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Overview of common neonatal illnesses

Dr Mrs Marcia Morayo Ihekaike

MBBS, FMCPaed, LMIH

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Definations

  • Neonate: a baby in the first 28 days of life
  • Term: a baby born between 37 weeks and 42 weeks gestation
  • Preterm: a baby born before 37 weeks of gestation
  • Post term/Postdate: a baby born after 42 weeks of gestation

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  • The neonatal period is a highly vulnerable time for an infant, who is completing many of the physiologic adjustments required for extrauterine existence.
  • The high neonatal morbidity and mortality rates attest to the fragility of life during this period.

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Common illnesses

  • Prematurity
  • Perinatal asphyxia
  • Neonatal sepsis
  • Neonatal jaundice
  • Respiratory disorders
    • Transient tachypnea of the newborn
    • Respiratory distress syndrome
    • Meconium aspiration syndrome
    • Congenital pneumonia

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Acute emergencies

  • Hypoglycaemia
  • Hypothermia
  • Hypocalcaemia
  • Anaemia

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Congenital anomalies

  • Omphalocele
  • Gastroschisis
  • Imperforate anus
  • Neural tube defects
  • Tracheo-oesophageal fistula
  • Cleft lip and palate