The Incubator's Journal Club
The Incubator's Journal Club is a weekly podcast that reviews the latest evidence in neonatology and perinatal medicine from peer-reviewed journals. Each episode breaks down important studies, focusing on methodology, key findings, and clinical impact. Designed for clinicians, nurses, and trainees, it highlights research that informs bedside practice and decision-making. The podcast provides an efficient way to stay current with practice-changing evidence in neonatal care.
Episodes
#450 - [Journal Club] - π« From The Heart - Is Dopamine Still Defensible as First-Line for Neonatal Septic Shock?
In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, Adrianne and Nim examine whether norepinephrine outperforms dopamine as a first-line vasoactive agent in neonates with fluid-refractory septic shock. The primary outcome, shock reversal at 30 minutes, was not significantly different between groups, at 32 percent for norepinephrine and 46 percent for dopamine. Secondary outcomes including mortality,
#450 - [Journal Club] - π« From The Heart - Does Early Hydrocortisone Actually Move the Needle in Fluid-Refractory Shock?
In this double-blind randomized controlled trial from northern India, Nim and Adrianne review whether early hydrocortisone reduces 14-day all-cause mortality in preterm infants with fluid-refractory shock. The primary outcome showed no statistically significant difference between groups, though an 11 percent absolute reduction in mortality in the hydrocortisone group raised clinical interest. A ma
#450 - [Journal Club] - π«From The Heart - When Nitric Oxide Fails: Is the Left Ventricle the Culprit in Septic Preterm Infants?
In this retrospective single-center study from Toronto, Adrianne and Nim explore the echo findings of preterm infants with septic shock and hypoxemic respiratory failure. Contrary to the common assumption that elevated pulmonary vascular resistance drives hypoxemia in sepsis, the data points to left ventricular dysfunction as a key contributor. Babies with hypoxemic respiratory failure showed lowe
#447 - [Journal Club] - π Is a Five-Day Antibiotic Course Enough to Treat UTIs in the NICU?
Is five days of antibiotics enough to treat a urinary tract infection in a NICU infant? In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a single-center study from Nationwide Children's Hospital examining adherence and safety of a five-day antibiotic treatment guideline for culture and urinalysis-proven UTIs in the NICU. Among 77 infants with 93 bacterial UTIs, the five-day course was asso
#447 - [Journal Club] - π Does Extended CPAP Reduce Intermittent Hypoxemia in Stable Preterm Infants?
What happens to intermittent hypoxemia when you keep a stable preterm infant on CPAP for two extra weeks? In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a secondary analysis from the Journal of Pediatrics by Mamidi and McEvoy. Among 95 infants randomized to either two additional weeks of bubble CPAP on room air or discontinued CPAP, those in the extended CPAP group experienced significantly f
#447 - [Journal Club] - π Are we missing UTIs in neonates hospitalized for unexplained jaundice?
In this Journal Club episode, Daphna reviews a retrospective cohort study from Istanbul examining clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound factors associated with UTI in neonates hospitalized for unexplained hyperbilirubinemia. Among 96 term and near-term infants, 31% had culture-proven UTIs, a striking prevalence. Pathological renal ultrasound findings were independently associated with UTI, with aff
#447 - [Journal Club] - π Is phototherapy doing more harm than good in very preterm infants?
In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a nationwide Swedish cohort study examining the association between phototherapy duration and neonatal outcomes in very preterm infants (22 to 31 weeks). The studyβs primary outcome, late neonatal mortality on days 8 to 27, was not significantly associated with phototherapy duration. However, longer phototherapy exposure was associated with incre
#445 - [Journal Club] - π Are we missing dysphagia in very preterm infants before they leave the NICU?
How often are we missing dysphagia in our most vulnerable NICU patients? In this episode of Journal Club, Daphna reviews a retrospective cohort study from the Journal of Perinatology examining the incidence and risk factors of dysphagia confirmed by flexible endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) in very preterm and very low birth weight infants. Among infants showing persistent feeding diffic
#445 - [Journal Club] - π Does an exclusive human milk diet improve growth in very low birth weight infants?
Japan has some of the best survival rates for extremely preterm infants in the world, yet feeding practices there look very different from what many of us are used to. In this episode of Journal Club, Ben reviews the JASMINE trial, a multicenter phase three randomized controlled trial evaluating an exclusive human milk diet compared to a standard cow milk-based diet in very low birth weight infant
#445 - [Journal Club] - π Can a few drops of breast milk in a preterm infant's nose actually improve cerebral oxygenation?
Could putting a few drops of breast milk in a preterm infant's nose actually improve cerebral oxygenation? In this episode of Journal Club, Daphna reviews a randomized controlled trial from the European Journal of Pediatrics investigating the physiologic effects of intranasal expressed breast milk (EBM) administration in preterm infants. The study found that infants receiving 0.2 mL of fresh
#445 - [Journal Club] - π Can symptom-based dosing cut hospitalization time for babies with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome?
One infant is diagnosed with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome every 27 minutes, and rates are rising. In this episode of Journal Club, Ben and Daphna review the Optimized NOW randomized clinical trial, a landmark multicenter study published in JAMA. The trial compared symptom-based dosing,Β a single opioid dose given when a withdrawal threshold is met against the traditional scheduled opioid ta
#442 - [Journal Club] - π Does combining EEG and MRI improve neurodevelopmental prognostication in preterm infants?
In this episode of Journal Club, we wrap up a marathon recording session with a deep dive into the world of neonatal neuroprognostication. Daphna reviews a systematic review and meta-analysis from Pediatric Neurology that evaluates whether combining EEG and MRI provides better answers for families of preterm infants. While MRI remains a powerful tool for structural assessment, the data suggests th
#442 - [Journal Club] - π Is a low Apgar score more concerning than a low umbilical pH in preemies?
Ben kicks things off with a major career update before we dive into a critical study from JAMA Network Open. We explore the predictive value of the five minute Apgar score when combined with umbilical artery pH in very preterm infants. While the Apgar score was originally designed for term babies, this analysis of the EPICE cohort reveals its enduring utility even in the smallest patients. We disc
#442 - [Journal Club] - π Does 24 hour in house staffing decrease physician productivity metrics?
Is your NICU considering the shift to 24 hour in house attending coverage? In this episode of Journal Club, we explore a provocative brief communication from the Journal of Perinatology. Ben and Daphna discuss the impact of moving from home call to on site presence at UC Davis. While the change was intended to improve patient care, the data reveals a surprising 15 percent decrease in work RVUs. We
#442 - [Journal Club] - π Does NIRS guided treatment improve clinical outcomes for extremely preterm infants?
In this episode of Journal Club, Ben and Daphna dive into the results of the NIRTURE trial, recently published in JAMA Network Open. Building on the lessons of SafeBoosC 3 , the NIRTURE investigators aimed to reduce the burden of cerebral hypoxia and hyperoxia in extremely preterm infants using a standardized NIRS guided treatment protocol. While the study showed a dramatic improvement in maintain
#434 - [Journal Club] - π LISA and Caffeine Together: What Do the Two-Year Outcomes Actually Show?
In this Journal Club episode, Ben reviews a secondary analysis of the CALI trial, published in JAMA Network Open, examining two-year neurodevelopmental and pulmonary outcomes in preterm infants who received early caffeine combined with LISA versus caffeine and CPAP alone. Building on the original CALI trial's finding that early caffeine prior to LISA reduced intubation rates and BPD, this fol
#434 - [Journal Club] - π Could Intranasal Breast Milk Be the Next Adjunct Therapy for HIE?
In this Journal Club episode, Daphna presents the F-NeoBright trial β a pilot feasibility and safety study out of Hungary exploring intranasal fresh breast milk administration in neonates with moderate to severe HIE undergoing therapeutic hypothermia. With so few adjunct therapies available beyond cooling, the idea of harnessing breast milk's rich bioactive components β including neurotrophic
#434 - [Journal Club] - π Can Ultrasound Help Us Better Identify Surgical NEC?
In this Journal Club episode, Ben takes the lead and reviews a prospective cohort pilot study from the Archives of Disease in Childhood examining whether combining abdominal ultrasound with plain radiography can improve surgical risk stratification in neonates with suspected NEC. With mortality remaining as high as 20β40% and diagnosis still heavily reliant on clinical judgment, the stakes couldn&
#434 - [Journal Club] - π AAP update on therapeutic hypothermia for neonates with HIE
In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna dive into the American Academy of Pediatrics' February Clinical Report on Therapeutic Hypothermia for Neonatal Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy. Daphna, who presented this paper at the Florida Neonatal Neurologic Network, walks us through the key action statements β from the established 33.5Β°C target temperature to the more nuanced discussions aroun
#431 - [Journal Club] - π Can Retinal Images Predict BPD and Pulmonary Hypertension?
In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna explore an exciting new frontier in neonatology: oculomics. Reviewing a recent paper from JAMA Ophthalmology, they discuss how deep learning models applied to routine ROP screening images can predict the development of BPD and pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants. By combining visual features extracted via neural networks with standard demographic
#431 - [Journal Club] - π Rethinking the Link Between BPD Grades and Pulmonary Hypertension
In this episode of Journal Club, Ben and Daphna review a pivotal paper from the Journal of Pediatrics led by the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Network (PPHNet). The study explores invasive hemodynamic metrics and long-term outcomes in infants with BPD-associated pulmonary hypertension. Surprisingly, researchers found an almost equal distribution of pulmonary hypertension across mild, moderate,
#431 - [Journal Club] - π Should We Stop Routine Car Seat Testing for Preterm Infants?
In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a systematic review and meta-analysis from JAMA Network Open questioning the clinical value of predischarge car seat tolerance screening (CSTS). Driven by data suggesting that testing does not reduce 30-day mortality or hospital readmissions, they discuss the high failure rates, varying definitions of bradycardia and desaturation, and the uninten
#431 - [Journal Club] - π Prophylactic hydrocortisone to improve BPD-free survival?
In this Daily Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a massive Swedish national cohort study from JAMA Network Open examining early prophylactic hydrocortisone in extremely preterm infants. They discuss the targeted regimens used, differences in gestational age outcomes, and whether a blanket prophylactic approach is truly effective for preventing BPD. With impressive data covering 98% of all
#410 - [Journal Club] - π Should We Increase Caffeine Dosing for Extremely Preterm Infants?
In this episode of Journal Club, Ben and Daphna review a retrospective cohort study exploring the effects of higher caffeine maintenance dosing on BPD and neurodevelopmental outcomes. They discuss the transition from the standard CAP trial doses to higher regimens for infants born at or before 28 weeks gestation. Does an average daily dose of over six milligrams per kilogram reduce severe BPD or i
#410 - [Journal Club] - π Does Drying Very Preterm Infants Before Wrapping Improve Normothermia?
In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review the eye-opening results of the NeoDry Trial recently published in JAMA Network Open. They explore the clinical rationale of whether drying very preterm infants before applying a plastic wrap in the delivery room improves rates of normothermia upon NICU admission. While the intervention did not significantly improve temperatures, it unexpectedly r
#410 - [Journal Club] - π Is Diazoxide Use Increasing for NICU Hypoglycemia?
In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a large cohort study from the Journal of Perinatology on the prevalence and safety of diazoxide in the NICU. With neonatal hypoglycemia seemingly on the rise, they discuss off-label use for transient hyperinsulinism and evaluate real-world data from over 340 Pediatrix units. They dive into the rates of concurrent diuretic therapy, respiratory sup
#410 - [Journal Club] - π Prophylactic Acetaminophen for PDA, Does Early Closure Improve Outcomes?
In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review the highly anticipated TREOCAPA trial results exploring the prophylactic use of acetaminophen for PDA closure in extremely preterm infants. They break down the study's tailored dosing regimens, safety outcomes like cholestasis, and discuss why achieving a higher rate of early ductal closure didn't necessarily translate to improved survi
#399 - [Journal Club] - π From Screening to Solution: Resolving Food Insecurity in Pediatrics
Ben and Daphna conclude Journal Club with a quality improvement study from Pediatrics titled "Improving Health-Related Social Needs Screening and Support Across a Pediatric Health Care System". The hosts discuss the successful implementation of universal social determinants of health (SDOH) screening across nine pediatric divisions at Levine Children's. They highlight the impressive
#399 - [Journal Club] - π Early Vitamin D: Can 800 IU Prevent BPD in Preterms?
Ben and Daphna review a randomized controlled trial published in The Journal of Pediatrics by Dr. Ariel Salas and colleagues at UAB. The study investigates whether early high-dose vitamin D supplementation (800 IU/day starting day 1) in extremely preterm infants reduces the incidence of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) compared to standard care (starting day 14). The hosts discuss the physiologic
#399 - [Journal Club] - π 8 Days vs. 14 Days: Can We Shorten Antibiotics for Gram-Negative Sepsis?
In this episode of Journal Club, Ben and Daphna review a retrospective cohort study from Pediatrics examining antibiotic duration for uncomplicated Gram-negative bloodstream infections in the NICU. The study, a collaboration between Nationwide Childrenβs Hospital and UT Health San Antonio, compares outcomes between short course (β€8 days) and long course (β₯9 days) therapy. The hosts discuss the sta
#399 - [Journal Club] - π Are We Compressing the Wrong Ventricle in Neonatal CPR?
In this episode of Journal Club, Ben and Daphna review a thought-provoking study from the Archives of Disease in Childhood titled "Chest Compression in Newborn Infants: What Anatomical Structures Are We Compressing?". The hosts explore the anatomical findings suggesting that current neonatal CPR guidelinesβrecommending compressions over the lower third of the sternumβmay actually be targ
#396 - [Journal Club] - π Cooling Late Preterms: Higher Mortality in 34-35 Weekers?
In this segment, Ben and Daphna review a retrospective study from the Hospital for Sick Children comparing outcomes of therapeutic hypothermia in late preterm (34-35 weeks) versus early term (36-37 weeks) infants. They discuss the significantly higher rates of mortality, hemodynamic instability, and hypoglycemia found in the younger cohort, known as "Group 1". The hosts explore the impli
#396 - [Journal Club] - π The 6-Fold Risk of NEC in Growth Restricted Infants
In this episode of Journal Club, Ben and Daphna review a prospective cohort study from the Journal of Perinatology that examines the care of neonates following in-utero growth restriction. The hosts unpack the critical distinction between Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) and Small for Gestational Age (SGA), highlighting how the "decay of information" in the NICU can lead clinicians to over
#396 - [Journal Club] - π Surfactant Thresholds: Is 40% FiO2 as Safe as 30%?
In this episode of Journal Club, Ben and Daphna review a non-inferiority trial from the European Journal of Pediatrics exploring surfactant administration thresholds in preterm neonates. The study, conducted in India, compares a 30% versus 40% FiO2 threshold for babies 26-32 weeks gestational age. The hosts break down the counterintuitive findings regarding respiratory support duration in younger
#396 - [Journal Club] - π TORPIDO 30/60: Is Higher Initial Oxygen Safer for Preterm Infants?
In this episode of The Incubator, Ben and Daphna return from the Delphi Conference to dive back into Journal Club. They review the highly anticipated TORPIDO 30/60 trial published in JAMA, comparing initial oxygen concentrations of 30% versus 60% for preterm resuscitation. The hosts discuss the primary outcomes of survival and brain injury, while highlighting intriguing secondary findings regardin
#393 - [Journal Club] - π Are We Too Busy? NICU Strain and Adverse Outcomes
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 ad
#393 - [Journal Club] - π Replacing Sepsis Screens with Serial Physical Exams: Is It Safe?
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 compellin
#393 - [Journal Club] - π Antibiotic Use in HIE, A Tale of Two Strategies
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. F
#393 - [Journal Club] - π Can NT-proBNP Guide Clinical Suspicion of Chronic Pulmonary Hypertension?
In this Journal Club episode of the Incubator Podcast, Ben Courchia and Daphna Yasova-Barbeau review a study from the Journal of Perinatology evaluating NT-proBNP as a diagnostic tool for chronic pulmonary hypertension in extremely preterm infants. The discussion walks through the clinical burden of pulmonary hypertension in babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the limitations of echocardiograp
#392 - [Journal Club] - π Do Antenatal Corticosteroids Improve Survival for Babies Born at 21β24 Weeks?
In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a large national cohort study examining the association between antenatal corticosteroid exposure and survival in extremely preterm infants born between 21 and 24 weeksβ gestation. They discuss biologic plausibility, practice variation, and the challenges of interpreting retrospective data, while focusing on how these findings may inform counseli
#392 - [Journal Club] - π Could Longer Caffeine Treatment Reduce Hypoxia and Speed Discharge?
Ben and Daphna review the ICAF randomized clinical trial evaluating extended caffeine therapy in preterm infants and its impact on intermittent hypoxia through 41 weeks postmenstrual age. They discuss the study design, oximetry outcomes across multiple saturation thresholds, inflammatory biomarkers including TNF-Ξ±, and clinically relevant safety signals such as oxygen restart rates, length of stay
#392 - [Journal Club] - π Early Outcome Data After Resuscitation at 21 Weeksβ Gestation
In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a salient study from JAMA Network Open examining outcomes of infants born at 21 weeksβ gestation at the University of Iowa. They walk through resuscitation practices, early physiologic challenges, survival trends, and short-term developmental outcomes, while placing the data in the broader context of shifting limits of viability. The discussion h
#392 - [Journal Club] - π Is PDA Treatment Doing More Harm Than Good in Preterm Infants?
In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a major randomized clinical trial published in JAMA comparing expectant management with active pharmacologic treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants. They walk through the trial design, inclusion criteria, and outcomes, highlighting the unexpected survival difference favoring expectant management despite similar rates of bronchop
#388 - π Journal Club - The Complete Episode from December 21st 2025
In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review five recent studies with practical implications for neonatal care. The FEED1 trial examines whether starting full milk feeds from day one is safe in 30-32 week preterm infants, finding no difference in length of stay compared to gradual feeding but fewer central line days. A brief communication from UAB explores high-volume feeding strategies (β₯1
#388 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Can We Predict Which Extremely Preterm Infants Need Early Cord Clamping?
Antenatal Prediction of Early Cord Clamping among Infants Born Extremely Preterm.Katheria A, Dorner RA, Grobman W, Rysavy MA, Koo J, Wyckoff MH, Sandoval G, DeMauro SB, Das A, Lee HC, Cotten M, Calvo L, Saha S; Eunice Kennedy Schriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network.J Pediatr. 2025 Oct 31:114878. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114878. Online ahead of p
#388 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Can Maternal Mental Health Predict Neurodevelopmental Delays in Toddlers?
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 Childrenβs Study Group.JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Oct 1;8(10):e2540907. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.40907.PMID: 41171271 Free PMC article. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questio
#388 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π EBNEO Commentary - Treatment of Hypotension of Prematurity: a randomised trial.
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 showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast
#388 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Are forces applied to a baby's airway lower with video laryngoscopy?
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. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us qu
#388 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Does Early High-Volume Feeding Improve Body Composition in Preterm Infants?
Early body composition outcomes of infants born very preterm and receiving high volume, human milk feedings (β₯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. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nic
#388 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Should Preterm Infants Receive Full Feeds from Day One?
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 Healt
#371 - π Journal Club - The Complete Episode from October 26th 2025
Whatβs 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
#371 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Risk Factors for NEC in Preterm Infants on an Exclusive Human Milk Diet
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 Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or sug
#371 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π EIT-Guided PEEP Optimization in Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
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 showAs always, feel f
#371 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Azithromycin for Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Updated Meta-Analysis
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. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions,
#371 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Nebulized Nitroglycerin for Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn
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. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email
#371 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π The Benefits of Vitamin D Supplementation
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 showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through I
#371 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Renal Replacement in the NICU
Infant Renal Replacement Therapy Using Carpediemβ’: 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.2025.114
#364 - π Journal Club - The Complete Episode from October 5th 2025
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 suppl
#364 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π How Reliable Are Current Screening Tools for Autism in Preterm Children?
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 showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagra
#364 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Are Infants With Critical Congenital Heart Disease at Higher Risk for Cancer in the First Year of Life?
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 showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Ins
#364 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π What Do Parents and Practitioners Think About Opt-Out Consent in Neonatal Trials?
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 F
#364 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π How Do Neurodevelopmental Outcomes Compare After Transcatheter PDA Closure Versus Surgical Ligation in Extremely Preterm Infants?
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 Su
#364 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Does DHA With or Without ARA Supplementation Improve Outcomes in Preterm Infants? A Meta-Analysis
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 showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gma
#364 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Do Antenatal Corticosteroids Reduce Respiratory Morbidity in Late Preterm Twins?
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
#364 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Improving Neonatology Staffing With the INS Toolkit
Support the showAs 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!
#352 - π Journal Club - The Complete Episode from September 14th 2025
In this weekβs Journal Club, Ben and Daphna review several recent neonatal studies with direct implications for practice.They begin with the BORN trial from Italy, which investigated whether transfusing preterm infants with cord bloodβderived red blood cells, rather than adult donor blood, could reduce severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). While the intention-to-treat analysis showed no differe
#352 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Can Continuous Glucose Monitoring Help Manage Hyperinsulinemic Hypoglycemia?
Continuous glucose monitoring in a neonate with hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia and ABCC8 gene mutation. IwaΕczyk P, Majewska A, Issat T, Hoffman-Zacharska D, Krajewski P, Lipska-KarpiΕska K.Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep. 2025 Jun 5;2025(2):e250002. doi: 10.1530/EDM-25-0002. Print 2025 Apr 1. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicup
#352 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π When and How Often Should We Screen for PH in BPD?
Screening for pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia: when, how often and does it matter? Gentle SJ, Carlo WA, Ambalavanan N.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Sep 5:fetalneonatal-2024-328405. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2024-328405. Online ahead of print. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodc
#352 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Does Atropine Improve Safety During Elective Neonatal Intubation?
Atropine Versus Placebo for Neonatal Nonemergent Intubation: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Afifi J, El-Naggar W, Hatfield T, Sandila N, Baier J, Narvey M.J Pediatr. 2025 Jul 9;286:114719. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114719. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40645282 Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact
#352 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π What is the Best Respiratory Predictor of Heart Rate Stabilization in Delivery Room Resuscitation
Respiratory Targets Associated With Lung Aeration During Delivery Room Resuscitation of Preterm Neonates. Rub DM, Hsu JY, Weinberg DD, Felix M, Nadkarni VM, Te Pas AB, Kuypers KLAM, Davis PG, Ratcliffe SJ, Kirpalani HM, Foglia EE.JAMA Pediatr. 2025 Aug 11:e252521. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.2521. Online ahead of print. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or s
#352 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π What Are Outcomes for Infants Born at 22β23 Weeks Across 11 Countries?
Outcomes of Preterm Infants Born at 22 to 23 Weeks' Gestation in 11 International Neonatal Networks. Isayama T, Norman M, Kusuda S, Reichman B, Lehtonen L, Lui K, Adams M, Vento Torres M, Filippi L, Battin M, Guinsburg R, Modi N, HΓ₯kansson S, Klinger G, de Almeida MF, Helenius K, Bassler D, Su YC, Shah PS; International Network for Evaluation of Outcomes (iNeo) Investigators.JAMA Pediatr. 202
#352 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Should We Transfuse Cord Blood PRBCs Instead of Adult PRBCs to Prevent Severe ROP?
Cord red blood cell transfusions for severe retinopathy in preterm neonates in Italy: a multicenter randomized controlled trial. Teofili L, Papacci P, Pellegrino C, Dani C, Cresi F, Remaschi G, Ansaldi G, Giannantonio C, Campagnoli MF, Vania B, Fabbri M, de Vera d' Aragona RP, Molisso A, Beccastrini E, Dragonetti A, Pasciuto T, Gabbriellini S, Baroni S, Serrao F, Purcaro V, Raffaeli G, Villa
#352 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π EBNEO Commentary on Norepinephrine vs Dopamine in septic shock
Dopamine versus epinephrine for neonatal septic shock: an open labeled, randomized controlled trial. Singh G, Bhaskar V, Batra P, Gupta P.J Perinatol. 2025 Aug 28. doi: 10.1038/s41372-025-02399-7. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40877444EBNEO Commentary: Review of the 'Norepinephrine Versus Dopamine for Septic Shock in Neonates: A Randomised Controlled Trial'. Altit G.Acta Paediatr. 2025 Jul
#341 - π Journal Club - The Complete Episode from August 17th 2025
This week on Journal Club, we review five important studies with direct implications for your work in the NICU. First, we examine the newly released third-generation Fenton growth chartsβhow do they differ from previous versions, and what do they reveal about how we may have underestimated early growth trajectories in preterm infants? Next, we evaluate the association between retinopathy of premat
#341 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Does Sedation Worsen Diaphragm Weakness in Preterm Infants on the Ventilator?
Impact of Sedation on Ventilator-Induced Diaphragmatic Dysfunction in Extremely Preterm Infants.Hoshino Y, Arai J, Hirono K, Maruo K, Miura-Fuchino R, Yukitake Y, Kajikawa D, Kamakura T, Hinata A, Okada Y, Sato Y.Pediatr Pulmonol. 2025 May;60(5):e71126. doi: 10.1002/ppul.71126.PMID: 40365938 Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodca
#341 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Does Counting Ribs on Xray Estimate Lung Volume Accurately?
Diaphragm Position on Chest Radiograph to Estimate Lung Volume in Neonates.Dahm SI, Sett A, Gunn EF, Ramanauskas F, Hall R, Stewart D, Koeppenkastrop S, McKenna K, Gardiner RE, Rao P, Tingay DG.JAMA Pediatr. 2025 Jul 21:e252108. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.2108. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40690243 Free PMC article. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or sugge
#341 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Can Autologous Cord Blood Improve Neurodevelopment in the Extremely Preterm?
Early Neurodevelopment of Extremely Preterm Infants Administered Autologous Cord Blood Cell Therapy: Secondary Analysis of a Nonrandomized Clinical Trial.Zhou L, Razak A, McDonald CA, Yawno T, McHugh DT, Whiteley G, Connelly K, Sackett V, Miller SL, Jenkin G, Novak I, Hunt RW, Malhotra A.JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Jul 1;8(7):e2521158. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.21158.PMID: 40608334 Free PMC artic
#341 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Should you resuscitate preemies with 100% O2 during DCC?
Deferred Cord Clamping With High Oxygen in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Randomized Clinical Trial.Katheria AC, Ines F, Lee HC, Sollinger C, Vali P, Morales A, Sanjay S, Dorner R, Koo J, Gollin Y, Das A, Poeltler D, Steinhorn R, Finer N, Lakshminrusimha S.JAMA Pediatr. 2025 Jul 21:e252128. doi: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2025.2128. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40690234 Support the showAs always, feel fr
#341 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π Does ROP Signal Brain Injury in Preterm Infants?
Retinopathy of Prematurity and Risk of Structural Brain Abnormalities on Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Term Among Infants Born at Less Than or Equal to 32 Weeks of Gestation.Roy S, Peterson L, Kline-Fath B, Parikh NA; Cincinnati Infant Neurodevelopment Early Prediction Study (CINEPS) Investigators.J Pediatr. 2025 Jun 27;286:114711. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2025.114711. Online ahead of print.PMID: 4058
#341 - [Journal Club Shorts] - π New Fenton Growth Charts!
Fenton Third-Generation Growth Charts of Preterm Infants Without Abnormal Fetal Growth: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.Fenton TR, Elmrayed S, Alshaikh BN.Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2025 Jun 19. doi: 10.1111/ppe.70035. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40534585 Review.Birth weight and head circumference for 22-29 weeks gestation neonates from an international cohort.Fenton TR, Alshaikh B, Kusuda
