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In our latest Journal Club episode, we review several important recent studies in neonatology. We begin by discussing a paper on the changing trends in Apgar scoring, noting a shift from scores of 10 to 9, likely due to increased recognition of normal transitional acrocyanosis.

Next, we examine a study on using ChatGPT and Google Translate for pediatric discharge instructions, finding mixed results across different languages. We then review new transfusion guidelines for very preterm neonates, featuring an interview with co-author Dr. Ravi Patel who provides insights on the guideline development process and implementation considerations.

We also discuss an observational study from Sweden on early skin-to-skin contact and its potential benefits for reducing intraventricular hemorrhage and sepsis in preterm infants, though we note limitations in the study design.

Additionally, we review a pilot randomized trial comparing whole-body hypothermia to targeted normothermia for neonates with mild hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. The study found no clear benefits to cooling in mild cases and highlighted the need for further research.

Finally, we highlight an op-ed emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health needs of new fathers, especially those with infants in the NICU. We note that while screening all NICU parents for postpartum depression is recommended, it is often overlooked, particularly for fathers.

Throughout the episode, we provide thoughtful analysis of the studies' methodologies, findings, and clinical implications, offering valuable insights for our community. We hope this Journal Club helps keep our listeners up-to-date on the latest research and encourages critical thinking about how to apply these findings in clinical practice.

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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Early skin-to-skin contact and the risk of intraventricular haemorrhage and sepsis in preterm infants. Johansson MW, Lilliesköld S, Jonas W, Thernström Blomqvist Y, Skiöld B, Linnér A.Acta Paediatr. 2024 May 27. doi: 10.1111/apa.17302. Online ahead of print.PMID: 38803030

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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Clinical Practice Guideline for Red Blood Cell Transfusion Thresholds in Very Preterm Neonates. Deschmann E, Dame C, Sola-Visner MC, Fustolo-Gunnink SF, Guyatt GH, Patel RM, Stanworth SJ; Neonatal Transfusion Network.JAMA Netw Open. 2024 Jun 3;7(6):e2417431. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.17431.PMID: 38874929 Free article.

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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Nine is the New Ten of Apgar Scores: An Observational Retrospective Cohort Study. Everett SS, Bomback M, Roth P, Goldshtrom N, Polin RA, Lyford A, Hays T.J Pediatr. 2024 Jun 14:114150. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114150. Online ahead of print.PMID: 38880381

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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In this episode of the Incubator "At the Bench," we talk with Dr. Jill Maron, a neonatologist and physician-scientist at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island and Brown University. Join us as we hear Dr. Maron share her journey from medical school to becoming a leading researcher in neonatology. She discusses how her early drive to provide the best patient care evolved into a commitment to advancing bedside care through research. Inspired by Dr. Diana Bianchi, Dr. Maron pursued a career in salivary diagnostics, focusing on non-invasive prenatal testing and feeding tolerance in premature infants. She highlights the challenges and successes in her research journey, emphasizing the importance of finding the right mentorship and building a research career that addresses significant clinical questions that provide answers to patient care conundrums in the neonatal intensive care unit. Dr. Maron also talks about her experiences with giving a TED talk and the impact it had on her career. We are also fortunate to learn about how Dr. Maron decided to take on her current leadership role, when to say “yes,” and step out of your comfort zone in your personal and professional life. We are excited to have you join us for an insightful look into the life and career journey of an inspiring neonatologist-scientist!

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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In this special Father's Day episode, host Daphna Barbeau interviews Alex Zavala, known as the "NICU Dad". Alex shares his emotional journey of becoming a father to his daughter Emerson, born at just 27 weeks.

Alex vividly recounts the day his wife's water broke, the frantic rush to the hospital, and the overwhelming fear and uncertainty as Emerson was delivered via emergency C-section weighing only 2 pounds 5 ounces. He describes feeling like he was thrust into a nightmare, trying to support his wife, make logistical plans, and grapple with the possibility of losing his daughter.

During Emerson's 67-day NICU stay, Alex did the "NICU dad shuffle" - spending early mornings with his daughter, tag-teaming with his wife in the afternoons so she could be there while he went to work, and returning in the evenings. He highlights the unique struggles dads face, including feeling like an afterthought, battling stress, anxiety and PTSD symptoms, weight gain, and having their trauma go unrecognized.

After Emerson came home, Alex continued to face challenges. His stress increased without the monitors and NICU staff, he became a stay-at-home dad, and suffered health issues from the emotional toll. Seeing a need, he started The NICU Dad website and podcast as resources for dads.

Alex's advice for NICU dads: take care of yourself to be the best version of yourself at home, seek counseling, join peer support groups, and utilize resources from organizations like March of Dimes and Hand to Hold. For healthcare professionals, he advocates involving dads from the start, understanding their unique trauma response, and encouraging them to actively participate in their baby's care.

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Professor Pradeep Suryawanshi, a neonatologist, researcher and educator from Pune India. Professor Suryanwanshi discusses his journey as a neonatologist and his work in India and Australia, the process of developing a neonatal care unit and the importance of mentorship. He also discusses factors contributing to India's progress in neonatal care, the challenges and progress in implementing surfactant therapy as well as advice on work-life balance.

Resources mentioned in episode:

Dr. Pradeep Suryawanshi website: https://www.drpradeepsuryawanshi.com/

Neo POCUS course: https://www.drpradeepsuryawanshi.com/neopocus-course/

Contact: drpradeepsuryawanshi@gmail.com

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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In this episode of the Incubator podcast, host Dr. Ben Courchia is joined by two distinguished guests: Dr. Neil Patel, a neonatologist from the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, UK, and Dr. Srirupa Hari Gopal, a third year neonatology fellow at Baylor College of Medicine.

The discussion delves into the complexities of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Drs. Patel and Gopal share their passion for caring for these patients and the multidisciplinary approach required to optimize outcomes.

The conversation highlights the evolving understanding of CDH pathophysiology, with a focus on the increasingly recognized role of cardiac dysfunction alongside pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. The guests also discuss recent advances in prenatal care for CDH, including the use of fetal endotracheal occlusion (FETO) to promote lung growth, and the challenges of counseling families facing a CDH diagnosis.

Looking to the future, Drs. Patel and Gopal express excitement about tailoring CDH management to different disease phenotypes, establishing consensus definitions for CDH-associated pulmonary hypertension, and investigating novel approaches such as physiologic cord clamping.

Throughout the episode, the guests' dedication to improving care for newborns with CDH shines through, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities in this field. This informative and engaging discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in the latest developments in neonatal medicine and the tireless efforts of clinicians and researchers to give every baby the best possible start in life.

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below.

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