HWN Suggests

Neonatal Emergencies

Neonatal emergencies are not uncommon problems. They appear either at the time of birth, during the in-hospital post-birth period, or at home within several weeks of discharge. In all instances they present significant diagnostic and treatment challenges to the clinician, and must be taken seriously.

A classic pneumonic used by Neonatologists and Pediatric Emergency Physicians is “THE MISFITS.”

T-Trauma (nonaccidental and accidental)
H-Heart disease/Hypovolemia/Hypoxia
E-Endocrine (congenital adrenal hyperplasia, thyrotoxicosis)
M-Metabolic (electrolyte imbalance)
I-Inborn errors of metabolism (metabolic emergencies)
S-Sepsis…

read full article

Featured

 The Sick Neonate

Neonates are a distinct population with physiological differences. The sick neonate in the ED is uncommon, but terrifying. Having an approach is the most important aspect. Rapid assessment and management is vital.

Articles of Interest

An Evidence-Based Review Of Neonatal Emergencies

It is easy to understand why the resuscitation of a neonate can be an intimidating and lonely experience for an emergency clinician.

Eliminating a silent killer — maternal and neonatal tetanus

Since 1999, there have been significant reductions in deaths: from 215,000 babies in 1999 to approximately 25,000 in 2018. Today, MNT has been eliminated in 47 out of a total of 59 at-risk countries. This success is owed to the hard work of all involved at global, regional, national and community levels.

Management of Common Newborn Emergencies

Although infection is the most reported cause of the ill appearance among neonates and young infants, there are other clinical conditions that have similar presentations and also represents serious entities of an unwell infant

Pediatric Resuscitation in 2015: Back to Basics

If the neonate remains in cardiac arrest, the new guidelines recommend continuous positive airway pressure before intubating. To avoid hypoxemia, resuscitation should begin with room air, advancing to 100 percent oxygen once CPR has been initiated. Titrate the oxygen if there is a return of spontaneous circulation.

Resources

Neonatal Intestinal Emergencies

The differential diagnosis of vomiting is extensive. Though gastrointestinal obstruction should be considered, it is helpful to think about vomiting etiologies in other systems first