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In this live episode from the Neo Conference in Las Vegas, we welcome back Dr. Souvik Mitra to unpack the evolving landscape of PDA management in extremely preterm infants. We dive into the recent AAP guidelines recommending against early medical treatment and explore potential unintended consequences, including rising transcatheter closure rates and delayed intervention. Dr. Mitra shares his institution's approach using the SMART-PDA criteria, highlighting the importance of treatment timing and proper patient selection. Join us for a nuanced discussion balancing large pragmatic trial data with bedside clinical judgment for our most vulnerable babies.

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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 are we actually compressing during neonatal CPR? This week on The Incubator Podcast, Ben and Daphna dive into a provocative echocardiography study out of Edmonton showing that standard chest compressions in newborns likely target the right heart and great vessels — not the left ventricle. A small sample size, but a finding that anyone who ultrasounds hearts all day will instantly recognize.

Daphna presents a retrospective multicenter study from Nationwide Children's on antibiotic duration for Gram-negative bloodstream infections in the NICU. Short course (≤8 days) showed no treatment failures — while 14% of infants in the long duration group developed a multi-drug resistant organism infection. Eight days versus ten: does the difference matter? The data says yes.

Ben reviews a randomized controlled trial from UAB on early vitamin D supplementation in extremely preterm infants fed human milk. Eight hundred units daily for the first two weeks appears safe and effective at achieving vitamin D sufficiency — but did it move the needle on BPD? And is that even the right question to ask?

Daphna brings a QI paper from Levine Children's on universal social determinants of health screening across nine pediatric divisions, achieving 92% compliance and connecting thousands of families to resources through findhelp.org. A reminder that the tools are already there — we just have to use them.

The episode wraps with Ben, Daphna, and Eli discussing Colorado's landmark paid NICU leave law — the first in the nation to require employers to provide up to 12 weeks of paid leave for parents with a baby in the NICU. What does the evidence say, and how do we advocate for this in our own states?

Science, equity, and advocacy — all in one episode.

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 Neo News, we break down Colorado’s groundbreaking legislation mandating 12 weeks of paid leave for NICU parents—a potential blueprint for national change. We explore the critical intersection of policy, economics, and infant health, discussing why supporting families at the bedside isn't just morally right but economically smart. We also highlight new research from economists like Maya Rossin-Slater and Mariam Khan linking paid leave to reduced neonatal mortality. Plus, find out how you can turn these policy shifts into advocacy tools for your own state. Join us for a concise, high-impact update on the future of NICU care.

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Boese, L. (2024, December 18).Why Colorado’s paid NICU leave law could spark nationwide trend. HR Executive. **https://hrexecutive.com/why-colorados-paid-nicu-leave-law-could-spark-nationwide-trend/**

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!