infant who died in the first year of life [death <365 days]), neonatal death (death during the first 27 days of life), and postneonatal death (death between 28 and 364 days of life). Cause-specific neonatal and postneonatal infant mortality rates (per 100 000 live births) were calculated for each ethnic group. χ² and exact test statistics were used to compare the distribution of maternal and infant characteristics and cause-of-death rates by maternal ethnicity. Logistic regression analysis was used to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate the relationship between maternal ethnicity, maternal and infant factors, and risk of infant mortality. Results. In both the neonatal and postneonatal periods, black women had higher infant mortality rates than Latina or white women for conditions originating in the perinatal period (including respiratory distress syndrome) and symptoms, signs, and ill-defined conditions (including sudden infant death syndrome). After adjusting for maternal and infant characteristics, there were no significant ethnic... [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pregnant women are among the groups most affected by the United States opioid epidemic., Objectives: To determine latent classes of maternal comorbidities, examine their relationship to opioid use disorder (OUD), and how they can predict hospital discharge status among hospitalized pregnant women with and without OUD., Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study., Setting: Hospitals in North Carolina., Methods: A latent class analysis (LCA) was performed using 929,085 hospital discharge records from the 2000-2014 State Inpatient Databases for North Carolina. We defined OUD status and 24 maternal comorbid conditions based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification diagnostic codes and Clinical Classification Software codes, respectively. Discharge status was categorized as home, institution, or died. Binary and multinomial logistic regression models were constructed adjusting for demographic and hospital characteristics., Results: LCA of maternal comorbid conditions resulted in 591,745 records belonging to Class 1 (birth complications) and 337,340 records belonging to Class 2 (pre-existing and pregnancy-related morbidities). Class 2 records less frequently belonged to patients with OUD than those without OUD, and more frequently to younger, Black/Hispanic/other race or ethnicity, and patients with a higher socioeconomic status who resided in large metropolitan areas. Non-Medicare primary payers were more likely among Class 2 records. Irrespective of OUD status, patients belonging to Class 2 were less likely to be discharged to an institution or be deceased, controlling for confounders., Limitations: Administrative database; data clustering; misclassification bias; confounding bias; temporality; data-driven approach; generalizability., Conclusions: Hospitalized pregnant women may be classified based on comorbid conditions into 2 latent classes ("birth complications" and "pre-existing and pregnancy-related morbidities"), with the former exhibiting greater OUD frequency than the latter. These findings can inform health care needs of populations with a high-risk for OUD.

Background: A significant proportion of boys present to surgical specialists later in infancy/early childhood for elective operative circumcision despite the higher procedural risks. This study aims to assess physician perspectives on access to neonatal circumcision across the United States and identify potential reasons contributing to disparities in access., Methods: A cross-sectional survey was electronically distributed to physician members of the Societies for Pediatric Urology and the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Hospital Medicine. Hospital characteristics and circumcision practices were assessed. Associations between NC availability and institutional characteristics were evaluated using chi-squared testing and multivariable logistic regression. Qualitative analyses of free-text comments were performed., Results: A total of 367 physicians responded (129 urologists [41%], 188 pediatric hospitalists [59%]). Neonatal circumcision was available at 86% of hospitals represented. On univariate and multivariate analysis, the 50 hospitals that did not offer neonatal circumcision were more likely to be located in the Western region (odds ratio [OR] = 8.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.1-25 vs. Midwest) and in an urban area (OR = 4.2; 95% CI 1.6-10 vs. suburban/rural) compared with hospitals that offered neonatal circumcision. Most common reasons for lack of availability included not a birth hospital (N = 22, 47%), lack of insurance coverage (N = 8, 17%), and low insurance reimbursement (N = 7, 15%). Institutional, regional, or provider availability (68%), insurance/payment (12.4%), and ethics (12.4%) were common themes in the qualitative comments., Conclusions: Overall availability of neonatal circumcision varied based on hospital characteristics, including geography. Information from this survey will inform development of interventions designed to offer neonatal circumcision equitably and comprehensively., (© 2021. The Author(s).)