Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association
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Case Reports
Oral valganciclovir for symptomatic congenital cytomegalovirus infection in an extremely low birth weight infant.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most important congenital viral infection. Intravenous (i.v.) Ganciclovir (GCV) improved outcome in term infants with symptomatic congenital CMV infection. We present data on oral valganciclovir (VGCV) in an extremely low birth weight infant. ⋯ Clinical signs resolved and virus load decreased slowly during therapy. At discharge brain stem-evoked audiometry was normal. Oral treatment with VGCV in an extremely low birth weight preterm infant with congenital CMV infection resulted in adequate GCV plasma levels, reduced effectively the CMV viral load and was well tolerated without apparent adverse effects.
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The aim of this study was to measure pharyngeal pressures in preterm infants receiving high-flow nasal cannulae. ⋯ High-flow nasal cannulae at flow rates of 2 to 8 l min(-1) can lead to clinically significant elevations in pharyngeal pressure in preterm infants. Flow rate and weight but not mouth closure are important determinants of the pressure transmitted.
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Biography Historical Article
Avicenna (AD 980 to 1037) and the care of the newborn infant and breastfeeding.
A brief historical review of medicine during the fourth century Islamic civilization or eleventh century AD in Persia or Iran was undertaken with its focus on Avicenna. A physician-philosopher, named Ibn Sina or Avicenna (980 to 1037), followed and further expanded the tradition of western philosophy and medicine by Aristotle, Hippocrates and Galen. ⋯ This important textbook was extensively used in European medical schools for centuries after Avicenna's death. In the Canon of Medicine, a chapter is dedicated to the care of the newborn infant dealing with hygiene, breastfeeding and upbringing of the child.
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Comparative Study
Heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula: use and a neonatal early extubation protocol.
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) are frequent complications of prematurity. To decrease ventilator-induced lung injury, we evaluated the safety, efficacy and neonatal outcomes of a heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) system and an early extubation protocol (EEP) designed for preterm infants 25 to 29 weeks' gestational age (GA). ⋯ High-flow nasal cannula use appears safe and well-tolerated. Infants extubated to HFNC spent fewer days on the ventilator. Additional benefits may include a decreased rate of ventilator associated with pneumonia and improved growth.
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To examine influences on neonatologists' decision-making regarding resuscitation of extremely premature infants. ⋯ Neonatologists perceive a 'gray zone' of resuscitative practices and should understand that external influences may affect their delivery room resuscitation practices.