Complications of the Newborn

Flashcards covering the classification of infants, maturity scoring, respiratory and gastrointestinal complications, hyperbilirubinemia, congenital anomalies, and substance abuse disorders based on the lecture notes.

Full Term Infant

An infant born between $37\ 0/7$ and $40\ 6/7$ weeks of gestation.

Late Term Infant

An infant born between $41\ 0/7$ and $41\ 6/7$ weeks of gestation.

Post Term Infant

An infant born at $42\ 0/7$ weeks or later.

Extremely Preterm Infant

An infant born at less than $28$ weeks of gestation.

Late Preterm Infant

An infant born between $34$ and $36$ weeks of gestation.

Ballard Scoring

A standardized tool used to estimate gestational age by assessing neuromuscular and physical maturity.

IUGR

Intrauterine growth restricted; a classification for infants who do not reach their growth potential in utero.

Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)

A respiratory complication resulting from the fetus aspirating sterile, viscous, dark greenish-brown meconium before or during birth.

Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)

A respiratory condition unique to term infants caused by delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid, characterized by a respiratory rate $> 60\,\text{breaths/min}$.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)

A complication primarily affecting preterm infants that requires aggressive respiratory support and can lead to Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD).

Preterm Labor Medications

Corticosteroids and magnesium sulfate, which are administered to significantly improve outcomes in the premature infant.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

An acute inflammatory disease of the GI mucosa often complicated by bowel necrosis and perforation; more than $90\%$ of cases occur in preterm infants.

Protective factors against NEC

Breastmilk and probiotics.

Unconjugated Bilirubin

A form of bilirubin that has not been processed by the liver and has the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Hyperbilirubinemia Screening Threshold

A total serum bilirubin (blood heelstick) is sent if transcutaneous screening is within $3\,mg/dL$ of the phototherapy threshold.

Omphalocele

A congenital gastrointestinal anomaly where the bowel remains within the umbilical cord.

Gastroschisis

A congenital gastrointestinal anomaly where the bowel is located outside the abdomen.

Finnegan Scale

A diagnostic scale used to score Central Nervous System, Metabolic/Vasomotor/Respiratory, and Gastrointestinal disturbances in infants with Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS).

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) Pharmacotherapy

Medications including morphine (rescue or maintenance), phenobarbital, and clonidine used to manage withdrawal symptoms.

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) Facial Features

Physical markers including a low nasal bridge, small eye openings, short nose, thin upper lip, and an indistinct philtrum.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD)

A wide range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive impairments caused by prenatal alcohol exposure that can last a lifetime.