Neonatology

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, new born infections and birth asphyxia.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) )/Intensive Care Nursery (ICN) is where your new-born 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 paediatric residents and neonatal fellows (physicians who are specializing in treating sick new-born’s). Neonatal Medicine is one of the best neonatal cares for the sickest babies as they require specialized care in the region's newest and most up-to-date neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Infant Behaviour & Development is nothing but the babies born at risk for developmental delays or behavioural problems due to prematurity or born with other medical complications that resulted in hospitalization in one of our Neonatal Intensive Care Units. It includes the development of sleep, crying, reflexes, vision, hearing, and breathing in new-borns.

Neonatal Psychology & Psychiatry 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.

Neonatal Infectious Diseases are the infections of the neonate (new-born) during the neonatal period or first four weeks after birth. Infections may be contracted by Tran’s 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 pulmonology is a medical sub-specialty that deals with diagnosis and treatment of diseases involving respiratory tract. Neonatal/Paediatric 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 new-born is meconium aspiration syndrome. Most infants who have meconium aspiration syndrome (60%) are born by caesarean delivery, indicating that they aspirate meconium before birth. Some aspiration may occur during the second stage of labour. 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 nursing is a subspecialty of nursing that works with newborn infants born with a variety of problems ranging from prematurity, birth defects, infection, cardiac malformations, and surgical problems. The neonatal period is defined as the first month of life; however, these newborns are often sick for months. 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 research has clearly shown that diagnostic precision and rational management of neonatal feeding and gastroenterological issues improve long-term growth and development of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) survivors. The application of technological advances has and will continue to improve survival rates among neonates, albeit with the consequences of prolonged hospitalization, chronic morbidities, parental stress, and increased health care burden.

The Division of Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology includes board-certified physicians and nurses who evaluate children for rheumatologic, allergic, and immunologic disorders, as well as adults for allergic and immunologic disorders. We provide multidisciplinary, personalized care to patients both on an inpatient and outpatient basis. The allergy and immunology section treats patients with asthma, food allergy, rhinitis/hay fever, drug reactions, hives, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, chronic sinusitis, angioneurotic edema/dwelling syndromes, anaphylaxis, insect allergies, latex allergies, eosinophilic esophagitis, and immunodeficiencies. We have specialized programs for children with food allergies and immunodeficiencies.

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.

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.

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. Early diagnosis and treatment can result in normal growth and development and can reduce morbidity and mortality.

Orphan Drug Act (ODA) provided incentives to stimulate treatment product development for infants with rare disease.

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 pediatrics cancer can occur in fetuses andneonates. The causes of neonatal cancer are unclear, but genetic factors probably have a key role.

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 calledNeonatal/pediatric hematologist. 

Neonatal Ophthalmology is a branch of medicine and surgery which deals with the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders. An ophthalmologist is a specialist in Paediatric/Neonatology ophthalmology. Multiple ophthalmic disorders can present in neonates. Such disorders can be isolated or be associated with other systemic anomalies. Timely referral, diagnosis, and management are critical to allow optimal visual development. The critical period of visual development is in the first 6 months after birth. Infants who meet screening criteria for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) should be screened to help prevent serious visual sequelae, including blindness. Pediatricians and neonatologists should identify ocular abnormalities and refer patients for detailed ophthalmic evaluation when deemed necessary.

Neonatal Neurology refers to a service that can delivery multidisciplinary expertise aimed at optimal care and protection of the new-born brain—whether for premature infants or sick infants born at full term. Neonatal neurologists who regularly monitor babies’ developmental progress and perform research in all areas of brain injury prevention and management. Neurosciences Intensive Care Nursery (NICN) provides comprehensive and coordinated assessment and treatment for new-born’s who are at high risk of neurological injury or who have clinical evidence of developmental brain abnormalities.

Neonatal/paediatric pathology is a medical subspecialty with particular expertise in diseases affecting the placenta, fetus, infant and child. The duties of pediatric pathologists can be broadly separated into two fields:

• Surgical pathology; examining and reporting tissue biopsies and specimens.
• Performing autopsies and placental examinations.

Neonatal pharmacology setting is unique effective, result-oriented and safe drug administration in neonates should be based on two parameters:

• Integrated knowledge on the evolving physiological characteristics of the newborn.
• Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of the given drug.

Understandably, clinical pharmacology in neonates is as dynamic, varied and diverse as the new-born’s. Advances in the basic science research have improved our understanding of use of drugs.

Over and above all that, pharmacovigilance is needed to recognize specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Paediatric radiology is a subspecialty of radiology involving the imaging of foetuses and infants. Although some diseases seen in paediatrics are the same as that in adults, there are many conditions which are seen only in infants. The specialty has to take in account the dynamics of a growing body, from pre-term infants to large adolescents, where the organs follow growth patterns and phases.

Neonatal anesthesia includes general anesthesia for term babies in the first month of life, as well aspremature 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.

Neonatal Nephrology is a sub specialty of medicine and paediatrics 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 new-born babies.

Stem cell transplantation (SCT) is rare in neonates or infants, there has been some research reporting an encouraging survival rate; as well as there are studies pointing SCT in infants as a controversial treatment. Lung diseases remain one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality in neonates. Cell therapy and regenerative medicine have the potential to revolutionize the management of life-threatening and debilitating lung diseases that currently lack effective treatments.

Newborn Screening is a program that identifies babies at risk of having rare, but serious medical conditions that can affect normal development. Baby Shield Newborn Screening combines biochemical testing of 100+ metabolic & genetic conditions with confirmatory genetic testing for screen-positive results.It aims to achieve early identification of conditions. Thus, resulting in early intervention that can lead to the elimination or reduction of mortality, morbidity and disability in affected newborns.

Pediatrics is the specialty of medical science concerned with the physical, mental, and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Pediatric care encompasses a broad spectrum of health services ranging from preventive health care to the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic diseases.

Maternal–fetal medicine, also known as perinatology, is a branch of medicine that focuses on managing health concerns of the mother and fetus prior to, during, and shortly after pregnancy. Maternal–fetal medicine specialists are physicians who subspecialize within the field of obstetrics.

Pediatric critical care specialists treat children from birth through the teen years. They choose to make caring for children who are very sick the core of their medical practice. Their advanced training and experience prepare them to give children in PICUs the unique medical care that they need.

Neonatal Neurology refers to a service that can delivery multidisciplinary expertise aimed at optimal care and protection of the new-born brain—whether for premature infants or sick infants born at full term. Neonatal neurologists who regularly monitor babies’ developmental progress and perform research in all areas of brain injury prevention and management. Neurosciences Intensive Care Nursery (NICN) provides comprehensive and coordinated assessment and treatment for new-born’s who are at high risk of neurological injury or who have clinical evidence of developmental brain abnormalities.

Cosmetology is the art and science beautifying the hair, nails, and skin. A cosmetologist is an expert in applying cosmetic procedures, therapies, and treatments to beautify one’s outer appearance., and implementing cosmetic treatments to people’s hair, skin, and nails. Pediatric surgery is a subspecialty of surgery involving the surgery of fetuses, infants, children, adolescents, and young adults.

Pediatric emergency medicine is a medical subspecialty of both pediatrics and emergency medicine. It involves the care of undifferentiated, unscheduled children with acute illnesses or injuries that require immediate medical attention. 

Pediatric gastroenterology developed as a sub-specialty of pediatrics and gastroenterology. It is concerned with treating the gastrointestinal tract, liver and pancreas of children from infancy until age eighteen. Pediatric metabolic disorders happen when the child's body is not appropriately processing nutrients such as fats, proteins, or sugars. Often, when young children have a metabolism disorder, it is a genetic condition that is passed down in families.

Neurological disorders in children occur when something is abnormal in the brain, the nervous system or the muscle cells. These disorders can vary from epilepsy to migraine headaches to tic or movement disorders and more. Endocrinology is a field in biology and medicine that deals with the endocrine system. The organs involved in the endocrine system include the pituitary, thyroid, adrenals, ovaries, testes and pancreas. These glands secrete hormones into the blood.

Health administration,or hospital management is the field relating to leadership, management, and administration of public health systems, health care systems, hospitals, and hospital networks in all the primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. Hospital Management Career involves ensuring effective use of physical & financial resources of the hospital.

Neonatal jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the white part of the eyes and skin in a newborn baby due to high bilirubin levels. Other symptoms may include excess sleepiness or poor feeding. Complications may include seizures, cerebral palsy, or kernicterus.