High risk related to Dysmaturity

High rInfants born before completion of 37 weeks of gestation are considered preterm or premature regardless of birth weight.
These newborns are the largest number to be admitted to the NICU.
They have high incidence for complications and to have congenital defects
isk related to Dysmaturity
Incidence
Majority of cases the cause is unknown
It is common in:
In low socioeconomic classes
Multiple pregnancies
Interrupted pregnancy due to placental accidents
Hypertension relater to pregnancy

The premature has to adjust to extra uterine life with his immature systems that leads to problems since his systems are not physiologically ready.
On inspection: Very small with little subcutaneous fat
Large head in proportion to body
Inactive and relaxed attitude
Clinical manifestations of prematurity
Very small, scrawny appearance
Skin: Red-Pink with visible veins
Fine, feathery hair, Lanugo on back and face
Little or no evidence of subcutaneous fat
Head is relatively large to body
Lies in a relaxed attitude
Limbs extended
Ear cartilage poorly developed
Few fine wrinkles on palms and soles
Clitoris prominent in females
Scrotum undeveloped and non pendulous with minimal rugae and undescended testes
Lax, easily manipulated joints
Absent, weak or ineffectual reflexes