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Aim: To initiate a longitudinal pilot study comparing the effect of nutrient-enriched post-discharge formula (PDF) with standard term formula (TF) on bone strength of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in the first six months post-term. Methods: Two matched groups of VLBW infants were randomly assigned to enriched PDF (n=10) or TF (n=10) at corrected age of 40 weeks. Anthropometric measurements of growth and measurements of bone speed of sound (SOS) indicating bone strength and bone turnover markers (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and cross-linked carboxy terminal telopeptide of type I collagen) were taken at term and at three and six months corrected age. Results: The anthropometric measurements of infants fed PDF and TF were comparable at three and six months corrected age. Bone SOS of the PDF group increased from 2760+/-113 m/s at term to 2877+/-90 m/s and 3032+/-60 m/s at three and six months corrected age, respectively (P<0.001). Likewise, bone SOS of the TF group increased from 2695+/-116 m/s at term to 2846+/-72 and 2978+/-83 m/s at three and six months, respectively (P<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of growth and bone SOS measurements. The levels of both bone turnover markers decreased significantly during the study period (P<0.001 for both groups). Conclusion: Feeding with PDF after term had no short-term beneficial effect on bone strength and bone turn-over of VLBW infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, preterm labour is treated with tocolytic agents and prenatal steroids until the 34th week of gestation only. Our objective in this study was to assess this practice. Seven-year records of all preterm infants born in our institution at 34--36 weeks of gestation, were evaluated retrospectively. All babies, born in singleton well-dated pregnancies, without maternal, medical or obstetric complications, and by normal vaginal delivery, were included. Their length of hospital stay and perinatal complications were compared across gestational age groups of 34, 35 and 36 weeks. Of the 207 babies included, statistically significant reductions in the rates of respiratory distress syndrome (15.0% vs. 3.2%), nosocomial sepsis (5.0% vs. 0%) and apnoea of prematurity (11.7% vs. 2.2%), and consequently, in length of hospital stay (16 +/- 2.7 vs. 4 +/- 0.3 days) occurred between 34 and 36 weeks of gestation. The severity of respiratory distress syndrome also declined significantly. The changes were most noticeable after 35 weeks of gestation, and it was concluded that neonatal complications are still prevalent at 34 and 35 weeks. Therefore, we propose that labour should not be induced at 34 and 35 weeks of gestation and that tocolytic agents and maternal prenatal steroids may be considered in preterm labour during this period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to assess the incidence and outcome of managing a pneumothorax without tube thoracostomy and to determine the clinical and laboratory characteristics that distinguish infants with a pneumothorax who can be treated without chest-tube insertion. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of neonates who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit at the University at Alabama at Birmingham from 1992 to 2005 and had a pneumothorax while on mechanical ventilation. Infant characteristics, respiratory and radiologic diagnoses, and respiratory management data (ventilator settings and blood gases) were compared between infants who initially were treated with a chest tube versus those initially treated without a chest tube. RESULTS: A total of 136 ventilated infants with pneumothorax while on a ventilator were included in the final analysis; 101 (74%) were treated initially with a chest tube and 35 (26%) without a chest tube. Of those who did not receive a chest tube initially, 14 were treated with needle aspiration and 21 with expectant treatment. Infants who were treated initially without a chest tube were on a lower ventilator settings (mean airway pressure and fraction of inspired oxygen) and had better blood gases (arterial oxygen saturation, Pco(2), and pH) compared with infants who were treated with a chest tube. Infants who were treated initially with needle aspiration were more likely to require subsequent chest-tube insertion than infants who had expectant treatment (43% vs 10%). CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to treat expectantly without initial chest-tube placement a select group of ventilated neonates with pneumothorax. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Competency-based medical education (CBME) has gained prominence as an innovative model for post-graduate medical education, yet its implementation poses significant challenges, especially with regard to its sustainability. Drawing on paradox theory, we suggest that revealing the paradoxes underlying these challenges may contribute to our understanding of post graduate competency-based medical education (PGCBME) implementation processes and serve as a first-step in enhancing better implementation. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to identify the paradoxes associated with PGCBME implementation., Method: A qualitative study was conducted, as part of a larger action research, using in-depth semi-structured interviews with fellows and educators in eight Neonatal wards., Results: Analysis revealed that the PGCBME program examined in this study involves three different levels of standardization, each serving as one side of paradoxical tensions; (1) a paradox between the need for standardized assessment tools and for free-flow flexible assessment tools, (2) a paradox between the need for a standardized implementation process across all wards and the need for unique implementation protocols in each ward; and 3) a paradox between the need for a standardized meaning of competency proficiency and the need for flexible and personal competency achievement indicators., Conclusions: Implementing PGCBME programs involves many challenges, some of which are paradoxical, i.e. two contradictory challenges in which solving one challenge exacerbates another. Revealing these paradoxes is important in navigating them successfully.

Objective: To examine the reliability of a novel ultrasound (US) method for assessment of endotracheal tube (ETT) position in neonates., Design: Prospective, observational, single-centre, feasibility study., Setting: Level III neonatal intensive care unit., Patients: Term and preterm neonates requiring endotracheal intubation., Intervention: US measurement of the ETT tip to right pulmonary artery (RPA) distance was used to determine ETT position according to one-fourth to three-fourths estimated tracheal length for weight. US demonstration of pleural sliding and diaphragmatic movement was also assessed. Chest radiography (CXR) was performed following each intubation., Main Outcome Measures: Agreement between US assessment of ETT tip position and CXR served as the gold standard. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for each US method and correlation between ETT tip to RPA distance on US, and ETT tip to carina distance on CXR were assessed., Results: Forty-two US studies were performed on 33 intubated neonates. US evaluation of ETT-RPA distance identified 100% of ETTs positioned correctly: 77% deep and 80% high, demonstrating strong agreement with CXR (kappa=0.822). Sensitivity was 78%, specificity 100%, positive predictive value 100% and negative predictive value 86%. US ETT-RPA distance strongly correlated with CXR ETT-carina distance (r=0.826). No significant agreement was found between CXR and US assessment of pleural sliding and diaphragmatic movement. No adverse events were encountered during US scans., Conclusion: US evaluation of ETT-RPA distance demonstrated excellent accuracy for determining ETT position in neonates compared with CXR. More research is needed to support its feasibility in clinical settings., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2024. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

Vitamin D plays a key role in regulating calcium and phosphate metabolism. However, whether maternal vitamin D levels affect fetal bone strength is unclear. This study assessed correlations between maternal 25(OH)D status and neonatal bone strength 25(OH)D levels, these were measured in the maternal and infant cord blood of 81 mother−infant dyads. Bone strength was measured using a quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of tibial bone speed of sound (SOS). Maternal vitamin D intake, medical history and lifestyle were evaluated from questionnaires. Maternal 25(OH)D levels were deficient (<25 nmol/L) in 24.7%, insufficient (25−50 nmol/L) in 37% and sufficient (>50 nmol/L) in 38.3%. The maternal and cord blood 25(OH)D levels correlated (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). Cord blood levels (57.9 ± 33.5 nmol/L) were higher than the maternal blood levels (46.3 ± 23.2: p < 0.001). The mean SOS was 3042 ± 130 m/s. The neonatal SOS and 25(OH)D levels were not correlated. The mean bone SOS levels were comparable in the three maternal and cord blood 25(OH)D groups. No correlation was found between the maternal 25(OH)D levels and the neonatal anthropometrics. Although the 25(OH)D levels were higher in Jewish mothers than they were in Muslim mothers (51.1 ± 22.6 nmol/L vs. 24 ± 14.7 nmol/L, respectively: p = 0.002) and in those who took supplemental vitamin D, the bone SOS levels were comparable. In conclusion, maternal vitamin D levels correlate with cord levels but do not affect bone strength or growth parameters.

Introduction: There is no agreement regarding the best method for tube-feeding preterm infants. Few studies, to date, have evaluated the influence of different methods of enteral feeding on intestinal oxygenation. The use of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) has permitted the noninvasive measurement of splanchnic regional oxygenation (rSO 2 S) in different clinical conditions. The aim of this prospective, single-center study was to compare rSO 2 S during continuous versus bolus feeding among stable preterm infants., Methods: Twenty-one preterm infants, less than 32 weeks gestation and appropriate for gestational age, were enrolled. All infants were clinically stable and on full tube feedings. Each infant received a bolus feeding initially (20 min duration), and after 3 h, a continuous feeding (5 h duration). Infants were evaluated 30 min before and 30 min after the bolus and continuous feedings. The regional splanchnic saturation (rSO 2 S) was measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology and systemic saturation was measured with pulse oximetry. From these measurements, we calculated the splanchnic fractional oxygen extraction ratio (FOES) for each of the four intervals., Results: rSO 2 S decreased after continuous vs. bolus feeding ( p = 0.025), while there was a trend toward decreased SaO 2 after bolus feeding ( p = 0.055). The FOES, which reflects intestinal oxygen extraction, was not affected by the feeding mode ( p = 0.129)., Discussion/conclusion: Continuous vs. bolus feeding decreases rSO 2 S but does not affect oxygen extraction by intestinal tissue; after bolus feeding there was a trend towards decreased systemic saturation.

Neonatal nutritional supplements are widely used to improve growth and development but may increase risk of later metabolic disease, and effects may differ by sex. We assessed effects of supplements on later development and metabolism. We searched databases and clinical trials registers up to April 2019. Participant-level data from randomised trials were included if the intention was to increase macronutrient intake to improve growth or development of infants born preterm or small-for-gestational-age. Co-primary outcomes were cognitive impairment and metabolic risk. Supplementation did not alter cognitive impairment in toddlers (13 trials, n = 1410; adjusted relative risk (aRR) 0.88 [95% CI 0.68, 1.13]; p = 0.31) or older ages, nor alter metabolic risk beyond 3 years (5 trials, n = 438; aRR 0.94 [0.76, 1.17]; p = 0.59). However, supplementation reduced motor impairment in toddlers (13 trials, n = 1406; aRR 0.76 [0.60, 0.97]; p = 0.03), and improved motor scores overall (13 trials, n = 1406; adjusted mean difference 1.57 [0.14, 2.99]; p = 0.03) and in girls not boys ( p = 0.03 for interaction). Supplementation lowered triglyceride concentrations but did not affect other metabolic outcomes (high-density and low-density lipoproteins, cholesterol, fasting glucose, blood pressure, body mass index). Macronutrient supplementation for infants born small may not alter later cognitive function or metabolic risk, but may improve early motor function, especially for girls.

Neonatal nutritional supplements may improve early growth for infants born small, but effects on long-term growth are unclear and may differ by sex. We assessed the effects of early macronutrient supplements on later growth. We searched databases and clinical trials registers from inception to April 2019. Participant-level data from randomised trials were included if the intention was to increase macronutrient intake to improve growth or development of infants born preterm or small-for-gestational-age. Co-primary outcomes were cognitive impairment and metabolic risk. Supplementation did not alter BMI in childhood (kg/m 2 : adjusted mean difference (aMD) -0.11[95% CI -0.47, 0.25], p = 0.54; 3 trials, n = 333). Supplementation increased length (cm: aMD 0.37[0.01, 0.72], p = 0.04; 18 trials, n = 2008) and bone mineral content (g: aMD 10.22[0.52, 19.92], p = 0.04; 6 trials, n = 313) in infancy, but not at older ages. There were no differences between supplemented and unsupplemented groups for other outcomes. In subgroup analysis, supplementation increased the height z-score in male toddlers (aMD 0.20[0.02, 0.37], p = 0.03; 10 trials, n = 595) but not in females, and no significant sex interaction was observed ( p = 0.21). Macronutrient supplementation for infants born small may not alter BMI in childhood. Supplementation increased growth in infancy, but these effects did not persist in later life. The effects did not differ between boys and girls.

Preterm infants with severe brain injury are at high risk for poor outcomes and, therefore, may benefit from developmental care modalities such as music therapy (MT). In this prospective, randomized intervention, preterm infants with severe brain injury (grade 3 or 4 intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia) who underwent skin-to-skin contact (SSC) with or without maternal singing during MT were evaluated for physiological responses, including autonomic nervous system stability (low frequency (LF)/high frequency (HF) power), heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, and behavioral state. Maternal anxiety state and physiological data were also evaluated. A total of 35 preterm infants with severe brain injuries were included in the study analysis. Higher mean ± standard deviation (SD) LF/HF ratio (1.8 ± 0.7 vs. 1.1 ± 0.25, p = 0.01), higher mean ± SD heart rate (145 ± 15 vs. 132 ± 12 beats per minute, p = 0.04), higher median (interquartile range) infant behavioral state (NIDCAP manual for naturalistic observation and the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment) score (3 (2-5) vs. 1 (1-3), p = 0.03), and higher mean ± SD maternal anxiety (state-trait anxiety inventory) score (39.1 ± 10.4 vs. 31.5 ± 7.3, p = 0.04) were documented in SSC combined with maternal singing during MT, as compared to SSC alone.Conclusion: Maternal singing during MT for preterm infants with severe brain injury induces physiological and behavioral instability and increases maternal anxiety during NICU hospitalization. A unique MT intervention should be designed for preterm infants with severe brain injury and their mothers. What is Known: • Preterm infants with severe brain injury are at high risk for poor outcomes. • Music therapy benefits brain development of preterm infants without severe brain injury, however it is unknown whether maternal singing during music therapy for preterm infants with severe brain injury is beneficial. What is New: • Maternal singing during music therapy for preterm infants with severe brain injury induces physiological and behavioral instability and increases maternal anxiety during NICU hospitalization. • A unique music therapy intervention should be designed for preterm infants with severe brain injury and their mothers.

This research study explored changes in family-centered care practices for hospitalized infants and families due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This exploratory descriptive study used a 49-item online survey, distributed to health care professionals working with hospitalized infants and families. The sample consisted of 96 participants from 22 countries. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 87% of units welcomed families and 92% encouraged skin-to-skin care. During the pandemic, family presence was restricted in 83% of units, while participation in infant care was restricted in 32%. Medium-sized (20-40 beds) units applied less restriction than small (<20 beds) units (p = 0.03). Units with single-family rooms that did not restrict parental presence, implemented fewer restrictions regarding parents' active participation in care (p = 0.02). Restrictions to families were not affected by geographic infection rates or developmental care education of health care professionals. Restrictions during the pandemic increased separation between the infant and family.

Background: Cortisol is a stress response marker. During pregnancy and delivery, cortisol levels are elevated, especially in complicated deliveries. Blood cortisol levels can increase 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP) levels in the mother during delivery, however this effect was not elucidate in newborn infants., Objectives: To investigate whether there is a correlation between umbilical cord cortisol and 17-OHP levels in the newborn, leading to false results in the newborn screening tests., Methods: Umbilical cord cortisol levels together with maternal delivery data were analyzed at Meir Medical Center during 2015-2016. The newborn screening test was performed in all newborns at 36 to 72 hours after birth, and data on 17-OHP levels were recorded. A correlation between mode of delivery, umbilical cord cortisol level and 17-OH- P levels of the newborn screening tests was conducted., Results: A total of 122 newborn infants were included in the study. The mean cord cortisol levels were 12.3±4.1 mcg/dL. Vacuum extraction deliveries were associated with the higher cord cortisol level compared to unplanned cesarean section deliveries, planned cesarean sections and vaginal deliveries (all p<0.03). Unplanned cesarean sections had higher umbilical cord cortisol levels compared to planned cesarean section and vaginal delivery ( all p<0.05). All infants had 17-OHP levels within normal limits (<35 nM), with no correlation to umbilical cord cortisol levels (r=0.012, p=0.26)., Conclusions: Vacuum extraction deliveries are associated with the highest cord cortisol level compared to unplanned cesarean section deliveries and to vaginal deliveries, however, these levels are not associated with high levels of 17-OHP of the newborn screening test. Therefore, our data does not support the hypothesis that stressful deliveries are associated with high false positive 17-OHP levels in the newborn screening test.

Music therapy (MT) interventions and skin-to-skin care (SSC) both aim to address the varied needs of preterm infants, including sensory regulation and stress reduction, inclusion of parents in their infant's care, support of parents' emotional state, and enhancing the parent-infant attachment process. Few studies have investigated the combination of both modalities through randomized controlled trials. Evidence of longer-term effects is missing. This article presents a study protocol that will investigate the effects of combined family-centered MT intervention and SSC on preterm-infants' autonomic nervous system (ANS) stability, parental anxiety levels, and parent-infant attachment quality. 12 clusters with a total of 72 preterm infants, with their parents, will be randomized to one of two conditions: MT combined with SSC or SSC alone. Each parent-infant dyad will participate in 3 sessions (2 in the hospital and a 3-month follow-up). The primary outcome of preterm infants' ANS stability will be measured by the high frequency power of their heart rate variability. Secondary outcomes will be physiological measures and behavioral states in infants and anxiety and attachment levels of parents. This trial will provide important, evidence-based knowledge on the use of the "First Sounds: Rhythm, Breath, and Lullaby" model of MT in neonatal care, through an intervention that is in line with the Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program model for supportive developmental care of preterm infants and their parents. Ethical approval (no. 0283-15) was granted from the local Institutional Review Board in April 2017. This trial is registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03023267., (© American Music Therapy Association 2020. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Purpose: Appendectomy versus conservative antibiotic treatment (CAT) for children with acute uncomplicated appendicitis (AUA) remains unresolved, with concerns regarding the practicality of CAT. We analyzed our center's experience with CAT for AUA, using a protocol with strict inclusion, exclusion and treatment criteria., Methods: Non-randomized, prospective cohort study included all children admitted betwee 2014 and 2016, with clinical and laboratory tests suspicious for AUA. Data collected included clinical signs and symptoms; laboratory, ultrasound and pathology results. Follow-up was conducted through clinic visits, telephone conversations and national registry analysis., Results: Included in CAT: 362 children, 19 underwent appendectomy within 1-2 days. Overall, 75 were readmitted for recurrent acute appendicitis during 22 months (6-43) follow-up. Thirty were treated successfully with antibiotics a second time. The remaining 45 had appendectomy. Overall, 86.8% underwent CAT with no surgery. Histology of all recurrent AUA revealed no perforations., Conclusion: We confirm the feasibility of conservative management of AUA in children. A rigorous diagnostic plan with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria will lead to high success rate of CAT with a strong safety profile. CAT does not compete with surgery or render appendectomy unnecessary. It is a safe alternative to surgery in selected cases.

Premature infants have an increased risk of osteopenia due to limited bone mass accretion in utero and a greater need for bone nutrients. Until recently, most efforts to prevent osteopenia of prematurity focused on nutritional changes. Recent studies indicate that passive range-of-motion exercise of the extremities may lead to beneficial effects on body weight, increased bone mineralization, increased bone formation markers and leptin levels, and attenuation of the natural postnatal decline in bone speed of sound. These results suggest that exercise may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of osteopenia of prematurity. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the role of exercise in the prevention and treatment of osteopenia of prematurity.

The success rate of conservative treatment for children with uncomplicated appendicitis was prospectively evaluated among 197 children. All who received intravenous antibiotics for 3-5 days, and if symptoms resolved, were discharged home on oral antibiotics for 5 days. Failure rate, symptoms, laboratory signs, and sonographic findings were evaluated for prognostic markers of treatment failure. Children were followed for 18 months. The success rate of conservative treatment was 87%, with shorter hospital stays compared to children who eventually needed surgery (72 [60-84] vs. 84 h [72-126], P = 0.001). Vomiting and/or nausea and intraluminal fluid on sonography were the only prognostic signs of failed treatment (P = 0.028 and P = 0.0001, respectively). After multi-regression analysis, intraluminal fluid was the only prognostic sign for failed treatment (odds ratio = 10.2; 95% CI 3.3-31.8, P = 0.001). Patients who failed conservative treatment were successfully operated without significant morbidity. Pathology findings were compatible with acute or subacute inflammation in 94% of operated AA, with no perforated appendices., Conclusion: When applying rigorous criteria for children with uncomplicated appendicitis, a high success rate can be achieved with conservative treatment. Those who fail conservative treatment have a benign medical course without serious complications. Intraluminal fluid may increase risk for conservative treatment failure. What is Known: • Conservative treatment in uncomplicated acute appendicitis is a reasonable alternative to appendectomy. What is New: • Using rigorous criteria for conservative treatment in uncomplicated acute appendicitis is safe and feasible. • Intraluminal fluid should be considered a contraindication to conservative treatment.

Aim: To evaluate the possible association between major neonatal morbidities and poor head growth from birth to discharge home in very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants born preterm., Method: Population-based observational study comprising 12 992 infants (6340 male, 6652 female) of 24 to 32 weeks' gestation, and birthweight ≤1500g. Severe head growth failure (HGF) was defined as a decrease in head circumference z-score >2 z-scores, and moderate HGF as a decrease of 1 to 2 z-scores. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to determine morbidities associated with HGF., Results: Severe HGF occurred in 4.5% and moderate HGF in 20.9% of infants. Each unit increase in head circumference z-score at birth was associated with increased odds for severe and moderate HGF (odds ratios [OR] 5.29, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 4.67-6.00, and OR 2.38, 95% CI 2.23-2.54 respectively). Both severe and moderate HGF were associated with respiratory distress syndrome (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.58-2.62, and OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.48-1.85 respectively); bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR 3.38, 95% CI 2.33-4.91, and OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.52-2.30 respectively); necrotizing enterocolitis (OR 2.89, 95% CI 2.04-4.09, and OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.38-2.16 respectively), and sepsis (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.69-2.50, and OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.24-1.53 respectively)., Interpretation: Major neonatal morbidities were associated with HGF in VLBW infants born preterm. Identification of whether this is a direct effect of these morbidities or mediated through nutritional or growth factors may enable interventions to improve postnatal head growth of infants born preterm., (© 2016 Mac Keith Press.)

Aim: To evaluate the short-term effects of blood transfusion on iron status [hemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and reticulocyte count], hepcidin, and erythropoietin in stable preterm infants., Method: Sixty-three preterm infants treated with red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) were included. Venous blood samples were collected before and within 24 h after each transfusion., Results: Hemoglobin concentration increased after RBCT (7.2±1.2 g/dL vs. 13.7±2.3 g/dL, P=0.02), as well as ferritin [131 (63-110.4) ng/mL vs. 211 (125.7-299.2) ng/mL, P=0.05); reticulocyte count decreased. sTfR did not change. Hepcidin serum levels increased from 37.5 (21.3-84.7) ng/mL to 72.6 (31.3-126.2) ng/mL, (P=0.04) and erythropoietin decreased (48±19 pg/mL vs. 29±17 pg/mL, P=0.06) after RBCT. A positive linear correlation was found (R2=0.76, P=0.0001) between hepcidin and ferritin levels of post-minus-pre RBCT. Hepcidin levels increased significantly in preterm infants who received RBCT after 1 month of age compared to those who received RBCT at <1 month (P=0.03). No correlation was found between gestational age, weight appropriate for age, or length of blood storage and hepcidin levels., Conclusion: Preterm infants can control iron levels by regulating hepcidin and decreasing erythropoietin. This ability varies with postnatal age.

We aimed to assess whether a twice daily assisted exercise interventional program will have a greater effect on bone strength compared to a once daily intervention or no intervention in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Thirty-four very VLBW preterm infants (mean BW 1217 ± 55 g and mean gestational age 28.6 ± 1.1 weeks) were randomly assigned into one of three study groups: twice daily interventions (n = 13), a once daily intervention (n = 11), and no intervention (control, n = 10). The intervention was initiated at a mean of 8 ± 2.4 days of life and continued for 4 weeks. It included passive extension and flexion range-of-motion exercise of the upper and lower extremities. Bone strength was measured at enrollment and after 2 and 4 weeks using quantitative ultrasound of tibial bone speed of sound (SOS, Sunlight Omnisense™). At enrollment, the mean bone SOS was comparable between the twice daily interventions, once daily intervention and control groups (2918 ± 78, 2943 ± 119, and 2910 ± 48 m/s, respectively). As expected, the bone SOS declined in all groups during the study period (-23.6 ± 24, -68.8 ± 28, and -115.8 ± 30 m/s, respectively, p < 0.05), with a significantly attenuated decrease in bone strength in the twice daily intervention group (p = 0.03). A twice daily intervention program of assisted range-of-motion exercise attenuates the decrease in bone strength and may decrease the risk of osteopenia and future fractures in VLBW preterm infants.

During hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the brain of the preterm infant undergoes a particularly vulnerable and sensitive period of development. Brain development might be negatively influenced by direct injury as well as by complications of prematurity. Over the past few years, stress has come to be increasingly recognized as a potential risk factor. The NICU environment contains numerous stress factors due to maternal deprivation and over-stimulation, such as light, sound and pain, which conflict with the brain's developmental requirements. Developmental care is a caregiving approach that addresses the early developmental needs of the preterm infant as an integral component of quality neonatal care. NIDCAP (Newborn Individualized Developmental Care and Assessment Program) is a comprehensive program that aims to reduce environmental stress, to support the infant's neuro-behavioral maturation and organization, and to promote early parent-infant relationships. The implementation of developmental care based on NIDCAP principles is a gradual, in-depth systems change process, which affects all aspects of care in the NICU. This review describes the theoretical basis of the NIDCAP approach, summarizes the scientific evidence and addresses some of the implications of the transition from a traditional to a developmental care NICU.

Background: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) has been associated with a decreased risk of infant mortality in small for gestational age (SGA) preterm infants., Objective: To evaluate the influence of PIH on mortality and major neonatal morbidities in singleton preterm SGA infants, in the presence and absence of acute pregnancy complications., Methods: Population-based observational study of singleton SGA infants, born at 24 to 32 weeks gestation in the period 1995-2010 (n = 2139). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the independent effect of PIH on mortality and neonatal morbidities. Acute pregnancy complications comprised premature labor, premature rupture of membranes >6 h, antepartum hemorrhage and clinical chorioamnionitis., Results: In the absence of pregnancy complications, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for mortality (0.77; 0.50-1.16), survival without severe neurological morbidity (1.14; 0.79-1.65) and survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (0.85; 0.59-1.21) were similar in the PIH versus no-PIH groups. In the presence of pregnancy complications, mortality (0.76; 0.40-1.44), survival without severe neurological morbidity (1.16; 0.64-2.12) and survival without BPD (1.04; 0.58-1.86) were also similar in the PIH versus no-PIH groups., Conclusions: PIH was not associated with improved outcome in preterm SGA infants, both in the presence and absence of acute pregnancy complications.

Aim: Kangaroo care (KC) and maternal singing benefit preterm infants, and we investigated whether combining these benefitted infants and mothers., Methods: A prospective randomised, within-subject, crossover, repeated-measures study design was used, with participants acting as their own controls. We evaluated the heart rate variability (HRV) of stable preterm infants receiving KC, with and without maternal singing. This included low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and the LF/HF ratio during baseline (10 min), singing or quiet phases (20 min) and recovery (10 min). Physiological parameters, maternal anxiety and the infants' behavioural state were measured., Results: We included 86 stable preterm infants, with a postmenstrual age of 32-36 weeks. A significant change in LF and HF, and lower LF/HF ratio, was observed during KC with maternal singing during the intervention and recovery phases, compared with just KC and baseline (all p-values <0.05). Maternal anxiety was lower during singing than just KC (p = 0.04). No differences in the infants' behavioural states or physiological parameters were found, with or without singing., Conclusion: Maternal singing during KC reduces maternal anxiety and leads to autonomic stability in stable preterm infants. This effect is not detected in behavioural state or physiological parameters commonly used to monitor preterm infants., (©2014 Foundation Acta Paediatrica. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: Beta-palmitate (sn-2 palmitate) mimics human milk fat, enabling easier digestion.Therefore, we hypothesized that infants consuming high beta-palmitate formula would have more frequent, softer stools and reduced crying compared to infants consuming low beta-palmitate formula., Methods: Formula-fed infants were randomly assigned to receive either (1) formula with high beta-palmitate (HBP, n = 21) or (2) regular formula with a standard vegetable oil mix (LBP, n = 21). A matched group of breastfed infants served as a reference (BF, n = 21). Crying and stool characteristics data were recorded by the parents for 3 days before the 6- and 12-week visits., Results: We found no significant differences in the stool frequency or consistency between the two formula groups. The percentage of crying infants in the LBP group was significantly higher than that in the HBP and BF groups during the evening at 6 weeks (88.2% vs. 56.3% and 55.6%, p < 0.05) and during the afternoon at 12 weeks (91.7% vs. 50.0% and 40%, p < 0.05). The infants fed HBP had significantly shorter crying durations when compared with infants fed LBP formula (14.90 ± 3.85 vs.63.96 ± 21.76 min/day, respectively; p = 0.047)., Conclusions: Our study indicates that consumption of a high beta-palmitate formula affects infant crying patterns during the first weeks of life. Comparable to breastfeeding, it reduced crying duration and frequency, primarily during the afternoon and evening hours, thereby improving the well-being of formula-fed infants and their parents., Trial Registration: NCT00874068.Registration date March 31, 2009.