Short-term use of umbilical artery catheters may not be associated with increased risk for thrombosis.

Objective: Umbilical arterial catheters (UACs) have rare but serious complications related to thrombus formation. Two specific serum markers of thrombogenesis--prothrombin fragment (F1.2) and thrombin-antithrombin (TAT)--can be assayed and correlated with abdominal ultrasound visualization of UAC thrombosis.

Assessment and management of pain and distress in the neonate.

Pain management is an integral focus of neonatal care. This article reviews the physiology and impact of neonatal pain and distress and pain assessment tools, as well as clinical interventions and current controversies in the management of pain and distress in neonates. Current guidelines to enhance the recognition and treatment of pain are highlighted.

Maternal antibiotics and decreased periventricular leukomalacia in very low-birth-weight infants.

Objective: To investigate the effect of maternal antibiotics, given in the predelivery period, on neonatal outcomes.

Design: Retrospective cohort study.

Setting: A single level 3 neonatal intensive care unit.