The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of the use oral ibuprofen suspension (OIS) in the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in premature infants. Premature infants (

A random sample of 457 neonates was prospectively studied in order to identify the incidence, common types, and risk factors for arrhythmias in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A 12-lead EKG was studied in all neonates (n = 457). A total of 139 Holter studies was done in every fourth baby with a normal EKG (n = 100) and in all babies with an abnormal EKG (n = 39). Of the 100 infants who were thought to be arrhythmia-free by EKG, nine infants demonstrated an arrhythmia on Holter studies. When we correlated screening results with maternal, obstetrical, and neonatal risk factors; arrhythmias were significantly associated with male gender, more mature gestational age, lower glucose levels, maternal smoking, high umbilical artery lines, and the use of the nebulized beta-2 adrenergic treatment, whereas umbilical venous lines and dopamine infusion did not relate to arrhythmia. We conclude that arrhythmias are more common in the NICU than in the general neonatal population. Compared to Holter monitoring, the sensitivity of the EKG was only 89%.

Extrinsically contaminated i.v. fluids resulted in sepsis and deaths. Standard infection control precautions significantly improve mortality and sepsis rates and are prerequisites for safe NICU care.

aEEG is feasible in premature infants and when its data at 1 week of life are combined with early head ultrasound, sensitivity for detecting short-term adverse outcomes was increased.

TPO increased and correlated with severity of asphyxia at 3 and 7 days of life. It correlated negatively with the platelet count at all times.