Use of the "Sepsis Risk Calculator" in Belgian Newborns: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Background: Prevention of early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS) is a frequent reason why many newborns receive unnecessary antibiotics. The Sepsis Risk Calculator (SRC) was developed by the Kaiser Permanente Institute as a multivariate risk assessment of EONS, aiming to reduce laboratory testing and empiric neonatal antibiotic therapy. Our objective was to assess the potential of the SRC in reducing antibiotic use in our setting.

Irritability, Poor Feeding and Respiratory Alkalosis in Newborns: Think about Metabolic Emergencies. A Brief Summary of Hyperammonemia Management.

The urea cycle is a series of metabolic reactions that convert ammonia into urea in order to eliminate it from the body. Urea cycle disorders are characterized by hyperammonemia, which can cause irreversible damages in central nervous system. We report a series of three newborns presenting irritability, poor feeding and tachypnea.

Early treatment versus expectative management of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants: a multicentre, randomised, non-inferiority trial in Europe (BeNeDuctus trial).

Background: Much controversy exists about the optimal management of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants, especially in those born at a gestational age (GA) less than 28 weeks. No causal relationship has been proven between a (haemodynamically significant) PDA and neonatal complications related to pulmonary hyperperfusion and/or systemic hypoperfusion. Although studies show conflicting results, a common understanding is that medical or surgical treatment of a PDA does not seem to reduce the risk of major neonatal morbidities and mortality.

End-of-life decisions and practices for very preterm infants in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation of Belgium.

Background: Very preterm birth (24 to < 32 week's gestation) is a major public health issue due to its prevalence, the clinical and ethical questions it raises and the associated costs. It raises two major clinical and ethical dilemma: (i) during the perinatal period, whether or not to actively manage a baby born very prematurely and (ii) during the postnatal period, whether or not to continue a curative treatment plan initiated at birth. The Wallonia-Brussels Federation in Belgium counts 11 neonatal intensive care units.

Comprehensive management of congenital choanal atresia.

Objectives: To present results of a one-stage minimally invasive surgical procedure for congenital choanal atresia (CCA). Seven outcome measures were applied.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective study conducted between 1999 and 2015.

Remifentanil versus morphine-midazolam premedication on the quality of endotracheal intubation in neonates: a noninferiority randomized trial.

Objective: To compare remifentanil and morphine-midazolam for use in nonurgent endotracheal intubation in neonates.

Study Design: In this prospective noninferiority randomized trial, newborns of gestational age ≥28 weeks admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit requiring an elective or semielective endotracheal intubation were divided into 2 groups. One group (n = 36) received remifentanil (1 μg/kg), and the other group (n = 35) received morphine (100 μg/kg) and midazolam (50 μg/kg) at a predefined time before intubation (different in each group), to optimize the peak effect of each drug.

Hemodynamic effects of fluid restriction in preterm infants with significant patent ductus arteriosus.

Objective: To determine the hemodynamic impact of fluid restriction in preterm newborns with significant patent ductus arteriosus.

Study Design: Newborns ≥24 and <32 weeks' gestational age with significant patent ductus arteriosus were eligible for this prospective multicenter observational study. We recorded hemodynamic and Doppler echocardiographic variables before and 24 hours after fluid restriction.

The use of human milk in the neonatal intensive care unit: practices in Belgium and Luxembourg.

Background: Human milk remains the preferred feeding for all infants, including premature and sick newborns. However, mother's milk is not sterile, and expressed milk can be a source of commensal and pathogenic microorganisms. Microbiological quality standards for the use of expressed human milk in hospitals are not available, unlike for donor or formula milk.

Relationship between the presence of newborn and the house dust endotoxin.

Background: Exposure to house dust endotoxin induces of airways' inflammation. Endotoxin are produced by the Gram-negative bacteria, which are released into the stools and could contaminate domestic environment.

Objective: The newborn could contaminate his mattress by endotoxin.

Methylergometrine poisoning in children: review of 34 cases.

Methylergometrine is often used in the management of the third stage of labor and for treatment of prevention of puerperal hemorrhage. Intoxication in newborns is rare but may lead to severe complications. We reviewed 34 cases of methylergometrine poisoning that occurred in Belgium between 1969 and 1999.