4/12/10

Jaxson is having another great day. No A's and B's. I just heard from his doctor and he has gained another ounce, 2lbs 6 oz today. He is on room air, they are increasing feeds, and they will extubate* his endotracheal tube (ET Tube)** later this week and see how he does back on the CPAP***.

The only issue today was that the doctor heard a murmur in Jaxson's heart. It's called a PDA****. They will be performing an untrasound on his heart either today or tomorrow to check it out. The doctor will either call me later today or tomorrow to discuss it, once he sees what we are dealing with. I will post when I find out more. The chances of it being something really serious are only 1%. Typically, it's a condition of prematurity and is not a major concern unless it persists.

Room Air The air we normally breathe, which contains 21% oxygen. When supplemental oxygen is given for respiratory problems, it is in concentrations higher than 21%.

*Extubation Removing the Endotracheal Tube (ET Tube) from the baby's windpipe.

**Endotracheal Tube (ETT or ET Tube)Tube placed through the mouth or nose into the throat and the child's trachea (windpipe). This tube provides a secure pathway through which air can be circulated to the lungs.

***Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Supplemental oxygen or room air delivered under pressure though either anendotracheal tube (tube that goes directly into the infant's lungs) or small tubes or prongs that sit in the nostrils. Delivering oxygen under pressure helps keep air sacs in the lungs open and also helps maintain a clear airway to the lungs. Nasal CPAP (NCPAP) is commonly used immediately after removing the endotracheal tube to treat apnea and/or prevent the need for an endotracheal tube and ventilator.

****Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel connecting the pulmonary artery and the aorta. Before birth, this vessel allows the baby's blood to bypass the lungs because oxygen is supplied by the mother through the placenta. The ductus arteriosus should close soon after birth. If it does not, it is called a patent (open) ductus arteriosus, or PDA. A PDA may be treated either with medication or surgery.