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Introduction to assessment of the newborn and common neonatal problems

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Neonatal medicine has advanced immensely over the past two decades. Premature infants' survival rates have increased due to better technology such as surfactant replacement and cot side-based non-invasive monitoring.

Neonatology was one of the first subspecialties to embrace the concept of evidence-based medicine. However, history taking and clinical examination still remain important tools in the initial assessment of the newborn. The aim of this tutorial is to emphasise the importance of recognising the abnormal from the normal, as the transition from fetal to neonatal life poses potential complications that may affect the quality of life for the future.

Common neonatal problems

  • Prematurity
  • Hypothermia
  • Hypoglycaemia
  • Asphyxia neonatorum
  • Jaundice
  • Transient tachypnoea of newborn
  • Birth injuries

Learning objectives

When you have completed this tutorial, you will be able to:

  • understand fetal circulation and the physiologic changes in fetal–neonatal transition
  • distinguish abnormal transition from fetal to extrauterine life
  • value the importance of the Apgar score
  • understand and perform routine examination of a newborn
  • acknowledge the importance of early breastfeeding
  • identify and deal with common neonatal problems

Last updated: 14/09/10 (new section on prematurity was added)

06/09/10 (new section on therapeutic hypothermia was added)

15/01/09 (BMJ paper added in the 'Preliminary reading ' and 'Examination of the newborn' sections).

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