Neonatal/Perinatology

Infants avoid spending time examining stimuli that are either too simple or too complex, focusing instead on events with an intermediate level of complexity, according to a new study.

Starting enteral feeding early in preterm infants who are small for their age could result in earlier achievement of full enteral feeding without increasing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Escherichia coli has replaced group B Streptococcus (GBS) as the leading cause of bacteremia in term infants, with E coli accounting for 56% of cases, followed by GBS (21%) and Staphylococcus aureus (8%).

Sweet-tasting solutions such as glucose and sucrose are commonly used to alleviate pain in infants undergoing minor invasive procedures. Expressed breast milk may be an alternative to sweet solutions, but evidence of its analgesic efficacy is limited. Two new studies look at what works for neonatal pain relief.

A new policy statement by the American Academy of Pediatrics reaffirms its support for exclusive breastfeeding for about 6 months, with continuation of breastfeeding for 1 year or longer after solid foods are introduced as desired by mother and infant.

The case reads: 6-week-old female with twitching episodes. It helps to educate yourself regarding the Moro reflex.

An ongoing study that could lead to an imaging biomarker for autism as early as 6 months, before the onset of observable behavioral symptoms, may also eventually provide practitioners an avenue for earlier intervention in autism spectrum disorders

A multicomponent meningococcal B (4CMenB) vaccine induces an immune response in healthy infants and can be given safely with other routine vaccines, according to a European multisite, randomized study. Read why study results suggest that 4CMenB can be incorporated into various immunization schedules.

Children younger than 1 year and children on Medicaid are the most likely to suffer serious injuries because of physical abuse, according to an analysis of data from a US database. The study was the first to provide estimates on the number of US children hospitalized as a result of serious injuries from physical abuse. Learn what data identified poverty as a major risk factor for abusive injuries.

Stretching infant formula by dilution or reduced feedings exposes babies to serious developmental risks, yet it can be a monthly temptation for families receiving supplemental nutrition assistance. Find out how families forced to resort to formula stretching can be better identified and what other options can be offered to them.

A new prospective study confirms previous suggestions that in very low-birth-weight newborns exposed to treatment with ranitidine for gastric acid suppression, the rate of infections is significantly higher, as are the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, length of hospital stay, and fatal outcome.

Minimal access surgery is the fastest-growing area of surgical innovation, and children certainly benefit from procedures previously associated with more invasive approaches.

Proton pump inhibitors often are prescribed to treat infants with symptoms suspected as gastroesophageal reflux disease, but these acid-suppressing drugs are not safe for infants younger than 12 months.

In a case of unintended consequences gone right, the benefit of vaccinating infants against rotavirus does more than protect them against a serious illness with a high hospitalization rate. It also helps prevent the disease in older children and adults who have not received the vaccine, according to a recent study. What were the ?secrets and surprises? uncovered after introduction of the new vaccine?

A meta-analysis of 18 case-controlled studies on the relationship between breastfeeding and risk of sudden infant death syndrome revealed that breastfeeding of any duration is protective, especially if the breastfeeding is exclusive.

Preterm birth exerts a huge influence on infant mortality, and because less than half of preterm births are linked to spontaneous labor, it's important to consider the possible effect of obstetric intervention on the preterm birth rate.

The US Food and Drug Administration has ordered a safety labeling change for RotaTeq oral solution.

Parents don?t always understand what is meant by ?firm? when talking about bedding intended to reduce the risk of SIDS, and they worry that their infants may be uncomfortable, according to new research. Find out what misunderstandings are likely to occur and how you can counter them.

Here?s welcome news for nervous parents and the pediatricians who have to deal with urinary tract infections (UTI) in infants: New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics do not recommend routine use of voiding cystourethrography after the first UTI in febrile infants and children aged 2 to 24 months. Read more for information on when the test is indicated as well as other changes in UTI diagnosis and management.

Two new asthma studies include some practical advice that pediatricians can share with parents. One concerns mold in the home, which can lead to asthma development. Another study offers advice on using air cleaners to control asthma symptoms.

Although evidence shows that breastfeeding prevents childhood obesity and reduces a mother's risk for breast and ovarian cancers, many hospitals in the United States fail to support breastfeeding.

Although drug regimens such as the protease inhibitor lopinavir-ritonavir may have lowered the HIV transmission rates in newborns to less than 1%, a study finds that postnatal treatment with the combination was more likely to cause adrenal dysfunction in newborns when compared with a zidovudine-based treatment. Read about the nuances of the study and the researchers? recommendations.

Children as young as 9 months who are at high risk for invasive meningococcal disease should receive quadrivalent meningococcal vaccine, according to a new recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Administering hydroxycarbamide to very young children with sickle-cell anemia reduces common but serious adverse effects, particularly pain and dactylitis, and results in lower rates of acute chest syndrome, hospital admissions, and transfusions. Hydroxycarbamide also improves laboratory parameters.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning parents and health care providers against feeding the thickening agent SimplyThick to premature babies. The agency has received 15 reports of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) involving infants born before 37 weeks who ingested the product in breast milk or formula.