Non-multidrug-resistant, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a neonatal unit.

Background: In the last decade, non-multiresistant methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (NM-MRSA) has been described as an important agent in bloodstream infections in our hospital.

Methods: This prospective cohort study, conducted from February 2009 through January 2010 in the neonatal unit, evaluated 403 newborns (NB), their 382 mothers and 148 health care workers (HCW).

Results: Approximately 217 NB (54%), 187 mothers (48%) and 87 HCW (59%) were colonized by S.

[Reliability of an instrument to classify newborns according to care complexity].

In most maternity units, the physician classifies, evaluates, and determines which unit will receive the newborn (NB) after birth. Evaluation occurs in the delivery room, taking into consideration the following factors: birth weight, gestational age, and behaviors that define the clinical picture and disease. This observational study evaluates the reliability of an NB classification instrument.

Assessment of a neonatal unit nursing staff: application of the Nursing Activities Score.

Objective: The study proposes to analyze the nursing staff workload of the sectors of a neonatal unit by means of the Nursing Activities Score - NAS and to calculate the quantitative ideal for the team, comparing it with the current workload.

Method: The NAS tool was applied for all newborns interned for at least 24 hours; the sum of the NAS points provided the unit workload which was used for calculating the team assessment by means of mathematical equation.

Results: The sector of Low Risk presented a workload of 267 NAS points and an imbalance of 8.

Breast milk and glucose for pain relief in preterm infants: a noninferiority randomized controlled trial.

Objective: The study goal was to compare the efficacy of expressed breast milk (EBM) versus 25% glucose on pain responses of late preterm infants during heel lancing.

Methods: In a noninferiority randomized controlled trial, a total of 113 newborns were randomized to receive EBM (experimental group [EG]) or 25% glucose (control group [CG]) before undergoing heel lancing. The primary outcome was pain intensity (Premature Infant Pain Profile [PIPP]) and a 10% noninferiority margin was established.

[Initial placement of the peripherally inserted central catheter's tip in neonates].

This is a cross-sectional study aiming to identify the initial tip position of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) and to verify the prevalence of success in inserting such catheters in neonates. The study was carried out in the neonatal care unit of Hospital das Clinicas, Universidade de São Paulo. Data were collected prospectively from March to September 2006.