Recent advances in neonatology

This update focuses on recent neonatal research of potential interest to obstetricians. Accurate information on outcomes for infants born at the edges of viability is critical to informing management decisions. New research, population based, gives guidance on short-term survival and long-term neurodevelopmental outcome. Recent research has also highlighted the variation in attitudes to end-of-life decision-making and important influences on this that cross different boundaries. Although research is dominated by issues related to prematurity, some important developments relevant to term infants will be covered. There is accumulating evidence that challenges the traditional approach of using 100% 02 in resuscitation. For infants suffering intrapartum asphyxia there are new approaches to neuroprotection actively being explored. Therapeutic interventions such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and inhaled nitric oxide, available for some time, are having their place in neonatal intensive care more clearly defined. Curr Opir Obstet Gynecol 14:153-158. (C) 2002 Lippincott Williams Wilkins.