According to the latest (July 11, 2007) March of Dimes Newborn Screening Report Card, now nearly 90 percent (up from 38 percent in 2005) of all babies born in the United States live in states that require screening for at least 21 life-threatening disorders. Only 13 states and the District of Columbia require the full panel for 29 genetic or functional disorders, as recommended by the American College of Medical Genetics and endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics. A simple heelstick can prevent severe brain damage or death early before the baby is discharged. The March of Dimes encourages all clinicians to support and encourage endorsement of the full 29 panel screening in their states of practice so that this type of screening becomes mandatory in all 50 states. Click here to view the frequently updated list of screening tests required by each state.

Fatal Reactions in Neonates Given Ceftriaxone Sodium Injection (Rocephin; Roche Pharmaceuticals, Inc) and Calcium Reported

In June 2007, reports to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Internet safety and adverse reaction alert system, MedWatch, indicated deaths in neonates associated with calcium-ceftriaxone precipitates in the lungs and kidneys. Now, new information has been added to the prescribing information in the Warnings section. This important information includes not mixing ceftriaxone and administering it in a different (separate) infusion line than calcium. Calcium-containing solutions must not be administered within 48 hours of last administration of ceftriaxone. To report any ceftriaxone-related adverse reactions call 1-800-FDA-0178 or for more information and to sign up for the FDA's medication alert system, click here.

Formula Recall

On May 25, 2007, Abbott announced in a press release a voluntary recall of three lots of two-ounce bottles of Similac Special Care 24 cal/fl. oz Ready-to-Feed (RTF) Premature Infant Formula with Iron. The formula in these lots does not contain as much iron as is indicated on the label. The three lots of infant formula were distributed in the United States between November 2006 and May 2007. The lot numbers are located on the bottom of the bottles and are: 44427X8, 44427X81 and 50005X8. Contact Abbott's Ross Products Division at 1-888-899-9182 for product replacement. You can also view Abbott's press release here.

Conferences and Meetings

• The 7^th National Neonatal Nurses Meeting "The Smallest of Patients, The Best of Care" sponsored by ANN and Neonatal Network^® will be in Las Vegas September 5-8, 2007. Have you registered? Groups of 4 can save $25 on each registration, and groups of 5 or more, $30. But there's more! Begin your Vegas experience with a little fun. Upon arrival, each participant will receive a $25 promotional casino chip and a coupon good for 2 for 1 drinks in the Tempo Lounge. A great value for education and fun! See you in Vegas!
• While at the National Neonatal Nurses Meeting, plan to attend the Academy Membership Meeting Friday September 7, 2007 from 12:30-1:00 pm. Neonatal Network^® will provide a seated lunch and our executive director, Debbie Frasier Askin, will answer your questions, and let you know about the increasing benefits coming your way! If you cannot attend this important meeting, please send us ideas for membership benefits and CE topics.
  

Nursing and Parent Education

The Academy of Neonatal Nursing is not responsible for products or links mentioned in this newsletter. They are provided as a convenience and should not be viewed, in any way, as an endorsement of any particular website, company, product, service, idea, or viewpoint.