Infant Appearance Research Articles

Trust in medical professionals and its influence on the stress experience of parents of premature infants.

To examine parents' perceptions of stress and their trust in physicians and nursing staff and to investigate whether trust influences the parental perceptions of potential stressors resulting from their infant's hospitalisation in a neonatal intensive care unit. Parents of very and extremely low birth weight infants were surveyed in a nationwide retrospective cross-sectional study 6-18months after their child's birth. Parental stress was measured utilising the PSS:NICU_German/2-scales, and trust was measured by the scales Trust in Physicians and Trust in Nursing Staff. In addition to descriptive analyses, multiple linear regression models were conducted. The change in parents' anticipated roles was assessed as more stressful than their infant's appearance and behaviour. Trust in nursing staff significantly influenced the parental stress level. Although the level of trust in physicians was rated higher than trust in nursing staff, trust in physicians did not yield a significant effect on the parental stress experience. Efforts to foster parental trust in nursing staff may reduce the parental stress level and hence enable parents to better cope with the situation. The parental resources unleashed in this way can be employed to enhance parenting.

Differences in perceived parental stress between parents with very low birth weight infants and nurses in neonatal intensive care units, South Korea.

PurposeThis descriptive study compared the perceived parental stress levels between parents with very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) and nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).MethodsIn total, 83 parents of VLBWIs and 78 NICU nurses were enrolled. Data were collected with the Parental Stress Scale (PSS) and analyzed using the t-test and analysis of variance in SAS version 9.4.ResultsThe average PSS score was 3.31 among parents and 3.45 among nurses. The stress score was significantly higher among nurses with children (t=2.46, p=.016) and senior nurses (t=2.12, p=.037). There was a significant difference in the stress score according to parents' education (t=3.29, p=.002) and occupation (F=3.14, p=.049) in the sights and sounds subscale. Mothers had significantly higher stress scores than fathers in the parental role alterations subscale (t=2.32, p=.023). Parental stress scores were higher than those perceived by nurses in the infant's appearance and behaviors subscale for breathing patterns (t=2.95, p=.004), followed by jerky/restless behavior (t=2.70, p=.008).ConclusionNurses should provide explanations to parents of VLBWIs in order to reduce parental stress about the appearances and behavior of VLBWIs. This is more important than aspect of the NICU environment and education about parental roles.

Paternal symptoms of anxiety and depression in the first month after childbirth: A comparison between fathers of full term and preterm infants

BackgroundAlthough men have a higher risk of developing a mental disorder during the perinatal period, few studies have focused on new fathers’ mental health screening. This study compares anxiety and depression symptoms between fathers with newborn infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and fathers of healthy full-term infants, assessing the impact of stress caused by the NICU.. MethodsA longitudinal and prospective study with control (n= 33) and study groups (n=51) was designed. The dependent variables assessed were post-natal depression and anxiety-state while the social and demographic information, health background and the parental stress in the neonatal unit were the independent variables. The fathers were assessed twice during the first month after birth. ResultsSignificant differences in the EPDS scores were found between both groups in the first assessment (p = .006) but not in the second assessment (p = .60). Significant differences in STAI scores were found between the groups for both assessments (p = .003 and p = .002). The stress caused by the infant's appearance and behavior was predictive of depression and anxiety in the study group. LimitationsThe sample was collected at one hospital, immigrants were underrepresented, and no prenatal assessment of paternal mental health is available. ConclusionsOur results suggest that the hospitalization of newborn infants increases the risk of developing anxiety or depression disorder in fathers. Health providers should be aware of the emotional changes in men shortly after childbirth and include them in the screening of and support for mental health disorders.

The well term baby

Most babies born at term (born by the due date) are normal and healthy at birth and neonatal progress is usually uneventful. Maternity support workers (MSWs) deliver much of the professional care newborn babies receive. They are in constant contact with new parents and are in a good position to note neonatal progress and answer parents' questions. They may be among the first to notice if the infant's appearance or behaviour seems to be unusual. The MSW does not make clinical diagnoses, but a knowledge of the appearance and characteristics of the normal neonate can help them to identify any potential deviations from the norm at an early stage. This will make care safer and improve outcomes.

Parents of preterm evaluation of stress and nursing support

This study aims to examine differences relating to the gender of parents of preterm infants on their experiences of parental stress and nursing support while their infant was in NICU. This study has a descriptive comparative survey design. Mothers (N = 41) and fathers (N = 41) answered two self-reporting questionnaires, the Nurse Parent Support Tool (NPST) and the Parental Stressor Scale (PSS: NICU). Both mothers and fathers in general experienced high stress levels in relation to the infant's appearance. Some experienced stress relating to the parental role and alteration of that role. Fewer experienced stress relating to the dimension of sight and sound. However mothers' experiences of stress decreased but fathers reported increased stress at discharge compared to their responses at baseline for a number of variables; i.e. on the appearance of sudden noise from monitor alarms (p = 0.035), seeing the baby stop breathing (p = 0.012) and not having time alone with the baby (p = 0.008). Although borderline statistically significant (p = 0.07), fathers also reported higher levels of stress at discharge regarding fear of being separated from the baby. There is no reported gender differences regarding the support received from nurses. The result has drawn attention to the importance of stress preventing initiatives towards fathers before discharge. The results also highlights that nurses' communication skills are essential in the care of premature infants and their parents.

The Cues and Care Randomized Controlled Trial of a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Intervention: Effects on Maternal Psychological Distress and Mother-Infant Interaction

This study tested the efficacy of a brief intervention (Cues program) with mothers of very low birth weight (VLBW <1500 g) infants. The primary hypothesis was that mothers in the Cues program would report lower levels of anxiety compared with mothers in the control group. Secondary hypotheses examined whether Cues mothers would report less stress, depression, and role restriction, and exhibit more sensitive interactive behavior, than control group mothers. A total of 121 mothers of VLBW infants were randomly assigned to either the experimental (Cues) intervention or an attention control (Care) condition. The Cues program combined training to reduce anxiety and enhance sensitivity. The control group received general information about infant care. Both programs were initiated during the neonatal intensive care unit stay. Maternal anxiety, stress, depression, and demographic variables were evaluated at baseline, prior to randomization. Postintervention outcomes were assessed during a home visit when the infant was ∼6 to 8 weeks of corrected age. Although mothers in the Cues group demonstrated greater knowledge of the content of the experimental intervention than mothers in the Care group, the groups did not differ in levels of anxiety, depression, and symptoms of posttraumatic stress. They were similar in their reports of parental role restrictions and stress related to the infant's appearance and behavior. Cues and Care group mothers were equally sensitive in interaction with their infants. Nonspecific attention was as effective as an early skill-based intervention in reducing maternal anxiety and enhancing sensitive behavior in mothers of VLBW infants.

Measuring maternal stress and perceived support in 25 Italian NICUs

To determine the validity and reliability of the Parental Stressor Scale: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (PSS: NICU) and the Nurse Parental Support Tool (NPST) for use with Italian parents; to investigate to which extent demographic variables and/or situational factors affect NICU-related maternal stress. Mothers (N = 156) of very preterm (VPT) infants from 25 Italian NICUs completed a socio-demographic form, the PSS: NICU and the NPST at discharge. Psychometric properties of both tools were evaluated. High internal consistency and split-half reliability were found for both measures. The multi-dimensional structure of the PSS:NICU was confirmed. Alteration in parental role emerged as the greatest source of NICU-related stress. Length of stay in NICU and familiar socio-economic status explained partial variance in the PSS: NICU scores. NPST score mitigates the stress because of the infant's appearance and behaviour, but not that related to the parental role alteration. PSS: NICU and NPST demonstrated adequate psychometric properties in a large sample of Italian mothers. The need for a psychologically informed support to NICU mothers is suggested.

ACCULTURATION AND STRESS IN CHINESE-AMERICAN PARENTS OF INFANTS CARED FOR IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT

To describe the stressful experiences of Chinese-American parents who have an infant in the intensive care unit (ICU), and to assess the influence of acculturation, parents' characteristics, and social supports on parental stress. A cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study. A convenience sample of 30 Chinese-American families (30 mothers, 25 fathers) who had an infant hospitalized in 3 ICU sites in the San Francisco area. Measures included: (1) Infant's health data from the medical records and parents' demographic data, and (2) Parental Stressor Scale: Infant Hospitalization, Suinn-Lew Asian Self-Identity Acculturation Scale, and Family Support Scale. The dependent variable was mothers' and fathers' stress levels. Independent variables included personal/family characteristics, acculturation, uncertainty regarding infants' illness, and social supports. The ICU stressors were ranked by both mothers and fathers in the following order: infant's appearance, parental role alteration, staff communication and behaviors, and ICU environment. The combined effects of uncertainty about their infant's illness and its future impact, a strong belief in Asian family values, and lack of support from healthcare providers accounted for 26% and 55% of the variance in parental stress for mothers and fathers, respectively. Findings from this study suggest implications for the education of both families and the ICU staffs.

Patterns of Retarded Fetal Growth

The measurement of weight, length and head circumference at birth was used to document the size and shape of infants born at term in a population where mothers are relatively short and underweight. Different patterns of intrauterine growth are proposed to explain the variation in the infant's appearance at birth. Most of the small-for-gestational-age infants were proportionately stunted. This pattern of fetal growth is probably characteristic of infants born to undernourished mothers in economically developing communities, and reflects prolonged intrauterine growth retardation.

Patterns of retarded fetal growth

The measurement of weight, length and head circumference at birth was used to document the size and shape of infants born at term in a population where mothers are relatively short and underweight. Different patterns of intrauterine growth are proposed to explain the variation in the infant's appearance at birth. Most of the small-for-gestational-age infants were proportionately stunted. This pattern of fetal growth is probably characteristic of infants born to undernourished mothers in economically developing communities, and reflects prolonged intrauterine growth retardation.

Coarctation of the aorta with patent ductusarteriosus

Summary<ul><li>1.Coarctation of the aorta associated with a patent ductus arteriosus is not a rare congenital anomaly and frequently results in cardiac failure and death.</li><li>2.The radiographic appearance ofinfants with coarctation of the aorta associated with a patent ductus arteriosus has been described.</li><li>3.Although the diagnosis may be difficult, a correct clinical diagnosis can be made by the use of flush blood pressure technique, blood oxygen studies, and conventional roentgenograms.</li><li>4.Angiocardiography offers confirmatory evidence, but should be used only if the clinical diagnosis is not firmly established.</li></ul>

Hepatic lobectomy for hemangioma of the liver in a five-day-old infant.

Hepatic lobectomy is now an accepted procedure in the treatment of neoplasms. We are reporting this case because of the youth of the patient and the technique employed in removing the entire left lobe and a portion of the right lobe of the liver. REPORT OF A CASE W. W. a white, full term boy, weighing 8 lb. 4 oz. was born on March 17, 1954. The delivery was normal, and the baby's color was good. However, Dr. R. D. Arnold, the obstetrician, noted a mass in the abdomen which was firm and only slightly movable. Within six hours after delivery there was a decided change in the infant's appearance. He became pale and cyanotic; petechial hemorrhages were present on the face, and the abdominal tumor had enlarged and softened and occupied the entire epigastrium but was more prominent on the left. Breath sounds were normal and the heart was

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EARLY RECOGNITION AND TREATMENT OF RACHITIS.

The typical advanced case of rickets presenting marked bowing of the legs and other exaggerated deformities is easily recognized and could, in fact, scarcely be overlooked. That the malady can ever be allowed to reach this extreme stage, as so frequently happens, is but another instance of the strange parental blindness to forms of disease which progress so insidiously that the departure from the normal is not recognized. This perhaps arises from such constant familiarity with the infant's appearance that its peculiarities come in some way to be accepted as belonging naturally to the individual. In no other way can we account for the degree of bony deformity which takes place before the parents awaken to the necessity of seeking medical assistance, and even when such children are finally brought to the physician it is not, in a large proportion of the cases, because of the most obvious effects, but