Weight Infants Research Articles

Breastmilk Bundle Intervention to Increase Maternal Breastmilk for Very Low Birthweight Infants in the NICU

Introduction: Of Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infants weighing <1500 grams at birth, in a 71 bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a university hospital, only 60.4% are receiving human milk at their first feeding and 66% at 21 days. Annually 27% were being fed any mother’s milk at discharge, well below the national average of 57.5%. In the pre-intervention period (figure 1) of infants born from October 2017-January 2018, 37.7% were discharged home receiving breastmilk (BM). Currently, it is difficult to evaluate the consistency and educational content and if necessary supplies are being given …

Benefits of a Parenting Record Handbook for Low-birth-weight Infants and Their Families

Background: The Little Baby Handbook (LBH) includes information on the growth/development of lowbirth- weight infants (LBWIs), raising these infants, administrative policies and subsidies for maternal and child health, and messages to mothers/families of LBWIs. In the present study, a focus group interview with the users of the LBH was conducted to examine its usefulness. Methods: A qualitative design with an inductive approach. The subjects were four mothers and a couple with very low-birth-weight infants whose birth weight was less than 1,500 g. Results: The mean birth weight of the infants was 800.6 ± 205.8 g and they were 26.6 ± 2.4 weeks old. Two of the infants were attending a center for children with special needs, and three were undergoing rehabilitation. Mothers of LBWIs used the LBH as a mental support for raising their children, and evaluated it as a useful tool to assess their development and sources of health/medical care information and peer support. The mothers experienced a sense of pleasure from making records of the growth and development of their children, and acquired prospects of their development through messages from mothers with similar experiences. Mothers of LBWIs hoped for the promotion of the LBH as a public tool for information sharing among the families of LBWIs and many different health care professionals. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that the LBH empowers the mothers of LBWIs to change their negative feelings and behaviors to positive ones.

Anterolateral thigh measurements by ultrasound in neonates and young infants to ensure safe intramuscular injections during vaccination in low- and middle-income countries.

Use of same length needle for intramuscularly administered vaccines had been reported to cause under-and over-penetration among infants due to their different body weights and underlying variations in the fat and muscle thickness. Normative data regarding thigh compartment thickness are, however, lacking among neonates and infants aged ≤12 weeks particularly in low- and middle-incoming countries with high burden of low birth weight/growth restricted infants. Present study investigated skin to muscle and skin to bone (STBD) distances of anterolateral thigh of babies (n = 300) aged ≤12 weeks (1-80 days) with different weight groups (<3 kg, 3-4 kg and >4 kg) by ultrasonography during their intramuscular vaccinations. Overall, mean [standard deviation (SD)] STBD was 17.04 (2.66) mm with range of 10.60-23.30 mm. Stratifying by current body weight, mean (SD) STBD in infants weighing less than 3 kg was 14.39 (1.23) mm. For infants weighing between 3-4 kg and >4 kg, the mean (SD) STBD were 16.69 (1.43) mm and 17.04 (2.66) mm, respectively. Estimated safety (no risk of over-penetration) of 16 mm was observed in 57.33% (172) infants whereas 25 mm needle had 100% over-penetration risk in the study cohort. Current body weight of infants was a significant predictor of safe injection [area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve 0.95; 95% CI 0.92-0.97]. Our study offers objective normative measurements of anterolateral thigh for safe intramuscular vaccination in young infants especially for low birth weight and growth restricted infants in low- and middle-income countries.

Maternal Dietary Intake During Pregnancy and Its Association with Size of Offspring at Birth and One Year of Age (P11-031-19)

ObjectivesIn resource poor countries like India pregnant women are prone to inadequate dietary intake which causes macronutrient and micronutrient deficiencies and consequently leads to low‐birth weight infants with higher risks of morbidity and mortality. Present study was planned with the following objectives:1To assess dietary intake of pregnant women during third trimester.2To correlate maternal dietary intake with size of infants at birth and at one year of age. MethodsThis longitudinal study was carried out among slum population of Delhi. Dietary intake data was obtained from 144 pregnant women during pregnancy (gestational age > 28 weeks) using 24 hr recall and Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) method. Pregnant women were followed upto delivery and birth size (weight, length, head circumference and MUAC) of infants was measured within 72 hours of birth. Infants were followed quarterly upto one year of age for anthropometric measurements. For statistical analysis One Way ANOVA and Pearson correlation coefficient methods were used. ResultsFood consumption data revealed that average consumption of all food groups was lower than the Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) and percentage adequacy was poor for cereals (96.25%), pulses (51.3%), green leafy vegetables (24.4%), other vegetables (42.5%), fruits (34.8%) and milk and milk products (36.9%). Median intake for all the nutrients was also found lower than Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA). Percentage adequacy was alsopoor for energy (70.4%), protein (61.0%), thiamine (70.8%), riboflavin (28.6%), niacin (54.9%), B6 (41.6%), folates (35.1%), ascorbic acid (99.4%), retinol (16.2%), calcium (33.6%), iron (28.6%), magnesium (90.1%), and zinc (57.8%). Maternal food group intake and nutrient intake during pregnancy were found significantly correlated with weight, length and MUAC of infants at birth but not at 12 months of age. Even though birth weight and weight at 12 months increased consistently with increase in maternal energy and protein adequacy, this association was not significant at 12 months of age. ConclusionsDietary intake of pregnant women was lower than the recommended dietary intake among slum population of Delhi. Maternal dietary intake was found significantly associated with size of infants at birth. Funding SourcesIndian Council Of Medical Research, New Delhi, India.

Influence of the level of maternal education on the long-term neurodevelopmental outcome of Saudi infants with birth weight of 1000-1500 grams at the age of 21-24 months

Background: Advancements in perinatal-neonatal care in the last decades has led to improved survival rates of very-low birth weight (VLBW) infants. An association between the level of maternal education and neurodevelopmental outcome has been demonstrated in many European studies. This study evaluates the influence of maternal education level and socio-demographic status on the long-term development of Saudi VLBW infants with birth weight of 1000-1500 grams at a corrected gestational age of 21-24 months. Method: This retrospective cohort study examined prospectively collected data from the period of 2005 to 2016 from the Neonatal Follow-up Program (NFP) at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Results: A total of 122 VLBW infants with a mean gestational age of 29.57 weeks and mean birth weight 1265 grams were enrolled. There was no statistically significant association between the level of maternal education and neurodevelopmental screening outcome at the age of 21-24 months according to the Bayley Infant Neurodevelopmental Screener (BINS) (p=0.149). Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was highly associated with cerebral palsy (p=0.001) and an abnormal BINS score (p=0.010). Conclusion: There was no significant influence of the level of maternal education on the neurodevelopmental screening outcome of VLBW infants at the corrected age of 21-24 months. BPD was the strongest predictor of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Keywords: Bayley Infant Neurodevelopmental Screener (BINS), Neurodevelopmental Outcome, Maternal educational level, Neonatal follow-up program (NFP), Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) infant.

Gestational weight gain and optimal wellness (GLOW): rationale and methods for a randomized controlled trial of a lifestyle intervention among pregnant women with overweight or obesity

BackgroundExcess gestational weight gain (GWG) is common among women with overweight or obesity, increasing their risks for pregnancy complications, delivering a large infant, and postpartum weight retention. To date, only intensive interventions have had success and few interventions have been designed for implementation in healthcare settings.MethodsWe describe the development, rationale, and methods of GLOW (GestationaL Weight Gain and Optimal Wellness), a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a lifestyle intervention to prevent excess GWG among racially/ethnically diverse women with overweight or obesity in an integrated healthcare delivery system. Participants in Kaiser Permanente Northern California will be randomized, within 2 weeks of completing a study baseline clinic visit at 10 weeks’ gestation, to either usual medical care or a multi-component pregnancy lifestyle intervention adapted from the Diabetes Prevention Program (target N = 400). Informed by focus groups with patients and designed to be feasible in a clinical setting, the intervention will include 13 weekly individual sessions (11 delivered by telephone) focused on behavior change for weight management, healthy eating, physical activity, and stress management. Outcomes will be assessed in women and their infants from randomization to 12 months postpartum. The primary outcome is GWG. Secondary outcomes include changes in diet and physical activity during pregnancy and infant birthweight. Exploratory outcomes include cardiometabolic profile assessed via pregnancy blood samples and cord blood samples; and postpartum weight retention and infant anthropometrics up to 12 months of age. The trial includes systematic approaches to enhance intervention fidelity, intervention adherence, and participant retention in trial assessments.DiscussionGLOW is among few trials targeting excess GWG among diverse women with overweight or obesity in a healthcare setting, with long-term maternal and infant outcomes assessed up to 12 months after delivery. This evaluation of a multi-component intervention is designed to produce generalizable results to inform potential adoption of the intervention in clinical settings.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02130232): submitted April 30, 2014; posted May 5, 2014.

Safety and immunogenicity of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines in preterm infants

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) in the routine immunization program has resulted in a significant decline in invasive pneumococcal diseases (IPD) around the world. Preterm infants are a special group at a high risk of invasive infection by encapsulated bacteria. However, their slow growth accrual and prolonged hospital stay frequently lead to delays in immunization, which contributes to their risk for severe infections.Areas covered: Authors reviewed the published immunogenicity and safety of the use of PCVs in preterm infants.Expert opinion: PCVs are safe and effective for use in low birth weight and in-hospital preterm infants. Local and systemic reactions are similar for both term and preterm populations. Reports were inconsistent on the risk of apnea, therefore hospitalized extremely premature infants should be kept under observation for at least 48 h after immunization.

Hyperfibrinogenemia: A Novel Predictor to Identify the Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Newborn Infants

NEC is a common intestinal inflammatory disease, which induces high morbidity and mortality, of neonates, especially in the premature newborns and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (<1500 g) [1,2].

Abstract MP63: How Much Does Exclusive Breastfeeding to the Recommended Six Months Increase Maternal Postpartum Weight Loss in Healthy Women?

Objective: Postpartum weight retention increases the risk of future obesity and cardiovascular disease. Although exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has been promoted as an effective means to lose gestational weight gain, previous studies report mixed findings for the relationship between duration of EBF and maternal postpartum weight loss (PPWL). This study evaluates whether meeting the recommended 6-months of EBF is associated with greater PPWL by 6-months than a shorter duration of EBF. Methods: The Mothers and Infants LinKed for Health (MILK) study is an ongoing prospective cohort of non-diabetic, non-smoking mother-infant dyads, all of whom were exclusively breastfeeding at 1-month postpartum. Breastfeeding exclusivity was subsequently self-reported by mothers at 3 and 6-months postpartum. Maternal pre-pregnancy weight and weight at delivery were abstracted from medical records. PPWL was calculated as maternal weight measured at 1, 3 and 6-months minus maternal weight at delivery. Mixed effects linear regression models were used to test the association of duration of EBF with repeated measures of PPWL after adjustment for covariates including maternal pre-pregnancy weight, gestational weight gain, parity, physical activity and infant sex. Results: Among 315 mothers who were exclusively breastfeeding at 1-month, 93% and 75% continued EBF to 3 and 6-months, respectively. By 6-months postpartum, weight loss (least square means ± standard error) was -8.55 ± 1.31 kg among EBF to 1-month, -10.60 ± 0.82 kg among EBF to 3-months and -11.73 ± 0.37 kg among EBF to 6-months (Figure). EBF to 6-months was associated with greater PPWL by 6-months postpartum than EBF to 1 or 3-months (p&lt;0.05) after covariate adjustment. Conclusion: EBF to 6-months postpartum was associated with greater maternal PPWL than shorter EBF durations. Interventions may promote prolonged EBF as a means of increasing maternal weight loss by 6-months postpartum, but additional research is needed to explore whether these differences persist after weaning.

EFEKTIVITAS MODIFIKASI CAKRAM GIZI SEBAGAI MEDIA LINGKARAN STATUS GIZI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KETERAMPILAN KADER DALAM MENENTUKAN STATUS GIZI BALITA

One of the activities in Posyandu cadres are doing the weighing babies or toddlers. Weight infant or toddler then plotted on Towards Health Card (KMS) to determine if the infant or toddler is growing. Weighing and plotting activities in this KMS is one form of activity assess nutritional status.The important role of Posyandu as the frontline in service to the community, especially toddlers through Posyandu.Already, there is a disc Nutritionlat practical and easy to know the nutritional status and health of children and adults. Can also be used for nutrition education and health in Posyandu, health centers, hospitals or other medical facilities. Category of nutritional status on nutritional disc apparatus 3 that there is an upper limit, ideal, and the lower limit so that in determining the nutritional status determines only normal or not and on disc nutrition there is no way the use of tools. The tObjective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of nutritional modification discs as media circles nutritional status to improve the skills of cadres in determining nutritional status. This type of research is an experiment that was conducted to determine the increase in the skills of cadres before and after using the design of one group pre-test - post-test design. This draft was no comparison group (controls). Take measurements before (pre-test) with anthropometric standard books and do another measurement (post-test) with the media circle nutritional status. Based on the test results Wilcoxcon significant differences between the skillsbefore using the circle tool nutritional status and after using the circle tool nutritional status,with the result of a significant degree (0.000 &lt;0.05) with the difference that a score of 10.67 points. The conclusion of this empirically is There is a significant difference in the improvement of the skills of cadres before and after the study to determine the nutritional status of children. Suggestions that there needs to be more research on the effectiveness of the media in terms of the size of the circle of the status of writing, colors and shapes on the nutritional status of the circle, so that it can be used by volunteers to determine the nutritional status

Hypophosphatemia is Prevalent among Preterm Infants Less than 1,500 Grams.

This article identifies the prevalence and associated factors of hypophosphatemia (HP) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in the first week of life. Prospective exploratory cohort study of 106 consecutive VLBW infants admitted to neonatal intensive care at Foothills Hospital, Calgary, Canada. HP was defined as at least one measurement of serum phosphate < 1.5 mmol/L (4.5 mg/dL). Seventy-seven percent (82/106) of the VLBW infants had HP, with significantly higher prevalence in infants < 1,000 g (94%) compared to infants ≥ 1,000 g (61%) (p < 0.001). Hypophosphatemic infants had lower birth weight (p < 0.001), gestational age (p < 0.001), and their increase in phosphate intake was slower (p = 0.003). Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (p = 0.002), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) ≥ grade III (p = 0.020), and hyperglycemia (p = 0.013) were more frequent among hypophosphatemic infants, especially among those < 1,000 g. Mortality, seizures, arrhythmias, and need for transfusion were not different between groups. Birth weight modified the association between RDS, IVH, hyperglycemia, and HP. HP was ubiquitous among infants < 1,000 g and highly prevalent among those weighing 1,000 to 1,500 g. While the direction of effect was not clear, RDS, IVH, and hyperglycemia were associated with HP. Prevention of HP in these physiologically immature neonates might improve neonatal outcomes.

Maternal risk factors for low birth weight in neonates - A community-based prospective study in rural area of Puducherry

Background: The health of childbearing women and infants is a major area of concern, which needs special attention. The pregnancy outcome depends on the maternal characteristics which include the utilization of Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) services during pregnancy period. In view of the above, an attempt has been made to study the maternal characteristics and its impact on perinatal outcomes among rural women in India. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to find the incidence of delivering low birth weight (LBW) infants and to examine the association between delivering LBW infants and maternal characteristics. Materials and Methods: A community-based longitudinal study was conducted in Bahour Commune Panchayat of Puducherry, for 1 year and 3 months from January 1, 2012, to March 31, 2013. A total of 258 pregnant women registered in the Anganwadi centres serving Bahour Commune Panchayat from 1st January 2012 to 31st May 2012, and they were selected by universal sampling method, of those 244 pregnant women were responded. They interviewed with the help of questionnaire and followed until delivery. Results: The incidence of delivering LBW infants was 8.6%. Maternal characteristics including utilization of RCH services such as maternal body mass index (BMI), weight gain during pregnancy, maternal hemoglobin, and blood pressure level, history of previous abortion status, and intake of iron and folic acid tablets during pregnancy were significantly associated with the birth weight of the infants by univariate analysis. Some of the above factors such as religion, blood pressure level, and maternal BMI were found to be significantly associated with multivariate analysis also. Conclusions: Overall, integrated approach is needed to improve the health care and utilization of RCH services during pregnancy to reach the better outcomes.

Neurodevelopmental Screening—A guide for Early Intervention in at-Riskinfants

Background: Survival of at-risk infants increased but has not associated with a similar improvement in neurodevelopmental outcomes. The neurodevelopmental status of at-risk infants is used to indicate the functional integrity of the central nervous system. Objective: To screen the Neurodevelopment of at-risk infants and identifies infants those who are in need of early intervention would be referred for early intervention. Method: The study included 50 at-risk infants from the pediatric ward and pediatric well-baby clinic of Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital (RMMCH) and was assessed using the Denver Developmental Screening Test (DDST) and the neurological examination was assessed using AmielTison. The DDST has four categories of domains; namely, gross motor, fine motor adaptive, language and personal social. Each domain was scored. When a child fails to perform the items, the child manifests a significant developmental deviation. The neurodevelopment of the babies have been assessed and the results were obtained. The infants deviated from normal development were intervened and compared to their normal age peer group in their level of achievement in developmental domains using DDST. Results: From the study 26% of at-risk infants were abnormal and 74% of infants were normal. Among 26% of abnormal at-risk infants, prematurity infants deviate major from normal development when compare to other at-risk infants. A combination of certain at-risk infants among was: low birth weight and prematurity (33.3%); low birth weight, prematurity and respiratory distress syndrome (40%). Low birth weight, prematurity, and respiratory distress syndrome infants deviate major from normal development. The level of achievement in the four developmental domains taken individually shows an increasing trend in the case of intervention infants as the period of intervention increases when compared to normal infants. Conclusion: The study was valuable in the identification of at-riskinfants prone to neurodevelopmental disabilities and also provides a tool for evaluating early interventional protocols. Keywords

Donor Breast Milk for the Preterm Infant: Your Questions Answered!

Expressed breast milk (EBM) is the gold standard of infant nutrition, but is not always available for use for preterm infants in the NICU setting. Donor breast milk (DBM) is often a preferred alternative for preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW) infants when maternal milk is not available. This article discusses the composition of DBM, reviews its advantages compared to formula, discusses challenges related to its long-term use, and identifies strategies to utilize DBM in the context of total nutritional management of preterm and VLBW infants. We will use a framework of WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, and WHY to answer the questions: who gets DBM, why use DBM, where does DBM come from, what is in DBM, and when may DBM use be challenged.

THE EFFECT OF KANGAROO CARE METHOD ON THE CHANGE OF BODY TEMPERATURE IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS (LBWI)

THE EFFECT OF KANGAROO CARE METHOD ON THE CHANGE OF BODY TEMPERATURE IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS (LBWI)&#x0D; &#x0D; Bety Maya Sari1, Dian Fitra Arismawati2, Riska Aprilia Wardani3&#x0D; Correspondence email : Mayasari.bety@gmail.com&#x0D; &#x0D; Dian Husada Institute of Health Science Mojokerto&#x0D; &#x0D; ABSTRACT&#x0D; &#x0D; Introduction: Low Birth Weight Infants (LBWI) is infants with a birth weight of less than 2500 grams regardless of gestation. Babies with low birth weight (LBW) require proper care in order to avoid harmful things, one of which is Kangaroo Care Method. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of kangaroo care method on changes in body temperature in LBW infants. Methods: The research design used was pre-experimental with design category (One group pretest-Post). Sampling technique used is consecutive sampling technique. Independent variable in this research is kangaroo care method. Variable dependent in this research is body temperature change. The data were collected through observation analysis with Wilcoxon test to determine whether there was any difference between two samples. The Results: The result of measuring body temperature in Low Birth Weight Infants indicates a change of given intervention kangaroo care method in body temperature with body temperature average of 36.30 C and there are 2 infants who had a decrease in body temperature after a given intervention. The result of statistic test showed that there was effect of kangaroo care method with Z value of 3.114 and with significant level of 0.002. Conclusion: The results of the research above proves that kangaroo care method can increase body temperature of in infants who experience LBW, so the kangaroo care method could be a substitute for incubator in overcoming hypothermia in LBW infants.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Kangaroo care method, body temperature, LBWI&#x0D;

THE EFFECT OF KANGAROO CARE METHOD ON THE CHANGE OF BODY TEMPERATURE IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS (LBWI)

THE EFFECT OF KANGAROO CARE METHOD ON THE CHANGE OF BODY TEMPERATURE IN LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANTS (LBWI)&#x0D; &#x0D; Bety Maya Sari1, Dian Fitra Arismawati2, Riska Aprilia Wardani3&#x0D; Correspondence email : Mayasari.bety@gmail.com&#x0D; &#x0D; Dian Husada Institute of Health Science Mojokerto&#x0D; &#x0D; ABSTRACT&#x0D; &#x0D; Introduction: Low Birth Weight Infants (LBWI) is infants with a birth weight of less than 2500 grams regardless of gestation. Babies with low birth weight (LBW) require proper care in order to avoid harmful things, one of which is Kangaroo Care Method. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of kangaroo care method on changes in body temperature in LBW infants. Methods: The research design used was pre-experimental with design category (One group pretest-Post). Sampling technique used is consecutive sampling technique. Independent variable in this research is kangaroo care method. Variable dependent in this research is body temperature change. The data were collected through observation analysis with Wilcoxon test to determine whether there was any difference between two samples. The Results: The result of measuring body temperature in Low Birth Weight Infants indicates a change of given intervention kangaroo care method in body temperature with body temperature average of 36.30 C and there are 2 infants who had a decrease in body temperature after a given intervention. The result of statistic test showed that there was effect of kangaroo care method with Z value of 3.114 and with significant level of 0.002. Conclusion: The results of the research above proves that kangaroo care method can increase body temperature of in infants who experience LBW, so the kangaroo care method could be a substitute for incubator in overcoming hypothermia in LBW infants.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Kangaroo care method, body temperature, LBWI&#x0D;

Abstract 134: The Effect of Low Birth Weight on the Microcirculation in the 1 St Year of Life

Introduction: Capillary rarefaction, defined as a reduction in capillary density, is an established hallmark of essential hypertension. Low birth weight (LBW) infants, known to have an increased risk of developing hypertension as adults, were unexpectedly found to have a significantly higher capillary density at birth when compared to normal birth weight (NBW) infants. We therefore hypothesised that there is a microcirculatory window in the 1 st year of life of LBW infants, during which a process of extensive capillary loss, known as “hyperpruning”, occurs. Methods: The George’s Capillary Rarefaction Offspring Study (G-CROS) is a longitudinal, multi-centre study of which 284 infants were NBW, born at term, and 77 were LBW. Intravital microscopy was used to measure the functional (also known as basal) capillary density (BCD), and the structural (also known as maximal) capillary density (MCD) at birth, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months. Results: LBW infants had a significantly higher capillary density at birth when compared to NBW infants ( p &lt; 0.0001). NBW infants showed a gradual reduction in capillary density between birth and 12 months, with their greatest reduction occurring between birth and 3 months (BCD mean difference = -27.62 cap/field, p &lt;0.0001 and MCD mean difference = -31.49 cap/field, p &lt;0.0001). Similarly, the most significant reduction in BCD and MCD, in the LBW cohort, was between birth and 3 months (BCD mean difference = -47.01 cap/field, p &lt; 0.0001 and MCD mean difference = -48.01 cap/field, p &lt; 0.0001). However, within this same 3-month interval, LBW infants demonstrated a significantly higher percentage reduction in BCD (mean difference = 7.81%, p = 0.0194) and MCD (mean difference = 8.29%, p = 0.0361) when compared to NBW infants. Conclusions: Once again, LBW infants were shown to have a higher capillary density than NBW infants at birth. However, this study has shown for the first time that there appears to be a microcirculatory window in the first 3 months of life during which LBW infants undergo capillary “hyperpruning”. Further follow-up studies are required to investigate the role of early capillary rarefaction in the pathogenesis of hypertension, as well as the mechanisms orchestrating these early microcirculatory changes.

Gender Differences in Protein And Calorie Requirements in Preterm Infants Of ≤1kg Birth Weight

Background: It is well known that there are gender specific differences in growth of preterm infants, and hence, specific growth charts are developed for male and female preterm infants. However, published evidence on gender specific nutrition requirements is lacking in ≤1kg birth weight (BW) infants. Purpose: To study, if the protein (P), and calorie (C) requirements for preterm infants of ≤1kg (ELBW) BW to maintain appropriate for gestational age (AGA) status for weight (WT) & head circumference (HC) at discharge (d/c) are different between sexes while on full enteral nutrition. Methods: A retrospective chart review was …

Azithromycin Suppresses Lipopolysaccharide Induced Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell Injury Mediated by Microglia

Purpose of Study: There is a critical lack of information regarding the prevention and treatment of inflammation-induced brain injury in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) are the major cellular target of brain damage in VLBW infants during the critical period of injury. Our previous in vitro studies showed that the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced damage to OPCs was mediated by microglia. Macrolides inhibit the inflammatory response from systemic immune cells; whether they also inhibit the inflammatory response from microglia (the immune cells …

Correction: Catch-up growth in the first two years of life in Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) infants is associated with lower body fat in young adolescence.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0173349.].