Background: Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is being widely used for the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants. However, there are only a few studies which compare different interfaces of NCPAP delivery and their effects on respiratory outcomes. Objective: We aimed to determine whether NCPAP applied with binasal prongs compared to that with a nasal mask (NM) reduces the rate of moderate/severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Methods: Infants between 26 and 32 weeks' gestation who suffered from RDS and were treated with NCPAP were assessed. Parallel randomization was performed to eligible infants to receive NCPAP either via binasal prongs or NM. Infants were intubated if they fulfilled the predefined failure criteria. Data were collected by using the intention-to-treat principle. Results: One hundred and sixty infants were screened and 149 were randomized. Seventy-five infants in the binasal prong (NP) group and 74 in the NM group were analyzed. Mean gestational ages were 29.3 ± 1.6 vs. 29.1 ± 2.0 weeks (p = 0.55), and birth weights were 1,225 ± 257 vs. 1,282 ± 312 g (p = 0.22) in the NP and NM groups, respectively. The frequency of NCPAP failure within 24 h of life was higher in the NP than the NM group (8 vs. 0%; p = 0.09). The median duration of NCPAP was significantly higher in the NP group [median 4 (1-5) vs. 2 (1-3) h, p < 0.01]. The rate of moderate and severe BPD was significantly lower in the NM (n = 2, 2.7%) when compared with the NP group (n = 11, 14.6%; p < 0.01). The BPD/death rates were not different between the 2 groups (NM group: n = 18 or 24.3%; NP group: n = 19 or 25.3%; p = 0.51). Conclusions: The NM was successfully used for delivering NCPAP in preterm infants, and no NCPAP failure was observed within the first 24 h. These data show that applying NCPAP by NM yielded a shorter duration of NCPAP and statistically reduced the rates of moderate and severe BPD.

Say B, et al. Korean J Pediatr. 2017 Aug;60(8):248-253. https://doi.org/10.3345/kjp.2017.60.8.248

Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is the most common sustained arrhythmia in neonates and infants. Presentation of SVT in the neonate is usually subtle and frequently complicated by congestive heart failure. Despite the widespread use of β2-agonists, their safety has been questioned. Several studies have reported an increased incidence of cardiac arrhythmias in patients treated with these agents, and other studies have found increased rates of cardiovascular death associated with the use of oral and nebulized β2-agonists such as salbutamol, which is used to treat bronchospasm in newborns with several diseases. Herein, we report a case of SVT following administration of nebulized salbutamol in a neonate.

This scholarly work presents a comprehensive analysis of the physiological mechanisms governing lactation in the female breast, specifically focusing on the regulation of milk production and ejection from the alveolar-ductal network. Additionally, the text explores factors contributing to successful breastfeeding practices and examines the various challenges mothers may encounter during this process. Breast milk, in addition to its special nutritional value, has the ability to maintain both active and passive immunity. A substantial body of scientific evidence has unequivocally demonstrated the benefits of breast milk. Breastfeeding reduces the incidence or severity of a number of diseases, including bacterial meningitis; bacteremia, diarrheal diseases, infectious diseases of the respiratory system, including asthma, infectious diseases of the urinary tract; infectious diseases of the auditory system. Owing to the unique benefits of breast milk, the number of women worldwide who want to breastfeed and nurse their children has increased. The primary objective of this publication is to address barriers to breastfeeding by examining the physiological aspects of lactation, with the aim of increasing global breastfeeding rates to 50% and above. Concurrently, the text seeks to delineate professional medical support mechanisms to enhance the management of this process, considering both environmental and psychological factors.