Health Education For New Parents- Protecting Baby From Accidents And Infections

 Neonatology  No Responses »
Nov 182012
 

It is an important responsibility of  doctors and health providers to train and inform new parents how to take care of their children and take appropriate measures to protect them from any accident or infections.

Here is a brief summary of those important points that should be explained to every parent.

1. Keep small objects out of your baby’s reach.

2. Stay with your baby when he/she is eating or drinking.

3. Make sure your baby’s cot and mattress are in good condition and that the mattress fits the cot properly.

4. Install at least one smoke alarm.

5. Plan a way to escape a fire with your baby.

6. Never leave your baby alone in bath or near water.

7. Immunize your baby.

8. Make sure your baby cannot reach hot drinks, kettle or iron flex.

9. Only use toy’s suitable for your baby’s age.

10. Never shake your baby- ask for help if crying gets too much.

11. Use a properly fitted baby car seat that is the right size for your baby.

12. Do not use a baby walker. Continue reading »

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Initial Laboratory Evaluation Of Respiratory Distress In Newborn

 Neonatology  No Responses »
Aug 312012
 

A newborn baby may present to the pediatric nursery with respiratory distress that is manifested by tachypnea, intercostal retractions, reduced air exchange, cyanosis, expiratory grunting and nasal flaring. These are all non specific responses to an underlying serious illness. The following tests are needed in the initial evaluation:

1. Chest Radiograph:

To determine reticular granular pattern of Respiratory distress syndrome; to determine presence of pneumothorax, cardiomegaly and any life threatening congenital anomalies.

2. Arterial Blood Gases:

To determine the severity of respiratory compromise, hypoxemia and hypercapnia and type of acidosis; the severity helps in the treatment strategy.

3. Complete Blood Count:

hemoglobin and hematocrit to determine anemia and polycythemia; white blood cell count to determine neutropenia and underlying sepsis; platelet count and blood smear to rule out DIC.

4. Blood Culture:

To recover the potential pathogen and also helpful to start the specific treatment against the involved organism.

5. Blood Glucose:

To determine presence of hypoglycemia, which may produce or occur simultaneously with respiratory distress and if present should be treated immediately. Also sometimes patient has stress hyperglycemia . Continue reading »

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Causes Of Hypotonia In The Newborn

 Neonatology  No Responses »
Aug 272012
 

A newborn child may be hypotonic and a number of different causes are associated with this condition. The following are the important causes of hypotonia in a newborn child.

Central Causes

  • Neonatal encephalopathy
  • Intracranial haemorrhage
  • Infection – generalized sepsis, meningitis, encephalitis.
  • Chromosomal abnormalities – trisomy 21, 18 or 13.
  •  Structural brain abnormalities – neuronal migration disorders etc
  • Metabolic diseases – amino and organic acidaemias, urea cycle defects, galactosemia, non-ketotic hyperglycinaemia, mitochondrial disorders.
  • Drugs – opiates, barbiturates benzodiazepienes etc
  • Prader-Willi syndrome
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Early Kernicterus

Spinal Cord Lesions

  • Trauma to the cervical spinal cord during delivery- usually involves traction and rotation with forceps. Continue reading »
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