An explanatory randomised placebo controlled trial of levothyroxine supplementation for babies born <28 weeks' gestation: results of the TIPIT trial.

Background: Babies born before 28 weeks' gestation have lower plasma thyroid hormone concentrations than more mature infants. This may contribute to their risk of poor developmental outcome. Previous studies have suggested that thyroxine supplementation for extremely preterm neonates may be beneficial.

Clofibrate in combination with phototherapy for unconjugated neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia.

Background: There are many pathological conditions leading to an elevated unconjugated bilirubin level (hyperbilirubinaemia) in neonates. Currently the standard therapies for unconjugated hyperbilirubinaemia include phototherapy and exchange transfusion. In addition to phototherapy, clofibrate has been studied as a treatment for hyperbilirubinaemia in several countries.

Prospective surveillance study of severe hyperbilirubinaemia in the newborn in the UK and Ireland.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of severe hyperbilirubinaemia in the newborn, and to identify associated clinical and demographic variables, and short-term outcomes.

Design: Prospective, population-based study.

Setting: UK and Republic of Ireland, between 1 May 2003 and 31 May 2005.

Proxy consent in neonatal care--goal-directed or procedure-specific?

The prescription of practice guidelines for consent in neonatal care that are appropriate for all interventions faces substantial problems. Current practice varies widely. Consent in neonatal care is compromised by postnatal constraints on information sharing and decision-making.