Direct equilibrium dialysis compared with two non-dialysis free T4 methods in premature infants.

Objective: To compare the incidence of low free T4 values reported by a direct equilibrium dialysis method to their incidence reported by 2 non-dialysis methods.

Study Design: Ninety-five infants, < or = 33 weeks gestational age at birth, admitted to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital before day 3 of life were studied. Infants were grouped by gestational age ranges: < or = 27, 28-30, and 31-33 weeks.

Incidence of low free T4 values in premature infants as determined by direct equilibrium dialysis.

Background: The incidence of transient reductions in serum free T(4) (FT(4)) in premature infants may be overestimated because certain FT(4) analytical methods underestimate FT(4) concentrations. Transient reductions of FT(4) measurements have been reported in the majority of premature newborn infants. Direct equilibrium dialysis (DED) does not underestimate FT(4) concentrations and is the best available technique to measure serum FT(4) in the premature infant.

Comparison of 2 iron doses in infants receiving recombinant human erythropoietin therapy.

Objective: To compare iron sufficiency in premature infants receiving high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO), 1200 IU/kg per week, supplemented with 6 or 12 mg/kg per day of enteral iron.

Design: We conducted a prospective, double-blind, controlled study of premature infants receiving r-HuEPO therapy, randomly assigned to receive 2 different doses of iron. Measurements of ferritin, iron, total iron-binding capacity, reticulocyte count, hemoglobin level, and hematocrit were obtained at baseline, 4, and 6 weeks.

QTc interval in infants receiving cisapride.

Objective: To examine the effect of cisapride on the corrected QT (QTc) interval in infants over a 14-day period.

Study Design: A prospective cohort study of infants receiving cisapride (0.8 mg/kg per day).

Graphical user interface for a neonatal parenteral nutrition decision support system.

We developed and implemented a decision support system for prescribing parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions for infants in our neonatal intensive care unit. We employed a graphical user interface to provide clinical guidelines and aid the understanding of the interaction among the various ingredients that make up a PN solution. In particular, by displaying the interaction between the PN total solution volume, protein, calcium and phosphorus, we have eliminated PN orders that previously would have resulted in calcium-phosphorus precipitation errors.