Effectiveness of a Novel Feeding Algorithm for Oral Feeding Transition of Infants Born Prematurely.

Background: Feeding skill acquisition is commonly a limiting factor determining when an infant born prematurely can be discharged.

Purpose: This study aimed to determine if the addition of a novel feeding progression algorithm (combination of objective data from a suck measurement device and slow flow/low variability nipples) to current neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) standards could decrease feeding-related length of stay (primary outcome). We hypothesized that by timing the initiation of oral feedings to coincide with adequate sensory-motor skill development, feeding-related length of stay may be decreased.

Safe Newborn Sleep Practices on a Large Volume Maternity Service.

Purpose: Reinforcing safe infant sleep conditions in the hospital setting supports continuation of safe sleep practices after hospital discharge and should be considered the first line of defense for reducing risk for sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) at home. The purpose of this study is to determine knowledge of perinatal nurses, nursing assistants, physicians, and ancillary personnel about safe sleep recommendations and implementation of safe sleep practices on the mother-baby unit.

Study Design And Methods: Nurses and other members of the perinatal health care team in a level III maternity service were invited to participate in a survey about safe sleep knowledge and practices.

A retrospective analysis comparing small bowel follow-through with wireless capsule endoscopy in the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

A comparative retrospective study was conducted to evaluate diagnostic findings between small bowel follow-through (SBFT) and wireless capsule endoscopy in the presence of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. A convenience sample of 31 patients with previous negative upper and lower endoscopy was included in the study. Wireless capsule endoscopy established a significant source of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding 53% of the time.