Discussion
I'd like to pick your brain if I may.
I know that babies below 5.5 lbs are considered low weight and in low weight babies, mortality rates are much higher than normal weight but what causes these higher illness and mortality rates?
What are the main issues surrounding it please?
I know this is asking a lot but if you could help, that would be great
I know that babies below 5.5 lbs are considered low weight and in low weight babies, mortality rates are much higher than normal weight but what causes these higher illness and mortality rates?
What are the main issues surrounding it please?
I know this is asking a lot but if you could help, that would be great
ooo my brain has been altered so it no longer works in lbs and oz! Babies below 2.5kg are considered low birth weight. I think that is roughly 5lb 8oz.
The main problems with LBW babies is their inability to maintain their temperature due to the lack of glucose and fat stores. If their temperature does drop they can become hypoglycemic very easily.
You also have to consider why they're low birth weight and if they could have been compromised in utero. If that's the case then they may have problems breathing at birth. If they are stressed during labour they can open their bowels and develop gasping movements if they're struggling with low oxygen levels. This can lead to meconium aspiration, which can be fatal. Another problem if they've got low oxygen is that they produce more red blood cells. Seems like a good idea but fetal blood cells are broken down after birth and adult blood cells take their place. A high level of cells leads to high levels of bilirubin causing jaundice. If the baby can't get rid of this, it can settle on the brain causing kernicturus and brain damage. Lots of feeding helps, but again small babies aren't always very hungry.
Every hospital has different ways on dealing with LBW babies. We have a protocol where all babies have to have temperature, blood sugars and feeds regularly to help prevent the associated complications.
The main problems with LBW babies is their inability to maintain their temperature due to the lack of glucose and fat stores. If their temperature does drop they can become hypoglycemic very easily.
You also have to consider why they're low birth weight and if they could have been compromised in utero. If that's the case then they may have problems breathing at birth. If they are stressed during labour they can open their bowels and develop gasping movements if they're struggling with low oxygen levels. This can lead to meconium aspiration, which can be fatal. Another problem if they've got low oxygen is that they produce more red blood cells. Seems like a good idea but fetal blood cells are broken down after birth and adult blood cells take their place. A high level of cells leads to high levels of bilirubin causing jaundice. If the baby can't get rid of this, it can settle on the brain causing kernicturus and brain damage. Lots of feeding helps, but again small babies aren't always very hungry.
Every hospital has different ways on dealing with LBW babies. We have a protocol where all babies have to have temperature, blood sugars and feeds regularly to help prevent the associated complications.
Fruitcake said:
I'd like to pick your brain if I may.
I know that babies below 5.5 lbs are considered low weight and in low weight babies, mortality rates are much higher than normal weight but what causes these higher illness and mortality rates?
What are the main issues surrounding it please?
I know this is asking a lot but if you could help, that would be great
I know that babies below 5.5 lbs are considered low weight and in low weight babies, mortality rates are much higher than normal weight but what causes these higher illness and mortality rates?
What are the main issues surrounding it please?
I know this is asking a lot but if you could help, that would be great
WTF
jonseyworld said:
Fruitcake said:
I'd like to pick your brain if I may.
I know that babies below 5.5 lbs are considered low weight and in low weight babies, mortality rates are much higher than normal weight but what causes these higher illness and mortality rates?
What are the main issues surrounding it please?
I know this is asking a lot but if you could help, that would be great
I know that babies below 5.5 lbs are considered low weight and in low weight babies, mortality rates are much higher than normal weight but what causes these higher illness and mortality rates?
What are the main issues surrounding it please?
I know this is asking a lot but if you could help, that would be great
WTF
For when you have kids. You know, just in case
About 2 or 3 years ago now blackburn and burnley hospitals merged to one trust. After spending millions on a new hospital in blackburn half it's units are shutting as they say they cant have 2 departments for everything even though it's at least 20 minutes between the hospitals (without traffic!). Now it looks like our brand new A+E won't be accepting blue lights and all high risks will have to go to Burnley even though the ICU is shutting...it's all going to fail and cost even more money but the heads want to save money now and don't give a sh*t about what happens in the future to the trust or to patients.
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