Procedural pain in neonates in Australian hospitals: a survey update of practices.

Aim: The study aims to determine whether there has been improved uptake of the evidence for the management of procedural pain in neonates throughout Australia.

Methods: An Australian-wide survey was undertaken to determine the use of breastfeeding and sucrose and whether a clinical practice guideline (CPG) or pain assessment tool was used.

Results: Data were available from 196 (91%) of the 215 eligible hospitals.

Prophylactic methylxanthine for prevention of apnoea in preterm infants.

Background: Recurrent apnoea is common in preterm infants. These episodes can lead to hypoxaemia and bradycardia, which may be severe enough to require the use of positive pressure ventilation. In infants with apnoea, methylxanthine treatment has been used successfully to prevent further episodes.

Methylxanthine treatment for apnoea in preterm infants.

Background: Recurrent apnoea is common in preterm infants, particularly at very early gestational ages. These episodes of ineffective breathing can lead to hypoxaemia and bradycardia that may be severe enough to require the use of positive pressure ventilation. Methylxanthines (such as caffeine, theophylline or aminophylline) have been used to stimulate breathing and reduce apnoea and its consequences.

Prophylactic methylxanthines for endotracheal extubation in preterm infants.

Background: Weaning and extubating preterm infants on intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) for respiratory failure may be difficult. A significant contributing factor is thought to be the relatively poor respiratory drive and tendency to develop hypercarbia and apnoea, particularly in very preterm infants. Methylxanthine treatment started before extubation might stimulate breathing and increase the chances of successful weaning from IPPV.

Magnesium sulphate versus diazepam for eclampsia.

Background: Eclampsia, the occurrence of a seizure in association with pre-eclampsia, remains a rare but serious complication of pregnancy. A number of different anticonvulsants are used to control eclamptic fits and to prevent further fits.

Objectives: The objective of this review was to assess the effects of magnesium sulphate compared with diazepam when used for the care of women with eclampsia.