
The Incubator
A weekly discussion about new evidence in neonatal care and the fascinating individuals who make this progress possible. Hosted by Dr. Ben Courchia and Dr. Daphna Yasova Barbeau.
Latest episodes

Dec 11, 2024 • 16min
#263 - 🟢 [HOT TOPICS 2024] - Hot Topics Wrap Up - Reflecting on Neonatal Advances with Dr. Jay Greenspan
Send us a textIn this episode, Ben and Daphna wrap up Hot Topics in Neonatology 2024 with Dr. Jay Greenspan, a leader in the conference’s organizing committee. Dr. Greenspan reflects on key takeaways, including reevaluations of antenatal corticosteroids and furosemide use, the enduring importance of kangaroo care, and the value of international collaboration. He highlights the conference’s legacy of fostering connections and driving neonatal science forward. This discussion celebrates the progress made and looks ahead to the future of Hot Topics and neonatology. As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Dec 11, 2024 • 19min
#263 - 🟢 [HOT TOPICS 2024] - Innovations in Neonatal Care and Equity with Dr. Jochen Profit
Send us a textIn this episode, Ben and Daphna sit down with Dr. Jochen Profit, neonatologist at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital and professor at Stanford University, to discuss key takeaways from Hot Topics in Neonatology 2024. Dr. Profit shares insights from sessions on optimizing PEEP, innovative monitoring technologies like electrical impedance tomography, and the global approaches to extreme prematurity care. He also highlights the role of quality improvement in addressing health disparities, emphasizing the importance of equity-focused strategies in neonatal care. This conversation offers a comprehensive look at advancements shaping neonatology.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Dec 11, 2024 • 7min
#263 - 🟢 [HOT TOPICS 2024] - Evidence, Legacy, and Collaboration with Dr. Roger Soll
Send us a textIn this episode, Ben and Daphna welcome Dr. Roger Soll, editor-in-chief of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group, to discuss the legacy of Dr. Jerry Lucey and the evolution of Hot Topics in Neonatology. Dr. Soll reflects on the groundbreaking research and collaborations that emerged from the conference, including advancements in IVH, ROP, and surfactant therapy. He shares insights from the latest sessions, emphasizing the importance of developmental issues like feeding and follow-up care in preterm infants. This inspiring conversation highlights the value of collaboration and curiosity in neonatal research.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Dec 11, 2024 • 12min
#263 - 🟢 [HOT TOPICS 2024] - Furosemide and Evidence-Based Neonatology with Dr. Nicolas Bamat
Send us a textIn this episode, Ben and Daphna are joined by Dr. Nicolas Bamat, neonatologist at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and assistant professor at the University of Pennsylvania, to discuss his work on furosemide for established BPD. Dr. Bamat shares insights into the complexities of polypharmacy in neonates, emphasizing the need for developmental pharmacology and medication stewardship. He also highlights CHOP’s evolving approach to furosemide use, focusing on intent and outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Bamat introduces the EBNEO Impact Article of the Year campaign, celebrating impactful neonatal research.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Dec 10, 2024 • 10min
#263 - 🟢 [HOT TOPICS 2024] - Affordable Neonatal Resuscitation with Dr. Rinawati Rohsiswatmo
Send us a textIn this episode, Ben and Daphna are joined by Dr. Rinawati Rohsiswatmo from Universitas Indonesia in Jakarta to discuss the MixSafe project, a battery-powered T-piece resuscitator designed to address neonatal mortality in low-resource settings. Dr. Rohsiswatmo highlights the innovative solution to blending medical air and oxygen affordably, making it accessible for use in remote regions. She shares the challenges of implementation, training, and the transformative impact of MixSafe on neonatal transport and care in Indonesia. This conversation showcases the potential of cost-effective innovations for improving outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Dec 10, 2024 • 11min
#263 - 🟢 [HOT TOPICS 2024] - Reflecting on 50 Years of BPD Progress with Dr. Eduardo Bancalari
Send us a textIn this episode, Ben and Daphna are joined by Dr. Eduardo Bancalari, a pioneer in neonatology, to reflect on his Gerald Lucy keynote address at Hot Topics in Neonatology titled BPD After 50 Years: Have We Made Progress? Dr. Bancalari explores the challenges in defining and managing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) amidst evolving neonatal care practices. He shares insights from his research on continuous respiratory monitoring and highlights the impact of advancements like high-flow nasal cannulas and the potential of artificial wombs. This conversation delves into the complexities of neonatal respiratory care and the future of viability in neonatology.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Dec 10, 2024 • 10min
#263 - 🟢 [HOT TOPICS 2024] - Examining Human Milk Fortifiers with Dr. Thomas Abrahamsson
Send us a textIn this episode, Ben and Daphna are joined by Dr. Thomas Abrahamsson, senior consultant in neonatology at Crown Princess Victoria Children’s Hospital in Sweden, to discuss his research on human milk-based fortifiers. Dr. Abrahamsson shares insights from a randomized controlled trial examining whether these fortifiers reduce necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, or mortality in extremely preterm infants. While the results showed no significant reduction, he emphasizes the critical role of human milk in preterm nutrition. This conversation explores the nuances of neonatal nutrition, the importance of rigorous trials, and thoughtful collaboration with industry partners.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Dec 10, 2024 • 8min
#263 - 🟢 [HOT TOPICS 2024] - Rethinking High CPAP Pressures with Dr. Amit Mukerji
Send us a textIn this episode, Ben and Daphna are joined by Dr. Amit Mukerji, MD, MSc, neonatologist and associate professor at McMaster University, to discuss his groundbreaking research on the use of high CPAP pressures in preterm neonates. Dr. Mukerji presents insights from his pilot trial comparing CPAP to NIPPV at equivalent mean airway pressures, challenging conventional approaches to non-invasive respiratory support. He addresses concerns about failure rates, cultural biases in clinical practice, and the importance of proper pressure application. This conversation highlights the potential of high CPAP pressures to simplify care while maintaining efficacy for most preterm infants.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Dec 10, 2024 • 12min
#263 - 🟢 [HOT TOPICS 2024] - Improving Extubation Success in Preemies
Send us a textIn this episode, Ben and Daphna are joined by Dr. Risha Bhatia, director of neonatal services at the Royal Women’s Hospital in Melbourne, Australia, to discuss the ECLAT trial. This groundbreaking study explores extubation success in extremely preterm infants by comparing CPAP levels of 7 versus 10 cm H₂O. Dr. Bhatia shares insights into the challenges of extubation, the importance of individualized care, and the implications of trial findings for clinical practice. This conversation sheds light on the intricacies of neonatal respiratory management and future research opportunities.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

Dec 10, 2024 • 14min
#263 - 🟢 [HOT TOPICS 2024] - Early Detection and Hope for Cerebral Palsy with Dr. Nathalie Maître
Send us a textIn this episode, Ben and Daphna welcome Dr. Nathalie Maître, director of early development and cerebral palsy research at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Dr. Maître discusses the importance of early detection of cerebral palsy (CP) and how advancements in diagnostic tools like the HINE and general movements assessment are revolutionizing care. She emphasizes the value of multidisciplinary teamwork and shared decision-making with families, offering hope through early interventions. This conversation highlights how neonatologists can better support families and improve outcomes for children with CP.As always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!