Preterm Infant Flashcards
What is considered preterm?
23-37 weeks
What is considered very pre term?
<32 weeks
What is considered extremely preterm?
<28 weeks
Potential causes of preterm birth?
Spontaneous preterm labour Multiple pregnancy Preterm prelabour rupture of membranes PIH (pregnancy induced hypertension) IUGR Antepartum haemorrhage Cervical incompetence
Risk factors for a preterm labour?
Abnormally shaped uterus Multiple pregnancy Interval of less than 6 months between pregnancies IVF Smoking, drinking, illicit drugs Poor nutrition, miscarriages, TOPs
Why can ineffective thermal regulation end up leading to hypothermia in preterm infants?
Low BMR
Minimal muscular activity
Negligible subcutaneous fat insulation
Hugh ratio of surface area to body mass
How can you keep a preterm infant warm?
Wrap or bags
Transwarmer mattress
Skin to skin
Prewarmed incubator - although increases risk of infection
Why is there increased risk of nutritional compromise in preterm infants?
Limited nutrient reserves
Gut immaturity
Immature metabolic pathways
Increased nutrient demands
What organisms can cause early onset of sepsis?
Group b strep
Gram -ve
What organisms can cause late onset of sepsis?
Coagulase -ve staphylococci
Gram -ve
Staph aureus
What is a respiratory complication of prematurity?
Respiratory distress syndrome
Primary pathology -> RDS?
Surfactant deficiency
Structural immaturity
Secondary pathology -> RDS?
Alveolar damage
Formation of exudate from leaky capillaries
Inflammation
Repair
Clinical features of RDS?
Tachypnoea Grunting Intercostal recessions Nasal flaring Cyanosis
Management of RDS?
Maternal steroid
Surfactant
Ventilation - invasive / noninvasive
