In this episode of Journal Club, Ben and Daphna review a retrospective cohort study from the Journal of Perinatology examining the association between NICU capacity strain and neonatal outcomes. We discuss how high census and acuity on admission day correlate with increased mortality and morbidity when adjusted for hospital and patient factors. Join us as we explore why being "slammed with admissions" is more than just a badge of honor—it’s a critical safety metric for our patients.

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The association of NICU capacity strain with neonatal mortality and morbidity. Salazar EG, Passarella M, Formanowski B, Rogowski J, Edwards EM, Halpern SD, Phibbs C, Lorch SA.J Perinatol. 2025 Dec;45(12):1801-1808. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02449-0. Epub 2025 Oct 20.PMID: 41116036 Free PMC article.

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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, Ben and Daphna review a pivotal population-based study from Norway examining a new approach to Early-Onset Sepsis (EOS). The hosts discuss whether serial physical examinations can safely replace routine antibiotic prophylaxis in at-risk term and late-preterm infants. With antibiotic exposure often far exceeding sepsis incidence, this study offers compelling data for a "less is more" strategy. Tune in as Ben and Daphna explore the safety, efficacy, and bedside implications of substituting automatic treatment with structured clinical monitoring—and what this means for reducing unnecessary interventions in the NICU.

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Serial physical examination to reduce unnecessary antibiotic exposure in newborn infants: a population-based study. Vatne A, Eriksen BHH, Bergqvist F, Fagerli I, Guthe HJT, Iversen KV, Ud Din FS, van der Weijde J, Kvaløy JT, Rettedal S.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Nov 19:fetalneonatal-2025-329639. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2025-329639. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41260908

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Maternal Psychological Distress Before and After Childbirth and Neurodevelopmental Delay in Toddlers.

Matsumura K, Tanaka T, Kuroda M, Tsuchida A, Hatakeyama T, Kasamatsu H, Inadera H; Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group.JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Oct 1;8(10):e2540907. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.40907.PMID: 41171271 Free PMC article.

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In this episode of The Incubator’s Journal Club, hosts Ben and Daphna open with exciting announcements, including details on the upcoming Delphi Neonatal Innovation Conference and new video content for their “Beyond the Beeps” series on YouTube. They also share updates on the Board Review Podcast, geared toward both board preparation and ongoing learning in neonatology.

The team’s first paper discussion highlights the ECLA trial from The Lancet, which examines higher versus lower CPAP levels for extubating extremely preterm infants. Ben and Daphna explore how higher CPAP may decrease extubation failure and the implications for clinical practice. Next, they review a large population-based study on intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), underscoring the persistently high rates of IVH in very preterm infants and emphasizing its impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes.

They then welcome guest speaker Dr. Tim Barr from the University of Utah, who introduces the concept of end-tidal carbon monoxide monitoring as a noninvasive tool for detecting hemolysis and guiding bilirubin management. Dr. Barr explains how this method may help clinicians identify and treat high-risk neonates earlier. The discussion closes with a look at recent data on early hydrocortisone use in neonatal shock and a paper examining discrepancies between parental and medical classifications of neurodevelopmental impairment. Through in-depth research reviews and expert commentary, this episode showcases The Incubator’s commitment to advancing neonatal care.

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Parental and Medical Classification of Neurodevelopment in Children Born Preterm.

Richter LL, Janvier A, Pearce R, Bourque CJ, Church PT, Luu TM, Synnes A.Pediatrics. 2025 Feb 1;155(2):e2024066148. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-066148.PMID: 39786567

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Early hydrocortisone verses placebo in neonatal shock- a double blind Randomized controlled trial.

Dudeja S, Saini SS, Sundaram V, Dutta S, Sachdeva N, Kumar P.J Perinatol. 2025 Feb 13. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02222-3. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39948354

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Improvement Initiative: End-Tidal Carbon Monoxide Measurement in Newborns Receiving Phototherapy.

Bahr TM, Shakib JH, Stipelman CH, Kawamoto K, Lauer S, Christensen RD.J Pediatr. 2021 Nov;238:168-173.e2. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2021.07.008. Epub 2021 Jul 11.PMID: 34260896

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Intraventricular Hemorrhage and Survival, Multimorbidity, and Neurodevelopment.

Rees P, Gale C, Battersby C, Williams C, Carter B, Sutcliffe A.JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Jan 2;8(1):e2452883. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.52883.PMID: 39761048 

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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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Higher versus lower nasal continuous positive airway pressure for extubation of extremely preterm infants in Australia (ÉCLAT): a multicentre, randomised, superiority trial.

Kidman AM, Manley BJ, Boland RA, Malhotra A, Donath SM, Beker F, Davis PG, Bhatia R.Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2023 Dec;7(12):844-851. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(23)00235-3. Epub 2023 Oct 27.PMID: 38240784 Clinical Trial.

Support the show

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 Journal Club, Ben and Daphna are back in the studio for a lively discussion on the latest neonatal research. They start by highlighting upcoming conferences, including the BPD Collaborative meeting, before diving into a mix of clinical and policy-driven studies shaping neonatal care.

They explore a JAMA Pediatrics study on the risk of apnea following two-month vaccinations in preterm infants, discussing how these findings impact vaccine counseling in the NICU. Next, they examine research on the link between pregnancy-induced hypertension and neonatal thrombocytopenia, offering insights into how maternal conditions affect early lab values and bleeding risks.

The episode also features an EBNEO segment with Dr. Srishti Jayakumar and Dr. Sarah DeMauro, covering a Brazilian randomized trial on parent-guided developmental interventions for very low birth weight infants. The findings reveal significant improvements in motor and language outcomes, reinforcing the power of early parental involvement.

Finally, they tackle the debate on NICU volume and outcomes, analyzing data that suggests higher-volume centers may improve mortality and morbidity rates—but with important caveats.

Packed with critical analysis, debate, and practical insights, this Journal Club episode is one you won’t want to miss!

Support the show

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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Unbound bilirubin and risk of severe neurodevelopmental impairment in extremely low birthweight newborns. 

Arnold CC, Maric I, Wong RJ, Tyson JE, Stevenson DK.Pediatr Res. 2025 Jan 23. doi: 10.1038/s41390-025-03872-x. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39849115

Support the show

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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The Impact of Hospital Delivery Volumes of Newborns Born Very Preterm on Mortality and Morbidity. 

Phibbs CS, Passarella M, Schmitt SK, Martin A, Lorch SA.J Pediatr. 2025 Jan;276:114323. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114323. Epub 2024 Sep 18.PMID: 39304118

Support the show

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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EBNEO Commentary: Parent-Guided Developmental Intervention for Infants With Very Low Birth Weight. 

Jayakumar S, Burris H, Duncan A, DeMauro SB.Acta Paediatr. 2025 Jan 30. doi: 10.1111/apa.17608. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39887768 No abstract available.

Support the show

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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Treatment of Hypotension of Prematurity: a randomised trial.

Alderliesten T, Arasteh E, van Alphen A, Groenendaal F, Dudink J, Benders MJ, van Bel F, Lemmers P. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Dec 15;111(1):F60-F66. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-328253.PMID: 40413017 Clinical Trial.

Support the show

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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Outcomes of extremely preterm infants who participated in a randomised trial of dopamine for treatment of hypotension (the HIP trial) at 2 years corrected age. 

Marlow N, Barrington KJ, ODonnell CPF, Miletin J, Naulaers G, Cheung PY, Corcoran JD, Khuffash E, Boylan GB, Livingstone V, Pons G, Straňák Z, Van Laere D, Macko J, Wiedermannova H, Dempsey EM; HIP consortium.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Jan 19:fetalneonatal-2024-327894. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-327894. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39832819

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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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Effects of pregnancy-induced hypertension on early-onset neonatal thrombocytopenia. 

Ye M, Zhou C, Li L, Wang L, Zhang M.BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2025 Jan 24;25(1):67. doi: 10.1186/s12884-025-07193-z.PMID: 39856602 Free PMC article.

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Apnea After 2-Month Vaccinations in Hospitalized Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial. 

Greenberg RG, Rountree W, Staat MA, Schlaudecker EP, Poindexter B, Trembath A, Laughon M, Poniewierski MS, Spreng RL, Broder KR, Wodi AP, Museru O, Anyalechi EG, Marquez PL, Randolph EA, Aleem S, Kilpatrick R, Walter EB.JAMA Pediatr. 2025 Jan 6. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2024.5311. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39761016

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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 week’s Journal Club, Ben and Daphna discuss six impactful studies shaping neonatal care. The conversation opens with a retrospective study exploring the timeline and factors influencing liberation from respiratory support in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), offering valuable insights for parental counseling and care planning. A survey on enteral nutrition practices in U.S. NICUs highlights variability in feeding protocols and fortification strategies, with an encouraging trend toward donor milk use.

The hosts then delve into a study on anti-seizure medication protocols, showing how structured pathways can significantly reduce the number of infants discharged on these medications. A European survey on anemia of prematurity reveals wide variations in iron supplementation and erythropoietin use, emphasizing the need for standardized practices. They also review a commentary on the evolving design of NICUs, which warns against sensory deprivation and advocates for balancing protective and nurturing environments.

Finally, the discussion turns to a Spanish study on bemiparin, a low molecular weight heparin for neonatal thrombosis. While safe, the treatment faces challenges in achieving full thrombus resolution, highlighting the complexities of managing neonatal clotting disorders. Packed with insights and updates, this episode is a must-listen for neonatal professionals.

Support the show

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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Bemiparin in neonatal thrombosis: therapeutic dosing and safety.

Sanchez-Holgado M, Sampedro M, Zozaya C, Permuy Romero C, Alvarez-Garcia P, La Banda-Montalvo L, Nieto C, Pellicer A.J Perinatol. 2024 Dec 16. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-02200-1. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39681735

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The road to sensory deprivation in the NICU is paved with good intentions: defining an optimal environment of care.

White RD, Browne JV, Inder T.J Perinatol. 2025 Jan;45(1):1-2. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-02204-x. Epub 2024 Dec 19.PMID: 39702828 No abstract available.

Support the show

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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Supplemental Iron and Recombinant Erythropoietin for Anemia in Infants Born Very Preterm: A Survey of Clinical Practice in Europe.

Reibel-Georgi NJ, Scrivens A, Heeger LE, Lopriore E, New HV, Deschmann E, Stanworth SJ, Carrascosa MA, Brække K, Cardona F, Cools F, Farrugia R, Ghirardello S, Krivec JL, Matasova K, Muehlbacher T, Sankilampi U, Soares H, Szabó M, Szczapa T, Zaharie G, Roehr CC, Fustolo-Gunnink S, Dame C; Neonatal Transfusion Network.J Pediatr. 2025 Jan;276:114302. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114302. Epub 2024 Sep 13.PMID: 39277077 Free article.
 

Enteral nutritional practices in extremely preterm infants: a survey of U.S. NICUs.

Romero-Lopez M, Naik M, Holzapfel LF, Tyson JE, Pedroza C, Ahmad KA, Rysavy MA, Carlo WA, Zhang Y, Tibe C, Salas AA.J Perinatol. 2024 Dec 9. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-02198-6. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39653781 No abstract available.

Support the show

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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EBNEO commentary: Reducing the percentage of surviving infants with acute symptomatic seizures discharged on anti-seizure medication.

Barber D, Chang J.Acta Paediatr. 2025 Feb;114(2):456-457. doi: 10.1111/apa.17529. Epub 2024 Dec 4.PMID: 39630589 No abstract available.

Reducing the percentage of surviving infants with acute symptomatic seizures discharged on anti-seizure medication.

Nangle AM, He Z, Bhalla S, Bullock J, Carlson A, Dutt M, Hamrick S, Jones P, Piazza A, Vale A, Sewell EK.J Perinatol. 2024 Jul 23. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-02044-9. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39043995

Support the show

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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Enteral nutritional practices in extremely preterm infants: a survey of U.S. NICUs.

Romero-Lopez M, Naik M, Holzapfel LF, Tyson JE, Pedroza C, Ahmad KA, Rysavy MA, Carlo WA, Zhang Y, Tibe C, Salas AA.J Perinatol. 2024 Dec 9. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-02198-6. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39653781 No abstract available.

Support the show

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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Liberation from Respiratory Support in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

Kielt MJ, Zaniletti I, Lagatta JM, Padula MA, Grover TR, Porta NFM, Wymore EM, Jensen EA, Leeman KT, Levin JC, Evans JR, Yallapragada S, Nelin LD, Vyas-Read S, Murthy K; Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Consortium Severe BPD Focus Group.J Pediatr. 2024 Nov 7:114390. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114390. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39521174

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Applied forces during neonatal intubation with direct and video laryngoscopy at different bed elevations: a randomized crossover manikin study.

Cavallin F, Pasquali G, Maglio S, Villani PE, Menciassi A, Tognarelli S, Trevisanuto D.Eur J Pediatr. 2025 Nov 5;184(12):732. doi: 10.1007/s00431-025-06524-8.PMID: 41191125 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.

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In this engaging Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna return to explore the latest research in neonatology. They begin with a pivotal clinical report from Pediatrics on updated algorithms for newborn screening of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD), highlighting simplified protocols and their significant impact on infant mortality. The discussion delves into screening challenges in the NICU, high-altitude settings, and for out-of-hospital births.

Next, they discuss the CordSafe study from Australia, a phase 1 trial on the safety of autologous cord blood-derived cell administration for extremely preterm infants, aimed at reducing brain injuries like IVH. Daphna explains the rigorous methodology and promising early findings.

Ben then reviews the STAT trial, which evaluates whether primary anastomosis offers better outcomes than stoma formation in NEC surgery. The results show significant reductions in TPN duration and intestinal complications with primary anastomosis.

The hosts also discuss trends in PDA management and their surprising association with increased rates of BPD over the past decade, along with insights into evolving diagnostic and therapeutic practices.

Finally, they analyze a Spanish study on elective extubation during skin-to-skin care, finding it to be a feasible and safe practice, potentially enhancing neonatal and parental outcomes.

Don’t miss next week’s exciting interview with Dr. Keith Barrington!

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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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Elective extubation during skin-to-skin care in preterm newborns is safe and well-tolerated.

Morey-Olivé M, Romaní-Franquesa N, Echeverría-Gallart M, Céspedes-Dominguez MC, Camba-Longueira F, Montaner-Ramon A.Acta Paediatr. 2024 Nov 12. doi: 10.1111/apa.17496. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39530316

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Occurrence and Time of Onset of Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Neonates: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Patient Data.

Nagy Z, Obeidat M, Máté V, et al. JAMA Pediatr. 2024 Dec.

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Changes in Patent Ductus Arteriosus Management and Outcomes in Infants Born at 26 to 28 Weeks' Gestation.

Kaluarachchi DC, Rysavy MA, Do B, Chock VY, Laughon MM, Backes CH, Colaizy TT, Bell EF, McNamara PJ.J Pediatr. 2024 Dec 26:114456. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114456. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39732160

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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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STAT trial: stoma or intestinal anastomosis for necrotizing enterocolitis: a multicentre randomized controlled trial.

Eaton S, Ganji N, Thyoka M, Shahroor M, Zani A, Pleasants-Terashita H, Ghazzaoui AE, Sivaraj J, Loukogeorgakis S, De Coppi P, Montedonico S, Sindjic-Antunovic S, Lukac M, Hamill J, Choo CSC, Nah SA, Hulscher J, Emil S, Petersen A, Wijnen R, Sloots C, Sigalet D, Kiely E, Svensson JF, Wester T, Pierro A.Pediatr Surg Int. 2024 Oct 29;40(1):279. doi: 10.1007/s00383-024-05853-3.PMID: 39470842 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.

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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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Feasibility and safety of autologous cord blood derived cell administration in extremely preterm infants: a single-centre, open-label, single-arm, phase I trial (CORD-SaFe study).

Zhou L, McDonald CA, Yawno T, Razak A, Connelly K, Novak I, Miller SL, Jenkin G, Malhotra A.EBioMedicine. 2024 Dec 13;111:105492. doi: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2024.105492. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39674685 Free article.

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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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Newborn Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease: A New Algorithm and Other Updated Recommendations: Clinical Report.

Oster ME, Pinto NM, Pramanik AK, Markowsky A, Schwartz BN, Kemper AR, Hom LA, Martin GR; and the SECTION ON CARDIOLOGY AND CARDIAC SURGERY; SECTION ON HOSPITAL MEDICINE; COMMITTEE ON FETUS AND NEWBORN.Pediatrics. 2025 Jan 1;155(1):e2024069667. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-069667.PMID: 39679594

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Early body composition outcomes of infants born very preterm and receiving high volume, human milk feedings (≥170 ml/kg/day) before postnatal day 14.

Gunawan E, Molleti M, Salas AA.J Perinatol. 2025 Oct 31. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02469-w. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41174086 No abstract available.

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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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Full exclusively enteral fluids from day 1 versus gradual feeding in preterm infants (FEED1): a open-label, parallel-group, multicentre, randomised, superiority trial.

Ojha S, Mitchell EJ, Johnson MJ, Gale C, McGuire W, Oddie S, Hall SS, Meakin G, Anderson J, Partlet C, Su Y, Johnson S, Walker KF, Ogollah R, Mistry H, Naghdi S, Montgomery A, Dorling J; FEED1 collaborative.Lancet Child Adolesc Health. 2025 Dec;9(12):827-836. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(25)00271-8. Epub 2025 Oct 17.PMID: 41115446 Free article. Clinical Trial.

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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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What’s new in neonatal innovation and research this week?

Join Ben and Daphna for a lively Journal Club episode of The Incubator Podcast, recorded after a long NICU day but packed with energy and insight. They begin with an update on the newly released NRP 9th Edition, preview their excitement for the upcoming Delphi Neonatal Innovation Conference, and then dive into five remarkable studies shaping neonatal care.

From the use of CARPEDIEM for renal replacement therapy in the tiniest infants to a meta-analysis on high-dose vitamin D supplementation, the hosts explore how evolving evidence can transform bedside care. They examine a novel trial of nebulized nitroglycerin for PPHN, the role of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) in optimizing PEEP for infants with severe BPD, and new insights into NEC risk factors even among exclusively human-milk-fed babies.

With their trademark mix of curiosity, humor, and critical reflection, Ben and Daphna make complex studies both understandable and relevant for everyday NICU practice.

Stay informed and inspired—listen now, and explore more neonatal research and conference updates at www.the-incubator.org.

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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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Risk factors associated with the development of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants on an exclusive human milk diet: a single-center case-control study.

Ailumerab H, Miller JL, DeShea L, Beasley WH, Chaaban H, Bergner EM.J Perinatol. 2025 Aug 30. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02401-2. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40885806

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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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Identifying optimal positive end-expiratory pressure with electrical impedance tomography guidance in severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Shui JE, LaVita CJ, Alcala GC, Nichols JH, Jassar RK, Turcu RM, Lerou PH, Cereda MF, Carroll RW, Ribeiro De Santis Santiago R, Berra L.J Perinatol. 2025 Sep 30. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02433-8. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41028823

Support the show

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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Azithromycin for Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia and Other Neonatal Adverse Outcomes in Preterm Infants: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Joseph M, Murali Krishna M, Karlinksi Vizentin V, Provinciatto H, Ezenna C.Neonatology. 2025 Aug 12:1-10. doi: 10.1159/000547537. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40795809 Free article.

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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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Nebulized nitroglycerin as an adjuvant drug in management of persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborns: a randomized controlled trial.

Farag MM, Ghazal HAE, Abdel-Mohsen AM, Rezk MA.Eur J Pediatr. 2025 Sep 1;184(9):586. doi: 10.1007/s00431-025-06381-5.PMID: 40888971 Free PMC article. Clinical Trial.

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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 Journal Club, Ben and Daphna dive into a multicenter retrospective study from the European Journal of Pediatrics questioning the necessity of universal empiric antibiotics in neonates undergoing therapeutic hypothermia for HIE. Comparing Italian and Belgian cohorts, the team discusses the reality of a 111 Number Needed to Treat (NNT) for a single case of culture-proven sepsis. From the diagnostic challenges of overlapping clinical markers to the fascinating "asymptote" of postnatal leukocyte trends, we explore whether it's time to shift from routine to selective antibiotic use in our most complex patients.

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Antibiotic use in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy undergoing therapeutic hypothermia: time to rethink universal empirical treatment. De Rose DU, Piersigilli F, Auriti C, Campi F, Cortazzo V, Samaey A, Carkeek K, Martini L, Maddaloni C, Santisi A, Ronci S, Iacona G, Bersani I, Savarese I, Danhaive O, Cilio MR, Bernaschi P, Dotta A, Ronchetti MP.Eur J Pediatr. 2025 Nov 22;184(12):781. doi: 10.1007/s00431-025-06652-1.PMID: 41275063

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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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Short-term and long-term effects of vitamin D supplementation for preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Shin SH, Kim HJ, Heo JS.J Perinatol. 2025 Oct 7. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02440-9. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41057557

Support the show

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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Infant Renal Replacement Therapy Using Carpediem™: A Multicenter Observational Cohort Study from the ICONIIC Learning Network.

Slagle CL, Vuong KT, Krallman KA, Casey L, Gist KM, Jetton JG, Joseph C, Luckritz K, Martin SD, Morgan J, Merrill KA, Plomaritas K, Ramirez D, Tran CL, Shin HS, Snyder AN, Van Wyk B, Yalon L, Goldstein SL, Menon S.J Pediatr. 2025 Sep 26:114838. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114838. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41016463 Free article.

Support the show

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 Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a wide range of new research shaping neonatal practice and policy.

The discussion begins with a randomized controlled trial from Korea examining antenatal corticosteroid use in twin pregnancies at risk for late preterm delivery, showing reductions in neonatal respiratory morbidity. They then turn to a meta-analysis on DHA with or without ARA supplementation in preterm infants, where results raised concerns about potential increased risk of BPD, highlighting the need for more precise dosing and study design.

A major feature of this episode is the release of the Improving Neonatology Staffing Toolkit, presented with guests Dr. Kerri Machut and Dr. Milenka Cuevas Guaman. They explain how the toolkit builds on consensus recommendations to offer practical guidance, case studies, and advocacy resources for units of all sizes.

Ben and Daphna also review a multi-center study comparing transcatheter closure and surgical ligation of the PDA in extremely preterm infants, finding similar neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years. Additional topics include an analysis of opt-out consent in neonatal trials, new data on the association between critical congenital heart disease and infant cancer, and a systematic review of autism screening tools for preterm children.

A dense episode full of data and practical implications for neonatology.

Support the show

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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Screening for Autism in Preterm Children: A Systematic Review.

Thomas KE, Raghuram K, Banihani R, Church PT, Mbuagbaw L, Penner M.Pediatrics. 2025 Sep 3:e2024069837. doi: 10.1542/peds.2024-069837. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40897396

Support the show

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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Critical Congenital Heart Disease and Infant Cancer.

Chin S, Lupo PJ, Baer R, Hobbs CA, Chambers CD, Bandoli G.Pediatrics. 2025 Sep 25:e2025072934. doi: 10.1542/peds.2025-072934. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40992753 No abstract available.

Support the show

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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Parent and practitioner experiences of opt-out consent in neonatal intensive care: a mixed methods study within a trial.

Mitchell T, Andrzejewska I, Battersby C, Cole C, Daskalopoulou Z, Dorling J, Gale C, Graham M, Hubbard M, Hardy P, Hurd M, King AR, Manley BJ, Murray D, Nuthall E, O'Connor H, Ojha S, Roberts CT, Rodriquez A, Roehr CC, Stanbury K, Tume L, Young L, Woolfall K.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Aug 31:fetalneonatal-2025-328693. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2025-328693. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40889884

Support the show

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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Comparison of neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely preterm infants undergoing trans-catheter closure of the patent ductus arteriosus compared to surgical ligation.

Kaluarachchi DC, Chock VY, Do BT, Rysavy MA, Sankar MN, Laughon MM, Backes CH, Colaizy TT, Bell EF, McNamara PJ, Hintz SR, Natarajan G.J Perinatol. 2025 Sep 23. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02417-8. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40987835

Support the show

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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Effect of enteral supplementation of DHA with or without ARA in preterm infants: a meta-analysis.

Dang D, Gao Z, Zhang C, Mu X, Lv X, Wu H.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Apr 15:fetalneonatal-2024-327606. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-327606. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40233974

Support the show

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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Antenatal Corticosteroid in Twin-Pregnant Women at Risk of Late Preterm Delivery: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Lee SM, Park HS, Choi SR, Lee J, Kim HJ, Park JY, Oh KJ, Cho GJ, Oh MJ, Chung JH, Kim SM, Kim BJ, Kim SY, Hong S, Jung YM, Lee SJ, Seong JS, Kim H, Oh S, Lee J, Jin YR, Kim JH, Cho HY, Park CW, Park JS, Jun JK.JAMA Pediatr. 2025 Sep 22:e253284. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.3284. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40982289

Support the show

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.

Enjoy!

Support the show

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.

Enjoy!