Early human development
-
Early human development · May 2017
Observational StudyRapid detection and ruling out of neonatal sepsis by PCR coupled with Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (PCR/ESI-MS).
Sepsis is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in neonates and clinicians are typically required to administer empiric antibiotics while waiting for blood culture results. However, prolonged and inappropriate use of antibiotics is associated with various complications and adverse events. Better tools to rapidly rule out bacterial infections are therefore needed. ⋯ Based on these results, PCR/ESI-MS analysis of blood samples of neonates with suspected sepsis appears to have a very good negative predictive value when compared to blood cultures as gold standard. This novel test might allow for early reassessment of the need for antibiotics.
-
Early human development · May 2017
The impact of cumulative pain/stress on neurobehavioral development of preterm infants in the NICU.
Vulnerable preterm infants experience repeated and prolonged pain/stress stimulation during a critical period in their development while in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The contribution of cumulative pain/stressors to altered neurodevelopment remains unclear. The study purpose was to investigate the impact of early life painful/stressful experiences on neurobehavioral outcomes of preterm infants in the NICU. ⋯ Understanding mechanisms by which early life experience alters neurodevelopment will assist clinicians in developing targeted neuroprotective strategies and individualized interventions to improve infant developmental outcomes.