Dallas Preemie Parents feels that an educated parent can effectively advocate for their child in and out of the NICU. We strive to provide parents with local education events as well as information through literature and on our blog. If you have a topic you would like to see covered please let us know!
Below are some common diagnosis in our preemies.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA) is a heart problem that affects some babies soon after birth. In PDA, abnormal blood flow occurs between two of the major arteries connected to the heart. These arteries are the aorta and the pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary) artery. Before birth, these arteries are connected by a blood vessel called the ductus arteriosus. This blood vessel is a vital part of fetal blood circulation. Within minutes or up to a few days after birth, the ductus arteriosus closes. This change is normal in newborns. In some babies, however, the ductus arteriosus remains open (patent). The opening allows oxygen-rich blood from the aorta to mix with oxygen-poor blood from the pulmonary artery. This can strain the heart and increase blood pressure in the lung arteries.
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) or Chronic Lung Disease is a general term for long-term respiratory problems in premature babies. BPD is caused by prematurity - the lungs, especially the air sacs, are not fully developed. Low amounts of surfactant (a substance in the lungs that helps keep the tiny air sacs open). Oxygen use (high concentrations of oxygen can damage the cells of the lungs). Mechanical ventilation - the pressure of air from breathing machines, suctioning of the airways, use of an endotracheal tube (ET tube - a tube placed in the trachea and connected to a breathing machine).
- Lucile Salter Packard Children's Hospital
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) is a type of bleeding from fragile blood vessels in the brain. These blood vessels are very fragile in premature infants. Babies who are born more than 8 weeks early (before 32 weeks of pregnancy) are most likely to have this bleeding.
- Children's Physician Network