Common Problems with Preterm Infants Flashcards
what are some of the common problems seen in preterm infants
problems with; temp. control, feeding/nutrition, sepsis, system immaturity/dysfunction, other metabolic
what system immaturity/dysfunction problems are seen in preterm infants
respiratory distress syndrome(RDS), patent ductus arteriosus(PDA), intraventricular haemorrhage(IVH), necrotising enterocolitis(NEC)
what effect does hypothermia of a preterm infant have on outcome
it is an independent risk factor for neonatal death, increases severity of all preterm morbidities
give some reasons why preterm infant thermal regulation may be ineffective
low BMR, minimal muscular activity, subcutaneous fat insulation negligible, high ratio of surface area to body mass
what different management strategies are there for temp. regulation of preterm babies
wrap/bags, skin to skin care, transwarmer mattress, prewarmed incubator
what features contribute to increased risk of nutritional comprimise
limited nutrient reserve, gut immaturity, immature metabolic pathways, increased nutrient demands
what are the 2 different types of neonatal sepsis
early onset sepsis(EOS) and late onset sepsis(LOS)
when are early and late onset sepsis acquired
EOS = acquired before and during delivery LOS = acquired after delivery
what causative organisms are associated with early onset sepsis(EOS) in preterm infants
Group B Streptococcus, gram negatives
what causative organisms are associated with late onset sepsis(LOS) in preterm infants
coagulase -ve staphylococci, gram negatives, staph aureus
what features associated with preterm infants increase risk of sepsis
immature immune system, intensive care environment, indwelling tubes/lines
what is involved in the managment of sepsis in preterm infants
prevention; hand washing, super vigilant, infection screening
judicious use of antibiotics, supportive measures
what respiratory complications are associated with preterm infants
respiratory distress syndrome(RDS), apnoea of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia
what pathology is involved in respiratory distress syndrome
surfactant deficiency, structural immaturity, alveolar damage
what is involved in the management of respiratory distress syndrome
maternal steroid, surfactant, ventilation(invasive or non-invasive)
