Breastfeeding-related Pain, Sensory Over-responsiveness, and Exclusive Breastfeeding at 6 Months: A Prospective Cohort Study.

BACKGROUND: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended for the first 6 months of life, yet EBF rates at 6 months (T3) in most developed countries are low. Painful and nonpainful sensory stimuli processing is linked, and while pain has been suggested to restrict breastfeeding, its coupling with sensory over-responsiveness (SOR) in relation to breastfeeding has not yet been reported. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to explore whether breastfeeding-related pain, SOR, and general pain sensitivity predict nonexclusive breastfeeding (NEBF) at T3. STUDY DESIGN: In this prospective study, participants were recruited at 2 days postpartum (enrollment). For the assessment of breastfeeding-related pain, participants completed the visual analogue scale and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire at enrollment, and at 6 weeks after birth. At T3, they completed the Pain Sensitivity Questionnaire and the Sensory Responsiveness Questionnaire-Intensity Scale and then provided information about their breastfeeding status. Participants were divided into two groups accordingly: EBF and NEBF. RESULTS: A total of 164 participants were reached at T3: EBF (n = 105) and NEBF (n = 59). The incidence of SOR was significantly higher among NEBF compared with EBF participants (25.4% vs. 11.4%; p = .020). Between enrollment and 6 weeks after birth, 72.3% of the EBF participants had reported a ≥30% pain reduction, compared with 44.8% of the NEBF participants (p = .001). Logistic regression modeling revealed that both breastfeeding-related pain reduction and SOR predicted NEBF at T3 (p < .001), indicating a 3.2 times (p = .001) and 2.5 times (p = .041) odds ratio for NEBF, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: SOR and sustained breastfeeding-related pain predict NEBF at T3 and may emerge as substantial breastfeeding barriers.

Does infant sensory responsiveness explain exclusive breastfeeding 6 months after birth?-a cohort prospective study.

Background: Although exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended for the first 6 months of life, breastfeeding rates in most developed countries are low. Sensory over-responsivity (SOR) has been found to interfere with infant and childcare, development, and routines, but has not yet been examined as a breastfeeding barrier. The aim of this study was to explore the association between infant sensory responsiveness and EBF and whether it can predict EBF cessation prior to 6 months of age. Methods: In this cohort prospective study participants were 164 mothers and their infants recruited 2 days after birth in a maternity ward between June 2019 and August 2020. At this time, participating mothers completed a demographic and delivery information questionnaire. At 6 weeks after birth, the mothers completed the Infant Sensory Profile 2 (ISP2), reporting their infants' sensory responsiveness in daily activities. At 6 months, infants' sensory responsiveness was assessed using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants (TSFI) and the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-3rd Edition (Bayley-III) was administered. Additionally, mothers provided information about their breastfeeding status and were divided into two groups accordingly: EBF and non-EBF (NEBF). Results: The incidence of atypical sensory responsiveness (mostly of the SOR type) at 6 weeks was twice as high among NEBF infants than EBF infants (36.2% vs. 17%, χ2=7.41, P=0.006). Significant group differences were found in the ISP2 touch section (F=10.22, P=0.002). In addition, NEBF infants displayed more SOR behaviors than EBF infants in the TSFI deep touch (F=2.916, P=0.001) and tactile integration subtests (F=3.095, P<0.001), and had lower scores in the adaptive motor functions subtest (F=2.443, P=0.013). Logistic regression modeling revealed that ISP2 at 6 weeks (typical vs. atypical) and TSFI total score at 6 months predicted 28% of NEBF at 6 months (χ2=23.072, P=0.010). Conclusions: Infant atypical sensory responsiveness, predominantly of the SOR type, was found to predict NEBF at 6 months after birth. This study contributes to the understanding of EBF barriers, highlighting the importance of early identification of SOR in infants. Findings may suggest developing early sensory interventions and providing individualized breastfeeding support tailored to the infant's unique sensory profile.

The Role of Motor Coordination, ADHD-Related Characteristics and Temperament among Mothers and Infants in Exclusive Breastfeeding: A Cohort Prospective Study.

Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life, breastfeeding rates are low. Motor skills and ADHD-related characteristics have not yet been examined as breastfeeding barriers. The aim of this study was to explore whether mothers' and infants' motor skills, mothers' ADHD-related characteristics and infants' temperament are associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months after birth. Participants were 164 mothers and their infants recruited 2 days after birth. Mothers completed a demographic and delivery information questionnaire, the Infant Feeding Intentions Scale and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale. At 6 months, mothers completed the Adult DCD (developmental coordination disorder)/Dyspraxia Checklist, the Adult ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) Self-Report Scale Symptom Checklist-v1.1, and the Infant Characteristics Questionnaire, and provided information about their breastfeeding status. They were then divided into two groups accordingly: EBF (exclusive breastfeeding) and NEBF (non-exclusive breastfeeding). Infants were observed using the Test of Sensory Functions in Infants and the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. At 6 months, NEBF mothers reported higher prevalence of DCD (10.2% vs. 1.9%, χ2 = 5.561, p = 0.018) and ADHD (20.3% vs. 8.6%, χ2 = 4.680, p = 0.030) compared to EBF mothers. EBF infants demonstrated better motor coordination (t = 2.47, p = 0.016, d = 0.511), but no temperament differences compared to NEBF infants. Maternal DCD, ADHD and poor infant motor coordination are associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding and may become exclusive breastfeeding barriers. These findings may assist in identifying women at risk of not exclusively breastfeeding and encourage tailoring interventions for achieving higher exclusive breastfeeding rates.

The yield of the prenatal work-up in intrauterine growth restriction and the spectrum of fetal abnormalities detected postnatally †.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the yield of work-up in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) pregnancies and their outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective data regarding prenatal work-up (serology, genetic testing and imaging), and neonatal outcomes of 198 IUGR pregnancies (estimated fetal weight <10th percentile) were analyzed. RESULTS: IUGR was isolated in 72 cases. Work-up performed in 158 (80%) cases was positive in 4 (2.5%). No abnormalities were detected in prenatal genetic testing. Echocardiogram performed in 27 cases was abnormal in 3 (11.1%). Serological testing performed in 150 pregnancies (75.8%) detected 1 case (0.7%) of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. Thirteen neonates (6.5%) were diagnosed with significant health problems. A positive work-up and significant postnatal health problems were not correlated with IUGR severity, symmetry or additional concurrent findings. CONCLUSION: The yield of IUGR work-up is not clear and is probably highest for fetal echocardiography. The rate of significant adverse outcomes after birth is increased in IUGR pregnancies.

Association between neonatal morbidities and head growth from birth until discharge in very-low-birthweight infants born preterm: a population-based study.

AIM: To evaluate the possible association between major neonatal morbidities and poor head growth from birth to discharge home in very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants born preterm. METHOD: Population-based observational study comprising 12 992 infants (6340 male, 6652 female) of 24 to 32 weeks' gestation, and birthweight ≤1500g. Severe head growth failure (HGF) was defined as a decrease in head circumference z-score >2 z-scores, and moderate HGF as a decrease of 1 to 2 z-scores. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was applied to determine morbidities associated with HGF. RESULTS: Severe HGF occurred in 4.5% and moderate HGF in 20.9% of infants. Each unit increase in head circumference z-score at birth was associated with increased odds for severe and moderate HGF (odds ratios [OR] 5.29, 95% confidence intervals [CI] 4.67-6.00, and OR 2.38, 95% CI 2.23-2.54 respectively). Both severe and moderate HGF were associated with respiratory distress syndrome (OR 2.03, 95% CI 1.58-2.62, and OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.48-1.85 respectively); bronchopulmonary dysplasia (OR 3.38, 95% CI 2.33-4.91, and OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.52-2.30 respectively); necrotizing enterocolitis (OR 2.89, 95% CI 2.04-4.09, and OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.38-2.16 respectively), and sepsis (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.69-2.50, and OR 1.38, 95% CI 1.24-1.53 respectively). INTERPRETATION: Major neonatal morbidities were associated with HGF in VLBW infants born preterm. Identification of whether this is a direct effect of these morbidities or mediated through nutritional or growth factors may enable interventions to improve postnatal head growth of infants born preterm.

The Effect of Assisted Exercise Frequency on Bone Strength in Very Low Birth Weight Preterm Infants: A Randomized Control Trial.

We aimed to assess whether a twice daily assisted exercise interventional program will have a greater effect on bone strength compared to a once daily intervention or no intervention in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Thirty-four very VLBW preterm infants (mean BW 1217 ± 55 g and mean gestational age 28.6 ± 1.1 weeks) were randomly assigned into one of three study groups: twice daily interventions (n = 13), a once daily intervention (n = 11), and no intervention (control, n = 10). The intervention was initiated at a mean of 8 ± 2.4 days of life and continued for 4 weeks. It included passive extension and flexion range-of-motion exercise of the upper and lower extremities. Bone strength was measured at enrollment and after 2 and 4 weeks using quantitative ultrasound of tibial bone speed of sound (SOS, Sunlight Omnisense™). At enrollment, the mean bone SOS was comparable between the twice daily interventions, once daily intervention and control groups (2918 ± 78, 2943 ± 119, and 2910 ± 48 m/s, respectively). As expected, the bone SOS declined in all groups during the study period (-23.6 ± 24, -68.8 ± 28, and -115.8 ± 30 m/s, respectively, p < 0.05), with a significantly attenuated decrease in bone strength in the twice daily intervention group (p = 0.03). A twice daily intervention program of assisted range-of-motion exercise attenuates the decrease in bone strength and may decrease the risk of osteopenia and future fractures in VLBW preterm infants.

Iron homeostasis after blood transfusion in stable preterm infants - an observational study.

AIM: To evaluate the short-term effects of blood transfusion on iron status [hemoglobin, ferritin, soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), and reticulocyte count], hepcidin, and erythropoietin in stable preterm infants. METHOD: Sixty-three preterm infants treated with red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) were included. Venous blood samples were collected before and within 24 h after each transfusion. RESULTS: Hemoglobin concentration increased after RBCT (7.2±1.2 g/dL vs. 13.7±2.3 g/dL, P=0.02), as well as ferritin [131 (63-110.4) ng/mL vs. 211 (125.7-299.2) ng/mL, P=0.05); reticulocyte count decreased. sTfR did not change. Hepcidin serum levels increased from 37.5 (21.3-84.7) ng/mL to 72.6 (31.3-126.2) ng/mL, (P=0.04) and erythropoietin decreased (48±19 pg/mL vs. 29±17 pg/mL, P=0.06) after RBCT. A positive linear correlation was found (R2=0.76, P=0.0001) between hepcidin and ferritin levels of post-minus-pre RBCT. Hepcidin levels increased significantly in preterm infants who received RBCT after 1 month of age compared to those who received RBCT at <1 month (P=0.03). No correlation was found between gestational age, weight appropriate for age, or length of blood storage and hepcidin levels. CONCLUSION: Preterm infants can control iron levels by regulating hepcidin and decreasing erythropoietin. This ability varies with postnatal age.

Obstetric and neonatal outcomes after preterm premature rupture of membranes among women carrying group B streptococcus.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether carriers of group B streptococcus (GBS) have adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes when preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) occurs. METHODS: In a retrospective study, data were reviewed for women with a singleton pregnancy and PPROM before 34 weeks who attended the Meir Medical Center, Kfar Saba, Israel, between 2005 and 2012. All women received roxithromycin for 1 week, and ampicillin until GBS culture results were available. Ampicillin was continued to 1 week if the GBS culture was positive. The primary study outcome measure was the latency period (time from rupture of membranes to active/induced labor). RESULTS: Among 116 eligible patients, 21 (18.1%) were GBS carriers and 95 (81.9%) noncarriers. The latency period was 11.2 ± 18.1 days for GBS carriers versus 7.5 ± 9.6 days for noncarriers (P=0.93). However, there was a correlation between the length of ampicillin treatment and the latency period (Spearman correlation coefficient 0.7; P<0.001). There were no differences in early neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: GBS carriers with PPROM did not have adverse outcomes. Longer treatment with ampicillin among GBS carriers prolonged the latency period.

Outcome of singleton preterm small for gestational age infants born to mothers with pregnancy-induced hypertension. A population-based study.

BACKGROUND: Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) has been associated with a decreased risk of infant mortality in small for gestational age (SGA) preterm infants. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of PIH on mortality and major neonatal morbidities in singleton preterm SGA infants, in the presence and absence of acute pregnancy complications. METHODS: Population-based observational study of singleton SGA infants, born at 24 to 32 weeks gestation in the period 1995-2010 (n = 2139). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to assess the independent effect of PIH on mortality and neonatal morbidities. Acute pregnancy complications comprised premature labor, premature rupture of membranes >6 h, antepartum hemorrhage and clinical chorioamnionitis. RESULTS: In the absence of pregnancy complications, the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for mortality (0.77; 0.50-1.16), survival without severe neurological morbidity (1.14; 0.79-1.65) and survival without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (0.85; 0.59-1.21) were similar in the PIH versus no-PIH groups. In the presence of pregnancy complications, mortality (0.76; 0.40-1.44), survival without severe neurological morbidity (1.16; 0.64-2.12) and survival without BPD (1.04; 0.58-1.86) were also similar in the PIH versus no-PIH groups. CONCLUSIONS: PIH was not associated with improved outcome in preterm SGA infants, both in the presence and absence of acute pregnancy complications.

Maternal singing during kangaroo care led to autonomic stability in preterm infants and reduced maternal anxiety.

AIM: Kangaroo care (KC) and maternal singing benefit preterm infants, and we investigated whether combining these benefitted infants and mothers. METHODS: A prospective randomised, within-subject, crossover, repeated-measures study design was used, with participants acting as their own controls. We evaluated the heart rate variability (HRV) of stable preterm infants receiving KC, with and without maternal singing. This included low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF) and the LF/HF ratio during baseline (10 min), singing or quiet phases (20 min) and recovery (10 min). Physiological parameters, maternal anxiety and the infants' behavioural state were measured. RESULTS: We included 86 stable preterm infants, with a postmenstrual age of 32-36 weeks. A significant change in LF and HF, and lower LF/HF ratio, was observed during KC with maternal singing during the intervention and recovery phases, compared with just KC and baseline (all p-values <0.05). Maternal anxiety was lower during singing than just KC (p = 0.04). No differences in the infants' behavioural states or physiological parameters were found, with or without singing. CONCLUSION: Maternal singing during KC reduces maternal anxiety and leads to autonomic stability in stable preterm infants. This effect is not detected in behavioural state or physiological parameters commonly used to monitor preterm infants.

Reduced crying in term infants fed high beta-palmitate formula: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Beta-palmitate (sn-2 palmitate) mimics human milk fat, enabling easier digestion.Therefore, we hypothesized that infants consuming high beta-palmitate formula would have more frequent, softer stools and reduced crying compared to infants consuming low beta-palmitate formula. METHODS: Formula-fed infants were randomly assigned to receive either (1) formula with high beta-palmitate (HBP, n = 21) or (2) regular formula with a standard vegetable oil mix (LBP, n = 21). A matched group of breastfed infants served as a reference (BF, n = 21). Crying and stool characteristics data were recorded by the parents for 3 days before the 6- and 12-week visits. RESULTS: We found no significant differences in the stool frequency or consistency between the two formula groups. The percentage of crying infants in the LBP group was significantly higher than that in the HBP and BF groups during the evening at 6 weeks (88.2% vs. 56.3% and 55.6%, p < 0.05) and during the afternoon at 12 weeks (91.7% vs. 50.0% and 40%, p < 0.05). The infants fed HBP had significantly shorter crying durations when compared with infants fed LBP formula (14.90 ± 3.85 vs.63.96 ± 21.76 min/day, respectively; p = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that consumption of a high beta-palmitate formula affects infant crying patterns during the first weeks of life. Comparable to breastfeeding, it reduced crying duration and frequency, primarily during the afternoon and evening hours, thereby improving the well-being of formula-fed infants and their parents. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00874068.Registration date March 31, 2009.

Nutrição precoce de neonatos prematuros estáveis e pequenos para a idade gestacional: um ensaio clínico randomizado / Very early feeding in stable small for gestational age preterm infants: a randomized clinical trial

OBJETIVO: Examinar o efeito da nutrição precoce sobre o tempo para atingir a nutrição completa em neonatos prematuros (PIG) estáveis pequenos para a idade gestacional. MÉTODO: Os neonatos prematuros com idade gestacional inferior a 37 semanas e peso ao nascer inferior a 10% foram alocados aleatoriamente para um regime de nutrição precoce (nas primeiras 24 horas de vida) ou tardia (após as primeiras 24 horas de vida). Todos os neonatos apresentaram uma evidência intrauterina de fluxo diastólico reverso ou ausente. Os neonatos incapazes de iniciar uma nutrição precoce foram excluídos. O tempo para a alimentação completa, a progressão da nutrição e morbidez correspondente foram comparados. A eletrogastrografia (EGG) foi utilizada para mensurar a motilidade gástrica pré e pós-prandial no segundo e no sétimo dias após o início da nutrição. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 60 neonatos no estudo, sendo 30 em cada grupo. Os neonatos incluídos no regime de nutrição precoce atingiram a nutrição enteral completa antes dos neonatos do grupo de controle (98±80-157 em comparação a 172±1 23-261 horas de idade, respectivamente; p = 0,004) e recebiam alta hospitalar antes (p = 0,04). Nenhuma enterocolite necrosante (ECN) foi comprovada em ambos os grupos de estudo. A motilidade gástrica melhorou no sétimo dia após o início da nutrição em ambos os grupos de estudo, sem diferença entre eles. CONCLUSÕES: Os neonatos prematuros PIG estáveis em regime de nutrição precoce atingiram alimentação enteral completa e receberam alta hospitalar significativamente antes que aqueles em regime de nutrição tardio, sem morbidez excedente.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of initiating very early feeding on time-to-reach full feeding in stable, small for gestational age (SGA) preterm infants. METHOD: Preterm infants with gestational age below 37 weeks and birth weight below the 10th percentile were randomly allocated to a very early (within 24 hours of birth) feeding regimen or delayed (after 24 hours of birth) feeding. All infants had in utero evidence of absent or reverse diastolic flow. Infants unable to start early feeding were excluded. Time-to-reach full feeding, feeding progression, and related morbidity were compared. Electrogastrography (EGG) was used to measure pre- and postprandial gastric motility on the second and seventh day after feeding initiation. RESULTS: Sixty infants were included in the study, 30 in each group. Infants included in the very early feeding regimen achieved full enteral feeding sooner than controls (98±80-157 vs. 172±123-261 hours of age, respectively; p = 0.004) and were discharged home earlier (p = 0.04). No necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was documented in both study groups. Gastric motility was improved at day seven after feeding initiation in both study groups, with no difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Stable SGA preterm infants on a very early feeding regimen achieved full enteral feeding and were discharged home significantly earlier than those on a delayed regimen, with no excess morbidity.

Very early feeding in stable small for gestational age preterm infants: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of initiating very early feeding on time-to-reach full feeding in stable, small for gestational age (SGA) preterm infants. METHOD: Preterm infants with gestational age below 37 weeks and birth weight below the 10(th) percentile were randomly allocated to a very early (within 24 hours of birth) feeding regimen or delayed (after 24 hours of birth) feeding. All infants had in utero evidence of absent or reverse diastolic flow. Infants unable to start early feeding were excluded. Time-to-reach full feeding, feeding progression, and related morbidity were compared. Electrogastrography (EGG) was used to measure pre- and postprandial gastric motility on the second and seventh day after feeding initiation. RESULTS: Sixty infants were included in the study, 30 in each group. Infants included in the very early feeding regimen achieved full enteral feeding sooner than controls (98±80-157 vs. 172±123-261 hours of age, respectively; p= 0.004) and were discharged home earlier (p=0.04). No necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) was documented in both study groups. Gastric motility was improved at day seven after feeding initiation in both study groups, with no difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Stable SGA preterm infants on a very early feeding regimen achieved full enteral feeding and were discharged home significantly earlier than those on a delayed regimen, with no excess morbidity.

High Beta-palmitate formula and bone strength in term infants: a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

We aimed to compare the effect of 12-week feeding of commercially available infant formulas with different percentages of palmitic acid at sn-2 (beta-palmitate) on anthropometric measures and bone strength of term infants. It was hypothesized that feeding infants with high beta-palmitate (HBP) formula will enhance their bone speed of sound (SOS). Eighty-three infants appropriate for gestational age participated in the study; of these, 58 were formula-fed and 25 breast-fed infants, serving as a reference group. The formula-fed infants were randomly assigned to receive HBP formula (43 % of the palmitic acid is esterified to the middle position of the glycerol backbone, study group; n = 30) or regular formula with low-beta palmitate (LBP, 14 % of the palmitic acid is esterified to the middle position of the glycerol backbone, n = 28). Sixty-six infants completed the 12-week study. Anthropometric and quantitative ultrasound measurements of bone SOS for assessment of bone strength were performed at randomization and at 6 and 12 weeks postnatal age. At randomization, gestational age, birth weight, and bone SOS were comparable between the three groups. At 12 weeks postnatal age, the mean bone SOS of the HBP group was significantly higher than that of the LBP group (2,896 ± 133 vs. 2,825 ± 79 m/s respectively, P = 0.049) and comparable with that of the breast-fed group (2,875 ± 85 m/s). We concluded that infants consuming HBP formula had changes in bone SOS that were comparable to those of infants consuming breast milk and favorable compared to infants consuming LBP formula.

Is it necessary to induce labor in cases of intrauterine growth restriction at term?

OBJECTIVES: Infants with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) have increased morbidity and mortality. The decision whether to induce labor at term or to expectantly manage these pregnancies is controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of these two management strategies in term pregnancies. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study compared neonatal and maternal morbidity and mortality of IUGR fetuses (estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile) between induced and spontaneous labors. RESULTS: Records of 669 IUGR newborns were reviewed; 499 were delivered through spontaneous labor and 170 were delivered through induced labor. Epidemiology and early perinatal outcomes between the two groups were similar. The cesarean section rate was significantly higher (P<0.005) in the induced group. CONCLUSIONS: Expectant management for term IUGR pregnancies seems to be safe, with lower rates of cesarean deliveries. A large, prospective, randomized controlled trial with long-term neonatal follow-up is indicated.

Combining kangaroo care and live harp music therapy in the neonatal intensive care unit setting.

BACKGROUND: Music therapy has been recommended as an adjuvant therapy for both preterm infants and mothers during their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and has been shown to have beneficial effects. OBJECTIVES: To study the usefulness of combining live harp music therapy and kangaroo care (KC) on short-term physiological and behavioral parameters of preterm infants and their mothers in the NICU setting. METHODS: Included in this study were stable infants born between 32 and 37 weeks of gestation, with normal hearing. Mother-infant dyads were randomly assigned to KC and live harp music therapy or to KC alone. Using repeated measures, neonatal and maternal heart rate, oxygen saturation and respiratory rate were recorded along with neonatal behavioral state and maternal anxiety state. Maternal age, ethnicity, education, and love of music were documented. RESULTS: Fifty-two mother-infant dyads were tested. Compared with KC alone, KC and live harp music therapy had a significantly beneficial effect on maternal anxiety score (46.8 +/- 10 vs. 27.7 +/- 7.1, respectively, P < 0.01). Infants' physiological responses and behavior did not differ significantly. No correlation was found between mothers' age, ethnicity, years of education and affinity for music, and anxiety scores (P = 0.2 to 0.5 for all four variables). CONCLUSIONS: KC combined with live harp music therapy is more beneficial in reducing maternal anxiety than KC alone. This combined therapy had no apparent effect on the tested infants' physiological responses or behavioral state.

Marked hypotonia in an infant of a mother with Devic disease.

A full-term female neonate was born with severe hypotonia and weakness. Her mother had been treated for neuromyelitis optica (Devic disease) for 6 years. Her previous son, born 10 years earlier and before she developed the disease, also had marked hypotonia that gradually improved over several weeks. A suspicion of neonatal myasthenia gravis arose, as a search of the literature revealed the occasional detection of anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies in patients with Devic disease. A neostigmine test was mildly positive in the baby, but anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies were elevated. Aquaporin 4 antibodies typical of neuromyelitis optica were not detected in the infant. Because of clinical deterioration, intravenous immunoglobulin was administered with substantial improvement. Anti-acetylcholine antibodies were markedly elevated in the mother's serum, although she showed no clinical signs of myasthenia gravis. It is very likely that her previous baby also had unrecognized transient myasthenia gravis.

Prenatal diagnosis of oral cyst caused by foregut duplication.

Prenatal diagnosis of oral cystic lesions is rare but is reported more frequently. The diagnosis of sublingual cyst is important because of the potential for airway obstruction. A rare case of a foregut duplication cyst associated with unilateral sclerocorneal microphthalmia is reported. The differential diagnosis and the limitations of the prenatal ultrasound and the postnatal MRI are discussed.

Vitamin E levels during early iron supplementation in preterm infants.

On the basis of preliminary data, this larger bi-institutional continuation trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of early iron supplementation in preterm infants calls attention to the levels of vitamin E, a marker of antioxidant activity, during iron treatment. A total of 116 preterm infants were randomly assigned to receive at 2 or 4 weeks of age ( N = 62, N = 54, respectively) 5 mg/kg/d of nonionic iron polymaltose complex concomitantly with a daily dose of 25 IU vitamin E (as dl-alpha-tocopherol acetate) from 2 weeks of age. Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) levels, iron, ferritin, hemoglobin concentration, and reticulocyte count were recorded from 2 to 8 weeks of age. The morbidities of prematurity associated with free radicals formation were also documented. A gradual increase of alpha-tocopherol levels within physiological range (0.8 to 3.5 mg/dL) was found in the 2-week and 4-week groups during the study period with no difference among the groups ( P > 0.05 for all comparisons). At 8 weeks of age, iron and ferritin levels, hemoglobin concentration, and reticulocyte count were higher in the 2-week group. No correlation was observed between timing of both iron and vitamin E supplement and hemolysis or morbidities associated with prematurity. Thus, treatment of iron with vitamin E supplement at 2 weeks of age is, in our experience, an efficacious and safe treatment for improving anemia in preterm infants.

Enriched post-discharge formula versus term formula for bone strength in very low birth weight infants: a longitudinal pilot study.

AIM: To initiate a longitudinal pilot study comparing the effect of nutrient-enriched post-discharge formula (PDF) with standard term formula (TF) on bone strength of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in the first six months post-term. METHODS: Two matched groups of VLBW infants were randomly assigned to enriched PDF (n=10) or TF (n=10) at corrected age of 40 weeks. Anthropometric measurements of growth and measurements of bone speed of sound (SOS) indicating bone strength and bone turnover markers (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase and cross-linked carboxy terminal telopeptide of type I collagen) were taken at term and at three and six months corrected age. RESULTS: The anthropometric measurements of infants fed PDF and TF were comparable at three and six months corrected age. Bone SOS of the PDF group increased from 2760+/-113 m/s at term to 2877+/-90 m/s and 3032+/-60 m/s at three and six months corrected age, respectively (P<0.001). Likewise, bone SOS of the TF group increased from 2695+/-116 m/s at term to 2846+/-72 and 2978+/-83 m/s at three and six months, respectively (P<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of growth and bone SOS measurements. The levels of both bone turnover markers decreased significantly during the study period (P<0.001 for both groups). CONCLUSION: Feeding with PDF after term had no short-term beneficial effect on bone strength and bone turn-over of VLBW infants.