Neonatal Infections PDF

Neonatal Infections Considerations It is very important to be aware of any infants with a LATEX allergy. Hospitals do carry non- latex gloves and probe covers. Be especially careful with infants with spina bifida. Infants with spina bifida are born with a natural sensitivity to latex....

Neonatal Infections Considerations It is very important to be aware of any infants with a LATEX allergy. Hospitals do carry non- latex gloves and probe covers. Be especially careful with infants with spina bifida. Infants with spina bifida are born with a natural sensitivity to latex. TORCH TORCH is an acronym for a special group of congenital infections in infants that may be acquired by the mother during pregnancy. These infections can cause microcephaly, cerebral edema, and cerebral calcifications. TORCH infections are important primarily because they can be transmitted to the unborn child in the womb. If a mother is exposed to any of these infections during the first 5 months of pregnancy, the baby may die in the womb or suffer serious complications TORCH TORCH stands for the following infections: o Toxoplasmosis o Other Infections: namely Hepatitis B, syphilis and Herpes zoster o Rubella o Cytomegalovirus o Herpes simplex virus Toxoplasmosis Toxoplasmosis is a parasite that is carried by the feline family. Pregnant women should avoid cat litter boxes for this reason. Other infections, Rubella Other infections is the group which contains hepatitis B and the Herpes zoster (chicken pox and Shingles) Rubella is the german measles Most women are vaccinated for these prior to conception. Hep B, chicken pox, and Rubella vaccines are very common CMV- Cytomegalovirus This is a type of Herpes virus. Pregnant health care workers should avoid CMV positive patients at all costs. Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 This is the type of herpes virus which causes genital herpes. This can be spread via unprotected sexual relationships. This virus can also spread to the fetus during vaginal delivery. If a pregnant female has an active outbreak of the Herpes Simplex Virus at time of delivery, a C-Section is performed. The fetus cannot pass through the birth canal. It will pass directly to the fetus during a vaginal delivery. Acquired Infections Infections occurring AFTER BIRTH Beta Strep or Group B strep This is a bacteria which lives in humans. About 25% of women are carriers of Group B Strep and are not aware of it. During pregnancy, women are tested around 37 weeks gestation for the virus via a simple vaginal swab. If Group B strep positive, mother is put on IV antibiotics during delivery During a vaginal birth the infant comes in contact with the bacteria in the vagina. This infection can affect the lungs and spinal cord in addition to the brain after delivery if unknown exposure takes place. E Coli E coli infections are caused by eating under cooked beef. Many individuals, especially infants, contract this infection from improper handwashing techniques by another individual who has contracted the infection. Diarrhea and severe dehydration can occur if E Coli is contracted. Food Poisoning Hemophilus Influenza The "flu" can be very harmful to an infant. If contracted early in life, it can cause meningitis or meningoencephalitis. It is important for sonographers to remain healthy and conscious of their health when scanning pediatrics. If you think you're sick or you have been sick recently, opt for another tech to do the study. If you are the only one available, make sure to wear a mask, gown, and gloves while in the patient room or anywhere near the infant. Cycticercosis A parasitic infection caused by the pork tapeworm. Farmers and individuals with livestock should be extra cautious around infants, as they can carry infections on their skin/clothing and pass that along to the infant. Nosocomial Infections- Healthcare-associated Infections These infections are acquired in the course of medical care. 95% of HAI's are pneumonia cases due to mechanical ventilation. o 91% complications from IV lines o 77% UTI's from urinary catheters. Infants- Heat Loss Body Temperature Control Heat Loss Infants lose heat through four ways: Evaporation: of amniotic fluid at birth Radiation: Of heat from the baby to cooler objects in the vicinity Convection: Baby is exposed to cooler surroundings of air Conduction: If baby is placed on a cold surface (table, scale, mattress) Brown Adipose Tissue (BAT) The lack of Brown Adipose Tissue is the reason infants cannot control their body temperature. BAT's function is to transfer heat energy from fat to heat. It is essential for non-shivering thermogenesis. Non shivering thermogenesis does not exist in the absence of BAT Neonates and infants cannot, or are reluctant to shiver. Heat production from BAT is activated when extra heat is needed. Feeding results in activation of BAT. BAT helps avoid lethal hypothermia and its burning provides a baby with an alternative means of heat regulation. BAT Cont'd The heating units over the specialized beds in the neonatal units help infants maintain a proper body temperature. The infant's temperature is determined via a temperature probe placed on the skin. The optimal position for the temperature probe is on the infant's abdomen, preferably over the liver. It is important to have the temperature probe away from the extremities and bony areas of the body.