BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The utility of a lung ultrasound score (LUS) has been described in the early phases of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). We investigated lung ultrasound as a tool to monitor respiratory status in preterm neonates throughout the course of RDS. METHODS: Preterm neonates, stratified in 3 gestational age cohorts (25–27, 28–30, and 31–33 weeks), underwent lung ultrasound at weekly intervals from birth. Clinical data, respiratory support variables, and major complications (sepsis, patent ductus arteriosus, pneumothorax, and persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate) were also recorded. RESULTS: We enrolled 240 infants in total. The 3 gestational age intervals had significantly different LUS patterns. There was a significant correlation between LUS and the ratio of oxygen saturation to inspired oxygen throughout the admission, increasing with gestational age (b = −0.002 [P < .001] at 25–27 weeks; b = −0.006 [P < .001] at 28–30 weeks; b = −0.012 [P < .001] at 31–33 weeks). Infants with complications had a higher LUS already at birth (12 interquartile range 13–8 vs 8 interquartile range 12–4 control group; P = .001). In infants 25 to 30 weeks’ gestation, the LUS at 7 days of life predicted bronchopulmonary dysplasia with an area under the curve of 0.82 (95% confidence interval 0.71 to 93). CONCLUSIONS: In preterm neonates affected by RDS, the LUS trajectory is gestational age dependent, significantly correlates with the oxygenation status, and predicts bronchopulmonary dysplasia. In this population, LUS is a useful, bedside, noninvasive tool to monitor the respiratory status.

In our cohort of preterm infants, being SGA was significantly associated with BPD, but not with increased risk of mortality or RDS due to multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms. What is Known: • Small for gestational age preterm neonates are considered to have increased risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) compared to appropriate for GA neonates. • It is still unclear if SGA infants have increased risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and mortality. What is New: • In our cohort of 515 preterm infants (19% SGA), being SGA was significantly associated with BPD, but not with increased risk of mortality or RDS. • These results may be explained by the heterogeneity of mechanisms leading to SGA condition and by multiple mechanisms involving lung growth impairment and other factors.

No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

The aim of this article is to give an overview of some recent advances of nanotechnology in medicine and bone tissue engineering, exploring typical applications of these emerging technologies. Currently, limitations in bone regenerative strategies include insufficient mechanical strength of scaffolds. Thus, we review the major area of research in nanotechnology with potential implications in bone regeneration: nano‐based scaffold construction and modification to enhance biocompatibility, mechanical stability, and cellular attachment/survival. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:644–650, 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers

This study provides further insight into risk factors for low BMD in pediatric IBD. Novel findings were the association between low BMD and fractures, and the positive relationship between BMD and physical activity.

No abstract