Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rory J. Heath, Susanna Klevebro, Thomas R. Wood
Summary: The N3 and N6 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFA) are essential for proper neurodevelopment in early life. This review suggests that feed comprising 0.3% DHA and 0.6% AA may be associated with more positive neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants compared to LCPUFA-deplete feed.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Felix Castillo Salinas, Alicia Montaner Ramon, Felix-Joel Castillo Ferrer, Adria Domingo-Carnice, Begona Cordobilla, Joan Carles Domingo
Summary: This study examines the differences in fatty acid profile between preterm and term neonates at birth and after 1 month. The findings indicate that preterm neonates have a deficiency in fatty acids at birth, which persists for the first month of life. This highlights the importance of adding DHA to milk banking and supplementing breastfeeding mothers with DHA.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Melanie Gsoellpointner, Margarita Thanhaeuser, Fabian Eibensteiner, Robin Ristl, Bernd Jilma, Renate Fuiko, Sophia Brandstetter, Angelika Berger, Nadja Haiden
Summary: This study analyzed the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) during complementary feeding (CF) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants and its impact on neurodevelopment. The results showed that higher intake of total PUFAs, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and arachidonic acid (AA) was associated with improved cognitive and motor function at 12 months of age. However, the dietary intake of AA and DHA did not meet the recommended levels, highlighting the need to increase PUFA, DHA, and AA intake during CF for better neurodevelopmental outcomes in VLBW infants.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Hai-Xin Li, Cai-Jie Gao, Shan Cheng, Zhi-Lei Mao, Huai-Yan Wang
Summary: This study identified risk factors associated with respiratory assistance in premature infants, including placental abnormality, cesarean section, low Apgar score, low birth weight, and small gestational age. By assessing these risk factors at birth and providing timely respiratory assistance, the survival rates of premature infants may increase.
EXPERIMENTAL AND THERAPEUTIC MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Kristina Wendel, Marlen Fossan Aas, Gunnthorunn Gunnarsdottir, Madelaine Eloranta Rossholt, Marianne Bratlie, Tone Nordvik, Erlend Christoffer Sommer Landsend, Drude Fugelseth, Magnus Domello, Are Hugo Pripp, Tom Stiris, Sissel Jennifer Moltu
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementation with arachidonic acid (ARA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on respiratory outcomes and neonatal morbidities in preterm infants. The results showed that supplementation with ARA and DHA significantly reduced the duration of respiratory support and oxygen demand compared to the control group, without clinically important differences in the incidence of morbidities.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
I-Lun Chen, Chih-Hsing Hung, Hsin-Chun Huang
Summary: This study found that lipid emulsions containing fish oil can improve the neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature infants, especially at ages two and five, with significant reductions in the prevalence of diseases such as ADHD and ASD.
Article
Immunology
Kee Thai Yeo, Chee Fu Yung, Poh Choo Khoo, Seyed Ehsan Saffari, Jane Swee Peng Sng, Mee See How, Bin Huey Quek
Summary: The study showed that palivizumab prophylaxis was effective in reducing RSV hospitalization among high-risk preterm infants of <32 weeks' gestation within the initial 6 months after discharge in a tropical setting with year-round RSV circulation.
JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Felix Castillo, Felix-Joel Castillo-Ferrer, Begona Cordobilla, Joan Carles Domingo
Summary: A single-center study compared the fatty acids profile, particularly DHA levels, in donor human milk and mother's own milk for preterm infants. The study found that DHA levels were significantly lower in donor human milk compared to mother's own milk, potentially providing inadequate supply of DHA for preterm infants.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Madelaine Eloranta Rossholt, Marianne Bratlie, Kristina Wendel, Marlen Fossan Aas, Gunnthorunn Gunnarsdottir, Drude Fugelseth, Are Hugo Pripp, Magnus Domellof, Ketil Stordal, Tom Stiris, Sissel Jennifer Moltu
Summary: Enhanced supplementation of ARA and DHA in very preterm infants may benefit somatic growth, but there were no differences in growth and body composition outcomes between the groups at 3 months corrected age. Breastfeeding and weight gain after 36 weeks postmenstrual age were strong predictors of fat mass% at 3 months corrected age.
CLINICAL NUTRITION
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Zhiwen Su, Lili Lin, Xi Fan, Chunhong Jia, Bijun Shi, Xiaoxia Huang, Jianwei Wei, Qiliang Cui, Fan Wu
Summary: This study used propensity score matching to reassess the clinical outcome of extremely premature infants (EPIs) based on sex. Male EPIs had a higher risk of respiratory complications than females, particularly at birth weight between 750 and 999 grams.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Ling Sun, Yingying Bao, Hong Zhang, Jiajun Zhu
Summary: This study aimed to identify very low birth weight infants at risk of late respiratory diseases after discharge. The results showed that respiratory support was associated with an increased odds of developing late respiratory diseases during early childhood, which may serve as an early predictor for respiratory morbidities.
FRONTIERS IN PEDIATRICS
(2022)
Review
Pediatrics
Els Janson, Marle Willemsen, Pauline Van Beek, Jeroen E. Dudink, Ruurd Van Elburg, Lisa Hortensius, Emily W. Y. J. Tam, Miguel Saenz de Pipaon, Alexandre J. Lapillonne, Caroline G. M. de Theije, Manon J. N. L. Benders, Niek van der Aa, ESPR Nutrition Council Members
Summary: White matter injury is common in preterm infants and associated with impaired neurodevelopmental outcome. Optimizing postnatal nutrition can positively influence white matter development and subsequent neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants. More studies are needed, using quantitative neuroimaging techniques and interventional designs controlling for confounders, to define optimal nutritional intakes in preterm infants.
PEDIATRIC RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Fanny E. M. Goth, Birgitte J. Schmidt, Kent Green, Andreas K. Jensen, Lone Agertoft, Inger M. Jorgensen
Summary: The study found an age-specific association between neonatal fractional exhaled nitric oxide and respiratory symptoms in moderately premature infants. The risk of troublesome respiratory symptoms was associated with postnatal factors in premature infants and prenatal factors in mature infants.
PEDIATRIC PULMONOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Elizabeth R. Packnett, Isabelle H. Winer, Heather Larkin, Abiola Oladapo, Tara Gonzalez, Matthew Wojdyla, Mitchell Goldstein, Vincent C. Smith
Summary: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants. Palivizumab is effective in reducing the risk of severe RSV disease in infants under one year. Very preterm infants have a higher risk of RSV-related hospitalization compared to term infants, but outpatient palivizumab administration can reduce the severity of these outcomes.
HUMAN VACCINES & IMMUNOTHERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Kristina Wendel, Helle Cecilie Viekilde Pfeiffer, Drude Merete Fugelseth, Eirik Nestaas, Magnus Domelloef, Bjorn Steen Skalhegg, Katja Benedikte Presto Elgstoen, Helge Rootwelt, Rolf Dagfinn Pettersen, Are Hugo Pripp, Tom Stiris, Sissel J. Moltu
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effects of early supply of ARA and DHA on brain maturation and neonatal outcomes in infants born before 29 weeks of gestation. Infants will receive a fatty acid supplement from the second day of life to 36 weeks' postmenstrual age, with the primary outcome being brain maturation assessed by MRI.
Article
Pediatrics
Arun Sett, Kelly R. Kenna, Rebecca J. Sutton, Elizabeth J. Perkins, Magdy Sourial, Jack D. Chapman, Susan M. Donath, Arun Sasi, Sheryle R. Rogerson, Brett J. Manley, Peter G. Davis, Prue M. Pereira-Fantini, David G. Tingay
Summary: In preterm newborn lambs, lung ultrasound of the dependent lung was able to detect large changes in total and regional lung volume in real-time and correctly identified opening and closing pressures but lacked the precision to detect small changes in lung volume. Further improvements are needed before translation to clinical practice.
ARCHIVES OF DISEASE IN CHILDHOOD-FETAL AND NEONATAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Megan L. Gow, Yei W. Lam, Hiba Jebeile, Maria E. Craig, Daniella Susic, Amanda Henry
Summary: The study found a significant association between depression scores during pregnancy and postpartum depression, emphasizing the importance of screening for depression during pregnancy and postnatally. After adjusting for various factors, the correlation between diet quality during the third trimester of pregnancy and depression was only observed during the same trimester.
JOURNAL OF HUMAN NUTRITION AND DIETETICS
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Ellen Douglas, Kate A. Hodgson, Joy E. Olsen, Brett J. Manley, Calum T. Roberts, Elisha Josev, Peter J. Anderson, Lex W. Doyle, Peter G. Davis, Jeanie L. Y. Cheong
Summary: This study aimed to assess the relationship between cumulative postnatal corticosteroid dose and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The study found that higher cumulative corticosteroid dose in extremely low birth weight infants was associated with increased odds of cerebral palsy. However, further adequately powered studies are needed to evaluate the independent effects of cumulative steroid dose on neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Grace T. T. Howard, Emmah Baque, Paul B. B. Colditz, Mark D. D. Chatfield, Robert S. S. Ware, Roslyn N. N. Boyd, Joanne M. M. George
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the predictive validity of the Hammersmith Neonatal Neurological Examination (HNNE) performed early and at term-equivalent age (TEA) for 12-month motor outcomes in infants born very preterm. The results showed that early assessment with HNNE had stronger predictive ability for motor outcomes than TEA assessment, highlighting the value of performing HNNE earlier in the neonatal period. Performing HNNE earlier may assist risk stratification and planning of follow-up services.
DEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE AND CHILD NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Pediatrics
Joel Vanderniet, Kristen A. Neville, Louise S. Conwell, Eva A. Wegner, Maria E. Craig, Susan Adams, Andrew J. Gifford, Melissa Koutsiofi, Frances M. Calabria, Gemma Maguire, Paul Thomas, Louise Campbell, Helen J. Woodhead
JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Diana M. M. Bond, Radhika Seimon, Francisco J. J. Schneuer, Louise A. A. Baur, Maria Craig, Shirley Alexander, Sarah P. P. Garnett, Joanne Henderson, Natasha Nassar
Summary: Recent evidence suggests that the immediate effects of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions have led to increased weight in children and adolescents. However, the longer-term effects have not been assessed. This study examines the impact and longer-term effects of the pandemic on BMI and weight status in children and adolescents using clinical data from two children's hospitals in Australia from 2018 to 2021. The study found an initial increase in BMI and overweight/obesity rates, but these returned to pre-pandemic levels over time, possibly due to state-wide policies targeting childhood obesity.
Editorial Material
Pediatrics
K. A. Hodgson, B. J. Manley, J. L. Y. Cheong
Review
Virology
Roy Wu, Mohsin Mumtaz, Anna J. J. Maxwell, Sonia R. R. Isaacs, Jutta E. E. Laiho, William D. D. Rawlinson, Heikki Hyoty, Maria E. E. Craig, Ki Wook Kim
Summary: Among environmental factors associated with T1D, enterovirus infections have been identified as the main trigger for T1D development. However, the association between respiratory tract infections and T1D is not well understood. There is a lack of molecular-level data characterizing infectious agents, preventing the identification of specific agents driving the association between respiratory infections and T1D. The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infections on IA/T1D development remains unclear.
REVIEWS IN MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Karen P. Best, Jacqueline F. Gould, Maria Makrides, Thomas Sullivan, Jeanie Cheong, Shao J. Zhou, Stefan Kane, Huda Safa, A. Sparks, Lex W. Doyle, A. J. McPhee, Tanya A. C. Nippita, Hossein H. A. Afzali, Rosalie Grivell, D. Mackerras, E. Knight, Simon Wood, Tim Green
Summary: This study aims to determine the effect of reducing iodine intake from supplements on the cognitive development of children at 24 months of age. A total of 754 pregnant women will be randomly assigned to receive either a low iodine or a common dose of iodine supplement. The primary outcome is the developmental quotient of infants at 24 months of age.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lisa N. Yelland, Thomas R. Sullivan, Robert A. Gibson, Lucy A. Simmonds, Sagar K. Thakkar, Fang Huang, Surabhi Devaraj, Karen P. Best, Irma Silva Zolezzi, Maria Makrides
Summary: This study aimed to identify the maternal characteristics that predict whether women with a singleton pregnancy will benefit from omega-3 supplementation to reduce their risk of prematurity. The results showed that women with low omega-3 levels in early pregnancy benefit the most from taking omega-3 supplements to reduce the risk of early preterm birth (EPTB). In addition, multiparous women and those who avoid alcohol before pregnancy are more likely to benefit from omega-3 supplementation in reducing preterm birth (PTB) risk.
Article
Pediatrics
Kelly D. McGorm, James G. Brown, Alison Roberts, Susan Greenbank, Daniella Brasacchio, Alyssa C. P. Sawyer, Helena G. Oakey, Peter E. Colman, Maria A. Craig, Elizabeth Davis, Georgia L. Soldatos, Rebecca M. Thomson, John J. Wentworth, Jennifer Couper, Megan A. S. Penno
Summary: This study examined the research experiences of caregivers and their children in the ENDIA study. The results showed that 95% of caregivers rated the research experience as excellent or good, and 81% of children expressed satisfaction. Caregivers were motivated by contributing to research and monitoring their children for T1D. The children's preferences were different from their caregivers', with a dislike for blood tests being the main reason for potential withdrawal.
Review
Developmental Biology
Hannah Musco, Kate Beecher, Kirat K. Chand, Paul B. Colditz, Julie A. Wixey
Summary: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) and small for gestational age (SGA) infants have increased risk of mortality and morbidity. Blood biomarkers may be a promising tool for early detection of brain injury risk in FGR and SGA neonates.
DEVELOPMENTAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Mathematical & Computational Biology
Lisa N. Yelland, Jennie Louise, Brennan C. Kahan, Tim P. Morris, Katherine J. Lee, Thomas R. Sullivan
Summary: Many trials use stratified randomisation to allocate participants, but it is unclear how to adjust for stratification variables affected by misclassification. A simulation study comparing different adjustment methods for continuous outcomes was conducted. Adjusting for the true strata was found to be optimal, while adjusting for the randomisation strata or the updated strata depended on the specific setting. The updated strata method is recommended for adjustment, along with subgroup analyses, in order to address stratification errors in practice.
STATISTICS IN MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Thomas R. Sullivan, Lisa N. Yelland, Robert A. Gibson, Sagar K. Thakkar, Fang Huang, Karen P. Best, Surabhi Devaraj, Irma Silva Zolezzi, Maria Makrides
Summary: The Omega-3 to Reduce the Incidence of Prematurity (ORIP) trial found that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation can reduce the risk of prematurity in singleton pregnancies with low n-3 status early on. There are certain factors, such as age, education level, alcohol consumption, previous births, and dietary supplement intake, that are associated with compliance with the supplementation. The study also found that the supplementation can reduce the risk of preterm birth in compliant women, but not early preterm birth.
Article
Pediatrics
Ellyn van der Veeken, Brett James Manley, Louise Owen, Omar Kamlin, Calum Roberts, Sophie Newman, Kate Francis, Susan Donath, Peter Davis, Rocco Cuzzilla, Kate Alison Hodgson
Summary: This study aimed to compare the effect of nasal high flow (nHF) and standard care on cerebral oxygenation during neonatal intubation. The results showed that neonates receiving nHF had more stable cerebral oxygen saturation compared to those receiving standard care during intubation.
