Infectious Risk in Pediatric Emergency Departments in Italy: A Survey by the Italian Society for Pediatric Emergency and Urgent Medicine (SIMEUP) on Available Preventive and Diagnostic Tools.

The COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the importance of preparedness in preventing the spread of infectious diseases, especially in Emergency Departments (EDs), where initial patient assessments and triage occur. This study aims to evaluate the current practices and available tools for infection control in Pediatric EDs across Italy, focusing on the differences between various hospital types and regional settings. A cross-sectional national survey was conducted in February 2022, targeting healthcare workers in Pediatric EDs across Italy.

Lumbar Puncture and Meningitis in Infants with Proven Early- or Late-Onset Sepsis: An Italian Prospective Multicenter Observational Study.

: To evaluate the rates of lumbar puncture (LP) in infants with culture-proven sepsis. : We prospectively enrolled 400 infants with early- or late-onset sepsis due to Group B (GBS) or , diagnosed within 90 days of life. Rates of LP and potential variables associated with LP performance were evaluated.

Timing of Symptoms of Early-Onset Sepsis after Intrapartum Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Can It Inform the Neonatal Management?

The effectiveness of "inadequate" intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP administered < 4 h prior to delivery) in preventing early-onset sepsis (EOS) is debated. Italian prospective surveillance cohort data (2003-2022) were used to study the type and duration of IAP according to the timing of symptoms onset of group B streptococcus (GBS) and culture-confirmed EOS cases. IAP was defined "active" when the pathogen yielded in cultures was susceptible.

Maternal pandemic-related stress during pregnancy associates with infants' socio-cognitive development at 12 months: A longitudinal multi-centric study.

Background: Prenatal maternal stress is a key risk factor for infants' development. Previous research has highlighted consequences for infants' socio-emotional and cognitive outcomes, but less is known for what regards socio-cognitive development. In this study, we report on the effects of maternal prenatal stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic on 12-month-old infants' behavioral markers of socio-cognitive development.

Post-partum Women's Anxiety and Parenting Stress: Home-Visiting Protective Effect During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a particularly adverse and stressful environment for expecting mothers, possibly enhancing feelings of anxiety and parenting stress. The present work assesses mothers' anxiety levels at delivery and parenting stress after 3 months as moderated by home-visiting sessions.

Methods: Women (n = 177) in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the COVID-19 lockdown were enrolled in northern Italy and split into those who did and did not receive home visits.