The Incubator

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This week on The Incubator Podcast, Ben and Daphna review several recent studies in neonatal care. They start with a JAMA trial comparing expectant versus active PDA management in preterm infants, noting a survival signal favoring expectant care and discussing how this fits within current practice. They then review outcomes of 21-week gestation infants from the University of Iowa, focusing on resuscitation strategies and survival at the limits of viability.

The conversation continues with the ICAF trial, examining whether extending caffeine therapy through 41 weeks postmenstrual age meaningfully reduces intermittent hypoxia and...

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In this episode of Neo News, Ben, Daphna, and Eli tackle the complex and emotionally charged landscape of legal liability in the NICU. Following a recent $32 million settlement involving necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and cow's milk-based formula, the team debates the future of informed consent for routine nutritional care. They explore how legal precedents may force neonatologists to replace bedside counseling with transactional forms, potentially eroding trust and complicating evidence-based practice. Join us as we discuss how to balance transparency, parental autonomy, and the reality of risk in the pursuit of better outcomes for...

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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 weeks’ gestation. They discuss biologic plausibility, practice variation, and the challenges of interpreting retrospective data, while focusing on how these findings may inform counseling and shared decision-making at the margins of viability.

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The Effects of Antenatal Corticosteroids on Extremely Premature Neonates Born between 21 and 24 Weeks. Yao R, Tritch N, Vedhanayagam K, Ali N, Reimche-Vu H, Gedestad I, Karageuzian S...

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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-α, and clinically relevant safety signals such as oxygen restart rates, length of stay, and weight gain. The conversation focuses on what intermittent hypoxia may mean for ongoing risk, and whether a targeted subgroup of infants might benefit from extending caffeine beyond traditional stopping points.

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Intermittent hypoxia and c...

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In this Journal Club episode, Ben and Daphna review a salient study from JAMA Network Open examining outcomes of infants born at 21 weeks’ 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 highlights both cautious optimism and the many unanswered questions that remain as neonatology continues to push the boundaries of what is possible.

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Outcomes of Infants Born at 21 Weeks' Gestational Age. Hy...

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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 bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The discussion explores the implications for bedside decision-making, the limitations of PDA-focused strategies, and the need for a more physiologic, patient-centered approach to ductal management in extremely preterm infants.

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Expectant Management vs Medication...

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In this episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah MG Jayanetti discusses the unique challenges faced by families in the NICU during the holiday season. Joined by Alena Costume, a two-time NICU mother, they explore the emotional rollercoaster of having a baby in the NICU, the importance of community support, and strategies for coping with stress. Alena shares her personal experiences, highlighting the significance of parental presence and the impact of healthcare staff on the NICU journey. The conversation emphasizes resilience, hope, and the need for better support systems for NICU families. In this...

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As 2025 comes to a close, Ben and Daphna reflect on a year of growth, community, and evolution for The Incubator Podcast. In this end-of-year wrap-up, they preview major changes coming in 2026, including new standalone podcast feeds, expanded journal club content, CME opportunities, and exciting partnerships with organizations like the Vermont Oxford Network and PAS. They also share what’s ahead for the Delphi Conference and offer a candid look at their personal and professional goals for the year ahead. Thank you for being part of this extraordinary neonatal community.

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Transitioning from fellowship to your first attending job? You're probably not prepared for the business side of medicine—and that's exactly the problem Dr. Tung Giep addresses in this episode. Dr. Giep, a neonatologist with over 30 years of experience, shares hard-earned lessons from building and selling a private practice in Houston, navigating toxic work environments, and eventually finding his place in telemedicine. His new book, The Business of Medicine: The Definitive Guide to Help New Physicians Start Their Career on the Right Path and Avoid Costly Mistakes, tackles what medical training ignores: contract ne...

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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 (≥170 ml/kg/day) and their impact on body composition in very preterm infants.

The hosts discuss a mannequin study from Italy measuring forces applied during intubation with different laryngoscope ty...

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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 Health. 2025 Dec;9(12):827-836. doi: 10.1016/S2352-4642(25)00271-8. Epub 2025 Oct 17.PMID: 41115446 Free article. Clinical Trial.

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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.

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Early body composition outcomes of infants born very preterm and receiving high volume, human milk feedings (≥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.

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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 @do...

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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.

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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...

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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 Children’s Study Group.JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Oct 1;8(10):e2540907. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.40907.PMID: 41171271 Free PMC article.

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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: @dr...

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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 print.PMID: 41177398

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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...

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In this episode of the Incubator, Betsy Crouch and David McCulley interview Dr. Wendy Chung, a leader in clinical genetics and child health research. They discuss her journey into genomics, the challenges faced in her career as a physician scientist, the importance of early mentorship, and her research interests, particularly in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Dr. Chung shares insights on the complexities of genetic disorders and the need for innovative approaches in treatment and diagnosis. She discusses her experiences with newborn screening and the evolution of genetic screening for rare diseases, emphasizing the...

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Three third-year fellows present diverse research at Hot Topics. Juhi from University of Illinois in Chicago demonstrates lung ultrasound's potential to predict respiratory support duration in 30+ week infants, with first six-hour exams showing strongest correlation—suggesting possible replacement for admission chest x-rays. Tanima from Boston Children's applies large language models to extract IVH prognostic variables from AI literature, identifying critical gaps including absence of resolution prediction studies. Hailey conducts qualitative research on physician experiences with NICU mortality/morbidity, identifying three impactful loss categories: outcome-expectation mismatches, meaningful relationships, and weight of responsibilities. Their work ex...

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Dr. Jeffrey Gould and Dr. David Stevenson recount founding California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (CPQCC) in the mid-1990s, transforming California's fragmented perinatal care system. Initial success required organizational development expertise—not just databases—to transform stakeholders into partners by identifying mutual value. They created California Association of Neonatology, secured Packard Foundation support, and unified competing academic centers and private practitioners. CPQCC's disciplined approach—pods meeting biweekly, shared data, non-hierarchical teams—contributed to California achieving the nation's lowest maternal mortality while national rates climb. Gould emphasizes quality improvement as structural intervention building relationships and impr...

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Dr. Elizabeth Foglia, University of Pennsylvania/Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and scientific PI for AAP's DRIVE (Delivery Room Intervention and Evaluation) Network, discusses building a 3,000-hospital US collaboration to understand real-world delivery room practices. Despite robust evidence supporting supraglottic airways for PPV in infants 34+ weeks, surveys show minimal provider use—representing a significant evidence-to-practice gap. The SUGAR trial compares implementation strategies to increase adoption using hybrid effectiveness-implementation design. DRIVE currently includes 50 hospitals with diverse delivery room configurations, providing infrastructure for pragmatic trials, quality improvement, and benchmarking. First network-wide meeting launches multi-center QI project in...

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 In this episode of The Incubator Podcast, recorded live at Hot Topics in Neonatology in Washington, DC, we sit down with Dr. Daniele De Luca, Chief of Pediatric and Neonatal Critical Care at AP-HP Paris-Saclay University and leader of one of Europe's largest NICUs. Dr. De Luca discusses the groundbreaking Lancet Child & Adolescent Health Commission on the Future of Neonatology, a three-year initiative involving over 100 global key opinion leaders addressing the critical innovation gap in our specialty. He explores why neonatal medicine has experienced a slowdown in therapeutic advances since the 1990s, despite t...

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Dr. Michael Narvey, neonatologist and Vice President of Canadian Pediatric Society, challenges the validity of pre-discharge car seat testing. After leading Canadian work resulting in nationwide abandonment of the test in 2016, he argues the test doesn't represent real-world conditions (potholes, movement) and lacks evidence demonstrating it saves lives from apnea or desaturations. Based on 50 years of autopsy data, rare car seat-related deaths result from unsupervised asphyxiation when infants slide down onto straps—not from events in moving vehicles. Narvey distinguishes between eliminating the test versus maintaining essential car seat safety education, emphasizing proper po...

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Dr. Matthew Laughon, Professor at University of North Carolina and NICHD Neonatal Research Network investigator, presents the landmark PDA Management Trial comparing expectant management versus active medical treatment (indomethacin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen). The trial stopped early due to futility and safety concerns—mortality exceeded 10% in the treatment group versus 4% with expectant management, with more infection-related deaths among treated infants. Secondary outcomes (BPD, NEC, ROP) showed no differences. The study included infants with symptomatic PDAs but excluded those with severe cardiopulmonary compromise. Findings support expectant management for symptomatic PDAs through 21 days of life, aligning wi...

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Nicole and Maureen from Lactalogics present innovative donor human milk processing using gentle ultra-high temperature pasteurization—exposing milk to heat for only 10 seconds versus 30-40 minutes with traditional methods. Their tube-in-tube system (milk and steam traveling opposite directions) maintains safety by eliminating pathogens while better preserving inherent nutrients. Products launching April 2026 include shelf-stable options for term infants (20 cal, 1.1g protein/100mL) and preterm infants (20 cal, 1.6g protein/100mL), plus a human milk fortifier reaching 24 calories. Donor moms require rigorous screening and 500+ ounce surplus. The shelf-stable format supports both in-hospital use and post-discharge bridging wh...

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Dr. Elaine Boyle, Professor of Neonatal Medicine at University of Leicester, presents the SURFON trial evaluating early surfactant versus expectant management in 34-38 week infants with respiratory distress. This pragmatic trial enrolled infants requiring 30-45% oxygen or non-invasive support. Primary outcomes showed no difference in hospital length of stay or progression to severe respiratory disease. Early surfactant reduced NICU duration and non-invasive support by less than one day each, with borderline pneumothorax increase requiring treatment of 80+ infants to prevent one case. Findings suggest watch-and-wait approaches remain safe and reasonable for this population, though...

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Dr. Shalini Ojha, Professor of Neonatal Medicine at University of Nottingham, presents the Feed One trial examining full enteral feeding (60 mL/kg/day) from day one versus gradual advancement in 30-32 week infants. While the primary outcome of hospital length of stay showed no difference (median 32 days), full feeding significantly reduced parenteral nutrition use, IV cannulations, and associated interventions without increasing necrotizing enterocolitis risk (4 versus 6 cases). This pragmatic trial challenges the unfounded fear that early full feeding causes NEC—demonstrating that moderate preterm infants can safely receive complete enteral nutrition from birth, simplifying ca...

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Three first-year fellows from University of Virginia—Jamie, Megan, and Brianne—share their Hot Topics conference experience. Despite being early in training, they engage deeply with cutting-edge research across diverse interests: POCUS and hemodynamics (Jamie), ENT non-surgical interventions (Brianne), and neurodevelopmental outcomes with Tiny Baby projects (Megan). They value learning from practice variation across institutions, particularly regarding fluid management and humidity protocols. Rather than finding evidence gaps discouraging, they're inspired by opportunities for future research. They plan to share conference insights through journal club upon returning to UVA. The fellows emphasize how accessible and...

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Dr. Pankaj Agrawal, Division Chief of Neonatology at University of Miami, discusses rapid genomic advances—from six-month diagnostic timelines in 2000 to same-day sequencing today. While current practice targets phenotype-based testing for unexplained conditions or dysmorphic features, Agrawal advocates moving toward universal NICU sequencing to identify previously unrecognized conditions. Key barriers include administrative buy-in, cost concerns, consent processes, and result disclosure challenges. Even negative results provide value—offering families reassurance and contributing to research databases. With only 5,000 of 20,000 genes linked to human disease, ongoing gene discovery work continues. Agrawal emphasizes the NICU as ideal for...

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Dr. Kavya Rao from University of Buffalo discusses quality improvement initiatives following completion of her master's in QI. Her team successfully implemented antibiotic stewardship by safely discontinuing antibiotics at 24 hours for early onset sepsis in clinically well infants with negative blood cultures, initially studying all gestational ages with plans for subset analysis. Additional projects include reducing PRBC and platelet transfusions using lower thresholds based on updated guidelines. Rao emphasizes finding QI topics through clinical passion and data-driven identification of performance gaps, using benchmarking with Vermont Oxford Network data. She co-mentors fellows in QI...

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Dr. Ariel Salas, recent R01 recipient, discusses challenging traditional feeding volume targets in preterm infants. His multi-center trial compares 180-200 versus 140-160 mL/kg/day volumes, examining body composition changes rather than weight alone. Salas emphasizes targeting fat-free mass gains over simple weight gain, as this component associates with better long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Body composition analysis reveals compartmental changes invisible to daily weights—distinguishing extracellular versus intracellular water shifts. This outcome provides reasonable compromise between immediate intervention effects and long-term results. Salas advocates acknowledging practice variation as opportunity for equipoise and fair testing, ch...

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Julie Raskin, representing Congenital Hyperinsulinism International (CHI), advocates for universal newborn glucose screening following her son's brain injury from undiagnosed hyperinsulinism in 1996. Registry data reveals 28% of affected infants lack traditional risk factors (abnormal birth weight), and even high-risk babies are often discharged inappropriately. CHI's "Glucose is a Vital Sign" campaign promotes screening protocols currently under research, examining glucose plus ketone monitoring during initial days to identify affected infants without over-medicalizing healthy newborns. The organization maintains eight centers of excellence globally and provides international treatment guidelines at congenitalhi.org. Over 30 genes cause this diagnosable...

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Dr. Edgardo Szyld from Indiana University presents the PLANT study evaluating 20 minutes of prophylactic CPAP for late preterm infants (34-36+6 weeks) born via cesarean section. This population represents 70% of US preterm births and experiences five times higher respiratory distress rates with cesarean delivery. The pragmatic pilot enrolled 100 patients, demonstrating reduced NICU admissions without pneumothorax cases—addressing previous safety concerns from observational data. Szyld's team is planning PLANT 2, targeting 35-36 weekers across 11 international centers, which will compare outcomes with and without antenatal steroids. This pragmatic approach addresses a high-volume but understudied population significantly impacting NI...

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Dr. Ravi Patel, Professor at Emory University and Chair of the Georgia Perinatal Quality Collaborative, examines the tension between quality improvement and evidence-based medicine. He argues NICUs should prioritize high-certainty interventions (antenatal steroids, delayed cord clamping) rather than standardizing practices based on low-certainty evidence. Using tools like GRADE to assess evidence certainty helps determine when standardization is appropriate versus when practice variation allows for shared decision-making. Patel advocates re-energizing evidence generation as improvement in common morbidities has stalled. Examples like Eat Sleep Console demonstrate the value of prospective evaluation when adopting new practices...

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Dr. Divya keerthy (New York Presbyterian Queens/Weill Cornell Medicine) and Dr. Katherine Nyman (UCSD/Rady Children's, San Diego) discuss their Hot Topics conference experience. Keerthy presents research on prenatal polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure measured via backpack monitors and silicone wristbands during the third trimester. Her longitudinal study tracked infant microbiome at three time points over six months, identifying two air pollutants affecting microbiome development. Nyman highlights interest in the Tiny Baby collaborative, particularly PDA management challenges in extremely premature infants. Both emphasize the value of Hot Topics' evidence-based sessions including "green and...

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Dr. Louise Owen from Royal Women's Hospital Melbourne presents the AEROPLANE trial comparing 21% versus 30% oxygen for 32-35 week infants at birth. This understudied cohort represents 80% of preterm births globally. Using cluster randomization with waived consent, the trial captured real-world practice across centers. Infants receiving 30% oxygen required less delivery room intervention including assisted ventilation, intubation, and chest compressions. Three-quarters of infants needing initial support continued requiring respiratory support beyond delivery. Both groups ultimately received average oxygen in the 50s, suggesting moderate preterm infants may behave more like very preterm rather than term babies regarding...

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Dr. Clara Song, Chair of the AAP Section on Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, discusses urgent workforce challenges facing neonatology. With average neonatologist age around 50-55 and stable fellowship applications despite growing positions, the field faces potential shortages. The section launched initiatives addressing fair compensation, including a new website comparing negotiated commercial payer rates across states and engaging state chapters for payer advocacy. Song highlights concerning trends where neonatologist productivity increased while compensation decreased as the field became female-dominated. She discusses the section's comprehensive staffing toolkit and proposes restructured training pathways—potentially shortened residency with targeted 2-5...

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Dr. Katherine P Callahan, neonatologist and bioethicist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, discusses the complexity of genetic testing in neonatal care. While the NICU serves as a launch point for genetic technologies due to high prevalence of genetic disease, genetic information is often ambiguous or uncertain rather than straightforwardly diagnostic. Variants of uncertain significance represent just one challenge—even clearly pathogenic findings may have unclear implications for individual patients, as demonstrated when parents carry the same mutation as their severely affected child. Callahan emphasizes that genetic information poses "informational hazards" requiring careful consideration of...

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In this episode, Dr. Andrew Beverstock discusses his research on urinary sodium and its relationship with growth in preterm neonates. He shares insights into the importance of sodium for neonatal growth, the methodology of his study, and the unexpected results that challenge existing literature. The conversation also touches on his diverse medical training, mentorship experiences, and his involvement in medical education and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Dr. Beverstock emphasizes the significance of careful population selection in research and outlines his future research directions.

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In this episode, Mandy Daly shares her profound journey as a NICU parent and her advocacy work through the Irish Neonatal Health Alliance (INHA). She discusses the emotional challenges faced by parents of preterm infants, the importance of family-centered care, and the need for systemic changes in neonatal healthcare. Mandy emphasizes the significance of building support networks, empowering families through education, and the impact of lived experiences in shaping healthcare policies. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts required to improve outcomes for families navigating the complexities of neonatal care.

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In this episode, Leah Jayanetti speaks with Keira Sorrells, founder of the NICU Parent Network, about her personal journey through the NICU experience with her triplets and the advocacy work she has undertaken to support NICU families. They discuss the importance of family-centered care, the NICU Babies Bill of Rights, and the emotional challenges faced by parents in the NICU. Kira shares her insights on healing through storytelling and the need for self-care among NICU leaders, emphasizing that hope is an expression of love, regardless of the outcomes.

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In this episode of NeoNews, the team returns from a brief hiatus with a refreshed format and a packed review of neonatal stories dominating recent headlines. Eli, Ben, and Daphna open with updates on RSV prevention, highlighting new MMWR data showing significant gaps in nirsevimab and maternal vaccine uptake—despite strong evidence and renewed availability. They discuss how supply chain issues, insurance delays, and vaccine confusion continue to limit access, and they emphasize the unique role neonatologists can play in counseling families early and often. The hosts also review concerning national trends in co...

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In this episode, Dr. Sidney Zven shares his unique journey from a civil engineering career to becoming a neonatology fellow at Walter Reed Military Medical Center. He discusses his experiences with food insecurity among military families, particularly focusing on WIC enrollment challenges and the impact of stigma and misinformation. Dr. Zven highlights his mentorship experience while working on a grant to address these issues and the importance of engaging stakeholders in community health initiatives. He also provides insights into his neonatology fellowship training and his aspirations for the future in military medicine.

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In this episode of At the Bench, Misty Good and David McCulley interview Dr. Bernard Thébaud, a neonatologist and leader in lung and pulmonary vascular developmental biology and regenerative medicine. The conversation explores Dr. Thebaud’s journey into research, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges of translating research into clinical practice. They discuss the significance of recognizing opportunities, navigating critical feedback, and the promising mechanisms in regenerative medicine that could enhance lung repair in preterm infants. Dr. Thébaud discusses the innovative use of mesenchymal stromal cells in lung therapy for neon...

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In the final episode of our Rethinking Phototherapy series, Ben speaks with Steve Falk, Chief Engineer of the Maternal Infant Care Strategic Business Unit at GE Healthcare. With more than three decades of engineering leadership, Steve has been instrumental in the development of landmark neonatal technologies, including the Giraffe Omnibed and Panda platforms.

This conversation highlights the critical role of engineering in making phototherapy precise, reliable, and safe. Steve explains how advances in LED technology have transformed phototherapy devices, ensuring consistent irradiance and long product life. He describes how engineers translate...

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What happens when we challenge our long-standing assumptions about phototherapy in the NICU? In this special installment of our Rethinking Phototherapy series, Ben and Daphna are joined by Dr. Deepak Manhas to examine one of the most complex questions: how should we manage hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants?

Unlike term babies, preemies face unique risks—shorter red blood cell lifespan, immature bilirubin conjugation, lower albumin binding, and increased blood-brain barrier permeability—all of which make them more vulnerable to bilirubin-induced neurologic dysfunction. This conversation explores why traditional guidelines cannot simply be applied to p...

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In the second installment of our Rethinking Phototherapy series, Ben and Daphna welcome Dr. Daniel Rauch, Professor of Pediatrics at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and Division Chief of Pediatric Hospital Medicine and General Academic Pediatrics at Joseph Sanzari Children’s Hospital. Dr. Rauch co-authored the AAP technical report on phototherapy and brings a unique perspective on how light therapy should be understood and applied in clinical practice.

This conversation reframes phototherapy as a true pharmacotherapy—an intervention that must be delivered in precise doses with attention to wavelength, irradiance, body...

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In this episode of The Incubator Podcast, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. Alex Kemper, Division Chief of Primary Care Pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Editor-in-Chief of Pediatrics. Dr. Kemper served as chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics subcommittee that authored the 2022 revision of the neonatal hyperbilirubinemia guidelines.

Together, they explore the motivations behind revisiting the 2004 guideline, the major changes introduced, and how these revisions are shaping clinical care. Dr. Kemper explains why treatment thresholds for phototherapy were raised, the careful balance between avoiding unnecessary interventions and pr...

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In this discussion, Dr. Hevil Shah (Cook Children’s Hospital) and Dr. Julie Lindower (UI Children’s) highlight the work of the CHNC Focus Group on Extremely Preterm Infants, centered on babies born between 21–23 weeks’ gestation. They share insights from a workshop on precision care, emphasizing lessons from Iowa’s long-term data showing improved survival and neurodevelopmental outcomes. The conversation explores variability in resuscitation and counseling practices across centers, and the importance of unified messaging among care teams. The group’s next steps include publishing survey results and strengthening collaborations—particularly with the nutrition focu...

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In this keynote discussion, Dr. Natasha Henner (Lurie Children’s Hospital) examines how evolving reproductive policies are reshaping neonatal practice, from counseling at the limits of viability to supporting families after restrictive abortion laws. She discusses rising NICU admissions for infants with congenital differences, ethical tensions around “life-limiting” diagnoses, and gaps in perinatal hospice and home care resources. Dr. Henner emphasizes the need for shared frameworks among neonatologists, obstetricians, and palliative care teams, as well as simulation-based training to navigate moral distress and complex communication. Her call to action: welcome these difficult conversations to imp...

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In this keynote conversation, Dr. Amy Baughcum, PhD (Nationwide Children’s), Dr. Elizabeth Fischer, PhD (Children’s Wisconsin), and Dr. Lamia Soghier, MD, MeD, MBA (Children’s National) discuss building comprehensive perinatal mental health support systems that span from prenatal diagnosis to life after NICU discharge. Drawing inspiration from Dr. Joanna Cole’s fetal psychology model at CHOP, they emphasize early screening, interdisciplinary collaboration, and embedding psychologists or social workers within NICU teams. The speakers highlight strategies to normalize emotional distress, empower families to seek help, and align institutional priorities with psychosocial care. Their sh...

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This episode addresses NICU staff mental health with Dr. Chavis Patterson, PhD (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia). He reviews common problems—toxic stress, compassion fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbance—and practical mitigation strategies: brief micro-practices (five-minute arrival/departure routines), peer debriefs (e.g., “pink flags”), unit multidisciplinary check-ins, and institutional resources such as employee assistance programs and embedded NICU psychologists. Patterson stresses normalizing emotional responses, reducing stigma around seeking psychotherapy, and building structural supports by advocating for funded on-unit psychology positions. Immediate actions: start regular team debriefs, map local mental-health resources, pilot embedded psychology coverage...

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This keynote episode features Dr. Jennifer Sucre (Vanderbilt University Medical Center), whose research bridges bedside observation and molecular biology to uncover why some preterm infants develop severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) while others recover. Through innovative live imaging of lung development and mouse and human tissue models, her lab discovered that capillary “guidance” signals—semaphorins—are crucial for lung repair and resilience. Loss of these pathways marks irreversible injury. Dr. Sucre emphasizes “bedside-to-bench” science, finding lessons from resilient infants to inform therapy. Clinically, she urges providers to recognize individual resilience, foster hopeful communication with families, an...

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This episode features Dr. Sofia Isabel Perazzo (Children’s National Hospital) and Dr. Rakesh Rao (St. Louis Children’s Hospital) discussing a CHNC Explore analysis of intestinal stricture formation following surgical necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Using 15 years of CHND data, they examined over 2,400 surgical NEC cases, finding an overall stricture incidence of about 31%, with striking inter-center variability (24–38%). Lower gestational age, stoma creation, and combined drainage-laparotomy increased risk, while peritoneal drainage was protective. Hispanic ethnicity was associated with lower risk. Although their predictive model (AUC 0.67) was modest, the findings offer valuable benchmarks for parent counseling, qualit...

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This episode features Dr. Giulia Lima (Boston Children’s Hospital), a CHNC Mentored Fellow, discussing risk factors for morbidity and mortality among preterm infants with congenital heart disease (CHD) using data from over 11,000 NICU admissions. Surprisingly, older gestational age did not predict improved survival once infants survived beyond three days. Major mortality predictors included surgical NEC, bloodstream infection, trisomy 21, airway anomalies, and compromised systemic output lesions. Multiple gestation appeared protective, though reasons remain unclear. Dr. Lima highlights the importance of standardized prenatal steroids, care coordination, and exploring socioeconomic and ethnic disparities to improve ou...

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In this episode Dr. Murali Premkumar (Texas Children’s) presents an Explore/CHNC analysis of stricture formation after surgical NEC using 2010–2024 CHND data (2,411 surgical NEC infants). Overall CHNC stricture incidence ≈31% with marked inter-center variability (adjusted center rates ~24–38%). Multivariable analysis identified lower gestational age and stoma/laparotomy as associated with higher stricture risk, while initial peritoneal drainage associated with lower risk; Hispanic ethnicity showed lower unadjusted risk. A predictive model yielded AUC 0.67, highlighting missing variables (antibiotic duration, feeding practices). Practical implications: use these benchmarks to counsel families, generate hypotheses, and target QI by studying low-risk...

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This episode features Dr. Sarah Swenson (Children’s Nebraska), Dr. Cara Solness, PhD (Children’s Nebraska), and Dr. Desiree Leverette (Emory/Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta) discussing equitable approaches to parental mental health screening in the NICU. They highlight that traditional programs often screen only mothers for depression, missing significant distress among non-gestational parents, especially fathers. Universal screening identified five times more affected partners, improving opportunities for support. The guests underscore the developmental importance of including all caregivers, the need to address stigma and fears of CPS involvement, and the value of trauma-informed commun...

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In this episode, Dr. Marina Metzler (St. Louis Children’s) shares her experience as a mentored fellow within the CHNC network, focusing on her project investigating genetic diagnoses in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). She discusses the application and mentorship process, the support available from statisticians and CHNC collaborators, and early findings showing that infants with genetic conditions often experience longer NICU stays, more ventilator support, and greater feeding challenges. Dr. Metzler highlights the potential for genetic testing to refine diagnosis, guide care, and inform families, while emphasizing the need for larger datasets an...

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This episode features Joshua Hess, MSN, RN discussing strategies to encourage more nurses to attend neonatal conferences where interdisciplinary collaboration drives meaningful quality improvement. Hess highlights how nurse involvement ensures clinical decisions reflect bedside realities, especially in managing conditions like BPD. He describes his unit’s culture of first-name, physician-nurse partnership and how institutional support and presenting a poster helped him attend. He also shares his team’s safe sleep quality initiative, which standardized education, created an order for “safe sleep readiness,” and significantly reduced unsafe sleep environments. Hess encourages NICUs to empower nurses a...

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This episode features Dr. Carolina Adams (Emory) and Dr. Faizah Bhatti (Oklahoma Children’s Hospital) discussing findings from the CHNC Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) Focus Group. Their survey of pediatric ophthalmologists across U.S. centers revealed wide variability in screening practices, communication with neonatologists, sedation protocols, and anti-VEGF dosing. Many clinicians continue using higher bevacizumab doses despite emerging evidence supporting dose reduction. The guests emphasize the need for consistent, collaborative protocols, especially for infants outside standard screening criteria and extremely premature infants now surviving earlier gestational ages. They preview upcoming technology, including handheld NI...

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This episode reflects on key themes emerging from day two of the 2025 CHNC Symposium. Hosts highlight ongoing work within CHNC focus groups, including defining emergent neonatal transport criteria and improving care pathways for infants with intestinal failure. They emphasize the pivotal role of family partners in research and quality improvement, noting the need to reduce financial and logistical barriers that limit caregiver participation at conferences. The discussion also underscores the growing recognition of parental mental health as central to infant outcomes, encouraging universal screening and structured support. Overall, the episode calls for intentional...

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In this episode, neonatologists Dr. Megan Paulsen (Children’s Minnesota) and Dr. Sarah Swenson explore strategies for supporting parental mental health in the NICU, emphasizing universal screening for depression, anxiety, and trauma. They highlight the critical impact of parental well-being on infant neurodevelopment, family stability, and long-term quality of life. Drawing on personal and professional experience, Dr. Paulson shares her journey as a NICU parent, illustrating gaps in current care. Practical recommendations include integrating psychologists and social workers into NICU teams, implementing structured follow-up, and advocating for system-level changes to ensure equitable, sustained me...

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In this episode, Dr. Katie Huff (Cincinnati Children’s) and Dr. Pritha Nayak (Dallas Children’s) discuss the work of the CHNC Intestinal Failure Focus Group. They highlight the unique challenges of managing neonates post-NEC, including TPN, nutrition, and long-term outcomes. The group’s recent survey revealed significant variability across centers, including the presence of dedicated intestinal rehab teams and approaches to outpatient follow-up. Future efforts will focus on neurodevelopmental support, optimizing feeding practices, and standardizing criteria for discharge on TPN. This work demonstrates how descriptive, collaborative research within CHNC can spark new hypoth...

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In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Anson and Dr. Luke Viehl from the CHNC Transport Focus Group discuss establishing consensus definitions for emergent neonatal transports across North American NICUs. Using a modified Delphi process, they surveyed 48 CHNC sites on diagnoses, clinical signs, and specialized equipment, achieving over 80% consensus in all categories. Standardized criteria aim to improve timely stabilization, support resource allocation, and facilitate advocacy with hospital administrators and insurers. Practical implications include guiding training, optimizing transport team composition, and integrating with initiatives such as therapeutic hypothermia for HIE. This work lays the foundation for...

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In this episode, Dr. Jacqueline Evans, Dr. Theresa Grover, and Dr. Karna Murthy provide an update on the Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC), highlighting its growth to 52 centers and over 375,000 infants in the registry. They discuss the symposium’s expansion, multi-center quality improvement collaboratives, and focus groups that enable data-driven research and clinical innovation. Emphasis is placed on leveraging the registry for rare disease insights, supporting career development, and fostering collaboration across institutions. Practical takeaways include opportunities for hospitals to join CHNC, engage with focus groups, and utilize registry data for research, QI...

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This discussion features Dr. Charada Gowda and Dr. Jessica Fry, leaders in the CHNC collaborative network, highlighting ongoing work within the CDH and Palliative Care & Ethics (PACE) focus groups. The CDH group is developing consensus clinical practice guidelines and has created an outcomes calculator to support more informative prenatal counseling and individualized care planning. The PACE group focuses on improving collaboration between neonatology and palliative care teams and recently surveyed CHNC centers regarding resources to support clinicians after patient loss. Findings emphasize that simply knowing support tools exist improves staff well-being. Both groups...

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This discussion features Dr. Malathi Balasundaram and Morgan Kowalski, leaders of the CHNC Family-Centered Care Task Force, outlining how Family Partnership Councils integrate families as true partners in NICU care, policy development, and quality improvement. Instead of providing feedback after decisions are made, families co-create guidelines and initiatives from the start, promoting empowerment and more meaningful parent presence. They describe barriers such as recruitment, compensation, scheduling, and staff uncertainty, and offer practical strategies including foundation support, transparent role expectations, and diversifying family representation. The Task Force’s webinars, office hours, and survey-driven improvement to...

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This discussion features Dr. Clyde Wright, Professor of Pediatrics at Children’s Hospital Colorado and the University of Colorado School of Medicine, who studies perinatal innate immunity and neonatal lung injury. He highlights the rapid rise of acetaminophen as the most commonly used medication for ductal closure in preterm infants despite limited long-term safety data. Dr. Wright explains how acetaminophen metabolism via CYP2E1 produces a reactive metabolite that may affect mitochondrial function in developing lung cells, prompting consideration beyond hepatic toxicity markers. He encourages clinicians to remain judicious, especially outside optimal treatment wi...

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This discussion features Dr. Beena Kamath-Rayne, a neonatologist at Lurie Children’s and Senior Vice President of Global Health and Clinical Skills at the American Academy of Pediatrics, describing how collaborative programs are improving neonatal care quality nationwide. She explains the AAP’s NICU Verification (Neonatal Excellence) Program, which supports level II–IV units in evaluating their structures, processes, and outcomes against national standards through a collaborative, non-punitive survey model. Dr. Kamath-Rayne also highlights the DRIVE Network, which captures delivery room practices to address variation, including CPAP use in term infants. Key takeaways includ...

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In this CHNC 2025 conversation, Daphna speaks with Dr. Beverley Brozanski (St. Louis Children’s) and Dr. Anthony Piazza (Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta) about the evolution of quality improvement within the Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC). They trace the journey from the first collaborative—reducing central line infections—to today’s data-driven, multicenter initiatives powered by the Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Database (CHND). Reflecting on lessons learned, they emphasize data over time, inclusion of data abstractors as core collaborators, and mentorship that nurtures the next generation of QI leaders, illustrating how sustained collaboration...

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In this episode from the CHNC 2025 Symposium, The Incubator welcomes Dr. Briana Bertoni and Dr. Gene Pallotto to discuss the Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Consortium’s (CHNC) CIQI program and its ongoing quality improvement initiatives. They share results from Project Home, a multicenter effort to increase human milk use at discharge—highlighting how transport teams, unified family education, and cultural awareness helped drive progress. The next phase takes a flexible “choose-your-own-adventure” approach, empowering NICUs to target unplanned extubations, nosocomial infections, or oral feeding readiness. With benchmarking, data support, and shared learning, CHNC continues to help di...

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In this CHNC 2025 episode, The Incubator speaks with Dr. Sandy Johng (Seattle Children’s) and Dr. Kelsey Montgomery (Riley Children’s Hospital) about the collaborative work of the CDH Focus Group within the consortium. They discuss a national effort to evaluate bivalirudin versus heparin for ECMO anticoagulation in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia—a shift driven by promising anecdotal evidence but lacking robust data. Through shared cases, systematic review, and consensus guideline development, the group aims to unify practice and elevate research quality. The conversation highlights how real-time collaboration accelerates learning, improves care consis...

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Live from the Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC) 2025 Symposium in Denver, The Incubator host Dr. Daphna Yasova Barbeau sits down with Dr. Diana Montoya Williams, neonatologist and researcher, to explore how in-person collaboration shapes the future of neonatal medicine. They discuss CHNC’s role in connecting clinicians across Level IV NICUs through data sharing, quality improvement, and meaningful dialogue. The conversation highlights how conferences like CHNC rekindle professional motivation, strengthen care networks, and translate shared learning into improved outcomes for high-risk infants—reminding neonatal providers why gathering, reflecting, and innovating together still matter...

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Join Dr. Daphna Yasova Barbeau as she kicks off The Incubator’s live coverage from the Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Consortium (CHNC) 2025 Symposium in Denver. This opening episode sets the stage for two days of conversations focused on improving care for high-risk infants through data sharing, collaboration, and quality improvement across Level IV NICUs. Daphna introduces the mission behind CHNC and its powerful Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Database (CHND)—a resource driving benchmarking and innovation nationwide. Tune in for context, purpose, and the energy that fuels this year’s meeting before diving into interviews...

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In this episode, Dr. Ruth Grace Babirekoba discusses the transformative efforts in newborn care in Uganda, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among healthcare professionals. She shares insights on the National Surfactant Administration Protocol and her personal journey in maternal and newborn health, highlighting the significance of mentorship and self-care for future leaders in healthcare.

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The Incubator Podcast welcomes Dr. Henry Lee, Associate Editor of the Textbook of Neonatal Resuscitation, to discuss the ninth edition of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). They review major updates released October 22, 2025, including the extended 60 second delayed cord clamping, new guidance on cord milking, refined oxygen targets, ventilation parameters, and updates to airway management and corrective steps. They also highlight three new educational modules, NRP Cardiac, Resuscitation in the NICU, and Neonatal Education for Prehospital Professionals, emphasizing how these changes support evidence based and effective neonatal care worldwide.

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In this episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah interviews Jennifer Bernardo, a passionate advocate and author of 'Week 26', who shares her journey through the NICU with her twins, Luke and Layla. Jennifer discusses the challenges of having premature babies, the healing power of writing, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the role of presence in NICU care, the significance of involving siblings, and her advocacy efforts to raise awareness about the NICU experience. The conversation highlights the resilience of NICU parents and the hope that guides them through difficult times.<...

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What’s 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 neonatal care.

From the use of CARPEDIEM for renal replacement therapy in the tiniest infants to a meta-analysis on high-dose vitamin D...

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Infant Renal Replacement Therapy Using Carpediem™: 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.2025.114838. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41016463 Free article.

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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

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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...

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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.

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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...

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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.

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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

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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

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In this episode, Dr. Manjari Pophale discusses her innovative global health project focused on implementing surfactant administration techniques in resource-limited NICUs across Africa. She shares insights into the project's development, the importance of mentorship, and the positive impact of the SALSA method on neonatal outcomes. The conversation highlights the challenges and successes of global health initiatives, emphasizing the need for effective training and community engagement.

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In this episode of At the Bench, Betsy Crouch and David McCulley engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Eleanor Molloy, a neonatologist and physician scientist. They explore Eleanor's journey in neonatology, the importance of inflammation in neonatal health, and the challenges and rewards of conducting research in this field. The discussion also highlights the significance of collaboration, both within research teams and with parents, to enhance clinical practice and improve outcomes for neonates. Eleanor shares insights on the role of biomarkers, the impact of sex differences in research, and the necessity of...

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In this special episode recorded live at the NeoHeart Conference 2025 in San Diego, California, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. Steve Abman, the Dr. John Patrick Cleary Living with Legends Keynote Address Speaker. A true leader in pediatric medicine, Dr. Abman serves as Professor of Pediatric Pulmonary Medicine, Co-Director of the Pediatric Pulmonary Hypertension Program, Director of the Pediatric Heart and Lung Center, and President of the American Pediatric Society.

Through candid reflection and storytelling, Dr. Abman discusses his journey from social activism to medicine, his mentors who shaped his...

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In this episode, Mbozu and Shelly-Ann are joined by Jean Musonda-Chintende, a critical care nurse and national trainer in advanced newborn care with the Ministry of Health in Zambia. Jean shares her decade-long journey in neonatal intensive care and her leadership in building and mentoring neonatal units across the country.

She discusses the process of setting up special care baby units in hospitals that previously lacked neonatal services, including assessing facility readiness, training staff, and ensuring standardized care through continued mentorship. Jean highlights partnerships with organizations such as UNICEF and Clinton...

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In this episode of the Incubator Podcast, Dr. Mario Rüdiger, a prominent neonatologist from Germany, shares his journey into the field of neonatology, discussing the differences between European and American practices, the importance of flexibility in adopting new therapies, and the role of evidence in neonatal care. He emphasizes the significance of empowering parents in the NICU and advocates for a family-centered approach to care. The conversation also touches on the future of neonatal education, the impact of podcasting in the field, and the challenges of work-life balance for healthcare professionals. Dr. R...

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In this heartfelt episode of Beyond the Beeps, Leah and Christina discuss the emotional journey of navigating the NICU as a parent. Christina shares her experiences from the moment she went into preterm labor to the discharge day of her son, Caleb. The conversation highlights the importance of building a support system, advocating for your child, and finding resilience during challenging times. Christina emphasizes the need for information and education in the NICU environment, as well as the significance of self-care for parents. The episode concludes with a message of hope and encouragement...

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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 supplementation in preterm infants, where results raised concerns about potential increased risk of BPD, highlighting the need for more precise dosing and study design.

A major feature of...

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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.

Enjoy!

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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 ahead of print.PMID: 40982289

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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

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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...

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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

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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 Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Aug 31:fetalneonatal-2025-328693. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2025-328693. Online ahead of print.PMID: 40889884

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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.

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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...

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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

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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...

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In this episode, Ben and Daphna sit down with Cassie Carrigan and Sacha Force to share the story of Cassie’s son, Caleb, and the lessons his short life continues to teach. Cassie, a mother, mental health therapist, and NICU parent, walks us through Caleb’s complex diagnostic journey, multiple surgeries, and ultimately the genetic condition that explained his struggles. She reflects candidly on the emotional toll of repeated bad news, the challenge of decision-making in crisis, and the importance of partnership between parents and medical teams.

Alongside her, Sacha—Caleb’s NICU n...

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What if you could hold in your hands a roadmap to the most influential studies that have shaped modern neonatology? In this special episode of The Incubator Podcast, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. John Zupancic, Dr. Susanna Hay, and Dr. Roger Soll to discuss the release of their new book, 50 Studies Every Neonatologist Should Know. Together with their co-editors Dr. Barbara Schmidt and Dr. Haresh Kirpalani, the team has distilled decades of neonatal research into an accessible, thoughtfully structured volume designed to guide clinicians, trainees, and educators.

The conversation...

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In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr Isabella Eiler from the Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She is originally from the Milwaukee area and first attended the Medical College of Wisconsin for medical school. She then went on to complete her pediatric residency at the Indiana University School of Medicine. In this episode of Rupa's Fellows Friday, Dr. Isabella Eiler discusses her journey in neonatology, particularly her interest in NeuroNICU and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). She shares insights from her research on missed opportunities for neonatal assessments and...