FEVER IN THE FIRST WEEK OF LIFE
Fever in the first week of life is uncommon, but can be a
sign of serious infection or other underlying condition. It's important to take
fever seriously in newborns as they are at a higher risk of serious infections
compared to older infants and children.
If a newborn baby wrapped in a dirty and old blanket is
brought to the emergency room with fever and shock, the doctors and nurses
understand that the baby has contracted tetanus, which is usually caused by
contaminated scissors of the umbilical cord or someone else. And is cut with a
dirty object. ICauses of fever in the first week of life include sepsis,
meningitis, urinary tract infections, and pneumonia. These infections can be
caused by a variety of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
INCLUDE A RECTAL TEMPERATURE
Symptoms of fever in the first week of life may include a
rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, irritability, poor feeding, and
lethargy. Other possible symptoms include a bulging fontanel (the soft spot on
the top of a newborn's head), stiffness or pain in the neck, and a rash.
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| FEVER IN THE FIRST WEEK OF LIFE |
Neonatal fever is defined as a temperature of 38°C or
higher in neonates less than 28 days old.
- In
some cases, fever in the first week of life can be caused by
non-infectious conditions such as jaundice, congenital heart disease, or
an inflammatory disorder.
CONVULSIONS IN THE FIRST WEEK OF LIFE
- Convulsions,
or seizures, in the first week of life can be a sign of a serious
neurological condition.
- Causes
of convulsions in the first week of life include meningitis, brain injury,
metabolic disorders, and infections such as sepsis. Some of the metabolic
disorders that can cause seizures in newborns include hypoglycemia,
hypocalcemia, and hyponatremia.
- Symptoms
of convulsions in the first week of life may include twitching or jerking
movements, loss of consciousness, and loss of muscle tone. Other possible
symptoms include apnea (breathing that stops for short periods of time),
cyanosis (a bluish tint to the skin or mucous membranes), and changes in
heart rate or blood pressure.
- Neonatal
seizures are defined as any abnormal movement or behavior that results
from an abnormal electrical discharge in the brain.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT
- A
full medical evaluation, including a physical examination and laboratory
tests, is necessary to determine the cause of fever and convulsions in the
first week of life.
- Laboratory
tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), blood culture,
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and metabolic screening tests.
- Imaging
studies such as an ultrasound, CT scan or MRI may also be done depending
on the suspected cause.
- Treatment
will depend on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, antiviral
or antifungal medications, or other medications to control seizures or
manage other symptoms. In some cases, a hospital stay may be required for
close monitoring and intensive treatment.
- In
case of neonatal seizures, anticonvulsant medications may be used to
control seizures and prevent further brain damage.
- It is
important to take these symptoms seriously and seek medical attention as
soon as possible, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes
for newborns with fever and convulsions. Regular follow-up with a
pediatrician is also important to ensure proper recovery and prevent
complications.
WHAT IS TETANUS?
- Tetanus
is caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pyogenes, which is commonly
found in soil and human and animal waste. Entering through the baby's
navel, the germs of this disease produce neurotoxins, enter the stomach
and muscles, and cause all the life-threatening symptoms of the
disease.
- Tetanus
is a serious, often fatal disease caused by a toxin (poison) produced by
the bacteria Clostridium tetani.
- The bacteria
typically enter the body through a deep puncture wound, such as a wound
caused by a nail or a knife. They can also enter through burns, frostbite,
or other types of skin injuries.
- Once
inside the body, the bacteria produce a toxin that affects the nervous
system, causing muscle stiffness and spasms. This can lead to severe
muscle spasms in the jaw (lockjaw), difficulty swallowing, and stiffness
in the neck, back, and abdominal muscles.
PREVENTION OF TETANUS:
- Tetanus
can be prevented through a combination of immunization, proper wound care,
and good hygiene practices.
IMMUNIZATION:
- Tetanus
toxoid is a vaccine that is typically given as a series of shots, usually
in combination with diphtheria and pertussis vaccines. This is known as
the DPT vaccine or DTaP vaccine for infants and young children, and Tdap
vaccine for older children and adults.
- Tetanus
booster shots are recommended every 10 years for people who have completed
the primary series of vaccinations.
- Tetanus
immune globulin (TIG) is a medication that can be given after a
tetanus-prone wound to provide immediate protection against tetanus before
the vaccine has a chance to take effect.
PROPER WOUND CARE:
- Cleaning
and properly dressing wounds is important to prevent tetanus. This
includes cleaning the wound thoroughly with soap and water and applying an
antiseptic solution.
- A
tetanus-prone wound is defined as a wound that is contaminated with dirt,
feces, or saliva, or a puncture wound.
HYGIENE:
- Good
hygiene practices can help prevent tetanus by reducing the risk of
exposure to the bacteria that cause the disease.
- This
includes regular handwashing, keeping up with personal and environmental
cleanliness, and practicing safe sanitation and sewage disposal.
It's important to note that Tetanus is a serious and
often fatal disease, but it can be prevented with proper immunization and wound
care. If you suspect you have tetanus, you should seek medical attention
immediately.