Question
Since it’s a premature baby, it needs to be kept in an incubator for observation for a week before it can be discharged completely. While in the incubator, I noticed her skin was all red, looking like it had blisters. The doctor said she has edema. What are the main clinical manifestations of neonatal edema?
Answer
The characteristics of neonatal edema include hypothermia and skin hardening. Generally, the body temperature does not rise, remaining below 35 degrees, and in severe cases, it can be as low as 30 degrees. The core body temperature may be lower than the surface temperature. The skin is usually red or dark red. Hard lumps typically appear in the buttocks and lower abdomen of the lower limbs, and then they can severely affect the upper limbs and the entire body.