BIRTH INJURIES Flashcards
Examples of birth injuries
Extensive caput succedaneum
Cephalhaematoma
Subgaleal haemorrhage
Nerve palsies
Fractures
Symptoms in a neonate with birth injuries
Swelling of head
Inability to move a limb properly
Pallor
What is Caput succedaneum
swelling of the scalp in a newborn
Signs of extensive caput succedaneum
Diffuse swelling of the presenting part of the scalp that may extend beyond cranial suture lines
Cephalhaematoma
A cephaelhaematoma is defined as a subperiosteal haemorrhage in a newborn secondary to birth trauma
Signs seen in cephalhaematoma
Large swelling of the scalp that is restricted to one half and does not extend beyond the midline
Subgaleal haemorrhage
Subgaleal haemorrhage occurs when blood accumulates in the subgaleal space
Signs seen in subgaleal haemorrhage
- Diffuse swelling of the scalp which may result in a distorted shape of the head and face
- Severe pallor
- Jaundice
Signs seen in nerve injuries
- Erbs Palsy
- Klumpke’s Palsy
Erbs Palsy
Whole upper limb does not move.
There is movement only in the fingers
Klumpke’s Palsy
Fingers of the affected hand do not move (claw hand) but there is active movement in the arm and forearm
Signs of fractures in a neonate
Reduced movement of affected limb
Swelling of the affected limb
Abnormal position of limb
Pain and tenderness on movement of limb
Investigations done when birth injuries occur
Haemoglobin level for subgaleal haemorrhage
Serum bilirubin if jaundiced
X-ray of relevant part if fracture is suspected
Treatment objectives in birth injuries
To arrest further bleeding
To treat complications of anaemia and jaundice
To re-establish near normal movement in affected limb
To promote normal healing of fracture
Non-pharmacological management of Extensive caput succedaneum
Reassure parents
Leave swelling alone (spontaneous resolution over 3-4 days)
