NICU Infant Weights
An infant in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, or NICU, has their weight measured on a daily basis.  An infant or premature baby’s weight is an important number to know, as it can affect everything from diet and nutrition to medications.
Neonatologists and Pediatricians will carefully monitor an NICU infant’s weight to determine the best possible care plan.  Many parents with babies in the NICU generally expect to see a weight in pounds.  However, in the NICU, the common measurement used is actually in grams.   Measuring in grams is a far more …

NICU
Cor Pulmonale in Infancy
Cor Pulmonale is defined as when the right side of the heart fails to function properly, usually as a result of long-term blood pressure in the right side of the heart, as well as the pulmonary arteries.  The right side of the heart normally functions by pumping blood at a lower blood pressure, when compared to the left side of the heart, which pumps blood to the rest of the body at a higher pressure.  When a condition increases the blood pressure rate of the right side …

Neonatal ICU
Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)
Adrenoleukodystrophy, or ALD, is a genetic disorder that causes damage to the myelin sheath, which is a membrane that surrounds the brain’s nerve cells.  Infants and adults who suffer from ALD build up high levels of saturated, very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA) in the brain and and adrenal cortex because they lack the ability to break these fats down.  There is an enzyme produced to break these fats down, and people with ALD have a defiency of this enzyme.  With decreasing myelin and a poor functioning adrenal …

Neonatal – NICU
Subglottic Stenosis in Neonates, Infants, Children
Subglottic stenosis refers to a narrowing of the airway in an infant just below the vocal cords, which is called the subglottis.  There are two causes of subglottic stenosis, the first being congenital, meaning the defect happened in utero, or while the infant was still developing inside the mother.  This is called congenital subglottic stenosis.  Congenital subglottic stenosis happens when the airway cartilege develops abnormally before birth.
The second cause can be related to scarring from intubation.
Signs of Subglottic Stenosis

Loud breathing, also known as …

Neonatal Birth Asphyxia – NICU
Birth asphyxia refers to when a baby does not recieve enough oxygen at birth, and/or the time immediately before or after delivery.  Birth asphyxia can be very serious, so immediate treatment is usually necessary.
The causes of asphyxia at birth can include the following:
Before and during birth

Low levels of oxygen in the mother’s blood due to heart or respiratory issues, or slower breathing from maternal medication at delivery.
Decreased bloodflow due to compression of the umbilical cord.
Poor placenta function that is associated with post 42 weeks gestation and high blood …

NICU Infant Atelectasis
Infant atelectasis refers to when a newborn baby or premature infant is born without the ability to inflate one (or both) of his or her lungs.  The condition is most common with premature infants, and due to underdeveloped lungs found in neonates, they are commonly placed on a ventilator (breathing machine), to help them breathe.
In the instance where infant atelectasis is caused due to a blockage, the airway can be cleared of blockages by suction, allowing for the lung to expand on its own.

NICU Cleft Lip, Cleft Palate
Cleft Palate is a birth defect and condition where the roof of the mouth and the upper lip do not connect before birth.  The severity of the condition can vary, but infants born with a cleft palate, or cleft lip, may have difficulty eating, and later on in life may face hardships with talking and hearing.
Both defects are generally unmistakable, and treatment is usually surgery to repair the connection between the roof of the mouth and the upper lip.  This is usually done in several stages, …

NICU Neonatal Sepsis
Sepsis in general terms means that there is a critical bacterial infection in the neonate’s system that can cause serious issues, potentially even leading to death.  It can affect many parts of the pretmature infant’s body, including the intestines, lungs, and brain.
The bacterial infection that causes sepsis can originate in a number of places, including the intestines, lungs, or skin.  Because premature infants have extremely weak immune systems, they are particularly vulnerable to bacterial infections.
Life support and life saving procedures commonly associated with premature infants, such as intubations, …

NICU – Hyperbilirubinemia (Jaundice)
Jaundice in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is also called hyperbilirubinemia, meaning that there is a higher than normal amount of bilirubin in the baby’s body.  Bilirubin is a pigment in the blood that makes an infant’s skin look yellow.
What causes jaundice?
When an infant is born, bilirubin is passed through the liver and removed from the infant’s blood, then eliminated when the baby stools.   Jaundice occurs when the liver cannot remove all the bilirubin and it builds up in the blood, causing the skin to look yellow.
In …

NICU Bradycardia
Bradycardia in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit refers to the temporary slowing down of an infant’s heart rate.  This can result from several issues, including apnea.  Extra precaution is taken while NICU staff determines the cause of the bradycardia.
Bradycardia is treated by addressing the underlying issue causing the slower heart rate.  Until the cause of the bradycardia is determined, it is unlikely that the infant will be discharged from the NICU.
In the event that the bradycardia is related to a heart defect, the infant may be seen by a …