Question

q1:

Describe the possible newborn complications and its management:

Answer 1

NEW BORN COMPLICATIONS

New born complication is defined as the problems or risk to the health of the baby that occurs during birth. There are different new born complications present . These may include

• Birth defects
• Birth injuries
• Transient tachypnea
• Hypoglycemia
• Jaundice

BIRTH DEFECTS

Birth defect is defined as the condition that happens to the baby when the baby is developing in the uterus of the mother.

1. Congenital heart defects

Congenital heart defects have a variety of causes which includes genetic abnormalities or a mistake during fetal development. It is characterised by rapid heart beat, breathing difficulties, feeding problems, swelling in the legs, abdomen or eyes, pale grey or blusih skin

Treatment: Most of the heart defects can be corrected or improved through surgery, drugs or a mechanical aid like a pacemaker

2. Clubfoot

Clubfoot includes several kinds of ankle and foot deformities. It is a combination of heredity and environmental factors that affect fetal growth

Treatment: In mild case, treatment starts immediately after diagnosis and involves gently forcing the foot into the correct position and helping the child do special exercises

Often the baby needs drasric treatments such as plaster casts, bandaging with splints etc.

3. Cleft lip

It is caused from genrtic and environmental factors

Treatment: Surgical repair for a cleft lip should be done .

4. Spina bifida

It is caused by a malformation of a neural tube that prevents the backbone from closing completely dural fetal development

Treatment: surgery, exercise the baby's legs, prepare the baby to walk with leg braces and crutches

5. Sickle cell disease

It affects hemoglobin. Instead of their normal round shape, they look like bananas or sickles

Treatment: cannot be cured

6. Phenylketonuria

The child is missing crucial enzyme that breaks down a protein called phenylalanine.

Treatment: Strict diet, Regular blood tests of phenylalanine should be dne

BIRTH INJURIES

Birth injuries is defined as the injuries which occurs to the baby during delivery

1. Cerebral palsy

It is caused by a brain injury during delivery

Treatment: No cure. treatments can manage symptoms

2. Erb's palsy

It is a type of birth injury characterized by paralysis of the hand, arm or shoulder

Tretment: often makes full recovery without treatment, sometimes need surgery to recover completely

3. Infant cephalohematoma

When blood is pooled around the brain due to bleeding, it is called cephalohematoma.

Treatment: surgery

TRANSIENT TACHYPNEA

It is a mild breathing problem. It is short lived and usually goes away without treatment in 3 days or less

Treatment: supplemental oxygen, tube feeding, IV fluid, continuous positive airway pressure

HYPOGLYCEMIA

Hypoglycemia occurs when the blood sugar level is too low. It can cause shakiness, blue tint to the skin, breathing and feeding problems.

Treatment: Fast acting source of glucose is given, IV glucose

JAUNDICE

It occurs when there is too much bilirubin in the baby's blood.

It makes baby's skin, eyes, and other tissues turn yellow.

Treatment: Photo therapy, Fiber optic blanket, Exchange transfusion,Feeding with breastmilk