Factors Predicting Spontaneous Closure of Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Very Low Birth Weight Neonates.

Background Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is a relatively rare condition among neonates in the United States, estimated at approximately 1 in every 2,000 births. Managing hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates remains a challenge. This study aims to explore and report on the spontaneous closure of hsPDA in VLBW infants in a clinical setting.

The contribution of low Apgar scores in identifying neonates with short-term morbidities in a large single center cohort.

Objective: To evaluate the association and utility of low 1- and 5-min Apgar scores to identify short-term morbidities in a large newborn cohort.

Methods: 15,542 infants >22 weeks gestation from a single center were included. Clinical data and low Apgar scores were analyzed for significance to ten short-term outcomes and were used to construct Receiver Operating Characteristic Curves and the AUC calculated for ten outcomes.

The Apgar score in clinical research: for what, how and by whom it is used.

Objectives: To review how the Apgar score is used in published clinical research as well as who uses it, and how this may have changed between 1989-90 and 2018-19.

Methods: Pubmed search for English publications using MeSH Terms "apgar score" OR "apgar" AND "score" AND "humans" for epochs 1989-90 & 2018-19. The location and specialty of first author, primary purpose and how the Apgar score was used was recorded.

Ascorbic Acid and the Premature Infant.

Little information exists about the plasma target nutritional needs of the >15 million premature infants <37 weeks gestation. Investigating ascorbic acid’s (AscA) role in infant health, our study details the relationship of infant characteristics and maternal health on infant plasma AscA level (pAscA) during postnatal development. Furthermore, we determined pAscA influence during the first week of life (EpAscA) with later infant morbidities.

Fenton vs. Intergrowth-21st: Postnatal Growth Assessment and Prediction of Neurodevelopment in Preterm Infants.

Although the survival rate of preterm infants has improved over the years, growth failure and associated impaired neurodevelopmental outcome remains a significant morbidity. Optimal nutrition plays an important role in achieving adequate postnatal growth. Accurate growth monitoring of preterm infants is critical in guiding nutritional protocols.

Extravasation of total parenteral nutrition into the liver from an upper extremity peripherally inserted central venous catheter.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are the mainstay of central venous access in preterm infants, and one of the common procedures performed in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Complications of PICC include infection, mechanical dysfunction, thrombosis, migration, and extravasation of the infusate. In this report, we describe a case of PICC inserted from an upper extremity with migration into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the hepatic vein associated with extravasation of the total parenteral nutrition (TPN) into the peritoneum and the liver.

Exploring intended infant feeding decisions among low-income women.

Background: Low-income women have the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the United States. Greater understanding of factors that predict intention to feed artificial breastmilk substitute is needed to inform the design and timing of interventions to promote breastfeeding among vulnerable women. This study aimed to identify demographic and reproductive characteristics and other factors associated with intent to feed artificial breastmilk substitute among low-income women.

Rural healthcare disparities: challenges and solutions for the pregnant opioid-dependent population.

Substance abuse among pregnant women is a significant public health problem affecting both maternal and fetal health. Access to both obstetrical care and substance abuse treatment is a challenge for women in rural West Virginia. A multi-disciplinary collaborative treatment approach for this population is necessary to reach and retain women in treatment.