Exploring Current Practices, Challenges, and Innovations in the Nutrition and Feeding of Neonates, Including the Use of Human Milk, Fortifiers, and Formula: A Clinical Study.

Background: Neonatal nutrition plays a crucial role in the growth and development of infants, particularly in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) where specialized care is essential. This study aims to explore current practices, challenges, and innovations in the nutrition and feeding of neonates, focusing on the utilization of human milk, fortifiers, and formula. Materials and Methods: A retrospective clinical study was conducted at a tertiary care NICU over a period of two years. Data were collected from medical records of neonates admitted to the unit. Information regarding feeding practices, types of milk (human milk, fortified human milk, or formula), fortification protocols, and associated clinical outcomes were analyzed. Results: A total of 150 neonates were included in the study. The majority (85%) received some form of human milk during their NICU stay, with 60% exclusively receiving human milk. Among those receiving human milk, 40% required fortification with a human milk fortifier due to inadequate growth parameters. Formula supplementation was necessary in 25% of cases due to maternal lactation insufficiency or medical contraindications to human milk. The mean duration of parenteral nutrition was 10 days, with a median time to full enteral feeds of 14 days. Infants receiving exclusively human milk demonstrated a lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) compared to those receiving formula (5% vs. 12%, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Human milk remains the preferred source of nutrition for neonates in the NICU setting, associated with lower rates of NEC and improved clinical outcomes. However, fortification with human milk fortifiers or supplementation with formula is often necessary to meet the nutritional requirements of preterm infants. Further research is needed to optimize fortification protocols and improve long-term outcomes in this vulnerable population.

Examining Current Vaccination Practices for Neonates, Including Healthcare Provider and Parental Attitudes and the Challenges of Implementing Vaccination Schedules: A Clinical Study.

Background: Vaccination of neonates is crucial for preventing infectious diseases and ensuring public health. However, understanding the attitudes of healthcare providers and parents towards neonatal vaccination and the challenges in implementing vaccination schedules is essential for optimizing vaccination strategies. Materials and Methods: A clinical study was conducted involving healthcare providers and parents of neonates. Surveys were administered to assess attitudes towards neonatal vaccination, perceived barriers, and adherence to vaccination schedules. Data analysis was performed using statistical methods to identify trends and associations. Results: Among healthcare providers (n = 200), 85% expressed strong support for neonatal vaccination, citing its importance in disease prevention. However, concerns regarding vaccine safety (62%) and parental hesitancy (48%) were identified as significant barriers. Among parents (n = 500), 78% reported willingness to vaccinate their neonates, with 60% adhering strictly to vaccination schedules. Common reasons for non-adherence included fear of adverse reactions (42%) and misinformation (28%). Challenges in vaccine administration, such as access issues (20%) and vaccine shortages (15%), were also reported. Conclusion: Healthcare providers generally endorse neonatal vaccination, recognizing its benefits in preventing infectious diseases. However, addressing concerns about vaccine safety and parental hesitancy is crucial for improving vaccination rates. Strategies aimed at enhancing education, promoting vaccine confidence, and addressing logistical challenges are essential for the successful implementation of neonatal vaccination schedules.

Risk factors for relapse in pediatric nephrotic syndrome in Ranchi.

Introduction: The nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a common childhood illness characterized by massive proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, and hypoalbuminemia. It is a disease of relapse, and therefore, it is a major problem to manage cases with frequent relapses. Prediction and prevention of risk factors is the key to successful management of childhood NS. An understanding of the risk factors that determine the course is useful in taking decisions regarding therapy and enables counseling. Materials and Methods: Sample size of 100 children of age 1-12 years of age with steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome over duration of 1 year from April 2020 to May 2021. Results and Conclusion: Risk factors for relapse were presence of infection during initial attack and first relapse as well as less time interval between remission in first episode of nephrotic syndrome and first relapse.incresed risk was also associated with inadequate treatment duration and less serum albumin level and high cholesterol level.