Prematurity Flashcards
What is the definition of a preterm infant?
An infant born before 37 weeks of gestation.
What is the definition of low birth weight (LBW)?
Birth weight less than 2500 grams.
What is the definition of very low birth weight (VLBW)?
Birth weight between 1000 and 1500 grams.
What is the definition of extremely low birth weight (ELBW)?
Birth weight less than 1000 grams.
What is the most common cause of preterm birth?
Fetal distress, multiple gestation, and maternal infections.
What is the most common respiratory problem in preterm infants?
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).
What is the primary cause of RDS?
Surfactant deficiency in the lungs.
What is the typical presentation of RDS?
Tachypnea, grunting, retractions, nasal flaring, and cyanosis.
What is the treatment for RDS?
Surfactant replacement therapy and mechanical ventilation.
What is the typical presentation of apnea of prematurity?
Cessation of breathing for >20 seconds, often with bradycardia and cyanosis.
What is the treatment for apnea of prematurity?
Methylxanthines (e.g., caffeine) and continuous monitoring.
What is the most common cause of hypoglycemia in preterm infants?
Decreased glucose stores and increased glucose utilization.
What is the treatment for neonatal hypoglycemia?
IV dextrose (10%) and frequent enteral feeding.
What is the typical presentation of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?
Abdominal distension, bilious vomiting, bloody stools, and systemic instability.
What is the treatment for NEC?
NPO (nothing by mouth), antibiotics, and surgical intervention if perforation occurs.
What is the typical presentation of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants?
Hypotension, apnea, and seizures, often detected by cranial ultrasound.
What is the typical presentation of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)?
Chronic lung disease requiring oxygen therapy beyond 28 days of life.
What is the typical presentation of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)?
Abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina, leading to potential blindness.
What is the typical presentation of osteopenia of prematurity?
Fractures, rickets, and poor bone mineralization due to calcium and phosphate deficiency.
What is the typical presentation of anemia of prematurity?
Pallor, poor feeding, and lethargy due to decreased red blood cell production.
What is the treatment for anemia of prematurity?
Iron supplementation and, in severe cases, blood transfusion.
What is the typical presentation of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants?
Heart murmur, widened pulse pressure, and respiratory distress.
What is the treatment for PDA?
Indomethacin or surgical ligation if medical treatment fails.
What is the typical presentation of neonatal sepsis?
Temperature instability, respiratory distress, and poor feeding.
What is the treatment for neonatal sepsis?
Broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care.
What is the typical presentation of neonatal jaundice?
Yellow discoloration of the skin and sclera due to hyperbilirubinemia.
What is the treatment for neonatal jaundice?
Phototherapy and, in severe cases, exchange transfusion.
What is the typical presentation of hypothermia in preterm infants?
Temperature <36.5°C, lethargy, and poor feeding.
What is the treatment for hypothermia in preterm infants?
Warming measures (e.g., radiant warmer, skin-to-skin care).
What is the typical presentation of hyperbilirubinemia in preterm infants?
Jaundice, lethargy, and poor feeding due to elevated bilirubin levels.
What is the treatment for hyperbilirubinemia?
Phototherapy and, in severe cases, exchange transfusion.
What is the typical presentation of neonatal hypoglycemia?
Jitteriness, seizures, and poor feeding due to low blood glucose levels.
What is the treatment for neonatal hypoglycemia?
IV dextrose (10%) and frequent enteral feeding.
What is the typical presentation of neonatal hypocalcemia?
Jitteriness, seizures, and poor feeding due to low calcium levels.
What is the treatment for neonatal hypocalcemia?
Calcium gluconate IV and oral calcium supplementation.
What is the typical presentation of neonatal hyperglycemia?
Polyuria, dehydration, and poor feeding due to high blood glucose levels.
What is the treatment for neonatal hyperglycemia?
Insulin therapy and adjustment of IV fluids.
What is the typical presentation of neonatal polycythemia?
Plethora, respiratory distress, and hypoglycemia due to high hematocrit levels.
What is the treatment for neonatal polycythemia?
Partial exchange transfusion if symptomatic.
What is the typical presentation of neonatal thrombocytopenia?
Petechiae, bruising, and bleeding due to low platelet counts.
What is the treatment for neonatal thrombocytopenia?
Platelet transfusion if bleeding or very low platelet counts.
What is the typical presentation of neonatal neutropenia?
Increased risk of infection due to low neutrophil counts.
What is the treatment for neonatal neutropenia?
Antibiotics and, in severe cases, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).
What is the typical presentation of neonatal meningitis?
Fever, lethargy, seizures, and poor feeding due to CNS infection.
What is the treatment for neonatal meningitis?
Broad-spectrum antibiotics and supportive care.
What is the typical presentation of neonatal pneumonia?
Respiratory distress, fever, and poor feeding due to lung infection.
What is the treatment for neonatal pneumonia?
Antibiotics and respiratory support.
What is the typical presentation of neonatal urinary tract infection (UTI)?
Fever, poor feeding, and failure to thrive due to kidney or bladder infection.
What is the treatment for neonatal UTI?
Antibiotics and hydration.
What is the typical presentation of neonatal conjunctivitis?
Redness, discharge, and swelling of the eyes due to infection.
What is the treatment for neonatal conjunctivitis?
Topical or systemic antibiotics depending on the cause.
