Question
Why is neuroprotection of the premature infant important?
Answer
Neuroprotection is what we do, strategies capable of preventing neuronal death. We are trying to take care of those little brain cells. Babies born at less than 37 weeks are at significant risk of having intracranial ischemic or hemorrhagic injuries. They are at the greatest risk in the first 72 hours of life. Neuroprotection is strategies that promote optimal synaptic neural connections and supports normal neurological, physical, and emotional development along with preventing disabilities. You must understand that these babies are supposed to be still floating around in the quiet little dark, protected area. Suddenly, they are out here, and we are poking, prodding; the lights are on. It is cold or hot. The babies do not handle these wild stimulations well, resulting in many issues. We try to provide prenatal prevention. If there is any chance that this baby may deliver within the next six hours, we administer maternal corticosteroids and prompt antibiotic treatment for chorioamnionitis. If you suspect the mother has an infection, get those antibiotics on board, and transport them to a tertiary care facility. Perinatal prevention provides a higher level of care, with delivery in a hospital with a high-level care team. When you are in that higher-level care team's hands, outcomes are much better.
This Ask the Expert is an edited excerpt from the course, Respiratory Concerns for the Premature Infant, presented by Tina Pennington, MNSc, RNC-NIC.
