Question
After a cesarean section, the doctor informed the parents that the child was born with severe asphyxia and underdeveloped lungs. The parents are concerned about the child’s condition and the possibility of a healthy discharge, and they inquire about the risks of premature babies undergoing CT scans and the best time for the examination.
Answer
For premature babies who are weeks early and underweight, the prognosis may not be good. Birth asphyxia and hypoxia may lead to hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and premature babies with underdeveloped lungs are prone to respiratory distress syndrome. If a cesarean section is performed due to respiratory failure, a cranial CT scan should be considered to check for brain hemorrhage or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Active treatment should not delay the CT scan, and the examination has minimal impact on the baby.