Fetal and Neonatal Physiology

Pathophysiology of Kernicterus

Introduction Jaundice is a common transitional phenomenon in newborn infants and may have been first described in the Chinese textbook On the Origins and Symptoms of Diseases written in CE 610. It is not clear when the association between neonatal…

Pathophysiology of Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Introduction Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) follows fetal hypoxic/ischemic stress that leads to intestinal peristalsis, meconium release, contamination of the amniotic fluid, and gasping respirations, which causes aspiration of noxious meconium-stained fluid deep into the fetal lung. Aspiration of meconium manifests…

Pathophysiology of Apnea of Prematurity

Epidemiology and Definition of Apnea Definition Apnea is an almost universal manifestation of immature respiratory control in premature infants. Such infants may experience respiratory pauses of varying duration, with decreasing gestational age increasing vulnerability to such events. Short respiratory pauses…