Prof. dr. F.J. Walther

Neonatal emergencies in the delivery room

Workshop Leader: Prof. dr. F.J. Walther

Department: Pediatrics and Neonatology, Leiden University Medical Center, the Netherlands

Being born is probably the most dangerous life-event for most people. During the transition from intrauterine to extrauterine life the infant has to open up his lungs, start continuous breathing and adapt the flow of blood through his heart and to his lungs to induce effective gas exchange, while generating a continuous supply of glucose to feed his brains and make sure that he maintains his body temperature. There are no escapes and if this transition fails only outside help may prevent a disaster.

Proper medical assistance in the delivery room is therefore of foremost importance. But what is wisdom if the infant is born at the margin of viability or has a life-threatening congenital anomaly or suffers from perinatal asphyxia? Treatment decisions need to be made in split seconds and implemented under stress. What is in the patient’s best interest? And who decides what is best?

In this interactive symposium we will discuss the role of the doctor, parents, available science and emotions surrounding the handling of life-threatening situations in the delivery room. What would you decide and do under these difficult circumstances? Son’t be afraid to anticipate and shout for help on this bumpy ride to Neonatology land.