KEY POINTS 1. The care of a sick infant must continue into childhood, and families must be guided just as diligently after discharge as they were during intensive care. 2. A continuum of care after discharge, involving dedicated multidisciplinary teams,…
KEY POINTS 1. Most infants who develop neurodevelopmental disability (NDD) are normal on examination at birth. 2. Surveillance for NDD must start with neurologic examination in the neonatal intensive care unit and continue through childhood, because early diagnosis and intervention…
KEY POINTS 1. Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission rates have increased over time, with a consequent increase in the number of extremely premature and critically ill infants who are at risk of chronic illness and mortality. 2. The death…
KEY POINTS 1. Perinatal palliative care is specialized medical care for fetuses/infants with life-threatening or terminal conditions, with the goal of providing equitable and effective support for curative, life-prolonging, and palliative care for patients and their families. 2. Perinatal hospice…
KEY POINTS 1. With a high incidence of morbidity and mortality, the care of critically ill newborns brings unique complexities in communication between the care providers and families. 2. Because newborns cannot make their wishes known, surrogates, generally parents, collaborate…
KEY POINTS 1. Perinatal palliative care (PPC) programs are increasing across the U.S. These services exist in a wide variety of settings from health care institutions to community- or faith-based organizations, have varying levels of ability and comfort in providing…
KEY POINTS 1. Parents with a history of multiple previous fetal/neonatal losses may find it difficult to care for a critically ill newborn infant. The fear of losing yet another child can be heartrending and traumatic. 2. An individual’s fundamental…
KEY POINTS 1. Esophageal surgery in neonates includes the treatment of esophageal atresia, gastroesophageal reflux, congenital esophageal stenosis, esophageal duplication, and vascular rings. 2. Esophageal atresia, with or without tracheoesophageal atresia, is the most common congenital anomaly of the esophagus,…
KEY POINTS 1. Congenital anorectal malformations and Hirschsprung disease present in neonates with symptoms of distal intestinal obstruction and distal gastrointestinal tract dysmotility. 2. Anorectal malformations are a congenital group of disorders that occur when the hindgut fails to develop…
KEY POINTS 1. Neonatal respiratory disease that requires surgery can have devastating consequences. Care for patients with these conditions involves a multidisciplinary team including neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, nurses, and respiratory therapists. 2. These surgical respiratory defects include upper airway stenosis,…