Very preterm neonates receiving "aggressive" nutrition and early nCPAP had similar long-term respiratory outcomes as term neonates.

Backround: The impact of the consistent implementation of "aggressive" nutrition by means of intensive early neonatal nutritional support up to 40-44 weeks postmenstrual age and the use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) within the first hour of life on the respiratory function of very premature neonates (VPN) at school age is unclear.

Method: Respiratory function was evaluated in 108 VPN and 70 term controls. Growth, frequency of lower respiratory tract infections, re-hospitalization, and spirometry were recorded up to 8-10 years of age.

Peripherally inserted central venous catheters: frequency of complications in premature newborn depends on the insertion site.

Objective: The use of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC lines) has reduced the mortality and morbidity of premature newborns. The usual sites of insertion are the veins in the upper arms but other locations are being used as well.

Study Design: To examine whether using the axillary vein as a site of insertion of a PICC line affects the frequency of complications.

Linoleic and arachidonic acid in perinatal asphyxia and prematurity.

Objectives: Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) are important for fetal and infant growth and development. The effects of prematurity and perinatal asphyxia on the levels of linoleic acid (LA) and arachidonic acid (AA) in plasma and red blood cell (RBC) membranes were investigated.

Methods: Fifty-five neonates were studied: 18 full term neonates with perinatal asphyxia (group A), nine preterm neonates (group B), and 28 healthy term neonates (group C).