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Necrotizing Enterocolitis in the Newborn What is necrotizing enterocolitis in the newborn? Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious, life-threatening illness in newborns. It happens when tissue in the large intestine (colon) gets inflamed. This inflammation damages and kills

Thrombocytopenia in the Newborn What is thrombocytopenia in the newborn? Thrombocytopenia means that a newborn baby does not have enough platelets in their blood. Platelets are blood cells that help the blood clot. They are made in the bone marrow. How to say it thrahm-boh-si-toh

Medical Conditions and Pregnancy Certain health conditions may complicate a pregnancy. But with the correct care, most women can enjoy a healthy pregnancy, even with their health challenges. Diabetes before pregnancy Diabetes is a health problem where the body doesn't make enough

Skin Cancer in Children What is skin cancer in children? Skin cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the cells of the skin. It can spread to and damage nearby tissue. Over time, it can spread to other parts of the body. Skin cancer is very rare in children. What causes skin

Diphtheria What is diphtheria? Diphtheria is an illness caused by bacteria. There are two types: Respiratory diphtheria. This type affects the throat, nose, and tonsils. Skin (cutaneous) diphtheria. This type affects the skin. It was a common childhood disease in the past. A

Hypoparathyroidism in Children What is hypoparathyroidism in children? Hypoparathyroidism is when the parathyroid glands don’t make enough parathyroid hormone. The parathyroid glands are 4 tiny glands on the back of the thyroid gland. The hormone they make helps manage levels of

Hydrops Fetalis What is hydrops fetalis? Hydrops fetalis is severe swelling (edema) in an unborn baby or a newborn baby. It is a life-threatening problem. There are two types: immune and nonimmune. What causes hydrops fetalis? There are two types of hydrops fetalis. The type that

Brain Tumors in Children What are brain tumors in children? A brain tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue in the brain. The brain is part of the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS also includes the spinal cord. The main parts of the brain are: Cerebrum. This is the front of

Coarctation of the Aorta (COA) in Children What is coarctation of the aorta in children? Coarctation of the aorta (COA) is a heart defect that is present at birth (congenital). It means that the aorta is narrower than it should be. The aorta is the large artery that carries

Infant of a Mother with Diabetes What types of diabetes can happen in pregnancy? When a baby is born to a mother with diabetes, the baby is at risk for problems. People with diabetes have high levels of sugar in their blood (hyperglycemia). Over time, this can lead to serious