A new BAPM framework for practice on ‘Perinatal management of extreme preterm birth before 27 weeks of gestation’ is currently open for consultation.
The purpose of this framework is to assist decision-making relating to perinatal care and preterm delivery at 26 weeks and six days of gestation or less in the UK.
To read the framework and share your comments, find the draft document here. The consultation deadline is 30 July.
Source: Infant Journal News
The Office for National statistics (ONS) has published new figures on the rate of stillbirth and babies dying shortly after birth. Figures for England published in June highlight that while the rate of stillbirths is reducing, there is still a long way to go to meet the Government’s ambition to reduce this by 50% by 2025. The rate of babies dying shortly after birth has plateaued.
Justin Irwin, Interim Chief Executive of the premature and sick baby charity Bliss, said:
“We remain deeply concerned that figures on neonatal death show a lack of progress in recent years despite Government promises to make improvements. While the positive steps being taken to reduce stillbirths in England are to be much welcomed, it is clear that specific and targeted action is needed without delay to reduce neonatal deaths. The Government and NHS must redouble their efforts to introduce the improvements to neonatal care as outlined in the NHS Long term Plan and the Neonatal Critical Care Transformation Review. In order to see a significant improvement in neonatal mortality figures, the Government must make good on its promise to invest in neonatal care.”
See the full report on the Office for National Statistics (ONS) website.
To access the Bliss article click here
Premature infants experience stressors such as external stimulation with sounds, light, touch, and open positioning in NICU that negatively affect outcomes.
The environment of the NICU can be modified to better mimic the uterus. Developmentally appropriate care includes strategies to minimize the stress of the NICU environment by controlling stimuli, clustering care activities and procedures, and positioning the infant to provide an environment similar to the uterus.
The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of a developmental positioning intervention on length of stay, weight gain, and tone/flexion compared with neonates without structured positioning.
To read the full text article click here
This article provides a discussion about the importance of an annual reunion for former NICU infants, their families, and neonatal staff and describe the experience of organising this reunion over the past 20 years at a regional neonatal centre in the United States.
The impact of seeing an infant, born at 24 weeks, now walking, talking, and running cultivates pride in the NICU healthcare team. The reunion adds a positive dimension to the work of NICU caregivers. Parents look forward to attending the reunion to reconnect with NICU staff and other NICU parents.
To read the article abstract click here
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) is the persistence of a fetal shunt between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. This structure normally closes in the first 3 days after birth; however, closure is delayed in up to 80% of infants born at 25 to 28 weeks of gestation. Persistent PDA results in pulmonary overcirculation and systemic hypoperfusion.
The purpose of this article is to review pathophysiology and treatment options (including conservative/medical, pharmacologic, and surgical management) for PDA.
To read the article abstract click here
The current opioid epidemic in the United States has given rise to a growing incidence of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Treatments for this condition optimize nonpharmacologic therapies in an effort to improve withdrawal symptoms and reduce or eliminate the need for opioid medications, thereby reducing hospital length of stay and improving healthy neonatal outcomes.
The purpose of this review was to evaluate the current evidence for neonatal acupuncture treatments and identify essential characteristics that must be included in a treatment protocol for NAS.
To view the abstract click here
Although untreated neonatal hypoglycaemia may be a cause of long-term harm, anticipatory management of at-risk babies (eg with thermoregulation and feeding support) can prevent many unnecessary admissions. Staff at the NNU at Evelina London Children’s Hospital implemented the ‘red hat pathway’ to reduce the number of avoidable NNU admissions for hypoglycaemia by introducing the use of a red knitted hat for babies identified as at increased risk. The project demonstrates that many of these at-risk infants can be successfully managed on the postnatal ward and highlights how a simple intervention can have a significant impact on care delivery.
To view the article abstract click here
