Professional Documents
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Newborn Examination
Newborn Examination
DR.RAMESH RAMACHUNDRAN
Definition
Head to toe physical examination of a newborn to
look for any abnormalities or pathology.
Syndactyly
Polydactyly
Oligodactyly
Congenital Talipes Equinovarus (CTEV)
Metarsus Varus
Trunk & Spine
Observe curvature and integrity
Check for any gross defects of the spine. An abnormal pigmentation/
hairy patches over the lower back should increase the suspicion that an
underlying vetebral abnormality exists.
A sacral or pilonidal dimple may indicate a small meningocele or
other anomaly.
Spina bifida defect in closure of the neural tube that is associated
with malformations of the vertebrae & spinal cord
Hips
Congenital hip dislocation ( Ortolani & Barlow
Maneuvers)
Assymetry of the skin folds on the dorsal surface
Shortening of the affected leg
Nervous System : Observe for any abnormal
movement/ excessive irritability
Muscle tone
Hypotonia : Floppiness
Hypertonia : Extended arms&legs, hyperextension of back &
tightly clenched fists.
Reflexes
Rooting reflex
Glabellar reflex
Grasp reflex
Neck righting reflex
Moros reflex
Biochemical screening
Simple laboratory investigation to diagnose congenital
metabolic disorder that may lead to mental retardation
and even death if left untreated.
The goal of this screening is to give all newborns a
chance to live a normal life.
It provides the opportunity for early treatment of
diseases that are diagnosed before symptoms appear
Malaysia : G6PD deficiency & Congenital
Hypothyroidism
G6PD deficiency
G6PD deficiency is one of the most common
genetic diseases affecting an estimated 400 000 000
people worldwide.
All newborn screened for G6PD and in case of
deficiency should be explained to both parents.
Test : Beutler fluorescent spot test : rapid & cheap
test that identifies NADPH produced by G6PD
under UV light.
Congenital Hypothyroidism
Significant decrease in, or absence of thyroid
function present at birth.
Approximately 1 in 4000 newborn infants has a
severe deficiency of thyroid function, while even
more have mild or partial degrees.
If untreated for several months after birth, severe
congenital hypothyroidism can lead to growth
failure and permanent mental retardation.
Screening for ROP : is a disorder of the
developing retina of low birth weight preterm infants that
potentially leads to blindness.