Neonatology Flashcards
What is the effect of smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy on the newborn?
Lower birth weight, IUGR, reduced head circumference (microcephaly)
What are the main screening tests for antenatal diagnosis? What can they detect?
Give a few specialized
Maternal blood (Hepatitis, any trisomy, blood groups, syphilis)
Ultrasound (for structural anomalies including neural tube defects, facies, and cardiac malformations)
NIPT - Non-invasive prenatal testing
Fetoscopy
Amniocentesis
Chorionic villus sampling
Why is folic acid given to pregnant mothers?
reduce risks of neural tube defects such as spina bifida
What is spina bifida?What would you see on an ultrasound of spina bifida? What are some clinical findings?
Chiari malformations on US
Bladder/bowel incontinence
Weakness and loss of sensation below the defect
Talipes Equinovarus (Club foot)
Meningocoele
What is Gastroschisis
This is when there is a defect in the abdominal wall during gestation allowing for an opening. Some of the bowel will then be pushed through this hole and develop outside the body in the amniotic fluid.
How long does a normal pregnancy last?
40 weeks
What is considered a “term infant”
37-42 weeks of gestation
What is considered
Pre-term?
Late Pre-term?
Very Pre-term?
Extreme preterm?
Pre-term? <37 weeks (<3.5kg)
Late Pre-term? 34-36 weeks (2.2kg)
Very Pre-term? <32 weeks (<2.2kg)
Extreme preterm? <28 (1.1kg)
What is the normal birth weight, head circumference, and height of a baby born at 40 weeks gestation? When is the weight expected to double? triple?
Birth weight = 3.5 (doubled by 5 months and tripled by 1 year)
Head circumference = 35 (32-37)
Height = 50
What is the typical resp and pulse rate of full term neonate?
Resp = 30-60/40-60
Heart/pulse = 110-160
How is newborn bloodspot screening performed? What is included (6/10)?
Heel-Prick Test
3 congenital and 7 inherited
Congenital hypothyroidism
Hemoglobinopathies (sickle cell and thalassemia)
Cystic Fibrosis
1) Phenylketonuria
2) Homocystinuria
3) Glutaric Aciduria Type 1
4) Classical Galactosaemia
5) ADA-SCID - Adenosine deaminase Deficiency - Severe Combined Immunodeficiency
6) Maple syrup urine disease
7) Medium chain acyl-coa dehydrogenase deficiency
What is the weight AGA for 34 weeks gestation. What is SGA (in general)
Weight Appropriate for Gestational Age = 2.2
SGA = Small for gestational age => <10th centile
What is Eclampsia? include symptoms and findings of pre-eclampsia (5)
Eclampsia is seizures that occur in pregnant people with Pre-eclampsia
These symptoms include persistent high blood pressure (130/80 or 140/90) with proteinuria, thrombocytopenia, pulmonary oedema, blurry vision and headaches
Give the 3 most common causes of preterm delivery and list 2 others
1) Spontaneous preterm labor - no reason (50%)
2) Maternal or foetal infection (incl. UTI) or complication (30%)
3) PPROM - Premature Preterm Rupture Of Membranes
- Antepartum haemorrhage
- Multiple pregnancy
- Cervical incompetence
What is cervical incompetence
Recurrent painless dilatation and spontaneous mid-trimester birth (preterm delivery)
What is considered Hypotension in the new born?
Systolic BP <60
What is an endotracheal tube used for?
An endotracheal tube is inserted through the mouth and into the trachea to
1) Maintain a clear and open airway
2) Administering oxygen, medicine, or anesthesia
What is Respiratory Distress Syndrome? Who typically develops it? How is it treated?
Preterm babies may present with difficulty breathing due to immature lung structure and weak chest wall. RDS is due to a Surfactant deficiency which is responsible for keeping the lungs fully expanded. Without this, neonatal lungs may collapse.
This is treated by replacing surfactant via ET tube (endotracheal tube) or can be resolved within 72 hours if not treated.
When a baby is born preterm, their organs are immature and hence they function poorly. How would this impact the respiratory system?
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome
Sleep apnoea
When a baby is born preterm, their organs are immature and hence they function poorly. How would this impact the Cardiovascular system?
PDA - Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Hypotension (<60 systolic)
What is PDA (Patent Ductus Arteriosis)
Blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery to the aorta
When a baby is born preterm, their organs are immature and hence they function poorly. How would this impact the Brain?
IVH - Intraventricular haemorrhage (Bleeding into ventricles of the brain)
PVL - Periventricular leukomalacia (cause of Cerebral palsy)
Note: IVH may lead to PVL. These arent 2 completely separate points
When a baby is born preterm, their organs are immature and hence they function poorly. How would this impact the GI system
Poor absorption
Neonatal ileus
Necrotising Enterocolitis
Neonatal Jaundice (Cholestatic jaundice especially in VLBW)
What is Neonatal Ileus and what is it an early sign of?
Also called Meconium Ileus where Meconium is the first stool/bowel movements that the newborn has. This may cause obstructions in the ileus as it is thick and sticky.
Early sign of Cystic Fibrosis
What is necrotising enterocolitis and what is the first thing you do?
Necrotising enterocolitis is the ischemic necrosis of the intestinal mucosa (remember necrosis leads to cell death and invasion of microorganisms causing gas within). There will be a sudden change in feeding tolerance as an early sign and confirmed with Doppler ultrasound. With this, it is important to switch to TPN and remove enteral feeding or normal feeding.
When a baby is born preterm, their organs are immature and hence they function poorly. How would this impact the Renal system?
Immature kidneys =>Poor urinary output and often diluted
Hypoglycemia
Hypocalcemia
When a baby is born preterm, their organs are immature and hence they function poorly. How would this impact the eyes
Retinopathy of Prematurity (esp in VLBW)
When a baby is born preterm, their organs are immature and hence they function poorly. How would this impact the Immune system
Much weaker immune system as there are low maternal antibodies. Maternal antibodies are transferred across the placenta during the third term of gestation
When a baby is born preterm, their organs are immature and hence they function poorly. How would this impact skin functioning?
Think increased permeability
Increased water and heat loss
Increased risk of infection
What is considered an extremely low birth weight? Where should thes babies be delivered
<1kg at birth. These babies should be delivered in tertiary level unit with experienced resuscitation
How long after membrane rupture should the baby be delivered. What should be the immediate management?
Under 48 hours (preferably under 24). if premature, administer antibiotics (ceftriaxone, clarithromycin, and metronidazole) Erythromycin also works
What is the benefit of giving magnesium sulphate before delivery?
infant neuroprotection. reduces risk of cerebral palsy
What is the benefit of administering antenatal steroids before birth?
Helps increase surfactant production ahead of birth => reduces the risk of RDS and chronic lung disease
What preparations can be made before birth to modify the effects of prematurity? (AKA how to prolong pregnancy and others considerations given before birth)
1) Antenatal steroids given over 24 hours before delivery in 2 doses, 12 hours apart.
2) Magnesium sulphate
3) Antibiotics !if PPROM! (Ceftriaxone)
4) Progesterone and Tocolytics
5) Deliver in tertiary centre !if Extremely premature <28!
A premature baby has just been delivered via induced vaginal delivery. What are the key immediate issues that must be addressed in the delivery room?
Temperature (increased heat and water loss from skin +reduced subcutaneous fat etc…)
+ ABC(D)
Airway: Usually managed alone after positioning and gentle resp support. Few will need endotracheal intubation to keep airway open
Breathing: Pulse oximetry must be monitored to achieve target O2 sat of 95% 10 minutes after delivery.
If breathing is present but well enough then support breathing via Nasal cannula, CPAP, BiPAP, mechanical ventilation.
If there is no breathing => apnoea => needs resuscitation of mechanical ventilation to survive.
Cardiovascular: Monitor HR (a good heart rate indicates that the resuscitation is going well. Check BP as well and if not then also resus.
D: Dedicating a bed/incubator in NICU for the baby
What are tocolytics? When are they used?
Tocolytics are drugs that slow the uterine contractions of the mother and are used to delay pregnancy by 1-2 days in preterm cases.
What is delayed cord clamping? it cannot be done if….
Delaying cord clamping for 30-60 seconds allows additional blood to flow from placenta to infant making them more stable in first few days of life
It cannot be done if breathing isnt already established
On delivery, neonates are often monitored via pulse oximetry. Describe the change in oxygen saturation in neonates from birth onwards?
Babies transition slowly from 65% O2 sat (cyanosed in utero even) to >95% O2 sats within 10 minutes
How is ventilation typically administered in neonates?
Via ET tube
Describe what you see in this image. This is a baby delivered on 28 weeks gestation
Premature baby:
small size in frogleg position on an open top table
Pink skin as it is underdeveloped (increase loss of water, heat and increased risk of infection)
Breathing support via nasal cannula
Extensive monitoring for pulse oximetry on left foot
Temperature taken on the abdomen
Multiple IV lines and vascular access point (brachial)
This is a premature baby delivered at 27 weeks gestation describe what you see.
Small baby in an incubator having contact with a parent
Baby is on breathing support via the endotracheal tube
Orogastric (not nasogastric) tube also inserted
IV line inserted in right hand
Umbilical lines coming out just above the nappy
What is a plethora. What can it be caused by?
Plethora is the red complexion on skin typically caused by polycythemia (significantly increased RBC mass)
What is the ideal temp and humidity for premature infants (in an incubator)
35 degrees with 80-90% humidity
How is pulse oximetry measured in NICU?
Extensive monitoring from the foot rather than finger in adults.
The Golden hour in the NICU represents the first hour after arrival. What should be completed during this hour for a premature infant?
What would be required to be maintained for homeostasis?
1) Check glucose
2) Apply monitoring
3) Attempt vascular access (UAC, UVC, PICC)
4) Aim to maintain stability of breathing (RDS) and circulation (BP)
Maintain Homeostasis (temperature in incubator, monitor electrolytes and clinical signs, early nutrition/TPN, Urine output and fluid balance (in vs out), glucose control. Checked every 6 hours
In terms of vascular access why would you require venous access and why would you require arterial?
Venous access is used to deliver fluids, nutrition, and medications
Arterial access is used to monitor BP, blood gas, and obtain blood samples.
What is PICC, where is it inserted?
What is PIVC and where is it inserted?
Percutaneous inserted central catheter
PICC optimally in superior or inferior vena cava (starts in antecubital fossa)
Peripheral intravenous catheter
PIVC usually in Dorsal venus plexus can be accessed through antecubital, basilic or long saphenous vein as well
What is the taping used in this picture? Why?
This taping is just temporary until the placement of the lines are confirmed via x-ray. More permanent stickers will be used then
This is a picture of a premature baby. What do you see?
Baby is in an incubator, receiving contact with parents and is receiving CPAP via nasal prongs
Single umbilical line in place
1 ECG and resp lead on the right shoulder
Neonatal Resuscitation: In the first 30 seconds of life, what should be carried out?
Dry, Stimulate, and suction the oropharynx
What is the significance of tactile stimulation in the first steps of neonatal resuscitation. Explain using primary and secondary apnea or the physiology of asphyxia
When a newborn is first deprived on oxygen, an initial period of rapid breathing is followed by primary apnea. This is resolved via tactile stimulation. But if stimulation doesnt work, secondary apnea ensues => HR begins to fall and bp follows => assisted ventilation is required.
Neonatal Resuscitation: You’ve now dried and stimulated the baby, and suctioned the oropharynx. You move on to assessing the breathing and Circulation (HR). What are you looking out for (including cutoff if present)? And what will you do given deterioration?
Assess Breathing and Heart rate
If heart rate <100, or apneic, or irregular breathing effort, then start IPPV (Intermittent positive pressure ventilation)
PIP (peak inspiratory pressure) = 20-25 cmH2O in term
PEEP (Positive End Expiratory Pressure) = Start at 5cmH2O
FiO2: Start at 21% in term babies and 30% in preterm babies (often increased as we monitor SPO2)
Neonatal Resuscitation: What is IPPV. What are the 2 ways that it may be delivered?
Intermittent positive pressure ventilation
May be delivered using bag and mask or “Neopuff” T-Piece resuscitator
Neonatal Resuscitation: You have begun IPPV and noticed that the SPO2 levels are still relatively low but there is a good chest lift. What do you do?
Increase FiO2
Neonatal Resuscitation: You have begun IPPV and noticed that the there is not a good enough chest lift. What is to be done next?
MR SOPA
Mask readjustment
Re-position the head to open the airway (chin lift/jaw thrust)
Suction the mouth then nose
Open mouth and jaw lift
Pressure increase
Alternative airway (endotracheal)
Neonatal Resuscitation: Youve begun IPPV but realize that the Heart rate is still low. When should you intervene (timing and heart rate) and what should be done in this intervention?
If after 30 seconds of effective ventilation, the heart rate is still <60bpm, then
begin chest compressions. This is done with 3 compressions per breath
Raise FiO2 to 100%
Neonatal Resuscitation: You notice that the child has a systolic pressure <90. What do you do?
you would give saline bolus (0.9% NaCl), emergency O Rh-ve blood and at 10mls/kg
Neonatal Resuscitation: Youve begun IPPV but realize that the Heart rate is still low. you initiate chest compressions yet after 60 seconds of chest compressions , the HR is still <60. What is the next step?
Give Adrenaline every 3-5 minutes. 0.5mls/kg if via endotracheal route and 0.1-0.3ml/kg if via established IV route
Also consider evidence of hypovolemia. In this case, you would give saline bolus (0.9% NaCl), emergency O Rh-ve blood and at 10mls/kg
Neonatal Resuscitation: When would Adrenaline be indicated during this? How much? How do you administer
When youve begun IPPV but realize that the Heart rate is still low. you initiate chest compressions yet after 60 seconds of chest compressions , the HR is still <60.
Give Adrenaline every 3-5 minutes. 0.5mls/kg if via endotracheal route and 0.1-0.3 if via established IV route
Neonatal Resuscitation: The baby that has just been delivered is at 31 weeks. What additional support would you give?
Interms of Oxygen, how much % FiO2 would you administer
Starting FiO2 should be at 30%
Thermal control: Plastic bag, hat, or thermal mattress
The transition to extra-uterine life requires significant physiologic changes in the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Most of these occur in the first few minutes after birth.
Around 90% of babies make these changes without requiring any special assistance. Around 10% percent of infants need some intervention. Roughly 1% require extensive resuscitation e.g. intubation. Which babies are more likely to require resuscitation? (5)
Fetal conditions e.g. prematurity, !IUGR!, congenital anomalies (ductus arteriosis)
Pregnancy complications e.g. chorioamnionitis (infection), placental abruption
Delivery complications e.g. meconium-stained liquor, abnormal fetal HR on CTG, shoulder dystocia, multiple births
Maternal conditions e.g. advanced maternal age, gestational diabetes, severe pre-eclampsia
Note: Maternal medications such as analgesics, sedatives, and anesthetics may also cause this)
What is measured in the APGAR score (go into specifics)? When is it recorded? What is it used for. Can it be used to assess the need for resuscitation?
APGAR scores are measured at 1 and 5 minutes after every birth
Appearance (Blue/pale all over vs extremities or pink
Pulse (Absent <100, >100)
Grimace (No response, grimace, cry)
Activity (tone) (none, semiflexed, fully flexed)
Respiration (Absent, weak, strong cry)
The Apgar score is useful for conveying information about overall status and response to resuscitation but not to assess the need. That is via tone, crying, and term.
Resuscitation is the restoration of a stable physiological condition to a person whose heart action, blood pressure or body oxygenation have dropped to critical levels. How do you know if the baby requires resuscitation vs staying with motheron delivery (not SPO2 which is used for discharge)?
Term
Tone
Crying
Term babies with good tone who are crying regularly should stay with their mother.
What is Twin-twin transfusion syndrome? How is it treated?
It is due to plancental atriovenous anastomoses where there is a donor and recipient twin. The donor twin will have low perfusion pressures giving them oliguria and oligohydramnios whereas the recipient will have hypervolemia => polyuria and polyhydramnios => high output cardiac failure
Treated with fetoscopic laser to divide the placenta or early delivery.
Multiple births are on the rise. What conditions are they associated with?
A/w increased risk of
prematurity
IUGR
Congenital malformations
Twin-twin transfusion syndrome
Women with pre-existing diabetes find it hard to control their glucose levels during pregnancy. Which type of diabetes carries a larger risk of fetal mortality and why?
Type 1 due to risk of ketoacidosis
Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnant women may cause associated fetal problems. What are they?
IUGR
Congenital malformations
Macrosomia (big baby)
Explain the pathophysiology of Macrosomia in poorly controlled diabetic pregnancies
Glucose passes the placenta but insulin does not. This glucose promotes secretion of insulin in baby and hence promoting growth (using the glucose). This may then cause transient hypoglycemia at birth, resp distress syndrome (more demand for oxygen), Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (to keep up support), and polycythemia. Note an obese mother is also susceptible to gestational diabetes which can have the same effect
What are some (groups of) medications that are contraindicated in pregnant women?
Mood stabilisers, SSRIs, Radioactive Iodine, Vitamin A, Warfarin, Thalidomide, tetracycline
What are the TORCH organisms and what do they represent?
Congenital Infections
Toxoplasmosis
Other - Syphilis HIV, Hepatitis, Parvovirus
Rubella
CMV (cytomegalovirus)
Herpes Simplex
What is the classical triad of taxoplasmosis?
Chorioretinitis (retinopathy) on eye exam
Hydrocephalus
Intracranial calcifications on US
+ petechial blueberry muffin rash