Perinatal outcomes in twin late preterm pregnancies: results from an Italian area-based, prospective cohort study.

Background: Multiple gestations represent a considerable proportion of pregnancies delivering in the late preterm (LP) period. Only 30% of LP twins are due to spontaneous preterm labor and 70% are medically indicated; among this literature described that 16-50% of indicated LP twin deliveries are non-evidence based. As non-evidence-based delivery indications account for iatrogenic morbidity that could be prevented, the objective of our observational study is to investigate first neonatal outcomes of LP twin pregnancies according to gestational age at delivery, chorionicity and delivery indication, then non evidence-based delivery indications.

Delivery indication matters for perinatal outcomes in late preterm newborns.

Background: The late preterm (LP) rate in Western countries is 3-6% of all births, accounting for about two-thirds of the entire preterm population. However, all LP babies are not the same.

Aims: To identify pregnancies at risk for adverse outcomes in the LP period, we investigated how gestational age (GA) at delivery, delivery indication and prenatal risk factors may affect neonatal outcomes.

Maternal Education Is Associated with Disparities in Breastfeeding at Time of Discharge but Not at Initiation of Enteral Feeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Objective: To investigate the relationship between maternal education and breastfeeding in very preterm infants admitted to neonatal intensive care units.

Study Design: This prospective, population-based cohort study analyzed the data of all very preterm infants admitted to neonatal care during 1 year in 3 regions in Italy (Lazio, Emilia-Romagna, and Marche). The use of mothers' own milk was recorded at initial enteral feedings and at hospital discharge.

Predictors of full enteral feeding achievement in very low birth weight infants.

Background: To elucidate the role of prenatal, neonatal and early postnatal variables in influencing the achievement of full enteral feeding (FEF) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and to determine whether neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) differ in this outcome.

Methods: Population-based retrospective cohort study using data on 1,864 VLBW infants drawn from the "Emilia-Romagna Perinatal Network" Registry from 2004 to 2009. The outcome of interest was time to FEF achievement.

Group B Streptococcus early-onset disease in Emilia-romagna: review after introduction of a screening-based approach.

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a leading cause of neonatal bacterial infections. Early-onset infections have decreased in recent years but, despite considerable efforts poured into prevention, cases continue to occur.

Objectives: To analyze trends and identify determining factors for the persistence of the GBS infections.

Group B streptococcal infections in a northern region of Italy.

Background: Group B streptococcus is a leading cause of neonatal bacterial infections. Despite adoption of preventive strategies, cases of infection continue to occur and there is concern that widespread antimicrobial prophylaxis might delay rather than prevent disease onset, increasing the rates of late-onset diseases.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and clinical features of early- and late-onset group B streptococcus disease in a northern region of Italy where a screening-based approach had been proposed.

Evidence-based diagnosis of nontraumatic headache in the emergency department: a consensus statement on four clinical scenarios.

Objective: To provide to emergency department (ED) physicians with guidelines for diagnosis of patients with nontraumatic headaches.

Background: Many patients present to an ED with the chief complaint of headache. Causes of nontraumatic headache include life-threatening illnesses, and distinguishing patients with such ominous headaches from those with a primary headache disorder can be challenging for the ED physician.