Neonatal Pathology and Neonatology

A structured, multidisciplinary follow-up plan is implemented for each premature infant discharged from the NICU. This plan includes evaluations by ophthalmologists, neuropsychiatrists, neonatologists/pediatricians, ultrasound specialists, and instrumental assessments such as Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) testing.

Additional evaluations and monitoring are scheduled based on the patient's clinical history and may frequently include: Echocardiography, Serial renal ultrasounds, Surgical or specialized consultations for specific medical concerns

This clinic provides consultations and follow-up care for newborns born to mothers with infections during pregnancy, including Toxoplasmosis, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Syphilis, Rubella, Hepatitis C (HCV), HIV, and Hepatitis B.

During the endemic season of Respiratory Syncytial Virus infections, premature infants (<35 weeks) and other high-risk newborns receive monthly prophylactic treatment with Palivizumab.

This clinic focuses on the diagnosis and follow-up of suspected or confirmed congenital heart defects identified at birth or later. It is dedicated to neonates and infants up to six months of age.

This service is available for at-risk neonates and/or premature infants discharged from the unit who require reevaluation or ultrasound follow-up.

Hearing potential assessments are conducted using the AABR (Automated Auditory Brainstem Response) method. If a pathological result is confirmed, neonates are referred to the Audio-Vestibology Center at the Outpatient Clinic with a recommendation for comprehensive ABR (Auditory Brainstem Response) testing.

For uncomplicated physiological births, neonates remain with their mothers for skin-to-skin contact and initial breastfeeding.

Hearing Screening: Performed after 24 hours of life using TEOAE (Transient Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions) to enable early detection of congenital hearing impairments.

• Red Reflex Test: Conducted to detect congenital ocular abnormalities and conditions early.
• Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease Screening: Performed using pulse oximetry to measure pre- and post-ductal oxygen saturation.

Expanded Metabolic Screening: Conducted between 48 and 72 hours of life to facilitate the early identification of metabolic disorders, including phenylketonuria, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis, and 40 hereditary metabolic diseases.

This practice allows mothers to keep their newborns close from the very first moments of life, day and night, for as long as possible. Rooming-in offers numerous benefits: it supports the initiation of breastfeeding and fosters a deep mother-child bond; stabilizes the mother’s mood and soothes the newborn; helps prevent postpartum depression and enhances the perception of parenthood; reduces episodes of crying, allowing the infant to adapt to the new extrauterine environment more gradually and gently.

Additionally, it facilitates new mothers' training in managing their babies’ daily needs, laying the foundation for their autonomy once they return home.

This practice enhances the development of organs and systems while serving as a powerful tool for strengthening the mother-child bond and promoting family harmony. In a sensory relaxation environment, the instructor demonstrates the massage sequence that each parent performs on their child, explaining its benefits and value. This shared experience fosters the exchange of emotions and insights in a setting where infants have the freedom to express their needs.

The free course aligns with prenatal education programs and supports a continuum of care that begins during pregnancy and extends through childbirth and the postpartum period.