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Neonatal Seizure: Neonatal seizures are defined as abnormal, excessive electrical discharges in the brain of a newborn occurring within the first 28 days of life. Unlike seizures in older children or adults, neonatal seizures often present subtly and can be challenging to detect. Early recognition and management are critical due to their association with underlying
Neonatal pneumonia is a serious lung infection in newborns that can occur due to bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens. It is a leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, especially in preterm and low-birth-weight infants. The condition can be classified as congenital (intrauterine), early-onset, or late-onset pneumonia, depending on the time of infection. Early identification
Neonatal opioid dependence, also known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS), is a condition in which newborns experience withdrawal symptoms due to prenatal opioid exposure. This occurs when an expectant mother uses opioids during pregnancy, leading to fetal drug dependence. After birth, the sudden discontinuation of opioid supply triggers withdrawal symptoms in the infant, affecting multiple
Neonatal meningitis is a severe central nervous system (CNS) infection that affects newborns, leading to inflammation of the meninges—the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent medical intervention due to its high morbidity and mortality rates. The disease is primarily caused by bacterial or viral infections, with
Neonatal hypocalcemic tetany is a calcium metabolism disorder that affects newborns, leading to neuromuscular excitability, muscle spasms, and seizures. It occurs due to low ionized calcium levels in the blood, disrupting normal nerve and muscle function. The condition is often associated with parathyroid hormone (PTH) deficiency, vitamin D deficiency, or maternal metabolic disorders. Early diagnosis
Neonatal herpes meningoencephalitis is a life-threatening central nervous system (CNS) infection caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), primarily HSV-2 and, less commonly, HSV-1. It affects newborns during or shortly after birth, leading to severe neurological damage and high mortality rates if untreated. Despite advances in antiviral therapy, early diagnosis and intervention remain critical in
Neonatal Group B Streptococcal (GBS) septicemia is a severe bacterial infection affecting newborns, leading to sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. GBS, caused by Streptococcus agalactiae, is a leading cause of early-onset and late-onset neonatal infections, with transmission occurring vertically from the mother during childbirth or postnatally from caregivers. Despite routine prenatal screening and intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis
Neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease primarily affecting preterm infants who require prolonged oxygen therapy and mechanical ventilation. It results from lung immaturity, inflammation, and oxygen toxicity, leading to impaired alveolar development and long-term respiratory complications. Advances in neonatal intensive care have improved survival rates in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants,
Neonatal apnea is a respiratory disorder in newborns characterized by temporary pauses in breathing lasting more than 20 seconds. It primarily affects preterm infants due to immature brainstem control of respiration. In some cases, oxygen desaturation and bradycardia (slow heart rate) accompany apnea, requiring immediate medical intervention. This condition is classified into three types: apnea
Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is a rare but serious condition in which maternal antibodies attack fetal platelets, leading to severe thrombocytopenia (low platelet count) in the newborn. This immune response occurs due to incompatibility between maternal and fetal human platelet antigens (HPA), similar to Rh incompatibility in hemolytic disease of the newborn. NAIT increases the