Last week marked a changing of the guard at the Canadian Paediatric Society, as Dr. Thierry Lacaze stepped down as the chair of the Fetus and Newborn Committee. We produced many important position statements and practice points under his leadership and I hope to continue this trend. 
The aim of this committee is to provide guidance across disciplines to all those who care for newborns. Topics we examine include everything from surfactant treatment, to approaches to the infant with jaundice and hypoglycemia, to how to manage infants born to opioid-dependent mothers.
I plan on using all the channels at my disposal, including digital and social media communications, to proactively inform and seek input from interested health care providers about the sorts of topics on the committee’s agenda.
It’s not uncommon for those outside of the organization to approach my colleagues and me with their feedback. “You should really work on this or that,” is a phrase I’ve grown accustomed to hearing. We are often doing just that, and I think it’s important for our colleagues to know.
As different locations across the country seek to put in place local guidelines based on CPS research, I think it would be helpful to know if there’s something new on the horizon that will impact their work. Why spend a lot of time developing a guideline based on a statement or practice point that is about to change?
My pledge to you
In my new role as chair, I promise to keep you apprised and informed about the topics on the committee’s agenda. When a document is likely to significantly affect the approach to patient care, I will do my best to alert you. If you have topics that you believe are in need of a national position or guideline, please send me an e-mail at [email protected] for consideration by the committee.
Recent publications
Supporting and communicating with families experiencing a perinatal loss
Leonora Hendson and Dawn Davies
This practice point focuses on circumstances that are likely to involve paediatric health professionals. Recommendations are provided for compassionate communication, bereavement, sibling care and counselling to support families.
Managing infants born to mothers who have used opioids during pregnancy,
Thierry Lacaze-Masmonteil, Pat O’Flaherty
This practice point focuses on the effects of opioid withdrawal and current management strategies in the care of infants born to mothers with opioid dependency.
Upcoming publications (in no particular order)
Hypothermia for newborns with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (revision)
Brigitte Lemyre, Vann Chau
This document reviews indications, contra-indications, discusses the requirements, in terms of expertise and specialized equipment, of units where hypothermia should take place. Additionally, the timing of the first MRI and when to do a follow-up MRI are clearly delineated.
Guidelines for vitamin K prophylaxis in newborns
Eugene Ng, Amanda Loewy
Clear recommendations are provided for provision of vitamin K dosing via the intramuscular route. The evidence for oral vitamin K is reviewed and a clear position is taken on its use in newborn care.
Facilitating discharge home of the healthy infant (revision)
Brigitte Lemyre, A. Jerfferies, P. O’Flaherty
This statement provides guidance for health care providers to ensure the safe discharge of health term infants who are born in hospital and who are ≥ 37 weeks’ gestational age.
Imaging of the term neonatal brain
Ann Jefferies, S. Sorokan, Steven Miller, Ken Poskitt
This position statement describes the principles, roles and limitations of three imaging modalities and makes recommendations for appropriate use in term neonates.