Neonatal dermatological emergencies

Abstract

The neonates are unique in several ways in comparison with older children and adults which render them highly susceptible to severe, sometimes life threatening dermatological disorders. The neonatal dermatological emergencies are a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. A wide range of dermatoses such as infections, genodermatoses, metabolic disorders and vascular tumors may require emergency care. The clinical presentation also varies from generalized involvement of skin to localized disease with or without systemic symptoms. Irrespective of the etiology and clinical presentation, these disorders are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. With the availability of effective drugs and monitoring facilities, and awareness of need for immediate care, there has been a significant decline in the fatality rate associated with neonatal dermatological emergencies. Knowledge of clinical presentations, rapid diagnostic methods, emergency care and monitoring of progress of the disease helps in comprehensive multidisciplinary care of neonates with these disorders.

An observational study to describe the clinical pattern of dermatological emergencies from emergency department and intensive care unit: Our experience from a tertiary care hospital in Northern India

“…A dermatological emergency is defined as a cutaneous condition, which requires early and prompt diagnosis, continuous monitoring, hospitalization, and intensive care to minimize associated mortality and morbidity. [4]…”

Congenital candidiasis

“…Various risk factors like <27 weeks of gestation age, Wt <1000 g, intrauterine device, cervical sutures, invasive procedures, and extensive instrumentation have been reported. [ 7 ] The role of maternal steroids or immunodeficiency in the infant is controversial. [ 8 ] In the present case, cervical encirclage was done for cervical incompetence by McDonold's method at 16 weeks of pregnancy.…”