Complications of prematurity Flashcards
(42 cards)
How are preterm infants defined?
Infants born before 37 completed weeks of gestation are referred to as preterm.
How does the rate of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants compare to term infants?
Preterm infants have a higher rate of morbidity and mortality than term infants.
How does the level of prematurity affect preterm infants?
The more immature the infant, the more complications they may experience and the higher the risk of mortality.
Division of complications of prematurity
- Immediate (At birth and within 24 hours of life).
- Early (1st 7 days of life).
- Late (1st month of life).
- Long term (Beyond 1st month of life).
Immediate complications
- Hypothermia
- Hypoglycemia/ Feeding problems
- Respiratory distress
Early Complications
- Infections/ Sepsis
- Jaundice
- Apnea of prematurity
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Intraventicular heamorrhage (IVH)/ Germinal Matrix Hemorrhage
Late complications
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
- Anemia of prematurity
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
- Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
- Chronic lung disease (CLD)/ Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
- Iron deficiency anemia
- Increased risk of respiratory illness and SIDS (sudden death syndrome)
Long term complications
1.Cerebral palsy, blindness, deafness
2. Cognitive and behavoural deficits
3. In growth restricted infants there is a higher chance of short
stature and metabolic syndrome (Barker hypothesis)
What is the target normal axillary temperature for preterm infants?
The target normal axillary temperature for preterm infants is 36.5 – 37.5 °C.
Define hypothermia in preterm infants.
Hypothermia in preterm infants refers to a temperature below 36.5 °C.
Why are preterm infants prone to hypothermia?
Preterm infants are prone to hypothermia due to factors such as thin skin, little subcutaneous fat tissue, large surface area to body weight ratio, and immature thermoregulatory centers in the brain.
Various causes of respiratory distress
-Hyaline membrane disease
- Wet lung syndrome
What is the timeframe for early-onset sepsis in neonates?
Early-onset sepsis occurs within the first 72 hours of life.
Why are preterm infants at particular risk for sepsis?
Preterm infants are at particular risk due to their immature immune system and diminished antibody transfer from their mothers.
When does physiological jaundice typically present in neonates?
Physiological jaundice typically presents between days 2 and 5 after birth.
What factors contribute to physiological jaundice in neonates?
- Shortened life span of the red blood cell (RBC).
- Increased hemolysis after birth.
- Immaturity of the liver and low level of hepatic enzymes responsible for the
conjugation and excretion of bilirubin
Define apnea of prematurity.
Apnea of prematurity is the cessation of breathing for 20 seconds or less, often associated with bradycardia and/or cyanosis.
Who is more commonly affected by apnea of prematurity?
Apnea of prematurity is more common in preterm infants due to the immaturity of the respiratory center.
What is the current drug of choice for the treatment of apnea in preterm infants?
Caffeine citrate is currently the drug of choice for the treatment of apnea in preterm infants.
Why is caffeine citrate preferred over other methylxanthines?
Caffeine citrate is preferred because it can be given orally as a once-a-day dose and has a wide therapeutic window.
What is intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)?
Intraventricular hemorrhage is bleeding into the ventricles of the brain, commonly seen in premature infants.
What complication may result from IVH?
IVH may lead to post-hemorrhagic hydrocephalus, a condition characterized by the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
When does necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) generally occur in premature infants?
Generally, the lower the gestational age, the later NEC occurs.
When do signs of anemia typically appear in preterm infants?
The preterm infant tends to show signs of anemia by 4-8 weeks old.
