The discharge readiness of infants is usually determined by the demonstration of achieving several minimum functional competencies. These competencies include (1) thermoregulation; (2) control of breathing without apnea, bradycardia, or…
The development of exogenous surfactant therapy in the early 1990s was a historic advance in neonatology that led to significant reductions in neonatal mortality. Exogenous surfactant therapy is now routinely…
Introduction The advent of the specialty of neonatology has promoted the care and survival of ever-increasing numbers of extremely small newborns. These patients have a whole host of complex anatomic…
Endogenous nitric oxide (NO) is important for the regulation of vascular tone. The enzyme NO synthase generates NO from L-arginine. NO then activates guanyl cyclase and increases the production of…
Introduction Hemodynamic problems are frequent in infants undergoing neonatal intensive care. The evaluation and treatment of such problems must take into account the developmental physiology of the neonatal cardiovascular system,…
The neonatal patient requiring surgery presents a unique challenge in the delivery of safe and effective airway management, ventilation, sedation, and anesthesia. The physiology of the neonate is unique and…
Acknowledgment We would like to acknowledge Dr. Dharmapuri Vidyasagar for his contributions in the earlier edition of this chapter. The first chapter in this book describes the historical origins of…
Acknowledgment We would like to acknowledge Dr. Kristen Melton and Dr. Gary Pettett for their contributions in the earlier edition of this chapter. Important Role of the Transport Team The…
Introduction Infant chronic lung disease, or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), is a debilitating lung disease that occurs in premature infants. Since the nineteen seventies, advances in neonatal intensive care have led…
Introduction Pharmacologic agents are often used during mechanical ventilation of newborn infants to achieve various therapeutic goals including sedation and analgesia, neuromuscular paralysis, maintenance of fluid balance, and treatment of…
