General Pathology (genetics & developmental diseases / prematurity, fluid & hemodynamic disorders) Flashcards
lecture 8 (prematurity, fluid and hemodynamics disorders)
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prematurity
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how long normal pregnancy last
Normal pregnancy lasts 40 weeks (9.2 months)
what is avergae fetus weight
Fetus attains viability and average weight of 3500g (7 lbs 12 oz)
7.7 pounds
3500g
what is prematurity
children born before 37th week and less than 2500 g
(5.5 pounds)
“Low birthweight is when a baby is born weighing less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces”
“Some babies with low birthweight are healthy, even though they’re small. But having a low weight at birth can cause serious health problems for some babies.”
immaturity
(infant immaturity)
less than 1500g; cannot survive outside neonatal intensive care units
1500g
(3.3 pounds)
neonatal intensive care unit
“Newborn babies who need intensive medical care are often put in a special area of the hospital called the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)”
neonatal meaning
Neonatal refers to the first 28 days of life.
spontaneous aboriton / miscarriage
Approximately 5-10% of pregnancies terminate prematurely
why “ ??
Maternal factors
Fetal factors
Placental factors
when does maturation of fetal lungs occur (which portion of pregnancy?)
last 3 months of pregnancy
what happens during this time (that fetal lungs mature) ?
lungs expand and principle components of alveoli are formed
what do avleolar cells secrete?
Alveolar cells begin secreting surfactant
Keeps alveoli open
surfactant define
a substance which tends to reduce the surface tension of a liquid in which it is dissolved.
surfactant in lungs
Surfactant is a mixture of fat and proteins made in the lungs. Surfactant coats the alveoli (the air sacs in the lungs where oxygen enters the body).
This prevents the alveoli from sticking together when your baby exhales.
“Pulmonary surfactant is essential for life as it lines the alveoli to lower surface tension, thereby preventing atelectasis during breathing.”
atelectasis
partial or complete collapse of the lung.
ateles = imperfect
ektasis = extension
Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRDS)
If fetus born prematurely, functionally immature lungs cannot sustain normal respiration
—> (NO SURFACTANT (?) not enough (?))
Alveoli collapse
Oxygen cannot diffuse into circulation
Cells damaged and die
Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRDS)
AND NECROSIS
Necrotic cells and proteins coagulate and form HYALINE MEMBRANES
Gas exchange impeded
Infant can die of anoxia within 48 hours
Anoxia most prominently affects brain
HYALINE MEMBRANES
When there is not enough surfactant, the tiny alveoli collapse with each breath.
As the alveoli collapse, damaged cells collect in the airways, which makes it even harder to breath.
These cells are called hyaline membranes.
hyaline
hualos = glass
hyaline
—> “having a glassy, translucent appearance.”
Hyaline Membrane Disease (HMD) ?
also called respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), is a condition that causes babies to need extra oxygen and help breathing.
one of the most common problems seen in premature babies ?
HMD is one of the most common problems seen in premature babies.
hyaline membrane disease (neonatal respiratory distress syndrome)
PATHOGENESIS
Prematurity (<36 weeks)
Multiple pregnancy/birth (more than one fetus)
Maternal diabetes
Cesarean Section
Amniotic fluid aspiration
maternal diabetes and NRDS (HMD)
Fetal hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinism secondary to maternal diabetes disrupt normal surfactant synthesis and function, which leads to surfactant inadequacy and clinical RDS in neonates.