A new study from Canada shows that preemies who are now in their 20’s fare well in the long run. Most have jobs, and are living independently. This study included 130 families of babies with birth weight less than 900 grams, but none less than 700 grams, born between ‘77-’82. Many had at least one neurological problem, including cerebral palsy. A major limitation is that most families in the study were white, relatively well-educated and higher-income, and covered by Canada’s universal healthcare system, so the results are not necessarily the same as the general population. Families with lower incomes, less education or less access to healthcare may face greater challenges, including (not easily quantified) more stress and strain on the family unit. (Source: Pediatrics June 7, 2010)
We need more studies to continue to follow families of extremely preterm children born in more recent years,like the a certain docu featured on this website!
And here’s news,from the June issue of Health Watch, of a study that parallels some ad hoc research I’ve conducted informally for many years as a NICU nurse, singing softly to preemies:
“We took healthy premature infants, the ones that are in incubators… and let them hear music by Mozart and compare their energy expenditure, how much energy they spent just lying there while listening to music compared to a period without music at all,” said Dr. Ronit Lubetzky of the Tel Aviv Medical Centre.
The effect was not surprising. The babies’ vital signs reflected a more restful state within 10 minutes of listening. In general, more rest = more weight gain = less time in hospital. That’s another win-win !
Stay tuned to more news on the preemie baby front.
Your comments and questions welcomed.
Ciao,
Candy
Last week two stories in the news broke my heart.
The first, from the June issue of Pediatrics, mentions a study which found C-Sections may increase the risk of celiac disease, as opposed to those infants born vaginally.
Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder which leads to inflammation of the gut when the person consumes any foods containing gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye). In terms of the western diet, that’s a toughie.
The researchers have no certain understanding of the process at this point, but hypothesize that perhaps the phenomenon is linked to the fact that infants born via C-Section miss out on the squeeze down the vaginal tract. We know that action helps eliminate fluid in the respiratory tract, but now scientists think perhaps there are other important microbes an infant would ordinarily encounter which trigger some sort of digestive colonization. As in all closed systems,when one part malfunctions, the result has a domino effect.
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Another story, out of the journal, Obstetrics & Gynecology, mentions a study of over 20,000 pregnancies in Scotland spanning a period of 60 years. The results are glum: mothers who were themselves born early (defined as 24-37 weeks gestation) were 60% more likely to have a preterm baby. Although there is no cure at this time, just knowing it, makes a case for early prenatal care.
Hang in there, mothers. The March of Dimes is working as fast as they can to find a solution.
Greetings, y’all~ I meant to post this sooner!
Recently returned from New Orleans to celebrate the Loyola University New Orleans School of Nursing graduation and commencement activities, including induction into Sigma Theta Tau, Nursing Honor Society. New Orleans is known for beauty (and fun), but touring the environs after viewing the oil spill from the air makes visitors and locals alike shudder.
However, New Orleans did not disappoint, despite the frustration, the heat, and the mess on the shores. Before I left the Bay Area, a friend whose father used to live in N.O. recommended a few grrrreat places to eat. One was closed up for good, but the others continued to make the south a new fave destination stop. Notable were Cochon (great pulled pork and all things carnivore), GW Finn’s (sea food magnifique), and the Gumbo Shop.
Three showers a day notwithstanding, New Orleans deserves to be on your “to do” list. Tame the humidity by strolling down to the ol’ Mississippi, which flows through the south curve of the area, and take a slushy drink with you.
Another Adventure used to be the Swamp Tour. Now it’s no fun.
God bless those who are working so hard to clean up the mess, and please, somebody…put the cap back on.
Preemies in the News | Candy June 22, 2010 | 
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