Chapter 3Clinical signs of serious neonatal

illness

Lethargy

Chest in-drawing

(Ref. p.87)

(Ref. p.87)

Nasal flaring

Abdominal distension - cellulitis

(Ref. p.54)

Purpuric (septic) spots, abdominal distension

(Ref. p.168)

Abdominal distension: bowel obstruction

(Ref. p.283)

Jaundice, abdominal distension

(Ref. p.64)

Look for localizing signs

• Pus draining from ear

• Skin pustules

• Umbilical redness extending to the peri-umbilical skin or draining pus

• Painful joints, joint swelling, reduced movement

Cellulitis / osteomyelitis

(Ref. p.288)

Septic arthritis

(Ref. p.186, 289)

Skin pustules: staph infection

(Ref. p.287)

Breast abscess

Fever and umbilical redness and swelling

(Ref. p.54)

Conjunctivitis

(Ref. p.66)

Suspect meningitis if:

• General illness– Irritability– Vomiting everything– Lethargy

• Tense or bulging fontanelle

• Stiff neck (late)

• High pitched cry

• Apnoeic episodes

• Convulsions

Bulging fontanelle

(Ref. P.54)

Trismus and increased muscle tone - neonatal tetanus

(Ref. P.25)

Birth Asphyxia

Ref. p. 47-49, 51

Birth Asphyxia

(Ref. p. 47-49)

Congenital syphilis

(Ref. p. 67)