New & Updated Cochrane Reviews - 2011

The practice of evidence-based neonatology requires efficient access to up to date, valid evidence concerning the efficacy and safety of treatments. Busy clinicians, policymakers or patients cannot readily keep abreast of the evidence from individual trials. Moreover, neonatology is a rapidly changing field where there are frequent shifts in the weight of accumulating evidence. Therefore, there is a pressing need for continuously updated reviews of the results of randomized trials. These can provide efficient access to current evidence and avoid a long gap between the time when the efficacy of a treatment has in fact been established and the time when the treatment is routinely recommended.

New Reviews (11-16-11)

• 1. Early removal versus expectant management of central venous catheters in neonates with bloodstream infection
• 2. Fluid restriction and prophylactic indomethacin versus prophylactic indomethacin alone for prevention of morbidity and mortality in extremely low birth weight infants
• 3. High flow nasal cannula for respiratory support in preterm infants
• 4. Intratracheal Clara cell secretory protein (CCSP) administration in preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress syndrome
• 5. Laryngeal mask airway surfactant administration for prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants
• 6. Local anaesthetic eye drops for prevention of pain in preterm infants undergoing screening for retinopathy of prematurity
• 7. Neonatal vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of mortality and morbidity in term neonates in developing countries
• 8. Peritoneal drainage versus laparotomy as initial surgical treatment for perforated necrotizing enterocolitis or spontaneous intestinal perforation in preterm low birth weight infants
• 9. Screening programmes for developmental dysplasia of the hip in newborn infants
• 10. Vitamin A supplementation for the prevention of morbidity and mortality in infants six months of age or less

Review Updates (11-16-11)

• 1. Cot-nursing versus incubator care for preterm infants
• 2. Deep versus shallow suction of endotracheal tubes in ventilated neonates and young infants
• 3. Gowning by attendants and visitors in newborn nurseries for prevention of neonatal morbidity and mortality
• 4. Ibuprofen for the prevention of patent ductus arteriosus in preterm and/or low birth weight infants
• 5. Increased energy intake for preterm infants with (or developing) bronchopulmonary dysplasia/chronic lung disease
• 6. Oral immunoglobulin for preventing necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm and low birth weight neonates
• 7. Pentoxifylline for treatment of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates
• 8. Prophylactic caffeine to prevent postoperative apnoea following general anaesthesia in preterm infants
• 9. Sildenafil for pulmonary hypertension in neonates
• 10. Transfer of preterm infants from incubator to pen cot at lower versus higher body weight
• 11. Venepuncture versus heel lance for blood sampling in term neonates
• 12. Vitamin A supplementation to prevent mortality and short- and long-term morbidity in very low birth weight infants

Complete Listing of Neonatal Cochrane Reviews »