Neonatal Flashcards

1
Q

Prematurity defintion

A

Under 37 weeks gestation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Potential premature rupture of membranes - managenet

A

Refer to midwife/obstetrics

  • USS to check baby; is she going into labour;
  • Erythromycin for 10 days to reduce risk of chorioamnionitis + can delay labour
  • Give STEROIDS if after 22 weeks (improves baby’s underdevelopment - stimulates surfactent production)
    • no point if <22 weeks
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What makes a fetus at higher risk from prematurity

A

Male
Fetal grwoth restriction
Multiple preg
No Anternatal steroids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Steroid course to improve prematurity outcome

A

12 mg betamethasone, 24 hours apart, hopefully up to 24 hours before delivery

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What assements to do for fetus in premature rupture of membranes

A

Fetal blood flow using Doppler

  • absent end diastolic flow (poor outcome)
  • reversed end diastolic flow (iminent death)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Mainstays of fetal wellbeing

A
  • Is fetus moving
  • Fetal size (size of bump in cm)
  • Does baby have heartbeat
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

probability of premature survival rate

A

23 ~30%
25 weeks ~70%
28 weeks ~90%

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Managment for fetus at high risk of demise

A
  • A few weeks of STEROIDS
  • IV MgSO4 (neuroprotection - reduces risk of cerebral palsey if given within 24 hours of birth)
  • Consider delivering prem
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

When is surfactant released from type 2 pneumocytes

A

After 24 weeks
- lowers surface tension so alveoli don’t collapse

Ie RISK of RDS if born <28 weeks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Chronic lung disease of prematurity lung outcome

A

Hyperexpanded, diffusion defect, cystic changes
- alveoli don’t grow as much after prem birth
- caused by treatments for RDS

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

When is brainstem fully myelinated

A

32 - 34 weeks

Prems forget to breath occasionally (oft associated with bradycardia) because not fully myelinated

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Apnoea of prem Tx

A
  • NCPAP and Tactile STIMULATION
  • PHOSPHODIESTERASE INHIBITORS ie IV CAFFINE (upregulates cAMP)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Neonatal haemorrhage

A
  • Most commonly occurs in GERMINAL MATRIX (above caudate
    nucleus)
  • Then VENTRICULAR (typically ok if only small amount of blood but has potential for huge amounts of blood to fill the space -> hypovolemic shock or hydrocephalus)
  • Parenchymal
  • CYSTIC PARIVENTRICULAR LEUKOMALACIA (can’t remodle - typically affects leg motor function but can get a full hemiplegia or even quadreplegia)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Infant benefit of breast milk

A

Less Infection:
Diarrhoea, Otitis media, Respiratory Syncytical Virus, Respiratory Infections, Enhanced Vaccine Response
Less immune driven/allergic disease:
Wheezing, Childhood cancer, Eczema, Hodgkin’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, Diabetes mellitus, Enhanced immunologic development
Reduces risk of NEC
Reduced Reduced SIDS
Reduced Gastroesophageal Reflux
Lower risk of Childhood Inguinal Hernia
Higher IQ
Better Cognitive Development

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Maternal benefits of breast feeding

A

Reduces cancer risk for:
Breast, Uterine, Ovarian, Endometrial
Improved health with less:
Post partum haemorrhage, postnatal depression, Decrease insulin requirements in diabetics, Osteoporosis later in life, Less child abuse
Promotes postpartum weight loss
Optimum child spacing
Less food expense
Less medical expense
More ecological
Delays fertility

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Feeding prems

A
  • Nasogastric tube for expressed milk
  • PO from a cup once they can swallow

Doesn’t get suckling reflex till 32-34 weeks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Causes of Jaundice in neonates

A

Unconjugated: high levels cause kernicterus
Caused by: haemolysis, prematurity, sepsis, dehydration, hypothyroid, metabolic disease
High levels treated by phototherapy (blue light, 450 nm) or exchange transfusions

Conjugated: high levels not a worry
Caused by: prolonged parenteral nutrition, NEC, sepsis, metabolic, anatomical problems

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

When must jaundice be investigated in neonates

A

If lasting more than 3 weeks

(can leave for 5 weeks if prem as common for prem jaundice)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

When does IgG transfer from mum occur

A

Last 3 months of gestation (prems get less of this + less active cell mediated immunity)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Necrotising enterocolitis

A

Bacterial invasion + large bowel ischaemia -> mural oedema + intramural gas -> can get perforation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Retinopathy of prem

A
  • Hyperoxic insult (esp from O2 therapy)
  • Arrest of normal vascular growth
  • Fibrous ridge forms
  • Vascular proliferation
  • Retinal haemorrhages
  • Retinal detachment
  • Blindness

If high risk -> laser therapy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Parental help for prems/neonatal complications

A

Antenatal counselling
Post delivery counselling
Prognostic counselling
Regular updates
Palliative care counselling
Bereavement counselling

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Meconium aspiration syndrome

A
  • Triggered by passage of meconium into fetal lungs leading to blockage + inflam of airways
    - significant risk of morbidity / mortality
  • Oft an indication of FETAL DISTRESS + HYPOXIA as these trigger intestinal / anal sphincter relaxation
    - prematurly empties bowels into amniotic fluid
    - could also just be because the baby is over-term
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Meconium Ileus

A

Thickening of meconium -> obstruction
- commonly early indicator of cystic fibrosis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome causes what in the neonate?

A

Initially seen through meconium in amniotic fluid (meconium stained liquor)

  • Partial / Total Airway Obs
    - potential lung collapse / air trapping
    - SHUNTING + V/Q mismatch
  • Foetal Hypoxia
  • Pulm inflam
  • Infection
    - increased risk of chemical pneumonitis
  • Surfactant Inactivation
    - due to inflam reaction caused by meconium -> more hypoxia
  • Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension (PPHN)
    - pulm vascular bed REMODELS due to hypoxia, vasoactive mediators + V/Q mismatch
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

Meconium ileus Sx

A
  • Not passing meconium within 1st 24hrs of birth (max 48hrs)
  • bilious vomiting
  • distended abdo
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

Meconium Aspiration syndrome Ix

A
  • Assess for meconium stained liquor
  • CXR to evaluate lungs:
    - INCREASED lung VOLUME
    - Asymmetrical patchy pleural opacities
    - Pleural EFFUSION
    - Pneumo -thorax / - mediastinum
    - Multifocal consolidation IF chemical pneumonitis
  • Bloods:
    - FBC; CRP; Cultures

Consider:

  • ABG
  • Dual pulse oximetry
  • Echo
  • Cranial US
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

Meconium ileus

A
  • Clinical exam
  • Abdo X-ray / USS to confirm
  • SWEAT TEST for CF
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome Mx

A

Observation + routine care:
- esp keep warm as hypothermia inhib surfactant production

  • Potentially :
    • O2 monitoring +/- THERAPY +/- Ventilation
    • Abx to prevent 2ndry infection
    • Surfactant bolus
  • Inhaled Nitric Oxide if PULM HTN
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

Meconium ileus Mx

A
  • Surgery
  • Supplemental neutrition
  • Mx CF if needed
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

Pathophys of meconium aspiration syndrome

A
  • Foetal hypoxic stress / VAGAL STIMULATION due to CORD COMPRESSION causes PERISTALSIS
  • once aspirated - stimulates release of:
    - VASOACTIVE + CYTOKINES -> activates INFLAM pathways
    - INHIBITS effects of SURFACTANT

The way it presents will vary depending on composition of meconium + neonate’s health e.g. foetal hypoxia + airway obstruction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

RFx for meconium aspiration

A
  • Gestational age > 42 wks
  • Foetal distress (tachy/bradycardia)
  • Intrapartum HYPOXIA 2ndry to PLACENTAL INSUFFICIENCY
  • Thick meconium
  • Apgar score <7
  • Chorioaminonitis +/- Prolonged pre-rupture
  • Oligohydroamniosis
  • In utero GROWH RESTRICTION
  • Maternal conditions:
    - HTN, diabetes, pre/eclampsia, smoking, drugs
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

APGAR score

A
  • Appearance
    - (0 = cyanotic/pale all over; 1 = periph cyanosis)
  • Pulse
    - (0= no pulse; 1= <100)
  • Grimace (reflex irritability)
    - (0= no response to stimulation; 1 = only weak response)
  • Activity (tone)
    - (0 = floppy; 1 = some flexion)
  • Respiration
    - (0 = apneic; 1 = slow, irregular breathing)

Should be getting 2 points on all

Taken 1 minute after birth + 5 min after birth

34
Q

Normal APGAR score

A

7-10

< 7 = re-evaluation; <4 = BAD

35
Q

Meconium aspiration syndrome Px

A

Signs of resp distress:

  • Tachypnoea – a respiratory rate of >60 breaths per minute
  • Tachycardia – a heart rate of >160 beats per minute
  • Cyanosis – this requires immediate management
  • Grunting
  • Nasal flaring
  • Recessions – intercostal, supraclavicular, tracheal tug
  • Hypotension – systolic blood pressure of <70 mmHg
36
Q

Complications of meconioum aspiration

A
  • Air leak due to “ball-valve effect” -> pneumothorax
  • Persistant pulmonary HTN
  • Cerebral palsey due to hypoxia
  • Chronic Lung disease
    - due to barotrauma + O2 TOXICITY
37
Q

RFx for necrotising enterocolitis

A
  • V low birth weight / prematuritiy
    • Intrauterine growth restriction
  • Formula feeding
  • Resp distress + assisted ventilation
    - Hypoxia
  • Sepsis
  • Patent ductus arteriosus / other cong heart abnormalities (also causes hypoxia)
  • Polycythemia
  • Exchange transfusion
38
Q

Necrotising enterocolitis Px

A
  • Feeding intolerance
  • Vomiting (esp if green bile)
  • Haematochezia
  • Distended, tender abdomen
  • Absent bowel sounds
  • Generally unwell

Will go into shock if peritonitic

39
Q

Necrotising enterocolitis Ix

A

Bloods:

  • FBC, U+E (hyponatraemia)
  • CRP
  • Cultures
  • Capilarry blood gas (metabolic acidosis)

X-ray (diagnostic):

  • Dilated bowel loopsa
  • Thickened bowel walls (oedema)
  • Pneumatosis intestinalis (gas in bowel walls)
  • Pneumoperitoneum (perforation)
  • Gas in portal veins
40
Q

Necrotising enterocolitis Mx

A

Medical for 10-14 days (if stage 1/2)

  • NIL BY MOUTH
  • IV fluids, total PARENTERAL neutrition + ANTIBIOTICS
  • NG tube can be used to drain fluid + gas from stomach / intestine
    • any supportive Tx e.g. correct Acid-base; ventilation

Surgical emergancy if:

  • Intestinal PERFORATION
  • GI OBS due to stricture formation
  • Deterioration despite medical Mx

IMMEDIATE REFERRAL to neonatal surgical team
- mc = intestinal resection with stoma formation

41
Q

Necrotising enterocolitis staging

A

Bell scoring system

  1. Suspected NEC - bowel distension only on x-ray
    - lethargic
    - unstable temperature
    - apnoea + bradycardia
    - Vomiting
    - Blood in poo
    - Abdo distend
  2. Definite NEC - Bowel distension, Portal venous gas + PNEUMATOSIS INTESTINALIS
    - All the general stuff + metabolic acidosis + thrombocytopenia
    - Can get absent bowel signs + tenderness
  3. Advanced NEC - All of above + Pneumoperitoneum (PERFORATION)
    - marked GI BLEEDING + systemic abnormalities
    - can get DIC
42
Q

Complications of Necrotising enterocolitis

A
  • Perforation, sepsis + death
  • Absecess formation
  • Long term
    - intestinal stricture
    - Short bowel syndrome
    - Long term stoma

Can recur

43
Q

Gastroschisis meaning

A

Birth defect where there is a hole in abdo wall allowing intestines + sometimes other organs to herniate out
- no covering membrane

44
Q

Omphalocele meaning

A

Abdo organs protrude out through hole in belly - covered by thin sac (formed by amniotic membrane + peritoneim)

45
Q

Mx for gastroschisis

A

Can attempt vaginal delivery but Newborn should go to theatre as soon as possible (within a few hours)

46
Q

Omphalocele Mx

A
  • C-section to reduce risk of sac rupture
  • Consider a staged repair as primary closure can be difficult due to lack of space / high intra-abdo pressure
    - Sac is allowed to granulate + epithelialise (over wks/months)
    - As infant grows the sac contents will eventually be able to fit into abdo cavity so shell is removed + abdomen closed
47
Q

oesophageal atresia

A

upper + lower oesophagus don’t connect

  • oft associated with tracheoesophageal fistula + other congenital defects

Px with unable to feed + sometimes breathing difficulties

48
Q

Diff types of oesophageal atresia

A
  • Type A - both upper + lower oesophagus = blind ended tubes
  • Type B (rare) - upper part attached to trachea + lower part has closed end
  • Type C (mc) - lower part connected to trachea + upper part blind ended
  • Type D (rarest + most severe) - both parts of oesophagus connected to trachea (means food passes through trachea)
49
Q

Oesophageal atresia Dx

A

Usually found when baby chokes / vomits when trying to feed or when NG tube insertion attempted

  • confirm with X-RAY
50
Q

Tx of oesophageal atresia

A

Surgery

Complications:

  • Stenosis
  • Muscles too weak to pass food to stomach
  • Food keeps getting regurgitated into oesophagus (weak LOS)
51
Q

Bowel atresia

A

Bowel is completely blind ended - Tx with surgery

Small bowel atresia more common than duodenal atresia

Colonic atresia is very rare

52
Q

Px of bowel atresia

A

Same as intestinal obstruction

  • Difficulty feeding
  • Abdo distension
  • Vomiting (bilious usually)
  • No flatulence
  • No passage of meconium / only small amount (tho sometimes this is normal)
  • May have jaundice
53
Q

Bowel atresia Dx

A
  • May be able to see POLYHYDRAMNIOSIS on USS antenaltally
  • Clinical Px after birth + X-RAY showing obstruction
    • may do a contrast scan / enema as well as / instead of X-ray
  • Laproscopic investigation sometimes to decide if laperotomy is needed
54
Q

Bowel atresia Mx

A
  • Nil by mouth + IV fluids + total parenteral nutrition
  • NG tube to remove gas + fluid
  • Surgery
    - Anastemosis (can sometimes leak - Tx with Abx)
    - Stoma
    - Sometimes there will be further atresia (checked during surgery but not always picked up)
55
Q

Cleft lip / cleft palate

A
  • Cleft lip = split/open section of upper lip which can extend up to nose
  • Cleft palate = defect in hard OR soft palate - opening between mouth + nasal cavity

Can occur together or on their own

Usually occcurs randomly but slightly higher risk if close relative also had

56
Q

Complications caused by cleft lip / palate

A

PRoblems with feeding, swallowing + speech

Not life-threatening but significant PSYCHO-SOCIAL implications - including bonding between mum + baby

Can be more prone to - hearing problems, ear infections + glue ear

57
Q

Cleft lip / palate Mx

A

Specialist cleft lip services MDT
- plastics, maxillofacial + ENT surgeons; dentists; specialist nurses; SALT; psychologists; GP

  • specially shaped bottles / teats to ensure baby can feed
  • Surgery
    • for cleft lip at 3 months
    • for cleft palate at 6-12 months
  • specialist nurse follow up through surgery + beyond to ensure good development
58
Q

RFx for gastroschisis

A
  • Younger maternal age (more common in teen mums)
  • Alcohol + tobacco
  • Genitourinary infection within 3 months of becoming preg
59
Q

What are the 2 categories of neonatal sepsis

A
  • Early onset (within 72 hrs of life)
    • Notably things like Strep B, Listeria, Toxoplasma, Rubella, CMV (TORCH infections baso - get from mother)
  • Late onset (after 72 hrs)
    - Predominantly from Staph aureus, staph epidermidids, E coli, Pseudomonas + Klebsiella (hospital acquired or from GI tract)

Both have to occur in infants < 90 days to be classed as Neonatal

60
Q

Which pathogens causing early onset neonatal sepsis ascend from cervix + Tx

A
  • Ecoli
  • Strep B (mc)

Typically presents as asymp bacteriuria / UTI in mum and there is no routine testing for strep B

Tx with IV BENZYLPENICILLIN during childbirth if shows RFx

61
Q

Transplacental causes of early onset neontal sepsis

A
  • Listeria
  • Toxoplasma
  • Rubella
  • CMV
62
Q

RFx for early onset neonatal sepsis

A
  • Multiple preg with a sibling who has suspected/confirmed infection
  • Evidence of GBS in any preg
  • PREMMIES
  • Rupture of membranes for:
    - >18 hrs for premmies
    - >24 hrs for term babies
  • Maternal intrapartum temp >38 C
  • Suspected/confirmed Maternal SEPSIS
  • CHORIOAMNIONITIS

NB - bold = RED FLAG

63
Q

Clinical indicators suggesting early onset neonatal sepsis (name at least 5)

A
  • Altered behaviour / responsivesness
  • Altered muscle tone
  • Feeding difficulties
    • feed intolereance e.g. Vomiting, excessive gastric aspirates + Abdo distension
  • Abnormal heart rate
  • Resp distress
  • Apnoea
  • Hypoxia
  • Jaundice
  • Signs of neonatal encephalopathy
  • Need for CPR
  • Need for mechanical ventilation in premmie
  • Persistent fetal HTN
  • Abnormal temp
  • Abnormal cogulation / bleeding
  • Oliguria for >24hrs post birth
  • Altered glucose levels
  • Metabolic acidosis
  • Local signs of infection
64
Q

Red flags suggestive of early onset neonatal infection

A
  • Systemic Abx given to mother for suspected bacterial infection within 24hrs of birth
  • SEIZURES
  • Signs of SHOCK
  • Respiratory distress starting > 4 hours after birth
  • Need for mechanical ventilation in TERM baby
  • Suspected / confirmed infection in a sibling in a multiple pregnancy
65
Q

Neonatal sepsis Ix

A
  • FBC, CRP + Blood cultures (1st before atarting Abx)
    - CRP must be repeated by 24-36 hrs after initial Abx dose
  • Swabs / cultures if an obvious source
    • tho urine cultures not advised (difficult to obtain + not super reliable)
  • LP if strong clinical suspicion + safe to do so
    - also can consider if 1st 2 CRP raised; blood culture +ve; baby doesn’t respond to Abx
  • CXR if strong suspicion of chest source
66
Q

Tx for neonatal sepsis

A
  1. IV BENZYLPENICILLIN + GENTAMICIN (empirical)
    • consider stopping after 36 hrs if:
      - blood cultures -ve; initial clinical suspicion not strong; clinical condition of baby reassuring; levels of CRP good

If blood cultures +ve

-> ABX CONTINUE for 7 - 10 DAYS (up to 14 days if CSF +ve)
- if -ve but CRP raised - consider Abx for 5 DAYS

Must monitor gentamicin as it can be toxic

67
Q

Congenital rubella syndrome aet

A

Caused by maternal rubella infection during first 20 WEEKS of preg (esp in first 10 WEEKS)

68
Q

Prevention of congenital rubella syndrome

A
  • MMR vaccination for mother before pregnancy (2 doses - 3 months apart)
    - test for rubella immunity if in doubt

DO NOT GIVE IF ALREADY PREG - IT IS A LIVE VACCINE!

  • wait till postpartum!
69
Q

Congenital Neonatal Rubella (CRS) Px

A
  • Sensorineural Deafnesss
  • Cataracts / Retinopathy
  • Cong. Heart disease (PDA, pulm stenosis)

Also:

  • Organ dysfunction
  • Microcephaly
  • Micrognathia (small mandible)
  • Low birth weight
  • “BLUEBERRY MUFFIN” RASH (petechial)
  • Haem abnormalities
  • Learning disability
70
Q

Ix of congenital rubella

A

Dx with SEROLOGY for rubella

  • Audiology
  • Opthalmology
  • Echcardiography
71
Q

CRS Mx

A

Supportive + symptomatic
- earlier the better

Regular follow-up to monitor

72
Q

Congenital varicella syndrome Px

A
  • Fetal growth restriction
  • Microcephaly,
  • hydrocephalus
  • Learning disability
  • Scars + significant skin changes in SPECIFIC dermatomes
  • Limb hypoplasia
  • Cataracts / Choriortinitis
73
Q

Congenital varicella syndrome cause (ie what time period)

A

Maternal chickenpox in FIRST 28 WKS of gestation

Can Tx with oral aciclovir if >20 wks + Px within 24 hours of Sx starting

74
Q

Lesteriosis epid

A

MORE LIKELY in preg women

can be asymp, flu-like or occasionally cause a pneumonia or meningoencephalitis

-> Miscarriage, fetal death or severe neonatal sepsis

75
Q

Congenital CMV Px

A
  • Fetal growth restriction
  • Microcephaly
  • Hearing loss
  • Vision loss
  • Learning disability
  • Seizures
76
Q

How is CMV usually spread

A

Via infected saliva / urine of asymp children

  • usually CMV in preg doesn’t cause congenital CMV
77
Q

Congenital toxoplasmosis Px

A

Classic Triad:

  • Intracranial calcification
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Chorioretinitis

HIgher risk if caught later in preg

78
Q

Complications of parvovirus B19 in preg

A
  • Miscarriage / fetal death
  • Severe fetal anaemia
  • HYDROPS FETALIS (fetal heart failure)
  • Maternal pre-eclampsia-like syndrome

esp if caught in 1st / 2nd trimesters

79
Q

How does maternal parvovirus B19 infection cause fetal anaemia

A
  • parvovirus infection ERYTHROID PROGENITOR CELLS in fetal bone marrow + liver
  • faulty RBCs with shorter life span made
  • Anaemia then leads to HF -> HYDROPS FETALIS
80
Q

Maternal pre-eclampsia-like syndrome

A

AKA mirror syndrome

Severe hydrops fetalis causes placental oedema -> Maternal oedea, HTN + proteinuria

Need to check maternal IgM, IgG parvovirus Ab + Rubella Ab (DDx) if parvovirus is even suspected

81
Q
A