Cycled Phototherapy Dose-Finding Study for Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Cycled (intermittent) phototherapy (PT) might adequately control peak total serum bilirubin (TSB) level and avoid mortality associated with usual care (continuous PT) among extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants (401-1000 g).

Objective: To identify a cycled PT regimen that substantially reduces PT exposure, with an increase in mean peak TSB level lower than 1.5 mg/dL in ELBW infants.

Short versus Extended Duration of Trophic Feeding to Reduce Time to Achieve Full Enteral Feeding in Extremely Preterm Infants: An Observational Study.

Background: Trophic feeding compared to no enteral feeding prevents atrophy of the gastrointestinal tract. However, the practice of extending the duration of trophic feeding often delays initiation of full enteral feeding in extremely preterm infants. We hypothesized that a short duration of trophic feeding (3 days or less) is associated with early initiation of full enteral feeding.

How to Save 1 Million Lives in a Year in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

Despite major improvements in reducing childhood mortality worldwide, over 5 million pregnancies per year end in stillbirths or neonatal deaths. The vast majority of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Many of these deaths are preventable with readily available evidence-based care practices.

Effects of Essential Newborn Care Training on Fresh Stillbirths and Early Neonatal Deaths by Maternal Education.

Background: Infants of women with lower education levels are at higher risk for perinatal mortality.

Objectives: We explored the impact of training birth attendants and pregnant women in the Essential Newborn Care (ENC) Program on fresh stillbirths (FSBs) and early (7-day) neonatal deaths (END) by maternal education level in developing countries.

Methods: A train-the-trainer model was used with local instructors in rural communities in six countries (Argentina, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guatemala, India, Pakistan, and Zambia).

Two million intrapartum-related stillbirths and neonatal deaths: where, why, and what can be done?

Background: Intrapartum-related neonatal deaths ("birth asphyxia") are a leading cause of child mortality globally, outnumbering deaths from malaria. Reduction is crucial to meeting the fourth Millennium Development Goal (MDG), and is intimately linked to intrapartum stillbirths as well as maternal health and MDG 5, yet there is a lack of consensus on what works, especially in weak health systems.

Objective: To clarify terminology for intrapartum-related outcomes; to describe the intrapartum-related global burden; to present current coverage and trends for care at birth; and to outline aims and methods for this comprehensive 7-paper supplement reviewing strategies to reduce intrapartum-related deaths.