Predictors of RSV LRTI Hospitalization in Infants Born at 33 to 35 Weeks Gestational Age: A Large Multinational Study (PONI).

Background: Preterm infants are at high risk of developing respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-associated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). This observational epidemiologic study evaluated RSV disease burden and risk factors for RSV-associated LRTI hospitalization in preterm infants 33 weeks+0 days to 35 weeks+6 days gestational age not receiving RSV prophylaxis.

Methods: Preterm infants ≤6 months of age during RSV season (1 October 2013-30 April 2014) were followed at 72 sites across 23 countries from September 2013-July 2014 (study period).

Incidence of Kawasaki disease in northern European countries.

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the epidemiologic features of Kawasaki disease (KD) in three northern European countries and Japan.

Methods: Data were obtained from discharge databases for hospitals in Finland, Norway, and Sweden for 1999-2009 and from nationwide epidemiologic surveys in Japan for 1998-2008. Annual incidence for each country was calculated using regional census data.

[Patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants].

Background: Patent ductus arteriosus in premature infants has often been treated because of its association with worsening of pulmonary disease and complications such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. This view has now been challenged.

Material And Methods: Relevant publications have been identified from review articles in international peer-reviewed journals.

Comparison of broad range 16S rDNA PCR and conventional blood culture for diagnosis of sepsis in the newborn: a case control study.

Background: Early onset bacterial sepsis is a feared complication of the newborn. A large proportion of infants admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for suspected sepsis receive treatment with potent systemic antibiotics while a diagnostic workup is in progress. The gold standard for detecting bacterial sepsis is blood culture.

First day of life pulse oximetry screening to detect congenital heart defects.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of first day of life pulse oximetry screening to detect congenital heart defects (CHDs).

Study Design: We performed a population-based prospective multicenter study of postductal (foot) arterial oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) in apparently healthy newborns after transfer from the delivery suite to the nursery. SpO(2) < 95% led to further diagnostic evaluations.

[Bronhopulmonary dysplasia].

Background: Since bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was first described 40 years ago, the epidemiology of premature infants has changed considerably. With improved prenatal and obstetrical care and improved/less invasive ventilatory support, severe BPD is now rarely seen in infants born after 32 weeks gestational age, but it is still the most frequent complication to severe prematurity. Depending on the diagnostic criteria, between 40-60% of the infants weighing < 1000 g at birth have BPD.

Acute bronchiolitis in infancy as risk factor for wheezing and reduced pulmonary function by seven years in Akershus County, Norway.

Background: Acute viral bronchiolitis is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation during infancy in our region with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) historically being the major causative agent. Many infants with early-life RSV bronchiolitis have sustained bronchial hyperreactivity for many years after hospitalisation and the reasons for this are probably multifactorial. The principal aim of the present study was to investigate if children hospitalised for any acute viral bronchiolitis during infancy in our region, and not only those due to RSV, had more episodes of subsequent wheezing up to age seven years and reduced lung function at that age compared to children not hospitalised for acute bronchiolitis during infancy.

Hospitalisations for respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis in Akershus, Norway, 1993-2000: a population-based retrospective study.

Background: RSV is recognized as the most important cause of serious lower respiratory tract illness in infants and young children worldwide leading to hospitalisation in a great number of cases, especially in certain high-risk groups. The aims of the present study were to identify risk groups, outcome and incidences of hospitalisation for RSV bronchiolitis in Norwegian children under two years of age and to compare the results with other studies.

Methods: We performed a population-based retrospective survey for the period 1993-2000 in children under two years of age hospitalised for RSV bronchiolitis.

[Incidence of Kawasaki disease].

Background: Kawasaki disease is a self-limiting acute vasculitis of unknown aetiology. It usually affects younger children and is now the most common cause of acquired cardiac disease in children in the western world. Untreated, 25% of the cases result in coronary aneurysms.