Surgical Disorders in the Neonate and Congenital Cardiac Defects

This set of flashcards comprehensively covers the key concepts from lectures on surgical disorders in neonates, congenital cardiac defects, and surfactant therapy. Each card addresses critical conditions, symptoms, and treatment strategies important for exam preparation.

What is choanal atresia and its types?

Choanal atresia is an obstruction of the posterior nasal apertures, which can be unilateral (most common) or bilateral (a neonatal emergency).

What immediate action should be taken for a neonate in distress due to choanal atresia?

An oral airway should be immediately inserted to stabilize the neonate.

What syndromes are associated with choanal atresia?

Colobomas, congenital heart defects, retarded development, genital hyperplasia, and ear anomalies are part of the CHARGE syndrome associated with choanal atresia.

What is macroglossia and its associated conditions?

Macroglossia is an enlarged tongue associated with Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, hypothyroidism, and inborn errors of metabolism.

What are the typical presentations of severe airway obstruction in neonates?

Stridor, speech impairment, feeding intolerance, drooling, and respiratory distress from airway obstruction.

What are the main characteristics of laryngeal cleft?

Laryngeal cleft is an abnormal connection between the larynx-trachea and hypopharynx-esophagus, often diagnosed with cyanosis during feeding and recurrent pneumonia.

How is esophageal atresia suspected in neonates?

Esophageal atresia may be suspected with polyhydramnios and an abnormally small stomach on prenatal imaging.

What is the most common type of tracheoesophageal fistula?

The most common type is proximal esophageal atresia with distal tracheoesophageal fistula (Type C), occurring in 86% of cases.

What is congenital diaphragmatic hernia and its diagnosis?

Congenital diaphragmatic hernia is a defect formed when the pleura and peritoneum do not fuse properly, diagnosed through prenatal ultrasound or chest radiography.

What are the implications of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)?

A PDA leads to left-to-right shunt after birth, increasing pulmonary blood flow and is more common in premature infants.

What is the function of surfactant in the lungs?

Surfactant reduces surface tension, preventing alveolar collapse and allowing for easier lung expansion during breathing.

What is required for the successful treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in neonates?

Prophylactic or rescue surfactant therapy is used within the first hours of life, especially for preterm infants.

How does hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) affect blood flow?

HLHS leads to reliance on the right ventricle to supply blood to the body since the left heart structures are underdeveloped.

What are the main treatment strategies for congenital cardiac anomalies?

Treatment strategies include surgical repair, pharmacological management (e.g., diuretics), and interventions like prostaglandin E1 to keep the PDA open.

What is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect?

Tetralogy of Fallot is the most common cyanotic congenital heart defect presenting with four key anatomical abnormalities.

What clinical presentations are associated with aortic stenosis?

Presentation includes hypotension, cardiogenic shock, and pulmonary edema, particularly if dependent on PDA flow.

What impact does surfactant dysfunction have on acute lung injury?

Surfactant dysfunction can lead to increased surface tension in the alveoli, resulting in worsened gas exchange and respiratory failure.