Neonatology Flashcards
Definition of preterm, v.preterm and extremely preterm
Preterm: 23-37wks
V.preterm: 23-32wks
Extremely preterm: 23-27wks
What are the risk factors for preterm?
>1baby Problems with uterus or cervix Maternal htn, diabetes, clotting disorders Infections Smoking, alcohol
Normal HR and RR for babies <1yr
HR: 120-160
RR: 30-60
What is the use of cord clamping in premature baby management?
Cord clamping ok if baby is ok and can be kept warm.
Pause for at least 1 min to allow placental transfusion and use this time to assess baby.
What is the difference in resuscitation between term and preterm infants?
Term: should commence in air.
Preterm: a low conc of O2 (21-30%) should be used initially for resuscitation at birth. If in spite of effective ventilation oxygenation remains unacceptable higher O2 can be considered.
What is the sequence of actions in neonatal resuscitation?
- Keep baby warm and assess
- Airway
- Breathing
- Chest compressions
- Drugs
Action in neonatal resuscitation: Keep baby warm and assess?
Delay in cord clamping if uncompromised Maintain temp 36.5-37.5 APGAR Reassess breathing and HR every 30s HR key observation: if there is an improvement in baby, there will be an increase in HR
Action in neonatal resuscitation: Airway
Head in neutral position
Assess for obstruction with mucus, blood, meconium, vernix
Action in neonatal resuscitation: Breathing
Most babies have good HR after birth and establish breathing by 90s
If baby not breathing adequately, 5 inflation breaths
If HR increases, assume lungs aerated
Action in neonatal resuscitation: when should chest compressions commence?
If HR <60 or absent after 5 effective breaths or 30s of effective ventilation
Action in neonatal resuscitation: Chest compressions
Two thumbs on lower end of sternum
Compression: inflation, 3:1
Which is low admission temp significant?
Independent risk factor for neonatal death
Why is thermal regulation ineffective in the preterm baby?
Low BMR
Minimal muscular activity
Subcut fat insulation negligible
High ratio of S.A to body mass
Which 3 factors influence temp control in the neonate?
Hypothermia
Hypoxia
Hypoglycaemia
What is gestational correction?
The age that the child would have been if the pregnancy was at term:
40weeks- no weeks gestation
e.g:
40-28wks=12wks-3months
Today aged 6months
corrected age: 6months-3months=
3 months corrected age
How long is corrected age used?
1year for infants born 32-36wks
2years for infants <32wks
What is the time of onset in neonatal sepsis?
Early onset: due to bacterial spread acquired before and during delivery.
Late onset: acquired after delivery
What are some of the causative organisms in neonatal sepsis?
GBS
Gram -ve (Ecoli, Klebsiella)
Gram +ve (Staph Aureus, Strep Pneumoniae)
How does early onset neonatal sepsis arise?
- <48hrs after birth
- Bacteria ascends birth canal + invades amniotic fluid
- Baby secondarily infected as lungs are in direct contact with infected amniotic fluid
- These babies have pneumonia/sepsis
- Risk increased if PPROM, mother fever
How does early onset neonatal sepsis present clinically?
Respiratory distress
Aponea
Temperature instability
What are the investigations and management of early onset neonatal sepsis?
- CXR and septic screen
- Abx started prior to culture results
- IV Abx to cover: GBS, listeria, gram -ve, gram +ve
- If cultures and CRP -ve and baby clinically well, stop Abx after 48hrs.
- If culture +ve or any neurological signs–> CSF exam and culture
How does late onset neonatal infection arise?
- > 48hrs after birth, baby’s environmental source
- Nosocomial or NICU due to CVC
- CoNS most common pathogen
What is the tx of late onset neonatal infection?
- Initial Abx to cover Staph and gram-ve bacilli.
- Use of prolonged or broad spectrum Abx predisposes to invasive fungal infections in premature babies.
How does neonatal meningitis present?
- Uncommon, high mortality
- Bulging fontanelle
- Hyperextension of head and back