Comparing the safety and effectiveness of various umbilical cord milking techniques and delayed cord clamping in full-term and preterm infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We compare the hematocrit, hemoglobin, need for transfusion, recurrent phototherapy, serum bilirubin level, and serum ferritin at different time frames for the umbilical cord milking (UCM) and delayed cord clamping (DCC) in both full-term and preterm infants. A comprehensive search through various databases aimed to compare UCM and DCC studies until May 2nd, 2023. Cochrane and NIH tools assessed RCTs and cohorts, respectively. Meta-analysis employed Review Manager 5.4 software, calculating MD and RR with 95% CIs for continuous and dichotomous data. We included 20 studies with a total of 5189 infants. Regarding preterm infants, hematocrit level showed no significant difference between intact Umbilical Cord Milking (iUCM) compared to DCC (MD = -0.24, 95% CI [-1.11, 0.64]). Moreover, Neonatal death incidence was significantly higher with the UCM technique in comparison to DCC (RR = 1.28, 95% CI [1.01 to 1.62]). Regarding term and late preterm infants, Hematocrit level showed no significant difference between the iUCM or cUCM techniques compared to DCC (MD = 0.21, 95% CI [-1.28 to 1.69]), (MD = 0.96, 95% CI [-1.02 to 2.95]), respectively. UCM led to a higher risk of neonatal death in preterm infants compared to DCC. However, the incidence of polycythemia was lower in the UCM group. Additionally, UCM was associated with higher rates of severe IVH events. Based on these findings, DCC may be preferred due to its lower incidence of severe IVH and neonatal death.

Nous comparons l'hématocrite, l'hémoglobine, le besoin de transfusion, la photothérapie récurrente, le taux de bilirubine sérique et la ferritine sérique à différentes périodes pour la traite du cordon ombilical (UCM) et le clampage retardé du cordon (DCC) chez les nourrissons nés à terme et prématurés. Une recherche complète dans diverses bases de données visait à comparer les études UCM et DCC jusqu'au 2 mai 2023. Les outils Cochrane et NIH ont évalué les ECR et les cohortes, respectivement. La méta-analyse a utilisé le logiciel Review Manager 5.4, calculant le MD et le RR avec des IC à 95 % pour les données continues et dichotomiques. Nous avons inclus 20 études portant sur un total de 5 189 nourrissons. Concernant les nourrissons prématurés, le niveau d'hématocrite n'a montré aucune différence significative entre la traite du cordon ombilical intact (iUCM) et la DCC (DM = -0,24, IC à 95 % [-1,11, 0,64]). De plus, l'incidence des décès néonatals était significativement plus élevée avec la technique UCM qu'avec la technique DCC (RR = 1,28, IC à 95 % [1,01 à 1,62]). Concernant les nourrissons à terme et peu prématurés, le niveau = 0,21, IC à 95 % [-1,28 à 1,69]), (DM = 0,96, IC à 95 % [-1,02 à 2,95]), respectivement. L'UCM a entraîné un risque plus élevé de décès néonatal chez les nourrissons prématurés par rapport au DCC. Cependant, l'incidence de la polyglobulie était plus faible dans le groupe UCM. De plus, l'UCM était associée à des taux plus élevés d'événements IVH graves. Sur la base de ces résultats, le DCC peut être préféré en raison de sa plus faible incidence d'IVH grave et de décès néonatals. d'hématocrite n'a montré aucune différence significative entre les techniques iUCM ou cUCM par rapport à la technique DCC (DM.

[Neuropsychological development of large for gestational age infants at the age of 12 months]. / 大于胎龄儿12æœˆé¾„ç¥žç»å¿ƒç†å‘è‚²çŠ¶å†µç ”ç©¶.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the level of neuropsychological development in large for gestational age (LGA) infants at the age of 12 months. METHODS: The infants, aged 12 to <13 months, who attended the Outpatient Service of Child Care in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from December 2021 to June 2023, were enrolled as subjects. According to the gestational age and birth weight, they were divided into preterm appropriate for gestational age (AGA) group, preterm LGA group, early term AGA group, early term LGA group, full-term AGA group, and full-term LGA group. A modified Poisson regression analysis was used to investigate the association between LGA and neuropsychological development outcome at 12 months of age. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounding factors, compared with the full-term AGA group at the age of 12 months, the full-term LGA group had a significant increase in the risk of language deficit (RR=1.364, 95%CI: 1.063-1.750), the early term LGA group had significant increases in the risk of abnormal gross motor, fine motor, language, and the preterm LGA group had significant increases in the risk of abnormal language, social behavior, and total developmental quotient (P<0.05); also, the early term AGA group had higher risks of developmental delay across all five attributes and in total developmental quotient at the age of 12 months (P<0.05); except for the language attribute, the preterm AGA group had higher risks of developmental delay in the other 4 attributes (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The neuropsychological development of LGA infants with different gestational ages lags behind that of full-term AGA infants at 12 months of age, and follow-up and early intervention of such infants should be taken seriously in clinical practice.

Clinical significance of alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients for late preterm and full-term infants with acute respiratory distress syndrome / 中国新生儿科杂志

Objective:To study the clinical significance of alveolar-arterial oxygen gradients (P A-aO 2) for late preterm and full-term infants with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Methods:From January 2020 to June 2022, infants (gestational age ≥34 weeks) diagnosed with ARDS were admitted to the Neonatology Department of our hospital. The infants were assigned into the invasive group and the non-invasive group according to the ventilation mode. The infants with the same gestational age and diagnosed with neonatal wet lung were assigned into the control group. P A-aO 2 levels within 1 h after birth were compared among the three groups. The correlation of P A-aO 2 with ARDS, ventilation mode and duration were studied. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to determine the predictive value of P A-aO 2 within 1 h after birth for ARDS and the need of invasive ventilation. Results:A total of 36 cases were enrolled in the invasive group, 19 cases in the non-invasive group and 50 cases in the control group. Within 1 h after birth, P A-aO 2 in the invasive group was significantly higher than the non-invasive group and the control group ( P<0.05), and the non-invasive group higher than the control group ( P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that P A-aO 2 within 1 h after birth in the invasive group was positively correlated with the duration of invasive ventilation and total mechanical ventilation ( r=0.601, P<0.001; r=0.504, P=0.002); P A-aO 2 before successful withdrawal of invasive ventilation was not correlated with subsequent non-invasive ventilation duration; and no correlation existed between P A-aO 2 within 1 h after birth and the duration of non-invasive ventilation in the non-invasive group. The area under the ROC curve for P A-aO 2 within 1 h after birth to predict ARDS was 0.875, with a sensitivity of 87.3% and a specificity of 72.0% at a cutoff value of 50.0 mmHg. The area under the ROC curve for predicting the need for invasive ventilation in infants with ARDS was 0.851, with a sensitivity of 80.0% at a cutoff value of 73.3 mmHg and a specificity of 75.0%. Conclusions:Late preterm and full-term infants have a higher risk of ARDS at P A-aO 2>50.0 mmHg within 1 h after birth. Infants with ARDS are more likely to require invasive ventilation if P A-aO 2>73.3 mmHg. The higher the level of P A-aO 2, the longer the duration of invasive ventilation and total duration of mechanical ventilation.

Neuropsychological development of large for gestational age infants at the age of 12 months / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To investigate the level of neuropsychological development in large for gestational age (LGA) infants at the age of 12 months.@*METHODS@#The infants, aged 12 to <13 months, who attended the Outpatient Service of Child Care in the First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University from December 2021 to June 2023, were enrolled as subjects. According to the gestational age and birth weight, they were divided into preterm appropriate for gestational age (AGA) group, preterm LGA group, early term AGA group, early term LGA group, full-term AGA group, and full-term LGA group. A modified Poisson regression analysis was used to investigate the association between LGA and neuropsychological development outcome at 12 months of age.@*RESULTS@#After adjustment for confounding factors, compared with the full-term AGA group at the age of 12 months, the full-term LGA group had a significant increase in the risk of language deficit (RR=1.364, 95%CI: 1.063-1.750), the early term LGA group had significant increases in the risk of abnormal gross motor, fine motor, language, and the preterm LGA group had significant increases in the risk of abnormal language, social behavior, and total developmental quotient (P<0.05); also, the early term AGA group had higher risks of developmental delay across all five attributes and in total developmental quotient at the age of 12 months (P<0.05); except for the language attribute, the preterm AGA group had higher risks of developmental delay in the other 4 attributes (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#The neuropsychological development of LGA infants with different gestational ages lags behind that of full-term AGA infants at 12 months of age, and follow-up and early intervention of such infants should be taken seriously in clinical practice.

Vitamin A Concentration in Human Milk: A Meta-Analysis.

Humans require vitamin A (VA). However, pooled VA data in human milk is uncommon internationally and offers little support for dietary reference intake (DRIs) revision of infants under 6 months. As a result, we conducted a literature review and a meta-analysis to study VA concentration in breast milk throughout lactation across seven databases by August 2021. Observational or intervention studies involving nursing mothers between the ages of 18 and 45, with no recognized health concerns and who had full-term infants under 48 months were included. Studies in which retinol concentration was expressed as a mass concentration on a volume basis and determined using high-, ultra-, or ultra-fast performance liquid chromatography (HPLC, UPLC, or UFLC) were chosen. Finally, 76 papers involving 9171 samples published between 1985 and 2021 qualified for quantitative synthesis. Results from the random-effects model showed that the VA concentration of healthy term human milk decreased significantly as lactation progressed. VA (µg/L) with 95% CI at the colostrum, transitional, early mature and late mature stages being 920.7 (744.5, 1095.8), 523.7 (313.7, 733.6), 402.4 (342.5, 462.3) and 254.7 (223.7, 285.7), respectively (X2 = 71.36, p < 0.01). Subgroup analysis revealed no significant differences identified in VA concentration (µg/L) between Chinese and non-Chinese samples at each stage, being 1039.1 vs. 895.8 (p = 0.64), 505.7 vs. 542.2(p = 0.88), 408.4 vs. 401.2 (p = 0.92), 240.0 vs. 259.3 (p = 0.41). The findings have significant implications for the revision of DRIs for infants under six months.

Study on colonization of Group B Streptococcus in pregnant women of Mongolian and Han nationality and the status of neonatal early-onset septicemia / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective:To explore the carrier status of group B streptococci (GBS) in pregnant women of Mongolian and Han nationality and the neonatal GBS infection in order to identify the high risk factors of GBS infection in Mongolian and Han newborns in this area.Methods:Totally 7289 pregnant women and their newborns born alive were tested for GBS in the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University from June 2017 to June 2020, and their newborns were cultured for GBS, and the venous blood of newborns delivered by GBS positive women were detected for anti-GBS capsular polysaccharide antibody level, in order to determine the high risk factors of neonatal GBS infection.Results:Among the 7289 pregnant women, 3136 were Mongolian pregnant women (2599 full-term delivery and 537 premature delivery) and 4153 were Han pregnant women (3541 full-term delivery and 612 premature delivery). The results of GBS test showed that the GBS carrier rate was 8.19% in the Mongolian preterm delivery group, 4.35% in the Mongolian term group, 11.93% in the Han preterm group, and 5.76% in the Han term group, indicating that the carrier rate of GBS in the preterm group was significantly higher than that in the term group, regardless of Mongolian and Han nationality ( P < 0.05). Further comparing the GBS carrier rate of Mongolian and Han pregnant women, the GBS carrier rate of Mongolian pregnant women was significantly lower than that of Han pregnant women regardless of the premature delivery group and term group ( P < 0.05). (2) A total of 434 newborns were born by GBS positive parturients. The positive rates of GBS in Mongolian premature infants, Mongolian full-term infants, Han premature infants and Han full-term infants were 29.55%, 14.16%, 31.51% and 17.65%, respectively, suggesting that the positive rate of GBS in premature infants was significantly higher than that in full-term infants, regardless of Mongolian and Han nationality ( P<0.05). Further comparing the positive rate of GBS in Mongolian and Han newborns, there was no significant difference in the positive rate of GBS between Mongolian newborns and Han newborns, no matter the premature delivery group and the full-term group. (3) This study compared the incidence of early-onset GBS septicemia in Mongolian and Han newborns. The results showed that the incidence of early-onset GBS septicemia in Mongolian premature infants was 23.08%, and none in full-term infants. The incidence of early-onset GBS septicemia in Han premature infants was 26.09%. The incidence of early-onset GBS septicemia in term infants was 5.56%. The incidence of neonatal GBS septicemia in the preterm group was significantly higher than that in the term group, regardless of Mongolian and Han nationality. By further comparing the incidence of GBS septicemia in Mongolian and Han newborns, there was no significant difference in the positive rate of GBS between Mongolian newborns and Han newborns regardless of the premature delivery group and the term group. (4) In both Mongolian and Han nationality, the level of anti-GBS capsular polysaccharide antibody in premature infants was significantly lower than that in term infants ( P < 0.05). (5) Regardless of the Mongolian and Han nationality, compared with GBS negative group, GBS positive rate was higher in pregnant women aged≥35 years old, with history of menstruation, miscarriage, vaginitis, floating population, and those who had not undergone pre-pregnancy examination,,which were the high risk factors for GBS-positive pregnant women during pregnancy. (6) In both Mongolian and Han nationality, the incidence of chorioamnionitis, puerperal infection, premature delivery and premature rupture of membranes in the GBS positive group was higher than that in the GBS negative group, and the incidence of fetal distress and neonatal asphyxia in the GBS positive group was also higher than that in the GBS negative group. Conclusions:The carrier rate of GBS in Mongolian pregnant women is lower than that in Han pregnant women, and positive GBS during pregnancy will increase the incidence of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes such as chorioamnionitis, puerperal infection, premature delivery, premature rupture of membranes, fetal distress, neonatal asphyxia and neonatal early-onset GBS septicemia. The high risk factors are maternal age ≥ 35 years old, history of menstruation, abortion, vaginitis, floating population, and infection without pre-pregnancy examination. We should attach great importance to the perinatal high risk factors and formulate corresponding intervention measures accordingly, and make rational use of antibiotics for prenatal prevention, so as to further reduce the incidence of early-onset GBS septicemia in newborns.

Analysis of longitudinal follow-up data of physical growth in singleton full-term small for gestational age infants.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the catch-up growth pattern of singleton full-term small for gestational age (SGA) infants in the first year after birth. METHODS: A single-center retrospective cohort study was performed to assess singleton full-term SGA infants. Weight, length, and head circumference were measured at birth, and at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months of age. RESULTS: Two hundred ten SGA infants were included in this study. Boys (n = 90) and girls (n = 120) showed a similar gestational age, birth weight, and body length. Weight, length, and head circumference in SGA infants in all age groups increased with age, with the fastest growth stage from birth to 3 months. The speed of weight and head circumference catch-up was higher than that of body length. At 12 months, significant associations of height in boys with height of the fathers, mothers, and both parents combined appeared. The height of girls showed associations with the mothers' and the parents' height. CONCLUSIONS: Full-term SGA infants grow rapidly after birth, with the fastest growth rate in the first 3 months, as examined by weight, body length, and head circumference. However, the catch-up speed of weight and body length were not balanced in this study.

Role of umbilical cord C-peptide levels in early prediction of hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers.

BACKGROUND: Until now, diabetes during pregnancy has been associated with a high risk of maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidities and mortalities. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors of hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) and to study the relationship between umbilical cord (UC) C peptide levels and the risk of developing hypoglycemia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: UC blood C-peptide and serial serum blood glucose measurements were done for all included singleton newborns born to diabetic mothers during the study period. Maternal and neonatal data such as gestational age, maternal age, maternal weight, types of diabetics and its control, maternal glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), birth weight, Apgar score, and neonatal complete blood picture were collected. RESULTS: In total, 83 IDMs met the inclusion criteria. Fifty-four (65.06%) developed hypoglycemia and 29 (34.94%) remained normoglycemic. However, there were no significant differences between hypoglycemic and normoglycemic IDMs in terms of types of maternal diabetics (P value = 0.41), its duration (P value = 0.43). The hypoglycemia peak occurred within the first 3 h of life, with 33.11 ± 8.84 mg/dl for the hypoglycemia group and 54.10 ± 6.66 mg/dl for the normoglycemic group (P value < 0.0001). Most of the babies had no hypoglycemic manifestation (96.30%). Neonates with hypoglycemia their mothers had poor diabetes control in the last trimester (HbA1C 7.09 ± 0.96%) compared to normoglycemic babies (HbA1C 6.11 ± 0.38%), (P-value < 0.0001). The mean (SD) of UC C-peptide level in hypoglycemic neonates increased to 1.73 ± 1.07 ng/ml compared to normoglycemic ones with 1.08 ± 0.81 ng/ml (P value = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Poor diabetes control, especially in the last trimester, is associated with neonatal hypoglycemia. Increased UC C-peptide levels could be used as an early indicator for the risk of developing neonatal hypoglycemia and a predictor for babies need neonatal admission.

Risk factors for severity of thrombocytopenia in full term infants: a single center study.

BACKGROUND: Neonatal thrombocytopenia (NT) (platelet count < 150 × 109/L) is a common finding in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The main aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of severe NT in full term (FT) infants. METHODS: During the study period, all FT infants who met the inclusion criteria for NT on two occasions were included. Maternal data, such as maternal age, weight, gestational age, mode of delivery, and history of systemic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, pre-eclampsia, systemic lupus erythematosus, and immune thrombocytopenic purpura, were recorded. Furthermore, neonatal data, such as gender, neonatal weight, causes/duration of admission, types of respiratory support used, complete blood count measurements, and outcomes for neonates admitted to the NICU, were recorded. RESULTS: In total, 55 FT infants with NT met the inclusion criteria, and 29 (52.73%) cases had severe NT. The most common cause of NT was neonatal sepsis (20 cases, 36.35%), followed by a postoperative state (5 cases, 9.09%). Moreover, in cases of positive blood cultures, the most commonly isolated organism was Escherichia coli (6 cases, 10.90%), followed by Klebsiella (5 cases, 9.09%). Cases of severe NT needed more platelet transfusions (P = 0.001) and had higher rates of mortality (P = 0.001) when compared to cases of mild/moderate NT associated with signs of bleeding and pulmonary/intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Severe NT compared to mild/moderate NT, associated with signs of bleeding and pulmonary/IVH, needed more platelet transfusions, and had increased mortality. Further research is needed to explain which of these complications related to severity of thrombocytopenia or were associated with original disease of the babies.

Revisiting the roots of attachment: A review of the biological and psychological effects of maternal skin-to-skin contact and carrying of full-term infants.

During the early period of hypothesis building and empirical testing of attachment theory, a major emphasis was placed on mother-infant physical contact. In spite of this, mother-infant contact has received scant attention amongst attachment and child development researchers in the past decades. Here, a brief theoretical framework for mother-infant contact is presented, drawing on animal studies as well as human studies of preterm infants and neonates. Salient mechanisms may include an extended sensitive period during early infancy, requiring specific somatosensory stimuli for bio-behavioral homeorhesis; oxytocinergic and epigenetic pathways; kinesthetic stimuli and face-to-face proximity allowing for increased social interaction. Studies of extended human mother-full-term infant physical contact have demonstrated positive effects in multiple domains. For infants, these include sleep organization, temperature and heart rate regulation, behavioral response, crying/colic, socio-emotional development, attachment quality, speech development opportunities and mother-child interactions. For mothers, studies demonstrate improved depressive symptomatology, physiological stress regulation, contingent responsivity, breastfeeding and mother-child interactions. Parent-infant attachment quality has gained prominence as a trauma-resilience factor as well as a predictor of adult physical health. The potential role of mother-infant contact as an attachment promoting intervention as well as future research subjects are discussed. Current evidence supports the original attachment research that early maternal touch provision may influence infant socio-emotional development and attachment quality, with positive implications for mother-child relationship functioning.

Altered local cerebellar and brainstem development in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Premature birth is associated with high prevalence of neurodevelopmental impairments in surviving infants. The putative role of cerebellar and brainstem dysfunction remains poorly understood, particularly in the absence of overt structural injury. METHOD: We compared in-utero versus ex-utero global, regional and local cerebellar and brainstem development in healthy fetuses (n â€‹= â€‹38) and prematurely born infants without evidence of structural brain injury on conventional MRI studies (n â€‹= â€‹74) that were performed at two time points: the first corresponding to the third trimester, either in utero or ex utero in the early postnatal period following preterm birth (30-40 weeks of gestation; 38 control fetuses; 52 premature infants) and the second at term equivalent age (37-46 weeks; 38 control infants; 58 premature infants). We compared 1) volumetric growth of 7 regions in the cerebellum (left and right hemispheres, left and right dentate nuclei, and the anterior, neo, and posterior vermis); 2) volumetric growth of 3 brainstem regions (midbrain, pons, and medulla); and 3) shape development in the cerebellum and brainstem using spherical harmonic description between the two groups. RESULTS: Both premature and control groups showed regional cerebellar differences in growth rates, with the left and right cerebellar hemispheres showing faster growth compared to the vermis. In the brainstem, the pons grew faster than the midbrain and medulla in both prematurely born infants and controls. Using shape analyses, premature infants had smaller left and right cerebellar hemispheres but larger regional vermis and paravermis compared to in-utero control fetuses. For the brainstem, premature infants showed impaired growth of the superior surface of the midbrain, anterior surface of the pons, and inferior aspects of the medulla compared to the control fetuses. At term-equivalent age, premature infants had smaller cerebellar hemispheres bilaterally, extending to the superior aspect of the left cerebellar hemisphere, and larger anterior vermis and posteroinferior cerebellar lobes than healthy newborns. For the brainstem, large differences between premature infants and healthy newborns were found in the anterior surface of the pons. CONCLUSION: This study analyzed both volumetric growth and shape development of the cerebellum and brainstem in premature infants compared to healthy fetuses using longitudinal MRI measurements. The findings in the present study suggested that preterm birth may alter global, regional and local development of the cerebellum and brainstem even in the absence of structural brain injury evident on conventional MRI.

Motor trajectories of preterm and full-term infants in the first year of life.

BACKGROUND: Motor development occurs throughout periods of motor skill acquisition, adjustment and variability. The objectives of this study were to analyze and compare biological and health characteristics and motor skill acquisition trajectories in preterm and full-term infants during the first year of life. METHODS: Two thousand, five hundred and seventy-nine infants (1,361 preterm) from 22 states were assessed using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. Multivariate General Linear Model, t-tests, ANOVA, and Tukey tests were used. RESULTS: An age × group significant interaction was found for motor scores. On follow-up tests full-term infants had higher scores in prone, supine, sitting and standing postures that require trunk control from 9 to 10 months of age; although this advantage was observed for sitting from the second month of life. CONCLUSION: During the first trimester of life, preterm infants have higher scores in the supine and standing postures. Regarding motor trajectories, from newborn to 12 months, the period of higher motor acquisition was similar between full-term and preterm infants for prone (3-10 months), supine (1-6 months), and standing (6-12 months). For the sitting posture, however, full-term infants had a period of intensive motor learning of acquisition from the first to 7 months of life, whereas for preterm infants a shorter period was observed (3-7 months). CONCLUSION: Although the periods of higher motor acquisition were similar, full-term infants had higher scores in more control-demanding postures. Intervention for preterm infants needs to extend beyond the first months of life, and include guidance to parents to promote motor development strategies to achieve control in the higher postures.

Healthy Birth Practice #6: Keep Mother and Newborn Together-It's Best for Mother, Newborn, and Breastfeeding.

Mothers and newborns have an emotional and physiological need to be together at the moment of birth and during the hours and days that follow. Keeping mothers and newborns together is a safe and healthy birth practice. Evidence supports immediate, undisturbed skin-to-skin care after vaginal birth and during and after cesarean surgery for all medically stable mothers and newborns, regardless of feeding preference; and, no routine separation during the days after birth. Childbirth educators and other health-care professionals have an ethical responsibility to support this essential healthy birth practice through education, advocacy, and implementation of evidence-based maternity practices.

A comparison between preterm and full-term infants' preference for faces / Uma comparação entre recém-nascidos prematuros e a termo na preferência por faces

Abstract: Objective: Visual preference for faces at birth is the product of a multimodal sensory experience experienced by the fetus even during the gestational period. The ability to recognize faces allows an ecologically advantageous interaction with the social environment. However, perinatal events such as premature birth, may adversely affect the adequate development of this capacity. In this study, we evaluated the preference for facial stimuli in preterm infants within the first few hours after birth. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study of 59 newborns, 28 preterm and 31 full-term infants. The babies were assessed in the first hours of life, with two white boards in the shape of a head and neck: one with the drawing of a face similar to the human face (natural face), and one with the drawing of misaligned eyes, mouth and nose (distorted face). After the newborn fixated the eyes on the presented stimulus, it was slowly moved along the visual field. The recognition of the stimulus was considered present when the baby had eye or head movements toward the stimulus. Results: The preterm infants, in addition to showing a lower occurrence of orientation movements for both stimuli, on average (1.8 ± 1.1 to natural faces and 2.0 ± 1.2 for distorted ones) also showed no preference for any of them (p = 0.35). Full-term newborns showed a different behavior, in which they showed a preference for natural faces (p = 0.002) and a higher number of orientations for the stimulus, for both natural (3.2 ± 0.8) and distorted faces (2.5 ± 0.9). Conclusion: Preterm newborns recognize facial stimuli and disclose no preference for natural faces, different from full-term newborns.

Resumo: Objetivo: A preferência visual por faces ao nascimento é produto de uma experiência sensorial multimodal vivenciada pelo feto ainda no período gestacional. A habilidade de reconhecer faces possibilita uma interação ecologicamente vantajosa com o ambiente social. Entretanto, eventos perinatais, como o nascimento prematuro, podem prejudicar o desenvolvimento adequado dessa habilidade. Neste trabalho, avaliamos a preferência por estímulos faciais de recém-nascidos prematuros nas primeiras horas após o nascimento. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal feito com 59 recém-nascidos, 28 prematuros e 31 nascidos termos. Os bebês foram avaliados, nas primeiras horas de vida, com duas pranchas brancas em formato de cabeça e pescoço: uma com o desenho de uma face similar ao rosto humano (face natural) e outra com o desenho de olhos, boca e nariz desalinhados (face distorcida). Após o recém-nascido fixar o olhar no estímulo apresentado, era lentamente movimentado ao longo do campo visual. O reconhecimento do estímulo foi considerado presente quando o bebê apresentou movimentos dos olhos ou cabeça em direção ao estímulo. Resultados: Os recém-nascidos prematuros, além de apresentar menor ocorrência de movimentos de orientação para ambos os estímulos, em média (1,8 ± 1,1 para faces naturais e 2 ± 1,2 para faces distorcidas), também não apresentaram preferência por qualquer um deles (p = 0,35). Diferente foi o comportamento dos recém-nascidos a termo, que apresentaram preferência por faces naturais (p = 0,002) e um número maior de orientações para o estímulo, tanto para faces naturais (3,2 ± 0,8) quanto para faces distorcidas (2,5 ± 0,9). Conclusão: Recém-nascidos prematuros reconhecem os estímulos faciais e não apresentam preferência por faces naturais, diferentemente de recém-nascidos a termos.

Determination of Normal Anal Position Index Using a Modified Technique in Turkish Neonates.

AIM: This study was aimed to determine the normal position of the anus using the anal position index (API) in an attempt to develop a more sensitive method for measuring API. To investigate API in a wide range of neonates, both term and preterm infants were included in the present study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: API was determined by measuring the anus-fourchette (FA) and anus-coccyx (AC) distance in female neonates and the anus-scrotum and AC distance in male neonates. API is defined as the ratio of the FA (scrotum) distance to the AC distance. A digital caliper was used for all measurements. The FA or scrotum and coccyx-fourchette or -scrotum distances were measured using digital calipers. RESULTS: A total of 267 neonates (females, 143; males 124) were included in this study. Of these, 36 were borderline premature infants (birth at 35-37 weeks gestation) and 231 were term infants (birth at 38-42 weeks gestation). The mean API was 1.06 ± 0.04 in female and 0.90 ± 0.08 in male neonates. When premature infants were analyzed separately, the mean API was 1.12 ± 0.08 in female and 0.99 ± 0.09 in male neonates. No significant difference in API values was observed between term and preterm neonates (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: API values that differ from the previous studies were identified in the present study. We believe our modified method allows for more accurate measurements of the API in newborns. According to our method, the anus should be considered as anteriorly located if API is <1 in female and < 0.9 in male neonates. In addition, the present study is the first to measure API using digital calipers. Digital calipers were found to be convenient and are useful in determining the API with high accuracy (to within 0.01 cm).

A comparison between preterm and full-term infants' preference for faces.

OBJECTIVE: Visual preference for faces at birth is the product of a multimodal sensory experience experienced by the fetus even during the gestational period. The ability to recognize faces allows an ecologically advantageous interaction with the social environment. However, perinatal events such as premature birth, may adversely affect the adequate development of this capacity. In this study, we evaluated the preference for facial stimuli in preterm infants within the first few hours after birth. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional observational study of 59 newborns, 28 preterm and 31 full-term infants. The babies were assessed in the first hours of life, with two white boards in the shape of a head and neck: one with the drawing of a face similar to the human face (natural face), and one with the drawing of misaligned eyes, mouth and nose (distorted face). After the newborn fixated the eyes on the presented stimulus, it was slowly moved along the visual field. The recognition of the stimulus was considered present when the baby had eye or head movements toward the stimulus. RESULTS: The preterm infants, in addition to showing a lower occurrence of orientation movements for both stimuli, on average (1.8±1.1 to natural faces and 2.0±1.2 for distorted ones) also showed no preference for any of them (p=0.35). Full-term newborns showed a different behavior, in which they showed a preference for natural faces (p=0.002) and a higher number of orientations for the stimulus, for both natural (3.2±0.8) and distorted faces (2.5±0.9). CONCLUSION: Preterm newborns recognize facial stimuli and disclose no preference for natural faces, different from full-term newborns.

Risk factors and prevention of neonatal respiratory distress / 中国小儿急救医学

In recent years, with the increase of elective cesarean section rate and other factors,the rate of neonatal respiratory distress in full-term neonates is rising,which has aroused widespread concern.The risk factors and related mechanisms of respiratory distress syndrome in full-term infants were reviewed from two aspects of maternal and infant.Selective cesarean section, gestational age, fetal sex and some pregnancy complications can affect the rate of respiratory distress syndrome in full-term infants.Timely use of respiratory support and early use of pulmonary surfactant, and the combined use of comprehensive measures can reduce the mortality of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome rate.

Measurement of tidal respiration in ＜ 34 weeks premature infants with respiratory clistress syndrome at 40 weeks corrected gestational age / 中华急诊医学杂志

Objective To investigate pulmonary function in terms of tidal respiration and the influencing factors on it in ＜ 34 weeks premature infants with RDS at corrected gestational age of 40 weeks.Methods A total of 49 of ＜ 34 weeks premature infants with RDS (RDS group) and 36 of ＜ 34 weeks premature infants without RDS (non-RDS group) followed throughout entire twelve months were collected fromn December 2013 to October 2015.Of them,35 RDS patients and 20 non-RDS patients had the pulmonary function examination.A total of 26 full term infants with hyperbilirubinemia (full term group) were recruited for comparison study.The differences in parameters of tidal respiration were compared among the three groups.The RDS patients were further divided into the mild RDS subgroup and severe RDS subgroup according to the severity of illness.Result ①The TPEF [(0.17 ± 0.04) s vs.(0.23 ± O.09) s],VPEF [(6.74±2.70) mLvs.(9.33±2.92) mL],TPEF/TE [(29.06±4.21)％ vs.(38.27± 7.16) ％],VPEF/VE [(32.54 ± 4.43) ％ vs.(39.64 ± 5.88) ％] in RDS group were significantly lower than those in full term group (P ＜0.05).The TPEF [(0.19 ±0.06) s vs.(0.23 ±0.09) s],TPEF/TE [(30.31 ±11.53)％ vs.(38.27±7.16)％],VPEF/VE [(34.39±8.44)％ vs.(39.64±5.88)％] in non-RDS group were significantly lower than those in full termn group (P ＜ 0.05).The TPEF,TPEF/TE,VPEF/VE in RDS group were lower than those in non-RDS group,but the differences were not significant (P ＞ 0.05).②The TPEF,VPEF,TPEF/TE,VPEF/VE in mild RDS group were higher than those in severe RDS group,but the differences were.not significant (P ＞ 0.05).③ Logistic regression analysis indicated that the gestational age was the protective factor of pulmonary function in premature infants with RDS.Conclusions Small airway resistance in ＜ 34 weeks premature infants with RDS is higher than that in full term infants.There was no significant difference in pulmonary function between RDS premature infants and non-RDS premature infants.The gestational age was the influencing factor of pulmonary function in premature infants with RDS.

Impact of early repetitive painful procedures on pain response in full-term infants / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective To explore the impact of early repetitive painful procedures on subsequent pain behaviors and physiological indicators in full-term infants.Methods Sixty-two full-term neonates were enrolled (male 36 cases,female 26 cases) from the medical center of neonatal care at Nanjing Children's Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University from March to May in 2009.The data of all painful procedures were performed on those neonates and their responses to them were collected by using digital video recording were collected.The Neonatal Facial Coding System C(NFCS) and Neonatal Infant Pain Scale(NIPS) were used prospectively to evaluate the pain response to painful procedures.Results The average experience of pain caused by operation on newborn at the hospital was 56.5 times (12-249 times),and the daily average was 5.9 times (4-26 times).After they were exposed to more than 10 repetitive pain procedures,the full-term neonates showed the declining pain response assessed by NFCS and NIPS during the subsequent painful procedures (NFCS:P10=0.012,P20=0.015,P30=0.041;NIPS:P10=0.006,P20=0.015,P30=0.049),and the temporarily enhanced pain response was observed in the preparation phase of the subsequent painful procedures (NFCS:P2＜0.001,P3＜0.001,P4=0.004,P5=0.009;NIPS:P2＜0.001,P3＜0.001,P4=0.045,P5 =0.031).Bnt there was no difference in preparation phase.There was no alternation in latency and crying time after repetitiing painful procedures,but the proportion of crying neonates in the preparation phase of the painful procedures was increased(P=0.032).Conclusions After exposed to repetitive pain,full-term neonates expressed hypoalgesia during subsequent painful procedures,but the temporary irritation was enhanced during the following phases exposed to stress.