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10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology

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A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Neonatology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 39879

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Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Karel Allegaert

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Guest Editor

1. Department of Development and Regeneration, Catholic University of Leuven, Oude Markt 13, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
2. Erasmus MC, Dr. Molewaterplein 40, 3015 GD Rotterdam, The Netherlands
Interests: perinatal pharmacology; neonatal pharmacology; pediatric pain; neonatal outcome; pharmacokinetics; pharmacodynamics; drug safety
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are celebrating the 10th anniversary of Children with a Special Issue in the “Pediatric Neonatology” Section in 2023.

On behalf of the journal’s Editor-in-Chief, Prof. Dr. Paul R. Carney, members of the Editorial Office, and ourselves as Guest Editors, we would like to take this opportunity to thank our authors and reviewers for their valuable contributions to ensuring that Children is a successful and respected journal in its field. To celebrate the journal’s 10th anniversary, we will be serving as Guest Editors of a Special Issue focused on the clinical care, service delivery, and research related to the care of children, specifically within the context of neonatology.

Related to prevention, screening as well as treatment have evolved significantly over the last decade, improving outcomes. Prevention and screening strategies were developed and implemented (prenatal screening, dry blood spots, cardiac screening, and hearing screening). Treatment modalities changed, from delivery room management to care bundle concepts (respiratory, neurological, nutritional, pharmacological, and family-centered care), as have the outcomes of preterm neonates or neonates with specific conditions. We warmly invite original research as well as state-of-the-art reviews on/perspective contributions to pediatric global health. The papers should be long research papers (or review papers) with a full and detailed summary of the author's own work completed so far. We would like to report the latest achievements from all of the branches within the scope of "Pediatric Neonatology". We look forward to receiving your submissions!

Prof. Dr. Karel Allegaert
Guest Editor

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

neonatal pharmacology
neonatal outcome
neonatal neurology
neonatal–perinatal medicine
non-invasive ventilation
preterm infants
NICU
breastfeeding in the preterm population
clinical trials in neonatology
neonatology
neonatal sepsis
fetal and infant growth
maternal and infant health
neonatal brain injury
care bundles
family centered care

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review

4 pages, 157 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

The Special Issue on Neonatology for the 10th Anniversary of Children: From Preclinical Findings to Bringing Families to the Centre of Contemporary Neonatal Care

by Karel Allegaert

Children 2025, 12(5), 622; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12050622 - 12 May 2025

Viewed by 266

Abstract

Neonatology is a specialized branch of medicine, focussed on the care of newborns, either related to preterm birth or other medical conditions like sepsis, asphyxia, or congenital malformations [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

15 pages, 1359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parenting Influences on Frontal Lobe Gray Matter and Preterm Toddlers’ Problem-Solving Skills

by Josselyn S. Muñoz, Megan E. Giles, Kelly A. Vaughn, Ying Wang, Susan H. Landry, Johanna R. Bick and Dana M. DeMaster

Children 2024, 11(2), 206; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11020206 - 6 Feb 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2195

Abstract

Children born preterm often face challenges with self-regulation during toddlerhood. This study examined the relationship between prematurity, supportive parent behaviors, frontal lobe gray matter volume (GMV), and emotion regulation (ER) among toddlers during a parent-assisted, increasingly complex problem-solving task, validated for this age range. Data were collected from preterm toddlers (n = 57) ages 15–30 months corrected for prematurity and their primary caregivers. MRI data were collected during toddlers’ natural sleep. The sample contained three gestational groups: 22–27 weeks (extremely preterm; EPT), 28–33 weeks (very preterm; VPT), and 34–36 weeks (late preterm; LPT). Older toddlers became more compliant as the Tool Task increased in difficulty, but this pattern varied by gestational group. Engagement was highest for LPT toddlers, for older toddlers, and for the easiest task condition. Parents did not differentiate their support depending on task difficulty or their child’s age or gestational group. Older children had greater frontal lobe GMV, and for EPT toddlers only, more parent support was related to larger right frontal lobe GMV. We found that parent support had the greatest impact on high birth risk (≤27 gestational weeks) toddler brain development, thus early parent interventions may normalize preterm child neurodevelopment and have lasting impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

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13 pages, 266 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Impacts of Integrating Family-Centered Care and Developmental Care Principles on Neonatal Neurodevelopmental Outcomes among High-Risk Neonates

by Nourah Alsadaan, Osama Mohamed Elsayed Ramadan, Mohammed Alqahtani, Mostafa Shaban, Nadia Bassuoni Elsharkawy, Enas Mahrous Abdelaziz and Sayed Ibrahim Ali

Children 2023, 10(11), 1751; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10111751 - 28 Oct 2023

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4806

Abstract

Background: Integrating family-centered care (FCC) and developmental care (DC) principles in neonatal care settings may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for high-risk neonates. However, the combined impact of FCC and DC has been underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of integrated FCC and DC on neurodevelopment and length of hospital stay in high-risk neonates. Methods: A quasi-experimental pre–post study was conducted among 200 high-risk neonates (<32 weeks gestation or <1500 g) admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Saudi Arabia. The intervention group (n = 100) received integrated FCC and DC for 6 months. The control group (n = 100) received standard care. Neurodevelopment was assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development-III. Length of stay and readmissions were extracted from medical records. Results: The intervention group showed significant improvements in cognitive, motor, and language scores compared to controls (p < 0.05). The intervention group had a 4.3-day reduction in the mean length of stay versus a 1.4-day reduction in controls (p = 0.02). Integrated care independently predicted higher cognitive scores (p = 0.001) and shorter stays (p = 0.006) in regression models. Conclusion: Integrating FCC and DC in neonatal care enhances neurodevelopmental outcomes and reduces hospitalization for high-risk neonates compared to standard care. Implementing relationship-based, developmentally supportive models is critical for optimizing outcomes in this vulnerable population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

9 pages, 450 KiB

Open AccessArticle

What Mothers Know about Newborn Bloodspot Screening and the Sources They Use to Acquire This Knowledge: A Pilot Study in Flanders

by Caroline di Gangi, Maren Hermans, Maissa Rayyan, François Eyskens and Karel Allegaert

Children 2023, 10(9), 1567; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10091567 - 18 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1628

Abstract

To learn what mothers know about newborn bloodspot screening (NBS), the procedure, and the sources used, a pilot study was performed. An online questionnaire was developed, with the first part focused on characteristics and the NBS procedure, and the second on knowledge, information sources, and health care providers (HCPs). This questionnaire was accessible until 200 answers were received. The characteristics of respondents were representative for the population. Mothers gave verbal consent in 69.5% of cases, 12.5% did not, and 18% stated that no consent was requested. The ‘knowledge’ part contained 12 closed questions, five multiple-choice questions on sources, and assessments (5-point Likert scores) of the information transfer. The mean knowledge level was 7.2/12. Screening concepts (consequences, likelihood, sensitivity, carrier) and absence of notification of normal findings were well known. The fact that NBS is not compulsory was poorly known, and post-analysis sample handling procedures were poorly understood. Key HCPs were midwifes (80.5%) and nurses (38.5%). When the leaflet (44%) was provided, the majority read it. Mean Likert scores were 3.36, 3.38, 3.11 and 3.35 for clarity, timing appropriateness, sufficiency, and usefulness. The knowledge level and consent practices were reasonably good. Key HCP were midwives and nurses, the leaflets were supporting. This should enable a quality improvement program to a sustainable NBS program in Flanders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

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10 pages, 3472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Disparities in Neonatal Mortalities in the United States

by Ibrahim Qattea, Maria Burdjalov, Amani Quatei, Khalil Tamr Agha, Rayan Kteish and Hany Aly

Children 2023, 10(8), 1386; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10081386 - 15 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1403

Abstract

Objective: We aimed to look for the mortality of Black and White Neonates and compare the Black and White neonates’ mortalities after stratifying the population by many significant epidemiologic and hospital factors. Design/Method: We utilized the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) dataset over seven years from 2012 through 2018 for all neonates ≤ 28 days of age in all hospitals in the USA. Neonatal characteristics used in the analysis included ethnicity, sex, household income, and type of healthcare insurance. Hospital characteristics were urban teaching, urban non-teaching, and rural. Hospital location was classified according to the nine U.S. Census Division regions. Results: Neonatal mortality continues to be higher in Black populations: 21,975 (0.63%) than in White populations: 35,495 (0.28%). Government-supported health insurance was significantly more among Black populations when compared to White (68.8% vs. 35.3% p < 0.001). Household income differed significantly; almost half (49.8%) of the Black population has income ≤ 25th percentile vs. 22.1% in White. There was a significant variation in mortality in different U.S. locations. In the Black population, the highest mortality was in the West North Central division (0.72%), and the lower mortality was in the New England division (0.51%), whereas in the White population, the highest mortality was in the East South-Central division (0.36%), and the lowest mortality was in the New England division (0.21%). Trend analysis showed a significant decrease in mortality in Black and White populations over the years, but when stratifying the population by sex, type of insurance, household income, and type of hospital, the mortality was consistently higher in Black groups throughout the study years. Conclusions: Disparities in neonatal mortality continue to be higher in Black populations; there was a significant variation in mortality in different U.S. locations. In the Black population, the highest mortality was in the West North Central division, and the lower mortality was in the New England division, whereas in the White population, the highest mortality was in the East South Central division, and the lowest mortality was in the New England division. There has been a significant decrease in mortality in Black and White populations over the years, but when stratifying the population by many significant epidemiologic and hospital factors, the mortality was consistently higher in Black groups throughout the study years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

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12 pages, 3984 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Cerebral Myelination in a Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Murine Model

by Wenwen Chen, Ran Wang and Chao Chen

Children 2023, 10(8), 1321; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10081321 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1844

Abstract

Introduction: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a devastating disease in preterm infants concurrent with neurodevelopmental disorders. Chronic hyperoxia exposure might also cause brain injury, but the evidence was insufficient. Methods: Neonatal C57BL/6J mice were exposed to hyperoxia from P0 to induce a BPD disease model. Lung histopathological morphology analyses were performed at P10, P15, and P20. Cerebral myelination was assessed using MBP (myelin basic protein, a major myelin protein), NfH (neurofilament heavy chain, a biomarker of neurofilament heavy chain), and GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein, a marker of astrocytes) as biomarkers by western blot and immunofluorescence. Results: Mice exposed to hyperoxia exhibited reduced and enlarged alveoli in lungs. During hyperoxia exposure, MBP declined at P10, but then increased to a comparable level to the air group at P15 and P20. Meanwhile, GFAP elevated significantly at P10, and the elevation sustained to P15 and P20. Conclusion: Neonatal hyperoxia exposure caused an arrest of lung development, as well as an obstacle of myelination process in white matter of the immature brain, with a decline of MBP in the generation period of myelin and persistent astrogliosis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

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14 pages, 2114 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Genetics of Glucose-6-Phosphate-Dehydrogenase (G6PD) and Uridine Diphosphate Glucuronosyl Transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) Promoter Gene Polymorphism in Relation to Quantitative Biochemical G6PD Activity Measurement and Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia

by Arieh Riskin, Yulia Bravdo, Clair Habib, Irit Maor, Julnar Mousa, Sizett Shahbarat, Elena Shahak and Adel Shalata

Children 2023, 10(7), 1172; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071172 - 6 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2299

Abstract

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency and polymorphism in uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) were associated with significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (NHB) and increased risk for kernicterus. However, quantitative screening tests for G6PD enzyme activity proved unsatisfactory in estimating the risk for significant NHB, especially in heterozygous females that could present phenotype overlap between normal homozygotes, heterozygotes, and deficient homozygotes, resulting in a continuum of intermediate G6PD activity. Objective: To examine the association of genotype and phenotype in newborns with decreased G6PD activity and its relation to NHB. Study design: Quantitative G6PD enzyme activities were measured on umbilical cord blood samples. After accepting parental consent, samples were analyzed for G6PD mutations and UGT1A1 gene polymorphisms (number of TA repeats in the UGT1A1 promoter). The associations to quantitative G6PD activity and bilirubin levels were assessed. Results: 28 females and 27 males were studied. The Mediterranean mutation (NM_001360016.2(G6PD): c.563C>T (p.Ser188Phe)) was responsible for most cases of G6PD deficiency (20 hemizygous males, 3 homozygous and 16 heterozygous females). The association between this mutation, decreased G6PD activity and higher bilirubin levels was confirmed. Heterozygosity to 6/7 TA repeats in the UGT1A1 promoter was associated with increased NHB, especially in female newborns with G6PD deficiency. However, it seems that the interaction between G6PD deficiency, UGT1A1 promoter polymorphism, and NHB is more complex, possibly involving other genetic interactions, not yet described. Despite genotyping females with G6PD deficiency, the overlap between the upper range of borderline and the lower range of normal G6PD activity could not be resolved. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the possibility for future implementation of molecular genetic screening to identify infants at risk for significant NHB, especially UGT1A1 polymorphism in heterozygous females with borderline G6PD deficiency. However, further studies are needed before such screening could be applicable to daily practice. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

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9 pages, 1657 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Pulse Oximetry during Resuscitation of 230 Newborns—A Video Analysis

by Vilde Kolstad, Hanne Pike, Joar Eilevstjønn, Frederikke Buskov, Hege Ersdal and Siren Rettedal

Children 2023, 10(7), 1124; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071124 - 28 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3436

Abstract

Background: European guidelines recommend the use of pulse oximetry (PO) during newborn resuscitation, especially when there is a need for positive pressure ventilation or supplemental oxygen. The objective was to evaluate (i) to what extent PO was used, (ii) the time and resources spent on the application of PO, and (iii) the proportion of time with a useful PO signal during newborn resuscitation. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Stavanger University Hospital, Norway, between 6 June 2019 and 16 November 2021. Newborn resuscitations were video recorded, and the use of PO during the first ten minutes of resuscitation was recorded and analysed. Results: Of 7466 enrolled newborns, 289 (3.9%) received ventilation at birth. The resuscitation was captured on video in 230 cases, and these newborns were included in the analysis. PO was applied in 222 of 230 (97%) newborns, median (quartiles) 60 (24, 58) seconds after placement on the resuscitation table. The proportion of time used on application and adjustments of PO during ongoing ventilation and during the first ten minutes on the resuscitation table was 30% and 17%, respectively. Median two healthcare providers were involved in the PO application. Video of the PO monitor signal was available in 118 (53%) of the 222 newborns. The proportion of time with a useful PO signal during ventilation and during the first ten minutes on the resuscitation table was 5% and 35%, respectively. Conclusion: In total, 97% of resuscitated newborns had PO applied, in line with resuscitation guidelines. However, the application of PO was time-consuming, and a PO signal was only obtained 5% of the time during positive pressure ventilation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

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13 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Prenatal Predictors of Neurobehavioral Outcome in Children with Fetal Growth Restriction at 6 Years of Age: A Retrospective Cohort Study

by Mª José Benítez Marín, Marta Blasco Alonso and Ernesto González Mesa

Children 2023, 10(6), 997; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10060997 - 1 Jun 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2156

Abstract

(1) Background: Fetal growth restriction (FGR) increases the risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, especially in preterm newborns. This study aims to describe the behavioral results of FGR at 6 years of age and to demonstrate the relationship of certain predictive factors with this development. (2) Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 70 children born in 2015 at the University Hospital Carlos Haya, Málaga, Spain who had been exposed to FGR during pregnancy; neonatal and infant data were recorded retrospectively. Children were assessed prospectively at 6 years of age by means of a strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ) to study behavioral outcomes. (3) Results: We demonstrated that there are higher behavioral disability rates in children exposed to FGR during pregnancy and, in particular, high rates of hyperactivity or conduct problems. We also proved a negative relationship between the birth weight percentile and the total behavioral scale score, along with a positive correlation between hyperactivity and the emotional and behavioral scales. Learning difficulties were more frequent in early-onset FGR than in late-onset FGR. (4) Conclusions: Our study of behavioral development has demonstrated higher behavioral disability rates in children with FGR at 6 years of age; specifically, high rates of hyperactivity or conduct problems. At the same time, we have proved a negative relationship between the birth weight percentile and the total behavioral scale score. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

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10 pages, 828 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Human Milk Fatty Acid Composition and Its Effect on Preterm Infants’ Growth Velocity

by Batool Ahmed, Afnan Freije, Amina Omran, Mariangela Rondanelli, Mirko Marino and Simone Perna

Children 2023, 10(6), 939; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10060939 - 26 May 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2407

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the fatty acid content in human milk and to find its relationship with the growth velocity of preterm infants. Mature milk samples from 15 mothers of preterm infants were collected from three different hospitals, followed by lipid extraction, fatty acid methylation, and finally gas chromatography analysis to determine the fatty acids composition. The average total lipid content was 3.61 ± 1.57 g/100 mL with the following classes of fatty acids: saturated fatty acids 43.54 ± 11.16%, unsaturated fatty acids 52.22 ± 10.89%, in which monounsaturated fatty acids were 36.52 ± 13.90%, and polyunsaturated fatty acids were 15.70 ± 7.10%. Polyunsaturated fatty acid sub-class n-6 was 15.23 ± 8.23% and n-3 was 0.46 ± 0.18%. Oleic acid, palmitic acid, and linoleic acid were the most abundant fatty acids. The n-6/n-3 ratio was 32.83:1. EPA and DHA fatty acids were not detected. As gestational age and birth weight increase, C20:2n6 content increases. The growth velocity increases with the decrement in C16 and increment in C20:2n6. The lipid profile of preterm human milk was found to be low in some essential fatty acids, which may affect the quality of preterm infants’ nutrition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

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14 pages, 641 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Family Context: A Qualitative Descriptive Study of Parent and NICU Clinician Experiences and Perspectives

by Maya Dahan, Leahora Rotteau, Shelley Higazi, Ophelia Kwayke, Giselle Lai, Wendy Moulsdale, Lisa Sampson, Jennifer Stannard, Paige Terrien Church and Karel O’Brien

Children 2023, 10(5), 896; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10050896 - 17 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3542

Abstract

Enabling individualized decision-making for patients requires an understanding of the family context (FC) by healthcare providers. The FC is everything that makes the family unique, from their names, preferred pronouns, family structure, cultural or religious beliefs, and family values. While there is an array of approaches for individual clinicians to incorporate the FC into practice, there is a paucity of literature guiding the process of collecting and integrating the FC into clinical care by multidisciplinary interprofessional teams. The purpose of this qualitative study is to explore the experience of families and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) clinicians with information sharing around the FC. Our findings illustrate that there are parallel and overlapping experiences of sharing the FC for families and clinicians. Both groups describe the positive impact of sharing the FC on building and sustaining relationships and on personalization of care and personhood. The experience by families of revolving clinicians and the risks of miscommunication about the FC were noted as challenges to sharing the FC. Parents described the desire to control the narrative about their FC, while clinicians described seeking equal access to the FC to support the family in the best way possible related to their clinical role. Our study highlights how the quality of care is positively impacted by clinicians’ appreciation of the FC and the complex relationship between a large multidisciplinary interprofessional team and the family in an intensive care unit, while also highlighting the difficulties in its practical application. Knowledge learned can be utilized to inform the development of processes to improve communication between families and clinicians. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

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Review

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22 pages, 307 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceReview

Diagnosis and Management of Neonatal Hypoglycemia: A Comprehensive Review of Guidelines

by Sonia Giouleka, Maria Gkiouleka, Ioannis Tsakiridis, Anastasia Daniilidou, Apostolos Mamopoulos, Apostolos Athanasiadis and Themistoklis Dagklis

Children 2023, 10(7), 1220; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071220 - 14 Jul 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 12581

Abstract

Hypoglycemia represents one of the most frequent metabolic disturbances of the neonate, associated with increased morbidity and mortality, especially if left untreated or diagnosed after the establishment of brain damage. The aim of this study was to review and compare the recommendations from the most recently published influential guidelines on the diagnosis, screening, prevention and management of this common neonatal complication. Therefore, a descriptive review of the guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM), the European Foundation for the Care of the Newborn Infants (EFCNI), the Queensland Clinical Guidelines-Australia (AUS), the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS) and the Pediatric Endocrine Society (PES) on neonatal hypoglycemia was carried out. There is a consensus among the reviewed guidelines on the risk factors, the clinical signs and symptoms of NH, and the main preventive strategies. Additionally, the importance of early recognition of at-risk infants, timely identification of NH and prompt initiation of treatment in optimizing the outcomes of hypoglycemic neonates are universally highlighted. All medical societies, except PES, recommend screening for NH in asymptomatic high-risk and symptomatic newborn infants, but they do not provide consistent screening approaches. Moreover, the reviewed guidelines point out that the diagnosis of NH should be confirmed by laboratory methods of BGL measurement, although treatment should not be delayed until the results become available. The definition of NH lacks uniformity and it is generally agreed that a single BG value cannot accurately define this clinical entity. Therefore, all medical societies support the use of operational thresholds for the management of NH, although discrepancies exist regarding the recommended cut-off values, the optimal treatment and surveillance strategies of both symptomatic and asymptomatic hypoglycemic neonates as well as the treatment targets. Over the past several decades, ΝH has remained an issue of keen debate as it is a preventable cause of brain injury and neurodevelopmental impairment; however, there is no clear definition or consistent treatment policies. Thus, the establishment of specific diagnostic criteria and uniform protocols for the management of this common biochemical disorder is of paramount importance as it will hopefully allow for the early identification of infants at risk, the establishment of efficient preventive measures, the optimal treatment in the first hours of a neonate’s life and, subsequently, the improvement of neonatal outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 10th Anniversary of Children: Feature Papers in Neonatology)

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