Online First
June 15, 2021
June 10, 2021
- Original researchRespiratory support after delayed cord clamping: a prospective cohort study of at-risk births at ≥35+0 weeks gestation
This manuscript reports risk factors for the need for respiratory support in a prospective cohort of babies delivered at > 35 weeks who had DCC in pediatrician attended births. A heart rate < 165 90 - 120 sec after birth was associated with the need for respiratory support.
- Original researchComparison of two devices for automated oxygen control in preterm infants: a randomised crossover trial
In this crossover study comparing two commercially available devices for automated adjustment of inspired oxygen there were significant differences between devices in the proportion of time infants spent in their intended target SpO2 range and in their exposure to high and low SpO2.
- Original researchTrial of aerosolised surfactant for preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome
This is a report of a pilot trial of a new device to aerosolize surfactant delivery to preterm infants with respiratory distress requiring CPAP using comparison to historical controls. No safety issues were identified, and there was a trend toward improvement in treated infants.
- Original researchPrediction of outcome from MRI and general movements assessment after hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy in low-income and middle-income countries: data from a randomised controlled trial
In a secondary analyses of a RCT of hypothermia for HIE in India, neonatal MRI and general movements assessment (GMA) were evaluated in prediction of adverse 2-year neurodevelopmental outcomes. GMA may be a feasible low-cost alternative or complementary approach to MRI in low-resource settings.
- Original researchNeurodevelopmental outcome of patients with congenital gastrointestinal malformations: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This systemic review and meta-analysis examines neurodevelopmental outcomes of infants with a wide variety of congenital gastrointestinal malformations. The authors report that these lesions are associated with poorer outcomes, and recommend routine follow-up.
June 09, 2021
- Original researchAqueous chlorhexidine 1% versus 2% for neonatal skin antisepsis: a randomised non-inferiority trial
This controlled trial tested different strengths of aqueous chlorhexidine for neonatal skin antisepsis prior to intravenous cannulation in a neonatal intensive care unit in India, finding that 1% chlorhexidine was effective, but not clearly equivalent to 2% which pending further research remains the recommended concentration for this purpose.
- Original researchEffect of breathing on venous return during delayed cord clamping: an observational study
Real-time echocardiographic monitoring of blood flow in the ductus venosus and hepatic vein was undertaken during perinatal transition with intact umbilical cord of term born infants. Antegrade flow increased during inspiration, preferentially directing blood flow from the ductus venosus into the right atrium.
June 03, 2021
May 27, 2021
- Images in neonatal medicineCongenital cutaneous candidiasis in one infant among a twin sibling pair
- Original researchOutcomes of neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy in centres with and without active therapeutic hypothermia: a nationwide propensity score-matched analysis
UK study using national data investigate the effect of birth in or outside a recognised cooling centre on short term outcomes of babies >36 weeks with moderate to severe HIE. Birth in a cooling centre, is associated with improved survival to discharge without seizures, fewer seizures, and similar mortality.
- Original researchNeurodevelopmental outcome following hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy and therapeutic hypothermia is related to right ventricular performance at 24-hour postnatal age
This manuscript details measures of right ventricular dysfunction as a predictor of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome in babies with HIE. One measure of RV dysfunction (tricuspid annulus plane systolic excursion) was independently associated with adverse outcomes.
May 26, 2021
- Original researchStrict glycaemic control in very low birthweight infants using a continuous glucose monitoring system: a randomised controlled trial
This is a randomized controlled trial investigating whether using a continuous glucose monitoring system improves glycaemic control in very low birth weight infants.
May 21, 2021
- Original researchNeuronal exosome proteins: novel biomarkers for predicting neonatal response to therapeutic hypothermia
In an observational cohort study, exosome based central nervous system biomarkers from peripheral blood in newborns less than 12 hours old undergoing hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy differentiated those with favorable and unfavorable MRI injury scores at 5-7 days.
May 20, 2021
- Original researchSystematic review of high-flow nasal cannula versus continuous positive airway pressure for primary support in preterm infants
Systematic review on studies comparing high-flow nasal cannula with N-CPAP support for preterm infants, reporting a higher risk of treatment failure for the former, but because the authors found no difference in intubation rates and a lower rate of nasal trauma, they conclude that HFNC may still be preferable.
May 14, 2021
- Original researchEarly lung ultrasound affords little to the prediction of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
These investigators report a prospective analysis of preterm babies < 28 weeks gestation in whom lung ultrasounds were performed on a scheduled basis. They found that u/s was predictive in univariate analysis of the development of BPD, but added little to the predictive value when gestational age was included in the model.
- Original researchNeonatal arterial stroke location is associated with outcome at 2 years: a voxel-based lesion-symptom mapping study
In a prospective observational multicenter study of neonatal stroke, lesion location identified by MRI is associated with language, motor, and cognitive outcomes at two years of age.
- Short reportNasal expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors in newborns
Low nasal expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry receptors in newborns in both preterm and term cases may contribute to the low attack rates and mild disease in newborns.
May 10, 2021
- Original researchPredictive Intelligent Control of Oxygenation (PRICO) in preterm infants on high flow nasal cannula support: a randomised cross-over study
Randomised cross-over study of an oxygen controller during high-flow nasal cannula support. The controller reduced time spent in hypoxia considerably, yet not that in hyperoxia.
- ReviewNeuroscience meets nurture: challenges of prematurity and the critical role of family-centred and developmental care as a key part of the neuroprotection care bundle
This review examines the developmental milestones of fetal brain and how preterm birth can disrupt this trajectory. It then outlines effective non-medical, family-centred and developmental care strategies which have the potential to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes.
May 07, 2021
- Original researchAutomated control of oxygen titration in preterm infants on non-invasive respiratory support
An automated oxygen controller increased the proportion of time that oxygen dependent preterm infants on non-invasive respiratory support spent in their target SpO2 range and reduced their exposure to extremes of SpO2.
- Short reportProspective comparison of thermometers used in very preterm infants
When used in predictive mode an electronic thermometer performed poorly for detecting hypothermia on admission to the neonatal unit.
May 06, 2021
- Original researchIntrapartum group B Streptococcal prophylaxis and childhood weight gain
Retrospective study of a large cohort of term babies followed up for 5 years. Just under a fifth (17%) of these babies were exposed to antibiotics given to the mother for GBS prophylaxis and these had elevated weight gain in the first 5 yrs. The authors suggest alteration of microbiome as a possible mechanism.
May 05, 2021
- Original researchAdministration of parenteral nutrition during therapeutic hypothermia: a population level observational study using routinely collected data held in the National Neonatal Research Database
Large retrospective cohort study on infants with HIE treated with hypothermia, showing that parenteral nutrition during therapeutic hypothermia was associated with higher late-onset infection, but lower mortality.
- Short reportAssociation of Total Sarnat Score with brain injury and neurodevelopmental outcomes after neonatal encephalopathy
In infants who received therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal encephalopathy, Total Sarnat Score >12 within 6 hours of birth indicated high risk of adverse neurodevelopment while <4 indicated intact survival
April 30, 2021
- Original researchTime to desaturation in preterm infants undergoing endotracheal intubation
Rapid desaturation occurs in preterm infants during elective endotracheal intubation
April 29, 2021
- Original researchViability and thresholds for treatment of extremely preterm infants: survey of UK neonatal professionals
Important and timely survey of UK clinicians' opinions regarding resuscitation at the limit of viability.
April 27, 2021
- ReviewRed cell transfusion thresholds for preterm infants: finally some answers
A review of the current evidence for red cell transfusions for preterm infants.
April 21, 2021
- ReviewSafe emergency neonatal airway management: current challenges and potential approaches
This review describes the challenges encountered with neonatal intubation, particularly in relation to training and achieving competency. It discusses strategies to optimise intubation success and examines the airway adjuncts currently available to manage the neonatal airway.
April 20, 2021
- Original researchComparison of the efficacy and safety of cuffed versus uncuffed endotracheal tubes for infants in the intensive care setting: a pilot, unblinded RCT
This single centre RCT enrolling 76 infants ≥35 weeks gestation and ≥3kg found that cuffed endotracheal tubes did not improve the percentage of time the ETT leak was within the optimal target range. Improvements were noted in some secondary outcomes. Further studies are required to provide assurance of safety in this population.
April 13, 2021
- Original researchAssociation of maternal body mass index with intellectual disability risk
In a large Swedish population-based birth cohort (1992-2006), maternal underweight or overweight/obesity in early pregnancy was independently associated with intellectual disability among offspring. High SES may attenuate the risk among children of underweight mothers.
- Images in neonatal medicinePericardial effusion and pulmonary vein stenosis in severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia
March 31, 2021
- Original researchOsteopathic manipulative treatment to improve exclusive breast feeding at 1 month
This single centre RCT of 128 mother/infant dyads experiencing breast feeding difficulties showed that early osteopathic manipulative treatment did not improve exclusive breast-feeding rates at one month.
March 11, 2021
- Original researchThermal management with and without servo-controlled system in preterm infants immediately after birth: a multicentre, randomised controlled study
This multicentre double blind RCT of 450 preterm infants evaluated the effectiveness of a thermal servo-controlled system in the delivery room. There was no important difference in rates of normothermia but the servo-controlled system was associated with increased mild hypothermia.
March 09, 2021
- Original researchRandomised trial of epinephrine dose and flush volume in term newborn lambs
In newborn lambs with cardiac arrest, higher doses of adrenaline and larger flush volumes were more effective in achieving return of spontaneous circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
March 03, 2021
- ReviewCurrent evidence for prenatal and postnatal corticosteroids in preterm infants
The review article looks at the current evidence for steroids in preterm infants, both pre- and postnatally.
February 24, 2021
February 17, 2021
February 10, 2021
- Images in neonatal medicineEcthyma gangrenosum in a premature infant: rare but critical to recognise
February 04, 2021
- Images in neonatal medicineEarly recognition of rusty pipe syndrome to avoid disruption of breast feeding