Neonatology and Perinatology

Track 11. Neonatal Hypothermia Prevention

Neonatal hypothermia, a condition where newborns lose body heat rapidly, poses serious risks such as metabolic disturbances, respiratory distress, and increased mortality, especially in preterm and low birth weight infants. Prevention is vital and involves maintaining a warm delivery environment, immediate drying after birth, skin-to-skin contact (kangaroo care), and using radiant warmers or incubators. Proper thermal care helps stabilize vital functions and supports overall survival. Educating healthcare workers and caregivers on recognizing and managing hypothermia is essential in both hospital and community settings. Innovative warming devices and protocols continue to improve neonatal temperature regulation, reducing complications and improving outcomes worldwide.

Track 12. Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Neonates

Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is bleeding into the brain’s ventricular system, predominantly affecting premature infants due to fragile blood vessels. IVH severity ranges from mild to severe and can cause long-term neurodevelopmental impairments or cerebral palsy. Early diagnosis through cranial ultrasound allows timely intervention. Management focuses on supportive care, including maintaining stable blood pressure and avoiding fluctuations that could worsen bleeding. Research into prevention includes optimizing prenatal care, administering antenatal steroids, and minimizing invasive procedures. Long-term follow-up and rehabilitation services are critical for infants affected by IVH to maximize developmental potential.

Track 13. Neonatal Jaundice Management

Neonatal jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes due to elevated bilirubin levels, is common in newborns. While often benign, high bilirubin can lead to kernicterus, a serious brain condition. Timely diagnosis through bilirubin measurement and clinical assessment is essential. Treatment options include phototherapy, which uses light to break down bilirubin, and in severe cases, exchange transfusion. Prevention includes monitoring at-risk infants, such as those with prematurity, bruising, or blood group incompatibilities. Educating parents about signs of jaundice promotes early medical attention. Advances in diagnostic tools and treatment protocols have significantly reduced complications associated with neonatal jaundice.

Track 14. Breastfeeding in Neonatology

Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition, immune protection, and bonding for newborns. In neonatology, supporting breastfeeding is especially important for premature or ill infants. Breast milk promotes gut maturation, reduces infection risks, and supports neurodevelopment. Challenges may include maternal illness, infant immaturity, or medical interventions. Lactation support, including counseling and use of expressed milk, is crucial. When breastfeeding is not possible, donor human milk or specialized formulas are alternatives. Promoting breastfeeding-friendly policies in neonatal units enhances initiation and continuation rates, improving short- and long-term health outcomes.

Track 15. Neonatal Resuscitation Protocols

Neonatal resuscitation is a critical intervention for newborns who fail to establish spontaneous breathing at birth. Standardized protocols, such as those from the Neonatal Resuscitation Program, guide healthcare providers through assessment and interventions including airway clearing, positive pressure ventilation, chest compressions, and medication administration. Early and effective resuscitation reduces mortality and neurological injury. Training and simulation-based education improve skill retention and outcomes. Equipment readiness and team coordination are essential. Ongoing research refines guidelines to enhance safety and efficacy, ensuring the best start for vulnerable neonates.

Track 16. Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension

Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) occurs when the newborn’s circulatory system fails to transition properly after birth, causing high blood pressure in the lungs and impaired oxygenation. It is more common in term or near-term infants and can be caused by conditions such as meconium aspiration or infection. Management includes respiratory support, use of inhaled nitric oxide to dilate pulmonary vessels, and careful monitoring. Severe cases may require extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care improve survival and reduce complications.

Track 17. Neonatal Infection Control

Effective infection control in neonatal units is paramount to prevent nosocomial infections that can lead to sepsis and other serious complications. Strategies include strict hand hygiene, sterilization of equipment, minimizing invasive procedures, and appropriate antibiotic stewardship. Surveillance and outbreak management protocols ensure prompt detection and containment. Staff education and family involvement are integral. Advances in infection control technologies and practices continue to improve neonatal outcomes by reducing infection rates.

Track 18. Kangaroo Mother Care

Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a simple, cost-effective method involving skin-to-skin contact between the mother and infant. It benefits preterm and low birth weight babies by promoting thermal regulation, breastfeeding, and bonding. KMC reduces mortality, infections, and hospital stay duration. It also supports neurodevelopment and maternal mental health. Implementation requires staff training and family education. Widely endorsed by WHO, KMC is a vital component of neonatal care worldwide, especially in resource-limited settings.

Track 19. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) occurs when newborns experience withdrawal symptoms due to in utero exposure to addictive substances, primarily opioids. Symptoms include irritability, feeding difficulties, and respiratory problems. Diagnosis involves clinical scoring systems and maternal history. Management includes supportive care, nutrition, and sometimes pharmacologic treatment with tapered doses of morphine or methadone. Multidisciplinary approaches involving neonatologists, social workers, and addiction specialists optimize outcomes. Prevention focuses on maternal substance abuse treatment and prenatal care.

Track 20. Congenital Heart Disease in Neonates

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, affecting the structure and function of the heart. Early diagnosis through fetal echocardiography and newborn screening enables timely intervention. Management ranges from medical therapy to surgical correction, depending on severity. Neonatal care includes monitoring oxygenation and supporting cardiac function. Advances in surgical techniques and postoperative care have improved survival rates. Long-term follow-up is essential to address developmental and health challenges.

Track 21. Neonatal Immune System

The neonatal immune system is immature, making newborns vulnerable to infections. It relies heavily on maternal antibodies transferred via the placenta and breast milk for early protection. Neonates have reduced inflammatory responses and altered cell-mediated immunity. Understanding these differences guides vaccination schedules and infection management. Research into enhancing neonatal immunity through immunomodulators and vaccines is ongoing. Supporting neonatal immune function improves resistance to infections and overall health outcomes.

Track 22. Perinatal Mental Health

Perinatal mental health encompasses psychological well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Mothers may experience depression, anxiety, or psychosis, affecting both maternal and infant health. Early screening and intervention are critical. Supportive therapies, counseling, and medication when appropriate improve outcomes. Family and community support also play vital roles. Addressing perinatal mental health promotes healthy bonding and infant development, reducing long-term risks.

Track 23. Neonatal Transport Systems

Safe transport of critically ill newborns between healthcare facilities is essential for timely specialized care. Neonatal transport teams use specialized incubators and monitoring equipment to maintain temperature, ventilation, and vital signs during transit. Protocols ensure stabilization before and during transport. Effective communication between referring and receiving centers optimizes care continuity. Training and quality assurance programs improve transport safety and outcomes.

Track 24. Neonatal Metabolic Disorders

Metabolic disorders in neonates include inherited conditions affecting the body’s ability to process nutrients and toxins. Early detection through newborn screening allows prompt intervention to prevent serious complications. Management often involves dietary modifications, enzyme replacement, or medications. Genetic counseling supports families in understanding these conditions. Advances in diagnostic methods and treatments continue to improve prognosis and quality of life.

Track 25. Fetal Growth Restriction

Fetal Growth Restriction (FGR) describes a condition where a fetus does not achieve its genetically predetermined growth potential, often due to placental insufficiency. FGR increases risks of stillbirth, neonatal complications, and long-term developmental issues. Monitoring includes ultrasound assessments of fetal size and Doppler studies of blood flow. Management focuses on optimizing maternal health, timely delivery, and neonatal support. Early detection and intervention improve outcomes for affected infants.

Track 26. Neonatal Respiratory

Respiratory support is critical for newborns with lung immaturity or disease. Methods include supplemental oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), mechanical ventilation, and surfactant therapy. Non-invasive techniques reduce lung injury risks. Monitoring oxygenation and ventilation guides treatment adjustments. Advances in respiratory care have significantly improved survival and reduced chronic lung disease in neonates. Multidisciplinary care ensures individualized and effective respiratory management.

Track 27. Neonatal Screening Programs

Newborn screening programs test infants shortly after birth for a range of genetic, metabolic, and endocrine disorders. Early identification allows prompt treatment, preventing severe disabilities or death. Commonly screened conditions include phenylketonuria, hypothyroidism, and cystic fibrosis. Screening protocols vary by region but are vital public health initiatives. Education and follow-up systems ensure compliance and optimal care for affected infants.

Track 28. Neonatal Encephalopathy

Neonatal encephalopathy is a clinical syndrome of disturbed neurological function in newborns, often caused by hypoxic-ischemic injury during birth. Symptoms include altered consciousness, seizures, and abnormal tone. Therapeutic hypothermia is the standard treatment to reduce brain injury. Supportive care and neurodevelopmental follow-up are essential. Research aims to identify additional neuroprotective therapies to improve outcomes in affected infants.

Track 29. Neonatal Hearing Screening

Early hearing screening identifies congenital hearing loss, allowing timely intervention critical for speech and language development. Screening methods include otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem response tests. Programs aim for universal coverage soon after birth. Early detection leads to hearing aids, cochlear implants, and therapy, enhancing communication skills and quality of life.

Track 30. Neonatal Ethics and Decision-Making

Ethical decision-making in neonatal care involves complex considerations around life-sustaining treatments, quality of life, and parental rights. Situations such as extreme prematurity or severe congenital anomalies require careful, compassionate discussions with families. Ethical frameworks and multidisciplinary committees guide clinicians. Transparency and shared decision-making respect family values while prioritizing the infant’s best interests. These decisions often balance the potential benefits and burdens of treatment, considering both medical outcomes and the child’s future quality of life. Cultural, religious, and social factors also influence family choices and must be sensitively addressed. Ethical education and training for neonatal teams enhance their ability to navigate these difficult scenarios. Ultimately, the goal is to provide care that is humane, respectful, and aligned with both medical ethics and family wishes.