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Welcome to the debut episode of Rupa’s Fellows Friday, a new series on The Incubator podcast, hosted by Dr. Srirupa Gopal. This series celebrates the incredible research and passion of neonatology fellows from around the globe. Our first guest, Dr. Amee Amin, a third-year neonatology fellow at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH), shares her inspiring journey and groundbreaking work in global health.

Dr. Amin discusses her diverse background—born in Kenya, raised in Tanzania, and trained in India, the UK, and the US—and how it shaped her dedication to improving neonatal care in low-resource settings. She highlights her recent project: developing and implementing a low-cost continuous respiratory rate monitor designed for use in neonatal intensive care units in low- and middle-income countries. This innovative device, created in collaboration with Rice University, uses sensors to measure respiratory rates accurately and affordably, empowering healthcare providers with vital tools in resource-constrained settings.

The conversation also delves into the challenges of conducting global health research during fellowship, the importance of mentorship, and Dr. Amin’s transformative experiences working in Malawi and presenting at the Tiny Feet Big Steps conference in Tanzania. This inspiring episode highlights the power of passion, collaboration, and innovation in neonatology.

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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.

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Support the show

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!

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In this episode of The Incubator Podcast, hosts Ben and Daphna welcome Dr. Cami Martin, a renowned expert in neonatal nutrition. Dr. Martin shares her insights on the evolving landscape of neonatal nutritional care, highlighting the critical role of early nutrition in shaping long-term outcomes for preterm infants. With a wealth of experience in clinical research and bedside practice, Dr. Martin delves into the latest evidence-based strategies to optimize growth and development in the NICU, addressing key challenges faced by neonatal care teams.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Martin discusses practical approaches to individualized nutrition plans, the importance of fortification strategies, and the potential of emerging innovations in the field. She also provides valuable guidance on how clinicians can implement best practices to support the unique nutritional needs of vulnerable newborns.

Whether you’re a seasoned neonatal professional or new to the field, this episode offers invaluable perspectives on advancing neonatal care through tailored nutritional interventions. Tune in to gain practical takeaways and explore the future of neonatal nutrition with one of the leading voices in the field.

Support the show

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.

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In this week’s Journal Club, Ben and Daphna discuss six impactful studies shaping neonatal care. The conversation opens with a retrospective study exploring the timeline and factors influencing liberation from respiratory support in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), offering valuable insights for parental counseling and care planning. A survey on enteral nutrition practices in U.S. NICUs highlights variability in feeding protocols and fortification strategies, with an encouraging trend toward donor milk use.

The hosts then delve into a study on anti-seizure medication protocols, showing how structured pathways can significantly reduce the number of infants discharged on these medications. A European survey on anemia of prematurity reveals wide variations in iron supplementation and erythropoietin use, emphasizing the need for standardized practices. They also review a commentary on the evolving design of NICUs, which warns against sensory deprivation and advocates for balancing protective and nurturing environments.

Finally, the discussion turns to a Spanish study on bemiparin, a low molecular weight heparin for neonatal thrombosis. While safe, the treatment faces challenges in achieving full thrombus resolution, highlighting the complexities of managing neonatal clotting disorders. Packed with insights and updates, this episode is a must-listen for neonatal professionals.

Support the show

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.

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Bemiparin in neonatal thrombosis: therapeutic dosing and safety.

Sanchez-Holgado M, Sampedro M, Zozaya C, Permuy Romero C, Alvarez-Garcia P, La Banda-Montalvo L, Nieto C, Pellicer A.J Perinatol. 2024 Dec 16. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-02200-1. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39681735

Support the show

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.

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The road to sensory deprivation in the NICU is paved with good intentions: defining an optimal environment of care.

White RD, Browne JV, Inder T.J Perinatol. 2025 Jan;45(1):1-2. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-02204-x. Epub 2024 Dec 19.PMID: 39702828 No abstract available.

Support the show

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.

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Supplemental Iron and Recombinant Erythropoietin for Anemia in Infants Born Very Preterm: A Survey of Clinical Practice in Europe.

Reibel-Georgi NJ, Scrivens A, Heeger LE, Lopriore E, New HV, Deschmann E, Stanworth SJ, Carrascosa MA, Brække K, Cardona F, Cools F, Farrugia R, Ghirardello S, Krivec JL, Matasova K, Muehlbacher T, Sankilampi U, Soares H, Szabó M, Szczapa T, Zaharie G, Roehr CC, Fustolo-Gunnink S, Dame C; Neonatal Transfusion Network.J Pediatr. 2025 Jan;276:114302. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114302. Epub 2024 Sep 13.PMID: 39277077 Free article.
 

Enteral nutritional practices in extremely preterm infants: a survey of U.S. NICUs.

Romero-Lopez M, Naik M, Holzapfel LF, Tyson JE, Pedroza C, Ahmad KA, Rysavy MA, Carlo WA, Zhang Y, Tibe C, Salas AA.J Perinatol. 2024 Dec 9. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-02198-6. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39653781 No abstract available.

Support the show

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.

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EBNEO commentary: Reducing the percentage of surviving infants with acute symptomatic seizures discharged on anti-seizure medication.

Barber D, Chang J.Acta Paediatr. 2025 Feb;114(2):456-457. doi: 10.1111/apa.17529. Epub 2024 Dec 4.PMID: 39630589 No abstract available.

Reducing the percentage of surviving infants with acute symptomatic seizures discharged on anti-seizure medication.

Nangle AM, He Z, Bhalla S, Bullock J, Carlson A, Dutt M, Hamrick S, Jones P, Piazza A, Vale A, Sewell EK.J Perinatol. 2024 Jul 23. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-02044-9. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39043995

Support the show

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.

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Enteral nutritional practices in extremely preterm infants: a survey of U.S. NICUs.

Romero-Lopez M, Naik M, Holzapfel LF, Tyson JE, Pedroza C, Ahmad KA, Rysavy MA, Carlo WA, Zhang Y, Tibe C, Salas AA.J Perinatol. 2024 Dec 9. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-02198-6. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39653781 No abstract available.

Support the show

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.

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Liberation from Respiratory Support in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

Kielt MJ, Zaniletti I, Lagatta JM, Padula MA, Grover TR, Porta NFM, Wymore EM, Jensen EA, Leeman KT, Levin JC, Evans JR, Yallapragada S, Nelin LD, Vyas-Read S, Murthy K; Children’s Hospitals Neonatal Consortium Severe BPD Focus Group.J Pediatr. 2024 Nov 7:114390. doi: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2024.114390. Online ahead of print.PMID: 39521174

Support the show

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!