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Revolutionising RSV prevention in all infants
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe respiratory infections in infants, often resulting in hospitalisation. A recent study from Galicia, Spain, demonstrates the effectiveness of nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, in preventing RSV-related hospitalisations during the 2023-2024 season. The findings offer critical evidence for improving RSV prevention strategies and highlight the potential for universal implementation. Overview of RSV prevention with nirsevimab RSV poses a significant risk to infants, particularly those under 24 months. This study evaluated nirsevimab’s…
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Empowering collaboration: Parents and experts discussing the future of neonatal care in Switzerland
Guest article by Dina Hediger, Founder and CEO of "Frühchen & Neokinder Schweiz" ("Preemies and NICU kids Switzerland"). The parent organisation "Frühchen & Neokinder Schweiz" held its second specialist conference in November, bringing together an interdisciplinary team of experts, parents, and neonatologists. The team includes professionals such as neonatologists, a gynaecologist, a midwife, nurses, and specialists in lactation, music therapy, speech therapy, psychology, social work, and pastoral care, as well as parents. The…
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How to support staff? Mental health workshop for NICU nurses in Hungary
Guest article by Zita Gross-Wallinger, Dr. Csaba Nádor, and Lívia Nagy of partner parent organisation "Melletted a Helyem Association". Year after year, our organisation chooses a specific topic to spotlight for World Prematurity Day in Hungary. This year, we focused on the mental health of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurses, and the reasons for this focus quickly became evident. The NICU is an intense and stressful environment, presenting challenges not only…
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The neglected sibling? – Investigating the implications of having a preterm born sibling on the quality of life of the term born sibling
Siblings are one’s first peer group experience. Growing up, they contribute greatly to identity building and childhood development. However, there is little data on how having a preterm child affects the lives of term born siblings. A study from Finland therefore reviewed the available data to investigate the siblings’ quality of life after the birth of a preterm newborn. The study revealed that the absence of the mother and father for their…
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Preventing professional burnout among healthcare workers in Ukraine: A lifeline amidst war
How a Ukrainian patient organisation is supporting 800 healthcare workers in five regions - a guest article by Oleksandra Balyasna, Head of "Ranni Ptashky" ("Early Birds Preemie Parent Association" )in Ukraine, EFCNI PAB Member, and GLANCE Advisory Board Member. Healthcare workers are the backbone of any healthcare system, providing critical care, support, and treatment to thousands of patients daily. However, this profession is fraught with stress, emotional strain, and physical exhaustion, making healthcare workers particularly vulnerable to professional burnout. This…
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What impact does climate change have on perinatal mortality? – The link between high temperatures and the risk of stillbirth
Extreme heat can affect both pregnant women and their foetuses. The effects can be indirect to the mother’s environment or directly to the child. Indirect influences include reduced responsiveness and quality of healthcare systems. Direct effects on the child are placental and epigenetic changes. However, especially from areas most affected by climate change and subsequent heat waves, such as sub-Saharan Africa, only very limited data is available. A new study examined over 138,000…
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Improving therapeutic hypothermia for newborns by keeping parents close to their newborns
Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the standard treatment for perinatal asphyxia. A Swedish study explores the integration of parent-infant closeness during TH, highlighting the benefits of combining TH with family-centred care. Through interviews with NICU staff in Sweden, the research underscores the importance of standardised routines, supportive care environments, and parental involvement to enhance the effectiveness of TH and improve outcomes for infants and their families. Understanding therapeutic hypothermia Therapeutic Hypothermia (TH) involves lowering a newborn’s…
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“SOS Préma” empowers healthcare providers with parental insights at 15th annual training days
10-11 October saw 340 healthcare professionals gather in France for SOS Préma’s 15th annual training days, a pivotal event offering an empathetic view into the realities faced by families of preterm infants. Each year, “SOS Préma”, our valued partner in France, hosts training sessions to deepen the understanding of healthcare providers around the unique challenges encountered by preterm infants and their families. Established in 2011, these events now bring together hundreds of healthcare professionals, all committed to improving neonatal care.…
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Visionary fetal medicine expert, Professor Kypros Nicolaides, honored with Austria’s most prestigious medical award
On 27 September 2024, Professor Kypros Nicolaides, one of the leading pioneers in fetal medicine, was awarded the Semmelweis Prize for his transformative contributions to obstetric care. The award, presented at the annual conference of the Austrian Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, recognises Nicolaides' groundbreaking work at King’s College Hospital since 1980. Professor Nicolaides was praised for revolutionising prenatal diagnostics and care, in particular for pioneering screening techniques such as the fetal…
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10th Congress of the European Academy of Paediatric Societies (EAPS)
From 17 – 20 October 2024, leading research from around the world in the field of paediatrics united at the 10th Congress of the European Academy of Paediatric Societies (EAPS) in Vienna. This conference was a vibrant hub of knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. From insightful discussions and hands-on workshops to cutting-edge research presentations, EAPS 2024 has been an inspiring experience for EFCNI. It was our great pleasure to meet our partners on-site to…
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