Clonidine as Monotherapy for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome: A Randomized Trial.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine whether clonidine, a non-opioid α-2-adrenergic agonist, would effectively treat neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). METHODS: This was an intention-to-treat randomized clinical trial. Enrollment criteria included prenatal opioid exposure, age ≤7 days, gestational age ≥35 weeks, no other medical condition, and need for pharmacotherapy. Primary outcomes were length of treatment and neurobehavioral performance. RESULTS: A total of 1107 patients were screened for enrollment (645 ineligible, 91 parents or staff unavailable, 216 declined, 155 consented). Of 155 infants, 120 required treatment and were randomized to receive oral clonidine (n = 60) at 1 µg/kg/dose or morphine (n = 60), 0.06 mg/kg/dose, every 3 hours. Infants with no improvement had their doses increased by 25% of the initial dose every 12 to 24 hours. Those without improvement by the fourth dose increase, received adjunct therapy. Length of treatment did not differ between morphine and clonidine, with median (95% confidence interval [CI]) days, respectively, of 15 (13-17) and 17 (15-19), P = .48. More clonidine-treated infants (45%) needed adjunct therapy versus 10% in the morphine group, adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) = 8.85 (2.87-27.31). After treatment completion, the NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scales summary scores did not differ between clonidine-treated and morphine-treated infants. CONCLUSIONS: Length of pharmacologic treatment and final neurobehavioral performance were not significantly different between the clonidine- and morphine-treated groups. Clonidine appears to be an effective non-opioid medication to treat NOWS. Future studies are needed to determine the optimal clonidine dosage for a quicker response and obviation of adjunct therapy.

A Deep Intronic PKHD1 Variant Identified by SpliceAI in a Deceased Neonate With Autosomal Recessive Polycystic Kidney Disease.

The etiologies of newborn deaths in neonatal intensive care units usually remain unknown, even after genetic testing. Whole-genome sequencing, combined with artificial intelligence-based methods for predicting the effects of non-coding variants, provide an avenue for resolving these deaths. Using one such method, SpliceAI, we identified a maternally inherited deep intronic PKHD1 splice variant (chr6:52030169T>C), in trans with a pathogenic missense variant (p.Thr36Met), in a newborn who died of autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease at age 2 days. We validated the deep intronic variant's impact in maternal urine-derived cells expressing PKHD1. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction followed by Sanger sequencing showed that the variant causes inclusion of 147bp of the canonical intron between exons 29 and 30 of PKHD1 into the mRNA, including a premature stop codon. Allele-specific expression analysis at a heterozygous site in the mother showed that the mutant allele completely suppresses canonical splicing. In an unrelated healthy control, there was no evidence of transcripts including the novel splice junction. We returned a diagnostic report to the parents, who underwent in vitro embryo selection.

Severe Intraventricular Hemorrhage is Associated with Lung Injury in Preterm Infants on Mechanical Ventilation.

Background: The aim of this study was to better understand the relationship between intraventricular hemorrhage and the risk of development of early lung disease in extremely low birth weight infants. We hypothesize that infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage have higher respiratory severity scores than infants with mild/no intraventricular hemorrhage within the first 7 days of life. Methods: This was a single center retrospective study conducted on subjects born between 01/01/2018 and 06/30/2021 at the University of Kentucky Children's Hospital NICU. We enrolled preterm infants with gestational age of less than 30 weeks and birth weight of less than 1000 grams who were placed on mechanical ventilation on admission. Results: We found a clinically significant increasing trend of respiratory severity scores within the first week of life in the group of infants with severe intraventricular hemorrhage. Conclusion: This study is first to show that severe intraventricular hemorrhage is associated with higher respiratory severity scores predicting early lung injury in the extremely low birth weight infants placed on a mechanical ventilator within the first 7 days of life.

Response to first dose of inhaled albuterol in mechanically ventilated preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Bronchodilator responses among preterm infants are heterogeneous. Bedside measurements may identify responders. STUDY DESIGN: Respiratory measurements (Resistance, Compliance, FiO2) and pulse oximetry (SpO2) patterns were downloaded from infants <30 weeks gestational age during the first 2 months of life. Mechanically ventilated infants who received albuterol were included (n = 33). Measurements were compared before and after first albuterol. Secondary analyses assessed subsequent doses. RESULTS: Median gestation and birthweight were 25 3/7 weeks and 730 g, respectively. Mean Resistance decreased post-albuterol (p = 0.007). Sixty-eight percent of infants were responders based on decreased Resistance. Compliance and FiO2 did not significantly differ. Percent time in hypoxemia (SpO2 < 85%) decreased post albuterol (p < 0.02). In responders, Resistance changes diminished with subsequent administration (all p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Ventilator resistance decreased in two-thirds of preterm infants, consistent with studies that utilized formal pulmonary function testing. Albuterol had a variable effect on delivered FiO2; however, hypoxemia may be useful in evaluating albuterol response.

Intermittent Hypoxemia in Preterm Infants: A Potential Proinflammatory Process.

OBJECTIVE: A major consequence of prematurity is intermittent hypoxemia (IH). Data from both adult studies and neonatal animal models suggest that IH is proinflammatory; however, there is limited data in preterm infants. Here, we assess the relationship between IH and systemic inflammation, namely, serum C-reactive protein (CRP) in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: Serum CRP was measured at 30 days of life, at the time of peak IH frequency. IH measures (e.g., per cent time in hypoxemia, frequency, duration) were calculated the week prior to CRP collection. Statistical analyses were based on Spearman's correlation. RESULTS: A total of 26 infants were included. Median gestational age and birth weight were 274/7 weeks and 980 g, respectively. There were positive correlations between primary IH measures and CRP levels, especially for events longer than 1-minute duration (r range: 0.56-0.74, all p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that IH is associated with increased CRP for the first time in preterm infants. Our findings are consistent with studies from adults and neonatal animal models suggesting that IH is a proinflammatory process. KEY POINTS: · IH events are common.. · IH is associated with elevated C-reactive protein.. · Longer IH events (>1 min) are of most significance..

Acute kidney injury, fluid balance and risks of intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluate association between fluid balance and intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of infants <30 weeks gestation admitted to Kentucky Children's Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. RESULTS: Infants with acute kidney injury (AKI) had a 2.4-fold increased risk of IVH (OR 2.38, 95% CI 1.46-3.87) and a 3.5-fold increased risk of severe IVH (OR 3.45, 95% CI 1.98-6.04). Infants above birthweight on day 4 had a 1.9-fold increased risk of IVH (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.05-3.27) and a 2.0-fold increased risk of severe IVH (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.03-3.74). When controlling for confounding factors, infants with AKI or above birthweight on day 4 had a 4.6-fold (aOR 4.60, 95% CI 1.80-11.78) and 3.0-fold (aOR 2.96, 95% CI 1.01-8.65) increased risk of severe IVH, respectively. CONCLUSION: Infants with AKI during the first week of life had a higher association of severe IVH even after controlling for confounding factors.

Case series of therapeutic hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy during extracorporeal life support.

Therapeutic hypothermia initiated within 6 hours of birth is currently the standard of care for the management of neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Neonates undergoing therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy are also at risk for severe respiratory failure and need for extracorporeal life support. The risks and benefits of therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy during extracorporeal life support are still not well defined. We report our experience of a case series of six neonates who underwent therapeutic hypothermia for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy during extracorporeal life support. We also report long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up from 6 to 24 months and add to the current body of evidence regarding feasibility, clinical experience, and short-term complications.

A comparison of the nutritive sucking performance of full term and preterm neonates at hospital discharge: A prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Studies show that 40% to 70% of premature infants exhibit both immature and atypical feeding ability. To establish thresholds of performance and develop efficacious treatments for initiating and advancing oral feedings, we must first identify the nutritive sucking performance measures impacted by preterm birth. AIMS: To compare objective measures of neonatal nutritive sucking between full term and preterm infants at hospital discharge. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a prospective observational study including full term (FT; N = 32) and preterm (PT; N = 44) infants. Nutritive sucking performance at discharge was assessed. The outcome measures of interest were means and coefficients of variability of nutritive sucking peak amplitude, frequency, duration, and smoothness, and feeding-related length of stay. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in sucking performance between groups; FT infants demonstrated significantly lower mean suck frequency, with longer suck duration and greater suck smoothness as compared to PT. PT infants had significantly less variability in suck amplitude and frequency as compared to FT, while FT infants had significantly less variability in suck smoothness as compared to PT. Post hoc regression analyses found suck frequency alone accounted for 28% of the variance in feeding length of stay for PT; suck smoothness alone accounted for 34% of the variance in feeding length of stay for FT. CONCLUSIONS: Suck frequency may be an important intervention target for PT infants having difficulty transitioning to oral feeding. Suck smoothness may be a sensitive marker for identifying infants at high risk for feeding challenges.

Prevention of excessive hypothermia in infants with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy prior to admission to a quaternary care center: a neonatal outreach educational project.

OBJECTIVE: Excessive hypothermia is common in infants that receive passive cooling for hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Our goal was to reduce the number of infants with admission temperature <33 °C from 33% to less than 10% by December 2017. METHODS: Outcome measures included the number of infants with admission temperature <33 °C and number of infants with temperature within therapeutic range. Interventions included implementation of passive cooling guidelines and outreach education to birth hospitals and transport team. We used statistical process control chart to compare outcomes over a 3 year period. RESULTS: The number of infants with admission temperature <33 °C decreased from 33.3% to 5.5% (p = 0.013). The number of infants with admission temperature within target range for hypothermia therapy increased from 61.1% to 77.7% (p = 0.014). Balancing measures and complications remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Implementation of passive cooling guidelines and outreach education led to significant decrease in excessive hypothermia in infants with HIE.

Prenatal Opioid Exposure and Intermittent Hypoxemia in Preterm Infants: A Retrospective Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Intermittent hypoxemia (IH) is defined as episodic drops in oxygen saturation (SpO2). Preterm infants are at increased risk for IH due to their immature respiratory control/apnea of prematurity. The clinical relevance of IH is a relatively new observation with rising evidence linking IH to neonatal morbidities and long-term impairment. Hence, assessing factors that influence IH in preterm infants is imperative. Given the epidemic of opioid misuse in the USA, there is an urgent need to understand the impact of prenatal opioid exposure on neonatal outcomes. Hence, we wanted to assess the relationship between isolated prenatal opioid exposure and IH in preterm infants. METHODS: In order to accurately calculate IH, SpO2 data were prospectively collected using high-resolution pulse oximeters during the first 8 weeks of life in preterm infants less than 30 weeks gestational age. Data related to prenatal opioid misuse were retrospectively collected from medical charts. Infants with tobacco or poly-drug exposure were excluded. The primary outcome measure is percent time spent with SpO2 below 80% (%time-SpO2 < 80). The secondary outcome measure is the number of severe IH events/week with SpO2 less than 80% (IH-SpO2 < 80). RESULTS: A total of 82 infants with isolated opioid exposure (n = 14) or who were unexposed (n = 68) were included. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between opioid exposed and unexposed groups. There was a statistically significant increase of 0.23 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.43, p = 0.03) in mean of the square root of %time-SpO2 < 80. The number of IH-SpO2 < 80 events was higher in the opioid exposed group (mean difference = 2.95, 95% CI: -0.35, 6.25, p-value = 0.08), although statistical significance was not quite attained. CONCLUSION: This study shows that preterm infants prenatally exposed to opioids have increased IH measures compared to unexposed infants. Interestingly, the increased IH in the opioid exposed group persists beyond the immediate postnatal period.

Plasma Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in Newborn Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a type of growth factor that promotes growth and survival of neurons. Fetal exposure to opiates can lead to postnatal withdrawal syndrome, which is referred as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Preclinical and clinical studies have shown an association between opiates exposure and alteration in BDNF expression in the brain and serum levels in adult. However, to date, there are no data available on the effects of opiate exposure on BDNF levels in infant who are exposed to opiates in utero and whether BDNF level may correlate with the severity of NAS. OBJECTIVE: To compare plasma BDNF levels among NAS and non-NAS infants and to determine the correlation of BDNF levels and the severity of NAS. METHODS: This is a prospective cohort study with no intervention involved. Infants ≥35 weeks of gestation were enrolled. BDNF level was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique from blood samples drawn within 48 h of life. The severity of NAS was determined by the length of hospital stay, number of medications required to treat NAS. RESULTS: 67 infants were enrolled, 34 NAS and 33 non-NAS. Mean gestational age did not differ between the two groups. Mean birth weight of NAS infants was significantly lower than the non-NAS infants (3,070 ± 523 vs. 3,340 ± 459 g, p = 0.028). Mean BDNF level in NAS group was 252.2 ± 91.6 ng/ml, significantly higher than 211.3 ± 66.3 ng/ml in the non-NAS group (p = 0.04). There were no differences in BDNF levels between NAS infants that required one medication vs. more than one medication (254 ± 91 vs. 218 ± 106 ng/ml, p = 0.47). There was no correlation between the BDNF levels and length of hospital stay (p = 0.68) among NAS infants. Overall, there were no significant correlations between BDNF levels and NAS scores except at around 15 h after admission (correlation 0.35, p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Plasma BDNF level was significantly increased in NAS infants during the first 48 h when compared to non-NAS infants. The correlations between plasma BDNF levels and the severity of NAS warrant further study. These results suggest that BDNF may play a neuromodulatory role during withdrawal after in utero opiate exposure.

Neurological consequences of systemic inflammation in the premature neonate.

Despite substantial progress in neonatal care over the past two decades leading to improved survival of extremely premature infants, extreme prematurity continues to be associated with long term neurodevelopmental impairments. Cerebral white matter injury is the predominant form of insult in preterm brain leading to adverse neurological consequences. Such brain injury pattern and unfavorable neurologic sequelae is commonly encountered in premature infants exposed to systemic inflammatory states such as clinical or culture proven sepsis with or without evidence of meningitis, prolonged mechanical ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis and chorioamnionitis. Underlying mechanisms may include cytokine mediated processes without direct entry of pathogens into the brain, developmental differences in immune response and complex neurovascular barrier system that play a critical role in regulating the cerebral response to various systemic inflammatory insults in premature infants. Understanding of these pathologic mechanisms and clinical correlates of such injury based on serum biomarkers or brain imaging findings on magnetic resonance imaging will pave way for future research and translational therapeutic opportunities for the developing brain.

Quantifying Neonatal Sucking Performance: Promise of New Methods.

Neonatal feeding has been traditionally understudied so guidelines and evidence-based support for common feeding practices are limited. A major contributing factor to the paucity of evidence-based practice in this area has been the lack of simple-to-use, low-cost tools for monitoring sucking performance. We describe new methods for quantifying neonatal sucking performance that hold significant clinical and research promise. We present early results from an ongoing study investigating neonatal sucking as a marker of risk for adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. We include quantitative measures of sucking performance to better understand how movement variability evolves during skill acquisition. Results showed the coefficient of variation of suck duration was significantly different between preterm neonates at high risk for developmental concerns (HRPT) and preterm neonates at low risk for developmental concerns (LRPT). For HRPT, results indicated the coefficient of variation of suck smoothness increased from initial feeding to discharge and remained significantly greater than healthy full-term newborns (FT) at discharge. There was no significant difference in our measures between FT and LRPT at discharge. Our findings highlight the need to include neonatal sucking assessment as part of routine clinical care in order to capture the relative risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes at discharge.

Relationship between perfusion index and patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Perfusion index (PI) is a noninvasive measure of perfusion. ΔPI (difference between pre- and postductal PI) may identify hemodynamically significant PDA. However, studies are limited to brief and intermittent ΔPI sampling. Our objective is to assess the value of continuous high resolution ΔPI monitoring in the diagnosis of PDA. METHODS: Continuous ΔPI monitoring in preterm infants was prospectively performed using two high-resolution pulse oximeters. Perfusion Index measures (ΔPI mean and variability, pre- and postductal PI) were analyzed over a 4-h period prior to echocardiography. A cardiologist blinded to the results evaluated for PDA on echocardiography. Linear mixed regression models were utilized for analyses. RESULTS: We obtained 31 echocardiography observations. Mean ΔPI (-0.23 vs. 0.16; P < 0.05), mean pre-PI (0.86 vs. 1.26; P < 0.05), and ΔPI variability (0.39 vs. 0.61; P = 0.05) were lower in infants with PDA compared to infants without PDA at the time of echocardiography. CONCLUSION: Mean ΔPI, ΔPI variability, and mean pre-PI measured 4 h prior to echocardiography detect PDA in preterm infants. PI is dynamic and should be assessed continuously. Perfusion index is a promising bedside measurement to identify PDA in preterm infants.

Renal injury in neonates: use of "omics" for developing precision medicine in neonatology.

Preterm birth is associated with increased risks of morbidity and mortality along with increased healthcare costs. Advances in medicine have enhanced survival for preterm infants but the overall incidence of major morbidities has changed very little. Abnormal renal development is an important consequence of premature birth. Acute kidney injury (AKI) in the neonatal period is multifactorial and may increase lifetime risk of chronic kidney disease.Traditional biomarkers in newborns suffer from considerable confounders, limiting their use for early identification of AKI. There is a need to develop novel biomarkers that can identify, in real time, the evolution of renal dysfunction in an early diagnostic, monitoring and prognostic fashion. Use of "omics", particularly metabolomics, may provide valuable information regarding functional pathways underlying AKI and prediction of clinical outcomes.The emerging knowledge generated by the application of "omics" (genomics, proteomics, metabolomics) in neonatology provides new insights that can help to identify markers of early diagnosis, disease progression, and identify new therapeutic targets. Additionally, omics will have major implications in the field of personalized healthcare in the future. Here, we will review the current knowledge of different omics technologies in neonatal-perinatal medicine including biomarker discovery, defining as yet unrecognized biologic therapeutic targets, and linking of omics to relevant standard indices and long-term outcomes.

Early urinary biomarkers of acute kidney injury in preterm infants.

BACKGROUND: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in the neonatal intensive care setting is multifactorial and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study evaluates the utility of novel urinary biomarkers to predict the development and/or severity AKI in preterm infants. METHODS: We performed a case-control study on a prospective cohort of preterm infants (<32 wk), to compare seven urine biomarkers between 25 infants with AKI and 20 infants without AKI. RESULTS: Infants with AKI had significantly higher neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) (median, control (CTRL) vs. AKI; 0.598 vs. 4.24 µg/ml; P < 0.0001). In contrast, urinary epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels were significantly lower in infants who developed AKI compared to controls (median, CTRL vs. AKI; 0.016 vs. 0.006 µg/ml; P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for NGAL for prediction of stage I AKI on the day prior to AKI diagnosis (day-1) was 0.91, and for the prediction of stage II/III, AKI was 0.92. Similarly, urine EGF was a predictor of renal injury on day -1 (AUC: 0.97 for stage I and 0.86 for stage II/III AKI). CONCLUSION: Urinary biomarkers may be useful to predict AKI development prior to changes in serum creatinine (SCr) in preterm infants.

The contrast sensitivity of the newborn human infant.

PURPOSE: To measure the binocular contrast sensitivity (CS) of newborn infants using a fixation-and-following card procedure. METHODS: The CS of 119 healthy newborn infants was measured using stimuli printed on cards under the descending method of limits (93 infants) and randomized/masked designs (26 infants). One experienced and one novice adult observer tested the infants using vertical square-wave gratings (0.06 and 0.10 cyc/deg; 20/10,000 and 20/6000 nominal Snellen equivalent); the experienced observer also tested using horizontal gratings (0.10 cyc/deg) and using the Method of Constant Stimuli while being kept unaware of the stimulus values. RESULTS: The CS of the newborn infant was 2.0 (contrast threshold = 0.497; 95% confidence interval: 0.475-0.524) for vertically oriented gratings and 1.74 (threshold = 0.575; 95% confidence interval: 0.523-0.633) for horizontally oriented gratings (P < 0.0006). The standard deviation of infant CS was comparable to that obtained by others on adults using the Pelli-Robson chart. The two observers showed similar practice effects. Randomization of stimulus order and masking of the adult observer had no effect on CS. CONCLUSIONS: The CS of individual newborn human infants can be measured using a fixation-and-following card procedure.

Pediatrics residents' preparedness for neonatal resuscitation assessed using high-fidelity simulation.

BACKGROUND: Pediatrics residents are expected to demonstrate preparedness for neonatal resuscitation, yet research has shown gaps in residents' readiness to perform this skill. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate procedural skills and team performance of pediatrics residents during neonatal resuscitation (NR) using a high-fidelity mannequin, and to assess residents' confidence in their NR skills before and after training. METHODS: Two teams of residents (all had completed NR program training) participated in 2 separate, 90-minute sessions (2 to 3 weeks apart) in an off-site delivery room during their neonatal intensive care rotation. Residents' confidence in assisting and leading NR was surveyed before each session. Teams participated in a scenario (adapted from the NR program), which required 5 skills (positive pressure ventilation, chest compressions, endotracheal intubation, umbilical vein catheterization, and epinephrine administration). Video recording was used for debriefing and scoring. Skills were scored for technique and timeliness, and team behaviors were scored for communication, management, and leadership. RESULTS: Twenty-six residents (11 teams) completed 2 paired sessions. Self-confidence scores increased between the 2 sessions but were not correlated with performance. Gaps in procedural skill performance were observed, and timeliness for most skills did not meet expectations. Significant improvement in team communication was noted. CONCLUSIONS: Important gaps in procedural skill performance, particularly timeliness, were detected by NR simulation training; residents' improvements in self-confidence did not reflect gains in actual performance. Their relative unpreparedness for NR (despite prior certification) highlights the need for deliberate practice and specific team training before and during neonatal intensive care delivery room rotations.

Early feeding and neonatal hypoglycemia in infants of diabetic mothers.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the effects of early formula feeding or breast-feeding on hypoglycemia in infants born to 303 A1-A2 and 88 Class B-RF diabetics. METHODS: Infants with hypoglycemia (blood glucose < 40 mg/dL) were breast-fed or formula-fed, and those with recurrences were given intravenous dextrose. RESULTS: Of 293 infants admitted to the well-baby nursery, 87 (30%) had hypoglycemia, corrected by early feeding in 75 (86%), while 12 (14%) required intravenous dextrose. In all, 98 infants were admitted to the newborn intensive care unit for respiratory distress (40%), prematurity (33%) or prevention of hypoglycemia (27%). Although all newborn intensive care unit patients received intravenous dextrose, 22 (22%) had hypoglycemia. Of 109 hypoglycemia episodes, 89 (82%) were single low occurrences. At discharge, 56% of well-baby nursery and 43% of newborn intensive care unit infants initiated breast-feeding. CONCLUSIONS: Hypoglycemia among infants of diabetic mothers can be corrected by early breast-feeding or formula feeding.

Breastfeeding in women with severe preeclampsia.

BACKGROUND: In the United States, breastfeeding initiation is reported for 75% of all live births; however, little information is available for mothers affected by severe preeclampsia (SP) who because of magnesium sulfate treatment are separated from their infants in the immediate postpartum period. This study examined feeding practices and factors associated with breastfeeding initiation in 281 women with SP and their 200 late-preterm and 81 term infants. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: SP was diagnosed according to established clinical and laboratory criteria. Infant feeding preference was ascertained on admission to labor and delivery. Variables known to influence breastfeeding initiation, including maternal age, smoking, obesity, and racial and educational characteristics, were assessed. RESULTS: All mothers received magnesium sulfate for 24 hours following delivery. Of 281 infants, 54% were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). All mothers and infants survived. On admission, 149 women intended to breastfeed, 73 intended to feed formula, and 59 were undecided. Four of 73 women who did not wish to breastfeed and 27 of 59 originally undecided later initiated breastfeeding. At discharge, 144 (51%) of all these mothers had successfully initiated breastfeeding. Factors associated with breastfeeding initiation failure included African American race, younger age, lower education, multiparity, smoking, and obesity. Of 149 women who intended to breastfeed, 76% were successful, and logistic regression analysis showed that intention to breastfeed was the most significant predictor of breastfeeding initiation. During the first 24 hours postpartum, 78% of infants receiving well-baby care, and 4% of those admitted to the NICU visited with their mother once. Among women who intended to breastfeed, successful breastfeeding initiation involved 85% of infants receiving routine well-baby care and 69% of those admitted to the NICU. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of the challenges created by SP, including early maternal separation, breastfeeding initiation is possible. The strongest predictor for breastfeeding success remains the intention to breastfeed, whereas race, lower level of education, and obesity are associated with breastfeeding initiation failure.