Trends in the Mortality and Death of Periviable Preterm Infants in the United States, 2011 to 2020.

This study aimed to examine the trends in the infant mortality rate (IMR) and the trends in the timing of death among periviable preterm infants at 22 to 24 weeks' gestational age (GA) in the United States from 2011 to 2020.Retrospective, serial cross-sectional analysis of periviable preterm infants born in the United States at 22 to 24 weeks' GA using the linked birth/infant death records from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Data were analyzed from 2011 to 2020.

Impact of COVID-19 in pregnancy on maternal and perinatal outcomes during the Delta variant period: a comparison of the Delta and pre-delta time periods, 2020-2021.

Background: To describe the impact on maternal and perinatal outcomes of the Delta variant of COVID-19 compared to the pre-Delta period in pregnant women with COVID-19 infections in one large public, non-profit hospital system.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of identified COVID-19 diagnosed pregnant women with the outcome of pregnancy (livebirth or stillbirths). We assessed maternal and perinatal outcomes between the pre-delta and Delta variant time periods.

Predicting Lead-Time RSV-Related Pediatric Hospitalizations From Historic Google Trend Search.

Objectives: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes seasonal outbreaks of respiratory tract infections in children, leading to increased emergency department visits and hospitalizations. Although the risk of severe illnesses difficult to predict, the sudden surge in RSV may strain the health care system. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the utility of Google Trends search activity on RSV to predict changes in RSV-related hospitalizations in children in the United States in 2019.

Association between Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome and Congenital Anomalies in the United States.

Objective: Studies exploring the relationship between neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and congenital anomalies (CA) in the United States are limited given the small sample size or data prior to the opioid epidemic. We aimed to determine if there is an association between NAS and CA in a nationally representative cohort of newborn hospitalization in the United States.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional analysis of NAS-related hospitalizations within the 2016 Kids Inpatient Database.

Trends and Resource Use for Kernicterus Hospitalizations in the United States.

Objective: To evaluate the trends in hospitalization for kernicterus in the United States from 2006 through 2016.

Method: Repeated, cross-sectional analysis of the 2006 to 2016 editions of the Kids' Inpatient Database. All neonatal hospitalizations with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth or Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification code for kernicterus and admitted at age ≤28 days were included.

National Trends in Survival and Short-Term Outcomes of Periviable Births ≤24 Weeks Gestation in the United States, 2009 to 2018.

Objective: Data from the academic medical centers in the United States showing improvements in survival of periviable infants born at 22 to 24 weeks GA may not be nationally representative since a substantial proportion of preterm infants are cared for in community hospital-based neonatal intensive care units. Our objective was to examine the national trends in survival and other short-term outcomes among preterm infants born at ≤24 weeks gestational age (GA) in the United States from 2009 to 2018.

Study Design: This was a retrospective, repeated cross-sectional analysis of the National Inpatient Sample for preterm infants ≤24 weeks GA.

Trends and Resource Utilization for Neonatal Jaundice Hospitalizations in the United States.

Objectives: To evaluate the trends in hospitalization for neonatal jaundice and its management with phototherapy and exchange transfusion in the United States from 2006 through 2016.

Methods: Repeated, cross-sectional analysis of the 2006 to 2016 editions of the Kids' Inpatient Database. All neonatal hospitalizations with an International Classification of Diseases, 9th or 10th Revision, Clinical Modification code for jaundice and admitted at age ≤28 days were included.

Gastrostomy Tube Placement and Resource Use in Neonatal Hospitalizations With Down Syndrome.

Objectives: To determine the trends in gastrostomy tube (GT) placement and resource utilization in neonates ≥35 weeks' gestational age with Down syndrome (DS) in the United States from 2006 to 2017.

Methods: This was a serial cross-sectional analysis of neonatal hospitalizations of ≥35 weeks' gestational age with International Classification of Diseases diagnostic codes for DS within the National Inpatient Sample. International Classification of Diseases procedure codes were used to identify those who had GT.

A Quality Improvement Project to Reduce Antibiotic Utilization and Ancillary Laboratory Tests in the Appraisal of Early-Onset Sepsis in the NICU.

Background: Diagnosis and treatment of early-onset sepsis (EOS) of the newborn remains a controversial issue among providers due to the non-infectious symptomology which exists in the newborn period.

Methods: Pre/post interventional quality improvement project in a level III NICU to reduce antibiotic utilization and ancillary laboratory tests with the introduction of an evidence-based guideline for the evaluation of EOS in the NICU.

Results: Primary outcome measures include mean number of empiric antibiotic treatment days and utilization rate (AUR), number of laboratory tests ordered, and incidence of unwarranted antibiotic therapy beyond the 48-h rule out period.

Does Human Milk Fortifier Affect Intestinal Inflammation in Preterm Infants?

Fecal calprotectin, a recognized marker of intestinal inflammation, is derived from neutrophil migration to a site of inflammation. Introduction of bovine-based human milk fortifier containing intact protein in preterm infants is associated with an increase in fecal calprotectin suggestive of intestinal inflammation. Newer fortifiers contain protein hydrolysates in place of intact protein.

Bacterial stability with freezer storage of human milk.

Objectives: Human milk supports the development of a beneficial newborn intestinal microflora. We have shown previously that human milk had reduced bacteria but unchanged nutrient composition when stored at -20 °C for up to nine months. We suspected declining bacterial colony counts were manifestations of bacterial dormancy and not failure of survival.

Variables associated with the decreased risk of intraventricular haemorrhage in a large sample of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome.

Objective: Prematurity and other risk factors are associated with the development of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) in newborns with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Conversely, further analysis can determine what characteristics might be associated with a decreased risk of IVH.

Study Design: By using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes from data obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from 2000 to 2009, we identified a large number of cases of RDS.