Risk identification in the newborn

Newborns Needing Special Care and Referral to FRU | High-Risk Newborn Identification

These newborns would need special care and should be referred to the FRU

need referral to an FRU which is equipped to manage post-asphyxial problems such as convulsions, hypoxia, hypoglycaemia, hypocalcaemia, shock, renal failure etc.
1. Danger Signs:
- Convulsions
- Fast breathing (60 breaths per minute or more)
- Severe chest in drawing
- Nasal flaring
- Grunting
- Bulging fontanelle
- 10 or more skin pustules or a big boil
- If axillary temperature 37.5oC or above (or feels hot to touch) or temperature less than 35.5oC (or feels cold to touch)
- Lethargic or unconscious
- Less than normal movements
- Severe Jaundice
- Blood in the stools
- Not able to feed
- No attachment at all
- Not sucking at all

Meningo-myelocoele, hydrocephalus,
- large omphalocoele are easily identified on inspection of the baby
- Diaphragmatic hernia may be suspected in a baby with respiratory distress and a scaphoid abdomen.
- Babies with excessive salivation and mucus discharge from the oral cavity may have esophageal atresia.
There is an inability to pass a rubber catheter into the stomach.
Most of these babies require immediate surgery for them to survive, and therefore should be referred to an FRU.
The detailed information regarding sick newborn is not being mentioned here since it will be taken care of by IMNCI and Newborn Care lectures

Reference:

Preventive Medicine in Obstetrics, Pediatrics and Geriatrics, Park’s Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine: 23rd edition, 2015
Maternal Health Division, Department of Family Welfare, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India: August, 2005. Guidelines for Pregnancy Care and Management of Common Obstetric Complications by Medical Officers. Available on, http://jknrhm.com/Guideline/Normal_delivery_and_management_of_obstetric_... downloaded on 20th Dec 2016
Maternal Health Division, Department of Family Welfare, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India: August, 2009, TRAINEES' HANDBOOK for TRAINING of Medical Officers in Pregnancy Care and Management of Common Obstetric Complications. Available on, http://tripuranrhm.gov.in/Guidlines/Pregnancy_Care.pdf downloaded on 20th Dec 2016