A prospective study of maternal preference for indomethacin prophylaxis versus symptomatic treatment of a patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.

Background: The management of a patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants continues to be debated among neonatologists due to the absence of concrete evidence that precisely weighs the long term outcomes of active, early intervention against a conservative approach. In the majority of institutions, parents are encouraged to play an active role in the complex, decision -making processes with regard to the care of their infants. The objective of this study is to elicit maternal preferences for indomethacin prophylaxis versus treatment of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants, utilizing a decision aid instrument (DAI).

Association of packed red blood cell transfusion and necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants.

Objective: To investigate the association of PRBC transfusion and the development of NEC in VLBW preterm infants at a tertiary care neonatal unit.

Methods: A retrospective case-control study was performed. All VLBW infants (gestational age ≤32 week and birth weight <1500 g) born between 1999 and 2013 were included.

Neonatal short-term outcomes of gestational diabetes mellitus in saudi mothers: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) affects up to 10% of all pregnancies and results in significant maternal and neonatal morbidities.

Objectives: Our main objective was to investigate retrospectively the rate of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admissions and significant neonatal complications in pregnant mothers with gestational diabetes.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted.

Probiotics for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and nosocomial sepsis are associated with increased morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Through prevention of bacterial migration across the mucosa, competitive exclusion of pathogenic bacteria, and enhancing the immune responses of the host, prophylactic enteral probiotics (live microbial supplements) may play a role in reducing NEC and associated morbidity.

Objectives: To compare the efficacy and safety of prophylactic enteral probiotics administration versus placebo or no treatment in the prevention of severe NEC and/or sepsis in preterm infants.

Risk factors for acute retinopathy of prematurity.

We prospectively studied the risk factors and the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in 195 consecutive preterm infants. Birth weight and duration of mechanical ventilation were the only factors that were significantly associated with the incidence of ROP. While indomethacin increases the risk of developing ROP, maternal antenatal steroids have a protective effect against the development of severe stages of ROP.