Results of the first phase of a project to develop an artificial placenta in an animal model, to help extremely premature babies (born at 6 months gestation or less), were presented to the press today. The project is led by BCNatal, a fetal medicine research centre in Barcelona, with funding from the "la Caixa" Foundation, which has renewed its support for the second phase of the project.
A systematic review published in BMJ Global Health that includes an analysis of 31 studies concludes that the method known as 'skin-to-skin' - or 'kangaroo care' - used with premature or low-weight babies can reduce the risk of mortality by 32% and the risk of serious infections by 15%. The research, funded by the World Health Organisation, shows that starting the technique within 24 hours of birth and carrying it out for at least eight hours a day increases its effectiveness.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a statement recommending skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth to improve the survival of premature and low birth weight babies. Until now, in clinical practice it was common for the first phase after birth to take place in the incubator.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended marketing authorisation in the European Union for Beyfortus (nirsevimab) to prevent respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lower respiratory tract disease in babies and infants. The agency recommends it during its first RSV season. The European Commission now has to decide on its marketing authorisation across the EU.