Pathology
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Atlas of Neonatal Pathology
Marta Ježová, Josef Feit
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+ Introduction
+ Support
+ Neonatal pathology
Postmaturity (Clifford syndrome)
Introduction

Birth after 42 weeks of gestation.

Etiology
  • the causes of prolonged gestation are unknown
  • certain fetal anomalies (anencephaly) predispose to prolonged gestation but these cases are rare
Macroscopic appearance
  • gross appearance of newborn in case of true postmaturity
  • skin  —  wrinkled, dry and peeling. Fingernails are long. Little vernix remains.
  • lanugo  —  almost absent
  • meconium staining is frequently seen
  • there is often little subcutaneous fat but some infants are obviously macrosomic (LGA)
Clinical signs

Possible complications

  • meconium aspiration syndrome
  • birth asphyxia
  • oligohydramnios, cord accidents
  • macrosomia increases risk of birth trauma
  • hypoglycemia, hypothermia in the early postnatal period
  • increased perinatal mortality compared to term gravidity