Quality of harness fit for normal and low birthweight infants observed among newborns in infant car seats.

Introduction: Child restraint fit is important for crash protection. For newborns, standards universally require a rear-facing restraint and some upper limit on size, but historically there has been no specification of a lower design limit and there is concern over whether low birthweight infants (LBW) are adequately restrained. The aim of this study was to determine the quality of harness fit for newborns of low and normal weight in a range of modern child restraints.

Early versus late administration of amino acids in preterm infants receiving parenteral nutrition.

Background: Observational studies in preterm newborns suggest that delay in administering amino acids could result in a protein catabolic state and could impact on growth and development.

Objectives: To determine the effect of early administration of amino acids in premature newborns on growth, neurodevelopmental outcome, mortality and clinically important side effects.

Search Methods: The standard search strategy of the Neonatal Review Group as outlined in The Cochrane Library was used.

Prebiotics in infants for prevention of allergy.

Background: Prebiotics (commonly oligosaccharides) added to infant feeds have the potential to prevent sensitisation of infants to dietary allergens.

Objectives: To determine the effect of prebiotic given to infants for the prevention of allergy.

Search Methods: We performed an updated search in August 2012 of the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 8), MEDLINE, EMBASE, conference proceedings, citations, expert informants and clinical trials registries.

Antibiotic regimens for the empirical treatment of newborn infants with necrotising enterocolitis.

Background: Although the exact aetiology of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) remains unknown, research suggests that it is multifactorial; suspected pathophysiological mechanisms include immaturity, intestinal ischaemia, disruption of intestinal mucosal integrity, formula feeding, hyperosmolar load to the intestine, infection and bacterial translocation. Various antibiotic regimens have been widely used in the treatment of NEC.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of different antibiotic regimens on mortality and the need for surgery in neonates with NEC.

Octreotide as therapeutic option for congenital idiopathic chylothorax: a case series.

Background: Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, is used for the management of patients with refractory chylothorax although its safety and efficacy in neonates have not been evaluated in controlled clinical trials. We present one of the largest case series about the use of octreotide in congenital idiopathic chylothorax.

Methods: Six cases of congenital chylothorax (CC) were prospectively collected, who were managed with same unit protocol for octreotide.

Midwife attitudes: an important determinant of maternal postpartum pertussis booster vaccination.

Background: The study was designed to determine the feasibility of implementing routine dTpa vaccination in the maternity ward to new mothers and to assess midwives' attitudes toward pertussis booster vaccination, their perceived susceptibility and severity of pertussis in their patients' communities, the perceived barriers and benefits of their patients' vaccinations, and their cues to action and self-efficacy in delivering the vaccine.

Method: A self-completed questionnaire was developed to evaluate constructs of the Health Belief Model as well as to measure midwife demographic information. Questionnaires were completed by midwives during in-services at both a public hospital and a private hospital in New South Wales, Australia.

Management of cow's milk protein allergy in infants and young children: an expert panel perspective.

Cow's milk protein allergy is a condition commonly managed by general practitioners and paediatricians. The diagnosis is usually made in the first 12 months of life. Management of immediate allergic reactions and anaphylaxis includes the prevention of accidental food ingestion and provision of an adrenaline autoinjector, if appropriate.