6 to 8% infants suffering respiratory diseases dies

Mohali

4 April 2017

DIVYA AZAD

Fortis Hospital, Mohali organized a Neonatology Workshop on Basic Neonatal Ventilation that addresses Infant Respiratory Distress Syndrome (IRDS) today. The event saw participation from more than 40 pediatricians from the three cities & their periphery. An expert team of doctors demonstrated on how to take care of newborns with breathing disorders.

Breathing or respiratory problems are the most common issue for which newborns require ICU care. The participants were given hands-on training on different ways of giving respiratory support with Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine, and mechanical ventilation. They also were given training on how to prevent complications while babies are given mechanical ventilation.

Dr Sunil K Agrawal, Consultant, Neonatology at Fortis Mohali said, “The participants were trained on how to avoid unnecessary overuse of oxygen in premature babies. This can cause vision problems.” During the session on ‘Assessment and management of respiratory distress’, Dr Agrawal spoke on ways to measure the severity of the problem and also deliberated on the concept of early CPAP. Nearly 6-8% of newborns develop respiratory distress.

Touted as the most common cause of infant mortality, immaturity of the lungs, pneumonia and meconium aspiration at birth are the most common causes of respiratory distress among babies. “In such cases, adequate and timely medical intervention in the form of oxygen therapy and respiratory support can save their lives,” said Dr Agrawal.

The participants were given hands-on training on different ways of giving respiratory support, which included Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP), and mechanical ventilation. Different ways of giving CPAP was demonstrated. They were also given training on how to prevent complication while babies are given mechanical ventilation. The participants were trained about how to avoid unnecessary overuse of oxygen in premature babies, which can cause vision problems.

A session on ‘Non-invasive Ventilation’ was also organized during which the experts spoke on science behind CPAP and indications and contra-indications for using non-invasive ventilation, apart from other related topics.