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How much oxygen is enough when resuscitating extremely preterm infants? This week on The Incubator Podcast, Ben and Daphna explore the TORPIDO 30/60 trial comparing 60% versus 30% FiO2 at birth. While primary outcomes were similar, babies in the 60% group needed fewer chest compressions and less epinephrine—a signal worth discussing.
They examine an Indian non-inferiority study on surfactant thresholds (40% vs 30% FiO2), where waiting until 40% meant significantly fewer intubations and shorter respiratory support for the youngest babies. Ben presents compelling Melbourne data showing growth-restricted preterm infants face six-fold higher NEC risk—even with identical feeding protocols—and discusses how critical birth history gets "lost" as babies grow.
Daphna tackles therapeutic hypothermia in late preterm infants, reviewing Toronto's retrospective analysis showing 34-35 weekers experience higher mortality and more brain injury compared to 36-37 weekers. As units rewrite cooling protocols, are we moving too fast on limited evidence?
The episode concludes with Ben, Daphna, and Eli discussing the repeal of "sensitive locations" protections for immigration enforcement. Through the story of a mother detained while visiting her NICU baby in Chicago, they explore how these policies impact family-centered care and highlight advocacy opportunities through the Protecting Sensitive Locations Act.
Current research meets real-world NICU challenges—all in one episode.
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As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. 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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