Effect of Early Erythropoietin on Retinopathy of Prematurity: A Stratified Meta-Analysis.

Background: Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) lost its role in minimizing red blood cell transfusion in very preterm infants after it had been associated with severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Previous systematic reviews did not stratify ROP by gestation and birth weight (BW).

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of early prophylactic rhEPO on ROP in a stratified meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Survey of transfusion practices in preterm infants in Europe.

Background: Preterm infants commonly receive red blood cell (RBC), platelet and fresh frozen plasma (FFP) transfusions. The aim of this Neonatal Transfusion Network survey was to describe current transfusion practices in Europe and to compare our findings to three recent randomised controlled trials to understand how clinical practice relates to the trial data.

Methods: From October to December 2020, we performed an online survey among 597 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) caring for infants with a gestational age (GA) of <32 weeks in 18 European countries.

Aberrant Hematopoiesis and Morbidity in Extremely Preterm Infants With Intrauterine Growth Restriction.

Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) poses additional challenges in extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs). We assessed disturbed hematopoiesis and morbidities associated with this disorder. This single-center retrospective case-control study compared perinatal hematological profiles, major morbidities, and mortality of 49 infants (gestational age <28 weeks, birth weight ≤ 3rd percentile, and compromised placental function) and 98 infants (birth weight >10th percentile) matched for gestational age, year, and sex.

Prophylactic Erythropoietin for Neuroprotection in Very Preterm Infants: A Meta-Analysis Update.

A meta-analysis update of randomized controlled trials investigating recombinant human erythropoietin suggests improved neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants. There was substantial heterogeneity, which could be ascribed to a single trial. Exclusion of this trial featuring a high risk of bias abolished heterogeneity and any effects of recombinant human erythropoietin treatment.

Open-Source Technology for Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Case Study in a Neonate With Transient Congenital Hyperinsulinism.

Background: Use of real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) systems has been shown to be a low-pain, safe, and effective method of preventing hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia in people with diabetes of various age groups. Evidence on rtCGM use in infants and in patients with conditions other than diabetes remains limited.

Objective: This case study describes the off-label use of rtCGM and the use of an open-source app for glucose monitoring in a newborn with prolonged hypoglycemia secondary to transient congenital hyperinsulinism during the perinatal period.

Prophylactic Early Erythropoietin for Neuroprotection in Preterm Infants: A Meta-analysis.

Context: Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is a promising pharmacological agent for neuroprotection in neonates.

Objective: To investigate whether prophylactic rhEPO administration in very preterm infants improves neurodevelopmental outcomes in a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Data Sources: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched in December 2016 and complemented by other sources.