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Six week baby check. By Catherine Locke GPST1. Aims. Background Physical examination – important diagnoses and referral options Review of development – growth charts Health promotion Supporting parents. Background. NHS Newborn and infant physical examination Programme.
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Six week baby check By Catherine Locke GPST1
Aims • Background • Physical examination – important diagnoses and referral options • Review of development – growth charts • Health promotion • Supporting parents
Background • NHS Newborn and infant physical examination Programme. • Offers an examination within 72 hours of birth and again 6-8 weeks later1. • Purpose is to screen for abnormalities, monitor development and provide support for often worried parents.
Physical examination Hearing Eyes Heart Social smile Tone Spine Hips Behaviour Testes/genitalia
Systematic approach • Top to toe • Quiet, warm room with all equipment to hand. • Parents can be anxious so explain what you are about to do & reassure during the procedure. • Examine exposed parts first e.g. fontanelle. • Undress baby so that you can do a thorough examination. • Do heart/eye examination first and leave hip examination to last.
Common skin complaints Erythema toxicum – blotchy red rash with associated yellowish pustules. Settles with no treatment. Milia – benign keratin filled cysts.
Birthmarks • Mongolian blue spots – particularly over the sacrum / buttocks are extremely common. • Small port wine naevi and Strawberry naevi generally require no treatment. They grow for 6-12 months before gradually fading within 5-8 years2. Large unilateral port wine stains can be associated with intracranial vascular anomalies2 and further imaging/review may be required. Large disfiguring birthmarks need reviewing by a senior paediatrician to discuss further management options
Neurological • Inspect spine for sacral dimples / hairy patches. If unable to identify base of dimple refer for spinal USS2. • Tone – when pulling babies to sit from supine, babies should be able to attempt to raise their head. • Social smile / normal cry • Hearing – startles to noise
Facial features • Measure head circumference. Is it a normal shape? • Eyes – check for bilateral red reflex (retinoblastoma) • Cleft lip/palate – refer cleft coordinator LGI2 • Ears – pre auricular skin tags – plastic surgeons2 • Neonatal tooth – orthodontist2
Cardiovascular/Respiratory system • Rule out congenital heart disease. • Inspect for cyanosis or respiratory distress. • Palpate apex for displacement. • Listen for murmurs & check for equal air entry. • Palpate for femorals – diagnose coarctation of the aorta
Hands • Polydactyly – if bilateral can be associated with renal abnormalities so a renal US should be arranged2. • Syndactyly – if there is fusion of the bone refer to a hand specialist / if not refer to the plastic surgeons2
Abdomen / hernias • Umbilical hernia – common and usually resolves by 18/122. • Inguinal hernias are rare in term, newborn infants2. If diagnosed they need early surgical intervention as they are at increased risk of incarceration .
Developmental dysplasia of the hip Risk factors: breech presentation, FHx of DDH require USS of the hips2. Barlows – flex and adduct each hip then push the hip posteriorly keeping your fingertips on the greater trochanter. Feel for the femoral head slipping out of socket. Ortolani’s – gently abduct the hip fully – feel for the femoral head slipping back into joint.
Genitalia • Ambiguous genitalia – don’t guess! Refer to a consultant paediatrician. • Undescended testes – most will descend in the first few weeks post delivery. If undescended by 1 year old referral to surgeons is needed2. • Hypospadias – urethral meatus opens in an abnormal position. Ensure that baby can pass a good stream of urine2. Need referral to paediatric urologist.
Development /health promotion • Review feeding and weight gain. • Plot on growth chart length, weight and HC. • Note centiles. • Take the opportunity to discuss • Immunisations • Reducing risk of sudden infant death • Dangers of passive smoking • Car safety • Dental health
Parental support • Take the opportunity to ask if there are any specific concerns about baby. • Consider maternal health e.g. evidence of postnatal depression. • If any referrals are warranted then explain to the parents clearly why they are being referred and what will happen next.
Summary • Important screening tool if conducted in a systematic and thorough way. • Act confident and establish good rapport with parents. • Explain reasons for referrals and what the next steps will be. • Take the opportunity to discuss health promotion.
References • 1) NHS Newborn and infant physical examination programme. Frequently asked questions. http://newbornphysical.screening.nhs.uk/faqs#fileid10637 (Accessed 24/10/12) • 2) ANNP Office. Common problems in the healthy neonate.Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS foundation trust, 2011.