Complications of prematurity Flashcards
What is the greatest cause of infant mortality in the United States?
premature birth
What can cause premature birth?
- Preterm Labor
- Preterm prelabor rupture of membranes
- Mandated (for mother or fetal health)
- Multiples
What are tocolytics?
category of drugs that slow or stop contraction of uterine smooth muscle
What are examples of tocolytics?
- Magnesium sulfate
- Terbutaline
- Indomethacin
- Magnesium sulfate
What are complications associated with premature delivery?
- Intraventricular hemorrhage
- Retinopathy of prematurity
- Patent Ductus arteriosus
- Necrotizing entercolitis
What is the germinal matrix?
high cellular and richly vascularized with capillaries that are poorly supported by muscle or collagen
What can cause IVH in neonates?
- Primitive vasculature
- Fluctuations in cerebral blood flow
- Impaired cerebral autoregulation
How are neonatal IVH describe?
Graded on a scale from 1-4
Describe a grade 1 IVH
hemorrhage only within the germinal matrix
Describe a grade 4 IVH
hemorrhage originating from the germinal matrix but extending into the ventricles and parenchyma of the brain
What is the second most common cause of death in premature infants?
IVH
What are signs and symptoms associated with IVH?
- Bulging fontanelle
- apneas
- variable vital signs
- changes in level of consciousness
- irritability
- Literally nothing
How is IVH diagnosed in neonates?
Ultrasound
CT/MRI if further imaging is needed
Describe retinopathy of prematurity
Abnormal development of the blood vessels supplying the retina
What is an RTs role in retinopathy of prematurity?
Limiting exposure to O2