Children differ significantly from adults anatomically, physiologically, psychologically and biochemically. Respiratory tract is narrow, short, and larynx is higher in children. Newborns have low pulmonary compliance and require high oxygen consumption. Oxygen requirements are twice as high for infants as for adults
NICUs are classified by AAP into four levels from Level I to Level IV. Level I NICUs care for healthy preterm infants born 35-37 weeks. Level II NICUs serve babies born 32-35 weeks weighing 1,500g+. Level III NICUs provide critical care for premature infants under 32 weeks. Level IV NICUs offer highest level of care for all newborns
NEC affects premature infants with intestinal disease. About 7% of premature infants develop NEC. Risk factors include formula feeding, low birth weight, and prematurity. Exact cause remains unclear, but poor blood flow and intestinal infection involved
Treats breathing problems in premature babies born under 35 weeks. Used for infants weighing less than 2 kilograms after ruling out other causes. Preferred treatment for apnea of prematurity in infants 28-32 weeks. Improves airway function in asthma by 5-18%, lasting up to four hours
Fetal circulation includes placenta, umbilical vessels, heart and systemic blood vessels. Oxygenated blood bypasses lungs through foramen ovale and ductus arteriosus. Placenta exchanges nutrients and wastes between maternal and fetal circulation. Fetal hemoglobin has higher oxygen affinity than adult hemoglobin
IVH occurs when blood enters brain's ventricular system, affecting cerebrospinal fluid production. 30% are primary, caused by trauma or tumors, while 70% are secondary. Occurs in 35% of moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries. Most common in premature infants, especially those with very low birth weight