17^th Annual World Congress on Neonatology June 27-28, 2018
(23 Forums, 2 Days, 1 Event) Vancouver, Canada

Babies born before the 37th week of gestation are considered premature. All premature babies experience complications; being born too early can cause short-term and long-term health problems for preemies. In general, the earlier a baby is born, the higher the risk of complications. Birth weight also plays an important role, too. The most common causes of neonatal deaths are preterm birth complications, newborn infections and birth asphyxia. Any complication that a premature newborn experiences will be treated in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is where your newborn will stay for days, weeks, or possibly longer, depending on the baby’s degree of prematurity. Most babies admitted to the NICU are premature (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), have low birth weight (less than 5.5 pounds), or have a medical condition that requires special care. The unit is staffed by specially trained physicians and nurses and also includes pediatric residents and neonatal fellows (physicians who are specializing in treating sick newborns).

Neonatal Allergy is an important subject to be learnt in order to promote understanding and advance the treatment of respiratory, allergic, and immunologic diseases in neonates. It emphasizes the epidemiologic research on the most common chronic illnesses of neonates—asthma and allergies as well as many less common and rare diseases. Allergic reactions in born babies include, red eyes, atopic dermatitis (eczema), itchiness, runny nose, urticarial (hives), an asthma attack and  sinusitis. The viruses, such as influenza virus (flu), adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus, are common causes of pneumonia in Newborn babies.

Neonatal infections are the infections of the neonate (newborn) during the neonatal period or first four weeks after birth. Infections may be contracted by trans placental transfer in utero, in the birth canal during delivery (perinatal), or by other means after birth. Some neonatal infections are apparent soon after delivery, while others may develop postpartum within the first week or month. Some infections acquired in the neonatal period do not become apparent until much later such as HIV, hepatitis B and malaria and there is a higher risk of infection with preterm or low birth weight neonates.

Neonatal nursing is a subspecialty of nursing that works for newborn infants up to 28 days after birth. Babies are born with a variety of problems ranging from prematurity, birth defects, infection, cardiac malformations, and surgical problems, according to the National Association of Neonatal Nurses (NANN). Neonatal nursing generally encompasses care for those infants who experience problems shortly after birth, but it also encompasses care for infants who experience long-term problems related to their prematurity or illness after birth. Neonatal nurses treat sick newborns until they are discharged from the hospital, even if that takes several months.

Neonatal neurology and Neonatal Neurocritical Care that occur in the newborn period. It refers to a specialized branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of conditions and disease in newborn infants. Neurological Conditions in the Newborn are Birth asphyxia, Neonatal seizures, congenital neuromuscular diseases, Infections of the nervous system and Neurologic impairment that requires newborns to be ventilator-dependent and the most common neurological disease is neonatal Seizures. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) is a diagnostic tool used for inherited metabolic disorders. To date, MRS has been limited to the assessment for cerebral lactic acidosis in mitochondrial disorders in babies. Neuromuscular and genetic metabolic diseases are the most common genetic related disorders in newborn babies. Innovative Neurological Care for Newborns - also known as B.R.A.I.N. The neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

Neonatal Cardiology is the fetal diagnosis and treatment given for pregnant women at risk of or known to be carrying babies with heart problems. Neonatal heart conditions mainly includes heart defects associated with other types of disease, such as diaphragmatic hernia, heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy) or infection (myocarditis), Heart problems due to lung masses, etc. Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common, congenital disorder in newborns. A neonatal cardiologist is a pediatrician who has received extensive training in diagnosing and treating babies cardiac problems.

Neonatal Endocrinology is a medical subspecialty dealing with disorders of the endocrine glands, such as growth disorders, sexual differentiation in neonates, diabetes and other disorders. The other type of diabetes that is often misdiagnosed as type 1 or type 2 diabetes, called  monogenic diabetes which is seen in newborn babies. Endocrine disorders in neonates are caused by too many or too few hormones circulating throughout the body. If a newborn baby has problem with growth, diabetes, hormone-producing glands that help maintain growth and development, puberty, energy level and mood. Neonatal/ Pediatric endocrinologists are usually the primary physicians involved in the medical care of infants with intersex disorders.

Neonatal gastroenterology developed as a sub-specialty of pediatrics and gastroenterology. It is concerned with treating the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas from infancy until age eighteen. The principal diseases it is concerned with are acute diarrhea, persistent vomiting, gastritis, and problems with the development of the gastric tract. Gastrointestinal disorders in neonates range from minor to life threatening, and short- to long-term or chronic. Neonatal Jaundice is one of the most common conditions needing medical attention in babies. Gastrointestinal food allergies are not rare in infants and children. Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedure a fetal and neonatal endoscopy has become an essential modality for evaluation and treatment of GI diseases. Complex gastrointestinal surgery is one of the common methods to treat GI disorder in neonates. Pediatric gastroenterologists care for Infants with problems of the gastrointestinal tract.

Neonatal Psychology is the study of behavior and the mind. Infants can suffer serious mental health disorders, yet they are unlikely to receive treatment that could prevent lasting developmental problems. While mental health issues can be difficult to diagnose in babies who can’t talk about their thoughts and feelings, infants are capable of feeling anxiety, stress and even depression. In this field, a professional practitioner or researcher is called a psychologist.

Neonatal pulmonology is a medical sub-specialty that deals with diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving respiratory tract. Neonatal/Pediatric pulmonologists are specially trained in pulmonary neonatal diseases and conditions of the broken rib or collapsed lung, particularly pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, complicated chest infections, etc. The most common cause of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn is meconium aspiration syndrome. Most infants who have meconium aspiration syndrome (60%) are born by cesarean delivery, indicating that they aspirate meconium before birth. Some aspiration may occur during the second stage of labor. Children who present with stridor and respiratory distress with epiglottitis, the presentation of this disease in neonates may be different. Hence it is important to study the diagnosis, immunization and preventive measure of these diseases.

Neonatal Otorhinolaryngology is a surgical subspecialty that deals with conditions of the ear, nose and throat and related structures of the head and neck in neonates.  Common ENT problems like Adenoiditis and Adenoid Hypertrophy, Breathing difficulties, Hearing loss, Thyroid diseases, Cholesteatoma and other Chronic Ear Problems. A high level of specialty care is given by NICU. Operations can be done for the newborns affecting with ear, nose and throat conditions. Doctors who specialize in this area are called otorhinolaryngologists, otolaryngologists, ENT doctors or head and neck surgeons.

An inflammatory disease affects the joints, muscle weakness, a skin rash on the eyelids and knuckles, Juvenile lupus and connective tissues. Some, like osteoarthritis, are the result of wear and tear. Others, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are immune system problems. Common Rheumatic disorders are Lyme disease, Systemic lupus Erythematosus, Behcet's disease, Polymyalgia Rheumatica, Rheumatic fever. Lupus erythematosus is a name given to a collection of autoimmune diseases in which the human immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks normal, healthy tissues.

Born babies teeth are sub divided into two types- Natal teeth are teeth that are already present at the time of birth, whereas neonatal teeth emerge through the gingiva during the first month of life. Natal and neonatal teeth are rarely seen in very premature babies. X-rays should be performed soon after birth to determine if the teeth are normal milk teeth or extras, the extent of root development, enamel and dentin, and the relationship to other teeth. In general, natal teeth are left alone unless they cause difficulty for the infant or mother. Clinical complications include ulceration of the tongue, lingual frenum, or mother’s nipple during breast-feeding.

Neonatal oncology is a sub specialty of pediatrics oncology that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer in babies. Newborn cancer is rare and comprises a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with substantial histological diversity. Almost all types of paediatric cancer can occur in fetuses and neonates. The causes of neonatal cancer are unclear, but genetic factors probably have a key role. Teratoma and neuroblastoma are the most common histological types of neonatal cancer, with soft-tissue sarcoma, leukaemia, renal tumours, and brain tumours also among the more frequent types. Neonatal cancer raises diagnostic, therapeutic, and ethical issues, and management requires a multidisciplinary approach. Medical professionals who practice oncology are called Cancer specialists or oncologists.

Neonatal Hepatology is a branch of medicine dealing with the study, prevention, diagnosis and management of diseases that affect the liver, gallbladder, biliary tree and pancreas. Viral infection and inborn metabolic disorders are the two main causes of Acute Liver Failure in neonates.

Neonatal Nutrition is essential, especially to promote growth and sustain the physiologic requirements at the various stages of a child's development in the first couple weeks of life. Breast Feeding and complementary feeding has important ingredients that are not found in any infant formula, to build the baby’s immune system.  In general, babies should be at least 4 pounds before they are ready to come out of the incubator. Neonatal/pediatric nutritional needs vary considerably with age, level of activity, and environmental conditions and they are directly related to the rate of growth.

Neonatal Hematology is the study of blood and blood-forming organs, as well as their diseases in born babies. Surgeons frequently encounter hematologic issues with respect to wound healing, inflammation and hemostasis. Because of the complexity and broad scope of hematology, this review is limited to an overview of hematopoiesis and hemostasis in the neonates. Diseases of  blood cells including disorders of white cells, red cells, and platelets. A medical practitioner who specializes in this field of pediatric hematology is called Neonatal/pediatric hematologist. It is important that one should be familiar with the educational and preventive measures in order to prevent children being affected with blood disorders.

Neonatal Nephrology is a sub specialty of medicine and pediatrics that concerns itself with the kidneys- the study of normal kidney function and kidney problems. Clinical complications include renal function in the fetus and neonate, blood pressure and hypertension in the neonate, renal failure in the term and preterm infant, and the causes and the consequences of fetal urinary obstruction. A nephrologist is a physician who specializes in the care and treatment of kidney diseases in newborn babies.

Birth trauma (BT) refers to damage of the tissues and organs of a newly delivered child, often as a result of physical pressure or trauma during childbirth. Neonates with fever account for as many as 25% of  emergency department (ED) visits, and the underlying disorders in these cases range from mild conditions to the most serious of bacterial and viral illnesses. Asphyxial cardiac arrest is more common than VF cardiac arrest in infants, and ventilations are extremely important in neonatal resuscitation. Newborn babies at risk of neonatal depression may be born prematurely, have a birth defect, have experienced asphyxia in the womb, or may have been exposed to anesthetic or analgesic drugs taken by the mother during the birth process.

Neonatal surgery is the sub-specialty of pediatrics surgery which is dealing with all the surgical operations in newborn infants, especially the ill or premature newborn. It is responsible for the treatment of many disorders through surgical operations in newborn infants and playing vital role in saving lives at birth stage by newborn and fetal surgery. Neonatal surgeons are the ones who perform surgeries including chest, abdominal and urological defects.  It includes the treatment of infants in the first 28 days of birth.

Neonatal anesthesia includes general anesthesia for term babies in the first month of life, as well as premature babies (born before the 37th week of pregnancy). The first 30 days after birth are the time when most congenital and genetic defects are discovered and when babies are most susceptible to birth-acquired infections. During surgery, anesthesiologists focus on: Preventing and treating apnea (when breathing stops for 10 seconds or longer, a condition more common in neonates and former premature infants), Meticulous fluid replacement, Managing blood loss, Monitoring and maintaining blood glucose levels, Controlling temperature and Managing pain.

Newborn genetic screening is the practice of testing every newborn for certain harmful or treatable genetic disorders in newborn infants.  Babies with these conditions appear normal at birth. It is only with time that the conditions affects the baby’s brain or physical development or causes other medical problems. By then the damage may be permanent.  Early diagnosis and treatment can result in normal growth and development and can reduce morbidity and mortality.

Neonatal resuscitation is also called as newborn resuscitation. It is the resuscitation of newborn children with birth asphyxia. Globally about a quarter , all neonatal deaths globally are caused by birth asphyxia and depending on how quickly and successfully the infant is resuscitated, hypoxic damage can occur to most of the infant's organs (heart, lungs, liver, gut, kidneys), but brain damage is of most concern.

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a group of problems that occur in a newborn babies who was exposed to addictive opiate drugs while in the mother’s womb. These babies may look and act entirely normal at birth, but then develop problems later on in life. The heart and cleft palate may lead to the diagnosis being made in the newborn period. Late-onset hypocalcaemia and seizures sometimes occur in this syndrome.

Dermatology is the science that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the skin, hair and nails. Babies can develop many types of skin conditions shortly after they are born; these conditions last only a short time and will go away. Babies commonly have skin problems, like diaper rash or cradle cap. Infant hair loss is normal- is a natural part of the growth and development of many babies. Babies often lose their hair during the first six months as it has a growth stage and a resting stage so this kind of hair loss is called telogen effluvium. Nail disorders are common among infants. Paronychia is commonly known as a bacterial nail infection in babies. There are 2 types of paronychia; acute (short term) and chronic (long term). A Neonatal/pediatric dermatologist is a physician who is trained to evaluate and treat Infants with benign and malignant disorders of the skin, hair, nails and adjacent mucous membranes.

Neonates receive multiple priming doses and booster vaccinations to prevent infections by viral and bacterial pathogens. Newborns have an immature immune system that renders them at high risk for infection while simultaneously reducing responses to most vaccines, thereby posing challenges in protecting this vulnerable population. Nevertheless, some vaccines, such as Bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) and Hepatitis B vaccine (HBV), do demonstrate safety and some efficacy at birth, providing proof of principal that certain antigen-adjuvant combinations are able to elicit protective neonatal responses. Moreover, birth is a major point of healthcare contact globally meaning that effective neonatal vaccines achieve high population penetration.

Neonatal Medication is nothing but a drug or other form of medicine that is used to diagnosis, treat or prevent disease. The antibiotics commonly used to treat neonatal sepsis include ampicillin, , cefotaxime, metronidazole, vancomycin, gentamicin , erythromycin, and piperacillin.  A hospital-acquired infection (HAI), also known as a Nosocomial infection, it is an infection that is acquired in a hospital or other health care facility. It is sometimes called as health care–associated infection (HAI or HCAI) because such an infection can be acquired in hospital, nursing home AND rehabilitation facility.