The Incubator

Send us a textBen 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.----Intermittent hypoxia and caffeine in infants born preterm: the ICAF Randomized Clinical Trial. Eichenwald E, Corwin M, McEntire B, Knoblach S, Limperopoulos C, Kapse K, Kerr S, Heeren TC, Ikponmwonba C, Hunt CE; ICAF Study Group.Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2025 Nov 24:fetalneonatal-2025-329230. doi: 10.1136/archdischild-2025-329230. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41285561Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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.----Outcomes of Infants Born at 21 Weeks' Gestational Age. Hyland RM, Mat HD, Boly TJ, Thomas BJ, Stanford AH, Harmon HM, Bermick JR, Davila RC, Colaizy TT, Dagle JM, Klein JM, Greiner AL, Bell EF, McNamara PJ; University of Iowa Neonatology Program.JAMA Netw Open. 2025 Dec 1;8(12):e2548211. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.48211.PMID: 41385227 Free PMC article.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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.----Expectant Management vs Medication for Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: The PDA Randomized Clinical Trial. Laughon MM, Thomas SM, Watterberg KL, Kennedy KA, Keszler M, Ambalavanan N, Davis AS, Slaughter JL, Guillet R, Colaizy TT, Cotten CM, Dhawan MA, Bose CL, Talbert J, Smucny S, Benitz WE, Rysavy MA, Ohls RK, Baserga MC, DeMauro SB, Jaleel M, Jackson WM, Carlo WA, Puopolo KM, Hibbs AM, Katheria A, Sánchez PJ, D'Angio CT, Patel RM, Johnson BA, Chock VY, Bhatt AJ, Merhar SL, Moore R, Laptook AR, Ghavam S, Fuller J, Vyas-Read S, Kicklighter SD, Steinbrekera B, Anderson K, Reynolds AM, Wyckoff MH, Montoya C, Das A, Do B, Chang S, Higgins RD, Walsh MC; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Neonatal Research Network.JAMA. 2025 Dec 9:e2523330. doi: 10.1001/jama.2025.23330. Online ahead of print.PMID: 41364689Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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 conversation, Leah MG Jayanetti and Alena discuss the profound experiences of families in the NICU, emphasizing the importance of nourishment, community support, and the unexpected connections that can arise during challenging times. They share personal stories about creating the Touching Tiny Hands organization, the emotional toll of having a child in the NICU, and the significance of hope and belonging in the journey of parenthood, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textAs 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. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textTransitioning 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 negotiation, non-competes, choosing the right CPA and attorney, and understanding your self-worth.Ben and Dr. Giep discuss why new physicians get blindsided by job offers, how to vet a practice properly, and the reality of community neonatology versus academic medicine. They also explore the growing role of AI in healthcare and what it means for the next generation of physicians. Whether you're finishing fellowship or reconsidering your current position, this conversation offers practical guidance on taking control of your career—and avoiding costly mistakes along the way. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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 types and bed heights, revealing that video laryngoscopy at navel height applies the lowest forces—contrary to most clinicians' perceptions.A large Japanese cohort study highlights the association between maternal psychological distress and neurodevelopmental delays, with postpartum distress showing stronger effects than prenatal stress. Finally, analysis of Neonatal Research Network data identifies predictors of early cord clamping in extremely preterm infants, with lack of magnesium sulfate, cesarean delivery, and antepartum hemorrhage being key factors.The episode wraps with reminders about upcoming conferences, including the Delphi Conference in Fort Lauderdale in January 2026.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textAntenatal 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: 41177398Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textMaternal 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.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textTreatment 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.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textApplied 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.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textEarly 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.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textFull 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.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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 importance of advocacy for children's health research. The conversation highlights the impact of patient stories in research and concludes with personal insights into family activities and the importance of maintaining a balance between work and personal life.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textThree third-year fellows present diverse research at Hot Topics. Dr. Tanima from Boston Children's 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. Dr. Juhi from University of Illinois in Chicago applies large language models to extract IVH prognostic variables from AI literature, identifying critical gaps including absence of resolution prediction studies. Dr. 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 exemplifies emerging neonatologist interests in point-of-care ultrasound, artificial intelligence applications, and clinician wellbeing. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 improving working conditions. For aspiring leaders, they advise: identify what teams value, use data to reveal challenges, build consensus around shared goals. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 February. Sites can join via AAP DRIVE Network website. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a text 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 treating patients who will become citizens for decades ahead. The conversation covers the multifactorial barriers to innovation—from regulatory challenges to funding constraints—and the Commission's comprehensive recommendations for industry, regulators, academic centers, and patient representatives. Dr. De Luca emphasizes the urgent need to avoid treating babies in 20 years the same way we did 20 years ago, highlighting specific examples like the decades-long journey from drug development to registration and the paradox of FDA-approved equipment. He calls for a united approach to elevate neonatology's profile, establish formal specialty recognition, and accelerate the translation of research into bedside care.  Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 positioning and avoiding unsupervised use outside vehicles. Some US centers are reconsidering this practice. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textNicole 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 when mothers face milk supply challenges. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 with recent guidelines recommending no routine treatment in the first two weeks. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 this group requires continued research given their potential for severe illness. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 care particularly in resource-limited settings while avoiding complications from IV access and parenteral nutrition. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 genomic implementation given high genetic disease prevalence and intervention opportunities. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textThree 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 collaborative neonatology speakers are, encouraging early-career engagement with research leaders. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textJulie 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, treatable condition requiring immediate intervention to prevent preventable brain damage from prolonged hypoglycemia. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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, challenging arbitrary standards that persist despite limited evidence supporting them. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 with Dr. Valerie Albertson and expresses enthusiasm for the Tiny Baby Collaborative, recognizing 22-weekers require distinct physiologic approaches. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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. When evidence is uncertain, integrating family values and preferences becomes essential for individualized care decisions. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 NICU resources. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 year fellowships—to attract trainees while ensuring adequate clinical preparation for increasingly complex neonatal care. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 oxygen needs. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 rotten apples" that stress-test current practices. They note the conference's focus on moderate preemies (32-34 weekers) who comprise 80% of NICU populations yet receive less research attention. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textDr. 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 psychological and ethical impacts. She advocates for acknowledging complexity, rethinking outcomes beyond traditional measures, and embracing shared decision-making rather than standardized approaches to genomic counseling. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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 congenital syphilis, noting that many affected infants had parents who received prenatal care but were never tested—an avoidable systems failure with major downstream costs. Additional segments cover the severity of last year's influenza season, the emergence of new RSV monoclonal antibodies, and the rising use of polygenic risk scoring in IVF. The team reflects on the ethical tension between innovation and eugenics concerns, and how neonatal providers can prepare for these conversations. Finally, the deep dive explores Sherri Fink's powerful reporting on trisomy 18, variability in care across institutions, and the growing emphasis on transparent, value-driven shared decision-making with families. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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. Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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 neonatal patients. He shares insights on the unexpected findings from his research, the potential of umbilical cord-derived cells, and the future of neonatal lung regenerative medicine. The conversation also touches on the importance of mentorship, resilience in research, and fostering a positive lab environment.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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 clinical needs—wavelength, intensity, surface coverage, and distance—into product requirements, and how rigorous usability testing with clinicians shapes intuitive bedside tools. The discussion also explores innovation on the horizon, from refining intermittent phototherapy strategies to integrating technologies that simplify care and support earlier discharge.Listeners will gain a behind-the-scenes perspective on how engineering teams think about phototherapy as a true pharmacotherapy, and how collaboration between clinicians and industry can directly improve outcomes for newborns and families. This episode closes the series by reminding us that innovation in neonatal care happens not only in clinical practice, but also in the design labs where these essential tools are created.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textWhat 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 preterm infants and why clinicians often initiate phototherapy earlier.Dr. Manhas discusses the creation of gestation-specific treatment charts, the challenges and dangers of exchange transfusion in this fragile population, and the uncertain role of therapies such as IVIG, albumin, and phenobarbital. The team also unpacks practical issues: what “double phototherapy” should really mean, how to order irradiance and body surface area coverage with precision, and the role of bili blankets in promoting family bonding.By situating this discussion in the broader Rethinking Phototherapy series, the episode highlights both the progress and the unanswered questions in caring for preterm infants.

Send us a textIn 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 surface exposure, and treatment duration. Dr. Rauch explains why more light is not always better, how technology has evolved from “easy-bake oven” style lamps to modern LED systems, and why maximizing body surface exposure often matters more than piling on extra light banks. The discussion also touches on cycling strategies, the value and limitations of transcutaneous monitoring, and the potential of home phototherapy to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations while supporting family bonding.Listeners will gain practical insights into the art and science of phototherapy: how to optimize treatment, minimize harm, and communicate clearly with families navigating jaundice management.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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 preventing kernicterus, and the rationale for moving away from the risk stratification nomogram. The discussion highlights phototherapy as an effective but not benign therapy—one that can disrupt bonding, prolong hospitalization, and create family stress when overused.Listeners will gain insight into the complexities of evidence review, the challenges of consensus-building over eight years of work, and the importance of shared decision-making and reliable follow-up after discharge. This conversation not only demystifies the new guidelines but also reframes the way clinicians think about jaundice management, risk stratification, and the broader impact on families.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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 focus group—to advance standardized, evidence-based care for the most premature newborns.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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 improve compassionate, coordinated family-centered care.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textIn 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 shared message: supporting parental mental health is essential, evidence-based, and foundational to optimal infant outcomes.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textThis 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, and lead institutional advocacy to make staff mental health standard NICU practice.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textThis 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, and envision a future where BPD is preventable—not inevitable.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textThis 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 outcomes in this uniquely vulnerable CHD population.Support the showAs 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!

Send us a textThis 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, quality improvement, and hypothesis generation.Support the showAs 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!