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Aim: To determine the incidence of post-phototherapy neonatal plasma total bilirubin (PTB) rebound.Methods: A prospective clinical survey was performed on 226 term and near-term neonates treated with phototherapy in the well baby nursery of the Shaare Zedek Medical Center from January 2001 to September 2002. Neonates were tested for PTB 24 hours (between 12 and 36 hours) after discontinuation of phototherapy, with additional testing as clinically indicated. The main outcome measure, significant bilirubin rebound, was defined as a post-phototherapy PTB >/=256 micromol/l. Phototherapy was not reinstituted in all cases of rebound, but rather according to clinical indications.Results: A total of 30 (13.3%) neonates developed significant rebound (mean (SD) PTB 287 (27) micromol/l, upper range 351 micromol/l). Twenty two of these (73%) were retreated with phototherapy at mean PTB 296 (29) micromol/l. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed significant risk for aetiological risk factors including positive direct Coombs test (odds ratio 2.44, 95% CI 1.25 to 4.74) and gestational age <37 weeks (odds ratio 3.21, 95% CI 1.29 to 7.96). A greater number of neonates rebounded among those in whom phototherapy was commenced 72 hours (4/74, 5.4%) (odds ratio 3.61, 95% CI 1.21 to 10.77).Conclusion: Post-phototherapy neonatal bilirubin rebound to clinically significant levels may occur, especially in cases of prematurity, direct Coombs test positivity, and those treated

The effects of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact (Kangaroo Care; KC) on autonomic functioning, state regulation, and neurobehavioural status was examined in 70 preterm infants, half of whom received KC over 24.31 days (SD 7.24) for a total of 29.76 hours (SD 12.86). Infants were matched for sex (19 males and 16 females in each group); birthweight (KC, 1229.95 g [SD 320.21]; controls, 1232.17 g [SD 322.15]); gestational age (GA) (KC, 30.28 weeks [SD 2.54]; controls, 30.19 weeks [SD 2.65]); medical risk; and family demographics. Vagal tone was calculated from 10 minutes of heart rate before KC and again at 37 weeks' GA. Infant state was observed in 10-second epochs during four consecutive hours before KC and again at 37 weeks' GA. Neurobehavioural status was assessed at 37 weeks' GA with the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (NBAS). Infants receiving KC showed a more rapid maturation of vagal tone between 32 and 37 weeks' GA (p=0.029). More rapid improvement in state organization was observed in KC infants, in terms of longer periods of quiet sleep (p=0.016) and alert wakefulness (p=0.013) and shorter periods of active sleep (p=0.023). Neurodevelopmental profile was more mature for KC infants, particularly habituation (p=0.032) and orientation (p=0.007). Results underscore the role of early skin-to-skin contact in the maturation of the autonomic and circadian systems in preterm infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to examine the relations among neuromaturation, mother-infant relationship, and cognitive development in small-for-gestational-age premature infants and to assess the interactive effects of birth weight and intrauterine growth restriction on developmental outcomes. METHODS: We studied 120 singleton premature infants (birth weight: 530-1790 g; gestational age: 25-35 weeks). In group 1, 40 small-for-gestational-age infants (22 girls) were case-matched with group 2 (n = 40) for birth weight (appropriate for gestational age matched for birth weight) and group 3 (n = 40) matched for gestational age (appropriate for gestational age matched for gestational age). Exclusion criteria included intraventricular hemorrhage grade 4, perinatal asphyxia, central nervous system infections, and genetic conditions. Infants were further divided into those born below and above 1000-g subgroups. Neonatal state organization was observed for 4 consecutive hours. Neuromaturation was assessed with the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale. At 3 and 24 months' corrected age, mother-infant interaction was evaluated. At 1 and 2 years' corrected age, the infants' cognitive development was tested with the Bayley Scale of Infant Development, 2nd edition. RESULTS: Small-for-gestational-age infants showed less organized state and less mature neurobehavioral profiles, particularly in the orientation and motor domains. Mother-infant interactions were characterized by maternal intrusiveness and miscoordination and negative infant engagement. Cognitive outcomes at 1 and 2 years were lower for the small-for-gestational-age group. Small-for-gestational-age infants born < 1000 g showed the poorest neurodevelopmental, social, and cognitive development of all of the groups. Cognitive outcomes at 2 years were predicted by small-for-gestational-age status, the interaction of actual birth weight and small-for-gestational-age status, neonatal state organization, and maternal intrusive behavior. CONCLUSION: Small-for-gestational-age premature infants are at higher risk for developmental and cognitive delays, as well as difficulties in the mother-infant relationship across infancy. Those born at extremely low birth weight are at a double risk. This group should receive special clinical attention and care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]