Polygenic risk scores and the need for pharmacotherapy in neonatal abstinence syndrome.

Background: The aim of this study was to identify genetic variants associated with NAS through a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and estimate a Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) model for NAS.

Methods: A prospective case-control study included 476 in utero opioid-exposed term neonates. A GWAS of 1000 genomes-imputed genotypes was performed to identify variants associated with need for pharmacotherapy for NAS.

The role of recombinant human CC10 in the prevention of chronic pulmonary insufficiency of prematurity.

Background: Preterm neonates can develop chronic pulmonary insufficiency of prematurity (CPIP) later in infancy. Recombinant human CC10 protein (rhCC10) is an anti-inflammatory agent that could potentially prevent CPIP.

Methods: The safety and efficacy of a single intratracheal dose of rhCC10 in reducing CPIP at 12 months corrected gestational age (CGA) was evaluated in a Phase II double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multisite clinical trial.

Pharmacologic treatment of infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome in community hospitals compared to academic medical centers.

Objective: To compare length of hospital stay (LOS), LOS due to neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), and duration of pharmacologic treatment in community or academic settings.

Study Design: One hundred-two infants exposed to opioids in utero at two community hospitals were compared to 256 from eight academic centers. All infants were managed with non-pharmacologic care followed by similar pharmacologic treatment options.

Sponsors meet scientists to speed pediatric medicines development.

The Point-Person Project, a child-health research initiative, enables rapid response to opportunities for participation in multicenter pediatric clinical trials.

Maturation of the antioxidant system and the effects on preterm birth.

The study of the interplay of the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species with their related antioxidant enzymes at the maternal-placental-fetal interfaces during normal and abnormal pregnancy is in its 'infancy'. Our understanding of the role of antioxidant systems during fetal and neonatal development is constantly changing with research better defining the biological roles of these highly reactive species and the maintenance of optimal oxidant/antioxidant balance. The antioxidant enzyme system is upregulated during the last 15% of gestation, a timeframe when non-enzymatic antioxidants are also crossing the placenta in increasing concentrations.