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Background: The concept of fetal pain results from procedures conducted without anesthesia in preterm newborns and fetuses, which indicate that it is possible to examine fetal pain based on stress hormone, metabolic, and behavioral changes. Anatomical and physiological data suggest that fetuses become capable of processing nociceptive stimuli around midgestation, although the associated changes in fetal brain development remain unclear. What constitutes fetal pain remains controversial in the light of the definition of pain adopted by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), which posits pain as an "unpleasant sensory and emotional experience." Summary: Here, we examine the notion that human fetuses cannot "experience" pain and potential implications of this claim. We highlight the key scientific evidence related to fetal pain, including clinical studies on pain in fetuses and preterm newborns. We argue that consistent patterns of stress hormones, metabolic changes, body movements, hemodynamic changes, and pain-related facial expressions in fetuses exposed to invasive procedures overcome the need for subjective proof of pain as articulated in the IASP definition. No study to date has conclusively proven the absence of fetal pain beyond the age of viability. Key Messages: Based on the current evidence, we propose that all fetuses receive anesthesia regardless of the invasive procedures being performed to guarantee the least possible pain and physiological, behavioral, or hormonal responses without exposing the mother or her baby to unnecessary complications. Plain Language Summary: The presence and timing of pain perception during fetal development (i.e., before birth) have remained controversial for many decades. Until recently, surgeons had to wait for the baby's birth to surgically correct any congenital malformations, but now such surgeries are conducted while the baby is still in the mother's womb. Other invasive procedures are also performed, like blood transfusions, before the baby's birth. These invasive procedures cause dramatic changes in the stress hormones, metabolism, and behaviors of the fetus – similar to those of premature newborns undergoing such procedures. Changes in the brain and other physiological systems also suggest that fetuses become capable of processing noxious stimuli about halfway through pregnancy, although their reactions may not meet the international definition of pain. In this article, we describe the key scientific evidence related to fetal pain, including clinical studies on fetuses and premature babies. We propose that sufficient data are available to serve as proof of fetal pain in the latter half of pregnancy and that no study to date has conclusively proven the absence of fetal pain beyond the age of viability. Based on this evidence, we propose that all fetuses receive anesthesia regardless of the invasive procedures being performed to guarantee the least possible pain and physiological, behavioral, or hormonal responses without exposing the mother or her baby to unnecessary complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pleural effusions in children (PE) due to ventricle-peritoneal shunt (VPS) is very rare, with few cases reported. We present a new case of an infant with VPS who had a massive hydrothorax not associated with misplacement or migration of the distal catheter or with ascites. After the evacuation of the PE we managed the patient by adjusting the pressure of the adjustable valve (AV). Sequential thoracic ultrasounds showed a satisfactory outcome. We review the literature thoroughly and describe the possible pathophysiological mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcome at 18–24 months in surviving preterm infants with grades I–IV intraventricular hemorrhages (IVHs) compared to those with no IVH. Study Design: We included preterm survivors <29 weeks' GA admitted to the Canadian Neonatal Network's NICUs from April 2009 to September 2011 with follow-up data at 18–24 months in a retrospective cohort study. The neonates were grouped based on the severity of the IVH detected on a cranial ultrasound scan and recorded in the database: no IVH; subependymal hemorrhage or IVH without ventricular dilation (grades I–II); IVH with ventricular dilation (grade III); and persistent parenchymal echogenicity/lucency (grade IV). The primary outcomes of neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI), significant neurodevelopmental impairment (sNDI), and the effect modification by other short-term neonatal morbidities were assessed. Using multivariable regression analysis, the adjusted ORs (AOR) and 95% of the CIs were calculated. Results: 2327 infants were included. The odds of NDI were higher in infants with grades III and IV IVHs (AOR 2.58, 95% CI 1.56, 4.28 and AOR 2.61, 95% CI 1.80, 3.80, respectively) compared to those without IVH. Infants with an IVH grade ≤II had similar outcomes for NDI (AOR 1.08, 95% CI 0.86, 1.35) compared to those without an IVH, but the odds of sNDI were higher (AOR 1.58, 95% CI 1.16, 2.17). Conclusions: There were increased odds of sNDI in infants with grades I–II IVHs, and an increased risk of adverse NDI in infants with grades ≥III IVHs is corroborated with the current literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Retrospective evaluations of the historical role of previously published research are often fraught with subjective bias and misrepresentation, which leads to contested scientific claims. This paper investigates the historical roots of infant pain management using novel quantitative methods to identify the published literature and evaluate its relative importance. A bibliometric analysis named “reference publication year spectroscopy” (RPYS), was performed using the program CitedReferencesExplorer (CRExplorer) to avoid the subjectivity associated with comparative evaluations of individual research studies. Web of Science (WoS) search queries on infant‐related synonyms, pain‐related synonyms, and analgesia or anesthesia‐related synonyms were combined using the Boolean operator “AND,” to identify all publications related to pain management in infants. The RPYS analyses were based on 8697 papers in our publication set containing the citations for 86268 references. Selected cited publications were associated with peak citation years in 1951, 1954, 1957, 1965, 1987, 1990, 1997, 1999, and 2000. Subsequent analyses suggested that research on infant pain management made rapid progress during 1982‐1992. Landmark publications were defined as those belonging to the top 10% of the most frequently referenced publications for longer than 25 years. Through this analysis, we identified and ranked 24 landmark publications to illustrate the historical background and early research on infant pain management. From the first‐ever application of RPYS (an objective, reproducible approach to study the early history of any scholarly activity) to pain research, infant pain management appears rooted in the scientific rationale for neonatal pain perception, randomized trials of opioid anesthesia/analgesia, and studies describing the facial expressions and crying activity following heel‐lance procedures in newborns.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the neurodevelopmental outcome at 18–24 months in surviving preterm infants with grades I–IV intraventricular hemorrhages (IVHs) compared to those with no IVH. Study Design: We included preterm survivors

Background: Respiratory distress is a clinical finding often seen in neonates. Common causes of respiratory distress in this population include respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, infection, aspiration, and cardiac etiologies. We present the case of a neonate who presented with respiratory distresswith no identifiable cause on initialworkup. The patientwas eventually found to have a variant of a genetic mutation that predisposed the infant to this presentation. Case Report: A term male infant born via spontaneous vaginal delivery was admitted to the pediatric service at 3 weeks of age because of tachypnea. Chest x-ray showed perihilar infiltrates. Septic screen, thyroid function test, sweat test, echocardiogram, intracranial ultrasound, and modified barium swallow were normal. Computed tomography scan of the chest showed ground glass opacities in the upper and lower lobes. Airway evaluation showed no evidence of obstruction or anatomic abnormalities. Bronchoscopy showed no masses or tracheomalacia. Bronchoalveolar lavage was negative for infection. The infant was treated with intravenous antibiotics, steroids, and furosemide but continued to be tachypneic and required supplemental oxygen. Genetic studies were obtained to assess for surfactant deficiencies, and the patient was transferred to another center for a higher level of care. Genetic evaluation was positive for NKX2.1 variance mutation C.190C. The patient's symptoms improved, and he wasweaned to room air by 3 months of age. Conclusion: When evaluating a child with unexplained pulmonary disease, clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for interstitial lung disease including surfactant protein mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) offer targeted treatment for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) with minimal systemic effects compared to systemic steroids. However, dosing of ICS in the management of infants at high-risk of developing BPD is not well established. The objective of this study was to determine an effective dose of ICS for the treatment of ventilator-dependent infants to facilitate extubation or reduce fractional inspired oxygen concentration. Methods Forty-one infants born at 75% from baseline) in ≥60% of infants in the group. Oxygen requirements, complications and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes were also assessed. Results The median age at enrollment was 22 (10–28) postnatal days. The primary outcome, therapeutic efficacy as defined above, was not achieved in any group. However, there was a significant reduction in post-treatment FiO2 at a dose of 800 μg bid. No obvious trends were seen in long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Conclusions Therapeutic efficacy was not achieved with all studied doses of ICS. A significant reduction in oxygen requirements was noted in ventilator-dependent preterm infants at 10–28 days of age when given 800 μg of HFA-BDP bid. Larger randomized trials of ICS are required to determine efficacy for the management of infants at high-risk for development of BPD. Trial registration This clinical trial was registered retrospectively on clinicaltrials.gov. The registration number is NCT03503994.

Retrospective evaluations of the historical role of previously published research are often fraught with subjective bias and misrepresentation, which leads to contested scientific claims. This paper investigates the historical roots of infant pain management using novel quantitative methods to identify the published literature and evaluate its relative importance. A bibliometric analysis named "reference publication year spectroscopy" (RPYS), was performed using the program CitedReferencesExplorer (CRExplorer) to avoid the subjectivity associated with comparative evaluations of individual research studies. Web of Science (WoS) search queries on infant‐related synonyms, pain‐related synonyms, and analgesia or anesthesia‐related synonyms were combined using the Boolean operator "AND," to identify all publications related to pain management in infants. The RPYS analyses were based on 8697 papers in our publication set containing the citations for 86268 references. Selected cited publications were associated with peak citation years in 1951, 1954, 1957, 1965, 1987, 1990, 1997, 1999, and 2000. Subsequent analyses suggested that research on infant pain management made rapid progress during 1982‐1992. Landmark publications were defined as those belonging to the top 10% of the most frequently referenced publications for longer than 25 years. Through this analysis, we identified and ranked 24 landmark publications to illustrate the historical background and early research on infant pain management. From the first‐ever application of RPYS (an objective, reproducible approach to study the early history of any scholarly activity) to pain research, infant pain management appears rooted in the scientific rationale for neonatal pain perception, randomized trials of opioid anesthesia/analgesia, and studies describing the facial expressions and crying activity following heel‐lance procedures in newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An increasing amount of information is currently available in neonatal respiratory care. Systematic reviews are an important tool for clinical decision-making. The challenge is to combine studies that address a specific clinical question and have similar characteristics in terms of populations, interventions, comparators, and outcomes, so that their combined results provide a more precise estimate of the effect that can be validly extrapolated into clinical practice. The concept of heterogeneity is reviewed, emphasizing that it should be considered in a wider perspective and not just as a mere statistical test. A case is made of how well-designed studies of the neonatal respiratory literature, when equivocally combined, can provide very precise but potentially biased results. Systematic reviews in this field and others should be rigorously peer-reviewed before publication to avoid misleading readers to potentially biased conclusions.

We report a case of a preterm infant with congenital syphilis who presented with non-immune hydrops fetalis. Hepatic dysfunction was present at birth and acutely worsened following antibiotic administration. Placental pathology demonstrated infiltration with numerous spirochetes. Although critically ill, the infant recovered with intravenous penicillin G and supportive care. This case demonstrates that congenital syphilis remains a contemporary disease demanding enhanced awareness from clinicians. Manifestations evident in utero or in the newborn can be severe and may result in fetal demise or neonatal death. Moreover, we hypothesize that the treatment resulted in a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction as manifested by the hepatic deterioration. The incidence of congenital syphilis and its associated complications can be greatly reduced with strict adherence to universal prenatal testing and comprehensive follow-up.

Background: Heterotaxy is a condition of abnormal lateralization of organs across the body's left-right axis, causing multiple congenital malformations. The anatomic manifestations of heterotaxy syndrome generally follow one of two patterns, referred to as right atrial isomerism (with two similar right atria and duplication of right-sided features of multiple organs) and left atrial isomerism (with two similar left atria and duplication of left-sided features of multiple organs). Cardiac surgical intervention for patients with heterotaxy syndrome depends on ventricular physiology and circulatory balance. For patients with single-ventricle physiology, a Fontan operation, which directs systemic venous return to the pulmonary arteries, is the definitive intervention. Prior to a Fontan operation, many patients require one or more palliative surgeries (eg, a Blalock- Taussig-Thomas shunt or bidirectional Glenn/Kawashima procedure) to prepare them for definitive correction. Case Report: We present the case of a term female neonate who was transferred to our pediatric cardiovascular intensive care unit for management of suspected congenital cardiac disease. Echocardiography confirmed the diagnosis of heterotaxy syndrome with left atrial isomerism, an interrupted inferior vena cava with azygos continuation, and a hypoplastic left ventricle with single-ventricle physiology. At 11 months of age, she underwent a Kawashima procedure with subtotal pulmonary artery ligation. She tolerated the procedure well and is anticipated to remain stable for the near future, possibly without the need for further cardiac surgery. Conclusion: Patients with heterotaxy syndrome have congenital malformations in several organ systems, requiring lifelong coordination of care among health providers across multiple disciplines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To determine 'Golden Hour' resuscitation and stabilization practices for infants <32 weeks gestational age in Canadian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Methods: A survey was distributed to investigators of the Evidence-based Practice for Improving Quality study within the Canadian Neonatal Network in June 2014. The questionnaire was designed to obtain information on antenatal counselling, resuscitation environment, resuscitation and management practices, including respiratory and nutritional practices in the first hour of life. Responses to these categories were stratified into gestational age groupings: 230/7–236/7, 240/7–256/7, 260/7–276/7 and 280/7–316/7 weeks. Findings were summarized using descriptive statistics. Results: Investigators from 14 of the 23 (61%) NICUs responded. Antenatal counselling was provided to >75% of expectant parents by Staff Neonatologists and Neonatal Fellows. Most NICUs (78%) provided resuscitation in a room adjacent to the high-risk delivery room or the NICU, while few (36%) resuscitated in the delivery room only. Twelve (86%) NICUs practiced delayed cord clamping while two practiced milking of the cord (14%) and 100% used thermal wrap for infants <28 weeks' gestation. All, with the exception of three NICUs used fraction of inspired oxygen ≤0.3 for initial resuscitation and 12/14 (86%) centres applied continuous positive airway pressure for spontaneously breathing infants <256/7 weeks' gestation. Conclusions: Participating Canadian NICUs reported that they generally follow Neonatal Resuscitation Program recommendations for stabilization of preterm infants; however, considerable variation exists in the application of evidence-based interventions. Our findings can be used to inform quality improvement initiatives to improve clinical outcomes for this vulnerable population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Continuous pain occurs routinely, even after invasive procedures, or inflammation and surgery, but clinical practices associated with assessments of continuous pain remain unknown.Methods: A prospective cohort study in 243 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from 18 European countries recorded the frequency of pain assessments, use of mechanical ventilation, sedation, analgesia or neuromuscular blockade for each neonate for up to 28 days after NICU admission.Results: Only 2113 of 6648 (31.8%) of neonates received assessments of continuous pain, occurring variably among tracheal ventilation (TrV, 46.0%), noninvasive ventilation (NiV, 35.0%) and no ventilation (NoV, 20.1%) groups (p < 0.001). Daily assessments for continuous pain occurred in only 10.4% of all neonates (TrV: 14.0%, NiV: 10.7%, NoV: 7.6%; p < 0.001). More frequent assessments of continuous pain occurred in NICUs with pain guidelines, nursing champions and surgical admissions (all p < 0.01), and for newborns <32 weeks gestational age, those requiring ventilation, or opioids, sedatives-hypnotics, general anaesthetics (O-SH-GA) (all p < 0.001), or surgery (p = 0.028). Use of O-SH-GA drugs increased the odds for pain assessment in the TrV (OR:1.60, p < 0.001) and NiV groups (OR:1.40, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Assessments of continuous pain occurred in less than one-third of NICU admissions and daily in only 10% of neonates. NICU clinical practices should consider including routine assessments of continuous pain in newborns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma involving whole of a leg in a neonate with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon causing limb and life-threatening situation has not been reported. One such case and its successful management is presented in this case report. Literature review is made.

El presente artículo es resultado del trabajo de grado para optar al título como Enfermera Especialista en Enfermería Materno Perinatal, el cual tuvo como propósito realizar una propuesta de cuidado de enfermería al recién nacido desde lo cultural, con base en las prácticas de cuidado que las madres adolescentes realizan con sus hijos durante la etapa de puerperio. Dicha propuesta se desarrolló a partir de los resultados obtenidos en la investigación "Prácticas de cuidado que las madres adolescentes realizan con sus hijos recién nacidos durante la etapa de puerperio" llevada a cabo por Nancy Lucía Bejarano y otros, en el año 2002 (1), en dos ciudades de Colombia con altas tasas de fecundidad. La propuesta de cuidado se diseñó a partir de un estudio exploratorio, descriptivo y documental con abordaje cualitativo, pues se tuvo en cuenta la investigación base, la recolección y la revisión de la bibliografía. Esta propuesta se ocupa de las prácticas de cuidado relacionadas con dos dominios encontrados en la investigación base: 1) favorecer el cierre de las aberturas transitorias con que llega el recién nacido y 2) evitar la entrada de frío y calor para la búsqueda del equilibrio en el cuerpo del mismo. Igualmente formula una alternativa para el cuidado de la salud, aplicando el conocimiento de enfermería desde la perspectiva cultural, teniendo como punto de partida la teoría de Madeleine Leininger.This article is the result of the final graduation work necessary to be eligible for the title of Specialized Nurse in Perinatal Maternal Nursing, which was aimed at formulating a proposal for the nursing care to the newborn from a cultural pointofview, basedonthe care practicesthatteenagemothers give their children during the puerperium. The aforementioned proposal was developed based on the results obtained from the research "Care practices given by teenage mothers to their newborns during the puerperium" carried out by Nancy Lucía Bejarano et al., in 2002 (1), in two high birth rates cities of Colombia. The proposal for care was designed as of an exploratory, descriptive and documentary study with a qualitative approach, since the base investigation, data collection and bibliography revision were taken into account. This proposal considers the care practices related to two spheres found in the base research: 1) to favor the closure of transitory openings with which the newborn comes, and 2) to avoid the entrance of cold and heat in order to search for the balance in its body. It also suggests an alternative for health care, applying the nursing knowledge from the cultural perspective, using as point of departure Madeleine Leininger's theory.

Objetivo. Determinar el riesgo de mortalidad neonatal por edad gestacional y el peso al nacer. Material y métodos. Se estudió una cohorte de 19 668 neonatos que egresaron entre el 1 de enero de 1995 y el 31 de octubre de 1999 del Centro Médico Nacional Ignacio García Téllez, del tercer nivel de atención perinatal del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social de la Península de Yucatán. Se registraron el peso al nacer, edad gestacional y condición de egreso. Se calculó el riesgo absoluto (RA) de mortalidad para cada semana de edad gestacional y grupo de peso. Resultados. El RA de mortalidad observado en neonatos de entre 34 a 44 semanas y peso mayor o igual a 2 250 g fue de 0.4%, de 15% para aquellos de entre 26 a 32 semanas con peso mayor o igual a 1000 g, y de 73% para los de entre las 26 a las 34 semanas, con peso al nacimiento de entre 750 y 1 000 g. Conclusione. El RA de mortalidad neonatal aumentó a menor. edad gestacional y peso. Los datos pueden ser utilizados como valores de referencia para nuestro hospital y para comparación con otros hospitales.Objective. To determine the neonatal mortality risk according to gestational age and birth weight. Material and Methods. The cohort consisted of 19 668 newborns of Centro Médico Nacional (National Medical Center) Ignacio García Téllez, a tertiary level healthcare institution of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (Mexican Institute of Social Security, IMSS) of the Yucatan Peninsula. All new-borns discharged from the hospital between January 1 st , 1995 and October 31 st , 1999 were included in the study. Birth weight, gestational age, and conditions upon discharge were recorded. Absolute risk (AR) of mortality was calculated for each week-of-gestation- and birth group. Results. Observed AR in newborns 34 to 44 weeks of gestational age and weighing at least 2 250 g was 0.4, while that for those 26 to 32 weeks of gestational age and weighing between 1000 g was 15%. Conclusions. AR of neonatal mortality increased inversely proportional to gestational age and birth weight. These data can be used as reference values for our hospital and for comparison with other hospitals.

Background: Early-onset sepsis is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in neonates. Currently, there are no recommendations on how to manage a well-appearing co-twin if one twin meets the criteria for evaluation for sepsis. Objective: Review our experience on management of well-appearing co-twins when one twin (index case) is evaluated for sepsis. Methods: Retrospective review of twins born at >36 weeks gestation. Index cases were categorized into two groups: (1) Presence of clinical signs of sepsis and no risk factors (RFs), and (2) presence of clinical signs with RF. All co-twins were well-appearing. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management are presented for all twins. Results: The study included 33 twin pairs. Septic workup was performed in index cases due to the presence of clinical signs with no RF (66.7%) or clinical signs with RF (33.3%) and all received antibiotics. Septic workup was performed in 18.2% of co-twins when clinical signs but no RFs were present in the index cases and 36.4% of co-twins when clinical signs and RF were present. No cases of sepsis were identified in either twin. Conclusion: Variation in the management of a well-appearing co-twin exists when the other twin is evaluated due to clinical signs of sepsis with or without the presence of RF. Our small dataset suggests that it may be reasonable to defer a septic workup of the well-appearing co-twin; particularly in the absence of RF. A larger study is required to confirm this suggestion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breastfeeding duration for infants with phenylketonuria (PKU) is less than other full-term infants. However, no study has examined the challenges encountered by mothers' breastfeeding infants with PKU. In 75 mothers of a child with PKU, three categories of breastfeeding challenges were identified: common breastfeeding issues, breastfeeding and PKU, and no challenges. The common breastfeeding issues can be identified in the literature but for these mothers, the issues are heightened due to frequent phenylalanine (Phe) monitoring. Even so, many mothers adapt breastfeeding to maintain desired Phe levels. A few mothers had no issues and were the exception, not the norm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing for changing intravenous (IV) administration sets that contain total parenteral nutrition (TPN), with and without lipids, in neonates remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether decreasing the frequency of changing IV administration sets (>24 h versus every 24 h) in neonates increases the incidence of sepsis within seven days of discontinuation of TPN and microbial contamination of the infusate. METHODS: The databases searched to identify studies that evaluated the frequency of IV administration sets on sepsis and microbial contamination of the infusate included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Scopus and Web of Science. The Evidence Evaluation Worksheet adapted from the American Heart Association's International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation was used to evaluate eligible studies for quality, level of evidence and direction of support. RESULTS: Two studies were reviewed; however, neither of the studies reported on the outcome of sepsis. One study reported that changing IV administration sets every 48 h did not increase the rate of infusate (amino acid or lipid) contamination compared with change every 24 h, while the other study reported an increase in the lipid infusate contamination rate when IV administration sets were changed every 72 h. CONCLUSIONS: There is insufficient evidence to support or refute routinely changing IV administration sets every 48 h or that decreasing the frequency of set changes increases the incidence of sepsis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast milk is the nutrition of choice for human infants (American Academy of Pediatrics, 2005; American Association of Family Physicians, 2008; Association of Women''s Health Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses, 2005; Canadian Paediatric Society, 2005; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, 2008; World Health Organization, 2009). In comparison to standard commercial formula, human breast milk has a lower concentration of protein and a lower content of the amino acid phenylalanine (Phe). For infants with phenylketonuria (PKU), these attributes of human breast milk make it ideal as a base source of nutrition. The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence and duration of breast-feeding and corresponding Phe levels of breast-fed and formula-fed infants with PKU in the caseload of a pediatric metabolic clinic at an urban tertiary-care medical center. Charts were reviewed for infants diagnosed with PKU beginning with 2005 and ending with 1980, the year no further breast-feeding cases were identified in the PKU population. During the first year of life, most of the infants, whether breast-fed or formula-fed, had similar mean Phe levels. However, the frequency distributions revealed that more breast-fed infants with PKU had Phe levels within the normal range (120–360 μmol/L) and were less likely to have low Phe levels (<120 μmol/L) than formula-fed infants with PKU. Further research is needed to understand how mothers manage breast-feeding in the context of PKU. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective:To describe and compare infants with severe hyperbilirubinemia, who presented with and without abnormal neurological findings and to identify associated risk factors.Study Design:Data on infants with severe hyperbilirubinemia (>425 μmol l−1 and/or received exchange transfusion) were collected prospectively through the Canadian Paediatric Surveillance Program (CPSP) from 2002 to 2004. Cases were categorized into two groups on the basis of information provided by the reporting physician: neurologically normal or abnormal. Demographic characteristics were compared and univariate logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with acute neurological abnormalities in infants.Result:Of the initial cohort of 258 infants, 32 (12.4%) were identified to have neurological abnormalities. Infants in the highest peak bilirubin level group (>550 μmol l−1) had the greatest risk of acute neurological abnormalities. The mid range (451 to 550 μmol l−1) and lowest level (450 μmol l−1) groups were less likely to have abnormalities (odds ratio (OR)=0.174; P=0.0013 and 0.402; P=0.0613, respectively). Exchange transfusion and presentation within the first 2 days of age were positively associated with abnormal neurological findings in infants (OR=3.332, P=0.003 and OR=2.572, P<0.0001, respectively).Conclusion:In this national cohort of infants with severe hyperbilirubinemia, a significant percentage of infants developed acute bilirubin encephalopathy. Long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up is necessary to determine the incidence of permanent neurological sequelae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To document the incidence, natural history and compare neurodevelopmental outcome of newborns with and without frontal horn cysts (FHC).Study Design:This was a case-control study. Newborns with and without FHC were identified and matched for demographics and worst cranial ultrasound scan (CUS) findings. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at 18 to 24 months.Result:A total of 30 FHC cases were identified from medical imaging database. Twenty-five cases occurred in preterm 32 weeks gestation with an incidence of 1% (25 of 2340). The diagnosis was made on the initial CUS in 28 cases. The cyst size and number varied from 1 to 18 mm and 1 to 6 respectively with no change noted on repeat CUS during hospital stay. Neurodevelopmental outcomes were not statistically significantly different between the groups.Conclusion:FHC are not uncommon in the newborn period. They appear to be benign with no impact on neurodevelopmental outcome. This information is vital for counseling parents of infants with FHC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: To explore international variation in implementation of point-of-care ultrasound in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), contributions were invited from neonatologists and paediatric cardiologists in six countries. The contributors show variation in national implementation that ranges from almost total coverage through to a minority of NICUs having point-of-care ultrasound capability. To a varying degree in all systems the main barriers have been concerns from the consultative specialties that traditionally use ultrasound, relating to the risk of misdiagnosis but also involving different clinical needs, liability concerns and lack of outcome-based evidence. All contributors agreed that safe point-of-care ultrasound depends on close collaboration with the consultative specialties and also that there is a need to develop training and accreditation structures for neonatologists using ultrasound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies comparing perinatal outcomes in multiples conceived following the use of artificial reproductive technologies (ART) vs. spontaneous conception (SC) have reported conflicting results in terms of mortality and morbidity. Therefore, the objective of our study was to compare composite outcome of mortality and severe neonatal morbidities amongst preterm multiple births ≤ 32 weeks gestation infant born following ART vs. SC. Methods: We conducted a single center cohort study at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Data on all preterm multiple births (= 32 weeks GA) discharged between July 2005 and June 2008 were retrospectively collected from a prospective database at our centre. Details regarding mode of conception were collected retrospectively from maternal health records. Preterm multiple births were categorized into those born following ART vs. SC. Composite outcome was defined as combination of death or any of the three neonatal morbidities (grade 3/4 intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia; retinopathy of prematurity > stage 2 or chronic lung disease). Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were preformed after adjustment of confounders (maternal age, parity, triplets, gestational age, sex, and small for gestational age). Results: One hundred and thirty seven neonates were born following use of ART and 233 following SC. The unadjusted composite outcome rate was significantly higher in preterm multiples born following ART vs. SC [43.1% vs. 26.6%, p = 0.001; OR 1.98 (95% CI 1.13, 3.45)]; however, when adjusted for confounders the difference between groups was not statistically significant [OR 1.39, 95% CI 0.67, 2.89]. Conclusion: In our population of preterm multiple births, the mode of conception had no detectable effect on the adjusted composite neonatal outcome of mortality and/or three neonatal morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: To measure the delivered fractional oxygen concentration (FDO2 ) from preterm-size Laerdal silicone resuscitators (PLSR) without a reservoir. BACKGROUND: The North American Neonatal Resuscitation Program manual states that self-inflating bags without a reservoir deliver approximately 40% oxygen, differing from the PLSR manufacturer's specifications. METHODS: A neonatal test lung was manually ventilated using PLSRs without a reservoir. A 50 psi 100% oxygen source and an oxygen flow meter were used to provide desired oxygen inlet flows. FDO2 was measured using 3 different PLSRs after 4 min of manual ventilation of a neonatal test lung, at differing inspired tidal volumes (5 mL or 20 mL), respiratory rates (40 breaths/min or 60 breaths/ min), and oxygen inlet flows (1 to 4, 5, and 10 L/min). RESULTS: In all tests using 5 or 10 L/min, FDO2 exceeded 0.95. The lowest FDO2 was 0.59, at 1 L/min. CONCLUSIONS: The FDO2 measured during this study did not differ from PLSR specifications. The FDO2 did, however, differ from information contained in the North American Neonatal Resuscitation Program manual regarding use of a self-inflating bag without a reservoir. Care should be taken when selecting a self-inflating resuscitation device to provide blended air and oxygen, as high concentrations of oxygen may be delivered by these devices even when the reservoir is removed. American and Canadian recommendations for the provision of supplemental oxygen with self-inflating bags require reevaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to compare the processes of care and to evaluate outcomes of premature neonates delivered to women with Medicaid managed care versus private insurance. DESIGN/METHODS: All of the infants born at <37 weeks' gestation between January 2001 and August 2005 in the ParadigmHealth database were included in these analyses (n = 24 151). Infants were categorized by maternal health insurance status as private insurance or Medicaid managed care and analyzed for differences in demographic data and length of stay. For survivors, differences in respiratory care, nutritional, and maturational milestones were assessed. In addition, age to wean to open crib, weight gain, home oxygen, and apnea monitor use were compared. Adverse outcomes, including necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, severe retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, apnea, and mortality, were compared. Statistical tests used were Students t test, χ2 and Kruskall-Wallis test. Multiple logistic regression was performed after controlling for demographic variables. RESULTS: Of the 24 151 infants studied, 19046 (78.9%) had private insurance, and 5105 (21.1%) had Medicaid managed care. There were no differences in gestational age at birth; however, Medicaid managed care infants had lower birth weight, lower Apgar score at 5 minutes, increased incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and bacterial sepsis, and longer length of stay. Of the surviving infants, more neonates with private insurance went home on oxygen and apnea monitors despite no differences found in the incidences of apnea or bronchopulmonary dysplasia between the groups. There were no differences in processes of care for feeding and respiratory milestones, but infants with Medicaid managed care weaned to an open crib later and had greater overall weight gain compared with infants with private insurance. CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that, in addition to the known impact of insurance status on well-being at birth, Medicaid managed care is independently associated with adverse neonatal outcomes in preterm infants, as well as differences in neonatal intensive care discharge processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective:To study whether the mode of delivery alters pain expression.Study Design:Full-term infants born by vaginal delivery or elective caesarean section were observed following high- and low-intensity pain stimuli, with recording of electrocardiogram, facial expression and vocalization.Result:Graded physiological and behavioral responses occurred, with greater responses to higher than lower intensity pain stimuli. Elevation in heart rate following both stimuli increased with time after vaginal delivery. Infants delivered by elective caesarean section showed stronger facial expressions and briefer time in vocalizations response to both interventions.Conclusion:Diminished responses following vaginal delivery suggest that physiological events associated with a normal delivery reduce the physiologic and sympathoadrenal activation by nociceptive mechanisms. Pain and stress reactivity appear to be inhibited during fetal life and sensory inputs during vaginal delivery may reverse this inhibition. To minimize neonatal pain, we recommend that postnatal invasive procedures to be performed shortly after vaginal birth.Journal of Perinatology (2009) 29, 44–50; doi:10.1038/jp.2008.129; published online 4 September 2008 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES. Infantile hemangiomas often are inapparent at birth and have a period of rapid growth during early infancy followed by gradual involution. More precise information on growth could help predict short-term outcomes and make decisions about when referral or intervention, if needed, should be initiated. The objective of this study was to describe growth characteristics of infantile hemangioma and compare growth with infantile hemangioma referral patterns. METHODS. A prospective cohort study involving 7 tertiary care pediatric dermatology practices was conducted. Growth data were available for a subset of 526 infantile hemangiomas in 433 patients from a cohort study of 1096 children. Inclusion criteria were age younger than 18 months at time of enrollment and presence of at least 1 infantile hemangioma. Growth stage and rate were compared with clinical characteristics and timing of referrals. RESULTS. Eighty percent of hemangioma size was reached during the early proliferative stage at a mean age of 3 months. Differences in growth between hemangioma subtypes included that deep hemangiomas tend to grow later and longer than superficial hemangiomas and that segmental hemangiomas tended to exhibit more continued growth after 3 months of age. The mean age of first visit was 5 months. Factors that predicted need for follow-up included ongoing proliferation, larger size, deep component, and segmental and indeterminate morphologic subtypes. CONCLUSIONS. Most infantile hemangioma growth occurs before 5 months, yet 5 months was also the mean age at first visit to a specialist. Recognition of growth characteristics and factors that predict the need for follow-up could help aid in clinical decision-making. The first few weeks to months of life are a critical time in hemangioma growth. Infants with hemangiomas need close observation during this period, and those who need specialty care should be referred and seen as early as possible within this critical growth period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Aim: To investigate whether professional training and/or clinical experience affect the ability of caregiver to assess clinical signs of pre-emptive morphine analgesia. Methods: In the Neurological Outcomes & Pre-emptive Analgesia In Neonates trial preterm infants undergoing mechanical ventilation were randomized to receive continuous infusion, either of morphine or placebo blinded. Staff from centres in Sweden (Stockholm and Örebro) completed an assessment form. Results: A total of 360 assessment forms were collected from 52 neonates. In 59% of the cases, caregivers correctly identified patients group. Comparable proportion of answers were correct between physicians, nurses and assistant nurses (63, 60 and 54%, respectively, p = 0.60). Staff with Neonatal intensive care unit experience <1 year identified 63%, as compared to 65% for working 1–5 year, and 55% that has been working >5 years (p = 0.28). Staff's ability to correctly identify group assignment was reduced by amount of additional morphine (p < 0.01) and severity of illness (p = 0.01). Conclusions: Clinical medical staffs, including neonatologists, have great difficulties in assessing the presence and severity of pain. Further studies should focus on the methods for assessment of prolonged pain in preterm neonates, define the effects of adequate analgesia, and investigate the clinical factors that may alter neonatal responses to acute and prolonged pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This section presents abstracts related to pediatric medicine. They include "T-Cell-Based Diagnosis of Neonatal Multidrug-Resistant Latent Tuberculosis Infection," "Accuracy and Interpretation of Rapid Influenza Tests in Children," "Cost-Effectiveness of Routine Childhood Vaccination for Hepatitis A in the U.S.," "The Economics of Routine Childhood Hepatitis A Immunization in the U.S.: The Impact of Herd Immunity"and "Is Dieting Advice From Magazines Helpful or Harmful? Five-Year Associations With Weight-Control Behaviors and Psychological Outcomes in Adolescents ."

Influenza has historically been an uncommon illness in the newborn period, although epidemic outbreaks in neonatal intensive care units have been described. There is currently significant concern about the possibility of a new pandemic of influenza in the near future. During a pandemic neonates are likely to be exposed, with significant illness more likely in pre-term newborns due to reduced levels of passively transferred protective maternal antibodies. While newer therapies have been shown to be effective in reducing the severity of illness in adults and children, such therapies are untried in neonates. Supportive care and measures to contain and prevent spread of infection may well be the most important measures in the event of a neonate acquiring influenza, including the avian variety.Journal of Perinatology (2006) 26, 772–776. doi:10.1038/sj.jp.7211625 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Background:: Despite increasing investigation in the area of cardiovascular instability in preterm infants, huge gaps in knowledge remain. None of the current treatments for hypotension, including the use of inotropic agents, have been well studied in the preterm population, and data regarding safety and efficacy are lacking. Thus, the labeling information regarding the use of inotropes as therapeutic agents in this population is inadequate. Objective:: This article reviews the current deficiencies in knowledge with respect to measuring and achieving normal organ perfusion; summarizes the clinical, methodological, and ethical issues to consider when designing trials to evaluate medications for hemodynamic instability in the preterm neonate; and proposes 2 possible trial designs. Unanswered questions and potential obstacles for the systematic study of drugs to treat cardiovascular instability in preterm neonates are discussed. Methods:: The neonatal Cardiology Group was established in 2003 by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) as part of the Newborn Drug Development Initiative. The Cardiology Group conducted a number of teleconferences and one meeting to develop a document addressing gaps in knowledge regarding cardiovascular drugs commonly used in low-birth-weight neonates and possible approaches to investigate these drugs. This work was presented at a workshop cosponsored by the NICHD and the FDA eld in March 2004 in Baltimore, Maryland. Information for this article was gathered during this initiative. Results:: To develop rational, evidence-based guidelines corroborated by robust scientific data for cardiovascular support in newborns, well-designed and adequately powered pharmacologic studies and clinical trials are needed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of inotropic agents and to determine the short- and long-term effects of these drugs. Trials investigating the currently available and novel therapies for cardiovascular instability in neonates will provide information that can be incorporated into product labeling and a scientific framework for cardiovascular management in critically ill neonates. The Cardiology Group identified and prioritized 2 conditions for investigation of therapeutic options for the management of neonatal cardiovascular instability: (1) cardiovascular instability in preterm neonates; and (2) cardiac dysfunction in neonates after cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Key research questions in the area of cardiovascular instability in the preterm infant include determining optimal blood pressure (BP) in preterm infants; identifying better measures than BP to determine organ perfusion; optimizing hemodynamic treatments; and clarifying any associations between BP or therapy for low BP and mortality, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and neurodevelopmental outcome. The Cardiology Group concluded that the study of inotropic agents in neonates using outcomes of information contained in this article was published in part in a supplement to Pediatrics, 2006. This work was also presented, in part, at the NICHD/FDA Newborn Drug Development Initiative Workshop, March 29-30, 2004, Baltimore, Maryland. portance to patients will require a complicated trial design to address the elements discussed. The group proposed 2 clinical trial designs: (1) a placebo-controlled trial with rescue therapy for symptomatic infants; and (2) a targeted BP trial. Conclusion:: This summary is intended to stimulate and assist future research in the area of cardiovascular support for preterm infants. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Summary: Neonates undergoing invasive procedures, postoperative pain or ventilatory support commonly receive opioids for treating pain and stress. Randomized clinical trials have examined the benefits and adverse effects of morphine or fentanyl for ventilated neonates and other indications. This paper summarizes the current evidence for opioid dosing in newborns, reviews their side-effects and explains the use of population kinetics and non-linear mixed-effects modeling to analyze the data from clinical trials. Opioid use should be reserved for severe pain postoperatively or during intensive care in neonates, using continuous infusions rather than intermittent boluses. The safety and efficacy data from prolonged opioid use, particularly on the long-term outcomes of neonates, is still lacking. The pharmacodynamics and pharmacogenetics of opioid use in infancy needs further investigation, using non-linear mixed-effects models to drive individualized therapy. The current interest in opioid research will reap rich dividends in providing pain relief for neonates and avoiding dangerous side effects. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: To study the patterns of supraspinal pain processing in neonates, we hypothesized that acute pain causes haemodynamic changes associated with activation of the primary somatosensory cortex. Forty preterm neonates at 28–36 weeks of gestation (mean=32.0) and at 25–42h (mean=30.7) of age were studied following standardized tactile (skin disinfection) and painful (venipuncture) stimuli. Changes in regional cerebral haemodynamics were monitored by near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) over both somatosensory cortices in 29 newborns, and over the contralateral somatosensory and occipital areas in 11 newborns. Heart rate (HR) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SaO2) were recorded simultaneously with NIRS parameters: oxygenated [HbO2], deoxygenated, and total hemoglobin. Tactile stimulation produced no changes in HR or SaO2. HR increased in the first 20s (p <0.001), while SaO2 decreased during the 40s after venipuncture (p <0.0001). Following tactile or painful stimulation, [HbO2] increased bilaterally regardless of which hand was stimulated (p <0.0001). Pain-induced [HbO2] increases in the contralateral somatosensory cortex (p <0.05) were not mirrored in the occipital cortex (p >0.1). Pain-related [HbO2] increases were more pronounced in male neonates (p <0.05 on left, p <0.001 on right), inversely correlated with gestational age (r =−0.53 on left, p <0.01; r =−0.42 on right, p <0.05) and directly correlated with postnatal age (r =0.75 on left, p <0.0001; r =0.67 on right, p <0.0001). Painful and tactile stimuli elicit specific haemodynamic responses in the somatosensory cortex, implying conscious sensory perception in preterm neonates. Somatosensory cortical activation occurs bilaterally following unilateral stimulation and these changes are more pronounced in male neonates or preterm neonates at lower gestational ages. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Background:: Preterm and full-term neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit or elsewhere in the hospital are routinely subjected to invasive procedures that can cause acute pain. Despite published data on the complex behavioral, physiologic, and biochemical responses of these neonates and the detrimental short- and long-term clinical outcomes of exposure to repetitive pain, clinical use of pain-control measures in neonates undergoing invasive procedures remains sporadic and suboptimal. As part of the Newborn Drug Development Initiative, the US Food and Drug Administration and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development invited a group of international experts to form the Neonatal Pain Control Group to review the therapeutic options for pain management associated with the most commonly performed invasive procedures in neonates and to identify research priorities in this area. Objective:: The goal of this article was to review and synthesize the published clinical evidence for the management of pain caused by invasive procedures in preterm and full-term neonates. Methods:: Clinical studies examining various therapies for procedural pain in neonates were identified by searches of MEDLINE (1980–2004), the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (The Cochrane Library, Issue 1, 2004), the reference lists of review articles, and personal files. The search terms included specific drug names, infant-newborn, infant-preterm, and pain, using the explode function for each key word. The English-language literature was reviewed, and case reports and small case series were discarded. Results:: The most commonly performed invasive procedures in neonates included heel lancing, venipuncture, IV or arterial cannulation, chest tube placement, tracheal intubation or suctioning, lumbar puncture, circumcision, and SC or IM injection. Various drug classes were examined critically, including opioid analgesics, sedative/hypnotic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and acetaminophen, injectable and topical local anesthetics, and sucrose. Research considerations related to each drug category were identified, potential obstacles to the systematic study of these drugs were discussed, and current gaps in knowledge were enumerated to define future research needs. Discussions relating to the optimal design for and ethical constraints on the study of neonatal pain will be published separately. Well-designed clinical trials investigating currently available and new therapies for acute pain in neonates will provide the scientific framework for effective pain management in neonates undergoing invasive procedures. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma involving whole of a leg in a neonate with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon causing limb and life-threatening situation has not been reported. One such case and its successful management is presented in this case report. Literature review is made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]