There has been a dramatic rise in preterm births in developed countries owing to changes in clinical practices and greater use of assisted reproductive techniques. However, few studies have examined the growth and outcomes of preterm infants according to the type of feeding (with fortified breast milk or formula). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of breast milk feedings and f...

A proactive policy of resuscitation at birth and prompt initiation of intensive care have been shown to be associated with an improvement in the survival of very preterm infants in both institution-based and population-based studies. As a greater percentage of live births were offered intensive care, the survival rate rose progressively in all birth weight and gestation subgroups among extremel...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of "new-generation" pulse oximeters in extremely low-birth-weight ([ELBW] ≤ 1000 g) infants. In a prospective crossover observational study, the performance of pulse oximeters of 3 brands (Masimo, Nellcor, and Philips) was evaluated by dual SpO2 measurement in ELBW infants. Disposable probes of either equal or different brands were placed ar...

In this article we evaluated the consistency of practice and the adherence to the International Guidelines in early delivery room management of ELBW infants in Italy. A polyethylene bag/wrap was used by 54 centres (55.1%). In Northern regions, one centre (2.5%) reported to use oxygen concentrations >40% to initiate positive pressure ventilation in ELBW infants. These proportions were higher ...

Prematurity and low birth weight are important determinants of neonatal morbidity and mortality. A rising trend of preterm births is caused by an increase in the birth rate of near-term infants. Near-term infants are defined as infants of 34 to 36 6/7 weeks gestation. It is dangerous to assume that the incidence of hypoglycemia in the later preterm infant is similar to the infant born at full t...

The threatened birth of an extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) and gestational age infant presents complex medical, social and ethical issues for the family and the health professionals. Improved survival may be accompanied by increased risks of chronic medical problems and neurodevelopmental disabilities. It is difficult to define "how small is too small" and to decide "how much is too much" in ...

OBJECTIVE To provide information for pediatricians and neonatologists to create realistic outcome expectations and thus help plan their actions. SOURCES OF DATA Searches were made of the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Lilacs databases. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS The assessment of growth and development over the first 2-3 years must adjust chronological age with respect of the degree of prematu...