The diagnoses and conditions are listed in alphabetical order. Click “read more” for a handout from www.nicu-pet.com. If you have questions or need help, ask your healthcare team; they are ready to assist.
NICU DIAGNOSIS / CONDITIONS
Anemia of Prematurity
A condition where the baby has fewer red blood cells than normal, causing less oxygen to be carried around the body.
Apnea of Prematurity
Breathing stops for a short time in premature babies because the breathing center in the brain is not fully developed.
Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Chronic Lung Disease
Long-term lung problems in premature babies caused by inflammation to the lungs from oxygen or ventilation support.
Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER / GERD)
When stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, causing spit-up.
Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy (HIE)
Inflammation of the brain that may lead to damage caused by a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the baby’s brain.
Hypoxic Respiratory Failure (HRF)
A condition where the baby cannot get enough oxygen into their blood.
Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)
Bleeding in the brain’s ventricles, often affecting premature babies.
Jaundice / Indirect Hyperbilirubinemia
Yellowing of the skin and eyes caused by high levels of bilirubin–a protein that naturally comes from red blood cells–in the baby’s blood.
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome (MAS)
Breathing problems caused when a baby inhales meconium (first poop) into their lungs.
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
A serious gut problem in premature babies where parts of the intestine become inflamed or die.
Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS)
Withdrawal symptoms in newborns caused by exposure to certain drugs or medications during pregnancy.
Neonatal Seizures
Uncontrolled electrical activity in a newborn’s brain, causing unusual movements or behaviors.
Osteopenia of Prematurity
Weak or underdeveloped bones in premature babies due to insufficient minerals.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
A heart condition where a blood vessel that should close after birth remains open.
Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)
Damage to the white matter of the brain, often caused by lack of oxygen or blood flow.
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
High blood pressure in the lungs that makes it hard for the baby to get enough oxygen.
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
Breathing difficulty in premature babies due to underdeveloped lungs.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
A common virus that can cause severe lung infections in babies, especially preemies.
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)
Eye problems in premature babies caused by abnormal blood vessel growth in the retina.
Neonatal Sepsis
A serious infection in the bloodstream that can make a baby very sick.
Spontaneous Intestinal Perforation
A hole in the intestine of a newborn, often seen in premature babies.
Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)
Fast breathing in newborns caused by leftover fluid in the lungs after birth.
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