Electroencephalographic Patterns on Follow-Up Visits in Extremely Premature Infants With Periventricular Leukomalacia: An Observational Study.

Background: Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) is a common brain injury in premature infants, and epilepsy remains a significant complication. One concerning electroencephalographic (EEG) pattern found is developmental and/or epileptic encephalopathy with spike-and-wave activation in sleep (DEE-SWAS). This pattern is associated with persistent neuropsychological and motor deficits, even without a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Heme Catabolism and Bilirubin Production in Readmitted Jaundiced Newborns.

We measured end-tidal CO levels in 50 jaundiced newborns readmitted for phototherapy at age 54-244 hours. The median end-tidal CO level was 1.55 ppm, suggesting that hemolysis is not the primary contributor to the hyperbilirubinemia in many readmitted newborns.

How Much Do Formula-Fed Infants Take in the First 2 Days?

Objective: To document the intake of exclusively formula-fed newborns during the first 2 days of life.

Methods: We enrolled a cohort of 50 healthy newborns ≥37 weeks' gestation and documented their daily formula intake until discharge. We surveyed pediatricians regarding their assessment of the intake of formula fed infants.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity levels in white newborn infants.

Objective: To define normal levels of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity in a population of North American white newborns.

Study Design: We studied 2 white newborn populations, ≥35 weeks of gestation. In the retrospective study, G6PD activity was measured (on clinical indication) in 242 newborns aged ≤7 days.

The contribution of hemolysis to early jaundice in normal newborns.

Objective: Neonatal jaundice is the result of an imbalance between bilirubin production and elimination, and our objective was to clarify the contribution of an increase in bilirubin production to hyperbilirubinemia in newborns.

Methods: We measured the end-tidal carbon monoxide concentration corrected for ambient carbon monoxide concentration in 108 jaundiced newborns (total serum bilirubin level >75th percentile) and 164 control newborns in our well-infant nursery, for the first 4 days after birth.

Results: Mean end-tidal carbon monoxide levels decreased in the control infants in the first 4 days but increased in the hyperbilirubinemic group.

Transcutaneous bilirubin levels in the first 96 hours in a normal newborn population of > or = 35 weeks' gestation.

Objective: To obtain transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurements, at 6-hour intervals, in the first 96 hours after birth in a normal newborn population (gestational age: > or =35 weeks).

Methods: We performed 9397 TcB measurements on 3984 healthy newborn infants (gestational age: > or =35 weeks) from 6 to 96 hours of age. All measurements were performed in the well-infant nursery with a Draeger Air-Shields transcutaneous jaundice meter (model JM-103), within 2 hours of the designated time.

A simple approach to improving patient satisfaction.

Improved communication with families may significantly increase their satisfaction with the care of their hospitalized child. The families of children admitted to a general pediatric service were randomly assigned to receive a daily visit from a communicator/facilitator whose purpose was to respond to any questions the family might have and, if necessary, to explain results of laboratory tests. Control families received routine care.

Evaluation of a new transcutaneous bilirubinometer.

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the Minolta/Hill-Rom Air-Shields Transcutaneous Jaundice Meter model JM-103.

Methods: We studied a convenience sample of 849 newborns > or =35 weeks of gestation in 3 hospitals. These infants had total serum bilirubin (TSB) levels measured on clinical indication, and transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) levels were obtained within 1 hour of the TSB levels.

Rebound in serum bilirubin level following intensive phototherapy.

Objectives: To document the need for repeated phototherapy (as an index of significant rebound in serum bilirubin levels) following the discontinuation of intensive phototherapy and to compare the use of repeated phototherapy in infants who first received phototherapy during their birth hospitalization with the use of first-time phototherapy on readmission after infants were discharged from their birth hospitalization.

Design: A retrospective review of the medical records of 303 term and near-term newborns treated between January 1996 and December 1998, who received phototherapy in our well-baby nursery during their birth hospitalization (group 1, n = 158) or who had been discharged from the nursery and were readmitted for phototherapy (group 2, n = 144). All infants received intensive phototherapy but were managed by individual attending pediatricians.