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Special Series: Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Target Publication Dates: Fall 2021, Advances in Neonatal Care, 2021(5) and 2021(6)

Submission Dates: Immediately through March 2021

Necrotizing enterocolitis is among the most feared, urgent and deadly complications in the neonatal intensive care unit. Research, broad stakeholder engagement and quality improvement work has led to modest decreases in the occurrence of NEC in recent years, but many opportunities remain. This special issue is calling for NEC-relevant manuscripts showcasing research breakthroughs; clinical improvements; family-centered practices; surgical care and post-operative considerations; and long-term impacts. All manuscript types typical for Advances in Neonatal Care are welcomed.

If interested in submitting a manuscript for this special series, please submit the following items for consideration to the guest editor or co-editors by February 2021.

  1. A working manuscript title
  2. Authors
  3. Short synopsis of your planned manuscript (3-4 sentences outlining content)
  4. Planned submission date 

 Submission of this information soon will help us with planning the series.

Please submit your ideas or comments to:

Guest Editor: Sheila M. Gephart, PhD, RN, FAAN [email protected]

Or Co-Editors for Advances in Neonatal Care

Jacqueline McGrath [email protected]  

Debra Brandon [email protected]  


From the Editors for 2020(6) - ​

2020 is almost over, I am sure we are all ready to say goodbye and hope for the best in 2021. This last issue of Advances in Neonatal Care continues to feature our special series of articles related to Substance Exposed Infants. In this issue we have 4 articles centered around this topic. The first article is related to understanding Feeding Practices with this population, the 2nd article provides research findings about Babywearing as an intervention with this vulnerable population. The 3rd article is another study to provide information about enablers and barriers for use of non-pharmacologic interventions for this population. The 4th article is another study related to engaging mothers in non-pharmacologic interventions. This series will continue in the first two issues in 2021. 

Other topics in this issue include: use of nitric oxide; case studies of infants with atrial flutter; as well as physiologic stability during skin-to-skin holding. We finish this issue with 4 research reports related to exploration of goals of families in the NICU; what worries NICU nurses; accuracy of transcutaneous bilirubin and neonatal nurse knowledge and attitudes about immunization use in the NICU. We believe there is something for everyone in this issue and hope you read it cover-to-cover. 

Happy New Year to you all from those of us at Advances in Neonatal Care!​


NEW From Issue 6! A Review of Feeding Practices in Infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Feeding infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome is not always easier. These infants often require extra time and support. This article examines the evidence about how to best support these infants.

NEW From Issue 6! “Babywearing” in the NICU: An Intervention for Infants With Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome​​​
Babywearing may be a new concept for you and may seem uncomfortable yet there are ways to safely provide this nonpharmacologic intervention for babies. This study provides evidence that the intervention can be effective. 


The Role of Stigma in the Nursing Care of Families Impacted by Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome
Mothers of infants with NAS face challenges of overcoming stigma as they were often ostracized, excluded, and shamed.
Feeding behaviors related to sucking and behavioral states may be different in infants with prenatally opioid exposure.

An Integrative Review of Clinical Characteristics of Infants With Diaper Dermatitis
In this well done integrative review the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical characteristics of diaper dermatitis. The authors provide evidence-based descriptions for caregivers to know what to look for and when, how to intervene. The tables in this article are an excellent resource for bedside care providers who are confronted with diaper dermatitis on a daily basis

Use of Ultrasound to verify UVC placement is becoming somewhat more common place in the NICU. This article provides evidence to support how and when this technology might be helpful to advanced practice nurses and bedside care providers. Understanding how to read ultrasounds is important if this technology will be used in your NICU to verify placement.


Current Issue Highlights

Substance Exposed Infants