Introduction Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) was first described ~70 years ago as retrolental fibroplasia . The introduction of closed incubators with the use of high levels of supplemental oxygen caused inhibition of the growth of retinal vessels in premature infants,…
“The eye is the light of the body; therefore, if the eye is good, then the whole body will be full of light, but if the eye is bad, then the whole body will be full of darkness.” Clinicians should…
This chapter provides an overview of the principles of newborn skin care followed by a summary of the many diseases of the newborn presenting with primary or secondary cutaneous manifestations. A basic understanding of the structural development of the skin…
In the past 25 years, the field of clinical neonatal nephrology has expanded significantly in concert with major advances and changes in the care and survival of neonates, particularly premature neonates. The widespread use of invasive vascular catheters, for example,…
Fluid and electrolyte and acid–base management are essential components in the care of neonates who are considered high risk. This is particularly true for infants with very low birth weight (VLBW) for several reasons. Premature neonates typically require parenteral fluids,…
Bilirubin is one of three biologically active end-products of heme catabolism. Its clinical significance in the neonate relates to its propensity for deposition in the skin and mucous membranes, producing easily identifiable jaundice (French jaune , yellow) or icterus (Greek…
The main problems facing the physician caring for a sick newborn infant are to know when to consider the possibility of a metabolic disorder, what to do to determine quickly and efficiently whether a child has a metabolic disease, and…
Genetic sex is determined at the time of fertilization, but carrying out the steps of sexual differentiation takes place over 14 weeks of embryonic and fetal development. An error in this process may result in a disorder of sex development…
Thyroid hormone is critical for linear growth and maturation of thyroid-dependent tissues, including the brain. Many physiologic factors influence fetal and neonatal thyroid function, including fetal–maternal relationships and the dynamic alteration of thyroid function with birth. Understanding the action of…
Approximately 98% of the calcium, 80% of the phosphorus, and 65% of the magnesium in the body are in the skeleton; these elements, often referred to as the “bone minerals,” are also constituents of the intracellular and extracellular spaces. The…