The Incubator

Send us a textIn this engaging Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna return to explore the latest research in neonatology. They begin with a pivotal clinical report from Pediatrics on updated algorithms for newborn screening of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD), highlighting simplified protocols and their significant impact on infant mortality. The discussion delves into screening challenges in the NICU, high-altitude settings, and for out-of-hospital births.Next, they discuss the CordSafe study from Australia, a phase 1 trial on the safety of autologous cord blood-derived cell administration for extremely preterm infants, aimed at reducing brain injuries like IVH. Daphna explains the rigorous methodology and promising early findings.Ben then reviews the STAT trial, which evaluates whether primary anastomosis offers better outcomes than stoma formation in NEC surgery. The results show significant reductions in TPN duration and intestinal complications with primary anastomosis.The hosts also discuss trends in PDA management and their surprising association with increased rates of BPD over the past decade, along with insights into evolving diagnostic and therapeutic practices.Finally, they analyze a Spanish study on elective extubation during skin-to-skin care, finding it to be a feasible and safe practice, potentially enhancing neonatal and parental outcomes.Don’t miss next week’s exciting interview with Dr. Keith Barrington! As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!