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In this week’s Journal Club, Ben and Daphna unpack a series of recent studies exploring outcomes in neonatology—from long-term mortality after severe neonatal morbidity to short-term feeding strategies in preterm infants.

They open with a large population-based Swedish study showing that infants who experience severe neonatal morbidities face elevated mortality risks well into adolescence—especially those with neurological complications. The discussion highlights how early-life diagnoses carry weight far beyond the NICU, and how long-term support systems may not be fully equipped to manage that risk.

Next, the hosts examine a small German crossover trial on prone positioning, revealing that even simple changes in posture may cut hypoxemic episodes in half. They follow this with a randomized trial comparing dopamine and norepinephrine for neonatal septic shock, a data-heavy look at the nuanced physiology behind first-line interventions.

The episode rounds out with studies on cold milk for feeding dysphagia, late-onset sepsis risk with hydrocortisone, the impact of tele-neonatology on cooling time in HIE, and a new meta-analysis on kangaroo care’s role in reducing infection.

It’s a pragmatic, fast-paced overview of recent literature shaping how we care for vulnerable newborns.

As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: [email protected]. 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!