There is currently a significant gap in research and clinical evidence regarding the benefit/risk ratio of administering moderate dose postnatal corticosteroid therapy in very preterm infants at high risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) between 7-21 days of age. Clinicians often mistakenly believe that any dose higher than the lowest (e.g., DART) of postnatal steroids is harmful to the developing brain and neurodevelopment. However, the disease we are treating, BPD, is more detrimental. Ther...

There are various tools to calculate the probability of neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) based on maternal risk factors and the infant's clinical presentation. This activity will review tools from North America and Europe and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each, particularly regarding unnecessary antibiotic exposure. At the conclusion of the activity, learners will critically evaluate the screening process in their own unit to determine if a change in practice is merited and if so,...

This activity will explore current and future applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in neonatology. At the conclusion of the activity, learners will evaluate opportunities for AI in their own NICU, and if feasible, implement at least one strategy, new technique(s), or intervention(s) to assist in clinical decision-making.

This activity will review the definition, assessment, and diagnostic approach to hypotonia in infants and children. At the conclusion of the activity, learners will implement at least one strategy, new technique(s), or intervention(s) to identify and treat the hypotonic infant.

This activity will review fetal and postnatal evaluation and management of arrhythmias. At the conclusion of the activity, learners will implement at least one strategy, new technique(s), or intervention(s) to identify the specific fetal echocardiographic findings which assist in clinical decision-making.

There is controversy in neonatology about the appropriate approach to the management of extremely premature infants. This activity is designed to provide health care professionals with updated information and tools for working with families faced with this difficult clinical situation. At the conclusion of this activity, learners will implement at least one strategy to improve communication with families of NICU patients.

The care of newborns with abdominal wall defects is a multidisciplinary effort but typically led by the pediatric surgical team. Therefore, assessment of outcomes and dissemination of new surgical techniques should be shared information to ensure optimal patient outcomes. At the conclusion of this activity, learners will critically review post-surgical follow up in their unit and implement at least one strategy to improve the outcomes of NICU patients.

Many drugs in the NICU are used off-label and without adequate safety and efficacy data. This presentation will review commonly used medications: antibiotics, surfactant, caffeine, and those for pain/sedation. At the conclusion of this activity, learners will critically review current medication protocols in their unit to determine if any changes in use are merited and if so, initiate an evidence-based intervention.

Appreciation of neonatal acute kidney injury (AKI) and its associated complications and long-term issues is not well understood in the NICU. This presentation will provide evidence for diagnosis and treatment of AKI as well as generate ideas to improve the care of NICU patients with AKI. At the conclusion of this activity, learners will critically review the current kidney health workflow in their unit to improve the care and outcomes of NICU patients with AKI.

This presentation will review recently published articles that should influence health care decisions for neonates who need intensive care: the role of human milk feedings in improving health outcomes and reducing neonatal morbidities; a recent trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of ibuprofen for closing the PDA; the role of oral valganciclovir for treatment in infants with congenital cytomegalovirus and an abnormal hearing screen; and, “How much oxygen is too much oxygen in infants born wi...