The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is a specialized unit that provides critical care to newborns who are premature, have low birth weight, or suffer from serious medical conditions. The NICU is equipped with advanced technology and a highly trained team of neonatologists, nurses, and other specialists to ensure the best possible care for sick or fragile infants.

1. Who Needs NICU Care?

Babies admitted to the NICU typically have:

• Prematurity (born before 37 weeks of gestation)
• Low birth weight (less than 2,500 grams or 5.5 pounds)
• Birth asphyxia (lack of oxygen during birth)
• Respiratory distress (difficulty breathing due to underdeveloped lungs)
• Congenital abnormalities (birth defects affecting organs or metabolism)
• Neonatal infections (sepsis, pneumonia, meningitis)
• Jaundice (high bilirubin levels needing phototherapy)

2. Common Conditions Treated in the NICU

A. Respiratory Disorders

1. Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
   • Cause: Premature lungs lacking surfactant, making breathing difficult.
   • Treatment: Oxygen therapy, CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), or mechanical ventilation.
2. Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)
   • Cause: Delayed clearance of lung fluid, leading to rapid breathing.
   • Treatment: Oxygen support and monitoring.
3. Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)
   • Cause: Chronic lung disease due to prolonged ventilator use.
   • Treatment: Long-term oxygen therapy and respiratory support.

B. Cardiovascular Disorders

1. Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
   • Cause: Persistent fetal circulation leading to an open blood vessel between the heart and lungs.
   • Treatment: Medication (indomethacin/ibuprofen) or surgery.
2. Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
   • Cause: High lung pressure preventing normal oxygenation.
   • Treatment: Oxygen, nitric oxide therapy, or ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation).

C. Neurological Disorders

1. Neonatal Seizures
   • Cause: Birth asphyxia, infections, or metabolic disorders.
   • Treatment: Anti-seizure medications and monitoring.
2. Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
   • Cause: Brain bleeding in preterm babies.
   • Treatment: Supportive care, sometimes requiring surgery if severe.

D. Infections & Immune Disorders

1. Neonatal Sepsis
   • Cause: Bacterial infection acquired during or after birth.
   • Treatment: IV antibiotics, supportive care.
2. Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
   • Cause: Intestinal tissue damage in premature infants.
   • Treatment: IV feeding, antibiotics, or surgery for severe cases.

E. Metabolic & Nutritional Issues

1. Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
   • Cause: Preterm birth, maternal diabetes, or infection.
   • Treatment: IV glucose.
2. Neonatal Jaundice
   • Cause: Immature liver leading to high bilirubin levels.
   • Treatment: Phototherapy or exchange transfusion if severe.

3. Specialized NICU Equipment & Treatments

• Incubators & Warmers: Maintain body temperature.
• Ventilators & CPAP: Assist with breathing.
• Phototherapy Lights: Treat jaundice.
• IV Lines & Feeding Tubes: Provide nutrition and medication.

4. NICU Discharge & Long-Term Care

• Developmental Follow-up: Monitoring growth, neurological development, and motor skills.
• Parental Education: Training on feeding, handling, and caring for preterm or sick babies.
• Vaccination & Nutrition Support: Ensuring proper immune protection and growth.