Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association
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Review Comparative Study
Procalcitonin versus C-reactive protein: review of kinetics and performance for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are commonly used biomarkers, but their diagnostic advantage for neonatal early-onset (EOS) or late-onset (LOS) sepsis is controversial. In a comprehensive literature review we found significant heterogeneity between studies in sample timing, cut-off values, consideration of blood culture results for sepsis classification, and definition of EOS versus LOS. ⋯ Mean specificity of PCT and CRP was 82.8% versus 82.7% for EOS, 75.6% versus 81.7% for LOS, and 80.4% versus 91.3% for EOS + LOS. More studies directly comparing both biomarkers for EOS and LOS, especially in extremely and very-low-birth-weight infants, are needed to determine their clinical value for guidance of antibiotic therapy in neonatal sepsis.
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Abstract
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
The impact of parental primary language on communication in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Language barriers contribute to suboptimal healthcare delivery. We sought to explore disparities in communication between English and Spanish-speaking parents and their neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) providers. ⋯ Spanish-speaking NICU parents more commonly misunderstood aspects of their child's care than did English-speaking parents. Providers' failed to communicate with Spanish-speaking families in their native language the majority of the time. Additional research is needed to assess the barriers to effective communication between NICU providers and Spanish-speaking parents.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Sucrose vs. skin to skin care for preterm neonatal pain control-a randomized control trial.
To compare the efficacy of SSC with oral Sucrose for pain management in preterm neonates. ⋯ SSC and Sucrose have comparable efficacy in managing pain in premature neonates.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Umbilical cord milking for neonates who are depressed at birth: a randomized trial of feasibility.
To evaluate the feasibility and safety of umbilical cord milking (UCM) in neonates who are depressed at birth. ⋯ UCM is feasible for term and late preterm infants who are depressed at birth. A larger clinical trial is needed to evaluate long-term benefits of UCM in neonates with HIE.