Morphine exposure and neurodevelopmental outcome in infants born extremely preterm.

Aim: To investigate the association between morphine exposure in the neonatal period and neurodevelopment at 2 and 5 years of age while controlling for potential confounders.

Method: We performed a retrospective, single-centre cohort study on 106 infants (60 males, 46 females; mean gestational age 26 weeks [SD 1]) born extremely preterm (gestational age < 28 weeks). Morphine administration was expressed as cumulative dose (mg/kg) until term-equivalent age.

Cognitive development in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome.

Background: People with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (velo-cardio-facial syndrome) have a 30-fold risk of developing schizophrenia. In the general population the schizophrenia phenotype includes a cognitive deficit and a decline in academic performance preceding the first episode of psychosis in a subgroup of patients.

Prenatal screening for orofacial clefts in the Netherlands: a preliminary report on the impact of a national screening system.

In the Netherlands a new and countrywide routine screening system for physical congenital anomalies was introduced by legislation in 2007. The screening was aimed initially at Down syndrome, but under specific conditions secondary screening for cleft lip and palate and other congenital malformations is performed as well. This article gives an overview of the Dutch system, with a focus on cleft lip (and palate) and the report of one center's experience.