CNeoN(C) key terms

A condition where the amniotic fluid volume is abnormally low, often defined as an amniotic fluid index of 5 cm or less or a single deepest pocket under 2 cm. It can lead to fetal compression, pulmonary hypoplasia, and umbilical cord compression.

A semiquantitative ultrasound measurement of amniotic fluid volume obtained by dividing the uterus into four quadrants and summing the deepest vertical pocket in each. It helps assess fetal well-being and detect oligohydramnios or polyhydramnios.

An excessive volume of amniotic fluid, often defined as an amniotic fluid index greater than 24 cm or a single deepest pocket over 8 cm. It is associated with fetal swallowing disorders, gastrointestinal obstructions, and maternal diabetes.

A pregnancy-specific disorder characterized by new-onset hypertension and proteinuria or other maternal organ dysfunction after 20 weeks of gestation. It can progress to severe complications such as eclampsia, HELLP syndrome, and placental abruption.

A severe variant of preeclampsia defined by Hemolysis, Elevated Liver enzymes, and Low Platelet count. It can cause maternal liver rupture, renal failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation, and often requires urgent delivery.

The premature separation of a normally implanted placenta from the uterine wall after 20 weeks of gestation. It can cause vaginal bleeding, uterine tenderness, fetal distress, and maternal hemodynamic instability.

The continuous or intermittent electronic recording of the fetal heart rate and uterine contractions to assess fetal oxygenation and well-being during labor. Patterns are interpreted using standardized categories to guide clinical interventions.

A fetal heart rate pattern showing a gradual decrease in heart rate that begins after the peak of a uterine contraction and returns to baseline after the contraction ends. It suggests uteroplacental insufficiency and fetal hypoxemia.

A fetal heart rate pattern with an abrupt decrease in heart rate that varies in timing, shape, and duration relative to uterine contractions. It is most commonly caused by umbilical cord compression and may require maternal repositioning or amnioinfusion.

Inadequate blood flow across the placenta to meet fetal oxygen and nutrient demands, often due to maternal hypertension, hypotension, or uterine hyperstimulation. It can lead to fetal hypoxemia and late decelerations on monitoring.

Glucose intolerance that is first recognized during pregnancy, typically after 24 weeks of gestation. It increases the risk of fetal macrosomia, shoulder dystocia, neonatal hypoglycemia, and polyhydramnios.

A condition of excessive fetal growth, commonly defined as a birth weight greater than 4,000 to 4,500 grams. It increases the risk of prolonged labor, shoulder dystocia, birth trauma, and cesarean delivery.

A obstetric emergency in which the fetal anterior shoulder becomes impacted behind the maternal pubic symphysis after delivery of the head. It requires prompt maneuvers to avoid brachial plexus injury and fetal hypoxia.

Damage to the nerves of the brachial plexus, often occurring during difficult deliveries such as shoulder dystocia. It can cause weakness or paralysis of the affected arm, with Erb's palsy being the most common type.

A standardized, evidence-based approach to the resuscitation of newborns at birth, emphasizing initial steps, positive pressure ventilation, chest compressions, and medications. It guides providers in assessing and stabilizing newborns who do not breathe effectively.

The delivery of breaths to a newborn using a bag and mask, T-piece resuscitator, or mechanical device to support oxygenation and ventilation. It is the most important intervention for a non-breathing newborn during resuscitation.

A respiratory condition in newborns caused by inhalation of meconium-stained amniotic fluid before or during birth. It can lead to airway obstruction, surfactant inactivation, and persistent pulmonary hypertension.

A rapid assessment tool used at 1 and 5 minutes after birth to evaluate a newborn's heart rate, respiratory effort, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color. It helps identify infants needing resuscitation but does not predict long-term outcomes.

A respiratory support modality that delivers a constant positive pressure to the airways throughout the respiratory cycle, helping to keep alveoli open and improve oxygenation. It is commonly used in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

A condition primarily affecting preterm infants due to surfactant deficiency, leading to alveolar collapse, decreased lung compliance, and hypoxemia. It is managed with surfactant replacement and respiratory support.

The administration of exogenous surfactant into the trachea of a newborn with respiratory distress syndrome to reduce surface tension, prevent alveolar collapse, and improve oxygenation. It is most effective when given early in the disease course.

A disorder in which pulmonary vascular resistance remains abnormally high after birth, causing right-to-left shunting of blood and severe hypoxemia. It is often associated with meconium aspiration, sepsis, or congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

A pulmonary vasodilator administered by inhalation to reduce pulmonary vascular resistance in newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension. It improves oxygenation by increasing blood flow to ventilated lung regions.

The failure of the ductus arteriosus to close after birth, resulting in a left-to-right shunt of blood from the aorta to the pulmonary artery. It can cause pulmonary overcirculation, heart failure, and worsening respiratory status in preterm infants.

A prostaglandin synthesis inhibitor used to promote closure of a patent ductus arteriosus in preterm infants. It is also used as a tocolytic, but it requires monitoring for renal and gastrointestinal side effects.

A neonatal neurologic syndrome caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain around the time of birth. It can lead to seizures, altered consciousness, and long-term neurodevelopmental impairment.

A neuroprotective treatment for newborns with moderate to severe hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy that involves cooling the body or head to 33.5–34.5°C for 72 hours. It reduces mortality and neurodevelopmental disability when started within 6 hours of birth.

A severe gastrointestinal disease primarily affecting preterm infants, characterized by inflammation and necrosis of the intestinal mucosa. It presents with feeding intolerance, abdominal distension, bloody stools, and can progress to perforation and sepsis.

The intravenous administration of complete nutritional support, including carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals, to patients who cannot receive enteral nutrition. It is commonly used in preterm infants with immature gastrointestinal function or after gastrointestinal surgery.

Abnormally low blood glucose concentration in a newborn, often defined as less than 45 mg/dL in the first 24 hours. It is common in infants of diabetic mothers, preterm infants, and those with intrauterine growth restriction, and can cause seizures if untreated.

A condition in which a fetus fails to achieve its genetically determined growth potential, often defined as an estimated fetal weight below the 10th percentile for gestational age. It increases the risk of perinatal morbidity, mortality, and neonatal hypoglycemia.

An elevated level of bilirubin in the blood, which can cause jaundice and, in severe cases, kernicterus. It is common in newborns due to immature liver conjugation and increased red blood cell breakdown.

The use of light energy to break down bilirubin in the skin, reducing serum bilirubin levels in newborns with jaundice. It is the primary treatment for significant neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

A neurologic condition caused by the deposition of unconjugated bilirubin in the basal ganglia and brainstem of a newborn. It can result in permanent movement disorders, hearing loss, and developmental delay.

A life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. In neonates, it can present with temperature instability, respiratory distress, feeding intolerance, and lethargy, and requires prompt antibiotic therapy.

A bacterium that commonly colonizes the maternal genital tract and can cause neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and meningitis. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for colonized mothers to prevent early-onset disease.

An approach to health care that recognizes the family as the primary source of support and involves them as partners in the care of the patient. It emphasizes respect, information sharing, and collaboration in decision-making.

A collaborative process in which health care providers and patients or families exchange information about treatment options, risks, and preferences to reach an informed decision. It respects patient autonomy and improves satisfaction with care.