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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 2021(1) - ​

As 2021 is well underway, we had hoped to leave behind the distressful events of 2020 behind, yet there is much work ahead in our NICUs. In the first 2021 issue of ANC we follow the lead of NANN in our editorial on the racism and health inequity that exists in neonatal health care. In addition, we hope you will read the thoughtful manuscript by Drs. Vance and Bell on how to address racism in the neonatal community. We also continue our special series of articles related to substance exposed infants with four articles including two articles focused on interventions to support infants and mothers (skin-to-skin care; eat, sleep, console with buprenorphine) and two articles that example the perceptions and experiences of nurses working with these infants.​

Additional topics includes clinical articles focused on the pathophysiology and management of neonatal sepsis, reduction of PICC damage with the use of a smart pump and dedicated medication line, a case study on esophageal atresia and tracheoesophageal fistulae as well as an article focused on interdisciplinary developmental rounding. Finally, we have three research articles that evaluates NICU family engagement, needs of diverse fathers of preterm infants, and decreasing NICU admission through use of a transition bed for neonates.


This literature review provides a synthesis of neonatal sepsis risk factors, causative pathogens, and the neonates immune response.  In addition, sepsis presentation, diagnosis, management, and implications are described.

Recent research provided evidence that “babywearing” by nurses is effective for management of Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. In this article nurses share their perceptions about the delivery of this intervention.​

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.

“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.

Current Issue Highlights

Substance Exposed Infants