Seminars in perinatology
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Seminars in perinatology · Apr 2013
ReviewThe potential of non-invasive ventilation to decrease BPD.
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), the most common chronic lung disease in infancy, has serious long-term pulmonary and neurodevelopmental consequences right up to adulthood, and is associated with significant healthcare costs. BPD is a multifactorial disease, with genetic and environmental factors interacting to culminate in the characteristic clinical and pathological phenotype. ⋯ This article reviews the progress made in the last 5 years in the use of nasal continuous positive airways pressure (NCPAP) and nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) as it pertains to impacting on BPD rates. Research efforts are summarized, and some guidelines are suggested for clinical use of these techniques in neonates.
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Vesicles and pustules in the neonate can be due to common or life threatening conditions. Recognizing key clinical features and understanding when and how to workup the various different vesiculopustular eruptions that occur in the neonatal period is vital. A rapid diagnosis of an infectious cause of a neonatal vesiculopustular eruption can be life-saving.
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Seminars in perinatology · Dec 2012
ReviewLumbar puncture in the neonate: challenges in decision making and interpretation.
Multiple studies have provided normative ranges for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters in term and preterm infants and described changes with advancing postnatal age, as well as in special circumstances, such as traumatic lumbar puncture (LP), previous antibiotic administration, seizures, and concomitant infections at other sites. Although guidelines exist for the interpretation of CSF parameters in neonates, there appears to be no single combination of parameters that conclusively excludes meningitis. It remains important for clinicians to perform LPs early in the course of illness, ideally before the administration of antibiotic therapy. This review presents currently available literature on the indications for LP as well as guidelines for the interpretation of CSF parameters in neonates.
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Seminars in perinatology · Dec 2012
ReviewEndotracheal tube: friend or foe? Bacteria, the endotracheal tube, and the impact of colonization and infection.
The microbiology of the endotracheal tube culture plays a role in diagnosing a variety of diseases in the newborn intensive care unit, including subglottic stenosis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and ventilator-associated pneumonia. Bacterial production of a biofilm that coats the endotracheal tube acts as a reservoir for infection, prevents eradication, and may play a role in the development of subglottic stenosis. The diagnosis of ventilator-associated pneumonia is limited by the CDC definition as well as currently available diagnostic methods. ⋯ The etiology of ventilator-associated pneumonia is often polymicrobial. Failure to differentiate colonization from infection results in unnecessary prescription of antibiotics, which could contribute to antimicrobial resistance. Measures to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia have been described, primarily in the adult population.