Serum Folate Concentrations in Exclusively Breastfed Preterm Infants Who Received No Supplementary Oral Folic Acid After Discharge: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Adequate folate intake is required in preterm infants for rapid growth and development, but there is little evidence to back recommendations. We aimed to assess folate status in preterm infants at discharge and in early infancy, according to exposure to folate sources, particularly in those exclusively/predominantly breastfed. A prospective, multicenter, observational cohort study was conducted in the UK, involving 45 preterm infants <33 weeks' gestational age (GA) exclusively/predominantly fed human milk when approaching NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) discharge.

Exclusively breastmilk-fed preterm infants are at high risk of developing subclinical vitamin K deficiency despite intramuscular prophylaxis at birth.

Background: There is near-global consensus that all newborns be given parenteral vitamin K (VK ) at birth as prophylaxis against VK deficiency bleeding (VKDB). Breastmilk has a low VK content and cases of late VKDB are reported in exclusively breastmilk-fed preterm infants despite VK prophylaxis at birth.

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of functional VK insufficiency in preterm infants based on elevated under-γ-carboxylated (Glu) species of Gla proteins, factor II (PIVKA-II), and osteocalcin (GluOC), synthesized by liver and bone, respectively.

Non-reassuring results in agreement trial comparing glass and plastic capillary tubes for neonatal blood gas sampling.

Aim: To determine agreement between neonatal capillary blood gases taken with plastic and glass tubes.

Methods: An agreement study was carried out in a regional tertiary neonatal unit. Inpatient babies ≥1 kg were recruited to the study when parents gave consent.

Vitamin D status of White pregnant women and infants at birth and 4 months in North West England: A cohort study.

The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in pregnant white-skinned women (WSW) and their infants has not been investigated at northern latitudes in a developed county. A 2-year observational cohort study was undertaken in the North West of England to determine 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels in WSW and their infants during pregnancy and 4 months postdelivery and to explore factors associated with these levels. Nutritional and lifestyle questionnaires were completed and 25OHD levels measured at 28 weeks and 4 months postdelivery.