Gestational age and hospital utilization: three-years follow-up of an area-based birth cohort.

Objective: To investigate differences by gestational age in emergency department visits and re-hospitalizations during the three years following childbirth discharge.

Methods: We performed a historical cohort study in Lazio Region, Italy, for infants born in 2007-2008 to resident mothers. Health administrative data were used.

Work environment, volume of activity and staffing in neonatal intensive care units in Italy: results of the SONAR-nurse study.

Background: Neonatal units' volume of activity, and other quantitative and qualitative variables, such as staffing, workload, work environment, care organization and geographical location, may influence the outcome of high risk newborns. Data about the distribution of these variables and their relationships among Italian neonatal units are lacking.

Methods: Between March 2010-April 2011, 63 neonatal intensive care units adhering to the Italian Neonatal Network participated in the SONAR Nurse study.

What we talk about when we talk about NICUs: infants' acuity and nurse staffing.

Objective: Organizational features of neonatal intensive care influence the care of sick neonates. We estimated the acuity-adjusted nurse-to-patient ratio (NPR) in a national sample of Italian NICUs and factors influencing it.

Methods: Twelve monthly cross-sectional surveys were prospectively carried out in 63 NICUs.

Mortality and major morbidities in very preterm infants born from assisted conception or naturally conceived: results of the area-based ACTION study.

Background: The use of assisted conception (AC) has been associated with higher risk of adverse perinatal outcome. Few data are available on the outcome of AC-neonates when pregnancy ends before 32 weeks of gestational age.The aim of this study was to compare the short-term outcome of AC- and naturally conceived preterm infants <32 weeks gestation.

Timeliness of routine immunization in a population-based Italian cohort of very preterm infants: results of the ACTION follow-up project.

Background: Although very preterm infants are recommended to receive immunizations, according to their chronological age, immunization start in these infants is often delayed. Aim To measure coverage and timeliness of routine immunizations in Italian very preterm infants and to assess determinants of delay.

Methods: We followed up infants 22-31 completed weeks of gestational age discharged from intensive care.