Patient's question:
Our Nini had a long delivery time at birth, which led to asphyxia and oxygen deprivation. She didn't cry until she was taken to the pediatric department. Later, the doctors diagnosed her with hypoxic encephalopathy, with signs of brain edema. She stayed in the hospital for 15 days receiving intravenous fluids and oxygen before being discharged. At first, there seemed to be no major issues, but now she often sleeps until she's hungry, sometimes for 5 or 6 hours straight, while at other times she doesn't sleep for several hours. Today during a follow-up checkup, it was found that she can't flatten her left foot, and she's back in the hospital for intravenous treatment. The doctors say it's still related to the brain condition. Could you please tell me if this situation is serious and what treatment should be done? She often has a stuffy throat, making snoring sounds. The doctors said it's due to underdeveloped cartilage and that it will be fine when she grows older. Is that really the case?Doctor's answer:
Analysis of the Condition: Hello: Neonatal asphyxia refers to a hypoxic state where the newborn has a heartbeat but no breathing or has not established regular breathing one minute after birth. It is often caused by fetal distress in the womb, leading to respiratory failure after birth. It is one of the main causes of neonatal death and disability and is a common emergency situation after birth. Active rescue and proper management are necessary to reduce neonatal mortality and prevent long-term sequelae. The main danger of neonatal asphyxia is causing hypoxia in the body, especially brain hypoxia, which can lead to ischemic-hypoxic encephalopathy. This can damage brain cells and may also cause intracranial hemorrhage, endangering the newborn's life. Therefore, neonatal asphyxia can cause varying degrees of damage to brain function. If the asphyxia is short and rescue is prompt and correct, recovery can be achieved after resuscitation without leaving sequelae. If the asphyxia is severe and prolonged, it can lead to neonatal death, and survivors may suffer from severe sequelae such as varying degrees of intellectual disability, cerebral palsy, deafness, reduced vision, epilepsy, etc. Active symptomatic and rehabilitation treatment should be carried out.Advice: Hello: In infancy, the skull has not yet fully ossified, and there is considerable plasticity between the various bone plates. Additionally, the neck muscles of babies are still weak and unable to support the weight of the head. When a particular bone plate is subjected to long-term pressure from the entire head's weight, its shape can be affected. If newborns are not promptly given attention to their sleeping positions after birth, their heads can become asymmetrical. For infants under one year old, daily sleep accounts for a significant portion of their time. To prevent "flat head syndrome" in children, the first step is to pay attention to the position of the child's head while sleeping to ensure even pressure on both sides of the occiput.
Furthermore, children often tend to face their mothers while sleeping and turn their heads to one side when feeding. To prevent this from affecting the child's skull development, mothers should frequently change positions with their children while lying down. Additionally, placing soft materials such as cotton padding under the child's head can also help prevent flatness. If the head has already become flat, parents should actively correct it. If the child is over one and a half years old, self-adjustment of bone development becomes very difficult, making it hard to correct a flat head, which can affect the child's appearance.