Neonatology and Pediatrics

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is becoming an essential tool in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), offering real-time, bedside diagnostic capability with minimal disruption to the infant. This session focuses on how POCUS is used in evaluating lung pathology, cardiac function, central line placements, intracranial bleeding, and abdominal abnormalities. Unlike traditional imaging, POCUS provides immediate answers, enhancing clinical decision-making in critically ill newborns. Participants will explore hands-on applications, the learning curve associated with skill development, and its integration into routine NICU workflows. Clinical case examples will highlight how POCUS reduces diagnostic delays and supports safer, faster interventions. The session also touches on training programs, credentialing processes, and emerging AI-assisted tools that enhance image interpretation. By incorporating POCUS into daily rounds and emergency protocols, clinicians can elevate the standard of neonatal care while reducing reliance on radiation-based imaging. This approach ultimately supports safer, more efficient care in high-acuity neonatal settings.

The early identification of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) plays a critical role in optimizing developmental outcomes through timely intervention. This session explores current tools and strategies used to detect early behavioral signs of ASD during infancy and toddlerhood, including the use of validated screening tools like the M-CHAT and emerging AI-powered observational systems. The emphasis is placed on identifying communication delays, social interaction differences, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities before the age of three. Challenges in diagnosis, especially among high-risk populations and underrepresented groups, will be discussed alongside innovations in tele-assessment and mobile-based screening platforms. Multidisciplinary collaboration involving pediatricians, psychologists, and speech therapists will be highlighted as essential for comprehensive evaluation and care. Attendees will also gain insight into parental engagement techniques, cultural considerations, and evidence-based early intervention programs that significantly improve language, cognitive, and social functioning in children diagnosed with ASD. Early detection remains the cornerstone for changing the developmental trajectory in autism.

Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common but critical condition that, if not managed properly, can lead to serious neurologic impairment. This session reviews the latest updates in screening protocols, glucose monitoring, diagnostic thresholds, and intervention strategies for infants at risk. Participants will explore the evidence-based guidelines for managing transient versus persistent hypoglycemia, with a focus on at-risk populations such as infants of diabetic mothers, preterm babies, and those with intrauterine growth restriction. Emerging technologies like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in neonates will be discussed for their potential to provide more precise glucose tracking and reduce unnecessary interventions. Case-based scenarios will illustrate best practices for maintaining normoglycemia and avoiding overtreatment. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of parental education, breastfeeding support, and glucose gel administration as first-line interventions. This session aims to help neonatal teams optimize hypoglycemia protocols, minimize long-term neurodevelopmental impact, and improve overall outcomes for vulnerable newborns.

Vaccinating preterm infants poses unique challenges due to their immature immune systems and often complicated clinical courses. However, timely immunization remains crucial to protect these vulnerable infants from life-threatening infections. This session provides guidance on current recommendations for vaccinating preterm and low-birth-weight infants, including schedules, timing, and catch-up protocols aligned with WHO and national guidelines. Participants will learn how to address concerns related to vaccine efficacy, adverse reactions, and contraindications in NICU environments. Emphasis is placed on vaccines for diseases such as hepatitis B, pertussis, influenza, and rotavirus, which carry increased risks for preterm populations. Evidence from recent studies supports that immunogenicity in preterm infants is generally sufficient and side effects are minimal, reinforcing the need to maintain standard schedules. Strategies for improving vaccine uptake in NICUs and educating caregivers about the safety and necessity of timely immunization will also be discussed, promoting comprehensive protection during this critical stage of development.

Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, has been widely recognized for its profound physiological and psychological benefits in newborns, especially those born prematurely. This session highlights the latest evidence supporting its role in stabilizing heart rate, improving oxygen saturation, regulating body temperature, and promoting breastfeeding. Beyond the biological benefits, skin-to-skin bonding enhances neurodevelopmental outcomes and emotional connection between parent and child. Participants will explore implementation strategies in NICU and delivery room settings, including protocols for integrating kangaroo care even in ventilated or critically ill infants. The session also discusses cultural and systemic barriers that may limit skin-to-skin practices, as well as solutions for ensuring family-centered care in diverse healthcare environments. Case studies and pilot programs from various countries will be presented to demonstrate best practices. Healthcare professionals will leave with practical tools to advocate for and implement skin-to-skin care as a vital, evidence-based component of neonatal care.

Medication dosing in pediatric patients presents unique challenges due to variable pharmacokinetics and developmental differences across age groups. This session addresses the common pitfalls and serious consequences of dosing errors in children, including underdosing, overdosing, and incorrect formulations. Participants will examine case examples, review high-risk medications, and explore technologies and protocols that help reduce medication-related harm. Emphasis is placed on weight-based dosing, standardized dosing charts, and the importance of caregiver education in outpatient settings. The role of clinical pharmacists, barcoding systems, and computerized physician order entry (CPOE) systems in ensuring safe pediatric medication practices will be discussed. Specific attention will be given to neonates, where even minor deviations in dose can result in significant clinical impact. Practical strategies for error prevention, such as double-check systems, unit-dose dispensing, and simulation training for healthcare providers, will be shared. The goal is to build a culture of medication safety across all pediatric care environments.

Non-pharmacological pain management strategies in neonates are gaining increasing importance as research continues to show the long-term impacts of early pain experiences on neurodevelopment. This session explores evidence-based interventions such as sucrose administration, non-nutritive sucking, facilitated tucking, swaddling, and skin-to-skin contact. These techniques offer safe, cost-effective, and highly effective alternatives or complements to pharmacological treatments, especially for routine procedures like heel sticks, venipunctures, or diaper changes. Attendees will gain insight into implementing pain-assessment tools tailored to preterm and term neonates, including PIPP and NIPS scores, to guide appropriate intervention. Integration of these strategies into NICU protocols and staff training programs will be discussed, with emphasis on building a culture of compassionate care. The role of parental involvement in comfort measures and promoting infant stability will also be highlighted. Participants will leave equipped with practical knowledge to reduce procedural pain in neonates, enhancing both immediate comfort and long-term developmental outcomes.

Telehealth is reshaping the landscape of pediatric follow-up care by offering accessible, flexible, and efficient services for families regardless of location. This session explores how digital platforms are being utilized to monitor developmental progress, manage chronic conditions, deliver mental health support, and conduct routine check-ups post-discharge from hospital or NICU settings. Emphasis will be placed on integrating telehealth into pediatric medical homes and coordinating care with community providers. Benefits include reduced travel burdens, improved adherence to follow-up schedules, and enhanced caregiver engagement. Participants will examine best practices for teleconsultation, data privacy, reimbursement challenges, and the limitations of virtual care. Real-world applications in managing asthma, diabetes, ADHD, and neurodevelopmental delays will be reviewed. The session also touches on equity concerns and strategies to bridge the digital divide in underserved populations. Ultimately, telehealth is emerging as a powerful tool for expanding the reach and continuity of pediatric care across diverse patient populations.

Providing breastfeeding support in the NICU is essential for promoting optimal nutrition, immunity, and bonding, especially for preterm and low-birth-weight infants. This session highlights the strategies and tools healthcare providers can use to assist mothers in initiating and maintaining lactation under stressful and medically complex conditions. The use of hospital-grade breast pumps, skin-to-skin contact, and timely initiation of milk expression are discussed alongside lactation consultant interventions. Emphasis is placed on transitioning from tube feeding to direct breastfeeding, understanding infant feeding cues, and overcoming common barriers such as maternal stress, medication concerns, and limited milk supply. Policies that encourage rooming-in, parental presence, and culturally sensitive breastfeeding education will also be examined. Evidence shows that NICU-based lactation programs lead to improved neonatal outcomes, shorter hospital stays, and higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge. Empowering families with consistent guidance and emotional support throughout the NICU stay ensures that breastfeeding becomes a sustainable and rewarding experience post-discharge.

Early and accurate identification of sepsis in neonates is critical for reducing morbidity and mortality. This session focuses on the clinical utility of emerging sepsis markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), procalcitonin (PCT), interleukins, and blood cultures, in guiding early diagnosis and therapeutic decisions. As clinical signs of sepsis are often nonspecific, combining biomarker data with vital sign trends and risk factor assessments enhances diagnostic confidence. Participants will explore the role of serial measurements, point-of-care testing, and the integration of lab findings with electronic health records to identify at-risk neonates quickly. The potential of novel biomarkers and sepsis prediction algorithms using AI will also be discussed. By improving diagnostic accuracy, these tools can help reduce unnecessary antibiotic use, lower resistance risks, and support antimicrobial stewardship efforts. Understanding which markers are most appropriate for early versus late-onset sepsis and how to interpret results in different clinical contexts can greatly influence patient outcomes and treatment efficiency.

Growth chart interpretation is an essential aspect of monitoring the health and development of children under five. Accurate use of WHO and CDC growth standards allows clinicians to detect deviations from expected growth patterns, such as stunting, wasting, underweight, or obesity. This session provides guidance on interpreting weight-for-age, height-for-age, weight-for-height, and head circumference percentiles, as well as understanding z-scores and growth velocity. Recognizing red flags like crossing percentiles, failure to thrive, or sudden drops in measurements enables timely investigation into nutritional deficits, chronic illness, endocrine disorders, or developmental concerns. Participants will also explore growth monitoring in special populations, such as preterm infants and children with genetic syndromes. Integrating growth assessment with developmental milestones and feeding histories offers a holistic view of child health. The session emphasizes practical strategies for counseling parents, avoiding overdiagnosis, and ensuring consistent measurement techniques across clinical settings. Proper growth chart interpretation is crucial in shaping individualized care plans and promoting optimal early childhood outcomes.

Pediatric anemia remains a widespread global health concern, particularly in infants and young children, and is often linked to nutritional deficiencies, infections, or chronic diseases. This session reviews diagnostic approaches based on age-specific hemoglobin thresholds and explores the underlying causes such as iron deficiency, hemolytic disorders, thalassemia, and chronic inflammation. A systematic evaluation includes dietary history, complete blood counts, peripheral smears, and serum iron studies. Emphasis is placed on distinguishing between microcytic, normocytic, and macrocytic anemia for accurate treatment. Participants will gain insight into current treatment strategies including iron supplementation, dietary interventions, and management of chronic conditions contributing to anemia. The role of public health programs in addressing anemia through food fortification and preventive supplementation will also be discussed. Recognizing anemia early in pediatric patients is vital, as it affects cognitive development, physical growth, and immunity. Clinicians will benefit from updated guidelines to tailor treatment plans, ensure follow-up, and educate caregivers about long-term prevention strategies.

Neonatal transport plays a critical role in ensuring the safe transfer of critically ill newborns to higher-level care facilities. This session examines the logistics, clinical preparation, and equipment involved in neonatal stabilization before and during transport. Key components include thermoregulation, respiratory support, vascular access, monitoring, and communication between referring and receiving teams. The session also covers specialized transport teams, including the role of transport nurses, neonatologists, and respiratory therapists trained in handling high-risk neonates. Participants will explore protocols for emergency vs. planned transport and the use of transport incubators and mobile ventilators. Case studies will highlight common challenges such as hypoglycemia, apnea, or sepsis during transport and how to address them promptly. The integration of simulation training and real-time telemedicine support has further improved neonatal transport outcomes. Ensuring that newborns are safely stabilized and continuously monitored throughout transfer is essential for reducing complications and improving survival rates in vulnerable neonatal populations.

Screening for congenital heart defects (CHDs) has become an essential part of newborn care, enabling the early detection and treatment of potentially life-threatening conditions. This session explores the implementation of pulse oximetry screening protocols to identify critical CHDs within the first 24–48 hours of life. Participants will gain knowledge about interpreting oxygen saturation results, determining follow-up echocardiography needs, and minimizing false positives. The role of prenatal screening, family history evaluation, and physical examination in detecting cardiac murmurs or cyanosis is also discussed. Advances in fetal echocardiography and its role in high-risk pregnancies will be briefly reviewed. Case discussions will focus on common CHDs like Tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and coarctation of the aorta. By identifying defects early, interventions such as surgery or catheter-based repair can be initiated promptly, leading to better survival and long-term developmental outcomes. Screening programs, when universally implemented, greatly enhance neonatal cardiac care.

Allergic disorders in infancy, such as food allergies, eczema, and allergic rhinitis, are increasing in prevalence and often present diagnostic and management challenges. This session delves into the importance of early identification and intervention to prevent the progression of allergic disease in children, known as the "atopic march." Risk factors including family history, environmental exposures, and delayed microbiome development are explored in relation to immune system programming. Participants will learn about early introduction strategies for allergens such as peanuts and eggs, based on landmark studies like LEAP and EAT. Emphasis is placed on skin-prick testing, serum IgE levels, and elimination diets to confirm diagnosis. Management plans involving breastfeeding recommendations, allergen avoidance, and early use of emollients for eczema will be reviewed. Practical guidance for educating parents and coordinating care with allergy specialists is also provided. Timely, evidence-based intervention during infancy can significantly reduce the risk and severity of lifelong allergic diseases.

Fever without a source (FWS) in pediatric patients poses a diagnostic challenge that requires a careful balance between identifying serious infections and avoiding unnecessary testing or hospitalization. This session reviews the age-specific approach to evaluating FWS in infants and young children, emphasizing differences in immune response, clinical risk factors, and presentation. Participants will learn how to stratify risk using validated tools such as the Rochester, Boston, and Philadelphia criteria, especially in febrile infants under 90 days. Diagnostic testing, including blood cultures, urinalysis, lumbar puncture, and biomarkers like procalcitonin and CRP, will be discussed in guiding clinical decisions. The session also explores evolving outpatient management strategies for low-risk infants and the role of shared decision-making with caregivers. Rapid viral testing, vaccination status, and recent exposure history are also considered to narrow differential diagnoses. Timely and structured assessment of FWS helps avoid missed serious bacterial infections while promoting efficient, family-centered care.

Proper infant sleep positioning is crucial in reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), which remains a leading cause of death in infants under one year. This session highlights evidence-based guidelines from campaigns such as “Back to Sleep” and “Safe to Sleep,” emphasizing the importance of placing infants on their backs for every sleep. The role of firm sleep surfaces, removal of soft bedding, room-sharing without bed-sharing, and temperature regulation will be discussed in detail. Participants will also learn about cultural beliefs, caregiver misconceptions, and strategies to promote safe sleep education among diverse populations. Attention is given to identifying at-risk groups, such as preterm infants or those exposed to prenatal smoking, and tailoring guidance accordingly. Public health efforts and pediatric counseling approaches to reinforce safe sleep practices during well-baby visits are explored. Ensuring consistent messaging and support can significantly reduce preventable sleep-related infant deaths and improve overall sleep safety awareness.

Antibiotic stewardship in NICUs is critical to combating antimicrobial resistance and preserving the efficacy of life-saving treatments. This session focuses on implementing evidence-based protocols to minimize unnecessary antibiotic exposure in neonates. Participants will explore risk assessment tools for early-onset and late-onset sepsis, guidelines for narrowing antibiotic use, and strategies for discontinuing therapy when cultures are negative. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary collaboration between neonatologists, infectious disease specialists, and pharmacists to design stewardship programs tailored to NICU settings. Diagnostic innovations such as rapid multiplex PCR testing and biomarkers like procalcitonin support informed decisions about starting or stopping antibiotics. Real-world examples of successful stewardship interventions will be shared, along with data on outcomes such as reduced resistance, lower incidence of fungal infections, and improved gut microbiota. The session reinforces the importance of balancing infection control with judicious antimicrobial use, ensuring optimal care for newborns while addressing the global health threat of antibiotic resistance.

End-of-life care in the NICU presents complex emotional and ethical challenges for families and healthcare providers alike. This session explores compassionate communication strategies, decision-making support, and the psychological impact of neonatal loss. Participants will learn approaches to providing clear, empathetic explanations of prognosis, treatment options, and comfort-focused care when curative interventions are no longer viable. The role of palliative care teams, bereavement counselors, and spiritual support services will be highlighted in guiding families through this difficult journey. Topics include pain management, family presence during final moments, memory-making activities, and follow-up support after loss. Special attention is given to cultural sensitivity, respect for parental values, and maintaining dignity throughout the dying process. Case studies will illustrate how early, honest dialogue fosters trust and shared decision-making, even under heartbreaking circumstances. By equipping providers with tools for compassionate end-of-life counseling, the session promotes human-centered care during one of the most vulnerable times in neonatal medicine.