Session And Tracks
Session 1: Newborn Screening: Expanding Genetic Panels
Expanded newborn screening is improving the early recognition of metabolic, endocrine, hematologic, and genetic disorders. This session will explore the use of advanced genetic testing, next-generation sequencing, and bioinformatics to identify conditions at an early stage. It will also discuss personalized care, screening challenges, ethical considerations, and strategies for integrating broader screening programs into neonatal healthcare.
Session 2: Point-of-Care Ultrasound in NICUs
Point-of-care ultrasound provides rapid bedside assessment for critically ill newborns and is increasingly incorporated into NICU practice. This session will examine its applications in evaluating lung conditions, cardiac function, intracranial abnormalities, abdominal problems, and vascular access. Participants will also explore clinical training, workflow integration, and emerging technologies supporting faster and more informed neonatal care.
Session 3: Early Detection of Autism Spectrum Disorders
Early recognition of autism spectrum disorders can support timely developmental intervention and improve long-term outcomes. This session will discuss screening methods, early behavioral indicators, digital assessment tools, and emerging technologies. Attention will also be given to multidisciplinary evaluation, parental involvement, cultural considerations, and accessible early intervention strategies.
Session 4: Update on Neonatal Hypoglycemia Guidelines
Neonatal hypoglycemia is a common but critical condition that, if not managed properly, can lead to serious neurologic impairment. This session reviews the latest updates in screening protocols, glucose monitoring, diagnostic thresholds, and intervention strategies for infants at risk. Participants will explore the evidence-based guidelines for managing transient versus persistent hypoglycemia, with a focus on at-risk populations such as infants of diabetic mothers, preterm babies, and those with intrauterine growth restriction. Emerging technologies like continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in neonates will be discussed for their potential to provide more precise glucose tracking and reduce unnecessary interventions. Case-based scenarios will illustrate best practices for maintaining normoglycemia and avoiding overtreatment. Emphasis is also placed on the importance of parental education, breastfeeding support, and glucose gel administration as first-line interventions. This session aims to help neonatal teams optimize hypoglycemia protocols, minimize long-term neurodevelopmental impact, and improve overall outcomes for vulnerable newborns.
Session 5: Vaccination Strategies in Preterm Infants
Preterm infants require appropriate and timely immunization to reduce their vulnerability to serious infections. This session will examine vaccination recommendations, schedules, safety considerations, immune responses, and catch-up strategies for preterm and low-birth-weight infants. Participants will also discuss approaches to caregiver education and improving vaccine uptake in neonatal care settings.
Session 6: Skin-to-Skin Contact: Physiological Benefits
Skin-to-skin contact, or kangaroo care, plays an important role in supporting newborn stability, development, and parent-infant bonding. This session will explore its effects on temperature regulation, heart rate, oxygenation, breastfeeding, and emotional connection. Practical approaches for introducing kangaroo care in NICUs and overcoming barriers to family participation will also be highlighted.
Session 7: Managing Pediatric Medication Dosing Errors
Medication administration in children requires careful attention because dosing varies according to age, weight, development, and clinical condition. This session will examine common dosing errors, high-risk medications, standardized dosing practices, and safety protocols. The role of pharmacists, electronic prescribing systems, barcode technology, and caregiver education in reducing medication-related harm will also be discussed.
Session 8: Non-Pharmacological Pain Relief in Neonate
Non-pharmacological approaches can provide effective support for reducing procedural pain and discomfort in newborns. This session will explore techniques such as sucrose administration, non-nutritive sucking, swaddling, facilitated tucking, and skin-to-skin contact. Participants will also learn about neonatal pain assessment and the integration of comfort measures into routine NICU practices.
Session 9: Telehealth in Pediatric Follow-Up Care
Telehealth is expanding access to pediatric follow-up and enabling continued care beyond the hospital setting. This session will explore digital approaches for developmental monitoring, chronic disease management, routine consultations, and post-NICU follow-up. Key considerations including caregiver engagement, privacy, accessibility, and the effective integration of virtual services into pediatric care will also be addressed.
Session 10: Breastfeeding Support in NICU Settings
Breastfeeding support is essential for promoting nutrition, immunity, growth, and bonding among newborns receiving intensive care. This session will discuss strategies for initiating and maintaining lactation, the use of breast pumps, skin-to-skin contact, feeding transitions, and lactation support. It will also highlight ways healthcare teams can empower families throughout the NICU journey.
Session 11: Sepsis Markers in Early Neonatal Diagnosis
Early recognition of neonatal sepsis remains essential for initiating appropriate treatment and improving outcomes. This session will examine the clinical use of markers such as C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukins, and blood cultures in supporting diagnosis. Emerging biomarkers, point-of-care testing, and data-driven approaches to improving early detection and antibiotic decision-making will also be explored.
Session 12: Growth Chart Interpretation in Children Under 5
Growth monitoring provides important information about the nutritional and developmental health of young children. This session will focus on interpreting weight, height, head circumference, percentiles, and z-scores using established growth standards. Participants will explore the identification of abnormal growth patterns and the importance of combining growth assessment with feeding history, developmental milestones, and clinical evaluation.
Session 13: Pediatric Anemia: Diagnosis and Treatment
Pediatric anemia can result from nutritional deficiencies, infections, chronic conditions, and inherited disorders. This session will review approaches to identifying the underlying causes through clinical assessment, blood investigations, and appropriate laboratory evaluation. Current management strategies, nutritional interventions, supplementation, follow-up, and preventive approaches will also be discussed.
Session 14: Neonatal Transport: Safety and Stabilization
Safe neonatal transport requires careful stabilization, continuous monitoring, appropriate equipment, and effective communication between healthcare teams. This session will examine respiratory support, thermoregulation, vascular access, glucose management, and monitoring during transfer. Participants will also explore specialized transport teams, simulation training, and strategies for managing complications during neonatal transportation.
Session 15: Screening for Congenital Heart Defects
Early screening for congenital heart defects enables timely identification of newborns requiring further cardiac evaluation and treatment. This session will discuss pulse oximetry screening, physical examination, prenatal assessment, and follow-up echocardiography. Participants will also explore approaches to recognizing critical congenital heart conditions and strengthening newborn cardiac screening practices.
Session 16: Allergic Disorders in Infants: Early Intervention
Allergic disorders during infancy can present with conditions such as food allergies and eczema and may require early assessment and management. This session will explore risk factors, diagnostic approaches, early interventions, and strategies for supporting affected infants and families. The importance of appropriate feeding guidance, skin care, caregiver education, and specialist collaboration will also be discussed.
Session 17: Pediatric Fever Without a Source: Quick Assessment
Fever without an identifiable source can present a diagnostic challenge, particularly in infants and young children. This session will examine age-specific assessment, clinical risk factors, appropriate laboratory investigations, and strategies for identifying serious infections. Participants will also discuss structured evaluation methods and approaches to balancing timely diagnosis with avoidance of unnecessary interventions.
Session 18: Infant Sleep Positioning and SIDS Prevention
Safe sleep practices are an important component of preventing sleep-related infant deaths. This session will review recommended sleep positioning, appropriate sleep surfaces, room-sharing practices, and the avoidance of unsafe bedding. It will also address caregiver education, common misconceptions, and strategies for promoting consistent safe-sleep practices across different communities.
Session 19: Antibiotic Stewardship in NICUs
Responsible antibiotic use in NICUs is important for managing infections while limiting unnecessary antimicrobial exposure. This session will explore approaches to assessing infection risk, interpreting diagnostic findings, reviewing antibiotic therapy, and supporting timely discontinuation when appropriate. Multidisciplinary stewardship programs, rapid diagnostic technologies, and strategies for addressing antimicrobial resistance will also be discussed.
Session 20: Parental Counseling in Neonatal End-of-Life Care
Neonatal end-of-life care requires sensitive communication, compassionate support, and careful consideration of family needs. This session will explore approaches to discussing prognosis, treatment decisions, comfort-focused care, and palliative support with parents. The role of multidisciplinary teams, bereavement services, cultural sensitivity, and maintaining dignity and family involvement will also be highlighted.