NEONATAL

This phase 3 trial tested whether giving preterm babies a drug called darbepoetin weekly could improve their brain development and reduce the need for blood transfusions. 650 infants born between 23 and 28 weeks of pregnancy were treated until they reached 35 weeks or went home. …

This study tested whether wrapping premature babies in a plastic bag (polyethylene bag) keeps them warmer than the usual prewarmed blanket during transfer from the delivery room to the NICU. Sixty-seven babies weighing 2 kilograms or less were randomly assigned to one of the two …

This study tested whether applying scents (like lavender) during heel blood collection can reduce crying, pain, and stress in newborns. 120 healthy full-term babies were randomly assigned to receive a scent or not. Researchers measured crying time, heart rate, and a standard pain…

This study tested whether adding dexmedetomidine (a sedative) to fentanyl (a painkiller) could reduce the amount of fentanyl needed for full-term newborns on breathing machines. Forty babies were given either a lower fentanyl dose plus dexmedetomidine or standard fentanyl alone. …

This study tested a device called NIPE that measures heart rate changes to detect pain in very premature babies (born before 34 weeks) who are sedated and on ventilators. Researchers compared NIPE readings before and during care procedures in 50 infants. The goal was to see if th…