August 7-8, 2008

Sponsor/Co-Sponsor(s): Pregnancy and Perinatology Branch (PPB), Center for Developmental Biology and Perinatal Medicine (CDBPM), NICHD

Location: The Bolger Center, Potomac, Maryland

Purpose: Nosocomial infection in Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) occurs at high rates and often leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Up to 50 percent of extremely low birth weight infants develop infection in the NICU. This conference will review the existing information with respect to antenatal, perinatal, and neonatal management including short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality for infants with hospital acquired infections. The conference will focus on defining the evidence for the current standards of care or practice guidelines for evaluating and treating suspected and confirmed neonatal sepsis. This activity includes current and developing diagnostic tools, optimal antibiotic use (to include minimal exposure), infection control procedures, and antibiotic resistance. The evidence will be critically evaluated at the conference. Current gaps in knowledge in this area will be identified and research priorities will be formulated. The workshop summary will provide NICHD and the scientific community with a template to address the scientific and clinical issues related to this most difficult area of perinatal and neonatal care.

Contact:
Dr. Rosemary Higgins, PPB, CDBPM, NICHD
Tel: (301) 435-7906
Fax: (301) 496-3790
E-mail: higginsr@mail.nih.gov