Rhesus incompatibility results from maternal anti-Rh antibodies binding to fetal RBCs, causing hemolysis. It ranges from moderate hemolytic anaemia to hydrops fetalis (stillbirth) Definition of terms Term Definition Erythroblastosis fetalis This is a life-threatening anaemia due to severe hemolysis. It…
Croup, also known as laryngotracheobronchitis, is an inflammation of the tracheobronchial airway. It has a more severe presentation, particularly in young infants who have a narrower airway. Croup accounts for up to 15% of pediatric URTI Emergency Department visits. It…
Laryngitis is inflammation of the larynx.
Bacterial tracheitis is a diffuse infection and inflammation of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi. It may have a similar presentation as croup – a barking cough, stridor, and fever in a patient who is under 3 years of age –…
Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a serious neurological condition that is caused by inadequate cerebral oxygen supply (asphyxiation). It is commonly associated with perinatal asphyxia, but can also be caused by severe systemic hypoxia and cardiac arrest (in adults). HIE is…
Apnoea of prematurity is a developmental disorder of respiratory control that occurs in preterm infants born at < 34 weeks’ gestational age. Apnoea of prematurity is defined as: Its prevalence is inversely related to gestational age. At < 28 weeks,…
Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is characterized by failure of normal pulmonary vascular transition at birth, leading to increased pulmonary vascular resistance, right-to-left shunting, and severe hypoxaemia despite adequate ventilation. Types of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn…
Transient tachypnoea of the newborn is a mild, temporary respiratory distress caused by retained fluid in the lungs. It is self-limited, presenting within 2 hours of delivery and resolving within 72 hours. It is the most common cause of neonatal…
Meconium aspiration syndrome is a serious condition that is caused by aspiration of amniotic fluid containing meconium, leading to complete or partial airway obstruction, chemical pneumonitis, and surfactant dysfunction. This results in severe respiratory distress. It commonly occurs in significant…
The lungs are the most common site of infection in the neonate. The infectious organisms are commonly acquired from the vaginal tract.