Neonatology Flashcards
Where is surfactant produced?
From type 2 alveolar cells
What is the function of surfactant?
Reduces the surface tension of fluid in the lungs, this keeps the alveoli inflated and maximises the surface area of the alveoli.
This reduces the force needed to expand the alveoli during inspiration and promotes equal expansion of all alveoli in inspiration
When is surfactant produced?
Between weeks 24 and 34 of gestation
What are some physiological issues in neonatal resuscitation?
Babies have a large surface area to weight ratio so lose heat quickly
They are born wet so lose heat quickly
Can be born through meconium and may have this in their mouth or airway
What are the principles of neonatal resuscitation?
Warm the baby
Calculate the APGAR score
Stimulate breathing
Inflation breaths
Chest compression
What position do you put a neonates head in during resuscitation?
A neutral position, a towel can be placed under the shoulders to keep it neutral
What is the APGAR score measured out of?
0-10
What are the different scores relating to appearance in the APGAR score?
0- blue/pale centrally
1- blue extremities
2- pink
What are the different scores relating to pulse in the APGAR score?
0- absent
1- <100
2- >100
What are the different scores relating to grimmace (response to stimulation) in the APGAR score?
0- no response
1- little response
2- good response
What are the different scores relating to activity (muscle tone) in the APGAR score?
0- floppy
1- flexed arms and legs
2- active
What are the different scores relating to respiration in the APGAR score?
0- absent
1- slow/irregular breathing
2- strong/crying
What are some benefits of delayed umbilical cord clamping, allowing fetal blood from the placenta to enter the baby’s circulation?
Improved haemoglobin, iron stores, blood pressure and a reduction in intraventricular haemorrhage and necrotising enterocolitis
What injection will babies have shortly after to birth to prevent bleeding?
Vitamin K, as babies are born vitamin K deficient
What conditions are screened for on the day five heel prick?
Sickle cell, CF, hypothyroidism, phenylketonuria, MCADD, maple syrup urine disease, isovaleric acidaemia, glutaric aciduria type 1, homocystin
What is the moro relfex?
When rapidly tipped backwards the arms and legs will extend