Diseases of a premature baby

Common diseases of newborns

1. The respiratory distress syndrome
   The Respiratory distress syndrome at a Premature birth arises due to a lack of the lipid, which is crucial for lung development. The deficiency arises because of the immaturity of the organs.
   The infants have difficulty breathing, have nostrils, and breathe very quickly. in the X-ray image one recognizes a so-called "white lungs". The shadows are created because the lung tissue does not unfold and fill with air. Air is black on an X-ray film.
   In addition to giving oxygen, the child will artificial surfactant administered so that the lung can unfold. In more severe cases of shortness of breath, ventilation may be required.
2. Open connection between right and left heart (open foramen oval)
   With this disease one Premature birth it is the most common that Cardiovascular system disease in question in premature babies. Premature babies do not respond adequately to the environment and the so-called Ductus arteriosus botalli is not locked.
   Among other things, the too weak one should be essential Musculature be. Affected newborns often have rapid heart rates, heart murmurs, and jumping pulses. With the help of Ultrasonic and X-ray image the diagnosis can be made. Usually the closure of the Duct made operationally.
3. Immature retina
   The retina of premature babies can be damaged because oxygen has a "toxic" effect on their blood vessels. The secretion of factors that promote the growth of retinal vessels is after birth is not suppressed. The vessels sprout and partially grow in the Vitreous a. This has a Retinal detachment result.
   Mature newborns, on the other hand, already have a completely perfused retina at birth, so they do not have the risk. Regular checks by the Ophthalmologist is guaranteed in the clinic. To counteract such a detachment, the oxygen content and pressure in the blood should be measured regularly.
   The therapy In the case of mild forms, you have to wait and see, because it can recede. Heavy forms can get through Laser therapy to get stopped. Once the retina has been detached, the chances are unfortunately bad.
4. Pulmonary malformations
   They are heavy ones chronic respiratory diseases. They develop on the basis of an immaturity of the lungs or due to a lung trauma in the case of mechanical ones Ventilation. The lungs become infected.
   The lungs are showing signs of Water retention and Overinflation. The existing signs of inflammation subside in the majority of small patients after a few weeks. The diagnosis is made with the help of the X-ray image.
   In the therapy should include sufficient Calorie intake and oxygen administration are respected. The inflammation is treated with medication.
5. Cerebral hemorrhage
   The risk of a Cerebral hemorrhage especially affects very small babies Premature birth. This bleeding can be detected to varying degrees in up to 40 percent.
   The small blood vessels in premature babies are very fragile and fragile. The cerebral hemorrhages can be divided into stages, which by Ultrasonic be diagnosed.
   There are several Risk factors:
   
   • immaturity
   • Resuscitation, postpartum transport, fluctuations in blood pressure
   • Clotting disorders
   The affected premature babies can have the following symptoms:
   
   • Apnea
   • Sedentary lifestyle
   • Drop in blood pressure
   • Seizures (epilepsy)
   
   Many other symptoms can indicate a cerebral haemorrhage. Once a cerebral hemorrhage has occurred, it cannot be reversed. You have to try to get rid of the blood that has leaked out. The heavier the bleeding and the longer it went unnoticed, the worse the prognosis. Usually the following neurological development is disturbed.
   You can find out more about this topic under our topic: Cerebral hemorrhage.
   
6. Apnea
   Up to 80 percent of premature babies with a birth weight of less than 1000g develop respiratory arrests. These prolonged breathing pauses are often followed by lowered ones Heart rate, the blue discoloration of the skin and the sagging of the Musculature.
   There are different types of breathing pauses. The breathing movements are partly missing.
   Various disorders come into question as triggers: cerebral haemorrhage, malformations of the airways, infections, metabolic disorders or the immaturity of the respiratory center. Ventilation for acute respiratory pauses is considered therapy. However, if these breaks occur repeatedly, medication is necessary. If the success fails, the premature baby is subject to ventilation.