Neonatal Conditions Flashcards
When does the cardiovascular system begin to develop?
End of 3rd week.
Heart starts to beat at 4th week.
Critical period of heart development if from day 20-50 after fertilisation.
What carries oxygenated blood to the foetal heart?
Ductus Venosus (umbilical vein)
What brings some blood into the left atrium?
Foramen ovale
What carries blood from the pulmonary artery to Aorta?
Patent Ductus Arteriosus
What is the O2 saturation a foetal body?
60-70%
What is the function of the Ductus Arteriosus?
Protects lungs against circulatory overload.
Allows right ventricle to strengthen
Carries low oxygen saturated blood.
What are the features of Ductus Venosus?
Foetal blood vessel connecting umbilical vein to IVC
Blood flow regulated via sphincter.
Carries mostly oxygenated blood.
What occurs after the Baby’s first breath and umbilical cord is cut?
Ductus arterioles becomes a ligament. Foramen ovale closes and leaves a depression. Ductus Venosus becomes a ligament. Umbilical vein becomes a ligament. Umbilical arteries become ligaments.
What are some causes for small for dates babies?
Maternal Pre-eclamptic Toxemia (PET) Smoking Edward's Syndrome Infection - CMV Placental abruption Multiple pregnancies
What are some common problems if you are a small baby?
Perinatal hypoxia Hypoglycaemia Hypothermia Polycythaemia Thrombocytopenia Gastrointestinal problems
What are some long term problems if you are small at birth?
Hypertension
Reduced growth
Obesity
Ischaemic Heart Disease
What stage is a baby classed as premature?
<37weeks
Extremely premature = <28weeks
What is the prevention and early treatment of respiratory distress syndrome?
Antenatal steroids Surfactant is early treatment Early intubation Non-invasive support (N-CPAP) Minimal ventilation
What is the treatment for minor respiratory problems?
caffeine
N-CPAP
What is the prevention and treatment of intra-ventricular haemorrhage?
Antenatal steroids
Symptomatic treatment and potential drainage.
What is Persistent Ductus Arteriosus?
Pressure in aortic exceeds that of pulmonary artery resulting in Left –> right shunt:
additional blood to pulmonary circulation causing over perfusion of lungs and lung oedema + steal from systemic system so systemic ischaemia.
What are the consequences of PDA?
Worsening respiratory symptoms + retention of fluids (low renal perfusion) and Gastrointestinal problems (GE ischaemia).
What is Necrotising Entero-colitis NEC?
Ischemic and inflammatory changes and necrosis of bowel.
Surgical intervention often required.
Antibiotics and parenteral nutrition.
What can occur for premature babies between the age of 2-6?
Surprising deterioration with cognitively and developmentally.
Can also have unexpected improvement.
