In this section : Neonatal
Infant hip clinic referral form
Vaccination referral form
Assessment and management of babies who are accidentally dropped in hospital
DGRI NNU Guideline for Management of Cord Blood Gas Results
NNU Admission Criteria
Antenatal Drugs for NAS Monitoring
Neonatal Guidelines
NNU Admission Criteria
Last updated 27th August 2024
Babies <34 weeks gestation | |
BW <1600g | |
Hypothermia | • If measures to correct are unsuccessful • Requiring incubator care |
Peripartum compromise | • Significant fetal distress – see DGRI cord gas guideline • Altered consciousness • Neurological symptoms e.g. seizures |
Active resuscitation required | • Chest compressions required • Regular resps not established by 5 mins • APGAR ≤ 6 at 5 mins • Following intubation for any reason |
Clinical concerns regarding respiratory distress or sepsis – see WoS guideline | • Significant respiratory distress • Signs of respiratory distress > 4hours of age • Cyanotic or apnoeic episodes of uncertain cause • Suspected sepsis with clinical signs and/or raised inflammatory markers • Sudden collapse on PNW |
Hypoglycaemia – see WoS guideline | • Blood sugar not responding quickly to feeds • If feed intervals <2hourly • IV dextrose required |
Jaundice – see WoS guideline | • Requiring more than double phototherapy. • If SBR quickly rising despite appropriate phototherapy • Likely to need exchange transfusion/ immunoglobulin • Isoimmune haemolysis suspected |
GI/Surgical | • Any baby with bilious or persistently significant vomiting • Persistent abdominal distension • Rectal bleeding |
Congenital abnormalities | • Identified antenatally as having congenital condition requiring NNU admission e.g. open spina bifida, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, cardiac anomalies • Congenital abnormalities if physiologically unstable |
Other | • Requiring IV infusion • Symptomatic and requiring treatment for NAS – see WoS guideline • Mum is no longer an inpatient on Maternity Suite and baby unable to be discharged for any other indication (incl babies for adoption or foster placement) • Repatriation of neonatal patients who have been receiving specialist care in other hospitals – see DGRI guideline |
- If there are any other concerns not included within the content of this guideline, regarding a neonate who may require admission to NNU, please discuss with a senior member of staff.
- “Best Start” guidance should also be taken into consideration.