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…

Nipple tenderness Nipple tenderness is very common in the first week. It can be exacerbated by soaps and fabrics that irritate the skin. Insufficient milk “Not enough milk for the baby.” The best indicator that the baby is getting enough…

The most reliable method of estimating gestation age is using the last normal menstrual period (LNMP). Other methods include sonography, or the Ballard method, post-partum. Small for gestational age (SGA) is not synonymous with low birth weight (LBW). SGA implies…

Neonates delivered with apnoea require resuscitation. Effective resuscitation can prevent most neonatal deaths at birth. The first 60 seconds are the most critical (golden minute) – positive pressure ventilation should be started during this period. Definition of terms Term Definition…

Virginia Apgar (1909-1974) is credited with the scoring system used to determine whether the baby is responding to resuscitative efforts and the baby’s status at delivery. It is NOT a predictor of long-term outcome, but is likely a predictor of…