NEONATAL CONDITIONS
Neonatal conditions can arise shortly after the child is born. If they are not treated effectively then there is a risk to the child of permanent disability or even death. All members of the healthcare profession should be properly trained and able to detect potential warning signs which may indicate that things may not be as they should. When warning signs have been identified the member of the healthcare team must act swiftly and effectively.
The most common compensation claims in this area arise from:
- Neonatal Hypoglycaemia Glucose is a nutrient which is essential to the brain. Neonatal hypoglycaemia is an abnormal level of blood glucose (commonly known as blood sugar) in the brain that occurs in some newborn babies from a few hours old to a few days old. Abnormally low blood sugar levels in newly born babies can be extremely dangerous and can cause long-term brain damage such as cerebral palsy in the infant.
- Hip Dysplasia This is the medical term for a dislocation of the leg from the pelvis. All healthcare professionals involved in the neonatal care of the baby must be aware of the condition and examination of the hips should be an important clinical screening throughout infancy. The condition may not be present at birth but can develop at a later stage so careful examination of the hips should be undertaken at regular intervals.
- Kernicterus This condition is a type of brain damage that causes cerebral palsy and hearing loss. It also causes problems with vision and teeth and can cause mental problems to the infant. It is caused by a high level of untreated jaundice. Health care professionals should be able to identify the signs and symptoms of a child suffering with Kernicterus and take the appropriate action.
There are certain conditions which may increase the risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia such as pre-eclampsia (pregnancy induced hypertension) gestational diabetes, foetal distress and babies that are either very small or very large. In addition to these conditions any problems with breast-feeding may mean that the baby is at risk. There are also a considerable number of warning signs in the infants behaviour which may indicate a problem including respiratory problems, jitteriness, irritability, poor feeding, a weak cry and seizures or convulsions.
If there are any risk factors or symptoms of this kind then tests should be undertaken for hypoglycaemia. Glucose levels should be checked at regular intervals by blood tests and if low glucose levels are detected it must be supplemented in the infants feeding or if serious by intravenous means.
Doctors and nurses should take every opportunity to examine the hips and if necessary refer the infant for an x-ray or ultrasound and subsequent specialist opinion. The majority of compensation claims are brought due to delay in identifying the condition, which can result in serious long-term effects to the infant, included repeated surgery, hospitalisation and a less than satisfactory end result.
I think I have a claim. Where do I go from here?
Neonatal conditions are an extremely complex area and it is essential that you speak to a specialist solicitor as soon as possible. Ashton Lake Solicitors are specialists in bringing medical negligence claims of this nature. We are skilled in identifying from the medical records and from witness evidence what procedures were followed. We will detect and prove negligent action on the part of the medical professional where they have provided a sub standard level of care. Our aim is to get to the truth of how and why the negligent action occurred and to obtain the maximum compensation possible. We pride ourselves in high levels of client care and will always progress your claim with sensitivity at every stage of the process.
If you wish to make an enquiry then please complete the online enquiry form or call 01509 262621 to speak to a specialist medical negligence solicitor who will be available to discuss your case further. We offer a wide choice of funding arrangements including no win no fee.
