Dr. Nandkishor Kabra

Conditions Related to Prematurity and Birth Weight

• Extreme Prematurity: Infants born significantly before their due date (E.g., less than 28 weeks gestation).
• Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW): Newborns weighing less than 1000 grams at birth.

Common Neonatal Respiratory Issues

• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): A common breathing disorder in premature infants caused by immature lungs and lack of surfactant.
• Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS): Respiratory distress in newborns due to inhalation of meconium (first stool) into the lungs.
• PPHN - inhaled nitric oxide therapy

Other Significant Neonatal Conditions

• Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: Jaundice in newborns, characterized by high levels of bilirubin, which can lead to kernicterus if severe.
• Neonatal Infections: Various infections affecting newborns, which can be acquired before, during, or after birth (e.g., sepsis, pneumonia).
• Perinatal Asphyxia: Lack of oxygen and blood flow to the baby's brain and other organs around the time of birth. Therapeutic hypothermia.
• Inborn Errors of Metabolism (IEM): Genetic disorders where the body cannot properly convert food into energy, leading to a buildup of toxic substances.
• Genetic Disorders: A broad category of inherited conditions that can manifest in the neonatal period.

Neonatal Care Approaches

• Preterm Newborn Care: Comprehensive medical care tailored to the unique needs of premature infants, often provided in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
• Neonatal Palliative and Supportive Care: Focuses on improving the quality of life for newborns and their families facing life-limiting or complex conditions, providing comfort and support.