Postnatal care for the preterm newborn
The delivery of preterm newborns and their subsequent care represent significant challenges in perinatal medicine. These newborns are at a hightened risk for development of several complications, including respiratory distress syndrome, hypothermia, and circulatory instability, therefore their care has its specifics. This interactive algorithm, based on European Resuscitation Council Guidelines from 2021, helps the solver navigate two model situations - from birth planning to the possible resuscitation of the newborn. It focuses on key decisions and critical steps in the first minutes of life, taking into account the gestational age of the newborn.
Review
A series of two case studies describing possible complications of pregnancy from the perspective of a pediatrician or anesthesiologist are compiled in accordance with current recommendations. I believe that readers will appreciate the authors' efforts to highlight common problems and draw attention to possible errors in stabilizing premature infants and neonatal resuscitation, and that they will find the algorithm a useful refresher.
Sources
MADAR, John; ROEHR, Charles C.; AINWORTH, Sean; ERSDAL, Hege; MORLEY, Colin et al. European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Newborn Resuscitation and Support of Transition of Infants at Birth. Online. 2021. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2021.02.014. [cit. 2025-03-15].
Learning targets
The student understands the specifics of resuscitation of the premature newborn.
The student understands the difference between resuscitation and stabilization of the preterm newborn.
Key points
The care of preterm newborns has its own specifics in terms of thermomanagement.
Most preterm neonates require only non-invasive respiratory support.
