The newborn in the Emergency Room: Spectrum of Diseases

Abstract

Based on the literature and statistical data from the San Borja Arriaran Hospital, we revised the prinicipal causes of presentation of newborns in the Emergency Department. The wide diagnostic spectrum included physiological phenomenon, simple pathology and pathologies sufficient serious to endanger life. The symptoms bringing the newborn to the ER were difficulty breathing, apnoea, jaundice, fever, colic, vomiting, constipation, GI bleeding and seizures. A differencial diagnosis was made allowing an orientation in the initial management of these high risk patients. The objective of this article is to give to the general pediatrician useful guidelines in the initial diagnosis of an ill newborn brought to the ER by his parents.