powerpoint_Neonate Complications_with Narration

Page 3: Types of Seizures

• Four Major Types:

  • Subtle Seizure:

    • Symptoms: sucking, blinking, pedaling of legs, eye deviation

  • Tonic Seizure:

    • Symptoms: extension of limbs, flexion of arms, extension of legs

    • Common in premature infants with intraventricular hemorrhage

  • Focal Clonic Seizure:

    • Symptoms: localized jerking

    • Can occur in term or premature infants

  • Myoclonic Seizure:

    • Symptoms: single or repetitive flexion jerks

Page 4: Causes of Seizures

• Common Causes:

  • Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy

  • Intracranial infections (e.g., meningitis)

  • Hypoglycemia

  • Metabolic disturbances

  • Epileptic syndromes

  • Intracranial hemorrhage

  • Developmental defects

  • Hypocalcemia

Page 5: Jitteriness vs. Seizures

• Normal Motor Activity:

  • Can be mistaken for seizures

  • Symptoms include myoclonic movements, dysconjugate eye movements, sucking movements

  • Importance of differential diagnosis

Page 6: Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)

• Overview:

  • Occurs secondary to perinatal asphyxia

  • Main cause of seizures in neonates

  • Typically manifests within the first 24 hours

  • Long-term developmental/cognitive delays possible

  • Motor impairments may develop over time

Page 7: Thermoregulation

• Basics:

  • Importance of balancing heat production and loss

  • Average normal temperature for newborns: 36.6 to 37.2°C

• Heat Loss Implications:

  • Rapid heat loss can be life-threatening

  • Evaporation is the most significant source of heat loss

  • Core temperature can decrease rapidly

Page 8: Mechanisms of Thermoregulation

• Non-shivering Thermogenesis:

  • Heat production through metabolism

  • Primary mechanism in neonates

  • Role of brown fat (thermogenic tissue unique to newborns):

    • Contains mitochondria, more capillaries

    • Stores around scapula, kidneys, adrenal glands, neck and axilla

Page 9: Prevention of Heat Loss

• Immediate Care Steps:

  • Dry newborn immediately after birth

  • Encourage skin-to-skin contact with parent; swaddle if needed

  • covering the heads and back (since the brown cells are stored around organs and areas near the back or the head)

  • Optimal room temperature: 23-24°C

  • Ensure environment is closed to minimize heat loss

Page 10: Fever in Neonates

• Definition:

  • Rectal temperature greater than 38°C

  • Oral: 37.4°C; Axillary: 36.9°C

• Concerns:

  • Neonates may exhibit hypothermia instead of fever

  • Potential for hypoglycemia and metabolic acidosis

  • Importance of identifying serious infections (e.g., UTI, meningitis, pneumonia)

Page 11: Management of Fever

• Observation:

  • Monitor for rashes and vital signs

  • Remove extra clothing, improve ventilation

  • Assess last dose of fever management medication (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)

Page 12: Hypothermia in Neonates

• Definition:

  • Body temperature drop < 36°C

• Risk Factors:

  • Higher risk in low birth weight infants

  • High sensitivity to environmental changes

  • Increased metabolic function can lead to hypoglycemia/hypoxemia

Page 13: Signs and Transport for Hypothermia

• Symptoms:

  • NEONATES DO NOT SHIVER

  • Pale skin, cool to touch, acrocyanosis, respiratory distress, bradycardia

  • Initial irritability can progress to lethargy

• Pre-hospital Care:

  • Ambulance temperature settings: 24-26°C

  • Dry and swaddled

  • rapid transport required

Page 14: Hypoglycemia in Newborns

• Definition:

  • Blood glucose < 2.6 mmol/l

• Causes:

  • Limited glycogen stores (8-12 hours)

  • Often catastrophic for brain function; higher risks in specific populations (premature, low weight)

Page 15: Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

• Typical Symptoms:

  • Cyanosis, irritability, apnea, poor feeding

  • Severe manifestations: lethargy, seizures, coma

  • Can also cause tachycardia, tachypnea, vomiting

Page 16: Vomiting in Newborns

• Occurrence:

  • 85% vomit in the first week, 10% by 6 weeks

  • Range from spitting up to projectile vomiting (fun…)

• Clinical Implications:

  • Most episodes benign; however, persistent vomiting warrants attention

  • Blood presence may indicate serious conditions

Page 17: Diarrhea in Newborns

• Warning Signs of Severe Cases:

  • Poor general appearance

  • Vital sign abnormalities and extended capillary refill

  • Dry mucous membranes, weight loss, low urine output

Page 18: Conclusion and Resources

• Questions:

  • Encourage students to engage via discussion board or during synchronous sessions for further clarification on topics.