Neonatology

Neonatology is a specialized branch of pediatric medicine that focuses on the care of newborn infants, particularly those born prematurely or with medical complications. A Tertiary Level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a highly advanced healthcare facility dedicated to providing the highest level of care for critically ill or high-risk newborns. This specialized unit is equipped with advanced medical technology, a skilled multidisciplinary team, and a wealth of expertise to address the unique medical needs of these fragile infants. 

Diseases Treated By The Department

• Prematurity: Babies born before 37 weeks of gestation often require NICU care to address the challenges associated with underdeveloped organs and systems.
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Premature infants may experience RDS due to insufficient surfactant production, resulting in difficulty breathing.
• Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD): A chronic lung disease that affects premature infants who require prolonged mechanical ventilation and oxygen support.
• Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH): Bleeding into the brain's ventricles, which can occur in premature infants due to fragile blood vessels in the brain.
• Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC): A serious gastrointestinal condition characterized by inflammation and damage to the intestines, often seen in premature infants.
• Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP): An eye disorder affecting premature infants, which, if left untreated, can lead to vision impairment or blindness.
• Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN): A condition in which high blood pressure in the lungs makes it difficult for a newborn to oxygenate their blood.
• Congenital Heart Defects: Some newborns are born with heart abnormalities that require immediate or ongoing cardiac care.
• Infections: Newborns, especially those with weakened immune systems or exposure during delivery, may develop infections that require treatment with antibiotics.
• Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS): Inhaling meconium (the baby's first stool) into the lungs can lead to respiratory distress and pneumonia.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels may occur in newborns and require close monitoring and treatment with glucose solutions.
• Hyperbilirubinemia (Jaundice): Elevated bilirubin levels can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) and may require phototherapy or other interventions.
• Hypothermia: Preterm and low-birth-weight infants are at risk of hypothermia, and the NICU provides a controlled environment to maintain proper body temperature.
• Apnea of Prematurity: Premature infants may experience episodes of apnea (pauses in breathing), requiring monitoring and sometimes treatment with medications or mechanical ventilation.
• Hematologic Disorders: Conditions such as anaemia, thrombocytopenia, and coagulation disorders may affect newborns and require management.
• Metabolic Disorders: Newborns may have inherited or acquired metabolic conditions that affect their metabolism and require specialized care.
• Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): Infants born to mothers who use drugs during pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms that necessitate treatment.
• Genetic and Congenital Conditions: Newborns may be born with genetic or congenital conditions that require specialized care, genetic testing, and long-term management.
• Birth Trauma: Newborns may experience injuries during delivery, such as fractures or nerve injuries, which need treatment and monitoring.
• Neonatal Seizures: Seizures that occur in newborns often require diagnosis and treatment to identify underlying causes.

Common Procedures

• Respiratory Support: Providing various forms of respiratory support to assist premature infants with breathing, including:

1. Mechanical Ventilation: Using a ventilator to support breathing when a baby's respiratory function is compromised.
2. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP): Administering pressurized air to help keep the airways open and improve oxygenation.
3. Surfactant Administration: Delivering surfactant directly into the baby's lungs to improve lung compliance and function.

• Cardiovascular Procedures: Managing and treating cardiovascular issues in newborns, including:

1. Central Venous Catheter (CVC) Placement: Inserting a catheter into a central vein to provide medications, and nutrition, and monitor central venous pressure.
2. Arterial Line Placement: Inserting a catheter into an artery to continuously monitor blood pressure and obtain blood samples.
3. Echocardiography: Using ultrasound to assess the baby's heart structure and function, especially in cases of congenital heart defects.

• Nutritional Support: Ensuring newborns receive appropriate nutrition and hydration through various methods:

1. Total Parenteral Nutrition (TPN): Administering a solution containing essential nutrients directly into the bloodstream when a baby cannot tolerate feeding.
2. Enteral Feeding: Providing breast milk or formula through a tube that goes into the stomach (gavage feeding) or the small intestine (post-pyloric feeding).

• Medication Administration: Administering medications intravenously or via other routes to treat various medical conditions or infections.
• Intravenous (IV) Line Insertion: Placing IV lines to administer fluids, medications, or nutrition directly into the bloodstream.
• Blood Transfusions: Providing blood transfusions when necessary to address anaemia or blood disorders.
• Phototherapy: Treating newborns with jaundice by exposing them to special lights (phototherapy) to reduce elevated bilirubin levels.
• Intracranial Pressure (ICP) Monitoring: Placing specialized catheters to monitor intracranial pressure in cases of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) or neurological conditions.
• Gastrointestinal Procedures: Addressing digestive issues and monitoring gastrointestinal function, including:

1. Nasogastric (NG) or Orogastric Tube Insertion: Inserting a tube through the nose or mouth into the stomach for feeding or decompression.
2. Gastrostomy Tube Placement: Surgically creating an opening in the abdominal wall for the insertion of a feeding tube directly into the stomach.

• Oxygen Therapy: Administering supplemental oxygen through various devices, including nasal cannulas or oxygen hoods, to maintain adequate oxygen levels.
• Renal Procedures: Managing renal function and treating kidney-related issues, such as:

1. Umbilical Artery Catheterization: Placing a catheter in the umbilical artery to monitor blood pressure and administer medications or fluids.
2. Peritoneal Dialysis: Performing peritoneal dialysis to manage kidney failure in neonates.

Key Advantages

• Lifesaving Interventions: A Tertiary Level NICU provides immediate and specialized care, often making a critical difference in the survival and well-being of newborns facing complex medical challenges.
• Optimal Developmental Outcomes: Early and specialized care in a NICU setting can lead to improved developmental outcomes for premature or critically ill newborns.
• Family-Centered Care: NICUs often provide family-centered care models, including support for parents, education, and opportunities for involvement in their baby's care.
• Reduced Morbidity and Mortality Rates: The advanced care and technology available in a Tertiary Level NICU have been shown to significantly reduce the rates of morbidity and mortality in critically ill newborns.
• Emotional and Psychological Support: The emotional and psychological support provided to families during this highly stressful time is invaluable, helping them navigate through a challenging period.

Call 011-42888888 to book an appointment with a specialist at Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute.