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Biomedical subjects

S S Premji

Publications and source records attributed to S S Premji.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Cisapride: the problem of the heart.

Cisapride has been used in the neonatal population as a first-line gastrointestinal prokinetic agent for managing feeding intolerance secondary to decreased gastrointestinal motility. Cisapride acts specifically at many levels of the gastrointestinal tract and has no central nervous system side effects. Recently, prolonged QT interval has been reported secondary to high-dose cisapride, and concerns regarding its use in premature infants have been raised. In response, Janssen-Ortho Inc. and Janssen Pharmaceutica, the manufacturers of cisapride in Canada and the U.S., have released safety information prohibiting the use of cisapride in premature infants. In light of the present evidence, it is imperative that NICUs that continue to prescribe cisapride for the management of feeding intolerance exercise vigilance in cardiac monitoring and recognize the importance of drug interactions that lead to elevated cisapride levels.

Canada↗

Ontogeny of the gastrointestinal system and its impact on feeding the preterm infant.

The nutritional management of premature infants is a challenging area for neonatal clinicians for a number of reasons. These include lack of knowledge about when, what, and how to feed; limited clinical experience; and wide variations in practice. New practices in the nutritional management of premature infants must take into consideration the structural and functional maturity of the gastrointestinal system and environmental influences on this system. This article presents current knowledge of embryology and ontogeny of the premature infant's gastrointestinal system and explains how this knowledge may be applied to clinical practice.

Digestive System↗

Nurses' experience with implementing developmental care in NICUs.

The aim of this study was to gain insight into nurses' (N = 8) experience of working in a neonatal intensive-care unit (NICU) that incorporated the developmental-care approach. Although Als's model is family centered, the basic social process identified by nurses was putting the baby first. The process of putting the baby first was uncovered using grounded-theory methodology. The process included three phases: learning, reacting, and advocating/nonadvocating. In each of the phases, four main concepts--encountering, appraising, supporting, and gaining sensitivity--emerged from the data. Nurses appraised the advantages and disadvantages of this therapeutic approach not only to the infant but also to themselves.

Child Development↗

Cisapride: a review of the evidence supporting its use in premature infants with feeding intolerance.

A systematic computerized search of all databases was performed to review the scientific evidence in support of the efficacy of cisapride in reducing feeding intolerance in premature infants. Reference lists from these articles were used to identify relevant scientific literature to address important aspects of the use of cisapride. Three open prospective, uncontrolled studies were found. All studies reported improved clinical outcomes as evidenced by decreased gastric residuals, decreased incidence of vomiting, increased feeding volume, decrease in all reflux parameters measured, and increased weight gain. These observational studies reflect the current state of knowledge and have important research and clinical implications because of the profound effects of feeding intolerance on infant growth and development and on length of stay within NICUs.

Cisapride↗

Impressions from a public health group visit to China.

During my trip to China, I saw how many factors interact to influence maternal and child health. These factors cover a broad scope of biologic, behavioral, environmental, and socioeconomic issues. The experience proved to be invaluable. It has helped me to understand how these factors differ--and how they are alike--in China, Canada, and other cultures.

Adult↗

Gastrointestinal function and growth in premature infants: is non-nutritive sucking vital?

OBJECTIVE: To determine the importance of non-nutritive sucking (NNS) in the development of gastrointestinal function and growth in premature infants. DATA SOURCES: A systematic computerized search of MEDLINE, the Cumulative Index of Nursing in Allied Health Literature, Health, Best Evidence, and the Cochrane Library was performed. STUDY SELECTION: The search yielded eight randomized controlled studies relative to the outcomes of interest: sucking response, gastric emptying, weight gain, and time to discharge from hospital. DATA EXTRACTION: Relevant articles were selected using published criteria for detecting clinically sound studies and evidence-based information. DATA SYNTHESIS: NNS reduces length of hospitalization; however, its effect on the other variables was inconclusive. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of agreement concerning the outcomes of interest, apart from the positive contribution of early hospital discharge. The studies were methodologically flawed, which compromised validity and estimation of the treatment effect. NNS cannot be currently recommended as a beneficial intervention.

Child Development↗