Neonatology Flashcards
What are the key components of paediatric Basic Life Support (BLS)?
Ensure the scene is safe.
Check for responsiveness.
Shout for help and call for emergency services.
Open the airway (head tilt-chin lift).
Check for breathing for no more than 10 seconds.
Deliver 5 initial rescue breaths.
Start chest compressions if no signs of life.
What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio in paediatric BLS for a single rescuer?
30:2.
What is the compression-to-ventilation ratio in paediatric BLS for two rescuers?
15:2
How deep should chest compressions be in paediatrics?
One-third of the chest depth or approximately 4 cm for infants and 5 cm for children.
What is the correct rate of chest compressions in paediatrics?
100–120 compressions per minute.
The recommended compression depth for a child during CPR is __________ of the chest depth.
one-third
The initial number of rescue breaths in paediatric resuscitation is __________.
5
The recommended chest compression rate is __________ compressions per minute.
100–120
During paediatric BLS, the compression-to-ventilation ratio for two rescuers is __________.
0.6263888888888889
Which of the following is the most common cause of cardiac arrest in children?
A. Arrhythmias
B. Trauma
C. Hypoxia and respiratory failure
D. Sepsis
C. Hypoxia and respiratory failure
In paediatric advanced life support, what is the first-line drug for cardiac arrest?
A. Amiodarone
B. Atropine
C. Adrenaline
D. Calcium gluconate
C. Adrenaline
What is the correct energy dose for defibrillation in paediatrics?
A. 1 J/kg
B. 2 J/kg
C. 4 J/kg
D. 10 J/kg
B. 2 J/kg (initial dose, increasing to 4 J/kg if necessary).
T/F: In paediatric CPR, you should perform rescue breaths before starting chest compressions.
True.
T/F: Adrenaline is administered every 3–5 minutes during paediatric resuscitation.
True.
T/F: The recovery position is contraindicated in an unconscious child who is breathing normally.
False (It is recommended to place such a child in the recovery position).
Scenario: A 3-year-old child is found unresponsive, not breathing, but has a pulse of 70 bpm.
Q: What is the next step in resuscitation?
Provide rescue breaths at a rate of 1 breath every 2–3 seconds (20–30 breaths per minute) and recheck the pulse every 2 minutes.
Scenario: A 5-year-old child in cardiac arrest requires defibrillation. The child weighs 20 kg.
Q: What energy dose should be used for the first shock?
40 Joules (2 J/kg × 20 kg).
Arrange the steps of paediatric BLS in the correct order:
A. Open the airway.
B. Deliver 5 initial rescue breaths.
C. Perform chest compressions.
D. Check for breathing.
D → A → B → C
Bag-valve mask →
To deliver rescue breaths.
Defibrillator →
To administer shocks in ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
Oropharyngeal airway →
To maintain airway patency
Adrenaline →
First-line drug in cardiac arrest.
What are the pros and cons of using an oropharyngeal airway in paediatric resuscitation?
Pros:
Maintains airway patency.
Prevents tongue obstruction.
Cons:
Can cause gagging if the child is semi-conscious.
Risk of trauma during insertion.
Why is it important to deliver rescue breaths before chest compressions in paediatric BLS?
Cardiac arrest in children is commonly caused by hypoxia or respiratory failure. Delivering rescue breaths helps correct hypoxia and improves oxygenation, which is critical for restoring circulation.
What are some key points to remember in paediatric resuscitation?
Start CPR if the heart rate is below 60 bpm with poor perfusion.
Always consider reversible causes of cardiac arrest (4 Hs and 4 Ts).
Use age-appropriate equipment, such as smaller bag-valve masks and defibrillator pads.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Affects premature neonates, before the lungs start producing adequate surfactant, common in below 32 week babies.
Pathophysiology of Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Inadequate surfactant leads to high surface tension within alveoli leading to atelectasis (lung collapse) as it is more difficult for the alveoli and the lungs to expand leading to inadequate gaseous exchange and hypoxia, hypercapnia and respiratory distress.
Management of Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Dexamethasone is given to mothers with suspected or confirmed preterm labour to increase production of surfactant and reduce the incidence and severity of respiratory distress syndrome in the baby - Intubation and ventilation may be needed to fully assist breathing if the distress is severe - Endotracheal surfactant, which is artificial surfactant delivered into the lungs via an endotracheal tube - CPAP via a nasal mask to keep the lungs inflated during breathing - Supplementary oxygen to maintain sats between 91 and 95%
Short term complications of Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Pneumothorax - Infection - Apnoea - Intraventricular haemorrhage - Pulmonary haemorrhage - Necrotising Enterocolitis
Long term complications of Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Chronic lung disease of prematurity - Retinopathy of prematurity - Neurological, hearing and visual impairment
Signs of Respiratory Distress
Cyanosis, Nasal flaring, Head bobbing, Tracheal tug, use of accessory muscles, sub/intercostal recessions, grunting/stridor/wheeze, hypoxia, tachypneoa
What is the primary role of surfactant in the lungs?
To reduce surface tension within the alveoli, preventing collapse during exhalation and allowing efficient gas exchange.
What gestational age is considered the threshold below which RDS is most common?
Below 32 weeks gestation.
What is the typical chest X-ray appearance in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?
Ground-glass appearance with air bronchograms.
What are some risk factors for developing respiratory distress syndrome?
Premature birth.
Maternal diabetes.
Male sex of the neonate.
Caesarean delivery without labor.
Sibling history of RDS.
The administration of __________ to mothers at risk of preterm labor significantly reduces the risk of neonatal RDS.
dexamethasone
The ground-glass appearance on a chest X-ray in RDS reflects __________ in the alveoli.
atelectasis
Scenario: A 28-week neonate is born via emergency caesarean section. Within minutes of birth, the baby exhibits tachypnoea, nasal flaring, and intercostal recession. SpO₂ is 85% on room air.
Q: What is the immediate management?
Administer CPAP to keep the alveoli open, provide supplemental oxygen, and consider intubation for surfactant administration if the respiratory distress is severe.
T/F: Retinopathy of prematurity is a short-term complication of RDS.
False (It is a long-term complication).
T/F: Nasal CPAP is preferred over intubation for mild-to-moderate respiratory distress in neonates.
True.
Why is it essential to maintain oxygen saturations between 91–95% in neonates with RDS?
To prevent hypoxia while avoiding hyperoxia, which can increase the risk of complications such as retinopathy of prematurity.
Purpose of Dexamethasone in RDS
To stimulate fetal lung maturity and surfactant production.
Purpose of CPAP in RDS
To maintain alveolar inflation during breathing.
Purpose of Endotracheal surfactant in RDS
To replace deficient surfactant in the neonate’s lungs.
Purpose of Supplemental oxygen in RDS
To correct hypoxia and maintain target saturations.
To correct hypoxia and maintain target saturations.
Pros:
Non-invasive.
Effective in maintaining alveolar inflation and reducing atelectasis.
Cons:
May cause nasal trauma.
Can be insufficient in severe cases requiring intubation.
Infants who still require oxygen at a postmenstrual age of 36 weeks are described as having ____
Bronchopulmomonary Dysplasia (BPD)
Pathophysiology of BPD
The lung damage comes from pressure and volume trauma of artificial ventilation, oxygen toxicity and infection with the CXR characteristically showing widespread areas of opacification and sometimes cystic changes, fibrosis and even lung collapse
Managment of BPD
These infants are mainly weaned onto CPAP followed by additional oxygen where needed and sometimes given corticosteroids to facilitate weaning from the ventilation however there is a risk of abnormal neurodevelopment with these. - A few infants with severe disease can die from intercurrent infection or pulmonary HTN.
At what postmenstrual age is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) diagnosed in infants still requiring oxygen?
36 weeks
The characteristic chest X-ray in BPD shows widespread areas of __________ and sometimes cystic changes, fibrosis, or lung collapse.
opacification
What are the primary causes of lung damage in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?
Pressure and volume trauma from artificial ventilation.
Oxygen toxicity.
Infection.
T/F: Corticosteroids are used in BPD management to facilitate weaning from ventilation, but they carry a risk of abnormal neurodevelopment.
True.
What are the key components of managing infants with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?
Gradual weaning onto CPAP.
Supplemental oxygen as needed.
Corticosteroids for ventilation weaning (with careful consideration of neurodevelopment risks).
Scenario: A premature infant at 28 weeks gestation has been on mechanical ventilation for 6 weeks. The infant’s chest X-ray shows areas of opacification, cystic changes, and fibrosis. Oxygen is still required at 36 weeks postmenstrual age.
Q: What is the likely diagnosis, and what steps can be taken to manage this condition?
The likely diagnosis is Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia. Management includes weaning onto CPAP, providing supplemental oxygen as required, and considering corticosteroids to assist in ventilation weaning.
Why might corticosteroids, despite their risks, be necessary in some cases of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?
Corticosteroids can reduce lung inflammation, facilitate weaning from mechanical ventilation, and improve outcomes in severe cases, but their use must be carefully weighed against the risk of abnormal neurodevelopment.
What are the pros and cons of using corticosteroids in BPD management?
Pros:
Reduces inflammation and lung damage.
Facilitates weaning from mechanical ventilation.
Cons:
Risk of neurodevelopmental abnormalities.
What is the pathophysiology of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia?
Lung damage arises from pressure and volume trauma during artificial ventilation, oxygen toxicity, and infection, leading to widespread opacification, cystic changes, fibrosis, and potential lung collapse.
What is Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)?
MAS occurs when a newborn inhales a mixture of meconium (the first stool) and amniotic fluid during or before delivery, leading to respiratory distress and potential complications.
The presence of meconium-stained amniotic fluid in the airways can lead to __________, chemical pneumonitis, and surfactant inactivation.
airway obstruction
What is the pathophysiology of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?
Meconium in the airways causes partial or complete airway obstruction.
Trapped air can lead to overdistension and risk of pneumothorax.
Chemical pneumonitis occurs due to inflammation from meconium exposure.
Surfactant inactivation leads to atelectasis and impaired gas exchange.
True/False:
Q: Meconium aspiration is more common in preterm infants than in term or post-term infants
False. (It is more common in term and post-term infants.)
What are the risk factors for Meconium Aspiration Syndrome?
Post-term pregnancy.
Fetal distress during labor.
Meconium-stained amniotic fluid.
Complicated deliveries.
Scenario: A term newborn is delivered with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. The baby shows signs of respiratory distress with grunting and intercostal recessions.
Q: What steps should be taken to manage this case?
Immediate resuscitation if the baby is not breathing effectively.
Suctioning of the airways if thick meconium is obstructing breathing.
Administration of oxygen or ventilation support as needed.
Monitoring for complications like pneumothorax and persistent pulmonary hypertension.
How is MAS diagnosed?
Clinical features: Respiratory distress at birth, cyanosis, and grunting.
Chest X-ray findings: Patchy opacities, areas of overdistension, and sometimes pneumothorax.
Why is routine suctioning of the oropharynx and nasopharynx not recommended for all meconium-stained newborns?
Routine suctioning can cause harm and is no longer recommended unless the newborn is not breathing effectively or has airway obstruction from thick meconium.
What are the pros and cons of surfactant therapy in MAS?
Pros:
Improves lung compliance.
Reduces atelectasis.
Enhances gas exchange.
Cons:
Expensive.
May not be effective in severe cases without addressing other underlying issues like PPHN.
What are the main complications of MAS?
Pneumothorax.
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN).
Hypoxia leading to long-term neurodevelopmental issues.
What is Hypoxic-Ischaemic Encephalopathy (HIE)?
A condition caused by reduced oxygen or blood flow to the brain and other organs, leading to brain injury, primarily in neonates.
HIE often results from __________ during the perinatal period, such as umbilical cord prolapse or uterine rupture.
intrapartum asphyxia
What are the primary causes of HIE?
Placental abruption.
Uterine rupture.
Cord prolapse.
Prolonged or obstructed labor.
Severe maternal hypotension or hypoxia.
True/False:
Q: Therapeutic hypothermia is an effective treatment for moderate to severe HIE in neonates.
True.
What is the pathophysiology of HIE?
Interruption of oxygen or blood supply leads to anaerobic metabolism.
Accumulation of lactic acid causes cellular damage and apoptosis.
Reperfusion injury during resuscitation exacerbates the damage
Mild HIE →
Hyperalert, increased tone, normal feeding, no seizures.
Moderate HIE →
Lethargic, hypotonia, poor feeding, occasional seizures.
Severe HIE →
Comatose, flaccid, absent primitive reflexes, frequent seizures.
Scenario: A term baby is delivered following an emergency C-section due to cord prolapse. The baby has an Apgar score of 3 at 1 minute and requires resuscitation. Post-resuscitation, the baby is lethargic with poor tone.
Q: What are the immediate management steps?
Initiate therapeutic hypothermia if criteria are met.
Supportive care in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Monitor for seizures and treat with antiepileptics if needed.
Monitor oxygenation, ventilation, and fluid balance.
What are the criteria for initiating therapeutic hypothermia in HIE?
Gestational age ≥ 36 weeks.
Evidence of perinatal asphyxia: low Apgar scores, severe acidosis (pH < 7.0), or base deficit ≥ 16 mmol/L.
Signs of moderate to severe encephalopathy.
Why is it important to avoid over-oxygenation during resuscitation in HIE?
Over-oxygenation can contribute to reperfusion injury by generating reactive oxygen species, exacerbating cellular damage.
What are the potential complications of HIE?
Cerebral palsy.
Epilepsy.
Intellectual disability.
Vision and hearing impairment.
Behavioral disorders.
Therapeutic hypothermia aims to reduce the extent of brain injury by slowing __________ and reducing the inflammatory response.
cellular metabolism
What investigations are used in the diagnosis and management of HIE?
Blood gas analysis (acidosis and base deficit).
Brain imaging: MRI to assess the extent of brain injury.
EEG: To monitor for seizures.
Clinical examination: Grading of encephalopathy.
What are the three main stages of HIE based on clinical presentation?
Mild: Hyperalert, increased tone, normal feeding, no seizures.
Moderate: Lethargic, hypotonia, poor feeding, occasional seizures.
Severe: Comatose, flaccid, absent reflexes, frequent seizures.
What are the pros and cons of therapeutic hypothermia in HIE?
Pros:
Reduces the extent of brain injury.
Improves long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in moderate to severe HIE.
Cons:
Must be initiated within 6 hours of birth.
Requires intensive monitoring and NICU care.
What does the acronym “TORCH” stand for in the context of infections?
T: Toxoplasmosis
O: Other (e.g., syphilis, varicella-zoster, parvovirus B19)
R: Rubella
C: Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
H: Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
TORCH infections are a group of infections that can cause congenital abnormalities due to __________ transmission.
Vertical
What are the common clinical features seen in neonates with TORCH infections?
Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR).
Hepatosplenomegaly.
Jaundice.
Microcephaly.
Rash (petechial or purpuric).
Seizures.
True/False:
Q: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection worldwide.
True.
Match each TORCH infection to its characteristic feature:
Toxoplasmosis →
Other (syphilis) →
Rubella →
Cytomegalovirus →
Herpes simplex virus →
Toxoplasmosis → Intracranial calcifications, chorioretinitis.
Other (syphilis) → Snuffles, Hutchinson teeth.
Rubella → Cataracts, deafness, congenital heart defects (PDA).
Cytomegalovirus → Periventricular calcifications.
Herpes simplex virus → Vesicular skin lesions, encephaliti
Scenario: A newborn presents with petechial rash, hepatosplenomegaly, microcephaly, and jaundice. The mother had a history of a flu-like illness during pregnancy.
Q: What is the most likely diagnosis, and what investigation confirms it?
Likely diagnosis: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection.
Investigation: PCR for CMV DNA in urine or saliva.
What investigations are commonly used to diagnose TORCH infections?
Maternal serology for specific infections (e.g., Toxoplasma IgM/IgG).
Neonatal PCR for viral DNA (e.g., CMV, HSV).
TORCH screen in neonates (tests for antibodies or pathogens).
Imaging: Cranial ultrasound, MRI, or CT for calcifications and brain abnormalities.
Why is early identification and treatment of TORCH infections crucial in neonates?
Early treatment can reduce the severity of complications such as neurodevelopmental delays, hearing loss, and vision impairment.
What are the characteristic congenital abnormalities caused by TORCH infections?
Toxoplasmosis: Intracranial calcifications, hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis.
Rubella: Cataracts, deafness, congenital heart defects.
CMV: Periventricular calcifications, microcephaly, hearing loss.
HSV: Skin vesicles, encephalitis, disseminated disease.
The characteristic triad of congenital toxoplasmosis is __________, __________, and __________.
intracranial calcifications, hydrocephalus, chorioretinitis
What is the treatment approach for TORCH infections in neonates?
Toxoplasmosis: Pyrimethamine, sulfadiazine, and folinic acid.
Syphilis: Penicillin.
Rubella: Supportive (no specific antiviral treatment).
CMV: Ganciclovir or valganciclovir.
HSV: Acyclovir.
Scenario: A neonate is born with cataracts, a PDA, and bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. The mother reports a rash during the first trimester.
Q: What is the likely diagnosis, and how would you confirm it?
Likely diagnosis: Congenital rubella syndrome.
Confirmation: Rubella-specific IgM in the neonate.
What are some preventive measures for TORCH infections during pregnancy?
Avoid contact with cat litter (toxoplasmosis).
Screen and treat maternal infections (syphilis, rubella immunity).
Vaccination (e.g., rubella vaccine before pregnancy).
Hygienic practices (e.g., handwashing, avoiding exposure to CMV).
Safe sexual practices to prevent herpes and syphilis.
True/False:
Q: Rubella vaccination is contraindicated during pregnancy.
True.
What is neonatal jaundice?
Neonatal jaundice is the yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera due to elevated bilirubin levels in the blood, commonly seen in neonates.
Neonatal jaundice becomes clinically visible when bilirubin levels exceed __________ µmol/L.
85
What are the two main types of neonatal jaundice?
Physiological jaundice (common, resolves spontaneously).
Pathological jaundice (may require treatment).
List the common causes of unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia in neonates.
Physiological jaundice.
Breastfeeding jaundice.
Hemolysis (e.g., ABO or Rh incompatibility, G6PD deficiency).
Infection (e.g., sepsis).
Polycythemia.
Prematurity.
What are the causes of conjugated hyperbilirubinemia in neonates?
Biliary atresia.
Neonatal hepatitis.
Sepsis.
Metabolic disorders (e.g., galactosemia, hypothyroidism).
Match the type of jaundice to its common timeframe:
<24 hours →
2–7 days →
>2 weeks →
<24 hours → Pathological jaundice (e.g., hemolysis).
2–7 days → Physiological jaundice.
>2 weeks → Prolonged jaundice (e.g., breast milk jaundice, biliary atresia).
What investigations are performed for neonatal jaundice?
Serum bilirubin (total and direct).
Blood group and Coombs test (for ABO/Rh incompatibility).
Full blood count and blood film.
G6PD levels.
Liver function tests.
Infection screen (e.g., CRP, blood culture).
Scenario: A neonate develops jaundice within 24 hours of birth. Blood group testing reveals an ABO incompatibility between mother and baby.
Q: What is the likely diagnosis, and how would you manage it?
Likely diagnosis: Hemolytic jaundice due to ABO incompatibility.
Management: Phototherapy, exchange transfusion if severe.
What is the main treatment for neonatal jaundice?
Phototherapy.
__________ therapy is used in severe cases of jaundice to remove bilirubin and replace the neonate’s blood.
Exchange transfusion
What are the key thresholds for treatment in neonatal jaundice?
Treatment thresholds depend on:
Total serum bilirubin level.
Postnatal age in hours.
Gestational age of the neonate.
True/False:
Q: Blue light phototherapy converts unconjugated bilirubin into a water-soluble form that can be excreted in bile and urine.
True.
What is kernicterus?
Kernicterus is a severe and potentially fatal condition caused by deposition of unconjugated bilirubin in the brain, leading to neurological damage.
Kernicterus primarily affects the __________ nuclei in the brain.
basal ganglia
List the clinical features of kernicterus.
Lethargy.
Hypotonia or hypertonia.
Poor feeding.
High-pitched cry.
Seizures.
Developmental delay (long-term).
What are the long-term complications of kernicterus?
Cerebral palsy.
Hearing loss.
Intellectual disability.
Gaze abnormalities.
Scenario: A premature neonate presents with severe jaundice. Total serum bilirubin is significantly elevated, and the baby shows signs of lethargy and poor feeding.
Q: What is the concern, and how should it be managed?
Concern: Risk of kernicterus.
Management: Immediate phototherapy, possible exchange transfusion, close monitoring of bilirubin levels.
Name 3 key differences between physiological and pathological jaundice.
Onset: Physiological >24 hours; Pathological <24 hours.
Bilirubin levels: Physiological mild elevation; Pathological significant rise.
Resolution: Physiological resolves by 1–2 weeks; Pathological often persists.
Necrotising Enterocolitis
Acute inflammatory disease affecting preterm neonates leading to bowel necrosis and multi system organ failure
Epidemiology of Necrotising Enterocolitis
Low birth weight (1500g) - Prematurity
- Abx therapy > 10 days
- Genetic
What is the most common surgical emergency in neonates?
Necrotising Enterocolitis
Necrotising Enterocolitis commonly presents when?
the first 2 weeks of life
Symptoms of Necrotising Enterocolitis
New feed intolerance - Vomiting (+ bile) - Fresh blood in stools
Signs of Necrotising Enterocolitis
Abdominal distention - Reduced bowel sounds - Palpable abdominal mass - Visible intestinal loops - Sepsis
Ix for Necrotising Enterocolitis
Bloods + Cultures + Blood Gas+ USS + X ray
What may you find on bloods for Necrotising Enterocolitis
: thrombocytopenia, neutropenia
What may you find with Blood Gas for Necrotising Enterocolitis
: acidotic
What may you find on USS for Necrotising Enterocolitis
Air in the portal system, ascites, perforation
What may be seen on X-ray for Necrotising Enterocolitis
- Rigler’s sign: both sides of the bowel are visible due to gas in the peritoneal cavity 2. Dilated bowel loops 3. Distended bowel 4. Thickened bowel wall 5. Air outlining falciform ligament. Dilated bowel loops, portal venous gas, intramural gas
Managment of Necrotising Enterocolitis
Nil by mouth - Bowel decompression by NG tube - IV Cefotaxime - Surgery to remove necrotic bowel
STAIN - Management of Necrotising Enterocolitis
-Surgical emergency -Total parenteral nutrition -Antibiotics -IV fluids -Nil by mouth
What is gastroschisis?
Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect where the bowel herniates outside the abdomen through a defect, usually to the right of the umbilicus, without a protective membrane.
Gastroschisis is an abdominal wall defect that lacks a __________ covering the exposed bowel.
peritoneal sac
How does gastroschisis differ from omphalocele?
Gastroschisis: No peritoneal sac, bowel exposed directly to amniotic fluid.
Omphalocele: Covered by a peritoneal sac and involves midline herniation through the umbilicus.