ABP Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine study guide
ABP Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine is one of the pediatric subspecialties for which the American Board of Pediatrics offers subspecialty certification. The credential is intended for physicians who have completed the required fellowship training and are pursuing board certification in the care of newborns, especially preterm and critically ill infants. The ABP Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine study guide has 10 sections and about 2,322 words.
01Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Antenatal Assessment
Candidates must connect maternal conditions to fetal risk: hypertensive disorders, diabetes, isoimmunization, infection, multiple gestation, and preterm labor. Know the evidence-based windows: antenatal corticosteroids for threatened preterm birth at 24–34 weeks, magnesium sulfate for neuroprotection when delivery is expected before 32 weeks, and group B streptococcus prophylaxis for preterm labor, prolonged rupture, or maternal fever.
275 words, about 1 min02Delivery Room Care and Neonatal Resuscitation
NRP emphasizes anticipation, teamwork, and rapid correction of ventilation. At birth, assess term gestation, tone, breathing, and heart rate.
257 words, about 1 min03Respiratory Disorders of the Newborn
The preterm lung is surfactant-deficient, leading to respiratory distress syndrome with grunting, retractions, and hypoxemia; chest radiography shows low volumes, ground-glass opacities, and air bronchograms. Antenatal steroids and early CPAP reduce severity, and exogenous surfactant is used when FiO2 requirements rise.
249 words, about 1 min04Cardiovascular Disorders of the Newborn
Congenital heart disease may present with cyanosis, heart failure, or shock as the ductus closes. Cyanotic lesions include transposition, tetralogy of Fallot, tricuspid atresia, and total anomalous pulmonary venous return; acyanotic lesions include ventricular septal defect, coarctation, and hypoplastic left heart.
230 words, about 1 min05Neurologic Disorders and Neurodevelopment
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy is staged by clinical exam, cord gases, and EEG. Therapeutic hypothermia improves outcomes for infants at least 36 weeks’ gestation with moderate-to-severe encephalopathy and should begin within six hours of birth, targeting 33.5–34.5°C for 72 hours.
230 words, about 1 min06Nutrition, Gastrointestinal, and Fluid/Electrolyte Disorders
Nutrition begins with parenteral support in very preterm infants, then advances to human milk. Trophic feeds promote gut maturation.
221 words, about 1 min07Neonatal Infectious Diseases and Immunology
Early-onset sepsis presents within 72 hours, often with respiratory distress, temperature instability, and lethargy. Group B streptococcus and Escherichia coli are common.
225 words, about 1 min08Hematologic, Oncologic, Endocrine, and Metabolic Disorders
Physiologic anemia nadir occurs at 6–12 weeks in term infants and earlier in preterm infants. Polycythemia can cause hypoglycemia and hyperbilirubinemia; partial exchange transfusion is reserved for symptomatic infants with very high hematocrit.
221 words, about 1 min09Genetics, Dysmorphology, and Long-Term Outcomes
A careful exam documents minor anomalies, growth parameters, and family history. Common syndromes have recognizable patterns: trisomy 21 (hypotonia, upslanting palpebral fissures, duodenal atresia), trisomy 18 (clenched hands, rocker-bottom feet), trisomy 13 (cleft lip, polydactyly), Turner syndrome (lymphedema, coarctation), and DiGeorge syndrome (hypocalcemia, conotruncal heart disease).
206 words, about 1 min10Ethics, Quality Improvement, Patient Safety, and Health Systems
Neonatal decisions require shared decision-making, especially at the limits of viability. Parents should receive balanced information about outcomes, and clinicians should avoid both therapeutic nihilism and unrealistic optimism.
208 words, about 1 min