Quick Study

PREMATURE BIRTH

Drug may help stave off fungal infections among newborns.

THE QUESTION Babies born prematurely often develop yeast-like fungal infections, in part because their immune systems are not fully developed. Might a drug used to prevent such infections in adults with compromised immune systems offer similar protection to the tiniest infants?

THIS STUDY randomly assigned 322 preterm babies, weighing 3.3 pounds or less, to be given fluconazole (Diflucan) or a placebo about every other day until they were about a month old. During this time, lab cultures confirmed the development of fungal colonies in about 9 percent of the infants given the drug and 29 percent of the others. Full-fledged fungal infections were diagnosed in about 3 percent of the babies taking fluconazole and 13 percent of the others.

WHO MAY BE AFFECTED? Babies born before the 37th week of pregnancy. They may develop problems because their organs and systems did not have adequate time to develop.

CAVEATS The study did not determine the most effective dose. The study was funded by Pfizer, which makes Diflucan.

FIND THIS STUDY June 14 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.

LEARN MORE ABOUT premature birth at http://www.marchofdimes.com and http://www.kidshealth.org (click "Parents," then search for "premature").