Neonates Flashcards
Why is phenylephrine not a good choice for neonates?
Their hearts are immature and unable to increase contractility to overcome increases in after load.
Why do infant have such a high respiratory rate?
- To compensate for their high metabolic rate (twice the rate of O2 consumption and CO2 production as adults)
- Thus the neonate must increase their minute ventilation accordingly.
- Also, neonates only have about 1/3 the alveolar surface area of adult.
- Metabolically, it’s more efficient to increase RR than TV
In the setting of hypovolemia and bradycardia, which is better for the neonate, EPI or atropine?
EPI
Will increase HR and will increase contractility (even though only by a little bit)
How does contractility improve over time in neonates?
Neonates are initially born with very low SVR, but this begins to rise over time.
The LV has to push against a higher after load, so contractile elements multiple and mature, thus improving contractility. Over time, this means that kids become less dependent on HR for CO.
Baroreceptor response in neonates
Immature.
Because of this, the reflex will not increase HR in the setting of hypovolemia and can vastly worsen BP.
The number of alveoli continue to rise until this age
8-10 years of age
Why do neonates have very fast inhalation inductions?
High minute ventilation and low FRC
Type I and Type II muscle fibers
II = Fast twitch (strong, but tire easily) I = Slow twitch (endurance)
Muscles of inspiration
DIAPHRAGM IS MAIN ONE
Intercostals are immature (ribs thus more horizontal and unable to significantly increase thoracic volume)
Newborn lungs are compliant or noncompliant?
None-compliant
The CHEST WALL is very compliant d/t cartilaginous ribs
Why does chest wall collapse on inspiration occur in neonates?
Low lung compliance + high chest wall compliance
Diaphragm has to work hard to expand the lung. High negative intrathoracic pressures lead to chest wall collapse
FRC and CC in newborns
CC overlaps with FRC, causing small airway collapse with tidal breathing
Clamping of the cord causes this in the newborn
Rhythmic breathing
Acute rise in ____ promotes continuous breathing in the newborn
Acute rise in O2 promotes continuous breathing
Hypoxia causes apnea.
Respiratory control doesn’t mature until this age
42-44 weeks
BEFORE this time, hypoxia will cause apnea.
AFTER this time, hypoxia stimulates breathing.
Lifespan of RBCs with HgbF
70-90 days
Compared to 120 days with HgbA
P50 of HgbF and HgbA
HgbF = 19mmHg
HgbA = 26.5mmHg
HbF’s ability to bind 2,3-DPG
HgbF is unable to bind 2,3-DPG, which is why it has a higher affinity for O2 and lower partial pressure in the tissues
When is HgbF replaced by HgbA?
First 2 months of life
RBC transfusion guidelines
Depends on if patient is older or younger than 4 months old
Younger than 4 months:
- Kids still have HgbF, so transfusion trigger is higher (their Hgb isn’t as efficient in delivering O2!)
- Trigger of 10 for kid having major surgery or if they have moderate CP disease
- Trigger of 13 (earlier transfusion) for kids with SEVERE CP disease
Older than 4 months:
- Same guidelines for adults (6-10g/dL stuff)
FFP transfusion guidelines
For coagulopathies only (not volume expansion). Give if:
- Need to quickly reverse warfarin
- PT > 1.5 or increased PTT
- To correct coagulopathic bleeding if > 1 blood volume has been replaced and you can’t get coats drawn easily
This pH abnormality is associated with massive transfusion
Either may happen
1) Acidosis from poor oxygenation and increased lactate
2) Alkalosis from metabolism of citrate to bicarbonate in the liver