Abstract:
Neonatal diseases are a group of diseases that disturb the normal state of the body, organs and functions of a newborn. These disorders are categorically unique due to the normal physiology of a developing neonate. Birth trauma, Neonatal jaundice, meningitis, Anaemia, blood disorders, congenital malformations, congenital heart diseases, respiratory dysfunction, Achondroplasia, Marfan syndrome, Werner Syndrome and haemolytic disorders of newborns are some examples of neonatal disorders. These disorders can be classified as neonatal disorders if present from birth till 28 days of life.
These disorders are commonly caused by Genetic mutations, premature births, neonatal infections and lack of antenatal care. Preventive measures like Regular antenatal care, balanced diet during pregnancy, iron and vitamin supplements, proper treatment of any gynaecological condition, prevention of narcotic drugs during pregnancy and proper birth management to prevent birth trauma can highly reduce the possibility of neonatal disorders.
Proper genetic counselling and early abortion can aid in cases of congenital diseases and genetic mutations. Immunisation of the mother and counselling of HIV mothers can drastically minimise risks of Neonatal diseases, proper management of abnormal vaginal discharge during infections can also reduce cases of neonatal infections. Blood tests to confirm Blood group and genotype must also be conducted to prevent blood incompatibility.
Obstetricians and Neonatologists play a major role in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of neonatal diseases. Negative Abgar score, complete blood test,chemical blood tests, oximetry, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI and even physical examination are used as diagnostic methods to identify neonatal diseases. Treatments are usually specific to the kind of disorder.
Auience Take Away Notes:
- Understand the major causes of neonatal disorders
- To understand the specific preventive measures in order to totally avoid these disorders
- To enable the audience to view the benefits of antenatal care and specific test to perform during antenatal checkups that can minimise neonatal diseases
- To also provide knowledge on specific diagnostic methods to help identify neonatal diseases and give follow up treatments
