{"title":"From Diagnosis to Discharge: Case of a Giant Occipital Encephalocele.","authors":"Rhianon L Brock, Amy Jnah","doi":"10.1891/NN-2025-0002","DOIUrl":"10.1891/NN-2025-0002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Occipital encephalocele, a rare and unique congenital brain malformation, occurs when a portion of the brain and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protrudes through a defect in the bony structure of the skull. This herniation of CSF and brain tissue is usually contained within a skin-covered sac. When an occipital encephalocele measures larger than the circumference of the head, it is classified as a giant occipital encephalocele. This article presents a case study of a neonate affected by a giant occipital encephalocele. We follow with a discussion of risk factors, applicable pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management strategies. A discussion of the implications of the disease on care providers and the family unit is included to highlight the importance of integrating the family as a critical member of the health care team.</p>","PeriodicalId":46706,"journal":{"name":"Neonatal Network","volume":"44 4","pages":"261-270"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859756","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Charting a New Course: Integrating Evidence-Based Practices in Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Treatment.","authors":"Lisa M Grisham, Alyssa B Weiss","doi":"10.1891/NN-2025-0027","DOIUrl":"10.1891/NN-2025-0027","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46706,"journal":{"name":"Neonatal Network","volume":"44 4","pages":"237-239"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zak R Webber, Michael D Seckeler, Tally M Largent-Milnes
{"title":"Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal in History: Revisiting Pioneering Research.","authors":"Zak R Webber, Michael D Seckeler, Tally M Largent-Milnes","doi":"10.1891/NN-2024-0058","DOIUrl":"10.1891/NN-2024-0058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In this perspective letter, we highlight the importance of revisiting early literature in the neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome field. We summarize key examples of how early articles still are relevant to current research.</p>","PeriodicalId":46706,"journal":{"name":"Neonatal Network","volume":"44 4","pages":"240-242"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859758","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Supporting Mothers So They Can Support Their Infants: NICU Visitation in the Context of Substance Use Disorder and Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.","authors":"Carrie Felske, Emily Fox, Kristen S Montgomery","doi":"10.1891/NN-2024-0056","DOIUrl":"10.1891/NN-2024-0056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The increasing prevalence of maternal substance use, particularly opioids, has led to a significant rise in neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) and neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS). This rise presents unique challenges for NICUs across the United States. This article examines the critical importance of maternal engagement in the care of infants affected by NAS/NOWS and identifies the barriers that mothers with substance use disorder encounter, including stigma, fear of legal consequences, and logistical obstacles. Evidence shows that maternal involvement in nonpharmacologic interventions-such as skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and comforting techniques-can mitigate NAS symptoms, reduce the need for pharmacologic treatments, shorten NICU stays, and improve long-term outcomes for both the mother and the infant. The article highlights the value of adopting trauma-informed, family-centered care approaches to encourage maternal participation, reduce stigma, and create a supportive NICU environment. Additionally, it underscores the importance of educating NICU staff about addiction, recovery, and trauma-sensitive communication to improve care and reduce bias. By fostering maternal involvement and providing comprehensive support, NICU teams can significantly improve health outcomes and strengthen the maternal-infant bond for this vulnerable population.</p>","PeriodicalId":46706,"journal":{"name":"Neonatal Network","volume":"44 4","pages":"248-255"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859761","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A Brief Overview of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.","authors":"Barbara R McClaskey","doi":"10.1891/NN-2024-0057","DOIUrl":"10.1891/NN-2024-0057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This article provides a brief overview of the incidence, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of neonatal abstinence syndrome. Areas of discussion include genetics, pathophysiology, diagnostic tools, and pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic management of neonatal abstinence syndrome.</p>","PeriodicalId":46706,"journal":{"name":"Neonatal Network","volume":"44 4","pages":"243-247"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Neonatal NetworkPub Date : 2025-08-01DOI: 10.1891/0730-0832.44.4.285
{"title":"Nursing Continuing Professional Development Activities: July/August 2025.","authors":"","doi":"10.1891/0730-0832.44.4.285","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1891/0730-0832.44.4.285","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":46706,"journal":{"name":"Neonatal Network","volume":"44 4","pages":"285-286"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Impact of Health Care Access and Quality of Care on Neonates and Their Families.","authors":"Lenora Marcellus, Miranda May Marie Amundsen","doi":"10.1891/NN-2025-0017","DOIUrl":"10.1891/NN-2025-0017","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Access to and quality of health care is one of the five determinants of health that significantly influences the health and well-being of neonates and their families. This column considers the challenges birth parents and neonates may have in accessing care and whether the care they do access is safe and of high quality. As obstetric mortality rates continue to increase and neonatal mortality rates fail to decline in the United States, there is a critical need to consider how nurses can support families in obtaining the care they require. Advocating for access to health care and providing high-quality care that is free from discrimination is necessary to improving outcomes for families and supporting future engagement in the health care system. NICU nurses hold a pivotal role in fostering inclusive environments, providing high-quality care, and advocating for improved access.</p>","PeriodicalId":46706,"journal":{"name":"Neonatal Network","volume":"44 4","pages":"277-282"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859763","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zak Webber, Lisa M Grisham, Omar Z Meziab, Andrew W Hoyer, Brent J Barber, Angelina M Price, Scott E Klewer, Tally M Largent-Milnes, Michael D Seckeler
{"title":"Higher Incidence of Moderate and Severe Congenital Heart Disease in Patients With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.","authors":"Zak Webber, Lisa M Grisham, Omar Z Meziab, Andrew W Hoyer, Brent J Barber, Angelina M Price, Scott E Klewer, Tally M Largent-Milnes, Michael D Seckeler","doi":"10.1891/NN-2024-0036","DOIUrl":"10.1891/NN-2024-0036","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Studies suggest that in utero opioid exposure may be associated with congenital heart disease (CHD). We sought to assess the incidence of CHD in infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). A review of a national, administrative database from January 2019 to December 2022 was conducted for neonates with an <i>ICD-10</i> code for NAS and moderate or severe CHD. The incidence of CHD in NAS (the main outcome variable) was compared to those without NAS using χ<sup>2</sup> analysis and odds ratios for CHD with significant differences. There were 4,994,919 neonatal admissions during the study period: 26,284 with NAS (2.3% had CHD) and 4,968,715 without NAS (1.1% had CHD) (<i>p</i> < .001). Odds ratios for five CHD types (atrioventricular septal defect, aortic coarctation/hypoplastic arch, double-inlet left ventricle, pulmonary valve stenosis, and pulmonary artery stenosis) were higher in NAS. There is the suggestion of a higher incidence of some forms of moderate and severe CHD in neonates with NAS.</p>","PeriodicalId":46706,"journal":{"name":"Neonatal Network","volume":"44 4","pages":"256-260"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Second-Line Medications for Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome/Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome.","authors":"Susan Givens Bell","doi":"10.1891/NN-2024-0059","DOIUrl":"10.1891/NN-2024-0059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nonpharmacologic management is the first-line therapy for infants experiencing neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and/or neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). Currently, the most prescribed first-line pharmacologic agent is an opioid, most often morphine, but methadone and buprenorphine are preferred by some providers. For some infants, an opioid, along with maximized nonpharmacologic strategies, does not provide adequate symptom relief and a second-line agent is needed. Phenobarbital and clonidine are two commonly prescribed second-line agents for the management of NOWS/NAS. This column will describe these two commonly prescribed second-line agents.</p>","PeriodicalId":46706,"journal":{"name":"Neonatal Network","volume":"44 4","pages":"271-276"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859760","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Best Prescription for Caring for a NAS or NOWS Family.","authors":"Deborah Discenza","doi":"10.1891/NN-2025-0018","DOIUrl":"10.1891/NN-2025-0018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As a parent in the NICU, we families have an automatic friendship that simply requires the phrase \"NICU Baby\" for a club none of us expected to join. Along with premature infants, infants with heart conditions, rare diseases, and more, there is one embattled group: the neonatal abstinence syndrome or neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome infants. So many assumptions swirl around these infants and automatic accusations at the birthing parent. But what if we had a different way, a different prescription in helping this fragile family thrive? It is possible and it is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":46706,"journal":{"name":"Neonatal Network","volume":"44 4","pages":"283-284"},"PeriodicalIF":0.7,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144859762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}