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.
A spontaneous pneumothorax occurs in 1% of all deliveries
A congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a failure of the diaphragmatic tissue to fuse, resulting in a defect that allows abdominal contents to herniate into the thoracic cavity. The main issue with congenital diaphragmatic hernias is respiratory insufficiency due to…
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a non-invasive ventilation that delivers constant positive pressure throughout inspiration and expiration. This helps to maintain end-expiratory alveolar pressure, preventing atelectasis and improving gas exchange. It is administered to a spontaneously breathing patient –…
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia is a chronic lung disease affecting premature infants. It is characterised by parenchymal lung injury and arrested lung development. It is diagnosed in: Severity is assessed at 36 weeks postmenstrual age Severity Description Mild No supplemental oxygen required…
Breast Milk Jaundice Breast milk jaundice is caused by an enzyme in breast milk that delays bilirubin conjugation. The enzyme Beta Glucuronidase contained in breast milk promotes enterohepatic circulation by causing de-conjugation of bilirubin and reabsorption. It is essentially a…