Secondary Logo

Journal Logo

Advanced Search

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(5) - ​

In issue 2020(5) we are proud to share important work on the care of "Substance Exposed Infants". Our guest editor, Lisa Cleveland introduces the special series in her editorial and the initial five articles this issue. The scope of articles range from the stigma experienced by families impacted by neonatal abstinence syndrome to an intervention that can help manage these infants' distress behaviors. An additional article examines factors that predict when infants will need pharmacological management for substance exposure while a fourth article describes feeding behaviors in this population. Finally, an article examines how simulation training can be used to educate pediatric residents and nurses how to administer the Finnegan Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Scoring System.

In addition to the special series articles, a case study examines abnormal splanchnic regional saturations in a preterm infant that developed necrotizing enterocolitis following a red blood cell transfusion. We include two articles on feeding issues with preterm infants and two articles that describe parents parent preferences of engagement in research and nurses' knowledge and attitudes about use of maternal voice for preterm infants.


We hope you enjoy the information!


NEW From Issue 5! 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

NEW! From Issue 5! Feeding Behaviors in Infants With Prenatal Opioid Exposure: An Integrative Review
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.

Perinatal Counseling Following a Diagnosis of Trisomy 13 or 18: Incorporating the Facts, Parental Values, and Maintaining Choices
The authors of this manuscript discuss the importance of balanced decision-making between parents and providers for the appropriate perinatal palliative care. This approach is supported from a review and synthesis of infant outcomes in the literature.

Conceptually Redefining Neonatal Palliative Care 
The authors of this manuscript assert that improvements in neonatal palliative care is dependent in part on a consistent definition that is accepted and used by all providers. The neonatal palliative care literature is reviewed and synthesized to propose a more comprehensive definition of neonatal palliative care. 



Current Issue Highlights

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome