Pediatrics Commons^™

Embedding Interprofessional Education In Pediatric Clerkships: Lessons From Nebraska’S Tracking Infant Progress Statewide (Tips) Program, Grace E. Berentson, Liliana Bronner, Paige Hardy, Neil Kalsi, Brianna Brei, Kerry Miller

Posters and Presentations: Munroe-Meyer Institute

Background: NICU graduates experience disproportionate developmental and health challenges. Their families face barriers to equitable care including access to coordinated follow-up services. Traditional medical education rarely exposes students to authentic interprofessional models of care that address these inequities. The Tracking Infant Progress Statewide (TIPS) program provides developmental, social, and medical follow-up for NICU graduates across Nebraska, bringing together physicians, nurse practitioners, child developmental specialists, and nurses in a single family-centered visit. Embedding third-year medical students into this setting models collaborative practice, builds understanding of interprofessional competencies, and fosters awareness of systemic inequities affecting NICU families. This innovative curricular approach differs …

Nutritional Management At 22-23 Weeks Gestational Age: Evidence And Knowledge Gaps, Mar Romero-Lopez, Mamta Naik, Melissa Thoene, Ann Anderson-Berry

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

With advancing medical capabilities, survival of infants born at 22-23 weeks' gestation is increasing. However, specific recommendations for nutrition support for these infants are lacking. This review examines the unique characteristics of infants born at 22-23 weeks' gestation that impact parenteral and enteral nutrition support, highlighting the lack of evidence and knowledge gaps for optimal practices. Current recommendations developed for extremely or very low birth weight infants may be unsuitable for infants born at 22-23 weeks' gestation due to important differences in anatomy, physiology, body composition, and metabolic capabilities. Key challenges include severely limited intraluminal digestion, profound immune and microbiome …

Efficacy And Safety Of Anticoagulation For Pediatric Cerebral Sinovenous Thrombosis: Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Muayad Azzam, Hassan Kawtharany, Marisol Betensky, Aseel Alkhader, Qais Hamarsha, Hadi Khaled Abou Zeid, Razan Mansour, Carine Tabak, Payal Patel, Sarah Lamat Baghdadi, Rachel S. Bercovitz, Rukhmi Bhat, Tina Bliss, Brian R. Branchford, Leonard R. Brandão, Anthony K. C. Chan, E. Vincent S. Faustino, Julie Jaffray, Sophie Jones, Bryce A. Kerlin, Nicole Kucine, Riten Kumar, Christoph Male, Marie-Claude Pelland-Marcotte, Leslie Raffini, Chittalsinh M. Raulji, Sarah E. Sartain, Clifford M. Takemoto, Cristina Tarango, C. Heleen Van Ommen, Maria C. Velez, Sara K. Vesely, John Wiernikowski, Suzan Williams, Hope P. Wilson, Gary Woods, Ayesha Zia, Paul Monagle, Reem A. Mustafa

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

We performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy and safety of anticoagulation therapy versus no anticoagulation in pediatric patients with cerebral sinovenous thrombosis (CSVT). Eligible studies included pediatric patients with CSVT that compared anticoagulation to no anticoagulation and reported on at least one relevant outcome (mortality, neurological deficit, thrombus resolution, recurrence, and bleeding). Meta-analysis reported risk ratios (RR) or differences (RD) (95% CIs) and absolute effects per 1000 patients. Risk of bias was assessed using ROBINS-I, and the certainty of evidence was evaluated with GRADE. After removing duplicates, we screened 8925 records independently and in duplicate, from …

Social Health Programming During Adolescence Is Associated With Increased Serum Levels Of Carotenoids, Vitamin A, And Vitamin E In Young Women: An Observational Cohort Study, Rebecca Drakowski, Matthew Vanormer, Laura Ebers, Katie Mayhan, Anum Akbar, Colman Freel, Taija Hahka, Rebekah Rapoza, Corrine K. Hanson, Keyonna King, Aaryn Mustoe, Melissa K. Thoene, Ann Anderson-Berry

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

Over 85% of young women in the United States do not meet fruit and vegetable intake recommendations, placing them at risk for low antioxidant nutrient intake. Social health programming (SHP) can improve dietary intake of fruits and vegetables, but it is not known how SHP impacts serum levels of specific antioxidant nutrients. This observational cohort study assessed the effect of participation in SHP through Girls Inc., Omaha, on serum carotenoid, retinol, and tocopherol levels for 12–29-year-old women. Serum nutrient levels were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography and nutrient intake from diet was measured using three 24 h dietary recalls (ASA24 …

Application Of Current Enteral Nutrition Support Recommendations To Infants Born Less Than 750 Grams Or Less Than 25 Weeks' Gestation: A Critical Review, Mar Romero-Lopez, Mamta Naik, Teresa Hartman, Ann Anderson-Berry, Melissa Thoene

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

Clinicians face a paucity of evidence-based recommendations for provision of enteral nutrition in infants born < 750 g or < 25 weeks' gestation, termed "nano-preterm." Current enteral nutrition recommendations for extremely low birth weight infants may not be broadly applicable to nano-preterm infants due to physiological and developmental differences, while others may be appropriate. Key enteral nutrition-related considerations include: the unique anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract, altered metabolic capacity, availability of maternal milk and use of alternative substrates, detailed methods of initiation and advancement of enteral feeding, methods of human milk fortification, targeted requirements for macronutrient and micronutrients, and the safety and efficacy of enteral nutrition support management to optimize the growth and development of the nano-preterm infant. This comprehensive review focused on enteral nutrition provision in nano-preterm infants, thoroughly evaluating available literature and identifying knowledge gaps about the unique physiology and metabolism of the nano-preterm infant as it pertains to enteral nutrition. Ultimately, prospective multicenter research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines to promote optimal growth and development while minimizing complications of extreme prematurity.

Robust Lc–Ms/Ms Method For Quantification Of Ascorbic Acid In Infant Formula And Heat-Processed Donor Human Milk: A Stabilization And Matrix Effects Mitigation Approach, Omar M. Al Kilani, Lee C. Winchester, Melissa Thoene, Colman Freel, Christopher Lee Shaffer, Anthony T. Podany

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

Ascorbic acid is an essential antioxidant for infant health; however, its quantification in infant formula and human milk is challenging due to matrix complexity, analyte instability, and lack of blank matrix equivalents. This study presents a simple and robust LC-MS/MS method that bypasses the need for standard addition using only 20 µL sample. The method showed excellent linearity (R² > 0.99), precision (CV < 15%), accuracy (±10%), and sensitivity (LOD < 0.0375 µg/mL). Stock and working solutions remained stable for months at −20 and −80 °C, respectively, avoiding daily preparation. Optimized extraction substantially reduced matrix effects. The method was externally validated using certified infant formula reference material and successfully applied to commercial samples, with incurred sample reanalysis showing <  20% variation. This validated method offers a practical tool for the routine quantification of ascorbic acid in heat-processed donor human milk and infant formula, with the potential for application to other matrices.

Ash/Isth 2026 Guidelines For Anticoagulant Prophylaxis In Pediatric Patients At Risk Of Venous Thromboembolism, Marisol Betensky, Muayad Azzam, Rachel Bercovitz, Rukhmi V. Bhat, Tina Biss, Brian Branchford, Leonardo R. Brandão, Anthony K.C. Chan, E. Vincent S. Faustino, Qais Hamarsha, Julie Jaffray, Sophie Jones, Hassan Kawtharany, Bryce A. Kerlin, Jana Khawandi, Grace Krider, Nicole Kucine, Riten Kumar, Christoph Male, Paul Monagle, Marie-Claude Pelland-Marcotte, Leslie Raffini, Chittalsinh M. Raulji, Sarah E. Sartain, Clifford M. Takemoto, Cristina Tarango, C. Heleen Van Ommen, Maria C. Velez, Sarak Vesely, John Wiernikowski, Suzan Williams, Hope P. Wilson, Gary Woods, Reem A. Mustafa

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

High-quality data on anticoagulant prophylaxis for pediatric VTE prevention are scarce. Key research priorities include the development and validation of subgroups-specific VTE risk assessment models, and evaluation of the safety and efficacy of risk-stratified anticoagulant prophylaxis strategies across different pediatric subgroups.

BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a significant cause of morbidity in children, particularly among hospitalized patients and those with chronic medical conditions. There is a lack of consensus on anticoagulant prophylaxis strategies.

OBJECTIVE: These evidence-based guidelines from the American Society of Hematology (ASH) and the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH) are intended to support patients and health …

Acceptability Of Corticosteroid Use In The Treatment Of Infant Bronchiolitis: Utilizing The Theoretical Framework Of Acceptability To Design Research Instruments, Caroline R. Smetanka

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalization among infants under six months, yet treatment remains largely supportive due to clinical guidelines that discourage pharmacologic intervention. Recent research suggests that bronchiolitis is not a uniform condition, and a subgroup of infants (those classified within “Profile A”) may benefit from targeted corticosteroid therapy. However, these treatments remain outside current clinical guidelines, and their successful adoption depends on stakeholder acceptability. This Capstone project developed and refined four data collection instruments- two questionnaires and two interview guides- designed to assess how healthcare providers and caregivers perceive the acceptability of corticosteroid treatment for Profile A …

Relationship Between Maternal Plasma Retinol And Provitamin A Carotenoids With Fetal And Infant Kidney Development, Anum Akbar

Theses & Dissertations

Vitamin A plays a critical role in fetal organ development. Studies suggest that maternal vitamin A deficiency affects fetal nephron numbers, potentially leading to smaller kidney sizes and an increased risk of chronic kidney disease later in life. However, human studies exploring maternal vitamin A's impact on fetal kidney development lack longitudinal data and within-cohort comparisons. Furthermore, the influence of provitamin A carotenoids (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin) on kidney size remains unexplored. This dissertation addresses these gaps by analyzing relationships between maternal and cord plasma retinol and provitamin A carotenoid concentrations with fetal and infant kidney sizes. Our prospective cohort …

The Role Of Responsive Feeding In Childhood Development And Clinical Implications: A Comprehensive Literature Review, Alexander Burbach

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Responsive feeding refers to caregiver-infant feeding interactions that encourage healthy eating behaviors and support the child’s autonomy by responding to their hunger and satiety cues. Responsive feeding supports healthy early childhood development, influencing self-regulation in eating behaviors and long-term health outcomes, particularly in obesity prevention. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to examine the impact of responsive feeding practices on childhood development in the United States and its clinical implications. The objectives were to explore the role of parental feeding practices in shaping childhood eating behaviors, understand the relationship between responsive feeding and obesity, and determine literature daps. Articles for …

American Society Of Hematology/International Society On Thrombosis And Haemostasis 2024 Updated Guidelines For Treatment Of Venous Thromboembolism In Pediatric Patients, Paul Monagle, Muayad Azzam, Rachel Bercovitz, Marisol Betensky, Rukhmi Bhat, Tina Biss, Brian Branchford, Leonardo R. Brandão, Anthony K.C. Chan, E. Vincent S. Faustino, Julie Jaffray, Sophie Jones, Hassan Kawtharany, Bryce A. Kerlin, Nicole Kucine, Riten Kumar, Christoph Male, Marie-Claude Pelland-Marcotte, Leslie Raffini, Chittalsinh M. Raulji, Sarah E. Sartain, Clifford M. Takemoto, Cristina Tarango, C. Heleen Van Ommen, Maria C. Velez, Sara K. Vesely, John Wiernikowski, Suzan Williams, Hope P. Wilson, Gary Woods, Ayesha Zia, Reem A. Mustafa

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

BACKGROUND: The American Society of Hematology (ASH) guidelines on treatment of pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) were published in 2018. In the last 6 years, there has been a 10-fold increase in the number of children involved in VTE treatment trials.

OBJECTIVE: The ASH Committee on Quality and Guidelines agreed to update the pediatric guidelines in conjunction with the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis (ISTH). These ASH/ISTH evidence-based guidelines are intended to support patients, clinicians, and other health care professionals in the management of pediatric patients with VTE.

METHODS: ASH/ISTH formed a multidisciplinary guideline panel to minimize potential bias from …

Differential Plasma Carotenoid Profiles In Hypertensive Disorders Of Pregnancy, Colman Freel, Jonah Scheffler, Rebecca Drakowski, Elizabeth Lyden, Matthew Van Ormer, Melissa K. Thoene, Paras K. Mishra, Corrine K. Hanson, Ann Anderson-Berry

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) affect one in six pregnancies globally. The etiology of HDP remains unclear but is known to involve oxidative stress. While the body produces endogenous antioxidants, antioxidative nutrients, like carotenoids, remain critical in modulating oxidative stress. The statuses of several carotenoids have been linked to hypertension in both pregnant and non-pregnant populations. However, their associations with the spectrum of HDP, including gestational hypertension (GH), chronic hypertension (CH), and preeclampsia (PE), remains unclear. Our objective was to quantify and compare carotenoid intake and plasma levels among HDP. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study …

Body Composition In Preterm Infants: Current Insights And Emerging Perspectives, Sreekanth Viswanathan, Melissa Thoene, Zaineh Alja'nini, Pradeep Alur, Kera Mcnelis

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

In recent years, significant advancements in respiratory and nutritional care have markedly improved the survival rates of preterm infants and enhanced long-term health outcomes. Despite these improvements, emerging research highlights the lasting impacts of early growth patterns on an individual's health trajectory. Adults born prematurely face a higher incidence of health issues related to their early birth. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that preterm infants should achieve growth rates similar to those of fetuses, with clinicians emphasizing nutrition delivery to help these infants reach their expected weight for gestational age. However, this approach often results in altered body composition, …

Postnatal Growth Assessment Of The Very-Low-Birth-Weight Preterm Infant, Kera Mcnelis, Melissa Thoene, Katie A. Huff, Ting Ting Fu, Zaineh Alja'nini, Sreekanth Viswanathan

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

Preterm birth represents a nutritional emergency and a sudden dissociation of the maternal-placental-fetal unit that regulates metabolic and endocrine physiology. Growth demonstrates health and is a signal of physiological well-being. Growth is expensive for a critically ill infant and possible only after other homeostasis energy demands are met. Despite an expert-stated goal that preterm infants should grow at a similar rate to their gestational age-matched fetal counterparts, this is not the reality for many preterm infants. Other investigators have proposed new metrics for growth quality in the neonatal intensive care unit. This review discusses growth assessment and standards in very-low-birth-weight …

Rvd2 Mitigates Tnfɑ-Induced Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Through Nrf2 Signaling In Placental Trophoblasts, Taija Hahka, Deekshika Sekar, Prakash Kumar Sahoo, Aiswariya Ravi, Colman Freel, Chandan Krishnamoorthy, Sankar Ramamurthy, Rebekah Rapoza, Rebecca Drakowski, Anum Akbar, Matthew Van Ormer, Melissa Thoene, Corrine K. Hanson, Tara Nordgren, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Ann Anderson-Berry

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

INTRODUCTION: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are marked by elevated levels of TNFα, which increases reactive oxygen species (ROS) and disrupts metabolism of trophoblasts. Resolvin D2 (RvD2), an omega-3 fatty acid-derived lipid mediator, is known to resolve inflammation, but its role in protecting trophoblasts by promoting antioxidant responses to alleviate ROS remains unclear. Nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) controls cellular defense mechanisms against oxidative stress and helps with the maintenance of cellular redox homeostasis. Upon translocation to nucleus, NRF2 activates the antioxidant response element (ARE), inducing the expression of genes that can mitigate ROS. Hence, …

Efficacy And Safety Of Thrombolysis For Pediatric Venous Thromboembolism: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Hassan Kawtharany, Muayad Azzam, Aseel Alkhader, Marisol Betensky, Qais Hamarsha, Hadi K. Abou Zeid, Razan Mansour, Carine Tabak, Payal Patel, Sarah L. Baghdadi, Rachel S. Bercovitz, Rukhmi Bhat, Tina Biss, Brian R. Branchford, Leonardo R. Brandão, Anthony K.C. Chan, E. Vincent S. Faustino, Julie Jaffray, Sophie Jones, Bryce A. Kerlin, Nicole Kucine, Riten Kumar, Christoph Male, Marie-Claude Pelland-Marcotte, Leslie Raffini, Chittalsinh M. Raulji, Sarah E. Sartain, Clifford M. Takemoto, Cristina Tarango, C Heleen Van Ommen, Maria C. Velez, Sara K. Vesely, John Wiernikowski, Suzan Williams, Hope P. Wilson, Gary Woods, Ayesha Zia, Paul Monagle, Reem A. Mustafa

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

We conducted this systematic review to evaluate outcomes of thrombolysis followed by anticoagulation vs anticoagulation alone in pediatric patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE). This systematic review addresses mortality, VTE resolution, recurrence, bleeding, and organ-specific outcomes in 5 PICO (population, intervention, comparison, outcomes) questions on thrombolysis across pulmonary embolism (PE), extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT), right atrial thrombosis (RAT), cerebral sinus venous thrombosis (CSVT), and renal vein thrombosis (RVT). Meta-analysis reported risk ratios or differences (95% confidence intervals [CIs]), and absolute effects per 1000 patients. Certainty of evidence was assessed using GRADE (Grading of recommendation, assessment, Development, and Evaluation) guidelines. Thirteen …

The Use Of Abdominal Fascial Plane Blocks For Post-Operative Analgesia In Intestinal Rehabilitation Patients – A Retrospective Comparative Study, Brittany A. Brown, Lauren E. Costello, Elizabeth C. Ternent-Recht, Trevor J. Wilke, Cale A. Kassel

Graduate Medical Education Research Journal

Background: Short gut syndrome affects both pediatric and adult patients often requiring multiple surgical procedures to improve intestinal function. Identifying methods to improve pain control and reduce opioid consumption is an important consideration for this patient population.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 115 patients less than 12 years of age undergoing abdominal procedures between August 1, 2012, and December 31, 2019, was performed. From this group, 64 patients had a perioperative abdominal wall fascial plane block performed and were compared to 51 patients who did not have a block performed.

Results: Mean opioid use defined as morphine equivalent daily …

Phase 0 Feasibility And Design Of Mobile Health Applications For Use In Rural Settings, Aubree C. Honcoop

Theses & Dissertations

Background. Mobile Health (mHealth) interventions, when meant to serve as decision support, require an in-depth investigation of current workflows and decisional needs to ensure future usability and acceptability. Rural groups were prioritized due to their limited healthcare access, and therefore, their increased need for interventions like mHealth apps that address health disparities.

Objective. To assess the decisional needs of parents/caregivers and/or Healthcare Providers (HCPs) in rural areas regarding emergencies with children with medical complexity (CMC, Project 1), COVID-19 vaccination (Project 2), and HPV and COVID-19 vaccination (Project 3).

Methods. Parents and HCPs were approached through various methods for participation, primarily …

Impact Of Nutritional Status And Placental Malaria Infection On Pregnancy Outcome In A Population Of Nigerian Maternal-Infant Dyads, Shirley F. Delair

Theses & Dissertations

Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and accounts for one-quarter of the newborn mortality on the continent. Most newborn deaths are from prematurity (33%), infections (33%), and intrapartum complications (31%). Using an adapted analytical framework for the study of child survival in developing countries, this dissertation aimed to look at the pregnancy outcome of a population of Nigerian women and their offspring by looking at proximate determinants of health from nutritional status and environmental conditions. In Chapter 1, we characterized the micronutrients of the mother-infant dyads, looking specifically at concentrations of vitamin D and its metabolites. In Chapter …

Assessment Of In-Vitro And In-Vivo Pre-Clinical Pharmacokinetics Of Epz015666; A Novel Small Molecule For Medulloblastoma Treatment, Pratiksha U. Kshirsagar

Theses & Dissertations

Group 3 medulloblastoma (MB) has the worst prognosis of the MB subgroups associated with elevated MYC expression and a 5-year survival rate of

Quantitation of EPZ was performed on a Shimadzu LC-MS/MS system utilizing electrospray ionization operated in positive mode. The validated assay was linear from 0.2 to 500 ng/mL. Metabolic stability studies demonstrated slow intrinsic clearance of EPZ in mouse and human liver microsomes, suggesting no CYP-mediated metabolism. Additionally, EPZ exhibited low binding affinity to plasma and brain proteins and high apparent permeability across artificial membranes, indicating efficient membrane penetration. Drug transporter studies identified EPZ as a substrate of …

Hour Of Life At Enteral Feeding Initiation And Associated Clinical Morbidity In Extremely Low-Birth-Weight Infants, Melissa Thoene, Lauren Ridgway, Elizabeth Lyden, Ann Anderson-Berry

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Identifying nutritional interventions in extremely low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants (<1000 >g) that are associated with favorable clinical outcomes is important. Delayed enteral feeding initiation (>3 days) has been associated with increased odds of developing morbidity. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between hour of life at enteral feeding initiation and associated clinical outcomes.

METHODS: An IRB-approved retrospective chart review evaluated ELBW infants. Birth acuity was evaluated using CRIB II scoring and incidence of various morbidities (bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and spontaneous intestinal perforation (SIP)) and mortality was assessed …

The Impact Of Iron Supplementation On The Preterm Neonatal Gut Microbiome: A Pilot Study, Matthew Van Ormer, Maranda Thompson, Melissa Thoene, Jean-Jack Riethoven, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Corrine K. Hanson, Ann Anderson-Berry

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

OBJECTIVE: The gastrointestinal microbiome in preterm infants exhibits significant influence on optimal outcomes-with dysbiosis shown to substantially increase the risk of the life-threatening necrotizing enterocolitis. Iron is a vital nutrient especially during the perinatal window of rapid hemoglobin production, tissue growth, and foundational neurodevelopment. However, excess colonic iron exhibits potent oxidation capacity and alters the gut microbiome-potentially facilitating the proliferation of pathological bacterial strains. Breastfed preterm infants routinely receive iron supplementation starting 14 days after delivery and are highly vulnerable to morbidities associated with gastrointestinal dysbiosis. Therefore, we set out to determine if routine iron supplementation alters the preterm gut …

Bioactive Metabolites Of Omega-6 And Omega-3 Fatty Acids Are Associated With Inflammatory Cytokine Concentrations In Maternal And Infant Plasma At The Time Of Delivery, Rebecca Slotkowski, Matthew Van Ormer, Anum Akbar, Taija Hahka, Maranda Thompson, Rebekah Rapoza, Arzu Ulu, Melissa Thoene, Elizabeth Lyden, Maheswari Mukherjee, Ana G. Yuil-Valdes, Sathish Kumar Natarajan, Tara Nordgren, Corrine K. Hanson, Ann Anderson-Berry

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

Background & aims

Inflammation is necessary for a healthy pregnancy. However, unregulated or excessive inflammation during pregnancy is associated with severe maternal and infant morbidities, such as pre-eclampsia, abnormal infant neurodevelopment, or preterm birth. Inflammation is regulated in part by the bioactive metabolites of omega-6 (n-6) and omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids (FAs). N-6 FAs have been shown to promote pro-inflammatory cytokine environments in adults, while n-3 FAs have been shown to contribute to the resolution of inflammation; however, how these metabolites affect maternal and infant inflammation is still uncertain. The objective of this study was to predict the influence of …

A Community-Based Participatory Research Approach To Addressing Pediatric Asthma Disparities In Douglas County, Nebraska, Aislinn Rookwood

Theses & Dissertations

Pediatric asthma is the leading chronic disease among children in the United States, and the incidence of pediatric asthma is increasing every year. Nebraska has an asthma prevalence comparable to the United States average; however, the state has significant disparities by county, race, and geographic location, with prevalence rates much higher than the national average. Douglas County is a hot spot for increased pediatric asthma rates, with further differences in rates by race and geographic location within the county. The University of Nebraska Medical Center, in partnership with Healthy Housing Omaha and the Nebraska Asthma Coalition, collaborated to conduct this …

Patient, Provider, And Interpreter Perspectives On Interpreter Modality And Barriers To Interpreter Use In A Pediatric Inpatient Setting, Brooklyn Leitch

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

There are a growing number of patients and families in the United States who use a language other than English (LOE). Standard of care for best patient outcomes requires that these families receive professional interpretation for every encounter, preferably in the interpreter modality that they are most comfortable with and that provides the best communication. Unfortunately, they often do not receive this. Objectives of this research include learning how interpreter services are selected and used as well as which modality (in-person, video, or phone) is preferred by patients and families, providers, and interpreters. We aim to better understand the experiences …

Evaluating The Impact Of Routine Enteral Iron Fortification On Gastrointestinal Dysbiosis In Premature Infants, Matthew Van Ormer

Theses & Dissertations

The gastrointestinal microbiome in preterm infants bears significant influence on optimal outcomes – dysbiosis is shown to substantially increase the risk of the life-threatening necrotizing enterocolitis, whereas optimal microbiome composition improves nutrient digestion and immune function. Iron is a vital nutrient especially during the perinatal window of rapid hemoglobin production, tissue growth, and foundational neurological development. However, excess colonic iron exhibits potent oxidation capacity and alters the competitive environment of microbes – potentially facilitating the proliferation of pathological bacterial strains in the gut. Of note, breastfed preterm infants routinely receive iron fortification starting at 14 days of life and are …

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Levels In Maternal And Cord Plasma Are Associated With Maternal Socioeconomic Status, Alexandra Hergenrader, Matthew Van Ormer, Rebecca Slotkowski, Maranda Thompson, Alyssa Freeman, Olivia Paetz, Sarah Sweeney, Lauren Wegner, Khadijjta Ali, Nicole S. Bender, Ridhi Chaudhary, Melissa K. Thoene, Corrine K. Hanson, Ann Anderson-Berry

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

Omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a crucial role in fetal growth and neurodevelopment, while omega-6 (n-6) PUFAs have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previous studies have demonstrated that socioeconomic status (SES) influences dietary intake of n-3 and n-6 PUFAs, but few studies have evaluated the association between maternal and cord plasma biomarkers of PUFAs and socioeconomic markers. An IRB-approved study enrolled mother-infant pairs (n = 55) at the time of delivery. Maternal and cord plasma PUFA concentrations were analyzed using gas chromatography. Markers of SES were obtained from validated surveys …

Something Smells Fishy: How Lipid Mediators Impact The Maternal-Fetal Interface And Neonatal Development, Maranda Thompson, Arzu Ulu, Maheswari Mukherjee, Ana G. Yuil-Valdes, Melissa K. Thoene, Matthew Van Ormer, Rebecca Slotkowski, Teri Mauch, Ann Anderson-Berry, Corrine K. Hanson, Tara M. Nordgren, Sathish Kumar Natarajan

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

Normal pregnancy relies on inflammation for implantation, placentation, and parturition, but uncontrolled inflammation can lead to poor maternal and infant outcomes. Maternal diet is one modifiable factor that can impact inflammation. Omega-3 and -6 fatty acids obtained through the diet are metabolized into bioactive compounds that effect inflammation. Recent evidence has shown that the downstream products of omega-3 and -6 fatty acids may influence physiology during pregnancy. In this review, the current knowledge relating to omega-3 and omega-6 metabolites during pregnancy will be summarized.

Ventricular Tachycardia In A Pediatric Patient With High-Risk Thrombotic Thrombocytopenia Purpura, Taylor J. Kratochvil, Jeffrey A. Robinson

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

An 8-year-old previously healthy male was diagnosed with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and increased serum cardiac troponin I. Telemetry recorded non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, without ST-segment changes or other abnormalities on serial electrocardiogram. This case illustrates that cardiac monitoring by telemetry should be considered in high-risk TTP with elevated cardiac troponin.

Retinol And Pro-Vitamin A Carotenoid Nutritional Status During Pregnancy Is Associated With Newborn Hearing Screen Results, Rebecca Slotkowski, Matthew Van Ormer, Anum Akbar, Olivia Paetz, Taija Hahka, Maranda Thompson, Alyssa Freeman, Alexandra Hergenrader, Sarah Sweeney, Zeljka Korade, Thiago Genaro-Mattos, Corrine K. Hanson, Ann Anderson-Berry, Melissa K. Thoene

Journal Articles: Pediatrics

The prenatal period is critical for auditory development; thus, prenatal influences on auditory development may significantly impact long-term hearing ability. While previous studies identified a protective effect of carotenoids on adult hearing, the impact of these nutrients on hearing outcomes in neonates is not well understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between maternal and umbilical cord plasma retinol and carotenoid concentrations and abnormal newborn hearing screen (NHS) results. Mother-infant dyads (n = 546) were enrolled at delivery. Plasma samples were analyzed using HPLC and LC-MS/MS. NHS results were obtained from medical records. Statistical analysis …