Prophylactic early low-dose hydrocortisone and survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia among extremely preterm infants born at 22-27 weeks' gestation.

Objective: To compare survival without BPD among extremely preterm infants (EPI) who received prophylactic early low-dose hydrocortisone (PEH) with those who did not (non-PEH).

Study Design: This single-center retrospective study compared risk-adjusted rates of survival without BPD, BPD, bowel perforation, and late-onset sepsis among infants (22-27 weeks' gestation at birth) who received PEH (n = 82) and who did not (n = 205).

Results: Infants in the PEH group were of lower gestational age, lower birthweight, and higher day-1 risk of death/BPD.

Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Analysis of Acetaminophen and Ibuprofen Dual Therapy for Patent Ductus Arteriosus Closure in Preterm Neonates at Less Than 29 Weeks of Gestation.

Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a blood vessel that critically supports fetal circulation. The ductus naturally closes within a few days after birth. However, it can stay open in premature neonates for an extended period of time, which is associated with increased mortality and various co-morbidities.

A quality improvement initiative to reduce the time to initial maternal visit in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Objective: We aimed to reduce the time interval between an infant's admission to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and first maternal interaction.

Methods: We identified three key drivers: 1. Collaboration with Labor and Delivery, 2.

Dual medication therapy (acetaminophen and ibuprofen) for the management of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To examine the efficacy of dual medication therapy (intervention) (DMT: acetaminophen and ibuprofen) vs. single medication therapy (control) (SMT: ibuprofen) for medical management of PDA (outcomes) in preterm infants (population).

Study Design: We systematically searched multiple sources to identify randomized controlled trials (RCT) and non-randomized studies (NRS) that compared DMT to SMT for management of hemodynamically significant PDA.

Effectiveness of Dual Medication Therapy (Oral Acetaminophen and Oral Ibuprofen) for the Management of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Extremely Premature Infants: A Feasibility Trial.

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of dual medication therapy (DMT) with oral acetaminophen and oral ibuprofen for the closure of a hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA).

Study Design: In a prospective case-control cohort study (July 2017-May 2019), infants <29 weeks' gestational age and birth weight <1,000 g at ≤14 postnatal days with hsPDA and ratio of the smallest ductal diameter to the ostium of the left pulmonary artery diameter >0.5 were eligible.

Effects of standardized feeding protocol on growth velocity and necrotizing enterocolitis in extremely low birth weight infants.

Objective: To assess the effect of a standardized feeding protocol (SFP) on growth velocity (GV) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in extremely low birth weight infants.

Methods: This single-study center retrospectively compared growth, nutritional, and gastrointestinal outcomes in two infant cohorts before (cohort 1; n = 145) and after (cohort 2; n = 69) SFP implementation.

Results: Although weekly GV in the first 4 weeks of life did not differ between the two cohorts, median GV at 36 weeks' post-menstrual age (PMA) was higher in cohort 2 compared with cohort 1 (26.

Early versus Delayed Human Milk Fortification in Very Low Birth Weight Infants-A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective: To compare the effect of initiating human milk fortification at 2 different feeding volumes on feeding intolerance and the time to reach full feeding volume.

Study Design: Very low birth weight infants (n = 100) were prospectively randomized to early fortification (EF) (beginning at a feeding volume of 20 mL/kg/d) or delayed fortification (at a feeding volume of 100 mL/kg/d). We employed a standardized feeding protocol and parenteral nutrition guidelines for the nutritional management of all study infants.

Preterm Infants Can Mount Appropriate C-Reactive Protein Responses to Early Onset Sepsis.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate whether infants born at ≤ 32 weeks' gestational age (GA) can mount C-reactive protein (CRP) responses during early onset bacterial sepsis that are comparable to infants born at > 32 weeks' GA.

Methods: Retrospectively (2003-2012) infants with a positive bacterial culture during the first 72 hours of life were identified and grouped into two categories based on their GA: ≤ 32 weeks (group A) and > 32 weeks (group B).

Results: Group A included 25 and group B included 122 infants.

Steroid-responsive encephalopathy and autoimmune thyroiditis in a young boy.

Steroid-responsive encephalopathy with autoimmune thyroiditis is a relatively uncommon entity in the pediatric population. Although the pathogenesis of steroid-responsive encephalopathy with autoimmune thyroiditis is uncertain, an autoimmune mechanism is suspected to be the most likely cause. Seizures of unknown etiology are a common presenting sign in the pediatric intensive care unit, and steroid-responsive encephalopathy with autoimmune thyroiditis should be considered as a possible cause of recurrent seizures.