Clinical performance of the infant nutrition early warning score in routine practice across four international clinical settings in Europe: A study by the ESPGHAN special interest group in clinical malnutrition

There is a scarcity of nutritional screening tools for use in infants (<1 year). The infant Nutrition Early Warning Score (iNEWS) has been developed to identify infants who need further dietetic review. We introduced the iNEWS into clinical practice and evaluated its performance in Scotland, Belgium, Athens and Bulgaria. Of the 352 infants screened, 72 (20%) were placed in the high iNEWS category, and of these, 70 (97%) were reviewed by a hospital dietitian. iNEWS produced a true positive rate of 80% which increased to 96% after accounting for anticipated misclassified cases due to prematurity. In Belgium, false positive screens had a shorter length of stay (p = 0.014). Otherwise, misclassification was not related to a specific iNEWS component. This study corroborates previous research, underscoring the validity of iNEWS as a dietetic referral tool and demonstrating that it can be integrated into "real-world" clinical practice across international settings with diverse healthcare resources.

Belgian Consensus Recommendations to Prevent Vitamin K Deficiency Bleeding in the Term and Preterm Infant

Neonatal vitamin K prophylaxis is essential to prevent vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) with a clear benefit compared to placebo. Various routes (intramuscular (IM), oral, intravenous (IV)) and dosing regimens were explored. A literature review was conducted to compare vitamin K regimens on VKDB incidence. Simultaneously, information on practices was collected from Belgian pediatric and neonatal departments. Based on the review and these practices, a consensus was developed and voted on by all co-authors and heads of pediatric departments. Today, practices vary. In line with literature, the advised prophylactic regimen is 1 or 2 mg IM vitamin K once at birth. In the case of parental refusal, healthcare providers should inform parents of the slightly inferior alternative (2 mg oral vitamin K at birth, followed by 1 or 2 mg oral weekly for 3 months when breastfed). We recommend 1 mg IM in preterm <32 weeks, and the same alternative in the case of parental refusal. When IM is perceived impossible in preterm <32 weeks, 0.5 mg IV once is recommended, with a single additional IM 1 mg dose when IV lipids are discontinued. This recommendation is a step towards harmonizing vitamin K prophylaxis in all newborns.

Plant-Based Formulas and Liquid Feedings for Infants and Toddlers

Exclusive breastfeeding is the recommended feeding for all infants. Recent research has focused on the importance of balanced feeding during the first 1000 days, starting at conception with a balanced diet of the pregnant woman, up to the age of two years. The following step, a balanced diet after the age of two years is a challenge, as the dietary intake becomes more diversified. The role of young-child formula in this process is debated. This paper discusses the use of planted-based drinks, since they are a valuable and progressively more popular alternative for cow's milk, if nutritionally adapted to the requirements of toddlers. Plant-based drinks are per definition lactose free.