In the spotlight
AAP Modifies Indications for Use of Palivizumab in High-risk Infants and Young Children
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in young infants. Based on additional data regarding the seasonality of RSV disease and the risk factors for disease severity in 32 through 35 weeks gestation preterm infants, AAP guidelines for immunoprophylaxis have been modified to ensure optimal balance of benefit and cost. The updated recommendations are in the 2009 Red Book (published in June 2009).
The updated recommendations and major policy changes include:
- Modification of recommendations for initiation and termination of RSV prophylasix based on current CDC descriptions of seasonality in different areas of the United States.
- Emphasis on need for no more than a maximum of 5 doses in all geographic areas.
- Modification of risk factors for severe disease in infants born between 32 and 35 weeks of gestation.
- For infants 32 through 35 weeks of gestation who qualify for prophylaxis based on presence of risk factors, prophylaxis is recommended until 90 days of age (maximum of 3 doses).
in the news
AAP Section on Breastfeeding Develops Hospital Template to Enhance Breastfeeding Success
Maternity hospital practices such as free formula, pacifiers, and poor breastfeeding counseling may undermine successful breastfeeding. The AAP Section on Breastfeeding has developed a template to help hospitals develop and implement practices designed to optimize breastfeeding success.
Learn more about the Template »National Association of Neonatal Nurses Issues Statement on Human Milk and Breastfeeding
Mother's milk and breastfeeding are important aspects of optimal care of newborns, especially those who are born preterm or with other serious conditions. The unique nutritional and immunological benefits of human milk make it an integral component of care of infants in the newborn intensive care unit. NANN has issued a statement strongly supporting human milk and breastfeeding.
View the NANN statement»Countdown to 2015: Maternal, Newborn and Child Survival
Sixty-eight countries' progress toward meeting the United Nations' Millennium Development Goals for mothers, infants and children are tracked on this Website.
Learn more »what does the section on perinatal pediatrics do?
The Section on Perinatal Pediatrics committes and working groups focus on perinatal health from many viewpoints: advocacy, education, training, career development, guidelines and policy statements, and other publications. The Section values its collaborative relationship with the American Board of Pediatrics on issues relevant to certification and recertification. Finally, the Section honors leaders and records significant historical moments in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine.
Education & Publications
Three conferences form the Section's core educational activities: the Perinatal Section AAP NCE program, the Spring Workshop on Perinatal Practice Strategies, and NeoPREP. The Section also provides support through the district grant program to support regional meetings in all 10 districts. The Section produces two publications, the Journal of Perinatology and the Perinatal Section News and contributes to the AAP online publication, NewReviews-Plus.
Training & Career Development
The Section's role in founding and ongoing support of the Organization of Neonatal Training Program Directors exemplifies its strong commitment to trainees in Neonatal-Perinatal medicine. The recent establishment of a trainee track within the NCE Perinatal Section Program and trainee support for research career development provided through the Klaus Research Grants are just two direct ways in which the Section supports the early stages of career development. The Section also works closely with the American Board of Pediatrics on issues relevant to certification and recertification in Neonatal-Perinatal medicine. Incorporation into annual Section venues of fellow-oriented leadership modules is intended to broaden professional development and enhance skills at all career stages.
AAP Policy Statements
The Committee on the Fetus and Newborn develops, revises, and retires most AAP guidelines and policy statements relevant to Neonatal-Perinatal medicine. The Section leadership also reviews documents relevant to newborn health that are generated by other AAP Sections and Committees.
Advocacy
The Section's educational and quality improvement efforts offer substantial indirect benefit to mothers and babies. Broader advocacy takes place through collaborations with liaison organizations and interaction with Academy leadership in developing approaches that provide national and international maternal-child advocacy.Certification & Recertification
The Section enjoys a productive consultative and collaborative relationship with the American Board of Pediatrics and, through this work, assists the ABP in developing the best possible certification and recertification requirements.
History & Leaders in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
The annual Cone and Butterfield history lectures and AAP Section on Perinatal Pediatrics awards - the Apgar, Education, Pioneer and Landmark - commemorate key events in perinatal history and honor leaders in Neonatal-Perinatal medicine.
