Nailfold Capillaroscopy: An Important Clinical Tool for the Vascular Surgeon

Abstract

The current practice of neonatal medicine has been carved with recent findings based on studies and prospective or follow-up studies of potentially very severe patients who, at birth, are more likely to not survive than grow and develop normally. Thanks to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of specific diseases of the immature newborn and technical and scientific improvements in the care and treatment of these patients. Especially the introduction of antenatal corticosteroids, parenteral nutrition, synchronized mode of ventilations which are patient triggered and non-invasive ventilation, like CPAP (Continous Positive Airway Pressure) for newborns. The better resuscitation care, the knowledge about the golden hour approach and the exogenous surfactant was a dramatic reduction in mortality of these patients over the past 3 decades. Having reached a low neonatal mortality, the focus of Perinatology now also addressing the quality of life in the medium and long-term patients discharged from the Maternity Hospital.