Low birth Weight and Prematurity.pptx

Birth weight and gestational age vs maturity

1. Prematurity By Okumu Atanas

2. Key terms Infants whose weight is appropriate for their gestational ages are termed appropriate for gestational age (AGA). Infants who are heavier than expected are termed as large for gestational age (LGA); Those smaller than expected are considered small for gestational age (SGA), and are they also usually found to be intrauterine growth restricted (IUGR) prior to birth.

3. Prematurity Prematurity is a term for the broad category of neonates born at less than 37 weeks' gestation. Preterm birth is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and the most common reason for antenatal hospitalization. For (extremely low birth weight-ELBW) premature infants born with a weight below 1000 g, the three primary causes of mortality are respiratory failure, infection, and congenital malformation.

4. Infants born with a birth weight less than 1500 g are defined as very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Low birth weight is less than 2500 g

5. Signs and symptoms Ballard Scoring System ( i ) Ear cartilage ( eg , a preterm infant at 28 weeks’ gestation has a small amount of ear cartil isage and/or a flattened pinna)

6. (ii) Sole ( eg , a preterm infant at 33 weeks’ gestation has only an anterior crease on the sole of the foot)

7. (iii) Breast tissue ( eg , a preterm infant at 28 weeks’ gestation has no breast tissue, and the areolae are barely visible

8. Laboratory studies Frequent blood glucose-hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia Complete blood count (CBC)-Anemia or polycythemia White blood cell (WBC) –infection Blood type and antibody testing (Coombs test) Serum electrolyte levels

9. Management prompt respiratory thermal management 36.5º to 37.5ºC Fluid and electrolyte management: water, glucose, calcium, TPN Monitor urine output, serum electrolyte levels, and daily weight exogenous surfactant agents, maternal steroids