Prematurity

Question 1

What are some risks of prematurity?

Answer 1

Eyes: retinopathy of prematurity
Respiratory: NRDS, apnoea, bradycardia, pnuemothorax,
Cardiovascular: hypotension, PDA
Thermoregulation: increased SA: V ratio leads to loss of heat, immature skin cannot retain heat very well
Metabolic: hypoglycaemia is common. Blood glucose should be maintained above 2.6 mmol/L, osteopenia of prematurity
Brain: Intraventricular haemorrhage, post-haemorrhagic hydrocephalus, periventricular leuomalacia, increased risk of cerebral palsy.
Nutrition: May require NG feeding if no suckling reflex
GI: GORD, NEC,

Question 2

How common is prematurity?

Answer 2

7% of babies are premature
1% are <28 weeks

Question 3

What is prematurity?

Answer 3

Born <37 weeks

Question 4

When can premature babies survive from?

Answer 4

23 weeks

Question 5

Where do premature babies need to be cared for?

Answer 5

Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) or Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Question 6

How is NRDS managed?

Answer 6

Corticosteroids
CPAP
May require home oxygen therapy

Question 7

What are the features of NRDS?

Answer 7

Ground glass CXR

Question 8

How is NEC managed?

Answer 8

Stopping feeds
Supporting circulation
Antibiotics

Question 9

How is ROP managed?

Answer 9

Laser ablation

Question 10

What is polymicrogyria?

Answer 10

A condition of abnormal brain development which may lead to seizures

Question 11

What are some neurological diseases linked to prematurity?

Answer 11

Intraventricular haemorrhage
Posthaemorrhagic hydrocephalus
Perventricular leukomalacia