Key Points What we have termed “necrotizing enterocolitis” (NEC) is not a discrete entity but, rather, a manifestation of different forms of intestinal injury that can lead to intestinal necrosis. To make progress in terms of prevention, a better delineation…
Key Points Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is almost universal in neonates. It is a physiologic process secondary to frequent spontaneous transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation, relatively large volume liquid diet, and age-specific body positioning. Preterm infants have relative immaturity of neural…
Key Points Gastroschisis is a congenital abdominal wall defect located just to the right of the umbilicus. The bowel that herniates out of the abdomen is not covered by a membrane. Fetuses and newborns with a gastroschisis have a low…
Key Points Small inclusion cysts in the oral cavity are common in newborns and almost always resolve without treatment. Suspect the diagnosis of esophageal atresia when there is feeding difficulty with an inability to pass a tube from the nose…
Key Points Early use of parenteral nutrition in the very low birth weight (VLBW) neonate minimizes nutrient store losses and improves growth outcomes. Initial support goals include glucose infusion of 4 to 8 mg/kg/min, amino acids at 2 to 3…
Key Points Early protein intake is associated with improved growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in premature infants; achieving adequate intake requires a combined parenteral and enteral approach. Mother’s own milk (MOM) is the preferred diet for preterm infants; further research is…
Key Points Neonatal seizures are common. Clinical assessment alone is insufficient for diagnosis, and EEG evaluation is necessary. Seizures are often symptomatic of an underlying cause requiring investigation. Confirmed seizures should be treated with antiseizure medications. Neonatal Seizures Seizures in…
Key Points Evaluation of neonatal hypotonia includes neuromuscular conditions, and the diagnostic work-up should be approached in a stepwise manner. A normal creatine phosphokinase does not completely rule out muscle disease. Electromyography is useful in the diagnostic evaluation of hypotonia…
Key Points Perinatal stroke is a vascular event causing focal interruption of blood supply and can be categorized based on the vascular distribution of stroke (arterial or venous), age at the time of stroke, and age at presentation. When a…
Key Points Neonatal encephalopathy is a clinical syndrome that can result from a variety of underlying causes. Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a major cause of neonatal brain injury and mortality worldwide. Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy are useful…