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General medical information
a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z
a
Apgar Score
A score ranging from 0-10 indicating a baby's physical condition immediately following birth.
Apnea
Lack of breathing for longer than 15 or 20 seconds.
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b
Bagging
Pumping air and oxygen into the baby's lungs by compressing a bag attached to a mask that covers the baby's nose and mouth.
Bilirubin
A yellowish substance produced when red blood cells break down. It can cause kernicterus.
Birth weight
- A birth weight less than 1000 grams means less than 2.2 lbs (1 lb = 454 grams)
- A birth weight less than 1250 grams means less than 2.75 lbs
Blood gases
The proper mixture and amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the baby's blood. It is checked frequently.
Bradycardia
A slower than normal heartbeat rates; in an infant, lower than 100 beats per minute.
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c
Central line
If a baby needs IV feeding for an extended amount of time, a thin IV tube called a central line can be installed in the vein through a small hollow needle in larger veins. Once the line is in place, the needle is then removed. It is sometimes done surgically.
Cerebral palsy
Collective term for a number of disorders of movement and posture that are due to a non-progressive abnormality of the immature brain. Cerebral palsy may be caused by numerous factors including exposure to drugs, radiation, infection or chromosomal abnormalities occurring in the first trimester of the pregnancy; abnormalities in the fetal-placental exchange; complications during labor; delivery and the neonatal period; early childhood trauma such as meningitis, head trauma, and lead poisoning. It is not a degenerating disease that worsens or causes death.
Chronic
Recurring, lasting a long time.
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d
Degenerative
Deteriorative.
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g
Gavage feeding
Feedings given through a tube passed through the nose or mouth and into the stomach. It is gradually fed to the baby by a mechanical device that the feeder is inserted into and depressed periodically.
Growth (periods of)
- Prenatal: the period of time beginning at conception and continuing until the beginning of the birth process.
- Perinatal: the period of time encompassed by the birth process.
- Neonatal: newborn period.
- Postnatal: the period of time following birth.
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h
Hydrocephalus
The condition in which there is an accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid which necessitates the implementation of a shunt.
Hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy
Brain damage caused by a lack of oxygenated blood flow to the brain.
HMD (Hyaline Membrane Disease)
See RDS.
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i
Intracranial bleed (hemorrhage)
The rupturing of the tiny blood vessels in the baby's brain caused by abrupt fluctuations in the baby's blood pressure or pressure to the baby's head from the birth canal. It is measured in degrees of I to III.
Intravenous feedings
This is done by inserting catheters into main arteries. Most are placed in the baby's head because the size of the other arteries are smaller than the needles themselves and the arteries collapse. Other times, it may be placed in the umbilical artery.
Intraventricular leukomalacia
Bleeding within the ventricles of the brain which are typically graded 1-4 with grade 4 being the most severe.
Intubation
The insertion of a tube into the trachea (windpipe) to allow air to reach.
Isolette or incubator
A device in which the premature baby is placed to maintain the proper amount of heat and body gas/air intake. The baby remains there until it reaches a certain age and weight and is deemed medically stable.
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j
Jaundice
The yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes caused by excessive bilirubin.
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k
Kernicterus
Damage to nervous system caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. May cause retardation, hearing loss and certain types of CP.
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n
NEC (Necrotizing Enterocolitis)
A gangrene-like condition of the intestinal tract that can afflict premature babies. It is contamination of bacteria in the baby's intestinal tract.
Neurologic
Relating to the nervous system and its diseases.
Neuromuscular
Refers to the nerves and muscles. The nervous system initiates and the musculoskeletal system responds to produce movement.
NICU (levels of)
The levels of NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) are graded according to the level of training of the personnel and the specialization of the equipment used to assist the newborn with level 4 being the most specialized.
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o
Orthopedic
Relating to bones and joints.
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p
Periventricular leukomalacia
Literally meaning "white softening". Refers to the dead tissue surrounding the ventricles that may result from enlargement of the ventricles or from bleeding directly into the brain tissue.
Premature infant
A baby born before the 37th completed week of pregnancy.
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r
RDS (Respiratory Distress Syndrome) also known as HMD (Hyaline Membrane Disease)
Condition caused by the baby's inability to produce surfactant, the fatty substance that coats the alveoli -the lungs' tiny air sacs- and prevents them from collapsing.
Respirator or ventilator
A mechanical device used to substitute for, or to assist with, breathing.
RLF (Retrolental Fibroplasias) also known as ROP (Retinopathy of Prematurity)
An eye disease associated with the use of supplemental oxygen in premature infants (due to too much oxygen for too long a period of time).
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s
Seizure Disorders
Seizures are symptoms of underlying abnormalities of the brain which are characterized by involuntary motor activity or a change in consciousness or behavior. A seizure occurs when bursts of unorganized electrical impulses interfere with normal brain functioning. Depending on the location of theses bursts of electrical impulses, the child may experience a loss of consciousness, involuntary movements, or abnormal sensory phenomena.
Shunt
An artificially created passage or tube inserted between the ventricles of the brain into the peritoneum (abdominal cavity) to drain excess accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid.
Surfactant
A substance formed in the lungs that helps keep the small air sacs, or alveoli, from collapsing and sticking together.
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t
Tetratogens
Agents in the environment of the developing embryo and fetus which cause structural or functional abnormalities. Examples include alcohol, illegal drugs such as cocaine, stimulants, depressants, etc. or prescription drugs such as Dilantin, Phenobarbital, anticancer drugs, etc.
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v
Ventilator
See respirator.
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