Prematurity (early delivery): Babies delivered before the expected term may be unable to sustain vital functions such as respiration, feeding and preservation of body temperature, which means they need to be supported by simulating circumstances similar to the womb. The necessary support is provided at our unit with the help of modern technological facilities like incubator, patient monitors, respirators, parenteral nutrition systems etc.
Diseases specific to the neonatal period: Some diseases that are life-threatening or might result in permanent damage like jaundice, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus, respiratory distress syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage etc. might be encountered during the neonatal period. Our unit adopts painstaking observation measures for prevention and early diagnosis and treatment of such conditions. Newborns’ examinations and investigations, including hearing and ophthalmological examinations, cranial USG, EEG, echocardiogram etc., are conducted in accordance with their screening programs.
Congenital malformations, syndromes, metabolic/endocrine/genetic diseases etc.
Some structural disorders or diseases may be detectable right away, whereas others may manifest symptoms during the first days of life. If such disorders or diseases are identified or suspected, patients are evaluated in collaboration with medical genetics or other relevant departments in order to diagnose their conditions with special tests and screening procedures.
Surgical diseases: Neonates who underwent pediatric, cardiovascular, plastic or otorhinolaryngological surgery are observed at our unit during the preoperative and postoperative periods.
Infectious diseases: Infections are among the most prominent problems experienced at intensive care units, and unfortunately, rate of infection can never be reduced to zero. However, the risk may be mitigated substantially by employing strict measures. If necessary, this group of infants can be observed in rooms specifically designated to this purpose.
Perinatal asphyxia: This is an incident where the baby might be deprived of oxygen due to various reasons and sustain damage to some organs, primarily the brain. To mitigate this damage as much as possible, whole-body therapeutic hypothermia is practiced at our unit. Long term monitoring under aEEG, a special format of regular EEG, and MRI imaging (under supervision of an anesthesiologist, if necessary) are conducted to determine the impact on the brain.