Weaning of infants

The WHO 2001 global recommendation is a one size fits all approach to weaning, an approach which may not take sufficient account of the special needs of some infants and fails to allow for the different problems encountered in the industrialised nations compared with economically developing countries. For the healthy normal birth weight full term infant born in an industrialised country, current research supports the benefit of exclusive breast milk feeding until 4-6 months. Evidence of harm through introducing solid food to these infants earlier than this is weak. Infants should be managed individually according to their needs.     

Late umbilical cord-clamping as an intervention for reducing iron deficiency anaemia in term infants in developing and industrialised countries: a systematic review

This review evaluates the potential of delayed cord-clamping for improving iron status and reducing anaemia in term infants and for increasing the risk of polycythaemia and hyperbilirubinaemia. We applied a strict search protocol to identify controlled trials of early vs late cord-clamping. Four trials from developing and four from industrialised countries were finally assessed. Two of the four studies from developing countries found a significant difference in infant haemoglobin levels at 2-3 months of age in favour of delayed cord-clamping. This difference was more marked when mothers were anaemic. Three of four studies from industrialised countries showed a significant difference in haematocrit levels in favour of delayed clamping. Although meta-analysis showed an increased risk for hyperbilirubinaemia of 12%, no studies reported the need to apply phototherapy or perform exchange transfusion. We conclude that delayed cord-clamping in term infants, especially those with anaemic mothers, increases haemoglobin concentration in infants at 2-3 months of age and reduces the risk of anaemia, without an associated increased risk of perinatal complications. In developing countries where fetal anaemia is common, the advantages of delayed cord-clamping might be especially beneficial.     

Assessment of neonatal perfusion

Disorders of perfusion in newborn infants are frequently observed in neonatal intensive care units. The current assessment practices are primarily based on clinical signs. Significant technologic advances have opened new avenues for continuous assessment at the bedside. Combining these devices with functional echocardiography provides an in-depth understanding of perfusion and allows targeting therapy to the pathophysiology rather than monitoring and targeting blood pressure. This change in approach is guided by the fact that perfusion disorders can result from a number of causes and a single management approach might do more harm than good. This approach has the potential to improve long term outcomes but needs to be tested in well-designed trials.     

Predictional need for supplementing breastfeeding in preterm infants under Kangaroo Mother Care

It has been estimated that 95% of low-birthweight infants are born in developing countries. Nevertheless, most of the globally available resources are invested in developed countries, both for sophisticated, expensive technological care and for research focused on solving problems in scenarios in which access to expensive resources is available. Very little research on scientifically sound, economically accessible interventions reaches internationally recognized scientific journals. For instance, one accepted scientific dogma is that all premature infants must receive breast-milk fortifiers. Thus, healthcare workers consider that not offering fortification or supplementation to all preterm infants under 2000 g is unethical, as it denies them the proven benefits of this intervention. This approach oversimplifies the problem by assuming that infants under 2000 g are a homogeneous population, with similar needs and risks. The largest proportion of preterm survivors in developing countries comprises infants weighing > 1200 g, and their nutritional needs differ from those weighing < 1200 g, who represent a significantly smaller proportion. In developing countries, fortification of breast milk is seldom a feasible option. Even supplementing breast milk with formula implies an expense that cannot always be covered. In addition, many preterm infants (particularly those weighing > 1200 g) can grow properly on exclusive breastfeeding. In our experience, about 45% of infants under ambulatory Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) thrive properly. The choice between giving and withholding supplementation for all preterm infants is not an ethical issue, because there is no choice. This was the justification for conducting the study reported here, which attempts to answer the question of how to identify, as early as possible, those premature infants who survive the early neonatal period and have no obvious risk factors for inadequate growth other than prematurity, but who are less likely to thrive with exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The answer to this question will allow us to use our meagre resources in the most reasonable way, as supplementing breast milk involves not only the direct cost of the formula but also that of training the mothers in techniques for feeding their infants without compromising breastfeeding or increasing the risk of infectious diseases.     

Formulas for older infants

We explored the possibility that standard infant formulas designed as the sole source of nutrients for small, rapidly growing infants may not be equally suitable for older, larger, and less rapidly growing infants who obtain a portion of energy intake from beikost. Our approach was to consider the probable nutrient intakes of a 6-month-old hypothetic infant receiving 80% of energy intake from a standard formula and 20% from beikost, and nutrient intakes of a 10-month-old hypothetic infant receiving 50% of energy intake from a standard formula and 50% from beikost. The assortment of beikost items consumed by infants is moderately high in protein and low in fat. Calculated nutrient intakes of the 10-month-old hypothetic infant were compared with intakes of infants of similar age in two national surveys. We conclude that standard infant formulas designed for young infants are reasonably well suited to meeting the nutrient needs of infants during the latter half of the first year of life.     

Reshaping primary care: the Healthy Steps Initiative.

The Healthy Steps Initiative, funded by the Commonwealth Fund in New York and developed and implemented by Boston University School of Medicine, is an enhanced approach to pediatric care in the first 3 years of life. The goals of this effort in transforming pediatric care include (a) supporting the physical and emotional development of each infant and young child; (b) supporting a parental sense of confidence in their child-rearing knowledge and skills; and (c) supporting the clinical effectiveness of pediatric primary care practices to meet the needs of young children and families. The Healthy Steps Initiative enhances well-child care to achieve these goals by providing child development information and support as part of an expanded approach to pediatric primary care. Healthy Steps offers both pediatric practices and families a vehicle for meeting the needs of infants and young children within a preventative framework. This unique program, which is being quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated over 3 years, has been initiated in more than 24 pediatric sites nationwide.     

Elimination of HIV infection in infants in Europe--challenges and demand for response

Effective interventions for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection now exist and where these are fully implemented, MTCT rates of 1-2% are achievable. Virtual elimination of HIV in infants by 2010 has therefore been set as a goal for European region. There are, however, many challenges. The eastern European and central Asian countries are facing the fastest growing HIV epidemic in the world with a dramatic increase in numbers of HIV-positive pregnancies and new HIV infected infants. Nevertheless, the prevalence of HIV among pregnant women is still relatively low and the high coverage with antenatal care provide an opportunity to decrease the number of new HIV cases among infants to minimal level. The challenge is to move national strategies for prevention of HIV infection among infants from a disease-focused vertical approach towards effective preventive interventions integrated into mother-child health (MCH) and reproductive health services. The scaling up of prevention interventions among those most at risk and hard-to-reach women are key priority actions. This goes beyond clinical care and needs to include a range of care and protection issues, both in health institutions and in the community. The WHO Regional Office for Europe, together with other UNAIDS co-sponsors, has developed a regional strategic framework for prevention of HIV infection in infants. The strategic framework promotes a comprehensive approach comprising the four interrelated elements: (1) primary prevention of HIV infection; (2) prevention of unintended pregnancies among HIV-infected women; (3) prevention of HIV transmission from HIV-infected women to their children; (4) provision of care and support to HIV-infected women, their infants and families. Implementation of all four pillars of the strategic framework would help European countries to achieve the goal of virtual elimination of HIV infection in infants.     

The needs of the abused child in the community

The development of community awareness of child abuse has followed medical awareness and is specifically concerned with prevention and early intervention. Contact between community services and 304 infants from a birth cohort in a poor socio-economic status, multi-ethnic urban municipality was documented to investigate how these services could provide effective community approaches to the problem. While perinatal and medical services provided fragmented care, the Maternal and Child Health Service was the only agency to contact all families, including those of the 21 abused or "at risk" infants. It is suggested that such local universal services should form the basis of a community approach to the needs of the abused or "at risk" child.     

Bordetella pertussis whole cell vaccines--efficacy and toxicity

The literature concerning efficacy and side effects of pertussis vaccines is reviewed. With few exceptions, most vaccines induce a protective immunity lasting for 2 to 5 years. The large-scale use of pertussis vaccines has markedly contributed to the decrease in pertussis morbidity in small children but in some countries the incidence has increased in older children. Not even countries with immunisation rates of 90-95% have managed to eradicate pertussis or prevent disease in infants below the age of immunisation. The pertussis-associated mortality is currently very low in the industrialised countries and no differences can be discerned when countries with high, low and zero immunisation rates are compared. Local and benign systemic reactions are commonly seen after immunisation. The vaccines also sometimes cause convulsions, a shock-like state and, rarely, serious neurological reactions.     

Investigations of chronic diarrhoea

Chronic diarrhoea describes intestinal loss of water and electrolytes with increased stool frequency, reduced consistency and larger volume over more than 14 days. While in developing countries often resulting from persisting infectious gastroenteritis in high incidence, in industrialised countries chronic diarrhoea is mainly related to anatomical, functional, and immunological causes. As the spectrum of aetiology is variable, flow charts for different age groups are useful in determining key features of disease severity and diagnostic criteria. The knowledge of common and rare aetiologies helps to proceed with structured investigations, and to critically interpret results in awareness of diagnostic pitfalls. Comprehensive history, physical examination, inspection and collection of stool samples of sufficient volume are pivotal to devise appropriate referral modes for diagnostic and therapeutic management, as particularly newborn and infants are susceptible to severe dehydration and metabolic disturbances.     

Bordetella Pertussis Whole Cell Vaccines–Efficacy and Toxicity

The literature concerning efficacy and side effects of pertussis vaccines is reviewed. With few exceptions, most vaccines induce a protective immunity lasting for 2 to 5 years. The large-scale use of pertussis vaccines has markedly contributed to the decrease in pertussis morbidity in small children but in some countries the incidence has increased in older children. Not even countries with immunisation rates of 90–95 % have managed to eradicate pertussis or prevent disease in infants below the age of immunisation. The pertussis-associated mortality is currently very low in the industrialised countries and no differences can be discerned when countries with high, low and zero immunisation rates are compared. Local and benign systemic reactions are commonly seen after immunisation. The vaccines also sometimes cause convulsions, a shock-like state and, rarely, serious neurological reactions.     

Single-site umbilical laparoscopic pyloromyotomy

Laparoscopic pyloromyotomy was first reported 20 years ago. This technique uses a small umbilical incision and 2 small upper abdominal incisions. During the last 5 years, this approach has become the preferred technique for many pediatric surgeons in the infant who needs a pyloromyotomy. Recently, with the advent of single-site umbilical laparoscopic surgery, this approach is being used for several common pediatric conditions, including pyloric stenosis. This article will describe the single-site approach used at the Children's Hospital of Alabama and the early outcomes from its use in a relatively small group of infants. An improvement in the cosmetic appearance of the abdominal wall with the single-site approach appears to be the primary reason for its use.     

早产儿语言发展的影响因素

随着儿科急救水平的提高,能够存活的早产儿的胎龄和体重越来越小,但其远期神经心理发展的预后更需要得到关注。早产儿语言发展是智力发展的重要组成部分,反映了神经系统的发育情况。早产儿的语言发展情况如何,与哪些因素有关,不同的研究存在不太一致的结果。本文描述了影响早产儿语言发展的因素,如胎龄、出生体重、性别等,为早产儿语言发展的研究及临床干预提供思路。     

Delayed umbilical cord clamping for reducing anaemia in low birthweight infants: implications for developing countries

BACKGROUND: Cheap and effective interventions are needed to reduce the risk of infant anaemia in developing countries. Delayed cord clamping (DCC) has been shown to be a simple, safe and cost-free delivery procedure that augments red cell mass in appropriate-for-gestational-age term and preterm infants. It is not known, however, whether DCC is similarly safe and effective in small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants. We analysed the available evidence to generate a balanced inference on the use of DCC in developing countries. OBJECTIVES: To examine the short- and long-term effects in SGA infants of DCC compared with immediate clamping, and to assess the relationship between time of clamping and the potential postnatal haematological complications of DCC in SGA infants. SEARCH STRATEGY: PubMed (1966 to January 2006), EMBASE (1988 to January 2006) and The Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2006) were searched. Reference lists of published trials were examined and major journals of perinatal and tropical medicine were hand-searched. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised and quasi-randomised trials comparing delayed with immediate cord clamping in infants born between 30 and 42 completed weeks of gestation and which included a proportion of SGA infants. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Three reviewers assessed eligibility and trial quality. MAIN RESULTS: To date, no trials have specifically reported the effects of DCC in SGA infants. Three trials were included, of 190 term and 40 preterm infants, a proportion of whom were SGA. DCC was associated with higher haemoglobin levels in term infants at follow-up [two trials, 127 infants, weighted mean difference (WMD) 9.17 g/L, 95% confidence interval (CI) 5.94-12.40]. In preterm infants, the proportion who required a blood transfusion in the 1st 6 weeks after birth was lower after DCC (one trial, 38 infants, RR 0.56, 95% CI 0.34-0.94). It was not possible to infer from the available data whether SGA infants were at greater risk of adverse effects in the early neonatal period. CONCLUSIONS: DCC in a group that contains both AGA and SGA infants was associated with higher haemoglobin levels at 2-3 months of age in term infants and a reduction in the number of blood transfusions needed in the 1st 4- 6 weeks of life in preterm infants. No reliable conclusions could be drawn about the potential adverse effects of DCC. The paucity of information on DCC in SGA infants justifies further research, especially in developing countries where the baseline risk for polycythaemia-hyperviscosity syndrome is likely to be lower than in industrialised countries.     

Meconium “aspiration” (or respiratory distress associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid?)

The designation meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) reflects a spectrum of disorders in infants born with meconium-stained amniotic fluid, ranging from mild tachypnea to severe respiratory distress and significant mortality. The frequency of MAS is highest among infants with post-term gestation, thick meconium, and birth asphyxia. Pulmonary hypertension is an important component in severe cases. Prenatal hypopharyngeal suctioning and postnatal endotracheal intubation and suctioning of vigorous infants are not effective. Intubation and suctioning of non-breathing infants is controversial and needs more investigation. Oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and inhaled nitric oxide are the mainstays of treatment. Surfactant is often used in infants with severe parenchymal involvement. High-frequency ventilation and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation are usually considered rescue therapies.     

Surgical complications due to postnatal cytomegalovirus infection in a preterm infant with malrotation

We report a case of an extremely preterm infant with intestinal malrotation who contracted postnatal systemic cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection with a complicated intestinal evolution requiring repeated surgical interventions and antiviral treatment. This report is to emphasize that prolonged gastrointestinal symptoms in extremely preterm infants fed with non‐pasteurized breast milk should lead to suspicion of CMV infection. The importance of preventive measures when feeding very preterm infants with breast milk needs to be considered. Furthermore, the indications for antiviral treatment, in particular in preterm infants, need to be clarified.     

Pertussis: review of epidemiology, diagnosis, management and prevention

Bordetella pertussis--the cause of pertussis or whooping cough--is an exclusively human pathogen. Disease elimination by vaccination should, therefore, be possible, but has proved elusive. Many industrialised countries with long established immunisation programs are currently seeing a resurgence of pertussis, despite universal vaccination with high uptake, with the highest burden in the least immunised age groups (infants under 6 months of age and persons over 10 years old). However, low recognition and reporting and insensitive diagnostic tests mean that the true burden of pertussis is still underestimated. Recently, efforts to improve diagnostic yield include the expanded use of polymerase chain reaction and serological tests but both have significant limitations. The range of antibiotics available for treatment and prophylaxis has expanded to include the newer macrolides, azithromycin and clarithromycin, and a range of universal and targeted vaccination strategies have been implemented or proposed. This paper reviews the current epidemiology of pertussis in developed countries, including modes of clinical presentation, diagnosis, management and potential vaccination strategies.     

Evaluation of body composition in neonates and infants

A better understanding of the nutritional needs of both healthy and sick infants is important. Not only does too much or too little nutrition during early life have long-term effects on health, but periods of rapid growth during the first year of life also have long-term consequences. Knowledge of the changes in body composition in early life can help to better define nutritional needs at these ages. Several methods are available for measuring body composition of neonates and infants. Most focus on an assessment of either body fatness or bone mineralization; only a few can monitor the quality of the non-fat lean tissues. This paper provides an evaluation of the different approaches currently available to monitor infant body composition, identifying both their strengths and limitations.     

Früh- und Neugeborenennachsorge in der Praxis

Advances in neonatal intensive care medicine have resulted in an improved survival of preterm infants. However, these infants are at increased risk for medical problems which may result in post-discharge morbidities or special health care needs. Formerly preterm infants also have increased rates of readmissions within the first years of life. Therefore standardized and multidisciplinary follow-up care in addition to routinely performed health check-ups (“Mutter-Kind-Pass” examinations) is important. Infants with perinatal asphyxia, meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), infection, and congenital malformations also require intensive care and are at risk for health and neurodevelopmental sequelae. This article focuses primarily on preterm infants.     

Vaccination--duty and voluntary consent]

High mass inoculation rates--e.g. against measles, mumps and rubella or German measles--are mandatory in highly industrialised countries to keep circulation of wild strains of viruses as low as possible. In the GDR this was achieved, inter alia, by compulsory vaccination. Although compulsory vaccination is possible in the FRG as well, in accordance with the Federal Epidemics law, it needs a special ordinance requiring to be approved by the Federal Council. This, in turn, will be forthcoming only if there is an incidence of infectious diseases occurring in a malignant form of if it is to be expected that they will be spreading in the manner of an epidemic. Experiences gathered in other European countries (France, Italy) and in the U.S.A. have shown that success of compulsory vaccination depends on early control. Examples in individual Federal Laender and in England prove that high mass inoculation rates can be achieved even without compulsion if there is close cooperation between practising paediatricians and Public Health services.