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EDITOR IN CHIEF- ABDULLAH BIN SALIM AL SHUEILI

Experts discuss advances and challenges in preemie care

 The ‘Advances in the Care of Preemies’ conference was held in Muscat last week
The ‘Advances in the Care of Preemies’ conference was held in Muscat last week
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MUSCAT, Dec 15: Expecting mothers are encouraged to maintain regular prenatal check-ups to detect early delivery risks and ensure timely referral to specialised medical facilities for appropriate care, experts stressed at the ‘Advances in the Care of Preemies’ conference.


The two-day event, held over the weekend at Intercity Hotel, brought together neonatologists, paediatricians, residents, nurses, medical and nursing students, and other allied health professionals to address challenges and advancements in the care of preterm infants.


Globally, premature births account for approximately 10 per cent of all births, a statistic mirrored in Oman, where 9.7 per cent of total births are premature, according to recent data from the Ministry of Health.


Highlighting the critical needs of preemies, Dr Hilal bin Khamis al Mandhari, senior consultant neonatologist at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, stated: “The conference focuses on the challenges and specialised care required by premature infants. These babies face complications due to underdeveloped organs, necessitating respiratory support, nutritional care and developmental assistance. Discussions at the conference explored new advancements in these areas and protocols for transferring infants to specialised hospitals when needed.”


The ‘Advances in the Care of Preemies’ conference was held in Muscat last week
The ‘Advances in the Care of Preemies’ conference was held in Muscat last week


Dr Marwa al Balushi, consultant neonatologist, spoke about neurodevelopmental delays in preterm infants, pointing to risk factors such as neonatal sepsis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, lack of antenatal steroids, and multiple pregnancies. These risks can result in developmental delays, cognitive impairments, motor disabilities, and neurodevelopmental disorders.


Dr Hilal emphasised the importance of early detection and intervention, explaining: “Ultrasound scans can help obstetricians detect potential premature labour risks, such as cervical incompetence. In such cases, mothers can be admitted for strict bed rest and monitored to delay delivery as much as possible. For mothers at risk of preterm labour, receiving the right interventions at a hospital can aid in the fetus’s organ development, particularly lung function.”


The conference underscored the collective efforts of medical professionals in addressing the complexities of preterm care and emphasised the need for continuous advancements to improve outcomes for premature infants.


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