Fetus and Newborn Flashcards
What is surfactant and what does it do?
Lines alveolar surfaces in the lung and reduces surface tension and prevents atelectasis.
What are the benefits of surfactant therapy?
- reduces mortality
- decreases oxygen deficits
- decreases incidence of pulmonary air leaks (pneumo and PIE)
- decreases duration of ventilation
- increases likelihood of surviving without BPD
- has NOT changed the incidence of BPD
What are the indications for surfactant therapy?
1) intubated infants with RDS
2) intubated with meconium aspiration needing more than 50% oxygen
3) sick newborn with pneumonia and an oxygenation index of >15
4) intubated newborn with pulmonary hemorrhage causing clinical deterioration
What are the side effects of surfactant?
- bradycardia
- hypoxemia during administration
- blocking ETT
- pulmonary hemorrhage
- is a animal protein so some families may be opposed to this
- accidentally hyperventilating b/c not weaning quick enough
Which are better synthetic or natural surfactants and why?
Natural surfactants are better.
-lower O2 needs, air leaks less common, improved survival without BPD
Should surfactant be given prophylactically or as rescue?
- infants at significant risk of RDS should be given surfactant as soon as they are stable and within a few minutes of intubation
- if managed on nasal CPAP then if showing clinical signs of RDS with elevated oxygen needs then intubate and give surfactant
When should you consider giving a second dose of surfactant?
- infants with RDS with persistent or recurrent oxygen and ventilatory requirements in the first 72 hrs of life
- consider if persistent or recurrent O2 requirement >30%
- can give as early as 2 hrs since the initial dose (4-6hrs more common)
How quickly should a vent be weaned after giving surfactant?
-can do very rapid weaning with extubation to CPAP within 1 hr
Do mum’s still need antenatal steroids if surfactant is available?
yep. any mum at risk for preterm labour before 34 wks
If baby is in outside centre and needing to be transported when do you give surfactant?
–before transport for any baby who is intubated with RDS and for baby
If baby born preterm (
-consider immediate intubation followed by surfactant if competent personnel available
What are the signs and symptoms of hypoglycaemia in a neonate?
- jitteriness
- tremors
- apathy
- cyanosis
- convulsions
- intermittent apneic spells
- tachypnea
- weak or high pitched ry
- limpness
- difficulty feeding
- sweating
- sudden pallor
- hypothermia
- cardiac arrest
What is the natural course of blood glucose in a term baby after they are born and are transitioning?
-glucose falls immediately after birth to 1.8 at 1 hr of age and then subsequent rise to levels over 2
Which newborns are at risk for hypoglycemia?
- SGA (wt 90th %ile)
- IDM
- prems
- perinatal asphyxia
How long are LGA and IDM infants at risk for hypoglycaemia aka when can you stop checking their glucose if they are stable (>2.6)?
12 hours
How long are SGA and pre infants at risk for hypoglycaemia aka when can you stop checking their glucose if they are stable (>2.6)?
36 hours
When should the first glucose be checked in an at risk baby? (LGA, SGA, etc)
at 2 hrs after an initial feed unless are symptomatic earlier
What is the cut off for glucose in a newborn below which intervention is required and why?
at 2 hr check:
What do you do if an at-risk baby has a glucose of
Treat with IV dextrose:
- start with D10W at TFI 80ml/kg/day
- recheck glucose after 30 minutes
What do you do if a baby has a glucose of 1.8-2.0 at the first 2 hr mark or 2.0-2.5 on subsequent checks?
Refeed the baby and recheck in 1 hr. If the BG is still 2.6 after the feed than check in 3 hrs before next feed.
How many times are babies allowed to
once
What do you do if a baby has a glucose of >2.0 at the first 2 hr mark or >2.6 on subsequent checks?
No intervention required but keep check BG in at risk babies until their high-risk time is over.
What are strategies to prevent and treat asymptomatic hypoglycaemia?
- increase breastfeeding frequency
- supplement with breastmilk or formula
- IV glucose
How soon after feeding a baby who had a low sugar should you recheck the sugar? How soon after making a change to IV therapy for hypoglycaemia should you recheck the sugar?
- 1 hr after feeding
- 30 minus after any IV change
If you are going to bolus dextrose IV how much do you give in a newborn?
2ml/kg of D10
If you want to escalate IV therapy how do you do it?
- Start with D10 at TFI 80ml/kg/day (GiR of 5.5 mg/kg/min)
- increase to D10 at TFI 100ml/kg/day or change to D12.5 at TFI 80 ml/kg/day (GiR 8.7mg/kg/min)
- *don’t really want to go up past TFI 100
- if go up to D12.5W at TFI 120ml/kg/day and cannot keep BG >2.6 consider IV glucagon and talk to a specialist
What is the dose for IV glucagon bolus and infusion?
Glucagon bolus: 0.1-0.3 mg/kg
Glucagon infusion: 10-20 microg/kg/hr
What are your options if you have maxed out on IV dextrose for neonatal hypoglycaemia?
- glucagon
- HCT
- diazoxide
- ocreotide
Can you breastfeed a baby while treating with IV dextrose for hypoglycaemia?
- can continue breastfeeding b/c volume of colostrum is so small
- PO+IV should not exceed 100ml/kg/day unless are monitoring for dilution hyponatremia
When can you start to wean IV dextrose for neonatal hypoglycemia?
-when levels have been stable for 12 hrs
Do all newborns need to be screened with a blood glucose?
no. appropriate for gestational age infants at term do not need it unless are symptomatic
How often do you screen at risk infants for neonatal hypoglycaemia?
at 2 hrs (post-feed) then q3-6hrs after (check prefeeds)
What is grief?
What is mourning?
What is bereavement?
grief-process of experiencing psychological, behavioural, social and physical reactions to loss which may change over time
mourning - cultural and/or public display of grief through ones behaviour
bereavement - entire process precipitated by the loss of a loved one through death
What are the 3 phases of grief and mourning?
1) avoidance or protest - lasts for hrs or days; anger and hostility may occur
2) confrontation and disorganization - grief most intense, awareness of finality
3) accommodation or reorganization - gradual decline in symptoms of acute grief; process lasts for few years
What is the average period of time to recover from the loss of a baby?
2-4 years is average for parents; their grief may be incongruence
What are the 6 “R” processes of mourning?
Recognizing the loss Reacting to the separation Recollecting and Re-experiencing the deceased Relinquishing old attachments Readjusting to new work Reinvesting in new relationships
What are some things healthcare providers can do to help with the dying/grieving process?
- assure parents that it is normal to feel uncomfortable at this time
- allow parents to spend as much time as they need with the baby
- make repeated offers for holding the baby
- name the baby
- provide privacy but do not abandon parents
- encourage relatives/friends to see the baby according to parents’ wishes
- warn about gasping and muscle contractions
- reassure parents that baby was not alone, afraid or in pain
- reassure parents that nothing more could be done
- take pictures
- provide momentos to create memories
- ensure spiritual support is available
- explain the need and procedure for an autopsy
- explain topics and procedures for memorial services
- follow up with the parents after discharge
Which babies are at increased risk of having an adverse cardiorespiratory event when put in a car seat?
- preterm
- low birth weight
- significant cardioresp or neurologic problems (incl hypotonia)
Which babies need to have a carseat test and how is it done?
- no specific recommendation about which babies should undergo monitoring before discharge
- done by putting baby in car seat and monitoring of 90 minutes with O2 sats and cardioresp monitoring
What is considered a failure of the carseat test and what can you do about it?
- no clear definition of significant cardioresp abnormality
- in studies considered 2 or more episodes of o2 desaturation retest them in the recumbent position (if this is ok then get a carseat that can be at 30 degrees)
- if still abnormal then need further investigation and management
When does classic hemorrhagic disease of the newborn occur?
When does late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn occur and in what population?
Classic - in the 1st wk, (rare if got IM Vit K)
Late - age 3-8 wks; almost exclusively in infants who are breastfed
What are the recommendations for vitamin K including doses for newborns?
Vit K 0.5mg IM for babies 1500g within the first 6 hrs of life.
What alternatives can you offer parents who refuse IM vit K?
- Vit K 2mg PO at time of first feeding
- repeat at 2-4 wks of age and 6-8 wks of age
- tell parents baby is at increased risk for late hemorrhagic disease of the newborn including for intracranial hemorrhage
What is the definition of fetal alcohol syndrome?
Minimum criteria are:
1) prenatal and/or postnatal growth restriction
2) CNS involvement (neuro abnormlities, dev delay, behavioural problems, skull/brin malformation, learning disabilities)
3) characteristic facial features
What are the characteristic facial features of fetal alcohol syndrome?
- short eye slits (palpebral fissures)
- thin upper lip
- flattened cheek bones
- indistinct groove btwn upper lip and nose
What is possible fetal alcohol effects (FAE)?
Children with prenatal exposure to alcohol but only some of FAS characteristics
What type of alcohol drinking can cause FAS?
- any trimester not just the first
- more likely after continuous or heavy intake
- have seen with intermittent or binge drinking
What is primary, secondary and tertiary prevention as it refers to FAS?
Primary = actions that avert health problem before it occurs (eg. informing public about dangers of drinking)
Secondary = actions that identify per at risk (eg. screening and early intervention for pregnant women)
Tertiary = actions that prevent recurrent through treatment and attempts to lessen the impact (eg. treating women and partners who already have a child with FAS/FAE)
What is kangaroo care?
-infant in a diaper and cap held in upright prone position against bare chest of the parents and covered with clothing and/or a blanket, usually for 1-3 hrs which having cardioresp and temp monitoring during that time
What are the benefits to kangaroo care? What are the risks?
BENEFITS
- reduced mortality
- reduced severity of illness
- reduced infections (esp nosocomial)
- reduced length of hospital stay
- improved breastfeeding
- improved mother-infant bonding
- improved maternal satisfaction
- decreased arousal and REM sleep
- possible improved neurodevelopment outcomes at 6 and 12 months
- reduced pain associated with bedside procedures
RISKS
-no detrimental effects on physiological stability
Who can get kangaroo care?
-babies as young as 26 weeks even if are ventilated
How does inhaled nitric oxide work and why do we use it?
- pulmonary vasodilatory
- improved ventilation/perfusion matching
-decreased death and need for ECMO
Who should be treated with iNO?
infants >35 weeks at birth with hypoxemic respiratory failure who fail to respond to appropriate rest management
- kids with OI >20-25 or when PaO2 remains less than 100mmHg despite 100% FiO2
- NOT effective for kids with congenital diaphragmatic hernia
How do you calculate oxygen index?
OI = (FiO2 x mean airway pressure div PaO2) x100
What is persistent pulmonary HTN of the newborn?
-hypoxemic rest failure associated with persistent high pulmonary vascular pressure and resultant R to L shunting of blood through PFO, PDA and intrapulmonary channels
How do you administer iNO, starting and weaning?
- inhaled start at 20 ppm (expect a response in less than 30 min with a PaO2 increase ≥20 mmHg)
- if stable for 4-6 hrs then can start to wean but 50% until get to 5ppm and then wean q4 hrs by 1 ppm
What are the side effects of inhaled NO? How do we monitor for them?
-methemoglobin - measure these, should be
What are the benefits of cooling babies with HIE? What are the side effects?
- decreased mortality
- improved neurodevelopmental outcomes
- no serious side effects reported, can have mild bradycardia, hypotension, arrhythmia, mild thrombocytopenia, sclera/edema
What are the 2 phases of brain injury following intrapartum hypoxia-ischemia?
1) reduced blood flow and oxygen causes increased lactic acidosis and if severe cell necrosis
2) normalization of oxidative metabolism lasting 6-12 hrs
3) at 12-36 hrs get apoptosis, mitochondrial failure, cytotoxic deem, release of free radicals; can last up 7-14 days
What are the criteria for cooling in HIE?
-term or late preterm (>36 wks) with HIE who are 16 in cord gas or art gas within 1 hr of life
AND
CRITERIA B
- moderate or severe encephalopathy (Sarnat stage II or III)
- need either seizures or one sign in at least 3 of the 6 categories
What are the different categories for Sarnat scoring for HIE?
1) LOC
2) spontaneous activity
3) neuromuscular control
4) primary reflexes
5) autonomic system
6) Seizures
What criteria in each of the following makes a baby mild, moderate or severe HIE?
1) LOC
2) spontaneous activity
3) neuromuscular control
4) primary reflexes
5) autonomic system
6) Seizures
MILD
1) LOC - hyperalert
2) spontaneous activity - normal
3) neuromuscular control - normal tone, mild distal flexion, overactive stretch reflexes, segmental myoclonus present
4) primary reflexes - weak suck, strong moro, normal oculovestibular
5) autonomic system - sympathtic, mydriasis, tachycardia normal RR
What are contraindications to cooling for HIE?
- severe head trauma
- intracranial bleed
- no studies showing benefit if in kids 6hrs
- increased mortality of cooling with prems
How can cooling be done and which method is better?
No difference between the 2.
1) selective head cooling with mild systemic hypothermia (cooling caps with aim of keeping fontanelle temp
How long should babies with HIE be cooled?
48-72 hrs. Most centres use 72 hrs.
How should you rewarm a baby who has been cooled for HIE?
- controversial
- slowly
- by 0.5 degrees C q1-4 hrs
For who is cooling in HIE the most beneficial?
-babies with moderate encephalopathy, the evidence is less clear for severe
What is ROP?
-disorder of the developing retinal blood vessels of the preterm infant which can lead to poor visual acuity or blindness
How is ROP classified?
- zones I-III (zone I is closest to optic nerve)
- stages 1-5
- pre-plus and plus disease (related to tortuosity)
What are the stages of ROP?
- Stage 1 - demarcation line separates avascular from vascularized retina
- Stage 2 - ridge arising in region of demarcation line
- Stage 3 - extra retinal fibrovascular proliferation/neovascualrization
- Stage 4 - partial retinal detachment
- Stage 5 - total retinal detachment
What is pre-plus versus plus disease in ROP?
- pre-plus = more vascular tortuosity than normal but not enough to be plus disease
- plus = vascular dilatation and tortuosity of at least 2 quadrants of the eye
Who should be screened for ROP?
- infants born at 30+6 or less (regardless or BW)
- infants 1250 g or less
When can you stop screening for ROP?
-when risk no longer there (avg is 45 wks corrected)
How do you treat ROP?
-retinal ablation with cryotherapy and laser photocoagulation to decrease the production of angiogenic growth factors
When do you start screening for ROP?
-in infants born
How should you control pain during ROP exam?
- topical anesthetic
- sucrose
- swaddling
When do we treat ROP?
- Zone I - any stage ROP with PLUS
- Zone I - stage 3 ROP with or without PLUS
- Zone II - stage 2 or 3 with PLUS
- need to treat within 72 hrs of exam
- even if are treated still have risk for poor visual acuity
What are the most frequent indications of blood transfusion in the newborn?
1) perinatal or surgical hemorrhagic shock
2) ‘top-ups’ for the recurrent correction of anemia of prematurity
Do we transfuse fresh whole blood in Canada?
-No. RBCs are separated from other blood components right after collection
How long is a blood good for after it has been donated? How long is blood good for once it has been released from blood services?
42 days
4 hrs
What are the risk of transfusion in the neonate?
1) transfusion-transmitted infections
2) adverse effects of leukocytes (immunomodulation, GVHD, TRALI)
3) blood group incompatibilities
4) CMV has more serious consequences for prems
What is done by blood services to decrease the risk of CMV in blood products?
1) universal leukoreduction
- most centres gamma-irradiate blood to deactivate lymphocytes and prevent GVHD
What type of blood should be given to neonates?
- O neg in emergencies
- O Rh-compatible or group-specific Rh-compatible
When do you need to cross-match donor blood for infants if their initial antibody screen is negative?
-at 4 months corrected
How much blood do we transfuse at once? What are the risks of over transfusing? If having a massive hemorrhage what can you do to prevent these complications?
- 10-20ml/kg (usually 15 ml/kg)
- Risks: hyperkalemia, volume overload, dilution of coats
- if massive hemorrhage give FFP
What is the management of a newborn with hemorrhagic shock?
- give NS 10-20ml/kg while waiting for blood
- give O neg blood 10-20 ml/kg when available
- collect cord or pre transfusion blood for typing
What is anemia of prematurity?
-exacerbation of physiologic anemia of newborn, combined with suppressed postnatal response to EPO, increased blood sampling, short RBC span, rapid increase in blood volume and growth
What are the cut offs for blood transfusion in neonates? What counts as resp support?
Week 1 - resp support 115, no resp support 100
Week 2 - resp support 100, no resp support 85
Week 3 - resp support 85, no resp support 75
*kids with CHD may need higher levels
Resp support = O2 need >25% or mechanical increase in airway pressure
What is the role of erythropoietin in neonates who need blood transfusions? Risks? When do we use it?
- stimulates erythropoiesis
- risk of significant increase in ROP
- little role for it except for families who refuse to transfuse with blood products (some types of EPO are prepared in human albumin)
How do we treat anemia of prematurity?
Iron supplementation 2 mg/kg/day of elemental iron introduced btw 4-6 wks of age at onset of reticulocytosis
What are the downsides of a prolonged NICU stay?
- poor parent-child relationships
- FTT
- child abuse
- parental grief and feelings of inadequacy
What are the physiological milestones a premature baby (born
1) thermoregulation (about 37 degrees when fully clothed in an open cot)
2) sufficient apnea free period (at least 5-7 days)
3) maintenance of sats >90-95% on room air
4) sustained weight gain
5) successful feeding at breast/bottle without major cardiorespiratory compromise