0
What is a Dubowitz exam for premature infants or prematurity?
GaleEncyofMedicine
A standardized test that scores responses to 33 specific neurological stimuli to estimate an infant's neural development and, hence, gestational age.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
How is prematurity or premature birth diagnosed?
Prematurity is diagnosed by determining the gestational age of the baby using ultrasound imaging, calculating from a date of conception, using the Dubowitz exam, electronic fetal monitoring, blood samples.
Retinopathy of prematurity?
DefinitionRetinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is abnormal blood vessel development in the retina of the eye in a premature infant.Alternative NamesRetrolental fibroplasia; ROPCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe blood vessels of the retina begin to develop 3 months after conception and complete their development at the time of normal birth. If an infant is born very prematurely, eye development can be disrupted. The vessels may stop growing or grow abnormally from the retina into the normally clear gel that fills the back of the eye. The vessels are fragile and can leak, causing bleeding in the eye.Scar tissue may develop and pull the retina loose from the inner surface of the eye. In severe cases, this can result in vision loss.In the past, routine use of excess oxygen to treat premature babies stimulated abnormal vessel growth. Currently, oxygen can be easily and accurately monitored, so this problem is rare.Today, the risk of developing ROP depends on the degree of prematurity. Generally, the smallest and sickest premature babies have the highest risk.Typically all babies younger than 30 weeks gestation or weighing fewer than 3 pounds at birth are screened for the condition. Certain high-risk babies who weigh 3 - 4.5 pounds or who are born after 30 weeks should also be screened.In addition to prematurity, other risks factors may include:Brief stop in breathing (apnea)Heart diseaseHigh carbon dioxide (CO2) in the bloodInfectionLow blood acidity (pH)Low blood oxygenRespiratory distressSlow heart rate (bradycardia)TransfusionsThe rate of ROP in moderately premature infants has decreased dramatically with better care in the neonatal intensive care unit. Ironically, however, this has led to high rates of survival of very premature infants who would have had little chance of survival in the past.Since these very premature infants are at the highest risk of developing ROP, the condition may actually be becoming more common again.SymptomsThere are 5 stages of ROP.Stage I: There is mildly abnormal blood vessel growth.Stage II: Blood vessel growth is moderately abnormal.Stage III: Blood vessel growth is severely abnormal.Stage IV: Blood vessel growth is severely abnormal and there is a partially detached retina.Stage V: There is a total retinal detachment.The blood vessel changes cannot be seen with the naked eye. An eye exam is needed to reveal such problems.An infant with ROP may be classified as having "plus disease" if the dilation and twisting of the blood vessels matches or exceeds a standard photograph.Symptoms of severe ROP include:Abnormal eye movementsCrossed eyesSevere nearsightednessWhite-looking pupils (leukocoria)Signs and testsHigh-risk infants and those younger than 30 weeks gestation or born weighing fewer than 3 lbs should have retinal exams.The first exam usually should be 4 - 9 weeks after birth, depending on the baby's gestational age. Babies born at 27 weeks or later usually have their exam at 4 weeks of age. Those born earlier usually have exams later.Follow-up examinations are determined based on the results of the first exam. Babies do not need another examination if the blood vessels in both retinas have completed normal development.Parents should know what follow-up eye exams are needed before the baby leaves the nursery.TreatmentEarly treatment has been shown to improve a baby's chances for normal vision. Treatment should start within 72 hours of the eye exam.Some babies with "plus disease" need immediate treatment.Treatment may include cryotherapy (freezing) to prevent the spread of abnormal blood vessels.Laser therapy (photocoagulation) may be used to prevent complications of advanced ROP. The laser therapy stops the abnormal blood vessels from growing. It can be performed in the nursery using portable equipment. To be effective, it must be done before scarring and detachment occursSurgery is needed if the retina detaches. Surgical procedures continue to improve, but may not result in good vision.Expectations (prognosis)Most premature infants with ROP recover with no lasting visual problems. Many premature infants with slight problems in retinal blood vessel growth have the vessels return to normal without treatment. Most infants with mild ROP can be expected to recover completely.About 1 out of 10 infants with early changes will develop more severe retinal disease. Severe ROP may lead to significant vision problems or blindness. The most important factor in the outcome is early detection and treatment.ComplicationsComplications may include severe nearsightedness and blindness.Most infants with severe vision loss related to ROP have other complications of prematurity and require a multidisciplinary approach to rehabilitation.PreventionThe most effective prevention of retinopathy of prematurity is prevention of premature birth. Preventing other complications of prematurity (such as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome) may also help prevent ROP.ReferencesSection on Ophthalmology American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Screening examination of premature infants for retinopathy of prematurity. Pediatrics. 2006 Feb;117(2):572-6.Early Treatment For Retinopathy Of Prematurity Cooperative Group. Revised indications for the treatment of retinopathy of prematurity: results of the early treatment for retinopathy of prematurity randomized trial. Arch Ophthalmol. 2003 Dec;121(12):1684-94.International Committee for the Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity. The International Classification of Retinopathy of Prematurity revisited. Arch Ophthalmol. 2005 Jul;123(7):991-9.Tasman W. Retinopathy of Prematurity: the life of a lifetime disease. Am J Ophthalmol. Jan 2006; 141(1): 167-74.Yanoff M, Duker JS, Augsburger JJ, et al. Ophthalmology. 2nd ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004.
How is premature rupture of membranes diagnosed?
A pelvic exam can determine if amniotic fluid is leaking. The fluid when placed on nitrazine paper turns dark blue. Smearing some fluid on a slide will look feathery under the microscope.
What are statistics of heart murmur?
In the newborn population, the prevalence of heart murmurs is between 0.6% and 4.2%.Among infants and children, an estimated 90% will have a heart murmur at some point during their infancy or childhood. Approximately 50% to 70% of infants and children are reported to have a heart murmur identified during a routine physical exam, but of all pediatric heart murmurs, less than 1% are caused by a congenital heart defect. About 70% of heart murmurs are asymptomatic in infants and children, and asymptomatic murmurs may be either innocent or pathologic.
What is correct in the exam or at the exam?
It really depends what your sentence is. ----------------------------------------- Both techically, however "in the exam" is more commonly used. The "at the exam" is correct as you are using the 'exam' as a location reference. To be more specific: 'in the exam' refers to the content of the exam, eg. a question asked in the exam. 'At the exam' and 'during the exam' refer to the time and place at which the exam was given.
What is exam timetable for hsc exam 2008 arts?
What is exam timetable for hsc exam 2008 arts?" What is exam timetable for hsc exam 2008 arts?"
Which is correct give an exam or place an exam?
give an exam
What is the past tense of you PASS the exam?
The past tense of "you pass the exam" is "you passed the exam."
How are dental exams performed for cavities in infants?
Dental exams are generally performed on toddlers, and it's performed the same way an adult exam except some kids are put in restraints, or cocoons, some even have a block placed in the mouth to keep it propped open.
Can you say she flunked in the exam?
No. She wasn't inside the exam. She flunked the exam.
Practice paper of TTA exam or Exam paper?
test exam
Which one is correct mock exam or muck exam?
Mock exam is the correct phrase.
