Retinal hemorrhages
Article Abstract:
Retinal hemorrhages are areas of bleeding in the retina, the inner lining of the eye. The shape and color of the hemorrhages are determined by the level of retina affected. There are several causes of retinal hemorrhage in infants, and various mechanisms underlying these causes. In the newborn, retinal hemorrhages may occur during childbirth because of changes in pressure within the head region. Other mechanisms may be related to blood viscosity and prostaglandins, which are naturally occurring fatty acids, in the circulation of the fetus. Retinal hemorrhages in the newborn usually resolve within a few days and do not affect vision. The various mechanisms underlying the development of subarachnoid hemorrhage, or bleeding into the space below or under the innermost layers of the covering of the brain (the arachnoid and pia mater) are discussed. Other causes of retinal hemorrhage include raised central venous pressure, nonaccidental injury, elevated blood pressure within the eye, rapid deceleration or cycles of rapid acceleration and deceleration (such as in shaking), blood diseases, abnormally low blood pressure and lack of oxygen, infections, retinal diseases, increased thickness of the blood, abnormal physical defects, certain drugs that affect blood clotting, and increased amount of carbon dioxide in the blood. The occurrence, location, or physical appearance of retinal bleeding is not necessarily indicative of disease. However, their association with other symptoms may help in the diagnosis of a disorder. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Archives of Disease in Childhood
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-9888
Year: 1990
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Choice of sleeping position for infants: possible association with cot death
Article Abstract:
Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or cot death, is a tragic event that remains a mystery; in SIDS, an apparently healthy baby dies suddenly with no known cause. Some argue that the connection between an infant's sleeping position and the incidence of SIDS warrants attention. Placing infants in a supine position (on the back) seems to be the most stable position, however, a prone position (on the stomach) appears to reduce the incidence of gastroesophageal reflux (backflow of the stomach contents into the esophagus) and orthopedic problems, such as scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and may be advantageous for motor and psychological development. Unfortunately, the prone sleeping position has been associated with an increase in the incidence SIDS, but, in these cases, it is difficult to distinguish a cause and effect relationship. Different ideas regarding a basis for cot death in a prone sleeping position have included airway obstruction because of the weight of the head, an infant not breathing through its mouth when the nasal passages are blocked, and excessive bed-clothing which may cause hyperthermia (elevated body temperature). This article provides information about sleeping position patterns that lends credibility to the association of cot death with the prone sleeping position in infants. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Archives of Disease in Childhood
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-9888
Year: 1990
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