Posts

Showing posts from March, 2024

Low Blood Pressure in Premature Newborns: Understanding Hypotension in Early Infancy

Image
Hypotension in preterm neonates presents a significant challenge in neonatal care, given their immature cardiovascular systems and the abrupt transition from the intrauterine to extrauterine environment. These infants often struggle to maintain adequate blood pressure due to underdeveloped cardiac function, limited responsiveness to catecholamines , and susceptibility to fluid shifts. Clinical signs of hypotension may include poor perfusion, tachycardia , decreased urine output, and respiratory distress. Prompt recognition and management are essential to prevent complications such as organ hypoperfusion and ischemia, which can have long-term consequences on neurodevelopment and overall health. Treatment strategies for hypotension in preterm neonates typically involve a stepwise approach. Initially, optimizing respiratory support and ensuring adequate fluid resuscitation are crucial. If hypotension persists, inotropic medications like dopamine or dobutamine may be administered to imp...