Neonatal Opioid Dependence

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

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

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is a withdrawal condition in newborns caused by maternal use of opioids or other addictive substances during pregnancy. The condition affects the central nervous system (CNS), gastrointestinal tract, and autonomic nervous system, leading to symptoms such as tremors, irritability, poor feeding, and respiratory distress. With the rise in opioid use, NAS

Neisseria gonorrhoeae Pelvic Cellulitis

Neisseria gonorrhoeae pelvic cellulitis is a rare but serious bacterial infection affecting the pelvic tissues, often resulting from untreated or complicated gonorrhea. This condition can lead to severe inflammation, abscess formation, and systemic infections, making early diagnosis and prompt treatment crucial. It primarily affects women due to the anatomical spread of gonococcal infections from the