MLA Domain 5 · Presentation

Prematurity

7 conditions in Finalist present this way. Work down the list and ask what would separate each one from the next — that discriminator is the exam question.

classic presentation · 3

Apnoea of prematurity

NEW apnoea (especially in a previously stable baby) → exclude SEPSIS, NEC, IVH, hypoglycaemia, anaemia — do not assume i

Prematurity

RDS with worsening hypoxia; IVH; NEC; sepsis

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)

Threshold/plus disease → treat (laser/anti-VEGF) to prevent detachment

recognised feature · 4

Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH)

Post-haemorrhagic ventricular dilatation/hydrocephalus (expanding head, bulging fontanelle) → neurosurgical input

Neonatal sepsis

Any unwell neonate → treat as sepsis until excluded (it can deteriorate fast); meningitis (bulging fontanelle, seizures)

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

Worsening distress → pneumothorax (sudden deterioration), need for escalating support

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)

Features inconsistent with the history, multiple/previous unexplained infant deaths, or signs of injury → safeguarding (