Dexmedetomidine versus intermittent morphine for sedation of neonates with encephalopathy undergoing therapeutic hypothermia.

Objective: In March 2019, the sedative in the therapeutic hypothermia protocol at Bellevue Hospital Center and NYU Langone Health changed from morphine to dexmedetomidine. This study evaluated the impact of this change on efficacy and safety parameters.

Study Design: This was a retrospective, observational cohort study including neonates with HIE undergoing therapeutic hypothermia (N = 70) at two regional perinatal medical centers.

Meningomyelocele Simulation Model: Pre-surgical Management-Technical Report.

This technical report describes the creation of a myelomeningocele model of a newborn baby. This is a simple, low-cost, and easy-to-assemble model that allows the medical team to practice the delivery room management of a newborn with myelomeningocele. The report includes scenarios and a suggested checklist with which the model can be employed.

Non-central peripherally inserted central catheters in neonatal intensive care: complication rates and longevity of catheters relative to tip position.

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) represent a mainstay of intravascular access in the neonatal intensive care setting when long-term vascular access is needed. Ideally, PICCs should be inserted and maintained in a central position with the tip ending in the superior or inferior vena cava. This is not always achievable, and sometimes the tip remains in a peripheral location.

Gastroschisis Simulation Model: Pre-surgical Management Technical Report.

This technical report describes the creation of a gastroschisis model for a newborn. This is a simple, low-cost task trainer that provides the opportunity for Neonatology providers, including fellows, residents, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and nurses, to practice the management of a baby with gastroschisis after birth and prior to surgery. Included is a suggested checklist with which the model can be employed.

Trends in retinopathy of prematurity over a 5-year period in a racially diverse population.

Background And Objective: Retinopathy of prematurity presents differently in developing versus developed countries, which may be due to environmental as well as racial differences.

Patients And Methods: Retrospective chart review of infants screened for ROP at a single neonatal intensive care unit. Risk factors were reviewed.

Patent ductus arteriosus and indomethacin treatment as independent risk factors for plus disease in retinopathy of prematurity.

Purpose: To examine whether clinically significant patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or indomethacin treatment are associated with plus disease or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment.

Methods: Retrospective, cross-sectional study. Charts were reviewed for gestational age, birth weight, birth head circumference, birth length, maternal characteristics, gender, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, neurologic comorbidities, PDA and its treatments, gastrointestinal comorbidities, blood transfusions, and sepsis.

Identification of a µ opiate receptor signaling mechanism in human placenta.

Background: Previous studies report that genes in the morphine biosynthetic pathway have been found in placental tissue. Prior researchers have shown that kappa opioid receptors are present in human placenta. We determined if a µ opiate receptor was present and which subtype was expressed in human placenta.

CC10 reduces inflammation in meconium aspiration syndrome in newborn piglets.

Complications from meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) remain significant despite a variety of therapeutic interventions. Clara cell protein (CC10) is a novel anti-inflammatory agent that can also inhibit phospholipase A2 (PLA2) (an important component of meconium). The present study examined whether administration of recombinant human CC10 (rhCC10) would reduce inflammation and improve lung function in a piglet model of MAS.

Cell-free fetal DNA in the cerebrospinal fluid of women during the peripartum period.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether cell-free fetal DNA is detectable in the cerebrospinal fluid of women during pregnancy and after delivery.

Study Design: Cerebrospinal fluid was collected from 39 women who underwent an indicated spinal anesthesia procedure. Twenty-six samples were from women who carried at least 1 male fetus, and 13 samples were from women with only a female fetus.