Neonatology & NICU

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore

Children, especially infants, require special care and diagnosis as they undergo rapid physical and mental development at early stages. The branch of medicine dedicated exclusively to children is called 'paediatrics'. The paediatrics branch involves the overall care and well-being of infants, children and adolescents from birth to age 18. Paediatric specialists are doctors who specialise in diagnosing, preventive care and treating long-term and acute disorders in children. If the child requires advanced treatment, then paediatric specialists will recommend your baby to paediatric surgeons who perform surgical procedures to treat complex medical conditions.

OUR STORY

Know About Us

Why Manipal?

A highly renowned team of medical professionals and neonatal doctors will take care of sick infants in NICU and work around the clock to ensure the well-being of newborn babies. At Manipal Hospitals, Yeshwanthpur, state-of-the-art and best-in-class NICU units are run by specialized expert neonatologists along with respiratory therapists, dieticians, nursing experts, and other advanced medical professionals to deliver the best care for ill infants. Book an appointment at our best multi-specialty hospital in Bangalore.

Newborns are treated with extra care and compassion in NICU units. These units are equipped with hi-tech apparatus and advanced healthcare equipment managed by a panel of neonatal medical professionals. Manipal hospitals, Yeshwanthpur, Neonatology, and NICU center of excellence have a history of successfully treating premature newborns born at as low as 24 weeks of gestation. The controlled atmosphere and advanced medical equipment in NICU will serve the right environment to survive premature and ill babies born with underdeveloped body organs. A variety of newborn medical conditions and disorders are treated in NICU units by specialised neonatal doctors and a panel of pediatric experts.

Treatment & Procedures

Neonatal blood transfusion

It is very common for neonates to require blood transfusions while in the NICU. Since neonates are already in a weakened state, blood transfusions are often needed to help the neonate maintain enough blood for circulation. The blood transfusion is done through an intravenous line.

Neonatology is the subfield or sub-branch of pediatrics that involves the medical care of newborns. A Newborn under 28 days or four weeks of age is called a neonate. A neonate is at high risk of infections and requires additional support for survival. Babies under four weeks of age are taken care of in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), especially those born prematurely, with low birth weight, congenital diseases, preterm birth, etc. At Manipal Hospitals, Yeshwanthpur, skilled neonatologists assisted by a team of neonatal experts such as respiratory therapists, neonatal nursing experts, and resident physicians will take care of premature and ill newborns and increase the chances of survival of such infants.

Thanks to advancements in neonatal care and the facilities available in the modern NICU, even premature babies that are born with as little as 24 weeks of gestation have significantly increased chances of survival. In December 2018, a baby born at just 245 grams at 23 weeks and 3 days of gestation were able to survive and after 5 months, was discharged from the hospital and is expected to live a healthy life.

Sometimes babies are born without fully developed body systems, which can make survival difficult. The lungs may not be able to breathe, the heart may not be pumping blood effectively, etc. The NICU is equipped with hi-tech apparatus that allows doctors to compensate for the underdevelopment of body systems in pre-term babies or undetected congenital defects, both of which endanger the survival of the newborn.

Illnesses commonly diagnosed and treated in the NICU

Apnea
Anemia
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)
Bradycardia
Hydrocephalus
Neonatal sepsis
Jaundice
Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH)
Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)
Infant respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)
Periventricular leukomalacia (PVL)
Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN)
Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

Facilities & Services

Equipment and services in the NICU - Incubator beds (used to replicate optimal conditions for neonates) - Oxygen hood - Neonatal ventilator - Resuscitation - IV infusion - Blood transfusion - Plasma transfusion - Neonatal health monitors (BP, heart rate, temperature, respiration) - Bedside ultrasound, echocardiogram - Lactation systems - Minimally invasive neonatal diagnostic kits - Transport incubators - Antibiotic treatment NICU Care levels - Level 1 care- For neonates that weigh over 1800 grams with a gestational maturity of 34 or more weeks - Level 2 care-For neonates that weigh less than 1800 grams, but more than 1200 grams, with a gestational maturity between 30 and 34 weeks. - Level 3 care-For neonates that weigh less than 1200 grams with a gestational maturity of less than 30 weeks.

FAQ's

What happens when a baby is admitted to the NICU?

The first challenge for the doctors is to incubate the neonate and maintain stability. After this is achieved, the neonate must be examined, diagnosed and treated for any complications that can threaten survivability. Neonatal nurses, respiratory therapists and lactation experts ensure that the neonate is given the right care and nutrition until it is possible to discharge the patient.

When does the NICU become necessary?

If the newborn's body systems are unable to support it sufficiently, NICU admittance becomes necessary. However, sometimes the neonate is admitted to the NICU to be kept under observation because of complications during birth.

What are the signs of preterm birth?

● Early contractions ● Increased pelvic/abdominal pressure ● Continuous back pain ● Premature membrane rupture (water breaks early)

Is preterm birth preventable?

There are many factors that can contribute to preterm birth, and even those women with no known risk factors can go into labor prematurely. The best thing to do is to be in regular contact with your healthcare provider and to detect possibilities of preterm birth early on.

Should you visit a doctor even if you think you are healthy?

Due to the potential for pregnancy complications, it is important to be regular with your doctor and to investigate any unusual symptoms at the earliest.

Neonatology & NICU

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Yeshwanthpur, Bangalore