Neonatal Conditions

Question 1

When does the cardiovascular system begin to develop?

Answer 1

End of 3rd week.
Heart starts to beat at 4th week.
Critical period of heart development if from day 20-50 after fertilisation.

Question 2

What carries oxygenated blood to the foetal heart?

Answer 2

Ductus Venosus (umbilical vein)

Question 3

What brings some blood into the left atrium?

Answer 3

Foramen ovale

Question 4

What carries blood from the pulmonary artery to Aorta?

Answer 4

Patent Ductus Arteriosus

Question 5

What is the O2 saturation a foetal body?

Answer 5

60-70%

Question 6

What is the function of the Ductus Arteriosus?

Answer 6

Protects lungs against circulatory overload.
Allows right ventricle to strengthen
Carries low oxygen saturated blood.

Question 7

What are the features of Ductus Venosus?

Answer 7

Foetal blood vessel connecting umbilical vein to IVC
Blood flow regulated via sphincter.
Carries mostly oxygenated blood.

Question 8

What occurs after the Baby’s first breath and umbilical cord is cut?

Answer 8

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.

Question 9

What are some causes for small for dates babies?

Answer 9

Maternal Pre-eclamptic Toxemia (PET)
Smoking
Edward's Syndrome
Infection - CMV
Placental abruption
Multiple pregnancies

Question 10

What are some common problems if you are a small baby?

Answer 10

Perinatal hypoxia
Hypoglycaemia 
Hypothermia
Polycythaemia
Thrombocytopenia
Gastrointestinal problems

Question 11

What are some long term problems if you are small at birth?

Answer 11

Hypertension
Reduced growth
Obesity
Ischaemic Heart Disease

Question 12

What stage is a baby classed as premature?

Answer 12

<37weeks

Extremely premature = <28weeks

Question 13

What is the prevention and early treatment of respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 13

Antenatal steroids
Surfactant is early treatment
Early intubation
Non-invasive support (N-CPAP)
Minimal ventilation

Question 14

What is the treatment for minor respiratory problems?

Answer 14

caffeine

N-CPAP

Question 15

What is the prevention and treatment of intra-ventricular haemorrhage?

Answer 15

Antenatal steroids

Symptomatic treatment and potential drainage.

Question 16

What is Persistent Ductus Arteriosus?

Answer 16

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.

Question 17

What are the consequences of PDA?

Answer 17

Worsening respiratory symptoms + retention of fluids (low renal perfusion) and Gastrointestinal problems (GE ischaemia).

Question 18

What is Necrotising Entero-colitis NEC?

Answer 18

Ischemic and inflammatory changes and necrosis of bowel.
Surgical intervention often required.
Antibiotics and parenteral nutrition.

Question 19

What can occur for premature babies between the age of 2-6?

Answer 19

Surprising deterioration with cognitively and developmentally.
Can also have unexpected improvement.