Retinopathy of prematurity Alteration in vision, leading to partial or total blindness Causes Preterm birth Supplemental oxygen; typically prolonged exposure to high concentrations of oxygen or fluctuations in oxygen administration…
Respiratory distress syndrome Respiratory disorder that involves widespread alveolar collapse Most common cause of neonatal death If mild, subsides slowly after about 3 days Almost exclusively affects neonates born before…
Preterm neonate Delivery of a neonate before the end of 37 weeks’ gestation Associated with numerous problems caused by immature body systems Extent of immaturity dependant on gestational age and…
Phenylketonuria A rare hereditary condition, considered an inborn metabolic error A disease of protein metabolism characterized by the inability of the body to metabolize the essential amino acid phenylalanine Also…
Neonatal sepsis Occurs when pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins occur in the blood or tissues May occur before, during, or after delivery Causes Any bacteria, virus, or fungus Most commonly…
Necrotizing enterocolitis Inflammatory disease of the GI mucosa involving mucosal or transmucosal necrosis of part of the intestine Most commonly occurring in preterm neonates, usually between 3 and 10 days…
Meconium aspiration syndrome Fetal aspiration of meconium into the lungs; results when the neonate inhales the meconium mixed with amniotic fluid; typically occurring with the first breath or while the…
Large-for-gestational-age neonate Birth weight at or above the 90th percentile on the intrauterine growth chart Although large, neonate immature, requiring care similar to that for a preterm neonate Also called…
Hyperbilirubinemia, unconjugated Excessive serum bilirubin levels and mild jaundice The result of hemolytic processes in the neonate Can be physiologic (with jaundice the only symptom) or pathologic (resulting from an…
Hydrocephalus A variety of conditions characterized by an excess of fluid within the cranial vault, subarachnoid space, or both Occurs because of interference with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow caused by…
