Reports and Findings
Research
Physicochemical compatibility of alprostadil injection with parenteral medications used in neonatal intensive care settingsThe physicochemical compatibility of alprostadil injection with secondary intravenous (IV) drugs and 2-in-1 parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions used in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit settings was investigated.
Research
Neonatal skin: barrier, immunity and infection prevention in the NICUThe neonatal skin is central to early survival and immune development. Far from being a passive mechanical barrier, it integrates physical, chemical, and microbial defences that together protect the infant in the immediate postnatal period. In preterm infants, structural immaturity, reduced antimicrobial capacity, and altered microbial colonisation confer heightened vulnerability to infection and inflammation.
Research
The CoolCot trial: active methods of therapeutic hypothermia for newborns with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy during neonatal transport: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trialImpaired oxygen delivery or blood flow to the brain around the time of birth can cause injury. Hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy is a leading cause of death and disability in term and near-term infants.
Research
Microplastics Versus Microbiome: The Infantile Gut’s Battle for HealthGut microbiota play a critical role in long-term health by supporting metabolism, immune function, inflammation regulation, and neurological development via the gut–brain axis. Beneficial bacteria enhance gut integrity through short-chain fatty acid production, pathogen inhibition, and mucosal barrier support.
Research
Routine Emollient Therapy with Coconut Oil in Preterm Infants and Allergic Sensitization at 1-Year Corrected AgeSkin care for very and extremely preterm infant is an important and previously underappreciated topic. Coconut oil skin care for preterm infants is a promising option, but several important questions remain including the theoretical potential for allergic sensitization.
Research
Epidemiology of Viral Infections in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Western Australia: A Retrospective Study From 2016 to 2021 Including the COVID-19 PandemicViral infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality in neonates. The COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in viral epidemiology in Western Australia. The impact on patients in neonatal intensive care is uncertain.
Research
Proposed Core Outcomes After Neonatal Sepsis: A Consensus StatementSepsis is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality. There is heterogeneity in the outcomes measured and reported in studies of neonatal sepsis. To address this challenge, a core outcome set (COS) for research on neonatal sepsis was needed.
Research
Antibiotic exposure for culture-negative early-onset sepsis in late-preterm and term newborns: an international studyEarly-life antibiotic exposure is disproportionately high compared to the burden of culture-proven early-onset sepsis (CP-EOS). We assessed the contribution of culture-negative cases to the overall antibiotic exposure in the first postnatal week.
Research
Compatibility of pentoxifylline injection with syringe and inline filtersTobias Strunk MD, PhD, FRACP Head, Neonatal Health tobias.strunk@thekids.org.au Head, Neonatal Health Clinical Professor Tobias Strunk is a Consultant Neonatologist with a clinical research focus on infection and inflammation in newborn infants.
Research
Psychomotor Vigilance Testing on Neonatal Transport: A Western Australian ExperienceThis study aimed to assess whether undertaking retrieval was associated with fatigue independent of sleep and circadian disruption. It also aimed to assess the feasibility of routinely measuring the psychomotor vigilance test on neonatal transport. Fatigue is associated with impaired clinician performance and safety.