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Post-resuscitation Care of the Depressed Newborn

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Abstract

This chapter will review an evidence-based approach to the post-resuscitation care of the depressed newborn. There is a broad differential for neonatal encephalopathy, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE). Standard protocols are used to identify encephalopathic newborns that have HIE and qualify for its time-sensitive treatment, therapeutic hypothermia. In order for therapeutic hypothermia to be effective, it should be initiated within 6 h of birth. Due to this time constraint, it is vital for the practicing physician to have a standard approach to the diagnosis and stabilization of the depressed newborn. The role of umbilical cord blood gas analysis in the evaluation of the fetal state prior to delivery will be discussed to illustrate how it can serve to guide management. Alternative laboratory evaluations to be considered if umbilical cord gases are not available will also be discussed. The physical exam of the depressed newborn, an essential component of the diagnosis of encephalopathy, will also be reviewed.

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Conflict of Interest

Both authors declare they have no conflicts of interest with regard to the content of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Lakeside Hospital for Women and Children, New Orleans, LA, USA

    Stephany M. Guiles MD & Jay P. Goldsmith MD

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  1. Stephany M. Guiles MD
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  2. Jay P. Goldsmith MD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Citrus Valley Medical Center, West Covina, CA, USA

    Gilbert I. Martin

  2. Stony Brook University SUNY, Mount Sinai - South Nassau Medical Center, Oceanside, NY, USA

    Warren Rosenfeld

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Guiles, S.M., Goldsmith, J.P. (2019). Post-resuscitation Care of the Depressed Newborn. In: Martin, G., Rosenfeld, W. (eds) Common Problems in the Newborn Nursery. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95672-5_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-95672-5_1

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