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The power of developmental care – exploring the mechanisms to shorten Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) hospitalisation
Developmental care is an approach to improve the care of infants hospitalised in a NICU. It includes measures to adapt the NICU environment to be more patient-friendly, foster parental involvement in care, increase oral immune therapy and exclusive breastfeeding. A new study conducted in 14 hospitals in China and including more than 1,300 low birth weight infants highlights the promising outcomes of developmental care. Most significantly, the length of hospitalisation was markedly shorter…
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ROP: Lifelong Impact of Retinopathy of Prematurity – Expert Insights and Patient Perspectives
A German traslation can be found at the end of the English text below. ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity) expert interview: "We know very little about the effects of the disease" Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a disease of the eyes of prematurely born babies. It is characterised by changes in the developing blood vessels of the retina…
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Impact of vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy on neonatal outcomes
This meta-analysis examines the impact of vitamin D deficiency in over 28,000 pregnant women. The study found that vitamin D deficiency significantly increased the risk of low birth weight infants (LBWI) but showed no clear link to preterm birth or small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants. Given the rise of vitamin D deficiency globally, especially in pregnant women, the study emphasises the need for regular monitoring and interventions. Further research with larger samples is recommended to better…
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Advanced Policy and Advocacy Workshop on RSV 2.0 in Munich
From 12 to 15 September 2024, parent and patient representatives from 18 countries across 2 continents came together to exchange knowledge and learn about effective policy and advocacy activities, using RSV in young children as a case study. It was a pleasure for EFCNI to host this workshop on RSV policy and advocacy in Munich. The four days were packed with practical exercises, engaging group discussions, and workshops aimed at helping participants develop new or enhance existing tools and skills…
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Optimising parenteral nutrition in paediatric care: challenges, recommendations, and safety considerations
A recent study underscores the critical role of parenteral nutrition (PN) in paediatric patients. Although PN is crucial for the growth and development of preterm infants, it often involves considerable variability and risk, which can lead to complications. Advances such as Multi-Chamber Bags (MCB) have shown potential for improving precision, safety, and efficiency, but challenges persist in meeting paediatric needs. The findings stress the importance of standardising practices and adopting evidence-based guidelines to improve…
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Counteracting the challenging Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) environment: The SENSE programme provides a neurobehavioral approach
A stay in the NICU is a challenging experience for both parents and their hospitalised infants. The adverse environment can have a negative impact on the neonate’s neurological development as well as the parents’ mental health. One solution aimed at counteracting these negative effects is to improve the sensory experience in the NICU. The SENSE programme can be implemented in any NICU and provides guidance for healthcare professionals and parents to enable better care…
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Information about impending preterm birth – Gap between parents’ needs and current practice
One out of ten newborns is born preterm, meaning birth occurs more than three weeks earlier than the expected date. These babies have higher morbidity and mortality, requiring special medical support from Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). For parents, a preterm birth is associated with uncertainty, stress, and potential loss. Effective information exchange about impending preterm birth between families and medical staff is necessary to improve the well-being of both newborns and parents. However,…
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Reviewing best practices for human milk banks: Urgent need for international milk bank guidelines
As the number of human milk banks grows globally, the lack of international standards becomes increasingly apparent. Donated human milk is provided to the most vulnerable sick and preterm infants in order to reduce their mortality. However, this comes with a responsibility to ensure the safe and hygienic handling of milk. A systematic review analysed the best practices for each step of the milk donation process using eight country guidelines and three organisation guidelines.…
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Neo-CamCare – supporting family-centred care through technological advancements
“Before I go to sleep, I quickly check on my son. When I see him lying there so peacefully, it calms me down.” – Parent statement Family separation in the NICU Newborns with special care needs, especially preterm infants and those born with congenital malformations or complications, are usually cared for in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), often for extended periods of time. Many parents struggle with feelings of guilt or anxiety when leaving their newborn in the NICU to…
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