Neuroimaging and neurodevelopmental outcome in extremely preterm infants.

Background: Extremely preterm infants are at risk for neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). Early cranial ultrasound (CUS) is usual practice, but near-term brain MRI has been reported to better predict outcomes. We prospectively evaluated MRI white matter abnormality (WMA) and cerebellar lesions, and serial CUS adverse findings as predictors of outcomes at 18 to 22 months' corrected age.

Characteristics associated with intervention and follow-up attendance in a secondhand smoke exposure study for families of NICU infants.

Objective: The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is an ideal setting to intervene with an under served population on secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe). Unfortunately, attrition may compromise outcomes. Baseline characteristics associated with intervention and follow-up attendance were investigated in mothers who participated in a novel SHSe prevention study designed for households with a smoker and a NICU-admitted infant.

Respiratory outcomes of the surfactant positive pressure and oximetry randomized trial (SUPPORT).

Objective: To explore the early childhood pulmonary outcomes of infants who participated in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's Surfactant Positive Airway Pressure and Pulse Oximetry Randomized Trial (SUPPORT), using a factorial design that randomized extremely preterm infants to lower vs higher oxygen saturation targets and delivery room continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) vs intubation/surfactant.

Study Design: The Breathing Outcomes Study, a prospective secondary study to the Surfactant Positive Airway Pressure and Pulse Oximetry Randomized Trial, assessed respiratory morbidity at 6-month intervals from hospital discharge to 18-22 months corrected age (CA). Two prespecified primary outcomes-wheezing more than twice per week during the worst 2-week period and cough longer than 3 days without a cold-were compared for each randomized intervention.

Safe sleep practices and sudden infant death syndrome risk reduction: NICU and well-baby nursery graduates.

Our primary objective was to compare parents of infants cared for in newborn intensive care units (NICUs) and infants cared for in well-baby ("general") nurseries with regard to knowledge and practice of safe sleep practices/sudden infant death syndrome risk reduction measures and guidelines. Our secondary objective was to obtain qualitative data regarding reasons for noncompliance in both populations. Sixty participants (30 from each population) completed our survey measuring safe sleep knowledge and practice.

Neurodevelopmental outcome of extremely low birth weight infants with Candida infection.

Objective: Candida remains an important cause of late-onset infection in preterm infants. Mortality and neurodevelopmental outcome of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants enrolled in the Candida study were evaluated based on infection status.

Study Design: ELBW infants born at Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network (NRN) centers between March 2004 and July 2007 who were screened for suspected sepsis were eligible for inclusion in the Candida study.

Breastfeeding practices in mothers of high-respiratory-risk NICU infants: impact of depressive symptoms and smoking.

Aim: Mothers of infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) have very low breastfeeding rates and these high-respiratory-risk (HRR) NICU infants may benefit from breastfeeding through decreased risk for respiratory illnesses. This population's increased risk for maternal depression and high rates (22%) of maternal smoking may negatively affect breastfeeding.

Objective: This exploratory study investigated associations of breastfeeding with depressive symptoms and maternal smoking in mothers of HRR NICU infants (i.

Depression among mothers of high-risk infants discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit.

Purpose: This study investigated potential associations between maternal depression and specific infant health conditions, smoking, and socioeconomic characteristics among mothers of high-risk infants during medical follow-up visits.

Study Design And Methods: Cross-sectional self-report, and interview data were collected from 114 mothers of high-risk infants previously discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit. Mothers were assessed at a postdischarge clinic visit.

Neurodevelopmental outcomes in the early CPAP and pulse oximetry trial.

Background: Previous results from our trial of early treatment with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) versus early surfactant treatment in infants showed no significant difference in the outcome of death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. A lower (vs. higher) target range of oxygen saturation was associated with a lower rate of severe retinopathy but higher mortality.

Childhood outcomes after hypothermia for neonatal encephalopathy.

Background: We previously reported early results of a randomized trial of whole-body hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy showing a significant reduction in the rate of death or moderate or severe disability at 18 to 22 months of age. Long-term outcomes are now available.

Methods: In the original trial, we assigned infants with moderate or severe encephalopathy to usual care (the control group) or whole-body cooling to an esophageal temperature of 33.

Are outcomes of extremely preterm infants improving? Impact of Bayley assessment on outcomes.

Objectives: To compare 18- to 22-month cognitive scores and neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI) in 2 time periods using the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's Neonatal Research Network assessment of extremely low birth weight infants with the Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition (Bayley II) in 2006-2007 (period 1) and using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition (Bayley III), with separate cognitive and language scores, in 2008-2011 (period 2).

Study Design: Scores were compared with bivariate analysis, and regression analyses were run to identify differences in NDI rates.

Results: Mean Bayley III cognitive scores were 11 points higher than mean Bayley II cognitive scores.

Secondhand smoke risk in infants discharged from an NICU: potential for significant health disparities?

Introduction: Secondhand smoke exposure (SHSe) threatens fragile infants discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Smoking practices were examined in families with a high respiratory risk infant (born at very low birth weight; ventilated > 12 hr) in a Houston, Texas, NICU. Socioeconomic status, race, and mental health status were hypothesized to be related to SHSe and household smoking bans.