Nasal High-Flow Therapy for Primary Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants.

Background: Treatment with nasal high-flow therapy has efficacy similar to that of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) when used as postextubation support in neonates. The efficacy of high-flow therapy as the primary means of respiratory support for preterm infants with respiratory distress has not been proved.

Methods: In this international, multicenter, randomized, noninferiority trial, we assigned 564 preterm infants (gestational age, ≥28 weeks 0 days) with early respiratory distress who had not received surfactant replacement to treatment with either nasal high-flow therapy or nasal CPAP.

Autism in Toddlers Born Very Preterm.

Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) by using the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Generic (ADOS-G) classifications in children born very preterm during their toddler years.

Methods: Two birth cohorts of toddlers (2 and 4 years old) each recruited over 12 months and born at <29 weeks' gestation were administered the Modified Checklist of Autism in Toddlers-Follow-up Interview (M-CHAT-FI) screen, the ADOS-G, and developmental assessments. The ADOS-G was conducted on toddlers with M-CHAT-FI-positive screens.

Risk determinants in early intervention use during the first postnatal year in children born very preterm.

Background: Early interventions (EI) are recognised for their potential risk-reduction capacity. Although developmental delay is common in children born very preterm reports continue to suggest poor uptake of EI services. This study examined the risk determinants of EI in Australian children born less than 32 weeks gestation during the first year of life.

High-flow nasal cannulae in very preterm infants after extubation.

Background: The use of high-flow nasal cannulae is an increasingly popular alternative to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for noninvasive respiratory support of very preterm infants (gestational age, <32 weeks) after extubation. However, data on the efficacy or safety of such cannulae in this population are lacking.

Methods: In this multicenter, randomized, noninferiority trial, we assigned 303 very preterm infants to receive treatment with either high-flow nasal cannulae (5 to 6 liters per minute) or nasal CPAP (7 cm of water) after extubation.

Measuring sensorineural disability in preterm children using a public health screening strategy: a randomised controlled trial.

Aim: To assess the efficacy of a preterm-targeted screening programme against the routine Australian National Health Medical Research Council (NHMRC) universal child health screening programme to detect disability in a general practice setting in children born < or =31 weeks gestation at 12-months of age.

Methods: Multi-centred trial involving 202 preterm children randomised to receive the preterm-targeted or NHMRC programme. Primary outcome, correct identification of neurosensory disability by general practitioners assessed against gold standard paediatric assessments.

Parental experiences and preferences which influence subsequent use of post-discharge health services for children born very preterm.

Aim: Parents are ultimately responsible for organising and accessing health services for their children. How parents experience those services are likely to influence subsequent use. Understanding parental preference for service provision can inform compliance strategies with recommended child health recommendations.

Parents' evaluation of developmental status in children born with a birthweight of 1250 g or less.

Objective: To evaluate the agreement between parental reporting of development of children born very preterm using the Parents' Evaluation of Developmental Status (PEDS) questionnaire and professional assessment by a paediatric developmental team in the detection of sensorineural disability.

Methods: A cross-sectional cohort study of 362 children born in Queensland with a birthweight < or = 1250 g, who were surviving at 2 and 4 years of age corrected for prematurity, was conducted. Parents completed the PEDS questionnaire prior to their child receiving a neurodevelopmental assessment.

A simplified predictive index for the detection of women at risk for postnatal depression.

Background: Many women who suffer from postnatal depression are never diagnosed or treated. The objective of this study was to develop an index for use in maternity settings that identifies women who may be at risk for postnatal depression.

Methods: Women (n = 1762) attending the "booking-in" clinic were screened for antenatal risk factors for postnatal depression.